Author: Press Release

Score Freebies as Huawei’s Flagship P50 Pro and P50 Pocket Begin Pre-Orders This February 4

Huawei welcomes the Philippines to the new era of smartphone aesthetics and mobile photography. Following its preorder announcement, they officially released the flagship King HUAWEI P50 Pro and the most beautiful foldable smartphone P50 Pocket with a generous amount of freebies.

The HUAWEI P50 Pro and HUAWEI P50 Pocket are equipped with the latest imaging technology for users to enjoy unrivaled camera performance. These are also designed in collaboration with haute couture designer, Iris van Herpen. Moreover, both introduce a new True-Form Dual-Matrix camera system which offers a perfect combination of form and function. And equipped with advanced imaging processors, HUAWEI XD Optics and XD Fusion Pro Image Engine for users to enjoy improved image clarity, high dynamic range, and intelligent computational photography.

Deliver flagship photography experience with the P50 Pro

Huawei P Series is considered as excellent choice for professional smartphone photographers and hobbyists because of its flagship performance and incredible camera technology. Hence, with the HUAWEI P50 Pro’s camera system, expect that users will not have to compromise on picture quality and speed. This smartphone’s cameras bring together the advanced capabilities of multiple lenses, HUAWEI XD Optics, and HUAWEI XD Fusion Pro Engine to create an incredibly versatile mobile imaging solution for users’ photography and videography needs.

The HUAWEI P50 Pro’s Dual-Matrix Camera system delivers True to Life imagery with greater clarity and high dynamic supported by the all-new computational imaging solutions, HUAWEI XD Optics and XD Fusion Pro Image Engine. The camera has been engineered so all you have to do is line up your shot, whether it’s low-light, close-up or zoom shots. Using the upgraded features enables the telephoto lens to capture photographs in detail, clarity, with better differentiation between far and close objects.

HUAWEI XD Optics enables the smartphone to rectify optical errors and reproduce fine details. On the other hand, the XD Fusion Pro Image Engine significantly improves detail, color and dynamic range while the True-Chroma Image Engine delivers the highest possible color accuracy, creating images that reflect what is seen by the human eye.

Thanks to its XD Fusion Pro solution, the HUAWEI P50 Pro delivers true-to-life imagery with extreme clarity and adaptability, supporting an unprecedented 200x zoom range. This allows you to take clear photos of objects at an unprecedented distance, simply zoom in on your subject and shoot a detailed image that you can keep forever. No longer will the images be blurry and pixelated, but with the HUAWEI P50 Pro, your zoomed in photos will be sharp and detailed. It also supports 4K video recording across the full focal range and an all-new AIS Pro image stabilization solution.

The HUAWEI P50 Pro is also gracefully lightweight, packing a large display and battery encased in a slim body that is comfortable to hold on hand. The HUAWEI P50 Pro has a 6.6-inch1 display, an overall thickness of 8.5 mm, 4360 mAh battery, and a weight of about 195g. With up to 120 Hz refresh rate and 300 Hz touch sampling rate, users can enjoy a smooth and responsive experience.

Experience Fashionable and Amazing tech innovations with P50 Pocket

As the newest member to join the HUAWEI P Series, the HUAWEI P50 Pocket continues a legacy of aesthetic excellence with a unique eye-catching design, which sees intricate etchings on its outer casing beautifully intertwine light and shadow. In an age where there is a desire for smaller, more portable, and powerful devices, the HUAWEI P50 Pocket achieves the delicate balance between portability and function – all by fusing innovation with artistry.

The HUAWEI P50 Pocket represents the fourth major breakthrough in hinge design in the development history of Huawei’s foldable phones. The HUAWEI P50 Pocket adopts a more precise and refined water drop-shaped design and features the All-New Multi-Dimensional Hinge Design that is unique to the industry. The All-New Multi-Dimensional Hinge Design has the advantages of large bending radius, small stress on the screen, and solves the issue of a large gap in the folding area. This design creates a thinner phone with less convex on the back cover. Most importantly, such design creates a seamless fit when the phone is folded and no visible crease when unfolded.

The HUAWEI P50 Pocket packs a 40MP True-Chroma Camera, a 13 MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera with a 120-degree wide field of view, and a 32 MP Ultra Spectrum Camera. It features rear camera portrait selfie algorithms and uses the big camera sensor to boost low light performance, allowing for more atmospheric selfies with great detail, even in backlit or low-light environments.

The HUAWEI P50 Pocket introduces an all-new Sunscreen detection function. The smartphone’s Cover Screen supports the display of notifications, schedule, calendar, music, weather, and control of other features. And It also supports maximum privacy when the device is folded, automatically disabling its cameras, microphone, and location, and re-enables them upon unfolding.

The HUAWEI P50 Pocket folds seamlessly into an ultra-slim, lightweight body that is comfortable to hold and fits easily in a purse. Unfolded, it offers a generous 6.9-inch, 21:9 display, which delivers an extraordinary experience when watching videos or movies. It also has a pixel density of 442ppi, and supports 1.07 billion colors and the P3 wide color gamut – providing incredible color authenticity and pristine picture quality.

Explore Super Device Features of P50 Pro and P50 Pocket

Both HUAWEI P50 Pro and P50 Pocket are powered by EMUI 12 which enables different smart devices to connect more easily and collaborate better in all scenarios. It has Super Device features that enable easy, smooth, secure, and reliable connection and interaction between different HUAWEI smart devices, taking the user experience to the next level.

The EMUI 12 comes with an improved Control Panel which users can access through a swipe, offering an easier and more intuitive way to connect multiple devices together. Its distributed security features enable password and facial recognition across multiple devices, ensuring safe and verified access to data.

The HUAWEI P50 Pro and HUAWEI P50 Pocket also come pre-installed with AppGallery, the official app store for Huawei devices. Users can download from a growing selection of top apps and enjoy exclusive giveaways, rebates, and coupons.

Purchase HUAWEI P50 Pro from February 4 until February 10, 2022, and P50 Pocket from February 4 until February 17, 2022, to get special freebies!

Buy HUAWEI P50 Pro worth PHP 52,999 and get FREE HUAWEI FreeBuds 4 worth PHP 7999.
Buy HUAWEI P50 Pocket in White worth PHP 69,999 or the Premium Edition worth PHP 86,999 and get FREE HUAWEI Watch 3 worth PHP 18,999.

HUAWEI P50 Pro: Huawei Online Store | Lazada | Shopee
HUAWEI P50 Pocket Huawei Online Store | Shopee

Vouchers (limited supply on a first-come, first-serve basis) and Worry-Free Services

HUAWEI app vouchers:

1-month HUAWEI Video plus VIP and 2 HUAWEI Video Movie Pass worth PHP 3103-month HUAWEI Music Premium worth PHP 387HUAWEI Books book credit worth PHP 503-month HUAWEI Themes redemption voucher worth PHP 1501-month HUAWEI Mobile Cloud 2TB storage worth PHP 499

The HUAWEI P50 Pro Worry-Free Service

1 to 1 VIP HotlineFree Pick Up and DeliveryFree repair under warranty1-time screen replacement with first 3-month of purchaseExtend 1 year warranty at 20% discount

The HUAWEI P50 Pocket Worry-Free Service

1 to 1 VIP HotlineFree Pick Up and DeliveryFree repair under warranty1-year screen protection at 20% discount Extend 1-year warranty at 20% discount

Visit Huawei Philippines’ official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to stay updated on the latest promos and devices or to learn more about the app offerings on AppGallery.

February 3, 2022

Finn Wolfhard Shares Love for ‘Ghostbusters’ Before Being Cast in ‘Afterlife’

Finn Wolfhard who is best known for his starring role as Mike Wheeler in the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series Stranger Things and as Richie Tozier in the blockbuster horror feature IT, now stars in Columbia Pictures’ Ghostbusters: Afterlife, opening exclusively in Philippine cinemas on February 16.

Watch the film’s latest trailer below:

Directed by Jason Reitman (Juno, Up in the Air) and produced by Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe. In the film, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The film is written by Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman.

Wolfhard joins Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace and Paul Rudd in the lead cast.

Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) and Podcast (Logan Kim) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.

“My daughter was thrilled when we cast Finn,” Jason says. “He captures a generation in the way he talks, the way he looks. He has an incredible vulnerability for being a teenage boy, and that is a very unusual characteristic. He also happens to be as obsessed with the nuts and bolts of filmmaking as any young man his age.”

Wolfhard says he’s been a Ghostbusters fan since a very young age. “I think they’re timeless movies, because they are characters that everyone can relate to, and they’re such iconic performances so they’re hard to forget,” he explains. “My parents showed me those movies at a really young age, so I was lucky. But, then again, I don’t know a kid that’s my age that doesn’t know what Ghostbusters is. It’s iconic.”

The Ecto-1 and RV-1 in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.

Wolfhard says that his character, Trevor, is “a normal, awkward teenager. He’s a city kid from Chicago who gets evicted and ends up in the middle of nowhere – Summerville, Oklahoma. He’s shell-shocked, there’s no cell service, he’s annoyed about everything – until he finds a girl he falls for, and it all becomes worth it to him.”

Trevor, who is still too young to drive but is obsessed with cars, is the one to discover the iconic but long-abandoned Ecto-1 covered under a sheet in the barn. At first, he is the only one who knows it exists and begins to tinker with it to bring it back to life.

Lucky (Celeste O’Connor), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Podcat (Logan Kim) and Phoebe (McKenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE.

Though he didn’t get to physically drive the car, Wolfhard says it was an honor to interact with the iconic machine. “In one sequence, Trevor is in the Ecto-1 ripping through this giant wheat field,” he says. “He loses control and flies off and hits the road.”

Ghostbusters: Afterlife is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Use the hashtag #Ghostbusters

February 2, 2022
Go Eco-friendly on Your Gadgets with Globe’s eSIM and Eco-SIM

Globe encourages its customers to further support sustainable living and contribute to reversing environmental damage through two eco-friendly subscriber identification module (SIM) options – the eSIM and Eco-SIM.

With its very small size, the effect of SIM cards on the environment may seem insignificant. However, their combined weight represents an estimated 20,000 tons of plastic and other polymers consumed each year.

The situation prompted Globe to look for alternatives that meet its ambition to cut electronic and plastic waste and reduce carbon footprint. The company is at the forefront of environmental sustainability, enabling programs that support climate action.

The eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in certain mobile phone models. Globe was the first company to offer it in 2018 as an alternative to traditional SIM cards.

Apart from being environment-friendly, the e-SIM technology allows for additional innovative capabilities such as the ability to manage multiple profiles using different mobile numbers on just one device and effortlessly switch lines for any purpose that fits their lifestyle.

Plus, e-SIM now allows for gadgets beyond the mobile phone like smartwatches to be connected under one mobile number. This revolutionary technology was recently made available to the Apple Watch cellular. As such, Globe postpaid iPhone users are now able to go out and stay connected even without having their iPhone on-hand.

To avail of a Globe eSIM, Postpaid customers can simply request at any Globe Store nationwide.

On the other hand, the new Eco-SIM card is made from 100% recycled materials using refrigerator interiors, the first-of-its-kind to be commercially launched in Asia. Developed by Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, the card was introduced to Globe postpaid mobile subscribers beginning the fourth quarter of 2021.

“Being eco-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing on progress. As with the eco SIM and e-SIM technologies, Globe postpaid customers are able to enjoy the latest technological advancements in telecommunications and lessening their carbon footprint at the same time,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President for Postpaid and International Business.

Globe became the first Philippine company listed by the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) committed to setting science-based targets and net-zero emissions by 2050. This is in line with the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, as well as the UN-backed Race to Zero global campaign rallying non-state actors to help halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a zero-carbon world by 2050.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 12, which highlights the roles of responsible consumption and production patterns as crucial steps toward building a circular economy. Globe is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

February 2, 2022
Safeguard Empowers Hand Hygiene Through Hygiene Kit Donations As COVID-19 Cases Surge

As the country faces a surge in COVID-19 cases, Procter & Gamble’s Safeguard ramps up hand hygiene support through donations to several government agencies and other organizations to extend help to sectors in need. These efforts aim to reinforce proper hand hygiene habits among Filipinos as the country seeks to alleviate further transmission of COVID-19.

Most recently, Safeguard has donated 25,000 hygiene kits to COVID-19 isolation facilities through the Department of Health. These kits contain P&G produced masks, Safeguard bar soaps, and Safeguard hand sanitizer. Safeguard also donated foaming hand soap in admission kits for St Luke’s Medical Center patients, as well as to vaccinees in hubs like Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Since the start of the pandemic, Safeguard has partnered with organizations such as the Department of Health, Department of Education, and Philippine Red Cross to ensure that help is being extended to sectors in need. Personal protective equipment (PPE), face masks, ventilators, and hygiene care packs have been distributed to front liners, hospitals, isolation facilities, vaccine hubs, and communities in most need. Safeguard also partnered with MWF in constructing hand hygiene facilities in order to ensure that clean running water are accessible to more Filipinos. This partnership also allowed Safeguard to donate hand hygiene kits to schools in the provinces that were given a greenlight to conduct pilot face-to-face classes.

COVID-19 infection is highly possible through touching contaminated surfaces. Proper handwashing after touching any surfaces must always be practiced to ensure that your hands are free from illness causing germs and bacteria. Handwashing, along with strict adherence to health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face masks, receiving the vaccine may lessen one’s chances of contracting the virus. Choosing a tried and tested brand to wash your hands with is just as important as following the recommended 15 seconds duration of handwashing. Safeguard remains as the country’s most trusted brand in germ protection for over 55 years. PAMET recommended Safeguard has Infinishield technology that inhibits reproduction of illness causing germs and bacteria. This technology also ensures 24-hour protection after ever wash by leaving behind particles that act as a protective shield against disease-causing germs.

Put up your best defenses against illness-causing germs and bacteria by shopping your Safeguard essentials in leading supermarkets, drugstores, Shopee, or Lazada.

February 2, 2022
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Like No Other at Discovery Suites
It has never been just like any other Valentine’s Day for Discovery Suites since the year 2000. With the hotel opening its doors on Valentine’s Day 22 years ago, there are so many reasons to celebrate that no alert levels can stop. It is for our guests turned into family, supportive clients and the new generation who have yet to experience that genuine Filipino hospitality and talent.

On February 14 & 15, all roads lead to 22 Prime, the hotel’s award-winning steakhouse and part of Tatler Dining Guide’s Best Restaurant List for 2022. Executive Chef Gerwin Bailon curated a lavish 5-course set dinner of Baked Oyster, Salmon Crudo, Broccoli Soup and Sous Vide SRF Wagyu Hanging Tender. Ending your dinner on a sweet note with petit fours featuring a selection of our signature desserts. Experience a romantic dinner of great culinary creations with Manila skyline as backdrop and with the company of the person you love most for only PHP 6,000 nett good for 2 persons. Spice it up with free-flow of wine for only PHP 1,500 nett per person or a bouquet of fresh flowers for only PHP 1,800 nett per person. Be one of the first ten (10) early love birds to confirm a reservation on or before February 7 to get a complimentary bottle of wine.

Premium seats by the window are available at PHP 8,500 nett for two (2) persons inclusive of a FREE bottle of wine and a rose.
Steak At-Home

Celebrations at home can never go out of style. For safe and intimate Valentine’s dinners in the comfort of your homes, go hassle-free with 22 Prime’s Steak at Home. Enjoy a 4-course set dinner composed of Mixed Greens Salad, Lobster Bisque, Grilled USDA Ribeye Steak and Discovery Suites’ Signature Salted Caramel Cheesecake for only Php 5,000 nett good for 2 persons. Steak at Home is available for pick-up and delivery.

Suite For Your Sweet

Need a break? Have a “Steak-Cation!” Couples can book an overnight stay in a 1-Bedroom Suite and have a private 4-course steak dinner by 22 Prime for 2 for only PHP9,999 per night. Bring your staycation and date game to the next level.

Private Dining and Events

22 Prime is now open for intimate gatherings and private dining reservations. Make celebrations memorable with well-planned and properly executed event details and carefully crafted menus from PHP 2,500 nett per person.

Book early and avoid Valentine’s Day rush. 22 Prime is located at the 22nd floor of Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, and is open by reservation from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For inquiries and reservations call +63 2 719 6822, e-mail ds-fnb@discovery.com.ph, or visit https://www.discoverysuites.com/love-alert-level22/.
February 2, 2022
Catch on National Geographic This February: Big Cats, Brain Games, and Black Markets

Wondering which titles you could watch on National Geographic this month of love? This February, enjoy a series of brain challenges on the road, discover the operations of black markets, and follow the lives of animals in the wild!

Battle of the Brains

Brain Games: On The Road

Premieres Saturday, February 26 at 9am on National Geographic (Cignal CH141 SD, CH240 HD / Skycable CH41 SD, CH195 HD)

Brain Games is out of the studio and on the road! Host Chuck Nice pits average Americans against their neighbours to test their brain power in a series of friendly competitions filled with mind-bending games designed for at-home play.

The Underworld’s Black Markets

Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller: S2

Premieres Friday, February 18 at 11pm on National Geographic (Cignal CH141 SD, CH240 HD / Skycable CH41 SD, CH195 HD)

Mariana van Zeller in bulletproof vest. (Credit: National Geographic)

The second season of Trafficked sees journalist Mariana van Zeller offering viewers an intimate peek behind black markets and trafficking networks — from the inner workings of romance scams to the dark corners of black market plastic surgery — to meet the players, learn the business, and better understand the world’s multi trillion-dollar shadow economy.

Travel the World

Europe From Above: S3

Premieres Tuesday, February 1 at 9pm on National Geographic (Cignal CH141 SD, CH240 HD / Skycable CH41 SD, CH195 HD)

Embark on spectacular aerial journeys revealing Europe’s nations as they’ve never been seen before. From erupting volcanoes in Iceland, to pristine Roman amphitheatres in Croatia and record-breaking waves in Portugal. This documentary shares the traditions and engineering breakthroughs that continue to shape these great nations today.

Wild Australia: Fierce Families, Tough Terrain

Premieres Saturday, February 12 at 8.30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Cignal CH142 / Skycable CH66 SD, CH193 HD)

Journey to the Land Down Under where there are scorching deserts and predator-filled seas. Known for its harsh environments, venomous creatures and impenetrable terrain, the most resilient Australian creatures have found a secret to survival – sticking together.

Inside the Animal Kingdom

Alaska Animal Rescue Compilations

Premieres Tuesday, February 1, at 8:30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Cignal CH142 / Skycable CH66 SD, CH193 HD)

Friar Tuck, a Bald Eagle, at the Alaska Raptor Center. (National Geographic)

Join Alaska’s conservation heroes on America’s last frontier, as they rescue, relocate and rehabilitate wild animals by land, sea, and air. Follow the stories of these local heroes who commit their lives to helping all animals – small or big.

Big Cat Week (Stunt)

Premieres Monday-Saturday, February 14-26 at 8.30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Cignal CH142 / Skycable CH66 SD, CH193 HD)

Get up close and personal with some of the most formidable feline predators. Join Dereck and Beverly Joubert as they showcase their incredible journey with big cats in Revealed: Big Cat Odyssey, the conflict between Lions and Hyenas in Revealed: Eternal Enemies, and the unexpected predator-prey relationships between Lions and Elephants in Revealed: Ultimate Enemies.

World of Polar Bears (Stunt)

Premieres Sunday, February 27 at 8.30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Cignal CH142 / Skycable CH66 SD, CH193 HD)

The polar bear is the world’s largest land predator, but they’re born blind and deaf. How does a helpless cub become a successful killer? Nat Geo Wild exposes real life and death struggles in dramatic second-by-second detail and documents the secret world of these Arctic bears.

February 2, 2022
Love is in The Air with These February Titles from Discovery+

Settle in and get comfortable as discovery+ brings Filipinos all kinds of love this February. From getting-to-know-you, to tying the knot, to love stories that have ended in true crime––no matter what you’re looking for, discovery+ has it all covered.

Strangers in Love

The twelve singles in the Korean reality show Strangers in Love each take their shot at romance as they go through seven rounds of missions in the hopes of finding the one. Candid moments reveal the participants’ progress since arriving at Strange Village, but will they be lucky in love? Find out by streaming the show now on discovery+!

Tarek and Heather: The Big I do

Following a stunning proposal, Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young dreamed of a fairytale beach wedding in Mexico that would be bigger and better than their engagement. However, with just 14 weeks to go before the big day, they scrap their original plans and prepare for a perfect wedding celebration at Santa Barbara, California with the goal of making it a memorable day not just for themselves but also for their family and friends. Currently available for a romance-filled binge-watching session, the couple race against time as they plan and finally exchange vows on Tarek and Heather: The Big I do.

Sex Sent Me To The ER

Every relationship has its ups and downs, and that includes adventures in the bedroom. CatchSex Sent Me To The ER now available on discovery+ for stories of sexual escapades gone wrong resulting in a medical mishap that leaves one participant in need of emergency care. Some accidents can be easily laughed off while other misadventures turn into a tale of caution. At the end of the day, it’s always the doctor that gets the couples out of a bind.

Ken and Barbie Killers: The Lost Murder Tapes

Dive into the case of husband and wife Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka in the Ken and Barbie Killers: The Lost Murder Tapes. The case of two missing schoolgirls are tied to Bernardo when his bruised wife tells the police that he is the killer. What’s more shocking is that Homolka claims that there are home videos of Bernardo assaulting the girls hidden somewhere in their marital home. Watch the series now to uncover the truth behind the married couple’s closed doors.

Anni: The Honeymoon Murder

Anni: The Honeymoon Murder delves into murder of the newlywed bride Anni Dewani. Her story becomes one of South Africa’s most infamous and mysterious crimes. Join Dewani’s family in seeking the truth behind her death and parse through testimonies from lawyers, police, and persons involved in the docu-series now available for streaming.

Each week, discovery+ brings Filipinos new and exclusive discovery+ Originals. This month and available now to stream is Homeboy, which follows Rajiv Surendra–best known as Kevin Gnapoor in Mean Girls–as he shares how to transform mundane tasks into beautiful art. Coming later in February are Discovering David Dobrik: Africa on February 15, which follows David and his friends to South Africa where they get in touch with their wild side, and Million Dollar Wheels with Jamie Foxx on February 28, where fans of luxury motors can catch a glimpse of the competitive world of car dealing.

Download and subscribe to discovery+ to get your fix of the lovebug and other shows this February. Available across multiple platforms including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. Follow discovery+ on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the latest updates.

February 2, 2022
Operation Smile Promises to Transform the Lives of 1 Million Patients in 10 Years
Global nonprofit Operation Smile announced a 10-year commitment to increase access to care for 1 million patients who need cleft care and other essential surgeries. Entering its 40^th anniversary year, the organization will scale up its investments in underserved remote areas around the world.

The announcement marks an evolution for Operation Smile, which will continue to work as the leading global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care and will focus more intensely on transforming local health systems. The organization’s new vision includes creating expanded opportunities for women in medicine, investing significantly in research, innovation, surgical education, and youth empowerment, all of which are factors that impact cleft care.

“As we enter our organization’s next decade, we are deeply focused on increasing the number of high-quality cleft surgeries, which requires strengthening local health systems,” said Operation Smile Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Bill Magee. “We’re committing today, to transforming lives by challenging inequities in the health system head-on to serve a million people who need care.”

Founded in 1982, Operation Smile has provided free, life-changing surgical and dental care for more than 326,000 patients, enabling them to eat, breathe, speak, and live healthier lives. With each surgery, the organization has seen how gaps in health care infrastructure create barriers to access and perpetuate inequities in health care systems.

“Our experience has shown us that long-term investments in health care infrastructure and partnerships with local medical leaders are critical to serve children with cleft conditions, and that our work and presence in a country provides greater access to high-quality care,” said Kathy Magee, Co-Founder and President of Operation Smile. “Our focus will always be on cleft care, but we are also empowering our world-class medical teams fueled by 6,000 global volunteers to provide comprehensive care for patients autonomously.”

Over the next 10 years, Operation Smile will collaborate with local partners, including ministries of health, donors, corporations and academic institutions to bolster in-country health systems to reach its goal of increasing access to care for 1 million patients.

Initial investments as part of the organization’s next decade of commitments include:
- $8 million investment in Guatemala over five years, which will support five hospitals across the country to provide cleft surgery for 1,200 patients and comprehensive care for 3,400 patients
- $10 million investment over five years to support a network of hospitals and care providers across seven geographic areas in Mexico, which will provide care for 4,500 patients
- $9 million investment over five years to support patient care in Colombia, including in Riohacha Hospital, a public hospital located at the border with Venezuela where indigenous communities and migrants receive care
- $6 million investment over five years to support the CHUK Hospital hub in Rwanda and outlying locations, including surgeon and clinical support, patient nutrition, dentistry and more
To ensure the long-term success of these investments, Operation Smile is partnering with local stakeholders to revolutionize how health systems deliver surgical care in underserved areas around the world.

“Philippines has been one of the major hubs of Operation Smile and was actually founded here. So this milestone is especially important to us. It’s a great time to rededicate ourselves to our commitment to provide access to high-quality and holistic care to Filipino children and their communities. So we can continue the legacy of 40 years of learning and success,” said Emiliano Romano, Executive Director of Operation Smile Philippines.
January 31, 2022
foodpanda Launches Rider Lounges at WalterMart and Robinsons Malls
foodpanda, the world’s leading online food delivery marketplace, has partnered with Robinsons and Waltermart Malls to launch Rider Lounges where the company’s rider partners can comfortably rest and regroup as they wait for customers to book their services.

Comfortable lounges for foodpanda riders while they wait for orders.

The initiative aims to help driver-partners to more effectively and easily pick up orders from foodpanda’s partner merchants in the said malls.

Aside from benches and stools where the riders can sit comfortably, there are also designated stations for sanitization, charging devices, and water refilling.

Aside from offering a place to stay for the riders, foodpanda patrons who are also RMalls+ App members are given discounts. foodpanda and Robinsons Malls also offer a voucher of P100 for a minimum purchase of P399 from participating merchants at Robinsons Malls. Patrons can avail of the offer by using the code RMalls100 on the foodpanda app.

The Rider Lounges have charging stations for partners.

The foodpanda app can be downloaded on the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (IOS).

foodpanda Rider Lounges with Robinsons and Walter Mart Malls Details:

The Rider Lounges can be found in the following locations:
- Waltermart Makati 3rd floor, beside the Medical City Clinic
- Waltermart North EDSA Entrance beside Mercury Drugs
- Robinsons Manila 2nd floor, Midtown wing, near Calvin Klein
- Robinsons Galleria Level 2 Veranda, Alfresco near Banapple
- Robinsons Magnolia Mezzanine Level Parking (space near DSA)
- Robinsons Dasmari–as Mall entrance in the basement near admin office
- Robinsons Starmills Lower Ground floor, Activity Center
In Robinsons’ role in supporting foodpanda’s initiative of establishing a Rider Lounge, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Robinson Land Corporation, Commercial Centers Division, Joel Lumanlan shares, As a way to show support and gratitude to the hardworking riders, we are glad to provide them a dedicated lounge, in partnership with foodpanda, where they can relax and recharge in-between tasks while waiting for customers to book their services.

And with its impact on efficiency and effectivity, Lumalan adds, The availability of delivery riders who are always on standby results in faster response to customers who are ordering from foodpanda merchants in Robinsons Malls.

The Rider Lounges will be available for use starting 28 January until 28 February.
January 31, 2022
Epson Elevates the Home Cinema Experience with The New 4K Resolution Projector

Aimed at inspiring innovative visual experiences, Epson continues to strengthen its home projector range with the launch of EH-LS12000B – its latest 4K resolution home theater laser projector. Specially designed to deliver immersive big-screen entertainment for movie nights and competitive gaming, the EH-LS12000B promises to impress with the delivery of ultra-rich detailing and vibrant colors to recreate the ultimate larger-than-life cinematic experience from home.

With state-of-the-art technology combined with Epson’s strong track record of visual excellence, the EH-LS12000B delivers phenomenal image quality and color brightness that will not fail to impress. Representing Epson’s premium range for home projectors, the EH-LS12000B achieves up to 8.3M pixels, allowing users to enjoy movies in high definition in a dedicated home theater set up in the comfort of their own homes.

The technological breakthrough of a new 4K image processing chip to deliver 4K resolution will offer home cinema enthusiasts vibrant high-quality and crystal-clear images without distortion. Additionally, not only does this model have HDR10+ High Dynamic Range for extra details, depth, as well as natural and richer colors, its HDMI 2.1 port connectivity and low input lag time of under 20ms also means even hardcore gamers will be enthused by 4K resolution that supports up to 120fps. This allows precise display reaction times to support a wide range of gaming and entertainment applications and devices, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X – making this a perfect choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Featuring a brightness of 2,700 lumens color/white brightness, the 3LCD technology utilised by the EH-LS12000B produces rich, balanced and true-to-life colors, while the HDR10+ High Dynamic Range accentuates dynamic detail without the rainbow effect for an exceptional and comfortable home viewing experience. Supporting Calman calibration solutions, the EH-LS12000B is able to deliver high standards of color accuracy for the ultimate picture quality. In-built functions also include the Scene Adaptive Gamma mode, which increases contrast levels to enhance the luminance of the brightest white and the deepest black without over exposure.

Powered by a laser light source instead of a conventional lamp, this model is designed to be incredibly long lasting and is maintenance-free for up to 20,000 hours, while producing less exhaust heat and low power consumption for energy efficiency. Precise, flexible and easy installation is also made possible with powered 2.1x optical zoom, powered focus and motorised lens shift. With the patented front exhaust design and a wider lens shift, users can confidently install the EH-LS12000B on shelves or even in spaces that are not perfectly aligned against the wall or projection screen.

“With the launch of our latest top of the range 4K home theater laser projector, the EH-LS12000B truly elevates the typical home movie viewing to an enthralling and wholly immersive cinematic experience with its high image quality and flexibility, while also being an ideal choice for gamers with its low lag times,” said Eduardo Bonoan, Marketing Division Head of Epson Philippines.

The EH-LS12000B will be available in the Philippines starting February 2022. Visit https://www.epson.com.ph/ or contact your nearest Epson Authorised Dealer store for more information.

January 31, 2022