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Scotch, the world’s favourite whisky, will be celebrated across the globe on Thursday February 8th with a series of red carpet, star-studded events to mark International Scotch Day.
International Scotch Day is a celebration of everything that gives the world’s favourite whisky its unique character, flavour and personality – and invites adults everywhere to raise a glass of Scotch in celebration on the day. International Scotch Day is held during the week of the birthday of one of the world’s most influential Master Blenders – Alexander Walker, the son of John ‘Johnnie’ Walker who brought Scotch to the world.
This year’s celebrations will be bigger than ever, taking place in over 70 countries worldwide – and it started with a grand kick-off party at the Manila House Private Members Club’s in Manila last February 6, with Hollywood actor James Marsden and Global Scotch Whisky Ambassador Ervin Trykowski leading the festivities.
“Scotch has always been one of my favourite drinks and I’m excited to be in the Philippines to usher in International Scotch day celebrations with my fellow Scotch enthusiasts,” Marsden said.
“No other spirit can offer the same range of tastes, textures and flavours such as Scotch,” shares Trykowski. “Whether you already love Scotch or you just haven’t found the one for you yet, LoveScotch is all about exploring those tastes and finding the one that suits yours.”
To get guests started on their journey to finding their Scotch of choice, Trykowski hosted several tasting sessions to get guests acquainted with the smoky taste of Johnnie Walker Black Label, the sweet & honeyed taste of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, and the fruity taste of Singleton of Dufftown 12.
The versatility of Scotch also allows people to enjoy their drink any way they want it, and during the kick-off party, three of Manila’s best bars – Yes Please, 12/10, and The Curator – whipped up cocktails to prove that Scotch can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
LoveScotch is about getting the world talking, thinking and trying Scotch. On February 8 – and beyond, we invite everyone to join in, raise a glass and celebrate the world’s favourite whisky. People can participate by visiting their favourite bar and enjoying a Scotch with friends, or posting on social media using #lovescotch.
LoveScotch is extending the celebration this entire month of Feb with guest bartending shifts & bar takeovers, collaboration parties, and special offers in some of Manila’s top bars and retail stores – all to encourage everyone to discover & explore the different flavours of Scotch and find the one that suits their taste.
Share your Scotch discovery stories and get involved with the celebrations for International Scotch Day by using the hashtags #LoveScotch and #InternationalScotchDay. Don’t forget to check out the JohnnieWalkerPH page on Facebook for more details.
The LoveScotch campaign encourages those who choose to drink, to do so responsibly.

I recently got invited to an exhibit. As a photography enthusiast, I would like to see a collection that’s different from the usual subjects that I usually take pictures of. I am interested in taking shots of sceneries and people, I thought to myself that I would probably be adding architecture as my next subject the next time I hold my camera.

The gallery was opened yesterday, 8th of February and I attended with my colleagues in the blogging industry. Sure enough, the occasion was even more interesting upon the sighting of the doctor of the stars, Vicky Belo with her hubby Hayden Kho.

As part of SM’s Nationals Arts Month celebration this February, SM Supermalls invites everyone to Synthesis: an exhibit on Architectural Photography by Ar. Marc Henrich Go from February 28 to March 8 at The Upper Ground Atrium of SM Aura Premier.

Showcasing the harmony between two arts, Synthesis features both the talent of Marc Henrich Go, and the worksof renowned architecture and design firm Budji+Royal, underscoring the intuitive collaboration of creative minds.
A first-of-its-kind demonstration at SM Aura Premier, the evocative photos are set to indulge with meaningful spatial experiences of atmosphere and emotion through architectural photography.
A multi-awarded photographer, Ar. Marc Henrich Go is a talented lensman who has won numerous competitions and completed many international commissions. Specializing in architectural, travel, and commercial photography, his works have been featured in the covers and pages of major publications and magazines such as the Philippine Tatler, People Asia, Bluprint, and Cocoon.

He recently topped the January 2018 Architect Licensure Exam. Being both an architect and photographer, his approach is a fusion of both professions that enables him to capture the essence of architecture and design through his own extraordinary perspective.
Budji+Royal is design firm led by the visionary tandem of Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, who together conceived a Total Design approach where architecture, interior design, furniture, styling and landscaping are planned into an integrated whole, specifically for the unique needs of each project.
Our favorite creamy tuna filling in a crispy crust is the best partner for today’s hottest fitness activities
Jollibee, the Philippines’ number one fast-food brand, brings its customers exciting lifestyle activities partnered with the best on-the-go snack, Jollibee Tuna Pie.
Jollibee celebrates the first of summer by treating its fans to exclusive fun-filled indoor cycling classes. Indoor cycling, also called ‘spinning’ is one of today’s trendiest workout that utilizes high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a stationary bike. The free sessions start with a quick Cycling 101 and other important tips and tricks on the bike to help prep participants for the intense workout.
The perfect partner to this fun workout? Jollibee Tuna Pie, of course! With its cheesy, creamy tuna filing, in a crispy golden pie crust, Tuna Pie is definitely the best post-workout treat!
Jollibee opens its free indoor cycling sesions on March 9 and 16, 2018, together with several fitness and lifestyle influencers.
Everyone can expect more fun and exciting activities with Tuna Pie this season.
Available for dine in, delivery, drive thru or take-out transactions for only P45.00 (solo), Jollibee’s Tuna Pie can also be enjoyed with a regular drink for P59.00 with a drink and another meat-less favorite, the Jolly Crispy Fries for only P89.00! Trio packs for sharing-or hoarding are also available for P130.00. For more information on Jollibee’s products and latest promos, like the Jollibee Philippines Facebook page and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.
*Prices may vary across different locations
Today, digital technology is pushing people, businesses, and governments to rethink the way they work and operate. In the banking and financial industry, fintech companies are disrupting conventional methodologies and introducing innovative products to cater to mobile and connected customers that demand state-of-the-art digital services.
Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) is in the midst of a digital shift as it pursues a three-point plan. This aims to transform its operations with digital technology, put up a digital bank, and engage fintechs in catering to the local market.[1]
As part of its endeavours, UnionBank has partnered with Microsoft to conduct blockchain trials on Azure.
“Similar to our mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more, UnionBank is committed to making lives better and enriching the lives of Filipinos through greater financial inclusion. We stand together in the belief that financial service institutions need to ramp up digital transformation efforts to engage users and transform products,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director and Country General Manager of Microsoft Philippines.
Blockchain for greater financial inclusion
A recent BSP survey found that 86 percent of Filipino households remain unbanked.[2] Blockchain can push for greater financial inclusion by allowing financial institutions to provide accessible, useful, and affordable products and services that meet client needs. Whether it’s transactions, payments, savings, credit, or insurance, these can be delivered in a responsible and sustainable way via blockchain.
Arvie de Vera, Head of Fintech at UnionBank, said: “Blockchain technology will revolutionize financial services, and more so in a context like the Philippines where financial inclusion is such a challenge.”
Blockchain is transformational technology that brings down the cost to serve the mass market. At its core, it is a form of data structure used to create a digital transaction ledger that, instead of resting with a single provider, is shared among a distributed network of computers.[3] This promotes financial inclusion by:
Modernizing legacy banking infrastructures. With blockchain technologies, banks can increase efficiencies by addressing the settlement process across the board. Speeding payments, trading of all financial instruments, and automatically outputting regulatory information will massively disrupt the industry and shift labor into better customer service.
Securing transactions. Blockchain technology offers secure transactions through an encrypted ledger. This addresses cyber threats by establishing authenticity and tamper-proof record systems. The decentralization of the command systems in blockchains is critical to safeguarding cyber security.[4]
Azure – a secure blockchain platform
UnionBank is currently conducting and has had successful blockchain trials on Azure.
As an open, flexible, and scalable platform, Azure supports a rapidly growing number of distributed ledger technologies that address specific business and technical requirements for security, performance, and operational processes. Microsoft’s data and AI solution provides unique off-chain data-management and analysis capabilities not offered by others. The vast Microsoft partner ecosystem extends the capabilities of UnionBank’s platforms and services in unique ways that fit specific workload and industry needs.
Azure is secure and provides a rapid, low-cost, low-risk, and fail-fast system for organizations to collaborate on by enabling them to experiment with new business processes—all backed by a cloud platform with the largest compliance portfolio in the industry.[5]
“The Microsoft partnership has also been about sharing best practices and experiences. UnionBank is grateful to have the guidance of such a technology leader—one who has also undergone its own transformation,” de Vera said.
Revolutionizing PH banking
As a tech-savvy organization, UnionBank is embracing digital transformation through its strong culture of innovation and leadership. It is the first bank in the Philippines to pursue blockchain trials.
“It’s an exciting time. The arrival of blockchain in the Philippines is groundbreaking and can revolutionize the financial services industry and lead to greater financial inclusion in the country. As the first bank to pursue blockchain, UnionBank is making big strides in its digital transformation, and Microsoft is committed to helping them make Filipino lives better,” said Bayaborda.


NEW YORK, New York — February 9, 2018 — SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) and Badgley Mischka today announced that they will unveil the Badgley Mischka Runway mobile app by SAP, available exclusively on the iPhone and iPad, that will allow audience members at the designers’ February 13 New York Fashion Week (NYFW) fashion show to interact, in real time, with the collection as it debuts down the runway. Backed by SAP® technology, the Badgley Mischka Runway app will also provide a unique post-show experience for both on-site and virtual attendees.
The Badgley Mischka Runway app will feature exclusive details of each look in the Badgley Mischka Fall 2018 collection and each model’s name. Using the app’s “like” and “love” functions, show attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback for invaluable real-time data and analytics that Badgley Mischka will use for future design and production decisions. The app will be available for download in the App Store February 9. The app was built using SAP Cloud Platform SDK for iOS, which was developed by Apple and SAP. The app also uses the SAP Fiori® user experience and SAP Leonardo Internet of Things capabilities.
“Fashion is a fast-paced industry — not just during Fashion Week, but year-round,” said Mark Badgley, Badgley Mischka.“Through our work with SAP at New York Fashion Week, we are excited to be receiving real-time insights about our collection from industry insiders and consumers, which will ultimately help us bring these looks to market.” Following the Badgley Mischka show on February 13, SAP will host a Fashion Insider Panel, “Demystifying Digital: The Future of Fashion Is Now,” featuring Jennifer Morgan, Executive Board Member, Global Customer Operations, SAP, and Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Badgley Mischka designers, as well as supermodel and entrepreneur Coco Rocha. They will discuss how to best leverage the intersection of fashion and technology to more effectively reach the millennial consumer.
“How brands connect and engage directly with consumers creates the greatest opportunity for business in the 21stcentury,” said Morgan. “SAP is at the center of helping companies meet this challenge, and we’re thrilled to partner with an iconic brand like Badgley Mischka to showcase how our innovations are shaping the future of retail and connecting businesses, consumers and designers alike.” With these initiatives, SAP continues to bring in-demand innovation to the fashion and retail space, building upon it existing work with 20 of the top 20 global apparel and footwear retailers. SAP helps fashion decision-makers gain real-time visibility into inventories, optimize demand-supply matching and drive consistent customer interaction acroschannels and geographies on one common platform.
Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
About Badgley Mischka
Over the past thirty years, Badgley Mischka has flourished into a true lifestyle brand recognizable worldwide. To date, the Badgley Mischka brand includes multiple product categories such as Eveningwear, Day Dresses, Sportswear, Outerwear,Bridal, Swimwear, Footwear, Handbags, Eyewear, Timepieces and Jewelry. Mark Badgley and James Mischka’s timeless designs appeal to a wide range of fashionable women including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker and Carrie Underwood. Badgley
Mischka is sold in the most prestigious stores in the world including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods and Harvey Nichols in addition to the Badgley Mischka flagship boutique in Los Angeles.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 378,000 business and public sector customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
Are you always at work or busy with your day-to-day activities? We all need a helping hand at some point. When you arrive from work and and you’re so damn tired that you can’t move a muscle, don’t you wish you could just wave a magic wand and all those piles of laundry, leaky faucet, malfunctioning air-conditioner, and electrical problems solved?
There is such a thing as a magic wand. Introducing the Wanderhand app. Finally, one click is all you need to fix those worries away. It provides hassle-free services for your household needs ranging from electrical services,laundry,cleaning, plumbing, to air-conditioner repairs. This app got you covered with its affordable service rate at your convenient time. Before the internet, we used to browse the Yellow pages for household services. We let people in our homes without any knowledge if they are to be trusted and if their service is good. We also used to look at electrical posts for phone numbers of plumbers and helpers.
The soft launch of the Wanderhand app was done last 16th of February at Rhapsody Residences where we met the chairman and the president of Wanderhand app. At the launch, a demonstration of how the app works and it surely is simple to use.
Wanderhand Inc.
Are you having problem finding a right service provider for your household needs? Cleaning the house, laundry and press, Electrical works, aircon cleaning repair and charging and looking for someone…
Wanderhand makes sure that the service providers are to be trusted as they go through thorough screenings and background checks. Selection is done carefully.
After booking a service, a chat feature is enabled to provide real time transaction and monitoring. The customer is reminded of the appointment more than an hour ahead of time. At the end of the service, customers can rate it and this rating in turn will be recorded to the service provider’s scores. Wanderhand is fair to both the customer and service provider since they will conduct an investigation in case something goes wrong.
For the time being, services are only available at the following cities: Las Pinas, , Muntinlupa, Paranaque, and Taguig but will soon expand to neighboring cities as the year progresses.
How to use the app
For instructions on how to use the app, the photo below shows exactly how it’s done.
Benefits of the app
Customers will have worry-free, stressful days and more time can be spent for the family. Since the price is affordable, the value of money is stretched. Since the skilled service partners are screened, quality of service is guaranteed and all personnel are trust-worthy. Meanwhile the service providers are given opportunities for work. Both parties can save time and money with the system that Wanderhand offers.
The vision of the Wanderhand app is truly noble as it aims to help ease the unemployment issue in the country. More and more of our countrymen can partake of this opportunity and soon all skilled Filipinos will be employed.
February is the month of love, and millions of people across the Philippines – and around the world – will express their feelings and celebrate the special relationships they have with their loved ones, through the exchange of cards and gifts in a tradition that can be traced back to the medieval era.
Also this year, in China, many more are likely to say ‘I love you’ to a girl named ‘Xiaoice’, and she is an Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot.
Thanks to AI, we are currently witnessing a paradigm shift in technology, moving from a world where we have to understand computers to one where they now understand us and our intent. And this is not only revolutionizing how we live, work and play; it is upending our entire relationship with technology.
This disruption is brought about by the next big shift in computing, one that is fueled by advances in AI and built around a behavior that is the most natural of all to humans — conversations. Conversational AI, such as chatbots, heralds a new era where digital experiences can now mirror the way people interact with fellow humans. And there is much to love about this new development.
First Love – Microsoft’s AI Journey
For Microsoft, our vision of enabling computers that can see, hear, talk and understand us really began 25 years ago when our founder Bill Gates created Microsoft Research. And on that journey, we have recently passed some significant milestones that, only a few years ago, would have seemed impossible to imagine.
Such milestones are vital to the adoption and use of computers for everyone; because when computers can speak “human”, every human can speak with computers.
These kind of advancements are the result of the deep engineering skills and unique technical capabilities of our team at Microsoft Research, who have received many prestigious national and international honours, including the Turing Award, considered the highest distinction in computer science.
Growing Love – Chatbots Around the World
Our work with chatbots expanded rapidly with the launch of Xiaoice in China. This intelligent, natural-language bot is programmed to behave like an 18-year-old girl who is emphatic, humorous and affable. The conversations that she has with users range from advice about what activities to do during the day to relationship feedback. Using advanced machine learning algorithms, her responses mirror what a teenage girl would tell her friend, sometimes with sarcasm included.
Xiaoice can also speak with people over the phone and use streaming video to detect emotions and engage in conversations based on the person’s expressions. Today, she has conversed with more than 100 million users, averaging approximately 23 exchanges per session. This is nearly 10 times the industry average. In fact, it has been estimated that 25% of users have already declared their love to Xiaoice.
But that is not all. Xiaoice is also the first AI chatbot to have a real TV broadcasting job on Dragon TV[1], one of China’s biggest TV stations, with a viewer population exceeding more than 800 million.
Building on the success of Xiaoice local variations are now available in four other countries — Rinna in Japan and Indonesia, Ruuh in India, and Zo in U.S.
Microsoft launched Rinna in Japan in 2015. Modelled after a school girl, Rinna has today spoken with 25% of the country’s population. She is also powering a chatbot that is serving an entire town in Japan.
Modelled after a smart and adorable 7-year-old boy, Shibuyu Mirai is currently helping residents of and visitors to Tokyo’s busy Shibuya district access local services and information. Shibuyu-kun is serving the community so well that the Shibuya municipal government has recently granted him residency status, a world’s first.
Much to Love – AI as a Force for Good
Today, many of the conversations revolving around AI are mired in trepidation and alarm – ranging from job displacements to the widening of social inequalities. However, it is evident from these chatbots that there is much to love about AI, and it has brought about both functionality and emotional connection to millions of people around the world.
Beyond conversations and companionship, AI also has immense potential to offer lasting, positive impact on the world by driving global economic and social progress. From the front lines of education to environmental advocacy to healthcare, AI will be vital in creating technological breakthroughs for humanity and facilitating inclusive solutions that will enable every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
For example, Microsoft’s recent AI for Earth initiative builds on our commitment to use AI technology to amplify human ingenuity and advance sustainability around the globe. Through ongoing projects and partnerships, we are striving to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time, including the health of our planet.

One of these projects is Farmbeat, which strives to address soaring food demands while dealing with limited amount of arable land. This initiative leverages existing connectivity infrastructure as well as the power of the cloud and machine learning to enable data-driven farming. This provides farmers with easily interpretable insights to help improve agricultural yield, lower overall cost, and reduce the environmental impact of farming.
AI can also be used to create a more inclusive future by empowering people with disabilities. Seeing AI is a free app designed by Microsoft to make the visual world around us more accessible for the 285 million people in the world with low vision. By harnessing the power of AI, this app is able to perceive and recognize a wide spectrum of visual cues – from people to emotions, from barcodes to handwriting – and translate them into audible descriptions. By turning the visual world into an audible experience, this app is making the world more navigable and richer for those with low vision.

Trust – Fundamental to Our Relationship with AI
These examples are just a few of the positive applications of AI; the benefits it can bring to our world and our lives are multifaceted and countless.
At Microsoft, we have been investing in the promise of AI for more than 25 years, and we are optimistic about the opportunities that AI creates, and how it can amplify human ingenuity to create a better future for all.
However, the road to a future powered by a partnership between intelligent machines and people will be a long, and sometimes, challenging one. There will be complex questions and broad societal concerns that we will need to address as we press on, including the ethical usage of AI and its impact of employment.
Addressing these challenges will require trust, integrity, faith and listening to one another – the same fundamental building blocks that are needed to create a lasting and positive partnership with another person.
| Rhian ramos is the new ambassador of Phoenix Pulse |
Leading independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum launches today its upgraded fuels powered with Phoenix PULSE Technology.
Available in all its fuel products, Phoenix PULSE Technology is an innovative formulation with advanced cleaning and protection properties for enhanced power and acceleration. It is made with cutting-edge fuel technology by world- class fuel experts, exclusively for homegrown brand, Phoenix Petroleum.
Phoenix PULSE Technology was launched in time for Valentine’s Day as it aims to bring pulse-racing excitement to Filipino drivers by giving more life to their everyday drive.
“The launch of Phoenix PULSE Technology is in fulfillment of our goal to be the most credible alternative to the major brands. We enhanced our fuel products and improved our formulation not only to be able to compete with bigger players in the oil industry, but more importantly, to add value to every peso fueled up at Phoenix,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Fadullon.
Young actress Rhian Ramos is the face of Phoenix PULSE Technology—an apt choice
Phoenix Petroleum launches Phoenix PULSE Technology…as Rhian represents adventure and high-energy sports such as car racing. “Phoenix Petroleum’s PULSE Technology-powered fuel is the perfect fit for me as I’m always on the go. I like adventure and living life with excitement and to the fullest, which is why I recommend Phoenix to every millennial who, like me, likes to get more for what they pay for,” said Rhian.
In just 15 years, Phoenix Petroleum has grown from five stations in Mindanao to 530 nationwide, establishing its reputation as the fastest-growing oil company in the Philippines. Just last year, the company broadened its portfolio to include LPG with the acquisition of Petronas Energy Philippines, Inc., now Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc., and convenience retailing with the purchase of Philippine Family Mart. It will soon venture into the bitumen business.
“As a homegrown brand, we aim to be the Filipinos’ top choice not only for their fuel needs, but also for fueling their dreams and aspirations. We work hard and continue to grow our business not only so we can bring our vision of being an indispensable partner to life, but also because as the next generation company, we want to provide this generation with the best products and services at the best value,” said Phoenix Petroleum President and CEO Dennis Uy.
Phoenix PULSE Technology is available in all Phoenix stations in all fuel grades. These next generation fuels are suitable for Filipino drivers looking for a connection unlike any other. Drive to the nearest Phoenix Petroleum station now to experience Phoenix PULSE Technology.