Price drop alert: Vivo Y81i can be all yours for only Php6,999

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Christmas is finally in the air! Global smartphone brand Vivo is making sure its loyal patrons going to get a steal. It has dropped the price of its Vivo Y81i to Php6,999 from Php7,999. 

Steal one of this Christmas season’s best deals! The Vivo Y81i can be all yours for Php1,000 lower than its original price. 

Vivo released the Y81i in the Philippines mid-2018. It is a trendy, notch-bearing smartphone that gives users 6.22-inch FullView™ Display. 

Just like its predecessors, it has the smartphone maker’s thumbprint specs. It has a 13-megapixel rear 

camera and a 5MP selfie camera equipped with the AI Face Beauty that produces natural-looking shots. 

The Vivo Y81i also comes with Face Unlock feature to give users an additional layer of convenience security. 

This smartphone also offers smoother performance with its 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, running with MediaTek MT6761 processor and Funtouch OS 4.0 (Android 8.1 Oreo). 

Vivo Y81i delivers extended battery life and other innovative features like the dual SIM standby and the Motorbike Mode. 

Get to know more about this incredible smartphone at all Vivo stores nationwide. 

About Vivo 

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. In the Philippines, Vivo is the top 3 smartphone brand in terms of market share with 1.5 million users nationwide. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vivophil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivo_philippines/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2

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KZ TANDINGAN AND APL DE AP: WE WILL ALWAYS RETURN HOME 

If there’s one thing we Pinoys love, it’s a good underdog story. And it’s even better when that underdog goes way beyond our shores to fly the Pinoy pride flag. Then, when we know that they choose to return to the Philippines and spread the love, then it’s the modern day edition of the fairy tale, with a particularly Pinoy twist. For the finale of Coke Studio Season Two, artists who have conquered the international arena come together for a surprise collaboration that captures the soulful and complex journey of each and every Filipino proving their worth to the world. 

KZ first came to national prominence when she won a major reality show on one of the country’s top free television networks. She joined the contest so that her family could help out in the building of their parish church. She became a part of ABS CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP and also sang theme songs for Star Cinema movies. But KZ went way beyond her comfort zone when she joined a singing contest in Beijing where she trended on the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, aka Weibo. “Even if the schedule would allow me to be home only for one day, I would go. I just couldn't be away from home too long. Home is where I can just really be myself and I needed to feel that so I could be my best at the competition.” 

Apl de Ap, born Allan Pineda Lindo, was actually legally blind as a child and this condition qualified him for an operation in America, sponsored by the Pearl S. Buck foundation. When he got to California and settled there, he then befriended a neighbor, William James, who then became more famous as rapper and songwriter Will.i.am; Apl then went on to worldwide phenomenal success. They won Grammy’s and sold -out stadiums and arenas all over the world. But Apl always made it a point to remember his roots. “I try to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me. The Pearl S. Buck foundation helped me and so I want to do the same. If I come back to help my countrymen, it’s because I love my country and want to see us be competitive among the best in the world.” In this light, he has set up the Apl de Ap foundation, which concentrates on empowering Filipino youth especially in the fields of arts and technology. On a personal note, he says, for him coming home can be summed up in three words. “Family. Food. Festive.” 

When it was time for KZ and Apl to collaborate, it is reasonable to imagine that the younger KZ would be intimidated.

“I had followed Season 1, and did want to be included but when it was time to meet Apl and also start recording, I was a bit quiet. He was always asking me, ‘how do you feel about it?’ or ‘how would you change it?’ And my first thought would always be, ‘Who am I to do that? What gives me the right to tell you anything?’ But after a while , I would give my inputs and suggestions, and I think I was able to add my own flavor to it. He allowed me to see that my complexity can be my strength. And so our song reflects the story of the Filipino who has to go away, how they manage their fears. ” 

 Apl says of their song, “It’s the story of every Filipino. It’s about trials and tribulations. It’s about having to to seek a better life.” 

 When he is traveling, Apl loves it when he lands at an airport with a lot of Filipinos who love to call out to him, “Kabayan.” He reveals, “They know that I know what they’re going through. I did what they’re doing.” KZ also gets a rush when she does shows for the Filipino communities abroad. “When they come to our shows, it’s a way for them to get to feel they’re at home, even if they’re still far from home.” 

For both KZ and Apl, music is also their home, and through music they can bring that feeling of home to all who share in their art. 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as KZ Tandingan and Apl De Ap collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on November 18, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH

PLDT, Smart unlock amazing digital experiences powered by PH’s fastest network

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Leading digital services providers PLDT, Inc. and Smart Communications unlock the future with new innovative products and services powered by the country's fastest fixed and mobile networks. In the photo: PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan leads the celebratory toast with PLDT and Smart executives and partners from ABS-CBN, Cignal, ESPN 5, Google, Huawei, iflix, NBA, Oppo, Samsung, StarMobile, and Roku.

Fresh from their latest recognition as the Philippine’s fastest fixed and mobile networks, leading digital services provider PLDT Inc. and its mobile arm Smart Communications are ushering in a new wave of innovative products & services that aim to unlock amazing experiences for Filipinos whether they are in the comfort of their home or on the go.

PLDT and Smart presented their latest products at a powerhouse event aptly themed ‘Unlock the Future’ and graced by executives, endorsers, celebrities, and partners in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Over the past years, we’ve been hard at work to future-proof our network and beef up our digital content and product partners. We’re delighted to present our most exciting services that are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of Filipinos,” said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., PLDT and Smart SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head.

“Backed by our fastest networks, these innovative solutions will elevate the way our customers enjoy digital devices, services, and content. As we get ready to close 2018 and prepare for a new year ahead, we will continue our groundbreaking work to help empower Filipinos to enjoy an amazing life,” said Andrew L. Santos, PLDT-Smart FVP and Consumer Marketing Head.

Unlocking an amazing life for Filipinos

To establish even stronger connections at home, PLDT has introduced the new PLDT Home Fibr Google Wifi Plans, which feature a whole home wifi network system that puts an end to dead spots and ensures strong and Fibr-fast connection in every corner of your home.

New PLDT Home customers can now subscribe to Google Wifi Plan 3799, which comes with an unlimited 50Mbps connection, three Google Wifi points, and free service assistance from the Home Geek Squad. On the other hand, existing PLDT Home Fibr customers can simply avail of Google Wifi units as an add-on for Php799 per month for a set of three.

PLDT is also unlocking a new entertainment experience at home with the upcoming launch of the new PLDT Home TVolution Lite that is powered by Roku®. The new service features a plug-and-play device that allows customers to easily and effortlessly watch trending videos on YouTube; their favorite HD channels from Cignal; Top Hollywood, Asian and local movies and TV series from iflix; critically-acclaimed Netflix originals and films, and hundreds of free streaming channels on their TV.

Following their support for the much celebrated Esports and Gaming Summit 2018 and the recently concluded ‘Road to the Nationals,’ which awarded the country’s top DOTA 2 and Tekken 7 players, PLDT and Smart also affirmed their commitment to deliver the best gaming experience for Filipino gamers powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the fastest Fibr connection for lag-free gaming at home, and Smart LTE, the fastest LTE network for gaming on-the-go.

Unlocking bigger and more rewarding experiences

On the other hand, buoyed by the massive success of its Free YouTube campaign, which more than doubled the daily active YouTube users on its network and drove over 13 times more data usage traffic from customers, Smart has stepped up to unlock total entertainment with Video Every Day.

A new promo that comes with all of Smart’s GigaSurf data packages, Video Every Day provides customers with up to 1 hour of Video access daily for YouTube, iflix, iWant TV, Cignal Play and NBA League Pass - for as long as their GigaSurf subscription is valid. Smart customers can now register to GigaSurf with Video Every Day by simply dialing *121# or via the mySmart app.

Apart from these services, Smart has also announced game-changing partnerships with popular smartphone manufacturers Oppo, Samsung, and Starmobile to encourage more Filipinos to upgrade to LTE-capable handsets that come with special discounts and freebies.

Among these special LTE-capable handsets are the OPPO A71 Smart LTE phone kit, which is now available for Php5,998 (from the original SRP of Php6,990); the Samsung J2 Core Smart LTE Phone Kit priced at Php4,990 (from Php5,990); and Starmobile Play Click TNT LTE phone kit, which is very affordable at Php2,998 (from Php3,490).

To offer a much bigger digital experience, Smart also continues to strengthen its portfolio of the latest flagship devices with the data-packed GigaX Plans, which feature separate data allocations for streaming videos, as well as enjoying apps and surfing websites.

Smart offers the newly launched Huawei Mate 20 with the GigaX Plans at Php2199 per month, and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro at Php2,599 per month.

Smart also makes it easier for customers to get hold of the latest iPhones, starting with the iPhone XS at Php3,299 per month, and the iPhone XS Max at Php3,599 per month. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also available with the Smart GigaX Plans.

Finally, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Smart announced its biggest anniversary e-raffle promo in the company’s history, which gives customers a chance to win data packages, MVP Rewards points, LTE smartphones every month, leading up to the grand raffle on February 25, 2019 in which one lucky subscriber will win Php25 million cash! To join, subscribers need only to register to select data promos and add-ons.

Twin awards for the country’s fastest network

Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart were cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.

Just recently, independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal also cited Smart for providing its customers the best video experience in the country. The UK-based firm has published an independent analysis of the customer experience for video services by telecom carriers in Asia, showing that Smart garnered a video experience score of 42.2, well ahead of competition in the Philippines and well above the national average.

OpenSignal also recognized Smart earlier this year for having the country’s fastest LTE network, awarding the company with four citations including best in 4G LTE download speed; best in overall download speed; best 4G latency performance; and best 3G latency performance in its March 2018 report.

3 Ways to Upgrade Your Holiday Traditions at Home

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Filipinos have their own unique way of celebrating the Christmas season. While Western countries have mistletoe, eggnog, and stockings hung over a fireplace, they look forward to bibingka and puto bumbong, and festivities that start as early as October.

The holiday season brings families together, and gatherings are made memorable with stories and laughter shared in front of sumptuous meals, games, and entertainment played by both young and old. Gifts are also exchanged as a sign of love and affection.

Christmastime in the Philippines means happiness shared at home with people valued most. Here are a few ideas to turn this year’s celebration even more special:

Prepare a musical number with the family

Take some time to organize a musical interlude with loved ones. Music can be shared by everyone, and the bond and memories shared with family and friends while rehearsing, planning out costumes, or even going as far as caroling around the neighborhood, are reason enough to make an effort.

Reinvent the local ‘Secret Santa’

Shopping for gifts for every member of the family is a daunting task, so try an alternative scheme like white elephant gifts or a raffle. By purchasing one grand gift to add to the pot, each member will get a chance to win something special. Raise the stakes with additional draws for gadgets and entertainment devices. 

Gather around the family TV

The holidays bring the family together and are the best time to reminisce the year that was. Watch home videos and stay in touch of family members away from home and share in the simple pleasure of watching TV with loved ones.

To make the Yuletide season more exciting, Samsung is offering up to 35% off on prices of select Full HD, Smart HD, UHD, Curved UHD, Premium UHD, and QLED TV models and Soundbars, when purchased through cash or straight card transactions.

The ‘Holiday Cheers for Samsung’s 20 Years’ promo is the company’s way of saying thank you to its customers, as it celebrates its 20th year in the Philippines. The promo runs from October 1 to December 31, 2018, in all accredited dealer stores nationwide.

The promo also features a raffle for customers who purchase participating TV and Soundbar models from October to December. Lucky winners will be drawn monthly and will get a chance to win either a grand package prize of a QLED TV, Soundbar, and a Galaxy Note9, or either of the secondary prizes: one of five 49” Smart TVs, or one of 14 Soundbars.

To know more about the promo, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/HolidayCheers/

Customers may register their purchases in the raffle at https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/HolidayCheers/Raffle/

16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards launched - The search is on and nominations are underway for the most inspiring micro business owners nationwide

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed jointly announced the launch of the 16th Citi MicroentrepreneurshipAwards (CMA) during the recently held annual conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).

L-R) Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. chair Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo; Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr.

Since its inception in 2002, the CMA awards program, a partnership among BSP, CitiPhilippines and MCPI, with funding support from Citi Foundation, has been steadfast in its commitment towards recognizing entrepreneurs who have beat the odds, lifting themselves and others out of poverty. The awards also recognize the strong support from microfinance institutions as key partners, underscoring the role these organizations play in financial inclusion and enterprise development. 

In his keynote speech, governor Espenilla took note of how digital technology has made an impact in the development of microfinance in the country. “The digital revolution is fundamentally reshaping the financial inclusion landscape and traditional financial value chains,” he said. “Rapid digital innovations in financial technologies have led to the emergence of more dynamic business models.”

"Amidst all the talk of technology and disruption, it is only appropriate that we continue to showcase inspiring stories through the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards, which has served as a vehicle for inspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide to achieve greater heights,” says Espenilla.

The event saw the introduction of the commemorative book “From Modest Dreams to Microentrepreneurial Triumphs,” which shares success stories of past CMA winners, inspiring tales of winning against adversity through hard work and perseverance.

In his remarks, Citi’s Ahmed said: “The Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards are about the passion, energy, and commitment of microentrepreneurs who want to do better for themselves and their families. At Citi, we are proud to help people pursue their dreams because we are committed to making a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

Governor Espenilla and Aftab Ahmed serve as co-chairpersons of the CMA National Selection Committee. Other members include industry and community leaders such as Ayala Corporation president Fernando Zobel de Ayala; RFM Corporation president and CEO Jose Ma. Concepcion III; GMA Network, Inc. chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon; former Philippine Daily Inquirer chairperson Marixi Rufino-Prieto; DTI secretary Ramon Lopez; SPARK! Philippines trustee Imelda Nicolas; SM Investments Corporation vice chair Teresita Sy-Coson; Voyager Innovations, Inc. president Orlando Vea; National MSME Development Council-Mindanao Private Sector representative Mary Ann Montemayor; and University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor Dr. Michael Tan.

The awards are open to microenterprises with business assets up to PhP3 million. The award categories are Microentrepreneur of the Year Award, regional awardees from the three major island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year, and special awards for agri micro-business, community leadership, and green/sustainable business.

The national winner of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards will receive PhP200,000while the three regional awardees, the youth awardee, and special awardees will each get PhP100,000. The loan officers and MFI branches of each awardee are also given acash incentive of PhP10,000. Semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive of PhP10,000.

In addition to cash prizes, long-term sustainability of the winning microenterprises is of vital importance, thus, entrepreneurship training and mentoring is also provided at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center.