Tess Laus and Max's Group Grow Successful Provincial Franchise in Pampanga

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Tess Laus of San Fernando, Pampanga felt a sense of responsibility to help her province recover after it was devastated by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo more than 20 years ago, leaving thousands homeless and hundreds of businesses destroyed. The opportunity to do so came when her husband, Levy met with the father of Robert F. Trota, President and CEO of Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI) to discuss the company’s plans to expand through franchising. It was an easy decision for the couple as they saw that there was much potential in working with MGI, especially in helping them achieve their goals of rehabilitating Pampanga.

“When Robert’s father said that they were opening Max’s to franchising, we jumped on the opportunity. The first location we had in mind was the old Villa del Sol branch in San Fernando, and it took us about two months to rehabilitate the store since it was destroyed by lahar,” Tess Laus shares. “We really wanted the Kapampangans to get excited again with the opening of Max’s Restaurant, as we want them to have a place where they can all feel at home and enjoy delicious, real food with loved ones.”

Tess Laus and her husband truly appreciated how Max’s and MGI have always placed tremendous importance on quality assurance for both food and service, and the commitment they have in ensuring that franchisees did the same. As their store reached greater success, the Lauses opened three more Max’s Restaurant branches: one in Cabanatuan, another in Clark, and one more branch in San Fernando, this time in SM City Pampanga.

When MGI expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of the Pancake House Group, the Lauses did not hesitate to get on board, opening two Pancake House branches, one Yellow Cab, and one Dencio’s all within the span of eight months, October 2017 to June 2018.

This year, MGI is focusing on a franchising-led business model to drive expansion and improve accessibility. By franchising its core brands with partners such as the Lauses, the move will leverage on Max’s Group’s brand equity, operational expertise, and scale to propel store network expansion and bring its loved brands closer to more customers.

AI. The Catalyst for Personalized Experiences

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Smartphones today are no longer simple communications devices that surf the web and offer a few apps. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), today’s smartphones should be perceived as ‘platforms of intelligence’. Today’s phones strive to understand user behavior in ways that will elevate the user experience to greater heights. Gartner[1] has predicted that by 2022, 80% of smartphones will have on-device AI capabilities, this is up from 10% in 2017. In coming years, an AI smartphone will no longer be a ‘nice to have’, it will be critical to fulfilling consumers’ needs. 

Most AI enabled smartphones in the market today are highly priced. However, Vivo is set to shake up the industry by including AI features into their phones at a much affordable level. The V11 model for example, is designed to understand the needs of users in an ‘intelligent’ and personalized way. For Vivo, the development of its AI features essentially elevates the user experience through better understanding, improved interactions and ‘decoding’ of scenarios in smarter and more personalized ways. 

Meet Jovi, the personal AI assistant

The V11 comes with Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights. Users will not have to stress about missing an action item on to-do-lists with the help of Jovi. 

Picture a world where you have a virtual assistant to help you with your everyday mundane tasks. Jovi comes with features that are creatively incorporated into the V11 to enhance such experiences. 

With Google Assistant, users can now utilize voice commands to complete actions with more convenience and more precision. With this feature, completing tasks, such as playing music or videos, sending messages, booking hotels can easily be done anywhere. The best part? These can all be done hands-free.

Jovi also enables Funmoji - a new and fun way to socialize with friends and families. The V11 can create a unique set of cute expressions using the AI algorithm by detecting changes in users’ facial expressions. This adds further fun and engagement when communicating with each other.

“Jovi - Vivo’s AI assistant, that aims to take the user experience to new heights”

Detects and recalls context and situations

Jovi also comes with Jovi Smart Scene and Google Lens that can easily decode context and situations accordingly. These two features are designed to help users to save valuable time while automating simple chores. 

Jovi Smart Scene is a thoughtful and dedicated personal assistant that specializes in recognizing different scenarios and learns how to proactively support the user accordingly. It helps to provide users with more personalized services that are efficient, interactive and able to assist them in making decisions. From preempting users on bad weather forecasts to checking in on them when they are staying up late at work or updating them on the latest sport results - Jovi has it covered. Essentially, Jovi is the intelligent assistant that understands users’ needs in a better way. 

“Jovi Smart Scene specializes in recognizing different scenarios and provides efficient personalized user experience”

Have you ever seen something you really wanted to buy but had no idea where to purchase it? Just point your V11 camera at an object, and the integrated Google Lens will identify it and perform related searches. Whether you see your dream dress in a magazine, or a dream travel location – just point your V11 at it and Jovi will tell you where to find it. 

AI engine optimizes performance 

The V11 is also here to accommodate the busiest workaholics. V11’s Jovi AI Engine delivers a more efficient allocation of CPU and memory resources than ever before. By ‘reading’ user phone usage habits, the CPU will provide a custom operating mode to consumers. For the high-performing professional, when the V11 detects that he/she is constantly working overtime based on their location and timing, it will remind them to take a rest early. The heart of the V11’s AI features is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, which features first-class energy efficiency and processing power that seamlessly accommodates the busiest schedules. 

Imagine having a smartphone that could detect the current apps being used and allocate exactly the correct processing power to optimize performance? This could be the hardcore gamer’s new best friend. The V11 also features an AI Game Mode to ensure an uninterrupted gaming experience, with features such as Game Assistant to access floating call alerts and background calls, and an Automatic Game Mode to run your game in the background while the screen is switched off – so you never lose your progress.

Beyond the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660AIE processor, the V11 comes with a 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM setup which ensures storage is enough for all users. Not only that, Vivo’s Dual-Engine Fast Charging also safely tops up the large 3400mAh capacity battery at a rapid speed, ensuring that the phone battery is well-charged, so gamers can focus on winning.

The V11 is designed to provide a more personalized experience, and to streamline heavy workloads with ease. AI will be the catalyst to stimulate the growth of modern smartphone software and hardware. Essentially, it will be the core engine for understanding and interacting with users in a more intelligent and engaging way. 

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.

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. 

AI Photography: Effortlessly capturing treasured memories

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The art of photography has already undergone a fundamental transformation with the rise of camera phones. That transformation is set to evolve to another level with the science of photography being the focus emerging AI-embedded smartphones. AI-powered cameras promise a better ‘read’ of different photography settings and can automate functions that could take months or years to learn down to a split-second process. AI technology can quickly identify which settings are needed in any given scenario, allowing even amateur photographers to simply point and capture their magical moments in that exact instant.

This quantum shift in camera science means users no longer require sophisticated professional cameras, allowing users to effortlessly capture and show their vivid memories in more ways and with many more options.

Vivo has been quick to adapt to the evolving needs of consumers with the creation of the V11. The latest smartphone incorporates AI camera tools that solve very specific challenges that users might face while taking pictures – issues such as bad lighting, poor exposure or focus can easily be fixed with just a simple click, meaning taking breathtaking pictures are instantly possible and a reality. 

Adjusting lighting has now made easier 

Shooting portraits against the light can make for a terrible photo if done improperly. Imagine this, a person is having a great time at a sunset party and wants to snap a picture of him/her with the sunset, but is unable to capture the face clearly because of poor lighting. This scenario would be challenging even for the more professional photographer but could be solved easily with an AI-powered smartphone such as the Vivo V11. 

Features, such as the AI Backlight HDR and the AI Low Light Mode that enable the phone to automatically adjust lighting according to the photo settings and subjects. The AI algorithm is the main catalyst that empowers these features. AI Backlight mode can capture up to 6 frames at a wider dynamic range of up to 11ev, correcting uneven exposures and merging them to create perfectly exposed photos. The AI algorithm also ensures that the AI Low Light Mode can intelligently combine different frames into an evenly lit one. By capturing more details and reducing noise in low light situations, it makes it much easier to take stunning photographs with a simple point and shoot.

“Left: With AI Backlight HDR, Right: Without AI Backlight HDR”

For selfie lovers, the V11 is also equipped with AI Selfie Lighting which delivers close to the quality of professional studio lighting. Users no longer need complicated lighting settings to get a stunning portrait. Instantly snap and share on social platforms, it’s that easy. 

AI is your personal makeup artist

To enhance users’ facial structure, the AI Face Shaping does the trick. The tool comes with a variety of cosmetic facial changes, such as the ability to reshape the size of nose bridges, adjust the distance between eyes, and the size of lips. Looking at your naturally flawless best in all photos has now been made possible. Users can also see the before and after effect and adjust the visual according to their desired preference. 

“AI Face Shaping” 

Learning complicated photography settings is no longer required 

For beginners in photo-taking, learning the tricks and tools of a complicated camera can be a daunting learning process, but with the AI camera, this is rendered unnecessary. The AI Scene Recognition is a revolutionary feature of the V11. It easily detects and adapts to 18 tags, so users can take the perfect picture automatically anywhere and anytime. Users simply just need to point and shoot, and the camera will quickly and accurately identify different scenes such as ‘night’, ‘portrait’, ‘food’ and apply customized settings to enhance it. 

“Left: With AI Scene Recognition, Right: Without AI Scene Recognition”

To examine different photo scenarios, the V11 also comes with the AI Portrait Framing that automatically provides the best composition suggestion guiding users to better position the phone while taking pictures. It is able to do so by self-learning millions of data points, and directing users to hold the phone in the optimal position, producing a perfectly framed golden ratio portrait shot. 

“Left: With AI Portrait Framing, Right: Without AI Portrait Framing”

With the help of the V11’s AI camera features, taking professional shots has never been easier. These outstanding features are literally a compact professional camera packed in a professional-grade hardware right in your palm. The 12MP (with 24 million photosensitive units) main camera plus a 5MP secondary camera ensures the camera’s photographic capabilities are enhanced. Also, the high-resolution 25MP front camera ensures any selfie will be crystal clear. 

Today, all you need is an AI smartphone with high-quality camera hardware to transform yourself into a professional-level photographer. 

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.

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club Experience serene, luxurious seaside living in Taytay, Palawan

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Here's a glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara.

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waitingfor you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.

Airdance group and Filipina harpist Avonlea Paraiso wow the Avara guests with their performances.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.

The Avara Balanghai designed and created by Master Sculptor Rey Paz Contreras.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club - the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to entrepreneurial Avara member.

Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors

The executives and board of advisors behind the Avara Nature & Yacht Club.

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

•  National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management 

•  Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs

•  Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping

•  Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing

•  Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales

•  The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. 

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

To know more,  visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/)

and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) 

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was

established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.

Make Holiday Home Preparations More Exciting with Samsung Digital Appliances

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Get the home Christmas-ready in no time with Samsung Digital Appliances

With the holidays coming up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the preparations like shopping for gifts, buying ingredients for Noche Buena, and cooking a feast for the entire family. Samsung can help homemakers create a memorable and fun-filled Christmas celebration with its line of innovative digital appliances.

The home will look festive and party-ready with the season’s merry decorations. They may have been kept in storage all year, but it’s easy to get them spotless and pretty again with the Samsung FlexWash Washing Machine. 

This powerful appliance has a built-in AddWash door, which enables users to add forgotten items mid-cycle, so no Christmas doll or sock gets left behind. In the kitchen, mom can create delicious and memorable meals with the Samsung Smart Oven, a 6-in-1 kitchen solution that allows users to grill, steam, fry, bake, and even make yogurt at the push of a button. With so many exciting recipes to try, she’ll have to stock up on ingredients. Storage won’t be a problem with the Samsung Twin Cooling Refrigerator. It’s equipped with the Smart Conversion technology that allows users to adjust their freezer-fridge settings depending on their storage needs. After meals, the whole family can enjoy lots of undistracted family time with the help of the Samsung Wind-Free Air Conditioner. It’s built with 21,000 micro-holes that evenly distribute air to eliminate cold drafts, keeping everyone comfortably cool.

Watch how Samsung Digital Appliances can ease your holiday preparations at https://www.facebook.com/SamsungPH/videos/314708299114765.