Acer Lowers Digital Classroom Entry Barrier with Homegrown Management Service

Press release:

Schools in remote areas have typically struggled with managing classroom devices with little or no dedicated IT staff. To help bring down the digital divide, Acer Taiwan has worked with local system integrators to deploy Android Tablets to five remotely-located schools across the island through the Acer DADA (Device Agent & Deployment Assistant) management service.

The DADA system allows for provisioning based on device serial number, and automatically pushes predefined apps to batches of Acer tablets. In the case that students have accidentally deleted learning software or if the devices is infected with malware, a factory reset will restore the system and reload designated apps, streamlining the management process and dramatically lowering the entry barrier for schools with limited resources to deploy digital classrooms.

Transportify Gears Up for the Holiday Rush

Press release: 

We all know too well that the holiday season can be problematic amid higher demand for consumer products and the capability to distribute them on time.

Through the years we have seen time and time again how the horrendous traffic in Metro Manila compounds this problem. For many of holiday gift-givers and the would-be Santas, making their loved ones wait is simply not acceptable.

Fortunately, this can be addressed by a few logistics providers that can help move things around the metro.

Transportify now gives the market a cheaper and more efficient alternative for their on-demand logistics needs.  

A mobile and web application that connects customers with qualified independent contractors (driver partners), Transportify is the ideal logistics solution for delivering anything within Metro Manila and even surrounding areas. With a pool of over 1,500 driver-partners in less than 5 months of operations in the Philippines, Transportify has the network and capacity to address on-demand logistics not only during holidays but all year round.

For MPVs, customers only need to shell out P250 for the first 3 kilometers and P20 for every km thereafter. Need a bigger vehicle? No problem, they also have L300s that start at P600 for the first 3kms and P30 for every km thereafter.

Noel Abelardo, Head of Business Program, said: “We want to help move things faster and more efficiently in Metro Manila this holiday season. Transportify will help business customers and even individuals manage their logistics needs so they can focus on things that really matter to them. Our value proposition for on-demand logistics needs is better than what is available in the market."

With Transportify, delivery needs for holiday is no longer worrisome. Yes, even with the phenomenal Metro Manila traffic. Transportify will cater to the special needs of its customers efficiently and on time.

For a worry-free logistics solution, either for your corporate giveaways, event and promotional materials, office raffle prices from huge appliances to small tokens for your employees, or just simply gifts for your loved ones, download the Transportify app on Apple Store for iOS devices, and on Google Play Store for Android devices. Book now for your immediate and scheduled delivery needs.

Founded by Inspire Ventures and Ardent Capital, Deliveree (known in the Philippines as Transportify) is a mobile and web app that allows you to book and manage pickups and deliveries of almost anything in select metro areas across Southeast Asia. Its marketplace connects businesses and individuals with qualified drivers and their vehicles to provide affordable and trustworthy service according to the company’s strict quality standards. Presently they are serving the Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila markets with more locations coming soon.

Transportify is now in the Manila!

Transportify is now in Manila! Transportify is an on-demand logistics application available in mobile and web app. Both individuals and businesses may benefit from this logistics solution. Definitely reliable and cost efficient!

The main objective of Transportify is to help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to lower logistics cost. With this, Transportify offers affordable rates wherein the customer only pays for what they need.

Known as Deliveree in Thailand and Indonesia, Transportify was launched in the Philippine market last July. It now has 45 people manning its Manila office. So far, it has more than 2,000 registered accounts in just a few weeks. With barely three months’ worth of operations in the country, Transportify already has a pool of 850 driver-partners in Metro Manila. Over time, it hopes to expand its fleet for ground logistics. At present, its fleet includes Sedans, Hatchbacks, MPVs for Economy, MPVs for Large Load and L300s but this will be expanded in the coming months to include more vehicle options such as motorcycles, pickup trucks, and closed vans. 

Helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lower their operating costs in the area of logistics is Transportify’s main objective. As a value proposition, Transportify customers need only pay for the distance covered by the delivery and extra services required.

Transportify has 900 driver-partners and growing. For Economy, the rate starts at P220 for the first 3 kilometers and P20 for every kilometer thereafter. For Large Load, the rate starts P270 for the first 3 kilometers and P20 for every km thereafter. Meanwhile, L300s rate starts at P600 for the first 3kms and P30 for every km thereafter. Plus, this is the only app that offers Extra Services such as Special Help by Driver and Extra Helpers.

Unlike traditional couriers, Transportify’s mobile and web app lets you book a driver for same-day delivery requirements. It also accepts pre-scheduled bookings up to two weeks in advance. It also has a live tracking feature so customers can pinpoint the precise location of their driver and the estimated time of arrival at any stage during the delivery.

The company, just like other transportation apps present in the market today does not own vehicles or physical assets, but an app that connects customers to drivers. It charges drivers a commission of 15% only.

“Since we don’t have to spend for maintenance of these vehicles and salaries of the drivers, we have relatively lower overhead costs. This allows us to provide our customers a service that is cost-efficient and competitive compared to what is already available in the market,” said Kim.

Transportify Philippines is powered by Deliveree which was founded in 2014 by Inspire Ventures and Ardent Capital – both well-established venture builders in Southeast Asia. Backed with $2-million seed funding and from its principal shareholders, Transportify continues to expand the business by continuously providing lower logistics costs to SMEs and significantly growing its area of service coverage in its current markets.

Herbalife Nutrition At Work Survey Reveals Filipino Millennials Desire Healthy, Active Workplace Environment

Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company, has released the findings from its Asia Pacific Millennials At Work Survey¹, which revealed that Filipino millennials are adapting a healthy, active lifestyle, however, most believe their current workplace environment prevents them from doing so.

Millennials, or people born in between 1980 and 2000, are opting for a workplace that will encourage them to stay active, if only this will be embedded in every company culture.  About 83 percent or eight (8) in 10 millennials have agreed that they would like their company workplace to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle. 

 With the millennial generation expected to make up 50 percent of the global workforce by 2020, ensuring the wellbeing of millennials will be important to improving workplace productivity. “There are about 35 million millennials now in the Philippines, which is about one-third of the country’s entire population. Five years from now, millennials will be dominating the labor force. While most millennials want to lead healthy lives, they face real obstacles at work in doing so,” said Rosalio Valenzuela, Herbalife Philippines General Manager. 

“At Herbalife Nutrition, we provide our employees with nutrition products at work, subsidize gym memberships, hold regular wellness programs related to nutrition and well-being, and encourage participation in outdoor activities and sports competitions.”

Herbalife Philippines General Manager Mr. Bong Valenzuela with Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board Member Julián Alvarez García, M.D., Ph.D.

Additionally, the survey findings revealed the following:

·         Seven (7) out of 10 millennials strive to live healthy, active lives

·         However, the majority of millennials find it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle at work – eight (8) out of 10 millennials spend 6 to 13 hours at their work desk each day, and 64% of millennials get less than 30 minutes of physical activity - including standing, stretching and walking at work on an average work day.

·         Additionally, 64% of millennials cited the “lack of time” as the key obstacle to engaging in physical activity at work.

To provide tips on how millennials and their employers can integrate positive nutrition and life style habits at their workplaces, Herbalife Nutrition has organized a sixth Asia Pacific Wellness Tour, which builds upon the successes of the past five tours that welcomed over 100, 000  participants. Five experts from the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board (NAB) are scheduled to tour 21 Asian cities from October 7 to 30, to hold a series of talks, workshops and medical symposia across the region. 

Julián Alvarez García, M.D., Ph.D., member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board

giving a talk during the Manila leg of the 5th Asia Pacific Wellness Tour.

“Through these efforts, we hope to equip organizations and employees with the right tools to collectively build a healthier work environment across Asia Pacific,” said Valenzuela.

 

Julian Alvarez Garcia, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board, will be visiting Manila for the Asia Pacific Wellness Tour this October. Julian Alvarez Garcia, M.D., Ph.D. will also be sharing expert advice on how millennials can adopt simple positive nutrition and lifestyle habits at work to improve their overall well-being in the long run.

Some of the tips to help foster a healthier millennial workforce include:

·         Nutrition

o   Dedicate a healthy eating day each week and get colleagues involved in making healthy choices for lunch on this day.

o   Boost water intake to help the body digest food, rid the body of toxins, and help deliver nutrients to the cells. Drink at least eight (8) glasses or two (2) liters of water a day.

o   Have a protein shake combined with non-fat milk and healthy fruit for breakfast. With 20-30 grams of protein and low-fat contents, it can provide the body with all the nutrition it needs to power through the day.

·         Active Living

o   Create a playlist that incorporates upbeat music and play with hourly intervals.

o   Use Running Apps to keep energized and on-pace during regular runs.

o   Set a goal to join running competitions to motivate self to sustain an active lifestyle.

¹Herbalife’s Millennials At Work Survey was conducted in 2016, with 5,500 respondents aged 18 and above, from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Acer’s Ultra-Thin-And-Light Notebooks Awarded Japanese Good Design Awards

Press release:

Acer announces that its latest ultra-thin-and-light notebooks have been honored at the 2016 edition of Japan’s Good Design Award, including both the Acer Swift 7, which is the world’s first[1] notebook to measure less than 1 cm thin, and the convertible Acer Spin 7, weighing just 1.2 kg. The abTouchPhone, a touchscreen multimedia IP desk phone, was also awarded for its full range of practical communication features, and also for its simple yet elegantly designed appearance.

Acer’s winning products stood out from over 4,000 entries, and were selected over a rigorous five-month screening process involving 76 international jury members. Screenings were held not only in Japan but also in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Jury’s Evaluation of the Acer Swift 7

“The thinness and functionality of a laptop PC conflict with its operability, but the Acer Swift 7 strikes an appropriate balance between the two elements. The streamlined shape of the PC, which is less than 1 cm thick, makes it look visually thinner than it actually is, and the product generally has a robust yet elaborate image due to its use of cut and molded aluminum alloy as a material. Furthermore, despite its thickness, it provides a favorable touch button, and the use of a large touch panel achieves both a beautiful design and ease of use.”

Jury’s Evaluation of the Acer Spin 7

“Consumers have growing expectations for convertible laptop PCs as smartphones become more common and these convertible laptop PCs are expected to be used on occasions different from those for ordinary laptop PCs, and unlike the latter, the former also needs to meet various needs in terms of structure. The Acer Spin 7 is light and slim, and under these restricted conditions, it uses a rotary touch panel, meeting user needs in various situations through its 14-inch monitor and fan-less design. The case made from an aluminum alloy adds a sense of high quality to the product while ensuring its sturdiness. The Spin 7 boasts of outstanding performance as a hybrid convertible PC.”

Auto-Gard Car Shampoo Product Review

Washing your car is often a weekly ritual for car enthusiasts. There is a lot of pleasure in cleaning your car and having a ride you are proud to drive. Aside from the aesthetics, having a clean exterior of your car will extend the life of the paint and finish giving you a new looking car for many years. If you have neglected your car’s paint and exterior for several years, the paint damage may be irreparable. Frequent car washing is one of the best ways to maintain your car’s finish and keep it looking new. 

To keep your car in top condition, washing it is the first step, and choosing the appropriate type of soap is a great starting point. Your vehicle should be washed frequently, with weekly cleaning being the most common recommendation for frequency. Even during the rainy months when it is cold and wet outside. Your paint job will take a beating from the road’s dust, grime and dirt. Leaving this to sit on the vehicle might result to molds which will damage the paint, dull the shine, and leave scratches and residue that are very difficult to remove. A good cleaning routine will ensure that these elements are removed frequently before lasting damage occurs.

Most consumers wash their vehicles with dish soap. Unfortunately I learned that this action can damage the paint and clear coat finish. It will also remove the wax and sealants that keep your vehicles paint protected from the outside elements. Selecting a soap or car shampoo formula that is specifically designed for vehicles will preserve the cars paint and finish. This is the best way to ensure that your vehicle will look its best each day. 

New light for SMEs in the Philippines Transportify to lower logistics costs

Press release:

Startup logistics provider Transportify is now in the Philippines, giving businesses and even individual consumers a cheaper and more efficient alternative for their on-demand logistics needs saving them valuable amount of resources spent on capital and operational expenditures.

Known as Deliveree in Thailand and Indonesia, Transportify was launched in the Philippine market last July.  It now has 45 people manning its Manila office.  So far, it has more than 2,000 registered accounts in just a few weeks.

With barely three months’ worth of operations in the country, Transportify already has a pool of 850 driver-partners in Metro Manila. Over time, it hopes to expand its fleet for ground logistics.  At present, its fleet includes Sedans, Hatchbacks, MPVs for Economy, MPVs for Large Load and L300s but this will be expanded in the coming months to include more vehicle options such as motorcycles, pickup trucks, and closed vans.

“Through Transportify, we hope to address a pain point that the Philippines share with Indonesia and Thailand — high logistics costs. From our studies, we found out that logistics account for about 18 percent of operating costs of companies here. With Transportify, we hope to provide a more cost-effective alternative to businesses,” said Tom Kim, International CEO of Deliveree.

Helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lower their operating costs in the area of logistics is Transportify’s main objective. As a value proposition, Transportify customers need only pay for the distance covered by the delivery and extra services required. 

For Economy, the rate starts at P220 for the first 3 kilometers and P20 for every kilometer thereafter. For Large Load, the rate starts P270 for the first 3 kilometers and P20 for every km thereafter. Meanwhile, L300s rate starts at P500 for the first 3kms and P30 for every km thereafter. Plus, this is the only app that offers Extra Services such as Special Help by Driver and Extra Helpers.

“About 99 percent of businesses in the Philippines are SMEs and this is where Transportify’s value comes in.  SMEs have very low margins, and by helping lower the logistics costs, we help these small businesses thrive in a very competitive environment,” added Kim.

Unlike traditional couriers, Transportify’s mobile and web app lets you book a driver for same-day delivery requirements. It also accepts pre-scheduled bookings up to two weeks in advance. It also has a live tracking feature so customers can pinpoint the precise location of their driver and the estimated time of arrival at any stage during the delivery.

The company, just like other transportation apps present in the market today does not own vehicles or physical assets, but an app that connects customers to drivers. It charges drivers a commission of 15% only.

“Since we don’t have to spend for maintenance of these vehicles and salaries of the drivers, we have relatively lower overhead costs. This allows us to provide our customers a service that is cost-efficient and competitive compared to what is already available in the market,” said Kim.

  

Transportify Philippines is powered by Deliveree which was founded in 2014 by Inspire Ventures and Ardent Capital - both well-established venture builders in Southeast Asia. Backed with $2-million seed funding and from its principal shareholders, Transportify continues to expand the business by continuously providing lower logistics costs to SMEs and significantly growing its area of service coverage in its current markets.

Download our apps on Google Play or Appstore

Visit our website: www.transportify.com.ph

Acer Takes Top Spot in EMEA 2-in-1 Market and Ranks Second in PANAM

Press release: 

According to the latest market research data^[1], Acer’s EMEA 2-in-1 market share has continued to grow and has now taken the leading position in that market^[2] in August 2016^[3] at 15%. Acer has also risen to the second spot^[4]in PANAM with 7% market share in the same period.

Contributing to this success is the Switch Alpha premium 2-in-1 notebook, which leads its price segment^[5] with a whopping 61% in PANAM, and 34% market share over 8 countries^[6] in EMEA.

G Stuff Celebrates 3rd Year Anniversary!

 Press release:

This October G Stuff will celebrate its 3^rd Year Anniversary! This is the health month the brand call wn it was introduced to the market and setting to mark their advocacy on, of helping us live healthy lives and three wonderful years of caring for the environment and helping communities of people in the provinces to improve their lives!

Dubbed the “healthy store with a heart,” GStuff has now marked its name as one of the brands that advocate health and wellness, natural lifestyle and sensitivity to the environment.

Starting on the 3rd week of October, some celebrities and possibly a community of farmers, fishermen and craftsmen who are behind the production of some of the best-selling G Stuff products will be featured in morning show, either Umagang Kay Ganda or Magandnag Buhay. G Stuff’s new product lines such as herbal soaps, plant-based insect repellents, authentic Gugo shampoo, natural diffusers using traditional Ilocano red clay pots, detergent made of natural granules will be introduced. These products are already gaining popularity in the different branches of G Stuff store in Power Plant Mall and Alabang Town Center.

Acer Philippines launches the World's Thinnest Notebook: Aspire Swift 7

As an online writer and blogger who’s always on the go, if I’d be given the chance to have my dream gadget, that would have to be Acer Philippines’ latest notebook which is touted as the world’s thinnest notebook to date from the Aspire series called Aspire Swift 7 or Aspire S7. Just as it always does, Acer never fails to amaze, delight and bring some sense of awe to tech savvy patrons as well as loyal Acer consumers by coming up with elite innovations. The new Acer Aspire “S” Series notebook is another gem of a gadget that exudes not just elegance and technological revolution but it is ergonomic as well. 

Aspire S3

Considered as the world’s thinnest laptop at 9.98mm, the Aspire S7 has all the USB Type-C ports you need for work. It’s unbelievably thin because it’s even thinner than a centimetre! Yet despite its light frame and thinness, it is packed and loaded with 9-hour battery life and has a high-powered 7^th Gen Intel® Core™ processor. So an Aspire S7 allows you to go and work beyond the average work day, it is a great help if you need to do some work overtime. And is really good news for writers like me who had deadlines to beat. 

Netizen vs. LBC complains: The truth will always come out

Have you guys heard of the latest issue concerning a netizen whose complains against LBC were posted and reshared by people. I am appalled at how the Internet has been used by malicious individuals to smear the reputation of people, companies and organizations. I condemn the spread of online hate campaign because these campaigns stack the cards (sometimes even fictitious cards) against a person or group of persons who are unable to defend themselves. I wish there were a system where those who spread lies and hate online against innocent people can be deterred by the threat of punishment by fines or public humiliation. 

One of these recent attacks have been against LBC Express, a courier and logistics company. Some netizens have posted attacks against LBC for a variety of reasons, some valid while some are not. One case in particular is a netizen named Bakura Pagaduan.

Pagaduan claims to have a pair shoes and other items were sent to him by a relative via LBC. When the box arrived, Pagaduan claims that the box showed signs of pilferage and that the shoes were gone. He went to the local LBC branch in his area, the one that handled the delivery. Pagaduan raised his voice against the local staff who only responded by offering that a formal complaint be filed. Pagaduan refused and instead turned to social media. This post went viral because a forum on Facebook called Tambayan ni Berto had their forum members shared and reshared the post to all their friends including members and non-forum members as well. 

LBC reached out to Pagaduan to ask him the details of his package. LBC's investigators learned later that Pagaduan signed the delivery receipt which would have proven that he received the package in good condition. Eventually, Pagaduan demanded and received a compensation of P2,000 for the alleged lost items. 

Predator sponsors CS:GO, one of world’s biggest gaming tourneys

Predator recently sponsored the CS:GO (Counter-Strike: Global Offensive) StarLadder i-League Invitational Gaming Tournament, one of the world’s biggest online gaming competitions that offer huge amounts of prizes.

“Everyone now believes that the Predator is tailor-made for serious gamers and even for gaming enthusiasts. But this is just a tip of the iceberg; we are still developing the Predator to further make it a strong gaming brand that has much to offer to discriminating gamers,” declares Steven J. Funcke, Predator Marketing Manager.

Predator now at SM North EDSA

Press release: Hardcore gamers and enthusiasts alike can now revel in the most lethal gaming brand in the market today as the Predator is now available at SM North EDSA. 

The Predator gaming system, composed of dominant and intense desktops, laptops, tablets, projectors and monitors, is now found at the newly refurbished Acer Concept Store located at the 4^th floor of the SM City North EDSA Annex.  

Spark Global’s Toppan AR marker makes its mark

Press release: Let’s go into the tenets of why the Spark Global’s AR Marker Technology sets the standard in Augmented Reality in the Philippines and learn how to properly benchmark this tech field.

Presently, there are two types of AR in the market: marker and picture-based. Between these two technologies, the marker type is the better option compared to the picture-based when using AR.

Why? Marker-based AR’s are readable on a global scale and readily usable based on a wide selection of content whether movies or sound, 3D-based computer graphics, or links to web pages. While the picture-based marker or the locally-produced AR’s, content is just limited to plain 3D and videos.

Ace those computations with Acer E series

If your present computer doesn’t work for you anymore, change is definitely coming—for the better.

From Acer, one of the world’s top IT titans, future-proof your everyday computing by changing up to the Acer Aspire E series, already one of the most powerful in Acer’s arsenal of laptops, and now made even more formidable with its coming array this year.

For the everyday computer users, they’ll surely love the Acer Aspire E series laptops for its pleasing features, with eye-catching designs and trendy colors, plus a textured metallic finish for that stylish look and feel to make these laptops truly unique.

Coach Carlos Garcia, Jenniebeth Racal Torres and Basketball Life

Ms. Jenniebeth Racal, team manager with the basketball team

We were privileged to seize an opportunity to conduct a brief interview with renowned basketball coach Carlos “Caloy” Garcia at the Nega Sports Center in Greenhills, San Juan City. Garcia, who’s a Filipino professional basketball assistant coach of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) immediately warmed up to us as we approached him. He once served as the head coach of the said team from 2009 to 2010. He’s the youngest coach on both PBA and PBL (Philippine Basketball League). Garcia played briefly for Dazz Dishwashing Paste in the PBL. He’s a cousin of B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados head  coach Jorge Gallent who like him was an alumna of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. He also assisted his alma mater and the Welcoat Paintmasters prior to his winning run with the Harbour Centre Batang Pier.

PBL Assistant Coach Carlos "Caloy" Garcia

Garcia admits that with the absence of head coach Yeng Guiao, it left the Elasto Painters somewhat slacking in their loss to Tropang TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.  He said when he came to the help manage the PBL team, the guy said he believes in the potential and perseverance of the guys in the team, regardless if they were newbie aspirants or those with prior experiences. “As of now, we just need to sustain our good start as well as our defences. Kailangan nilang magkaroon ng kumpiyansa sa sarili nila.”

Nega Sports Basketball Court

The said basketball team is well supported by their team’s manager, Ms. Jenniebeth Racal Torres of the Racal Group of Companies.  A successful businesswoman, she says it makes her happy to be able to give job opportunities as well as to help needy charities apart from her joy in managing a basketball team. “Our family is very much inclined to business so it was but second nature to me.  We always pursue things not only for our family’s welfare but because it will also be beneficial to others,” she says.

A member of the PBL Team practices hoops

 A Marketing graduate from De La Salle University, she manages to overcome and juggle her tie attending to things she had to do: she’s a single mom 24/7, an entrepreneur and a basketball team manager are only among the many hats she wear.  When asked about her secret, she says, “I try to manage my priorities accordingly. There’s a big difference between trying to do it all and trying to have it all. It all boils down to proper time management."

Coach Carlos "Caloy" Garcia

Flitting between her regional points as a manager, travel remains to be a constant in Racal’s rigorous schedule. As much as each of her travels informs trajectory in business, family remains to be her inspiration. On the subject of having it all, all signs point to this: Jenniebeth Racal as well as the PBL Team she manages, she isn’t done trying other things just yet. So remember her name and humble beginnings. She and her group might just become a household word for everyone someday.