ASUS Gets You The Best Deals on SHARE 2024!

Had the chance to go to the ASUS event a few days ago where they announced their latest deals on this year's ASUS Share, their annual Christmas sale. Gearing towards the best in technology and style, they're making several of their new laptops from ASUS a d ROG available at an attractive price plus Php 5,000 worth of Sole Academy vouchers. Thing is, this is only going to be available til December 31st, so if you're looking for good work and game laptops, and shoes, then you should take advantage of it.

ASUS wants you to get the chance to upgrade your ASUS AI PC's as it's best to own an ASUS Lumina OLED or ROG Nebula for work or play. The ASUS Zenbook AI Laptops for starters are best for executives who want something light, classy and fashionable. It uses an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor Series 2 and Intel Arc Graphics that are both fast and efficient. The 14 inch 3K 120Hz capable display makes the ASUS Lumina OLED touch screen work quite nicely on renders, gaming and entertainment too. It has stunning visuals, but never fail you when you need productivity to happen even at home. If you need other models with larger display, they have the Vivobook S15 S5507 or Vivobook S16 M5606 that's also AI capable, you'll have a workhorse for times you need it. The battery also lasts long at 18 hours or more, which means you won't lose work you've done in a day because it can handle it. You can opt for the ASUS Vivobook 16 X1605/M1605 if you prefer an even larger one. The keyboard/touchpad is nice too because it can take a beating as it is military standard. Good news is, these laptops come with a Php 3,000 Sole Academy voucher so you can get new shoes for the holidays!

If you want the 14/15 inch screened Vivobook 14/15 E1404/E1504, it's going to be fun as it's got displays you can lay flat 180 degrees for presentations or meetings. That would get you a 2K voucher from the same place though. If you're a desktop guy, the All in One PC's ASUS S5 Mini Tower S501and smaller form ASUS A3402 would be best plus it comes with a 3,000 peso voucher from Sole Academy too. 

ROG and TUF have their ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 that can get you apt gaming power but still can be carried around because of it. The TUF Gaming A14 carries NVIDIA GeForce GTX 4060 GPU's so those games remain smooth if you want to switch between that and work. You also get 5,000 peso vouchers with it. Other options include the ROG Strix Series G18 and G16 plus the Strix SCAR 18 that has got more power and larger cooling systems, best for those who take gaming quite seriously. Other desktop models are available through accredited retailers so make sure you get the deals they offer during December. Remember, you need to register your purchase on their website and wait for verification that takes around 5-14 business days. You'll get the bundle in 45 days or less, and some are even available on Home Credit so follow their social channels (on ASUS Philippines) to know more about this exciting offers!

Outstanding in Academics, OLYMPIC Fencer, Filipino and Proud!: MAXINE ESTEBAN

Hearing Maxine Esteban's achievements during a small talk a few weeks ago made much of us feel like we didn't do much in school. She was that smart, talented and crazy good. She's a breath of fresh air, who didn't want to dwell on issues. She's mighty proud of what she's accomplished as an Olympian, a severely brilliant Fencer, and Filipino.

She's taking Management Engineering in Ateneo, one of the most difficult courses to boot but she manages to still attend regular classes despite training schedules and tournaments. She tells us "I used to be an Ice Skater but the skating rink in Megamall closed. The one in Mall of Asia was too far from where I lived, so I tried to find a sport that would pique my interest. I tried Taekwondo, Swimming, tried almost all the sports, but ended up not liking it except Fencing. I really loved it because it was really fun and taught me how to mix having a grace of a woman and the strength of a man. That's what I really liked about it."

With a very strong academic background, she didn't feel pressured to do all these things. Her parents encouraged her to master musical instruments and a sport, but didn't forget to let her excel in academics. She had only wished to make her parents proud which is why she's gotten to achieve much even at a young age. There's so much sacrifice she had to endure in Fencing, after getting surgery, she had to bounce back and wanted to represented the country. Now with Ivory Coast, she won't be wasting her exceptional talent and younger years as the sport requires that much skill in winning competitions and games. 

Maxine with her supportive parents, with her Dad as her DOTA coach at home

She's currently still preparing for the PARIS 2024 Olympics slated to start this July 26 which is almost a month from now. She's in Germany and plans to stay there for training and a few competitions in Europe until the day comes. She is also set to join the African championships on June 6th in Morocco. Then will go to training camps in Poland, Hungary, then train with the Japanese and French national teams til the games commence. 

Ivory Coast reminds her much of Filipinos. She laments "They were all so welcoming and sweet because when I arrived at the airport, all of my teammates were there carrying flowers. They remind me so much of my mates in the Philippine national team whom I'm very close with. Personality wise, it wasn't a hard adjustment. There's always going to be the Filipino inside of me, I'm the one that complains to organizers if I don't see the country's flag. When I win competitions in the past, my eyes light up seeing them raise it, doing the country proud! Those simple things, you can't remove that from me. I now have the support from Ivory Coast and the Philippines, and it really means a lot to me."

As for battling a Filipino Fencer, she thinks there wouldn't be an instance to do that. She knows how talented the Philippine team is, but if it happens she's going to do her best too. Her current coach is Andrea Magro, a prolific former coach of the Italian Fencing Team, and already produced 10 Olympic Gold Medalists on his roster. He's now training Maxine Esteban with the best ones in the world and he's raring to see her do the same in Paris. Andrea dubbed Maxine as like an agile Tiger, we couldn't agree more!

Maxine laughed when I asked her for plans to join show business because she looks so pretty. She's a what you see is what you get kind of girl. She's open for sports related sponsorships though and would prefer that instead. She's now affiliated with Anta, and wearing them with confidence too.

Here's our interview with her a few days ago:

She adds "Going to the Olympics, I just want to enjoy the moment because this is my first one. I just want to make my parents and everyone who believes in me proud. There's not much pressure in me, and I think that's a good thing. My parents have been my biggest supporters ever since, even before Fencing. In every sport that I try to do, they would also encourage me. They would never really put pressure and always ask that I just do my best. That's already enough for them, my Dad had a video on ABSCBN when I lost a match and he told me not to worry about it, because they will always love me no matter what."

Her story is truly inspiring. As of now, she is ready for the PARIS 2024 Olympics, and hope YOU are just as proud of her as a Filipino! Make sure you root for her on social media, in person (if you can), because at the end of the day, she is Filipino and proud!

VICE GANDA, ALYSSA VALDEZ, Noli De Castro, Atom Araullo Among Recognized at Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards

Every year, Readers Digest Philippines has been tapping an independent survey agency where Filipinos get to vote the best of the best trusted products, services and personalities. Contrary to talks, they need not to be a subscriber of Readers Digest to vote for their favorites since they started this and yes, they are the ones who commission every year. Several of these brands, people, actually have been recognized for several years. 

The methodology, the way they do the surveys are still the same. In the Philippines, the sample size is around 2000, but have 8000 individuals overall for the Asia Pacific market to do this in different regions. Being in this list just means you're trusted by Filipinos, and it is indeed important to a lot of people especially for those who look for quality, and the best in the different industries. The celebrities who got the awards this year include Former Vice President Noli De Castro, good looking broadcaster Atom Araullo, Volleyball Phenom Alyssa Valdez and the Unkabogable Vice Ganda.

Here's the complete list of awardees this 2024!

Most Trusted News Presenter is Former Vice President Noli De Castro

Most Trusted Presenter for News and Current Affairs is Atom Araullo

Most Trusted Sports Personality is Alyzza Valdez

Most Trusted Variety Talkshow Host is Vice Ganda

Platinum Awards

Bank went to BDO

Credit Card also went to BDO

Drugstore/Pharmacy is Mercury Drug

Health and Beauty Retail Store went to Watsons

Life Insurance went to Sun Life

Mattresses - URATEX

Milktea - Macao Imperial Tea

Pen - Pilot

Travel Insurance - AXA

TV Network - GMA Network



Gold Awards


Travel Insurance - Pacific Cross

Air Conditioner - Carrier

Air Conditioner - Panasonic

Washing Machines - Panasonic

Vacuum Cleaners - Panasonic

Optical Shop - Ideal Vision

Airfreight - J&T Express

Refrigerators - Sharp

Washing Machines - Sharp

Washing Machines - Whirlpool

TV Network - ABSCBN

Cooking Oils - Baguio Oil

Drug Store/Pharmacy - Watsons

Investment Funds - BDO

Consumer Loans - BDO

Life Insurance - AIA

Health Insurance - AIA

Life Insurance - AXA

Health Insurance - AXA

Personal Computers (Desktop, Notebook, Tablet) - Acer

Natural Food Supplements - USANA

Plasticware - Orocan

Travel Insurance - BDO Insurance

Here's the acceptance speech done at the awards night, please, enjoy!

Cheers to all the winners, and I hope they do the Filipino public good as they put their trust on your brand's name all these years.