PLDT Champions Sustainability Through the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Project

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Celebrating leadership and sportsmanship, the PLDT Group held its MVP Cup Golf Tournament, at the Sta. Elena Golf & Country Club in Laguna. With its theme, “Further Together Through Camaraderie Among Champions,” PLDT partnered with organizations that pushed for sustainable development through innovation and corporate social responsibility, most notably with the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), PLDT Group’s social outreach arm.

Present during the turnover of the donation was Chief Technology Officer, Jojo G. Gendrano; ePLDT President and CEO, Victor S. Genuino; PLDT Group President & CEO, Al S. Panlilio; Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot; and PLDT-Smart Foundation President, Esther Santos

Marking the annual tournament’s 19th year, partners and guests gathered to recharge, unwind, reconnect, and contribute to a meaningful cause at the fellowship night of the newly returned golf event. PLDT has long embedded sustainability in all aspects of its business and aspires to maintain relationships with like-minded partners. This year’s beneficiary is the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program, a sustainable approach to create livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmer cooperatives and associations in Bohol, especially after the devastating effects of super typhoon Odette last December 2021. Through the MVP Cup, PSF turned over P250,000 to its Adopt-a-Cacao Project.

During the event, Bohol Chocolate maker and entrepreneur, Dalareich Polot, shared the disastrous effects of the super typhoon on her home island, particularly on farming cacao trees that are a big part of Boholano culture.

Through her efforts and the support of PSF and Alagang Kapatid Foundation, also under the MVP Group, she was able to continue with rebuilding and recovery projects– most notably with the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program. Through this project, the farmers will undergo two days hands-on training to learn about cacao rehabilitation and rejuvenation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and values formation.

Guided by its commitment to driving the country’s digital capabilities forward, PLDT will also integrate technology into the project with data gathering to be done through QR codes for a more efficient cacao inventory and traceability. Producers will likewise be connected to the right market to sell their quality dried cacao beans to chocolate makers in Bohol.

With cacao rehabilitation, propagation, and production, the community would be able to recover their cacao trees and make them productive again. This is in line with Polot’s vision of supplying quality cacao beans to all the chocolate makers in Bohol, the Philippines, and the world.

The MVP Cup continues to be a platform that strengthens sportsmanship and leadership while raising awareness on important causes such as this. The Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program is proof of PLDT’s commitment to its values of integrity, excellence, and that by working hand in hand, organizations and businesses can go Further Together.

To make a donation to the Bohol Cacao Production and Rehabilitation Training Program and other programs, please visit www.pldtsmartfoundation.org or at www.facebook.com/dalareichchocolatehouse.

Sony continues to revolutionize the industry with its new camera lens line-up

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Sony is redefining the standard zoom category of lenses with the introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G, known as the SEL2070G that boasts an ultra-wide 20-70mm zoom range in a remarkably compact, lightweight full-frame lens, with a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range.

The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G (SEL2070G)

With impressive G LensTM image quality, high-speed accuracy and tracking AF, and a smart design for maximum mobility and operability, this new lens is designed for a wide range of creators. The FE 20-70mm F4 G is the perfect choice for vlogging, movie production, and still portrait and landscape shots.

According to professional photographer and Sony Philippines Product Expert Nicco Valenzuela, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is comparably lighter and more compact than most standard zoom lenses with a constant aperture. As a photographer himself, this lens will be of significant help when packing camera equipment for shoots. There are also instances when photographers do not want to carry a separate ultra-wide angle lens with them, so the capability of the FE 20-70mm F4 G to go all the way to 20mm wide is really handy and offers significant versatility.

“The introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G sees the standard zoom category of lenses redefined”, said Yasufumi Machitani, General Manager, Digital Imaging Division, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “The new concept lens has an incredible, ultra-wide zoom range from 20mm through to 70mm to ensure true versatility – perfectly designed for both still and video creators with its sophisticated imagery and high-level operability”, he added.

Compact and lightweight new standard zoom covers ultra-wide 20-70mm​, the FE 20-70mm F4 G just weighs only 488g but offers outstanding optical performance in a remarkably compact, lightweight size thanks to Sony’s latest lens design and XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors technology.​

What’s more, the ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range makes it possible to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony α7R V.   A  comparison of a shot taken with a 24-105mm lens (up) to the new Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G’s 20-70mm lens (down)

Outstanding image quality consistent with the G Lens logo

The new lens boasts unique G Lens image quality that produces a state-of-the-art optical design that simultaneously corrects chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range. Optimized coatings add high flare and ghost resistance to this superior optical design, for extraordinary contrast and clarity.​ Furthermore, beautiful bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration.

“The implications of this in landscape and nature photography is that it focuses closer. By closer, I mean this can focus at 0.25 meters close, and this is significant because most standard zoom lenses can focus at around 0.32 to 0.38 at most. This can focus on details much closer, such as flowers and medium-sized insects which counts as near-macro capabilities. At the same time, focusing closer can help landscape photographers do focus-stacked wide images of vistas that create the most detailed output possible. Even more conveniently, this close focusing capability can be used in tandem with the new Sony α7R V’s automated focus bracketing mode that greatly simplifies the focus stacking workflow,” said Valenzuela.

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela using the Sony A7RV camera with the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G lens

Maximises camera AF performance for stills and video

The lens’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD Linear Motors, providing high thrust for a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over previous models[i], resulting in up to a 60% increase in AF speed[ii].

Video performance designed for refined imagery

The FE 20-70mm F4 G reduces focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure that the highest quality images are captured.

AlphaTM series cameras’ Active Mode[iii] image stabilization is highly effective at the ultra-wide 20 mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range, providing excellent image stabilization performance, whilst maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage whilst walking.

Focus is especially critical when shooting high-resolution 4K or 8K movies. The FE 20-70mm F4 G works with AlphaTM series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects.

High-level operability and reliability for any environment

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G’s independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings feature optimized diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum versatility when recording video. ​

Photographed by Nicco Valenzuela

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G is priced at P75,000 and will be available in select Sony Authorized Dealers nationwide starting February 17, 2023. Find out more information about the SEL2070G here: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/camera-lenses/sel2070g.

Development of New G Master™ 300mm F2.8 Telephoto Full-Frame E-mount Lens

In addition to this stunning new lens, Sony also announced the development of the long-awaited FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens that is set to launch in early 2024.

Large-aperture super-telephoto lenses like the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS are highly acclaimed by sports and wildlife photographers around the world for their outstanding resolution and AF performance. As such, the new lens will feature the incredible high-resolution and spectacularly beautiful bokeh of Sony's acclaimed line of flagship G Master™ series lenses, whilst also offering a far-reaching 300 mm focal length and F2.8 large aperture.

Follow /SonyPhilippines on Facebook and @sonyphinc on Instagram to stay updated on FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto lens announcements.

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[i] Compared to the SEL2470Z.

[ii] Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.

[iii] With a compatible camera. Active Mode causes a slight reduction in angle of view.

Clark Aurora Music Festival Day 2 with Ely Buendia is almost sold out

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Following the success of the Eraserheads reunion concert last December, the DAY 2 of the upcoming Clark Aurora Music Festival has people rushing to buy tickets with Ely Buendia as its main headliner.

Festival organizers EP!C Events received such a strong demand for the mega line-up of the second day of said festival. They have been receiving “non-stop” inquiries, and as of this writing, tickets are said to be almost sold out because of the clamor for Ely’s headlining set, as well as OPM acts Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Mayonnaise, and Silent Sanctuary. 

It really came as a surprise for the organizers and thoroughly inspired them to make the Hot Air Balloon and Night Glow themed music festival as unforgettable and magnificent as possible this year. It also proves that the OPM scene is alive and well as the local music lovers keep on growing. Tickets went on sale last January 26, 2023.

Aurora Music Festival DAY 1 is 70% sold too! Hurry and get your tickets now.

Visit our website for tickets http://ticket.clarkaurorafest.com/ and www.smtickets.com and all SM Tickets outlets.

Clark Aurora Music Festival is presented by EP!C EVENTS and EGGSTOP.  Co-presented by Pepsi & Gatorade. In cooperation with Clark Global City, Clark Development Corporation and The Medical City Clark.

Thanks to our Major sponsors: Barenbliss, Gcash, realme, Aquaflask, Viber, San Miguel Brewery and Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog.

 

For inquiries, please call 09812390349 or message our Facebook Page @ClarkAuroraFest.

FACEBOOK: @ClarkAuroraFest

TIKTOK: @auroraclarkfest

VIBER CHANNEL: Aurora Music Festival

#ClarkAuroraFest2023

#EP!CEVENTS

An Actual Airplane Was Used to Announce Cebu Pacific’s Partnership with GoTyme Bank and Go Rewards

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Plus, here’s what you need to know about this exciting (and rewarding) team-up.

If you think you've seen it all, think again. It's the year 2023 and it's hardly ever surprising when new tech arises, but GoTyme Bank went all out for their “Rewards Boosted” launch event held at Palacio de Memoria in Paranaque on February 9, 2023. Let's just say they went big—which is the right word to describe GoTyme Bank's exciting partnership with Cebu Pacific and Go Rewards.

GoTyme Bank used an experimental technology called 3D mapping video, which maps video footage onto surfaces like buildings, runways, water, and airplanes, turning them into astonishing displays. For this launch, they used an actual airplane! The result: 80 seconds of pure entertainment—a showstopping display like we’ve never seen before!

Here's what some of the guests have to say about the stunning display. "I was in awe seeing the 3D mapping technology done in a plane. As it was creative and well-thought, this signifies where we are headed—more innovations ahead. With GoTyme, Cebu Pacific, and Go Rewards making travel more accessible and fun, especially coming after the 2-year pause because of the pandemic, I am excited to experience the world again," shared Mela Habijan, Miss Trans Global 2020.

Mela Habijan at the “Rewards Boosted” launch.

Video creator Miss Nate shared, “Definitely something I haven’t seen before! We’ve seen the plane at Palacio before but this totally caught us off guard. Such a fun and refreshing way to spice up the atmosphere of the place and the event. I look forward to seeing more of it.”

Miss Nate at the “Rewards Boosted” launch.

Feast your eyes on GoTyme Bank’s jaw-dropping 3D Mapping video launch: https://fb.watch/iBTa2efioq/

Rewards Boosted with GoTyme Bank, Go Rewards, and Cebu Pacific

So what does GoTyme Bank’s, Go Rewards’, and Cebu Pacific’s team-up mean for you? Go Rewards members earn points each time they book Cebu Pacific flights—but when you use your GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card or Virtual Card to book your flight, you get to earn even more Go Rewards points which you can use to book future flights. If you stack enough points, you can actually book flights for free and even purchase flight add-ons. Talk about a rewards boost!

Now, a flight booked with Cebu Pacific and GoTyme Bank means more travels, more rewards, and more bang for your buck. But most importantly, you get to experience a rich and colorful life by exploring different cultures, provinces, and countries.

Boost your rewards for a rewarding travel experience each time you fly

This new rewards program is a permanent feature and not just a promo so every Juan has all the time in the world to take advantage of this boosted rewards system from GoTyme Bank. In case you don’t have a GoTyme Bank account or a Go Rewards account yet, take this as a sign to open one so you don’t miss out on this rewarding points system!

This year, start creating travel memories with your favorite people once again! Download the GoTyme Bank app now on iOS or Android, or open an account at any of its kiosks nationwide, and use it to pay for your Cebu Pacific flights. #GoTymeBank #RewardsBooster #PreferredMOPforGG #GokongweiGroup

Follow GoTyme's official website, Facebook, and Instagram for more information.

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About GoTyme Bank

GoTyme is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and is a joint venture of Tyme, a multi-country digital banking group, with members of the Gokongwei Group of companies, namely Robinsons Bank, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. GoTyme Bank aims to unlock its customers’ financial potential with the convenience and security of digital banking. With a high tech-high touch approach, GoTyme Bank combines the ease of immediate account opening with a personalized debit card released through kiosks located in shopping malls throughout the Philippines, plus the power of self-serve financial solutions accessible through an intuitive “all in one” banking app. These, along with other industry-leading offerings, set GoTyme Bank on track to revolutionize banking in the Philippines.

About Go Rewards

Go Rewards is a Happiness Booster – A loyalty program that gives members personalized deals & offers based on where and what they buy and rewards members with points from partners. With 2,000+ merchants nationwide, members can easily earn points for spending their hard-earned money & use points to pay in Cebu Pacific, Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, No Brand, Caltex, South Star Drug, Rose Pharmacy, and Maxicare to name a few. Download the top-rated Go Rewards app in the App Store and Play Store or get a Go Rewards card from any of our merchant partners.

About the Gokongwei Group

The Gokongwei Group represents one of the largest and most diversified collections of Filipino companies. The group is composed of JG Summit Holdings Inc. which has business interests in food manufacturing, air transport, real estate and property development, banking, and petrochemicals; Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), which includes supermarket, department store, and specialty retail brand operations; the Summit Media Group; and other privately held companies.

HONOR’s upcoming Magic5 Pro AI Captures Record-Breaking Moment in Guinness World of Records

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HONOR unleashes again its power of magic with its latest flagship phone’s AI camera capabilities

The #HONORMagic5 Pro captures a record-breaking moment with its AI technology #UnleashThePowerofMagic #MWC23

HONOR has partnered with Guinness World Record to showcase and give a preview of the brand-new camera of the HONOR Magic5 Pro, which will be launched at MWC 2023 on the 27th of February, with a basketball player, who’s attempted to break a world record.

One is taken by the AI camera of HONOR Magic5 Pro, showing the best moment of sport movement, and the other photo is the behind the scene, to show how HONOR Magic5 Pro captured the best moment.

Guinness World Record social: https://twitter.com/GWR/status/1625072505432965120

HONOR social: https://twitter.com/Honorglobal/status/1625073796708470784

The official global launch of the HONOR Magic5 Pro will be at MWC 2023 on February 27th, 8:30pm (Philippine time).  Watch the live launch here:https://goo.su/n8r

#HONORMagic5

#HONORMagicVs 

#MWC23