A limited-time offer product, Sun Dollar Maximizer (ProIncome) is a single-pay, US dollar denominated VUL plan that provides insurance coverage equal to at least 125% of the Single Premium, and linked to a structured investment that matures after 7 years. It offers fixed annual income payouts of 3.5% for 7 consecutive years and gives back 100% of the Single Premium at maturity.
Maximizing dollar assets can seem like a challenge in the current economy. Analysts anticipate the central bank rate cuts to continue both in the United States and the Philippines, which means interest rates from bank products, such as US dollar time deposits, could go back to pre-pandemic levels where it was only less than 1%.
Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has already reduced the interest rates by another 25 basis points in October, with the next expected cut in December 2024 due to the favorable global and local inflation rates.
With interest rates decreasing at a steady pace, guaranteed returns are also expected to go down in parallel.
To help address this, JJ Book, the new market development head of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), encourages capitalizing on financial products that can help maximize yields.
“One such product is Sun Dollar Maximizer (ProIncome),” Book says. “This product offers a unique combination of stable returns and security,” Book said. “With the Sun Dollar Maximizer (ProIncome), you can enjoy potential growth of your wealth, even as interest rates decline. This, while also ensuring your loved ones’ financial well-being with the life insurance component.”
Sun Dollar Maximizer (ProIncome) can be availed of via a hassle-free application and policy approval through Sun Life’s Guaranteed Insurability Offer, subject to terms and conditions.
The product is available until November 18, 2024 only, or until the total allocation has been sold out, whichever comes earlier.
To learn more about the Sun Dollar Maximizer (ProIncome), visit http://sunlife.co/sundollarmaxpro or talk to a Sun Life Advisor today.
Note that the fixed annual income payouts are not guaranteed and are subject to note issuer risk. The product is linked to the note issued by Nomura International Funding Pte. (Nomura), a global financial services group established in 1925 that provides retail, asset and wealth management, merchant and investment banking, research, and other financial services.
Yamaha Motor Philippines continuously empowers Filipino athletes through its partnership with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87. Over the years, YMPH has been evident in showing its support for UAAP as it illuminates the sports excellence of Filipino youth. This year’s partnership highlights the newest Mio Gear campaign: PLAY YOUR TOUGH. It carries a strong message to overcome your challenge by boosting the toughness spirit in whichever setting you want to play: urban, outdoor, or sports.
The Mio Gear is designed to traverse the rugged concrete city, allowing you to overcome daily struggles; it was built to be functional, resilient, and expressive. Just as this motorcycle toughens up every rider, PLAY YOUR TOUGH aims to reach every UAAP athlete’s mindset. As they are challenged to play hard, be the MVP, and champion the season, this campaign will remind them to head on to the competition. The partnership between Yamaha Motor Philippines and UAAP constantly encourages the Filipino youth to be the best players they can be and play tough until the end.
Ford Philippines is welcoming the most wonderful time of the year with its much-anticipated Year-End Sale (YES) program, offering the best deals to customers getting a brand-new Ford during the holiday season.
Customers can enjoy cash discounts, all-in low downpayment deals, and low monthly fees with the purchase of a Ford Everest, Territory, Ranger, or Explorer until December 31, 2024.
Customers can get up to a PHP80,000 cash discount on a Ford Everest, pay as low as PHP22,299 monthly on a Ford Territory, or avail of a PHP63,000 all-in low downpayment on a Ford Ranger over the last two months of the year.
“We are excited to celebrate the most festive season in the Philippines with the return of our Ford Year-End Sale, more popularly known as YES, to the Filipino motoring consumer. It’s the time of the year to say YES to big savings and a wide array of financing options that will make it easy for our customers to own their dream Ford this holiday season,” shares Mike Breen, managing director, of Ford Philippines.
For customers getting a Territory, they can also enjoy an all-in low downpayment of PHP77,000 with a Territory 1.5L EcoBoost Titanium or a PHP40,000 cash discount for the Territory 1.5L Sport or Titanium X.
Those eyeing a mid-size SUV for Christmas can get the Ford Everest Trend 2.0L 4×2 with a low monthly fee of PHP30,550 or a PHP70,000 cash discount for a Ford Everest 2.0L Titanium+ 4×2.
Customers planning a memorable outdoor adventure can get a PHP100,000 cash discount on the Ford Ranger 2.0L Sport 4×2 6AT or Ranger XLT 4×2 6AT or a PHP31,000 low downpayment on a Ranger 2.0L XL 4×4 6MT.
The Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost is also available with a cash discount of PHP200,000.
All deals are available to customers through Ford’s partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).
For more details on Ford’s Year-End Sale offers, visit the Ford website or a Ford dealer nearest you.
In a ceremonial donation event held at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, Honda Foundation, Inc. (HFI) reaffirmed its commitment to bringing relief and comfort to the community amidst calamity and disaster by generously donating PHP1-million to the Philippine Red Cross last October 29, 2024. Through this donation, Honda aims to provide hope and inspiration to the families severely affected by Typhoon Kristine, particularly in Batangas Province within CALABARZON, as well as in Region 5 and Northern Luzon.
“PRC has been a trusted partner of Honda in reaching out and helping communities for decades, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Recently, in September 2024, PRC received life-saving generator sets to power up Philippine Red Cross chapters nationwide. Honda will continue nurturing its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, sharing the common value of saving Filipino lives,” said the Honda Foundation Board. “Furthermore, Honda, with deep gratitude to the Filipinos who continuously patronize Honda products, will always stand alongside the community in rebuilding and realizing the dream of a bright future for every family. Together for Tomorrow.”
HFI Board of Trustees & Associates headed by President Seiji Fujimoto with PRC Team
HFI is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Honda companies in the Philippines, comprising of Honda Philippines, Inc. (manufacturer/distributor of motorcycles and power products), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (automobile products), Honda Parts Manufacturing, Inc. (manufacturer/ exporter) and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone Corporation (storage/ warehousing).
HFI was established and registered as non-stock, non-profit organization on December 23, 1992; since then, HFI is One with the Community in its advocacies of Protecting the Environment, Supporting the Youth for the Future, Addressing Community Needs and Promoting Traffic Safety. Honda will aspire to become “a company that society wants to exist,” and will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, by serving people worldwide with the joy of expanding the people’s life potential through its social contribution initiatives.
The Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) is back for its 15th edition to showcase innovative business solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on November 22-23, 2024, 10 am – 6 pm at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
The country’s largest business-to-business trade show for SMEs, start-up founders, and entrepreneurs returns following its successful two-day run in May.
With the theme “Unlock Upliftment: Taking on Innovation, Coalition and Excellent Client Relations for an Empowered Nation,” the trade show aims to highlight new and cutting-edge solutions and emphasize the importance of exceptional customer service to drive growth for businesses across the Philippines.
“We are honored to provide a platform where business owners can access innovative solutions, foster genuine connections, and reinforce the community in building long-lasting client relationships,” Philippine SME Business Expo CEO and managing director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla said.
Over 120 sponsors and exhibitors are expected to showcase 180 business solutions across various sectors such as finance, banking, advertising, healthcare, HR & recruitment, IT, payroll solutions, logistics, co-working spaces, franchising, telecommunications, AI solutions, Tourism, Business outsourcing solutions, Web Design services, and more.
Organized by Mediacom Solutions Inc., the event will also feature 30 keynotes and presentations by industry leaders and experts offering valuable insights and strategies to 9,000 business owners, aiming to help them boost their marketing, revenue, and business growth plans.
The 15th PHILSME Business Expo’s sponsors include Ai-CHA Ice Cream & Tea Philippines, QNE Software Philippines, Inc, Odoo, GCash for Business, Benchmark, Bossjob, Security Bank, and more.
In partnership with leading creative consultancy Design For Tomorrow, the re:brand Initiative will also be unveiled during the expo in November at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
The creative consultancy will be donating one full premium branding service to a chosen MSME.
For Exhibition and Sponsorship inquiries, please contact Sunshine Sy at [email protected], text or call at 0968 569 8358, or visit the website at https://www.philsme.com/
Mod Audio PH is thrilled to announce the launch of the latest Sonos products in the Philippines, bringing new innovations to audio enthusiasts nationwide. Leading the lineup is the Sonos Ace Headphones, the first-ever headphones from Sonos. Priced at PHP28,990, these headphones have been eagerly anticipated by loyal Sonos fans and are now available for purchase.
The Sonos Ace Headphones are crafted for premium audio performance, featuring world-class noise cancellation, high-resolution Spatial Audio, and an industry-leading 30-hour battery life, ideal for long listening sessions. More details on the Sonos Ace Headphones can be found at modaudio.ph.
Expanding the Sonos Experience in the Home Theater Space
In addition to the Ace Headphones, Mod Audio PH is showcasing Sonos’ multi-room audio capabilities and its streamlined approach to home theater systems. The Sonos home theater setup, designed for simplicity and immersive audio, requires only one soundbar, one subwoofer, and two rear speakers to deliver a full Dolby Atmos experience, catering to Filipino consumers seeking high-quality, user-friendly audio solutions.
Introducing the Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar – Coming This December
Set to arrive in the Philippines this December, Sonos will launch its new flagship soundbar, the Sonos Arc Ultra, just in time for the holiday season. The Arc Ultra soundbar offers a 9.1.4 spatial audio experience on its own, elevating home theater audio. For those seeking a full Dolby Atmos experience, the Arc Ultra can be paired with the Sonos Sub Gen 4 and two Sonos Era 300 rear speakers.
Equipped with the latest “Sound Motion” technology, the Sonos Arc Ultra delivers unmatched clarity, depth, and balance for immersive audio. Available now for pre-order through Mod Audio PH, the Sonos Arc Ultra is poised to redefine home theater experiences for Filipino audiences.
For more information about Mod Audio PH and the latest Sonos products, please visit modaudio.ph.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is gearing up for the finale of its motorsports season with Race Weekend 3 of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup) on November 9, 2024, at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. The final race weekend is expected to be the most thrilling yet, as it will determine the season winners of the annual racing series.
Admission to Race Weekend 3 of the TGR Philippine Cup is FREE. Those interested can take advantage of the FREE shuttle service from SM Clark to Clark International Speedway and vice versa. The shuttle will be available every hour from 8AM until 5PM.
The races will be streamed live on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Facebook page. The livestream will start at 9AM. The weekend will kick off with Sprint Races for the Novice, Promotional, Sporting, and Super Sporting classes. Racers will be awarded points based on the finishing order. The racer with the highest number of points at the end of three race weekends will be declared the season winner.
Previous Autocross racers Reph Bangsil and Lexi Mendiola return to the circuit races in the Novice class alongside media racers Jamil Lacuna, Jose Altoveros, Pablo Salapantan, and John Rey San Diego, and sim racer Russel Reyes. TMP president Masando Hashimoto is also back to push his limits in the Vios OMR – the one-make-race car used for the series.
Reyes currently leads the Novice class standings, with Lacuna close behind in second place, and San Diego in third.
Meanwhile, team TGR Philippines racers Ryan Agoncillo and Troy Montero continue their charge in the Sporting and Super Sporting classes, respectively. They’ll be up against some of the best racers from the top racing teams in the country.
In line with its vision of inspiring more young people to take an interest in motorsports, TMP also continues to provide opportunities for up-and-coming racers to participate in its motorsports events. For Race Weekend 3, new entrant Will Lucas will be joining the Sporting class after being selected through a driver tryout.
Leading the Super Sporting class is Iñigo Anton of the Toyota Balintawak-Obengers Racing Team, followed by Russel Cabrera from Team Toyota Cebu in second, with Red Diwa of JBT Racing / Toyota Isabela in third.
In the Sporting class, Jiro Garbes of Inbox-Toyota San Fernando leads the standings, with Jarond Mesina of Team Toyota Cebu in second, and Danzel Waytan of JD Motorsports–Ribbon Arc in third.
Bong Garbes of Inbox–Toyota San Fernando, meanwhile, leads the Promotional class, followed by Julia Delos Angeles of Toyota San Jose Del Monte, Inc.–Obengers Racing Team in second, and Rex Abrenilla of Team Toyota Cebu in third.
Following the sprint races is the car club track day, where owners of GR performance cars take their vehicles out for an exclusive track experience. In the mid-afternoon, fans of the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86 can take in the sight and sound of these supercars running on the speedway.
Fans will also be treated to a drifting exhibition by professional drifters Dane Cruz and Hans Jimenez. Cruz and Jimenez will demonstrate their driving skills using the GR 86. A few lucky fans may even get a chance to experience sliding around in the GR86 or even ride shotgun in the GR Yaris or GR Supra for an exciting hot lap around the track!
These will be followed by the final Endurance Race of the season, where racers in the Novice, Promotional, Sporting, and Super-Sporting classes put their skills to the test in a 1.5-hour circuit race. Points from the endurance race are added to the overall score tally.
In between activities on the track, racing enthusiasts can try their hand at sim racing at the TGR GT Cup experience booth located in the activity area. They can also visit the sponsors’ booths for original products or participate in the game booths for a chance to win prizes. Official TOYOTA GAZOO Racing merchandise will also be available for sale.
“It’s the last race weekend of the season, so we are working to make it the most thrilling one yet. We have a lot of activities lined up, both on track and in the activity area, so we hope fans can come and experience the FUN TO DRIVE spirit with us,” shared TMP vice president for marketing services Elvin Luciano.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup is brought to you by Official Fuel Partner Petron and Official Tire Partner GT Radial in cooperation with Official Timekeeper Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.
Global business services provider Teleperformance (TP) in the Philippines is reinforcing its commitment to advancing digital innovation and transformation with the opening of its first immersive Innovation & Solutions Hub in SM Aura in Taguig City.
The state-of-the-art facility showcases TP Microservices, the company’s newest extensive suite of cloud-based services that seamlessly integrate advanced AI capabilities into clients’ ecosystems, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and immersive training spaces. The hub is both a demonstration center for TP’s latest technological offerings and a collaborative space where organizations can explore emerging technologies reshaping the IT-BPM industry.
“I’m personally excited about TP’s Innovation and Solutions Hub in the Philippines, as it furthers our commitment to our people — our customer experts and especially to our clients. As we continue to invest not just in new technologies, but in fostering an overall innovation culture across the organization, we’re better positioned to develop and implement breakthrough solutions for the benefit of our customers,” said chief executive officer of Teleperformance in the Philippines, Rahul Jolly during the launch.
Pierre Berube, Senior Vice President of Shared Services & Capability Development, tries out the immersive virtual reality set up featured during the opening of Teleperformance’s newest Innovation & Solutions Hub in Taguig.
The Innovation & Solutions Hub builds on the strategic synergy of emotional intelligence (EI) and artificial intelligence (AI) across TP’s operations, giving clients a High-Tech, High-Touch, and High-Standards advantage in delivering superior customer experiences. With emotions influencing 60% to 80% of human decisions, TP’s customer experts are able to deliver personalized solutions that address the frustrations, and pain points that customers often feel, a holistic solution powered by EI, enabled by AI.
“We are leveraging AI and EI combined with a high-touch approach in our microservices solutions suite to achieve multiple goals: making our customer experts’ lives easier through more efficient processes, reducing friction, and providing enhanced digital customer experiences (CX). Together with our clients, we co-create tailored, industry-specific solutions that address unique vertical challenges. Afterall, TP at its heart is a people-first company,” Jolly added.
The 260-square meter facility houses several high-tech set-up including a massive boardroom, display showrooms, product demonstration corners, fully equipped conference rooms for workshops, LED display panels, and a welcoming lounge area. Incoming guests are assisted by transformation experts for testing and demonstrating featured solutions in the hub.
Further making the event more meaningful was the presence of Teleperformance chief executive officer Daniel Julien, deputy CEO Thomas Mackenbrock, and global chief operating officer Agustin Grisanti, who were joined by special guests from the local government and industry partners in officially opening the Innovation & Solutions Hub.
Capping off the inauguration of Teleperformance’s Innovation & Solutions hub was a high-level panel discussion on the potential of EI and AI in the Philippines Customer Experience Industry. Sitting in the panel were, from left, Frost & Sullivan Industry Principal Sherrel Roche, CCAP Operations Director Jay Santisteban, AAP President Michelle Alarcon, panel moderator TP North America Chief Transformation Officer Jojo Pacis, SVP of Transformation and Process Excellence at Teleperformance in the Philippines Amit Kale, and Everest Group Practice Director Raghav Agarwal.
Julien acknowledged that TP welcomes AI, and that it is primarily a tool which can aid humans in making faster and informed decisions. He also emphasized that EI and AI can assist businesses in solving daily and complex problems which allows TP to consistently provide exceptional customer service.
The launch event ended with a high-level panel discussion, which included Call Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) operations director Jay Santisteban, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) president Michelle Alarcon, Frost & Sullivan industry principal Sherrel Roche, Everest Group Practice director Raghav Agarwal, and senior vice president of Transformation and Process Excellence in Teleperformance in the Philippines Amit Kale. The panel discussion was moderated by TP North America chief transformation officer Jojo Pacis.
To learn more about Teleperformance in the Philippines, visit their website at www.teleperformance.com.
When I heard about the TP-Link Deco BE25, I was curious to see how it would compare to my existing Deco X55 mesh system. The X55 had been serving my household well, delivering stable and reliable Wi-Fi, but the appeal of the new Wi-Fi 7 capabilities in the Deco BE25 had me intrigued. Promising ultra-fast speeds, seamless connectivity throughout the house, and the ability to handle numerous devices without lag, the Deco BE25 seemed like a perfect upgrade. So, I set it up alongside my X55 and quickly saw how much of a game-changer this latest model is for a tech-heavy household.
Design – 4 / 5
Right out of the box, the Deco BE25 feels like an evolution of the Deco design language—sleek, compact, and with an understated modern look. Disc-shaped, it measures 150 x 150 x 62mm, making it easy to position without being obtrusive. Unlike traditional routers, the Deco BE25 has a smooth, streamlined appearance with internal antennas, contributing to its aesthetic and functional appeal.
Setting it up alongside my existing X55 units, I was pleased to see that the BE25 was just as flexible in terms of placement. I simply placed it on the family room console table without worrying about it looking out of place. The build quality is equally impressive, feeling robust yet light, and the ventilation system ensures it doesn’t overheat even when every device in the house is online.
Its subtle LED indicator adds a practical touch, allowing you to quickly check the network’s status at a glance. The LED is dim enough to avoid being a distraction but informative enough to alert you if there’s a connectivity issue.
Hardware – 4 / 5
The Deco BE25 packs some serious power under the hood, which is essential for a Wi-Fi 7 router that’s built to handle intense network demands. This dual-band router offers speeds up to 5000Mbps, with 4324Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Wi-Fi 7 technology includes features like 4K-QAM (4096 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access), which maximize data transmission efficiency and reduce latency, ensuring smooth performance even when multiple devices are connected.
Internally, the Deco BE25 includes four high-performance antennas, which are arranged to optimize coverage and eliminate dead zones. These antennas, though hidden within the device, are crucial to its impressive reach, particularly in homes with multiple floors or thick walls. The device’s dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports are a standout feature, providing high-speed wired connections ideal for bandwidth-heavy devices such as desktop PCs and smart TVs. This capability is perfect for working on the cloud, streaming high-resolution content, or competitive gaming, where latency can make all the difference.
The Deco BE25’s hardware is also designed with security in mind. It features WPA3 encryption, the latest standard for wireless security, which helps keep data safe from unauthorized access and cyber threats. TP-Link’s HomeShield (available as a paid feature) further enhances the security profile, adding advanced malware protection and parental controls. This combination of high-speed hardware and robust security features makes the Deco BE25 one of the most capable and secure routers available for home use today.
User Experience – 4.5 / 5
One of the strongest aspects of the Deco BE25 is its user-friendly setup and management. TP-Link’s Deco app, available for iOS and Android, makes installation straightforward with clear visuals and instructions. Even though I was already familiar with the setup process, I appreciated the app’s step-by-step visuals.
With the Deco app previously set up and configured for my existing Deco X55 mesh setup, all I needed to do was add the Deco B25 as an additional device and then designate it as the main router, delegating the two X55 units as access points. I did not even need to change our home WiFi network name and password.
In my household, we have some 30 connected devices at any given time, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, multi-function printers, smart TVs, smart home appliances, and a home security system, among others, spread out in various locations across a two-story home. Thus, any improvement in speed and connectivity is appreciated.
Moreover, our WFH setup means we operate in a cloud-first environment, accessing resources and collaborating with colleagues online. Often, family members would be attending zoom meetings or streaming online events at the same time. With the Deco BE25, the network ran smoothly, without any noticeable lag or buffering. I am especially pleased with the speed and responsiveness of cloud-based document editing, which seems indistinguishable from working on local files stored on my computer.
With our previous X55 mesh setup, I experienced some connectivity drops when moving from the living room to my bedroom. The Deco BE25 seems to have eliminated this issue with its seamless roaming and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). By balancing data across different channels, MLO ensures smooth connectivity across multiple devices.
The Deco app continues to be useful, allowing me to easily monitor connected devices, prioritize specific ones, and manage bandwidth allocation. For example, I could designate my iMac as a high priority device, ensuring that it gets the bandwidth it needs when I’m working.
Value – 3.5 / 5
At PHP13,990, the Deco BE25 is an investment, but it feels justified. Its Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, faster speeds, and dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports make it a future-proof choice, especially for a household with many connected devices or those needing ultra-reliable speeds for work, streaming, or gaming.
One thing I particularly appreciate is its backward compatibility. I didn’t need to replace any of my older devices when upgrading, and since it works seamlessly with the X55, I can even keep both systems in place for extended coverage. This flexibility, along with the expandable nature of the Deco system, means it’s easy to add units as needed for a layered mesh network.
What’s Hot
Blazing speeds with Wi-Fi 7
Multi-Link Operation
User-friendly Deco app
What’s Not
Premium price
Advanced settings might be too complex for casual users
Bottomline
The TP-Link Deco BE25 offers high-speed, future-proof connectivity, making it a premium choice for demanding home networks.
Reviewed by Maribelle Alba Also published in Gadgets Magazine November 2024 issue
While the world hasn’t mastered teleportation (yet!), international travel is more accessible than ever. But savvy travelers know there’s a less glamorous side to globetrotting: foreign transaction fees, confusing exchange rates, and the endless quest for the best deals.
Fear not, fellow adventurers! GCash is your passport to stress-free international travel, with its seamless Scan-to-Pay feature in over 90 million stores powered by Alipay+ —including retail stores, food establishments, groceries, and convenience stores. Simply scan the QR code or generate a code for the merchant to scan, and you’re all set! You’ll even receive a receipt showing the amount in both Philippine Pesos and the local currency, making it easy to track your spending.
Whether you’re yearning for the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, the futuristic marvels of Singapore, or the captivating history of Shanghai, here is a curated cheat sheet to unlock the best deals and exclusive perks for your next Asian adventure to help you navigate the complexities of your upcoming travel and maximize your budget.
With the help of GCash, say goodbye to financial stress and hello to a seamless and rewarding travel experience.
Spice Up Your Trip with Flavorful Food Perks
No Asian adventure is complete without exploring its diverse culinary scene! In Singapore, savor an array of authentic local delicacies at Maxwell Food Centre, enjoy flavorful clay pot dishes at Lau Wang Claypot, and satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Chinese desserts at Jidechi Dessert.
In Hong Kong, indulge in classic Cantonese cuisine at Tsui Wah Restaurant, grab affordable and tasty meals at Fairwood, and savor traditional Chinese pastries at Kee Wah Bakery and Bakehouse.
Finally, in Shanghai, immerse yourself in the unique flavors of Chagee’s signature bubble teas, delight in delicious soup dumplings and pastries at Bao’s Pastry, and experience an exceptional hotpot with customizable options at Haidilao Hot Pot.
Best of all, you can conveniently pay for your culinary adventures with GCash! Simply use the Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+ at these participating restaurants and enjoy a 5% discount on every order under SGD 5 at the mentioned Singaporean merchants.
Shop ‘Til You Drop with Unbelievable Shopping Deals
Beyond the culinary delights, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are also havens for shoppers, offering a diverse range of goods, from high-end fashion to unique local crafts. With GCash’s convenient Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+, navigating these retail havens is a breeze.
In Shanghai, explore a diverse retail scene, from collectible toys at Pop Mart and trendy fashion at Lyfen to daily essentials at Meiyijia and curated lifestyle goods at Busy for You. Hong Kong offers a similar variety, with Wellcome supermarket for your everyday needs, SASA for beauty and skincare, Sportshouse for outdoor gear, and Cheng Sang Sang for traditional Chinese medicine.
For a truly luxurious shopping experience, head to Singapore. Discover high-end brands at ION Orchard or explore the Japanese department store Takashimaya. Find unique souvenirs and local snacks at YueHwa, or stock up on groceries at Sheng Siong, where GCash users can unlock exclusive discounts like SGD 2 off with a minimum spend of SGD2.10, SGD 3 off with a minimum spend of SGD3.10, and SGD 15 off with a minimum spend of SGD50.
Temples, Towers, and Theme Parks: Score Easy Access on Amazing Attractions
Maximize your Asian adventure by experiencing its must-see attractions. Soar above Hong Kong on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, explore Ocean Park, and make family memories at Legoland. Meanwhile, In Shanghai, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower, navigate the bustling metro, and discover Mars Shanghai. In Singapore, wander through the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay, experience movie magic at Universal Studios, and take in panoramic views from the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
With GCash’s Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+, purchasing tickets and accessing these attractions is seamless and efficient, saving you precious time and hassle.
To learn more about the exclusive discounts and active Alipay+ merchants, click here.
Unlocking the World with GCash
International travel is an investment in yourself, a chance to broaden your horizons and create memories that will last a lifetime. From simplifying payments and unlocking exclusive deals to providing peace of mind with offline accessibility, GCash and Alipay+ empower you to embrace your international adventures confidently and easily.
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Ready to go on your next concert trip? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
For those who thrive on capturing life’s beautiful moments, the vivo V40 Lite 5G is a game-changer. This newest midrange device from vivo boasts a 50MP main camera with AI Aura Light, a 32MP portrait camera, and an 8MP 120° ultra wide-angle camera, all designed to make every shot exceptional.
With advanced tools like AI Aura Light, AI Erase, and AI Photo Enhance, the V40 Lite 5G allows users to capture vibrant, studio-quality photos anytime and anywhere, with enhanced control over each image’s details.
Unmatched camera setup for every photography style
The vivo V40 Lite 5G is equipped with a 50MP main camera for strikingly clear images, a 32MP portrait camera that excels in selfies, and an 8MP ultra wide-angle camera with a 120° field of view. The ultra-wide lens is ideal for capturing stunning group shots and panoramic landscapes, while vivo’s intelligent algorithms correct wide-angle distortion to deliver flawless images.
Adding to this is the innovative AI Aura Light feature. Offering 75 times softer and 8 times wider lighting coverage than a standard flash, the AI Aura Light provides a warm, even glow that complements all skin tones and smooths away imperfections. Even vivo ambassador Marian River can’t get enough of it!
With this feature, portraits look more natural and professional, even in low light, making every shot look like it was taken in a studio.
Perfectly enhanced photos with AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance
The V40 Lite 5G brings powerful AI editing capabilities right to your fingertips. With AI Erase, users can easily remove unwanted objects or distractions from photos, ensuring that each image focuses on the best moments.
On the other hand, the AI Photo Enhance feature automatically optimizes brightness, contrast, and sharpness, bringing out vibrant colors and fine details that make every shot look professionally edited with just a single tap.
The AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance features allow users to create photos that truly stand out, highlighting the beauty of each scene.
Low-light excellence with Super Night algorithms
Low-light conditions are no challenge for the V40 Lite 5G, thanks to its Night Mode with Super Night algorithms. This technology enhances brightness, clarity, and color accuracy, minimizing blur and noise for clear, vivid night shots. With nine unique night filters, users can add an artistic touch to their nighttime photos, unlocking endless creative possibilities.
For those who love capturing every angle and moment with perfection, the vivo V40 Lite 5G is the ideal choice. With up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (expandable up to 2TB), the vivo V40 Lite 5G starts at Php 15,999.
Visit vivo stores nationwide or shop online via the vivo website and Shopee to bring this powerful photography companion home today!
Subscribers of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) were able to “unbox the future” during the midnight launch of the new iPhone 16 Series, held recently at the Smart Store in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The event was graced by local stars Kyline Alcantara and basketball player Kobe Paras.
The basketball star was particularly excited to try the iPhone 16’s new camera settings. “I love taking pictures, so I decided to see how clear and how improved the camera is,” he shared. The new flagship iPhones can now capture more moments than its predecessors because of its advanced Photographic Styles, Camera Control, and Zero Shutter Lag.
Kyline, meanwhile, is a fan of iPhone 16 series’ battery life.
“I always forget to charge my phone so having a long battery life will be helpful for me,” the actress said. According to Apple, each iPhone 16 model will charge to around 50 percent in just under 30 minutes.
First 16 owners of the new iPhones
Meanwhile, Smart rewarded the first 16 subscribers who availed of the new iPhone 16 handsets with PHP3000-worth of vouchers and phone accessories from Smart at the midnight launch.
“I’ve been with Smart for 10 years,” shared Maylu Mallari, one of the telco’s first 16 iPhone 16 customers. “This is really the Smart choice!”
Filled with fun and games, the event kickstarted with DJ Ish’s party beats, followed by the performance of singer-songwriter Reneé Dominique. The launch also encouraged customers to donate their old devices for recycling at the in-store bin. Sixteen iPads were also given away to lucky Smart subscribers who attended the midnight launch.
“Smart is making it easier for subscribers to get their new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. You may try to compare our offers to that of others, and I can guarantee that we have the best offers,” said Kristine Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business.
She added, “New Postpaid subscribers can upgrade to the latest iPhone with a low downpayment under Plans+ 999 for only PHP1,300 monthly. If you’re on Smart Prepaid, this is the perfect time to upgrade to iPhone 16 because Smart offers it for as low as PHP2,313 monthly for 24 months at absolutely zero percent interest.”
Available on Postpaid, Infinity, and Prepaid
For those who are looking for the best iPhone16 deals, Smart offers the following options from Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity, and Smart Prepaid.
New Smart Postpaid subscribers can avail of the iPhone 16 Series starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 with a low downpayment of PHP21,000 and a monthly amortization of only PHP1,300 under a 24-month contract.
Recontracting Smart Postpaid subscribers can get an iPhone 16 (128GB) with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999 for only PHP2,121 per month for 24 months – without cashout. The device is also available for an even lower monthly amortization of PHP1,697 (subject to credit approval) on a 30-month contract. The plans come with UNLI 5G for 12 months, 20 GB of open access data, Netflix mobile subscription, Unlimited Texts, Calls to Mobile and Landline, and exclusive Smart Perks from select restaurants, shopping, beauty and travel partners.
On the other hand, Smart Infinity members may get the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone16 Pro Max with their Infinity Plans, which comes with Unlimited Data, Texts & Calls, Data Roaming Packs, and Monthly Consumable Allocation plus a suite of exclusive privileges tailored to their premium lifestyle. Smart Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy access to an Infinity Relationship Manager that handles all their account-related concerns, as well as 24/7 access to an Infinity Concierge, a dedicated hotline for round-the-clock mobile assistance and access to exclusive lifestyle events.
For customers who wish to purchase just the device, they may get the iPhone 16 handsets with Smart Prepaid for as low as PHP2,313 per month for 24 months at 0% monthly installment and with a Smart Prepaid bundle — Free Smart prepaid eSIM and free 16 GB data valid for 16 days. On the other hand, Home Credit users may pay for up to 15, 18, and 24 months for as low as PHP2,979 per month to get the latest iPhone from Smart.
Smart now offers a wide range of payment options in Smart Stores nationwide through partner banks and financing institutions. BDO, BPI, Metrobank credit card users can conveniently enjoy up to 12 months installment, while RCBC, Security Bank, and UnionBank credit card users can enjoy 12-month or 24-month installment options on their iPhone purchase with Smart. Home Credit representatives are also ready to accept device financing with flexible terms in select Smart Stores.
The latest iPhones are powered by Smart’s superior 5G mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal.
St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Philippines has gone live with the Sunrise™ electronic health record (EHR) platform from Altera Digital Health, marking its formal transition from paper to digital records.
St. Luke’s Medical Center is recognized as the leading healthcare institution in the Philippines and one of the most advanced hospitals in the world. The private hospital has more than 1,000 beds and manages over 48,000 admissions and 2.7 million outpatient consultations annually. Arguably the most advanced platform of its kind in the Philippines, Sunrise will be used across the centre’s Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City facilities.
A highly configurable solution with integrative capabilities, Sunrise is a comprehensive open platform that connects all aspects of care across the entire care continuum, complementing St. Luke’s patient-centered approach to clinical care. It is used by many of the leading hospitals and health systems in the APAC region, providing them with clinician-specific workflows, and adding support that can lead to improved clinical outcomes.
St. Luke’s is pleased to bring Altera’s Sunrise solution on board. This smarter, scalable technology can help deliver more responsive patient care. EHRs have increasingly been recognised for improving patient care and enhancing efficiencies in healthcare processes. The Sunrise platform’s support will enable St. Luke’s team to digitise data, streamline existing processes, and achieve further scalability while providing secure facilitation and management of patient records, supporting clinicians in delivering the best care possible to patients.
The adoption of Sunrise EHR can help St. Luke’s Medical Center evaluate the outcomes of its interventions and treatments for its patients. By digitising the complex processes of clinical care on the EHR platform, doctors and clinicians can collaborate and manage patients’ health records more effectively. Eliminating outdated, time-consuming administrative tasks, allows clinicians to better focus on contributing to more value-based care for their patients.
“At St. Luke’s Medical Center, we are enhancing patient care through the adoption of Altera’s Sunrise EHR platform. This advanced technology enables our clinicians to collaborate more efficiently, streamline processes, and maintain a strong focus on patient-centered care, all while securely managing health records,” said Dr. Dennis P. Serrano, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Sunrise can also empower clinicians with clinical decision support functions, providing information to assist them in making the right decisions on medication for their patients and improving patient outcomes. Through its sophisticated connected medication management feature, doctors can leverage the platform promptly to check on their prescription’s proper dosing and any drug-to-drug interactions with their patients.
Using the Sunrise EHR platform, clinicians can get a unified view of their patient’s health records and better organise their care history while their patients are with St. Luke’s Medical Center. The platform can act as an information hub across the healthcare system, making it possible for clinicians to holistically review patients’ past notes and care plans, helping solve the problem of fragmented records that many patients with multiple care providers have.
“Altera Digital Health is heartened to have the opportunity to share the benefits of Sunrise with an esteemed healthcare institution like St. Luke’s Medical Center, and we look forward to supporting them in solving the information burden that many providers in the healthcare industry face,” said Todd Haebich, executive vice president, APAC.
“Our Sunrise EHR platform is designed with flexibility in mind, and we believe it will equip St. Luke’s Medical Center with the tools to optimise their digital processes to support their patient and clinician needs, paving the way for stronger and better care delivery, while better supporting healthcare practitioners’ workloads.”
Groundbreaking ideas were unveiled and spotlighted at the Red Bull Basement National Final, shining a spotlight on the future of Filipino ingenuity. The competition, which took place last October 26, 2024, at the Mind Museum in Taguig, gathered some of the brightest minds in the country, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
The expert jury panel, which included Unbox Creator Network CEO Carlo Ople, 2023 APEC Circular Economy Awardee and The Circle Hostel co-founder Rafael Dionisio, and international consultant and capacity development (CD) practitioner Dr. Eduardo Canela, named “Agriconnect” the National Champion. This victory secures his spot as the exclusive Philippine representative for the Red Bull Basement World Final, set for this December in Tokyo, Japan.
The Red Bull Basement National Final served as a testament to the Philippines’ rich pool of talent and creative visionaries. From health wellness concepts to energy efficiency and agricultural solutions, the ideas presented captured the forward-thinking spirit that the competition promotes.
Soj Gamayon’s “Agriconnect” innovation stood out for its creativity, practicality, and potential for significant impact on farming businesses in the Philippines and Asia, earning the innovator title of Red Bull Basement Philippines National Champion. The forward-thinking innovation addresses rice-farming concerns and aims to simplify and make rice-farming more efficient, potentially reshaping the agriculture industry.
“It’s inspiring to see someone think of the problem and figure out innovations to make it easier for farmers as well as the end users or the customers.” said jury member and Unbox CEO Carlo Ople about the winning innovation. “That level of care and concern, and the creativity displayed in coming up with solutions is something else.”
Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool
He also noted, “The one thing that stood out (about the idea) is that he made us believe that he was capable of executing what he claims he could do, which is always a big thing in competitions like this.”
Ople also shared his thoughts on the competition and the finalists’ ideas pitched at the event, saying, “I was so inspired seeing all the different contestants. They’re so young which makes you think, ‘What was I doing when I was their age?’ It’s amazing to see that level of creativity, concern, and care that they have in solving problems that they saw would be relevant to the Philippines and to themselves.”
As the victor of the National Final, Soj Gamayon is bound for Tokyo, Japan, this December to showcase his idea on the world stage as the representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Basement World Final. Innovators from 40 countries will gather to compete for the title of Red Bull Basement World Champion. Along with the chance to win the title, Gamayon will also receive invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities, gaining him exposure to industry leaders and fellow innovators.
Reflecting on his win, Gamayon said, “It’s so surreal. It wasn’t in my expectations, honestly, I was just here because I knew I had so much more to learn, and this is for me such a great bonus.” He added, “I see it more as a responsibility to hopefully bring the championship for the Philippines.”
The young innovator shared that two things inspired his winning concept. He said, “I come from a province that is big in rice farming. And I really saw the complexities that they face every single day. The second thing is that I was fortunate enough to be sent to Singapore and be immersed in the startup ecosystem there. I interned for a company that helps shrimp farmers manage their risk of disease testing. When I came back here, I felt like there was a responsibility for me to make a greater impact.”
With his winning innovation, Gamayon hopes to revolutionize farming. He stated, “It’s making things simpler and more efficient for agri-companies. As we all know, rice is a vital part of our economy and our world. So, we need to make sure that in order for us to have this constant demand, we need to make sure we simplify and have a more strategic way of approaching rice farming.”
Focusing on the upcoming World Final in Tokyo, Gamayon said, “I’m really looking forward to people’s ideas of how to solve very common problems, creating great impact with people, and just connecting with these like-minded individuals.”
A Platform for Future Innovators
Red Bull Basement invites young, upcoming innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas. Participants harnessed AI to build their concepts and business plans, focused on key opportunities and growth areas. For its 2024 edition, Red Bull Basement collaborated with Microsoft and AMD.
The Red Bull Basement World Final, happening this December in Tokyo, Japan, will feature the winning innovations from participating countries worldwide. Intensive workshops and networking opportunities will also be provided in the weeks leading up to the World Final. The global judging panel, including Head of Microsoft for Startups Hans Yang, Early Stage Plug and Play Investor Letizia Royo-Villanova, and Digital Creator and Mentorship Program Leader Jun Yuh, will decide the winning idea for the Red Bull Basement 2024 World Final.
The Red Bull Basement 2024 World Champion will receive a 3-week hands-on experience at Silicon Valley in California in 2025. This once-in-a-lifetime immersion allows the Red Bull Basement World Champion to gain networking opportunities with global industry leaders.
Support Soj Gamayon as he gears up for the journey of a lifetime to the Red Bull Basement World Final in Tokyo, Japan, in December. Tune in to Red Bull Philippines’ social media for the latest updates. Visit the website to find out more about Red Bull Basement.
Looking to start your ebike journey in style? The highly anticipated HATASU AYA has arrived! With its chic, retro-inspired design and a starting SRP of PHP36,990 (plus a FREE helmet worth P899), the AYA is ready to turn heads and elevate your daily ride.
HATASU, a local ebike brand known for their value-for-money and sustainable riding solutions, has just launched its most stylish model yet. The HATASU AYA perfectly combines aesthetic design, optimized performance, and safety to deliver an ebike that Rides Well, Looks Good!
Eye-Catching Design Meets Functionality
The HATASU AYA’s retro-meets-modern design is sure to impress. Its High-Grade ABS Bodyis tough against heat, chemicals, and scratches, keeping the AYA both durable and stylish. Plus its Unique LED Lightsoffer brighter, wider beams for enhanced night visibility while conserving battery life. The Functional Digital Displaykeeps users informed with precise speed and battery data, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Style meets Optimized Performance
More than just good looks, the HATASU AYA is built for a superb ride! Powered by an 800W Dynamo Motor that reaches an average speed of 40-45 KPH and handles inclines of up to 17-20 degrees (depending on weight and road conditions), the HATASU AYA meets daily travel needs with ease. The Sinewave Controller 35+1AH keeps noise and heat at bay, while the Front Hydraulic Brake ensures safe, reliable stops on wet or muddy terrain. These features combined will surely deliver a smooth and efficient journey every time.
Safe, Stable, and Comfortable
For added stability, the Aluminum Alloy Front Tire Mags provide balanced steering and enhanced agility. Riders can also enjoy a Spacious Underseat Compartment and a Wider Footboardto minimize leg strain, especially on uneven roads or during sharp turns.
Extra Features to Elevate Your Ride
To top it all off, the HATASU AYA includes a Wind Visor, Step Nut, and a No Gas Needed Plate Light, making it not only a practical choice but a stunning one too!
Get the HATASU AYA at selected authorized dealer stores nationwide!
Get your very own HATASU AYA at HATASU’s authorized dealer stores: Emcor, Home Along, KServico, Save N’ Earn, Motorcentral, Guanzon, Motoxchange, and more! For the complete store list, you can visit this link >> https://tinyurl.ph/AYAAuthorizedDealerStores
Want to check out their other product line-up? You can visit HATASU Dealer Stores nationwide or check out the brand’s official ecommerce stores: Lazada, Shopee, and TiktokShop.
