Tuesday, November 5, 2024
The festival celebrates 10 years of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and cultural partnership with ASEAN, in line with the 21st ASEAN India Summit decisions
This year’s unique features include collaborations with music institutes and international performances, including a Bangkok edition
The ASEAN-India Music Festival (AIMF), an initiative that aims to present the richness and diversity of each participating country’s musical heritage, has officially announced its comeback this year.
With its mission of igniting appreciation and awareness of India’s cultural affinity with ASEAN countries, this year’s edition will be returning at the iconic Purana Qila in New Delhi, India from November 29 to December 1, 2024.
The 2024 edition serves as an “incredible showcase of unity through music and culture,” celebrating 10 years of Act East Policy. The festival aligns with the decisions made at the 21st ASEAN India Summit and highlights India’s comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN, particularly in the cultural domain.
ASEAN-India Music Festival will feature performances by bands from ASEAN countries and top Indian music sensations such as Shaan, Jasleen Royal, Sukriti Prakriti, and Raghu Dixit.
The event is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Seher, India’s premier cultural organization known for producing large-scale events in India and abroad, particularly in the fields of music, dance, visual arts, theater, and cinema.
Sanjeev Bhargava, Founder Director of Seher, shares that this year’s ASEAN-India Music Festival promises to live up to the expectations of the global audience while upholding its top-notch programming with a carefully selected lineup of performers.
He explains, “The third edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival is a celebration of a decade of India’s ‘Act East Policy.’ The festival brings together diverse musical traditions and promotes a deeper cultural bond between India and ASEAN. With new initiatives like international performances and educational collaborations, we aim to take the cultural exchange to a new level. The new addition to this 3rd edition of ASEAN-India Music Festival is a one-day music extravaganza in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the ASEAN-member states.”
Following the main event in New Delhi, the festival will continue its journey to Bangkok, Thailand, further enhancing the cultural connections between India and ASEAN. Details about the bands performing from Southeast Asia will be announced soon.
Along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Heads of Missions from all 10 ASEAN Member States, Mr. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India, will also grace the event as the chief guest.
After its well-received inaugural edition in 2017 and successful follow-up in 2022, AIMF has continued its mission of promoting a sustained cultural exchange and interaction between ASEAN and India while championing its unique adoption of traditional and modern music influences. Some of the previous headliners in the past from Southeast Asian nations include Linying of Singapore, The Ransom Collective of the Philippines, and Makaohang from Thailand.
For more information about the ASEAN India Music Festival, visit the official website.
The launch of the realme 13 Series 5G brings features best suited for aspiring gamers and content creators, aspiring photographers, and on-the-go users who need a daily all-around mobile device. Here are some reasons why the realme 13 Series 5G brings the power to play and create to the next level.
A new level of productivity
Content creation requires a mobile device capable of handling multiple tasks and capturing high-quality content. A reliable mobile device can help those seeking to up their content creation game stand out from the crowd.
The newly launched realme 13+ 5G can be the ultimate companion for heavy content creation. Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor, the realme 13+ 5G can handle tasks from researching trends and managing social media content to even editing photos and videos with the help of its 5G processor that can take on frame rates at 90 FPS and above, ensuring users with high speed and uninterrupted productivity.
A new level of photography
Adding to the versatility of the 13 Series 5G is its power to capture mesmerizing photos and videos. The realme 13 5G comes equipped with a 50MP OIS + 2MP dual rear camera setup and a 16MP front camera that is perfect for capturing lively selfies and 2K video at 30 FPS while offering a wide range of photography options. With realme 13 5G’s camera features, users can flex beautiful sceneries and connect with their loved ones through group photos and even video calling.
Meanwhile, the realme 13+ 5G is ideal for users who love to take a snap of the nightlife with its 50MP Sony LYT600 OIS Sensor Camera that delivers high-quality photos even in low-light environments and can record cinematic 4K video at 30 FPS, enabling users to effortlessly document special occasions like weddings, birthday parties or family gatherings. With the realme 13 Series 5G, users can capture and share memories anytime, without missing a moment.
A new level of cool
Aside from efficiently handling intense productivity and producing stunning visuals, the realme 13 Series 5G guarantees an uninterrupted user experience by keeping its temperature in check. The phone is designed to stay cool for a long time with its built-in GT Mode and Vapor Chamber Cooling System.
When enabled, GT mode optimizes the device’s performance and is focused on the running games at high frame rates while also helping keep temperatures low during intense play sessions with titles such as Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty: Mobile.
It also transcends beyond gaming, designed to go through multiple applications seamlessly with up to 26GB total RAM, allowing users to switch between apps like a pro. It also has 256GB of storage, ideal for storing multiple applications and high-res photos and videos. The realme 13+ 5G also has a reduced charging time versus those in its price range, having 80W SUPERVOOC charging, enabling power users to do more work in a day. Moreover, the Vapor Chamber Cooling System features graphite sheets and other high-quality conductive materials in a 9-layer arrangement, making sure that the heat from the phone is dissipated effectively and the temperature reduced by an average of 12°C no matter what application is running, providing a stable and seamless experience whatever the challenge.
Level up the game with the realme 13 Series 5G
For aspiring content creators, photographers, and more, the realme 13 Series 5G goes beyond the game and gives them a limitless speed to victory. The realme 13 5G, is available in Speed Green and Dark Purple for P16,999, and the realme 13+ 5G offered in Victory Gold and Dark Purple for P19,999.
Those interested can head over to any realme physical stores nationwide or check out the official realme TikTok shop and Shopee.
To know more about realme’s latest updates, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.
Traveling to Singapore, Hong Kong or Shanghai and its neighboring cities? Enjoy special promos and a seamless travel experience when you use your favorite e-wallet
While the world hasn’t mastered teleportation (yet!), international travel is more accessible than ever. But savvy travelers know there’s a less glamorous side to globetrotting: foreign transaction fees, confusing exchange rates, and the endless quest for the best deals.
Fear not, fellow adventurers! GCash is your passport to stress-free international travel, with its seamless Scan-to-Pay feature in over 90 million stores powered by Alipay+ —including retail stores, food establishments, groceries, and convenience stores. Simply scan the QR code or generate a code for the merchant to scan and you’re all set! You’ll even receive a receipt showing the amount in both Philippine Pesos and the local currency, making it easy to track your spending.
Whether you’re yearning for the vibrant energy of Hong Kong, the futuristic marvels of Singapore, or the captivating history of Shanghai, here is a curated cheat sheet to unlock the best deals and exclusive perks for your next Asian adventure to help you navigate the complexities of your upcoming travel and maximize your budget.
With the help of GCash, say goodbye to financial stress and hello to a seamless and rewarding travel experience.
Spice Up Your Trip with Flavorful Food Perks
No Asian adventure is complete without exploring its diverse culinary scene! In Singapore, savor an array of authentic local delicacies at Maxwell Food Centre, enjoy flavorful clay pot dishes at Lau Wang Claypot, and satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional Chinese desserts at Jidechi Dessert.
In Hong Kong, indulge in classic Cantonese cuisine at Tsui Wah Restaurant, grab affordable and tasty meals at Fairwood, and savor traditional Chinese pastries at Kee Wah Bakery and Bakehouse.
Finally, in Shanghai, immerse yourself in the unique flavors of Chagee’s signature bubble teas, delight in delicious soup dumplings and pastries at Bao’s Pastry, and experience an exceptional hotpot with customizable options at Haidilao Hot Pot.
Best of all, you can conveniently pay for your culinary adventures with GCash! Simply use the Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+ at these participating restaurants and enjoy a 5% discount on every order under SGD 5 at the mentioned Singaporean merchants.
Shop ‘Til You Drop with Unbelievable Shopping Deals
Beyond the culinary delights, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai are also havens for shoppers, offering a diverse range of goods, from high-end fashion to unique local crafts. With GCash’s convenient Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+, navigating these retail havens is a breeze.
In Shanghai, explore a diverse retail scene, from collectible toys at Pop Mart and trendy fashion at Lyfen to daily essentials at Meiyijia and curated lifestyle goods at Busy for You. Hong Kong offers a similar variety, with Wellcome supermarket for your everyday needs, SASA for beauty and skincare, Sportshouse for outdoor gear, and Cheng Sang Sang for traditional Chinese medicine.
For a truly luxurious shopping experience, head to Singapore. Discover high-end brands at ION Orchard or explore the Japanese department store Takashimaya. Find unique souvenirs and local snacks at YueHwa, or stock up on groceries at Sheng Siong, where GCash users can unlock exclusive discounts like SGD 2 off with a minimum spend of S$2.10, SGD 3 off with a minimum spend of S$3.10, and SGD 15 off with a minimum spend of S$50.
Temples, Towers, and Theme Parks: Score Easy Access on Amazing Attractions
Maximize your Asian adventure by experiencing its must-see attractions. Soar above Hong Kong on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, explore Ocean Park, and make family memories at Legoland. Meanwhile, In Shanghai, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower, navigate the bustling metro, and discover Mars Shanghai. In Singapore, wander through the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay, experience movie magic at Universal Studios, and take in panoramic views from the iconic Marina Bay Sands.
With GCash’s Scan-to-Pay feature through Alipay+, purchasing tickets and accessing these attractions is seamless and efficient, saving you precious time and hassle.
To know more about the exclusive discounts and active Alipay+ merchants, see here.
Unlocking the World with GCash
International travel is an investment in yourself, a chance to broaden your horizons and create memories that will last a lifetime. From simplifying payments and unlocking exclusive deals to providing peace of mind with offline accessibility, GCash and Alipay+ empower you to embrace your international adventures confidently and easily.
So, pack your bags, ready your itineraries, and download the GCash app, to ensure a fun, seamless, and non-stop adventure!
Ready to go on your next concert trip? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers affecting women in the Philippines, and the call for heightened awareness and immediate action to combat it is further amplified as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month wraps up.
According to the latest available data from the World Health Organization, breast cancer incidence in the country is among the highest in Asia at 33,079 in 2022.
In its commitment to help Filipinos during critical times. Insular Life (InLife), the country’s first and largest Filipino life insurance company, came out with Resilience, a comprehensive product that provides coverage for breast cancer and other types of cancer. Resilience is a limited-pay whole life critical illness plan that provides a guaranteed lump sum cash upon critical illness diagnosis and additional health benefits. It has three variants, among which is Resilience Female Cancers.
“We stand by our clients in their fight against cancer. With Resilience, they can better focus on their treatments without the burden of financial worries. They can have peace of mind and concentrate more on their health knowing that the treatment costs are covered, ”said InLife Chief Marketing Officer and Bancassurance Head Gae Martinez.
Resilience Female Cancers provides coverage for biologically-born women who would be diagnosed with breast cancer as well as eight other kinds of cancers: ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer; uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer, and leiomyosarcomas.
Resilience is a traditional whole life plan that allows the insured to receive their life insurance benefit (equal to 100% of the sum insured) in advance when they are diagnosed of a covered major critical illness to cover their medical expenses. They can also receive a cash allowance in case of hospitalization due to a covered disease. If there is no claim on critical illness, they may start receiving a cash benefit equal to 8% of the sum insured from age 65 (depending on issue age) and every five years thereafter until the age of 85.
Apart from Resilience Female Cancers, the two other variants are: Resilience Critical Illness Extra and Resilience Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke (CHAS). The former provides coverage for 84 major and 39 minor critical illnesses, and the latter provides coverage for all kinds of Cancers, Heart Attack and Stroke.
Both Resilience Critical Illness Extra and Resilience CHAS also provide two additional benefits: late-stage cancer benefit and buy-back benefit. The late-stage cancer benefit provides 15% of the sum insured upon diagnosis of a late-stage cancer. The buy-back benefit enables an insured who has been diagnosed earlier of a critical illness and received 100% of the sum insured, to receive again 100% of the sum insured upon diagnosis of CHAS two years after the first major critical illness diagnosis.
“More than just an insurance product, Resilience aims to help the insured withstand and recover quickly from their illness so they can enjoy a good life with their loved ones. It contains our promise to be there for our clients because here we say, Kami ang Bahala sa Inyo,” Martinez said.
For more information on Resilience, visit www.insularlife.com.ph/resilience.
Discovery Hospitality, the Philippines’ beloved home-grown hotel management group, has once again demonstrated its industry leadership by being named “Leading Hospitality Brand in the Philippines” for the second consecutive year at the prestigious World Business Outlook Awards 2024 held this November 2 at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The group also took home awards for “Best Hospitality Services Provider” and “Best Luxury Business Hotel” for Discovery Primea, further solidifying its standing as a pioneer in the local hospitality landscape.
Adding to these recognitions, Blessy Townes, Vice President of Digital Marketing at Discovery Hospitality, was also named “Hospitality Digital Marketing Leader of the Year for Asia-Pacific” for the second consecutive year, showcasing the brand’s digital innovation and leadership.
These awards are a testament to Discovery Hospitality’s continued growth and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. “Our commitment to ‘Service That’s All Heart’ is more than just a philosophy; it’s a promise to deliver unparalleled hospitality,” says Chief Operating Officer Jose “Jun” C. Parreño, Jr. “Our service comes from a genuine place of care and dedication to personalized guest experiences.”
Since its launch in 2011 as The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc., Discovery Hospitality has been at the forefront of the Filipino hospitality industry, with a portfolio that includes some of the country’s most luxurious and award-winning properties such as Discovery Boracay, Discovery Coron, Discovery Primea, Discovery Suites, Discovery Samal, and Manami Resort.
The significance of these accolades goes beyond prestige—they enhance customer trust and affirm Discovery’s status as a trusted name in hospitality, providing the brand with leverage for future growth in hotel management and expansion.
“Winning these awards reflects our relentless commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Blessy Townes. “We are proud to be a future-facing brand that continues to create remarkable experiences for modern travelers, underpinned by genuine Filipino warmth.”
This new accolade follows suit with Discovery Boracay bagging the recognition “Philippines’ Leading Beach Resort 2024” at the recently concluded 2024 World Travel Awards.
Guided by its philosophy of “Service That’s All Heart,” Discovery Hospitality promises to continue elevating the standards of Filipino hospitality while leaving a positive impact on the communities and environments in which it operates.
Discovery Hospitality welcomes new partners who are eager to grow their brands and introduce high standards of service to more destinations. Leveraging on their award-winning property management, shared services, and expertise in boosting direct bookings, Discovery Hospitality is prepared to enhance ventures and support smooth, successful operations. For inquiries and future partnership opportunities, you may contact Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Operations, Lynette Ermac at lynette.ermac@discoveryhospitality.com
Finance superapp brings its lending products to more Filipinos with Barangay GCash activations and It’s Showtime segment
GCash is bringing smiles and prizes to Filipinos as it stages barangay tours in Metro Manila! The barangay roadshows will give more Filipinos access to financial resources to help them thrive everyday and be ready for rainy days. Through its team-up with the noontime TV show It’s Showtime, GCash reaches millions of Filipinos with fair lending solutions that only used to be available to a select few.
“Nine out of 10 Filipinos borrow money to cover day-to-day expenses, emergencies and financial or life goals but there is still a significant demand for accessible lending options.” said Baby Aquino, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Fuse Lending, Inc. “Barangay GCash is our way of introducing lending solutions to Filipinos who need them. We want to let everyone know that help is now just a few taps away, and we hope to do so through inspiring stories and fun activities.”
During the Barangay GCash segment of It’s Showtime, lucky residents shared their personal experiences and received prizes that will help kickstart their dreams of a better future.
Among these are Nanay Luz, a single mom from Barangay Bagumbong, Caloocan, and Nanay Evelyn, a hardworking seamstress from Barangay Manggahan with four children. Nanay Luz is a hardworking mother who goes above and beyond for her kids. As a reward for her efforts, she was given school supplies worth PHP 30,000 and a kabuhayan package valued at PHP 20,000. Meanwhile, Nanay Evelyn also took home a brand new laptop for her eldest child and a pangkabuhayan showcase.
On top of sharing inspiring stories from lucky residents, Barangay GCash also visited the residents of Brgy. Bagumbong, Caloocan; Brgy. Manggahan, Pasig; Brgy. Post Proper Southside, Taguig; Brgy. Cembo, Taguig; and Brgy. Cupang, Antipolo. Through various GCash games, residents had the chance to win different prizes and understand how borrowing money can be empowering rather than being a source of shame.
Residents were introduced to GCash lending products: GLoan, an instant cash loan of up to PHP 125,000; GGives, which makes paying for large expenses easier with a flexible installment plan of up to 24 months; and GCredit, a credit line of up to PHP 50,000 for everyday expenses. GLoan, GGives, and GCredit are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
Residents also learned about GLoan Sakto, where they can borrow as low as PHP 100 directly to their e-wallet for small expenses, and Borrow Load, which allows them to get prepaid load promos for mobile or broadband even without a remaining balance. Available for Php 50 and Php 99 load-enabled SKUs with PHP 10 processing fee across all telcos and payable within 14 days. GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
“Access to loans is crucial in providing Filipinos with the means to meet their immediate and long-term needs without disrupting their cash flow,” said Aquino. “It is important to empower Filipinos with technology that can help them in their daily lives, during emergencies, and in achieving their goals.”
Stories of hope and success on Barangay GCash can be watched every Friday at noon on It’s Showtime. Barangay GCash is also slated to visit more barangays in Metro Manila:
Brgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City
Brgy. Bagong Silang, Caloocan City
Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City
Brgy. BF Homes, Parañaque City
Western Bicutan, Taguig
Stay tuned to the official GCash page for more updates.
You can access GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto at Borrow Load through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.
No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
GCredit is powered by CIMB Bank Philippines, Inc. in partnership with Fuse Lending, Inc.
GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto, and Borrow Load are powered by Fuse Lending, Inc.
GCash is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
CIMB Bank Philippines, Inc. is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC Reg. No. CS201617622. Certificate of Authority (CA) No. 1897. Kindly review the terms and conditions in the disclosure statement before proceeding with the loan transaction.
Monday, November 4, 2024
Manila, Philippines — HUAWEI Philippines continues to drive health forward as it hosted a dance fitness class in partnership with slimming, health, fitness, and beauty giant, Slimmers World. The dance class, which took place last October 31 at HUAWEI Experience Store, SM North EDSA, also featured newly-launched HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series: The Perfect Fitness Companion
The latest edition of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series is powered by the HUAWEI TruSense System and comes with tailored fitness features including the AI-powered Running Coach, enhanced trail running navigation, free diving support with water resistance of up to 40 meters, and an upgraded Golf Mode (Pro Version) feature with over 15,000 global course maps including over 100 course maps in the Philippines. The watch also tracks users’ daily movements with the Activity Rings feature and supports over 100 workout modes including “dance” along with other sports modes under the “custom” function. This feature tracks basic dance data including timing, heart rate, calories, and training stress. Various dances can be recorded in this feature, including Belly dance, Latin dance, Jazz, Ballet, Plaza dance, and more.
Aside from fitness features, watch wearers can monitor their heart health with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis capabilities as well as SpO2 and ECG monitoring. The advanced Sleep Breathing Awareness feature monitors users’ sleep quality and helps address issues such as Sleep Apnea. The watch now also comes with an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, which tracks users’ emotional states and is complemented by the Pet Panda watch face that displays an animated panda reflecting users’ mood, offering a more holistic approach to personal wellness and management.
Slimmers World’s Dance Class with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series
Guests were then invited to participate in a high-energy dance class led by Slimmers World instructors, Coach Karen Mallari and Coach Rochelle Eugenio. As a special perk, the first few participants to join the event were each loaned a smartwatch, allowing them a firsthand experience with the watch. The session had participants moving to the beat while keeping track of their performance and health metrics using the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series.
The dance class with Slimmers World is the first of several masterclasses and workshops offered by HUAWEI. In November, HUAWEI will offer a GoPaint Masterclass for participants who are interested to learn more about the painting app available exclusively on HUAWEI tablets.
Upgrade Your Fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series
Take your fitness journey to the next level with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 12,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap and HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 41mm with blue fluoroelastomer strap. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with blue woven strap along with the HUAWEI WATCH 41mm in brown woven and white leather straps, are valued at PHP 13,999. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap is valued at PHP 17,999 while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with titanium strap is valued at PHP 24,999. The price for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white fluoroelastomer strap is set at PHP 22,999 and at PHP 31,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white ceramic strap.
To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and to stay updated on the upcoming masterclasses and workshops from HUAWEI, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
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