Carrier Airconditioning for Healthy Air Indoors

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Carrier Airconditioning is for healthy air indoors during the rainy season.  The rainy season may seem like a welcome respite from the scorching summer heat. But the heavy downpours can adversely affect indoor temperatures and humidity levels—quickly turning rooms into favorable environments where bacteria can thrive.

Harold Pernikar, Consumer Solutions Group Director of Concepcion-Carrier Airconditioning Company (CCAC) said that “a person can carry around 37 million bacteria at any given time.” 

“When you are sharing a room with two people, you are actually sharing it with more than a hundred million unwanted guests.”

Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that indoor air pollution could be two to five times higher than pollution levels outdoors, making it a leading health concern. 

The problem is exponentially magnified during the rainy season, when doors and windows need to be closed to prevent heavy downpours from getting inside. Without safeguards and proper ventilation, rooms become the ideal dwelling place for bacteria.

“A home or even an office needs to have clean, healthy, and breathable air,” describes Pernikar. 

“Polluted air is hazardous to health, particularly for children or those who suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases.” 

In line with this, investing in a top-quality air-conditioner will go a long way in ensuring optimum air-quality inside homes and offices, especially during this time of year.

“Most people are under the notion that air-conditioners are only for cooling, but this simply isn’t true.” 

Air conditioning beyond just cooling

Carrier air-conditioners come with innovative features, engineered to clean and purify air circulation. The Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC, one of the brand’s flagship models, has numerous components dedicated to improving air quality. 

“This inverter circulates Silver Ion inside the room,” remarks Pernikar.

“This kills bacteria or prevents their activity by destroying their inner configuration and absorbing the elements in their cells.

As the rainy season brings excess humidity in the air, the Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC works to dehumidify the room to prevent the growth of bacteria—resulting in cleaner air quality.

It is equipped with a Bio Filter, which catches small, airborne particles to neutralize bacteria, fungi, as well as microbes. It releases biological enzymes that dissolve bacteria invisible to the naked eye to prevent re-pollution.

An Anti-Mildew feature dries up condensed water inside the evaporator to prevent mildew build-ups which are notoriously known for carrying various allergens and toxins.

World-class energy savings

“With the ongoing electricity shortage and electricity price hikes on the horizon, energy efficiency becomes a primary consideration for consumers,” advises Pernikar.

Based on rainy day lab test results, the Carrier XPower Silver Inverter AC can operate for as low as P292 a month. With advanced inverter technology, this unit works to reach desired temperature levels then its compressors operate at lower speeds to maintain optimal cooling conditions. This leads to significant energy savings.

“The rainy season brings the family together at home more frequently, that is why a Carrier unit shall give you peace of mind by delivering cooling comfort and ensuring a cleaner air for them,” concludes Harold Pernikar.

Here's a  solution to building a bacteria-free home for less than P300 a month.

Rico Blanco, newest endorser of Valda Pastilles, Soothes & Cools

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Rico Blanco

Rico Blanco is one of the most talented musicians in the Philippines. As we all know, he is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur.

And now, the newest endorser of Valda Pastilles, Rico Blanco was presented to a media launch event held this Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Alphonse Bistro in Pasig.

Valda Pastilles, a green, conical-shaped, chewy pastilles, has been known for soothing and cooling throats for more than a century now.

Believe it or not, your throat is as hardworking as you are. It also gets stressed and experiences a lot of wear and tear, especially when your profession requires you to sing or speak every second of every day or night. So as much as you want time to relax your mind and body, your throat should also be given time for some R and R.

Rico is every inch a rock star, oozing with a cool persona. His voice alone holds a refreshing power that can captivate the hearts of every Filipino with just the first note, much like how Valda Pastilles gives instant cooling sensation in every chew. No wonder Rico is the perfect face for the brand.

During the launch event, the new Valda Pastilles TV commercial was revealed, which showcased no less than Rico and the brand’s single that he wrote and composed entitled, “Time For You”.

With the brand and Rico’s collaboration, they have created a fresh song that leaves nothing but cool vibes.

Aileen Domingo Puzon, Aspen Marketing Manager and Rico Blanco

In addition, the feel good song’s full-length music video was also unveiled, which was as soothing as the song alone.

So, now that Valda Pastilles has teamed up with Rico Blanco, there will always be time for you to soothe and cool your throat wherever you are and whenever you feel like it.

For more highlights of the event, visit facebook.com/VALDAPILIPINAS. 

For product inquiries and concerns, email pv.phils@ph.aspenap.com or call 792-8000.

Philippines investors look far and wide for opportunities, but stay close to home for investment and advice – Manulife Survey

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·      Philippines investors favor developed economies over emerging Asia and show least home-market bias of any investors in Asia

·      Personal networks, bricks and mortar dominate approach to investing

·      Philippines investors remain most optimistic in Asia

Investors in the Philippines are among Asia's most optimistic and most outward-looking, given their willingness to invest outside the Philippines to gain returns, according to the latest Manulife Investor Sentiment Index* covering the second quarter of 2014.

Philippines investors reach across emerging Asia to mature markets

When asked which region they think is best to invest in, Philippines investors point to developed Asia, Australasia and North America over emerging markets, including emerging Asia and the Middle East and North Africa.

Fig. 1 – Philippines investors favour developed and distant markets over China and emerging Asia

Philippines investors seem less affected by home-market bias than any other investors in the survey. Given a selection of single markets, they show most enthusiasm for Canada (76 points) and Japan (73) above the Philippines itself (51), and show least for China (44), which most other Asia investors rank relatively higher.

When it comes to growth, Philippines investors are also most optimistic about Japan and Canada, with 19 percent believing that Japan’s economy will be the fastest growing in the next two years, followed by Canada, China and Australia. This contrasts markedly with the average Asia investor, 27 percent of whom expect China’s economy to grow fastest, followed by much lower expectations for Japan Australia and Canada.

Fig. 2 – Philippines investors’ views of which markets will grow fastest

contrasted markedly with investors elsewhere in Asia

"Our research suggests that Philippines investors’ preference for Japan is likely related to Japan’s first quarter GDP growth which came in at 6.7 percent on strong consumer demand ahead of the implementation of a new goods and services tax," said Aira Gaspar, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of Manulife Philippines.

“It's also interesting that Philippines investors seem so keen on Canada. We think there is a sound basis for this given that Canadian equities outperformed their developed market peers in the first quarter."

Philippines investors rely on friendly advice, ‘bricks and mortar’ approach to portfolios

Despite their international outlook, Philippines investors place their faith closer to home when it comes to making investment decisions, with 88 percent relying on or referring to family, friends or colleagues as a source of advice – the highest level in the region and well above the regional average of 58 percent. They are less dependent on industry staff, mass media or online sources of investment advice.

Philippines investors also have a very ‘bricks and mortar’ approach to portfolio composition, with 61 percent saying they own investment property (against the Asian average of 19 percent) and 75 percent owning their own home (against an Asian average of 50 percent). Cash and property together make up the bulk of their portfolios. Conversely, they have much lower ownership of stocks (15 percent versus the Asian average of 48 percent) and mutual funds (6 percent versus 23 percent) – even though their sentiment towards equities is the highest in Asia.

“Philippines investors rely largely on their own networks for their investment decisions" said Ryan Charland, CEO of Manulife Philippines. "While it is comforting to speak with family and friends for investment advice, investors would benefit from consulting investment professionals, who could help them build a sound and diversified portfolio that meets their medium to long-term financial goals.”

Philippines investors are Asia's most optimistic

In addition to their positive views about investing overseas, Philippines investors remain optimistic about investing at home with the sentiment index for domestic investment at 59, the highest in Asia. This optimism was spread across all asset classes in the survey, which all saw increases except cash. Fixed income saw the biggest increase, up 5 points to 50; followed by stocks, up 4 to 45. Mutual funds rose 1 point to 36. Property has taken the lead as the most favored asset class, with home property highest at 75, up 1 in the quarter, while investment property rose by 4 points to 74. Cash was the only asset class to see a decline, down 9 to 73, but still remains high.

”Filipino respondents were generally upbeat, despite weaker-than-expected first quarter 2014 GDP growth and uninspiring corporate earnings for the same period,” confirmed Ms. Gaspar. “We believe sentiment was boosted by a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s and an increase in government spending on much-needed infrastructure projects. The country’s resilient private consumption, rising investment cycle, recovering manufacturing industry and favorable consumer and business confidence bode well for economic activity and a positive earnings growth story. However, investors’ sentiment could turn sour if policy reforms aimed at addressing infrastructure deficiencies and fostering inclusive economic growth stall.”

For more findings and related information from the Manulife Investor Sentiment Index in Asia, please visit www.manulife-asia.com.

Globe Digital Advertising, Mobext, and IDDI bring Beacon technology in the country

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Revolutionizes in-store shopping experience using mobile devices

Globe Telecom, the leading telecommunications network, joins forces with Mobext, the country's first pure-play mobile marketing agency, and In-Store Digital Display International (IDDI), a technology-based information marketing company, to bring Beacon technology in the country, which will provide a more unique in-store shopping experience using mobile devices.

"Studies show that more than 95 percent of transactions worldwide are still made in physical venues. In addition, more than half of consumers visiting stores have smartphones, and that number is growing rapidly in the Philippines," shares Bela Gupta D'Souza, Globe's Mobile Advertising Head.

"We have listened closely to the requirements of our clients and by introducing Beacons in the market, we are confident we can help brands reach target customers in their "last mile" of purchase. By delivering in-store notifications to smartphones all the way down to an aisle level, Beacons will enable retailers to establish one-to-one connections with shoppers, be it as rewards, coupons or product information. We couldn't be more thrilled to partner with Mobext and IDDI to bring this technology to the Philippines and we are already seeing a very positive response from top retailers in the country, including Globe stores nationwide," she added.

Beacons are a low-cost, battery-friendly hardware device that attach onto a wall or shelf in an aisle. Through the use of a low-energy Bluetooth wireless connection, Beacons can send messages or prompts to smartphone users who are within a 5-inch to 200 feet radius of the device. Beacons are already being used in the retail industry to push loyalty points, display ads, coupons and product information in-store, but they are also poised to transform how event organizers, enterprises, and institutions communicate with people indoors.

"This partnership will build the largest location-based marketing or "point-of-sales" mobile marketing network in the country. IDDI, with close to 1,000 screens across the country, will give Beacons extensive footprint when it comes to penetrating major retail locations", says Arthur Policarpio, CEO of Mobext Philippines.

"Globe, as the smartphone leader in the market, will give us enviable scale when it comes to acquiring our user base and we are also tapping Globe's strong retail partnerships to widen the Beacon network in the Philippines. Mobext, with its expertise in mobile technology and strategy, will provide long-term solutions for retailers and brands who want to incorporate Beacons in their marketing", he added.

"IDDI is pleased to partner with industry leaders Globe and Mobext in this pioneering beacon rollout as the our first digital-out-of-home advertising platform offering of the group. This complements the existing in-store digital display network of IDDI in over 300 stores and will definitely provide added value to our partner retail chains. This will also enable advertisers to engage with consumers thru contextually relevant content on a one-on-one basis at point-of-purchase. And of course, ultimately, consumers win not only because they receive brand content that is relevant to them but also because they have the opportunity to participate in the universal rewards program that is built-in to our beacon system" says Bingo Soriano, CEO of IDDI, Inc.

Globe Digital Advertising is exploring to offer the Beacon technology to some of the partners of IDDI. For more information on Beacon technology, please contact any of the partner representatives: Aaron Carreon of Globe at zabcarreon@globe.com.ph, Raymon Cayabyab of Mobext at mon.cayabyab@mobext.com, or Bingo Soriano of IDDI atbsoriano@iddi-group.com

Epson encourages projector customers to give feedback, share your thoughts and win

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For over two decades, Epson has maintained its position as the world's No. 1 supplier of HTPS panels, the core devices at the heart of 3LCD projectors. It has led the industry by developing and providing technologies that boost power and performance.

Epson now encourages projector customers to give feedback. Owners of Epson’s 3LCD projectors have a chance to win an Epson LW-900 label printer just by giving feedback to the digital imaging leader.

Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marcom & PR of Epson Philippines explained that “for 13 consecutive years, Epson has been the No.1 projector brand in the whole world. This remarkable achievement was made possible because we listen to our customers, understand their requirements, and then create a product that exceeds their expectations.”

“It is a source of great pride for us that even here in the Philippines, Epson is now the No.1 projector brand. As a technology company that believes in continuous improvement and innovation, we are taking this opportunity to invite all Epson projector owners to give us their feedback. All our customers need to do is go to our website (www.epson.com.ph/reviewprojector), tell us what they think about their Epson projector, and provide their details for a chance to win an Epson label printer,” added Ferro.

Users of Epson projectors can go to the company’s website, give a rating for the projector they use, and share their experience with the product. Five participants will be chosen at random (“Sweepstakes”) as winners, and each winner will receive an Epson LW-900 Labelworks printer.

The Sweepstakes is open to any person who owns or uses an Epson 3LCD projector, whether at home or at work, within the Philippines. Ownership and usage of the projector shall be verified via the participant’s submission of the product serial number. Each product serial number can only be submitted once.

Epson’s 3LCD projectors boast of superior color brightness over 1-chip DLP projectors of similar range. A projector’s color brightness is usually measured in ‘lumens’. Color Light Output (or color brightness) is the measurement for Color Brightness while White Light Output is for White Brightness. Many projector manufacturers provide only one brightness number -- the white brightness measurement.

“Customers should note that a projector that has high white brightness may have low color brightness. In some cases, the color brightness of that projector could be only 1/3 of the rated specification (lumens) provided. When Color Brightness is low, colors can look dull and dark, skin tones can be reproduced poorly, and important details can be lost,” clarified Ferro.

As color is a critical component every time a projector is used – for presentations, watching movies, and gaming – it is important for customers to ask for the color light output or color lumens of the projector that they are eyeing before making the purchase.

“Epson projectors provide equal color light output and white light output. This is one of the reasons why Epson has been the projector of choice all over the world for 13 straight years,” added Ferro.