Announcing the ASUS ProArtist Awards 2022 Design Competition

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Free-to-enter design competition for creators of all ages offers exciting prizes worth over US$ 100,000, with a theme of Explore Beyond the Limits

ASUS recently announced the ASUS ProArtist Awards 2022, a global design competition with a theme of Explore Beyond the Limits. The free-to-enter competition is open to enthusiasts and professional creators of all ages and celebrates creativity in all forms from all brilliant minds. Entry submission opened last March 1 and will end by May 15, 2022, and the winners and runners-up will be announced in June 2022. 

The ASUS ProArtist Awards 2022 are organized by ASUS in alliance with creative industry leaders Pantone^® and Calibrite^®, along with the California-based ArtCenter College of Design. The competition is intended to encourage and inspire creators in the four competition categories of Photography, Graphic Design, Film, and Animation, and serves as a free platform for enthusiasts and professionals of all ages from all countries to celebrate their limitless creativity.  

Submissions will be closely evaluated by an international panel consisting of renowned content creators industry professionals, ASUS ProArtists, and ASUS experts. In order to give the wider public a voice, the jury panel will award 80% of the final score, and public votes will comprise the remaining 20%. A winner and a runner-up will be chosen for each of the four categories, and prizes will consist of cash, ASUS creator hardware, free global online publicity, and a chance to collaborate on ASUS design projects. There will also be an NFT listing-fee rebate as a bonus prize. 

There will also be a People's Choice Award in each category based on public voting, as well as great lucky draw prizes for contestants and public voters. For full competition terms and conditions, please visit https://asus.click/ugc_PR  

Exciting prizes worth over $100,000 

The total value of prizes for the ASUS ProArtist Awards 2022 is over US$ 100,000, with a cash prize for each of the four category winners of US$ 10,000, and US$ 5,000 for each of the four runners-up. Winners and runners-up will also receive fantastic bundles of ASUS creator hardware including creator laptops from the ProArt Studiobook, Zenbook Pro, and Vivobook Pro series; ProArt displays; ProArt motherboards; and ProArt accessories.  

To give winners a broad platform to help showcase their creations and achieve their ambitions, the first prize winners and runners-up will in addition enjoy extensive international publicity via the web platforms of ASUS and the judges; and receive a gas-fee rebate on NFT platforms as a bonus prize to give the artists proof of ownership and wider exposure for commercial opportunities. NFT listing is optional, and non-mandatory. All winners will receive an ASUS ProArtist certificate, and will be offered the potential opportunity to collaborate with ASUS on future real-world design projects. 

Diverse international jury panel 

ASUS ProArtist Awards has invited creative industry leaders, renowned creators, professional ASUS ProArtist collaborators, and representatives of ArtCenter College of Design — one of the top design institutions in the US — to form a diverse jury panel that represents a broad range of creative disciplines. Among the jurors are world-famous content creators, including global creative photographer Jordi Koalitic, 3D illustrator Josiah 'Jazza' Brooks, filmmaker Matti Haapoja, graphic designer Benjamin van Valen of Benny Productions, and 3D artist Nathan 'Ducky 3D' Duck, plus Adobe's Principal Director, Creative Cloud Evangelist, Terry White. The jury is committed to conducting a fair and balanced assessment of the entries based on the jurors' extensive knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism. 

The ASUS ProArtist Awards: a boundless platform for creators 

ASUS is passionate about technology and driven by innovation. Recognizing that every creator needs their own special equipment to deliver the perfect solution for an efficient workflow, ASUS has assembled one of the most comprehensive ranges of creator technology and established the ProArt sub-brand, which is dedicated to bringing out the best in creativity from all creative minds.  

Our search for incredible ideas and experiences led us to create the ASUS ProArtist Awards. We welcome creators from all fields, and of all ages, to Explore Beyond the Limits of art and unleash their wildest creativity on the world. The ASUS ProArtist Awards serve as a boundless platform allowing creators to express the world as they see it through their eyes, to push their limits and explore beyond reality to create something previously unseen with a unique point of view. 

Visit the ASUS ProArtist Awards campaign page for more details.

Also stay tuned for more news on the incredible ASUS for Business products on the ASUS for Business website (http://asus.com/ph/Business). For inquiries, you can also send us a message on ASUS for Business page (https://www.facebook.com/asusforbusinessph/). 

Celebrate with Samsung in the Metaverse with the ‘Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt’ and get special prizes

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Galaxy fans in the Philippines can participate in a Galaxy S22 treasure hunt in Jeromy’s House on ZEPETO to get special in-app items and Samsung Online Store e-vouchers!

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd launched today the Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt campaign, aimed at providing Galaxy fans with a unique experience in the metaverse, following the recent launch of the flagship Galaxy S22 Series smartphones. 

Set to run from April 13 to 24, the Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt campaign comprises a treasure hunt, as well as a user-generated content event exclusive to selected markets in Southeast Asia. Stand a chance to win the Galaxy S22, S22+ or S22 Ultra and receive a Samsung Online Store e-voucher worth PHP 2,500 on top of limited edition in-app items. The campaign is hosted on the My House platform, a collaboration between Samsung and Naver Z’s ZEPETO – the largest metaverse platform in Asia, with more than 300 million users worldwide. 

“At Samsung, we aim to create innovations that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes. With the Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt campaign, we want to engage the large community of Gen Z and millennial users in our region, who are exploring personalized experiences in the metaverse. My House, which saw over 4 million visitors in its first month, offers new ways for users to design their dream homes and experience the Galaxy S22 Series and other Samsung products in a virtual environment,” said Olivier Bockenmeyer, Regional Corporate Marketing Head, Southeast Asia and Oceania at Samsung Electronics. 

First revealed at CES 2022, the My House world map allows users to decorate their very own homes in the metaverse with Samsung products. They can select, customize, and experience over 18 Samsung products in their virtual space, from the Freestyle, Neo QLED and lifestyle TVs like The Frame, to the Bespoke Refrigerator, Bespoke Jet, Air Dresser, and more. The SmartThings Mode experience can be activated via the Galaxy Z Flip, where users can enjoy a home party or games in their My House living room. Targeted at Gen Z and millennials who actively seek new avenues of self-expression, the platform builds on Samsung’s efforts to empower users with customized experiences.  

"Through the Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt and user-generated content events, we want to engage more Gen Z and millennial users to spark their imagination and creativity. We hope to be an important part of their ongoing journey in exploring their individuality, and in developing their lifestyle preferences,” added Bockenmeyer.

Treasure Hunt Event

From April 13, users can participate in a Treasure Hunt event at Jeromy’s House in the My House map. Users must find 8 treasure boxes that contain Galaxy S22 Ultra and earn a limited edition in-app jumpsuit, plus a Samsung Online Store e-voucher worth PHP 2,500. The treasure boxes will only appear every 15 minutes, for a limited time. Users can also receive an exclusive in-app Galaxy S22 effect item each time they find a gift box.

Exclusive User-Generated Content Contest for Southeast Asia 

To enter the region-exclusive user-generated content event, participants can create a video of their Galaxy S22 treasure hunt experience with their avatar, then upload the video on their Zepeto feed with the hashtags #Samsung #GalaxyS22 #TreasureHunt. Participants may also upload their entry on Facebook or Instagram, use the Galaxy S22 Ultra Nightography booth and other Galaxy S22 in-app items to increase their chances of winning.

To qualify for the contest, participants must go to http://spr.ly/GalaxyS22-Zepeto and register to submit their official entry. 

Entries will be judged on creativity and product integration. Creators of the top three entries will stand to win a Galaxy S22, S22+ or S22 Ultra. 

For more information on the Galaxy S22 Treasure Hunt S22 campaign, please visit www.samsung.com/ph. Download the ZEPETO app from the Google Play Store.

Solane begins roll-out of more affordable Solane Sakto Nationwide

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Leading LPG solutions provider Solane now provides the safe, trusted, and reliable Solane LPG in an affordable and portable size in select regions across the country. Also known as Solane Sakto, the new Solane cylinder that holds 1.4 kg of LPG gives customers easier access to safe kitchen fuel in place of less sustainable charcoal or dangerous illegal alternatives.

“Solane has been a household name for many years, and the brand has always stood for safety, quality, and reliability. With Solane Sakto, we hope to give the same experience to more Filipinos so they can enjoy their time in their kitchens without the risks that come with illegal and less sustainable alternatives,” said Tonito Gonzalez, Solane LPG Chief Executive Officer.

Solane Sakto was launched in Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Samar, and Mindanao in 2021 and will soon be available in select areas in SOCSARGEN, Davao, Marinduque and Mindoro in the next few months. The company plans to expand the tank’s availability to more locations throughout the rest of the year. Aside from being a portable kitchen fuel fit for outdoor cooking and other spaces, Solane Sakto also offers an affordable solution to the increasing price of LPG and oil products. It sure can make cooking even more convenient.

“As the pandemic happened, more people started using the kitchen, and this involves younger cooks and even children accompanying their parents as meals are prepared,” said Gonzalez. “The kitchen has become a venue for a lot of activity, including members who have not always been used to operating around the kitchen. Solane makes sure that the kitchen remains to be a safe place for the family when it comes to fuel.”

While availability of Solane Sakto is limited for the time being, customers are still reminded to ensure that their Solane tanks are legitimate to avoid risks of explosions from illegal or counterfeit products. Solane tanks carry the important markings that certify their registration, the specific standards used, the date the cylinder was tested, as well as the tare weight in kilograms which is around 13 to 15 kilos for AS or de salpak, 11.5 to 14 kilos for POL or de roskas, and 4.1 kg for Solane Sakto. Genuine Solane Sakto LPG tanks also come with a biodegradable seal.

To order Verified Solane LPG for a safe home, send a message to 0918-887-5555 or the Solane Facebook page, or place your order through the Solane app.

Priced at PHP 180 per refill, the small but reliable Solane may be ordered through the hotlines below for the following locations:

· Koronadal, South Cotabato - 0923 5393915

· Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat - 0922 8417102

· Polomolok, South Cotabato - 0948 7699141

· General Santos City - 0922 8417103

· Digos, Davao del Sur - 0998 5859660 / 0917 1191154

· Kidapawan, North Cotabato - 09338799773

· Calapan, Puerto Galera and Roxas, Mindoro - (043)288-6334 / 0926-631-9638.

· Luna Sosa, Boac, Mindoro - (042) 332-1624 / 0938 4182604

Gretchen Ho: ‘Meeting NBA legends only humbled me down’

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Having had the privilege to meet the likes of Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry once upon a time, PLDT Home Ambassador Gretchen Ho reveals the most important life lessons she’s learned in her career as a sportswoman

Volleyball may have been Gretchen Ho’s ticket to fame as one of the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Fab Five during the 2010s — the sport that paved her way to being a celebrity athlete and journalist. But catch the PLDT ambassador in a heart-to-heart, and she’ll let you in on her first great love — basketball.

“My dad was a basketball player in his youth, so he would always teach us how to play and keep us abreast with the latest basketball games. My three brothers and I grew up to be basketball lovers! We’re a very sporty family, so enjoying the NBA with them was just one natural way we bonded together,” Gretchen recalls.

From an NBA fangirl to a bona fide sportscaster who has covered the games on location and met the league’s stars in person way back when, Gretchen — like many other basketball fans — has found new ways to enjoy the games despite the pandemic. The TV5 and One News anchor remains updated with the league’s 75th season through the NBA League Pass, the NBA’s premium live game subscription service. Using the League Pass, made more affordable and accessible through PLDT Home Fiber, Gretchen is able to watch the games and other exclusive content with the family — an experience that triggers many childhood memories and even life aspirations.

An NBA fangirl’s dream

One of Gretchen's most memorable NBA moments was watching the historic Chicago Bulls - Utah Jazz Finals Game 6 back in 1998. At eight years old, she saw Michael Jordan steal the ball from Karl Malone, with the Jazz leading 86-85 and with 18.9 seconds left. A young Gretchen found herself sharing the victorious moment as MJ nailed that game-winning jumper to give the Bulls their sixth title.

“When Michael Jordan made his final winning shot, I was jumping up and down the bed in my pajamas! Sabi ko nga nung bata ako, pangarap ko maging NBA player — hindi WNBA, NBA talaga! I don’t know why I said that to my dad as a young girl!” she recalls with a laugh.

While the opportunity to be an NBA player remains a hoop dream, Gretchen was able to experience the next best thing: Covering the NBA All-Star Weekend twice in a row as a sports journalist.

“It was surreal for me and a great privilege. Seeing all the top NBA athletes come together to play felt like being in the Disneyland of basketball. It was great seeing how agile, strong, and flawless they were in their play,” she enthuses.

Among Gretchen’s biggest NBA fangirl moments were in 2018, when she interviewed Chris Bosh who was then set to retire from a blood clot injury; and in 2019, when she saw Michael Jordan himself in the historic Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in Los Angeles.

“I’ve always loved every chance I got to tell these stories. As an athlete and a sports fan myself, I've always made sure to pour my heart into sharing these inspiring journeys to the audiences,” she says of the experience.

Her hardcourt inspiration

It is every sports fan’s dream to meet their idols in person. In Gretchen’s case, not only did she meet Golden State Warrior’s Stephen Curry, she also hosted two events for him during his time in Manila.

“Steph Curry is a phenomenal game changer—the first player in NBA history to make 3,000 career 3-pointers. And yet, he stays humble. I love who he is inside and outside the court. He’s very playful on the court and a great family man off it,” she shares.

Gretchen personally feels drawn to stories of underdogs who had fought through with nothing but perseverance — much like San Francisco’s Golden Boy.

“Beyond the games, what I love about the NBA are the inspiring stories the league's stars carry with them. It’s amazing how much hard work they put into their craft to stand out and make a mark among other great basketball players around the world,” she says.

“What I love the most are stories of players who have been undervalued yet have worked their way up with constant improvement, quality in performance, and commitment so they can be the best they could ever be. I think this is relatable to anybody who aspires to be better in whatever they do.”

A growing NBA community

It’s this underdog arc that Gretchen finds relatable to many Filipinos — known for pulling through adversity in any sport, career, or just about any situation.

“It’s no secret. Everywhere you go in the Philippines, there’s always a basketball court! If not a full one, there’s at least a makeshift one on some post or board,” she muses.

Gretchen especially feels delighted that Filipino athletes are now making it in the league. Take for example Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson and Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, she says, two Filipino-American athletes now sharing the NBA court for the first time and making a mark in the league.

“This just goes to show that the Filipino can make it. I love it when Jordan and Jalen openly acknowledge that they are Filipinos! It makes the dream to send a full-blooded Filipino even more reachable when you see the two of them doing well in the NBA!”

These days, even with no NBA field assignments, Gretchen stays updated with the league through her devices. As the excitement continuously piles up on the NBA’s historic 75th Anniversary Season, Gretchen remains connected to the world’s biggest basketball league — through the NBA League Pass powered by PLDT Home.

For fans like Gretchen who can get technical about the games, the NBA League Pass offers live stats and multiple viewing options. It also includes the NBA Mobile View, which delivers a closer shot of the action optimized for viewing on smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

“It is a great way to keep up with the jam-packed schedule of games, storylines, and tributes. With NBA League Pass, I’m able to watch the marquee games live and on-demand,” Gretchen says. “I also love that it has many great features — like using different camera angles so I can view every heart-stopping moment the way I want to!”

With NBA League Pass charged to your PLDT Home Fiber bill, Filipino homes can have a virtual front-row seat to a variety of games for as low as P85 a month!

PLDT Home remains the undisputed fastest broadband network in the Philippines after an impressive speed performance for the second half of 2021, dominating its telco rivals with a Speed Score™ of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards. With the brand’s fast and reliable internet connection, NBA fans can enjoy uninterrupted sports action and continue to be updated on the league and its biggest stars this season and beyond!

For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.

Photo credits: Gretchen Ho

Cool blow on-the-go: Meet the Cherry Portable Desktop Fan!

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If you’ve been around in the metropolis for quite a good time, you must know that with the impending hellish summer heat, it isn’t exactly an ideal place to be. But making it through shouldn’t cost you a trip to the province as the solution can be as light and compact as the Cherry Portable Desktop Fan.

Made to be carried around for long hours, it is equipped with a 2000mAh rechargeable battery. It additionally boasts of other features such as a 270° rotating angle and 3-level wind speed to help you fight off that sticky feeling and stay fresh wherever. Take your pick from its four available colors: Pink, Cyan, White, and Navy Blue.

Bring one along with you and beat the summer heat for just P699. For more information, visit:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph