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.