Beginning March 12, Starbucks customers who purchase either of the NEW Springtime Favourites, Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino or Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino can experience Cherry Blossom at their favourite Starbucks stores. You just simply need to scan the QR code that can be found in each cup. After scanning the QR code, you will need to locate the banner with the Cherry Blossom to trigger the Augmented Reality (AR) experience. Upon scanning, you can take selfies under Cherry Trees of falling cherry blossoms. Join in on the Cherry Blossom craze and visit Starbucks to witness spring in full bloom!

Starbucks embraces the changing of the seasons with new Springtime favorites inspired by Cherry Blossom. In Japan, the blooming of cherry blossoms is one of the most anticipated times of the year as it marks the coming of Spring – a time of new beginnings. The breath-taking sight of cherry trees tinted with the pale pink haze symbolizes beauty, life, and renewal.

The Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino is as dreamy as a Spring day in Japan with its velvety milk and sweet red bean base, topped with whipped cream, falling petals of white and pink rice blossom petals, and tart dried cranberry bits. A green tea variation, the Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino is also offered which blends the bright flavors of Matcha and sweet red bean. This cherry blossom treat is also sprinkled with pink and white rice petals and cranberry bits on top of whipped cream and red beans.

Starbucks Spring Season Blend is also available for those who want to bring spring’s unique flavors into their cup of coffee at home, it combines four distinct coffees from around the world to deliver a big syrupy body with dark cherry and cedary spice flavors.

Stunning Sakura-themed merchandise is also ripe for the picking in Starbucks stores. With a dainty palette of pink, purple, and gold, the collection depicts two kinds of cherry blossoms, inspired by traditional hand drawings and oil paintings that captures its beauty.


The double-walled mugs with rubber lids in Blossom Pink and in Blossom Gray with Sakura motifs, tumblers like the clear Cold Cup designed with a sprinkling confetti blossom and complemented with a lid and straw, and even adorable Bearista Bear Keychains in pastel pink are also part of the collection.

The 2019 Sakura Card will complete the collection, designed to show the delicateness of the Cherry Blossom’s pale pink petals. The card is available for an initial activation amount of 300 pesos per card. Visit the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page for more details.

Experience Cherry Blossom at Starbucks posted at Cebu Events Blog

Affordable real estate developer and subsidiary of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) Amaia Land launches Amaia Steps Mandaue Tower 2 offering to families and individuals seeking high-quality and affordable housing options. Amaia Steps Mandaue will offer 288 units with various unit sizes that can cater to needs of its prospect homeowners.


Amaia Steps Mandaue Tower 2 is set to provide its prospective residents convenient access to Cebu’s cultural and heritage sites. It is near to Cebu major thoroughfares and the Mactan International Airport.

Amaia Steps Mandaue Tower 2 signifies new beginnings and a chance to settle down in a spacious, well-designed units at very affordable prices. Residents will also relish spending fun weekends at the Amaia Steps amenities including a swimming pool which is expected to be completed this quarter or bonding with family and friends at the courtyard.



Amaia Land made it possible of owning an affordable and sustainable homes closer to hardworking Filipinos through easy payment options: cash, deferred cash, and bank financing.

Amaia continues to serve homeowners with affordable and sustainable developments that aim to elevate the Filipino living experience in a well-secured environment.

For inquiries about Amaia Steps Mandaue Tower 2 and other Amaia developments, check out www.amaialand.com or follow www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

This article will not touch on the greater technical aspect on ASUS Zenfone 5 AI Capabilities, instead I will share my actual Straight-out-of-Camera (SOOC) FOOD photos taken from the Zenfone 5, some experience and slightly citing some of the AI capabilities of Zenfone 5.

To begin, ASUS Zenfone 5 is one of the most intelligent phones ever made by ASUS and in the market. It has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 SoC (System on a Chip) mobile platforms inside giving its capabilities of the Artificial Intelligence Engine (AIE) or AI capabilities to execute many micro tasks involved in Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing. In short, this phone is intelligent and able to perform advance tasks using data and reacts to stimulus through its sensors.

I was in a buffet setting at a hotel in Cebu Business Park and about to eat lunch. Before I take anything to eat, I decided to take some pictures on what's in the buffet area. Most of the time, I take only few pictures but this time as I am shooting using an ASUS Zenfone 5 and I like what I see from the pictures that I took. So there I spend nearly 5-10 minutes taking pictures before having something to eat.

See below pictures that I took and look how Zenfone 5 perfectly implemented its AI scene detection where it intelligently adjust and optimize Color temperature and saturation, Contrasts, Brightness, Shutter Speed, and Exposure Time in every scene that I captured. These photos are taken in Auto mode.






The Snapdragon 636 has powerful, 8-core processors based on Qualcomm’s Kryo technology, and are built on highly-advanced 14nm manufacturing processes which gives them extremely good battery performance. Thus, giving it the Artificial Intelligence capabilities that give them the ability to manage the many small human-like decision making processes involved in AI.

ASUS is able to deliver with Zenfone 5 the AI algorithm that works better in the market. It's AI Scene Detection uses a special algorithm known technically as an “AI data model“, it senses the up to 16 scenes or subjects the user is shooting applies the ideal settings that would render the best results.
The camera’s AI data model is created by referencing thousands of stock photos stored on ASUS servers gets refined with each firmware update of the smartphone.

Aside from Food, Zenfone Camera can detect people, dog, cat, sunset, sky, green field, ocean, flower, plant, snow, night view, stage, text, tripod and even QR codes. With these advance information that every Zenfone 5 smartphone is using, no wonder it could quickly decide on its own the most accurate camera setting in taking pictures. Now it's time for sweets!



To end this article, let's try to get acquainted with the Camera used in ASUS Zenfone 5 whose responsible to deliver decent mobile photos.

The ZenFone 5 has three cameras. The rear has two, a 120-degree wide angle, F2.2, 8-megapixel camera that can capture wide landscapes and a light sensitive main camera with the latest, top-of-the-line, 12 megapixel Sony flagship IMX363 sensor that has large 1.4 micron pixels and a wide F1.8 aperture lens. Its front camera is an 8-megapixel, F2.0 selfie camera


The main camera is great for portraits and focusing on isolated subjects, night and low light shots. The wide angle camera is excellent for shooting broad landscapes, in confined areas, just be careful with using wide angle since the extreme eastern and western quadrant of the photo tends to bend, this is expected on wide angle lenses. All are supplemented with a Color Correction Sensor and LED flash.
ASUS Zenfone 5 Camera Food Photography Test posted at Cebu Events Blog

German family-owned company Häfele, a trusted brand of architectural solutions for building projects among architects, engineers, and designers worldwide opens 2 new Showrooms at the upscale One Paseo along Maria Luisa Road Cebu City and a larger warehouse in Maguikay, Mandaue City. Synonymous to durability with over 37 subsidiares, Häfele’s trademark door locks, kitchen fixtures, bathroom accessories, and more can be found in most major hotels, condominiums, shopping centers, government offices, and luxury residences, including the Philippines.



In 1995, Häfele Philippines, Inc. opened its first office in North Reclamation, Mandaue City, Cebu. The Cebuano’s discriminating taste when it comes to quality has helped expand the Häfele brand across major building projects across the Visayas and Mindanao regions, as well as in Luzon.



Then “Home Lifestyle Brand” is introduced in 2010 by Häfele Philippines with the establishment of the 2-storey, 2,000 sqm Main Showroom and Philippine Headquarters in Taguig. The first and largest showroom for architectural solutions in the country, designed with the European minimalist aesthetic that never fails to wow any visitor. This became the trend as more Häfele showrooms sprouted across the country, setting the standard for interior design in residential and commercial buildings.



The same concept was emulated in Häfele Design Center Cebu (DCC) which opened in 2017. The first appliance hub of Häfele in Cebu that caters to high-end end consumers such as influential leaders, business owners, and celebrities. Bosch Appliances is also introduced to the market.


Häfele carries 4 top European appliance brands, which complement Häfele’s bestselling cabinet fittings and hardware:

• Häfele, a range suited for mid-level market consumers, popular among new families who just purchased their first home
• Bosch, World’s No. 1 Brand of Appliances according to the latest survey by Euromonitor, and also No. 1 in Dishwashers because of its IoT (Internet Of Things) smart technology
• Asko, a Scandinavian brand that cares for the environment starting from design process. The appliances were made with the modern, busy person in mind – easy to understand, durable, and sleek
• La Cornue, the most expensive freestanding cooker in the world, the brand is a favorite among celebrities like Julia Child, the Kardashians, and Ayesha Curry (Stephen Curry’s culinary wife with a popular TV show on Food Network).

Häfele now signifies durable and innovative products that are trusted not only by the professionals, but by homeowners as well.

For further information about Häfele, its products, and our price list, please contact:
Häfele Cebu Sales Office & Warehouse
L. Jayme St., Maguikay, Mandaue City, Cebu
Tel. No.  +63 32 516-0008

Häfele One Paseo Showroom
Maria Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City
Tel. No.  +63 32 516-0033
Email: info@hafele.com.ph
Website: www.hafele.com.ph

Hafele Cebu Showroom Grand Opening and Blessing posted at Cebu Events Blog

Lamudi, the Philippines’ leading online real estate platform honors Local Real Estate’s Best Players and Industry Projects at the recently concluded The Outlook 2018 gala dinner and awards presentation at the Makati Shangri-La last November 15, 2018. Now on its second year, The Outlook 2018 is hosted by Lamudi and co-presented by Philippine Daily Inquirer Property aims to recognized the best real estate developers and projects in the past year.


Lamudi Co-Founder and global CEO Kian Moini opened the evening with a major announcement--that Lamudi recently welcomed two new investors, leading global media companies Axel Springer SE and Ringier. According to Moini,

“the majority of funding can and will be spent on growth given the company’s comfortable financial situation and a clear path to breakeven.”

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno delivered the evening’s first keynote, highlighting the country’s sound economic fundamentals and sustained investment grade rating. Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo shone the spotlight on real estate as a key driver of economic growth--underscoring that the industry is far from overheating and that the central bank sees no evidence of asset price bubbles. Lastly, Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, Philippine Ambassador to China, discussed strengthening China-Philippine relations and the cross-border opportunities that have opened up, particularly in the property sector. The keynote speeches followed into the awards segment of the evening. The awards were presented based on the extensive property seeker survey conducted by Lamudi. The winning developers and projects are as follows:


CONDO
Best Affordable Condo of the Year 2018

• Amaia Land Corporation - Amaia Steps Mandaue

Best Premium Condo of the Year 2018

• Alveo Land Corporation - Solinea 

HOUSE
Best House of the Year 2018

• Cebu Landmasters, Inc. - Casa Mira South

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

• Megaworld Corporation - Iloilo Business Park

CONDO
Best Affordable Condo of the Year 2018

• For Amenities: Filinvest Land, Inc. - Sorrento Oasis
• For Investment Opportunity: C5 Mansions Development Corporation - Ridgewood Towers Premier 

Best Premium Condo of the Year 2018

• For Customer Service: DMCI Homes, Inc. - Kai Garden Residences
• For Trust & Reputation of the Developer: Avida Land Corporation - Avida Towers Asten 

Best Luxe Condo of the Year 2018

• For Customer Service: Federal Land, Inc. - Grand Hyatt Manila Residences
• For Location: Anchor Land Holdings, Inc.

HOUSE                                                           
Best Affordable House of the Year 2018

• Filinvest Land, Inc. - Claremont

Best Premium House of the Year 2018

• Brittany Corporation - Portofino Alabang

• For Amenities & Location: Megaworld Corporation - McKinley Hill
• For Investment Opportunity: SM Prime Holdings, Inc. - SM Mall of Asia Complex

Best Green Project of the Year 2018

• Imperial Homes Corporation - Solana Verde

Best Innovation Project of the Year 2018

• Italpinas Development Corporation - Miramonti Green Residences

Personality of the Year 2018

• Mr. Jeffrey Lim - President & Executive Director of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

BEST DEVELOPER
Best Boutique Developer of the Year 2018 - Visayas and Mindanao

• King Properties, Inc.

Best Boutique Developer of the Year 2018 - Luzon

• Primehomes Real Estate Development, Inc.

 Best Developer of the Year 2018 - Visayas and Mindanao

•  Megaworld Corporation 

Best Developer of the Year 2018 - Luzon

•  Ayala Land, Inc.

“We hope that The Outlook may continue to push all of us in the real estate industry to keep breaking barriers and raising the bar higher every chance we get. Hand-in-hand, I believe that through our collective efforts to achieve and do better every time, we can create a culture of excellence that will inspire everyone and elevate the industry,”

said Lamudi Philippines CEO Bhavna Suresh in her closing speech.

About Lamudi
Lamudi is an innovative real estate property platform that offers a wide range of properties for sale and for rent in the Philippines. The paltform is a part of the Rocket Internet group, which is the fastest and the most successful online venture builder across the globe. Rocket's success can be attributed to an exceptional team that has been building online companies since 1999, creating over 100 market leading companies in 50+ countries. Rocket possesses an unrivaled expertise in launching various ventures, as well as the proficiency of an international company with an acute understanding of the local market.

It has over 100K properties listed, receiving around 1.5M visitors per month. Property seekers can easily find a house, condo, apartment, land, or a commercial space online. Individual sellers and real estate brokers are guaranteed a trusted online presence by providing them their own personalized page. It provides a high level of transparency through professional photos, comprehensive property details, and regularly updated listings. The users combine location, property type, and offer type effortlessly to find exactly what they are looking for. Whether permanently, for long-term, or for short-term, using Lamudi to buy or rent properties is fast, secure, and stress-free.

A collection of properties in the most dynamic locations in the Philippines can be found on the website. From luxury condominiums to warehouses, from Quezon City to Zamboanga, Lamudi’s listings offer something for everyone. Their website even has a comprehensive online Journal that provides interesting articles and property advice. Lamudi’s service is easy to use and Lamudi’s listings cater to all your real estate needs. Everything is just a simple click away. Find your penthouse in Makati or an office space in Muntinlupa, and let Lamudi take care of the rest.

For more information on The Outlook 2018, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/outlook2018.