Shop easy at Robinsons Appliances with GCash Scan to Pay

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Buying new home appliances or electronic gadget requires a big amount of cash. For those who plan to purchase but are uneasy about withdrawing and bringing a lot of cash, using GCash scan to pay is one way you can eliminate the stress. 

With GCash’s latest partnership with Robinsons Appliances Corporation, customers can now easily use the GCash scan to pay feature at its branches by simply downloading the latest version of the GCash App on their iPhone or Android phone, registering an account and loading up their GCash wallet at any of the 12,000 GCash partner outlets nationwide—including Robinsons Business Centers.

Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of Mynt  with Hope Gokongwei-Tang, General Manager of Robinsons Appliances Corporation.

Robinsons Appliances Corporation is the appliances and consumer electronics format of the publicly-listed Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.—the second largest multi-format retail chain operator in the Philippines and now one of the newest adopters of the scan to pay feature of GCash. It currently operates about 100 branches nationwide, offering a wide selection of quality appliances and consumer electronics to consumers.

“We are happy to partner with GCash in their new payment service.  This delivers on our commitment to continuously improve our service by offering a more convenient and better shopping experience to our customers here at Robinsons Appliances” says Hope Gokongwei-Tang, General Manager of Robinsons Appliances Corporation.

“Even if cashless payment is still a new concept in the Philippines, by extending the reach of GCash to more Filipinos we believe we can encourage more and more people to adopt this service which can provide them with an easier, more convenience, and more secure shopping experience,” says Anthony Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mynt, which operates GCash.

Robinsons Appliance and GCash are currently offering a promo for consumers in Metro Manila. Until the end of March this year, customers who will use scan to pay at any participating GCash QR merchants will get a 10 percent cashback of up to P500.

Using the GCash app, customers can easily pay by tapping Scan QR option on the app and point the phone's camera to the partner QR code to pay. By middle of April, Robinsons Appliances will be accepting cashless payments via GCash in all of its branches nationwide.

Vivo unveils the all-new ‘V9’ AI-powered FullView™ display smartphone in the Philippines

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Global smartphone brand Vivo has revealed its all-new sleek and stylish V9 flagship unit at the City of Dreams Manila in a summer-themed unveiling that was attended by over 200 members of the press and other guests.   

Vivo welcomed its guests late Thursday afternoon at the Wave, a contemporary poolside deck, restaurant, and bar so they can experience the V9 and take selfies and photos with the sunset as their backdrop. Vivo then picked one lucky and creative photo posted on Instagram to win a V9 unit.  

Vivo executives led by Brand Director Annie Lim answered some of the questions of the media during the V9 press launch. 

The program continued at the City of Dreams Grand Ballroom with Myx VJ Ai dela Cruz as the host. They were formally welcomed by Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim who recapped the smartphone company’s feats in the Philippines. Since it entered the Philippine market in 2016, Vivo has been steadily rising to become the country’s top three brand with over 5,200 stores and 1.5 million users nationwide.

Vivo’s Jomari Morales followed Lim's remarks by presenting all the goods on the V9. She highlighted the Vivo V9’s 90% screen-to-body ratio, the 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual read camera, and the AI-powered photography for a “perfect view” and a “perfect shot.” 

Morales also presented the Vivo V9’s improved game mode that would enable users to take calls or open other apps without pausing the gaming applications or play without any interruptions. 

After her presentation, Vivo’s Junior Brand Manager Christian Jocson revealed that anyone can enjoy a V9 for a “perfect” price of Php17,990 with pre-orders beginning on March 26 until April 2. 

Lim, Morales, Jocson, and Xian Gana from Vivo then answered the media’s questions during the Q&A. Their exchanges were focused on the Vivo’s plans in the Philippines and the V9's capabilities. 

Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim acknowledged the smartphone brand’s partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, during the launch of the V9.

Vivo partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, were also recognized during the event during the ceremonial exchange of tokens. Lim handed the malls' representatives with a Little V doll. 

Fresh faces of Vivo 

Vivo also welcomed its newest endorsers, up-and-coming actors Edward Barber and Ivan Dorschner. 

Barber is the onscreen partner of young actress Maymay Entrata who also joined the event. Entrata was the first who joined Vivo in September 2017 during the launch of the V7+. His endorsement deal with Vivo is something MayWard fans have been patiently waiting for since the pair already worked together for the smartphone brand during their first Making Mega shoot in Germany last year.   

Dorschner, meanwhile, charmed the press with his good looks and charisma. He was one of Kuya’s guests in Pinoy Big Brother in 2010. Since then, he became one of GMA Network's top leading men after starring alongside young actress and fellow Vivo endorser Barbie Forteza in the primetime series "Meant To Be."

Aside from the launch of the new flagship smartphone V9,Vivo also introduced its newest endorsers, Ivan Dorschner and Edward Barber. 

Barber, Entrata, and Dorschner also picked three lucky winners of the Vivo V9 during the raffle. They also joined the Vivo executives for a toast for the V9. Also with them onstage were other Vivo endorsers young pop soul singer Sassa Dagdag, acoustic singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, and balladeer Jason James Dy who closed the night with their performances. 

About Vivo

A global smartphone brand focused on introducing perfect sound quality and ultimate photography with cutting-edge technology, Vivo develops innovative and stylish products for young people. We now have over two hundred million users and are one of the preferred brands of young people around the world. As an Official Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™, Vivo believes in the importance of encouraging young people to embrace self-expression and an energetic lifestyle. 

For inquiries about Vivo, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph or check out their Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and

Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa helms“The Nobu Experience” - a one-night culinary affair at Nobu Manila, City of Dreams

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World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be in Manila to host “The Nobu Experience”, a one-night culinary affair at his eponymous restaurant at City of Dreams Manila on March 31, from 5 pm to 11pm. The experience will have the guests moving around the room, interacting with him and Nobu Manila’s chefs, indulging in dishes that are passed around canapé style, complementing those served exquisitely on a buffet counter, or prepared a la minute in live action stations.   

Capping his  month-long promotional tour to key cities around the world to visit select Nobu hotels and restaurants in London, Milan, Munich, Paris, New York, Melbourne, Perth and  Kuala Lumpur, Chef Nobu makes his last stop in Manila to spearhead a dinner for the third time since the restaurant’s opening in 2015.Chef Nobu is the recipient of the prestigious GQ Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 British GQ Food & Drink Awards, an accolade presented to him 23 years since opening the first Nobu restaurant in New York.

With the support of Nobu Manila’s Head Chef Michael de Jesus and Head Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and their team, the celebrated chef’s March tour finale dinner showcases  his Japanese-Peruvian fusion artistry in the selection of handcrafted finger food and other dishes to be served in strategic stations: the sushi bar for cold dishes, robatayaki station for assorted charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, a teppan table for meat carving items and another for salmon and shrimps, and a dessert corner for  signature pastries, sorbets and specialty desserts  made a la minute. 

A number of  dishes will be served to diners at table seats: freshly made hors d’oeuvres from the cold kitchen – such as Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Bigeye Tuna Sashimi Salad Skewers in Matsuhisa dressing, Tachiuo (swordfish) Dry Miso on Endive, Lapu-Lapu New-Style Sashimi; and Japanese Octopus Tiradito – and canapés fresh from the hot kitchen such as Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy, Black Cod Butter Lettuce with Crispy Kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry), Nobu Mini Tacos (King Crab, tuna, Wagyu, salmon avocado, and pork), Chilean Sea bass with Jalapeño Miso, Umami Chicken Wings with Sweet Soy Anticucho, Green Papaya Salad with Yuzu Dried Miso, Mixed Seafood Ceviche with Quinoa, Aka Miso Braised Short Ribs with Tofu Crema, and Roasted Baby Corn with Aji Amarillo. 

The carving station at the teppan table highlights Nobu-Style Wagyu Pastrami Sliders and Wagyu Gyoza with spicy ponzu sauce. The robatayaki station features assorted kushiyaki skewered & grilled beef, chicken, chicken skin, squid, baby octopus, leeks, and shiitake stars. At the sushi bar, a buffet of Nobu specialties includes Sake cup sushi, Kumamoto Australian oysters with Nobu sauce, Kohada (local gizzard shad), Norwegian Salmon Toro Nanbanzuke (deep-fried and flavored with red chili and leek, then soaked in vinegar), Japanese Uni Shooter Sake and Ponzu, Manila Prawn Cocktail; and Seared Norwegian Salmon with Karashi su Miso. Also at the sushi counter sushi, maki and sashimi are prepared to order, as sashimi  are sliced fresh from the fish  display.

The dessert action station features decadent treats prepared a la minute: Chocolate Bento cake, , Mini Miso Cappuccino, Nobu-Style Halo-halo consisting of shaved iced from either fresh fruit-infused Fiji water or fresh coconut water, and sake-infused yuzu, raspberry, and blueberry sorbets. Assorted mini pastries complete the selection, namely: Azuki Bean Crème Brulee, Green Tea Royal, Yuzu Dome Cake, and eclairs. The Chocolate Satandagi (fried donuts with a melted dark chocolate filling) will be the pass-around dessert. 

The one-night dinner experience with Chef Nobu is at P10,000 net per person and includes the canapé dinner, a meet-and-greet and photo ops with the celebrity chef, and a signed copy of  his book, “Nobu: A Memoir”. 

For reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Seattle’s Best Coffee Launches Café Comunidad: the Best of Local Coffee from Sagada, Benguet, and Mt. Matumtum paired with Local Pasties

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Seattle’s Best Coffee: Freshly-brewed coffeee made from world-class beans from Sagada, Benguet, and Mt. Matumtum 

Seattle’s Best Coffee is starting 2018 strong by acknowledging the hard work of the local farmers in Sagada, Benguet, and Matumtum. The carefully handpicked and responsibly-sourced local beans from these highlands are what gives the coffee its light, sweet, nutty coffee flavor. SBC is offering their Café Comunidad Local coffee + Pastry pairings where guests can enjoy local versions of their classic blends together with any of the three pastries: Yema cake, Ensaymada, and Pandesal for just an additional P50 to their drink.

Where the grounds have “bean”

Seattle’s Best Coffee: Freshly-brewed coffeee or iced cold blends made from world-class beans from Sagada, Benguet, and Mt. Matumtum 

The Philippines is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its beauty is not only in our sunsets and beaches, but in the wealth of natural materials we have. Our resources grow from some of the most fertile soils worldwide – producing delicious beans that have its own unique flavor. By using beans from our own communities, SBC’s Café Comunidad helps the environment and the local economy. Moreover, patrons of SBC are treated to some of the best and rich-tasting coffee.

To fully appreciate the variance of taste, it would be best to explore the three highlands SBC sources their coffee beans from. The coffee brand has created a unique blend of all three of these beans, giving each cup of coffee the recognizable Seattle’s Best taste and best enjoyed when paired with a sweeter snack such as yema or other custard desserts. 

Latest Local Pairings Offer from Seattle’s Best Coffee: Freshly-brewed coffeee or iced cold drinks made from world-class beans from Sagada, Benguet, and Mt. Matumtum paired with yema cake

The first is Sagada. Beans sourced from this place are of the Arabica coffee variety, which are premium beans grown in the highlands. The taste of Arabica is bold without being too rough on the palate. Sagada beans are also known to have a floral scent – one that is not overpowering but adds a certain splendor to the drinking experience. 

Seattle's Best Coffee Cafe Comunidad

Arabica grown in the mountainous Cordillera region, such as Benguet, on the other hand, are generally sweeter to the taste. Benguet beans enjoy the rich soil located 1,600 meters above sea level. The height ensures that the beans get enough moisture and cloud cover. As a result, Benguet beans are full-bodied and richly-flavored. 

Matumtum is located in Tupi, South Cotobato and is home to one of many active volcanoes in the Philippines which gives the beans a chocolate and nutty profile. Matumtum beans are actually quite unique. Coffee enthusiasts say that the profile of Matumtum beans are very subtle. While other coffee beans can have a bitter and dry aftertaste, these beans have an aromatic dark chocolate flavor that only leaves a slight residue on the tongue. The result is a coffee that is mellow. 

The latest delicious pairings offering highlights the importance of using responsibly-sourced local coffee beans. Coffee is one of the most widely-consumed beverages in the world, only second to tea and water. Seattle’s Best Coffee is passionate about coffee – a promise that means helping local farmers in three highlands keep their jobs while helping the environment.

Seatle's Best Coffee: Cafe Comunidad - the best of local coffee from Benguet, Sagada, Mt. Matutum paired with ensaymada

The beauty of this is that customers get so much in return, too. The delicious pairings can be had at only an additional P50 to their classic blends and over-iced coffee. It is the true completion of the local experience!

That is another reason why Seattle’s Best Coffee chose the three most common and loved local treats. Whether it's the savory pandesal, the filling ensaymada, or the rich yema, the Café Comunidad Local coffee + Pastry pairing is surely a perfect way to relax during the day. Each Seattle's Best Coffee branch offers the complete experience: a relaxing ambiance, excellent food, and of course, the best-tasting coffee.

You can learn more about your favorite coffee brand by visiting their official website, liking them on Facebook, or following them on Instagram.

Creativity Unleashed with the new HP Spectre x2

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HP Philippines recently presents the latest innovation to live with at a higher edge - HP Spectre x2 -  the device that reinvents the way people design, collaborate and create. 

HP’s new premium detachable, the Spectre x2, delivers the performance, design and innovation that empower today’s generation of digital creators to inspire the world like never before.

Every aspect of the Spectre x2 was designed to push creative boundaries and unlock new opportunities, reinforcing HP’s place at the forefront of reinvention. Bold engineering and cutting-edge design decisions will delight a generation eager to use technology as a canvas for self-expression. 

The Spectre x2, HP’s first luxury detachable designed for Windows lnk,, delivers it all, including a precise pen experience that was curated by the artist community and is sure to stun digital creators.

“HP Philippines understands the ever-changing lifestyle trends that influence how Filipinos consume and create different media,” says Kris Seville, HP Philippines Business Unit Manager for PC. 

“With the latest innovation in the Spectre series, we are giving the digital creator the next-level companion for work and play. The Spectre x2 helps our users push their creative boundaries and tell their story, wherever they may be.”

The New Spectre x2: Fueling Creative Aspirations

The HP Spectre x2 brings the performance of 7th Intel Core processors, durability of a stainless steel hinge and ability to create with Windows Ink to a premium detachable PC.

• Ink with precision in any mode: The Windows Ink Certified pen is pressure sensitive so emerging artists and creators can produce a wide range of artistic effects, from varying line weights to creating subtle shading and coloring. Additionally. the U-shaped stainless steel kickstand with the ability to function flat and up to 165° degrees is optimized for inking in any angle, and for any lifestyle, while providing exceptional durability to stand up to everyday use.

• Reinforced design with premium materials: A CNC-machined aluminum chassis and dark ash silver coloring with a copper kickstand provides more durability in each curve and contour for a refined design.

• Bright, strong display: A brilliant 12.3″ diagonal 3K2K (3000×2000) display with 6 million pixels, bringing HD entertainment to the next level and providing a wider range of ambient light Options, giving photographers or graphic artists better screen readability and visibility.

• Durable detachable keyboard: Providing a strong magnetic force to stay attached in any mode, along with a full-sized keyboard and responsive glass trackpad.

• High resolution cameras: Bringing a 13MP rear camera, 5MP WDR wide-view front camera and an IR camera for Windows Hello biometric authentication.

• Long battery life with HP Fast Charge: Stay entertained and productive with up to 8-hours of battery life and HP Fast Charge technology moving from 0% battery life to 50% on a 30 minute charge.

Spectre x2 Pricing and Availability

The HP Spectre x2 is now available starting at P79,990.00.

Features a t the Spectre x2 launch

Kenneth Cobonpue

At the new HP Spectre x2 media launch,  renowned designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Michael Leyva share insights on the art behind designing an ensemble-from designing the pieces to selecting the complementing aesthetics to executing the whole vision-and elevating the artistry of the entire magnum opus more than the sum of its parts.

Michael Leyva