Pre-order your OPPO F9 with VOOC Flash Charging this August 24 and revolutionize your smartphone experience

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Get freebies worth Php1,500 for every pre-order nationwide

Global smartphone innovator OPPO Philippines’ recently announced that the game-changing OPPO F9 is now available for pre-order starting August 24 until August 29, 2018. Customers simply have to pay a Php1,000 security deposit to secure a unit and pay the full amount upon claiming on August 30 onwards.

Customers who pre-order from all authorized OPPO stores nationwide will get a free game holder, ring phone holder, and Bluetooth headset worth Php1,500.

For the active on-the-go lifestyle

The OPPO F9 answers one of the most common problems smartphone users today face –battery life. OPPO influencer and actor Robi Domingo said, “The F9 is really convenient with the VOOC Flash Charging. You don’t have to carry a bulky power bank and cable around anymore as the F9 is efficient and charges quickly.” The F9 also includes AI battery management for optimized battery usage for the entire day.

OPPO Influencer Robi Domingo

VOOC Flash Charging is made safe as the F9 has 5 layers of protection built into the charger and phone, assuring the best user experience even while charging. This technology is an exclusive innovation of OPPO in more than 90 million OPPO smartphones globally and is OPPO’s first initiative to more customers with the F9.

Stylish and functional

The F9 is available in two fashionable gradient colors, Sunrise Red and Twilight Blue. OPPO endorsers JoshLia flaunted the F9 last August 15 at the smartphone’s grand launch. Julia Barretto said, “It’s really beautiful. The gradient finish really matches my personality and fashion style.” Joshua Garcia added, “I really like the unique screen and how you can reply to your friends without leaving the game you are playing”.

OPPO endorsers Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia

OPPO’s unique approach to the notch is the well-praised Waterdrop screen wherein the front camera is shaped like a waterdrop thereby maximizing the screen-to-body ratio of 90.8% at 6.4 inches.

From selfie expert to portrait artist

More than just expert selfies, the OPPO F9 raises the bar in photography with its 16MP + 2MP dual rear camera for more dramatic portrait shots. Additionally, users can choose from many varieties of portrait shots to emphasize the subject. Other modes such as AR stickers, Super Vivid, and slow motion are also available for users to play around and produce one-of-a-kind content with.

OPPO Influencer Glaiza De Castro

OPPO influencer Glaiza de Castro said, “Photography enthusiasts like me will love the F9 as it allows us to produce engaging content for our social media feed. The F9’s artistic portrait modes and AI Beauty Technology 2.1 produces expert looking, enhanced, and natural photos.”

“We heard the need of our customers who want a smartphone that can produce great selfies and have equally great battery life. We deliver these innovations with the new OPPO F9 and believe that our exclusive VOOC Flash Charge technology will change the game in smartphone battery expectations” OPPO Philippines’ Vice President of Marketing Jane Wan said. “The F9 has got both the brains and beauty with its gorgeous gradient design and unique waterdrop screen.”

OPPO F9 will initially be available in Sunrise Red and Twilight Blue for PHP 17,990 (6GB RAM).

For more information on OPPO’s exciting products and activities, like OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page and follow @OPPOPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

17 Y/O International Artist Andreah is Poised to Launch Her Music in Her Mom’s Homeland – Philippines!

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Born in Manila August 2001 to a Filipino Mum and an Irish Dad, music has played an everyday part in ANDREAH’s life from a very early age. Inspired by her mother and singing in the local church choir, she participated in school music events and joined her first band in Year 6, performing during graduation. ANDREAH took up piano at the age of eight, began singing lessons at ten and starting to write songs with friends ‘for fun’ at thirteen.

ANDREAH has traveled extensively throughout the region and spent a great deal of time in both Singapore and Manila where her father’s companies are based. Hence the choice to launch her musical career in the region.

By the age of 14 she was writing on her own and teaching herself to play guitar, thus enabling her to develop more songs. At 15, her first serious solo creation was Magic a song based on a personal experience, which she has chosen to share with us all. Her first release and Asia POP 4O’s recent BUZZ track, Best Friend was written as a parting gift to her best friend whose family moved to another country.  “I hope my music can help people through rough and difficult times, as it has helped me,” she states whilst providing an insight to her life story, which the young singer/songwriter describes as a somewhat “scary” experience.

ANDREAH’s love for performing, which she embarked on locally several years ago, resulted in an invitation to support The Script in Singapore Hong Kong and Manila in April of 2018. More recently she headlined Singapore’s Heartstrings concert at the Repertory Theatre in August on behalf of the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

She cites both The Script and Ed Sheeranas the driving forces behind her love of songwriting and aspiration to continue performing. “It was simply a dream come true to be up there in front of such large audiences, and I enjoyed every minute,” she shared.

Los Angeles based producer Qura Rankin, who joined her band on stage for these performances, heard ANDREAH sing and believing “she has what it takes if she wants to take it”, offered to record and produce a selection of her early songs. 

The two spent some time at Thailand’s Krabi Road studios in April. There is nothing pedestrian about the mood and narrative these first six recordings captured in the most natural of environments. To have recorded so close to home where her songs were written, is an integral part of this narrative.

As an active member of her local school, she enjoys all school activities, playing both soccer and basketball.  In 2017, she spearheaded a fundraising talent contest to help build a school in Cambodia and attended its opening ceremony there. Insisting that her priority remains to complete her education and, with exams scheduled later in the year, ANDREAH’s foray into Japan, Australia and European markets will have to wait until mid-2019.

 To listen to 'Best Friend', click here -

http://smarturl.it/andreahbestfriend/spotify

A LIVE version of 'Best Friend' from HK is on YouTube together with the

lyric video ( link below).

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/andreah.music/ 

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/AndreaHMusic 

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/ANDREAH.live/ 

YouTube:         www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOTKhWGAdwI

MP 3:                http://gofile.me/24t46/XCLJ2nezM 

Website:           http://www.andreah.live/

Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha and Asia's Phoenix Morissette Amon will soar together in "A Lani Morissette Musical Journey" this September!

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The two artists will share the spotlight in a 2-night concert entitled “A LANI MORISSETTE MUSICAL JOURNEY”, happening on September 22 and 23, 2018, at The Theatre at Solaire.

Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha and Asia’s Phoenix Morissette Amon are ready to treat audiences to a rich variety of musical styles and unforgettable performances featuring the songs that made them legendary.

Two musical journeys will cross path as they sing a medley of unexpected song choices that showcase their versatility, vocal range, and own style of performance.

Solaire, known for being a champion of Filipino artists, showcases the evolution of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). “Lani and Morissette are on different stages of their musical journey. Lani is at the pinnacle of her career while, Morissette is still venturing into hers.” says Audie Gemora, Solaire’s Director for Entertainment.

Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha moved to the United States in 2000 and began performing in various Las Vegas hotel and casino properties, gaining the name “New Siren of the Strip”. The veteran singer, reaching the high point of her Philippine success, made the bold move to spread her wings wider to only shine brighter under the City of Lights.

She is known by many for her high-octave vocal range, and iconic songs such as “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko”, “Tunayna Mahal”, “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi” and “Bukas Nalang Kita Mamahalin”. She is back for a short while to visit family and to fulfill commitments here in the Philippines. “I immediately said yes when I was presented this concert with Morissette.” she shares.“For me, she’s one of the most talented young Filipino artists right now. Aside from that, she’s really a wonderful person and I’m excited to work with her and for this project.”

The young Morissette Amon started in Cebu and made it to Manila’s rigorous talent shows where big voices dominate and are always in fierce competition. After countless attempts at victory, she rose from the ashes like a phoenix to claim her rightful place.

She recently reached a milestone with her first solo concert, “Morissette is Made” held at the Big Dome, and is now being toured around the world. She rose to stardom for her powerful vocal range catapulting her to become one of the country’s new generation of biriteras. “I wasn’t really sure what will happen after my concert, but I’m really grateful that I’ll be able to share the stage with Ms. Lani – one of the music icons I really look up to.” says Morissette. “I’m also very happy that we jive in so many ways. Not just in our singing style, but also our personalities.”

As for preparations, the two singers reveal where they are at in their respective careers. Being rather new under a bigger spotlight, Morissette admits that even though she has spent some time with Lani before, she still gets shy around her.

“It’s important that when you’re collaborating with another artist, there is that rapport. I just tell myself that, ‘Sette, you can do this. Don’t be shy.’” Lani, on the other hand says that she will have to prepare physically to keep up with the 22-year old. “I don’t have the same stamina that I used to when I was younger, so I really need to prepare myself.”

During the media conference recently, Lani shared that they are very thankful that this concert will finally push through.. "Two years na po itong napag-isipan na magsama kaming dalawa ni Mori. Dahil hindi nape-permit ng time and schedule namin, ngayon na lang po talaga matutuloy," shared Lani.

"I'm very grateful na finally it's going to happen and I'm very privileged to be working with this young lady over here who happens to be half my age," the veteran performer joked about her junior counterpart.

"This is gonna be great, interesting and cool. I'm looking forward to our show."

Lani also shared some important advice to Morrisette Amon who continuously gains a lot of fame doing what show from the other plus hitting high notes and reaching her dreams.

One of her advice is to "always thank the Lord for all her blessings and never-ever forget to pray and give thanks."

Lani, one of her idols ever since, Morrisette said that she is "very thankful that she will be working with no less than Ms. Lani Misalucha."

"It's an honor as a new artist na makasama po ang isang icon ng Philippine music industry. It's pressure but it's good pressure because it pushes me to give my best din po, " said Morissette.

Despite the contrasts between both artists, they are on the same page when it comes to what they want their fans to experience. “We want to give them a show they’ll enjoy and remember. We included songs that we usually sing but, we also chose ones that aren’t expected for that surprise factor.”says Morissette. “After the concert, we want our fans to leave feeling good, and with them is the message that we want to convey: We all go through different journeys in life, but if we focus on the plans that we have, we can achieve them.” Lani add.

“A LaniMorissette– Musical Journey” proves to be a story of reinvention that will relate to an audience that have their own challenges to face, and to inspire them to make the decisions that they fear to take.

Definitely a concert series you shouldn’t miss!

For tickets to “A LaniMorissette– Musical Journey”, you can call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

CITY OF DREAMS MANILA TRAILBLAZES THE FIRST “SOAP FOR HOPE” PROGRAM IN THE COUNTRY’S INTEGRATED RESORTS

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City of Dreams Manila held a kick off activity of the first “Soap for Hope” program in the country’s integrated resorts to strengthen its commitment to long-term sustainability of its operations through employee volunteerism, reduction of its environmental impact, and development of local communities.

With “Soap for Hope,” an award-winning global program of Diversey with hotels, the initiative aims to eliminate soap wastes from the 938 rooms of City of Dreams Manila’s luxury hotels -- NÜWA, Nobu, and Hyatt – by hygienically reprocessing used soaps into new soap bars, and donate them to various charitable institutions and NGOs that the resort supports.

Diversey’s Global Director for Creating Shared Values Stefan Phang was special guest at the kick-off, along with Mesa ni Misis Founder and Soap for Hope’s partner in the Philippines, Juana Manahan Yupangco. The resort’s implementation of the “Soap for Hope” program is spearheaded by City of Dreams Manila’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning and implemented by a team composed of Human Resources, Hotels and F&B, Supply Chain and Public Relations.  

“City of Dreams Manila team is delighted to support the ‘Soap for Hope’ program to help reduce waste for landfills and provide basic materials for sanitation to our adopted communities and orphanages in Paranaque and other nearby cities. This project will not be possible without our partner organizations - Diversey and Mesa Ni Misis and most importantly the unwavering enthusiasm and spirit of volunteerism of our employees. In 2017 alone, more than 4,000 employees have joined various CSR initiatives and certainly this number will conytinue to grow this year,” Benning states.

During the kick-off activity, Phang assisted by Diversey staff, demonstrated to about 50 volunteer trainers how to properly recycle leftover soap bars with the use of a device custom- designed by Phang. Used soaps from the hotels are cut into cubes, soaked in a sanitizing solution, molded into 120g or 500g bricks and cut into fresh soap bars after drying.

The volunteer trainers will eventually cascade the know-how and help roll out the program to other volunteer employees. A system and schedule are in place for an efficient recycling of used soaps. The program will start with 5,000 used bars of soaps collected over the past months.

The “Soap for Hope” is a vital component and one of City of Dreams Manila’s evolving sustainability and social responsibility initiatives for environmental protection.

Other current sustainable efforts of City of Dreams Manila include the practice of vermicomposting to decompose solid food waste into natural and organic fertilizers for use on the plants within the premises of the integrated resort and an herb garden which serves as good source of fresh herbs and spices for the culinary team; coastal clean-up drives along Manila bay and various tree-planting activities in Nuvali, Laguna, and Cavite mangrove as participated by 172 company volunteers within the first half of the year.

Diversey’s Global Director for Creating Shared Values Stefan Phang (left) guiding City of Dreams Manila’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Benning (center) and other volunteer trainers on turning leftover soaps into fresh soap bars.

City of Dreams Manila’s volunteer employees participated in the “Soap for Hope” kick-off

Mesa ni Misis Founder and Soap for Hope’s partner in the Philippines, Juana Manahan Yupangco together with Diversey’s Global Director for Creating Shared Values Stefan Phang and City of Dreams Manila’s volunteer trainers.

The key to parents living longer, healthier, well-planned lives

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Whether through high-interest savings accounts, savings plans, and educational plans, parents invest in various tools to help them finance the needs of their children as they grow into adults. 

However, parents need to look at their ownfuture beyond the needs of their kids as well. Their need for financial security and health protection continues evenafter retirement, which might make it difficult for them to allot funds for those needs. 

Keeping their finances secure with a tool that can protect their health and future income is essential so they don’t deplete their savings should anemergency arise.

In 2016, the World Health Organization said that life expectancy across the globe has increased by five years since2000. This is a result of better access to basic healthcare and innovations in preventing treatable diseases. While this information bides good fortune, there is a growing need for older adults to better plan for their futures when they nolonger receive a regular income after retirement.

Life just as planned 

The usual route to compensate a medical need is to turn to one’s savings, however with the rising cost of healthcareglobally, this could easily deplete funds for the future. That’s why when it comes to assurance, especially with one’shealth, a better option for preparation is a comprehensive health plan.

Most adults depend on health plans provided by their company but are limited by many criteria. There are limitedconditions and beneficiaries covered by health plans, typically carried out by HMOs. The biggest consideration is thatwhen the employee leaves the company, the health plan also terminates. 

This becomes problematic for parents who are going into retirement, or retired parents of policy holders. There are many pros and cons to weigh in choosing the right insurance plan but having a separate one independent of employment and any other external factor is the best choice.

It’s also important that the insurance provider has asuite of products that can answer both financial and physical needs, as well as a strong infrastructure that makes claims easy to process.

That’s why there is BPI-Philam Critical Care Plus.  

The Real Coverage of Good Health Insurance Critical Care Plus is a variable life insurance that provides coverage against a wide array of major diseases and critical illnesses and sets aside funds for rainy days. It's a double-advantage policy that gives life insurance coverage, securing the family against financial strain in an emergency, and health coverage which pays for medical bills that may arise in the future, allowing families to keep their savings undisrupted.

With Critical Care Plus, the insured automatically gets a cash benefit upon diagnosis of any of the covered critical illnesses. He or she is also exempted from making any future payments to the policy to focus on getting better. Before that happens, however, Critical Care Plus, as part of BPI-Philam’s Wellness Series, provides rewards and benefits for the insured through Philam Vitality.

Philam Vitality gives the insured a better understanding of their health’s current state and what they can do to better it. The program also provides upfront additional coverage of 20% while the insured’s lifestyle is improved through health-improving decisions, amplifying their choices with fun and practical rewards like exclusive discounts on lifestyle products and services.

Integrated   with Philam  Vitality,   Critical   Care Plus  also   promotes   a  balanced lifestyle   through   deals  on medical services as well as gym membership so they can really commit to a new active lifestyle.  

Critical Care Plus also builds a health fund over time that can be used for additional medical services, or any expense they might also have--assisting policy holders whenever they have need of it.   With the proper plan in place, parents can be assured that they and their families can enjoy the lifestyle they live now worry-free until the many years to come.

The journey towards a secure and better future starts with a plan, and the best one gives a whole lot more when kept for   longer.   

Visit   BPI-Philam's   official   website  www.bpi-philam.com  or   Facebook  page www.facebook.com/BPIPhilamOfficial  to   know   more   about  Critical   Care   Plus   and   all   the   other   solutions   in   the Wellness Series. Each BPI and BPI Family Savings bank also has Bancassurance Sales Executives ready to give expert advice so anyone can live life just as they planned.