Calling all Carats! Get a BSS (SEVENTEEN) Postcard Set when you avail the OPPO Reno11 F 5G

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OPPO brings an exciting treat to Filipino Carats as they launch an exclusive promo with the latest faces of the OPPO Reno11 F 5G and OPPO Reno Experts, BSS (SEVENTEEN)!

The subunit of the renowned K-pop group SEVENTEEN has risen to fame with the popularity of their hit songs “Just Do It”, “Fighting (Feat. Lee Young Ji)”, and “7 PM (Feat. Peder Elias)”.  The three members’ embodiment of youthful energy and a genuine love for self-expression perfectly represents the key features of OPPO’s latest smartphone, reflecting the dynamic qualities that set the OPPO Reno11 F 5G apart in the market.

OPPO Reno Expert Seungkwan

OPPO Reno Expert DK

OPPO Reno Expert Hoshi

Starting April 21, 2024, every customer who will avail the #PortraitExpert OPPO Reno11 F 5G  from participating OPPO stores nationwide, OPPO’s official Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop channels and via installment through Home Credit for as low as P759/month at 0% interest will receive an exclusive postcard set which includes two postcards each of BSS (SEVENTEEN) members SEUNGKWAN, DK and HOSHI.

Participating OPPO Brand Stores:

OPPO Brand Stores NCR (starting April 21) - SM North EDSA, SM City Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Ayala Market! Market!, SM City Fairview, Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Grand Central Mall, Glorietta and SM Cubao

OPPO Brand Stores Provincial (starting April 28) - SM City Dasmariñas, SM City Calamba, SM City Lipa, SM City Batangas, SM City Sta Rosa, SM City Bacoor, SM City Cebu, Robinsons Place Dumaguete, SM City Baguio, Robinsons San Nicolas, SM City Legazpi, SM City Naga, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, Robinsons Malolos, SM City Cabanatuan, Gaisano Mall Davao, SM City Davao, SM City Mindoro, SM City Lanang

Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a limited  BSS (SEVENTEEN) charm with OPPO Reno11 F 5G.,

The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is now available in the Philippines for PHP 18,999. With vibrant, eye-catching style, a 64MP Ultra-Clear Triple Camera and a 120Hz AMOLED Borderless display, the Reno11F 5G is a winning combination of fresh looks and smart experiences. It comes in three colorways - Coral Purple, Ocean Blue, and Palm Green.

For more information about the OPPO Reno 11 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ and Facebook page.

 

*Terms and Conditions apply

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-190560 Series of 2024

National Teachers College and APEC Schools' Merger Marks New Chapter in Philippine Education

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In an ambitious move to reshape the educational landscape, the National Teachers College (NTC) and APEC Schools have officially merged to form a stronger education powerhouse.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in late 2023, the merger combines the strengths and resources of both institutions to provide quality and accessible education to more students. NTC, with a 95-year track record of excellence in teacher education, will bring experience, while APEC, known for its innovative and progressive teaching methods, will bring fresh ideas and modern approaches to education. This merger has paved the way for NTC SmartClass, blending traditional wisdom with modern technology.

Introducing the NTC SmartClass Homeschooling Program

During the pandemic, many families opted for homeschooling as a safer alternative to traditional schooling due to concerns about health, flexibility, and personalized learning. As a response to the widespread adoption of homeschooling, NTC SmartClass was introduced in 2023. This program recognized the need for flexible and comprehensive educational solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern-day families. It builds upon the innovative foundations of online learning during the pandemic, retaining the core of progressive teaching methods while incorporating deep educational insights and expertise from NTC's long-standing tradition of excellence.

NTC SmartClass, the homeschooling program of the National Teachers College for Kinder to Grade 10, prioritizes each student's unique learning styles, paces, and interests. This approach is grounded in the understanding that a one-size-fits-all model of education is not only outdated but also ineffective in nurturing every learner's full potential.

The program offers flexible study schedules using a learning-by-doing approach. NTC SmartClass gradually forms skills, helping learners understand and retain information effectively as they develop a love for learning. To accelerate student learning and increase student engagement, NTC SmartClass uses a collaborative environment between Parents, Subject Matter Experts, and Academic Advisers — forming a “triangle of support”.

"During the first year, we observed that NTC SmartClass homeschoolers appreciate the additional layers of support that other homeschooling programs do not provide,” says Mark Sy, Chief Learning Officer at APEC SChools. “The triangle of support ensures that we support each homeschooler along the way and that no one gets left behind, which fosters a love for learning."

Inclusive Flexible Education for Filipino Learners

This merger has paved the way to a more inclusive homeschooling platform for wider socioeconomic classes nationwide, as NTC SmartClass aims to expand its target market.

In the Philippines, educational disruptions due to external factors like severe weather conditions, natural disasters, and health outbreaks are not uncommon. In these situations, homeschooling stands out as a solution that guarantees continuous education without any interruptions.

However, many Filipinos remain skeptical about the viability of homeschooling, largely due to perceived financial barriers. Many homeschooling programs in the Philippines have a base fee for basic services, then charge additional fees for essential elements like assessments, educational materials, and learner support services. These added costs can significantly increase the financial burden on families.

NTC SmartClass aims to break this barrier by offering a flat, affordable rate that ensures homeschoolers can access all the necessary resources and support to thrive academically. The program offers a range of curriculum add-ons at an extra fee, but they are entirely optional, allowing families to tailor the educational experience to their child's interests and needs without feeling pressured by mandatory costs. From comprehensive assessment tools to a wide range of learning materials and dedicated support services, SmartClass makes high-quality flexible education attainable for more Filipino families.

"Amidst the changing education landscape and increasing environmental hazards in the Philippines, homeschooling is an excellent alternative to traditional schooling,” says Pam Wu, Executive Vice President of NTC. “NTC SmartClass emerges as a beacon of personalized learning, offering flexible, safe, and accessible quality education parents seek for their children.”

Philippines named Sustainable Dive Destination at Asia Dive Expo, generates over PHP 197 million in sales leads

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The Philippines’ participation in Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Singapore, known as Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, was a resounding success after a three-day business-to-consumer session, generating Php 197,219,062.09 in combined negotiated sales leads and actual bookings. This marked more than 300% increase from last year’s negotiated sales leads.

In addition to this feat, the country was named the Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year in recognition of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices in dive tourism.

"This recognition, alongside our long list of accolades celebrating the beauty of our nation, underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism practices,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “Participation in trade fairs like ADEX provides us a platform to promote the Philippines' diverse tourism products and experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with local communities and dive operators to ensure sustainable practices are followed so that our country’s treasures will still be enjoyed by future generations in the years to come.”

As the event’s official country partner for the third consecutive year, the Philippine pavilion utilized a 90-square-meter booth space to feature some of the country’s finest dive sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, the famed sardine run of Moalboal in Cebu, and the marine and natural park of Apo Reef in Mindoro.

The Philippine delegation, led by the TPB, is composed of 16 exhibitors from the dive industry, accommodation, and tour operators, including Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Thresher Shark Divers, Infiniti Liveaboard Inc., El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Scandi Divers, M.Y. Resolute, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Logon Fish Buddies Diveshop, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Fun & Sun Dive & Travel, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours/Fisheye Divers, Sea Explorers Philippines, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, who offered dive and liveaboard packages in the top and emerging dive destinations in the Philippines.

In a series of talks and panel discussions, Ram Yoro, a renowned underwater photographer, cave diving expert, Filipino scuba instructor, and author of Guide to Anilao, shared insights on the Best of Philippine diving to further establish and sustain the country’s reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Other Filipinos also represented the country on several panel stages including renowned underwater photographers, Bo Mancao and Alex Santos, and distinguished sustainability advocates, Cat Trivino and Antoinette Taus.

The TPB has been participating in ADEX for more than ten years which has been significant in ensuring that Singapore remains one of the country’s top source markets.

World Intellectual Property Day: OPPO Maintains Top 10 Global IP Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Year

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●       In the “OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper”, OPPO reaffirms its long-term commitment to innovation and its proactive defense intellectual property strategy.

●       OPPO is investing significantly in AI innovation and is committed to advancing and popularizing AI Phones.

Today, OPPO, a leading global technology company, released its "OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper" on World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to innovation and intellectual property protection. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), OPPO ranked ninth globally in patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in 2023, making its fifth consecutive year in the global top ten. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed over 101,000 patent applications globally, with more than 55,000 patents granted, and 91% of all patent applications are utility patents.

"At OPPO, we believe that technological innovation and intellectual property protection are fundamental to our company's past, present, and future success," said Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO. "Through our proactive defense IP strategy and commitment to fostering a healthy long-term IP ecosystem, we are fully committed to supporting the future of innovation as envisioned in the 'OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper'."

OPPO's Commitment to Advancing and Popularizing AI Phones

Through extensive R&D investment in areas such as image processing, computer vision, speech technology, natural language processing, and machine learning, OPPO is pioneering AI technology development and widespread application in its smartphone products. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed a total of 5,399 AI-related patents globally, including 3,796 utility patents in AI imaging. According to the “Artificial Intelligence Patent Ranking” published by intellectual property media outlet IPRdaily on April 22, 2024, OPPO ranked ninth in China with a total of 3,743 AI-related utility patents granted.

 

As part of its efforts to enhance smart life experiences for its users, OPPO is focused on transforming the latest technical innovations into practical, consumer-centric applications. This includes the introduction of over one hundred AI-driven features on the latest OPPO Find X7 series, while future plans involve integrating generative AI features such as AI Eraser and AI Magic Studio into more OPPO products.

Advanced Key Technologies through Open Innovation

OPPO's commitment to open innovation is driving the company’s efforts to build an intellectual property ecosystem based on key technological breakthroughs in high-value areas such as 5G/6G, AI, flash charge, and imaging.

To date, OPPO has deployed 5G essential standard patents in over 40 countries and regions globally. It has also filed over 6,100 families of global patent applications, declared over 3,300 families of 5G standard patents to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and submitted more than 11,000 5G standard-related proposals to the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In other areas, OPPO has applied for over 12,306 global imaging-related patents and has licensed its VOOC flash charge technology to more than 50 companies, enabling more electronic devices with fast charging capabilities.

 

Proactive Defense IP Strategy for Sustainable IP Ecosystem Development

Over the years, OPPO has signed licensing or cross-license agreements with dozens of patent owners globally^[1], resolving numerous intellectual property licensing issues through negotiations and cross-licenses that fully reflect the value of intellectual property rights from all parties. These steps echo the company’s wider belief in charging reasonable licensing fees and avoiding coercive patent litigation while defending its legitimate legal rights and interests where applicable.

Driven by its mission of "Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World", OPPO will continue to invest in innovation to create more industry-leading products and services while contributing to the development of the global intellectual property ecosystem through practical actions.

 

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The Final Stand: ‘Hightown’ Season 3 Marks the End of an Epic Journey

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Brace for a storm as the last chapter of the crime series Hightown streams on Lionsgate Play.

Hightown Season 3 is now on Lionsgate Play! The gripping crime series is an emotional rollercoaster that follows Jackie Quiñonez's (Monica Raymund), a National Marine Fisheries Service agent struggling to maintain her sobriety amidst the harrowing opioid crisis plaguing Cape Cod. 

In Season 2, viewers witnessed Jackie's pursuit to establish herself as a cop and seek justice for a tragic loss. In the third and final season, beliefs will be challenged, loyalties tested, and Jackie will navigate a path where she must learn to stand firm for her convictions.

On her initial thoughts on Hightown heroine Jackie, Monica Raymundo says, “I was really intrigued by how messy she was and how imperfect, flawed, and dark. I wanted to explore… these phases of life that all of us go through, these messy I-don’t-know phases… and like, living in that immaturity before we really start to sort of know who we are. So when I read the script I was intrigued by how she skirts the line of light and darkness. Who she is in private vs. who she is in public.”

Reflecting on his experience working on the show, Atkins Estimond, who plays ambitious lieutenant Osito Delgado, says,"One of the best cast and crews that I've ever had the opportunity to work with... Everybody here really cares about each other, but also, we really care about this project. We really care about this show... It's just been a real gift and a treasure to be on this show."