Citi sees positive economic outlook in the face of global challenges, market headwinds

Citi, the country’s leading foreign bank, remained positive on the Philippines while sharing its mid-year economic outlook for 2017at an event exclusively held for Citigold clients.

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed welcomed clients to the event, and thanked them for their unwavering support and continued confidence in the bank. “Your presence here means that we have your trust. Without your trust, we would not have your business,” he said. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be your financial partner, providing financial solutions that meet your needs.”

Ramon Tejero, Investment Product Head of Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc., provided an insightful overview of the Philippine economy in the 1sthalf.

According to Tejero, the tax reform agenda presently being pushed by the administration should help prop up the economy to a higher level. While the economy is still very much driven by OFW remittances, he said the tax reform with its aim to reduce income tax payments, can play a big role in boosting local consumption.

In the same event, J.P. Morgan Asset Management Executive Director and Southeast Asia Funds Head Supreet Bhan gave an outlook on Asia, while Eric Muller of BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies Group gave an update on global markets.

In his closing remarks, Citi Philippines Retail Banking Head Rene Aguirre assured clients that Citi will continue to offer personalized services and deliver world-class investment capabilities through Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Philippines, Inc. (CFSI), Citi’s brokerage arm.

As the preferred wealth management partner in Asia and in the country, Citigold helps clients grow, manage and protect their wealth, and secure their financial future with its team of experts, unmatched research services, world-class products, global access, and exclusive privileges and rewards.

For more information about Citigold, visit www.citibank.com.ph, go to the Citi branch nearest you, or call (632) 995 9888 for more details.

Nokia 8 flagship Android smartphone arrives in Philippines

HMD Global unveiled the Nokia's new flagship smartphone, the Nokia 8 last saturday, September 29, 2017 at the Intramuros Ballroom, Manila House in Taguig. The comeback of Nokia androids - the Nokia 8 alongside with other Nokia Android Smartphones reflects Nokia's vision of growing its business in the Philippines which is as the World's Selfie Capital - that only means it is the fastest-growing smartphone market in the ASEAN. The Philippine launch comes on the heels of a succesful global launch that demonstrates continued support for the brand.

"The Philippines has always been a strong market for Nokia. Filipinos, particularly those in the provinces, have a strong affinity for Nokia phones, which have always delivered on quality, reliability and innovation. We want to continue broadening and deepening our reach here, said Shannon Mead, HMD Global Country Manager in the Philippines.

HMD Global, the new home of Nokia phones, is looking to position Nokia as the go-to smartphone for Filipinos across the different market segments. "Nokia will continue to leverage quality and innovation to serbew the thriving smartphone market, " Mead shared.

Mr. Shannon Mead, Country Manager of HMD Global, Philippines during the launch of Nokia 8 Android Smartphone

Nokia 8 forerunner Anroid smartphone

The Nokia 8 brings mobile communication technology to a new level and marks three world firsts for Android smartphones.

The phone features the first-ever Dual-Sight camera, allowing users to capture of livestream moments in both first- and the second-person perspective. The 13MP front and rear cameras, co-developed with ZEISS, can run simultaneously and show images in split-screen mode, inspiring everyone to "Be less selfie, be more Bothie."

"This marks the coming of Nokia on Android, which ia clearly the domaint OS with its 94 percent share of the global market. Nokia phones are future-proof to support new Android OS versions, making it even easier for users to optimize the phone's features and functions," Mead said.

The Nokia 8 smartphone pioneers the use of OZO audio to deliver immerse 360-degree spatial surround sound. This high-fidelity playback complements 4K videos and brings Hollywood technology in mobile technology.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835-powered phone features a seamless unibody with a full-length graphite shielded copper cooling pipe for better heat dissipation, especially when running demanding applications. It runs on Android Nougat 7.1.1 and comes in single and dual SIM variants. Nokia 8 is at P29,990 SRP.

Nokia 8 Features

CPU-Octa Core
GPU-Andreno 540
Dimensions-142x71.8x8.9mm
Weight-160g
Colors-Tempered Blue and Polished Blue
Type-IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size-5.3-inch screen
Audio-Nokia OZO Speakers, 3.5mm jack
Card slot-microSD up to 256GB (sim slot2)
Memory-4GB RAM-6GB RAM, 64GB-128GB
4G Network-LTE FDD 800/1800/2100/2600MHz
SIM slots-single and dual SIM variants
DATA-GPRS,EDGE,HSPA+, LTE
Bluetooth-BT 5.0
Rear-13MP LED flash
Front-13MP fixed-focus
Radio-Yes
GPS-Yes, with A-GPS support
OS-Android7.1.1 (Nougat), upgraded to Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Battery Type-Non-removable 3090mAh Li-ion battery

"Nokia's latest innovation reflects its commitment to connect people with technology that breaks new ground while reinforcing old foundations. The Nokia 8 combines premium design and powerful performance to enable smartphone users to create and share experiences in many new ways. We are excited about the positive feedback about Nokia smartphones and look forward to engaging the country's robust mobile phone market even more in the coming days," said Mead.

Making smartphone technology more accessible

With its business principle achored on the belief that every Filipino should have access to the best mobile communication technology, Nokia offers a wide range of smartphones to address the needs of the different market segments. This means a smartphone for every user type, need and pricing considerations.

Nokia 3, optimized for everday use, comes in a precision-machine alumiw frame to ensure a strong build unheard of in the affordable smartphone segment. It features a 5-inch Gorilla Glass HD screen and 8MP cameras. LTE 4G connectivity allows fast download and streaming, supported by 16GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot allows up to 128GB capacity. SRP is at P6,990.

The Nokia 5, which packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor, has 2GB RAM and 16GB storage expandable to 128GB. It features a 13MP camera with dual-tone flash and a 5.2-inch HD screen. A fingerprint sensor provides extra security and convenience. SRP is at P9,990.

Another octa-core smartphone, the Nokia 6, has a 5.5-inch full HD in-cell hybrid display with a wide viewing angle and wide color reproduction for a fully immerse entertainment. This is complemented by dual speakers with Dolby Atmos and a smart amplifier. It has a 16MP main and 8MP front cameras and 32GB internal storage capacity. Nokia 6 is available for P11,990 SRP.

All Nokia Android smartphones are now available nationwide.

Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa Celebrates the 2nd Year of National Pampering Day

When it comes to pampering on a national scale, Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa holds the only spot. After introducing the celebration of the National Pamapering Day last year, Nailaholics is back at it again this 2017 with an amplified nationwide celebration of relaxation that everyone is looking forward to this October 17.

The National Pampering Day got off to a good start last year where Nailaholics offered free manicure service and a stress relieving hand massagrw from 10 AM to 12 NN on all their branches nationwide. This year, everyone will be treated to a free service of their choice: a soothing manicure, calming foot spa or a relaxing foot massage.

"We Filipinos are very hardworking in any given aspect of our libesw and a nation of energetw and industrious people best deserves real pampering once in a while. This year, as Nailaholics celebrates the 2nd National Pampering Day, we go deeper and dedicate this to everyone and remind them to take it slow, take it eaayw, zone out and relax for a while," said Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

"With last year's success of the National Pampering Day, we are back this year with a bigger and much more enjoyable day of pampering. In partnership with the one salon brand and most beloved nail lacquer brand in the world, O.P.I., National Pampering Day 2017 will accomodate more guests with the extension of pampering time until 1PM. Also, the best thing about this year's Narional Pampering Day is that it will be in support to World Vision, The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and Save Philippines Seas" added Amaro.

So save the date and get ready to park away any thoughts of work because the only responsibility you have is to loosen up. Wind down and head down to any Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa branch on  October 17, 2017 ( Tuesday) from 10 AM to 1 PM and get yourself a free relaxing manicure, foot spa or foot massage.

Let Nailaholics' skilled technicians take care of you for a  while and walk out this Hamptons-inspired nail salon feeling refreshed and ready to bring itbon again. Grab this once a year treat only at tge country's top destination for relaxation and real pampering.

Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and instagram @_nailaholics.

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Nailaholics is an urban destination that offers its customers an escape from the daily grind through its exceptional interiors and exceptional pampering service. It currently has more than 50 branches nationwide, including in Gateway Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Cash and Carry Makati, Harbor Point Mall Subic, SM Cebu, SM Bacalod and SM Lanang.