For the first half of 2009, this is the second time around in which we braved the pouring rain just to be present at a product launch of LG Philippines. Don’t consider this as a complaint, but a compliment, bearing in mind that rain has always been considered as a good portent of prosperity since the olden times. As a matter of fact, this is an actuality for LG who now ranks as the world’s third largest mobile phone manufacturer. Another important fact which is very much related with our story today, LG is also the second largest producer of television sets worldwide.

Following on the success of the LG70, the original Scarlet, LG Philippines organized the launch of the LH70, the new Scarlet model, last week.

While most of the events, particularly printer launches in the past, of HP Philippines Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) were often held in high-profile venues in the metropolis, our recent rendezvous with HP Scitex and Designjet printers was a totally different experience.

Take note, what we are talking about here are not those ordinary consumer types, but printing machines that can be as large as a bulldozer. Hence, at the recent three-day open house tour held from May 22-24, HP IPG brought us to the locations where the actual business of large-format printing is taking place.

Printing has always been a serious business for HP. It is no monkey business and that is why HP’s Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) is relentless in promoting the use of original consumables with HP printers to consumers and business entities. But in a society like ours, in which falsehood has been a mordant part of reality, how does HP IPG handle the ordeal? HP makes a solid response by presenting some important figures that small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) should ponder upon.

Collaborating with QualityLogic, a world-renowned firm with more than two decades of experience in printer and MFP testing, HP conducted a region-wide research comparing the reliability and print quality of original HP 10A and 42A monochrome LaserJet toner cartridges with that of remanufactured counterparts.

Samsung, as we know, is known for good and beautiful things that start with the letter “s” – sexy, stunning and sophisticated. As a manifestation of this impression, the local arm of the Korean giant recently showcased a new array of CE innovations at the Samsung AV Roadshow 2009 which was held at the NBC Tent in Taguig City.

Though the Rockwell Tent could be a fine venue as well, Samsung’s wise decision to use the NBC Tent should give you a fair idea of how large the event was. It’s not our intention to spoil your reading, but we’re telling you – it’s a BIG SHOW!

Last Thursday, a revolution has successfully commenced. But unlike the destructive concept of revolution which most of us may be familiar with, this revolution doesn’t aim to destabilize but rather cement an order that was established during the advent of the HP Mini 2133 - an order where technology and style converge in perfect harmony. Orchestrated by HP Philippines Personal Systems Group (PSG), the HP Mini Revolution took center stage at M Cafe in Makati City.

Though non-violent, we couldn’t say that the commencement of HP Mini Revolution was peaceful overall. Everyone was abuzz with excitement to see the latest Mini-Note PCs from HP.

In spite of the unpredictable weather conditions, nothing had prevented us, not even the strong downpour that we encountered last Tuesday, from being present at the Philippine launch of the latest LG KS360 mobile phone which was held at Edsa Shangri-La Manila in Mandaluyong City.

Riding on the marketing battle cry “Text To The Max”, we clearly see that LG Electronics is projecting the KS360 towards a huge demographic in the country. The Korean chaebol is aware that the Philippines remains in the lead as the texting capital of the world with more or less 66 million subscribers on record. A large fraction of this bulk is the youth which is the specific target market of the KS360.

Eastwood City turned into an adrenaline-drenched battleground for the racers of HP’s multifunction printer (MFP) challenge which was held last week. Getting the most out of HP’s dependable array of LaserJet MFPs, which include the M1319f MFP, CM1312 MFP, and CM2320n MFP, select members of the local press raced against time and each other to find clues and complete certain tasks which will eventually lead them to the coveted finish line and a host of exciting prizes.

Historians usually use the phrase “Dark Ages” to refer to a certain period of slowdown in the fields of culture and the arts. Applying such a perspective to describe today’s global economy, we could say that we’re in the “Dark Ages” as well. You don’t have to be a graduate of Economics just to comprehend the situation. Pick up a newspaper or hit the Web and you would find yourself stumbling over the word “recession” again and again.

So how does HP perceive this subject matter? While most companies today are unwilling to spend, the world’s largest I.T. company is implementing a different strategy in mind. In spite of the uncertain economic atmosphere, HP continues to capitalize on smart I.T. investments, and this is actually one of the important philosophies that the company is trying to impart to the businesses in the Southeast Asian region in order to survive the recession. For this reason, HP’s Image and Printing Group (IPG) staged the region-wide “When Everything Counts” campaign.

In an exclusive gathering held at M Café in Makati City last week, the untiring team of HP Philippines Imaging and Printing Group (IPG) presented to the press their latest offerings that cater to the needs of printing business owners, professional photographers and graphic artists. As what we know, these types of customers are very scrupulous when it comes to print quality. But in these challenging times, is it still possible for them to achieve best results without pushing their budgetary priorities into compromise? HP provides us with definitive answers.

HP throws in a catchy and timely subject matter, particularly for local entrepreneurs who are into the field of professional printing.

Way back in January, Sanyo announced six new models in their Xacti lineup: three in the familiar vertical hand-held design, and another three, surprisingly, in the horizontal design – a new look for Xacti. Launches were held in Dubai, Munich, Toronto, London, New York, Osaka, and Bangkok. Now it’s Manila’s turn to catch the fever. Held at their own home base in Makati, Sanyo Philippines gathered round the local press to witness and experience the new Xacti dual cameras, each acclaimed as a world’s first.

The best way to start an event is to greet everyone with a cheerful smile, just like what Ms. Karen Agustin, a former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, did as the affair’s master of ceremonies.

Believe it or not, we Filipinos are amongst the jolliest people on Earth. While this statement is seemingly satirical, it is quite surprising that many think tanks around the world often agree with this observation. It could be because of our innate character that, amid the disheartening economic, political, and social atmosphere, we could easily and relentlessly find joy in the relationships that we have with our loved ones. As an implication of this nature, we are also very fond of images: images that enable us to cherish the good times, and smile even in hard times. Valuing these characteristics, Canon has been ardent in keeping its Filipino consumers delighted as always. 

Giving us many more reasons to smile, Canon Philippines recently staged the Canon Expo Smile ’09 at A.Venue, Makati City to officially kick off the ImageNation Celebration, an annual event which is customarily anticipated as a grand occasion where the company showcases its latest imaging devices. This year, the expo introduced 33 new products from Canon’s lines of digital cameras, camcorders, printers, and copiers, giving consumers 33 more reasons to smile.

It’s that time of the year again when people from all walks of life escape from the stress of urban living, go to the countryside, or flock together at the beach to enjoy the sun and beat the sweltering heat. Yes, summer is officially here, and Sony Philippines is tempting us to have a summer "like.no.other" with its latest array of imaging products that allows you to explore and experience the excitement of the season.

Setting a festive summer mood within the grounds of the C3 Event’s Place in Greenhills, Sony showcased a number of sizzling stuff that are both gorgeous on the outside and ingenious in the inside.