McDonald’s Stripes Run 2024 Breaks Records, Raises ₱1 Million for Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers

The highly anticipated McDonald’s Stripes Run 2024 concluded with record-breaking success on December 1, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. The 13th edition of this family fun run attracted a staggering 11,000 participants, making it the largest turnout in the event’s history.

Since its launch in 2010, the McDonald’s Stripes Run has been a celebration of family, friendship, and fitness. This year’s event continued its tradition of supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), raising ₱1 million for the benefit of the Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, which provide safe and nurturing spaces for children in underserved communities.

McDonald’s Philippines attributes the event's record-breaking participation to continuous innovation and a strong digital outreach strategy.

"The McDonald’s Stripes Run has built a loyal following over the years, but we’ve also worked hard to keep it fresh and exciting. This year, we leveraged social media, engaged with schools and fitness groups, and partnered with pet communities to create a truly inclusive event. The inclusion of the Fur Stripes category reflects McDonald’s broader commitment to creating feel-good moments. It’s a way to make the event more inclusive, family-friendly, and meaningful, while celebrating the special bond between humans and their pets. The long-term goal of Bahay Bulilit is to give every child access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of their background. By participating in the Stripes Run, families are not only strengthening their bonds but also contributing to this important cause.” ~Adi Timbol-Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and Vice President of RMHC Philippines

One of the most celebrated additions to the event is the Fur Stripes category, which allows participants to run alongside their furry companions. This year, the category reached full capacity, with 500 fur babies joining the fun. McDonald’s introduced this unique category to foster inclusivity and recognize pets as an essential part of family bonding.

Adding to the excitement was the attendance of popular celebrities, including the Agoncillo Family (Ryan, Judy Ann, and Luna), KaladKaren, Angeline Quinto, Ysabel Ortega, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco. Their presence further energized the crowd and highlighted the event’s appeal across different age groups.

The proceeds from the Stripes Run will go toward establishing more Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers nationwide. These centers provide safe spaces where children can learn, play, and grow while their parents are at work. 

PNP now responds to emergency calls in 3-5 minutes as commitment to DILG’s Revitalized 911 program

Philippine National Police (PNP) responders now arrive on the scene in less than five minutes.

Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar A. Tolito, Director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service (CES) shared the good news that over 90% of all Police 911 calls can now be responded to in record response time.

The game-changing approach to emergency response is a direct result of the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Revitalized Emergency 911 Project that calls for immediate and accurate reaction to emergency calls from citizens and LGUs.

Majority of the emergency calls stem from vehicular accidents, domestic violence, public disturbance, individuals running amok, theft and robbery, Tolito revealed.

Tolito mentioned interesting cases of rescues made in the nick of time, like a woman about to jump off a bridge in Batasan Hills who was pulled to safety by PNP operatives, an abandoned newborn in an ecobag found in a vacant lot in Cabuyao, Laguna that was brought to the hospital just in time to save its life, and the thwarted hijacking of a tanker filled with goods because of swift relay messages between operatives from the scene of the crime in Caloocan to the place of apprehension in Obando, Bulacan.

“At PNP 911, we do not discriminate. There was an incident of someone creating trouble in a Nueva Ecija establishment. Someone from the establishment called 911 and within 5 minutes, the responders were there. The apprehended person in the station was identified as an off duty-officer of the law. So we can be at par or better than other countries. We have accepted the challenge and even our Regional Directors are doing simulation exercises in the field just to show how serious we are about this. I think what drives our PNP to sustain this kind of response is the joy of responding and helping our kababayans on the ground who really need help the most. It’s very fulfilling to be able to help them by responding fast, it’s just that we did not have this type of system before. Now that we have it, our PNP has high morale because they have a clear sense of direction in their patrolling. emergencies can happen anytime, and we are happy that we can respond efficiently and accurately. It is in our nature as Filipinos to want to help our fellow men, in whatever way. The PNP, the E911 National Office of the DILG powered by NGA911's cutting-edge technology, data-driven analytics, and PLDT's network are at work daily elevating 911 of the Philippines to a higher level.” ~Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar A. Tolito, Director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service (CES)

Tolito said some cities like Quezon City and Zamboanga City respond really quickly and are very efficient in their emergency response. Areas where the nearest police station is a long way off take a little longer but still respond within the 3 to 5-minute standard. In Metro Manila areas, traffic sometimes affects response time. The highest emergency calls come from the Laguna and Cavite areas, he shared.

Robert Llaguno, country head of NGA 911 Philippines which provided the PNP with its patented call handling system, said statistics show that after calling 911 (then pressing "1" for Police) it takes less than a minute for such calls to be picked up and average dispatch time of responders is only 40 to 50 seconds. NGA 911 technology is responsible for leveling up emergency capabilities of the PNP and LGUs to standards used in the US and Europe.

“Comparable and may be even better than that of the States. The PNP is determined to sustain this type of response for Filipinos and should be commended for this.” ~Robert Llaguno, Country Head of NGA 911 Philippines

Tolito said the PNP is committed to get things done within the 3 to 5 minutes standard set by PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil based on a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last June.

In a Rush for the Holidays? Here’s a Last-Minute Christmas Gift Recommendation for You and Your Family

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The festive spirit’s fully taking over with bright decorations everywhere. For most people, it’s the season of togetherness and celebration, with many wanting to make the most of the holidays. They might have already prepared their presents as early as September, but most people would do it at the eleventh hour when the most-wanted items go on sale. The last-minute shopping frenzy adds to the excitement of the holidays, and the heartfelt preparations outweigh whatever hiccups that can happen during the season.

If you’re like most people still preparing their gift list, then you’re in luck: we’ve come up with some suggestions on what to give this Christmas for your special someone. Because the more, the merrier, right?

For the Passionate Ones Who Feel the Beat Within

We have kids attending dance or voice classes after school, and even adults who want a healthier and more active lifestyle. They get in the zone where their heart beats loudly. For these go-getters, they need something that fuels their creativity for long hours. That’s why oftentimes you’ll see people wearing headphones or earphones to listen to their favorite music or to simply find inspiration in podcasts. This gadget will be a perfect item as these individuals take on the world.

Our recommendation: The 1000XM5 headphones and earbuds will do just the trick, offering top-tier sound and comfort at the same time. These industry-leading noise-canceling headphones from Sony also have adaptive sound control. With up to 24 hours of battery life for their earbuds and 30 for their headphones, productivity is guaranteed. Now at Php 17,999 and Php 15,999 for a limited time, grabbing these as gifts has never been easier!

Want more options? Check this out: the WF-C510 earbuds with a compact build for all-day sound. It’s currently listed at Php 3,299 for the delightful December season.

One for All, All for One: The ULTimate Year-End Gift 

We all look forward to holiday parties, because you know how parties are in the Philippines - it’s just more fun! Sooner than you know it, slots for work meetings get replaced with party reservations on your calendar. Isn’t it the best feeling? These parties are a time for stories and laughter. No matter the situation, a powerful speaker runs in the background, becoming your ultimate party essential.

Our recommendation: There are a bunch of speakers available that also have lights for your party needs. What they don’t have, however, is a dedicated wireless microphone. The ULT Tower 10 is a complete package for a unique Filipino party. It can serve as a makeshift amplifier for your guitar, with even user-friendly speaker controls. Equipped with wheels for better mobility, it’s definitely a must-have for every occasion.

Too on the nose? Don’t worry - they have the compact wireless ULT Field 1 speaker that performs just as well, so make sure to visit Sony and other authorized dealers in time for their holiday promos.

An Eye-catching Treat For Moms (and even Dads)

‘Tis the season to slow down from the busy world and (finally) spend time with folks at home. While most of us are wrapped up with work or school, our moms face their challenges at home with things we often miss - from caring for the family to managing the household. As a small yet rewarding treat, they catch up on watching their favorite shows or movies. Even dads like to sit back and share a laugh at comedy shows. At an age where screens come in all shapes and sizes, TVs remain a staple item at home; it is a symbol of togetherness and relaxation for the family. And for the holidays, we can make gatherings more meaningful and cozy with a multi-functional TV.

Our recommendation: opt for Smart Mini LED or OLED TVs, like the Sony BRAVIA 7 Mini LED TV and BRAVIA 8 OLED TV. These two technologies provide the best solutions. The 7 Mini LED TV’s brightness is unmatched, while there’s that crisp balance when watching movies as the OLED 8 gives you closer to real blacks. The BRAVIA 7 offers more size options with a starting net price of Php 156,999. Meanwhile, BRAVIA 8’s quality and sleek design push the best cinematic experience, beginning at Php 131,299. Both big screens give a fantastic look either way and will be on sale in time for Christmas.

A bonus: Complete your home entertainment set-up with the BRAVIA Theatre Quad for Php 144,449.

And Snap! Take a Shot of Life’s Priceless Moments

There’s something so beautiful and magical about Christmas that makes your surroundings pleasantly warm. The experience comes in different forms for all of us, but one thing is certain: we’d want to immortalize these moments as they come. From champagne toasting shared with loved ones to singing songs as a chorus, we get the urge to take a snap of these scenes now more than ever before.

While capturing memories has become more convenient now thanks to smartphones, a camera offers better quality for intricate moments. What’s exciting about gifting cameras is that we get to see how others treasure the moments from their perspective. Its emotions remain raw, yet powerful in every snap.

Our recommendation: You might consider gifting a camera that is as versatile as its future owner, so the Sony A7C II mirrorless camera is an ideal gift that delivers photos of professional quality. It can also record 4K videos without the heavy weight of a professional camera that confuses novice camera users. This can be paired perfectly with the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G and FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lenses. The latest ZV E10 II vlogging camera is also a good alternative with its flip-out screen that can adjust to portrait and landscape recordings. It’s a good tool for folks who enjoy content creation on social media like TikTok and Instagram.

Bonus gear recommendations: Consider gifting a gear boost with an ECM-M1 Shotgun Microphone or an ECM-S1 Streaming Microphone, which is fit for closed spaces like singing or content shooting.

With all these recommendations, bear in mind that finding the perfect gift is all about matching thoughtfulness with usefulness. Some of these gadgets may lean more on style or functionality, but they’re gifts to brighten the season nonetheless. So for this Christmas, we hope you rekindle the joy and spirit of giving priceless items. At the end of the day, the best gifts come with love and sincerity - making this season truly memorable.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the vision of "continuing to deliver Kando and Anshin(*) to people and society across the world through the pursuit of technology and new challenges," Sony Corporation supports the Sony Group with technology to create the entertainment of the future together with creators. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

*Both Japanese words, Kando means emotion and Anshin has various meanings such as peace of mind, reassurance, reliability, and trust.

Fisher Mall Kicks Off Holiday Season with an Advocacy Campaign

Fisher Mall President Raymond Del Rosario, Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde, and Gabriel Atayde came together to spread holiday cheer with a heartfelt gift-giving activity to the beneficiaries from Bahay Aruga, Inc.

The mall launched the “Fishing for Joy” initiative to support children with cancer.

Fisher Mall meaningfully opened the holiday season at their Quezon Avenue branch with its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on November 28, 2024, which they celebrated along with the official kick-off of their Fishing for Joy campaign. 

Fishing for Joy is an initiative of Fisher Mall where Fisher Elite Card holders are able to easily contribute towards supporting the chosen beneficiary of Fisher Mall. With every purchase of consumers using their Fisher Elite Card from now until December 31, 2024, 10% goes into donations. This year, Fisher Mall continues its partnership with their chosen charity, Bahay Aruga Inc., a non-government organization that provides temporary shelter and support for children battling cancer. 

“As we enter the season of giving, this initiative allows us to spread joy beyond the holiday season. Our Fishing for Joy campaign is our way of giving back and partnering with Bahay Aruga Inc. reflects our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in our community. As we want to strengthen the sense of community and foster a spirit of giving, we want to make it easy for our shoppers to take part in the initiative, and give them the opportunity to make a difference.” ~Raymond Del Rosario, President of Fisher Mall Group of Companies

The event was also attended by key officials from Quezon City Government, including Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, who took part in the gift-giving ceremony for the beneficiaries. Also present were Quezon City District 1 Action Officer, Ollie Belmonte and Tourism Officials Ma. Victoria Auto and Vince Buenaventura. Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) Chairman and CEO Frederico J. Elizalde and his wife, Lisa Macuja, also showed their support to the event.

Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue’s activity center shines bright this holiday season

President Del Rosario said that the "Fishing for Joy" campaign reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to bringing the community together through meaningful, on-the-ground activities. He also noted that the initiative is a part of the vision passed down from his father and Fisher Mall Group of Companies Chairman, Robert “Bobby” Del Rosario, who was present at the event to support. 

For Fisher Mall, this is just the beginning of their long-term cause. Del Rosario explained that they have been supporting Bahay Aruga Inc. since last year because of their dedication to help children and their families during their hardest times. Given the success of their collaboration, they will continue the joint community service through the Fishing for Joy campaign this 2024.

President Raymond Del Rosario delivered his speech and emphasized importance of Christmas Launch to their commitment to the community

This holiday season, bring your loved ones to Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue for a festive season of joy and purpose! The Christmas display will be up until January 6, 2025. To get more updates from Fisher Mall, you may visit their website at https://fishermall.com.ph/ and follow them on their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OfficialFisherMall and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fishermallph/. 

The Timeless Magic of Christmas: EK unveils five magical gifts to celebrate the holiday season

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, brings the most magical holiday celebration as it shares five (5) new timeless Christmas experiences in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Apart from the more than 30 unlimited rides and gated attractions, every Filipino can now enjoy the Timeless Magic of Christmas with the Park’s festive tunes, vibrant displays and colorful decors, all unveiled during EK’s grand holiday kickoff last November 23.

ENCHANTING PERFORMANCES

The event’s amazing lineup of performers spread the timeless holiday magic through world-class music and entertainment.

Award-winning De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Rondalla serenaded the crowd with a Christmas medley and enchanting symphonic music through their strings and percussion.

Returning to the EK stage to bring some Yuletide cheer, members of the powerhouse dance company G-Force teased the audience with their spectacular dance moves. They also promoted their year-end dance concert which will also be held at the theme park on December 15.

EK’s homegrown vocal groups, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen, set up the festive vibe even more with their mesmerizing renditions of classic holiday songs.

THE MAGIC OF GIVING

The magical celebration was graced by Santa Rosa Mayor Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas, who shared that the Christmas season in the city would not be complete without the grand lighting ceremony of the Park’s Enchanted Christmas Tree and Grand Parol.

EK’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R Mamon officially turned over the donation funds raised during the Timeless Halo-ween: An Event for a Cause for the benefit of those affected by Typhoon Kristine, to the city government of Santa Rosa through Hon. Arcillas.

Hon. Arcillas expressed her gratitude to EK for spreading the ‘very essence of Christmas’ — the spirit of giving — through their offerings and initiatives.

ELDAR’S MOONLIGHT PARADE

Parkgoers flocked along the streets of Portabello and Brooklyn Place in anticipation for the back-to-back launch of EK’s holiday attractions beginning with the Eldar's Moonlight Parade. And suddenly, there they were — EK’s jolly wizard along with other beloved storybook characters appeared with their vibrant, glow-in-the-dark costumes. Nightlife at the Park lit up as they pranced across the themed zones to the tune of lively, iconic EK songs.

ELDAR’S BROOKLYN SYMPHONY

As the parade party approaches EK’s 4D-simulated theater Rialto at the Brooklyn Place zone, Eldar the Wizard waved his magical wand to start the Brooklyn Symphony. Christmas lights that covered the whole zone suddenly came to life, dancing to the beat of popular Christmas songs playing throughout the area.

Guests also rejoiced upon the sight of ‘snow' falling from the sky towards the end of the show as part of the holiday vibe. 

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS TREE

Serving as the highlight of EK’s magical holiday attractions this 2024 is their one-of-a-kind Enchanted Christmas Tree in partnership with Firefly. It is located between the Brooklyn Place and Midway Boardwalk’s Wheel of Fate.

With Dr. Mamon and Hon. Arcillas leading the lighting ceremony, purple lights soon covered the whole tree, unveiling its unique design.

This year, the theme park transformed the Enchanted Christmas Tree into Eldar’s iconic wizard hat. Serving as the ornaments are star-shaped lanterns, each bearing the portrait of the EK storybook characters; while on top is an image of the nativity scene, reminding every guest of the true essence of the Christmas season.

GRAND PAROL

EK embraced Paskong Pinoy and brought back the star of Filipino holiday celebrations through its Grand Parol, which stands even brighter at the Spaceport Grounds beside the Space Shuttle rollercoaster ride where guests can enjoy its colorful display synchronized with popular Filipino Christmas songs.

The Santa Rosa-based theme park commissioned the renowned lantern maker from Pampanga, Eric Bondoc Quiwa to create this record-breaking decor together with 100 other parols installed around the park.

ENCHANTMENT CONTINUES UP IN THE SKY

Once again, Eldar the Wizard orchestrates a grand spectacle of lights up in the sky with the new Timeless Magic Fireworks Show. This features the special holiday version of EK’s 29th Anniversary theme song Timeless Magic, composed and sung by the theme park’s P-pop girl group SMS.

MORE TIMELESS CHRISTMAS MAGIC

‘Tis the season to celebrate with the whole family here at EK!

Guests can now continuously enjoy the majestic view of the Grand Parol, Enchanted Christmas Tree, and the Eldar’s Brooklyn Symphony while they can watch out for the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show during Saturdays at 7 PM.

Meanwhile, starting this December, Eldar the Wizard will add a Yuletide twist to his Moonlight Parade with the Christmastime Parade.

Musical groups and bands will also spread the magical spirit of the holidays through enchanting live carols by the Grand Parol starting the end of November. DLSZ Rondalla will be back with their music on November 30 and December 7. Ateneo Gabay and Emilio Aguinaldo Symphonic Band will also be there to join the festivities on December 16 and 21, respectively.

EK also hinted of an upcoming anniversary promo which is also set for release this last week of November that you surely don’t want to miss!

Gift the magic of Enchanted Kingdom through our upcoming holiday EKatalogue featuring the newest merchandise available for onsite purchase or online checkout through the EK Online Store.

So start planning your next EK getaway and create more unforgettable memories with your loved ones as we open six days a week (Tuesdays to Sundays) starting December 2 to 15. From December 16 until the first week of 2025, the Park will open its magical gates to all every day.

*Show schedules may be subject to change without prior notice

The Timeless Magic of Christmas event was made even more magical through the following sponsors: Bounty Fresh, Cloud 9, Coca-Cola, C2, Chuckie, DITO Telecommunity,  Dove, Easy Life, Galway Lightskin, Easy Life, Krispy Kreme, Maya, McCormick, Milo, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, Optimal, Philadelphia, Poten-Cee Plus, PruLife UK, SD13 Advertising Corp., Selecta, and Tulip.

For more information about this celebration, available promotional offerings, and more of EK’s timeless magic, visit our Press Room at https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ek-press-room and EK’s official social media accounts on Facebook and Tiktok, and on Twitter and Instagram.

BPI partners with DICT and USAID-BEACON for Cybersecurity Training of Government Employees

The first batch of graduates from the cybersecurity certification training, made possible through the collaboration of DICT, USAID-BEACON, and BPI.

In a groundbreaking public-private partnership, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and USAID’s Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) project, has launched an extensive Cybersecurity Training and Certification Program.

As part of this initiative, BPI sponsored a five-day CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) cybersecurity certification training for 17 employees from various government agencies.

Jonathan John Paz, BPI Enterprise Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer, welcomes government employees to the cybersecurity certification training. 

BPI is the first private institution to partner with DICT and USAID-BEACON to host a full-scale, in-person cybersecurity certification, reinforcing its position as a leader in cybersecurity and an advocate for nation-building through technology and digital resilience. The program aligns with the government’s National Cybersecurity Plan 2023-2028 to increase the number of certified cybersecurity professionals among government employees.

Photo (L-R): Jimmicio Daoaten, DICT Bureau Director and Pierre Tito Galla, USAID-BEACON Project Head.

Supporting Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

The initiative also supports the Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) 2024, championing DICT’s theme of “Cyber Tiwala, Cyber Handa, Cyber Tatag” – a theme that emphasizes the urgent need for partnerships across sectors to combat the growing threat of cyberattacks.

“Through collaborations like this, we aim to create a secure and thriving future for the Philippines. We thank the DICT and USAID-BEACON for being our allies in advancing cybersecurity initiatives that will benefit the entire nation.” ~Jonathan John Paz, BPI Enterprise Information Security Officer and Data Protection Officer

BPI continues to lead the charge in cybersecurity efforts, working alongside the government and organizations to build a safer and more secure digital landscape for all Filipinos.

Unveiling UL Skin Sciences’ blueprint to holistic beauty and wellbeing

UL Skin Sciences, Inc., the personal care company of Unilab Health Group recently held its The Skin Sciences Blueprint reveall on November 25, highlighting its science-backed and expert-tested brands which aims to enhance outer radiance, and support overall wellness through a holistic inside-out approach.

Housing an immersive experience, The Skin Sciences Blueprint event provided engaging sensorial activities, all designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for UL Skin Sciences’ dedication to innovation, integrity and quality and its personal care products and beauty supplements - Celeteque, Myra, pH Care, GynePro, Fortima, and Lactezin.

Hosted by host, athlete, and entrepreneur Zara Carbonell, all were treated to a vibrant panel discussion led by content creator and youth empowerment advocate Ayn Bernos and certified dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan, in which conversations about a woman’s journey in maintaining their holistic well-being through health and beauty were covered. 

Ms. Ning Achacoso Sevilla, Operating Vice President of UL Skin Sciences; Cla Ellazar, Research and Development (R&D) Director; and Kathryn Carag, Division Vice President and Head of Marketing were also present to share the company’s aim in empowering lives through innovative personal care solutions and its efforts to guarantee quality and safe offerings across their portfolio. 

Such efforts include having a dedicated world-class R&D team, which in its 17-year history has enabled UL Skin Sciences to mold itself as a powerhouse in the personal care space, with milestones from being the top personal care company in the country to offer the #1 beauty supplement for 17 years Myra-E, to housing market leading brands such as pH Care, Celeteque, and cult favorites like GynePro,. 

“Our unwavering goal of committing to your beauty and wellness needs has brought us to the UL Skin Sciences of today. We aim for a culture of Innovation, Integrity, and Quality that gives a strong sense of empowerment and beauty – inside and outside.” ~Mabel Luningning “Ning” A. Sevilla, Head of UL Skin Sciences

The event also opened its doors to multiple brand discovery booths, enabling all to experience, and demonstrate UL Skin Sciences’ product range firsthand, consisting of the WITHIN, SURFACE, and INTIMATE zones.

Such zones housed immersive activities and demonstrations, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation for inner vitality and outer radiance across UL Skin Sciences Inc’ product range. From WITHIN, which housed an interactive skin analysis report with dermatologist Dr. Marian Macapagal; SURFACE with its product customization experience; to INTIMATE that showed the UL Skin Sciences’ commitment to providing the gentlest care for every Filipina. This event was a testament to their dedication in sharing their blueprint in unlocking self-empowerment for all.

More than being able to open up an informative, sensorial and immersive experience for its consumers, UL Skin Sciences remains committed to providing to quality, safe, and science-backed products, all in the goal of elevating every Filipino’s approach to beauty and wellness to through events like The Skin Sciences Blueprint.

Stay updated on all things UL Skin Sciences by following them on their social media pages.

Experience healthy hydration at home with Karofi: Free 7-day trial for Filipino families

Karofi—the global water purifier brand—brings clean, safe, and sustainable water to your home!

Empowering Health and Sustainability Through Clean Water

In a world increasingly confronted with water quality concerns, access to clean and safe drinking water has become a pressing health and environmental issue. Contaminated water sources can lead to a host of health problems, including gastrointestinal diseases, developmental issues in children, and chronic conditions linked to long-term exposure to harmful substances like arsenic and heavy metals. Recognizing the gravity of this challenge, Karofi Global has emerged as a leader in innovative water purification solutions, empowering communities to safeguard their health while adopting sustainable practices.

Karofi’s latest initiative, the ‘Sip Sustainably with Karofi’ campaign, embodies this mission. The campaign offers Filipino households a free, one-week trial of Karofi’s advanced water purifiers, including the top-tier KAD-D66 and KAD-N69 models. This initiative not only provides access to clean, health-enhancing water but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable hydration practices.

Why Clean and Healthy Water Matters More Than Ever

Water is the essence of life, yet the rising levels of environmental pollutants have made safe drinking water a rarity. While modern conveniences often take precedence, the reality is that no material wealth can substitute for good health. The ‘Sip Sustainably’ campaign underscores the truth that health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. 

Understanding the Hidden Dangers in Water

The clarity of water can often be deceptive. Transparent water does not necessarily mean clean water. Similarly, boiled water—widely regarded as a traditional solution for ensuring safety—may not be as effective as people believe. Toxic substances in water exist in two primary forms:

• Visible Contaminants: Impurities such as dirt, bacteria, and unpleasant odors, which are relatively easier to detect with the naked eye.
• Invisible Threats: Harmful organic substances, chemicals, heavy metals (such as arsenic, lead, and iron), and microscopic pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, that infiltrate the body and pose serious health risks.

In Line with Its Commitment to Health and Quality

Karofi remains steadfast in its mission to promote healthier lifestyles and sustainable practices. The company’s commitment is evident in the thoughtful design of its water purifiers, which prioritize safety, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. By offering this free 7-day trial, Karofi invites Filipino families to experience the tangible benefits of its cutting-edge water purification systems—empowering them to embrace a healthier, more sustainable way of living.

How to Join the Sip Sustainably with Karofi Campaign

To take part in this unique initiative, customers simply need to register at select Karofi stores in Metro Manila, including Robinsons Magnolia and GH Mall. This quick sign-up process qualifies participants for a complimentary one-week trial, allowing them to integrate sustainable hydration directly into their daily routines at home. 

Visit Karofi Brand Stores for In-Person Demos

Karofi’s full product range is available for exploration—for those interested in an interactive experience, live demonstrations are offered at Karofi Brand Store Robinsons Magnolia, and Karofi Brand Store GH Mall. This allows customers to witness the technology behind Karofi’s systems firsthand.

Join the Movement Today

Running from November 18 to December 31, 2024, the ‘Sip Sustainably with Karofi’ campaign encourages everyone to discover the benefits of purified water. With Karofi’s solutions, Filipino families can embrace a lifestyle of clean, health-promoting hydration and enjoy peace of mind knowing their water is free from contaminants.

About Karofi Global

Karofi Global is a globally recognized leader in the water purification industry. With operations spanning over 50 countries, Karofi is committed to innovation, sustainability, and ensuring global access to safe drinking water. Through its dedication to research and development, Karofi produces water filtration systems that deliver both health benefits and environmental conservation, showcasing a blend of technology and eco-conscious practices.

For more details on the campaign or to sign up for the free trial, visit karofi.ph or contact Abigail Bautista at abigail.bautista@karofi.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karofiph

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karofiphilippines/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Karofiph

A 20-Year Legacy of Building Dreams: SMDC’s Journey to Building The Good Life

SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has always been more than just a real estate company—it’s been a dream-builder for Filipinos. Marking its 20th anniversary, SMDC reflects on two decades of creating homes, transforming communities, and making the dream of homeownership a reality for Filipinos from all walks of life. As of the end of 2023, SMDC has completed over 183,000 residential units across the Philippines, continuing the Sy family’s mission of empowering people through access to quality living.

Bloom Residences in Paranaque is one testament to SMDC’s commitment to building homes that bring Filipino families together and give them a taste of The Good Life.

Living the Good Life

Leading the charge today is Jessica Bianca Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC, who is ensuring that SMDC’s vision evolves to meet the needs of the future. With a focus on sustainable living, Jessica’s leadership emphasizes creating communities where Filipinos can thrive for generations. 

"We’re not just building homes. We’re building sustainable communities where families can thrive for years to come, where every Filipino can live the life they deserve." ~Jessica Bianca Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC

For two decades, SMDC has been building sustainable communities all over the Philippines. Style Residences in Iloilo City is its first development in the Visayas.

Legacy in Motion

The story of SMDC is one of legacy and long-term vision. It all began with Henry Sy Sr., whose commitment to providing quality footwear for Filipinos laid the groundwork for something much bigger. Henry Sy Jr. then took this vision further by focusing on creating a nation of homeowners, ensuring Filipinos could enjoy stability and pride through homeownership.

Prime location, high investment returns – Sail Residences at MOA offers thriving, sustainable living by SMDC.

Today, Jessica Bianca Sy continues this legacy, working to ensure every Filipino has the opportunity to live the "Good Life" in a community built with sustainability in mind. As Jessica puts it, “Our focus is not just on creating spaces for people to live in, but spaces where they can build their dreams, forge lasting connections, and experience the Good Life.”

Next Stop: The Future

From high-rises to mid-rises to house-and-lot developments, SMDC has it all for discerning Filipino buyers. Cheerful Homes 2 offers a horizontal development with SMDC’s signature sustainable community features.

Looking ahead, SMDC remains committed to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. The future is bright, with a continued focus on creating vibrant communities that reflect the changing needs of today’s Filipinos. As the company evolves, it’s clear that SMDC’s mission to provide not just homes but spaces to live, grow, and thrive will carry on for generations to come.

Cebu Pacific Lights Up Burj Khalifa with Philippine Wonders

In a historic first for a Philippine company, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) on Saturday took over Dubai’s Burj Khalifa with a "Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines" lights and sound display, celebrating the most iconic reasons to visit the Philippines in 2025.

Projected onto the world’s tallest building, the show captured the warmth and smiles of Filipinos, alongside the natural beauty of the Philippines, including the world-famous beaches of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, and breathtaking sites like Mayon Volcano in Legazpi, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Mt. Apo in Davao.

Through this campaign, CEB aimed to invite travelers around the world to experience the wonders of the Philippines and offer Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a nostalgic view of home.

To bring this experience within reach to more passengers, CEB has also launched a special seat sale from November 22 to 30, 2024. Passengers from major international hubs—including Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East—can now book discounted flights to the Philippines for travel in early 2025.

CEB operates in over 60 destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. It operates the most extensive network in the Philippines, allowing for the best inter-island connections from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, Iloilo and Davao.

Plan your 2025 trips and book the ongoing seat sale now at cebupacificair.com.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificairphilippines

X: https://twitter.com/CebuPacificAir

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebupacificair/