Cebu Content Creators Convention 2018

By: emelieempire on Friday, September 28, 2018 | 0



Cebu Content Creators, an organization of Cebu bloggers, video creators, and social media creators, is proud to celebrate its first Cebu Creators Month this September 2018.
As part of this big event, we are holding Cebu Content Creators Convention (C3CON2018) this September 29, Saturday at Cebu Parklane International Hotel.
ABOUT C3CON2018
C3CON2018 is the official brand event of Cebu Content Creators. This year’s theme is Content Creation for Brands and Entrepreneurs. The event gathers bloggers, vloggers, video creators, and social media creators, as well as brands, businesses, and entrepreneurs in Cebu. 
In this event, we will have discussions about the current content creation industry and how content creators can use their online platforms to create or start their own businesses. We also aim to talk about how creators can help local businesses bring their brand to relevant digital or online platforms, as well as the benefits businesses get when they work with content creators. 
Aside from discussions, we will also have activities that aim to promote camaraderie between different content creators and brands, and to build a network that supports each other to grow and learn in the content creation industry. 
EVENT SPEAKERS
1. PAM BARORO
Aside from running her well-known Family Travel Blog Hey, Miss Adventures!, Pam is also handling The Creative Stretch as a Digital Marketer and Entrepreneur so it's very fitting for her to talk about How to Use Your Blog to Start a Freelance Business From Scratch.
2. MARTIN TABANAG
Known for What's Your Story by Martin Tabanag, Martin is a video creator and a filmmaker of short documentaries. He runs Martin Tabanag Studios and helps businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, and brands through Multimedia Marketing. He will talk about How to Make Use of Social Media Platforms to Get Clients.
3. DAVID CUA
Another #C3CON speaker is David Jones Cua - the Executive Creative Director of Republiq Group of Companies. He will talk about How to Make a Social Media Star. 
David started in traditional media and was then an Editor-In-Chief of Zee Lifestyle Magazine. He transitioned into the world of new media and now handles the social media accounts of various corporate clients such as Tanduay Select, SM Seaside, and many more.
He is also the mastermind behind the popular Facebook media channel BAI TV.
4. CARLO VILLARICA
Carlo Villarica completes the line-up of speakers we have for #C3CON2018. We're excited for you to learn from A ZeroThreeTwo Conversation!
He is one of the minds behind ZeroThreeTwo, a blog about Cebuano culture. It encompasses the stories that Cebuanos tell about various topics. They also have a clothing line that shows off your love for ZeroThreeTwo.
Ready to level-up your content and brand? 
Register now and see you on Sept. 29 at Parklane Hotel: bit.ly/C3CON-REGISTER
Check out the event page for more details: bit.ly/C3CON-EVENT-PAGE
As part of the Cebu Creators Month, we were also able to hold two successful events in the last two weeks. 
Last September 16 and 23, Blog Talks Workshop in partnership with Cebu Finest was held at Books and Brews Cafe wherein the following topics were discussed with different content creators. 
1. Stand A Chance On YouTube (Find Your Niche) by Rea Gene Alducente
2. See You In The Content Creator Side: A Story by Vernon Joseph Go
3. Connecting Your Blog To Brands And Monetizing Your Work by Philip Andrew Mayol
4. Pro-Blogging 101: Actionable SEO Checklist by Rome Nicolas
5. Transforming Passion And Interest Into A Successful Blog by Carlo Andrew Olano
6. Mobile Photography For Your Blog Content by Christoeffer John Estrada & Philip Andrew Mayol

Last September 22, Cebu Grammers Meet was held at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Central Bloc, Cebu IT Park. It was a gathering and meet-up of different Instagrammers in Cebu with the aim to connect and collaborate, as well as learn mobile photography tips from our speaker, Jack Ponpon. 
Cebu Content Creators would like to thank its venue sponsors: Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Books and Brews Cafe, and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. 
Also, special thanks to our brand partners: Capdase Philippines with Araree Philippines, ASUS Philippines, Giltbox, and Giltbox Man. 

CBTL: 15 Years of You and Me

By: emelieempire on Saturday, September 8, 2018 | 0




The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrates its 15 years in the Philippines. As the company celebrates 15 years of innovation since its journey in the Philippines, and years of bringing simply the best to its customers, they remember all the moments and memories they have shared with the people who have been a part of their story in the Philippines.

Born and brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of the oldest and largest privately held specialty coffee and tea retailers in the world. Since opening their first café in Brentwood, California, they have always been passionate about connecting their loyal customers with carefully handcrafted products. Though they travel far and wild to discover the flavors you love, they always bring it home. Delivering the look, taste and aroma of the world’s best coffees and teas is what they do best, and every sip should take you to the corners of the earth where each flower was culminated. They aim higher that the standard, selecting only the top 1% of specialty grade Arabica beans and the top two leaves and a bud of the finest hand-plucked, whole leaf teas. The company prides itself of its direct relationships with the growers and individual farms and estates to be assured of he best coffee and tea harvest available.

A brand centered on passion, their story began when Herb Hyman, once called the “grandfather of specialty coffee in the U.S.” brought the concept home and helped turn it into the phenomenon it is today – taking coffee from a basic commodity to a full-on cultural occasion, since then, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has has had a history of breakthroughs in beverages such as the Original Ice Blended back in 1987, even before frozen coffee was craze. It is simply in their nature to constantly push for the freshest and most innovative products all over.


Enchong Dee’s Dream Come True

By: emelieempire on Friday, August 10, 2018 | 0


Yes!
Enchong Dee, one of the Philippine celebrities who are deeply committed to sports, supports Sun Life’s wellness thrust. Swimming has been part of his life since he was a six-year-old kid. This year, Sun Life announced that he have been chosen as one of the company’s ambassador to promote such cause. The whole Sun Life family are very happy to officially welcome him into the team because with his commitment to fitness and his ability to connect with his audience, they are very confident that he can help the team cahmpion health and wellness among Filipinos, especially the youth.





A group of bloggers, including me, were invited to witness his speech about one of his dreams becoming a reality by being part of a company that does not only help Filipinos about financial literacy but also healthy lifestyle. He said he is much honored to be chosen to do something from a company that is very close to his heart.

On that same day before he joins the Ironman 70.3 race, he also led a special swim class for kids in Shangrila Beach Resort to train them a life in sports and reap its benefits:

1) Tones muscles and builds strength;
2) Maintains ideal weight, healthy heart and strong lungs;
3) Improves posture;
4) De-stresses and relaxes;
5) Loose belly fat; and
6) Fun form of fun and recreation time

Swimming lesson with the kids.

Welcome Enchong to the family and thank you for visiting Cebu!

Sun Life Tri-Team for Ironman 70.3 Race 2018

By: emelieempire on Thursday, August 9, 2018 | 0


Piolo and Enchong Sun Live executives represent the company in Cebu.
Sun Life Financial, my life insurance company, has done so many movements and programs in order to promote health and wellness thrust for their members. It expanded its purpose beyond helping clients achieve lifetime financial security to encouraging Filipinos live healthier lives. 


This year, the people behind this upbeat company join one of the most known event in Cebu, Ironman 70.3, also known as Cebu’s Half Ironman. It is a series of long distance triathlon races in the city. The "70.3" refers to the total distance in miles (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run.  Shangrila Beach Resort hosts this particular event in August 5, 2018. With more than hundreds of participants, Sun Life Financial Philippines Triathlon Team is also joining in this amazing triathlon to mark their fifth year.


During their intimate media event held in Shangrila Beach Resort, a total of 13 racers in the admired competition had been named. Race leaders are brand ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Toniel Ty and their executives. Sun Life Chief Investments Officer Michael Enriquez will also see action on the bike, alongside Sun Life Business Development Manager for Partnership Distribution Toots Malapad and Sun Life Sales Training and Development Head Ged Custodia.
Side note, the CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison were very friendly and accommodating to us.

Piolo and his son Inigo
Piolo – does the biking;
Enchong – does the swimming;
Toniel – does the running.



"It's a thrill for us to once again be a part of Ironman 70.3, which is a perfect venue for us to highlisght Sun Life's health and welness thrust," Sun Life CEO and Country Head Benedict Sison said.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Inc. ("SLF Inc.") is a leading international financial services  organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management ("AUM") of $975 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. 

Do You Keep Your Promises?

By: emelieempire on Friday, July 20, 2018 | 0



Relationships are built on promises: the promise to love, to care, to secure, to protect, and to provide. This is something that Piolo Pascual, Philippine actor, knows all too well, committed as he is to the promises he has made to his family as a son, a sibling, and a father.

But when financial troubles arise, bringing such promises to life becomes a challenge.

“Like any other person, I want to give my family the best life possible. I am a man of my word, that is why I work hard and seize every opportunity that comes my way,” Piolo said. “But more than just earning money, it’s how you manage your finances that makes a difference. Fortunately, I have the guidance and help of one very special lady: my very own sister, Chiqui Pascual-Gonzales, who also happens to be my Sun Life Advisor.”

According to Piolo, Chiqui has been instrumental in ensuring that his dreams for his family will all come true. “It’s a partnership through and through. With her help, I’ve been able to make it all happen while still pursuing my own passions and advocacies,” he said. Piolo and Chiqui’s story is but one of many in Sun Life Financial, where lifetime partnerships are developed and nurtured through the years. In fact, this has inspired Sun Life’s latest campaign, at the forefront of which is a new TV commercial highlighting Sun Life’s presence in a client’s life throughout the different stages of her life. It represents the many promises that Sun Life has helped bring into fruition for the past 123 years of its existence.

Sun Life hopes that the campaign, as well as Piolo’s own story, will inspire more people to take the same path in their financial journey. “As the longest-standing life insurance company in the Philippines, we have witnessed many promises being fulfilled throughout the years and have served generations of clients. It is an honor for us to serve all our clients and help them secure their future and those of their loved ones” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said.

“The promises we make to our loved ones are sacred, and Sun Life knows this. That’s why it’s committed to helping its clients achieve their goals, no matter what happens,” Piolo said. “You can’t ask for a better lifetime partner than that!”


About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial Inc. ("SLF Inc.") is a leading international financial services  organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management ("AUM") of $975 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. 

Girls Just Wanna Have FUNds

By: emelieempire on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 | 0


HUSSLE. Fail your way to success. The successful person has failed 10 times more than the unsuccessful one. Don't just be a dream girl. Be a dream, girl!
I used to wonder why money exists and why it is so important. Everyone uses it. We all want it, work for it and think about it. Its uses in our society is so established that many of us will go through our lives without questioning why those pieces of colorful coins and thick, sometimes tattered, papers have value. Why do they exist? While the creation and growth of money seems somewhat intangible, without a doubt, money is the way to get things we like and need. 

I am not here to discuss the theories and evolutions of money. The task of defining those belongs to the people who dedicate themselves to the discipline of economics. I am here to share some input about what to do with your money and where you can put it. I am not an expert financial advisor but I hope you can lear a thing or two based on these. I just think that imparting what I learned and experienced would help.  You see, money is a very important material thing on Earth and having an idea on how to properly grow it, use it and safeguard it is a crucial need everyone of us should be aware. 

How to manage funds without sacrificing the fun?
Saving has always been the advice of almost all the people around us. Well, it is true! My parents fed me the idea and importance of saving at an early stage of my life I think even when I was still in my mother’s womb, lol that could be the reason why I am very keen about my money. 

Saving funds in the bank sounds okay but we have to know that it will not grow abundantly. It will just sit there securely. You can of course save it all you like but you might as well consider investing it. I am currently investing some of my money to SunLife Financial and have attended quite a few talk events about managing funds and growing it.


Last Sunday, together with Cebu’s brightest personalities, I was invited to witness another gathering on how one can pursue his/her passion while also enjoying financial freedom in Let’s Have Some FUNds at the Ayala Center Cebu. Kathrynn Dawn S, an architect and Blind Clothing really inspired me. There were also raffle draws with equivalent awesome prizes including investment starter funds worth Php 5,000 and Ayala Cinema movie tickets.


1. Know the means. You must be good at something. Earn from your core gifts and use them with passion. Get paid by doing what you love and what you are good at. Start young, enlarge your skills, expand your network and don’t limit yourself within your territories. 

2. Be a goal digger. One of the best woman to date is the goal digger. (Raises my hand). She has an overview of what her life would be in the coming years and she is taking steps towards it. it will be difficult. But is that surprising? no. Nothing of great achievement comes easy.

3. Know how to manage. Raising your financial I.Q is very important because as what they say, financial ignorance is more expensive than any designer bag. If you are like me who only knows IT stuff, better get a trusted financial adviser. I currently have one and I usually bombard her with questions. She helped me a lot in areas that seem blurry to me.
Look for true mentors and books, avoid bad debt they way you avoid your ex’s ex, protect yourself adequately, automatically save 20% of your income and invest as early as you can.

4. Identify the discerning things. Do not believe in Madonna’s song, “We are living in a material world and I am a material girl.” – NOT! Know what to and what not to spend on. Live within your means. Period. Differentiate asset from liabilities.
Asset – when you buy things that put money in your pocket.
Liability – when you buy things that put money out of your pocket.
Reward yourself accordingly. Enjoy the fruits of your labor but hit your targets first so that you will spend without the guilt right after walking out the mall.
Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.
-Will Rogers

5. Accelerate. Ride something to wealth. Do not be limited with the bank, ride as many vehicles as you can. Earn even while you are sleeping through creating passive income. Since profits are better than wages, make your way to earn exponential income through investing your money with trusted records and reliable financial advisers. You will be amazed on how your money could grow instead of just putting it on the bank. Do not forget to network with people and build bridges.

How about you, what are your own ways of managing your funds while not compromising the fun?

Learning while having fun with Cebu friends.

Let’s Have Some FUNds is presented by Sun Life Financial as part of its celebration of Financial Independence Month this June. After Cebu, the event will also be mounted in Davao and Iloilo. Follow Sun Life (@SunLifePH) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to know more. The event is also supported by BAI TV, Cebu Bloggers Society, Cebu Content Creators and Ayala Center Cebu.


Bioessence: Caring Beyond Beauty

By: emelieempire on Monday, June 18, 2018 | 0




For a young professional like me, I always want to look good because it makes me feel good. From clothing mix and match to trying out hair care tips and following skincare routines, I have known and distinguished things that bring out the best in me and also those that do not work for me. 

I am strictly following a weird skincare routine for a long time now because guess what, it is the only method that works for me and my acne. I had teenage acne before that lasted for years which bothered me a lot. It caused me to try lots of products found in the pharmacies, online stores and even dermatologists’ clinic. Sadly, none of them work until I found the little ninjas that I am using right now. This is not the famous Korean 10-step Skincare Routine nor the Models Routines you see in Youtube. This is more like of a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) that is invented by me and my sister in Taiwan. 

I also visit skin clinics and spas in my current city once in a while to treat myself with relaxing facial treatments, satisfying massage and lots of self-pampering. For the month of June 2018, I visited Bioessence spa in 3rd Level, SM City Cebu. It was such a perfect timing because it was their grand opening and they welcomed me dearly there.

Like any other Filipino event, there was an opening mass participated by the owners, staff, therapists and us – social media influencers. It was followed by holy water blessing, cutting of ribbon and lots of picture taking and then food feast of course.

Holy Water Blessing and Ribbon Cutting

What is Bioessence?

A beauty clinic with 34 branches in the Philippines, Bioessence is a non-invasive skin services center in a relaxing environment. For 23 years of service now, true pampering is the essence of their brand. Experience “me time” here where every pamper session is a journey to wellness, a holiday for the skin and body as well as a rejuvenation for the mind. Their relaxing Spa packages ranging from P999 for Body Massage with Facial, to P2499 that includes a Body Scrub, Body Massage with Facial.

Choose the product that suits you.
Bioessence’s founder, a renowned dermatologist and skin care specialist, Dr. Emma Beleno-Guerrero (Dr. EBG) upholds utmost professionalism in the practice of skin care and wellness and she passes on the same ideals to all her staff and employees who are all well-trained in their respective fields of specialization.

For Skin Wellness, Bioessence’s skin treatments are scientifically proven and have gone through rigorous research and studies to customize procedures with the unique Filipino skin. The treatments are done by licensed skin therapists so clients are assured of safe and effective results.

Shop, shop.

Look at what they gave me.

Services that I availed

I tried their hand paraffin, in-demand Oxygen Intensive Treatment for my face and the stress relieving back massage. They were very relaxing! 

1. Hand paraffin uses melted wax with aromatherapy. The therapist put alcohol
on my hands first, rubbed them nicely then dipped them thrice to the liquid solution. It was very hot but very relaxing as well.

White hands because they are coated with wax. :)
2. Oxygen Intensive Treatment uses Oxygen Ceuticals infused with natural liquid oxygen. It was applied using a metal airbrush tool.  This is good for skin rejuvenation because as we age, our skin becomes less efficient at renewing itself, resulting in slower cellular metabolism, the reduction of collagen and elastin, and the appearance of fine lines and discolorations. The external effects if sun exposure, air pollution, diet, and day-to-day stress can make skin look dull and dry. When skin is deprived of oxygen, it shows. This treatment is to nourish the skin with the much-needed oxygen.

Oxygen Ceuticals
3. Stress Relieving Back Massage was my favorite of all. I chose the soft massage because I usually got black patches on my body if I choose medium or hard massages. Guess what, it was a perfect decision!

This is where the relaxation happens.

The Staff

With Miz, Anj and my fellow influencers

My dress blends with the girls'.

Kami shoofa.

For more questions and reservations, please visit Bioessence at 3rd Level, SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 416-1885.
Message them on Facebook and Instagram.


Summer in Carnaza Island - Day 1

By: emelieempire on Saturday, May 26, 2018 | 0


Hello everyone! I am finally back from my break for quite several days from this site. A lot of the great things have been happening in my life and I am thankful for all of those. Wow, I cannot almost believe that it’s May 2018 right now - time moves so fast! It feels like I just wrote my last post yesterday.

For this blog, I will share my great summer escapade with friends in Carnaza Island. A laid back, unruffled and serene place away from the city life and city lights. For those who don’t know about this place, this is turtle-shaped island located in Cebu, Philippines. This is a trending destination circulating around the social media world even until now because of its alluring beauty. Almost everyone wants to visit and experience this place and then there’s me who was able to set my feet and enjoy the magnificence of this place. I’m so grateful.

Going to this paradise is a little tedious because it takes bus, boat and tricycle rides plus the 4-5 hours of sitting and waiting for our rides. When we were on our way towards this island, I almost would want to go home because we were waiting for like forever already. I am a patient kind of person but during this, it was just too much to bear. As they said, patience, patience, more patience. Okay, I took a nap hahaha. (to be continued)

New Nokia Phones

By: emelieempire on Saturday, April 28, 2018 | 0



HMD Global Philippines Country Manager Shannon Mead demonstrates the Carl ZEISS optics and Dual-Sight camera features of the Nokia 7 plus to the Cebu media.
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today confirms the arrival of the Nokia 7 plus, Nokia 1, New Nokia 6 and Nokia 8110 4G. First introduced at the Mobile World Congress in February earlier this year, these new Nokia phones will all be available in Cebu by mid-May. Delivering on the promise of durability and reliability that Cebuanos have always expected from a Nokia phone, each new phone sets benchmarks in design and technology with beautiful craftsmanship and rich features.

Shannon Mead, Country Manager of HMD Global Philippines, said: “HMD Global is proud to continue the story of Nokia mobile through the qualities that we first loved such as durability and innovation, designed to suit every need and style. As a key market, we are committed to building and strengthening our presence in Cebu. We are optimistic that with the new generation of Nokia Android smartphones and our classic but highly upgraded feature phone, the Cebuanos will get the best mobile experience across all price points.” 

The flagship hero you can rely on 
Designed to help users create stunning content, the Nokia 7 plus has the screen, power, design and  features that make it a true hero of the Nokia smartphone range. Combining innovative optical hardware and imaging algorithms, the Nokia 7 plus captures moments in photos that are true to life. With its impressive 16MP front-facing camera with ZEISS optics, the Nokia 7 plus adapts to low-light conditions by increasing light sensitivity to guarantee only the best pictures preserve perfect moments. Enhanced Dual-Sight harnesses the front and back cameras simultaneously to capture the ultimate #Bothie while unlimited photo and video uploads to Google Photos ensure all memories are stored for easy sharing with family and friends. 

To enable you to capture and enjoy more content for longer, the Nokia 7 plus is backed by the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 660 Mobile Platform. Its large-capacity 3800mAh battery makes sure you won’t have to worry about battery life, even when you are broadcasting your #Bothie
videos live on Facebook or YouTube.
Its gently curved back and slim edges provide a big-screen experience in a comfortable, neat package. The vivid 6-inch 18:9 full-HD+ display makes the Nokia 7 plus perfect for browsing, social media consumption, gaming and entertainment with more content in the same width as a traditional 5.5-inch display device.

The Nokia 7 plus will be available in Black/Copper and White/Copper from April 27 and will retail for PHP 21,990.

Pre-sale of Nokia 7 plus now available through Abenson.com, Argomall, MemoXpress, and on Lazada. You can even avail of 0% interest over 9 months via Home Credit when you apply online through argomall.com.

A 4G smartphone for every Juan
The Nokia 1 is a breakthrough in accessible technology, delivering smartphone essentials with the reassuring quality that can be expected of a Nokia phone and a refreshingly familiar design to fans around the world. Giving more people access to technology, the phone comes with Android Oreo™ (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with 1GB RAM or less. 

The Nokia 1 is designed to be smooth and responsive, with full access to the Google Play™ Store. This means you can find all your favorite apps from WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to mobile banking while also highlighting apps that are optimized for Android Oreo™ (Go edition). You can give your Nokia 1 a makeover, thanks to the addition of the ever-popular Xpress-on covers. Available in a range of vibrant colors, these exchangeable covers let you express your personal style by simply pressing on and off in seconds. Each cover is built with the same precision and attention to detail as the phone’s original cover. Inherently colored, the tough two-tone polycarbonate cover is ready to take on everyday knocks and bumps with its durable design. 

The Nokia 1 is now available in Warm Red and Dark Blue for PHP 4,290.

Built to last, award-winning phone just got even better
Building on the success of its predecessor, the new Nokia 6 packs even more powerful performance and great new features in a more compact, durable body. Over 60% faster than its award-winning predecessor, it now offers enhanced Dual-Sight, ZEISS optics, USB-C fast-charging, a more compact
screen-to- body ratio, Nokia spatial audio and pure, secure and up-to- date Android Oreo™. The new Nokia 6 takes the original’s precision craftsmanship to the next level by combining a unibody, made from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium, with an 11-hour two-tone anodising and polishing process. And by uniting a sculpted 2.5D display with damage-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, the New Nokia 6’s compact and refined body is built to last. It runs in Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 630 Mobile Platform to deliver fast and smooth performance alongside great day-long battery life.

The new Nokia 6 with 4GB RAM / 64 GB ROM configuration in Blue/Gold color blend will be available starting May 14 for PHP 15,990.

Pure, secure and up-to- date Android experience
With a commitment to a pure, secure and up-to- date Android, each smartphone will stay fresh over time with monthly security updates guaranteed and with no unnecessary UI changes or hidden processes eating up battery life or slowing the device down. All these mean you can enjoy your new phone for longer.

By shipping with Android Oreo™ out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest Android features of the Nokia 7 plus and Nokia 6, including Picture-in- Picture for multitasking, Android Instant Apps to discover and run apps with minimal friction, 60 fantastic new emojis and battery-maximizing
features such as limiting background app use.

Tailored to devices with 1GB RAM or less, the Android Oreo™ (Go edition) in Nokia 1 comes with a new range of apps from Google, designed to run faster while consuming less data. Optimized to be
smooth and fast, these include the Google Go web search app, Google Maps™ Go, YouTube™ Go and Google Assistant for Android (Go edition) to quickly send messages, make calls, set alarms and do more, simply by using your voice. With fewer pre-installed and much lighter apps on Android Oreo™ (Go edition), you get 2x more available storage out of the box.

Coming soon: Nokia 8110 4G
Today, HMD Global also confirms that the newest member of the Originals family, the Nokia 8110 4G will be coming to Cebu in May.

Women TechMakers 2018

By: emelieempire on Saturday, April 14, 2018 | 0



Being a woman is phenomenal! I cannot stress enough the privilege we have just like enjoying a wide variety of wardrobe choices, conceiving a child, and participating to technological events organized specifically for women. Talking about technological events, I had the opportunity to organize Women Techmakers 2018 specifically for Cebu, Philippines together with a few friends last April 7, 2018 at The Company Cebu. Nope this is not solely for women only, but also for men who believe and support women’s capabilities.

What is Women TechMakers?

Women TechMakers is a series of global events geared towards increasing visibility, community and resources for technical women in our industry. Partnered with Google, it supports, empowers and showcases the work and passions of women by providing a platform to celebrate talents and spotlight role models. Google believes diversity and inclusion is important for thriving vibrant communities. Focusing on women-inclusion is the first step in a larger effort to diversify the global Google developer community.
The event is also an occasion relating to International Women’s Day last March 8, 2018.  GDG Cebu community has shown great interest in this initiative, upholding events that are designed to promote an environment of inclusivity for women in technology, as well as celebrate women leading the industry. We also want to advance, grow, and celebrate women developers, designers, and technology entrepreneurs.

“Building a New Horizon: Breaking the Barriers.”

This year’s Women TechMakers event has the theme “Building a New Horizon: Breaking the Barriers.” For me this simply means, be bold for changes and be up for challenges. We are challenged by what divides us whether it is job, political views, wealth, race, or lack of confidence. It is so easy to choose to just walk away from things we do not want to deal with or to simply put up blocks between ourselves and others. As human, I also do that - walking away from situations that challenge me. But thinking about it, I have thought that if I could move out from my comfort zone, be brave and back myself up with goals then surely I can gain tremendous lessons and opportunities. I am an example woman in technology with experiences and skills mostly only men have. I am up for challenges and often chase for opportunities that can help me grow personally and professionally even if it means sacrificing my sleeping hours. I know right there that I am building a new horizon and breaking up barriers of women’s standing when it comes to the IT industry.

Flow, Topics and Speakers

The registration started at 8:30 in the morning. All of us were all excited for the awesome event. As organizers, we choose empowered and successful women locally in Visayas, Philippines to discuss about Freelance Work and Web Development, Wireframe Designing, Women in Technopreneurship and Startups, and WomenWill. Two great men also shared their craft about Mobile Sites Certification and Examinitions to the participants.

GDG Cebu Core Team - Organizing Group
It was a productive and fulfilling happening. I love engaging to activities like this as it changes my perspective positively.

Ngiting happy lang; walang ending! :D
Special thanks to Pocari Sweat and The Company Cebu for being the the main sponsors of Women TechMakers 2018.

Ladies, let’s go paint the town red!

By: emelieempire on Saturday, March 24, 2018 | 0


Who run the world? GIRLS!

It is International Women’s month once again! And with that, I intend this post to be a little extra special as this tackles about women. Yup, I am one of them and so are your sister, mother, grandmother, aunts and even some of your neighbors.

The role of women personally and professionally all over the world is growing by leaps and bounds. Corporations, countries and most people are showing and recognizing values that women encompass. I am a firm believer of women’s power. I have a strong faith that we, women, have so much potential within us that we should be proud of.

To impart a short personal tale, I was a small, poor, province girl who had no idea what I would want to be when I grew up. I thought my life was meant to be calm, plain and peaceful just like my mother and the rest of the women in my village who did household chores and took good care of the family. I never knew I had so much in me until I uncovered them one by one. Thanks to the people and opportunities that helped me mold who I am today.

It is always a good story to tell about how someone who started zero from the ground, rose into something better anyone could have imagined - even myself. Helping the people that matters to me and improving myself are such a great relief when I think about it. I know I am still young and very courageous. Countless of adventures are out there waiting to be ventured and I am excited for it. My life right now is still what I sought - calm, plain and peaceful but with an added twists, unimaginable opportunities and bounty of happy moments in between.

At my early age right now, I can say that these four characteristics have personally helped me. I share this to some of my friends when we have serious conversation. I am glad to be writing it here as well.
Let us make sure to lead each of our step towards goodness and success. Let us be more valuable out there.

1.  Be versatile
This means our flexibility to being able to adapt to many different situations. This is a thing we should never neglect. Equipping ourselves with skills and knowledge in many areas will mold us into an in-demand well-rounded individual. Who wouldn’t want that? We all have the time needed for this. How about if we push this through? *wink*

2. Be hungry for knowledge
Curiosity is one of the key things that keep our lives full of adventures. Just because we are considered an expert in our field, doesn’t mean we don’t need to learn anything more. Learning new things will only make us more successful. As they say, “Get out of your comfort zone and you’ll be amazed at what you learn.”

3. Be hurt and move on
Human as we are, we are bound to get hurt. It’s one of the most effective teachers we can have in our life. We need to accept that we won't always make the right decisions, that we will screw up totally bigtime sometimes, that we can say unimpressive statements and many more negative things. The key there is to learn from our mistakes, make an effort to correct them and then be better next time.

4. Be the best version you can be
Each day is a new opportunity to grow. Each day we can be better than yesterday.
We hear it all time; “Do your best!” “Be the best you can be” “Be confident”. In a world where standards are raising, everything is more complex and more competitive, if we’re not doing our best – it feels like we will be left behind. Surround yourself with great people you feel you have connection with. Be open to new learnings – own it, learn, push and stay excited.

You go girl!

By the way, if you want to meet like-minded professional women here in Cebu, we at Google Developers Group Cebu, are organizing an event called Women Techmaker Cebu (WTM). It will be held on April 7, 2018 at The Company Cebu in Mandaue City. WTM will feature talks from women in technology across various fields, networking opportunities, and more--all geared towards increasing visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. I will be there and together with me are awesome women with careers in technology. See you there!

Cafe Breeze Merienda Buffet

By: emelieempire on Sunday, March 11, 2018 | 0


SNACKS BUFFET ALERT!
Filipinos have variety of foods to choose from. It is said that Filipino cuisine is composed of 135 distinct ethno-linguistic tribes found within the Philippine archipelago.  Our food ranges from the very simple meal, like fried salted fish and rice, to the complex paellas and afritada prepared for fiestas that we acquired from Spaniards. The mixture of taste and texture make them special. Most foods are simple to cook yet taste of heaven when served and chewed.
We also have “ kakanin ” or known as Filipino native snacks. These foods are usually made with cassava, coconut milk, flour, rice, salt and sugar or a mixture of any of these. Kakanin are usually served during special celebrations like anniversary, birthday, Christmas, fiesta or just even when enjoying a great afternoon. These delicious and mouth-watering treats are also always welcome on the dining table whatever time of the day. Almost each of these symbolizes the sweetness and closeness of most Filipino family and friends. I also grew up loving them.
In this post, I will share some yummy kakanin choices served in Cafe Breeze that I liked personally. This restaurant offers Filipino snack buffet for only 199 pesos from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily. Affordable, I know. :P
It is located at Cebu Bayfront Hotel’s lobby just in front of SM City Cebu. The staff is very friendly. I got an invitation to try their food and taste it for mysel.
1. Puto and Sikwate
This is a Filipino version of rice cake paired with hot-chocolate drink derived from dried powdered cacao bean.
2. Arroz Caldo and Binignit
Arroz Caldo is a hearty Filipino congee made with chicken and rice then seasoned with onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce with crunchy fried garlic as topings. The result is a quick comforting bowl that is a perfect meal for cold environment.
Benignit is a traditional food made by Visayans with slices of bananas, colorful pearls, rice and sweet potatoes. It is also cold as " hot halo-halo ".
3. Palitaw
This is a Philippine dessert and snack made with simple rice flour dough that is boiled and then coated in coconut and sesame seeds.
4. Puto Cheese and Bibingka
Puto Cheese looks like a fluffy white muffin made from rice, water, and sugar that is stone-grinded to make the batter. This is served to be paired with savory dishes like the famous dinuguan (also called pork blood stew). 
Bibingka is another type of rice cake that is usually eaten during breakfast especially during the Christmas season. It is traditionally cooked in clay pots lined with leaves.
5. Coconut Cupcakes 
These are muffins made out of coconut fruit.
6. Kutsinta
This is a type of steamed rice cake that is made from a mixture of rice flour, brown sugar and lye, enhanced with yellow food coloring or annatto extract, and steamed in small, cute ramekins.
7. Biko
This is a sweet rice cake that is made of coconut milk, brown sugar, and glutinous rice. It is usually topped with latik (either or both the coconut curds or the syrupy caramel-like variant).
8. Camote cue
This is a sweet potato fritter and is a popular snack food. Slices of sweet potato are coated with brown sugar and then fried to cook the potatoes and to caramelize the sugar.
9. Banana cue
This is made with deep fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar.


How about you, what food do you want to try from this list?