Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort Delivers Stronger Connections with PLDT Enterprise

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PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of largest fully integrated telco in the country, recently partnered with one of the most premiere resorts in Cebu, the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, to deliver robust and reliable connections for their customers and their hotel experience.

From left to right: Oamar B. Tabiliran, PLDT Enteprirse Business Head CRB 1 Visayas; Arnold Dosdos, PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager; Kent C. De La Calzada, PLDT Enterprise AVP & Head, Corporate Relationship Management - Visayas; Marvin Villaruz, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Sales and Marketing; Leif Bajarias, AppleOne Properties Inc. Chief Financial Officer; Danish Khan, AppleOne Mactan Inc. Director of Operations; Dottie Wurglercronin, 

AppleOne Mactan Inc. General Manager

“At PLDT and Smart, we are all about providing customer-focused digital innovations. That is why we are honored to provide world-class Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort with unparalleled connectivity that is at par with their mission of giving a luxurious experience to its guests,” says PLDT Customer Relationship Management Head, Kent De La Calzada.

 

“One of the highlights of the partnership is that the resort is now powered by PLDT’s Dedicated Internet Access service, or iGate–a service that provides businesses with guaranteed bandwidth as well as reliable and managed connectivity to the Internet.” This will positively impact the resort’s operations in terms of easier and faster transactions and communication for staff, and better service and connectivity for guests, especially for business travelers. 

Other connectivity solutions that are in place at Sheraton Cebu Mactan are the PLDT SIP Trunks, powered by fiber technology, which will provide quality and stable incoming and outgoing voice calls, and SMART Postpaid, powered by the latest Smart 5G network, for the mobile communication of the employees.  

There is also Smart Broadband which will be provided for guests traveling from the airport to the hotel and vice versa. All these efforts align with Sheraton’s vision of being the best welcoming resort destination in the Philippines. 

“We value the time our guests spend with us at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, and indeed, part of that guest experience is connectivity,” says Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, General Manager at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort. “We want them to feel connected while staying with us–be it at the hotel and the world-class services we provide or simply to each other and their loved ones back at home.” 

“With our partnership with PLDT, we are confident that we can bring that deep sense of togetherness and that unique Cebuano hospitality we are known for to all our guests,” adds Ray. G. Manigsaca, President and CEO of AppleOne Properties, Inc. 

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort is a 261-room premium resort property at Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, a 30-minute drive from Mactan International Airport.  

For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/. 

‘I Want To Be Here’: KonsultaMD, Kiana Valenciano launch song to raise mental health awareness

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Telemedicine service leader KonsultaMD has teamed up with some of the country's hottest artists Kiana Valenciano, DJ Nix Damn P, and Curtismith, to raise mental health awareness through music.

KonsultaMD launched the song "I Want To Be Here,” co-written by Kiana and her friend Nieman in Los Angeles, as a powerful reminder that nobody is alone in facing struggles and that help is always available.

The collaboration is a continuation of KonsultaMD's mental health awareness campaign, which started with the successful Be Kind To Your Mind concert in 2021.

KonsultaMD is determined to make an even bigger impact this year, and found the perfect match with Kiana as they share the same goal: to educate and inform individuals about mental health and connect to people who are struggling with it.

"We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. We are proud to work with such talented and dedicated artists committed to making a difference. Together, we can break the stigma and raise awareness on mental health through the power of music,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD.

With video and chat options for mental health consultations, KonsultaMD is making it easier than ever to access mental health support. And now, with the release of "I Want To Be Here," the brand hopes to reach even more people with its message of hope and support.

Meanwhile, as an advocate of mental health awareness, Valenciano is more than happy to be working on this project, sharing that it was something she wished was already around when she was growing up.

She expressed hopes that people would be able to relate to the song and feel seen and heard, despite the noise of the world around them.

“We are really, really looking forward to sharing this song with you guys, and I think a lot of you are gonna be able to relate, and I hope you know that it’s okay, whatever you’re going through,” she said.

The Making of "I Want To Be Here" was a unique experience for the team. The biggest challenge was the distance, with Valenciano in the United States while the rest were in the Philippines. But 15 tracks and a couple of brainstorming sessions later, they finally found the perfect beat that hits right in the feels.

"I Want To Be Here" can be streamed on Spotify via this link, https://open.spotify.com/album/3Ey6P6x7ELs7DjIuuhtGsB?si=ToT3gMrYRoeD9DZz_wyiYg, and other music streaming platforms. Watch the official music video on FB via https://fb.watch/ijg20VYmDo/ and on YouTube via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24CzvN3lw1k.

KonsultaMD encourages everyone to stream the song and share it with their friends and family to help raise awareness for mental health. Anyone struggling with mental health may reach out to KonsultaMD by visiting https://konsulta.md or downloading the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Globe has taken up the advocacy of mental health awareness since 2010 when its impact started to be felt among the youth.

What you should expect in the all-new OPPO Reno8 T

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Global smart device brand OPPO will be unveiling a new addition to their Reno Series in the Philippines, the OPPO Reno8 T. The powerful and all-new Portrait Expert is set to deliver all-around upgrades on camera, design, and performance, and will be officially introduced on February 8, 2023.

Innovative Triple Camera System with a 100MP main camera

Capture moments in clear detail with the new Portrait Expert, as the OPPO Reno8 T will be the first Reno series phone to include a 100MP Portrait Camera. The camera system also features a 32MP Selfie Camera and a 2MP Microlens with 20x or 40x magnification, another first in the Reno Series. With higher MP, OPPO fans can capture their everyday moments in brighter, clearer and more vivid detail. Meanwhile, the 40x magnification allows users to explore a microscopic world with details remaining as clear as ever.

All-new Premium Feel and Stylish Design

The upcoming OPPO Reno8 T will continue the brand’s philosophy of producing high-performing smartphones with trendy and elegant designs. Featuring Fiberglass-Leather texture – another first for the Reno Series – a vibrant Sunset Orange hue, and rounded edges, the slim, lightweight design offers a premium experience inspired by luxury leather goods. A Midnight Black variant, featuring the signature OPPO Glow design, will also be available. The OPPO Reno8 T also features an upgraded OPPO Orbit Light, which can be customized based on the user’s color preference.

Superior Performance for a Smooth Experience

To give users a smooth and seamless  mobile phone experience, OPPO has integrated several improved features in the OPPO Reno8 T. It comes out of the box with the latest ColorOS13, which provides users convenient and user-friendly smart features, as well as security while using their mobile phone. The OPPO Reno8 T has also been tested to maintain 48-Month Fluency, allowing users to enjoy their Portrait Expert for up to four years without slowing down.

Boosting the all-around entertainment experience, the OPPO Reno8 T comes with flagship dual stereo speakers and Ultra Volume Mode to immerse users in their games and videos.

The OPPO Reno8 T also comes with 5000mAh battery and 33W SUPERVOOC charging technology, which powers up the gadget to 100% in just 67 minutes. Users can also expect 8GB RAM plus 256GB ROM, as well as OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology.

Coming Soon

The all-new Portrait Expert, the OPPO Reno8 T, will be launched  in the Philippines on February 8, 2023. Stay tuned to https://www.oppo.com/ph/ or check out OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok for more information.

Sony redefines the Entertainment Experience with the newest SRS-XV900 High Power Wireless Speaker

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Sony SRS-XV900 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Becoming the life of a party or coming home to an immersive watching experience is probably among the #goals of almost everyone. Redefine your relaxation – whether it is through social gatherings or movie-watching at home because whenever and wherever you are, you can bring Sony’s SRS-XV900 high power wireless Bluetooth speaker with you!

Live life loud as Sony introduces the SRS-XV900 wireless Bluetooth speaker – the latest addition to Sony’s state-of-the-art X-Series portable wireless speakers.

Louder and more powerful than ever, the SRS-XV900 is best for those who love music like those who want to experience immersive music through streaming, party chasers, karaoke singers, musicians, and even those who just want to enjoy their time and relaxation at their homes. Here are the reasons why.

Party-Ready

Sony’s SRS-XV900 is party-ready. Fire up any celebration like birthdays and anniversaries both indoors and outdoors with the SRS-XV900’s Omnidirectional Party Sound. Thanks to its X-Balanced Speaker Unit, Jet Bass Booster port, and non-circular diaphragm, you can easily hype up everyone with a richer, clearer, and deeper music experience for your friends and family.

It also has midrange drivers and six tweeter units in its front, side, and top for vocal clarity giving out high-frequency sound all-around, perfect for a live music experience.

The party will not be complete without dazzling lights that’s why the XV900 has omnidirectional pulsating LED lights which can illuminate and turn up the party feels of the whole room.

Better TV-viewing Experience

Take the opportunity to enjoy your family bonding moments or even your me-time as you enjoy movies and concerts in the comfort of your home with the XV900 speakers by just connecting to its optical input.

The Sony-XV900 is equipped with Sony’s latest and exclusive TV Sound Booster function with deep bass and realistic high-frequency sound for a full immersive experience.

Plug in and Play

Anyone can play the DJ role with XV900’s plug-in and play feature. With a complete top-notch touch panel, take control of the speakers – change its functions, settings, or lighting with just a single click.

Connect your phone and blast your favorite playlist on its USB-A output or you may just connect it via Bluetooth and use the Sony Music Center App with its cool and fun features like Gesture and DJ Control. Sony Music Center also allows you to personalize your audio settings and playlist and use the Party Connect function that can hook up with up to 100 compatible speakers to sync the music and lights.

You might as well host karaoke nights, singer or not, as you can easily plug-in a microphone or two with XV900. You may also opt to connect a guitar for your acoustic nights with friends using the speaker as your amplifier.

The XV900 also features the Bluetooth Fast Pair where your device becomes instantly discoverable as soon as you turn it on.

Always on the Go

The party truly never stops with XV900 and its 25-hour battery life to turn up the festivities any time of the day. It has a quick charging feature that can get you 3 hours of playing time in just 10 minutes. The handy speaker also comes with a Battery Care function saving the battery from overcharging.

With its carry handle and wheels, you can roll all your way to your party and take the wireless XV900 with you anywhere conveniently. It also has an IP67 Rating, which ensures that it can withstand water and dust everywhere you go.

Did you also know that Sony is aiming to achieve a zero environmental footprint for its products? With this in mind, Sony not only produces specially designed speakers but also cares for its environment. XV900 uses uniquely developed recycled plastic for its front and rear panels and internal parts.

Whether it's for a party, home entertainment, or casual music playing, the XV900 is the best wireless Bluetooth speaker for you.

Want to redefine your experience? The SRS-XV900 is now available at Sony Flagship Stores online and Authorized Dealers nationwide for only PHP 57,999.00.

Gov’t should double down on open finance to hasten financial inclusion goals – ECCP-SCOFFI

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The government ought to double down its initiatives on open finance, as it races to achieve its financial inclusion goals this year, according to the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (ECCP) Special Committee on Open Finance and Financial Inclusion (SCOFFI).

As the new administration assures that it will prioritize digital transformation on a national scale, the ECCP-SCOFFI believes that it is high time that the government places more premium on the development of policies and the rollout of more open finance initiatives in the country.

Open finance allows industry players to create customer-centric products and provide better access to critical financial services such as savings, insurance, and credit. This year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) aims to bring at least 70 percent of adult Filipinos into the formal financial system, but as of 2022, 47 percent of the population remains unbanked.

“With multiple economic crises at present and a looming global recession ahead of us, financial inclusion should be emphasized now more than ever. The inclusion of multiple economic sectors in the Philippines is crucial, especially considering that we are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19 and many challenges are already being posed by the circumstances in the post-pandemic era. As staunch advocates of inclusivity, we at ECCP-SCOFFI vow to support the government’s endeavors towards financial inclusion and open finance,” ECCP-SCOFFI Chairman John Januszczak said.

Januszczak, who also sits as president of UBX, the leading open finance platform in the Philippines, added that open finance can help in rebuilding the economy by strengthening digital businesses.

He cited a Google and Temasek study that predicted that the Philippine digital economy, currently valued at $20 billion, is expected to maintain an upward trajectory to as much as $150 billion in the next decade.

“This trend highlights the urgent need for the government to accelerate its digital transformation initiatives to maximize the potential of the digital economy. Digital finance will be the bedrock of digital transactions. Through open finance, we can help reduce finance and even social inequalities in the Philippines,” Januszczak said.

Under Januszczak’s leadership, the UBX supported the government’s open finance initiatives through several projects.

Digital Transformation ng Pilipinas (DigiPinas), a UBX-led multisectoral initiative for digital transformation in the government, was launched in 2022. DigiPinas aids the government in crafting policies related to digital transformation, geared towards solving age-old problems such as low digital adoption, lack of awareness, gaps in access, digital skills gap, and complex regulations.

DigiPinas also helped in bringing ​​digital solutions to the national and local governments, especially those that are in the far-flung and rural municipalities.

UBX also launched last year Project Kasama sa Lahat with the Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost), which is currently transforming hundreds of its post offices nationwide into modern hubs that offer financial and data services to far-flung areas.

In addition to widening its geographic scope, open finance also seeks to benefit the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which include sari-sari stores, carinderia, and fish stalls that rely on loans to sustain their businesses.

Moreover, UBX’s SeekCap, its online lending platform, provided entrepreneurs access to loans that they need to expand their businesses.

Additionally, i2i, the banking-as-a-service platform of UBX, empowered MSMEs to become cash agents, enabling them to process financial transactions similar to banks.

“Achieving financial inclusion is not just a one-man agenda. It requires cooperation among all those involved, but it must be emphasized that the government must be at the forefront of this campaign. I have full faith in our leaders that they will call upon the best people for the job in promoting its open finance initiatives,” Januszczak said.

Established to promote financial inclusion in the Philippines, ECCP-SCOFFI provides an avenue for stakeholders to discuss issues and solutions to the status quo while fostering financial inclusion through technology. Together with UBX, the Special Committee has been a big help to the BSP when it comes to formulating open finance standards and procedures for better implementation.