Spiral Re-Opens Doors this October

The pandemic has brought upon tremendous pressure in establishments especially the hospitality industry in Manila. Tourists have stopped coming in because of health restrictions which is understandable. At this time, even at limited capacity, all health protocols should be in place and I'm glad to hear Sofitel is opening the iconic Spiral again. 

Accor, the world leading hotel group which Sofital Manila belongs to has launched the ALLSAFE Cleanliness and Prevention Label. It is a signature set of global cleanliness and prevention criteria developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections, and certification. This has also been integrated with national and local government guidelines, all in all to make you safe. 

Dining in on Spiral will be a little different. Seating capacity is currently limited and there will be one-meter spacing between guests. Transparent dividers are installed in reception desks and culinary ateliers. The private dining rooms are available for more exclusivity. Staff, chefs and  reception are equipped with safety gears, face shields and masks. Floors have signs for demarcation and a one way route. Each single plate will be served by the chefs from their respective ateliers putting in a one-dish-per-plate policy to prevent cross-contamination. 

For those with special orders or arrangements,  order numbers will be provided for guests to claim later on.  Beverage orders will be done via QR code on each table too. They currently have contactless payment in place including GCash, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and GrabPay too. This is in accordance with government protocols. Guests below the age of 21 years old and above 60 years old though are not permitted to dine in on any restaurant during General Community Quarantine (GCQ) which is still in place in Metro Manila. 

Spiral is starting this arrangement during the first three weekends of October. Please do reserve on Thursday dinner, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch. Their rates are set at Php 2,850 for lunch, Php 3,500 for dinner and Php 4,350 for brunch. Call them at (+632) 8832-6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.

Are you hungry? I am, but I'm glad to see Spiral is open with these protocols in place. 

That's reassuring!

What will happen in the Shopee 10.10 Brands Sale?

The country’s online shopping haven Shopee  is holding their 10.10 Brands Festival this October 10th together with brand giants on the Shopee app. Deals and giveaways are going to be available to lucky shoppers and yes, other stores and merchants will join in the fun.

Martin Yu the Associate Director for Shopee Philippines says “2020 has changed the way we shop and how our brands sell. 60 percent increase happened in the past few months and yes, they continue to be part of our marketing and campaigns with out biggest shopping event in the region. October 6 will get brands cashback sale, shopee payday sale on the 8th and advanced voucher on the 9th. This 10.10 you will get to have free shipping with no minimum spend, and a lot more. We will also have the 10.10 Brands Festival on October 10 at 10am on GMA. Maybelline, Unilever, Vivo and a lot more will be doing deals. Bianca Umali, Gabbi Garcia and 4th Impact will be performing on the show so stay tuned!”

18,000 brands trust Shopee and make shopping online easy, secure and fast. Brand testimonials happened earlier during their press conference.

Jackie Mañago of Unilever Philippines says “Consumer priorities are changed, at this time safety, hygiene and convenience counts. Our partnership with them include using Shopee’s tools, grounded on our purpose like helping small businesses. We launched Beauty that Cares last month where proceeds went to sme’s on the platform. The cover page, the live streams, we ran more of these than ever before and get people to win prizes too while shopping. We also formed loyal following, to drive business targets.”

Marx Benedict So of Alaska says “As a grocery brand we had challenges getting our products, and the platform provided ideal placements and higher conversions. Our consumers were buying in bulk, thanks to Shopee we checked how they got our products, target consumers who are not aware of our brand and it has been very rewarding!”

Realme Marketing Lead Eason De Guzman says “Contactless shopping was needed since malls closed and Shopee has done that for us. We have had the fastest sold out happen in the platform, their unique marketing got us good leads and sustained sales. The livestream, the banners and gadgetzone gave us good visibility and as a result, our campaigns were successful. More people will enjoy this coming 10.10 and realme will be part of that.”

Thanks to Silent Sanctuary for providing entertainment :)

10.10 will be focused for brands, of the entire region. Super Brand Deals and extensive collection of products will be available for consumers during this date. The best discounts, 12-2am specifically, would be a good place to start on their official stores. Not to mention free samples, vouchers and coins so you can use it on your next purchase. So what are you waiting for? Download the app now and add to cart those lovely products you need for yourself and your home. They have free delivery omg!

Life in Details: LG Outs New Monitors, OLED and Nanocell TV's, and XBOOM Go Speakers

Just got off the web conference with the good people from LG Philippines as they showcase their latest monitors, TV’s and audio devices. I saw a LOT of things I would like especially the new wide screen monitors that I could use for gaming and watching videos.

Inkwun Heo Managing Director of LG says “We perceive them as essentials. Essentials to make our homes better. We want to see life in detail even while we stay at home under the new normal. Our new line of monitors and speakers are things you can enjoy." He even made that heart gesture that kdrama oppas usually do. :)

Vlogger, Model, Movie and TV star Mikael Daez says “This baby is made for multitasking. Megan and I have no tapings these days and everything is online. Streaming is growing, these LG Ultragear and LG Ultrawide has been absolutely amazing, no input lags, it’s a better streaming experience. I am showing my personal setup, this is what I use for editing and gaming. Customers will be able to experience that as well.“

Kyra Yambao the Product Manager for LG adds “LG does not compromize, this has good aspect ration so everything is on the screen at any given time.

Director and Film Maker Milhail Red says “Film maker mode presents cinematic experience, the exact settings directors and colorists want you to see their film. This is what happens in LG OLED TV’s. This is intended for the big screen but LG has the technology to preserve what we intend you to see, that is important for visual storytellers.”

Angelica Dumlao the LG Product. Manager says “Film makers have a vision and what directors want you to see is what is supposed to be on TV.”

Aaron Parcon the Product Manager for LG and pro basketball player LA Tenorio adds “Never miss your team play, feel like you are on the sidelines, bluetooth surround ready, that is LG OLED Sports TV. True to life, make sports realistic, this is 100 times faster than regular LED TV. I always watch NBA and PBA moves, so I could do them well. I watch it vividly, very lifelike, perfect for my fluid lifestyle, because it’s like you are there. LG makes it possible. Right now, I am enjoying my newborn baby at home, I binge watch K dramas. Before I miss a lot of details, now it is all clear. It is realistic that I really am afraid with zombies and stuff. The TV has millions of pixels, when I review games I feel like I have an advantage because I can see them all, even footwork, this is all different!”

Gaming on TV

LG OLED Self Lit Pixels make HDR gaming good with detailed pitch blackness (perfect black), ultra low latency, flawless big screen gaming. ESports is gaining traction, LG OLED TV’s are NVIDIA Gsync compatible, the chances of eye fatigue is low too. Highest response time, low input lag, and you’ll be fine as it has less blue light.

Megan Young says “Display latency, ghosting is gone, this reveals all the hidden details and is amazing. The TV is also beautiful and it lets me watch shows in one instance, and also play games and stream it as well. I’m a good support with Mikael, he keeps on beating me. It has been great because it fits my mood. I have voice activated control, *calls Mikael* and I get the controls in an instant LOL.”

LG Nanocell TV

Pure colors, now on ultra large screens, this is LG Nanocell 8k. It gives stunning visual details, you can watch movies, sports and play games.

James Deakin says “This is a game changer. It gives the real 8K, with deep learning algorithm that removes dull colors and reduce noise. LG Nanocell Real 8K comes in the right budget, get unbelievable tech without the more premium price. There is no such thing as too many TV’s, I use them as paintings at times and the gallery is amazing! I am blessed to be trusted by LG to experience the technology before the market gets it. The way they think is just hard, they enhance your lifestyle.”

Angelica adds “OLED is best, but Nanocell employs backlit tech for perfect black. If you are looking for a bargain, bang for buck, you are going to get value out of that.”

The LG XBoom Go PL5 and PL7 are portable Bluetooth speakers that give any room, big or small, an immersive surround sound experience. Go all day with 24 hour batteries on the LG XBoom Go. XBOOM has balanced deep and powerful sound boost. Crystal clear audio, surround sound with your LG TV even at home. This is life in details.

The LG UltraGear and Ultrawide makes you experience gaming better. It is also versatile, the seamless switch between gaming and watching. LG OLED TV’s give you the nicest sound quality, realistic like people on the show are there with you. LG Nanocell places a lot of value with your TV, we multitask with with the TV, you can talk to it and do so much at a lower cost. You can even use it as a stunning display of art, all visually arresting. The Nanocell TV provides that little bridge between TV to the huge leap to the OLED. The film maker mode on the OLED makes movies seen as what it is intended.

This is just a nice way to enjoy life even at these trying times. If you feel like you deserve a treat, LG has these offered on Lazada and other authorized retailers listed on the LG website.

Oh and yes, LG is also doing a lot behind the scenes as the pandemic is on its nth month. They gave away washing machines, tons of TV monitors, to help lessen the burden of our frontliners and the less fortunate. They also sent some for hospitals and organizations across the country.

Congratulations LG! Keep doing what you are doing good!

100 Years of World Class Hardware Solutions: Co Ban Kiat Hardware

Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is celebrating 100 years in the country. This stands as a remarkable feat for a company that started retail concepts in the hardware market in the  Philippines. Today, they continue to provide world class hardware solutions around the country.

 

From their humble beginnings in Binondo Manila during the early 1920s, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. initially did the wholesale buy and sell hardware business. As you may know, World War II happened during those years and Manila was in shambles. Rising from the ashes of war, Co Ban Kiat slowly resumed business with a the makeshift shanty and begun helping people in rebuild their homes and establishments by providing hardware materials during reconstruction.

In 1952, CBK Hardware was formed and market expansion efforts were made.  Business flourished and prospered further due to the fourth generation of the Cobankiat family under the leadership of Johnny Cobankiat. His accomplishments include the inauguration of Hardware Workshop as the first retail hardware chain of stores, Coby's Design Center as a means to answer the increasing demand of high-end architectural hardware products and the accreditation and introduction of Ace Hardware USA in the country, with CBK Hardware Inc. as one of its suppliers. CBK Hardware now is now towards its journey to supply the country with world-class, life-improving technological and hardware solutions.

 

Its promising milestone of achieving a century of excellence was made possible with a wide-ranging portfolio of products. Over the years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware consistently expanding its products with a one common personality; the highest quality only and its vision to be the largest network of supplier of the biggest brands in the world for hardware industry. This vision was made possible by partnering with 68 trusted global brands of building materials, electrical, houseware, power equipment, outdoor, plumbing, hand and power tools, encompassing completely any product type for building and construction and home comfort. A key source champion global hardware products including Stanley, Lincoln Electric, Baldwin, Chubbsafes, Dormakaba, Facom, Fairbanks Scales, Nilfisk Professional Cleaning Equipment, Westinghouse, Yale Locks, and more. These brands are all being smoothly distributed to customers who want to get more bang for their buck when it comes to home and facility improvement, safety and security, D.I.Y projects, energy conservation, cleaning solutions, and the like. Supplied and shared out by CBK Hardware Inc., these brands are truly together in excellence.

 

The founding belief of the company to provide the Filipino access to quality products was translated by the expansion of its geographic presence, supplying to over 2000 partner wholesale and retail stores nationwide, which includes D.I.Y stores, traditional hardware stores, depots, and much more for 68 brands and over 6,000 SKUs. CBK Hardware utilizes wide array of its product portfolio to realize market leadership in every market segment. Solidifying its distribution network is the integration of well-known business sectors and boasts an expansive list of automotive, hospitality, service, and other industry clientele as well as distinguished real estate developers and construction companies nationwide considering CBK Hardware as the most trusted supplier.  Reaping the benefits of ecommerce, CBK Hardware prides itself to be the first hardware distributor to aggressively offer products online through several ecommerce platforms and to its social media accounts.

 

Business in the hardware industry is not the only way the brand is helping the world become a better place. CBK Hardware Inc. is also partaking in multiple advocacies, philanthropic endeavors, humanitarianism, and charity work, because those in the company are wholeheartedly committed to contributing towards the growth of society and the environment. Hundreds if not thousands of people from different walks of life have benefited from CBK Hardware Inc.’s initiatives, from the intensive CSR programs to the hardware donations for the improvement of living facilities. The goodwill of CBK Hardware Inc., was also gifted to the neglected children and elders by teaming up with many GOs and NGOs.  And as part of 100 years celebration, Co Ban Kiat Hardware will massively deepen its dedication to create valuable contributions to the society and environment by launching 100 Years Donation Drive, a 10-month long CSR project that aims to help 100 organizations.

 

As the company enters a new century, there will be even more local and global brands to acquire and form partnerships with, more ways to help out and give back to the community, more homes and buildings to improve using many tools and appliances the brand has in its disposal, and more individuals to help in any way.

 

Going forward, Philippines will expect Co Ban Kiat Hardware to remain true to its heritage of providing more years of world class hardware solutions.

To inquire online, visit https://www.cbkhardware.com/. Follow their social media account: www.facebook.com/CBKHardware and join CBK Viber Community: https://bit.ly/2S4N8KB.

 

Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is the preferred and trusted distributor of home improvement and hardware products in the Philippines. With its wide range of products from 68 global hardware brands and more than 2000 distribution channels, CBK Hardware is committed to provide more years of world class hardware solutions to Filipino homes and several industries.