DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (Center) confers the first ever OGP Champion Award in the Philippines to SM Supermalls represented by Senior Vice President Bien Mateo (3R) alongside DBM NCR Regional Director Ruby Muro (1L), PIA NCR Regional Director Emver Cortez (2L), PIA Director General Jose Torres Jr. (3L), Local Government Undersecretary Marlo Iringan (2R), and DBM Undersecretary Wilford Will Wong. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR)

MANILA, (PIA) -- Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Wednesday, October 11, recognized SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the Quezon City government as the first ever champions of Open Government Partnership (OGP) in the Philippines, in an event that promotes enhanced transparency and citizen participation in government processes.

“Let us be empowered by our vision for an open government and let us empower others through this platform to make the changes we all desire for the betterment of our country—even beyond our Agenda for Prosperity,” said Secretary Pangandaman in her keynote. 

"Maximize this opportunity, engage in the discussion, take up spaces, and let your voice be heard," she added, highlighting the need to advance the promotion of open government partnership initiatives.

The OGP, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) website, is a "global effort" that seeks to "create commitments from government and non-government stakeholders" towards promoting transparency, empowering citizens, fighting corruption, and harnessing new technologies in a bid strengthen governance.

During the launch of the Luzon Leg B of the Philippine OGP (PH-OGP), some 300 participants from the government, civil society organizations, academe, and other sectoral representatives gathered together to collectively pledge to open governance at the SM City Skydome in Quezon City.

Secretary Pangandaman also underscored the significance of establishing an open government towards instilling a culture of transparency and accountability in the country.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman delivers a keynote message during the launch of the OG Pinas Nationwide Campaign NCR Leg (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR)

As the Chair of the PH-OGP Steering Committee, Secretary Pangandaman has earlier stressed the importance of adopting modern tools to facilitate the rapid release of information to the public while promoting fiscal transparency.

She also cited the need to institutionalize the PH-OGP as a value system that enhances transparency and citizen participation across all government agencies.

In response, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s administration issued Executive Order No. 31 on June 20, 2023, institutionalizing the Open Government Partnership.

This executive order also enlists the active participation of the people and their organizations at all levels of decision-making, including social, political, and economic spheres.

On the other hand, the National Action Plan (NAP), co-created with civil society organizations will be grounded in the principles of transparency, accountability, citizen participation, technology, and innovation, with oversight by the Independent Reporting Mechanism of the OGP.

Additionally, the steering committee will develop a communication and advocacy plan, inviting collaboration with legislative and judicial branches of government as needed.

On the other hand, the launching ceremony of the nationwide open government advocacy campaign also showcased the commitment of the PH-OGP in promoting deeper civil society-government engagement, anti-corruption efforts, mechanisms for public accountability, and technological innovations to improve public service delivery.

Other government officials likewise aided in the advancement of the the invaluable role of strengthened public participation, improved government transparency, and enhanced accountability as pillars of good governance. Local Government Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, Philippine Information Agency Director-General Joe Torres, Jr. and DBM-NCR Director Ruby Muro formed part of the said initiative. 

Key OGP advocates from the national government lead the pledge of commitment to open governance. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR)

Other sectoral representatives sign the pledge of commitment to open governance. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR)

It can be recalled that the PH-OGP, founded in 2011, is dedicated to fostering transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance.

The Philippines, as a cofounding member of the OGP, actively promotes access to information, public accountability, citizen participation, and the use of technology and innovation to strengthen governance.

The OGPinas! will provide a multi-sector platform for government and non-government representatives across the country through the principle of co-creation with an end goal of producing more active open government champions. (PIA-NCR)

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 With its rich marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and continued commitment to conserving and promoting its aquatic ecosystems, the Philippines was hailed as the Best Dive Destination in Asia Pacific at the Travel Weekly Asia (TWA) Readers' Choice Awards held last 03 October 2023 at Conrad Centennial, Singapore.

Hosted by Northstar Travel Group, the awards ceremony annually recognizes hotels, resorts, airlines, destinations, cruise lines, and travel agencies through an online poll of Travel Weekly readers, as well as industry professionals. The finalists and winners are then featured in different Travel Weekly Asia issues where readers can explore more about each destination’s unique sceneries and experiences.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Travel Weekly Asia and its readers for this honor and recognizing the allure of our 7,641 islands. This accolade underscores our commitment to preserving and showcasing the exceptional natural wonders that our country is blessed with, from our wide range of diving destinations that cater to both novice and experienced divers alike, to our equally diverse shorelines and surrounding coral reefs that are home to thousands of marine species,” says Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines’ COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Present during the awarding ceremony were Ms. Micaela B. Ochoa, TPB Acting Head for ASEAN and the Pacific Division, and Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General based in the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore who also received the honor on behalf of the Philippines. 

Asia Vice President and Group Publisher of Northstar Travel Group, Irene Chua, expressed her thoughts with the awards ceremony’s objective. 

"Recognizing the travel industry's finest is not just about honoring their achievements, but fueling their motivation to continue innovating and driving positive change. By celebrating their contributions, we inspire a collective effort towards making the industry more progressive, exciting and outstanding for all involved.”

With the country’s glorious beauty and rich mega biodiversity, the Philippines has been receiving back-to-back worldwide recognition, including being named World’s Leading Dive Destination as well as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination consistently since 2019 at the World Travel Awards 2023. The country was also recognized as the Best Dive Destination at the Diving and Resort Travel Expo in Malaysia and Taiwan earlier this year.

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For the go-getter individual, rest and relaxation can sometimes be a struggle as we balance the demands of our work and home tasks. That’s why it’s important to take time out for some quality ‘me time’ to help renew our energy and keep us inspired. 

To help you set aside time for stress relief, recharging energy, and stepping away from your busy routine, Samsung is offering exciting and rewarding treats through its #YouMake exclusive offers. Get up to 50% off on high quality entertainment and home appliances to make quality ‘me time’ effortless and extra special. 

Here are four ways to indulge in a more restful and quality ‘me time’ with your favorite Samsung devices. 

Relax and Stream it 

After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than catching up on the latest episode of your current favorite TV show, best enjoyed through a high definition viewing experience with the 75” Neo QLED 8K QN800C Smart TV, which you can get for P100,000 off. You can also watch your favorite film or show wherever you are with Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 5G 512GB, which you can get at P8,000 off with a free Book Cover Keyboard. You can also opt to enjoy this all in the comfort of your room with the 1.0 HP WindFree™ Bespoke Inverter Air Conditioner AR9500T and get bundle deals up to 10% off. Bundle deals of up to 42% off on select TVs and sound devices are available with Samsung’s #YouMake exclusive offers. 

Jam to your favorites wherever you are

Being on the go doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in some quality ‘me time’. Music is a great way to unwind, so spend some time putting together a chill playlist. Then you can block out the noise and get lost in the music anytime, anywhere with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which you can get for 50% off when bought with a participating device. You can also stream your favorite concerts and music videos during your commute or downtime with the ultra-stylish yet ultra-compact Galaxy Z Flip5, which comes with a free flipsuit case with two BTS cards and one random content card.

While at home, have fun dancing to your favorite artists with the help of Samsung’s Crystal UHD TV, Q-Series Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos surround sound or sing along your favorite tunes with the MX-ST50B Sound Tower where you can plug in your microphone with Karaoke mode; all these come with a promo discount of up to 32% off available from Samsung’s #YouMake exclusive offers. 

Game Away 

For gamers, return to the universe of your favorite games. You can sync your schedule with a friend to make the experience even more memorable through a friendly match - or two, or three! Play every match with immersive devices whose battery life lasts the entire day and wide screens for full action. Enjoy bundles up to 45% off when you get the Galaxy Z Fold5 which also comes with a free Eco-leather strap, a 55” Odyssey Ark 4K Curved Gaming Monitor at 35% off, and MX ST50 Sound Tower at 28% off. 

‘Me Time' is more enjoyable with smart appliances

Optimize your home chores and tasks as a chance to have more quality ‘me time’ with the help of Samsung smart appliances.  With Samsung’s line of smart washers, you can get the laundry going even while you’re resting. Meanwhile your food stays fresh thanks to the 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with All-around Cooling, which means less frequent trips to the market and more time for fun.  All can be yours in a special appliance bundle deal of up to 26% off.

Now is your chance to make ‘me time’ much better by upgrading your entertainment devices and appliances thanks to Samsung’s #YouMake exclusive offers. Enjoy these special offers and discounts until October 22. 

You can check out Samsung’s YouMake promos here, or you can visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/youmake/. 

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-175654 and 172606 Series of 2023

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 The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), will hold the 12th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) in the Ilocos region. Businesses and consumers can discover the best that the region offers, as the event takes place from October 13 to 15, 2023. 

The RTF is one of the signature events of the TPB being held in different parts of the country to give host regions an opportunity to present their rich local culture and their unique tourism offerings to the public. 

“The 12th Regional Travel Fair is a great opportunity for people to learn what there is to love about the Ilocos region. Through this fair, both businesses and consumers can discover the unique attractions awaiting them in the northwestern part of our country. I’d like to invite everyone to join us at this significant tourism event, so that we can discover and explore the different sides of Ilocos,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. 

The first day of the event will be an onsite Business-to-Business session with at least 50 local buyers and 70 sellers/exhibitors. This B2B session is a platform that provides an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to develop travel-related business operations and expand their business networks in the region. The buyers and sellers will also participate in a post-event tour that aims to keep them up to date with the different attractions that can be found in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. 

A two-day Business-to-Consumer (B2C) fair will also be conducted at Robinsons Laoag to allow interested local consumers to purchase tourism offerings. The public can get discounted domestic tour packages, airline tickets, accommodation, and other tourism-related products and services. On top of that, this fair will feature exciting activities that can ignite one’s interest in the Ilocos region, such as product demonstrations of local artisans, samples of local cuisine, live selling of products, and educational interviews. 

TPB COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles further stated that, “The Ilocos region deserves the spotlight for the 12th Regional Travel Fair because it is rich with well-preserved historical sites and pristine nature attractions.”

Ilocos Norte offers majestic sand dunes for adventurous travelers, while San Juan in La Union serves as a surfers’ paradise in Luzon. On the other hand, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur takes tourists back into the past through its Spanish colonial architecture. Pangasinan also wows travelers with its centuries-old churches and white-sand beaches.

Discover all the things that will make you love the Ilocos region by joining the 12th Regional Travel Fair. Great travel deals await you at the fair, so register now at https://rtf.tpb.gov.ph/! 

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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is announcing the latest FE series addition to the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem — the new Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+, and Galaxy Buds FE. Known for their iconic and durable designs, advanced performance, cutting-edge camera and audio capabilities, and so much more — these are the most epic FE devices yet. For those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time, the new FE devices are the perfect entry point. 

“At Samsung, we are committed to bringing world-class innovation to everyone through epic mobile experiences that fit their lifestyle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new FE devices are packed with crowd-pleasing premium capabilities that, on their own or as part of a connected ecosystem, let Galaxy users maximize their creativity and productivity.” 

Galaxy S23 FE: The Galaxy S Series’ Iconic Design, Pro-Grade Camera and Smooth Gaming Performance are Designed to Elevate Your Everyday

Galaxy S23 FE stays true to the iconic S series design with its new floating camera and premium finish protected with IP68 water and dust resistance for an even sleeker display. Plus, it features recycled materials and packaging, packing a punch with durability, functionality, and sustainability. Offered in new, vibrant colors, Galaxy S23 FE allows users to select the device color that best fits their style. 

Everyday moments come to life on Galaxy S23 FE with pro-grade camera features to help you capture amazing photos and videos. See sharp details in every scene with a 50MP high-resolution lens, and 3X optical zoom. After dark, Nightography on Galaxy S23 FE lets you take clear selfies and portraits in lifelike colors. With advanced digital image stabilization (VDIS), take steady shots on the go using the rear camera with optical image stabilizer (OIS) angle.

When it comes to creating perfectly sharable content, Galaxy S23 FE is an editing studio on the go. In Pro Mode, controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more can be manually adjusted to your preferences. Capture customized shots with the Camera Assistant app and choose which automated features to use for a fully customized shooting experience. With the freedom to create and customize, Galaxy S23 FE camera has the AI-powered editing tools to help elevate your creations. 

For gaming and streaming, Galaxy S23 FE’s powerful processor makes every action rapid and fluid with a vapor chamber that helps to control heat and sustain performance. The long-lasting 4,500mAh battery intuitively adjusts to conserve energy, charging up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes with a 25W Adapter. All this power comes to life on a bright, super-smooth 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Based on your surroundings, Vision Booster technology on Galaxy S23 FE automatically detects bright lighting conditions, keeping the screen vivid just like flagship models. 

The Galaxy S23 FE will be available at PHP 36,990 for the 128GB variant, and PHP 39,990 for the 256GB variant. These will come in modern, bold colors, including Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple. 

Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+: Large Screen Viewing, IP68 Durability, and S Pen Boost Possibilities for Creativity and Productivity 

Whenever inspiration strikes, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ deliver essential entertainment, expressive creativity, and seamless productivity. With two portable and powerful devices to choose from, even more users can experience the versatility of the Galaxy Tab S series. Digital creators, entrepreneurs, busy students, artists, gamers, and more will explore their passions and get work done with improved device speed and even better performance compared to the previous FE Series.

Responsive and immersive viewing and creating can happen at home, at work, on campus, or even at the park on Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s 10.9-inch and Tab S9 FE+’s 12.4-inch displays — featuring an automatic refresh rate that adapts up to 90Hz. Sunlight is no match for Vision Booster, which enhances visibility in outdoor environments by optimizing color and contrast especially in dark areas of the screen. Just like the newest Galaxy Tab S9 series, both Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ received an IP68 rating, offering enhanced durability for peace of mind on the go. Plus, Tab S9 FE+’s long-lasting battery with up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge means work and play won’t keep you tethered to a cord. 

Ideas and notes are easy to capture with Galaxy’s signature in-box, IP68-rated S Pen. Like the Galaxy Tab S9 series, the Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ include a wide variety of creative tools and apps, including fan-favorites like Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Clip Studio Paint, and more. Easily keep class notes, sketches, videos, and more with up to double the storage, plus the option to upgrade to 1TB with a microSD card. 

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series will be available starting from PHP 26,990 in three fashionable colors: Mint, Gray and Lavender.  

Galaxy Buds FE: Superior Sound, Powerful ANC and Ergonomic Design Expand the Excellent Audio Experience to More Users 

Galaxy Buds FE bring Samsung’s industry-leading sound experience to more users. Its powerful bass offers deep and rich sound that allows you to enjoy music the way the artist intended, while powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound enable you to hear more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Also, automatic personalized beamforming of the advanced three microphone system, along with AI-powered Deep Neutral Network (DNN), separates your voice from unwanted background noise for clearer calls. 

Boasting the longest battery life in the Buds series, Galaxy Buds FE provide up to 8.5 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 30 hours including the charging case. Even when using ANC, users can get up to 6 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 21 hours including the case. Inspired by the iconic and ergonomic design of the series, Galaxy Buds FE are engineered to be comfortable enough to wear for a long time, and enable a more customized fit with three different sizes of ear tips and two different sizes for wingtips. 

Galaxy Buds FE are available for PHP 5,490 in two distinct, modern colors: Graphite and White. 

One Seamlessly Connected Galaxy Ecosystem

With new FE devices, it’s easier than ever to experience the full power of the connected Galaxy ecosystem. Productivity is intuitive with Multi Control, which enables users to drag and drop content easily between multiple Galaxy devices. Copy and paste or drag and drop between smartphone and tablet. When creativity strikes, simply transfer videos or images from smartphone to tablet with Quick Share, for easier editing. 

When it is time for immersive entertainment, Galaxy Buds FE are the perfect companions. Auto Switch intelligently switches sound between your smartphone, tablet, and even watch and TV – based on your usage with no manual adjustments required. Also, SmartThings Find helps you track down misplaced Buds and also sound an alarm should they be left behind.

All these devices and connectivity capabilities uphold Samsung’s commitment to providing secure and private experiences. Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are backed by Samsung Knox protection, meaning personal information is kept that way, by default.  

Mindfully Crafted for the Planet

With the latest FE devices, Samsung advances its commitment to the environment by scaling its latest purposeful innovations throughout the ecosystem. 

Galaxy S23 FE features a wide variety of recycled materials found in both internal and external device components, including pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass, and post-consumer recycled plastic sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels, and PET bottles. 

Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are also comprised of recycled materials. Select internal and external components use pre-consumer recycled aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics. 

The new Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are designed to last with four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. To enhance longevity, users can also leverage programs such as Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental damages, repairs, and more.

Supporting more positive impact for the planet does not stop at smartphones and tablets. Galaxy Buds FE incorporate post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets and water barrels in its product design.

Availability 

The Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, and Galaxy Buds FE will be available in the Philippines starting October 20, 2023. Stay tuned for all the exciting promos coming your way!

To learn more about Galaxy S23 FE, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s/galaxy-s23-fe-mint-256gb-sm-s711blgcphl 

To learn more about Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s/galaxy-tab-s9-fe-plus-5g-light-green-128gb-sm-x616blgaxtc 

To learn more about Galaxy Buds FE, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/audio-sound/galaxy-buds/galaxy-buds-fe-white-sm-r400nzwaasa 

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 The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines announces its triumphant participation in the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) 2023, held from September 24 to 29 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event is renowned as one of the most influential MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) trade shows in the Asia-Pacific region, providing a vibrant platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore promising opportunities.

With robust participation, securing valuable partnerships, and generating substantial interest in the Philippines as a prime destination for MICE events, the Philippine delegation's success was underscored by partial reported sales leads secured with high-potential MICE events valued at US$2,585,097.24 (PhP144,765,445.44). These accomplishments stand as a testament to the Philippines' growing appeal in the global MICE market.

"We are thrilled with the outcome of our participation in IT&CMA 2023. The overwhelming interest shown by international stakeholders reaffirms the Philippines' position as a top choice for MICE events. We are committed to nurturing these partnerships and further enhancing our offerings to meet the evolving needs of the MICE industry," said TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

TPB was also awarded the “Best National Tourism Organization” by the readers of TTG Asia Media—a leading publisher and organizer of events in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The awarding ceremony was held on the last day of IT&CMA 2023, during the TTG Travel Awards Gala Dinner on September 28.

Having been an active participant in IT&CMA since 2013, the TPB's presence at this prestigious event has consistently reinforced the Philippines' stature as a premier MICE destination. This year's showcase was marked by the Philippines' expanded booth, covering an impressive 150 sqm. and accommodating 24 exhibitors comprised of tour operators, hotel/resort properties, an events management company, and an airline company, passionately promoting the country's diverse offerings and seamless event planning services.

Joining the TPB at this year's IT&CMA were the following tourism partners: Baron Travel Corporation, Divaishnavi International Inc., GI Philippines Corp., Laging Balani Travel Services, Lifestyle Luxury Travel Corporation, Mooncake Educational Travel and Tours, Uni-Orient Travel, Inc., AJ Coffee and Bed / Kaulayaw Corporation, Crimson Resort and Spa, Boracay, Dusit Thani Manila, Fili Hotel Cebu, Grand Hyatt Manila, Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark Mactan, Cebu, Marriott Hotel Manila, Novotel Manila Araneta City, Okada Manila, Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu, Seda Hotels, White Breeze Palawan Hotel, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, The Lind Boracay, Philippine Airlines, and Total Exhibit and Expo Solutions, Inc.

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 The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), was recognized as the Best National Tourism Organization (NTO) during the 32nd TTG Travel Awards ceremony and gala dinner in Bangkok, Thailand last 28 September 2023.

In accepting the award, TPB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, expressed her gratitude to all members of the institution as well as its various tourism stakeholders, partners, and organizations for their participation and support of TPB’s tourism projects and initiatives.

“We receive this award with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for our organization and our beloved country, The Philippines. Your votes have honored us and reaffirmed our commitment to excellence and your support is the cornerstone of our mission to elevate the Philippines as a world-class destination for leisure, MICE, and investment,” TPB COO Nograles declared. “Know that this award only motivates us to work even harder for our shared goals ensuring that every traveler experiences the Philippines at its very best.”

Taking the opportunity to highlight TPB’s top priorities, Nograles mentioned that the country has the finest products and services to offer to travelers from around the world and the agency’s commitment lies in both skillfully and genuinely showcasing the Philippines’ beauty through its people, culture, natural resources, and destinations.

To date, TPB has actively organized, participated in, and supported various projects nationwide and across the globe generating over Php3.9B combined sales leads and Php654.7M media value in country promotions.

Nograles encouraged fellow Filipinos to embrace their own cultural heritage and locally crafted products, drawing inspiration from the wonders and achievements that echo the nation's rich heritage, exceptional creativity, and unparalleled resourcefulness.

Over the past decade, the Philippines has earned several notable accolades from the esteemed award-giving body, including the Best Marketing & Relationship Effort in 2015. Last year, the country was awarded the Best Destination of the Year for the second time after being granted the same title in 2014.

The TTG Travel Awards, an established annual awards ceremony renowned for celebrating excellence in the travel industry across the Asia-Pacific region, draws the attendance of the industry’s most acclaimed personalities who pioneer proactive steps and initiatives to develop the tourism trade.

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Samsung has officially launched its highly anticipated Galaxy foldable devices — the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 in the Philippines at Conrad Manila, where they also unveiled the latest members of #TeamGalaxy. Meet your favorite celebrities and the nation’s top content creators and find out what convinced them to join the Flip Side!

Catriona Gray: The Galaxy Z Fold5 allows you to do everything in one place

Beauty queen, TV personality, singer, youth advocate, and art ambassador Catriona Gray has officially joined the Flip Side! For a multi-hyphenate whose schedule is always full, the Galaxy Fold5 is the perfect device for Catriona, who loves the phone’s big screen, multi-tasking capabilities and the S Pen that fits perfectly in her pocket.

“It allows you to do everything in one place. So, instead of needing your PC or a tablet, it’s all in your phone. I can take Zoom calls and stand the phone up so I can just angle it at any angle while on videos and I can also take down notes on the same device!” Catriona exclaimed.

As a content creator herself, the Galaxy Z Fold5’s biggest screen yet bestowed her the efficiency in performing multiple tasks with its versatile Multi-window feature for all apps. Not only does the Galaxy Z Fold5 give Catriona a PC-like experience in her pocket, she was also very impressed with its cameras and how easy it is to navigate when editing, “When I’m taking photos, the camera is really crisp and registers great color and contrast.”

AC Bonifacio: Galaxy Z Flip5 – the coolest content creation phone for Gen Zs

International dance sensation, singer, actress and now the new Team Galaxy ambassador AC Bonifacio is over the moon with the sleek design and color of the Galaxy Z Flip5 (the mint is her favorite!). AC described how much easier it is to create content and live independently with the pro-grade camera of the Galaxy Flip5 that comes with its unique FlexCam.

“It's helped me a lot. For the past few months, I've been much more independent than I usually am. Whenever I need to do any type of content or when I work out sometimes, it's nice to have the Flex Mode. I can just watch what I need to watch and I know it's steady also on the floor.”

AC definitely recommends the Galaxy Z Flip5 to Gen Zs, “It's super cool. Now that it's back, it gives you the feeling of that '90s flip phone, and at the same time, it gives you that Gen Z feeling because you have the content creation on it, the camera quality, gaming, everything all in one.”

Patricia Prieto: With the Galaxy Z Flip5, all you need is your phone and yourself 

A fashion, travel/lifestyle blogger and content creator, Patricia Prieto can’t get over how wonderful her trip to Korea went for Unpacked - with the Galaxy Z Flip5 helping her capture every moment even when she was by herself. 

“[With] the FlexCam, even if you're using the selfie camera, it's still so good. I can go to events by myself and not have to worry about a thing because I can just put it on a flat surface and take a photo of myself,” Patricia added. 

She also shared how easy it was to sync up with the latest Galaxy Watch6, “ I was like, wow, I can do this. I can record by just using my watch. It was so easy.”

And after taking photos and videos, Patricia loves how easy it was to share these with the Quick Share feature and the high quality of photos when they were rendered even after transferring the files. “It's still as crisp. As clear, as vibrant as when you first record it.”

Michelle Dee: A phone that matches her productivity drive and elevates the experience 

A multi-hyphenate as well, Miss Philippines Universe 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee finds that having a phone that can match her productivity-beast self is indispensable. Creative and entrepreneurial, she’s ecstatic about the newly redesigned S Pen and the multi-window that comes with the Galaxy Z Fold5’s huge screen when unfolded. “It has a great form factor that will make your life so much more convenient and your workflow so much more efficient… your productivity that's already at 100% just gets bumped up to 200% at that point.”

For Michelle, Samsung’s flagship foldable phone is truly the best in class. She describes the new aluminum bezels as sleeker and classier and even highlights, “The gap between the foldable screens is basically non-existent. I used to carry two phones, and now I don't have to because the Fold5 is able to handle everything that I need to do.”

Nico Bolzico: Galaxy Watch6 series – your wellness partner 

 A fitness and wellness buff, entrepreneur and social media superstar, Nico Bolzico, is thrilled to explore everything the latest Galaxy Watch6 can offer. “There is a new way of training that is related to your heart rate. It's not how fast you run but how to maintain your heart rate within two bands. Because I can check that with the Samsung watch, I'm very excited to try that.”

Nico also finds it essential to have a feature that monitors his sleep, especially for dads like him, “Sleeping, it's a luxury today. So having [a] good quality of sleep and being able to monitor not only how much but how my sleep quality is, [is] very relevant because sleep is as important as training and eating. So sleep is one of those pillars that you need for your overall wellness.”

Camille Co: With the Galaxy Tab S9 series, you won’t miss out on anything!

From blogging to vlogging about fashion, beauty, travel and so much more, Camille Co juggles a hectic lifestyle as a content creator, wife and mom – so the Galaxy S Tab9 and its new features that support one’s creativity and productivity are set to become her new besties. 

As a fashion designer who loves drawing and writing by hand, it’s no surprise that the S Pen captivated Camille – especially as it now comes with an IP68 rating for water resistance, "I'm not scared of using it outdoors because it's really built to last. 

It's the most powerful Tab yet. I love that I'm able to bring it out with me anywhere.”

Would she recommend the Galaxy Tab S9 series? “I definitely think creatives would love this, especially now that Good Notes is available on Android. I'm a Good Notes user as well, so I really love it. Whenever I design for my multiple brands and all my different deliverables, I do it on Good Notes. Because it's so powerful,  we can even edit their videos just right on the tab.”

Along with DJ CRWN who served up upbeat music for the crowd, lifestyle content creators and fashion trendsetters such as Marina Summers, Melissa Gatchalian, Lexi Mendiola, Trasienne Estrada, Rex Atienza, Candy Gamos, Liam Labroy, Rocio Escano, JM Yrreverre, Marga Nicolas, Nicole De La Cruz, Chynna Beverly Lim, Lance De Ocampo, Bea Arboleda, Sofia Manzano and Deegee Razon were also present as new members of Team Galaxy

Also there to join the Flip Side are music, photography and film enthusiasts such as Leila Alcasid, Curtismith, Jaz Reyes, Shaira Luna, Jilson Tiu, Renee De Guzman, Patrick Diokno, Andrea Beldua and Jolo Luarca III.

The launch event wouldn’t be complete without personalities in wellness and technology. Spotted in attendance were Katz Salao, Marjo Salazar, Ida Paras, Jo Sebastian, Tim Nutrition, Coach Rio, Hannah Bacani, Tik Rosquillo, Joanne Villablanca, Gino Quillamor, Lea Inocian and Aryanna Epperson.

Are you ready to join the Flip Side too? Check out the latest Galaxy devices and get ready for the numerous surprises that await on the Flip Side. Order now! Visit any Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, Abenson.com and MXMemoXpress.com. 

https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold5/

https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip5/

https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s9/

https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/

For more information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/.

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