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/

U.S. trade mission highlights innovative technologies for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development in PH

NGA 911 LLC, the mother company of NGA 911 Philippines/NGCS – the provider of next generation advanced emergency response in the country -- is in town for a trade mission tasked to introduce innovative products, services and solutions that will contribute to economic growth and sustainable urban development in the Philippines.

Organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, the Mission aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between mission delegates and local stakeholders.

Twelve companies offering advanced cutting-edge U.S. solutions for sustainable smart city and infrastructure development met with government representatives to present and discuss innovative infrastructure technologies for local industrial, business and lifestyle applications.

The businesses include graph-based AI technologies, progressive and comprehensive rail industry solutions, cyber security services, energy services, automotive and manufacturing industries with advanced AI solutions, privacy preserving data-sharing, advanced engineering, construction and project management solutions, mobile app data management and privacy behaviors, and next generation, advanced emergency response.

The trade mission is a follow-up to the highly successful Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila led by Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on behalf of President Joe Biden last March and will explore local governance practices and urban development strategies in the two countries. It made two stops in the Philippines, one in Manila and the other in Clark City.

NGA 911 LLC, which came into the country in 2018 to explore the introduction of cutting edge public safety solutions that is the standard in the US and Europe, already has its NGA 911 technology in place in next-generation advanced command centers put up in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan and Cagayan de Oro City.

Other LGUs like Cebu City and others in key cities are following soon, as more LGUs heed the mandate of the Executive Order 56 to institutionalize 911 as the nationwide emergency hotline and create a unified national emergency system using next generation, advanced technology.

Ant International Unveils its Global Sustainability Initiative ‘AquaViva’, Leveraging Digital Innovations and Ecosystem Partnerships for Marine Conservation

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), Ant International, a digital payment and financial technology leader, announced the launch of AquaViva, its new global programme for marine conservation, which aims to support healthy marine ecosystems through the company’s digital innovations and open collaborative partnerships. Ant International will focus on marine conservation as a key aspect of its environmental sustainability efforts.

The ocean represents our greatest ally against the impacts of climate change. It generates 50% of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions. Although over 190 countries adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – an international commitment to better protect the planet, only 8% of the ocean is protected so far, short of the 30% target necessary to sustain the ocean’s benefits for our people and environment.

Ant International leverages innovation and partnerships to drive positive change

Ant International aims to leverage its expertise in tech innovation and reach via digital platforms to mobilise the global community that its businesses serve or intersect with, towards adopting a sustainability mindset and supporting eco-friendly initiatives that benefit marine ecosystems. Taking an open collaborative approach, Ant International will work with partners across public and private sectors to drive collective impact and aims to make more progress towards climate sustainability, MSME inclusion and digital enablement ahead of COP30. 

With an ecosystem comprising over 90 million merchants, of which many are MSMEs, and 1.6 billion digital users, Ant International will leverage these extensive digital channels to reach global users to motivate them to take sustainable and meaningful actions towards marine conservation.

 

For example, Ant International has supported its ecosystem partner, GCash in the Philippines, with its GForest initiative, to encourage its users with eco-friendly activities and support tree planting.

“Digital innovation can play such a substantive role in sustainability awareness and action, as we have seen from the very successful forest initiative by our partner GCash. Ant International decided to focus on marine conservation and biodiversity due to the huge impact that the ocean has, not just to the climate but to so many local communities and livelihoods, particularly here in Asia Pacific, where many communities are impacted by coastal changes. By leveraging our digital ecosystem and partners, we can effectively reach millions of users, and together with our knowledge partners, drive large-scale information sharing and incentivise users to take action and track their progress.” ~Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ant International

AquaViva partners with Conservation International for whale shark conservation

Conservation International, a global organisation with over 25 years of experience in Asia Pacific (APAC) conservation, joins as AquaViva’s first key partner, contributing their deep expertise to protect oceans and enhance ecosystem health. Ant International and Conservation International will join hands to drive marine conservation efforts from Singapore, where both organisations have established presence, to the APAC region.

The inaugural joint project will focus on whale shark conservation in Indonesia. Led by  Conservation International's main implementing partner Konservasi Indonesia, the project will  engage with Indonesian authorities and communities to develop and implement ecotourism policies and practices that support whale shark-friendly, sustainable tourism around key habitats in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa; Gorontalo, Sulawesi; and Kaimana, West Papua.

"Oceans are the lifeline of our planet's survival, yet their immense importance is often overlooked. Over 600 million people rely on the ocean for food and livelihoods, and it plays a critical role in regulating and stabilizing Earth’s climate. Protecting our oceans is essential for human survival. Initiatives like AquaViva are crucial in raising awareness about the ocean’s often-overlooked role in climate regulation, food security, and the emerging blue economy.” ~Dr Richard Jeo, Senior Vice-President, Asia-Pacific Field Division, Conservation International

The two parties will also further explore partnerships where Conservation International can enhance its research capacity on furthering their marine conservation work, leveraging Ant International’s digital solutions to draw more insights from the research data they collect. 

 

AquaViva will leverage Ant International’s digital capabilities to raise awareness, educate communities, and foster a global mindset toward marine sustainability. This includes leveraging data analytics and outreach platforms to support Conservation International’s research and deepen insights into conservation efforts. Through these advanced digital tools, the partnership aims to inspire a broad audience, bringing together governments, corporations, and individuals to drive eco-friendly practices that benefit marine life.

Indulge with McDonald’s NEW Holiday Treats, Here for a Limited Time Only

McDonald’s Philippines is adding a touch of holiday magic to its menu this season with special limited-time offerings starting November 15. The quick-service restaurant giant has given a festive upgrade to its bigger and better Chicken McDo and iconic McFlurry, to bring out the kid in you this Christmas season. 

McDonald’s introduces the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo – a new and festive twist on its classic Chicken McDo, lightly glazed with a sweet barbeque sauce, offering the perfect blend of smoky and savory. For dessert lovers, two new McFlurry flavors will be available to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth: indulge in the Tiramisu McFlurry, a balanced mix of sweet coffee and cocoa flavors with bits of Malt Crunch, and the Hazelnut McFlurry, a rich, crunchy chocolaty treat that brings hazelnut indulgence to McDonald’s beloved Vanilla Soft Serve. 

At the company’s launch of their holiday campaign, "Love Ko ang Pasko! Love Ko ang McDo!”

“These are the moments and little things that make the holiday season feel familiar yet special in every McDonald's store. First on the list is sharing feel-good moments over food at McDonald’s. This holiday season, our customers can look forward to bonding with friends and family over our special holiday offers.” ~Ashley Santillan-Delgado, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director

Time to go big and indulge as customers can look forward to more festive promos on the McDonald's App starting November 16. Customers can look forward to festive promos you won't be able to say no to!  

• Php109 Holiday Deals running from November 16 –30 

o Double Holiday McFlurry LTO (Hazelnut and Tiramisu) where you can choose two of the same flavors or one of each! 

o Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with Mango Passion  

 

• Holiday Mega Deal from December 1–15 

o Enjoy the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with any Holiday McFlurry for only Php159 

Throughout the holiday season, McDonald's remains dedicated to delivering a truly feel-good experience to everyone who walks through its doors or drives through its Ride-Thru lanes. With these holiday treats and offers, every McDonald’s meal can become a reason to celebrate. Enjoy the Love Ko ang Pasko spirit at McDonald's – bringing together family, friends, and festive flavors, this Christmas season and beyond. 

For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph on Facebook, and https://www.instagram.com/mcdo_ph/ on Instagram. 

About McDonald’s Philippines 

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for over 40 years -- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 750 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines. 

Cebu Pacific Offers Exclusive Seat Sale for Sapporo Flights

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, keeps the holiday spirit alive as it offers another seat sale this November – this time for the newly opened direct route to Sapporo, Japan (New Chitose).

Sale Period: November 13 – 19, 2024

Price: PHP 1,488.00 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges

Travel Period: January 16 – March 29, 2025

As the promo covers the best time to visit Sapporo, travelers can look forward to participating in all sorts of winter activities. From skiing and snowboarding at the Teine Ski Resort to sledding and building snowmen at the Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

CEB travelers are also invited to experience the charm of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where the city comes alive with snow and ice sculptures illuminated at night.

Beginning January 16, 2025, CEB will operate flights between Manila and Sapporo three times weekly – every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. CEB will be the only airline to offer direct flights between these two cities.

Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.

CEB operates in 35 domestic and 27 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air

X: @CebuPacificAir

Instagram: cebupacificair

Capture with the Infinix ZERO Flip: The first flip phone with dual 4K ProStable vlogging cameras under 30K pesos

Glow-ups are a sign of growth and empowerment. It’s about knowing what’s best for you, like having the freedom to express yourself during these “Blossom” moments. This is what the new Infinix ZERO Flip, which launches this November 19, 2024, wants to evoke with impressive features that women can use to embrace their potential and take charge of their journey.

The Infinix ZERO Flip is a vlogging phone that combines style with its Blossom Glow (Pink) colorway, WGSN’s Smartphone Color of the Year for 2025, and innovation through its GoPro collaboration. It’s the world’s first flip phone to support both front and rear 4K ProStable video recording, empowering women to “GET IN NOW” and capture life from every angle.

The future of style

Inspired by WSGN’s 2025 trend report, the Infinix ZERO Flip’s Blossom Glow variant is a vibrant yet sophisticated hue that represents style and timelessness. The color choice turns the flip phone into a fashion statement that resonates with empowered users. Likewise, the Rock Black variant caters to users with more classic tastes with its simple yet elegant black colorway.

A reliable vlogging buddy

Equipped with dual 4K ProStable Vlog Cameras in collaboration with GoPro, users are able to capture high-quality content from every angle with the Infinix ZERO Flip. It produces professional-grade videos, backed by ProStable Technology to ensure that they are clear and shake-free no matter where it’s shot.

The ZERO Flip is definitely a great vlogging companion for every type of creator, letting them document moments in high quality and precision. The 3.64” Cover Screen with 120Hz refresh rate and Minimal Screen Crease ensures that users can see every detail without disruptions. Plus, the phone’s Zero Gap Hinge seamlessly transforms the ZERO Flip into a full-screen device for all kinds of viewing.

If you’re on the hunt for a stylish smartphone that supports your vision and self-expression, glow up with the Infinix ZERO Flip. The brand’s groundbreaking collaboration with GoPro opens up the possibilities for creative storytelling, further helping users to find themselves through the ZERO Flip’s lens. The choice of using Blossom Glow for its design not only reflects the flip phone’s trendiness, but also the vibrancy that inspires the colorful lives of its users.

GET IN NOW and capture your Blossom moments from every angle with the Infinix ZERO Flip. Be sure to like and follow Infinix’s official Facebook page and visit the website for more updates and information about this trendy flip phone.

URC brands are still top picks among Filipino homes

Six brands made by food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) are still among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report

Three of these brands – C2, Nissin and Cream All – rose in rankings in the yearly study.

Great Taste is among the top 10 most chosen brands in Total FMCG and Beverages sector while Piattos remains among the most chosen food brands.

Payless, meanwhile, landed in the list of 20 most chosen food brands for the first time.

“We are happy to see that our well-loved brands are reaching even more Filipinos, delighting them with good food choices everyday. This report also inspires us to continue giving Pinoys products of superior quality and value. Indeed, Great Taste, C2,Piattos, Payless, Nissin and Cream All are just some of our brands loved by Filipinos across generations.” ~Mian David, URC’s chief marketing officer and managing director of URC International

Kantar’s Brand Footprint study uses a metric called “consumer reach points” (CRP), which measures a brand’s strength based on how many shoppers are buying the brand and how often.

It essentially shows which brands are winning at the point of purchase.

“Filipinos are now spending more on FMCG, presenting a bigger opportunity for more brands to win. Among these brands, many of them are able to do so with improved penetration.” ~Mieke Bartholomeus, Strategic Insights Director at Kantar’s Worldpanel Division

URC’s Great Taste coffee – with 440m CRP – ranked 8th among fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and fourth in the beverages sector.

Ready-to-drink tea C2’s CRP rose 25 per cent to 32m, making it the 14th most chosen brand in the beverages sector.

The number of households that bought C2 rose by some 281,000 in 2023, with better presence in groceries, sari-sari stores and market stalls.

In the food sector, snack brand Piattos held on to the 7th spot, while Nissin instant noodles climbed to No. 16.

Another instant noodles brand, Payless, broke into the list of Top 20 brands in the segment  with a CRP of 74m, landing in 19th place in the food sector and 50th among FMCG brands.

Core variant Payless Xtra Big is still a big draw, while the still small, newly-launched Payless Sakto is already driving traction for the brand.

Cream All went up to No. 19 in the dairy sector.

As part of Kantar, Worldpanel provides brands and retailers with a unique, 360-degree understanding of consumer behavior across the globe. Worldpanel continuously monitors shopping behavior to shape the brands of tomorrow by better understanding people everywhere. 

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O.

Brands from food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) continue to be among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report.

HUAWEI Philippines Joins Forces with Slimmers World for Dance Fitness Class Showcasing the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

HUAWEI Philippines continues to drive health forward as it hosted a dance fitness class in partnership with slimming, health, fitness, and beauty giant, Slimmers World. The dance class, which took place last October 31 at HUAWEI Experience Store, SM North EDSA, also featured newly-launched HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series: The Perfect Fitness Companion

The event started off with guests hearing from a HUAWEI Product Expert on the features of the new HUAWEI smartwatch and why it would make the perfect fitness buddy, no matter the workout. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is an elegantly designed smartwatch that delivers advanced fitness tracking capabilities. The series includes four models: the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm and 41mm, and the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm and 42mm. The HUAWEI GT 5 Pro models are crafted from aerospace-grade titanium alloy and nanocrystal ceramic for a luxurious and durable finish. 

The latest edition of the HUAWEI WATCH GT Series is powered by the HUAWEI TruSense System and comes with tailored fitness features including the AI-powered Running Coach, enhanced trail running navigation, free diving support with water resistance of up to 40 meters, and an upgraded Golf Mode (Pro Version) feature with over 15,000 global course maps including over 100 course maps in the Philippines. The watch also tracks users’ daily movements with the Activity Rings feature and supports over 100 workout modes including “dance” along with other sports modes under the “custom” function. This feature tracks basic dance data including timing, heart rate, calories, and training stress. Various dances can be recorded in this feature, including Belly dance, Latin dance, Jazz, Ballet, Plaza dance, and more.

Aside from fitness features, watch wearers can monitor their heart health with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis capabilities as well as SpO2 and ECG monitoring. The advanced Sleep Breathing Awareness feature monitors users’ sleep quality and helps address issues such as Sleep Apnea. The watch now also comes with an Emotional Wellbeing Assistant, which tracks users’ emotional states and is complemented by the Pet Panda watch face that displays an animated panda reflecting users’ mood, offering a more holistic approach to personal wellness and management.

Slimmers World’s Dance Class with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Guests were then invited to participate in a high-energy dance class led by Slimmers World instructors, Coach Karen Mallari and Coach Rochelle Eugenio. As a special perk, the first few participants to join the event were each loaned a smartwatch, allowing them a firsthand experience with the watch. The session had participants moving to the beat while keeping track of their performance and health metrics using the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series. 

The dance class with Slimmers World is the first of several masterclasses and workshops offered by HUAWEI. In November, HUAWEI will offer a GoPaint Masterclass for participants who are interested to learn more about the painting app available exclusively on HUAWEI tablets.

Upgrade Your Fitness with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series

Take your fitness journey to the next level with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series, now available on Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Prices start at PHP 12,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap and HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 41mm with blue fluoroelastomer strap. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 46mm with blue woven strap along with the HUAWEI WATCH 41mm in brown woven and white leather straps, are valued at PHP 13,999. The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with black fluoroelastomer strap is valued at PHP 17,999 while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 46mm with titanium strap is valued at PHP 24,999. The price for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white fluoroelastomer strap is set at PHP 22,999 and at PHP 31,999 for the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro 42mm with white ceramic strap.

To learn more about the HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series and to stay updated on the upcoming masterclasses and workshops from HUAWEI, visit Huawei’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

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