EGGciting recipes below P100 for a week

 

 

Eggs are one of the food stamples that are incredibly inexpensive and yet are flexible enough to go with lots of different meals and foods.

There are a number of reasons why people love eggs – it’s easy to cook, versatile, and one of the cheapest and convenient protein sources. Filipinos have especially stocked up on this pantry staple amid the height of lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the consumption survey conducted in 2015 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), chicken eggs ranked seventh on the “Top 30 Commonly Consumed Food Items” in the Philippines, proving that it is an indispensable ingredient in a household. While eggs are often seen as an accompaniment to our breakfast silog meals, it has many other uses from making quick meals, a thickener and binding agent, to adding flavor.

Eggs are packed with nutrients that children need for healthy growth and development. It contains vitamins and minerals and all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own, making it an ingredient that can be easily added to other food to enhance its nutritional value. It’s no wonder that it is a favorite of Filipinos as it’s not only nutritious but an inexpensive source of nutrients and easy to prepare especially for busy parents.

But just because eggs are an obvious choice in making healthy and delicious egg-cellent meals, it doesn’t mean that you should be limited with the usual boiled, fried, or poached. Skip the same-old ways of cooking eggs and try introducing more variety into your child’s diet. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has prepared a “7-Day Egg Challenge” for you that will help you learn new ways to cook eggs for your kids. You’d be surprised that even picky eaters would love the way we added other ingredients like veggies to enrich the color, texture, and nutrients of the dishes. Best of all, all are under a hundred pesos for a family-size meal!

For full recipes and for more information about Ajinomoto and its products, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph and facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH. 

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your eggciting dish and share it with us using the hashtag #AjinomotoEggcitingRecipe.

---

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 35 countries and regions and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2018, sales were 1.1274 trillion yen (10.1 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

3M virtual innovation tour: Science in our Everyday Lives

 

3M virtual innovation tour: Science in our Everyday Lives

Science is deeply interwoven with our everyday lives. It affects our everyday lives in many ways.

Post-it Notes. Scotch. Scotch-Brite. These are just some of the most iconic brands that nearly everyone across the globe grew up with. Their common denominator? Their mother company is 3M, which applies science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily, making it the purveyor of the world’s most innovative products and one of the strongest science advocates in the market.

We encounter 3M products every day, everywhere. In fact, the most recognizable products like the colorful Post-it® Notes we’ve come to rely on as great reminders, the supreme adhesive quality of Scotch® Magic Tape we often use for wrapping gifts, and the iconic yellow and green dishwashing sponges by Scotch-Brite Brand that is a staple at the kitchen sink. These are all so embedded in our daily lives as Filipinos.

How embedded you ask? 3M is literally everywhere. Our mobile phones and laptops likely have multiple 3M applications inside it. The tint in your vehicles—yes, likely 3M. And while most of us have not gone out in the past months, even the road signs are made possible with science and technology from 3M (called retro-reflective, by the way). The vast breadth of 3M’s products and technologies continue to grow and even as we transition to a changed reality due to the pandemic, the innovation company shows no sign of stopping.

In a recent virtual innovation tour, 3M showed us the seemingly magical ways the technologies in their products work. Seemingly magical because, of course, it is science. Who knew there is a science to properly washing dishes? The abrasive minerals embedded in their scouring pads allow for superior cleaning of our precious pots and pans. Or how Command™ Hooks have the best adhesives that won’t damage walls, but still holds on strongly? Seeing and understanding what makes the classic disposable N95 particulate respirator of 3M special was also eye-opening. It is their unique filter media technology that goes into their respirators that allows for the greater passage of air while keeping us safe from the nasty contaminants. This also offered better appreciation on why face masks are for the general public and why the N95 respirators are better left for the healthcare workers.

It was also refreshing to know that a big company like 3M still manages to be active in supporting the country through various charitable activities and also sharing their knowledge in science like their Science at Home program, ultimately staying true to their vision of improving lives.

We were also given a taste of one Science at Home experiment by the 3M engineers, on chromatography which is definitely doable with kids at home with available materials. 3M is actively advocating for continuing education with Science at Home, a series of science education modules that parents and kids can do together, to supplement science lessons in school.

Financial grants have also been provided for Project Damayan of Caritas Manila and Philippine Business for Social Progress. On the other hand, personal protection equipment (PPE) donations have been made to Philippine National Red Cross and several private and public hospitals in the country aimed to support those affected by the pandemic. Earlier in the year during the height of the Taal Volcano eruption, 3M Philippines also provided PPE donations to World Vision Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross, and other first responders.

To know more about 3M Philippines, its products, and advocacies head over to https://www.3mphilippines.com.ph/ for more information.

5 essential kitchen tips for homeschooling moms

“Going back to school” is not the same this year as many schools shift to distance learning due to the pandemic. In addition to other responsibilities, most parents now need to take on their kids’ schooling and ensure that they really understand their online lessons.

If you’re already working from home, you may be thinking that you just don’t have enough time for your job, household chores, and helping your kids with school. Before you get overwhelmed, Solane, the leading supplier of LPG in the country, is here to offer some kitchen tips to make your new arrangement at home easier.

Set a schedule. Preparing a meal, on top of everything else that needs to get done, can be time consuming. Make sure you have a daily schedule that includes the time you will allot for cooking, uninterrupted work, your kids' school hours, as well as your break time and meal times. Once you have your schedule, do your best to stick to it so you can manage your time better.

Plan meals in advance. Save yourself from unnecessary stress by planning the meals you will cook for the family ahead of time. By doing this, you get to save some time by getting all the ingredients you need at the grocery in one trip during quarantine. Just make sure to plan a variety of dishes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and nutritious.

Get the kids involved. If your kids aren’t too busy, you can ask them to help with some simple tasks in the kitchen like rinsing the vegetables or mixing ingredients. This can also be an opportunity to teach them about kitchen safety when it comes to things like peeling and chopping vegetables to avoid accidents. A few minutes before your meal, ask your kids to help by setting up the table. After eating, they can also help clear the table and put the dirty dishes in the sink. Not only will this help you, but this will also teach your kids responsibility and discipline.

Do the chores immediately. Try to get the chores done right away. Small stressors, like unfinished kitchen chores, only add up and affect your overall well-being. If tasks are left undone, you may feel more stressed, especially while working or tutoring your kids.  Start small. After eating, you can wash your kitchen tools and tableware, wipe the counters, and throw out the trash immediately. If you don’t feel up to it, don’t think of it as, “I need to clean the kitchen.” Instead, look at it this way: Do you want a clean kitchen? Then, get cleaning.

Invest in the right kitchen equipment. Invest in kitchen tools that can help you save time and cook faster, such as convection ovens, food processors, and instant pots. Also consider kitchen appliances that don’t need too much attention while cooking, like slow cookers. Just put your ingredients in them and they will take care of the cooking process. This will give you more time to focus on your work and kids’ lessons. In addition, opt for an LPG brand that is made for fast and safe cooking, like Solane. With the help of Solane, you can easily prepare your meals without the hassle or any worries.

For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph or follow @solane.ph on Facebook.

BDO Foundation reassures commitment to rebuild lives through Peso-for-Peso Donation Drive

Filipinos are known for their natural resilience, manifested in those who, after a cataclysmic event, are able to rise from the debris and ashes of their destroyed lives, at times even with a sense of humor. They are battle-tested for any type of crisis and the fight against COVID-19 is no different. Even if this unprecedented pandemic is still far from over sans the availability of a vaccine, hopes are still high with the presence of means to survive the fight.

Giving its full support

BDO Foundation launched the Peso-for-Peso Donation Drive, a fundraising activity that ran from May until July 16, 2020. Proceeds were used to provide test kits and supplies to COVID-19 testing centers in underserved communities nationwide.

Under the drive, minimum donations of P500 and maximum donations of up to P1 million per donor were matched peso for peso by BDO Foundation. Donations from BDO and non-BDO customers, as well as BDO employees, poured in via the Bank’s e-banking channels—BDO Online and Mobile Banking, as well as through BDO Credit Card, ATMs, and branches.

BDO Foundation funded the donation of close to 10,000 PCR test kits for use of 10 hospitals across the country. These recipient-hospitals agreed to use the test kits for frontliners and people who cannot afford the high costs of testing.

Mario Deriquito, president of BDO Foundation, said the initiative forms part of the Foundation’s advocacy to rebuild lives and provide support to hospitals, especially rural health units all over the Philippines.

The Peso-for-Peso Drive also funded the donation of food packs to 8,000 underprivileged families in Bacoor, Cavite; Santa Rosa, Laguna; San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Caloocan City.

On top of these efforts, the BDO Foundation also supported the Philippine government’s RapidPass and ReliefAgad programs, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the national government.

The Bank, through the Foundation, donated 300 smartphones with prepaid loads and 550 power banks to the Department of Science and Technology in support of the RapidPass System. RapidPass used QR codes, which facilitated the quick passage of the vehicles of over 500,000 authorized frontliners. The smartphones donated by the Foundation served as QR scanners at 180 checkpoints, where there were special lanes for frontliners.

Additionally, BDO Foundation also provided support to facilitate one-time passwords to users of ReliefAgad, a web application that allowed those entitled to a cash aid to register online and to receive their financial assistance safely and swiftly through electronic payment systems or directly from banks.

Response through partnership

Isolate, test and trace comprise the backbone of an effective COVID-19 response, according to the World Health Organization. Many countries who have successfully contained the spread of the virus implemented such protocol. Now, the Philippines is no longer too far behind with the pilot implementation of Project ARK’s pooled RT-PCR testing in two key cities in the country, namely, Makati and Cebu.

Pooled testing combines swab samples from individuals and examines them together using a single reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kit. Pools of five, 10, or 20 persons are tested depending on the prevalence of COVID-19 in an area. Considered a game-changer in the fight to contain the coronavirus, the method is seen to boost testing capacity, expedite tests and significantly reduce the cost of RT-PCR kits. Based on extensive research conducted by the Philippine Society of Pathologists, pooled testing is very effective.

BDO Foundation is funding the pilot implementation, covering the costs of automated extractor machines for each city, training of health workers on proper swabbing, PCR test kits, and other peripherals.

Apart from Go Negosyo, who spearheads Project ARK, BDO Foundation is in collaboration with the local governments of Makati and Cebu, the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, who will be its partner-testing center for the pilot implementation in Makati, and the University of Cebu Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for the pilot implementation in Cebu.

Pilot implementation of RT-PCR pooled testing in Makati covered 6,000 individuals, mostly market vendors, and public utility drivers. In Cebu, pilot implementation will cover 4,000 individuals, also market vendors, and public utility drivers.

A worthy cause

BDO Unibank president and CEO Nestor V. Tan, who also sits as a trustee of BDO Foundation, said the support for the pooled testing project comes with the belief that it will address the key areas of cost, accessibility, and timeliness. The implementation of the project is seen to not only benefit Cebu and Makati but will hopefully impact the whole country as well.

“We always believed that the fight against COVID is not the public sector’s alone or the private sector’s. It is a joint initiative by all of us working in the same direction. We are a big supporter of Go Negosyo’s Project ARK because clearly it is not about the trade-off between life and livelihood but it’s trying to address both because one cannot exist without the other,” he said.

Sam Ajdani and Samantha Ashley Lo ,grand winners and #StayStrong Champions Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020

 

It was indeed a strong and succesful finish for fitness coach and Nursing student, Sam Ajdani and Samantha Ashley Lo hailed as Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020.

Held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City, the finals event followed strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots.

In a landmark event hailed as a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic, Century Tuna Superbods 2020 hailed nursing student and ESL instructor Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach and professional model Sam Ajdani as the Century Tuna Everybod Superbod title holders. The most anticipated health and fitness event of the year was also a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal. 

“We needed to rise up to the challenge. We knew it was going to be tough but we stayed focused and if we’re able to pull this off successfully then at least we are able to provide a template for the industry to learn from and use. We soldiered on despite the challenges to show that it can be done,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon. He also added, “It’s important to stage the event to provide inspiration and a good benchmark for the country to put health, wellness and fitness as the top priority.”

The success of the event amid the pandemic made their victory even more memorable for both Samantha (27) and Sam (30). Sam, who is a professional commercial model, admitted that one of the most challenging part of the competition was trying to stay healthy given the restrictions of the pandemic.   Meanwhile, Samantha, who is a former Miss Grand International Philippines winner, had to strengthen her focus and remain creative in her home workouts, even when she could not go the gym. Their persistence and commitment to stay strong and focused paid off when they were proclaimed winners of the biggest health and fitness competition in the country.

Samantha and Sam bested 25 other Superbods candidates and will each take home Php 500,000 tax-free cash and other amazing prizes. Both winners passed rigorous digital challenges required during the competition to emerge as the new ambassadors of Century Tuna Superbods 2020—health and fitness advocates who are passionate in promoting health and wellness as an everyday commitment especially during these trying times. They are also exceptional individuals who remain optimistic and believe in getting back up again even after falling so many times.

Meanwhile, the runners-up were Superbod 2020 Stunner Candice Ramos and Superbod 2020 Ageless Erie Matic. Other candidates who took home special awards were Shirley Garcia, Zai Ebido, Enzo Bonoan, Samantha Purvor, Philippe Magalona, Nelson Banzuela, Key Trajano, Albert Lorenzo, and Grace Del Rosario.

The 25 finalists were all strong contenders, showcasing inspiring traits and skills to encourage themselves and their fellow Filipinos to keep going, and remain healthy and strong during these trying times.

The finalists were judged by a distinguished panel of judges. Joining Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon, Century Tuna marketing director Carlo Endaya, triathlete and SEA Games gold medalist Nikko Huelgas, GMA Network senior assistant vice president for alternative productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Isabelle Daza, Alice Dixson, Sarah Lahbati, Ina Raymundo, and DJ Toni Tony.

The health and fitness competition was relaunched last July 25 with a more inclusive and relevant #StayStrongPilipinas theme. To signal its resumption, Century Tuna released a rousing video via its official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna), featuring Century Tuna celebrity ambassadors Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards with the Superbods finalists urging everyone to stay strong and to continue pursuing their dreams of a healthier future through proper diet and exercise.

To relive the “Century Tuna EverybodSuperbod 2020” finals, visit and follow

Century Tuna’s Facebook page, @centurytuna or Instagram @centurytunasuperbods.

BDO Unibank wins Bronze Award at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA)

 

Partner for Social Progress. CSRWorks International recognized BDO Unibank, Inc.’s Sustainability Report with a Bronze Award in the First Time Reporter category of its 5th Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA). BDO is the only awarded Philippine bank this year.

BDO Unibank, Inc. received the Bronze Award in the First Time Reporter category at the prestigious 5th Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (ASRA)—the only awarded Philippine bank this year.

The First Time Reporter award is given to inaugural and well-rounded sustainability reports that demonstrate the company’s long-term approach to integrating sustainability practice into its business operations.

Winning entries in the category are judged on “strategic approach to sustainability, meaningful and relevant leadership opening statement, coverage of all significant sustainability impacts of the business, approach to stakeholder engagement, and clear presentation of multi-year sustainability performance results.”

BDO’s award-winning report affirms the bank’s leadership in sustainability reporting and commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders.

Banking and Sustainability

BDO’s Sustainability Report, released last year, outlines the bank’s economic, environmental, social, and governance performance in 2018. It shows how BDO stays true to its sustainability philosophy to achieve resilience by incorporating sustainability in the way it does business and to embed sustainability principles in its decision-making, relationship assessment, and product development processes.

Prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the report also details how the financial institution does its part in being a positive force for progress, opportunity, and sustainability in the communities it serves.

“Banking and financial services play a critical role in helping drive sustainable development. Our ability to provide financial access to the majority of the population is vital in creating a more equitable society. By leveraging on our resources, we strive to be the country’s partner for social progress,” says Nestor Tan, president and chief executive officer of BDO.

Sustainability Warriors

The non-profit ASRA is organized annually by Singapore-based CSRWorks International. This year’s winners were selected from 461 entries from 16 countries in Asia. It saw 80 shortlisted companies from 13 countries competing in the finals across 19 awards categories.

Rajesh Chhabara, managing director of CSRWorks International and the founder of ASRA, said: “The unprecedented global pandemic caused by COVID-19 is a stark reminder that businesses, governments and societies need to work together to build mutual resilience. Adopting responsible environmental, social, and governance practices has become ever more essential to ensure corporate sustainability.”

Besides BDO, three other Philippine companies were honored at the ASRA, including SM Investments Corporation, which received a Bronze Award in the Asia’s Best Sustainability Report (Digital) category.

“We have a strong commitment to sustainability. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and practices are at the core of how we run our business because they are aligned with our ‘We Find Ways’ service philosophy. These principles remain our cornerstone as we continue to evolve to serve the needs of our clients and contribute to social progress,” said Teresita Sy Coson, chairperson of BDO.

BDO Network Bank brings its exemplary community service online

BDO Network Bank (BDONB) has been more than just a business in the communities that it serves. The rural bank has become a valuable member of each community, responding to their financial needs and even beyond.

SAMA-SAMA TAYO. Despite the ongoing pandemic and the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine, BDO Network Bank continues to serve its clients, especially small businesses urgently in need of a financial boost during these tough times

However, the various lockdowns have put many businesses on hold. As a result, business owners and their employees find themselves struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

A loan as a lifeline

As sales dwindle for many businesses due to the lack of customers, loans from banks and financial institutions are necessary to keep them afloat and tide them over until the economy recovers.

This was true for a 51-year old seamstress in Davao City, who was struggling to sustain her sewing and apparel business. She was lucky enough to receive a huge order for washable face masks but she still had a problem. Due to slow business in previous months, she didn’t have enough capital to buy raw materials to produce what her customer ordered. 

The seamstress approached several banks and lending institutions, but her loan application was denied, as they were not granting loans during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Feeling hopeless, she thought that she was going to lose the big order from the customer and the earnings that she badly needed.

Fortunately, she was approached by BDONB’s MSME Matina Team. Said team has been proactively calling up entrepreneurs to find out how the Bank could help, knowing that businesses urgently needed a financial boost during these times.

After talking to the seamstress, BDONB assured her that it can grant her a loan even during ECQ, taking away her distress and despair. As a result, she was able to fulfill her buyer’s order and provide income not only for herself but for her workers and their families. The masks she made also helped the community at large by providing them protection from the pandemic.

The loan had a ripple effect as it made it possible for the seamstress to buy from her cloth supplier and benefit his business as well.

Walking the extra mile: onsite and online

BDONB employees are known in their communities as reliable partners during times of need, often going the extra mile to make transactions and life, in general, easier for bank clients. For instance, it’s not unusual for BDONB employees to meet up with clients at the checkpoints to process much-needed transactions if travel restrictions prevent clients from going to the bank.

However, as the pandemic continues to disrupt the way of life, the face-to-face, physical contact, and reassuring personal touch with the community that BDONB employees are accustomed to will have to be put on hold.

The solution that BDONB now offers to its clients, who are used to the warm, assuring community outreach of the bank’s employees, is to create its own social media community. This community will be gathered in the official BDONB Facebook Page, which was recently launched by the rural bank.

"BDO Network Bank has been looking forward to an official Facebook page. And for us, this is the best time, as the team is geared up and more forearmed to support an online community. After a year from our rebrand, we deem this is the best follow through to continuously propagate brand awareness and improve our customer engagement,” BDO Network Bank president J.Antonio S. Itchon said.

"More importantly, we are a proponent of driving inclusive economic growth through our relevant financial products and services. We support our clients' aspirations and business needs, especially in unserved and underserved communities. By launching our own FB page, we envision to exponentially grow the number of lives that we can change and prosper,” he added.

BDO Network Bank’s Facebook page will serve as its alternative channel in reaching out to the communities it serves. The platform will complement its on-ground services such as answering to product inquiries, conducting financial wellness roadshows, and getting customer feedback. All these can be done on its official Facebook page without the need for face-to-face engagement or visiting BDO Network Bank branches.

Visit BDO Network Bank’s Official Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/BDONetworkBankPH

Bayanihan spirit abounds this pandemic :An overseas Filipino finds time to help fellow OFs survive COVIDchallenge

 

ONE   of   the   worst   effects   of   the   COVID-19 pandemic is the   increase in unemployment  rate   worldwide. As social distancing and   community lockdowns have   been strictly enforced to limit the spread   of   the   virus, businesses had to either contend with a diminished customer base, suspend operations for a couple of months, or close shop altogether. 

The results were staggering. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the   country's unemployment rate increased to   17.7 percent in April, the highest in   15 years, as the lockdown forced   the closure of thousands of businesses. This is equivalent to an   estimated 7.3 million Filipinos losing jobs.

For those who lost their jobs, their next thought process is understandably how to fend for themselves and their families. But there are those who still found the   time and grit to care for others, their   own troubles not with standing. Such was the case with Ms. Feby Baguisa. She used to work in ARY Speedremit, a former remittance tie-up of BDO, and who now lives in Muraqqabat Deira, United Arab Emirates. Like thousands others, Baguisa wasan economic casualty of the pandemic, rendering her unemployed.

 Despite her predicament, Baguisa still took the initiative of distributing dailymeals to her fellow overseas   Filipinos (OFs) who likewise lost   their jobs because of the effects of the COVID-19.

 Her efforts started at the onset of the pandemic-induced lockdown. Initially, she relied on the income   from her husband for the preparation   and distribution of meals which many unemployed OFs had come to expect as they queue up for the relief aid. The food donation became such a hit that even other nationalities lined up  and became recipients of the free   daily meals.

"These individuals are   displaced,   laid-on or   even   on   a   'no   work   no   pay'arrangement," she said. "The meals somehow alleviate the plight of the day-to-day subsistence of our Kabayan in UAE."

Eventually, outside help came in.

BDO Unibank took notice of her humanitarian efforts—dubbed as  Project Ayuda—and supported her   cause, as well as encouraged BDO   Remitrepresentatives in UAE to   participate in the distribution of   food packs to overseas Filipinos.   Even non-Filipino companies joined   the campaign and provided donation, including Alansari Group, Emirates Lotto, Khaled Alameriand West Zone Supermarket. 

Baguisa's food donation has already   benefited some 400 individuals,composed mostly of OFs who were either laid-off, out of work or on a “nowork, no pay” status. 

"They are still trying and persisting to somehow find jobs and maximize all the opportunities available that   would come their way," she said. "The success of the campaign has exceeded our expectations."

Baguisa also expressed gratitude to BDO’s participation in the campaign.

BDO is now encouraging its representatives from other regions to replicate Project Ayuda.

"Despite the adverse effects of the pandemic, we still want our Kabayans to enjoy Christmas. We hope to   achieve that through the   continuation and extension of Project Ayuda,” said BDO senior vice president and head of Remittance Geneva T. Gloria.

POCO X3 NFC - The true mid-range champion arrives in The Philippines

Top-of-the-line screen, battery and performance from the beloved brand

POCO, the industry-redefining smartphone brand, brought its latest device to The Philippines: POCO X3 NFC.

Tailored for young tech and gaming enthusiasts, it adopts a unique finish-line design that screams power. The device puts performance above all else, offering only the most useful high-end specs with no frills at a fraction of the usual price.

Priced starting at PHP 10,990 and available for purchase from September 9. The Philippines is among the first batch of markets to introduce the POCO X3 NFC and will be available from September 9.

Debuting Qualcomm’s newest and most powerful 700-series 4G processor –SnapdragonTM 732G – POCO X3 NFC boasts incredible performance that lasts up to two days on one charge, thanks to the handset’s large 5,160mAh battery. Meanwhile, the phone’s 120Hz+240Hz display creates an incredibly smooth and responsive experience superior to most flagships on the market. 

Commenting on the launch of POCO X3 NFC in The Philippines, Mark Li, Country Manager of The Philippines, Xiaomi, said, “POCO X3 NFC continues the legendary tradition of POCO as it is the perfect daily driver with incredible everyday use and an optimized gaming experience. We are proud of the fact that POCO X3 NFC is the world’s first smartphone to be powered by Qualcomm SnapdragonTM 732G. This is a testament to our commitment to provide the latest technology at honest prices. We hope the launch of POCO X3 NFC will continue to delight POCO enthusiasts in The Philippines and welcome new users to the enduring legacy of the POCO series.”

Exactly the performance you need with the brand-new Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 732G platform

Running on Qualcomm’s most powerful 4G processor to date, the Snapdragon™ 732G, POCO X3 NFC offers sustained peak performance and AI capabilities that will impress even the most demanding gamers thanks to its architecture based on the KryoTM 470 octa-core CPU and Adreno™ 618 Elite Gaming series GPU.

To ensure steady operation and frictionless user experience, the device embeds LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus, combining an enlarged copper heat pipe with multiple layers of graphite that work together to reduce the heat of the phone’s processor by up to 6 degrees.

The phone’s incredible performance can be further optimized for gaming thanks to the latest iteration of Game Turbo 3.0, the utility that tunes the phone in accordance with game requirements, that ensures users get the most out of the handset’s powerful hardware. Additionally, the phone’s Z-axis linear motor ensures superb haptic feedback with over 150 vibration modes for different scenarios.

Exactly the immersion you need with 120Hz + 240Hz display and stereo speakers

In line with POCO’s original goal of making innovation available to everyone, POCO X3 NFC sports a stunning edge-to-edge 6.67” FHD+ DotDisplay with a staggering combination of a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz touch sampling rate.

POCO X3 NFC boasts one of the smoothest screens in its price category. The DynamicSwitch function allows the phone to save power by automatically switching between 50, 60, 90 and 120Hz depending on the use case and the format of content displayed on the screen. This allows the phone's refresh rate to go up for use cases like gaming and down for lighter operations like reading – thereby optimizing power usage

The 240hz touch sampling rate further reinforces the phone’s extraordinary display capabilities, allowing it to beat most competition hollow. POCO X3 NFC boasts 33% faster response than most flagships currently on the market, providing for an exceptionally satisfying user experience as well as giving users a noticeable competitive advantage even in the most sophisticated games.

To ensure utmost immersion, the device also packs a pair of flagship-grade stereo speakers. The 4cc-equivalent upper speaker, 1cc-equivalent lower speaker, and up to 0.5mm vibration amplitude provide for crystal clear stereo sound and an absorbing gaming experience. Meanwhile, the speakers’ ability to self-clean ensures unmuffled audio in the long run.

Exactly the photos you need with 64MP AI quad-camera system

POCO X3 NFC sports a top-notch rear quad-camera system consisting of a 64MP main camera, 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor.

The phone's main camera is a flagship Sony IMX 682 sensor featuring an ƒ/1.89 aperture and 1.6μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel that produces detailed and ultra-clear pictures. The 13MP ultra-wide angle camera boasts a 119° field of view propped up by ƒ/2.2 aperture and a 1.0μm pixel size, while the 2MP macro camera and depth sensor complete the setup offering extra functionality and reinforcing the main lens’ capabilities.

On the front, the device sports a 20MP camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture and 1.6μm 4-in-1 Super Pixel, ideal for taking unblemished selfies.

For those trying to stand out from the crowd, POCO X3 NFC packs a slew of creative features including six kaleidoscope options, Gold vibes mode, Cyberpunk mode, numerous new photo filters,as well as AI Skyscaping 3.0, presenting new creative ways to brighten up users’ social media feed.

Video enthusiasts can make use of the device’s 4K video recording as well as features including smooth video zoom, focus peaking and AE/AF lock. The included LOG/RAW format support and Vlog mode not only ensure that users can capture their most important moments in utmost quality, but also turn the phone into a semi- professional workstation for video content production.

Exactly the battery life you need with 5,160mAh and 33W fast charging

Top level specs are no use without a battery that lasts. To guarantee that users can enjoy all of its amazing features, POCO X3 NFC is equipped with a large 5,160 mAh(typ) battery that lasts over two days under moderate usage. The handset supports 33W fast charging which not only means that the device can be charged to 100% in only 65 minutes, but also that a mere 30 minutes will fill it up to 62%

The increased charging speed is achieved through Middle Middle Tab (MMT) technology. In conventional batteries, the electric current is coming from the bottom of the module, filling it upwards, thus resulting in considerably slower charging speed. Middle Middle Tab (MMT) technology is based on an innovative method in which the battery receives the electric current from the middle and spreads it simultaneously to the top and bottom of the module. This allows for faster and more consistent charging speed, while also ensuring battery longevity, compared to traditional layouts.

Prices and availability

Starting from September 9, POCO X3 NFC’s 6GB+64GB variant will be available at PHP 10,990, and 6GB+128GB at PHP 12,990. The device will be available in two colors – Shadow Gray and Cobalt Blue.

As part of the first sale in The Philippines, a 48-hour deal for the 6GB+64GB variant will be available exclusively on Shopee on September 9 and 10 at an early bird price of PHP 9,990, a PHP 1,000 price drop from its recommended retail price. In addition, customers will receive a complimentary POCO mousepad and a BlackShark Fun Cooler. As for the 6GB+128GB variant, it will be sold at an early bird price of PHP 11,990, a price drop of PHP 1,000 from PHP 12,990, and customers will receive a free POCO digital pouch and a BlackShark Fun Cooler Pro.

The device will be available in online and offline channels including Lazada and Authorized Mi Stores soon.

Distance Learning, Are we ready?

Experts and education officials say that learning must not stop and must only evolve. 

Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning

Some schools have already started classes while some will be starting in October following the government’s recent announcement. No matter when classes will start, there is no denying that being cast into these uncertain times because of COVID-19 has caused an undue amount of pressure on the parents who now need to act as surrogate teachers, and caused stress for the students who cannot see or study with their classmates. Adding to that is the concern of how effective they will be as co-educators at home, playing a more active role in their children’s education. 

Am I ready? Are my kids ready? I really don't know but I must admit with my current health conditions I'm really scared since I've been seeing my friends' social media posts that they are having a hard time. But there's nothing we can do, we need to start accepting that this is the new normal. 

TANG recognizes these struggles, that's why they recently launched Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning in partnership with Edukasyon.ph. With the help of Edukasyon.ph, the largest online platform empowering Filipino youth from education to career, the live session of Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning was held to equip moms with actionable insights and tips on distance learning with the help of homeschooling and industry experts.

Good thing that I attended TANG's live stream with homeschool advocates Tina Rodriguez and Mikaela Martinez, and guest speaker Ian Sta. Maria to see how you can make distance learning effective and refreshing for your kids. 

Here are my essential takeaways: 

1. Set up a designated study area

Students have their own desks in school, and in recreating a similar setup, they should also have their own study area at home. Space should be conducive to learning-- well-lit and ventilated, clean and organized. If possible, school supplies should be within reach. Try setting them up in organizing shelves, drawers, or bins labeled accordingly. 

2. Set and follow a schedule complete with break times

Students are accustomed to a schedule when it comes to attending classes. Setting up a schedule even when studying at home helps condition their mind and body to the task ahead. This also helps develop discipline by sticking to a schedule and finishing work within a given period.

3. Make time for physical activities

Physical exercise is important since it helps keep children healthy and primed for learning. Just like in school, incorporate this in your child’s schedule and try to diversify the activities-- it can be in the form of dance, sports, or just pure exercise. 

4. Get creative

The distance learning setup is a great time to explore more extracurricular activities since there is no limit as opposed to a regular school setup. This is where moms can get creative in introducing different activities to their kids. To start on their creative journey, it is best to have art supplies nearby such as crayons, colored pens, and paper. It’s a refreshing activity that stimulates the imagination of kids. There’s no right or wrong so just let them explore and have fun!

5. Prepare fun merienda breaks

Break time is every student’s favorite subject. It’s an important part of the day because it allows kids to recharge. The key is to give them their favorite snacks and pair it with a glass of TANG! TANG is made up of 100% Vitamin C and real fruit which is perfect for a quick refreshing break. To make it more exciting, moms can spruce the merienda menu with special treats when kids do well in their classes and mix it with healthy food like fruits. Add in a game or two to double up the fun!

Distance learning is a unique experience for each and every mom and child pairing. There will be struggles to get the groove, but the fun lies in how it is a more personalized and engaging experience. TANG, in partnership with Edukasyon.ph, is here to keep moms company on their distance learning journey. 

For moms who missed out on the live session of Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning, you can still check it out here: https://bit.ly/3gupPU9. 

And for more tips and insights to make distance learning more fun and exciting with TANG, visit facebook.com/TangPhilippines/.

Prepared with TANG: Get ready for Distance Learning