How virtual technology changes the game for PH museums

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Ayala Museum and I AM Cardboard PH harness the power of Virtual Reality in storytelling

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the most exciting advancements of our time. It can transport people with no barriers in time or space, and make learning more fun and engaging. Thanks to VR, Filipinos can now experience and explore history through immersive storytelling tools that are optimized to what the younger generation is looking for.

In collaboration with VR content provider I AM Cardboard Philippines (IAC PH), Ayala Museum was able to launch two virtual reality dioramas that depicted significant events in Philippine history. By merging technology and history, these organizations have successfully harnessed the true power of VR – moving people by telling compelling stories.

“Virtual reality presents great opportunities to the world of museums, galleries, and archives. Using it as a tool to tell stories can really entice the younger generation to visit museums more and learn our history in an immersive way. We’ve partnered with Ayala Museum again on another virtual reality diorama, and we’re hoping for more industries, not just museums, to embrace this kind of technology,” Ibba Rasul, CEO of IAC PH shared.

Since the launch of the two dioramas, Ayala Museum has recorded a notable increase in foot traffic in their museum. More Filipinos have been attracted to go out of their homes and take on a virtual reality tour. VR, according to IAC PH, does not aim to lessen or replace real-life experiences. Its goal is to enhance and add context to the stories. VR fosters curiosity among audiences, which then inspires them to seek more information after seeing and experiencing this technology in museums.

“We are giving our Filipino museum-goers a whole new perspective as to how these important events in our history have transpired by putting them in the shoes of these remarkable figures. We want to enable them to have deeper connections with our exhibits and we have achieved that by using technology and innovation, specifically virtual reality, as a tool,” said Ms. Mariles Gustilo, Senior Director, Arts & Culture of Ayala Museum.

Being always at the forefront of innovation, Ayala Museum recognizes the importance of technology in enhancing the traditional museum experience, and how it can give a different flavor to heighten the curiosity of Filipinos in learning history and art. Ayala Museum is continuously pushing the boundaries of the role of Philippine museums by embracing and utilizing Virtual Reality in their dioramas.

“Museums are a very important part of our community. More than just being repositories of our nation’s history, arts, and sciences, we are finding innovative ways on how these stories of the past can be used to move Filipinos to actively participate in our society. We are in a constant search to balance the excitement that technology brings and the meaningful experience that museums create,” added Ms. Gustilo.

The Emergence of the Filipino Nation is the second VR content made by IAC for Ayala Museum, that comes after the successful launch of “The Future of History” in 2017 which dramatized Jose Rizal’s execution in Bagumbayan. The Future of History was recently awarded a Silver Boomerang for Visual and Audio Excellence under the Digital Craft category during the 2018 Boomerang Awards.

Essilor’s Eye Can Succeed awarded Golden World Awards

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Eye Can Succeed, an advocacy campaign dedicated to improving Filipino lives by improving sight, won its first global award, the Golden World Awards for Excellence in Public Relations – Healthcare category. Held at the Hotel Catalonia, Barcelona Plaza in Spain and attended by delegates from 60 countries worldwide, the GWA awarded Essilor’s Eye Can Succeed for successfully providing free eye care services to 10,000 Filipino senior high school students and distributing prescription glasses to those in need. Eye Can Succeed campaign was spearheaded by Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF), the philanthropic arm of Essilor. Dubbed “Oscars of PR”, the annual Golden World Awards is organized by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the leading global network for Public Relations professionals. 

It is the world’s most prestigious PR award-giving body that recognizes best in public relations practices worldwide in different categories. Receiving the gold award in behalf of Essilor Philippines were (from left to right) Essilor Spain Consumer and Categories marketing manager Hugo Velasco, PR manager Adriana Garcia, and FuentesManila president Edd Fuentes. 

FPG Insurance inks partnership with MYEG Philippines for accessible non-life insurance

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MANILA, Philippines – FPG Insurance, a major player in the non-life insurance industry and leader in motor insurance coverage, inks a partnership agreement with I-Pay MYEG Philippines, Inc., a partnership of two fin-tech companies, I-Pay and MyEG, championing online automation for government services.

(L-R) MYEG Philippines Chief Technology Officer JC Principe, MYEG Philippines President Ronald Allan Aquino, FPG Insurance Philippines President and CEO Ramon Yap Dimacali, FPG Insurance Philippines Vice President for Channels Marketing Group Michael Del Moral.

The partnership forms a gateway to bring insurance closer to the general public. With over 20,000 OTC payment channels and point-of-sale locations across the country, this secures I-Pay MYEG Philippines’ place in the market as one of the leading e-payment services provider.

“Expanding our distribution channels in the country is one of FPG Insurance’s strategic courses to empower and enable consumers towards safety and peace of mind. This partnership with MYEG Philippines will definitely provide a concrete support to contribute towards this goal,” said Ramon Yap Dimacali, FPG Insurance President and CEO.

In 2010, I-Pay has won the “Asia Pacific Best Newcomer”, and the “Asia Pacific Fastest Expanding Network” the year after. MyEG on the other hand is a publicly-listed company in Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) with over US$1.3 Billion in total market capitalization.

“We are very happy to have FPG Insurance Philippines as one of our insurance partners and to be able to provide the market with reliable insurance offerings fit according to their need,” said MYEG Philippines President Ronald Allan Aquino.

Also present during the contract signing are FPG Insurance Channels Marketing Group Vice President Michael Del Moral and MYEG Philippines Chief Technology Officer JC Principe.

MYEG Philippines has also been servicing key government clients such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, and Landbank of the Philippines among others.

FPG Insurance offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products from motor insurance, property insurance, to travel and personal accident coverages.

Finding a diamond in the rough: Tips in purchasing pre-owned homes

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A property seeker is always hesitant when it comes to buying second-hand homes. This is because such properties could eventually cost you a fortune in renovations if you are not cautious.  

Spare yourself from possible buyer’s remorse. PSBank, through its “Good to Know” campaign, help you spot a gem among wide choices of pre-owned houses with these tips:

Know where to look.  The best places to find pre-owned real estate properties for sale are banks and local government institutions such as the Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG-IBIG.  Check out their website and you’ll find the best property deals.  There are also property auctions that these institutions organize.  Some properties not normally listed in their websites are being auctioned here. 

Schedule a visit or inspection.  Determine the real condition of the house yourself by asking a professional inspector for help.  Check if the basic structure, floor plan and infrastructure remain sturdy and durable. Ensure that there’s electrical and plumbing system installed, rooms are well-proportioned and there are no bad cracks or serious leaks. A great buy would be one with no major fixes and you’ll be able to move in to your new home soon.

Consider the location. The location is just as important as the house itself. If it is located within a good school system, a nearby transportation, market or grocery, then finding a home priced to accommodate the necessary updates could be a good deal.

Verify documents. Check the title and latest property tax receipt. The title will not only tell you how old the property is but it will also let you know if the property had a chain of previous owners. 

Check the market value of the property.  To ensure that you will not be paying more than you should, go through the current price trends and get an estimate or seek an expert to help you evaluate the second hand property against similar properties in the area.

Buying an excellent pre-owned property or a second-hand home entails lots of patience and due diligence. However, getting it for a bargain price should be more than enough motivation and be able to convince you that what you purchased is more than what you paid for.  You really just need to know where to look.

PSBank is currently offering significant discount on its already low-priced pre-owned real estate properties for sale.

Buyers looking for quality and affordable pre-owned condominium units, houses and/or lots will enjoy 20% to 25% discount on selected properties when they purchase from December 4, 2018 to March 4, 2019.

Aside from this great deal, you are assured of “clean” pre-owned properties for sale.  This means that each property in PSBank’s list of Real Estate Properties for Sale has a registered title and a tax declaration consolidated under the Bank’s name.  Plus, all properties are free from any legal issues and are already in the possession of the Bank.

To avail of the promo, you simply need to submit a completely filled-out Offer to Buy form and Buyer’s Information Sheet to PSBank Asset Sales Department, at any nearest PSBank branch, or via the Bank’s accredited brokers.  You also have the option to make their purchase in cash or by applying for a PSBank Home Loan with Prime Rebate.

PSBank Home Loan with Prime Rebate offers low interest rates, convenient payment modes, and flexible payment terms.  Applicants will also get a credit decision within five banking days or less via SMS.  Borrowers can also save money by paying early or before the due date or by paying more than their monthly loan amortization.  PSBank Home Loan has the Prime Rebate feature allowing home loan clients to earn rebates in the form of “interest discount” on any advance or excess payments made on the loan. Over time, clients could use the rebates to lower the loan principal, shorten the loan term, or even both.

Check out the list of properties and download the forms at www.psbank.coml.ph/propertiesforsale. 

For more information on the promo, you may call the following:

• Properties located in Metro Manila, Rizal, Visayas and Mindanao: (632) 885-8208 local 8990
• Properties located in North Luzon: (632) 885-8335
• Properties located in South Luzon: (632) 885-8208 local 8016

Century Park Hotel offers a salvo of New Year offers

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Manila, Philippines – Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest hotels in Manila, proudly announces its salvo of New Year offers this first quarter of 2019.

From January 20 to February 18, rooms can be availed from P5,500 net / night (Superior Room), P6,500 net / night (Deluxe) to P7,500 net / night (Jr. Suite Superior). Aside from the complimentary breakfast for two, the “New Year Salvo Promo” also includes a set lunch or dinner for two at Century Tsukiji.

If you are seeking for a gustatory adventure, Café in the Park dares you to try Century Burger, a ½ pound burger grilled to your liking! For those with hearty appetites, lunch and dinner buffet is available at P1,495net (adult) and P795net (children 6-10 years old) from 11:30AM to 2:30PM and 6:00PM to 10:00PM. Senior citizens get 50% off on buffets every Saturdays and Sundays.

For ramen enthusiasts, Century Tsukiji wants you to try its tonkotsu ramen garnished with pork belly, egg and vegetables.

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Head over to Atrium Lounge and avail of our featured drinks of the quarter: “Hi-Ho” / “High Hope!” (cocktail) and Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon (wine) at P350 per glass.

Deli Snack offers a wide array of mouthwatering pastries and delicatessen. Torta Nacciole de Chocolato, a mix of chocolate ganache, Tanduay rhum, coffee flavoring and whipped cream, is the featured cake of the month. The delectable desesert is available at P1,080 (round) and P2,570 (rectangular). Meanwhile, the Pata Hamon or pork knuckles with raisins, pistachio nuts and chestnuts is available at P1,280/kg.

“We eagerly welcome 2019 through our attractive promotions and reasonable rates. May our New Year promos bring delight to all the guests and make them feel that they are home,” said CPH General Manager Anthony Tan.