Watch out for Brother’s ‘Scratch and Win’ roadshow promo, tradeshows

Brother International Philippines Corporation (Brother Phils.) has launched its “Scratch and Win Roadshow Promo” where customers will receive a special freebie and a scratch card from Globe for every purchase of select models of Brother printers or Multi-function centers (MFCs) during the company’s upcoming nationwide road shows.

Customers will get a free Belkin bag when they buy an A3 Color Inkjet Multi-Function Centre (MFC-J3520 or MFC-J3720 model);  a free wireless router for a Monochrome Laser MFC with Duplex Printing (MFC-L2700DW) or Monochrome Laser (MFC-L2740DW); and a free Safety Torch for every A3 Color Inkjet Multi-Function Centre (MFC-J2720).

Each purchase of the said models also entitles one to a scratch card for a chance to win a P10 or P15 Globe Telecom Load; a 10MB Globe Data worth P10, a 15MB Globe Data worth P13, or a 1 Day GoSurf10 Globe Data worth P10.

This promotion will run from October 13 to November 30, 2016, simultaneous with the following Brother road shows:  

§ Oct. 13 to 19 – SM BF Paranaque 

§ Oct. 14 to 20 –  NCCC Mall Palawan

§ Oct. 17 to 23 – Pacific Mall Legazpi

§ Oct. 25 to 31 – SM Davao, SM Pampanga

§ Nov. 2 to 8 – SM Tarlac

§ Nov. 10 to 16 – Gaisano Mactan, SM North, NCCC Davao

§ Nov. 12 to 18 – Gaisano Iligan

§ Nov. 24 – 30 – Island City Mall Tacloban

Brother Phils. also announced the schedule of trade shows where it will participate and showcase its innovative and reasonably priced printers and multi-function centers.

§ Nov. 10 to 13 – PhilConstruct 2016, SMX Pasay

§ Nov. 23 to 26 – 41st IIEE Annual National Convention, SMX Pasay

§ Nov. 17 to 18 – 2^nd BICSI Philippines Product Exhibit and Convention

§ Nov. 10 to 12 – IT Interaction Philippines (ITIP) Conference, Camp John Hay Baguio

§ Nov. 11 to 13 – Brent – Google for Education

§ Dec. 3 to 22 – World Bazaar, World Trade Center

Brother Phils. President Glen P. Hocson said, “Our last quarter promotions will definitely make it more enticing for consumers to purchase our products and see for themselves the benefits of using office machines from the brand that has been trusted globally for over a decade now.”

For more information, customers may visit www.brother.com.ph, inquire from Brother Helpdesk Support through (02) 581-9800 or at helpdesk@brother.com.ph. Customers from Cebu may call (032) 410-7707, and customers from Davao may call (082) 321-0645/222-0346.

The future of the Filipino home is here

PLDT Home unveils Smart Home in partnership with global heavyweights

Manila, Philippines (September 26, 2016) – Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT through its consumer business unit PLDT HOME is bringing the Smart Home suite of services to Filipino families with a string of partnerships with leaders in retail and entertainment. 

“This is a new era in digital as we make Filipino homes stronger, safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable via PLDT’s Smart Home which has powerful connectivity and an integrated suite of innovative, reliable and family-friendly products and services,” PLDT FVP and Head of Home Operations Oscar A. Reyes Jr. said. “This is made possible with several local and global partnerships that we entered into recently which are aimed at enhancing and enriching the lives of millions of digitally connected Filipinos powered by PLDT Home and Smart Communications for mobile services.”

New world-class partners

As an industry leader in the Philippines, PLDT HOME continuously pursues strategic and global partnerships to stay ahead of the game. Today, the company also announced key alliances with new partners including U.S.-leading video streaming platform from Roku Inc. for Internet TV; global internet television network Netflix for an extensive library of award-winning TV and movie titles; e-commerce giant Amazon for online shopping; and iWant TV, the leading player in the over-the-top (OTT) content platform in the Philippines.

The partnership with Amazon will soon open the door for Filipino book lovers to enjoy the popular Kindle e-book reader.

The Roku streaming platform allows users to easily stream their favorite TV shows and movies on their TV screens. It is the streaming platform with the highest engagement in the U.S. because of its diverse content offerings and user-friendly interface. Notably, Roku’s partnership with PLDT is its first streaming deal in Asia, making the Philippines the first country in the region to join the ranks of Roku’s international markets including Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. Roku services will be launched commercially in the country early next year.

iWant TV lets users stream their favorite ABS-CBN shows, both past and presently airing. Popular teleseryes like On The Wings of Love, Dolce Amore, Ang Probinsiyano and Till I Met You are easily accessible on-demand so avid followers can catch up on the latest plot twists and turns. News and current affairs shows are also available for streaming.  

With Netflix, users can watch today’s top original Netflix series such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Marvel’s Daredevil and Stranger Things. Netflix continually adds new TV programs and films to the service, bringing the joy of entertainment to over 81 million members in 190 countries.  Depending on the subscription plans, members can create up to four profiles within a single Netflix account. Profiles allow different members of the household to have their own personalized Netflix experience built around the films and TV programs they enjoy. There are also parental control settings to ensure a safe-viewing experience for kids. This will limit a child’s profiles to a variety of child-friendly titles they can enjoy.

Pillars of the home

“PLDT’s Smart Home is a home where digital innovations advance the security, safety, convenience and entertainment experiences at home and beyond. It is a home where communication and connection are made easier by digital technology,” Reyes pointed out.

PLDT’s Smart Home is built on these key pillars: connectivity, peace of mind, entertainment, and convergence and automation.

The connectivity that binds the Smart Home is enabled by the country’s most powerful broadband, PLDT Home Fibr, which delivers the Philippines’ first and fastest Internet of up to 1 Gbps. This allows for high-speed browsing of multiple websites and the country’s first symmetrical speed service which provides equal upload and download speeds.

Peace of mind is a commitment to parents manifested through PLDT Home’s products and services designed to help parents feel more secure about the safety of their children especially when they have to be away. These products and services include the home monitoring system Fam Cam; the multi-functional kid-friendly gadget Smart Watch; and the cyber safety solution Family Zone, all best used with the Telpad.

When it comes to world-class entertainment, PLDT HOME has always been at the forefront of providing subscribers with diverse and compelling content—from well-loved kid-friendly content like games and e-books (Disney through Telpad) and  sports (Fox Sports, NBA Premium HD via Cignal) to gaming (Steam) and video-on-demand (iflix). Subscribers also enjoy the benefits of compact access to information and entertainment through the most powerful PC in a stick—the TVolution Stick. Adding to this entertainment suite are the partnerships with Netflix, iWantTV and Roku.

Finally, PLDT HOME has pioneered the convergence of wired and wireless connections through the data sharing feature which allows subscribers to seamlessly share data to pre-connected mobile accounts with leading wireless service provider Smart Communications, thus revolutionizing the way families share and enjoy their high-speed connection.

Home of the future

“PLDT’s Smart Home evolved from our pioneering concept of the Connected Home,” Reyes said. “The connected home was our vision of the modern Filipino home wherein families are connected, entertained and secured with the help of digital innovations powered by PLDT HOME. It was the starting point of our journey. In response to the fast-changing digital needs of Filipino families, we are fortifying that vision with the launch of PLDT’s Smart Home. It is a more integrated version of the connected home, where each product or service interacts with each other to perform harmonized tasks meant to ease and enrich the lives of our subscribers. It’s a Home that cares; it listens, protects, interacts and simplifies our lives.

He furthered, “We don’t want to wait for the future to dictate the trends and the innovations. We are charting our own course and shaping the future through innovative use of technology, global partnerships, world-class content and a keen awareness of and commitment to our subscribers needs. Today is the beginning of the digitally connected and empowered home that we are building for Filipino families.”

Brother P-Touch: Your industrial labeling partner

Stay on top of safer, more efficient electrical and data systems

with attractive, industrial-grade labels

Disorganized, mislabeled wires, panels, and boards can slow down an electrician, engineer, or IT professional during instances when rebooting systems as quickly as possible is critical. Creating efficient, safe, and more organized electrical and data systems is as easy as a press of a single button with the Brother P-Touch line of professional labeling machines and TZe industrial-grade tapes.

Reliable innovation

The P-Touch labeling machines are built with Brother’s unique printing technology to create labeling solutions that make a huge difference in organizing systems.

Labels can be printed vertically or continuously to wrap around cables and pipes, and with multiple lines or frames. The Auto Cutter Function allows users to create labels according to specific sizes and to reduce wasted tape.

Users can create a series of labels with automatically increasing alpha or numeric identifiers to make identifying equipment and inventory items easier. For maximum efficiency, the Brother P-Touch machines can also print multiple copies unattended while the user performs other tasks.

User-friendly software

At the core of the Brother P-Touch product range is a user-friendly software innovation that allows users to intuitively learn how to design, edit, and print professional labels in a couple of simple steps. Different fonts, drawing tools, clip art, special characters, and bar code symbols are built into the P-Touch software, allowing users to create labels that fit their organization needs right after taking the machine out of the box.

Tale of the tape

To complement the P-Touch hardware and software, Brother developed the TZe tapes to allow users to produce durable laminated labels specifically designed for extreme environments. These tapes come in a wide assortment of sizes and colors, and can withstand extreme temperatures, high pressure, and sunlight, as well as constant exposure to water, moisture, grease and other lubricants, harsh chemicals, and even industrial solvents without losing their strong adhesive properties.

The applications of this technology in the field of electrical engineering and data communications are countless—Brother TZe tapes can function as faceplates for flat surfaces, cable wraps and flags, and to create an easy-to-read patch panel labeling system. 

“We strive to deliver innovation even in the smallest aspects of personal, professional, and industrial lives,” said Glenn Hocson, Brother Philippines President. “Brother’s innovations, including the P-Touch system, truly shine in situations where details matter the most.”

To find out more about the Brother P-Touch machines and TZe industrial-grade tapes, visit www.brother.com.ph or call (02) 581-9888.

Users can create a series of labels with automatically increasing alpha or numeric identifiers to make identifying equipment and inventory items easier

Different fonts, drawing tools, clip art, special characters, and bar code symbols are built into the P-Touch software, allowing users to create labels that fit their organization needs

TZe tapes to allow users to produce durable laminated labels specifically designed for extreme environments

The new Brother mono laser series that means business

 Brother Philippines Sales and Marketing Deputy General Manager Mr. Masao Kasagi and Brother Philippines President Mr. Glenn Hocson

MANILA August 4, 2016 – Brother International Philippines Corp. has launched an all-new mono laser series that delivers high reliability, value and productivity for businesses. Designed in Japan, the four models in the new range comprise two mono laser printers, the HL-L5100DN and HL-L6400DW, and two Multi-Function Centres (MFCs), the MFC-L5900DW and MFC-L6900DW, which serve high print volume office environments.

“The new mono laser series offers reliable performance that Brother is known for, coupled with significant innovations to meet the expectations of a modern workplace,” Brother Philippines President Glenn Hocson said. “Businesses are looking for user-friendly, cost-efficient solutions with outstanding high-volume, quality output that can scale as they grow. These Brother laser printers and Multi-Function Centres provide an excellent combination of dependability, versatility and security to meet office needs.”

Brother has enhanced the new series significantly based on customer feedback, achieving several firsts in the process. This family is the first mono laser range by Brother to print up to 50 pages per minute (ppm)¹. This is also the first Brother mono laser series to feature a new heavy duty Automatic Document Feeder with an 80-sheet capacity, a 60 percent improvement over the previous series². Maximum input capacity has improved by 150 percent to a maximum paper input of 2,650 pages¹, another ‘first’, while the dual CIS supports 100 images per minute (ipm) scanner², another new introduction.

Improved total cost of ownership (TCO)

Brother’s latest mono laser family is built for high efficiency and cost effectiveness. The laser printers and MFCs support monthly print cycles of up to 150,000 pages per month¹, while an ultra high-yield toner¹ enables up to 20,000^ printed pages with cost savings in mind. Compared to the previous mono laser range, the new family has raised maximum paper output capacity by 600 percent, and expanded toner yield by 66 percent for vastly improved TCO.

Superior productivity and ease of use

Productivity is a key feature of the new series. High volume print jobs are easily managed, without the need for frequent paper reloads. The default paper tray can hold up to 520 sheets¹, and optional upgrades of either two additional paper trays or a tower tray provide businesses with a total input capacity of as many as 2,080 sheets¹. A 4-bin Mailbox³ with stacker and sorter makes even easier to share a printer as bins can be assigned to individual users or groups.

Simplified business operations

The new models are easily managed over the network with Brother’s BRAdmin Professional Software. This software includes a suite of security solutions to ensure that documents remain confidential. It is also a network management tool that supports remote configurations and the monitoring of useful information such as page count, toner and drum status. Print costs can be more controlled with the option of setting print quotas for users, while instant notification of printer downtime lets customers attend to the problem quickly.

Customized workflow solutions

As each business is unique and may operate under unpredictable conditions, Brother has developed flexible workflow solutions that can be customized if required. Brother Special Solutions Customization (SSC) enables Brother to collaborate with a business on modifying Brother products for specific business needs. The Brother Solutions Interface (BSI¹), a web-based service platform, aims to improve customers’ productivity and efficiency by allowing software developers to create custom solutions easily.

Mobile convenience

Brother also supports the convenient integration of mobile devices into the workflow. Brother iPrint&Scan, Apple AirPrint^® and Google Cloud Print^™ enable users to print directly from their mobile devices. JPEG and PDF documents can be printed, while faxes and copies can be previewed. Apple products can also save documents to iCloud.

Buyers Laboratory (BLI), a widely-respected testing and resource company, has evaluated several of the new Brother models.  BLI noted the significant business value of the new machines:  “The Brother models offer competitive to lower than average cost of ownership,” BLI’s Director of Office Equipment Product Analysis Marlene Orr said.

BLI recognized the machines’ reliability, particularly in high-volume printing.  “Even during peak periods, users won’t see any noticeable slowdowns in output speeds,” Orr added.  She also noted the ease of use: “The smartphone-like interface on the touch-screen models reduces the learning curve, and NFC connectivity eliminates guesswork for mobile printing, offers badge authentication and a quick link to troubleshooting information.”  In addition, BLI pointed to robust scan features that boost worker productivity, and simple and affordable sharing of content and collaboration in the cloud with Brother WebConnect⁺.

The new Brother mono laser series is now available in the Philippines. For more information, visit www.brother.com.ph or call (02) 581-9819.

¹ Applicable to HL-L6400DW and MFC-L6900DW 

² Applicable only to MFC-L6900DW

³ Applicable only to HL-L6400DW

^{^} Applicable for TN-3498, in accordance with ISO/IEC 19752

⁺ Brother WebConnect requires an Internet connection and an account with desired service

Mono laser printers, the HL-L5100DN and HL-L6400DW

Multi-Function Centres (MFCs), the MFC-L5900DW and MFC-L6900DW

The MFC-L6900DW serves high print volume office environments and delivers high reliability, value and productivity.

LG ushers in new age of laundry with world’s first TWIN WashTM

Revolutionary main washer and mini-washer system

tailor-fits washing performance to each garment’s needs

MANILA, June 29, 2016 – Global technology innovator LG Electronics brings to the Philippine market a breakthrough washing machine that redefines the concept of laundry. The world’s first LG TWIN Wash^TM enables two separate loads to be washed simultaneously by combining a full-sized front loading washing machine with a mini-washer in a hide-away pedestal, generating a whole new set of washing options.

Gentle washing for all types of laundry

The safety of one’s clothes is one of the most important factors to consider in purchasing a washing machine. LG TWIN Wash^TM is designed to be able to give special treatment to different types of laundry with its two-in-one system. The powerful main washer handles the larger garments, while the mini-washer is perfect for specialized items that require a unique wash setting like lingerie or baby clothes.

The mini-washer is big enough to hold a full load of delicates yet small enough to use just the right amount of water and electricity, which is normally an issue with bigger washers. This feature offers wash modes specifically for delicate items, guaranteed to clean these types of clothes as gently and thoroughly as hand washing.

Due to the dual washing system, washing time is significantly cut down as multiple loads of laundry can now be handled simultaneously. Smaller loads can be washed when needed without having to wait until a full wash load has accumulated, saving users time and adding a new dimension of convenience.

Premium ergonomic design

LG TWIN Wash™ is designed to fit in the space of a typical front loading washing machine so nothing is sacrificed for the added convenience. The door of the main washer is aligned with the drum’s center, positioned higher than on conventional models and tilted at an angle to make loading and unloading the main drum easier. The mini-washer and pedestal housing can be purchased separately to give current owners of LG front loading washing machines all the benefits of the TWIN Wash^TM at a fraction of the cost. LG TWIN Wash™, available in modern stainless, received the Red Dot Design Award and the IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) in 2015.

Advanced technology for clothes

TWIN Wash™ also features LG’s unique TurboWash™ 2.0 technology. Nozzles positioned inside the drum of the main washer spray a concentrated solution of detergent directly onto the clothes, improving the unit’s cleaning performance. Another high pressure nozzle sprays tiny water particles through the clothes during high spin cycles for more effective rinsing. The revolutionary Inverter Direct Drive motor at the heart of the TWINWash™ is attached directly to the drum, improving efficiency and reducing the number of moving parts, leading to enhanced durability.

“LG TWIN Wash™ is designed to not only make laundry duties quicker and more convenient at home, but also ensure that each and every garment is given the special care it deserves,” LG Philippines Home Appliance VP Youngmin Chae said. “Moms, household helpers or independent young adults now have more time to attend to other chores with the ease of knowing that their laundry will come out spotless from gentle and thorough washing. The simple yet innovative concept of the TWIN Wash^TM has propelled LG to the front of the pack in the washing machine segment, and is another leap forward in our commitment to make life better for our Filipino consumers.”

To learn more about the pioneering LG TWIN Wash^TM, visit lg.com/ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page; or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

PLDT Smart SME Nation puts the focus back on MSMEs as part of nation-building mission

PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head Mitch Locsin talks about the key role of MSMEs in nation-building

MSMEs—or micro, small, and medium enterprises—are driving the Philippine economy to an interesting direction: inclusive growth.

As of 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded 937,327 businesses falling under the MSME category, which accounts for 99.6 percent of all registered enterprises in the country. The micro segment is the largest segment, with over 800,000 registered entities that provide 2.3 million local jobs and generate 25 percent of the country’s total exports.

These figures highlight a new economic landscape where more and more people—even those with little to no capital or those typically excluded from the job market—generate and gain productive employment. Students, housewives, retirees, and individuals with limited physical abilities can participate in income-generating activities through starting their own micro-enterprises.

“PLDT Smart SME Nation believes in empowering individuals to become modern entrepreneurs,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head. “Entrepreneurship is not only about helping one’s self, but also about contributing to families and communities. Collectively, MSMEs contribute to an economically stronger Philippines.”

Leveling the playing field

Despite the increasing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact, an overwhelming majority is missing out on profit and expansion opportunities.

“Only one percent of over 900,000 MSMEs have online presence,” noted Locsin. “With the rest of the world quickly moving to a more digital-centric business direction, MSMEs—especially the micro-enterprises—need to catch up, fast.”

A group dedicated to amplifying the business potential of MSMEs, PLDT Smart SME Nation offers the right digital tools to future-ready micro-entrepreneurs. Through a reliable landline and high-speed DSL connection, the SMART BizKit, and an online store powered by Tack This!, a micro-enterprise can reach and serve more customers with lower overhead costs.

“The digital arena is where MSMEs can directly compete with large enterprises,” added Locsin. “That’s why we support our entrepreneurs and help them conquer the digital landscape with our products and services.”

Gearing up for a digital future

Last April 22, 2016, PLDT Smart SME Nation gathered over 1,400 modern Pinoy entrepreneurs at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for a day filled with revolutionary insights and key learnings from the country’s industry stalwarts. Dubbed TechIsland 3.0, the event is the first SME Nation business convention to be open to the general public.

To help MSME owners embrace a digital future and put their learnings into practice, PLDT and students from Pampanga’s St. Mutien College developed websites for each TechIsland 3.0 attendee. The students developed 30 percent of the websites, and will continue to work with PLDT Smart SME Nation for future projects to benefit MSMEs.

SME Nation also rolled out the TechMobile, a caravan of digital tools and solutions specifically designed for MSMEs, in several key provinces, including Negros and Cavite. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart’s tech expertise can easily reach entrepreneurs wherever they are in the country.

Locsin added, “By empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital disruption happening in business right now, we also empower them to become active players in the journey towards nation-building through inclusive economic growth.”

To find out how you can become a digitally savvy micro-entrepreneur, visit www.smenation.com.ph.

Indulge in next-level surround sound with LG Wi-Fi portable speakers

MANILA – Audiophiles of this country are in for a treat this season as global technology innovator LG Electronics launches its revamped Wi-Fi Bluetooth portable speakers, adding new features that are sure to up your sound game and impress. From out-of-town trips to cozy nights in to wherever this rainy season takes you, LG’s upgraded audio devices—LG Music Flow P5 and P7 and LG SoundPop 360—will get you and your friends bopping to the beat and enjoying the moment even more

Stronger Wi-Fi. LG’s new firmware boosts connectivity and makes it easier than ever to enjoy the music you love. With new data transmission technology boasting up to 75 percent efficiency, coupled with LG’s advanced multi-room audio systems, you can create immersive sound on multiple speakers, without any drop in sound quality.

Flexible content. LG’s audio system can play basically anything you can play on your own smartphone with BT-Fi services such as YouTube Music. The BT-Fi function automatically recognizes the content format, allowing LG audio systems to switch seamlessly between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth inputs depending on the source you select. And if you’re mobile, you can create your own customized playlist in the LG app.

Easy home cinema setup. LG’s streamlined one-button setup transforms home theater installation, making it easy to create immersive audio to suit any environment. The simple one-button set up available on your LG Wi-Fi speaker allows you to instantly connect up to two speakers with a sound bar. This feature eliminates the need to connect each speaker using a mobile app, making the system much easier to set up.

With improved network stability and enhanced user convenience, LG’s audio devices can brighten up your rainy days with next-level surround sound, through the free firmware upgrade. The LG Music Flow P5 retails for P4,990 (P5,490 for the wooden variant), while the P7 is P6,890 and the SoundPop 360 is P7,990. For more information, visit lg.com/ph; like LG Philippines’ Facebook page or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.

Any playlist can be enjoyed to the fullest with the stylish and fun LG Music Flow P5.

The LG Music Flow P7 boasts of rich audio and powerful battery life packed in a lightweight portable design, perfect for your next adventure.

Satisfy your music cravings to the next level with LG SoundPop 360 Bluetooth speaker.