OPPO Set to Unveil the All-New A Series Made for Pure Entertainment

September 2019 - PHILIPPINES – OPPO is excited to announce the upcoming Philippine launch of the upgraded A Series this September, with the reveal of the A9 2020 and A5 2020. OPPO’s latest offering under the already highly successful series feature high-level photography, audio and gaming capabilities, long-lasting battery, and stunning design. Overall, the new OPPO A Series will provide a unique value to a wide range of users - especially to the modern and multi-hyphenated Filipino millennials of today.

OPPO has been active in overseas markets for the past ten years, including the Philippines, and the OPPO A Series has been well-loved locally and globally. Recently, Canalys reported that OPPO is now the leading smartphone brand in the country in terms of market share at 28% in Q2 of 2019.

A Series: An all-around entertainment smartphone

The new A Series gives Filipinos who are always on the go the ultimate advantage in achieving the fullest of their potential. With a smartphone that they can depend on to capture the most out of their days, the new OPPO A Series offers more possibilities than ever before.

Promising a full-entertainment experience, the A9 2020 is packed with the premium 48MP Ultra Wide Quad Camera, Dolby Atmos Dual Stereo Speakers, 8GB RAM with up to 128GB internal storage that runs on Snapdragon 665 chipset, and a 5,000mAh Ultra Battery; freeing users from the need to compromise when they play.

The smartphone’s 48MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Quad Camera satisfies users’ needs for all shooting angles and  scenarios. It also supports Ultra Night Mode 2.0, Ultra-Wide photography, and a whole range of artistic portrait styles. Shooting video is also better than never before with 4K video technology that offers better overall effects by creating clearer videos with more vivid colors and less latency. This is also combined with Video Stability technology that promises more stable, professional videos.

On the other hand, A5 2020 comes with specifications that suit users looking for a smartphone that meet their basic smartphone needs. It is powered with 12MP Ultra Wide Quad Camera plus 8MP Front Camera, 4GB RAM with up to 128GB internal storage, and with the same Snapdragon 665 chipset and 5,000mAh Ultra Battery.

Welcoming The New Face of A Series

The new A Series is the perfect representation of the modern Filipino millennial who lives a highly digital and mobile lifestyle that inspired the innovation of the A9 2020 and A5 2020.  The OPPO A Series Philippine launch will be on September 19, 2019. Additionally, to complete the celebration of the upgraded A series, OPPO will be unveiling the first ever endorser for the best-selling A series who perfectly embodies the all-new A series offering. 

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since launching its first smartphone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology, Today, OPPO provides customers with a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series, ColorOS operating system, as well as internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 research institutes and 4 R&D centers worldwide and an international design center in London, OPPO’s more than 40,000 employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Loyal Child Sponsors Honored for their Faithful Support and Generosity

With over 62 years of unwavering support, World Vision honors its relentless sup in the annual Loyal Donor Appreciation Night.

Poverty remains a reality in the Philippines where the poorest of the poor are not able to access opportunities to live with quality, if not decent lives. Families living below the poverty line become highly vulnerable, especially the children who are likely to most suffer due to risks such as disrupted education, illiteracy, inadequate health and nutrition among others. This is why caring organizations such as World Vision focuses its efforts to improve the well-being of children through its long-running initiative called Child Sponsorship. 

With the help of sponsors in the Philippines and from around the world, thousands of children have been assisted alongside World Vision through its sustainable community-based programs for children.

Thanks to the faithful and relentless support of loyal donors and supporters, children are was able to benefit from programs for education, child protection, health and nutrition, economic development, disaster risk reduction, and emergency response.

World Vision held its Loyal Donors Appreciation Night at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall in Pasig City to recognize generous individuals who have invested almost two decades of sponsoring children. The Loyal Donors Appreciation Night gathered at least 380 sponsors and guests.

The decision of sponsoring a child was a memorable yet an ironic journey for Jess Santelices. After losing his job as a telecom engineer, Jess incurred a lot of debts that left him bankrupt because of gambling. He suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks that lasted for five years, declaring it as the lowest point of his life. On October 2008, he stepped foot in a mall broke and alone and found himself in front of the World Vision booth, where he put out his hand and offered to sponsor a child, not knowing how a small act of kindness can greatly impact two lives at once. For years, he stayed true to his obligation and, during those years, God’s blessings overflowed. He was able to find a job in Qatar as a telecom engineer, where he worked for 9 years. His sponsorship has been lasting for almost 11 years and he is currently sponsoring 25 children and continues to support them, even though he has been unemployed for over a year.

“Never give up on them,” Jess encourages the donors, “Because God has never given up on you [financially, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically].”

Being a loyal donor is not a chore, but a blessing. Jess’s belief in giving has kept him faithful to serve and help others even in the toughest of circumstances.

Among the other highlights of the evening was the presence of successful sponsored children marching on stage wearing their graduation gowns for finishing senior high school.

One of the graduate sponsored children was May Ann, an 18-year-old sponsored child from Baseco in Tondo, Manila. A daughter of a construction worker who raises a brood of 8. With the help of World Vision and her sponsor, May Ann’s life changed for the better.

For Michael San Diego, a former World Vision sponsored child from Cavite, his story of being a “last chance” kid motivated him to strive for his best. Years ago, after stumbling upon World Vision in his local barangay, he became a college scholar which enabled him to graduate on time and earn a degree in Accountancy in flying colors -- Cum Laude no less! Today, Mike is now a Chief Finance Officer of JK Capital Finance, Inc. and has paid forward sponsoring children for 17 years now, and even offering his time and influence to tell his story and engage others to support World Vision.

“Our God works in mysterious ways. We are blessed when we’re willing to give,” Mike shared during the dinner, inspiring the loyal dinners to carry on what they are doing for children.

World Vision is strong because we have a God we can depend on, but also because we have loyal donors and sponsors to work with,” said Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. Our combined loyalty and faithfulness are unstoppable,” he added. In 2018 alone, World Vision has reached more than 2.9 Million children through its child-focused programs and interventions.

The number is still growing and one of the reasons could be you.

To know more about World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or call (02) 374-76-18 loc. 214.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

The SM Store’s Share Shoes Campaign helps children take steps in achieving their dreams

Students of Balditan Elementary School in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro celebrating their new pair of shoes.

Shoes are essential in one’s journey through life. For less fortunate families and their children, a new pair of shoes will allow them to perform their daily chores in comfort and walk to and back to school in safety. Good shoes can also inspire them to work hard – because with a new pair of shoes, they are not only able to fulfill their daily tasks but are also taking little steps to achieve their dreams.    

Since 2015, The SM Store Share Movement has collected over 900,000 donations composed of shoes, clothing, footwear, book and school kits, disaster kits and toys, which were given to children and families all over the country. This year’s Share Shoes Campaign was able to collect over 40,000 pairs of shoes, with close to 2-million pesos worth of shoes donated by The SM Store and their generous counterpart benefactors, allowing them to reach more kids and inspire these children to take those important steps toward achieving their goals.

Young girls choosing which pair of shoes they’ll get.

The Share Shoes campaign invited shoppers to donate their pre-loved or brand-new shoes to children in need. In partnership with Caritas Philippines and other NGOs, the shoes collected were distributed to Oriental Mindoro and other far-flung communities nationwide.

The SM Store saw how important shoes were to lives of the children. In one of their previous donation turnovers: Rich, 11 years old, took a pair of sandals for his elder sister instead. When asked why, “I still have a pair of shoes,” Rich said, “my sister needs it more.”

These are the kind of stories that inspire The SM Store Share Movement to double their efforts in reaching out to those who are in need of assistance. SM founder Henry Sy envisioned that every Filipino should have their own pair of shoes. It is a passion that blossomed to what is SM today, a company that takes every step to make this vision a reality.

According to The SM Store, this project reminded them of their humble beginnings, milestones, legacy, and promise to help communities be better. After all, The SM Store started out with shoes and they hope to be a part of people’s journeys through life through the gift of shoes.

Students takes their pick on the shoes they want.

 

Over the years, The SM Store has conducted its quarterly donation drive from shoes, to books, toys and hygiene kits for identified poor communities and areas impacted by calamities, through its #SMShareMovement Project. 

A child from Mangyan Elementary School in Bulalacao Town, Oriental Mindoro walking home with her new pair of shoes from the SM Store’s Share Shoes Campaign (Photo courtesy of Caritas Philippines)

Find out more about these quarterly donation drives and know how to contribute to upcoming projects, by liking The SM Store Facebook page and by following @TheSMStore on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

ComCo Southeast Asia Hits 3rd year with Big Wins in IABC Quill Awards, PR Awards Asia and New Business

ComCo Southeast Asia at the 17^th Philippine Quill Awards represented by (from left): AC Recio, Digital and Multimedia Arts Officer; Jam Bufi, Senior Brand Communications Associate; Rachel Syfargo, Brand Communications and Operations Director; Ferdinand Bondoy, Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director; Joan Icotanim, Brand Communications and Administration Director; Queenie Resmundo, Senior Brand Communications Associate; and Harvey Llamosa, Executive Initiatives Officer.

As ComCo Southeast Asia marked its 3^rd year in the industry, the new communications powerhouse won 9 Excellence and Merit Awards and emerged as Agency of Year 2^nd Runner-up at the prestigious 17^th Philippine Quill Awards, represented the country in PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong, and celebrated major account wins.

Local and International Recognition

Aside from winning Agency of the Year 2^nd Runner-up, ComCo Southeast Asia also reaped IABC Quill Awards for “Eastern @ 140: A Celebration of 140 Years of Strong Connections” in the  Communication Management Division: Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication Category; “Where Movies Come Alive and Move You - The SM Cinema Reel to Real Campaign” for both the Communications Management Division: Customer Relations Category and Communication Skills Division: Special And Experiential Events Category; and “Be A Play Champion – Unilab Foundation’s Play Advocacy Week Toolkit” in the Communication Skills Division: Publications Category.

ComCo SEA also won for “#AyokoNgPlastik: The WWF-Philippines’ Movement Against Single-Use Plastics”; “#Connect2Earth: The WWF-Philippines Earth Hour 2018”; “Together Possible: the WWF-Philippines Environment Communications Program”; and “Art for a Cause: the WWF’ “Art, Heart, Earth” PR Program”, all under the Communications Management Division: Non-profit Campaigns Category.

The Agency’s mentorship program for communication students and young professionals, the Camp ComCo Mentorship Program, also won a Quill Award in the Communication Training and Education Division.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communications (IABC), the Quill Award is the world’s most prestigious awards program in the field of business communication. It has been bestowing the seal of approval to the most reputable organizations and corporations in the nation for almost two decades, emphasizing the use of excellent communication to achieve business goals, and to make a difference in society. To win a Philippine Quill means being recognized as achieving the highest Global Standard for business communication practices.

ComCo Southeast also earned 2 citations as finalist for Boutique PR Agency of the Year and PR Event of the Year for SM Cinema’s Reel to Real initiative at the equally prestigious PR Awards Asia in Hong Kong. The Agency represented the Philippines in Boutique PR Agency category, and competed against other finalists in Australia, China, Myanmar and Singapore. Organized by Campaigns Asia Pacific, PR Awards Asia celebrates the most outstanding, inspired, and successful communication campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region.

New Business Wins

ComCo SEA also continued to strengthen its client portfolio, winning major accounts in recent agency pitches for SM Retail, Teleperformance, Jobstreet, SMDC, Essilor and World Health Organization. Premier brands Electrolux, SM Cinema, Eastern Communications, Lamoiyan Corporation, Dragonpay, Goodyear as well as reputable global organizations WWF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and World Vision also renewed its communications partnership with the trailblazing agency.

Ferdinand Bondoy, Partner, Co-Founder and Regional Integration and Chief Executive Director of ComCo Southeast Asia shared, “We are honored with the recognition given to us by our colleagues in the industry, our fellow communication practitioners, not only in the Philippines but also in the Asia-Pacific region. It validates the kind of work we have been doing for our clients - our partner brands and organizations, our industry and our society, and our own people.”

To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comco-hq.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comco-hq and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.

New adventures and songs await kids in REP’s The Quest for the Adarna

The story of the Ibong Adarna has captivated children across the Philippines for generations. Now, Repertory Philippines is bringing the colorful tale to life for families everywhere with a new English version called The Quest for the Adarna. 

Produced through RTYA (REP’s Theater for Young Audiences), the vibrant original musical will be running from September 14 to January 26 at Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1.

The play takes place in the peaceable and prosperous kingdom of Berbania, which is ruled by the beloved King Fernando and his equally loved wife, Queen Valeriana. They are blessed with three sons–all mighty warriors. The eldest and heir to the throne is the pompous Prince Pedro; the second son is the dashing Prince Diego; and, the youngest, the kind-hearted Prince Juan.

Their idyllic life is shattered when King Fernando is struck by a mysterious sickness and can only be healed by the song of the mythical bird, Adarna. Anyone wanting to capture the bird must travel to its home on Mount Tabor, a journey that is difficult and froth with danger. After his first two brothers fail on their quest, Prince Juan bravely takes on the task to save his father.

An enduring epic that remains one of our great cultural treasures, the Ibong Adarna story is reborn as an entertaining play with original music. Suitable for children of all ages, The Quest for the Adarna is an original RTYA Production under Creative Director Joy Virata, assisted by co-directors Jamie Wilson and Naths Everett, with music by Rony Fortich and book and lyrics by Luna Griño-Inocian.

A wonderful cast completes this production, featuring both stage veterans and fresh faces. The titular Adarna will be played by Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Andrea Monique Alvarado, and Cara Barredo. Joining them are Arion Sanchez, Jim Andrew Ferrer, Ade Valenzona as Prince Pedro, Vinni Todd, Luis Marcelo, and Sean Nolasco as Prince Diego, and Leo John Guinid, Diego Aranda, and Neo Rivera as Prince Juan.

The Quest for the Adarna is a must-see for its bright, colorful costumes, fun, child-friendly music, and its new English translation of a Filipino classic. The final play in REP’s illustrious 2019 season, Adarna teaches kids unforgettable lessons about family, courage, forgiveness, and love, all wrapped in an entertaining stage production.

With great ticket prices, families have every reason to bring their kids to see this magical musical. Orchestra center seats cost P800, orchestra side is priced at P600, while balcony seats go for P500.

For show-buying, block-buying, and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 451-1474 or 0966-905-4013. You may also purchase tickets by calling Ticketworld at 891 9999, or through www.ticketworld.com.ph. 

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Advocates of AgriBusiness and Education Technology win World Vision Philippines’ first-ever Social Innovation Challenge

The agribusiness Plantsville and the education-focused organization Edukasyon.ph emerged as winners in Social Innovation Challenge (S.I.C.), World Vision’s competition for innovators creating sustainable solutions to challenges identified in real communities.

Plantsville, represented by November "Tina" Canieso-Yeo, is a joint effort with local government units (LGUs), eco-tourism organic bee and cinnamon groups that seek to flourish organic farming among youth by planting more “Food is Medicine” products, comprised of “healing foods” such as cinnamon and honey.

Caniseo-Yeo won the agriculture-focused first challenge of S.I.C. and will have the opportunity to have her idea implemented for the residents of Sogod, Cebu, who are currently experiencing the effects of climate change on soil, which is eventually affecting the livelihood of almost 1,000 farming households in the town.

Her co-winner, Edukasyon.ph, was granted to fund the project’s second challenge centered on the 500 out-of-school youth (OSY) in Brgy. Bucana, Davao City due to lack of sustainable livelihood in the area.

 

Represented by Patricia Matias, Ria Tagle, Jose Soberano, Pam Suanco, and Cristina Batalla, Edukasyon.ph aims to create an online portal tailored for OSY, thus creating a more convenient and accessible way to provide job and skills training opportunities fitting to each user.

The winning teams, who will have their ideas co-implemented by World Vision and its partners, for the communities of Sogod, Cebu and Brgy. Bucana, Davao, were chosen among the six (6) competing finalists through “The Final Pitch,” a culminating pitch session held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

They were evaluated by a multi-sectoral panel of judges comprised of World Vision Ambassador for the Social Innovation Challenge Gretchen Ho, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch Host and Executive Producer John Aguilar, Hub of Innovation for Inclusion Director Abigail Mapua-Cabanilla, J Amado Araneta Foundation Executive Director Christine Diane Romero, and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for Community Economic Ventures, Inc. Rolly Solidum.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our finalists, especially our two winners. We saw the grit and passion in all of them to make a meaningful contribution to our communities at Sogod and Bucana, but we came to a decision to choose Plantsville and Edukasyon.ph because their ideas will harvest the best for the residents. The goal of this project is to be able to empower our communities, most especially the parents, so they would be able to provide for their children a healthy, safe, and sustainable life,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines.

A first for World Vision Philippines, the Social Innovation Challenge (S.I.C.) originated in World Vision Canada as an open platform for people to share creative ideas that can make a difference to people, especially in overlooked communities.

“There is untapped potential among every Filipino. Our participants for the first run of S.I.C. were diverse, from university students to small-to-medium-scale entrepreneurs. To sum it all up, everyone can ignite that hope,” Mr. Fuerte added.

“It’s a delight to listen to every idea pitched to us. We’re thrilled to listen to even more for the future edition of this project.”

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Quick and Healthy Back-to-school Baon Ideas Your Kids Will Love

School season is here! Going back-to-school means excitement for kids but can be stressful for busy moms as meal planning comes into play. Preparing baon for your kids can be a struggle considering both their picky tastes and the nutritional content they need to grow strong and healthy. That is why Swedish appliance brand Electrolux is here with a few tricks up their sleeve to help moms prepare yummy dishes with vegetables that kids will love.

Check out these recipes from the Electrolux Life App to help spark ideas for healthy and delicious baon for your kids.

Cheese it up!

Since a lot of kids are not fond of eating vegetables, this Kid-Friendly Chicken & Broccoli Quesadilla recipe is a great way to add veggies in a way kids will enjoy. Start by placing Flour Tortillas on a plate, top it with cheddar cheese, add chicken and broccoli florets. Top it with another layer of Flour Tortillas then place it in a toaster oven at 350ºF and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cut the quesadilla using a pizza cutter, wait for it to cool and it’s ready to be packed!

Potatoes are usually a crowd pleaser so why not make the most of your leftover mashed potatoes by making Spinach and Cheddar Potato Cakes.

Simply mix together the egg, frozen spinach, seasoned salt, onion powder and ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Add the mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh chives. Mix it well until breadcrumbs have been absorbed. Form a scoop of the potato mixture into patties and fry the patties in a non-stick frying pan until golden brown. For the sauce, stir together sour cream and fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dip alongside the cakes!

Turning Japanese

Bring a Japanese flavor to your kid’s lunch with Teriyaki Pork Rolls with strips of green beans and carrots. In a pot of salted water, bring to a boil the thin strips of green beans, sliced carrot, and bell pepper for 2 mins. Once cooked, strain and dry with paper towel then set aside.

To make the sauce, mix soy sauce, white granulated sugar, and water in a small bowl and set aside. Take one of the thin pork cutlets and dust it with all-purpose flour on both sides. Add three of each of the green beans, carrot slices, and red bell pepper slices on the cutlet, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Then roll the pork and close it with toothpicks. Fry the pork until golden brown and remove toothpicks. Add the sauce, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickened and all sides of the pork are coated.

Healthy Sides

Put a new and healthier spin on your kid’s snack time with this recipe of Baked Zucchini Fries!

First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Cut zucchini into fries-like size, no need to peel them. In a medium bowl, combine panko, parmesan, salt, paprika, and pepper. Place whisked eggs in a separate medium bowl, and the flour in a third medium bowl. Dip zucchini pieces into the flour, then the egg, then the panko. Dip zucchini pieces into the flour, then egg, then the panko. Once all zucchini are breaded, bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For the sauce, just combine the yogurt, cheese, mayonnaise, and chives to a food processor and blitz until smooth.

Preparing your kids’ healthy and tasty baon is easy with Electrolux kitchen appliances, like the Electrolux NutriFresh™ Inverter Refrigerators, which come with new features to keep produce fresh for longer. The new Electrolux NutriFresh™ Inverter French Door Refrigerator (EHE6879A-BPH) allows you to go from chilling the food to cooking them in minutes. With its special UltraChill -2ºC feature, it preserves the texture and nutrients of meat and fish for longer without having to defrost it.

Different food types require unique storage conditions to stay fresh and the new NutriFresh™ refrigerator comes with a FlexFresh drawer, an optimal storage compartment with five temperature settings (-23°C to +7°C). This enables you to store all types of food - from cheese and wine, meat and seafood, to cold drinks and frozen items – at the temperature they need to remain fresh.

To help retain the juiciness of produce, the NutriFresh™  Inverter French Door Refrigerator also comes with a TasteLock Crisper with AutoHumidity Control which automatically adjusts humidity levels depending on the contents of the drawer. The AutoHumidity Control releases excess moisture from the compartment to help keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to 7 days. It also has a TwinTech Cooling System that cools the fridge and freezer compartments separately, so food stays fresher and odors don't mix. 

If you are looking for a cooking range, check out the Electrolux Cooking Range with Induction Cooktop & Electric Oven (EKI64500OX). It not only comes with a spacious layout to help you prepare multiple dishes at once, but also has powerful induction zones for speedy cooking and precision heat control that allows you to accurately set your desired flame for perfectly cooked dishes.  

To get the full recipes of these dishes, download the Electrolux Life app on the App Store or Google Play store and click the ‘Recipe Finder Powered by SideChef’ within the app to access thousands of global recipes from SideChef’s database.

For more information on Electrolux and its products, please visit www.electrolux.com.ph and follow @ElectroluxPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

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Electrolux shapes living for the better by reinventing taste, care and wellbeing experiences, making life more enjoyable and sustainable for millions of people. As a leading global appliance company, we place the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Through our brands, including Electrolux, White-Westinghouse and Frigidaire, we sell more than 60 million household and professional products in more than 150 markets every year. In 2018, Electrolux had sales of SEK 124 billion and employed 54,000 people around the world. For more information go to www.electrolux.com.ph.