Adrian-Keann romance faces backlash in iWantTFC's "Love Beneath the Stars"

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After falling in love in the hit boys’ love movie “The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson will find their relationship threatened by intense scrutiny and backlash in its sequel series “Love Beneath the Stars,” an iWantTFC original that streams for free starting August 16.

As their love story continues, senior high school students Dominic and Luke (Adrian and Keann) officially become a couple. However, a controversial scandal, a third party, and disapproval from grown-ups will put their romance on the rocks and their future up in the air.

In an interview, Adrian and Keann shared the important lessons viewers can learn from the series about love and same-sex relationships.

“When you choose someone, you have to stick with them. The moment you choose that person, you also have to accept all the challenges that come with it. Because Dominic and Luke faced multiple challenges when they decided to choose one another,” said Adrian.

Keann added, “Love knows no gender. No one can tell you who you should or should not love. Even if fate decides that you’re not supposed to be with this person, if you genuinely love this person and you want this person to be part of your life and you know he’s going to be good for you, then by all means you should fight for it.”

In the sequel, Dominic’s deepening friendship with a fellow schoolmate named Gio (Vaughn Piczon) will cause tension between him and Luke.

However, an even bigger issue is bound to jeopardize their relationship. After attending their graduation ball as each other’s dates and sharing a kiss in public, their relationship will cause major uproar at their conservative all-boys Catholic school. The controversy will also upset Dominic’s parents (Agot Isidro at Romnick Sarmenta), who will strongly disapprove of his relationship with Luke.

Will Dominic and Luke rely on the stars to decide on their future or are they willing to gamble for their love?

“Love Beneath the Stars” is written and directed by Dolly Dulu and also stars Nikki Valdez, Agot Isidro, Romnick Sarmenta, Victor Silayan, and Iyah Mina. The iWantTFC original series will have six episodes with a new episode dropping every Monday starting August 16.

“The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” which won 2nd Best Picture at the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, is also currently streaming for free on iWantTFC in the Philippines. The movie and its sequel series are also accessible to premium iWantTFC subscribers outside the Philippines.

Watch the movie and the series in the Philippines for free on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and on iwanttfc.com. Viewers can also enjoy watching iWantTFC on a bigger screen through select devices on VEWD, ROKU streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV for global users, and VIDAA for select countries. iWantTFC is also available via Chromecast and Airplay. For the complete list of compatible devices, sign in instructions, and account activation, visit https://iwanttfc.com/help#tfc-on-smart-tv.

For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC. For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWantTFC’s Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.

realme retains no. 1 spot in the PH for Q2 2021, becomes fastest brand to sell 100M smartphones globally

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Global research firms Canalys, Counterpoint Research, and IDC recently confirmed realme’s no. 1 ranking in the local smartphone market for Q2 2021.

realme Philippines continues to dominate the local smartphone industry as it claims the no. 1 spot in the market once again, according to international research firms IDC, Canalys, and Counterpoint Research in their respective Q2 2021 reports.

With this milestone, the fast-growing tech and lifestyle brand has now managed to hold the top spot for two consecutive quarters—an impressive feat the brand attained in less than three years. The brand first held this position in Q3 of 2020, just less than two years since its entry to the Philippine market in November 2018.

According to Canalys, realme accounted for 26% of the local market share, besting four other smartphone brands in the category. It also reported a 51% year-over-year growth for the brand during this quarter.

The brand also ranked first in a separate report by Counterpoint Research, with a 21% market share. Similarly, realme also showed leadership in e-commerce channels. “realme continued to lead the Philippines online market with a 32% share”, according to the report.

In addition, realme’s industry leadership for Q2 2021 is further validated by IDC as the research firm also reported a number 1 ranking for the brand.

“We are truly grateful for the continuous support of our Filipino fans because without them, this success would not have been possible. Achieving the top spot for two consecutive quarters is no easy feat for a young brand, but we managed to achieve this milestone because of the love and trust of our Squad. Rest assured, this only drives us to reach greater heights and dare to leap with trend-setting innovations and better services for our community,” shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

realme reaches 100-million mark worldwide

On the global scale, realme also achieved a milestone of 100 million smartphones sold. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, realme still managed to become the fastest global smartphone brand to reach this milestone in three years, according to market research consultancy firm Strategy Analytics. In addition, realme is also the fastest growing major smartphone brand globally in Q2 2021 with a year-over-year growth rate of 149%, as data from research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) showed.

This achievement further validates realme’s sales and business strategies across the globe. Established only in 2018, realme is now the 7th largest smartphone brand with presence in 61 different markets worldwide.

This 100-million milestone is the latest in line of realme’s spectacular global rise, as the company adds another ‘first’ to its name. “The past three years have really been about an entrepreneurial spirit and untamed growth for realme”, said realme’s CEO, Sky Li. “Thanks to the huge support from our young users, we have been able to reach our goal of shipping 100 million smartphones and have gained significant ground in the smartphone market. We will continue to provide young consumers around the world with products that have premium performance and trend-setting designs at affordable prices.”

Li added that realme's next goal is to achieve a dual-100 million target - shipping another 100 million handsets by the end of 2022 and completing the same milestone within the 2023 calendar year.

To achieve this, realme is counting on a comprehensive product development strategy that will see it expand its offerings in two ways. With the recent launch of its flagship GT Series devices, dubbed as ‘flagship-killer’ phone, realme is poised to compete at mid-to-high-end segments. The company is also evolving its vision of building out a full-fledged AIoT ecosystem for global users within the next five years. To this end, realme has unveiled its1+5+T strategy: 1 being the mobile phone, 5 for True Wireless Stereo earphones, wearables, TVs, tablets, laptops, and T stands for realme’s AIoT brand TechLife. realme believes in its ability to lead users to a technologically enhanced lifestyle in a way that is affordable and sustainable at the same time.

With an audacious vision and courage to take on the world, realme is poised to break down barriers in a competitive environment.

realme GT Master Edition Series to launch globally on August 18

In celebration of the brand’s recent achievements both locally and globally, realme will launch its 100M-milestone product: the realme GT Master Edition Series, along with new categories on August 18.

The realme GT Master Edition Series is designed by famous Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, who explored new smartphone design elements in smartphone history. realme sees GT Master Edition Series as the most high-end flagship to celebrate its 100M sales achievement.

Apart from smartphones, realme is also set to announce its new product categories at the event, aiming to become the fastest-growing brand and disruptor in these new categories. These upcoming launches are a testament to realme’s mission of providing global young users with more trend-setting and leap-forward performance products.

The launch event will be held online on realme official social media platforms, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook.

For more info and updates from the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #realmePH

TECNO Mobile Donates Cash and Smartphones to Local Community Heroes

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 The brand’s first CSR campaign celebrates and honors everyday heroes from the three pillars of the community - the local government, civic groups, and the church. 

Premium smartphone brand, TECNO Mobile recently completed its first CSR campaign in the Philippines, as a way to give back to the community following the successful release of several new mobile phone models in the country, including the Spark 7 Series, Pova 2 gaming phone, and most recently, the CAMON 17 Series. Through this show of support for the community, TECNO Mobile has become part of the nation’s journey in rising up from life’s challenges, and learning to see the best in every situation. At the same time, the selection of local heroes as beneficiaries for this campaign aligns perfectly with the reel- and real-life heroism of TECNO Mobile’s CAMON 17 brand ambassador, actor Chris Evans.

Three partner beneficiaries representing different pillars of the community were the recipients of donations made by TECNO Mobile for this CSR campaign - Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish, Project Malasakit, and the City of Manila through the Office of Mayor Isko Moreno. Separate handover ceremonies were held for each of the beneficiaries, the first of which was held on July 13th, at the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish Area.

In the middle of Bgy. Payatas, an area deemed a hazardous place to live due to its proximity to an open area for solid waste disposal, you will find the Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish. This church’s leaders and volunteers provide educational and livelihood opportunities for the urban poor community living in Payatas, funded by donations from different entities. For its own CSR campaign, TECNO Mobile, represented by TECNO Mobile Limited’s Brand Marketing Director for Philippines, Jason Liang, donated Php 100,000 to the parish, along with 10 smartphones to be shared with hardworking parish volunteers, who tirelessly organize and facilitate activities such as community pantries, counseling, webinars, and online masses. The donations were received by Rev. Fr. Peter Hequillan,CM.

Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish Church handover of donations from TECNO Mobile represented by Jason Liang, Brand Director (left) and received by Rev. Fr. Peter Hequillan,CM (right).

The second handover ceremony also took place on July 13th, at the Tikme Dine restaurant in Quezon City, this time with Project Malasakit as the beneficiary. Project Malasakit is a scholarship program whose mission is to bridge the gap between Filipinos who want to help, and Filipino children who need the assistance. Its goal is to provide these children with proper education, enabling them to change their own lives for a better future. 30 TECNO Mobile smartphones, plus Php 100,000 were given to Project Malasakit by TECNO Mobile Limited’s Brand Marketing Director for Philippines, Jason Liang, graciously received by its founder, Kara David, together with two of her scholars, Lilian Ambrocio and Mauwe Liwanag .

 

Project Malasakit receiving donations from TECNO Mobile. From left, Jason Liang TECNO Mobile Brand Director, Mauwe Liwanag, Kara David - Project Malasakit Founder, and Lilian Ambrocio.

TECNO Mobile Brand Director, Jason Liang with Project Malasakit Scholar, Mauwe Liwanag

 

Project Malasakit Scholar, Lilian Ambrocio

 

The final donation handover took place on August 6th at the Office of Manila City Mayor, Isko Moreno. Mayor Isko is known for his service to the local community, aided by his team of volunteer workers who man community hotlines, respond to reports, handle coordination for projects such as the recent vaccine rollout, and work at the local public school as teachers. For these community heroes, TECNO Mobile has donated 50 smartphones, and Php 200,000 through the mayor’s office. The donation was handed over by the TECNO Mobile Limited executives for the Philippines, headed by Lindsay Guan, CEO, and received by Manila City Mayor, Isko Moreno.

TECNO Mobile executives with Manila City Mayor during handing over of donations. From left, RJ Decilio (Channel Sales Director), Ian Ouyang (CEO, QStar Mobile Inc), Mayor Isko Moreno, Lindsay Guan (CEO for Philippines, TECNO Mobile), Jason Liang (Brand Director)

TECNO Mobile’s CSR campaign was kicked-off with an online photo exhibit, which featured thought-provoking images that capture the beauty of life, taken by top local photographers using CAMON 17 smartphones. A selfie advocacy campaign was also launched, encouraging the online community to get involved by sharing their own selfies for a cause. Anyone can join by simply posting a selfie on Facebook, which features their advocacy. The photo must include a caption with a brief description of the advocacy, along with the hashtags #TECNOMobileCares, #CtheBestofYou, and #SelfieAdvocacy. The best photo and caption will be selected by TECNO Mobile representatives, and the winner will be awarded a CAMON 17 smartphone.

To stay updated on the latest news about the CAMON 17 series, as well as exclusive deals and promos from TECNO Mobile, be sure to like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite smartphones and gadgets.

PH’s no. 1 smartphone brand realme celebrates Dare To Be You Global Fan Fest this month

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realme rolls out an incredible lineup of events, promos, and other surprises

this August to thank its Filipino fans for their continuous support

The realme Squad is in for an amazing treat as the country’s no. 1 smartphone for Q1 and Q2 2021 continues its highly anticipated Global Fan Fest celebration this whole month of August. With an exciting roster of events, promo campaigns, and other initiatives, realme aims to show its gratitude for the continuous support and loyalty it has received from its Filipino audience.

Since its entry to the local market in 2018, realme has undeniably gone on to become the fastest-growing smartphone brand in the Philippines. The brand has achieved tremendous year-over-year growth and continues to disrupt the industry with its impressive lineup of smartphones and AIOT products. This year, realme further cemented its position as the no. 1 smartphone brand in the country as it emerged as the top smartphone vendor for two consecutive quarters according to separate reports from marketing research firms Canalys and Counterpoint Research.

With all these milestones, the brand is committed to giving back to the realme community by dedicating a month-long celebration jam-packed with initiatives that are sure to delight the Squad.

“In just less than three years, realme has managed to achieve unimaginable success in the Philippines, and we could not have done this without the incredible support of our fans and community. Knowing that we have the realme Squad with us every step of the way pushes us to outdo ourselves and reach greater heights”, shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing. “We are truly grateful for your loyalty, and we hope that our Global Fan Fest this month will spread joy and optimism amid these challenging times,” adds Huang.

With the theme, Dare To Be You, this year’s Global Fan Fest serves as a reminder to today’s youth to be unapologetically real despite the noises that surround us. With this in mind, realme is set to roll out various initiatives and events this month that the Squad can look forward to.

Dare To Experience: Extended 8.8 Sale on Shopee and Lazada

To kickstart the month-long celebration, realme recently launched its 8.8 Sale on Lazada and Shopee with massive discounts of up to 40% OFF on smartphones and TechLife devices. Products such as the recently launched TechLife Air Purifier and Cobble Bluetooth Speaker, along with other well-loved offerings like the realme 8 Series, the realme C25S, and the realme Watch 2 Series, are available at special discounted prices until August 10 on Shopee, and August 12 on Lazada.

Dare To Represent: Search for realme’s next brand ambassador

In line with its commitment to be a champion for today’s youth, realme is looking for new authentic voices to represent and collaborate with the brand through the second installment of  Dare To Represent, the online search for realme’s next brand ambassador. Two winners will get to take home a P50,000 cash prize, 1-year contract as brand influencer, and other content collaboration opportunities.

To join, interested participants are tasked to upload a short video explaining how they encourage themselves to stay unapologetically real despite what other people may say. Entries will be accepted until August 20, and the announcement of winners will be on August 26. For the full set of mechanics, visit this link and the realme Philippines Facebook page.

Dare To Be You: A social media movement

True to its mission of empowering the youth to be unapologetically real, realme is also set to amplify stories of inspiration through the Dare To Be You social media movement. Happening on August 11, this online roadblock aims to highlight what it means to turn negative external noise into opportunities for one’s growth and self-improvement.

For the campaign, realme partnered with notable Filipino personalities with rich stories of success in their chosen industries. Included in the roster are top fashion model Reins Mika Melitante, shoutcaster and gaming analyst Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto, globally renowned fashion designer Carl Jan Cruz, drag artist Prince Martell, and creative director Ryuji Shiomitsu, among many others. Through their stories, realme aims to give hope to today’s youth and spread awareness on the importance of staying true to one’s passion despite challenges.

Dare to Be Trendsetting: realme Super Brand Day Sale on Shopee

As part of the month-long celebration, the realme Squad can also look forward to exciting discounts and offers on their favorite realme smartphones and TechLife products during realme’s Super Brand Day Sale on Shopee on August 26 to 28. Special prizes will also be given away during the brand’s Livestream series on the Shopee app during the sale.

Dare to Celebrate: realme Mobile Legends Cup Season 4 Grand Finals

The realme Global Fan Fest culminates on August 26 with the much-awaited grand finals tournament of the multi-awarded realme Mobile Legends Cup, where the remaining teams will battle it out for Mobile Legends supremacy and the chance to bring home up to P500,000 worth of prizes.

As a special treat for the realme Squad, the brand also enlisted top local music acts to join in on the celebration, making it a one-of-a-kind event where gaming and music will come together. The RMC Season 4 Grand Finals will happen on August 26 at the realme Philippines Facebook page.

With all these initiatives and more, the realme Global Fan Fest will definitely be one for the books! For more info, updates, and other surprises, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #DareToBeYou #realmePH

ASUS Business teams up with Globe at Home for the new “E-Skwela Essentials”

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ASUS Business has teamed up with Globe at Home and Shopee to make online learning more affordable for students with its “E-Skwela Essentials” promotion.

Every purchase from the ASUS Expert Series store at Shopee comes with a 500PHP voucher from Globe at Home that can be used for homeschooling essentials, namely the Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi, Globe Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid WiFi, and Globe at Home LTE-Advanced Prepaid WiFi. Alternatively, one can enjoy a 1,500 PHP voucher from ASUS that can be used to buy any product from the ASUS Expert Series Shopee store when buyers purchase any Globe at Home Prepaid Wi-Fi device.

The Best K-12 Laptop

For students who are still looking for a laptop this upcoming school year, then the ASUS BR1100F is the perfect device. The ASUS BR1100F is the best K-12 laptop for online learning thanks to its features such as AI Noise cancelling microphone, 3D Noise reduction web camera and a touch-enabled display to name a few. A precision stylus is also included to get every detail just right when drawing, note-taking, or marking up documents. This can also help students let their creativity flow as well as assist them on their traditional writing skills.

The promotional event started last July 20, 2021 and will last until August 18, 2021. While the vouchers on the other hand are valid until July 19, 2022.

Visit the official ASUS Expert Series Shopee store for the full list of offerings.