Daily Newsmakers

  Globe myStarter Plan launches with Disney Mobile smartphones Today, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and the Philippines’ number one mobile brand Globe Telecom announced the launch of Southeast Asia’s first Disney Mobile smartphone. Globe Telecom will be the first telco in Southeast Asia to offer Disney Mobile smartphones through its new myStarter postpaid plans for as low as P750 per month.

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards), the country’s longest-running literary contest, is reaching out anew to all writers looking to showcase their literary genius. Now on its 66 th year, its organizer and sponsor, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. (Palanca Foundation), announced that it is now accepting entries for the Awards’ categories, which are as follows:

    The lifestyle of Filipinos has truly evolved with the changing times. Given the fast-paced life, and endless opportunities in the Metro, we have been frequently “on-the-go.” We changed our work hours, our daily schedules, and even our meal time.  But if there’s one thing that never changed throughout these advancements, it is the fact that Filipinos love their food. From eating in and preparing sumptuous feasts whenever there’s a chance, to mini get-togethers with friends, families and colleagues at work, we always find a reason to enjoy a hearty meal. As we all know, any signature meal would not be “Pinoy” if it’s not complete with the staple rice, flavorful viand, and a warm comforting soup dish.

AMD  (NASDAQ: AMD) recently announced at the 2016 Game Developer Conference that the company will underscore its dominance of the global virtual reality systems market. It revealed new advances in hardware and software to further the reach of VR, and unveiled its new GPU certified program that simplifies adoption of VR technology for consumers and content creators. “AMD continues to be a driving force in virtual reality,” said Raja Koduri, senior vice president and chief architect, Radeon Technologies Group, AMD. “We’re bringing the technology to more people around the world through our efforts to expand the VR ecosystem with VR i-Cafés in China, new Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets, and a wide variety of content partners in gaming, entertainment, education, science, medicine, journalism and several other exciting fields.” AMD is also making VR more easily accessible to consumers and content creators with its GPU certified program featuring the new “Radeon VR Ready Premium” and “R

Order your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge from Globe Platinum and get the latest in wearable technology The launch of the latest Samsung Galaxy models, S7 and S7 edge showed today’s digital generation how a smartphone can truly be part of life’s everyday adventures. Complementing the new phones is the introduction of the latest device that will open up a whole new world of entertainment - Samsung Gear VR. Allowing one to experience a new dimension of mobile entertainment, Samsung Gear VR lets Globe Platinum customers see more inspiring moments as it comes FREE with the Platinum Lifestyle Plans.

After becoming the purveyor of digital lifestyle, Globe is now the driver of digital nation for a #WonderfulPH starting with the youth through the adoption of the award-winning Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP). DTP holds workshops in high schools to teach young people about the impact of their online behavior and how to be safe and responsible for their online activities. Consider this:

Join in on the summer fun with an exciting investigative online game featuring stunning extreme-resolution gigapixel photos

Something healthy and perfect for the Lenten Season.  A classic choice this Lenten season, the delicious and savory Jollibee Tuna Pie is available for dine-in, take out or delivery for P40 apiece.

Holy Week is seen by many as a time for rest and quiet reflection. The upcoming long weekend is a great time to slow down and stock up on sleep. Joining in the occasion are the wild residents of Singapore’s four wildlife parks, which have been brushing up on their napping skills.

Leave it to ASUS Philippines to turn up the heat and give you even more reasons to enjoy the season via its “Summer Vibes Promo” , which fires up starting today and will run until April 10, 2016 only . Ultimately, the “Summer Vibes Promo” provides the tech-savvy the best deals this season, what with limited-time price discounts and a corresponding free premium accessories thrown in for every purchase of a select ASUS notebook. Participants of this sizzling-hot promo who will purchase any of the ASUS notebooks listed below will either bring home a Razer Ferox Speaker (worth PHP 2,995.00) – a small-but-powerful mobile speaker that guarantees a 360-degree omnidirectional sound with  rich acoustics and a quality base for a powerful immersive audio experience wherever you go;  or a premium Republic of Gamers (ROG) Shuttle Backpack (worth PHP 4,995.00) – a stylish, water-resistant backpack that allows you to comfortably and safely carry around your ASUS laptops that are up to 17 inches i

Hunting for fun this Easter? The wilderness awaits you at Marriott Hotel Manila as they give an extra tad of glee to the holidays this Lenten Season. Be it an adventurous retreat for the family or a filling celebration, the hotel has prepared exciting treats and enormous spread that are perfect for both kids and kids-at-heart.

The World’s No. 1 Gaming Laptop further changes the game with the most powerful and iconic laptop thus far, the ROG GX700 , which is exclusively made available only to the most hardcore of gamers in the country, aptly dubbed as the “Legendary 20” Republic of Gamers (ROG), the World’s undisputed No. 1 Gaming Laptop, celebrates its 10 th Anniversary with a bang, what with the much-anticipated official launch of its most powerful laptop yet, the ROG GX700 . Widely-raved about since gamers and the tech-savvy got wind of the ROG GX700’s unmatched specs and industry-leading innovations early on, the Republic of Gamers once again rocks the entire gaming industry, with the ROG GX700 being the world’s first-ever liquid-cooled laptop – guaranteeing users a gaming experience like never before.  

They say “laughter is the best medicine.” Yes, it does have a positive effect because it releases endorphins and makes you feel good inside. Overall, it’s about keeping a positive mindset, being optimistic, affirmative and upbeat, seeing one’s life as a glass half full ready to be filled in.  What the mind dictates, the body translates in a youthful-looking appearance with a positive aura full of life. In an article entitled written by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen for www.youbeauty.com entitled “The Power of Positive Thinking on Your Health,” they cited a study made in a Denmark hospital that involved more than 600 patients. They found that “patients whose moods were overall more positive were 58 percent more likely to live at least another five years.” So how does one acquire a positive outlook or mindset? The two doctors suggested injecting humor into our lives by watching TV shows or reading stuff like books or reading blogs that induce laughter, or sim

Colorful lifestyle opportunities. A booming business district. At first, anyone will immediately connect these identifiers with Metro’s capitals. But would you believe that these aspects are also reflective of a hub tucked away in the charming, quiet parts of Southern Luzon?

There are countless benefits that come with getting fit with a group or a partner.  A group or partner will help you stick to your diet, stay focused on your goals, keep you motivated, remind you to keep exercise appointments, and push you to exceed your limits when working out. It is with this insight in mind that Amway formed Team NUTRILITE™.  

From March 4 to April 3, 2016, customers from all over the Philippines can upgrade their current printing, communication and digital imaging systems at more affordable prices with Brother’s Trade-In Madness Promo. Simply bringing in working or non-working printers, fax, copiers and scanners of any brand at select venues entitles a customer to up to 50 percent off on brand-new Brother printers and Multi-Function Centres.

Following the massive success of Clash of Clans (CoC) around the world, Helsinki-based mobile game developer Supercell has launched another much anticipated game, 'Clash Royale,' in the Philippines, and you can now make the most of it with Smart Prepaid’s PasaData, which allows you to share your data with friends anytime and anywhere for more online gaming fun.

After the launch of the “The LEGO ® Movie™ 4D A New Adventure” at the LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, the new episode is now making its official debut at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort. Reuniting the stars of “The LEGO ® Movie™” in a LEGOLAND Parks exclusive storyline, fans can look forward to finding out what happened after the blockbuster movie, when Emmet, Wyldstyle, Unikitty, MetalBeard and Benny reunite at the invitation of a shady new character, Risky Business, who plans to open a theme park bearing a suspicious resemblance to LEGOLAND.

Mario’s along Tomas Morato, Quezon City and Session Road, Baguio offers you a choice of seafood dishes for this Lenten season.   Seafood Salpicado comes with Prawns, Blue Marlin and Squid Sauteed in Garlic and Olive Oil; Lobster and Blackened Fish Fillet is served with Mango Chutney; and Laman Dagat is Sinigang na Ulo ng Salmon, Baby Prawns and Clams.     

Reward yourself with Villa Del Conte. Graduated with flying colors? Barely passed that dreaded exam you spent sleepless nights studying for? Whether you got the job of your dreams or simply had another hard day, have a much-deserved pat on the back and indulge in heavenly 100g chocolate bars from Villa del Conte. 

It’s almost summer and while kids are excited for vacation, premier Apple reseller Power Mac Center offers another activity that promises to be both fun and educational. Summer Workshops 2016 is part of an annual workshop series conducted by Power Mac Center’s Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC). Now on its 9 th year, this summer’s trainings will revolve around the theme “ReCREATE LEARNING: Shaping Kids for the Information Age.” It features specialized topics integrated to 21 st century skills, a set of abilities including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity that students need to develop in order to succeed in the information age. 

Western Union announced today that its Chain of Betters competition, which funds projects that make lasting positive change for communities around the world, has selected four winning projects that will improve the quality of life for those living in the Philippines. The four individuals who nominated these projects will be responsible for making the “better” happen over the next three months. The projects that will benefit from the Western Union Chain of Betters awards include: “The Disaster Workshop and Equipment” projects, nominated by Jeremiah Datoy, which will provide the indigent people of Tiwi, Albay with communications equipment, rescue materials and disaster preparedness seminars in this area that is effected by 10-15 typhoons each year. The “Water for Vegetable Farm” project, nominated by Venus Parmisana, will create a Microcontroller-Based Water Management System (a research and development project by students in MSU-IIT) that will help women farmers augment their i

Happiness is homemade. You don’t have to look too far or spend a ludicrous amount of money to experience happiness. It can be found in life’s simple pleasures and right at your very own home through every day cooking. MAGGI, together with culinary expert Chef Sandy Daza, invited pairs of kids and kids-at-heart to “Daza Way You Cook It, presented by MAGGI” recently held at The Cookery Place in BGC, to experience homemade happiness by not just eating good food together but also in preparing meals and having magically beautiful moments in the kitchen. Chef Sandy demonstrated easy-to-prepare meals, such as fried rice and chicken chorizo, to the guests who formed a stronger bond while having an adventure in the kitchen. 

Gearing up for the March 19 launch of Samsung’s latest flagship devices in the Philippines, unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications has unveiled the best plans for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, bundled with the biggest data offers and the most awesome perks. Level up to the Smart Life experience by getting the Samsung Galaxy S7 FREE at Surf Plus Plan 1999 under a 24-month contract. You can also avail of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge at Surf Plus Plan 1999 with a one-time cash-out of only P4,800. These introductory offers are available until April 15.

Globe Business, the enterprise information and communication technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, is once again named as the local connectivity partner for Shell Eco-Marathon Asia, the annual street circuit challenge for the youth which will be held at the Rizal Park in Manila from March 3-6, 2016 as part of its advocacy to protect and conserve the environment.

Brother’s Refill Tank system Multi-Function Centers (MFCs) edge out the others with quality features at a pricing that’s competitive. Targeting business and personal users, Brother’s Refill Tank System MFCs have features that maximize productivity and efficiency for the small office, home office (SOHO) market and high volume printers.  The new Brother Refill Tank System strengthens the company’s line of MFCs with the existing Ink Benefit Series. High Print Speed Brother's Refill Tank System stands out with the fastest print speed among the refill ink printers in its class. Fast print speed is best for busy users who print many pages of documents because it saves time which may be used for other tasks. Built-In Refillable Tank With its more than a hundred years of Japanese heritage of quality, Brother is known for coming up with smart designs for its products. The Brother Refill Tank System has a built-in refillable tank which is not only aesthetically sensible but

“Mythical... sometimes fantastical” are the words that director Bart Guingona uses to describe Repertory Philippines’ new production “ Almost, Maine ” which opens at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1 on February 19. Set in an imaginary town of Almost in the state of Maine, USA, nine unusual love stories unfold.  Four actors play the different characters of each story.  “The stories are mythical, yet real— simple, yet profound” Mr. Guingona continues.  “John Cariani, the playwright, takes a cliche and turns it over on its head by making it literal”.   Almost, Maine is a gentle, funny, play involving real people dealing with affairs of the heart. “Cute will kill it” warns the author (himself an actor) and the actors play their parts with complete truth letting the strangeness of the characters, the dialogue, and the absurd situations create the comedy.  

Mall-goers of the Metro South can now experience the best cinema experience available in the world. After the successful opening of its first movie theaters in Taguig, Vista Cinemas has opened to the public its second location at Evia Lifestyle Center in Vista City, Daang Hari. The four new movie theaters equipped with unique top-of-the-linefeatures are now ready to to redefine the movie-watching experience in the Southern Metro. Three of the four newly opened cinemas are fitted with the latest and the best in audio technology--Dolby Atmos -- which allows movie-goers to feel like they're part of every scene. Sound produced by the Atmos System is projected from every direction in the cinema and moves with the action on-screen – creating a one-of-a-kind movie experience.