2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup presents big global winners Bren Esports and CX Blanc !

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The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup kicked off on a high note on October 4, Friday, at the SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium in Quezon City. The three-day event, which highlighted top gaming products from Taiwan PC brands, Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends (LoL) tournaments, and a cosplay competition drew crowds of eSports fans, gaming enthusiasts as well as media guests and VIPs.

The great event was hosted by athlete, TV personality, and avid gamer Eric “Eruption” Tai, the thrilling event opened its first day with an energetic dance number from Upeepz Dance Crew followed by opening remarks from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Director Mr. Wen Chun-Chang and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Director Mr. Clement Chen, who both emphasized the importance of the Taiwan ICT industry’s support for the local eSports community. As the Philippines continues to grow into a viable gaming and eSports market, the introduction of the most advanced technologies and powerful gaming devices from Taiwan can help boost the gameplay of aspiring Filipino eSports athletes.

Actress and cost player  Myrtle Sarroza at the grand opening ceremony and got first dibs in experiencing the products on display at the free-for-all brand booths. Among the devices she got to try were Asus Republic of Gamers’ ROG Zephyrus S (the world’s lightest and thinnest gaming laptop), the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus WaterForce Xtreme motherboard, Aorus memory cards and video cards, AVerMedia’s plug-and-play AM310 USB microphone and Live Streamer Cam 313, InWin’s WINBOT Limited Edition Transparent Spherical case, Kingmax Semiconductor, memory cards and external portable SSDs from Transcend and T Force, Zyxel’s tri-band Wi-Fi system, and peripherals from XPG, Zadak, and G.Skill.

The product experience zone also included ten units of gaming desktops that were made available for guests to use in playing games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and League of Legends. Fans also had the chance to take photos with cosplayers dressed as their favorite game characters and jammed with pop rock band GraceNote, which added excitement to the three-day festivities.

The intense CS:GO battle on October 4 and the LoL games on October 5 were also witnessed by eSports fanatics all over the world via live streaming on the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page. Day 1 was hosted by shoutcasters Nomadph and Ilustrado, and Day 2 by G10 and Een Mercado. Celebrity cosplayer and gamer Ashley Gosiengfiao also made an appearance on October 5 to meet with her fans.

Winners' circle

Bren Esports dominated the CS:GO tournament and won the grand prize of P56,000 in cash. Each team member also took home an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth of Sodexo Gift Certificates. In a short speech, the captain of Bren Esports expressed the team's collective sentiment about their victory, "We're very happy about winning. I think we deserve this because we worked hard for this."

Aside from these prizes, Bren Esports also has the honor of representing the country in an upcoming CS:GOfriendly match against Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup winners from Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Taiwan. "We're going to practice more in preparation for our upcoming matches abroad," promises Bren Esports.

Meanwhile, CX Blanc took home the grand prize of P56,000 for the LoL tournament. Each team member also received an Asus ROG Delta Headset, ROG Collection Shirt, ROG Armor Suite Backpack, and P2,000 worth for Sodexo Gift Certificates from Taiwan Excellence.

Taking the second, third, and fourth places for the CS:GO tournament are Fallen5, WIMAX, and Station 751, respectively. For LoL, the runner up positions were nabbed by PlayLoud, Ruyal, and Archeous accordingly.

On the other hand, the cosplay competition on October 6 showcased the creativity and talent of Filipino costume artists. Judged by representatives from TAITRA and cosplayer, game streamer, and video content creator Kang Dupet, 30 contestants took the stage in their best CS:GO- and LoL-inspired costumes. Izaiah Luke Buelos took home the grand prize of P40,000, while runners up Sergio Sta. Ana and Nicholai Dizon won P20,000 and P10,000 in cash, respectively.

With a total prize pool of P430,000, this has been one of the biggest eSports tournaments in the country to date. Not only the players and contestants were able to bring home prizes, guests who registered at the venue also had the chance to win prizes from the Shopping List, Guess Whose Logo, and Scavenger List games.

The 2019 Taiwan Excellence eSports Cup is organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), with partners Asus Republic of Gamers, Aorus, AVerMedia, In-Win, Kingmax, Transcend, XPG, T Force, Zadak, G.Skill, and Zyxel. For more information, like and follow the Taiwan Excellence Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.

About Taiwan Excellence

The Taiwan Excellence symbol honors Taiwan’s most innovative products, providing tremendous value to users worldwide. Products carrying this symbol were awarded based on their design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D and manufacturing. Established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 101 countries. 

Sponsored by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA

The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. is responsible for implementing policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, BOFT's role and position have evolved to reflect the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. BOFT has guided and collaborated with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities both internationally and domestically. Having worked closely with TAITRA for decades, BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.

Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is Taiwan’s foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers in strengthening their international competitiveness and dealing with foreign market challenges. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Basta shopping this 10.10 weekend, don't pay cash. PayMaya! Get as much as P3,000 in cashback when you shop online and in stores with PayMaya this 10/10

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Ready your mobile wallets, folks! Shopping season is once again on full-throttle mode and you can not only get the best discounts on deals when you shop online and in store, you can also get so much more when you shop with your PayMaya card or use PayMaya QR. 

Take advantage of the sweet 10.10 sales and zero-in on online and in-store deals you have been wishing for when you use your PayMaya card or pay using QR for your online and in-store shopping this October–and get as much as P3,000 in cashback for all your purchases. 

Go crazy shopping online at some of the most popular e-Commerce sites and snag the latest fashion finds, gadget trends, and home items because you can get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for all your transactions. And when you go crazy and rack up a total of P5,000 spend, you also get a P500 cashback on top of everything else!

But when you feel like going to the malls to get your shopping fill this 10.10, PayMaya's also got your back because you can also get up to 100% cashback (maximum P1,000 for October) for each spend and a P500 reward for an accumulated P5,000 purchase this October when you scan to pay with your phone using PayMaya QR. 

To know the nearest merchant that accepts PayMaya QR near you, visit pymy.co/QRmerchants. 

So forget Cash-On-Delivery (COD) and use your PayMaya account when you shop this weekend to enjoy the full convenience, security, and rewards that it has to offer–exclusive perks that are even better than your credit card! 

If you don’t have a PayMaya account yet, now is the best time to get one so you can take advantage of all the cashback rewards while 10/10 sales are still happening! Download the PayMaya app now for iOS or Android and sign up today to feel the joy of paying for anything you want in the fastest, most secure, rewarding, and hassle-free way! Remember, don’t pay cash, PayMaya! 

To know how you can maximize your PayMaya account, visit www.paymaya.com/deals or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

PayMaya, the digital financial services arm of Voyager Innovations, is the only financial technology company in the Philippines offering integrated consumer and merchant payment solutions with the widest on-ground branch network. It is the first to give millions of Filipinos an e-wallet that allows them to pay cashless transactions at any time of the day, anywhere in the world, and from any device. It is the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations, the leading technology company in the country backed by PLDT, KKR, Tencent, World Bank’s IFC and the IFC Emerging Asia Fund. 

Terms and conditions apply for all offers. Full Promo Mechanics:

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Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB 19185, 19179, 18893, 19183 and 19228, Series of 2019.

Shopee Offers Sitewide Free Shipping with ₱0 minimum spend on Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival

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Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, will celebrate Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival on October 10 with sitewide free shipping ₱0 minimum spend. Consumers can also score 100% brands cashback vouchers and up to 50% off deals from leading brands. In addition, users can look forward to an upsized session of Shopee Shake and an exclusive 10-hour Livestream with sitewide vouchers up to ₱1,000 off. 

Here are 10 deals you won’t want to miss on October 10, all at 50% off their original price:

1. Vivo X21 

The Vivo X21 is one of Vivo’s most sought-after smartphones built with a fingerprint sensor and face recognition to unlock your phone. It also boasts 128GB worth of built-in storage and a 6.28-inch display that makes it ideal for downloading and playing games. Get the Vivo X21 for only ₱15,099. 

2. HUG 40" Full HD Smart TV

This smart TV has a 40” screen that is perfect for watching your favorite shows and movies. With a screen resolution of 1920x1080p pixels, the HUG Smart TV offers a full high definition screen for a greater viewing experience. Get the HUG 40” TV for only ₱7,499.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is a sleek smartphone that boasts fast-charging capabilities, a 6.3-inch display, and a front and rear camera that can capture crystal clear shots. Get the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 for only ₱7,449.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 130-15AST Laptop

In need of a sturdy, yet affordable laptop? The Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop is the perfect computer for your everyday needs with a 500GB hard drive, built-in CD drive, and a sizeable 15.6-inch screen. Get the Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop for only ₱14,725. 

5. YI Smart Dash Cam 

The YI Smart Dash Cam has a 165° ultra wide-angle feature to reduce blind spots. It also has high sensitivity image sensors that ensure excellent vision at any time of day. Boost a car’s functionality and get the YI Smart Dash Cam for only ₱2,479.

6. Canon PiXMA TS6120 Color Printer

The PiXMA TS6120 helps you print documents and photos easily. It features built-in Wi-Fi, front and rear paper feeding, along with a 5-color individual ink system. You can also scan important documents straight to your smartphone. Get the PiXMA TS6120 for only ₱3,599.

7. JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Whether it is listening to music indoors or out by the pool, the JBL Clip 2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the best portable speaker to have. Get the JBL Clip 2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker for only ₱1,559.

8. Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser

Physiogel’s Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser is a holy grail product for people with dry and sensitive skin. It’s a mild cleanser that leaves the skin soft after washing. Get the Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Dermo-Cleanser for only ₱450.

9. Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation

The Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation is blendable and buildable for those who want a flawless and natural look. Get The Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation for only ₱337 and the rest of Candid line at 50% off too. 

10. Spider-Man with Spider Mobile Funko Pop

If your favorite character is Spider-Man, this Funko Pop bobble-head is a great addition to your collection. Get the Spider-Man with Spider Mobile Funko Pop for only ₱950.​

Find out more about Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival at https://shopee.ph/1010. 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

The First-ever SO SHOP! A Social Sellers Bazaar Empowered by LBC

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Leading logistics company LBC Express Inc. held Shopping and Learning in One: First-ever So Shop! Bazaar brings hundreds of online sellers together last October 5 at Function Room 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. 

In its effort to empower online business owners, as the So Shop! Bazaar,  LBC highlights commitment to empowering MSME's.

More and more Filipinos are starting to venture into micro, small and medium enterprises nowadays. With technology, anyone can be an entrepreneur and it has served as one of the personal goals for a lot of us - from fresh grads to millennials to retirees. However, starting your own online business may be a daunting task but with the right support, succeeding in it is not a farfetched dream.

The bazaar brought together over 100 online business owners, thousands of shoppers, industry speakers, and influencers in one venue, making it both a shopping and learning experience in one. It also gave social sellers the opportunity to meet and connect with their customers in person, showcase their products, and transact using LBC's Cash on Pick-up (COP) and Cash on Delivery (COD) services.

"With more and more Filipinos setting up their businesses online, we at LBC, believe that it's high time to bring online businesses together, in one venue, and get to interact with their buyers live. "

"So Shop! is our commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country," said Oliver C. Valentin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Philippine Branch Operations of LBC Express Inc.

LBC's COP and COD services are designed to make online purchasing easier and more convenient for shoppers. With COP, LBC's over 1,400 branches can serve as pick-up points for buyers to get the products they bought online while COD allows them to get it right at their doorstep.

So! Shop for all your lifestyle must-haves

Featuring diverse products from over a hundred booths, So Shop! became a haven for a weekend to shopping enthusiasts and people with various interests.

For techies and gadget lovers, online gadget stores such as Kimstore, Juan Gadget, Droud Hero, and JBL Store PH provided exclusive deals and discounts. Beauty and makeup fans went gaga over the vanous shops from Korean and Japanese beauty brands to sustainable beauty products.

Those who love customized lifestyle pieces were also able to see their favorite online shops making it a perfect venue to shop for personalized gifts including travel sets, accessories, and oven kitchen wares. Moms who were on the lookout for early Christmas gifts brought home items that are perfect for the whole family.

So Shop! also treated the shoppers to a host of surprises including Mystery Box gifts from participating social sellers and gadgets raffled off by LBC.

Growing one's online business

Aside from the shopping experience, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs also learned from a lineup of industry speakers, business owners, and influencers who gave talks on topics relevant to growing their business

Facebook Philippines Head of Agency Liam Capati showcased the power of Facebook ads and how it can help businesses reach their customers especially at a time when cutting through the clutter in the online space is crucial. Canva Community Team Lead Gladys Lacorte emphasized the importance of  having visually appealing social media pages through designs that represent a business personality.

Creative Boss Founder Rachell Araja-De Luna knows very well why a website is a must-have to an online business, with it being a repository of one's products online. Through her talk "DIY Your Dream Website," Araja-De Luna discussed the simple ways a budding entrepreneur can create a website without breaking the bank. The power of online communities cannot be dismissed too-this is what PLDT Vice-President for Digital Strategy and Consumer Disruptive Business Carlo Ople highlighted in his talk. Ople shared why businesses should be present on the digital space and how to effectively tap online communities to reach a specific target market.

Not only was So Shop! a learning-filled experience, it was inspiring too with panel discussions and success stories that moved the audience.

Celebrity mom, wife, and entrepreneur Neri Miranda talked about her businesses and her role as a homemaker. Miranda, owning multiple businesses including Neri's Gourmet Tuyo, online bedding and accessories store. Very Neri, and an events place in Tagaytay called Neri's Not So Secret Garden, gave mompreneurs tips on how to juggle it all. 

Content creator Wil Dasovich, who owns online merch store MerchBy alongside other influencer friends, shared how he remained authentic throughout the years of being a known digital personality. Dasovich also sold products at his MerchBy booth at So Shop!

A panel discussion on the social impact of online businesses featured Jamico Jamlang, founder of sustainable businesses The Bamboo Company and Chesca De Mesa, co-founder and managing director of Refuse PH. Joining them was Havas Media Ortega Head of Data and Analytics Phil Tiongson who gave the audience a glimpse of Havas' global study centering around consumers mindful consumption.

Women entrepreneurs also took center stage with Kimstore Founder Kim Lato and Neon Island Founders Alyssa Gibbs and Aira Medina. They shared what it's like starting and growing a business, as women, and how they overcame the challenges that came with it.

Hosted by 101.1 Yes FM DJ Rico Panyero and Love Radio DJ Raqi Terra, So Shop! was not just a star-studded bazaar but one that has taught online business owners new techniques to move their businesses forward.

Javier Mantecon, Chief Marketing Officer of LBC Express-Global Marketing, reiterated the company's commitment to move lives, including those of the social sellers. "As the e-commerce community continues to grow, LBC remains your partner. We hope that this is just the beginning of our long partnership. We want to help you take that move, wherever that may be."

Special Announcements : Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati announced for their much-awaited wedding

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Celebrity couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati made announcements for their much-awaited grand wedding that to be on March 2020.

Sarah shared to the media during the press conference that they are planning to have an old romance theme on their wedding.

Fans are invited to Richard's and Sarah's journey to forever as the showbiz couple will soon appear in various ABS-CBN shows and other Kapamilya multimedia platforms to reveal details about their much-anticipated wedding.

Last Sunday (October 11, the grand announcement already happened on “ASAP Natin ‘To” where Kapamilya singers Moira Dela Torre, Jason Dy, Ogie Alcasid, and Martin Nievera serenaded the couple with heartfelt love songs.

“We are very grateful to ABS-CBN, our bosses, our ASAP family, and to the singers who performed. It's like our practice for our wedding," said Sarah who got emotional during their appearance on “ASAP Natin ‘To.”


Also check this video coverage during the Special Announcements Presscon:

This is only the first of many appearances the two will do as they will visit various ABS-CBN shows for exclusive stories and sneak peeks on their upcoming wedding.

Meanwhile, Richard and Sarah appreciate the amount of love they have received as they enter the new chapter of their lives.

“We are super grateful. We made it official to our parents, kids, and friends. Now, it’s time to make it official to our supporters and announce it properly,” said Sarah.

Richard, on the other hand, added, “We are thankful to ABS-CBN and for the people working behind all this. This is very special to us and we can’t wait to share more details about our big day soon.”

The two revealed that they are already finalizing their guest list and principal sponsors. Sarah will also fly out of the country for her wedding gown fitting next month.

Aside from the wedding preparations, Richard is currently busy doing a film under Star Cinema with Bea Alonzo, with whom he will also be pairing for a teleserye, and Angelica Panganiban. He we also star for the first time on “MMK” this Saturday (October 12) alongside Elisse Joson.