DOST-SEI, BPI Foundation ink partnership for ‘new’ Innovation Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The BPI-DOST Science Awards is no more.

And in comes a “new and revitalized” BPI-DOST Innovation Awards.

This, as the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the BPI Foundation, Inc. (BPIF), the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, a competition that aims to challenge bright Filipino students to actively participate in resolving problems in the community through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In a virtual ceremony held on November 29, Owen Cammayo, BPFI Executive Director, acknowledged the value of the partnership with the science department in its mission to be “agents for sustainable positive change.”

“When we started the BPI Science Awards in 1989, we did it as BPI alone. But later in 2005, it became a joint undertaking with the DOST. We are very grateful for this kind and fruitful partnership as we nurtured the country’s young scientific minds over the years,” he said.

Cammayo said the rebranding of the project comes in time for BPI’s 170th founding anniversary.

“This year, as aligned in our 170th founding anniversary, our theme is about reinvention. And so, it is just fitting that this year, we are reinventing the BPI-DOST Science Awards and we’ll give it a new and revitalized name—it’s more encompassing and hopefully, more compelling. Starting this year, we will call it the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards,” Cammayo said.

The BPI-DOST Innovation Awards shall be open to all regular junior and senior (3rd – 5th year) college students of STEM. They can join in teams composed of three (3) students, and shall showcase an innovation project that addresses problems in the fields of agriculture, disaster management, education, entrepreneurship, environment, food safety, health, security, transportation, and traffic or road congestion.

The whole cycle will begin with the Call for Proposals, beginning in the coming days, and to be followed by the following phases: proposal submission, project selection, a technical and business workshop for the top 10 teams, a 90-day period for project execution, final project presentation, and an awarding ceremony. The full mechanics and criteria will be available both in DOST-SEI’s and BPIFI’s official website and social media pages.

The competition is expected to culminate in September 2022.

DOST-SEI Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, in turn welcomed the new project and noted that the long-standing partnership with BPIFI “has been honoring excellence in research and innovation” and paved the way to development of homegrown talents in the sciences.

“DOST and BPIFI have this shared vision to boost interest and awareness on the value of S&T and innovation in the economy. We both hope to encourage many others to pursue research in the sciences and ultimately set an environment that is healthy for innovation and creation of high value products or solutions,” Biyo said.

In closing, Cammayo said the project is more than just a competition, “but a celebration of young Filipino innovators who can potentially contribute to the realization of a better and sustainable Philippines.”.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou Opening Marks a New Masterpiece of Luxury in Sichuan, China

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The inspiring mountain-side resort offers immersive, enriching experiences overlooking the stunning landscape of Jiuzhaigou



Hilton announced the opening of Conrad Jiuzhaigou, ushering in a new chapter for the luxury hotel market in Western China. Set amid the natural beauty of the Tibetan Plateau, Conrad Jiuzhaigou features modern design fused with Tibetan and Qiang cultural elements. Neighboring a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its natural beauty and biodiversity, the hotel offers travelers an inspirational getaway complemented by personalized, anticipatory service and exceptional hospitality. Conrad Jiuzhaigou is owned by China Green Development Investment Group Co. Ltd. and managed by Hilton.

Qian Jin, president of Hilton Greater China and Mongolia, said, "Conrad Jiuzhaigou introduces another incredible hotel from Conrad Hotels & Resorts to one of the most extraordinary locations in China – adding to our existing portfolio of 12 Conrad properties across Greater China in key destinations like Beijing, Hangzhou, Sanya, Guangzhou, and more. Since ancient times, Sichuan has enticed travelers with its wealth of attractions, and as a key tourist destination in the province today, Jiuzhaigou welcomes millions of tourists yearly. With growing regional tourism, Conrad Jiuzhaigou builds upon our two other hotels in the region – Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort and Hilton Garden Inn Jiuzhaigou – providing more diverse accommodation options for travelers."

Surrounded by mountains, Conrad Jiuzhaigou is conveniently located 12 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage site Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area, and 46 kilometers from the Fairy Pool Scenic Area. Amdo Tibetan villages, both large and small, can be found nearby, offering guests an authentic cultural experience just steps away.

Nils-Arne Schroeder, global brand head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts and vice president of Luxury & Lifestyle for Hilton in Asia Pacific, said, “With its breathtaking natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, Jiuzhaigou is an ideal destination for growing Conrad Hotels & Resorts in China. Through the hotel’s desirable location and distinctive bold design, and the brand’s signature intuitive service, travelers can enjoy an enriching stay infused with local connections and excellent culinary experiences.”

Locally-inspired Design and Architecture

Conrad Jiuzhaigou is a modern interpretation of the local Amdo Tibetan culture, with Tibetan cultural elements and motifs woven throughout the design and architecture of the hotel. Upon arrival, guests will notice original artifacts such as sword handles, and wooden furniture featuring bold, traditional patterned fabrics, which create a charming, quintessentially Tibetan atmosphere with a contemporary twist.

A Peaceful Sanctuary

The public spaces provide guests a relaxing experience, as greenery combined with high ceilings and abundant natural light exude a sense of space and airiness.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou offers a total of 161 expansive guest rooms, including 26 independent villas nestled among the lush trees on the mountain. Ranging up to 460 square meters, each guest room features a terrace with a panoramic view of the forested mountainous landscape. Guests are welcomed to their rooms with an art piece inspired by the Hada – a white silk scarf that is a sign of respect and welcome – as a nod to sincere Tibetan family-like hospitality. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, providing guests with a quiet space to relax, rejuvenate and find inspiration.

The hotel offers Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton that can be instantly confirmed upon booking, themed rooms for children, and multi-bedroom independent villas for family and friends traveling together – allowing groups of any size to find a suitable option for their stay.

Elevating Dining Experiences in Jiuzhaigou

Conrad Jiuzhaigou features an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty grill restaurant, both of which enable guests to enjoy a sophisticated environment while exploring the local culture through the sense of taste.

 

• At the BAS.IN all-day dining restaurant, guests can enjoy freshly made dishes and drinks made with carefully-selected local ingredients from the plateau, providing guests a delightful culinary experience. To compliment the Tibetan wooden furniture, the restaurant features traditional local handicrafts displayed alongside art pieces that combine green plants and native materials.
• M'EAT Specialty Bar & Grill innovatively fuses culinary art with grilling. The open kitchen allows guests to enjoy a sensational live cooking experience of freshly grilled meats over crackling flames. The restaurant serves specialty yak meat and local ingredients, and offers guests a variety of seasonal menus for lunch and dinner. Rich furnishings made of leather, wood and aged metal add to the warm and comfortable ambiance. Guests can also enjoy alfresco seating on a large terrace for a scenic dining experience, immersing themselves in nature as they overlook the Zhongcha Valley.

 

As a member of Hilton’s portfolio of 18 acclaimed brands, Conrad Jiuzhaigou participates in the award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members can enjoy instant benefits when booking directly through official Hilton channels, including payment options that allow members the flexibility to choose a combination of points and cash to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, and free Wi-Fi.

To celebrate the grand opening of Conrad Jiuzhaigou, Hilton Honors members who book a stay through Hilton official channels can earn an additional 5,000 Hilton Honors points for minimum 3-night stay, from January 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022.

Guests can enjoy peace of mind with enhanced levels of cleanliness during their stay, with elements of Hilton CleanStay greeting guests from the moment they enter the hotel and present throughout every aspect of their experience, ensuring the safety and well-being of guests and team members without compromising the hospitality Hilton is known for.

Conrad Jiuzhaigou is located in Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, China, 623402.

For more information or hotel reservations, please visit www.conrad.hilton.com.cn/jiuzhaigou or call +86-837-8198000.

ECOVACS ROBOTICS Reimagines Household Cleaning in the Philippines With 9-in-1 DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Launch

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ECOVACS ROBOTICS, the world's leading home service robotics maker, is bringing its world-renowned smarter cleaning experience to the Philippines with the launch of a brand new campaign, "The Best DEEBOT Lands in the Philippines." It will introduce the DEEBOT T9 Family, the company's flagship product family, and the DEEBOT N8 Family, ECOVACS' advanced robotic vacuum cleaner, to help Filipino families enjoy hands-free and effectively superior cleaning with robotic vacuum cleaners that are more powerful and intelligent than ever before.

The new launch answers what Filipino consumers wanted: smart products to make homecare simpler and multi-tasking easier. With the DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Families, ECOVACS answers their needs by offering the latest innovative and efficient cleaning experience.

The DEEBOT T9 Family is ECOVACS' flagship robotic vacuum cleaner. It integrates cutting-edge features from other industries and the company's industry-leading innovation to go beyond the conventional robotic vacuum cleaning experience. They include:

Upgraded ECOVACS HOME App Improves Obstacle Avoidance and Navigation: o    The upgraded TrueDetect 3D 2.0 technology, with a range of 70-350 millimeters, quickly detects different obstacles at a distance. It allows the DEEBOT T9 to detect objects ten times more accurately than traditional infra-red technology. o    The combination of TrueDetect 3D 2.0 and TrueMapping 2.0 with 3D Maps allows users to quickly locate the robotic vacuum cleaner and manage various cleaning tasks on the fly. Built-in Air Freshener Provides Luxurious Cleaning Experience o    The DEEBOT T9 is the first in the industry to clean floors and freshen the air simultaneously. The built-in air freshener eliminates musty and pet odors, while a fan at the bottom spreads the fragrance evenly. Users can operate the air freshener, which uses replaceable capsules that can last up to 60 days, via the ECOVACS HOME App. OZMO™ Pro 2.0 and Auto-Empty Station Expands Cleaning Performance o    The latest OZMO™ Pro 2.0 Electric Oscillating Mopping System has a newly designed motor and movement structure that minimizes noise while its 3,000 Pa suction power enhances cleaning performance. With a high-frequency vibration of up to 480 times per minute, the Mopping System is comparable to electric mops. o    The DEEBOT T9 uses disposable mopping pads with specially-designed microfibers to absorb water evenly, efficiently capture dust, and reduce residual water stains. The composite structure removes stubborn stains on the floor.    The DEEBOT N8 Family combines premium-grade features that continue ECOVACS's commitment to superior cleaning but are more affordable. They include: TrueDetect 3D Technology Adds Precision To Object Detection o    DEEBOT N8 Family uses the ECOVACS's TrueDetect 3D technology to avoid collisions and getting entangled with millimeter-level precision. It recognizes dark surfaces better and detects the smallest obstacles, including shoes, wire cords, and small toys. It is ten times more accurate than traditional infrared technology.   Maps With 2x Coverage and 4x Accuracy o    The TrueMapping laser-based mapping and navigation technology creates floor maps in seconds, allowing the DEEBOT N8 Family to intelligently navigate and find the optimal cleaning paths for each home. o    The DEEBOT N8 Family dToF laser detection doubles the distance recognition capabilities and improves object recognition by four-fold. It can detect objects as small as two millimeters 10 meters away. Using industry-leading algorithms, the N8 Family can scan, map, and plan an efficient cleaning path faster and with more precision — a welcome benefit for larger homes. The Virtual Boundary™ function via the ECOVACS Home App restricts robot movements for privacy. More Powerful Cleaning With Upgraded Suction Power o    The Revolutionary Pressure-Retention System delivers energy-efficient high vacuum pressure at a surprisingly low noise level. The Max+ mode increases the suction power of the DEEBOT N8 and N8+ to 2300 Pa for higher performance.   OZMO™ Vacuuming and Mopping all at Once o    The ECOVACS signature OZMO™️ Mopping System can efficiently clean the whole house without repeatedly stopping to top up the water tank. Sensors on the DEEBOT N8 Family improve cleaning efficiency, and users can manually manage the water yield using the ECOVACS HOME App. o    OZMO™️ Mopping technology uses upgraded disposable mopping pads to remove over 99% of bacteria. Intelligent Control for Remote Cleaning Management o    The ECOVACS HOME App allows users to set the optimal cleaning schedules using smartphones or smart home devices such as the Amazon Echo/Dot and Google Home. The upgraded advanced mapping function allows users to customize the cleaning plan for each room.   Enjoy Hands-free Cleaning With Auto-Empty Station The Auto-Empty Station eliminates the need for users to manually empty the robot dustbins by storing the contents in its large-volume 2.5L disposable dust bag, which users all-natural paper materials and has space for up to 30 days of dust. Users can manage the Auto-Empty Station via their ECOVACS HOME App. It is compatible with all the DEEBOT T9 and N8 Family models.   Pricing and Availability The DEEBOT T9 and DEEBOT N8 Families are available today on Lazada (https://www.lazada.com.ph/ecovacs-official-store). The suggested retail prices of DEEBOT T9: PHP49,990, T9 with Auto-Empty Station: PHP69,990, N8 PHP36,990, N8 with Auto-Empty Station: PHP56,990, and standalone Auto Empty Station: PHP19,990.   As part of the 12.12 Mega promotion on Lazada, the above models are available at up to 58% discounts from December 1, 2021. The promotion also includes DEEBOT OZMO 950 at discounted with PHP13,490.   For more information, please visit ecovacs.com or connect with us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ecovacs.ph) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ecovacs_philippines).