SM Bulacan Mall's Light Up Christmas Centerpieces, Usher in Holidays in the Province

SM City Marilao’s Jingle Bell Jog centerpiece featuring Santa engaging in a merry workout adventure elevates seasonal glee to new heights.

A festive season awaits Bulekenyos as SM Bulacan malls proudly present a magical journey with the respective unveiling of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan’s captivating Christmas centerpieces, the newest holiday attractions in the province.

SM City Baliwag’s Glistening Christmas Park is the newest holiday attraction in the province.

Mallgoers are treated to a delightful holiday celebration as SM City Marilao transforms its 3,229-square-foot mall atrium into Santa’s giant Jingle Bell Jog. This brings together the festive spirit of Christmas with the concept of Santa engaging in a merry workout adventure.

It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year as mallgoers, guests, and performers gathered for a night of dance, music, and the marvelous unveiling of SM Baliwag’s Christmas centerpiece.

Located at SM City Marilao’s Main Mall Atrium, the centerpiece is highlighted by a towering 30-foot tree where shoppers will experience the festive spirit when they enter a captivating toy factory embellished with stars. Lively Santas engage in joyful activities, elevating their seasonal glee to new heights.

“The symbolic lighting of our Christmas centerpieces is our way of thanking shoppers and partners for being one with the SM Supermalls community and making us their home all throughout the year.” ~Ana Datu, Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations

SM City Baliwag, on the other hand, unveils the Glistening Christmas Park. The grand centerpiece brings glittering wonders, highlighted by a 30-foot Christmas tree embellished with sparkling lights and golden Christmas balls. Shining reindeer also adorn the attraction, giving pure delight to everyone this holiday season.

Meanwhile, SM Center Pulilan unfolds a Festive Folds, crafting joy this Christmas. This year’s theme captures the concept of paper Christmas trees and their unique charm, leading to a fun-filled celebration of creativity and craftsmanship during these holiday festivities.

SM City Baliwag unfolds holiday this October with the lighting of its iconic Christmas centerpiece, the Glistening Christmas Park. A holiday attraction for the whole family, Baliwag City Administrator Eric Tagle (2nd from right) spearheaded the lighting of the Christmas centerpiece. Joining honors are SM City Baliwag Assistant Mall Manager Eugene Martin (2nd from left) and Regional CRS Manager Ronald Pulumbarit (right).

The attraction is adorned with life-sized folded Christmas trees featuring various patterns in red and green, adding an enchanting touch. Shoppers will be greeted by a row of radiant arches and a golden pathway that leads to a magnificent 30-foot Christmas tree, embellished with shimmering stars, and charming Santa momijis located at the Mall Atrium.

In line with the launch of the holiday centerpieces, SM’s annual tradition of the Bears of Joy to keep and collect also begins at SM Bulacan malls. For every two pieces of bear purchased, one will be given to a community charity. This year, Bears of Joy will be donated to chosen beneficiaries in Bulacan on Christmas. 

Santa’s little elves join in the fun at the unveiling of SM City Marilao’s Christmas centerpiece.

Joyful performances ignite the celebration during the lighting of SM City Marilao’s Christmas centerpiece.

Experience your #HappiestChristmasAtSM, where SM Supermalls aims to offer a joyful world of the longest, brightest, and happiest holiday celebration for everyone. The coming days will be merrier as SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan celebrate Christmas in full swing with festivities, Christmas markets, and entertainment the malls have in store all throughout the holiday season.

For updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM Supermalls on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Free Gyudon? Yoshinoya's Hauntingly Delicious Week-long Tricks & Treats Await!

Yoshinoya, Japan’s world-famous Beef Bowl chain, has been serving authentic & mouthwatering Gyudon as its bestseller dish. This irresistible rice bowl combines savory sliced beef seasoned with herbs, sweet white onions, and soft Japanese rice, delivering a perfect blend of beefiness and sauciness that appeals to many. And with tricks up its sleeve, it’s going to haunt the cravings of many this Halloween!

Celebrate Halloween the Shibuya Style

On October 29, the first 100 customers wearing Halloween costumes can enjoy Japan’s world-famous beef bowl -- Gyudon, for FREE! This exciting offer is available starting at 5PM at Yoshinoya Eastwood store, where customers will also get to witness how it’s like to celebrate Halloween in the iconic Shibuya crossing. Parading around in costumes, a group of cosplayers will spook it up and give guests a visual treat of whimsy and mystery! If you’re an Otaku at heart, join the fun and dress up in your most spook-tacular costume!

I-Scream for FREE

Yoshinoya is the gift, or better yet, treat, that keeps on giving. Customers are in for a boo-tifully sweet Halloween long weekend because Yoshinoya is giving away FREE Chocolate Mochi Ice Cream when you spend at least P500 at any Yoshinoya store. The new Chocolate Mochi Ice Cream is the ultimate indulgent dessert, providing the perfect finishing touch to your meal!

This promo runs from October 30 to November 5, 2023 within 6 to 8 pm, valid for dine-in transactions only. This limited-time offer is definitely worth screaming for!

Mark your calendars and join us at Yoshinoya for a treat-filled spook-tacular Halloween celebration!

KFC Squads Up with PUBG: Battlegrounds and PUBG Mobile in Exciting New Collab for Gamers to Load Up, Dive In and Taste Victory

Prepare for a convergence of flavors and action as KFC comes to PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and PUBG MOBILE, with in-game restaurants, exclusive KFC themed items alongside real-world special set meals in select regions*

KFC launched the ultimate collaboration for fans, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and PUBG MOBILE players as they join squads in a battle royale for the ultimate taste of victory. This ground-breaking partnership allows players to visit virtual KFC restaurants in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and PUBG MOBILE, alongside exclusive KFC items. An exciting new promotion unlocking exclusive in-game rewards with the purchase of special KFC PUBG meals will also be available in select markets.

From October 2nd to November 6th, PUBG MOBILE players can look forward to indulging their senses with virtual dining experiences in KFC Royale Restaurants across the Erangel, Miramar, Nusa, and Livik maps. These in-game KFC restaurants will offer players the opportunity to feast on mouthwatering KFC delicacies, each with their own distinct health or energy boosts, to help them take home the win. Players will also be able to gear up in KFC themed items including the KFC Royale Colonel Set, Chicken Champ Cover and Set, Royale Delight Top and Parachute, Seasoned Squad Graffiti, and Crispy Crunch Avatar Frame.

For a limited time during this collaboration, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS players will have the exciting opportunity to acquire KFC-themed in-game items and encounter KFC restaurants on the Erangel map. Inside these KFC restaurants, players can explore a variety of themed items available at the kiosks, including the KFC Chicken Box, KFC French Fries, and KFC Energy Drink – each offering health benefits. Game gear, wins and accessories include KFC themed Colonel's Bucket Hat, Colonel's Jacket, Colonel's Shorts, Colonel's Clogs, Colonel's Parachute, and "It's Finger Lickin' Good" Spray. Players will also be exposed to crave-worthy KFC in-game visuals such as the statue of Colonel Sanders, plane banner, electric billboards, and map decal.

In addition to these tasty in-game treats, players can savor the flavor and experience the collaboration in the real world. Fans can “Load up, Dive in” with PUBG themed meals at participating KFC restaurants, online or via the KFC app in select regions* and score in-game finger lickin’ good loot straight from the Colonel’s kitchen. The rewards will include up to six battle cosmetics in KFC's signature red and white brand colors and inspired by KFC’s craveable tastes, allowing PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and PUBG MOBILE players to indulge all of their senses. 

“We are the pros when it comes to making the world's most finger lickin’ good fried chicken and delivering on the taste you crave. Now PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and PUBG MOBILE fans can enjoy the iconic KFC taste like never before then dive into a battle royale and score big loot for a double taste of victory.”  ~Val Kubizniak, KFC Global Chief Marketing Officer

"This partnership delivers an exhilarating gaming experience where players land, loot, and survive while enjoying exclusive cosmetics. It ensures that players savor a finger lickin’ good taste of victory, perfectly blending the worlds of KFC and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS.” ~Taeseok Jang, Executive Producer of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG STUDIOS

“PUBG MOBILE is thrilled to partner with KFC, the internationally renowned restaurant brand. As one of the biggest mobile games in the world, PUBG MOBILE is committed to bringing quality gameplay to people on the move, just like KFC brings great food to people in thousands of locations globally. We can't wait for KFC customers to experience diving into PUBG MOBILE and securing that chicken dinner." ~Vincent Wang, Head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing, Tencent Games

The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS x KFC collaboration is available from October 2nd until November 6th. Download PUBG MOBILE for free on the App Store and Google Play Store. For more information on in-game updates visit the PUBG MOBILE website.

The PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS x KFC collaboration is available from October 11th to November 7th on PC and from October 19th to November 15th on consoles. For the latest information on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, please visit https://pubg.com/en-na or follow the official social media channels (Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok). 

 

*Promotion only available in participating markets. Must purchase PUBG meals between eligible dates in-store, online or the KFC app, as applicable. While supplies last. Cancelled orders not eligible. Prices, participation, and meal items may vary. Mobile ordering and delivery available at participating locations. Tax, tips, fees extra. Participating countries for the in-game loot redemption with purchase of a designated KFC meal include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, U.A.E., US.

About PUBG MOBILE

PUBG MOBILE is based on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the phenomenon that took the world of interactive entertainment by storm in 2017. Up to 100 players parachute onto a remote island to battle in a winner-takes-all showdown. Players must locate and scavenge their own weapons, vehicles, and supplies, and defeat every player in a visually and tactically rich battleground that forces players into a shrinking play zone.

For more information, please visit the official PUBG MOBILE social channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

About KFC

KFC is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger lickin’ good recipe more than 80 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen. Today, while honoring our heritage, we remain committed to modernizing the colonel's vision, by serving feel-good food, at scale, through inclusive, equitable and sustainable business practices.  We continue to follow his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 28,000 restaurants in nearly 150 countries and territories around the world.  KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM.)  For more information on KFC visit global.kfc.com.

About KRAFTON, INC.

Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is home to globally renowned developers that include PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, VECTOR NORTH, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, and ReLU Games. Each studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services. 

KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, NEW STATE MOBILE, Moonbreaker, Defense Derby, and TERA. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company that possesses world-class capabilities and is set on expanding its business horizons to encompass multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information, visit www.krafton.com. 

Globe and Fine Dining Club Philippines launch Gourmet Giving Series

Gourmet Giving Series - Chefs and Restaurateurs Onstage

Globe, in partnership with Facebook Online Community Fine Dining Club Philippines, proudly introduces the “Gourmet Giving Series: A Fine Dining Thanksgiving Experience for the Hapag Movement.” This culinary venture brings together Metro Manila’s hottest restaurants, each pledging a portion of their proceeds to support supplementary feeding and livelihood training initiatives for Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger.

As the holiday season approaches, the Gourmet Giving Series taps into the spirit of Thanksgiving, embodying the essence of gourmet as a means of giving back. Chefs and restaurants will bring together their talents and influence for a noble cause, while patrons can enjoy an epicurean culinary journey and support The Hapag Movement fundraiser events.

Participating establishments include A-list Filipino restaurants: Alegria Manila, The Black Pig, Chef Jessie Rockwell Club, Ember, Flame by Discovery Primea, Gallery by Chele, Helm, La Cabrera, The Test Kitchen, Tiago’s Restaurant, Txoko Asador, and Your Local. Every venue promises distinctive offerings, from special Hapag Movement set menus to exclusive holiday previews.

“With the Gourmet Giving Series, we're channeling Filipinos' love for food and sharing meals together into meaningful avenues of giving. We are excited and grateful to have some of the best Filipino restaurants and chefs as partners in our endeavor. Globe is not only a service provider. We are catalysts for change, forging pathways that seamlessly link our customers to opportunities where they can make a genuine difference and leave a lasting impact." ~Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Communications Officer at Globe

“We are using the power of the social media community to help transform and uplift the lives of The Hapag Movement beneficiaries. We believe that engaging with Facebook’s Fine Dining Club Philippines is leveraging the platform’s passion for food to also make a purposeful difference.” ~RG Orense, Globe Digital and Social Strategy Head

Globe Platinum customers are in for a treat with exclusive priority booking access through their dedicated lifestyle concierge exclusively for Globe Platinum and Fine Dining Club Philippines members from October 24 to 28. Special treats also await other Globe mobile and broadband customers who avail of the Hapag Movement tasting menus from November 20 to 30.

"Through the Gourmet Series, we hope to unlock meaningful, memorable, and sought-after dining experiences for our customers with this food offering. By partnering with some of Metro Manila's premier restaurants, Globe delights customers to dine in their favorite establishments while supporting a movement for social good.” ~Darius Delgado, Head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business

Fine Dining Club Philippines, a vibrant community of over 23,300 culinary enthusiasts, has been instrumental in fostering unique dining partnerships and events, making this collaboration with Globe a perfect pairing.

The event builds on the momentum of Globe’s Longest Hapag series, which bridged World Hunger Day to World Food Day and has mounted a number of food-driven fundraisers to gain support for the Hapag Movement.

Since its launch in August last year, the Hapag Movement has already raised PHP21.5 million, impacting close to 70,000 Filipinos through supplemental feeding and livelihood training.

With the Gourmet Giving Series, Globe further widens the ecosystem of support for the Hapag Movement, leveraging fine dining as a focal point to inch closer to its goal of transforming the lives of 500,000 Filipinos facing involuntary hunger.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Lazada announces their new platform channel “Choice” where you can score any 3 items from 99 pesos, with Sarah Geronimo as the newest ambassador

Lazada team with Baus Rufo and Sarah G impersonator, Bench Hipolito

Lazada, the leading e-commerce platform in the Philippines, launched its newest channel, Choice, where you can pick 3 items from only Php 99 with 100% free shipping. Held at Studio 300, Makati City, last October 12, the event was a colorful testament to Lazada’s innovative ways of offering budget-friendly shopping options to Filipino shoppers. 

Guests, plus two of their friends were bundled in three–all invited to a retro varsity prep themed afternoon filled with entertainment and fun activities where they got to score exciting prizes. With a gamified way of educating attendees on how Choice works, they needed to get a score of three to win prizes through rounds of bowling, dice rolling, and billiards!

LazAffiliates members and Content Creators Baus Rufo and Aryn Cristobal shared their thoughts about the unique features of the Choice channel and the exceptional customer experience it offers, 

“Choice on Lazada is the newest disruption and game changer in online shopping! You can buy any 3 items from their bestseller list from only PHP 99! Just in time for kris kringle and stress eating season!,” ~Baus Rufo, LazAffiliates member and Content Creator

Aaron Maniego, Ayn Cristobal, Baus Rufo, Charuth, Jamie Casino

“First of all, the fact that anything is worth Php 99 pesos is already a miracle, pero ngayon 3 items from only Php 99, mas sobrang sulit! I love that I can buy anything, and when I say anything, I just need to think of an item and type it, lalabas na siya in many different choices!” ~Aryn Cristobal, LazAffiliates member and Content Creator

There were lots of surprises during the afternoon–the first was a video greeting from the one and only Pop Icon and Choice Ambassador Sarah Geronimo which stirred so much excitement in the room! The next was a surprise performance from the singer’s impersonator, Bench Hipolito, who wowed the crowd with signature Sarah Geronimo moves on stage.

Now that the holiday season is just around the corner, Sarah shared who she’s excited to gift, 

“Siyempre ‘yong asawa ko, diba? Siya ang first Choice ko. Pangalawa, ‘yong aking mga friends and loved ones, family ko. Siyempre kasama na ‘yan lahat. Masarap sa feeling ‘yong napaparamdam mo sa mga mahal mo sa buhay, sa friends mo, sa family mo na they are important. Mabibigyan mo sila ng regalo kahit hindi mahal pero very useful para sakanila.” ~Sarah Geronimo, Pop Icon and Lazada Choice Ambassador

Sarah G impersonator Bench Hipolito with the audience

Choice is set to revolutionize the shopping experience, not only making it affordable but also a lot of fun. Stay tuned for more exciting deals and offers on the Lazada App, and make Choice your Sulit Tipid option. 

About Lazada

Lazada Group is Southeast Asia's pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 11 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payment channels and LazadaWallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region. With a vision to achieve USD 100 billion annual GMV, Lazada aims to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030, and be the best at enabling brands and sellers in digitizing their businesses. 

Colgate launches Fresh Confidence White Blast: Shine in your moment!

An upgrade to Colgate Fresh Confidence, now with Level Up Whiteners for whiter teeth in 2 weeks

Life is filled with curveballs and surprise spotlights; and no matter how confident we are, there are days when we need that extra push to step up and shine in these moments. No. 1 Global Oral Care Brand, Colgate, recognizes this, which is why they launched an innovative product, Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast, that helps unlock more social confidence, to truly shine in these moments.

With Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast, flash your smile at its best and brightest as you confidently face life’s curveball moments with Cooling Crystals, which give an intense burst of freshness; and now with Level Up Whiteners that whiten your teeth in 2 weeks – the perfect combination to elevate your confidence level, helping you shine in any moment!

Shining confidence brought to life

To ring in the launch of Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast, a fun party was held as a celebration of confidence and shining moments.

Shining stars like Francine Diaz, Gabbi Garcia, Alyssa Valdez, Esnyr Ranollo, Arshie Larga, along with other content creators, were the picture-perfect epitome of confidence throughout the night, enjoying its various activities, and even stepping up to surprise spotlight moments during the evening itself! 

From strutting their best poses to taking up sudden dance challenges, everyone was up to every moment, showing how Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast is the best coach to shine in every moment.

Embrace curveball moments life throws your way knowing your smile is at its shining best with Colgate Fresh Confidence White Blast, available in Spicy Fresh and Ocean Fresh variants.  Be well on your way to living your best and most confident self and pick one up for only P99 (based on SRP) in all leading supermarkets, drugstores, and eCommerce platforms nationwide; such as Robinsons, Puregold, SM, Waltermart, Landmark, Watsons, Metro Gaisano, Lazada, and Shopee.

PLDT, Smart mark 20th year with SWEEP, inspiring youth on tech and innovation

SWEEP partner schools participate in the opening activity during the 20th anniversary celebration.

Demonstrating its commitment towards academic and professional excellence, the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program or SWEEP, the first and longest-running industry-academe linkage in the Philippines, is now on its 20th year. 

 

“When we launched SWEEP or the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program in 2003, our dream was to make bold changes in the industry, by promoting a culture of innovation in schools and by encouraging more Filipino students to get into STEM and ICT-related courses.” ~Cathy Yap-Yang, FVP and Head of Group Corporate Communications at PLDT and Smart

PLDT-Smart SWEEP celebrates its 20th year with partner schools from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

 

“We continue to work closely with the country’s leading colleges and universities. We have likewise succeeded in producing industry-ready graduates to meet the increasingly digital demands of our customers, our communities, and our country.” ~Mr. Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network at PLDT and Smart

Mr. Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network at PLDT and Smart

SWEEP has become an avenue for long-term learning and discovery about technology as a catalyst for growth and development among the youth. 

   

“We believe that continuous learning and exposure to emerging technologies, through SWEEP, can equip the youth towards finding innovative solutions that can help create positive impact for present and future generations.” ~Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management Team at PLDT and Smart 

Network Head Roderick Santiago and Stakeholder Management Head Stephanie Orlino of PLDT and Smart, joined by SWEEP alumnus and TimeFree Innovations CEO Chino Atilano, share how SWEEP changed lives in the last two decades

To officially celebrate SWEEP’s two decades and the program’s milestones, the PLDT Group has just concluded a learning and networking summit called SWEEP@20 and beyond, for its partner schools this month.    

  

Providing a peek into the future, the PLDT Group has discussed more about how 5G, AI or artificial intelligence, XR or extended reality, cloud computing, and advanced networks can help create a sustainable and more inclusive world for all Filipinos and leave no one behind. 

Mr. Chino Atilano, SWEEP alumnus and CEO of TimeFree Innovations, an enterprise software company

Through the years, the PLDT Group has underscored the value of inclusive learning and industry-academe linkages like SWEEP, particularly to promote STEM education in the country. This commitment also supports UNSDG #4: Quality Education and is aligned with the vision of the Philippine Government-mandated Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). As one of the founding members under the Digital Infrastructure pillar of PSAC, PLDT aims to help narrow the digital divide by creating more STEM experts and upskilling more Filipinos toward jobs of the future. 

About PLDT

PLDT is the Philippines' largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks. 

 

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com 

About Smart

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network*, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 71.8 million Filipinos*, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.

From Cruise Lines to Car Lines: VPX Welcomes Dr. Sarah and Kenneth Padron-Lumalang as Newest Franchise Owners in Pasig City

Revolutionizing Auto Service in Pasig City: [Seated] Mr. Normann Chiu, President of ValuePlus, and Dr. Mary Sarah Padron finalize their groundbreaking agreement. [Standing, 2nd from Right] John Kenneth Lumalang, alongside ValuePlus executives [Standing] Rem Agustin, Admin Manager, Mark Saberola, General Manager, and Darlyn Valenzona, Repsol Marketing Manager, witness this pivotal moment for VPX Auto Service Franchising.

VPX Auto Service Franchising, a pioneering brand under ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines Inc, is pleased to announce the signing of its newest franchisees, Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and her husband John Kenneth Lumalang. Situated in the bustling city of Pasig, the young couple brings a fresh burst of energy and innovation to the network.

 

Both overseas Filipino professionals, Dr. Sarah is a practicing physician, while Kenneth has a background in the Food and Beverage sector in the cruise industry. As they embark on this new chapter, the couple balances the ambitious task of establishing their franchise with the joys and challenges of raising a family.

Channeling this enthusiasm into a VPX franchise is a dream come true. 

"I've always been fascinated by cars and the complexities of auto maintenance. We strive to deliver exceptional service by combining medical precision with culinary flair." ~Dr. Mary Sarah Padron, ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines Inc., Franchisees

 

A Journey Fueled by Aspirations and Icing: Dr. Mary Sarah Padron and John Kenneth Lumalang with their one-of-a-kind ‘Opening Soon’ cake, a heartfelt gift from VPX, capturing the promise and excitement of their forthcoming auto service venture in Pasig City.

"We are thrilled to be a part of a brand that resonates with our values." VPX is innovative and customer-focused, qualities we want to instill in our own franchise." ~John Kenneth Lumalang, ValuePlus Auto Service Philippines Inc., Franchisees

Their various backgrounds promise an intriguing dynamic that we can't wait to experience.

"We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr. Sarah and Kenneth into our VPX family. Their particular skill set and enthusiasm for the business make them great franchisees." ~Normann Chiu, ValuePlus President

While many may think that a physician and an F&B specialist branching into auto care is a stretch, Dr. Sarah and Kenneth defy this perception. Their diverse skill set not only enriches the VPX brand but also challenges the traditional notion that auto servicing is a domain reserved for mechanics and engineers.

 

"Dr. Sarah and Kenneth embody the spirit of what VPX aspires to be—versatile, committed, and focused on delivering top-notch service." ~Mr. Mark Saberola, GM of ValuePlus

The Pasig City branch in Eagle Avenue in Brgy. Ugong, set to open its doors soon, marks another milestone for VPX Auto Service Franchising in its quest to revolutionize auto care in the Philippines. The addition of this talented couple to the VPX roster is a clear indication of the brand's inclusive and forward-thinking approach.

 

For VPX Auto Service franchise inquiries, please contact mark@valueplusph.com or 0917-637-2085.

Data privacy and cybersecurity groups urge DICT, NPC to prepare Filipino consumers, institutions on potential impact of PhilHealth Data Breach

Two advocacy groups on data privacy urge the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) to warn and prepare Filipino consumers, and institutions that have received PhilHealth member information to deliver their services, on the potential impact of the PhilHealth data breach through a Medusa malware attack discovered last September 22. 

“Compared to the Comelec data breach in 2016, the potential impact of this incident is even bigger as all working Filipinos are mandatorily enrolled, and need to pay monthly contributions. We urgently request the DICT and NPC that even if only a fraction of the extent of the breach has been revealed by the threat actors, they can already guide consumers, and institutions that use PhilHealth information on what to do in case their personal information was compromised by the breach.” ~Sam Jacoba, President of the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP), the Philippines’ first advocacy group of Data Protection Officers

Lito Averia, President of the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT), a volunteer organization that assists individuals and institutions on information security issues, agree that the regulators should already anticipate the worst case scenario as it is better to warn Filipino consumers as soon as possible as the threat actors can already exploit the illegally accessed personal information.  

“PhilHealth, with the help of the DICT, is releasing information on the breach bit by bit. This is actually understandable as the discovery process for external security incidents is complicated, but they can already assume that a significant number of member data was compromised based on their recent statement. Thus, better prepare PhilHealth members for the worst case scenario so they will not be caught off-guard and suffer potential financial loss or be a victim of identity theft.” ~Lito Averia, President of the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT)

NADPOP and PH-CERT also offered to provide a third-party perspective and assist PhilHealth in its current breach investigation with the DICT and NPC. 

“If PhilHealth needs unbiased third-party support, we have volunteers who are ready to assist in digital forensics and in the data breach management needs of the agency. We are extending our support to PhilHealth and its impacted employees and members during this time as we know the value of all of us helping each other during these times. It takes a community to protect personal information.” ~Jacoba and Averia jointly offered

NADPOP and PH-CERT just concluded CyberSecConPH last September 19 attended by more than 100 cybersecurity professionals, which kickstarted the formation of a Cybersecurity Community of Practice in the Philippines that will connect with the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community this week in Tokyo. On October 25 to 27, in support of Cybersecurity Month, the two groups will host an online conference on Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) that will elevate the knowledge and skills of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Cybersecurity Professionals in fighting against internal and external threat actors. The conference is by-invitation only and exclusive to active NADPOP and PH-CERT community volunteers, members and partners.