Saturday, September 14, 2024


 



Power Mac Center (PMC) gears up for the busy “ber” season by promoting not one but two branches to Apple Premium Partner (APP) status.

This time, it is conquering Quezon City, the largest city in Metro Manila, with back-to-back store openings at The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Robinsons Magnolia.

With the highest distinction among reseller stores globally, APP stores offer the convenience of a retail branch, training center, and service center in a one-stop shop.

“We’re finally bringing the exclusive APP experience to customers in the metro’s northern and eastern sides. Make it your new go-to hub or meetup spot with friends for all your Apple needs—may it be for devices, services, and Apple-certified training. These are the fifth and sixth APP stores under our belt, and we have more surprises coming up,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.

The newly opened stores are located at the 4/L Cyberzone of The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Level 2 Expansion Building of Robinsons Magnolia. Exclusive promos are on offer, including:

·       Up to P21,000 off on select MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models

·        Up to 2,500 off on AirPods (2nd generation)

·   30% off on select accessories (Elago, LAUT, PanzerGlass, Rivacase)

·        Get the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) for only P5,890.

·        Get the 20W USB-C Power Adapter for only P990.

·        Get an additional P1,000 on your trade-in value when you trade in your current device on September 13, 2024 at The Annex at SM City North EDSA and on September 14, 2024 at Robinsons Magnolia.

·   Enjoy 50% off on diagnosis and non-repair services on September 13, 2024 at The Annex at SM City North EDSA and on September 14, 2024 at Robinsons Magnolia.

·    Enjoy 25% off on diagnosis and non-repair services from September 14 to 15, 2024 at The Annex at SM City North EDSA and on September 15, 2024 at Robinsons Magnolia.

Additionally, visitors of the new APP stores can join the FREE group demos to learn and discover new tips and tricks about their Apple devices. Special topics during the opening weekend include Apple Experience, Switching to iPhone, Be more productive with iPad, and Watch your Health. More details are available in this link.

The only reseller with APP stores

PMC remains to be the only reseller in the Philippines authorized to open APP stores. These are the branches in Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and now The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Robinsons Magnolia.

But, it isn’t done yet! In the coming weeks, it is set to reopen the branch in TriNoma as its seventh APP store. Together with its official service arm Mobile Care and training arm Basecamp, the PMC group is always in full force to provide customers with the full Apple experience.

‘Road to 30’ raffle extended

Good news for loyal customers! In celebration of its three decades this year, PMC launched its “Miles and Milestones: The 30th Anniversary Raffle.” The new deadline for earning entries is December 31, 2024. To join, simply sign up for membership to 1Infinite—PMC’s loyalty program—in-store or via this link. Once verified, make a single-receipt purchase of at least P30,000.

With the promo duration just extended, you now have more chances to win one of the amazing prizes including a brand-new car: BYD ATTO 3 electric vehicle; Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Business Class Trip for 2 to San Francisco, USA; Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles Business Class Trip for 2 to Osaka, Japan; P150,000 PMC Gift Certificates; iPhone 15 Pro Max; 13-inch MacBook Air M3; 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation); Apple Watch Ultra 2 GPS; AirPods Max; P30,000 worth of accessories; and P15,000 worth of accessories.

Be vigilant against fake. Follow only the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on FacebookInstagramXTikTokViber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram to be updated on news and promotions.

Friday, September 13, 2024



OPPO20A3

 

Leading global smart device brand OPPO has officially launched the OPPO A3, its strongest and fastest A Series device in the Philippines today.



From going through the hustle and bustle of everyday life to capping off a long day at work or school, the OPPO A3 redefines what #OPPOLangSakalam means with its durability, reliability, and smooth performance, making it the ideal partner for Filipinos’ indoor and outdoor battles.



Built as a durable yet stylish smartphone for Filipinos

The OPPO A3 is stylish and slim with its 7.68mm thickness and light 168g weight but it is designed to keep up with the demands of the working class’ everyday needs, fortified with a US Military-Grade Shock Resistance. The OPPO A3 will work without any functional damages from falls from a height of 1.6 meters and from 1.2 meters for up to 20 times. The device also earned a 5-star overall drop resistance from a performance test conducted by SGS.

OPPO20A3.a
 

 



The OPPO A3 starts at 6GB ROM and 128GB RAM variant that comes in stunning two colors – Sparkle Black and Starry Purple.



 



Designed to withstand extended exposure to elements

Worried about your phone getting wet, dirty, or subject to the unpredictable weather these days? The OPPO A3 is a game-changer with its Multiple Liquid Resistance along with OPPO’s industry-leading Splash Touch technology.



From exposing your phones when braving the rains or spilling your favorite drinks like milk tea, coffee, and tea or smudging its screen with oil, the OPPO A3 can handle these things without any damage and still provide precise and responsive scrolling.



Made to run smoothly for casual gaming and multitasking needs

Whether you need to do multiple tasks when you’re out and about for work or unwind by playing your favorite mobile games, you will still get an enjoyable experience with the OPPO A3.


 



Powered by a Snapdragon® 6s 4G Gen 1 mobile platform chipset, the OPPO A3 offers a solid, lag-free performance with improved power efficiency, so you can use your favorite apps, play mobile games, and stream videos without slowing down.



The new A Series smartphone runs on the latest ColorOS 14 and has passed OPPO’s 50/36-month Fluency Protection which guarantees smooth performance for at least three years of regular use.



Equipped to capture life’s finest moments

Bannered by a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera and a capable 5MP Front Camera, the OPPO A3 delivers stunning and high-quality images that are worthy to share on social media channels.



1 OPPO20A3

 

 



The OPPO A3’s cameras combined with AI Portrait Retouching can take simple shots to long-lasting memories. By simply dragging the slider, users can easily adjust the retouching degree to achieve better skin tone and complexion as well as whitening effects that are both delicate and realistic.



Powered to endure heavy usage

OPPO understands battery life is a key concern for many Filipinos, which is why the OPPO A3 comes with a powerful 5,100mAh Large Battery and a 45W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge.



Get up to 50% battery life for just 30 minutes of charging and 85 minutes for a full charge. The OPPO A3’s battery is reinforced with Smart Charging which prevents premature battery aging and ensures battery health will last for up to four years.



Boosted to strengthen connections

The OPPO A3 also carries BeaconLink, OPPO’s self-developed communication technology that enables A3 users to make voice calls via Bluetooth with a distance of about 80 meters in open areas without signal or WiFi connection or 10 meters in crowded places. This gives you an option to stay connected even in the most challenging situations.

Experience #OPPOLangSakalam with the strongest and fastest OPPO A Series yet

The OPPO A3 is now available in all official OPPO stores nationwide. The 6GB RAM + 128GB ROM variant, which comes in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black, is available for just Php 8,999. You can also get your brand new OPPO A3 on OPPO’s e-commerce platforms on ShopeeLazada and TikTok Shop.



Get your ideal partner for indoor and outdoor battles through flexible payment terms! You can purchase the OPPO A3 via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,079 or via credit cards in select dealers at 0% interest for six (6) months.



For more information on the OPPO A3, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.

Thursday, September 12, 2024







Nadakip kamakailan ang isang 70 taong gulang na Korean national matapos siyang ireklamo ng kanyang biktima dahil umano sa investment property scam. Ang suspek ay naaresto sa pangunguna ng Philippine National Police Northern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (PNP NDACT) ng Caloocan City, sa tulong ng nangungunang finance app sa bansa na GCash. 

Ayon biktima, ang suspek na si Kyung Soo Lee ay nakilala niya online, at nagtago matapos tanggapin ang bayad para sa isang investment property.

Ang pagkakadakip na ito ay paalala sa mga cybercriminals na sila ay pananagutin ng batas anuman ang kanilang lahi o nasyonalidad. Ang sino mang magtangkang maging isang banta sa kaligtasan ng digital landscape ng bansa ay tutugisin at huhulihin. ” (This arrest serves as a reminder that cybercriminals will be held accountable for their actions regardless of nationality. If anyone tries to threaten the safety of the Filipino digital landscape, you shall be pursued and apprehended,” stated GCash VP and Head of Corporate Communications Gilda Maquilan.

Samantala, muling pinaalalahanan ng GCash ang publiko na maging mas maingat at tandaan ang mga safety protocols kapag nakikipagtransaksyon online.

Dagdag ni Maquilan “Kasama ang PNP-ACG, inuulit namin ang kahalagahan ng pagsusumbong ng ng mga kahina-hinalang aktibidad sa aming mga hotline. Ang ating mga awtoridad ay maaari lamang kumilos laban sa mga kriminal sa cyberspace kung may pormal na reklamo na naisampa sa kanila” (On behalf of our partners from the PNP-ACG, we reiterate the importance of reporting suspicious activities through our hotlines. Our police authorities can only act on cybercriminals if there is a formal complaint filed with them,” added Maquilan.)

Maaaring mag-report sa mga hotline ng Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) sa (02) 8414-1560 o 0998-598-8116, o sa email na acg@pnp.gov.ph.

Puwede rin mag-report sa GCash Help Center sa https://help.gcash.com o mag-message kay Gigi sa website at i-type ang “I want to report a scam.” Maaari rin silang makipag-ugnayan sa GCash hotline sa pamamagitan ng pag-dial ng 2882.

Hinihikayat din ng GCash ang mga users na mag-ingat sa pakikipagtransaksyon sa platform, huwag ibahagi ang kanilang MPIN o OTP, at iwasan ang pag-click sa mga link na maaaring ikawala ng pera sa kanilang mga accounts dahil sa phishing. Ang GCash ay hindi magpapadala ng pribadong mensahe upang humingi ng personal na impormasyon, lalo na ang MPIN at One-Time Pin (OTP).

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang https://www.gcash.com.

Monday, September 9, 2024


TCL20to20Announce20Brand new20Product20Lineup20Designed20to20Inspire20Greatness20at20IFA202024

 

 

Manila, Philippines – TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand, today announces that it will bring a brand-new product lineup and one of its most comprehensive product displays to the upcoming IFA 2024 this September. During the show, TCL will raise the curtain on its plans for the near future with newly upgraded technologies designed to Inspire Greatness across products including QD-Mini LED TVs, TCL FreshIN air conditioners, TCL Free Built-in Series refrigerators, washing machines, mobile devices, AR glasses, commercial displays, soundbars, smart home energy solutions, an intelligent cockpit integration solution and more.

 

As the world’s second-largest TV brand, TCL will reveal the latest additions to its pioneering QD-Mini LED TV lineup this year, bringing consumers unparalleled audio-visual experiences in large sizes. The company will also showcase a new category in its TV series, including the debut of a new cutting-edge sound solution developed in collaboration with one of the world’s leading audio brands.

 

In the smartphone segment, TCL will unveil the newest products in its NXTPAPER series as it continues bringing users more natural and enhanced experiences with the award-winning display technology optimized for human eyes.

 

Alongside its technologies and products, TCL continues to inspire greatness for people around the world through collaborations with some of the world’s top sporting organizations, including official partnerships with the current champions of Europe – the Spanish National Football Team – and the national teams of Italy, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. In line with its environmental and social commitments, TCL will also showcase its achievements in ESG under the ONE TCL ESG banner for the first time, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the company’s progress in green manufacturing and the creation of a green supply chain.

 

More details about TCL’s participation at IFA 2024 can be found below:

 

TCL IFA 2024 Global Press Conference

 

 

TCL IFA 2024 Booth
Date: September 6-10, 2024
Location: Hall 21A, Messedamm Berlin, Germany

Thursday, September 5, 2024


img 66d9ad24bdc4d

Grannies Day photo spot at the 2nd level of SM City Masinag

 

This Grandparents Day, SM Malls in the East Metro invites everyone to celebrate the wisdom, love, and joy of our grandparents with a series of exciting activities. From dance fitness sessions to busking with classic songs and family-friendly dining deals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Families visiting SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown will enjoy a weekend of spending time with their grandparents—shopping, dining, and participating in various activities in the mall.

 

1Grannies Day 2024 official poster

 

SM City Marikina will host a dance fitness session on Sunday, September 8 that is open for grandparents and dance enthusiasts of all ages.

 

img 66d9ad2873534Spend a fun and meaningful weekend with your grannies at the nearest SM Mall in the East Metro

 

SM City San Mateo is hosting the Granny’s Apo Contest on Sunday, September 8, inviting shoppers to showcase their numerous grandkids and big family. Share heartwarming stories and create unforgettable memories together.

 

4Flex your lola’s dancing swag at SM City Marikina’s Zumba session on Sunday, September 8

 

SM City Masinag will be graced by the talented saxophonist, Gerry Pineda, who will be playing classic tunes of yesteryear at the 2nd level of the mall.

 

5

 

Groove with grannies on Saturday, September 7 at SM City San Mateo’s Dynamic Wellness Session

 

 

img 66d9ad2c8aa22

 

Saxophonist Gerry Pineda will serenade grannies and their families on Sunday, September 8 at SM City Masinag

 
 



Don’t miss out on these exciting activities and make this Grandparents Day truly memorable. Visit your nearest SM mall in the East Metro and join the celebration!


OPPO20A3201



Leading global smart device brand OPPO is set to unveil its strongest and fastest A Series device yet this month. The new OPPO A3 will be available nationwide in all authorized OPPO stores starting September 13.

The OPPO A3 is another testament to the A Series’ standard-setting durability and reliability, proving to many Filipinos why #OPPOLangSakalam when it comes to great value for money and everyday use.

 

The OPPO A3 is engineered with Military-Grade Shock Resistance, ensuring it can withstand bumps of everyday life, including accidental falls from as high as 1.6 meters. The smartphone also received a 5-star rating from the performance test conducted by SGS, putting users’ minds at ease should their phones fall off their hands or pockets while going about their day.

Under the hood, the OPPO A3 is powered by the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 1 Mobile Platform, designed to deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Casual gamers will appreciate the lag-free performance, allowing them to enjoy their favorite games. Prompting attacks on your enemies and claiming victory is made possible with OPPO A3’s superb chipset that provides clear visuals and seamless gameplay.

 


Filipinos who love to take photos every chance they get will find a lot to love with the OPPO A3’s 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera and 5MP Front Camera. This fantastic camera set-up will capture every detail with exceptional clarity, making it perfect for taking breathtaking landscapes or detailed close-ups.

Battery anxiety is a thing of the past with the OPPO A3’s powerful 5,100mAh Battery and 45W SUPERVOOC™️ Flash Charge technology. This feature allows you to quickly charge your device for as fast as 10 minutes for a 19% battery top up. Gamers will also feel the power of its battery when they realize how much time they’ve been playing – the robust battery of the OPPO A3 is able to be fully charged for just 85 minutes, providing continuous fun.

Prepare to experience the power of OPPO’s strongest and fastest A Series smartphone in just a few more days! On September 13, the OPPO A3 will be widely available in the Philippines in two colorways – Starry Purple and Sparkle Black at a starting price of Php 8,999 for the 6GB+128GB variant. The sleek Starlight White of the OPPO A3 is set to follow soon.

Those who can’t wait to get their hands on the OPPO A3 can now order via OPPO’s official LazadaShopee, and TikTok channels.

For more updates on the upcoming nationwide launch of the OPPO A3, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.


 




THERE is no denying that singing, just like basketball, remains to be a national pastime in the Philippines. Singing competitions has proven time and again to be a big ticket for those aspiring for stardom in the local music scene.


And this was more evident during the Grand Finals of one of the longest running top notch singing and songwriting competition in the country, now in its fourth season, “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy,” held today at Market! Market! in Taguig City, which was hosted by Nicole Asensio, herself a multi-awarded singer-songwriter, and an accomplished host and theater actress.



Unlike the previous seasons of “Your Song of Excellence,” this year’s format involved singing-songwriting duos battling it out with other pairs from all over the country, who gave their all during the audition, preliminaries, the semifinal stages and ultimately, the grand finale, where three duos were chosen.







During the grand finals, each duo was given the herculean task of performing two full songs—a Taiwan Excellence Jingle and a Taiwan Excellence Core Value Song, with a maximum length of 3 minutes and 30 seconds.



The Taiwan Excellence Jingle should make use of the words “Taiwan Excellence” and the “The Best Made in Taiwan.” For the second song, the mentor-judges and their Duo Grand Finalist must choose one of the core values of Taiwan Excellence—innovation, interesting, sustainability, global quality—and make that core value as the theme for their song.



The competition leading up to the grand finals was tough and arduous. Finally, the Top 3 singing duos duked it out for one last time on August 31, 2024 to determine the winner. The task of choosing only one winner out of the three grand finalists proved to be even tougher for the judge-mentors, celebrity judges Yeng Constantino, the country’s pop rock royalty, multi-awarded singer-songwriter, Ice Seguerra, multi-awarded singer-songwriter, actor, TV host and producer, Paulo Zarate, multi-awarded music producer and songwriter, and Kean Cipriano, multi-awarded singer-songwriter, music producer, and the newest member of the judging and mentoring panel.









But there can only be one grand winner.










When the smoke of battle had cleared, it was Mandarhyme Duo, composed of Rusty Loayon and Janine Loayon, who prevailed and won a whopping P300,000 as the Grand Winner.

 




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First Runner Up was Haranajeeb Duo, composed of Khen Aldovino and Nephtali Fajardo, who took home P200,000, while The Unexpected Duo, composed of Vench Larenas and Renz Salazar went home with P100,000 as the Second Runner Up.



But more importantly, the crowd that packed the venue, composed of supporters and weekend crowd, all cheered on each of the excellent performances of the grand finalists, proving once again that excellence in the art of singing is something that Filipinos and the Philippines can be truly proud of.





The “Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy” was made even more spectacular and meaningful with the presence of officials from event organizer Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) namely, Mr. Brian Lee, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Department of TAITRA and Mr. Alex Lai, Director of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, and officials from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines, led by Mr. Wallace Chow, Ambassador of TECO in the Philippines, and Ms. Josephine Shun, Director of Economic Division, TECO Philippines.




 



“Legacies are better built by strong partnerships. And the “Your Song of Excellence – Duo Legacy” is a perfect example of how partnerships can be life-changing. This competition not only showcases the incredible talent of Filipino singers and songwriters but also highlights the shared passion for music between the Philippines and Taiwan,” says Brian Lee, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Department of TAITRA.



Lee also expressed pride in TAITRA's role in launching this event, adding, "We are particularly proud to have introduced this celebration of musical excellence to the Philippines. Alongside this, we are equally dedicated to promoting Taiwan's finest innovations through the Taiwan Excellence initiative, which represents the pinnacle of Taiwanese ingenuity. Just as music unites and inspires, Taiwan Excellence products aim to elevate everyday experiences, contributing to a legacy of innovation that we are eager to share with the world."







He also thanked Derma Angel, the event’s Premier Partner, and major partners Acer, Aorus, AOpen, Asus, DLink, Gigabyte, Kymco, MSI Gaming, PC Express, Republic of Gamers, Tatung, and Xyzel. “We are extremely grateful for your belief in our purpose.







“The Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office is honored to be part of this day’s showcase of Filipino world-class talent and admirable passion for music. World-class and Passion -- two notable values that are evident in both the Filipinos and the Taiwanese. Knowing that to build a legacy of excellence on the global stage, there must be a harmony of hard work, discipline, care, and innovative thinking,” explains Wallace Chow, Ambassador of TECO in the Philippines.



Chow said the momentous event also presents the influential power of partnerships, making a duo legacy a better legacy. “Taiwan and the Philippines have been in a duo, creating and inspiring legacies for many generations in various aspects of social, economic, cultural, and environmental purposes. And that has to be celebrated in music filled with stories of strengthened collaborations,” adds Chow.



“We believe that this nationwide singing and songwriting contest is just one of the many ways of Taiwan Excellence, graciously mounted by TAITRA, that there will always be opportunities offered, to be taken, to work hard for, and to win,” Chow concluded.



“Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy” is presented by premier partner Derma Angel, together with major partners Acer, Aorus, AOpen, Asus, DLink, Gigabyte, Kymco, MSI Gaming, PC Express, Republic of Gamers, Tatung, and Xyzel.



Watch the livestream of “Your Song Of Excellence: Duo Legacy” right here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6q5rmdn2uhwz5WTA/



Don’t forget to like and follow Taiwan Excellence page:


FB: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph
IG: @taiwanexcellence_ph





As the calendar flips to September, the Philippines starts to buzz with the early signs of the holiday season. Christmas carols play softly in the background, and festive decorations begin to emerge. At SM Foodcourt in SM City Grand Central, the holiday spirit comes alive with a delightful array of dishes that make every meal feel like a celebration. Whether it’s a casual catch-up with friends or a family reunion, SM Foodcourt is the perfect place to kickstart your holiday festivities.

Mr. Kimbob leads the way with its comforting Korean dishes. Their Classic Kimchi Beef Fried Rice is a must-try, offering a savory, tangy kick that warms you up from the inside out. Pair it with their famous bibimbap, a colorful and nutritious meal that is as visually pleasing as it is delicious.


For those who crave the taste of the ocean, Sea Shack delivers with its delightful seafood platters. The tasty tuna, tender squid, and other delights, all seasoned to perfection, bring the flavors of the sea straight to your plate, offering a festive way to enjoy fresh seafood with family and friends.


Nothing says ‘celebration’ quite like a sizzling hot plate of steak, and that is exactly what Sizzling Plate offers. Their juicy, tender steaks are cooked to perfection and served with a side of rice and buttered vegetables.


Meanwhile, Lechon Belly Kitchen brings a taste of Filipino fiesta right to your table with its perfectly roasted lechon belly. A taste of tradition that’s synonymous with celebration in every Filipino household, this dish promises to turn any meal into a grand feast. Shoppers may also try Kain’s famous Lechon Bagnet and Grilled Liempo, along with Angus Pares’ Mami. Don’t miss Natividad by Kamay Kainan’s must-try Fried Hito and Tilapia, available at SM Foodcourt.


Liberty Wings brings a fun twist with its flavorful chicken wings. Try their buffalo wings for a spicy kick, or opt for the honey garlic for a sweet and savory treat. Foodies can also explore the taste of Ramen Menzo, where traditional ramen dishes get a festive flair.


No holiday feast would be complete without a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine. David’s Tea House Express brings the authentic taste of Chinese cuisines to the table. Their dim sum, dumplings, buns, and rolls offer a little bit of everything. Don’t miss their fried squid with salt and pepper—a standout dish you must try.


So, as the first notes of “Jingle Bells” start to play, remember that the true joy of the holiday season begins with great food and even greater company. Celebrate at SM Foodcourt, where every meal is a reason to smile and every bite is a taste of happiness.

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