Before they reach the hands of users, Samsung Electronics puts its smartphones through rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand everyday wear-and-tear and meet the needs of users. To detail the strict testing process on its production line, Samsung has released a video of the processing and reliability testing of its Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 smartphones.
Check out the video link below and learn about how Samsung puts its foldable smartphones to the test.
It’s been over a year since the pandemic hit and organizations all over the world are still coping and learning how to function in the “new normal.” COVID-19 has changed the very way we work and commune, and companies have been forced to close or adapt to the ever-changing pressures and restrictions of this pandemic. But one visionary and digital innovator has successfully navigated these turbulent times by launching a groundbreaking e-learning platform for lawyers.
Atty. Peaches Martinez-Aranas of ACCESS MCLE successfully established the first-ever digital platform for legal practitioners who wish to comply with their Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE). “Even as early as 2017, way before the pandemic, we were devising ways to better cater to the needs of lawyers as far as MCLE is concerned. The future is digital, and we foresaw the need to bring MCLE online – making it more accessible and convenient for all lawyers across and even outside the country,” shares Atty. Aranas, who is also the Managing Partner of the boutique law firm, LMA Law.
Atty. Aranas is truly a visionary and a trailblazer, having paved the way for MCLE to be delivered online and on demand. Until ACCESS, this was but just an idea.
It was Atty. Aranas who conceptualized online MCLE in 2017, and together with her team, presented and defended this before the Supreme Court (SC) en banc in November 2019. “It was really through our efforts that MCLE online is now a reality. Before us, many talked of doing it but no one really pursued it with passion and excellence like we did. And though others have followed suit, we remain to be the country’s trusted leading online MCLE provider with courses that are designed to educate,” Atty. Aranas says proudly. “We don’t want lawyers to just comply with the mandatory requirement of the law, we want lawyers to actually learn. We want them to enjoy and draw real value from our courses.”
Having the concept approved and securing its accreditation from the SC was a meticulous and grueling process – especially as ACCESS was the first to present such a groundbreaking idea. “We meticulously curated the curriculum with Dean Ada Abad and the faculty of Adamson University’s College of Law. We partnered with esteemed legal luminaries to share their knowledge and impart their expertise through our online courses. We worked with a team of dedicated instructional designers who spent hundreds of man hours developing courses that will engage lawyers to absorb and retain knowledge. Finally, we collaborated with a young, creative agency and production house that specializes in developing learning modules to ensure top-quality courses.”
With every new release, ACCESS MCLE explores the creative expanse and power of online learning. “When we think of true online learning, it should be engaging and participative – and not just watching a lecture online in video format. This is not best practice. We want our learners to be glued to our courses. Thus, we have developed courses that are fully interactive with features that enhance learning.”
Some of these features include the follow-along transcribed lecture guides, interactive games and quizzes, and AI-assisted attendance checker.
Regarded as the new “netflix for lawyers,” ACCESS MCLE makes compliance easier as it offers lawyers utmost convenience. These courses are online and on demand. They can be taken anytime, anywhere, and can be watched from the comfort of your own homes and offices. Moreover, lawyers don’t waste time in traffic or lose precious billable hours.
Some of the legal luminaries who have lent their expertise and who are headlining some of the very courses on ACCESS MCLE are Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Associate Justice Cathy Manahan of the Court of Tax Appeals, retired Associate Justice Magdangal De Leon of the Court of Appeals, Deputy Commissioner for National Privacy Commission Atty. Leandro Aguirre, Chief of the Legal Division of the Bureau of Immigration Atty. Arvin Santos, and retired SEC Chairwoman Atty. Teresita Herbosa, among others. It’s definitely a power-packed network. “So lawyers can now learn from the best without having to leave their homes or fly to Manila just to hear their lectures,” says Atty. Aranas.
To date, ACCESS MCLE has a full course of 36 credit units with over 22 courses now live and available on its website – with 14 more coming this January and February 2021.
“We believe that Philippine lawyers deserve online courses that are global in content, design, and delivery. For us at ACCESS, this is not just a business; this is our legacy. We are committed to elevating online MCLE and uplifting the Philippine legal industry through education that is accessible, of high quality, and which is at par with the education in first world nations.”
Want to know what sets ACCESS MCLE courses apart? Watch one of its courses for FREE and get your FREE credit now! Register at www.accessonline.ph #ACCESSMCLE #MCLEOnline #netflixforlawyers #designedtoeducate
This should be the song of the year 2020, a song of this moment, narrated and sent to us through a song of praise by the group of people who was touched by God to be a guide and an inspiration of hope, trust and love to every one living in every continent of this world.
Considering the hardships , the fear of dying not only on acquiring a virus but also the real storms and calamities that is brought by nature.
Maybe God is just sending a message of his sovereignty despite the disasters, teaching us to be more vigilant with our physical and more so with our spiritual well beings.
A song that was created for someone who was going through a difficult time in life has now evolved into something that anyone who has been through tough times can relate to. Whenever we encounter problems or hardships, the tendency is to either fight or fly. This song however tells us to do the opposite: Be Still.
The Creation
The sound of each song is an expression of how unique God’s creativity flows through every individual. Some chords are unpredictable, some will surprise you, and the creators mostly used 7th & 9 chords in their music. Paired with the unique arrangements by Eric Pablo, this resulted in ensuring that every song is a different experience.
Creating this album for Maria has been a lifelong dream but as with anything worth doing, there were hardships and challenges, the main one being that of scheduling. In God’s perfect time, despite the fact that the creator, singers, and arranger live in different countries, things started to fall into place and in one day, the singers, the recording studio, the sound engineer and everyone’s schedule all matched.
The Singers
The singer for “Be Still” which is the song cover is Jenny Pagalilauan. Maria and Jenny used to be bandmates but lost track of each other and then reunited with the help of Facebook. Jenny was the perfect choice because she has a strong solid mature voice, especially when reaching high notes. She sings 3 more songs in the album: “Fullness of Joy,” “Wonderful Savior”, and “Lord of My Life”.
Faith Purificacion sings “Touch My Heart” which is a creation of Pastor Eric as well as “He Restores My Soul” which is a collaboration between Maria and her eldest daughter.
The only male singer in this album is Zaldy Reblora. He is from the music ministry of the church that Maria used to attend to and his voice is perfect for duets as well as “I Pray in Jesus’ Name” which is a song that was composed 20 years ago.
The Cover Song
“Be Still,” is very applicable in today’s predicament, and in any situation people may have. When we are stressed, when we have no peace, when we don’t know what to do, just be still, and seek God. He will give us peace that passes all understanding. Trust in Him because He cares for you. And even when we are happy, be still and meditate on the goodness of God in your life.
This is why the song was chosen. In this day and age where everyone is in a hurry to post, like, share, comment, and just get on with things, it is important to remember that we need to be still and stay still. This is the only way we can communicate with God and hear His message for us. Be still.
Listen to the song “Be Still” through SoundCloud, YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Music/iTunes, Spotify, and also on other digital stores worldwide.
To listen to the song, click the link here:
Pandemic doesn't stop Breast Cancer Awareness month to continue with its campaign on Boobwatch to educate every body to detect and battle the early symptoms and learn on how to cope up with it.
Though the approach has been on virtual and online live programs , It just give them more reason to be seen by everyone specially during this time where people is going online in every details of their works, classes, and even communication with love one's apart from their own homes and territories.
Avon’s activities for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month were a success. 2020’s campaign, BOOBwatch, was all about educating about the importance of early detection. With all the three fundraising events mounted online, Avon was able to reach more people and generate awareness at a grander scale.
Through this year’s efforts, Avon hopes to make a better world for all women, which is a better world for all. Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women, and this is why Avon makes it a point to keep their advocacy going. This year, the brand is thankful for being able to reach more people (14,069 in total) than ever by bringing the events online. Watch out for Avon Philippines’ purposeful projects, find out why millions of people around the world choose Avon. Visit Avon.ph and follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about ANEW Skin Reset Plumping Shots and other skincare products from Avon.
Don’t have an Avon Representative? Visit www.avon.ph or like and check out Avon Philippines on Facebook to find out how you can shop your favorite Avon products! # # # About Avon For over 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Millions of independent Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands such as Avon True Color and ANEW through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis.
Avon supports women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and wellbeing and has donated over $1billion to women’s causes through Avon and the Avon Foundation. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avonworldwide.com. Follow us! https://www.avon.ph/ph-home
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There are so many sad and unfortunate stories specially during the Covid 19 Pandemic crisis, not only in the Philippines not to mention worldwide. Almost all of the businesses are closed and cannot adopt with the changes. But not with the Dampa Express bossings , they are one of the only few businesses that stay strong and make the business flourished because of the determination and hard work they put in that makes them "Dampa King" Simon Lim and his partner Ron.
Dampa Express continues to live up to its name as your go-to place for affordable, fast, and convenient seafood a la carte treats even during and despite the pandemic!
“Our strength is that we’ve tried to do away with all the inconveniences and complications of most seafood restaurants,” owner Dampa King Simon Lim, Jr, explained. “We’ve dared to go against the trend of posh high-brow exclusivity.
“Our outlets are not fancy restaurants, so people feel welcome and comfortable, but they’re air-conditioned. And, we have an enclosed videoke room for small family gatherings, like birthdays and baptismal celebrations.”
Making Seafood Accessible to People
“Customers do not have to spend too much money on live seafood, worry about picking the right shellfish or getting the weight of crabs for your family, and wait a long time for your orders to be cooked.”
All customers need to do is visit one of their going on 30 branches, including those that are soon to open, and order from an exciting menu of family-sized seafood sets.
If they’re afraid to go out or travel—or are worried of catching COVID-19 in wet markets for fresh seafood to cook at home—they can simply dial Dampa Express’ hotline or message them for home deliveries!
“We want customers to feel comfortable. So, we advise them to make reservations if they plan to dine in on Fridays and Sundays because they might not find enough seats if they walk-in.”
However, note that Dampa Express meals are priced and prepared for families. It’s known as the original house of seafood bilaos. “We have no solo meals and we do not compete with fast food outlets. We aren’t a fancy restaurant but we’ve intentionally veered away with fast food value meals and rice toppings.”
Banking on Seafood Being Pandemic-Proof
“What we have are bilao [large women tray] sets that at P1,100 is more than a bargain for 3 to 4 people!” shared the Dampa King. “And you can upsize that to a killer bilao, our top of the line bestseller, except for sauce-based dishes.”
It’s interesting, however, that Dampa Express’s specialty, alimango sa bilao [crabs in large woven trays] was discovered by accident.
“A lawyer friend ordered crabs and for lack of a better packaging for the crabs, had it delivered in a large woven tray. He took a picture of the generous serving and posted it on social media.” The post generated a lot of likes and bombarded him with inquiries, “so we started using that packaging to represent our brand.”
Now, alimango sa bilao gets from 50 to 100 orders on an ordinary day to 200-250 orders on special occasions like Mother’s Day, on holidays and during the Christmas season December, ringing in a total of P300K at its peak!
“If you’re curious what makes our cooking tick, there’s really no secret to it. We just cook seafood the dampa [cottage] style, plus we don’t stock. What’s delivered today will be out by end of the day. So, everything is as fresh as they can get.”
“The only thing we don’t have readily available are lobsters but these can be pre-ordered,” reveals the Dampa King.
Rising Demand for Seafood Deliveries
“I thought I'd lose everything during the pandemic, but to my surprise sales grew exponentially with greater demand for deliveries,” confessed the Dampa King. “It turned out that seafood is pandemic proof!”
“We’ve survived with group service, offering a lot of variations—we have shrimp in eight variations, and banking on seasonal demands. In January, for instance, when people are dieting meat dishes are on a low, so our tuna sales go up!” he explained.
He acknowledges a great deal of this success on efficient and early deliveries, too. Just what the sensitive nature of seafood dishes need and for this, he says, “Grab is a real gamechanger!”
With only the Greenhills branch closing shop for reasons not related to the lockdown, the restaurant chain had to let go of 100 people overall given that branches had to temporarily suspend operations.
“I’m confident, however, that looking for new cooks and staff wouldn’t be hard because we offer more than the P160 per day and 1 free meal that other paluto [cooked to order] outlets give.”
Thus, Dampa Express continues to operate on 300 employees who receive the minimum wage plus all the government-mandated benefits they deserve as food service workers.
“Despite the ECQ resulting in only half of our staff coming in to work, we just held on to the motto that as long as there are orders and people want seafood, we don’t stop,” avers the Dampa King.
Expanding after A Surprising Demand
Dampa Express wasn’t a childhood dream or a dream that took to long on the planning table. In fact, it was just a business enterprise that a Gold’s Gym marketing consultant, who rose up the ranks to vice president, got interested in.
“I only wanted one restaurant for my wife, but fate had a different plan for me,” he remembers thinking along the lines of Gerry’s Grill or JT’s Manukan. They opened their first branch at Xavierville in Quezon City, before moving to a bigger location on Kamias Road, just a few hundred meters away.
“When we opened one branch, people really welcomed the idea that soon, everyone wanted a branch near their place—it was totally unexpected!” He nearly closed a deal with a Singapore-based restaurant operator before COVID-19 came.
“The demand keeps on growing so much so that one prospect even offered an exorbitant amount that was really hard to refuse just to buy the name, but I thought it’s too early for that. Another one from Dubai wanted to get the full rights to put up branches in the UAE, which I declined,” narrates the Dampa King.
Now, this phenomenal brainchild of Simon Lim, Jr, and his best friend Ronald Iledan, is going on 30 branches, of which 10 are provincial franchises and 10 are company-owned.
To date, Dampa Express serves around 2,000 customers daily in all their branches combined. “From the fruit of our labors, we’re able to open a private resort in Pampanga, with a giant crab image as tribute to our success: katas ng alimango [the fruit of selling crabs].”
Holding the Title of Dampa King
“We make the biggest order for crabs in this part of the world. At one time, our orders reached P10.5M worth of crabs!”
This unprecedented success as an innovative seafood restaurant that pioneered “affordability, accessibility, and accelerated service” in the Philippines has earned Simon Lim, Jr, the title of Dampa King.
“The irony here is, I don’t cook and neither do I eat crabs,” he admitted. “I’ve been called Mr Alimango, Mr Dampa, Crab King, or Dampa King because I’ve successfully brought Dampa Express to communities and expanded on the dampa concept.”
Dampa Express now boasts the biggest number of branches among any Philippine seafood restaurants, making it the biggest seafood chain in the Philippines. As a result, the seafood resto business is now a multi-million industry.
The Dampa King’s success goes beyond the marriage of luck and business acumen—a feat that the media has praised for achieving the perfect balance in maintaining a day job as a gym employee and growing a business—to his earnest desire to help his staff and acquaintances grow with the business and to always buy local.
“I make it a point to source everything we use and serve from fellow Filipinos. For instance, all our itlog na maalat [salted duck’s egg] and bilao are from Pampanga. We’re 100% Pinoy to give back to the community.”
He still buys all of his vegetables from the ambulant vegetable vendor peddling on their street. “He used to go about pushing a cart then when he started supplying all Dampa Express branches, he was able to buy a pedicab and now, he’s driving a car!”
Dampa Express is now accepting franchise and partnership applications nationwide and for overseas as well. For the full menu, reservation, delivery and more information, please call 0917 5311703 or +632 79441036 or visit @dampaexpress.official on Instagram and Dampa Express on Facebook.
 Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 grand winners and #StayStrong Champions Samantha Ashley Lo and Sam Ajdani In a landmark event hailed as a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic, Century Tuna Superbods 2020 named 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. 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. “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. |
