Tuesday, December 3, 2024

PNP now responds to emergency calls in 3-5 minutes as part of DILG's Revitalized 911 program

“At PNP 911, we do not discriminate. There was an incident of someone creating trouble in a Nueva Ecija establishment. Someone from the establishment called 911 and within 5 minutes, the responders were there. The apprehended person in the station was identified as an off duty-officer of the law. So we can be at par or better than other countries. We have accepted the challenge and even our Regional Directors are doing simulation exercises in the field just to show how serious we are about this. I think what drives our PNP to sustain this kind of response is the joy of responding and helping our kababayans on the ground who really need help the most. It’s very fulfilling to be able to help them by responding fast, it’s just that we did not have this type of system before. Now that we have it, our PNP has high morale because they have a clear sense of direction in their patrolling. emergencies can happen anytime, and we are happy that we can respond efficiently and accurately. It is in our nature as Filipinos to want to help our fellow men, in whatever way. The PNP, the E911 National Office of the DILG powered by NGA911's cutting-edge technology, data-driven analytics, and PLDT's network are at work daily elevating 911 of the Philippines to a higher level. ~Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar A. Tolito, Director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service (CES)


Responders from the Philippine National Police (PNP) now arrive on-scene in less than five minutes.

Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar A. Tolito, Director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service (CES), announced that more than 90% of all Police 911 calls can now be handled in record time.

The game-changing approach to emergency response is the direct result of the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Revitalized Emergency 911 Project, which requires immediate and accurate response to citizen and LGU emergency calls.

Tolito revealed that the majority of emergency calls are for vehicle accidents, domestic violence, public disturbances, individuals running amok, theft, and robbery.

Tolito mentioned interesting cases of rescues made in the nick of time, such as a woman about to jump off a bridge in Batasan Hills who was pulled to safety by PNP operatives, an abandoned newborn in an ecobag found in a vacant lot in Cabuyao, Laguna that was brought to the hospital just in time to save its life, and the thwarted hijacking of a tanker filled with goods because of swift relay messages between operatives from the scene of the crime in Caloocan to the place of apprehension in Obando, Bulacan.

According to Tolito, some cities, such as Quezon City and Zamboanga City, respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently. Areas where the nearest police station is a long distance away take slightly longer to respond, but still fall within the 3 to 5-minute range. Traffic in Metro Manila can sometimes slow down response times. The majority of emergency calls come from Laguna and Cavite, he said.

According to Robert Llaguno, the country head of NGA 911 Philippines, which provided the PNP with its patented call handling system, statistics show that after calling 911 (then pressing "1" for Police), such calls are picked up in less than a minute, with responders dispatched in 40 to 50 seconds on average. NGA 911 technology is in charge of bringing the PNP and LGUs' emergency capabilities up to US and European standards.

“Comparable and may be even better than that of the States. The PNP is determined to sustain this type of response for Filipinos and should be commended for this.” ~Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA 911 Philippines

Tolito said the PNP is committed to get things done within the 3 to 5 minutes standard set by PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil based on a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last June.

Entrepreneur and Agriculture Advocate Rene "Rhen" Dimaano's interview, "Growing Dreams from the Ground Up"

“I started with a vision and a lot of grit. Starting an agriculture business requires patience, resilience, and an ability to see beyond short-term struggles. There were times when I questioned if this path was right for me. But every time I’d look at the fields, I’d remember why I started. Agriculture is life—it sustains all of us, and it’s an honor to be a part of that cycle. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing that my work provides for my loved ones. I do this not just for myself but for them. When we build something together, we grow together. I want to see my community rise, and that’s why I make time to share what I know with others. My faith has always been my anchor. There are days when things don’t go as planned, and I turn to God for guidance. I believe that with faith and hard work, anything is possible. I want young people to know that agriculture isn’t just about working in the dirt—it’s about feeding nations, creating jobs, and building a future. It’s something to be proud of. Agriculture has to adapt, and I want to be at the forefront of that change. It’s our responsibility to take care of the Earth, and that starts with how we farm and manage our resources. Every step, every sacrifice—it’s all been worth it. I’ve learned that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it, and if you stay rooted in what truly matters: family, faith, and community. Find what you love, give it your all, and remember that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Keep the faith, and don’t give up. Every dream is achievable if you’re willing to work the land and nurture it with love.” ~Rene ‘Rhen’ Dimaano, Agriculture Advocate and Entrepreneur


Rene "Rhen" Dimaano stands out as an inspiring voice for agriculture and rural development in a world where the beauty of hard work in the fields is frequently overlooked. Rhen is an advocate for The Project Eight Initiative and is passionate about promoting sustainable agriculture. But his story is more than just advocacy; he is an entrepreneur, a devoted family man, and a person of deep faith who has made his dreams a reality through determination, sacrifice, and a deep love for the earth.


From Dream to Reality: Building a Business from Scratch
Rhen's entry into the agricultural world was not without challenges. He literally started his business from scratch. 

It started with a simple desire to build something of his own, something that would not only support his family but also add value to his community. As a young entrepreneur, Rhen welcomed the challenges of starting from scratch, putting in days and nights of planning, learning, and hard work in the fields.

With each harvest, Rhen learned more about what it takes to run a business. He invested in learning about sustainable farming practices, cutting-edge agricultural technology, and marketing strategies. He was able to gradually expand his business and transform it into a thriving enterprise. The journey was difficult, but he persevered despite setbacks and disappointments, knowing that each obstacle was a stepping stone toward his dream.


Balancing Family, Faith, and Farming
Rhen is not only an entrepreneur, but also a devoted family man. His family provides him with strength and inspiration, especially during difficult times. 

Rhen's definition of family extends beyond those who live with him. His community is an extension of his family, and he is dedicated to providing opportunities for local farmers and workers. He sees himself as a mentor to others who want to work in agriculture, providing them with support, resources, and training. 

Rhen's faith also plays an important role in his life and work. As a deeply religious and faithful individual, he finds strength in prayer and gratitude. 


A Vision for the Future: Goals of a Young Entrepreneur
Rhen's long-term goals as a young entrepreneur are clear: promote sustainable agriculture, empower local farmers, and inspire the next generation of agricultural advocates. He envisions a world in which agriculture is viewed as a respected profession that benefits communities. 

Rhen is also passionate about using modern, eco-friendly farming techniques to reduce environmental impact. By encouraging sustainable practices, he hopes to ensure that future generations can continue to cultivate and care for the land. 

His role with The Project Eight Initiative allows him to share his passion on a larger scale, advocating for agricultural policies and programs that benefit both farmers and the environment. Through his involvement with the initiative, he has discovered a way to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his desire to help others.


Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on his journey, Rhen is both grateful and proud of how far he’s come. 

Rhen remains committed to his mission of making a long-term impact in the world of agriculture. His journey from dreamer to doer exemplifies the power of resilience and purpose. Rhen Dimaano believes that the soil is more than just a place to plant crops; it is also where dreams are sown, cultivated, and harvested to create something beautiful.


Final Words of Wisdom
To those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, Rhen offers simple yet profound advice: 

Rhen’s story is one of dedication, faith, and a vision for a better future—a future he’s determined to build, one harvest at a time.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Jollibee Group Foundation Boosts Farmers’ Competency on Agri-Technology

“The Agri-Tech Facilitator Program enables JGF to further support the growth of our farmers. By fostering collaboration and encouraging openness to innovative changes, we hope our farmers could thrive better as agro-entrepreneurs and continue to achieve sustainability and success in the long-term.” ~Gisela Tiongson, JGF President
Over 18 participants from different FEP farmer groups and local implementing partners gathered to learn about agri-extension approaches and methods at the pioneering Agri-Tech Facilitator Training Program of the Jollibee Group Foundation.


The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), Jollibee Group's social development arm, successfully completed the first batch of Agri-Tech Facilitator (ATF) Program trainings from October 14 to 16 in Pasig City. This training covered the first of three modules for the program, which is part of JGF's initiative to train smallholder farmers to be agri-tech facilitators who will identify, test, and promote innovations that will increase productivity, profit, and sustainability in their agro-enterprises.

The ATF Program is part of the continuous capacity-building training provided by JGF to the farmer groups and local implementing partners of its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP). The first batch of ATF participants were representatives from Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI), ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program (AGAP), Ayat ti Pasuquin Farmers and Irrigators Association, Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, Onion and Vegetables Producers Cooperative, Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative, Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, Tucop Farmers Association, and Ungab Farmers Association.

For Jude Tria, Board of Director of the Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, one of FEP’s local implementing partners, who is also an ATF Farmer Adviser, the entire module would also be beneficial in building their confidence and establishing their quality as FEP farmers.

“Naniniwala ako na ang programa ng ATF ay magkakaroon ng magandang epekto sa mga magsasaka dahil ang agritech ay hindi lamang pamilyar sa mga magsasaka kundi nakatutok din sa bawat isa sa kanila. Dahil napaka-accessible rin nila, hindi na magdadalawang isip ang mga magsasaka tungkol sa pagkonsulta sa kanila, at sa akin, ito ay magreresulta sa na ang programa ay maging isang milestone, isa pang trademark ng FEP, (I believe that the ATF program would have a good impact on the farmers because the agritech is not only familiar with the farmers but is also focused on each one of them. Since they are also very accessible, the farmers won't have second thoughts about consulting them, and to me, this would eventually result in the program becoming a milestone, another trademark of FEP).” ~Jude Tria, Board of Director of the Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative

JGF, through FEP, offers smallholder farmers training and resources to help them improve their leadership and technical skills, allowing them to supply quality vegetables to institutional markets such as the Jollibee Group. To date, 19 FEP farmer groups have consistently delivered their crops to the Company. 


The ATF participants engaged in activities and workshops to build on their outputs and allow them to have a meaningful learning experience.


Farming Innovations
Following completion of the first module, participants will move on to the next two modules, which will be held in 2025. Attendees' practicum participation is a component of the two other modules.

The next training session will be held in January 2025, and will be led by Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.
According to Jefrey Velasquez, Cluster Leader of the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative Association, the ATF program improves farmers' competency. As a leader, he learned how to communicate effectively, which he believes is essential for developing relationships with his fellow farmers. 

“Mahalaga po itong training na ito dahil dito po nagmumula ang mga bagong kaalaman sa teknolohiya, at iba pa pong kasanayan, na siya ko rin pong ituturo sa aking mga kapwa magsasaka.” (This training is important because it gives us new knowledge on technology, as well as other practices, which I will also be able to teach and share with my fellow farmers) ~Jefrey Velasquez, Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative Association Cluster Leader

Meanwhile, Larena Nicolas, President of the Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, appreciates how the training encourages leaders like her to help their fellow farmers succeed. 

“Kailangan ko pong maituro sa aming members ang kahalagahan ng ganitong trainings upang ma-adopt din po nila ‘yong practices at patuloy na makapag supply sa mga institutional market. Importante po talaga na magpaliwanag sa mga farmer at pakinggan ang needs nila,” (I need to teach our members the importance of such trainings so they can also adopt the practices and be able to continuously supply to institutional markets. It is important that we get to discuss with them and listen to their needs) ~Larena Nicolas, President of the Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation

JGF is looking forward to seeing how the new Agri-Tech Facilitators will implement these agri-extension approaches and methods in their own farming communities, further uplifting the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the country. 















About Jollibee Group 
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), also known as the Jollibee Group, is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, with a mission to deliver great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating through its 19 brands with over 9,500 stores across 32 countries. 
 
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger), four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in China), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology. 
 
Through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), the Jollibee Group holds a 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan (THW) brand. It has a joint venture with the THW Group to expand THW in China. It also established a joint venture company that holds the franchise rights to operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. The Company also holds a 90% stake in Titan Dining Partners II Ltd for growing Asia-Pacific food service brands. 
 
The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
 
The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes' World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
 
To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Acer Philippines celebrates the Holiday Season with New Products and Promotions

“All these activities and promos are Acer’s gifts to our valued customers who continue to make us the top consumer and gaming notebook brand in the Philippines.” ~Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines


A new song collaboration between SB19 and G22, a holiday promotion, and a beauty launch from Acer Philippines brighten the season.





There's so much to celebrate this holiday season with Acer Philippines! Acer is spreading joy with a song featuring Acer ambassadors SB19 and G22, a fantastic promotion with discounts and free fits, and the introduction of a new product line that promises to give you beautiful hair. All of this good news was celebrated at the #AcerAtingPasko event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.


Sing along to #AcerAtingPasko by SB19 and G22








From Acer to the Acer family comes "Ating Pasko," a heartfelt song performed by Acer ambassadors SB19 and G22. The music video, which was shot in Taiwan during SB19 and G22's visit to Acer headquarters, captures the spirit of gratitude and togetherness around the holidays. Brenan C. Espartinez and Paolo Miguel O. Rañeses collaborated on the song composition and production. Watch the music video here.


Spread the holiday cheer with the #AcerMaligayangPasko promo



With the purchase of a qualifying Acer or Predator laptop, you can save up to Php5,000 and receive up to Php10,000 in appliance center e-gifts. Customers must register their purchased product warranty within one week of purchase by going to https://warranty.acer.com.ph. Following completion of the registration requirements, Acer will validate the customer's credentials within five business days. After successful validation, a warranty registration certificate will be emailed to the customer's provided email address.




If the registered product qualifies for the promotion, an e-gift will be delivered to the customer's provided email address and mobile number within five (5) days of warranty registration. The e-gift can be redeemed at any SM Appliance or Abenson Appliance location nationwide.


Have a sparkling holiday season with Acerpure Beauty

Finally, Acerpure launches its much-awaited hair drying and styling tools!









The Acerpure Beauty HD1 is an ionic hair dryer that features 22 million anion technology to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair. It features a one-of-a-kind ProDry Nozzle that distributes heat evenly, allowing your hair to dry quickly while preventing damage.  It also has a five-minute ultra-quick dry function, which is ideal for busy days.









The Acerpure Beauty HD2 is a 2-in-1 ionic hair dryer and styler that includes 7 styler attachments for flexible hair styling. It has a high-speed brushless DC motor, 2.200 million anion technology, and a 3-minute ultra-quick dry function. It also includes a hair care AI mode, a smart cleaning function, and a portable, ultra-lightweight design.

“We are very excited to bring Acerpure Beauty to the Philippines. Like other Acerpure products, these will help make people’s lives easier.” ~Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines
Princess Laosantos - Senior Marketing Manager, Acer Philippines


The Acerpure Sparkling Holiday Promo is currently offering special prices on Acerpure Beauty products. The Hair Dryer is priced at Php1,299 from Php1,999, and the Hair Styler at Php4,999 from Php5,999. Only purchases from Acerpure Authorized Resellers, Acer Concept Stores, and Acer Philippines Online Stores are eligible for the promotion. The promotion lasts until December 31, 2024.


Philippine Madrigal Singers

Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines Managing Director; Stanley Kao, Acerpure President; Princess Laosantos, Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager

Anthony Gerard Gob - Head - Product Mangement Team - Consumer and Gaming Products, Acer Philippines



For more information about the Acer, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or visit www.acer.com.


















About Acer 
Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world's top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer's 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.

From gridlock to green light: How can AI transform Philippines’ traffic

Written by Raul III "Cricket" Santiago, Managing Director, Fujitsu Philippines


Manila's traffic congestion is amongst the world's worst, significantly impacting the city's economy and the quality of life for Filipinos. In 2023, it held the unenviable title of the world's most congested metro area according to the TomTom Traffic Index.

The daily struggle is a constant reality, requiring innovative solutions.


Driving change with new technology for road traffic in the Philippines
The Philippine government officially launched the Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) in 2017 as part of its commitment to improving road safety and addressing the country's high rates of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. It provides a framework for the Philippine government to implement a variety of road safety strategies. 

How can artificial intelligence (AI) help the government achieve its goals?


Here are three possible ways how AI can help the Philippines move towards a more efficient, responsive, and safer transportation system:
 
1. Intelligent traffic surveillance: Seeing beyond the gridlock

Current methods of monitoring traffic rely heavily on manual observation and often miss crucial details.

Vision AI uses machine learning to accurately count and classify vehicles, providing a real-time comprehensive picture of traffic flow. The data-driven insights will allow for proactive interventions to prevent accidents and reduce congestion. 

For example, a city like Montreal, once struggled with severe congestion, particularly around its port, drastically improved its traffic flow using Fujitsu's AI-enabled data analysis platform to optimize the management of 2,500 traffic lights. This solution allows the city to make data-driven decisions that improve traffic flow, reduce fuel consumption, and lower air pollution. This is a success story that demonstrates Vision AI's potential for addressing Manila's traffic challenges.


2. Rapid incident response: Seconds that save lives 

In a traffic emergency, prompt action is critical. Traditional methods frequently react too slowly, resulting in escalating incidents and widespread gridlock. 

AI-powered systems can detect road incidents - such as accidents, stalled vehicles, or unusual pedestrian behavior - and notify traffic operators immediately. This will dramatically improve response times, allow for quicker intervention, reduce disruption, and potentially save lives. 

Japan's highway system provides a compelling example of how AI can help contribute directly to the government’s objective of safer roads. Fujitsu's AI-powered traffic management system has significantly improved highway safety, particularly during inclement weather, by providing real-time data that enables proactive accident prevention.


3. Advanced traffic forecasting: Seeing beyond the obvious

Traditional systems frequently struggle to analyze complex traffic conditions in real time, especially in areas with low visibility. 

AI's advanced modeling abilities can overcome these constraints. By analyzing historical data and real-time feeds, AI can identify potential bottlenecks and congestion hotspots, allowing for proactive changes to traffic signals and infrastructure planning. 

Fujitsu and Carnegie Mellon University's collaboration on AI-powered social digital twin technology in Pittsburgh, USA, demonstrates this potential. The system captures highly detailed real-time traffic images, identifying potential hazards even in blind spots, leading to a significant reduction in accidents in Pittsburgh.

We believe that an AI-powered traffic management requires a three-pronged approach

To fully realize AI's potential, a robust data collection system, a scalable cloud infrastructure, and a real-time alert system are required. This strategic approach will enable organizations to make data-driven decisions immediately.
  • Robust data collection: Deploying a strategically planned network of high-resolution cameras and sensors across key areas in the Philippines will lay the groundwork for AI-driven insights.
  • Scalable cloud architecture: A robust and scalable cloud infrastructure will be implemented to efficiently process the sensor network's massive amount of data. This architecture ensures that system capacity keeps up with future growth and technological advancements.
  • Real-time actionable response systems: Seamless integration of AI-driven insights with existing and future traffic management systems will enable real-time, adaptive responses, optimizing traffic flow and enhancing safety.

With these components in place, decision makers can leverage the power of AI to transform the country's approach to traffic safety. This will contribute to a more efficient, safer, and responsive transportation system, achieving the goals of the government's Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) and improving the lives of all Filipinos.

Sunday, December 1, 2024

In a rush for the holidays? This is a last-minute Christmas gift recommendation for you and your family



This is the most wonderful time of the year! The festive spirit has completely taken over, with bright decorations everywhere. Most people view the holidays as a time for togetherness and celebration, with many hoping to make the most of them. They may have started planning their gifts in September, but most people wait until the last minute when the most popular items go on sale. The last-minute shopping frenzy heightens the excitement of the holidays, and the heartfelt preparations outweigh any hiccups that may arise during the season.

If you, like most people, are still working on your gift list, you're in luck: we've compiled a list of ideas for what to give your special someone this Christmas. The more, the merrier, right?


 

For the Passionate Ones Who Feel the Beat Within
We have children taking dance or voice classes after school, as well as adults who want to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. They enter a state in which their heart rate increases dramatically. These go-getters require something that will keep them creative for long periods of time. That is why you will frequently see people wearing headphones or earphones to listen to their favorite music or to find inspiration from podcasts. This gadget will be an excellent choice as these individuals take on the world.

Our recommendation: The 1000XM5 headphones and earbuds will do the trick, providing high-quality sound while remaining comfortable. Sony's industry-leading noise-cancelling headphones also feature adaptive sound control. Productivity is guaranteed with up to 24 hours of battery life for the earbuds and 30 hours for the headphones. For a limited time, these are now priced at Php 17,999 and Php 15,999, making them ideal for gifts!

Want more options? Check this out: The WF-C510 earbuds feature a compact design for all-day sound. It is currently priced at Php 3,299 for the delightful December season.


One for All, All for One: The ULTimate Year-End Gift 
We all look forward to holiday parties because, as you know, parties in the Philippines are simply more fun! Before you know it, your calendar will be filled with party reservations rather than work meetings. Isn't this the best feeling? These gatherings are occasions for storytelling and laughter. A powerful speaker is a must-have for any party, regardless of the situation.





Our recommendation: There are several speakers available that also include lights for your party needs. They do not, however, have a dedicated wireless microphone. The ULT Tower 10 includes everything you need for a one-of-a-kind Filipino party. It can function as a makeshift amplifier for your guitar, complete with user-friendly speaker controls. It comes with wheels for easy mobility and is a must-have for any occasion.





Too on the nose? Don't worry, they have a compact wireless ULT Field 1 speaker that works just as well, so make sure to visit Sony and other authorized dealers in time for holiday promotions.




An Eye-catching Treat For Moms (and even Dads)
It's time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and (finally) spend time with loved ones at home. While most of us are focused on work or school, our mothers face challenges at home that we often overlook, such as caring for the family and managing the household. As a small but satisfying treat, they catch up on their favorite shows or movies. Even dads enjoy sitting back and laughing at comedy shows. In an age when screens come in all shapes and sizes, TVs continue to be a household staple; they represent family togetherness and relaxation. A multi-functional TV can also help make holiday gatherings more meaningful and cozy.




Our recommendation: Choose Smart Mini LED or OLED TVs, such as the Sony BRAVIA 7 Mini LED TV and BRAVIA 8 OLED TV, as these technologies offer the best solutions. The brightness of the 7 Mini LED TV is unparalleled, and the OLED 8 provides a more realistic black balance when watching movies. The BRAVIA 7 provides more size options, with a starting net price of Php 156,999. Meanwhile, the BRAVIA 8's quality and sleek design deliver the best cinematic experience, starting at Php 131,299. Both large screens provide an excellent viewing experience and will be available for purchase in time for Christmas.




A bonus: Complete your home entertainment set-up with the BRAVIA Theatre Quad for Php 144,449.




And Snap! Take a Shot of Life’s Priceless Moments
Christmas is so beautiful and enchanting that it instills a pleasant warmth in your surroundings. We all have unique experiences, but we all want to capture these moments in digital form as they occur. We feel more compelled than ever to capture these moments on camera, whether we're toasting champagne with loved ones or singing along to chorus songs.

Smartphones have made it easier to capture memories, but a camera offers better quality for more complex moments. Giving cameras as gifts is exciting because it allows us to see how others value the moments through their eyes. Its emotions remain raw and powerful in every snap.




Our recommendation: You might consider gifting a camera that is as versatile as its future owner, so the Sony A7C II mirrorless camera is an excellent choice that produces professional-quality photos. It can also record 4K videos without the heavy weight of a professional camera, which can be confusing for new camera users. This works perfectly with the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G and FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lenses. The latest ZV E10 II vlogging camera is also a good option, thanks to its flip-out screen that can record in portrait or landscape mode. It's a useful tool for people who enjoy creating content on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Bonus gear recommendations: Consider gifting a gear boost with an ECM-M1 Shotgun Microphone or an ECM-S1 Streaming Microphone, which is fit for closed spaces like singing or content shooting.

With all of these suggestions, keep in mind that finding the ideal gift is all about combining thoughtfulness and usefulness. Some of these gadgets may be more about style than functionality, but they're still great holiday gifts. So this Christmas, we hope you rekindle the joy and spirit of giving priceless gifts. At the end of the day, the best gifts are given with love and sincerity, making this season truly memorable.


















About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the vision of "continuing to deliver Kando and Anshin(*) to people and society across the world through the pursuit of technology and new challenges," Sony Corporation supports the Sony Group with technology to create the entertainment of the future together with creators. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

*Both Japanese words, Kando means emotion and Anshin has various meanings such as peace of mind, reassurance, reliability, and trust.