Sep 18, 2021

The home entertainment setup needed to get the most of this year’s Emmy-nominated shows

 

The home entertainment setup needed to get the most of this year’s Emmy-nominated shows

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – September 17, 2021 – The Emmys®, the biggest name in television entertainment awards, announced their nominees for 2021 earlier in the year, and in just a few days, the winning titles to take home the prestigious award will be announced. HBO and HBO Max Originals bagged an impressive 130 nominations for hits such as Lovecraft Country, Mare of Easttown, and The Flight Attendant, to name a few. Indulge in these titles and more on HBO GO with the spectacular home entertainment experience from Samsung. Purchase select Samsung TVs and get a 6-month subscription to the streaming platform.

 

Here’s how Samsung enables the best cinematic experience at home.

 

Revel in remarkable picture quality

 

Lighting is key for cinematic viewing, and brightness levels can make or break the experience. This is especially true when the content on the screen contains deep black levels and surreal graphics.

 

Thankfully, this will not be a problem with Samsung’s Neo QLED TV – its nearly bezel-less screen optimizes brightness and contrast with the Quantum Matrix Technology Pro feature to display lifelike picture quality. Plus, the Neo Quantum Processor, Samsung’s most powerful AI processor, automatically upscales any show to the next best resolution.

 

 

Rave in immersive audio experience

 

Audio quality also has a significant impact on one’s cinematic viewing experience. When watching from home, the positioning of the television – whether wall-mounted or placed on a table -- makes all the difference. But in the case of Samsung’s Neo QLED, less effort is required to experience the best audio quality.

 

Revel in the thrill and excitement of HBO GO’s top shows with the help of the Neo QLED’s impressive sound features. These audio innovations enable the TV to create superb sound impact:

  Object Tracking Sound Pro (OTS Pro) [1]tracks on-screen action for an improved, realistic 3D experience. Hear the action wherever it takes place, with sound flowing from all sides of the TV to take you in the middle of the scene.

  SpaceFit Sound uses a sensor to automatically optimizes the audio based on a room’s acoustics. Wherever the TV is placed, the audio experience will always be music to your ears.

  Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) automatically adjusts and enhances dialogue so you won’t miss the conversation, no matter how noisy your environment is.

 

Take the cinematic viewing experience home by getting a Samsung Neo QLED TV today and stream the best shows from HBO GO. Head to any authorized Samsung dealer today.

 

Promo runs until November 30, 2021. Find out more about Samsung’s products and promos at www.samsung.com/ph.



[1] QN900A model only

2021 Hybrid National Food Fair Schedule of Activities

 

2021 Hybrid National Food Fair

10 Days of Activities and Learning Opportunities

 

As part of the year-long series of events for the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair, the Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau od Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP), in cooperation with the DTI-Regional Operations Group is formally opening the National Food Fair Digital Mall hosted on the UnionBank GlobalLinker e-commerce platform. The virtual opening ceremony to be streamed on the BDTP Facebook page on September 17 at 9:00 AM.

This will then be followed by a 10-day program of activities and learning opportunities. Food enthusiasts, culinary artists, wine connoisseurs, and entrepreneurs will surely find something of interest in the line-up of online events which will be livestreamed daily from September 17 to 26, beginning at 10:00 AM. Registration is free, and open to the general public. Simply visit the BDTP Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DTI.BDTP) to join any of the events.

Among the highlights of the cooking demos are featured halal recipes by Chef Shamil Kandang from the Center for Culinary Arts, as well as the regional halal delicacies prepared by featured chefs from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These include a Tausug dish from Sulu, a Yakan dish from Basilan, a Maranao dish from Lanao, and favorite Maguindanao dishes. A Philippine wine mixing show will also spice up the daily activities.

For MSMEs who want to level up their business, there are topics on how to leverage their social media presence as well as the latest technologies in food packaging and sustainable materials. Government agencies such as the Philippine Trade Training Center and the Design Center of the Philippines, among others, will also offer business talks on various subjects.

Below is an overview of what's in store daily:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Webinars

§ Food Photography for Social Media Marketing

§ Making Meaningful Connections Online

Cooking Demos

§ Tofu & Mushroom Sising

§ Grilled Pork Belly with Peanut Sauce

§ Halal: Chicken Tikka Skewers

§ Favorite Tausug dish from Sulu: Tiulah Itum

Philippine Wine Mixing Show

Raffle Draw

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Webinars

§ Wrapped & Woven: Natural Materials as Packaging for MSMEs

§ Creativly Studio: Food Packaging & Labelling Services

Cooking Demos

§ Heirloom Rice Kits: Paella Adlai & Champorado

§ Cabbage Roll Express

§ Halal: Chicken Pianggang

§ Favorite Yakan Dish from Basilan: Fish Kaliya

Philippine Wine Mixing Show

Raffle Draw

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Webinars

§ Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Food Technologies

§ How to License RTE Technologies

§ Food Packaging Technologies You Need to Know

Cooking Demos

§ Vegetable Salads: Jicama Papaya Slaw with Glazed Pili Nuts & Cucumber Salad using Coconut Nectar Vinegar

§ Surf N Turf Kare-Kare

§ Halal: Fried Lumpiang Ubod

§ Favorite Maranao Dish from Lanao: Chicken Pyaparan

Philippine Wine Mixing Show

Raffle Draw

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Webinars

§ Trade and Market Development of Coconut Food Products

§ Protect Your Brand and Gain Competitive Edge

Cooking Demos

§ Dessert: Bibingkrep with Fruit Syrups

§ Inihaw sa Gata

§ Halal: Beef Rendang

§ Favorite Dishes from Maguindanao

Philippine Wine Mixing Show

Raffle Draw

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Philippine Trade Training Center Webinar

§ Digitalizing for Virtual Trade Fairs

Design Center of the Philippines Webinar

§ All Wrapped Up: A Rundown on the Local Waste Problem & Food Packaging

In-Focus Product Presentations

Raffle Draw

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Philippine Trade Training Center Webinar

§ Post Trade Fair: Following Business Leads

Design Center of the Philippines Webinars

§ Bio Building Blocks: Cassava Biobags, its Capacities, Requirements, and Limitations

§ Going Bio-Based: Active Steps for Enterprises and How to Achieve Circularity in Packaging

In-Focus Product Presentations

Raffle Draw

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Philippine Trade Training Center Webinar

§ Social Media Marketing

Design Center Philippines Webinar

§ Circularity Through Returnable or Circular Material Handling Systems

In-Focus Product Presentations

Raffle Draw

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Philippine Trade Training Center Webinar

§ Content Development Strategy

Design Center of the Philippines Webinars

§ First in Colors: A First-Hand Experience with Sustainable Materials

§ Innovative Sustainable Packaging Solutions

In-Focus Product Presentations

Raffle Draw

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Webinars

§ Philippine National Trade Repository

§ Eats More Fun in the Philippines

§ Good Food in Sustainable Packaging

§ Mindanao Halal Culinary Travel Destinations

Raffle Draw

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Webinars

§ Access to Technology and Innovation: Shared Services Facilities

§ Updates on Modified e-Portal: Food & Drug Administration

§ Export Marketing Bureau Services and Programs for Exporters

§ Food, Travel & Lifestyle on Tik-Tok

Raffle Draw

 

 

To attend any of the events, simply visit the BDTP Facebook page. The livestreams start at 10:00 AM daily, and will then be available to view on demand.

To join via Zoom, register using this link: https://forms.gle/owz5PtiSN2CrBVzH9. To watch the daily shows, use the Zoom meeting link:

https://zoom.us/j/94344995784?pwd=d0lHQWV4ZmJUM0NFMzFOeFh4Uk04Zz09. Sign the daily survey forms for a chance to win fabulous prizes at the daily raffle draws.

 

For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.

DITO supports first-ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament

 

DITO supports first-ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament

The country’s newest telco player, DITO Telecommunity, is the official telco partner of the first-ever E-SPORTS KYUSI (ESKYUSI) Mobile Legends Tournament. Organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Quezon City and Grey Black Visual Synthesis (GBVS), the tournament aims to discover local gaming talents with prizes worth up to Php 500,000. 

“The SK Federation of Quezon City recognizes that gaming has become a passion for many of today’s youth.  We hope to inspire young Filipinos by providing a formal venue where they can pursue and excel in their interests and be rewarded for it,” said SK Federation Chairperson Councilor Noe Dela Fuente.  

“DITO has always been about serving different Filipino telecommunities, whatever their interests may be. We know gaming has become a major interest among the young, and we’re happy to be a partner of SK Federation of QC and Grey Visual Synthesis in the first ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament,” said DITO’s Brand and Marketing Director Jasper Evangelista. “We look forward to seeing Quezon City become a leading gaming hub in the country. In line with our core mission, DITO also commits to providing high-speed data for gamers all over the Philippines.”  

The Quezon City-wide event, composed of over 200 teams from 142 barangays, commenced last August 1, with the grand finals slated for October 24. 

To check the complete schedule and watch the livestream of the competitions, visit the GBVS page. Get the latest news about the tournament at the DITO Telecommunity Facebook page.  

Take masterpieces from the Louvre home with Samsung’s The Frame

 

Take masterpieces from the Louvre home with Samsung’s The Frame
The most iconic Samsung lifestyle TV opens virtual doors to the world's renowned museum

 

SEOUL, Korea – September 16, 2021 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a new partnership with the iconic Musée du Louvre. Through this partnership, Samsung will continue to develop the Art Store on its lifestyle TV, The Frame, through an exclusive artwork partnership with the Louvre in Paris, France.

With new artworks from the Louvre joining the collection, The Frame now boasts a catalog with over 1,500 works of art from 42 different countries that consumers can enjoy in 4K picture quality from museums and galleries around the world, including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Albertina Museum in Vienna, the Tate Modern in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Hermitage State Museum in Saint Petersburg and LUMAS.

“Ever since we launched our lifestyle TV portfolio in 2017, we have focused on developing the Art Store platform with prestigious partners. We want to offer much more than a television, inviting Art into the homes of The Frame owners everywhere. This catalog lists works by hundreds of artists, covering diverse periods, from ancient civilizations to modern art,” explained Wonjin Lee, President and Head of Service Biz Team at Samsung Electronics. “This year, we are proud to join forces with one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre, to enhance this collection and offer a taste of French heritage throughout the world,” he added.

 

Admire the Louvre’s treasures from your own home

By entering into a partnership with the Louvre[1], Samsung offers all The Frame owners a chance to explore the most visited museum in the world through 40 pieces of artwork and photographs. This selection includes must-see masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa and The Wedding Feast at Cana, as well as photos of the majestic Louvre galleries, its architecture, and museum grounds (Louvre Pyramid, Tuileries Garden, etc.). A short description of each work gives users a glimpse into their background and history.

Samsung and the Louvre also plan to unveil other exclusive content for The Frame users later this year.

The Louvre is a venue of discovery, imbued with emotion, a spectacular setting for artistic masterpieces. Admiring works from its collection every day, at home, as well as views of the building, galleries, and gardens, is a wonderful way to see and understand the extraordinary beauty of this museum,” said Yann Le Touher, Head of Development, Brand Licensing and Commercial Partnerships of the Louvre.

 

Ultra-slim design and exceptional picture quality

The Frame features a unique and customizable design that sets it apart from the rest. Designed as a TV when on and art when off, The Frame is an innovative digital canvas that reflects an individual’s personal style. The 2021 version of the lifestyle TV offers new custom options to complement every space and style, with two frame designs: modern (available in white, teak, beige, and brown) and beveled (available in white and brick red).

To complete the artwork appeal, The Frame can be hung flush to the wall on an ultra-slim mount and connected to a One Connect box via a single translucent[2] cable that integrates all TV connectors including the power source. Users can also set The Frame anywhere in the room on a Studio Stand[3].

In addition to its gallery-ready design, The Frame provides a vibrant 4K QLED picture quality powered by Quantum Dot Technology that enables 100% color volume, immersing viewers in a world of rich and realistic colors.

For more information on Samsung’s lifestyle TV products, please visit www.samsung.com/ph.



[1] Through 30 June 2023

[2] Comes with one 5-meter cable; 15-meter cable available separately. Available for the 43, 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch models.

[3] Sold separately.

Sep 17, 2021

One of the country’s premiere pawnshops celebrates 67 years of service to the Filipino

 

One of the country’s premiere pawnshops celebrates 67 years of service to the Filipino

 


For more than six decades, one of the country’s leading pawnshops, Villarica has continuously served the Filipino public with a host of services that have evolved with the changing times as well as the needs of the Filipinos.

Boasting of having one of the highest, if not the highest appraisal rates in the industry, Villarica Pawnshop has made itself one of the most trusted go-to institutions especially in the time of the pandemic with more than 600 branches nationwide that have remained open to provide instant cash.

Mr. Lester Villarica said, “From the beginning, my grandmother, Paz Villarica has always mentioned to us that the reason for the business was to be of service. Her guiding principle which she handed down to my father, Atty. Henry Villarica, has led us to push ourselves to create a balance of keeping the business healthy and at the same time ensure that our countrymen enjoy the best value, the greatest of benefits, and above all the best service that we can offer.”

This guiding principle has led Villarica to establish internal control policies designed to safeguard the valuables of clients while under custodianship as it continued to employ a good number of security measures beyond those required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, all in the name of better service.

The top executive further explained that the core of the business is truly the desire to help customers get much needed funds in the most convenient way. This mission is evident in serving valued clients in a quick, convenient, and professional manner through expert valuation, reliable service, and accessible branches nationwide in order to support Filipinos in providing for families and loved ones when needed most.

“As we foresaw the need for our Overseas Filipino Workers to have a convenient way of sending money home to loved ones and for their loved ones to receive support reliably, in 2008 we began our remittance service as a partner of Western Union. And in 2013, we launched Villarica Cash Padala, a domestic money transfer service, and in the same year, began our foreign exchange services,” stressed Mr. Villarica.

“The purpose of the pawnshop industry has transformed in the eyes of the Filipino public. Pawnshops have evolved to become quick access locations for cash especially in underserved areas by bank and financial institutions which is why our vision is to make our presence felt in major cities and towns in the Philippines especially in Luzon.”

Mr. Villarica expounded further as he explained that Filipinos have to be prepared for any eventuality and for any emergency. Unexpected expenses, the reduction of employment opportunities and security, coupled with keeping one’s family safe and in the peak of health during these uncertain times as we all face the pandemic, are reasons why Villarica Pawnshop, one of the country’s leading pawnshops remains steadfast in its commitment.

“As we celebrate our 67th anniversary, we will continue to provide the highest appraisal rate and the best terms and conditions to our clients in the spirit of healthy competition with other major players in the pawnshop industry, and our commitment to serve the Filipino people remain,” ended Mr. Villarica.

To learn more about Villarica Pawnshop and most especially how Villarica can help you especially in the time of the pandemic, visit www.villaricapawnshop.ph for more details on how best to access the services offered by Villarica.
Sep 16, 2021

100 Days to Go until a Perfect Shopee Christmas with Jose Mari Chan


 

100 Days to Go until a Perfect Shopee Christmas with Jose Mari Chan

Gear up for holiday festivities with free ShopeePay credits, giveaways, and more with the Shopee Christmas ambassador

 

Once the -ber months set in, we all await the official start of the holiday season with the comeback of a Christmas icon—aside from Santa Claus, that is— Jose Mari Chan! The Filipino artist has been a holiday fixture for years, and this coming Christmas season, you can expect to see more of long-time Shopee Christmas ambassador Jose Mari Chan as he joins the exciting year-end shopping festivities along with the latest Shopee superstar, Jackie Chan.

 

Whatever your idea of a perfect Christmas may look like, you’ll definitely enjoy Shopee’s lineup of Jose Mari Chan-themed games, activities, and giveaways during the holidays:

 

ShopeePay Celebrity Pamasko

This December, Jose Mari Chan and several other celebrities and influencers will give away pamasko via ShopeePay. Look for ShopeePay Celebrity Pamasko on your homepage and play the game to receive ShopeePay credits. You can also use ShopeePay to send pamasko to all your pamangkins and loved ones, with a variety of holiday-themed virtual cards to spread the love. Don’t forget to activate your ShopeePay wallet by clicking on the ShopeePay wallet bar, entering your personal information and OTP, and creating and confirming your ShopeePay PIN.

 

Christmas in our Carts holiday gift guides

Let Shopee’s Christmas in our Carts gift guides inspire you as you shop for all your loved ones. Start your holiday shopping on a festive note with discounts up to 90% off on Shopee Mall and exclusive gift bundles with the latest gaming consoles, holy grail beauty items, skincare must-haves, and more. Remember to check out Christmas in our Carts until Christmas for exciting new deals.

 

Jose Mari Chan-themed in-app games

From September to December, catch Jose Mari Chan on holiday-themed in-app games such as Shopee Catch and Shopee Collectibles. Catch and collect aguinaldos and Christmas decors exclusively in-app for a chance to win exciting prizes such as coins, discount & cashback vouchers, product giveaways, and ShopeePay credits.

 

#MyShopeeWish Christmas contest

This season of giving, Shopee will grant 10 lucky users’ wishes. From November to December, submit a letter via the comments section on Shopee’s official Facebook page for a chance to make your Christmas wish come true.

 

Christmas countdown on Shopee Live

Can’t wait for Christmas? Tune in to the Merry-Galo Countdown for the 100-day, 60-day, and 30-day countdowns to Christmas this September 16, October 26, and November 25, all at 7:30 PM. Drum up some holiday excitement with mini-games, exclusive discounts for Christmas deals, and special vouchers.

 

Jose Mari Chan’s special Christmas party

Nothing says Christmas quite like a serenade from Jose Mari Chan himself. Enjoy some tunes from the artist by tuning in to the Merry-Galo Party on Shopee Live this December. Get a chance to have Jose Mari Chan grant one item from your wishlist during the show by entering Shopee’s #DearNinong contest this November. During the live stream, Jose Mari Chan will also welcome viewers to his home and host a Q&A.

 

Start the 100-day countdown to Christmas with more holiday deals alongside other exciting sales at https://shopee.ph. Enjoy the Christmas festivities with Jose Mari Chan and watch his latest Shopee video via Facebook at https://shp.ee/5kkbwhh or YouTube at https://shp.ee/vtk84wr.

 

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

 

DTI Launches 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair with Digital Mall Opening


DTI Launches 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair with Digital Mall Opening

 

Combining the reach and flexibility of digital market platforms with the excitement of a traditional physical event, the Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) has conceptualized a year-long program of activities that would promote micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the food industry. This is the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair, which consists of virtual components such as the series of online events culminating in a physical food fair towards the end of the year.

To formally launch the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair, a virtual ceremony will be held on September 17 via the BDTP Facebook page. This will also mark the officially opening of the National Food Fair Digital Mall hosted on UnionBank GlobalLinker, which will serve as the permanent e-commerce platform for food entrepreneurs from the country's 16 regions. For starters, 836 food products from 108 MSMEs will be showcased in the National Food Fair Digital Mall.

The official opening ceremony will be led by Director Marievic Bonoan of the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, Undersecretary  Abdulgani Macatoman of the DTI Trade Promotions Group and Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of the DTI Regional Operations Group. Representing UnionBank GlobalLinker at the event is Jose Paulo Soliman, Vice President and SME Segments Head, Customer Experience Group. The event is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the BDTP Facebook page on Friday, September 17, at 9:00 am.

The formal opening kicks off a 10-day program which will include business talks and webinars, cooking demos, a wine mixing show, product showcases, daily raffle draws, and many others. From September 17 to 26, the public can join the online events by signing up through Zoom or on Facebook.

The year-long 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair has been an on-going series of activities, all geared to nurture and sustain food entrepreneurs by expanding their market presence. Some of the activities held earlier this year include:

·        MSME Webinar Series to help the participants prepare for the 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair and equip them with skills to hurdle new challenges in growing their business. The webinar series was conducted by the Philippine Trade Training Center  via Zoom and Facebook Live last May 5 to 7, 2021, and reached 24,200 views on social media.

·        Shopee hosted its Online National Food Fair last May, featuring thousands of products from MSME Stores and the Go Lokal Official Store.

·        Last August, the Lazada Love Local 8.8 Sale included participating MSMEs from 13 regions nationwide and promoted Philippine cuisine with livestream cooking demos from Chef Oliver John Gomez, through the Center for Culinary Arts.

·        Meanwhile, Mayani.ph, a farm-to-table e-commerce platform is another venue for the Online National Food Fair, featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, and upland crops of  the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Contingent on community safety guidelines, a physical National Food Fair to be held in a mall setting is also part of the 2021 program, to bring back the hustle and bustle of face-to-face buying and selling. Participating exhibitors will offer a variety of food products, including processed food and beverages, fresh produce and organic products, fresh and dried seafood, cooked food, halal products and cuisine, condiments and other cooking ingredients, dairy products, health and wellness products, food supplements, traditional cooking tools/equipment, food packaging materials and allied products, baskets and bayongs, labeling and food processing equipment, and even label and packaging design services.

The 2021 Hybrid National Food Fair is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) and with support from the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG).

For more information about the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts @BDTP on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also email bdtp@dti.gov.ph.