Bringing Epic within reach as Samsung announces Galaxy AI features and new prices for the Galaxy S23 Series

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After launching the new Galaxy AI features with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung recently announced efforts to make Galaxy AI even more accessible. More epic features are now within your reach as this March, Samsung’s new One UI 6.1 update is bringing Galaxy AI to more devices, including the Galaxy S23 Series, with the new AI features set to enhance and elevate the users’ experience.

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The Galaxy S23 Series now has an epic price tag of up to P13,000 off

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The Galaxy AI features come with tools to enhance productivity, communication, and creativity – and this update comes at the perfect time as Samsung announces new prices for the Galaxy S23 Series.

Epic Features within Reach

Looking for a worthy and epic upgrade? All variants from the Galaxy S23 Series are now available with their newly adjusted price of up to P13,000 off. The epic part is that you will also now get the best of what Galaxy AI has to offer with the new One UI 6.1 update coming this month.

The features include Chat Assist which allows users to adjust message tone from casual to formal and translate messages in 13 different languages. Galaxy users can also translate phone calls into voice and text in real time through Live Translate and use Interpreter that has a split-screen feature to generate text translations for live conversations without internet.

The update also integrates features that promote epic productivity experience. Galaxy AI is also changing the way we search through Circle to Search with Google wherein users can trigger intuitive search through swift-circle motioned gestures when browsing the Internet or within various applications.

Time management has never been easier with Note Assist, which generates summaries and translates notes, Browsing Assist, which delivers comprehensive summaries of news articles, and Transcript Assist which provides complete transcriptions for meeting recordings and can even identify multiple speakers.

Through Galaxy AI, being creative is made more effortless. Galaxy AI tools involve Generative Edit, users can easily reposition, resize, or realign objects for a perfect photo. Meanwhile, through Edit Suggestion polishing photos is faster and now easier than ever. Lastly through Instant Slow-mo, Galaxy users can generate additional frames in slow-motion videos to capture epic moments.

Create and Share More Epic Moments with the Galaxy S23 Series

Now with better AI tools for making content, you can even capture the galaxy at night through its 10MP 3x Optical Zoom Telephoto Camera, allowing you to smoothly zoom-in any subject for your shots, combined with a 50MP Wide-angle Camera for wonderful landscape shots, and a 12MP Selfie camera for profile worthy selfie. All are equipped with high-resolution sensors and intelligent and light absorbing pixels for easy use.

The Galaxy S23 series also comes with a long-lasting and fast-charging battery up to 5000mAH. You can also play games and stream anywhere as it has an Adaptive 120 Hz smooth scrolling capacity, an enhanced screen visibility through its optimal color and brightness, and an Eye Comfort Shield that protects your eyes from Blue Light.

Epic Design, Epic Style with Galaxy

Be part of the movement in protecting the Galaxy as the Galaxy S23 series is designed to be durable and earth-friendly. Packed with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 on its Front and Back glass, and a frame forged from the most durable Armor Aluminum, each variant is tucked into a box made of recycled paper and paper-based protective film, making unboxing more satisfying than ever.

Available in earth-inspired tones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series is painted with refreshing colors perfect for your epic style.

Starting with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, from P103,990, P89,990 and P81,990, you can now buy it for P90,990 (12/1TB); P76,990 (12/512GB); and P68,990 (12/256 GB). The Galaxy S23+, from its original price of P76,990 and P68,990, is now available for P66,990 (8/512 GB) and P58,990 (8/256 GB). The Galaxy S23 has been adjusted from P57,990 and P53,990 to P51,990 (8/256 GB) and P47,990 (8/128 GB). Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 FE is now available for P31,990 (8GB/128GB) and P34,990 (8GB/256GB), from their original price of P36,990 and P39,990 respectively.

For more information, follow us at Facebook, Instagram, and X. To know more about Samsung’s latest offerings, visit www.samsung.com/ph/.

Zed launches first credit card created for Filipino young professionals

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Tailored for the Gen Z lifestyle, the new credit card offers no annual, interest, or foreign transaction fees

In the Philippines, despite the financial industry’s recent attempts at digitalization, customers still face significant hurdles when it comes to accessing credit products. A recent study by TransUnion Philippines showed that 94% of Filipino Gen Zs see the importance of credit and lending products to reach their financial goals. Still, only 35% report having sufficient access to such products.

“If you talk to any Filipino, there’s still significant frustration with the complexity, lack of transparency, and bureaucracy embedded in financial services. Only 8% of Filipinos own a credit card, largely because it is incredibly difficult to get one if you don’t already have one,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder.

Complicated application processes, tedious documentation, and arbitrary underwriting methods are among the challenges that disproportionately impact young people when applying for their first credit card accounts. Those lucky to get approved face astronomical APRs, punitive fees, and a broken customer experience. These observations led to the creation of Zed, the first credit card for young Filipino professionals.

“We founded Zed on the belief that young people in the Philippines and Southeast Asia deserve better financial products, better technology, and ultimately better service tailored to their lifestyles and exceeding their expectations,” Danielle added.

Created by two Stanford engineers and Y-Combinator alumni, Zed is a credit-led neobank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Its first offering is a Mastercard Titanium credit card that boasts no interest, no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees and is backed by a groundbreaking app – all of which makes it the ideal credit card for everyday spending, travel, utilities, and everything in between.

“As a technology company from day one, we don’t have to pay for costly overhead like physical branches or bloated headcounts for manual, back office processes. We’re able to pass these savings on to customers in the form of no revolving interest, no fees, and excellent customer service. We started Zed on the premise that you could build financial services where a customer’s success was a core value,” said Steve Abraham, Zed co-founder.

“Our proprietary technology platform allows us to remove the pain in traditional banking, deliver powerful first-to-market features, and provide a fair and transparent cost structure where both Zed and the customer could win,” he added.

This sentiment and Zed's mission resonated with many Filipinos. The waitlist received almost 25,000 sign-ups within the first three weeks.

“Our business model is simple and purposely built to succeed only if our customers do. Our revenue comes from the interchange fee, a standard fee that gets charged to merchants by all banks for transactions that flow over the Mastercard network,” Steve explained.

First-in-market features tailored to the Gen Z lifestyle

Beyond no interest and no fees, the Zed card is backed by a robust and secure app that ensures that customers always have full and instant control of their expenses by giving them a real-time view of their transactions, the ability to set spending limits and access to fraud controls like the ability to lock/freeze a compromised card in the app.

Zed also puts a premium on user privacy and security by offering unlimited virtual cards: Users can generate unique credit card numbers to use with merchants so they never have to worry about their primary card details being exposed. Zed also provides zero liability for all unauthorized transactions and protects customers from paying for charges made without their permission.

In addition to these features, customers enjoy an effortless payment experience facilitated through the app, where they can generate an InstaPay QR code to instantly settle their monthly bill from any bank app or e-wallet, ensuring stress-free on-time payments.

The streamlined application process also allows customers to complete the entire card application within minutes through the app, eliminating the need for cumbersome documentation or in-person visits to bank branches.

Zed determines smart credit limits based on current and future income, rather than outdated credit scores, traditional career profiling, or existing card limits. This approach caters to young professionals with high incomes but limited credit histories.

“At Zed, we’re reimagining what a credit card could be – smarter underwriting, groundbreaking features, no fees, and a revenue model that doesn’t rely on a customer’s failure to pay down their balance,” said Danielle.

Learn more about Zed and hop on the waitlist by visiting zed.co.

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About Zed:

Zed is a powerful credit card built for young professionals in Southeast Asia, starting with the Philippines. With no interest, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees, Zed is challenging the status quo and delivering a smart, frictionless, and transparent experience powered by groundbreaking technology. Stanford engineers and Y Combinator Alumni Danielle Cojuangco Abraham and Steve Abraham cofounded the company backed by Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures.

Headquartered in San Francisco and Manila, Zed is a credit-led neobank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and a Principal Member of Mastercard.

Century Park Hotel offers exclusive offers for Elite Card Members

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Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of the finest and premier hotels in Manila, is pleased to announce that Elite Card members can now avail of additional perks!

Introduced a few years ago, the Elite Card membership program allows patrons and guests of CPH to enjoy rewards and privileges from F & B to room discounts as well as other exciting benefits.  For a nominal fee, one can sign up and become a member right away!

Beginning this March, existing Elite Card Members can also enjoy 20% off on their total bill at Century Tsukiji Buffet by simply presenting their card before billing out.  To avoid any inconvenience, a prior reservation is required.  The offer is not valid in conjunction with any other discounts and not applicable during F&B blackout dates   (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day  and Chinese New Year).

“We always aim to give our guests a memorable experience once they step inside the hotel.  The exclusive offers that we added to the Elite Card members’ enjoyment is our way of expressing gratitude for their loyalty and continuous patronage ,” said Anna Dimagiba, Century Park Hotel’s OIC for Hotel Operations.

You too can become an Elite Card member today!  For applications, contact 0917 3289638 or email eyanson@centurypark.com.ph or visit www.centuryparkhotel.com.ph. Once you are a member you may enjoy these Dining Privileges: Meal discounts at Café in the Park for Lunch and Dinner Buffet: (20% discount for 1 diner, 50% discount for 2 diners, 33% discount for 3 diners, 25% discount for 4 diners and 20% discount for 5 or more diners) Only one membership card may be accepted per table / meal period.

In addition, you may also avail of the following:

• 20% discount on food and beverages in all outlets except at Deli Snack or for special promotional items.

• 10% discount on regular items from Deli Snack.

• Two (2) certificates worth Php 500 each to be used when dining at any outlet except Deli Snack.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary birthday cake in any outlet when dining in (reservation is recommended).

• One (1) certificate for complimentary standard drinks for two (2) persons at the Atrium Lounge.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary buffet for two (2) persons at Café in the Park.

• One (1) certificate for a specialty Ice Cream at Century Tsukiji.

• Two (2) certificates for a complimentary swimming pool pass for two (2) persons.

The Elite Card membership also comes with accommodation benefits:

• 35% discount on room accommodations based on best available rates (suites are not included).

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Deluxe Room on the 2nd night with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons (best available rates only).

• Two (2) certificates for a special room rate of Php 8,000 in a Superior room with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons. Each certificate is good for a minimum of two nights’ stay.

• One (1) certificate for a complimentary overnight stay in a Superior room (for a minimum banquet function of Php150,000).

• Four (4) certificates for 45% off on rooms based on best available rates (suites are not included).

• Three (3) certificates for a complimentary room upgrade to the next available room category (suites are not included).

All accommodation benefits are subject to availability and not valid during high occupancy and blackout dates. An advance reservation is required and the offer is not valid in conjunction with other promotions and closed-out dates (December 24, 25, 31 & January 1, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year).

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas celebrates 25 years with sterling offers

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Since it opened its doors in 1999, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas has been committed to providing its guests with delightful service and value-for-money offerings to create exceptional moments that turn into treasured memories. This year, this pioneering hotel in the heart of Ortigas Center celebrates a quarter of a century’s worth of meaningful experiences with exciting promotions to thank its valued patrons for their unwavering support over the years.

A Timeless Stay.

In commemoration of its 25th anniversary, Richmonde presents its loyal guests with 25% off on a special room package that includes the essentials for a comfortable stay. Room rates start at just PhP 5,000nett, discounted from PhP 6,800nett, and includes breakfast buffet for two persons, free upgrade to the next room category for Superior and Deluxe Room bookings (subject to availability), a box of Richmonde’s signature mini ensaymadas, an exclusive anniversary souvenir, 25% off on food and beverage orders, 25% off on in-room massage services, and complimentary use of the hotel’s gym and heated indoor pool. Available only for stays until March 31, 2024, this promotional room package provides the perfect opportunity to create new memories at an extraordinary value.

Classic Bar Chow & Drink Sets at The Exchange.

Toast to 25 years of good times through the years at The Exchange with a collection of tasty bar bites, ice-cold brews, and delicious cocktails perfect for sharing during nights out with friends. The first of the classic set consists of pica-pica favorites—sisig Kapangpangan, tokwa’t baboy, kropek, and six bottles of San Miguel Light, San Miguel Pale Pilsen, or Smirnoff Mule. The second set is composed of pub grub best-sellers, namely queso fundido, pulled pork quesadilla, house-made potato chips, and three glasses of featured cocktails. Each set is good for two to three persons and is priced at just PhP 1,999nett. Available only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays this March, except during Holy Week.

Savory Sterling Sets at Richmonde Café.

No celebration is complete without the joy of dining. As Richmonde turns silver, the hotel’s all-day restaurant introduces a carefully curated delectable set meal that’s great for those team lunches with colleagues, dinner meetups with friends, and dining out with the family. Designed for groups of three, these sets that come complete with starter, two entrées, dessert, and coffee or tea, offer wonderful comfort food choices at a discounted price of PhP 1,999nett per set.

Those craving for Pinoy dishes can order the set of Richmonde’s crowd favorites that include fresh lumpia, oxtail kare-kare, lechon kawali, and saba con yelo. The family-friendly set of chicken alfredo pizza, two pasta dishes (choice of prawns aglio olio, Bolognese or cacio e pepe), Richmonde fried chicken, and Richmonde chocolate cake will delight the kids and the young-at-heart. For a taste of Asian flavors, the set with Thai beef salad, lemongrass chicken, BBQ pork spareribs with herb potatoes, and chilled mango and matcha cheesecake will surely hit the spot. The Sterling Sets are available everyday until March 31, 2024 and may also be ordered for in-room dining.

The 25-year milestone of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a culmination of not just the hard work, dedication, and determination of its management and staff, but more importantly the relationships forged with guests through the years. “This celebration is not about our hotel’s legacy but about our appreciation to our loyal clients and guests who have become like family to us,” said Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas. “Our journey to where we are now has been more significant and rewarding with the support from our esteemed guests and the community. As our way of extending our heartfelt gratitude, we invite everyone to take advantage of these special offers and join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and more years of creating enriching experiences.”

For bookings and inquiries, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. You may also call or message via mobile/Viber 0917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) and 0917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café). For online bookings with instant confirmation, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

As the initial venture of leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation, into the hospitality business, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a proud local brand that opened in 1999 at the heart of the then-burgeoning Ortigas Center. It is now a member of the steadily growing stable of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelOrtigas on Facebook and Instagram.

“Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” Win Big at Inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

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“Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respectively at the inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night. Held on March 16 at the Gateway Cineplex 18, it was an emotional night as both established names as well as young up-and-comers received recognition for their exceptional efforts.

In the full-length category, Kurt Soberano’s debut feature “Under a Piaya Moon” left the biggest impact as it bagged six awards including the coveted Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Close behind was Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Pushcart Tales” which left with four awards including Panalong Direktor and Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado.

Meanwhile among the student shorts, Ronjay-C Mendiola’s “Last Shift” achieved the most accolades, winning five awards through the night including Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Diezelle C. Masilungan’s “Kung Nag-aatubili” also impressed with a total of four awards including Panalong Direktor and a tie for Panalong Pangalawang Aktor.

Award winners were selected by an esteemed jury of judges. Victor Villanueva, Emmanuel dela Cruz, Lito Zulueta, served as the jury for the short film category while Jeffery Jeturian, Mae Cruz-Alviar, and June Kim served for the full-length category. Festival directors Ivy Hayagan-Piedad and Chris Cahilig alongside Republic Creative’s Lyle Gonzales served on both juries.

Representatives from festival partners MTRCB and Mowelfund were also in attendance to award special prizes to exceptional film entries.

“Smokey Journey,” “Tiil ni Lola,” and “Kung Nag-aatubili” received first, second, and third prize respectively in the MTRCB Responsableng Paglikha short-film category, while “Under a Piaya Moon” took home the award in the full-length category.

Mowelfund also gave out special citations for “Ka Benjie” in the short film category and “Under a Piaya Moon” in the full-length category. They also gave away scholarships to ten of the most promising student filmmakers to participate in the festival.

Screenings of the festival films will also have an extended run at Gateway 2 Cinemas starting on March 20, Wednesday.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

PINAKAPANALONG PELIKULA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Last Shift”

ALWAYS PANALO FILM

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALONG DIREKTOR

Full-length: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG AKTRES

Full-length: Shamaine Buencamino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Jade Mary Cornelia, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALONG AKTOR

Full-length: Carlos Siguion-Reyna, “Pushcart Tales,” and Jeff Moses, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Jules Azaula, “Last Shift,” and Cristmer Valencia, “May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALONG KARANGALAN MULA SA MGA HURADO

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALO SA MGA MANONOOD

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRES

Full-length: Nicole Omillo, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Maila Rediang, “Repeater si Peter”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Full-length: Joel Torre, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Vince Macapobre, “Last Shift,” and Aiskhylos Akiyama, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG KWENTO

Full-length: Raynier F. Brizuela, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Ronjay-C Mendiola, “Last Shift”

MOWELFUND SPECIAL CITATION

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Ka Benjie”

MOWELFUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Kent Michael Cadungog, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

Jenievive B. Adame, “Smokey Journey”

Daniel Gil, “Distansya”

John Llever Sucaldito, “Tambal nga Sabaw”

Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima, “Till ni Lola”

Alexa Moneii Agaloos, “Ka Benjie”

John Pistol L. Carmen, “Repeater si Peter”)

Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubill”)

Joshua Andrey A. Doce, “I Am Mutya and I Thank You!”

Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon, “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?”

MTRCB RESPONSABLENG PAGLIKHA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film

1st Place: “Smokey Journey”

2nd Place: “Tiil ni Lola”

3rd Place: "Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA CINEMATOGRAPHY

Full-length: Nathan Bringuer, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Anton Acosta, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA PRODUCTION DESIGN

Full-Length: Kurt Soberano and Jed Sicangco, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Mikaela Ganaden, “Remedy Soup”

PANALONG AWITIN

Full-length: “Mahal Kita” by VJ Mendoza, “Road to Happy”

Short Film: “Balik” by Dixzie Dione Cruel, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALONG ENSEMBLE

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA MUSICAL SCORING

Full-length: Owa Marquez, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Bernie del Carmen, “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA EDITING

Full-length: Kurt Soberano and Rodney Jarder Jr., “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Reutsche Colle Lima, Nyle Justin Bacolod, and Elj Seth Tababa, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALO SA SOUND DESIGN

Full-length: Nioki Aquino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Kzee Flores, “May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALO SA FILM POSTER

Full-length: “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: “Last Shift”