Huawei partners with DOT to showcase the beauty of Philippines worldwide

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HUAWEI has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Tourism (DOT) today to promote the Philippines' tourist destinations, arts and culture to its more than 600 million users around the world.

Attendees present at the signing ceremony were Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DOT Assistant Secretary Howie Uyking, Huawei Philippines Vice President Daniel Guo, and Huawei Hong Kong Service COO, Mr. Wang Zhihui.

The partnership aims to showcase the Philippines' world-class tourist spots, Filipino products and tourism-related events to HUAWEI Themes users in over 170 countries and regions. Under the MoU, HUAWEI Themes users can explore the Philippines curation series now under the “Pinoy Favorites” category on the app homepage.

The DOT will be the photo contributor under this partnership to provide source images related to the Philippines’ arts and culture. Among others, the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines such as beaches, islands, heritage towns, and deep seas will be featured in the app. Moving forward, DOT will also offer domestic tourism vouchers for hotels, attractions and tours to HUAWEI Themes users.

In her speech, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat expressed her gratitude to Huawei for supporting the DOT's efforts in handling the pandemic's effect on the tourism industry by lending its wide reach of smartphone users.

"Our strategy for the safe and gradual reopening of tourism in the Philippines will be greatly supported by this digital content partnership as it will offer Huawei users anywhere in the world with glimpses of our country's beautiful destinations and allow them to customize their mobile devices with images of our tourism offerings," Romulo-Puyat said.

The Tourism Secretary hopes that through this project, Huawei smartphone users will be inspired to visit the Philippines once the government resumes international travel.

Meanwhile, Huawei Philippines Vice President Daniel Guo emphasized that Huawei's collaboration with the DOT is in line with the "glocalization" approach of Huawei Philippines and Huawei Mobile Services (HMS). "Huawei has established an extensive cooperation with the government, local businesses and communities, to continuously bring innovative digital services to consumers and create greater social values," he said.

"Through the collaboration, we will curate a series of Philippines-centric wallpapers and smartphone themes, including the scenery landscapes and tourist attractions of the Philippines, as well as creative themes created by local artists, photographers, cartoonists and animators," Daniel Guo added.

The MoU will not only help promote beautiful places in the Philippines but will also open a door of opportunity for talented Filipinos. Mobile themes created by passionate marine environment artist AG Saño and digital artists Mariel Garcia, Nelvin Supilanas, Rehts Merejilla and Mark Magnaye are now available in HUAWEI Themes.

HUAWEI Themes is one of the first self-developed apps by HMS, In 2020, it achieved over 1.8 billion total themes download. By end of 2020, 96% of the PH local top apps, including Gcash, Paymaya, BDO Digital Banking, UnionBank Online, and SSS Mobile, have integrated with HMS Core and onboarded to AppGallery.

Through the open HMS Ecosystem, Huawei shares a number of innovative capabilities with its partners from various sectors, including tourism, which enable high-quality, convenient and safe applications to reach every Huawei device user in a more direct way. Through this, Huawei is able to lower the connectivity cost and expand service coverage, bringing modern digital services to a wider user base. By providing localized service applications in more countries and regions, Huawei makes All-Scenario services more accessible to users, jointly improving service efficiency and digitization level of services.

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About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

Huawei's end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.

At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have more than 190,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on:

http://www.facebook.com/HuaweiPhilippines

https://e.huawei.com/en/publications/global/ict_insights/201907041409/talent-ecosystem/huawei-ict-academy

Fashion and function: Things to love about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

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Samsung #withGalaxy in collaboration with @condenast

Samsung changed the smartphone landscape with its portfolio of foldable smartphones. Galaxy Z Flip, for example, did not just define a new form factor. Lauded as a luxury smartphone that functions as both a mobile device and fashion accessory, Galaxy Z Flip’s stylish body designed for trendsetters used to the finer things in life is a fresh take among sleek and futuristic powerhouses.

Samsung #withGalaxy in collaboration with @condenast

The Galaxy Z Flip’s Mirror Black and Mirror Purple exterior can be compared to a gem, shifting colors as it catches the light when in motion. It’s the final touch to any outfit worthy of best-dressed lists. When not in use, it is compact enough to be stored in the pocket or a fashionable clutch.

When folded, a minimalist cover screen alerts its user when a call, text, or notification comes in. App Continuity lets users tap the notification and seamlessly transitions to the app when the cover screen is tapped and the smartphone is unfolded. Samsung’s Hideaway Hinge gives a graceful folding motion, inspired by the elegance of lotus blossoms. 

The small body reveals a full-screen 6.7” Infinity Flex Display with minimized bezels and no notch. The barely-there borders offer less distractions, making the smartphone experience more immersive, especially with the Dynamic AMOLED screen. This delivers incredible color quality and reduced blue light to make photos and videos look as vibrant as the Galaxy Z Flip’s jewel-like exterior.

Its design innovations don’t stop there. The device is the first-ever Galaxy smartphone to come with Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass. The durable folding glass screen makes the Galaxy Z Flip smooth when laid flat.

Samsung’s Hideaway Hinge unlocks Flex Mode, which adjusts the fold so the smartphone can stand on its own like a laptop. Its flexibility offers adjustable angles for Google Duo video calls, now part of the new normal. Multi-hyphenates juggling their 9-5 job with their passion projects can use App Pair to combine programs and launch them simultaneously when needed. Multi-Active Window can run both apps at the same time by splitting the screen.

The split-screen can turn the top half into a viewing area and the bottom as a control center. This makes the Galaxy Z Flip a productivity tool, but this feature can also be used for fun. Pair it with the 10MP Front Camera for hands-free selfies. Simply prop up the Galaxy Z Flip at the desired angle and strike a power pose.

The Galaxy Z Flip is the embodiment of form and function. From the outside, it looks like an ornament meant to be displayed. When used, it unleashes Samsung’s revolutionary innovations in the foldable category.

The Galaxy Z Flip is at Php 50,990 SRP in Mirror Purple or Mirror Black variants. 

Avail of the Trade-In, Trade-Up promo where customers can trade in one or more smartphones for the Galaxy Z Flip and get additional tokens worth Php 6,000 on top of the traded-in device. For flexible payment terms, pay as low as Php 2,124.58/month at 0% interest for 24 months in participating Authorized Samsung Stores. 

Customers can get the first installment month for FREE when they pay at 0% interest for 24 months using a PNB credit card in select Samsung Experience Stores.

For more information about Samsung’s foldable devices and available offers, visit samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has limited the number of its customers to 50% capacity, implemented the mandatory use of face masks and face shields, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores. 

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced.  

To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.

Young Cebuana hailed Grand Superstar in ‘Born to be a Star’

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Eighteen-year-old Cebuano talent Jehramae Trangia of Talisay City in Cebu was the grand winner in the second season of Born to be a Star, the reality singing competition of Cignal Entertainment, Sari-Sari Network and TV5 under the production of Viva that concluded last May 8.

 Jehramae Trangia, Grand Superstar of ‘Born to be a Star’

Jehramae bested two other hopefuls to bag P1 million and a five-year recording contract from Viva management. Fifteen-year-old Hans Paranda of Antipolo City ended up as first runner-up who took home P50,000 and 18-year-old Jannah Faye Bocatiya of Manila was second runner-up with P25,000.

Jehramae rendered the ballad, “Sana,” of I Belong To the Zoo as her winning piece.

“The three of us had different genre in our performances,” Jehramae offered. “I would always convey the message of my song to the Star Agents. I gave my best throughout the competition.”

Andrew E, Sam Concepcion, Katrina Velarde, Janine Teñoso and Georcelle Dapat-Sy served as the Star Agents of “Born To Be A Star.” The singing competition was hosted by Matteo Guidicelli and Kim Molina.

“Ang daming competition na dumaan sa buhay ko,” Jehramae shared. “Madami din akong natutunan sa pagkatalo ko, but I managed to improve and rise above my losses.”

Even when she was still in Cebu, Jehramae would persistently join singing contests from the time she was only 12 years old. At 14, she went to Manila to compete in major league singing contests on TV, making her a true-blue kontesera. By the time she was proclaimed grand winner in Born to be a Star, one can truly say that the time was ripe for Jehramae to finally bask in the limelight.

Jehramae is grateful that Born to be a Star provided her with a venue to showcase her singing talents to a wider audience, a unique experience that could very well pave the way for a professional singing career. By staying focused on her goals all throughout the competition, Jehramae was able to consistently shine the brightest, a fact that did not escape the discerning eyes of the Star Agents.

She told herself, “Ito ‘yung dream mo, Jehramae. Ito ‘yung passion mo. So just keep on going. You won’t reach your dreams if you just wish for it. You have to work hard for your dreams.”

Upgrade to these Affordable Smartphones at Shopee’s Gadget Zone

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These days, smartphones are pretty much extensions of ourselves. With our phones, we keep in touch with our loved ones, connect with like-minded people, document precious memories, pursue our passions, and more. No wonder, then, that these gadgets go through a lot of wear and tear each day!

If you’re in the market for a brand-new smartphone, check out Shopee’s Gadget Zone. Starting May 14, you can enjoy discounts up to 90% off on smartphone brands such as Oppo, Huawei, Infinix, and Vivo. 

Check out our smartphone recommendations for different needs:

For a smooth gaming experience

Enjoy long hours of uninterrupted gaming with Infinix Zero 8. This heavy-duty smartphone is equipped with Helio G90T, 8GB RAM, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and Game Turbo V1.0 for rapid, lag-free gaming. It can also withstand back-to-back gaming sessions without overheating, thanks to its Liquid Cooling Technology.

For quality mobile photography

No need to lug around heavy cameras when you’ve got the OPPO A12. Capture all the little details with its 13MP main lens, snap professional-looking portraits with the Portrait Mode’s bokeh effect, preserve natural colors using its Dazzle Color Mode, and take fresh-looking selfies with its AI Beautification feature.

For a productivity-boosting gadget

For an affordable yet capable smartphone for all-around productivity, check out vivo Y1s. View photos and videos in HD+ resolution, enjoy its stable performance with its 2GB RAM and 32GB storage, and complete your tasks without worrying about running out of battery with its 4030mAh capacity.

For the best budget-friendly pick

If you’re looking for an entry-level smartphone which can still give you bang for your buck, Huawei Y5 is the gadget for you. This phone offers a vibrant display, battery capacity of 3020 mAh, and a decent 8MP camera, available at one of the most competitive prices in the market.

Starting May 14, check out more deals on electronics from brands such as Xtreme, Tigernu, realme, Mcdodo, Phillips, Anker, Zeus.ph, Sabbat, Eufy, Soundcore, Platinum Karaoke, Instant Pot, Oster, KitchenAid, and ROG Official Store at Shopee’s Gadget Zone. For more information, visit https://shopee.ph/m/gadgetzone. 

Don’t forget to top up your ShopeePay for more deals on your gadgets! Use ShopeePay at checkout to enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱199 and 8% cashback sitewide with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.

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

Shopee and Unilever Say Yes to Equal Opportunities and Continue its Support for Local Sellers through its Positive Beauty Campaign

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Mano Amiga sellers share how Shopee and Unilever helped them grow their businesses

As more Filipinos shift to online shopping for their daily necessities, many businesses are also turning to digital platforms to widen their reach and establish a strong online presence - especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To cater to the growing number of online sellers, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, continues to partner with organizations to support MSMEs who are looking for better opportunities in e-commerce.

In 2020 Unilever and Mano Amiga, a non-governmental organization that advocates for community transformation and inclusive growth through education, first partnered with Shopee for their Beauty That Cares Campaign, to offer assistance to 25 micro-entrepreneurs. Through this partnership, Mano Amiga sellers gained a strong understanding of e-commerce and learned how to maximize the digital space’s full potential. Sellers had access to monetary funding, entrepreneurship training programs, and Shopee’s e-commerce tools to help them expand their reach. Two Mano Amiga sellers share how Unilever and Shopee supported their business growth:

Janette Lagundi of JTL Trading (https://shopee.ph/alexandermoses_0503) 

For Janette Lagundi, a mother of two, it was tough when she first started her online business. Despite having no prior entrepreneurship experience, she decided to start selling cleaning products and home decor items such as Himalayan salt lamps, to get her family through the pandemic. She admitted that it was difficult for her to adjust to selling on e-commerce platforms as she was not very tech-savvy.

Through learning the ropes at Shopee, Janette saw her business thrived. “Because of Shopee, not only are my sales increasing, my store is also gaining better recognition through plenty of promotions. I learned a lot about selling online through the training programs and masterclasses. I am determined to explore more opportunities on e-commerce, and I’m glad that Shopee and Unilever helped me adjust and adapt amid the pandemic,” she said.

She added that the support from Shopee and Unilever helped her family immensely. “This business is my bread and butter and I feel more confident in growing my business because I am more competent now. Because of this opportunity, I can provide for my children.” 

Cecilia Comia of C plus D Design (https://shopee.ph/designbycplusd) 

Cecilia Comia used to run a food business and even designed her own food stalls, but due to the pandemic, she had to shut down her food business and focus on selling decal stickers and labels instead. “We started our business in 2018 with a passion for good design and we wanted people to appreciate and see how small design details can change an entire product or experience,” she said. The strategy shift, although promising, posed some obstacles. “The competition is tough online. Reaching a wider audience and achieving effective customer engagement are both constant challenges. We are still struggling when it comes to establishing our business. The prices of our competitors are tough to match,” she added.

Shopee and Unilever provided her with the much-needed support. “Unilever’s program connected us with Shopee. It gave us an edge in terms of knowledge in selling online. Unilever’s financial assistance also helped us with our cash flow and allowed us to increase our stocks and improve our equipment.” 

To support the transition and growth of MSMEs in the digital landscape, Shopee partners with Unilever once again to give MSMEs a spotlight at their Yes to Positive Beauty Sale this May 17 to 19, 2021. The campaign is part of Unilever’s renewed purpose and commitment to bring about positive change through real actions - to do more good, not just less harm, for people and the planet. 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are proud to partner with Unilever to support a cause that aims to uplift the lives of local sellers and their loved ones. Shopee believes that every Filipino entrepreneur can succeed in e-commerce as long as they have the right tools, opportunity, and platform. We will continue to collaborate with brands like Unilever to support the local communities, their livelihood, and their families.”

Dorothy Dee-Ching, Vice President for Beauty and Personal Care at Unilever Philippines, said, “Yes to Positive Beauty is a movement for all Filipinos to champion a new era of beauty and personal care that’s inclusive and sustainable. As the number one beauty and personal care company in the country, we acknowledge the part we play in being a force for good, and Yes to Positive Beauty encompasses our commitment to do this through our brands. This includes championing for equal opportunities, which we have been able to do through our continued partnership with Shopee and Mano Amiga, as well as lending a helping hand to MSMEs, especially those greatly impacted by the current crisis.”

To provide consistent support for the sellers, Shopee’s relationship managers worked closely with them to create irresistible discounts to attract more customers, and also assisted them in mapping out advertisements for their products via social media. With the sale happening in just a few days, both sellers are preparing to stock up on their inventory to meet the expected increase in demand. To support sellers like Cecilia and Janette, check out the Yes to Positive Beauty Sale this May 17 to 19, 2021. 

For more information about Unilever’s Beauty That Cares campaign, visit https://shopee.ph/m/unilever-super-brand-day. 

Shop, buy load and pay bills with ShopeePay. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.