OPPO named by Counterpoint as a leader in premium smartphones

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OPPO has been named as the leading smartphone brand by market research firm Counterpoint in the lower premium segment. This impressive result proves that the brand is thriving amongst fierce competition in a largely saturated market. Furthermore, with more than 95% of flagship sales coming from the domestic China market, OPPO has ample opportunity to grow its share and thus bring more beautiful smartphone products to young consumers around the world. 

High-end smartphone market price range and OEM share (Source: Counterpoint) 

The Counterpoint report concluded that the global high-end smartphone market grew by 7% in the second quarter of 2018, with excellent performance in high-end product shipments. OPPO accounted for 10% of the overall premium smartphone market and in the $400-600 price segment, OPPO ranked first with 22% market share, followed by Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi and others. Within the hugely important China high-end smartphone market, the world’s largest, Apple ranked first and OPPO ranked second. Chinese smartphone manufacturers have “upgraded” their flagship products this year and OPPO has been at the forefront. The newly launched Find X has won unanimous praise from consumers and the media after a highly successful Paris launch. Of course, there is also the company’s R series, which reinvigorated the industry at large with metallic colors and glass gradients. 

OPPO Find X 

In 2018 alone, OPPO has introduced several innovative technologies including the panoramic arc screen, AI-enhanced 3D Camera, SuperVOOC flash charging, TOF and 3D structured light technology. OPPO has also inked partnerships with Stanford University on AI and internally, successfully tested 5G for use in the future development of 5G smartphones. There are many more reasons beyond product features that contribute to OPPO’s fast growth. In recent years, OPPO has put tremendous effort into manufacturing and hardware development with investment in R&D and Design centers around the world. In software, the company’s ColorOS continues to offer users a fast, smooth and intuitive experience. Both are exemplified by our number of applied technology patents, which has reached more than 32,000 globally. 

In marketing and retail, OPPO continues to speak to its target audience of young consumers. So far, it has entered more than 30 countries and regions and operate more than 400,000 stores. OPPO is committed to being the favorite smartphone brand of “young people” around the world and being closer to the interests of these users. In sports, fashion, movies, gaming and other popular culture, OPPO has already partnered with FC Barcelona, India’s Cricket Team, and America’s Next Top Model. In each of these, its goal is to reach out to young users and show how its phones can complement their lives. 

“In the Philippines, we see our smartphones appealing to more and more consumers, and we are very grateful for their support and happy that they find value in our products,” OPPO Philippines’ VP for Marketing Jane Wan said. “With our portfolio ranging from mid-range devices offering high value for money to premium powerhouses like the Find X, our brand is committed to developing the best technologies, design, and user experience which cater to the needs our dynamic consumers.” 

Overall, aside from product, technology and marketing, OPPO’s number one goal is to adhere to the ‘art of technology’ and meet user needs. This is the belief that has produced such results and will continue to in the long term looking ahead.

Coke Studio Season 2 : Collaborations and Coming Home

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Coke Studio Season 2 goes deep to the heart of what we all want: to come home. 

And to give life to this idea of home, Coke Studio has gathered stellar talents from diverse genres, differing music scenes and backgrounds and even distant (and not so distant) shores to create works that not only reflect our times but could also define them. While the first season gave audiences a very real look into what goes into the production of a song, Season 2 delves more deeply into the back stories of the artists. 

This year, the format is also tweaked, as Coke Studio ventures out into the studio to let us all in each artist’s journey and yes, sometimes, literally, their very own homes.

What is homecoming all about? 

It’s all about taking the best lessons of all your journeys and letting them all come together. It’s knowing that no matter how far you go, there will always be a place that is your home. It’s about roots. It’s where you’re accepted for who you are. It’s where you’re reunited with what you love. And who you love. That love and freedom gives you the power to voice out your views. To state what you believe in. To simply be listened to. To reignite what your heart desires. To simply be where you grew up. To return to where it all began. To feel, see, hear, and lift your spirits. Every single day. Homecoming is a chance to be all that you want to be, all that you can dream you can be, and to feel that faith that there is still so much more left to do! It’s about bringing out the best in you and being surrounded by those who inspire you. 

Coke Studio bridges musical categories and brave artists to come up with collaborations that will break new ground. 

Moira Dela Torre

 IV of Spades

Quest

Moira Dela Torre brings her distinct and deeply felt artistry to this season’s stellar selection. Folk indie band and style rule breakers IV of Spades, bring the sound of now. The power of words is given a new dimension with rapper Quest. 

Sam Concepcion

AJ Rafael 

Sam Concepcion, who has made forays into theater and movies, returns to his first love: music. AJ Rafael crosses genres and general preconceived notions of music today. 

Ben&Ben

Kriesha Chu

Ben&Ben who frames family within the flow of music itself. An exploration of what girl power can really reach is a fun and fresh K-pop but Pinay sensation Kriesha Chu. 

Juan Miguel Severo

December Avenue

December Avenue, known for their soulful sound and the many layers in their music, show off the depth of their musical talents. Spoken word pioneer Juan Miguel Severo combines wokeness with wit and word play. 

DJ Patty Tiu

Shanti Dope 

Khalil Ramos

The rap prodigy Shanti Dope will wow with his deftness and mad skills. Khalil Ramos reveals his deep affinity for singing and composition. DJ Patty Tiu expands the definition of dance music. 

 KZ Tandingan

And vocal powerhouse KZ Tandingan showcases a more vulnerable and heartfelt part of her artistic journey. There are also some surprises that will wow music lovers of all genres and generations. 

The second season of Coke Studio further establishes itself as a hub of Pinoy talent by going beyond our local shores and connecting with Filipino talents of various genres.

“We received such an overwhelming response during the first season of Coke Studio PH and this really inspired us to work harder this second season and explore ways to take it further. Last year, Coke Studio became a home for OPM and now we want to continue and strengthen that legacy, making sure that the younger generation and the new lineup of artists can feel the same sense of belonging,” enthuses Stephan Czypionka, Coca-Cola Vice President for Marketing. 

And as this generation knows, more than any other in the past, that we all have the same home and same duty to care for that home, our planet Earth, Coca-Cola is going all out to make a big grand gesture on recycling. Along with the announcement of Coke Studio Season 2, Coca-Cola announced an industry-first goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle it sells by 2030, in line with the Company’s vision of a World Without Waste. 

At all Coke Studio events, all teens are encouraged to deposit their PET bottles in designated recycling bins. The Coke Studio TuneCycle, a stationary bicycle that grinds recyclable PET bottles will also be a part of all Coke Studio events; this will give a second life to the recyclable PET bottles and turn them to new materials. 

Coke Studio emphasizes divergent musical acts coming together, and all these environmental initiatives are also programs for consumers and the company to come together. Every collaboration goes to the heart of connection, which is really what music is all about. When time and talent are given a free space to come together and just connect, the works brim with magic. Coke and music have always been deeply and constantly connected, to provide moments of fun and high spirits. Iconic jingles and unforgettable campaigns have, time and time again, captured the dynamic energy and infections optimism of being young, being with friends and just being yourself. With Coke Studio Season 2, that special buzz and the undeniable electric wonder that only music can bring comes alive again. 

Catch them every Sunday at 11:15am before ASAP on ABS-CBN.

UFC and AirAsia deliver first-time Octagon(R) Branding for UFC(R) 229: Khabib vs McGregor Partnership

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SEPANG, 1 October 2018 - UFC® the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation continues to push the boundaries with AirAsia as its brand partnership takes on new life via the biggest fight in MMA history, as UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (26-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) battles former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor (21-3, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) in the main event of UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. McGREGOR, presented by Harley-Davidson, on Saturday, October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. 

The match-up is the most anticipated in MMA history, the event will see UFC and AirAsia deliver unprecedented branding inside the world-famous Octagon®. The famed red corner will be taken over by AirAsia creating unparalleled visibility for the airline brand on fight night.

"AirAsia is one of the most widely recognized brands throughout Asia – Pacific and they are a perfect partner to help us build positive brand awareness for UFC,” UFC President Dana White said. “This partnership is a great fit and we look forward to launching more exciting experiences for our fans.”

In the lead up to this colossal event, AirAsia's cabin crew will join UFC's Octagon Girls on stage during the official ceremonial weigh-ins, as one of the many highlights of a UFC fight week which sees thousands of fans in attendance and millions watching around the world.

Through this multi-facetted partnership, AirAsia will extend its brand presence on a global scale with asset integration across UFC's social, digital, and Pay-Per-View broadcast of the event. 

"We are thrilled to be part of a UFC world first," said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia. "AirAsia and UFC share the same values and vision, and we see the weigh-in and Octagon takeover as a perfect opportunity to leverage this affinity and connect with MMA fans around the world. We look forward to having amazing athletes fight out of the AirAsia red corner."

Beyond UFC 229, AirAsia will continue to activate across UFC properties including the organisation’s inaugural event in Beijing later this year, when UFC returns to China for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: BLAYDES vs. NGANNOU 2, presented by General Tire. To further cement its status as the first Official Airline partner of UFC, the AirAsia Airbus 330-300 decorated with UFC branded livery will fly to Beijing during fight week.

Earlier this year, AirAsia announced its support to develop the next generation of MMA athletes in Asia, by sponsoring Indonesia's One Pride strawweight champion, Linda Darrow, as the inaugural recipient of the first UFC Training Scholarship, for a month-long program at the UFC Performance Institute®, the world’s first mixed martial arts multi-disciplinary research, innovation and performance center. 

UFC’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region is driving exponential brand growth with increases seen in fandom, live events and athletes as the organization continues its investment across the MMA ecosystem. Fans across Asia can tune in to watch UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. McGREGOR, presented by Harley-Davidson, on Sunday, October 7, please check local TV listings for more information.

For more information on UFC, please visit UFC.com. Follow us on, WeChat, Youku, QQ, Facebook (UFC Asia), Twitter and Instagram (@ufc).

For more information on AirAsia, please visit airasia.com or follow AirAsia on Facebook and YouTube (AirAsia), Twitter and Instagram (@airasia), Weibo (@亚航之家) or WeChat and Zhihu (@亚洲航空).

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Boracay Water ready to accept and treat sewer connections per latest DENR MO

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Boracay Island Water Company (Boracay Water) announced its readiness to accept sewer connections, following the latest Memorandum Order released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which directed hotels, resort, and similar establishments to connect to island’s concessionaires, in preparation for the Island’s scheduled re-opening in October.

Dated September 18 and signed by Secretary Roy Cimatu, the Memorandum Order provided the guidelines on the installation or construction of individual Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) per establishment in Boracay and at the same time ordered the concessionaires to collect and treat the wastewater of their own respective clients.

It also ordered Concessionaires to issue certifications that their respective customers are either connected to the sewer line or have their own compliant individuals STPs. The said certification will serve as a requirement for the hotel or establishment to operate come opening date on the 26th of October 2018.

As part of this directive, the Concessionaires are asked to provide DENR with data on water billed volume and volume of wastewater received for treatment for monitoring and planning purposes.

The Memorandum also requested all hotels having their own individuals STPs to discharge their treated effluents through the sewer lines and treated water lines of their water providers for eventual proper disposal. In relation to this, Boracay Water has a total 21 kilometers of sewer network available on the island, and have two sewage treatment facilities that can treat up to 11.5 million liters of wastewater or used water from establishments prior to disposal.

The latest DENR Order strictly stated that hotels that are unable to comply will not be allowed to open and operate their business until they have established their own compliant STPs.

It can be recalled that Boracay Water started its aggressive campaign to encourage connection to the company’s sewer network in March of this year. To date, about 120 establishments and residences have signified their intention to be connected to the company’s sewer system.

With the recent directive of DENR, the company is expecting to receive more applications for sewer connection even from non-Boracay Water customers. This will allow more commercial and residential establishments to discharge their used water into a reliable sewer system and ensure that it will be properly processed to comply with existing effluent standards of DENR.

Currently, more than 1,200 establishments and residences are directly connected to Boracay Water’s sewer network. For unsewered areas or areas with no existing sewer network, regular desludging or siphoning services are being done through the company’s desludging trucks which collect wastewater for treatment in the two sewage treatment plants of the Boracay Water located in barangays Manocmanoc and Balabag.

Bria Homes brings affordable, high-quality homes to ordinary Filipinos

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Fulfilling the dream of having your own home should not come at a hefty price. This is the principle that guides the Philippines’ fastest growing mass housing developer Bria Homes as it continues to provide affordable house and lot packages and condominium units to legions of ordinary Filipino families. Through the years, Bria has become the perfect choice for hardworking Filipinos who want to invest in a home that is both high quality and pocket-friendly. 

Bria promotes holistic living among its residents by providing a secure and pleasant environment, as well as functional amenities. 

Bria Homes aspires to address the housing problem in the country. This is why for Bria, the ultimate fulfillment comes in seeing their clients receive the key to their brand-new homes. 

Before this happens, Bria makes sure that it has faithfully adhered to its five brand pillars—mura (affordable), mabilis (fast construction), maganda (pleasant communities), mahusay (good service), and malapit sa lahat (accessible).

MURA (Affordable) 

Bria takes pride in its easy-on-the-pocket homes. For as low as P1,897 per month, prospective homeowners can move into their dream house. Bria’s house and lot packages range from Php480,000 to Php1.5M, while its condo units range from Php1.5M to Php3M. 

To help ease the burden of financing the purchase of their homes, they can opt for PAG-IBIG funding or bank financing. 

Bria relies on modern architecture and uses eye-catching and trendy designs for its houses and condominium units. 

MABILIS (Fast Construction) 

In every project, Bria uses only newest technologies in home building in order to reduce construction time without compromising quality. Bria’s engineers and architects ensure that Bria’s homes can withstand all kinds of weather conditions through the years. 

For Bria, the ultimate fulfillment comes in seeing their clients receive the key to their brand-new homes.

MAGANDA (Pleasant communities) 

Bria Homes promotes holistic living among its residents and provides a secure, pleasant, and wholesome environment in its communities through various amenities that include perimeter fences, guarded entrance, covered basketball courts, etc. With its peaceful atmosphere and lush surroundings, Bria likewise makes its homeowners feel close to nature. 

Bria relies on modern architecture and uses eye-catching and trendy designs for its homes. A wide-range of home options are available: Elena, a 22-sq. m unit on a 36-sq. m lot; Bettina, a 44-sq. m unit on a 36-sq. m lot; and Alecza, a 36-sq. m unit on a 81-sq. m lot. 

In a bid to foster healthy living and a green lifestyle in its communities, Bria Homes recently launched “Plantahan: Bria’s Plant A Tree Program,” which aims to educate its public about the importance of a cleaner environment, and “Sa Bria Lulusog ang Pamilya,” which aims to promote the importance of a proper diet to Filipino families. 

To fulfill its goals, Bria stands firm in the development of its five brand pillars-- mura (affordable), mabilis (fast construction), maganda (pleasant communities), mahusay (good service), and malapit sa lahat (accessible).

MAHUSAY ANG SERBISYO (Good Service) 

Bria Homes provides only the best service by ensuring that its employees are trained to respond to customer queries immediately. Bria’s clients and residents are assured that they will be given quality service and that they can have the best possible experience while living in Bria Communities. 

MALAPIT SA LAHAT (Within Close Proximity) 

All Bria communities nationwide are within close proximity of places of worship, hospitals, schools, and commercial establishments. They are also near major roads and highways and transport hubs. 

With BRIA’s remarkable core values and impressive growth record, Bria Homes is truly the perfect choice for ordinary Filipinos—from OFWs to local office workers, from factory employees to entrepreneurs, from balikbayan to retirees. Until every Filipino attains the Bria Home they deserve, it will continue to welcome Filipinos to their new homes. Tuloy po kayo! 

For more information about Bria, contact (0966) 277 5944 / (02) 369 9322 or visit www.bria.com.ph.