Monthly Archives: July 2019

People nowadays have become more conscious in their lifestyle to preserve the environment. A zero-waste lifestyle means not just saving natural resources, but also helping save the earth. This can be done by reducing our consumption of single-use plastic products or going eco.

SM Foodcourt in Marilao and Baliwag make it easy to incorporate green living and sustainable practice with the Free Eco Cutlery Kit promo. Portable and lightweight, the eco cutlery kit comes in small case that you can bring anywhere. These reusable cutlery kits are good eco choice for dining out, parties, picnics and travel. It is also a wonderful way to reduce waste and a great alternative to single-use plastic utensils that take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose.

To get the Free Eco Cutlery Kit, shoppers may simply dine at SM Foodcourt in Marilao and Baliwag.  Present Php.250 single receipt purchase with any Coca-cola product at the redemption booth for a Free Eco Cutlery Kit. Collect all four colors and help save the environment

Grab these freebies until August 25, 2019.  Let’s do our share and turn the tide on disposable utensils!

Visit SM Foodcourt today at ground level of SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag!

Entering the rainy season, the Local Government Units (LGUs) of various regions have kickstarted awareness drives and preparedness programs anchored on Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation (DRRM) for this year’s Disaster Resilience month.

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center attributes the effectiveness of disaster reduction and response to the effectivity of managing information before, during, and after a disaster. However, utilizing relevant information is largely anchored on the availability and most importantly, the reliability of platforms for communication in place, according to Cisco Managing Director for the Philippines Karrie Ilagan.

“A huge part of the government’s DRRM measures for a disaster-prone country like ours is vigilant preparation as this is the foundation of our response to and recovery from disasters,” said Ilagan. “While preparation may involve tasks like having survival kits ready at home or LGUs readying early warning systems and transport systems like rubber boats and trucks, technology is a powerful tool that also plays a crucial role in DRRM and in fact, cuts across all stages of our disaster approach.”

Based on Cisco’s multinational partnerships, Ilagan forecasts communication technology greatly benefiting each DRRM aspect the government has in place:

1. Prevention and Mitigation

In order for the development of DRRM plans to be accurate, Ilagan believes communication technology must aid community assessments through solutions that facilitate end-to-end monitoring.

“Evaluating municipalities will need continual monitoring of areas exposed to natural or man-made risks like flooding or even vehicular accidents,” she said.

Ilagan also highlighted that the reliability of these surveillance solutions is hinged on cloud platforms that allow seamless data gathering, storage, and exchange, easing the generation of vital community reports. Likewise, continual communication on surveyed areas are dependent on communication solutions that facilitate consistent exchanges between LGUs and their communities to ensure these reports are updated.

1. Preparedness

Ilagan further discussed that strong partnerships and coordination among all key players like LGUs and their constituents rely on collaboration solutions that expand from traditional telecommunication platforms.

To Ilagan Video Conferencing will innovate communication between these LGU’s, giving critical meetings full context while maximizing the time of each stakeholder through an all in one platform. With advanced video conferencing technology, stakeholders will be able to utilize all the benefits of reliable audio conferencing with the added value of visual aids.

“We can’t grasp in its entirety how much valuable time has gone to waste in preparation just because stakeholders had difficulty relaying critical information to each other. Visual reports are understood, appreciated, and applied faster when everyone involved can see them because they transcend verbal challenges in collaboration.”

1. Response

Collaboration among stakeholders facilitated by reliable communication solutions carry over to the next DRRM aspect of response. Integrated and Coordinated search, rescue, and retrieval capacities are fortified with resilient, uninterrupted communication among municipality Network Operation Centers.

On the other end, mobile IP-based communication systems will aid on-ground operations using small-scale, independent Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)—using the internet to facilitate phone calls. These can be enforced to bridge possible communication gaps caused by damaged or destroyed infrastructure.

Tactical kits that are easy to deploy and navigate without the need for technical experts will greatly benefit early recovery implementations as well by assisting in the public’s connection to family, friends, and colleagues in devastated regions.

1. Rehabilitation and Recovery

Finally, on the road to recovery and rehabilitation, communication technology can aid reconstruction efforts for disaster and climate change resilient infrastructure through faster exchanges. Quick relay of data from small municipalities to national government offices like the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRRMC) has the potential to hasten assistance. Tactical solutions can ease reporting on potential or new hazards each region must take into account and can help facilitate monitoring for rehabilitation progress.

While recovery efforts are underway, mobile VOIP solutions can also provide interim connectivity infrastructure for constituents as communication tower reconstructions take place.

“We have plenty of use cases from different countries for our communication and collaboration solutions, Meraki Wifi, Webex, and Emergency Communication Kit–but all of them contributed to the effectivity of each nation’s disaster plan and we see the same potential in the Philippines,” Ilagan concluded.

People nowadays have become more conscious in their lifestyle to preserve the environment. A zero-waste lifestyle means not just saving natural resources, but also helping save the earth. This can be done by reducing our consumption of single-use plastic products or going eco.

SM Foodcourt in Marilao and Baliwag make it easy to incorporate green living and sustainable practice with the Free Eco Cutlery Kit promo. Portable and lightweight, the eco cutlery kit comes in small case that you can bring anywhere. These reusable cutlery kits are good eco choice for dining out, parties, picnics and travel. It is also a wonderful way to reduce waste and a great alternative to single-use plastic utensils that take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose.

To get the Free Eco Cutlery Kit, shoppers may simply dine at SM Foodcourt in Marilao and Baliwag.  Present Php.250 single receipt purchase with any Coca-cola product at the redemption booth for a Free Eco Cutlery Kit. Collect all four colors and help save the environment

Grab these freebies until August 25, 2019. Let’s do our share and turn the tide on disposable utensils!

Visit SM Foodcourt today at ground level of SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag!

Allianz Philippines is now the Official Life Insurance Partner of the Philippine Para-Obstacle Course Racing National Training Pool and National Team for 2020. The company recently entered into an agreement with PILIPINAS OBSTACLE SPORTS FEDERATION, INC. (POSF), the national sports association accredited by the Philippine Sports Commission, recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee, and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) or World OCR, the International Federation on Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) and OCR Asia.

“Allianz has always believed in creating equal opportunities and encouraging people to meet challenges. This is why we have always been supportive of OCR in the Philippines. Entering into an agreement with the POSF furthers our support for these ideals,” said Allianz Philippines President and CEO Alexander Grenz.

Para-OCR has been officially included as a Demonstration Sport in the 10th ASEAN Para- Games, which the Philippines will host this January 2020. The POSF has already chosen the members of its Para-OCR National Training Pool (NTP) and will soon select the members of the National Team (NT) in the coming months. The members of the Para-OCR National Training Pool include: Ramon Anievas; Jeferson Biteng; Nigel Archer; Jerald Polintan; Angel Torres; Ariel Zinampan; Aga Casidsid; and Bert Natividad.

According to POSF President Alberto Agra, “POSF believes and advocates ‘building better humans’, which is the core value of ‘Olympism’. As such, we promote holistic development of our athletes. Partnering with Allianz PNB Life, in part, helps us achieve this mission. Looking after the welfare of athletes is our duty. POSF becomes more accountable by reason of our collaboration with our Official Life Insurance company.” Under the agreement between Allianz and POSF, the former will provide financial assistance that will be used for the development and welfare of the members of the Para- OCR NTP and NT.

Allianz will also grant life and medical insurance as well as travel insurance during the athletes’ training period. As part of their preparation, the NTP and NT will be training and competing here and abroad.

Globally, Allianz has always been committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and excellence, both in the workplace and in the world of competitive sports. The company is an advocate of the Paralympic Movement in raising awareness of sports for people with impairment worldwide. It is likewise a partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since 2006.

“Our para-athletes have shown that no matter what one’s background or situation is, one can succeed. Allianz is one with the Filipinos in supporting them as they compete in a milestone event,” Grenz concluded.

As part of its “NEVER STOP” global branding campaign, Japanese company FUJIFILM, one of the leading camera and film brands in the world, will open today its second Philippine office in Cebu City to cater to the growing number of customers in the Visayas region.

Mr. Ryo Nagaoka, FUJIFILM Philippines president, said there has been an increasing demand for FUJIFILM products in the southern part of the country. “Despite the vast product lineup for camera brands, most Filipinos still choose FUJIFILM because of its high-quality products and competitive prices,” Mr. Nagaoka said.

According to Mr. Nagaoka, the opening of the second office in the Philippines is in line with FUJIFILM’s dedication to achieve continued growth and to develop innovations for the betterment of society while reinforcing technical support and maintain customer satisfactions. 

Get treats and discounts with Brother’s Back to School Treat and Switch to Tank promos!

The rainy days coming means a downpour of amazing treats and discounts from Brother Philippines, a world leader in home and office imaging, as they bring back not one, but two promos for Brother customers this season!

From June to September, Brother is holding the Back to School Treat and Switch to Tank promos, featuring the Refill Tank System Series. The printers in this series are most ideal for home, school, and small/home office printer users

Kick off the school year right with the Back to School Treat Promo!

Yes, it’s back, thanks to popular demand! For every purchase of a Brother Refill Tank System printer, customers can get some of their favorite Jollibee meals. From July 1 to September 30, 2019, customers who purchase any of the participating printer models Brother DCP-T310, DCP-T510W, DCP-T710W, MFC-T810W, and MFC-T910DW Color Inkjet Printers will be eligible for up to P2,000 worth of Jollibee treats.

Just head to http://promotions.brother.com.ph to register and input all purchase details, and within 10 working days you’ll get a unique bCODE with which you can redeem at any Jollibee store nationwide.

Trade in your old machines for great deals with the Switch to Tank Promo!

Another returning promo for the rainy season is Brother’s Switch to Tank Promo, which lets you trade in both unused or broken printers, scanners, fax machines, and other peripherals for awesome discounts! From June 13 to September 30, 2019, you can bring your machines to select Switch to Tank locations nationwide and get new Brother printers for 30% off (if trading in a Brother) or 20% off (if trading in other brands). The participating Brother machines are: (1) DCP-T310, (2) DCP-T710W, and (3) MFC-T910DW.

All you have to do is register first at http://promotions.brother.com.ph/brotherswitchtotank, input your information, including details about the machine you’re trading in and the Brother printer you want to purchase. You’ll get an e-mail with an attachment including all your details, which you will present to the store when you trade in your machine. Official Switch to Tank partner stores will be announced on the Brother Philippines Facebook page.

“With these promos, we at Brother are excited to be the preferred imaging and printing partner at home or in the office for even more people in the Philippines,” says [Brother President, Glenn Hocson]. “This is our way of expressing our gratitude and giving back to them for choosing our printers for all their needs.”

For printers that are featured in both promotions, customers may only avail of one promo with each purchase. For the complete details of both promotions, customers may visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside/. They can also call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at

(02) 581-9898, or through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER or send an email to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

Present at the signing ceremony held at AIM were (from left) Dr. Tahrini A. Garcia, chief finance officer of In1Go; Ramon S. Garcia, chief executive officer of In1Go; Dr. Christopher P. Monterola, executive director, ACCeSs@AiM and school head of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Erika Fille T. Legara, deputy director, ACCeSs@AiM and program director of AIM’s Master of Science in Data Science program.

In1Go Technologies, Inc. has partnered with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the data science project Capstone Project Collaboration.

The project aims to use information or real data to solve the company’s real-world business problems. Data from various industries are becoming more and more important for businesses to get ahead.

In1Go Technologies, Inc., an information technology services and BPO (business process outsourcing) company that provides a wide range of value solutions using the latest technologies, provided data so students in AIM’s Master of Science in Data Science program could develop a model that could lead to solutions to its business problems.

“We’re looking forward to this partnership because this is new in the industry. With data science becoming more important, we’re looking into gaining insights from the information that we have to leverage our clients’ position,” said Ramon S. Garcia, chief executive officer of In1Go.

Data In1Go shared from its clients could help develop a predictive model that the company could use internally for its projects or incorporate into its existing applications. In1Go’s clients are mostly from the fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) industry. Their data include inventories, sales and on-shelf availability.

Data Science students from AIM studied, analyzed and worked on the live data to create a model that could benefit In1Go’s clients. Students partnered with data scientists from ACCeSs@AiM to look for patterns and gain insights from the information provided to meet In1Go’s requirements and parameters to solve its business problems.

Students used computers, machine learning and algorithms to process the data. Depending on the business objective or problem, students tried developing solutions based on the information from the data. The collaborative project also served to meet thesis requirements of AIM’s Data Science students.

“What we envision is for our students to work closely with different industries and do a practical application of data science by working hand in hand with various organizations,” said Dr. Christopher P. Monterola, executive director at ACCeSs@AiM and head of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship.

The Master of Science in Data Science program is a pioneering program of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship, considered the first in the Philippines and one of the firsts in Asia.

In1Go specializes in supply chain, field and distribution management, location marketing and location-based services using state-of-the-art technologies.

Through this collaboration, In1Go hopes to use of the information they have to service its clients more effectively. AIM, on the other hand, hopes to work with more industries and help them understand the advantages of using data science in today’s competitive business environment.

Protect the planet for the better with one good deed every day. With the threat of rising sea levels, combined with the increasing presence of plastic waste, the Earth needs our help more than ever, do your part by saying goodbye to single-use plastic bottles. Instead, consider making the change to Vaya Drynk; a handy and sophisticated temperature-controlled bottle made from sustainable materials!

What’s Wrong With Single-Use Plastic Bottles?

Plastics are synthetic materials made from a host of raw, organic ingredients such as fossil fuel, coal, minerals, natural gas, and plant protein. Because of its durability and versatility, we have become incredibly dependent on the use of plastic. This dependency has come at a cost, with the World Economic Forum finding that of the 78 million tons of plastic waste annually produced, 32% will end up in our oceans. At this rate, with just 14% of all plastic produced collected for recycling, the number of bottles can outnumber the amount of fish in the oceans by 2050.

Plastic bottles are not biodegradable. This means that plastic cannot be digested by living organisms, such as fungi or bacteria. Instead, plastic is broken down into smaller pieces (microplastic) through natural means such as sun exposure and weather conditions. The process for plastic to degrade can take hundreds of years.

However, the power is now in our hands to change the world before it’s too late. We can do this by reducing our dependency on single-use plastic for a smart and eco-friendly water bottle!

Introducing Vaya Drynk

Designed by a global team with a revolutionary zeal for innovation and improving people’s lives, Vaya Drynk is the only water bottle you will ever need! Vaya’s patented VacuTherm Insulation keeps your drinks hot for up to 12 hours, and cold for up to 18 hours- ensuring constant freshness no matter where you are. Each bottle comes with two unique sanitary lids:

Sipper – Comes equipped with magnetic latches to ensure you can relish your drink without having to worry about the lid ever touching your nose

Gulper – Comes equipped with two detachable cups that allow you to share your favorite drinks with family and friends

Compared to other bottles, Vaya Drynk sports the widest mouth on the market today. This allows for quick and easy cleaning. In addition, the wide mouth enables you to load any beverage of your choice into the bottle with incredible ease; whether it’s water, a fruit smoothie, or milk tea with pearls!

Make the Switch to Reusable Bottles

Why settle for constantly paying for plastics, when one reusable bottle can do absolute wonders for the environment and your wallet? Make the change to eco-friendly and sustainable ways of consuming and carrying your favorite beverages with Vaya Drynk, a water bottle made from BPA-free materials!

Take Vaya Drynk everywhere you go; to the gym, to the office, on your commute, or even on your travels in-and-out of the country. The sleek and slim design will do wonders in adding to your style quotient. Drynk allows you to avoid straw use, which is great for your kids as straws inhibit oral development.

Vaya Drynk comes in a range of modern and elegant designs and colors including graphite, gold, black, purple, green, blue, shiny black, white, and red. Vaya Drynk is available in 350ml bottles (PHP1,547) and 600ml bottles (PHP1,866). Each bottle comes with a one-year warranty and can be purchased at http://www.VayaLife.com.l

There is no denying it—the local fashion scene is flourishing on a global landscape. We’ve got world-renowned designers dressing up Hollywood red carpets, blockbuster movies, and royal weddings here and there.

Every year, the College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program graduating class stages ‘Sinulid’, a captivating show of creativity and out-of-the-box fashion trends shimmying down the runway—and this year’s was no exception. With the cooperation with Xiaomi, the youngest company on Global 500 fortune list this year, we’d love to talk about the young bloods, the emerging talents who are not afraid to push the imaginary boundaries of fashion.

For the first time ever, leading tech and innovation company, Xiaomi, took part in the much-celebrated event. Similar to the talented student designers, Xiaomi is committed to continuous innovation with an unwavering focus on quality and efficiency. The smartphone brand is known for its groundbreaking ideas in the tech-industry that pushes boundaries in every product it markets.

“We’re happy to be part of Sinulid, an event that showcases the creativeness of students from the College of St. Benilde on how they can make an impact in the growing Philippine fashion industry. Similar to the students, we at Xiaomi believe in being creative, being innovative, so that we can deliver a positive change in the community,” said Mark Li, country manager of Xiaomi Philippines.

He added: “Xiaomi relentlessly build amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.”

As co-presenter of the Sinulid 2019 Fashion Show, Xiaomi captured the edgy OOTDs and runway looks of the guests and participants with its cutting-edge smartphone, the Mi 9T.
With its triple camera and pop-up selfie plus its fulfilled promise of a true full screen experience, the Mi9T was the perfect accessory. And with its 4000 MAH battery capacity and tough hardware, the Mi9T provided hours and hours of uninterrupted camera use for the hundreds of IG-worthy shots to be had during Sinulid. The Mi9T is available at SRP Php 15,990 for 6GB+64GB, and Php 17,990 for 6GB+128GB. It comes in Carbon Black, Flame Red and Glacier Blue and is available at Xiaomi’s official store on Lazada and at Mi Authorized Stores.

With over 50 participating student designers, the result was an enthralling show of romantic and nostalgic themes that ranged from sartorial glamour to casual elegance. Together with Xiaomi, the annual event continuously breeds a new crop of young talents ready to take on the ever-changing and highly-competitive fashion scene in the country.

*For more information about Xiaomi as a company, please visit: http://blog.mi.com/en/
For more information about the products available in the Philippines pleas visit: https://www.mi.com/ph or the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/XiaomiPhilippines/