Lifestyle Guide: How to choose the right 16-inch laptop for your lifestyle

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Find the ideal bigger and better 16-inch ASUS Vivobook and Zenbook laptops for school, work, entertainment, or content creation.

Pasig City, Philippines, March 3, 2023 — Choosing the right laptop that caters to one’s needs and lifestyle may be a daunting task with many choices available in the market. More often than not, Filipinos must choose between portability over performance, performance over a better display, or a better display over portability. What if there’s a bigger and better laptop that balances users’ needs without compromising anything?

Enter the latest ASUS Vivobook and Zenbook series – a wide range of 16-inch devices ideal for school, work, entertainment, or content creation. These compact and powerful laptops are designed to accommodate a variety of Filipino lifestyles, featuring the best specs and unique features for optimum productivity and creativity.

Choose OLED as the gold standard

ASUS brings the beauty of an OLED display to its 16-inch laptops providing users a viewing experience that’s almost true to life. With a world-leading 3.2K 120Hz 16:10 OLED display, images on ASUS Vivobook Pro 16 OLED (K6602) are vibrant and popping. With the bigger screen real estate, designers and artists can see every line and shade of their drafts. Color-grade and color-match like the pros, as Vivobook Pro 16 OLED has a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Pantone-validated, ensuring supremely accurate colors – may it be in a dark editing room or a brightly-lit café. For those who love post-processing videos, having an OLED display on an editing device only means flicker-less and smooth motions, especially in those fast-paced scenes.

 

Multitasking is also more efficient as Vivobook Pro 16 OLED features up to 12^th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB PCIe SSD, and up to a studio-grade of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. It can handle fast video editing, entry-level 3D animation workflows, and the like, so users can spend more time producing great content and less time staring at progress bars.

Aside from having a bigger display, ASUS engineered Creator-centric features to amplify their creative workflow. The MUX Switch on Vivobook Pro 16 OLED allows reduced latency and increased performance during 3D works. This feature also comes in handy when creators enjoy fast-paced gaming during break time. The ASUS Dial on ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X OLED (UX7602) and the ASUS DialPad on ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED (N7601) give creators a more ergonomic and streamlined way to work. This rotary control lets them fully control parameter adjustments in select Adobe apps. These 16-inch ASUS Creator laptops also come with a free three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Choose the perfect balance between performance and design

Gone are the days when performance and design could not co-exist in one’s school or work laptop. ASUS Vivobook 16X (M1603) and ASUS Vivobook 16 (X1605) make it possible to have an all-around high-performing productivity device in a compact design. Ideal for a hybrid school or work setup, these devices have top specs supporting an expansive 16-inch LCD wide-view NanoEdge display, all in a sleek body. Whether creating a feasibility plan, reviewing documents, taking virtual classes or meetings, or watching the latest TV series, users can enjoy a more immersive viewing experience, all thanks to the real estate a 16-inch display can only offer.

While the exteriors of Vivobook 16X and Vivobook 16 are discreet and polished, they pack a punch on the inside. Under the hood of these Classic Vivobook devices are the latest AMD and Intel processors. Vivobook 16X comes with up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mobile Processor, and Vivobook 16 features an up to 12^th Generation Intel Core i7-1255U CPU. Plus, the 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD on both models give a performance boost for all-day, all-night productivity. To top it all off, both Vivobook 16X and Vivobook 16 are pre-installed with a free lifetime license to Office 2021 Home & Student.

Choose upgraded features

ASUS’ 16-inch laptops are more than just their display and internal specs. They are also designed with many features that take productivity to the next level. Upgrade that video conferencing experience for school or work as the ASUS 16-inch devices are equipped with ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology and ASUS 3D Noise Reduction. These features allow a distraction-free crisp video call without those unnecessary background noise and upgrade the webcam’s image clarity in real-time. Their ASUS ErgoSense keyboards also provide maximum comfort when typing, especially when working on those long reports. They are treated with ASUS Antibacterial Guard[i] for maximum protection and are certified MIL-STD-810H U.S. military grade[ii].

Found the best 16-inch laptop yet? Watch out for ASUS’ most affordable laptop with a 16-inch 4K OLED display, the Vivobook 16X OLED, arriving in early March 2023 for only PHP 56,995.00.

Bigger, Better Discount at 3.3 Shopee and Lazada Birthday Sale

Filipinos can also secure their own ASUS 16-inch laptop through the Shopee 3.3 Big Laptop Sale and ASUS x Lazada Big Birthday Sale Big Laptop Sale at a discounted price of as low as PHP31,615.00. The first five to purchase an ASUS OLED 16-inch or 15-inch laptop will receive a Create with ASUS merchandise. Plus, PHP 100 voucher and free shipping vouchers[iii] await. To know more, visit the ASUS Philippines Facebook page.

All ASUS 16-inch laptops come with Two Years International Warranty and Platinum Protection Warranty and are available on Home Credit at 0% installment of up to 18 months.

Along with features that fit any lifestyle, these devices come in various price points, with a starting regular price of PHP 32,995.00. Visit https://ph.asus.click/PRWTB to know the nearest ASUS Concept Stores and authorized resellers.

Kusina ni Mamang Simmers with Modern-Traditional Dishes this March with Fresh Episodes on BuKo Channel

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Turn up the heat and get ready to cook up a feast as Kusina ni Mamang, BuKo Channel’s well-loved cooking show, makes summer even more gastronomically fun. This year is going to be deliciously different, promising to bring viewers on a culinary journey with featured dishes that are heavily inspired by authentic Filipino cuisine. 

With hosts “Mamang” Pokwang and DJ Jhai Ho adding a dash of comedy and sprinkles of entertainment to the show’s unique format, Kusina ni Mamang’s much-awaited return will first air on March 4, Saturday at 8:00 PM on BuKo Channel, via Pay TV on Cignal and SatLite, Ch 2 also available on Cignal Play via Live TV and Video-On-Demand. 

Catch-up airing on TV5 on March 5, Sunday at 8am.

Follow the fascinating duo of Mamang Pokwang and DJ Jhai Ho as they navigate the country’s rich culture and explore the Filipino’s traditional yet remarkable way of cooking.

“Natutuwa kami sa pagbabalik ng Kusina ni Mamang dahil napakarami pa kaming mas masasarap pa na lulutuin. At syempre, excited din kami sa mga special guests na makakasama naming magluto. Kakaiba din ang bagong segment namin na sasagutin namin ang requests ng mga letter senders, kaya talagang kaabang-abang ang mga bonggang ihahain namin para sa mga manonood,” Pokwang shares

Witness how regional dishes are infused with a modern twist as Mamang Pokwang and DJ Jhai Ho add their very own flavors with the help of special guests, including Dimples Romana, Alex Calleja & Israel Buenaobra, Ara Mina, Baby Baste and Mommy She, Clang Garcia, Adrian Alandy & Joselle, Arci Munoz, Kitty & Kakai Almeda, JM De Guzman, Joem Bascon & Meryll Soriano, Karen Davila, Ariel Rivera & Gelli De Belen and Eugene Domingo who will also share their own cooking styles. Another feature of the new season is the letter sender segment where Mamang and guests re-enact culinary stories sent by fans of the show.

Catch Kusina ni Mamang's return on BuKo Channel this March 4, 8:00 PM, premiering on Cignal and SatLite, Ch 2 and on the Cignal Play app via Live TV and Video-On-Demand, with a TV5 premiere on March 5, Sunday, 8am. For more information, follow Buko Channel on Facebook and Instagram

AXA Philippines teams up with GCash for affordable family insurance

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Affordable and comprehensive insurance for your family is now just a text away as leading insurance provider AXA Philippines partners with leading mobile wallet app GCash for SMS Insure, an insurance product that provides financial protection in the event of hospitalization, accidents, or death.

“Every Filipino deserves comprehensive protection that is both accessible and affordable, which is why we continue to pursue partnerships that bring insurance even closer to Filipinos, especially the underserved population,” shared Nandy Villar, AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer.

For as low as Php 117 per month, SMS Insure, underwritten by AXA, can help you protect yourself and two other members of your family with its Bronze Family Plan. Each insured family member gets best-value comprehensive coverage, with a Php 25,000 Personal Accident Coverage and Php 25,000 Term Life Coverage, respectively. It also comes with a Daily Hospitalization Income of up to Php 750, which pays Php 250 per day up to a maximum confinement of three days.

It is also made more convenient with its easy purchase and claims process. Simply text INSUREFAM117 to 2158-9628 (for Globe users) or 22565-9628 (for non-Globe users) and get insured within the next 1-2 business days. Once your insurance policy has been fully processed, the monthly insurance fee for your selected insurance product will be deducted automatically from your GCash balance. You can also click the GInsure button in the GCash App and go to the Marketplace. Scroll down, click SMS Insure and choose INSUREFAM117 or other SMS Insure plans. Then simply follow the directions on your screen.

To vouch for the ease of its claims process, SMS Insure policyholder Ruby Gastardo shared in a testimonial video how she was able to easily claim her benefits after her mother was unexpectedly hospitalized. She shared, “Na-ospital si nanay. Wala kaming nagawa, kailangan s’yang i-amputate. Kung wala pa akong insurance, doble ang hirap ko sa paghahanap ng pera. Naalala ko na meron pala akong GCash SMS Insure Family Plan. Right after na mailabas si Nanay, kinlaim ko yung benefits ko. Nag-wait lang ako ng ilang days, then sinend na nila sa’kin sa GCash account ko. (My mom was hospitalized. We can’t do anything [as] she had to be amputated. If I didn’t have insurance, it would have been hard to find money. I remembered that I had a GCash Insure Family Plan. Right after my mom was released, I claimed my benefits. I only waited for a few days then they sent it to me through my GCash account.)”

To learn more about SMS Insure, visit gcash.com/smsinsure. To know AXA Philippines’ other insurance products, visit www.axa.com.ph.

Antifragile: Ways to guard your heart

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Watsons health expert shares heart-friendly tips to pump you up and keep you going

Photo by Castorly Stock (Pexels)

Cardiovascular diseases cause 1 in every 3 deaths, making it one of the world’s leading killers. In fact, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’s data, ischemic heart disease is the top cause of death in 2021 with 17.9 percent of the total deaths.

This February marks not just Valentine's Day but Philippine Heart Month. The yearly celebration aims to promote cardiovascular health and wellness. Protecting our hearts against potential heartbreaks and ailments is essential. While the heart is the hardest working muscle in the body, it can still become fragile if not taken care of.

Keep a healthy diet

Heart diseases are serious and fatal but it is possible to prevent them even before symptoms arise. Keeping a healthy diet gives you a good start.

Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts into your meals, and avoid processed, canned, and fast foods. If you’re a fan of salty meats, try seasoning them with Calamansi juice and vinegar instead.

Losing weight is possible with this new diet. Once you've reached the right body mass index (BMI), it is ideal to maintain it to keep your heart healthy. For example, obesity is one of the most common risk factors for heart disease.

Move more

If maintaining a healthy diet proves to be more challenging than expected, move more! Exercising regularly will greatly help the body become stronger. For those who are too busy to sneak in some workout in their daily routine, increasing your mundane physical activities to 2.5 hours per week will be enough. It’s as easy as walking your dog more, brisk walking to the store, choosing stairs over elevators or escalators, dancing to your favorite song, or doing household chores.

Improve lifestyle

Much like obesity, smoking tobacco, and excessively drinking alcohol are risk factors for heart disease. This includes second-hand smoking and e-cigarettes. Make the right lifestyle choice by avoiding these products. Tobacco is proven harmful to the heart and alcohol has been linked to 200 diseases and injury conditions.

Chronic stress also triggers inflammation, high blood pressure, and unhealthy changes in the body. If you suffer from this, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are your best friends.

Heart health check

There are more specific ways to care for the heart. The Watsons Health Hub provides tips to maintain the right levels of cholesterol and blood pressure as well as promote heart function. For example, taking daily supplements can be a good addition to your heart-healthy lifestyle. Fiber decreases the amount of cholesterol your body gets from food, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps lower blood pressure, and fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids that cut down up to 30% of triglycerides, an unhealthy fat in your blood.

For your complete cardiovascular medicines and other health needs, Watsons has over 1,000 stores nationwide that offer over-the-counter and prescription medication as well as expert care through in-store pharmacists, specialists, and staff. You may also conveniently shop online via the Watsons app available for iOS and Android.

Photo by jcomp (Freepik)

While these tips may help you keep your heart healthy, Watsons resident cardiologist Dr. Tony Leachon recommends setting an appointment with your doctor to make sure you are up-to-date with your heart’s condition. “Especially if heart disease runs in your family, it’s best to consult an expert to learn about your risks and how you can manage them,” says Dr. Leachon.

Dr. Leachon added that if you’re experiencing chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, unusual tiredness, sudden dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or cold sweat, inform your doctor right away.

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About Watsons

Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).

Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day. Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

Barbie Almalbis celebrates 25th anniversary with the release of Tower Sessions Live album and a ‘reunion’ concert

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Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a monumental milestone in music with the official release of her Tower Sessions Live album under Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion concert featuring her iconic bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Both celebrations honor her 25^th anniversary in the local music scene as a woman who successfully navigated the realm of Pinoy rock with emotionally resonant songwriting and artistic independence.

Photo by Chealsy Dale

Presenting a new arrangement of her old and new songs, Barbie Almalbis’ Greatest Hits live album was produced by Eric and Carlo Perlas of Tower of Doom, recorded by Kyle Cayton, and mixed/mastered by Simon Durias. It will also feature career-defining hits such as “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile,” along with fairly new tracks: “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s carrier single.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25^th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now available on all digital platforms worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment.

Tickets to her upcoming concert, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis are available for purchase via TicketMelon. The event is presented by GNN Entertainment Productions, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Wellness Store, D&D,  Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block.

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