Globe’s G-gantic Goal unlocked: 100,000 customers unite to bring food, fun to 917 underprivileged families

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In yet another highlight of its annual G DAY celebration, Globe recently brought together 100,000 customers to spread joy to 917 underprivileged families through G-Gantic Goals, giving them a memorable Family Day with a surprise movie treat and a grocery and food package.

Backed by Globe Rewards, the initiative amplified the impact of National Family Week and showcased the spirit of unity among Globe customers and partners.

“The Filipinos' innate bayanihan spirit has proven once again that when we come together for a shared cause, we can make a meaningful difference. Through G-gantic Goals, we have shown that even a single Rewards point can create a ripple effect for good. Globe Rewards points have become agents of positive change, helping alleviate hunger and advancing the country’s sustainable development goals,” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

G-gantic Goals, a new community engagement feature on the GlobeOne app, encouraged 100,000 Globe customers to use 1 Rewards point to unlock a family day for 917 families or 3,668 family members supported by the Hapag Movement, Globe’s hunger alleviation campaign.

Modeled after a gamified fundraising drive, G-gantic Goals displayed real-time progress of the collective effort through the GlobeOne app, motivating customers to invite others to join. The goal was achieved five days ahead of schedule.

“A huge thank you to everyone, especially to the 100,000 Globe customers who participated in the G-gantic Goal. Because of you, we achieved our goal of providing a family date for 917 families nationwide supported by the Hapag Movement,”said Saj Ocampo, Manager at Globe Rewards.

Culminating the first iteration of G-gantic Goals at the close of National Family Week, Globe hosted simultaneous events across the country, delivering G Day grocery packages with essential food items to beneficiary families.

To heighten the excitement, the families were treated to a special movie screening at Ayala Malls Cinemas, a first-time experience for many. Screenings were held in multiple Ayala Malls, including TriNoma and UP Town Center in Quezon City, Feliz in Pasig City, MarQuee in Pampanga, Ayala Center Cebu, and Abreeza Davao.

“Masaya po kami na napili kami para po mabigyan ng pagkakataon. Labis po ang kasiyahan namin na kahit papaano, nakapag-bonding kami. Yung isama mo ang isa, sapat na pero yung lahat kami is a big thing for us. Maraming-maraming salamat,” shared Yhanie Abajaof Hopeful Hearts Foundation.

“Sobrang saya ko po ng nalaman ito kasi I will have the time to bond with my family and also make new memories with them. Sobrang grateful po sa Globe at sa Tzu Chi,” said Jiezel Dalagan, a scholar at Tzu Chi Foundation, one of three participating Hapag Movement partners.

Other Hapag Movement partners whose support was invaluable in organizing the simultaneous family dates were Ayala Foundation and Scholars of Sustenance Philippines. Contributions from Ayala Malls Cinemas and Puregold Price Club, Inc. also played a vital role in making the day extra special for the families involved.

“The success of G-gantic Goals demonstrates how the power of collaboration and an innovative customer engagement channel can make a real difference and uplift communities. We are grateful to our customers who helped make our G DAY celebration even more meaningful,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Customers looking to contribute can continue making direct donations via the GlobeOne app to Hapag Movement’s partner organizations including the UN World Food Programme, Ayala Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, Scholars of Sustenance, and Project PEARLS.

For more information on how to donate or participate in future Globe initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good#gref.

Solaire Resort North Unveils a Unique Kids Club for Family Fun

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Solaire Resort North proudly announces the grand opening of its integrated resort, a premier destination designed for family fun and luxury. Located at the heart of Quezon City, Solaire Resort North aims to redefine family-friendly getaways with its state-of-the-art Kids Club, set to open soon.

The Kids Club is an innovative haven for children who prefer indoor play, featuring a 6-level play structure that includes a vibrant play village and a soft play area. Additionally, the Kids Club houses a purpose-built children bowling alley, promoting key cognitive abilities through engaging activities that spark creativity and teamwork.

Parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe, stimulating environment. The Kids Club also includes two versatile rooms perfect for hosting birthday parties and gatherings. Equipped with cutting-edge audio and visual technology, these spaces ensure an immersive sensory experience for all attendees.

“Our mission at Solaire North is to create memorable experiences for families,” said Gianpietro Iseppi, SVP Resort Operations. “With the introduction of our Kids Club, we’re excited to provide a space where children can explore and have fun while parents enjoy all the amenities our integrated resort has to offer.”

Pricing for the Kids Club is designed to be accessible for families: 5 to 17 years can take part in all the exciting activities. Admission rate is Php750+++ for the first two hours of play, succeeding hour Php300+++. Adult Guardian pass, available at Php300+++ flat rate per entry to ensure every child has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Solaire Resort North invites families to book their stay and discover the unmatched hospitality and entertainment that awaits them. With the promise of an unforgettable vacation, children can enjoy a delightful time at the Kids Club, leaving parents free to indulge in the resort’s luxurious offerings.

Family time is even more exciting and memorable with every experience at Solaire Resort North. Enjoy exclusive rebates and savings with the “Book Early, Stay Longer and Save” offer. Book your stay now by visiting www.solaireresort.com. For more information, you may also call +63 8888 8888.

From Manila to the World: Filipino Dreams Take Flight with British Council IELTS

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Filipinos often embark on journeys abroad with hopes of a brighter future, filled with anticipation and excitement. These aspirations often extend beyond personal goals, influencing families and communities in significant ways. Yet, the path to realising these dreams is often tackled with challenges, requiring resilience, determination, and the right support to succeed on the global stage.

From left to right: Lianne De Vera, Thomas Aguila, and Hannah Velasco, past IELTS test takers now successfully living abroad.

For many, English language proficiency is key to unlocking these opportunities. Whether advancing careers, pursuing further education, or starting a new life, taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a critical step. The British Council, co-owner of the IELTS test, delivers the IELTS exam and offers support for individuals preparing for international assessments so they can adapt to a life abroad. Meet Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah—three Filipinos who successfully navigated personal and professional challenges to thrive in their new homes.

Dreams Beyond Borders

For Lianne De Vera, a British Council scholarship grantee and now the marketing communications head of a London-based non-profit, the dream was always to broaden her horizons. Initially believing her strength was in writing, her speaking skills surpassed her expectations after taking the IELTS exam and scoring higher in speaking than in writing. “Taking the IELTS felt like a stamp of validation. It gave me the confidence to engage with my peers and professors,” she said. Earning a scholarship through the British Council's IELTS Prize further motivated her to hone her skills in her field. “The IELTS was an eye-opener. I’m not particularly an extrovert, and I’m not comfortable speaking in public, but I did well with my speaking, showing me that I could surprise myself,” Lianne shared.

Moving to Canada to work as a nurse was a long-standing goal according to Thomas Aguila. This also required the right credentials. His employer and the academic institution where he is completing his degree units easily recognised his IELTS certification because it was from the British Council. "If I had taken another test, I think the outcome would’ve been different," he explained. "The process was much smoother, and I got my results quickly from the British Council." He added that improving his English skills also helped him be more attuned to his patients' needs and adapt to the foreign environment.

Meanwhile, after years of navigating the paperwork to move to Bermuda, Hannah Velasco took the leap to relocate from her hometown of Dagupan three years ago. It was an adjustment that pushed her out of her comfort zone, but it led to fulfilling experiences that extended beyond her career. "Talking to people from different cultures has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me," she said. "Improving English through the IELTS not only made me more fluent, but it also broke down barriers. I gained friends and insights into their cultures, which made my transition smoother." Beyond her life as a nurse, the skills she gained through her IELTS journey helped her adapt to a foreign community.

A Stepping Stone to Success

The IELTS journey also provides individuals with the skills needed to create life-altering experiences. As Lianne shared, "IELTS opened the doors for me to step into a new chapter, leading to career and study opportunities, as well as the chance to live here and raise my family."

Thomas echoed this, sharing how IELTS helped him achieve his dream of working abroad. After securing a healthcare role, he later received a scholarship in Canada with his employer covering his travel, accommodation, and education. "For the first time, I felt truly valued in my profession," Thomas said, reflecting on how the experience has created opportunities for him.

For all three of them, the difference in their IELTS experience came down to the personalised support that the British Council offered. "The test may be the same, but how they deliver it and the support given makes all the difference," Lianne said, likening her experience to a safe space for pursuing her goals. The British Council also provided tips on building a mindset ready for the exam, helping ease her anxiety. “The readily available resources and stamp of credibility are what make the journey more empowering,” she added.

The experiences of Lianne, Thomas, and Hannah show that English language proficiency fosters both personal and professional growth. For Filipinos seeking to thrive abroad, the British Council offers extensive support, from IELTS preparation to test-taking resources. With over 20 test centres nationwide and the IELTS Ready Premium, their comprehensive online preparation material, the British Council is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their global aspirations.

Are you ready to take the first step towards your international journey? Book your IELTS test today and seize the chance to benefit from our Early Holiday Promo this October! Register for your IELTS on computer and enjoy a 10% discount at our test centres in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga. Secure your spot now at https://www.britishcouncil.ph/exam.

Top 3 standout features of vivo V40 Lite that make it a must-have for Filipinos

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The newly launched vivo V40 Lite, available in both 4G and 5G variants, is designed with the modern Filipino in mind. It combines speed, power, and camera excellence at an affordable price of as low as Php 13,999.

Here’s a closer look at the top three features that make this phone a must-have for anyone looking for performance and value.

Top 1: 80W FlashCharge: Fastest charging in its price range

With 80W FlashCharge, the vivo V40 Lite powers up from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes, making it the fastest yet safest charging option among phones in its category. For busy Filipinos who are always on the go, this feature is a game changer.

Picture this: you’re rushing out for work or school, but your phone battery is running low. Thanks to vivo’s 80W FlashCharge, you can plug it in while you get ready, and within 15 minutes, your phone is charged and ready for a day’s worth of use.

Additionally, Overnight Charging Protection ensures that your phone’s battery stays healthy. Once the charge hits 80%, it pauses to prevent overcharging, only resuming when needed. This reduces wear on your battery over time and makes your vivo V40 Lite last longer.

Top 2: 5000mAh battery with 4-year health guarantee

Another feature that stands out is the vivo V40 Lite’s 5000mAh battery, which guarantees at least 80% battery health for four years. And if the battery health dips below that mark, vivo is offering a one-time free battery replacement for customers who pre-order by October 31, 2024.

This feature ensures you can keep using your phone without worrying about the battery degrading too quickly. Imagine you’re enjoying a weekend trip, capturing scenic moments with your phone. The vivo V40 Lite’s powerful battery ensures you won’t miss out on those special memories, keeping your phone alive and ready for action all day long.

Top 3: 50MP AI Aura Light Portrait for studio-quality photos

The vivo V40 Lite comes with an impressive 50MP AI Aura Light Portrait feature, offering studio-quality lighting right in your pocket. This exclusive AI Aura Light provides 360-degree even lighting that is 75 times softer than a regular flash, delivering beautiful, high-quality portraits anytime, anywhere.

Filipinos love to take selfies and capture memories with loved ones, and the vivo V40 Lite’s 50MP AI Aura Light makes every shot Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re snapping pictures at a family dinner or hanging out with friends in low light, this camera ensures your photos are always on point.

The vivo V40 Lite is perfect for Filipinos looking for a powerful phone with standout features at an affordable price. If you’re someone who’s always on the move, loves taking photos, or simply needs a reliable phone that can last throughout the day, the V40 Lite is for you.

Pre-order the vivo V40 Lite until October 31, 2024, to receive a Php 1,000 discount, a free vivo TWS 3e worth Php 1,999, and a limited-edition vivo Care Plus VIP Card with a 50-month battery warranty. Check the full features of vivo V40 Lite at vivo website.

Don’t miss out - get yours today at vivo concept stores and kiosks nationwide.

HONOR Magic7 Series to introduce Autopilot AI for Mobile

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HONOR Defines AI-First Ecosystem by collaborating with Qualcomm at Snapdragon Summit 2024

Global technology brand HONOR announced that its upcoming HONOR Magic7 Series will be powered by the revolutionary Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. At Snapdragon Summit 2024, HONOR revealed its plans to develop an AI-first ecosystem. On stage, HONOR showcased groundbreaking AI features coming to the Magic7 Series, including the industry's first on-device AI Agent for an open ecosystem, and the first real-time NPU graphics rendering for mobile gaming. The company also gave a sneak peak of what its new flagship will look like.

HONOR Defines AI-First Ecosystem by collaborating with Qualcomm at Snapdragon Summit 2024

“Openness and collaboration are in our DNA,” commented Dr. Ray Guo, CMO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. “With this collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, we are defining the AI-first ecosystem and revolutionizing user experiences for the AI era. We are thrilled to introduce the industry’s first AI Agent for an open ecosystem, and bring on-device generative AI to gaming powered by NPU computing for the first time. Welcome to the era of Autopilot AI for mobile.”

“We are excited to work with HONOR to shape the future of AI and redefine how people interact with technology,” commented Chris Patrick, SVP and GM of Mobile Handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “Together, we're poised to push the boundaries of AI and create truly transformative experiences.”

Autopilot AI for Mobile: Industry’s first AI Agent for an open ecosystem

The HONOR Magic7 Series will debut the industry’s first on-device AI Agent for an open ecosystem. From a simple text or voice prompt, the AI Agent can order takeout on the user’s behalf. With consent, it can learn from users’ habits to make intelligent decisions, for example it can understand if the user prefers their coffee with coconut milk, and order accordingly.

It can also find and cancel unwanted subscriptions across different apps with just a simple command, breaking boundaries between apps and services. The AI Agent can assist across a wide range of uses including travel planning, ticket booking, calendar scheduling, notification management, cross-app file transfer, and more. Set to launch on MagicOS 9.0 on the HONOR Magic7 Series, the AI Agent provides unparalleled convenience and ushers in the era of Autopilot AI.

AI-empowered Hardware: On-device generative AI in gaming powered by NPU computing for the first time

The upcoming HONOR Magic7 Series smartphone will bring on-device generative AI to gaming powered by NPU computing for the first time. The new series will introduce the industry’s first real-time AI graphics rendering for mobile gaming. Compared to other smartphones, HONOR’s solution reduces GPU load, leading to lower device temperatures and a better gaming experience with higher image quality.

Seamless AI: MagicRing empowering the Snapdragon ecosystem

Throughout the show, HONOR demonstrated how it is working together with Qualcomm Technologies to define the AI-first ecosystem, aimed to revolutionize user experiences in connectivity, interaction and performance. HONOR showed how its MagicRing technology is empowering the ecosystem across a range of products, apps, and services.

MagicRing makes the multi-device AI experience easier, with its secure and smooth flow of services and information across devices. For example, when using Windows on Snapdragon, Cocreator allows users to produce detailed artwork from simple drawings. Powered by MagicRing, users can seamlessly access Cocreator on their HONOR MagicPad 2, drawing AI masterpieces with their Magic Pencil. They can also use the HONOR Magic V3’s AI Eraser on the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 to experience the convenience of mobile AI across all their devices.

Empowered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and MagicOS 9.0, the HONOR Magic7 Series is set to usher in a new era of Autopilot AI with its intuitive AI Agent. The upcoming device will bring on-device generative AI to gaming powered by NPU computing for the first time.

Stay tuned for more information at the HONOR Magic7 Series China launch event on 30th October 2024. To get more updates, head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.