Ivana Alawi on loving the 100W fast-charging, living free with Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G

With 100W Fast Charge + 20W Wireless Charge, Ivana is able to charge the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G at rapid speeds to watch content, take selfies, and more.

Ivana Alawi is not shy to share her life on the internet. The 27-year-old beauty has more than 17 million subscribers on YouTube, making her one of the most popular vloggers in the Philippines. She is also active on Instagram, where she gives her 10 million followers glimpses into her personal and professional lives.

Ivana manages to live freely even with her hectic schedule of producing content and filming TV shows like Batang Quiapo. Her dependable Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G smartphone is the reason behind everything.

“I do everything on my phone, as in! I have meetings on my phone and read comments on my posts. I also watch a lot of other creators’ content and my own TV shows. Kaya sobrang ganda ng Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G because I can do all of this. Gusto ko talaga yung fast charging. I always shoot videos and take photos on my phone, kaya lagi akong lowbatt. With the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, I can use it kahit naka-charge sya kasi meron din syang MagCase and MagPad. I’m so happy that I was able to try the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G and I loved it. It’s very affordable and has really high specs, so I recommend this to anyone who relies on their phone for their everyday tasks.” ~Ivana Alawi

The innovative 20W Wireless Charge and 100W All-Round Fast Charge 2.0 of the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro Series are meant to power up users' lives. Ivana, the newest brand ambassador for Infinix, will love these features because they allow her to quickly charge her phone anytime the battery runs low. She can charge to 50% with Hyper Mode in just 8 minutes.

YouTube vlogger and actress Ivana Alawi has everything on her phone. Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G’s fast charging lets her live freely and worry-free.

Vlogger-approved

In addition to being fast-charging, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is great for content creation and streaming. Ivana claims that her 32MP front camera and clear 108MP main camera are "very helpful for my selfies and vlogs," and that checking her shots and watching content in high-definition 1080p quality is made easier by the phone's 3D-Curved 120Hz AMOLED Display Corning® Gorilla® Glass.

To ensure smooth operation, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is powered by a Dimensity 7020 5G Chipset processor with up to 24GB Extended RAM. It's a great accessory for taking outfit photos because of its fashionable colorways, Obsidian Black and Vintage Green.

Ivana is pleased and appreciative that she has discovered a smartphone that can keep up with her hectic schedule and allows her to live her life without being hindered by persistent battery problems. Infinix has become so popular that her family has also begun to use it.

She adds that it’s also great for travelers like her because they can be fully charged while touring for hours.

Starting April 25, 2024, the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is available for only P13,999 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and Infinix kiosks while the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro 4G is exclusively available on Shopee for only P10,999.
 
Infinix fans can also avail of special promo prices on the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro Series’ launch day. The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G will be priced at P11,499 (from P13,999) via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. While the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro 4G will be a Shopee-exclusive, retailing for P8,799 (from P10,999). First 100 buyers can get an S1 smartwatch or XE23 Earphones for free. (Limited stocks only)
 
For more information and promo updates, make sure to follow Infinix Philippines’ Facebook page and Facebook Community.

Farming futures

Modern farming methods increase yields for some farmers, but many Filipino farmers are still unable to keep up. These seasoned workers are clinging to tried-and-true, frequently ineffective techniques that have been passed down through the generations as they find themselves falling behind in a market that demands increased output.

Jayson Garcia, a Pampanga farmer, aimed to challenge the dominant narrative within his family. He was aware that, in the quickly changing world of contemporary agriculture, he would need to innovate and set a new direction for his farm in order to stay competitive.

“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng kalamidad.” ~Jayson Garcia, One farmer from Pampanga

Garcia's training program at SM Foundation, which concentrated on cultivating high-value crops, was the turning point he needed to restore his farming methods. These included choosing the best seeds, taking care of them, and planning planting dates in advance.

Jayson attends the SM City Clark’s Weekend Market to observe best practices and gain insights into new agricultural techniques.

Through the livelihood program, he was also able to find new sales channels that increased his earning potential and allowed him to charge his customers fairly. Because of his increased knowledge and self-assurance, he was able to grow his farm and raise his monthly income to over Php25,000.

In addition to selling his harvests directly, he is currently growing a range of vegetables on his farm, such as madre de cacao, lemongrass, and malunggay, which he sells online to small companies that turn the produce into other goods.

Embracing new techniques

Juanito Dela Cruz, a KSK farmer from Pampanga, also shares the same story of hope. He actively pursued and embraced contemporary farming methods despite his advanced age. Building on his recent achievements, he encouraged others to try new things and discussed the value of flexibility for farmers.

Juanito's earnings increased from Php10,000 per month to approximately Php30,000 per week. This increase was primarily due to his participation in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark.

“Kailangan maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK.” ~Juanito Dela Cruz, KSK farmer from Pampanga

Jayson and Juanito are two of the approximately 30,000 Filipino farmers whose lives have been transformed by the SM Group's KSK program. Farmers who had given up thanks to its initiatives were able to adopt contemporary farming methods and become more adaptive in the face of the changing agricultural landscape.

The SM Group is unwavering in its dedication to advancing social good through the SM Foundation. This commitment continues to SM's upcoming initiatives, which will be spearheaded by its planned smart city real estate development, with an emphasis on boosting beneficial social impact in the areas in which SM operates.

All within 15 minutes: Urban planning concept city to rise in Pasay

An artist’s render of a 15-minute city, where work, food, housing, education and cultural activities are easily within reach.

For the modern urban dweller, 15 minutes is a lot of time.

In just fifteen minutes, you can accomplish a lot of worthwhile tasks, like meditate, clear your email, jog a 1.5-kilometer route, perform high-intensity interval training (HITT), read the news, and make a smoothie.

However, 15 minutes is hardly enough time for a commuter in Metro Manila to get from point A to point B. You have probably not moved an inch in this time, especially during rush hour.

Do you know about the 15-minute city? It's a contemporary idea for urban planning that prioritizes both people and the environment. The phrase was first used by urbanist and Sorbonne University professor Carlos Moreno of Paris. He stated that the perfect neighborhood or city is one in which jobs, dining, housing, entertainment, and educational opportunities are all conveniently located within a 15-minute walk or by bike.

An artist’s rendition of a soon-to-rise 15-minute city in Pasay

Less carbon emissions, cheaper transportation costs, and—above all—happier and healthier individuals are guaranteed by this. No more standing in line for hours at the EDSA bus carousel or in the middle of traffic for hours at a time.

After many years of careful planning and design, the project has finally been given the go-ahead by the government to move forward. Rep. Joey Salceda of the Albay 2nd district, in fact, emphasized how the government anticipates obtaining billions of dollars' worth of real estate assets from the Pasay-led project.

Revenues from the project will generate a massive multiplier effect on our gross domestic product (GDP) and an estimated 300,000 new jobs from 2027 to 2040. By 2035, it is projected to employ 4% of the National Capital Region’s (NCR) total work force.

The Pasay 360 Project will be a city that nurtures lives and livelihood, is expected to revitalize the economy, and hone the next generation of Filipino leaders. It can be a source of pride for Filipinos as we push towards the 22nd century.

Filipinos love concerts, but venue infrastructure gaps are a threat to the experience

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of  Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Better, larger, and more competitive concert venues have benefited economies, particularly in light of the significant and widespread impact of well-known international acts on consumer behavior and spending, such as Coldplay's World Tour and pop sensation Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

The success of these concerts attracted tens of thousands of 'Swifties' and concertgoers, and it stimulated the global economy, especially that of Southeast Asian nations like Singapore and Japan. While some Filipino fans traveled to Sydney's Accor Stadium and Tokyo Dome in Australia, others had to spend a lot of money and travel far to see the superstar Swift perform exclusively at Singapore's National Stadium. The massive concert gigs greatly benefited the entertainment, hospitality, retail, and transportation industries, as well as the economies of the respective countries.

Photo credit to Stanley Quek. An empty Singapore National Stadium, viewed from the front stage.

While Singapore’s strategy for a Southeast Asia exclusive Swift performance piqued interest and likewise piqued its neighboring countries, the strategic move sparked conversations and brought to light what the Philippines can improve on in terms of concert venues.

1. Location is key

The Philippines doesn’t lack in big venues. In fact, it boasts of venues that can rival Singapore’s National Stadium and Japan’s Tokyo Dome. Accessibility to the location as well as public

transportation and nearby commercial establishments are key.

2. Concert Experience

The National Stadium, the pride of Singapore, boasts cutting-edge features including the largest free-spanning dome in the world, a retractable roof, and comfort cooling technology for the comfort of spectators. Its creativity, advantageous location, and effectiveness provide enthusiasts and concertgoers with positive and immersive experiences, drawing entertainment acts from around the globe. Filipino concertgoers hope that their nation can imitate a similar venue and concert experience.

3. World-class concert amenities and facilities

For concertgoers or sports fans, the venue's amenities and facilities should provide an excellent musical experience or ease of access during a sporting event.

Architectural “Eyecon” SM Mall of Asia Arena prides itself on having exceptional world-class amenities unique in the Southeast Asia region. –Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 held in SM Mall of  Asia Arena – Photo from SM MOA Arena official website

Consider the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, a versatile indoor arena that was built in 2012 by SM Prime, a renowned integrated property developer. It has been a popular venue for a variety of events and provides a distinctive concert experience. It has been a refuge for exhilarating sporting events, amazing OPM shows, and unforgettable international superstar performances, with 20,000 seats in the house.

Concurrently, the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City are a massive open-air venue that can hold a minimum of 50,000 attendees. Among the acts that have recently graced the stage are Rivermaya The Reunion and Ed Sheeran's Mathematics Tour.

4. Achieving Filipinos’ concert dreams

One of SM Prime's most ambitious plans is to build a 360-hectare smart city, which is intended to serve as the focal point of the nation's sporting and entertainment events. With a larger capacity and better venue infrastructure, it is expected to draw legendary figures from the entertainment industry and rival the best in Southeast Asia and the world. It will have a concert arena and stadium with an estimated 70,000 seats that are connected to Central Park, one of the island's top tourist destinations. With top-notch amenities and environmentally friendly features that match those of major concert venues across the globe, the expansive arena is intended to be the largest concert venue in the Philippines. When that is constructed, Filipinos won't need to travel abroad to see elite performances because they can do so from the comfort of their home country.

An artist’s render, visual sketch of the proposed concert venue at Pasay 360 project.

Pinoy's unquestionably breathe entertainment shows. Given how enthusiastic we are about concerts, Visa, a digital payments company, reports that Filipinos spend the fourth most on concerts in Asia-Pacific. Filipino concertgoers will be able to continue to embrace and celebrate live performances with the ease, comfort, and enjoyment they deserve if investments are made in the development of contemporary, intelligent, and accessible concert venues. Beyond just providing entertainment, carefully planned, astute, and creative concert venues can boost the national and local economies of the Philippines by stimulating ancillary local spending in the retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

SM Prime Embarks on a Unified Waste Management Program for an #SMWasteFreeFuture

Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In response to the mounting waste crisis worldwide, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is starting a unified waste management and segregation campaign. SM Prime aims to bring all its property groups and stakeholders toward an #SMWasteFreeFuture. 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that every year, people produce over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste, of which 45 percent is improperly managed. In 2050, municipal solid waste will double to nearly 4 billion tons annually if nothing drastic is done. The International Day of Zero Waste was declared on March 30, 2022, by the United Nations General Assembly.

The First International Day of Zero Waste was established by UNEP the following year to support efforts to address the global pollution crisis. It seeks to raise awareness of zero waste and inspire global action. 

Strong foundations 

According to Henry Sy, the company's founder, "business growth and social development must go hand in hand." SM Prime adheres to this philosophy and has developed a sustainability policy that includes commitments to resource efficiency and conservation, disaster resilience, climate advocacy, social integration, and transparent reporting. 

The environmental programs on waste management of the SM Supermalls are anchored on these sustainability commitments. SM Supermalls has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Trash to Cash recycling market, and supported various national events, including the annual International Coastal Clean Up, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares.

The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.

By introducing sustainable practices throughout all of its properties in the Philippines, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in the hotel and tourism industry's efforts to reduce global food waste. One of their main projects is the Sustainable Diner Program of the World Wide Fund for Nature, which aims to change the food service industry and assist in minimizing its environmental impact through resource efficiency, a rejection of plastic, and food waste management while also promoting global food security in the future. 

Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.

Additionally, SM Prime recently announced its waste-to-fuel collaboration with GUUN Co. to support these initiatives. Ltd. (GUNN) to put the Japanese method of lessening the impact of landfills into practice. Packaging that is difficult or impossible to recycle is turned into alternative fuel by this technology. 

No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.

A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture 

To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

“As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today's waste issues. We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM Sustainability Champion

With its announcement of its #SMWasteFreeFuture vision, SM Prime has demonstrated its strong commitment to sustainability stewardship. By inviting its stakeholders to participate in events that will promote zero-waste awareness and push for an environmentally sound and sustainable approach to waste management, the company is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its role as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development. 

Jobs on the Rise: New Urban Developments Are Driving Employment Growth

Cities worldwide, while diverse in demographics and culture, share a common pursuit of progress through new urban developments. These projects not only enhance convenience amid urban congestion but also stimulate local economies and communities through various socio-economic activities like job creation.

Whether in the form of public transportation, cutting-edge business districts, or towering residential communities, a single new development requires a whole host of jobs from pre-construction, to construction, and completion. These range from real estate developers and planners to construction workers and suppliers – all requiring extensive collaboration for successful project development.

Hudson Yards: Direct and indirect employment opportunities

The cycle of job creation doesn’t stop after completion. A new development also drives indirect employment opportunities generated from industries attracted or related to the development. 

Such is the case for Hudson Yards, New York City’s 28-acre mixed-use development and considerably the United States’ biggest megadevelopment in history. It had created thousands of construction jobs that resulted in transforming Manhattan’s iconic skyline and becoming home to diverse shops, offices, cultural institutions, and hotels and residences. Ongoing operations and management of these facilities are expected to contribute to its large-scale economy, such as hosting over 55,752 workers daily and about $19 billion annually to the city’s GDP. 

Dubai and Songdo IBD: Creating economic opportunities afresh

On the other hand, cities such as Dubai and the Songdo International Business District (IBD) foster employment by establishing economic prospects from scratch. They employ land reclamation as a strategic approach to urban development, aimed at mitigating issues related to land scarcity and increasing population density.

Dubai's ambitious ventures, such as the Palm Islands, the World Islands, and Burj Al Arab, have transformed it into a cutting-edge hub for commerce and tourism. In 2023, it attracted over 30,000 new businesses, fueling demand for skilled professionals in finance, legal, and digital technology sectors.

Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of Songdo IBD, located on reclaimed land in Incheon, South Korea, represents a pioneering smart city initiative. It is envisioned as an international center for both business and residential activities, incorporating sustainable design principles. By 2020, this 1,500-acre development has already accommodated approximately 30,000 residents and created 33,000 jobs, while boasting 70% lower emissions compared to other similar developments.

SM’s Integrated City Developments: Empowering local communities and residents

SM Prime contributed photo. An aerial view of SM Mall of Asia (MOA) featuring its iconic Globamaze and thriving network of retail, business, residential, and hotel developments.

The SM Group, a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, has an ecosystem of interests spanning retail, banking, property, and mall developments across the country, making it the largest employer with over 140,000 employees.

For every SM mall development by SM Prime Holdings, the integrated property developer of the Group, the local economy is invigorated because of the opportunities created by supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that comprise about 68% of its mall tenants. For instance, SM City Bataan, SM Supermalls’ 83rd mall, employs about 96% of its mall administration staff who are residents called Bataeños, including two in leadership roles. It also proudly showcases local industries by partnering with homegrown businesses like family-owned brands and locally managed franchises. 

Ensuring job stability, steady incomes, and tax contributions enhances the quality of life for the local workforce, a commitment SM Prime upholds in its developments. This dedication is particularly evident in its future endeavors, including the advancement of smart cities in the Philippines, spearheaded by its ongoing 360-hectare project in Pasay City.

Emerging urban developments serve as catalysts for growth and innovation, fostering increased prosperity and shaping local economies by generating employment opportunities and enhancing livelihoods. The success of these urban hubs relies on a network of opportunities, spanning from pre-construction supply chains to empowering businesses, enabling individuals to thrive and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

A school renovation project amplifies the potential of deaf community

Living with hearing impairment presents its own set of hurdles, especially in a world where verbal communication is predominant.

In the Philippines, this challenge exacerbates an existing gap, particularly evident in the limited opportunities for the deaf in education and employment. The situation is compounded by the scarcity of secondary educational institutions tailored to their specific requirements, with financial constraints and inadequate facilities further impeding their access to education and skills development.

  

A personal advocacy 

Shery Funcion, Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is well acquainted with these obstacles.

Her commitment to this cause traces back to her college thesis, which concentrated on employment prospects for deaf students. Since then, she has actively engaged in multiple organizations and volunteered, acquiring firsthand understanding of the restricted opportunities accessible to deaf learners.

Transitioning from a Special Education (SPED) teacher, she assumed the position of principal at PSD.

"The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi. Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs." ~Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City

She underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment. 

 

A facility that produces opportunities 

The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.

Within the century-old PSD, the senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students, where classrooms and corridors, despite their age, have consistently played a crucial role in shaping and preparing deaf students for promising career paths after their PSD education.

Amidst various pressing needs within the school and the wider Philippine educational landscape, the facility struggled to secure adequate funds for necessary renovations and major repairs. Over the years, students and teachers coped with issues ranging from inadequate lighting and leaky roofs to uneven floors. These structural challenges not only posed safety concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience for students.

Funcion further noted that the collaborative project initiated in 2023 by the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI) - the philanthropic arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education's Schools Division Office of Pasay City couldn't have arrived at a more opportune moment.

"The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD." 

  

Thanks to the collaboration, PSD has received essential facilities for disciplines such as dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical work, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.

Funcion views their Henry Sy Sr. building as a significant starting point, one that will enable equal opportunities and foster a future where the talents of deaf students will illuminate not only within but also beyond the confines of classrooms.