ASUS Outs ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo OLED 15

 

Seeing the new ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo OLED 15 made me drool today. This is indeed the laptop of tomorrow as it is designed for the working man's needs.Built with a 4K OLED HD display and a built in tilting secondary screen on the bottom, it could so much especially for the creatives and professionals who would need more workspace in this day and age.

During the event today, they had premier Wedding Videographer/Visual Storyteller Jason Magbanua (my kumpare hehe) and landscape/travel and architectural photographer Nicco Valenzuela. Thing is, these people live and breathe editing and with the requirements in their industry, they would need something that is powerful and very reliable. The tasks they need to do is no joke as they play around with images and videos that are not only huge, but would need rendering as well. The tilting screen can give you the capability not only to see the whole picture, but lets you multitask. It also displays the most accurate colors which is quite needed in a common day for creatives like us.

The new ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo OLED 15 box comes with manuals, a pen, the actual unit which was unboxed during Jason's portion. He also took time to edit the video they've shown on the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo OLED 15. Technically and creatively it puts a lot of pressure with weddings as he's pretty well known for SDE's or same day edits. Nico on the other hand needs to meticulously edit huge images, put a lot of attention to details and remove things that are not pleasing to the eyes and not see a single speck of it in the output. They already have experience with the first generation of ZenBook Pro Duo but this made them realize it has answered even more of their workloads, it still had so many things to improve and they've done that in the new ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo OLED 15. Performance wise, it's super easy to drag and drop things, it boots up fast, and has an i9-10980HK processor that can take on huge tasks you need to do in it. They have an i7-10870H version with the same 32GB RAM and 1TB PCIE storage and an RTX 3070 GPU which can do a lot in one sitting. The tilting screen makes a lot of difference for Jason and Nico, they an put all the notes, the controls, so they can drag and drop on the secondary screen and put the sequence and titles on the bottom. The display will get dedicated on the output, which is so convenient for them since they can use different software at the same time without worrying where to put it when you're working with something else. It's maximum performance with these hardware. The OLED screen is super clear, blacks stay deep, it maintains the color when it should and also doesn't hurt the eyes even if you look at it for a long time (because it has less blue light).

It also looks like a gem with its Celestial Blue color, you don't have to look like a piece of metal when you're this powerful. It stays stylish just like the other laptops from ASUS. I actually own a VivoBook 14 which has proven so good for work and play, with this much power, you can significantly up the game and do even more because it's the got the hardware you need to get the tough job done in a cinch. The UX582LR-H2002TS (Celestial Blue) costs Php 199,995 (15" UHD OLED / i9-10980HK / 32GB RAM / 1TB PCIE Performance / RTX 3070) and the i7 version costs Php 169,995. It is an investment, a really smart one.

Trust me, I own one. :)

Google Holds Talk on LGBTQ+ MSMEs

June is Pride and International MSME Month and with that, our friends from Google Philippines is taking time to honor small businesses that are owned by LGBTQ+ entities and feature them on this yearly event they mount called Pride Conversations. This is so they could share their stories, cherish their wins so the general public and allies would be able to celebrate with them.

As you know, when COVID-19 happened, they were not really spared. This difficulty has not brought them down, it has actually made most of them closer.

Ms. Dette of Google Philippines says "Google is aware of this and they have done Google.org grants for their businesses. We will help promote them through Google My Business and other assets (2 Million Dollar grant to different organizations). Aside from this, we are hard at work everyday to make our products more inclusive and helpful, to become safe spaces, and we thank LGBT Chamber of Commerce as their efforts are very important. We miss the annual pride march, we still have a long way to go but I'm hopeful there will be better days. Please be an ally in thoughts, words and actions. We hope to see you outside soon, stay safe and well!"

Ron of LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce says "Major corporations have a responsibility to share their successes, for sustainable development and giving opportunities for people in the community they are with. This is what our chamber continue to promote, together with out allies to multiply this, to hopefully learn from our speakers stories. Businesses should adopt non discrimination policies, include SOGIE education programs, learn more about diversity, training, promote equitable benefits, provide transgender access, hold company sponsored events and promote positive LGBT+ messages. It does not happen in June alone, but everyday. Happy pride!"

Abby Biyo of Nirvana Hostel and Restaurant Siargao

Abby is based in Siargao. Initially, she only wanted to have a vacation but now is doing a business with her partner. It's the first Kapampangan restaurant in the island, and they love food and cooking. They figured, they wanted to share it to locals in Siargao. They are also part of SIBO (Siargao Island Business Organization), it aims to help other business owners. She shares "Having no clients because of the lockdown at first was depressing, but challenges was a daily routine. We had to change plans, pray, take action, lessen shyness (because no business can flourish with it) as Nirvana is for my family and our employees. We need to generate jobs to help people and extend the blessing to others." They joined weekly markets, added human effort and now they are slowly recovering. Her advise was "Continue what you are doing, don't let the pandemic stop you, make sure what you're doing is what you really want to do and not just because it's a fad. NIRVANA is now open, not just the hostel but the restaurant as well. We now have a bigger dining area and formed different partnerships, this is what we are flourishing."

Sed Aguil of The Food Episode

Struggled work from home setup, Sed decided to go back to the kitchen and found new love for cooking. Now he posts videos online, then friends asked for food, got great feedback feedback from it and now has established THE FOOD EPISODE. He says "The biggest challenge was doing everything on my own, I had no one to do this with. The positive comments from customers felt good and I learned a lot by listening to them. Find the courage to pursue what you really love, it's normal to be scared, but don't let it become a hindrance. Be patient, as it's not a smooth ride everyday, you will peak at the right moment."

Amrei Dizon of Vitalstrats Creative Solutions

Vitalstrats Creative Agency was created a few years ago. When a client needed a receipt, they needed to register as a business, so it was somewhat accidental. They create videos, music videos for indie artists and during the pandemic she says "We had a number of challenges, because our setup was converted to digital and almost all of us had to work from home. We lost a lot of projects since we didn't have events and shoots possible during the lock down. We did digital projects, we adapted to changes and now able to thrive even in the pandemic. Don't be afraid, everything can be learned, embrace your uniqueness because it what makes you great. That's the value of a good team. You have to pivot your services to what is currently relevant. We have openings if you are a creative, we are open for that!"

Nariese Giangan of FFTG Cafe

FFTG (food for the gays) now has a physical cafe, a safe space. Started April last year, when she graduated in culinary school and decided to sell baked goods. She says "The name was really catchy, the LGBT folks were just on it as they felt like "supreme beings", now we have a business and opened it even in the middle of pandemic. When I opened shop, it was already going strong, but we had to close shop again after a few weeks. We had to be in deliveries and do it online. We needed to double our efforts, because at the end of the day, our bills don't stop. I was the only one who bakes, had to sometimes ask family to help out. Anyone can learn the skills, but you have to believe in your product, and know the services that you provide. Know your market and plan your business well and how to promote it not just to the community, but its allies. You have to also develop your products, and never stop dreaming."

They also consign products so if you want to sell your food there, they can accommodate.


Jeoff Solas of Comercio Central, Cooltura Hub, and Fitness Army

I've known Jeoff for a few years since I also cover hotels and restaurants in this blog. He's the head honcho of Think Smarter Marketing Agency and Cooltura Hub.

He shares "I do marketing, branding, press releases even during the lockdown. I have access to a barber shop, do drinks and have had to establish a provincial base here in Bulacan. Cooltura has been a project of mine when I was in the hotel industry, all of these things are just efforts that I put together. Inspired by "kwentong barbero", I came across friends who provided drinks. Initially, I came up with Cooltura Barbers. I have also worked in the tourism industry, but now I had to stay in one place and need to do it online. In order to thrive, I knew I had to know more people in my area, it gave me an opportunity to know people from Bulacan and in exchange give them opportunities, employment, and give the same services of salons and barber shops in Manila in our neck of the woods. If the physical venue of the businesses were challenging, I had to help bring it online. This is a safe space now for more people." His advice was "You always have to encourage yourself, establish a reputation, connect with people, develop new skills but still take care of ourselves. Be resourceful, utilize space, people will tell stories about you if they are happy and feel good about themselves and that has helped us thrive during these times."


Rui Mariano of The Fairygodbarbie House of Beauty

Proud Transpinay Rui owns and operates Fairy God Barbie Aesthetic Wellness and Spa. She says "It started when I won a pageant, sisters asked how they love my hair and skin was nice so while working in Amazing Philippine Theater, I started to put up my beauty and wellness and spa. Now it's on its 7th year, I wanted to help our trans sisters. I wanted it to feel like a home, to build friendships, and now it's a huge community. When the pandemic hit, we need to follow the protocols of the government to close down. It was then when I started selling beauty products together with my sisters, and now it has grown into a branch, basically has grown my business overnight." She shares her secret and says "Be dedicated, committed, know your purpose and your happiness. If you fail or listen to other people, you won't succeed. If your heart is good, the one above knows about it. If you fail plan B, there's a lot of letters left in the alphabet which you can use." which I think was smart. :)

They also held a Google My Business preso after the talk

Now is the time to support local businesses, so always be nice. If they make mistakes, give them time to recover. Spread positivity, celebrate pride, celebrate YOU. Celebrate with the causes they are fighting for, especially on the topic of equality. Support campaigns of the community. If you are an LGBT entrepreneur, be visible. There's a strong community that can support you, educate yourselves in the SOGIE bill, support the businesses and commit to pride. It's not just in pride month, but the whole year. It'll pay off in the long run, kindness is the key, your business will survive with your friends, regular customers, you can inspire people to be more inclusive.

This was definitely a good talk with very interesting people. Thank you Google Philippines for doing this not just for the community, but the public; to keep them informed about existing LGBT+ businesses and shared their successes to others who might go through the same challenges they have gone through. Thanks Google Philippines!

Order Medicine Online via MyPharma

These troubled times have made me realize how important it is to teach non techie family members how to communicate, navigate themselves and discern information on the internet. Aside from that, they also need to go to reputable sites if in case they decide to buy essentials and I've been doing this extensively in my household because #1 I'm the only one going out most of the time and #2 It would be easier to have it delivered to my home rather than driving to and from my house (and the hassle of going through all that traffic in Manila).

One of the nicest places to go to is MyPharma.ph wherein over the counter and essential medicines can be purchased all from the comforts of your home. No more long lines, no more unwanted travels, all your medicines can be delivered straight to your door. The company backed by Dygen Pharma which already has an established distribution arm in the country. Best of all, they also have Facebook and Instagram channels so you can simply turn to them in case you get into any difficulties ordering from the site. You may register via https://mypharma.ph/register and create an account, with  your information safe, it would be seamless to get your orders sourced, picked up and delivered to your home which means there's less human intervention, safer overall.

MyPharma also prides itself on delivering orders safely and on time. They also make sure the items are securely packed, with delivery details indicated on the site so you know when your orders will arrive. That's so convenient and really ideal for those who are prefer to be at the safety of their homes like us.

This would be so good for those with comorbidity and need maintenance medicine so you would have less exposure (like me).

The Green Efforts of Personal Collection

At this day and age, it is quite disheartening to know that the Philippines is one of the largest plastic polluters in the world. It's also a little uncomfortable telling you that it's World Ocean Day today (June 8). Personal Collection, one of the pioneers and biggest direct selling companies in the country wants to change that so they've launched A Green Life Is A Great Life movement which bolsters their commitment to environmental conservation by changing to 100 percent biodegradable packaging for their products. Pretty soon, they'll also explore on making the ingredients on their products all organic and natural.

What that means is that their packaging can decompose in a much faster rate than ordinary plastic bottles, which can contribute to biogas/sustainable energy. This is something that the company has given time for as part of their research and development efforts.

As Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc.’s Chairman Willie “Jun” Evangelista, Jr. puts it “We can work for our goals and care for the world we live in. It's a mark of a successful business. We can make the Green Life and Great Life possible for Filipinos. Now, all our dealers and partners have become ambassadors on environmental responsibility because the products they sell are sustainable and made of biodegradable materials. They are part of our efforts, and we'll have more campaigns in the next few months."

This is such a nice move from the people behind Personal Collection. I've always loved their Home and Men's products and thinking about how they've helped the environment through these efforts is laudable. This is good!