FUJIFILM X Series Leads the Revolution in Photography

Any photography expert and enthusiast will tell you that the best camera is the one you have with you. In this age when we’re constantly trying to unburden ourselves, bringing around a big and bulky DSLR is no longer practical and simply does not suit our daily lifestyle. But imagine shrinking a DSLR while retaining, even improving its most viable features—high resolution, color accuracy, and advanced auto-focus technology: That is exactly what you’ll get with a Mirrorless camera.

More compact, capable, and user-friendly, Mirrorless cameras are the future of photography and can out-perform DSLRs in form and function. A Mirrorless camera does not have the mirror-reflex found inside DSLRs, which reflects light into the viewfinder - and in turn makes DSLRs bulky. By removing this mirror, light travels directly into the camera’s sensor, allowing for a lighter and quieter camera, while still giving users the option of changing and choosing from a variety of lenses. It gives great image quality that can rival that of full-sized DSLRs - but without the back strain.

Romi Garduce and Saab Magalona join global roster of Johnnie Walker

What do some of the world’s most successful athletes, musicians, entrepreneurs, and pop icons have in common?  Happiness has fueled and driven their success.

Joining the ranks of Formula One World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button, award-winning actor Jude Law, and American alternative rock band OK Go; Mountaineer Romi Garduce, and musician, actress, and blogger Saab Magalona were recently named as Global ambassadors of the brand that stood for progress, Johnnie Walker.

Held at The Eye, Green Sun, Makati City, Garcuce and Magalona have recently jumped onboard a new global campaign from top Scotch Whisky brand Johnnie Walker to champion joy as the key to meaningful progress, joining a global roster of other extraordinary people from all walks of life.

The 1st AirAsia Travel Photographer Winners

After weeks of training and coaching, AirAsia's travel photographer set off to assigned destination to capture the best moment and be named as the 1st AirAsia Travel Photographer. And last Friday, September 18, one travel photographer was named as the first winner, the 36-year-old executive assistant, Velvet Lagman.

Participants of the 1st AirAsia Travel Photographer

 Guided by Malaysian photojournalist Adam Lee, Lagman and AirAsia crew flew to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to gather some moments and present it to the online voting  public for judgment. Along with three other contestants, Paul Delfin, coached by Parc Cruz; Sarah Garcia, coached by George Tapan; and TJ Nepomuceno III, coached by Raymond Cruz,  AirAsia Travel Photographers visited budding tourist destinations in Asia to capture unforgettable moment while learning from the master photographers on a one-on-one tutorial basis.

Velvet Lagman showing her winning pieces

20 Years Atop Success: Discovering Tagaytay Highlands

If not for my friends, I wouldn’t have the chance to see and experience Tagaytay Highlands. Though, I must say that this is not my first time to visit this prime estate on top of the Tagaytay mountains, this is my first experience to really stay here overnight and try a dozen of its amenities all worth to spend a lifetime.

Not known to many, aside from being a popular wedding destination and prime 18-hole golf courses, Tagaytay Highlands is a thriving community atop the mountain ranges of Tagaytay City, sharing a lush, breathing ground for Filipino families for 20 years now.

The once literally a highland property has now evolved to a community covering more than 1,300 hectares of prime property, offering a mountain resort and residential complex, which is currently occupying 4 cities and 3 provinces.

From its original Highland concept, Tagaytay Highlands has now evolved into one exclusive community divided into three major parts, The Highlands, The Midlands and The Greenlands. 

OMF Literature Highlights Filipino authors at the 36th Manila International Book Fair

The country’s biggest and most exciting expo is back! The “36th Manila International Book Fair” is set to showcase the largest and most colorful collection of reading materials: novels, pocketbooks, inspirational books, best-sellers, journals, children’s books, textbooks, comics, magazines, digital books and more all under one roof. 

This year, OMF Literature, the Philippine’s longest-running publisher of inspirational, instructional, and insightful reading materials, assures book lovers that they will have a wide selection of reading materials written by Filipino authors. OMF Literature will also include in its mix a showcase of inspirational Tagalog books, Tagalog-English pocketbooks, Tagalog children’s books and more. 

“We made sure our space will be hard to miss. We’re launching new titles written by Filipinos and Filipinos-at-heart that are meant to inspire the Filipino soul. These new releases will be available both in print and digital editions,” shares Aleks Tan, Chief Executive Officer of OMF Literature. 

The “36th Manila International Book Fair” will run from September 16-20 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The annual event celebrates the Filipinos’ insatiable love for reading. 

Filipino authors take center stage at the Book Fair

OMF Literature books address people’s continuing need for spiritual nourishment, personal development, and biblical guidance for everyday life.

Over the past 50 years, OMF Literature has helped countless Filipino authors put their ideas into published material many of which have become best-sellers-- inspiring and changing people’s lives. Look for these authors and their books at the OMF Literature booth. 

“Present!: The Secret to Being in the Here and Now”

By Grace Chong

Advertising executive turned award-winning author Grace has written over 30 books with OMF Literature over the past years. Five of Grace’s children’s books have won the distinguished Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. She has also been a finalist at the Catholic Mass Media Awards for three of her works. Most recently, Grace’s devotional book, “Grace Found Me” won her the Gintong Aklat Award. 

“Mga Kuwento ni Tito Dok: Ahhh! Nabanlian Ako!”

By Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, M.D.

Dr. Luis is a medical doctor, a best-selling author, and a recipient of the prestigious The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) award in 2003. He has also been inducted in to the Hall of Fame of the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2005.

Dr. Luis has written over 40 children’s books that touch on topics of disability, coping with childhood diseases, dealing with death, and children’s rights among others. 

“Lovestruck: Sweetheart Edition”

By Ronald Molmisa

Ronald is the author of the two-time Filipino Readers' Choice Award winning and best-selling relationship books “Lovestruck: Love Mo Siya, Sure Ka Ba?”, the “Lovestruck: Singles Edition”, and “Lovestruck: Sexy Edition”. 

He leads the “Lovestruck Movement” a group aimed at helping young people enjoy productive and responsible lives educating them about issues on courtship and marriage. 

“When a Good God Allows Rape”

By Joy Tan-chi Mendoza

A first-time author, Joy shares her personal story of pain, healing, and grace having been raped as a teenager. She has now put her story into a book that she hopes will show people that there is hope, healing, and wholeness for those who have experienced abuse and this kind of pain. 

These Filipino authors and more will showcase their work at the “36th Manila International Book Fair.”

“As the famous quote goes, ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul’. So I’d like to challenge those who consider themselves book lovers to come to the SMX Convention Center to swim in a sea of books, and maybe take home a bucketful to fill your room—and soul!” adds OMF Literature CEO Aleks Tan.   

To know more about OMF Literature, its published books and authors log on to www.omflit.com.

The 1st Philippine Casio G-Factory Premium Concept Store

Casio Computer Co., Ltd., a global leader in consumer electronics, announced today the launch of its first ever G-Factory Premium store in the Philippines. Besides being the first store in the country, the Philippine G-Factory Premium store is the second one in the world, with the first launched in Singapore two years ago.

The MR-G Series

"Filipinos love timepieces. This is why we chose the Philippines as just the second country in the world to have a G-Factory Premium store”, said Atushi Yamaoka, General Manager of Timepiece Department, Overseas Marketing and Sales Division, Casio Computer Co., Ltd. "We are proud to give Filipinos a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with our wide range of premium timepieces, like the Oceanus and Oceanus.”

SKYBiz Brings Entrepreneurs a Step Closer to Success at the 2015 EFE

Making the right business decision can spell the success of one’s business, whether it may be a small or medium enterprise. This holds true in the belief of SKY Biz, the new corporate and commercial division of the country’s leading cable TV provider, as they participated in the Entrepreneur & Franchise Expo 2015 (EFE), held at Megatrade Hall 1, SM Mega Mall in Mandaluyong City.

Already on its second year, the EFE is an annual event that aims to provide entrepreneurs and franchisers the venue to effectively promote and cultivate their businesses. With their respective target markets on hand, the trade event allowed each participant to gather over 15,000 entrepreneurs from 66 industries. Recognized as the biggest expo and conference event for SMEs, the three-day event also included workshops, seminars, educational classes, and product launches. 

A company that stands firm behind its reliable services, anchored on SKYcable’s innovations, SKY Biz showcased their wide array of services to further develop their partnerships with SMEs. It offers companies and commercial establishments the better alternative as they cultivate and develop their respective businesses – across various industries. 

Upgrade Your Family Lifestyle with Samsung Happy Home

Home convenience made more possible as Samsung Consumer Electronics recently launched the Samsung Happy Home, a roadshow featuring Samsung’s range of latest innovation on home appliances such as Television, Home Entertainment Solutions, and Digital Appliance. 

Held at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last August 18, mall-goers were treated to a day of enjoyment as Samsung products were made available to everyone for them to try and experience. The Samsung Happy Home roadshow aims to show how families can enjoy the many convenience and the possibilities made possible by Samsung products. Regardless of family size, age, interest, or location, the newest line of Samsung products are designed to meet the needs of families at every life stage and celebrate with them in every success. 

Samsung Product Manager for Washing Machine, Miss Lei-Lani Montemayor, who was present at the launch of this roadshow, shared that with Samsung latest innovative, smart and high quality digital products line-up, it is once again offered a whole new home experience for the Filipino family.

We Deserve a Whiter Christmas!

Summer will always be a favorite season of mine. No matter how crazy and broke I am, there's definitely one reason to enjoy this season. But as the sun starts to hide behind dark, thick clouds, reality bites - sun-burnt skin.

To many dark-colored Filipinos like me, we are always striving to have a fairer skin. We all know that having that rosy white skin that our neighboring Asian countries have will be too much of a dream. Thank goodness, science made whitening or fairer skin more possible by having the right amount of Glutathione in our system.

Also known as the ultimate antioxidant, which can also be found in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria, Glutathione serves as a protector to different cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species. For human, well, we produce our own Glutathione. It helps us obtain and manage optimal health and at the same time keeps our skin fairer and vibrant.

But did you know that as we grow older, with the inclusion of pollution, stress, poor diet, medical malpractice and radiation, the Glutathione level in our body depletes, hence we need something to keep its balance for us to preserve the youthful, vibrant skin.

Elegance on The Go: The TingTing Cojuangco’s Elegant Filipina List

While to most of us elegance is just a thing of the past – or a rare opportunity that happens in a very private event of the high and mighty, former Tarlac governor and DILG undersecretary Margarita “TingTing” Cojuangco wants to prove that elegance is still existing among Filipina. And for the very first time in the history of the Philippines, the fashionista turned public servant of Tarlac brings "Tingting’s List: The Elegant Filipina."

Come September 22, at the Diamond Ballroom of Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila City, TingTing Cojuangco will recognize 10 fine women in the country who still personify the elegance a true Filipina despite of the changing time.

“There are lots of beautiful women, especially in this generation, but elegance is a lifestyle that takes years to develop. It is not just high cheekbones and “branded” fa

Shop Anything, Anytime, Anywhere with the Lazada Mobile App!

Lazada, the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling destination continues to keep its commitment of effortless shopping to Filipinos with the Lazada Mobile App. Now, Filipinos have access to more than half a million products right at their fingertips. Giving Filipinos the power to shop anything, anytime, anywhere through the Lazada Mobile App.

With the Lazada Mobile App, everyone can conveniently shop while on the go; packed with eye-catching visuals, intuitive user interface, and true-to-form images, you can never go wrong shopping through the Lazada Mobile App. Now you don’t need to rush to the mall or brave through the bad weather or heavy traffic as shopping through the Lazada Mobile App is easy as 1-2-3! Simply download the Lazada Mobile App for FREE on iOS AppStore and Google Play Store.

Packed with daily promos and jaw-dropping discounts, the Lazada Mobile App also hosts exclusive App-Only sales for premium tech and lifestyle brands. With the same robust functionality as its web interface, the Lazada Mobile App offers the ease and convenience of shopping for those Filipinos on-the-go.

And to make every Filipino’s effortless shopping risk-free, the Lazada Mobile App also offers cash-on-delivery payment. So aside from the ease of being able to shop on-the-go through the Lazada Mobile App, everyone can pay via cash when their orders arrive on their doorsteps.

Effortless Shopping tips to all Shoppers on the Go:

Secure Shopping

· For mobile shopping, choose shopping sites with an app. It’s easier to use and most importantly, more secure as it’s harder to tamper with.
· Check news articles about the shopping site to ensure it’s not a temporary online shop that will disappear after pocketing your money.
· Ensure the shopping site has a return policy such as Lazada’s Buyer Protection: online shops without return policies can mean scam or unauthentic products.
· Do not give your password to anyone. Online shops’ email support or call support personnel should never require your password for identification.
· Only use your credit or debit card on sites with a padlock icon in the URL bar. This means the site uses secure communications to prevent any third-party eavesdropping.
· Check for security labels such as PCI-DSS certification. This means the shop has been audited and is certified safe to use.
· If you don’t receive an acknowledgement email from the online shop shortly after a purchase, there might be an issue with your purchase or it might be a scam. Call the site’s hotline to verify.
· If you strongly suspect you have been scammed and your credit card information has been stolen, contact your bank or credit card issuer to block the card and investigate.

Savvy Fashionistas

· Pick the right size by using the size chart feature, taking your measurements and checking carefully for any international conversions (UK, US, EU, Japan).
· Ensure the site has an exchange policy like Lazada’s 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed policy that enables you to return clothes within 7 days, and re-order the outfit in a size that fits you perfectly.
· Only shop for fashion on shopping apps that provide a few angles so you can see exactly how the clothes fit on the model or mannequin.
· Get your friends’ comments or ‘likes’ easily by sharing the item on Facebook or Instagram before buying.
· Read product details to check on the fabrication so you’ll know how the clothes feel on you.

Parenting Shoppers

· Spend quality time with your family instead of getting caught in traffic to the shopping mall. Shopping at the Lazada Mobile App lets you shop at your convenience, any time of the day!
· Diapers and milk powder are not only expensive, but heavy to carry. Look out for online promotions and take advantage of door-step delivery.
· Follow the Lazada Super Moms Facebook page and subscribe to the newsletters to get the latest deals delivered straight to you.
· Don’t let getting overwhelmed in crowded malls and toy stores stop you from giving the best to your kids. Shop for educational toys online, conveniently.
· If you’ve brought the wrong size of maternity clothes, take advantage of Lazada’s  100% Satisfaction Guaranteed policy. Return the wrong size within 14 days (30 for Vietnam), and re-order the outfit in the right size.

Tech Addicts 

· Online shopping allows you to compare prices for your favourite gadget. Do keep a look out for sellers on the same site that may offer a bigger discount or bundle deal.
· Searching for phone accessories, power banks and covers is less overwhelming online as you can easily compare your options and colors, and sort them by price.
· Subscribe to Lazada’s newsletter or like our Facebook page to get news on exclusive and limited edition tech launches.
· When looking for a gadget in a specific model or color, check out Lazada’s wide range online first. It’s better than visiting the retail store and discovering the gadget’s sold out.
· Shopping for your favorite gadget online is easy. You can do it anytime of the day with fast and reliable delivery to your home or office.

Smart Savers 

· Take advantage of free shipping if you spend a certain amount, or do a group order with friends so you can all enjoy free shipping.
· Download the Lazada mobile application to enjoy special app-only discounts and access sales anywhere, anytime! Turn on push notifications on mobile to stay updated on the latest promotions.
· Watch out for time-sensitive flash deals, set your alarm so you don’t miss the promotion! 
· Look out for exciting promotions from our bank partner with store-wide discounts.
· Sign up for newsletters for sale promotions and coupon codes.
· “Like” the Lazada Philippines (www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines) on Facebook to get notifications on the latest deals.

The 5th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum

The Asia-Pacific Housing Forum 5 (APHF5), organized by Habitat for Humanity (HFH), is a biennial conference that brings together local communities, socio-civic organizations, the private sector and the government in seeking to provide solutions to the problem of housing accessibility.

This is the first time APHF5 will be holding a satellite event on September 3 to 4 at The Manila Hotel. This event is in alignment with the main conference in Hong Kong. The Philippines’ theme “Building Impact” focuses on advocacy for housing subsidies, putting into action the organization’s mission of bringing people together to build homes and communities. 

“Now is the time to put our words into action: to focus on real solutions and how they impact our communities. More than discussion, this year is about implementation – how innovation is driving affordable and sustainable housing, how diversity is pushing different ideas into reality, and how decent housing can truly transform our communities. But this transformation is possible only if the key players come together and collaborate with each other,” says Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of Habitat Philippines.