Western Digital Completes Acquisition Of SanDisk, Creating A Global Leader In Storage Technology

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MANILA, Philippines - Western Digital® Corporation today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Western Digital Technologies, Inc. has completed the acquisition of SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK). The addition of SanDisk makes Western Digital Corporation a comprehensive storage solutions provider with global reach, and an extensive product and technology platform that includes deep expertise in both rotating magnetic storage and non-volatile memory (NVM).

The Company also indicated that the debt financing associated with this transaction has been consummated and that the previously obtained funds from this financing have been released from escrow to Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

"Today is a significant day in the history of Western Digital.  "We are delighted to welcome SanDisk into the Western Digital family. This transformational combination creates a media-agnostic leader in storage technology with a robust portfolio of products and solutions that will address a wide range of applications in almost all of the world's computing and mobile devices. We are excited to now begin focusing on the many opportunities before us, from leading innovation to bringing the best of what we can offer as a combined company to our customers. In addition, we will begin the work to fully realize the value of this combination through executing on our synergies, generating significant cash flow, as well as rapidly deleveraging our balance sheet, and creating significant long-term value for our shareholders." -  Steve Milligan, chief executive officer of Western Digital.

The integration process will begin immediately through the joint efforts of teams from both companies. As previously announced, Steve Milligan will continue to serve as chief executive officer of Western Digital, which will remain headquartered in Irvine, California. Sanjay Mehrotra, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of SanDisk, will serve as a member of the Western Digital Board of Directors, effective immediately.

"As a combined company, we will be best positioned to address the demands for data storage, which is growing exponentially every year," said Sanjay Mehrotra. "Growth and change go hand in hand, and we couldn't be happier to grow and change together with Western Digital. I look forward to contributing to realizing the potential of this combination as a member of the board."

Under the terms of the transaction, each outstanding share of SanDisk common stock was converted into the right to receive $67.50 per share in cash and 0.2387 shares of Western Digital common stock.

SanDisk shareholders looking for information with regard to the payment of the merger consideration should review the Public FAQ available in the Investor Relations section of our website at investor.wdc.com. 

About Western Digital 

Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC) is an industry-leading provider of storage technologies and solutions that enable people to create, leverage, experience and preserve data. The company addresses ever-changing market needs by providing a full portfolio of compelling, high-quality storage solutions with customer-focused innovation, high efficiency, flexibility and speed. Our products are marketed under the HGST, SanDisk and WD brands to OEMs, distributors, resellers, cloud infrastructure providers and consumers. For more information, please visit www.hgst.com, www.wd.com, and www.sandisk.com

TCL Philippines takes a Quantum Leap with its Cityline C1 and TitanGold Air Conditioners

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The Creative Life is now into an entirely better place with its top-notch selection of TitanGold air conditioners. 

TCL continues to revolutionize premium home entertainment with its innovative industry design and immersive picture quality. Through the years, it has gained universal praise as one of the world’s most respected TV brands, recently bagging the CES Innovation Award for its cutting edge design and engineering work on TCL 110’’ curved Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TV. 

As a top-tier brand for consumer electronics products, TCL wants to pursue an innovation-driven growth by introducing QUHD in the Philippines. Equipped with a unique Quantum Dot Display Technology which far exceeds UHD TVs in terms of display effects, definition and color purity, QUHD TV Series attempts to bring the cinematic experience into the household while also offering functional and interactive features in the product. QUHD TV line also makes use of supreme home entertainment technologies and top hardware configurations to create the strongest high-end portfolio across the market. 

In its efforts to expand the QUHD TV line, TCL introduces Cityline (C1)—one of the first-rate products of QUHD to be released in the Philippines on the first half of 2016. Available in both flat and curved designs, with sizes ranging from 50” and 55” to 65”, it redefines upscale watching experience with its stunning image quality, elegant design, powerful hardware and ultimate entertainment content.

“The QUHD Product line carries TCL’s most advanced TV technology in terms of picture quality, features, and hardware,” CEO of TCL Philippines, Mr. Eason Cai, shares in an interview. “However, our main advantage over our competitor’s high end products is our ability to produce the same quality and innovative technology at low cost.” The product also takes pride of its elegant feel, equipped with a 9.9mm slim screen, metallic body and bezel design.

This year, TCL is taking steps in bringing The Creative Life to an entirely better place with its top-notch selection of TitanGold air conditioners. Unlike its contemporaries in the local market, TitanGold air conditioners aim to provide cooling solutions fit for the needs of every Filipino household. “We want the Filipino consumer to know that TCL is not only a TV brand but is a brand that will deliver quality appliances from home entertainment to home appliances,” Cai clears. “We want TCL to be a staple in the Filipino household and that we are a brand that they can trust and continue to rely on.” Aside from its reliable features, TitanGold Airconditioners are eco-friendly and packed with 5-in-1 Health Filters ─ Photocatalyst Filter, Silver Ion Filter, Active Carbon Filter, Catechin Filter and a Vitamin-enriching Filter, providing safe and healthy breathable indoor air for you and your family. It takes pride of its gold-plated aluminum louver fins, ideally built to prevent and withstand extreme rusting and corrosion through its unique hydrophilic properties.

TCL Product Launch

Both Cityline series C1 and TitanGold air conditioners were officially launched in the Philippines yesterday at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel, with the lovely Megan Young as host. With her stunning elegance and grace, the former Ms. World embodies the positive qualities that gave TCL a competitive edge as a leading brand in display technology and consumer electronics innovation. 

Distinguished pool of dealers and media personalities were there to witness the unveiling of TCL’s latest line of consumer electronics products. A press conference was also held at the Grand Ballroom to accommodate questions from the press. 

TCL OBC Marketing Director Mr. Ranjit Gopi, TCL Aircon Division Director Mr. Bill Cheng, Brand Marketing Consultant, Aircon Division, Mr. Byeong Woo Park and the newest TCL Philippines CEO, Mr. Eason Cai, addressed the questions of the press regarding the future plans of TCL as well as its efforts to strengthen its extensive line of home entertainment products with the release of Cityline series C1 and TitanGold air conditioners in the Philippines. 

TCL’s wide selection of luxury TVs were also displayed at the exhibit area of the Grand Ballroom. The venue was filled to the brim with regal interiors and elegant design, perfectly exuding the vibe of TCL as a brand. Cityline C1 itself, considered to be the TCL crown jewel for 2016, was revealed in a non-conventional way, with princesses walking on the red carpet while the high-end TV is being elevated on stage. 

About TCL Air Conditioner Business Division 

Established in October 1999, TCL Air Conditioner Business Division is among the core industries of TCL Home Appliance Overseas Business Division (TCL HAO) that specializes in manufacturing residential and commercial air conditioners, portable air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and compressors. TCL takes pride in its skilled and competent human resources comprising the following departments—R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, and After-sales. At present, TCL Air Conditioner Business Division has successfully established 5 production bases in Zhongshan, Huizhou, and Wuhan, separately – with total manufacturing and production capabilities that reach an astounding capacity of 10 million units per annum. Since its establishment in the overseas market in 2001, TCL Air Conditioner has successfully become a brand known for its rapid growth in terms of export sales volume. In 2015, TCL air conditioners were sold to 165 countries and regions all over the globe.

About TCL Multimedia 

Headquartered in China, TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (HKSE stock code: 01070) is one of the leading players in the global TV industry, engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products. Through a new product-and-user-oriented business model that focuses primarily on a “double +” strategy which includes “intelligence + Internet” and “products + services” as the main direction, striving to become a “global entertainment technology enterprise” that provides integrated entertainment solutions to customers.

For more information, please visit: 

Philippines: www.facebook.com/tclphilippines

www.tclphilippines.com/

“Let’s Home Party” and Experience the best of Taiwan in the Philippines!

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“Let’s Home Party,” the 2016 Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store is set to launch on May 23 at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City and will run until May 29.

Pop-up store brings premium Taiwanese brands to Manila

For seven days, Filipino consumers can catch a glimpse of Taiwanese culture at a pop-up store in Manila. 

The store will feature 15 premium brands that will let Filipinos experience the best of what Taiwan has to offer. Among these include lifestyle products such as handmade leather shoes and built-in stoves, as well as food and beverages including fruit-flavored beers, mochi desserts, and other delectable treats. 

For the ladies, beauty products ranging from eco-friendly skin cleansers to moisturizing facial masks are also available.

Organized by Taiwan’s Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) and Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), the 2016 Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store is promoting unique and world-class products to showcase the country’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Below is the event’s roster of premium brands:

Beauty:

1. Dr. Morita facial masks make skin moisturizing safe, effective, and even fun.

2. Derma Formula offers skin care products that are not only effective but are also affordable.

3. Naruko is a skincare expert that uses safe and natural ingredients that are friendly to the environment.

4. City Color offers a range of top-quality cosmetic products for any occasion.

5. Hydron lays out a palette of eye-catching contact lenses in over a hundred stunning colors.

6. TS6’s cleansing and beauty products are formulated with probiotics that are proven effective for feminine health.

Life Style:

1. Kimo’s handmade comfort footwear leverages German ingenuity for Asian feet.

2. O’Ringo’s delicate dress shoes are handcrafted to elevate men’s style.

3. Sakura’s built-in stove and other innovative home products are designed to bring comfort and efficiency to any home.

4. Brio’s Karaoke System takes home entertainment up a notch with cutting-edge technology for the sound market.

Food & Beverage:

1. Royal Family mochi desserts are made of Taiwan’s best quality raw ingredients including sweet peanuts, mellow sesame, soft red beans, sweet green tea, dense taro, and fragrant brown sugar.

2. Hunya’s chocolate treats are making their way from Taiwan’s list of favorite snacks to the international market.

3. Sweet Mountain crackers and fruit jelly snacks are 100% Taiwanese and make for perfect snacks at any time of the day.

4. Yon Ho has made health fun and delicious in a bottle of soy milk or rice milk.

5. Taiwan Beer delivers the authentic taste of Taiwanese breweries in classic and fruity flavors.

The 2016 Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store runs from May 23 to 29 at the ground floor of Glorietta 1 in Makati City. 

The store will be open from 10am to 9pm, except on May 27 and 28 where it will remain open until 10pm.

DepEd commends public school teachers for orderly, peaceful elections

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Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC 

Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC in a press briefing commended the public school teachers for their efficient and effective performance during the national and local elections.

“The teachers went out of their way to make this election generally peaceful and very orderly. Their transmission of the results is the fastest in my memory. They have proven that they can be trusted as they remained apolitical,” Luistro stressed.

He also expressed gratitude for their support, “Saludo ako at nagpapasalamat sa kaguruan. Sa palagay ko, ito na ang pinaka-successful, clean and very efficient election natin.”

Luistro reported that no untoward incidents had happened to any of the public school teachers nationwide who performed election duty.

“Ang napakagandang balita ay ang ating command center ay walang naitalang ulat ng any untoward incident especially with respect to our teachers. As of now, wala pa tayong natatalang death or injuries to our teachers,” Luistro said.

There are 409,392 DepEd personnel composed of Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs), Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEIs), Boards of Canvassers (BOCs), support staff and DepEd supervisors who served during the national and local elections.

“60% of more than 685,000 DepEd employees were part of the elections, either as BEI member, support staff or supervisor,” Luistro said.

The Comelec grants the DepEd personnel with poll duties the allowance of P4,500 for the chairman and members of the BEI; P1,500 for BEI support staff; P3,000 for DepEd supervisors and P1,500 for other support staff.

Luistro said that the public school teachers with poll duties can get their honoraria after the elections.

BRITISH SCHOOL MANILA - Middle School Model United Nations Conference

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Last 15-16th of April 2016 was a time for British School Manila’s younger Model United Nations (MUN) students to shine and enter into research and debate about pressing national and international issues. MUN allows students with a passion for world affairs to not just expand their knowledge and understanding but also develop those key skills of articulating their understanding, speaking in public and applying their acquired knowledge.

Our students debated in a variety of topics such as the containment of the Zika virus, the consumption of fossil fuels, LGBT rights and the Question of Syria. There was even a sci-fi themed debate - as aliens had made contact with the Earth and a variety of proposals were put forward to deal with this new global development. These debates were issues that the students themselves voted to address during their conference. 

We now have some 200 students on average participate in MUN and we host a number of major events – these are student-led events that give opportunities for students to learn leadership and let their abilities flourish throughout the conference - which is another great aspect of the programme. 

MUN has now become a model we are using in the classroom and we would like to congratulate all of our MUN(ers) who have been involved over the past year.

The fact that our MUN clubs have grown exponentially for the last 4 years as we introduced the Middle Year MUN to Year 6 to 9 is something we are very proud of. The number of students who are expanding their understanding of others' thoughts, researching the values and attitudes of a particular country and presenting that country’s views in committee meetings and to a general assembly is amazing.