Enjoying Wonderful World

February 28, 2016

Lazada PH on Mobile Commerce: We shop like we Facebook

Philippines’ largest online shopping, Lazada, pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment.

The intimacy of the personal smart device, and prevalent social media snacking behavior, has generated a new form of shopping: Mobile Snack Shopping.

According to Facebook, social media apps (FB / Instagram) are intuitively formed for bite sized discovery and snacking of content. With Filipino smartphone user habits primarily shaped by social media consumption, it is no surprise, that Filipinos' mobile shopping habits have similar patterns.

Massive small buys, on small screens

The average cost of an item purchased on the Lazada mobile app is 15% less than items purchased via desktop. But this lower average spend is easily offset by the massive growth of the app portal, up 400% from 2014. This massive growth of m commerce mirrors the Philippine digital landscape where mobile devices are the first and primary source of digital access.

Low cost categories give more reason to browse

According to internal Lazada data, the most popular product categories for app purchases are: Beauty Tools, Food Supplements, Portable Audio, Kitchen & Dining, Small Kitchen Appliances, Diaper & Potty, and Fragrances. The nature of these low cost categories is that they do not have intimidating price points and therefore give more opportunity for product discoveries. In fact consumers spend 67% more time in browsing Lazada through the app versus desktop.

This low cost behavior has similarities to short form content consumption on popular platforms like Youtube, and Facebook. Short videos, gifs, and images, all have relatively low demand on time and bandwidth thus encouraging discovery and consumption of multiple pieces of bite sized content. We snack on content in the same way we browse for good deals: one scroll at a time.

Dead Time is Deal Time

Just as checking social media through your mobile has become a habit during breaks, so too has mobile or app commerce and total traffic peaks during break times. 9am, 12 noon and 8pm, all show peaks in browsing and purchase quite similar to mobile social media consumption peaks. This habitual browsing makes Lazada mobile app users 10% more loyal in terms of repurchase vs. non-mobile purchases.

Free time is so pivotal to increase shopping behavior that Lazada actually targets key holidays for its major sales like the recently concluded Chinese New Year and the upcoming Mobile Power Sale from February 25-28, featuring app-exclusive deals. Lazada will also celebrate its 4th anniversary from March 15-18, with birthday blowout specials on the mobile app.

Ubiquity makes it utility

With 3G smartphones projected to have 100% penetration by 2020, and the constant stream of free content from service providers like Globe, we can expect more and more Filipinos immerse themselves in social media and m-commerce through mobile apps. Content partnerships with Disney and NBA can potentially open up more premium purchasing behavior.

Just as Facebook has become the default utility for friends to keep tabs, how Youtube has emerged as the third big “TV network,” how Video On Demand services like HOOQ and Netflix have become the new cable, so too will m-commerce emerge as the other big player in Philippine retail.

It makes more and more sense for companies, especially those who thrive on the 'tingi' or “sachet” mentality, to consider app-commerce, as a priority distribution channel. The consumer predisposition to small, frequent purchases and the active pursuit for best value via the app makes it very likely that Pinoys will check out the latest sale just as quickly as they check out their latest social media status updates.

Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph.

For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

Malasimbo 2016: Where Musical Genius and Innovative Arts Unite

Musical virtuosos, spectacular collaborations, and world-class Filipino artists come together in two weekends of the Malasimbo Festival this March 2016 on Mount Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. Now going on its sixth successful year, the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is held from March 4 to 6; and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival, on its second year, falls on March 24 to 26

Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, March 4 to 6

Headlining this year’s music instalment is the acclaimed UK musician Jacob Collier. Twenty-year-old Collier is a musical prodigy backed by noted American record producer and composer Quincy Jones (who worked as conductor and arranger with Frank Sinatra and co-produced Michael Jackson’s multi-platinum solo albums). Collier, who is set to launch his debut album this year, is hailed for his stunning ability to create “a digital one-man band using contemporary technology: multitrack recording, looping pedals, and a strange Vocoder-like program that enables him to sing audacious harmonies through a Novation keyboard,” says The Guardian of the UK.

Listen to this musical prodigy in this clip.

Listen to this quick soundbite from Quincy Jones on Jacob Collier.

Highly renowned GongMyoung of South Korea returns after five years to the Malasimbo stage to electrify the audience. The “ambassadors” of Korean traditional music are favorites at numerous international festivals. GongMyoung is known for their harmonious mix of traditional Korean and Western percussion and wind instruments, creating crowd-stirring musical pieces guaranteed to leave you raring for an encore.

Malasimbo takes your world music experience notches higher with groundbreaking collaborations by local and international artists. A beatboxer with a 16-piece orchestra? That’s definitely the musical treat and visual spectacle you’ll experience with “Thum Prints” a collaboration between Australia’s Tom Thum, whose voice captures a vast repertoire of sounds which he refers to as the “orchestra in my mouth,” and members of one of Asia’s oldest musical ensembles, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) under the guidance of Brisbane composer Gordon Hamilton. Click here for a preview of Thum Prints (in miniature).

Watch out for the Brat Pack, the only blues band from Asia to ever reach the finals of the prestigious International Blues Competition in Memphis, Tennessee. First-time performers on the Malasimbo stage are the well-loved Tacloban-based Beatles’ cover band Reo Brothers, and the talented classical-contemporary guitar trio Triple Fret, who won first prize in the 27th Guitar Ensemble Festival in Shinagawa, Tokyo last year. Lachlan Mitchell, one of Australia’s best composers and jazz guitarists will collaborate on musical numbers with local artists of the Malasimbo Collective.

Malasimbo favorites—the funky Golden Sound from Australia, the spirited Filipino percussion band Brigada with their rousing Afro-Brazilian beats, soul band SINOSIKAT?—come onstage along with a vast array of up-and-coming artists that Malasimbo will showcase, in collaboration with Radio Republic, as part of their commitment to unearthing new talent. Some of them include Crwn, Reese Lansangan, Lustbass, RH Xanders, Moophs, Paolo Mallari, Asch, Soul_Brk. Local and international DJs playing cap off each evening with soulful, house music guaranteed to keep your energy up past midnight.

Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, March 24 to 26

“It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world,” said Nobel peace prize winner and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela. It’s this same vibe that’s replicated in Malasimbo’s second weekend, when international and local DJs renowned for their contributions to the funk, house, hip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, and electronic music genres converge on the Malasimbo stage from March 24 to 26.

Malasimbo is fast becoming the solid platform for under-the-radar yet brilliant local performers to make their musical works known to an appreciative audience seeking an aural experience that’s out of the usual commercial box. Keep your ears open (and your minds) to the talents of Wolf Squared, Afro x Chrizo, Aries, Diamond Heights, and more to be announced on www.malasimbo.com in the runup to the Lights and Dance festival.

Among the international DJs making their debut on the Malasimbo stage are English record producer Lapalux with his brilliant, eclectic mix of R&B and house, French hip hop beatmaker Onra, and house and techno DJ San Soda from Belgium. Returning to Malasimbo are British drum ’n’ bass guru Goldie, MBE; and Japanese hip hop DJ and turnatablist Kentaro. Dance aficionados will also enjoy the spectacle of a full moon beaming over the amphitheater fromMarch 24 through 26.

The Malasimbo Experience

The Malasimbo Festival, acknowledged by the Department of Tourism Philippines as a prime catalyst for the country’s continued advance in music, arts, and culture, is exceptional for its breathtaking venue. The amphitheater’s natural landscape greatly enhances the acoustics and sound quality.

This year, festival-goers’ listening experience will be heightened thanks to the addition of a brand new Funktion-One sound system, one of the most efficient sound systems in the world.

The festival grounds, dotted with close to 30 installations from the country’s leading visual artists (see news release “Visual Artists Capture Festival Energy”), are situated on majestic Mt. Malasimbo, which overlooks Puerto Galera bay, an exclusive member of “The Most Beautiful Bays in the World” Club . White Beach, one of Puerto Galera’s more popular coves, will play host to the Malasimbo Kiteboarding Exhibition on March 5, Saturday, led by expert Filipino and foreign kiteboarders.

Malasimbo Online

www.malasimbo.com is your source for the latest updates on the official lineup of acts and performance schedules for the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival and the Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival. Purchasing festival passes and booking accommodations at partner hotels or the Coleman Camping on the Malasimbo grounds are made easier on this newly revamped website, malasimbo.com.

The festivals are a production of Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc. and the D’Aboville Foundation, supported by Ipanema and Rider; with the participation of Brew Kettle, H&M Loves Music, Nothing But H20, and Toms; and the support of our official our official TV partners Solar Entertainment Corp., ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Solar Sports, Basketball TV (BTV), and CT; official radio partner Wave 89.1; official media partners: Aktivshow, ANC, Explore Philippines, Meg, Megstreetwear.ph, Radio Republic, Travel Now, Travelbook.ph, 8list.ph, Amplify.ph, Archipelago.com.ph, Inflight Traveller, Juice.ph, Myx.ph, Our Awesome Planet, PhilippineConcerts.com, Stylebible.ph, theAsianParent.com, Third Culture, Travelife, WhenInManila.com, Yelp! Manila; our official airline partner Air Juan; our official hotel partner Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila; and our official ticketing partner TicketWorld. Special thanks goes to Coleman, the Municipality of Puerto Galera and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, Z Hos-tel, and A-Space Philippines.

The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is produced in collaboration with Japan’s Basscamp with the support of the World DJ Academy, Okamoto Clinic Sendai, Asia Unite, and GOJA.

For more information about the Malasimbo Festival, please visit our website; or our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MALASIMBO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

ABOUT THE MALASIMBO FESTIVAL

From a turnout of 1,500 adventure-seeking, nature-and-music loving individuals in its first year in 2011, attendance blossomed to some 6,000 festival-goers in 2015, among them travelers from more than 30 countries as far as Denmark to neighboring Hong Kong and Singapore. Headliners of past Malasimbo Music and Arts Festivals have included James Brown’s renowned trombone player, band leader , and musical director Fred Wesley; Rock ’n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Cliff; UK soul jazz artist Omar, MBE; Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper; the godfather of Neo-Soul and one of most sampled artists in the world, Roy Ayers; the king of latin soul, Afro-Filipino, Joe Bataan; Japan’s leading Taiko performers Gocoo; Swedish musician Jose Gonzalez; Bobby McFerrin’s son Taylor McFerrin; and Bob Marley’s son KyMani Marley, among many others who performed alongside a predominantly Filipino lineup of jazz, soul, and world musicians.

Infrastructure and advanced information technologies at the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” hosted by Hitachi Asia Ltd

Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., recently hosted the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” at New World Hotel, Makati City.

Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman & CEO of Hitachi Ltd., with Mitsuhiko Shimizu, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch during the media brief of the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” held at the New World Hotel, Makati City, February 12, 2016.

The aim of the forum was to discuss the need for sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.

Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), graced the event as guest-of-honor.

Through hosted exhibition and business seminars, the forum showcased a broad range of solutions in Hitachi’s “Social Innovation Business”, which combines infrastructure and advanced information technologies.

Customers, business partners, and major stakeholders in the Philippines were able to have a better understanding of Hitachi’s key business fields such as information and telecommunication systems, power systems, healthcare, and transportation.

The Social Innovation Forum provided an opportunity to discuss technological answers to various societal issues particularly in the Philippines. The keynote speech by Mr. Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman & CEO of Hitachi explored global mega trends that require Social Innovation and how Hitachi’s expertise can drive these opportunities.

Included also were Hitachi speakers Mr. Mitsuhiko Shimizu, General Manager of Hitachi Asia Ltd. Philippine Branch, Mr. Alistair Dormer, Global CEO of Hitachi - Rail and Chairman of Hitachi Rail Europe, and Mr. Alireza Aram, Senior Vice President of Energy Solutions Company. They shared their views on the Philippines’ market growth and upcoming challenges, and introduced some of Hitachi’s solutions to meet the market needs of urbanization from the view of Energy Management, Urban City Development, and Public Transportation supported by Information Communication Technologies.

It was the third Hitachi Social Innovation Forum to be held in Southeast Asia (SEA), following successful events in Singapore in 2014 and Myanmar in 2015. Hitachi is placing increasing emphasis on SEA as it aims to increase its overseas sales ratio from 45% in FY2013 to over 50% in FY2015 under its “2015 Mid-term Management Plan”. Asia is one of the most important markets for the Hitachi Group, and the Company is aiming to increase its revenue in Asia (excluding China) from 989.9 billion yen in FY 2013 to 1,100.0 billion yen in FY2015. To further expand its Social Innovation Business in this region, Hitachi is planning a series of upcoming Social Innovation Forums in other SEA countries in FY2016.

Mr Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia Pacific, Hitachi, Ltd. said:

"Throughout our long history in Asia, Hitachi has been working closely with various countries to support the region's long- term development.

For the Philippines, this began 86 years ago when we supplied hydro turbines to Davao. We are very excited to see the country's rapid economic growth particularly in recent years, driven by strong government support. Through the Social Hitachi Innovation Forum held in the Philippines, we hope to showcase some successful examples of Hitachi's Social Innovation Business and how these can contribute to the Philippines and this region.”

Hitachi aspires to drive innovation together with all of its stakeholders in ways that make positive contributions to society and seeks to inspire a world that provides safety, comfort and convenience to people throughout the planet, as well as for future generations.

Sony Channel's Rofling' Sundays to chase the blues away

Sony Channel, the premier destination for Hollywood’s hottest shows, concentrates the comedy on Sundays with a Roll-On-Floor-Laughing (“ROFL-ing”) line up of popular U.S series. All showcasing a fun and fierce female lead, these shows take Hollywood entertainment to even greater heights.

ODD MOM OUT STARS NOVELIST-FASHIONISTA IN HER OWN TV SERIES

Odd Mom Out stars its creator, Jill Kargman as a fictional character based on herself, Jill Webber. Set in the wealthy, cosmopolitan jungle of New York’s Upper East Side, Jill sets out to navigate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the elite mommy clique. Finding herself sticking out like a sore thumb in a bevy of shiny, seemingly perfect and ultra trendy mommies, Jill sees the world around her through a different lens.

The comedy satire is based on her novel published in 2007, Momzillas. It also stars Andy Buckley, Joanna Cassidy, Sean Kleier (Madam Secretary), and Abby Elliot.

This witty, tongue-in-cheek series airs every Sunday at 7:00pm.

IT’S LAW WITHOUT MUCH ORDER WITH SPUNKY LEGAL COMEDY BAD JUDGE

It’s law with attitude in Bad Judge, starring Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy).

Rebecca Wright is one of the most respected and prominent criminal court judges in Los Angeles. She also happens to speak her mind and acts as she wants on and off the court. From creative cases rulings to hot date nights with men, she is the town’s most intriguing woman. Beautiful and strong, she cuts a very intimidating figure, but never short of admirers.

Watch this lady judge deftly manage her career and everything else through wit, humor and innuendoes day in and day out.

Co-created by Chad Kultgen and Anne Heche, this legal comedy is spunky and one of a kind. Catch it every Sunday at 7:30pm

YOUNGER Season 2: FRESHER AND HOTTER

After a well-received debut, Younger kicks off its second season first and exclusively in Asia on Sony Channel. .

Watch this colourful mix of characters pursue success in both career – and love and romance continue to bloom even after Liza spills the beans to Josh. But things get a bit tricky when Liza’s teenage daughter (Tessa Albertson) arrives. Also making things a bit more interesting is Charles’ unrequited crush on Liza – tune in to see if a love triangle is brewing.Kelsey tries to get her career going after a little tryst with a client last season. Both Maggie (Debbi Mazar) and Diana (Miriam Shor) also try their luck with love.

Watch the first episode of the second season on February 28, Sunday at 8:00pm, First & Exclusive.

BABY DADDY: A Bachelor’s World Turned Upside Down

Ben has a new girl in his life, but she’s unlike anyone he has been with. She drools and poops – but has the sweetest smile. After an ex drops him the biggest surprise of his life, Ben suddenly takes on a life changing task – raising a child.

Together with his mother, Bonnie; brother, Danny and best friend Tucker; Ben faces the challenges of fatherhood. What happens next is a comedy of errors with heart-warming consequences.

Baby Daddy debuts in the Philippines this February 28, Sunday at 8:30pm.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

A perfect getaway, experience Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Summer is here. Planning to experience everything you want in a getaway, fun, food trip, relaxing.

Get the most out of your summer, just a few minutes outside Manila, enjoy your day or overnight stay with fun and relaxing activities. Have fun in one place that provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the perfect destination for an easy escape, whether for a quick day tour or an overnight stay. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Mall of Asia, Island Cove allows you to get away from the madness of the metro without having to go too far.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was once known as Pulo ni Burunggoy. My father built it in the early 70s and opened it on June 12, 1976 as Covelandia Island Resort. From 1976 until 1985, Covelandia Island Resort was highly recognized in the Philippines. Its reputation for excellent service and deluxe facilities made it a very popular tourist destination. The economic downturn of the 1980s did not spare Covelandia, it closed for 12 years. Then the island was redeveloped and reopened its doors to the public on October 11, 1997. Its new name was Island Cove. In 2003, an animal sanctuary called Animal Island was added to the island’s attractions. It is home to different species of reptiles, mammals, and birds. In 2005, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park was ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the Department of Tourism as a triple “A” resort.

The Fishing Village provides quite a dining experience. It is a Filipino-themed restaurant with 21 bamboo huts atop the water facing Manila Bay. It has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines. Diners can go fishing and may have their catch cooked. You can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite, famous for the freshest mussels and oysters.

Guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked or can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite. We recommend the Pinoy Boodle Feast.

Top recommendations are the Pinoy Boodle Feast and their new Lechon sa Pugon which their chefs prepare with much passion. Slow-cooked in their brick oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, it comes out less sinful because a lot of the oil and fat drip out.

The skin is very crunchy while the meat is moist and tender. With all the secret ingredients, their Lechon sa Pugon is noticeably more flavorful than those cooked the traditional way.

Sangley Point features western-style cuisine and must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, Wagyu burgers, and their home made bacon barbecue. iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats. Recently added to its menu are sisig buns and adobo buns.

Bayside KTV serves pica-pica such as baked oysters and mussels.

There is something for every member of the family at the Island. You can even bring the family dog, because yes, Island Cove is pet-friendly, allowing guests with dogs to enjoy the facilities.

Aside from dining at the restaurants, you can spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park. They have a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to Oceania. The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila. It is also notable that all their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.

They have just added a new playground for the kids. It is called the King Crawler.

It was designed by the Dutch company, Carve. The original King Crawler was developed when the city council of Purmerend, in the Netherlands, invited Carve to design a new schoolyard area. This vertical urban play structure combines several functions including different types of play and climbing opportunities. The brightly colored ribbon-like platforms stand out as if they are floating between the muted posts and wire mesh walls. The whimsical design of the King Crawler lends itself to enhancing any architectural landscape. The King Crawler complies with the American and Canadian playground safety standards.

You can also visit the Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Aside from feeding crocodiles and monkeys, you can take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. If you want more thrill, their Adventure Zone has one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site. You can try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Their other outdoor facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, several playgrounds for children and a giant chess set. Bikes are available for rent.

If you prefer to stay indoors, they have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles.

If you like to work out, you can visit their full service gym.

For those who like to sing, the Bayside KTV would be perfect. It has nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30. Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese and Filipino.

For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, the Island Spa is for you. It offers various western and oriental massage treatments.

Island Cove has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. They have recently finished major renovation of their accommodation facilities.

Gilbert C. Remulla showing us an old aerial view photo of Covelandia Island Resort.

According to Managing Director Gilbert Remulla, the rooms are now more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms, while still maintaining a Mediterranean feel.

They are particularly proud of their premier de luxe and family de luxe rooms, as well as the junior suites and villas. Family de luxe room occupants get 30% off on kiddie meals.

If you book the premier de luxe room, you will receive complimentary assorted pastries and you won’t be charged separately for the contents of the minibar, you can consume everything that’s there!

The junior suites and villas are very spacious and will be much appreciated by groups. Aside from a jacuzzi and pool in the hotel complex exclusive to checked in guests, some sports and recreation facilities are also available to them for free.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a great place for events, socials and conferences. They have 2 main ballrooms that can fit between 300 to 500 people, 10 air-conditioned function and meeting rooms (including an air-conditioned tent), various non-airconditioned pavilions and function areas. Island Cove is capable of catering and organizing events for as many as 14,000 persons. They have a concert park where they hold concerts from time to time.

They’ve had David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Side A Band, Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia, Chad Borja, Nonoy Zuniga, Sitti Navarro, Jed Madela, The Company, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Aiza Seguerra, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Spongecola, and Cueshe. They have also hosted wellness events, food festivals, dog shows and sporting activities. And have served as venue to TV shows such as ASAP, Umagang Kay Ganda and Unang Hirit. Movies and soap operas have frequently used Island Cove for their out-of-studio location shoots as well.