Ivana Alawi on loving the 100W fast charging and living freely with the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G

“I do everything on my phone, as in! I have meetings on my phone and read comments on my posts. I also watch a lot of other creators’ content and my own TV shows. Kaya sobrang ganda ng Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G because I can do all of this. Gusto ko talaga yung fast charging. I always shoot videos and take photos on my phone, kaya lagi akong lowbatt. With the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, I can use it kahit naka-charge sya kasi meron din syang MagCase and MagPad. I’m so happy that I was able to try the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G and I loved it. It’s very affordable and has really high specs, so I recommend this to anyone who relies on their phone for their everyday tasks.” ~Ivana Alawi

YouTube vlogger and actress Ivana Alawi has everything on her phone. Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G’s fast charging lets her live freely and worry-free.

Ivana Alawi is not shy about sharing her life online. The 27-year-old beauty is one of the Philippines' most popular YouTube vloggers, with over 17 million subscribers and counting. She is also active on Instagram, where she shares snippets of her personal and professional life with her 10 million followers.

Despite her hectic schedule of creating content and filming TV shows like Batang Quiapo, Ivana manages to live freely. It's all thanks to her dependable phone, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G.

The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro Series, with its groundbreaking 100W All-Round Fast Charge 2.0 and 20W Wireless Charge, is intended to power users' lifestyles. These features are ideal for Ivana, the newest Infinix brand ambassador, as they allow her to quickly charge her phone when the battery runs low. With Hyper Mode, she can charge up to 50% in just 8 minutes.

With 100W Fast Charge + 20W Wireless Charge, Ivana is able to charge the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G at rapid speeds to watch content, take selfies, and more.

Vlogger-approved

Aside from its quick charging capabilities, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is ideal for streaming and creating content. Ivana says the clear 108MP main camera and 32MP front camera are "really handy for my selfies and vlogs." The phone's 3D-Curved 120Hz AMOLED Display Corning® Gorilla® Glass also makes it easier to check her shots and watch content in high-resolution 1080p quality.

The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is powered by a Dimensity 7020 5G Chipset processor and up to 24GB Extended RAM to ensure a smooth performance. Its stylish colorways, Vintage Green and Obsidian Black, make it a great accessory for OOTD photos.

Ivana is overjoyed and grateful to have discovered a smartphone that can keep up with her hectic schedule and allows her to live her life without worrying about running out of battery. So much so that her entire family now uses Infinix.

She adds that it’s also great for travelers like her because they can be fully charged while touring for hours.

Starting April 25, 2024, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is available for only P13,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and Infinix kiosks while the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro 4G is exclusively available on Shopee for only P10,999.
 
Infinix fans can also avail of special promo prices on the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro Series’ launch day. The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G will be priced at P11,499 (from P13,999) via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. While the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro 4G will be a Shopee-exclusive, retailing for P8,799 (from P10,999). First 100 buyers can get an S1 smartwatch or XE23 Earphones for free. (Limited stocks only)
 
For more information and promo updates, make sure to follow Infinix Philippines’ Facebook page and Facebook Community.

LCF gears up for technology-focused CSR Conference and Expo 2024

"The League's stand is that technological innovations can be properly harnessed, such that their ill effects upon society can be mitigated; and that technology offers an abiding opportunity for corporate collaboration, whether between corporates or with other sectors, to achieve monumental and lasting impact upon societal challenges both new and old." ~Shem Jose W. Garcia, LCF Vice-Chair and Executive Director, Vivant Foundation, Inc.

To help corporates bring about an Inclusive Future through harnessing CSR and ESG.

The much-anticipated annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) event in the country, the 2023 CSR Expo, which is organized by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). This year's CSR Expo, themed "Reimagining a New and Inclusive Future," will focus on technology, Al, and digitalization, as well as how corporates can use CSR and ESG principles to make these technologies truly inclusive. This event intends to assist corporations in ensuring that the beneficial effects of technology exceed the negative ones, thereby benefiting the 51% of Filipinos who live in poverty.

In the face of rapid technological advancements and innovations, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) has embarked on a mission to assist corporations harnessing the vast potential of technology for societal benefit through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. LCF is preparing for the widely anticipated annual event, the 2024 CSR Conference and Expo, which will be held on July 3-4 at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.

The LCF CSR Expo will also allow corporations to learn about and discuss how Al and other revolutionary technologies can help with societal and national development, particularly in areas such as health services, resilience, livelihood, education, financial and cultural diversity, and inclusivity.

"The 2024 Conference will imagine a future where people and communities can harness the power of technology, Al, and the digital space, including the careful implementation of Al and other new technologies to form a truly new and inclusive future if aligned with CSR and ESG principles at the outset." ~Sebastian C. Quiniones, LCF Chair and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.

Sebastian C. Quiniones, LCF Chair and Executive Director, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.

A venue for cross-sectoral collaboration

The 2024 CSR Expo expects to bring together over 200 participants, including corporates, actors in social development space, and technology firms that will co-create solutions aimed at achieving meaningful and collective impact.

Outstanding CSR initiatives

LCF is also set to announce the winners of the 2024 Guild Awards on the evening of July 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. The awards program upholds exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members.

For the first time, the League will present the CSR Medal of Recognition to non-members to recognize their contributions to their communities. The Medal of Recognition honors the interventional efforts of non-members such as Chambers of Commerce,  Jaycees, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Top 1000 businesses, among others. This special award will highlight firms' contributions in seven theme areas: arts and culture, disaster resilience, education, the environment, enterprise development, financial inclusion, and healthcare.

The 2024 CSR Expo will also have a concurrent exhibit at the Glorietta Activity Center on July 4 to 5, highlighting exemplary CSR initiatives undertaken by LCF members and non-members alike. At least 50 exhibitors are to participate in the exhibit. The Medal of Recognition Awarding Ceremony will also be held at the conclusion of the exhibit.

Established in 1991, LCF is a network of operating and grant-making corporate and family foundations and corporations in the Philippines. The League has continued to be at the forefront of promoting and enhancing CSR practice among its members and the larger business community in the country. Visit the LCF homepage at lcf.org.ph and the 2024 Conference and Expo microsite at bit.ly/2024CSRExpo.

Watsons' Blue Beauty Range Fights Ocean Plastic Waste with Natural Ingredients and Powerful Results

“Ocean-bound plastics have far-reaching impacts, not only on the ocean but also on our habitat. To raise awareness of ocean-bound plastic, Watsons has launched Naturals by Watsons’ Special Edition Blue Beauty range. It features bottles made of 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic, representing an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability. The new range encourages our customers to join us in protecting the ocean and marine life, inspiring them to love their skin while loving the planet. Every decision, no matter how big or small, plays a vital role in protecting our planet. That's why we’ve expanded the number of Sustainable Choices products we offer to 9,700, ranging from skincare, hair care, to personal care products, making sustainable living more accessible. By embracing sustainable choices in our everyday lives, we empower our customers to Look Good, Do Good, and Feel Great with us.” ~Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson

Watsons Fights Against Ocean Plastic Waste Through Naturals by Watsons’ Blue Beauty Range

In honor of Earth Day, Watsons, AS Watson Group's flagship health and beauty brand, is pleased to launch Naturals by Watsons' Special Edition Blue Beauty range in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan, with plans to expand to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines soon.  

Every year, 14 million tons of plastic enter the ocean, equivalent to the weight of over 140,000 blue whales. By 2050, the weight of plastics in the ocean is expected to exceed that of fish, with ocean-bound plastic being a major contributor. Ocean-bound plastic is defined as abandoned plastic waste located within 50 kilometers of shores where waste management is either nonexistent or inefficient. These impacts affect at least 700 marine.

Naturals by Watsons' Special Edition Blue Beauty collection includes shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. Each product contains over 94% natural ingredients, and every bottle is made from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. Customers who choose the new range can actively contribute to the fight against plastic waste in our oceans while also enjoying high-quality, sustainable personal care products. This range is part of Watsons' efforts to support the AS Watson Group's commitment to reducing the overall impact of plastics used in its exclusive brand packaging.

Naturals by Watsons' Special Edition Blue Beauty is set to debut in Watsons stores across the Philippines in mid-May, offering a clean beauty line free of 20 unwanted ingredients. Each product contains a formulation enriched with certified organic Algae sourced from Portugal, which delivers powerful results through natural ingredients that provide deep hydration.

Customers who choose the Naturals by Watsons Special Edition Blue Beauty range are actively contributing to the fight against plastic waste in our oceans while also indulging in high-quality and sustainable personal care products.

About Watsons: 

Watsons is the leading O+O (Offline plus Online) health and beauty retailer in Asia, currently operating 8,000 stores and more than 1,500 pharmacies in 15 Asian, European, and Middle-East markets. 

Watsons is named as the No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia*, providing personalized advice and counseling in health, beauty and personal care on top of its market-leading product range, making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT every day. Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group. 

About Watsons Philippines:

Watsons is the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health & beauty retailer. Today, Watsons is the leading health and beauty brand with successful operations in 15 markets. 

In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines; leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas). Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 100,000 customers daily. 

Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

Farming futures

Jayson and Juanito proudly showcase a selection of produce at the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market.

While modern agricultural techniques increase yields for some, there are still many Filipino farmers who struggle to keep up. These seasoned workers find themselves falling behind in a market that demands higher output, clinging to familiar but often inefficient methods passed down through generations.

Jayson Garcia, a farmer from Pampanga, attempted to challenge this dominant narrative in his family. He knew he needed to chart a new course for his farm and innovate in order to remain competitive in today's rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad.” ~Jayson Garcia, One farmer from Pampanga

Garcia needed a breakthrough to revitalize his farming techniques, and the SM Foundation's high-value crop cultivation training program provided it. These included selecting and caring for the best seeds, as well as developing strategic planting plans.

Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.

The livelihood program also enabled him to discover new sales channels that increased his earning potential while offering fair prices to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained enabled him to expand his farm, bringing his monthly income to more than Php25,000.

Aside from selling his harvests directly, he is now growing a variety of vegetables on his farm, such as lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao, and selling them online to small businesses that process the produce into other products.

Embracing new techniques

Juanito Dela Cruz, another KSK farmer from Pampanga, shares the same story of hope. Despite his age, he actively pursued and embraced modern farming methods. Building on his current success, he emphasized the importance of adaptability for farmers, encouraging others to experiment and explore new practices.

Juanito's earnings increased from a modest monthly income of Php10,000 to around Php30,000 weekly, owing primarily to his participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark.

“Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK.” ~Juanito Dela Cruz, KSK farmer from Pampanga

The SM Group's KSK program has impacted the lives of approximately 30,000 Filipino farmers, including Jayson and Juanito. Farmers who had previously lost hope have been able to embrace modern farming techniques thanks to its initiatives, resulting in adaptability in the face of an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

The SM Group, through the SM Foundation, remains committed to promoting social good. This commitment extends to SM's upcoming endeavors, which will be led by its future smart city property development, with a focus on increasing positive social impact in the communities where it operates.

Pasay's urban planning concept city will rise in just 15 minutes

An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.

In just fifteen minutes, you can accomplish a lot of worthwhile tasks, like meditate, clear your email, jog a 1.5-kilometer route, perform high-intensity interval training (HITT), read the news, and make a smoothie.

However, 15 minutes is hardly enough time for a commuter in Metro Manila to get from point A to point B. You have probably not moved an inch in this time, especially during rush hour.

Have you heard of the 15-minute city? It's a modern urban planning concept that prioritizes people and the environment. The term was coined by Paris-based urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno, who stated that the ideal neighborhood or city is built in such a way that work, food, housing, education, and cultural activities are all easily accessible within 15 minutes, whether by foot or bike.

An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay

This ensures lower transportation costs, lower carbon emissions, and, most importantly, healthier and happier people. No more long and tiring lines at the EDSA bus carousel, or sitting for hours in the middle of EDSA traffic.

The project has been thoughtfully planned and designed for many years, and the government has finally given it the green light to proceed. Indeed, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda emphasized how the Pasay-led project is expected to generate billions in real estate assets for the government.

Revenues from the project will have a massive multiplier effect on our GDP and create an estimated 300,000 new jobs between 2027 and 2040. By 2035, it is expected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region's (NCR) total workforce.

The Pasay 360 Project aims to create a city that nurtures lives and livelihoods while also revitalizing the economy and grooming the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we approach the twenty-second century.

Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps pose a threat to their enjoyment.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

Better, larger, and more competitive concert venues have benefited economies, particularly in light of the significant and widespread impact of well-known international acts on consumer behavior and spending, such as Coldplay's World Tour and pop sensation Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

The success of these concerts attracted tens of thousands of 'Swifties' and concertgoers, and it stimulated the global economy, especially that of Southeast Asian nations like Singapore and Japan. While some Filipino fans traveled to Sydney's Accor Stadium and Tokyo Dome in Australia, others had to spend a lot of money and travel far to see the superstar Swift perform exclusively at Singapore's National Stadium. The massive concert gigs greatly benefited the entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transportation industries, as well as the economies of the respective countries.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public

transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience

Singapore's pride, the National Stadium, boasts innovative features such as the world's largest free-spanning dome, a retractable roof, and comfort cooling technology for spectator comfort. Its innovation, strategic location, and efficiency create positive and immersive experiences for enthusiasts and concertgoers, attracting entertainment acts from all over the world. Filipino concertgoers hope to see a similar concert venue and experience replicated in their country.

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

Accessing the venue's amenities and facilities should provide a premium music experience for concertgoers or convenience during a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of  Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

For example, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, a flexible indoor arena developed in 2012 by leading integrated property developer SM Prime, has been a popular venue for a variety of events and provides a one-of-a-kind concert experience. With a full house seating capacity of 20,000, it has hosted thrilling sporting events, spectacular OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances.

The SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City is a large outdoor venue that can host at least 50,000 people. Recent performances include Ed Sheeran's Mathematics Tour and Rivermaya The Reunion.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of SM Prime's most forward-thinking plans is its 360-hectare smart city development, which is intended to serve as a focal point for the country's entertainment and sporting events - larger in capacity and with improved venue infrastructure - attracting legendary icons from the entertainment scene and competing against Southeast Asia and the best in the world. It will include a stadium with a capacity of 70,000 and a concert arena connected to Central Park, one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. The expansive arena is intended to be the Philippines' largest concert venue, with world-class facilities and sustainable features comparable to other major concert venues around the world. Once that is built, Filipinos will not need to fly overseas because they can watch top-tier performances right from the comfort of their home country.

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

Without a doubt, Filipinos live and breathe entertainment shows. In fact, according to digital payments company Visa, Filipinos are the fourth highest concert spenders in Asia-Pacific, demonstrating our love of concerts. By investing in the creation of modern, smart, and accessible concert venues, Filipino concertgoers can continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the ease, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve. Beyond entertainment, well-curated, smart, and innovative concert venues can boost the Philippines' national and local economies, resulting in additional local spending in retail, tourism, and hospitality.

SM Prime launches a Unified Waste Management Program for a #SMWasteFreeFuture

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia's leading integrated property developers, is launching a unified waste management and segregation campaign in response to the world's growing waste crisis. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), humanity produces more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year, 45 percent of which is mismanaged. Without immediate action, municipal solid waste will double to nearly 4 billion tons per year by 2050. On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 30 to be International Day of Zero Waste.

The following year, UNEP launched the First International Day of Zero Waste to boost efforts to combat the global pollution crisis. Its goal is to encourage global action and raise awareness about zero waste. 

Strong foundations 

SM Prime's founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that "business growth and social development must go hand in hand." The company adheres to this principle and has developed a sustainability policy that includes the following commitments: resource conservation and efficiency, disaster resilience, climate advocacy, social integration, and transparency reporting. 

The SM Supermalls' Environmental Programs for Waste Management are based on these sustainability commitments. SM Supermalls' corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, has pioneered long-standing programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, as well as supported the annual International Coastal Clean Up and other national events.

Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In the hotel and tourism industry, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has led the way in reducing global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its Philippine properties. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature's Sustainable Diner Program, which aims to transform and assist the food service industry in reducing its environmental impact through resource efficiency, plastic refusal, and food waste management, as well as contributing to global food security in the future. 

The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.

To support these programs, SM Prime recently announced a waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) will implement a Japanese technique for reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and difficult-to-recycle packaging into an alternative fuel. 

No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

SM Prime's announcement of its vision for a #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company's strong commitment and sustainability stewardship by inviting its stakeholders to participate in activities that promote zero-waste awareness and a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to waste management.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as an economic growth catalyst, creating innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that improve the quality of life for millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon in integrated property development and moving forward to build sustainable cities of the future.