Author: Thoney Pascual

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BLACKOUT: The Community is the New Frontier

This coming BLACKOUT in June, the community takes center stage. Forged by community leaders, organizations, fans, hobbyists, and more, BLACKOUT cements its stand as an event that’s not just a festival.

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

In one corner, a tattoo artist is at work. In another, a group of fans waits for their favorite performer to walk on stage. Backstage, our PPOP idols are getting ready to make their mark. Meanwhile, various parts of the venue host gaming tournaments.

 Music, arts, or gaming, BLACKOUT seeks to create a space where anyone and everyone can find their people. Whether you’re a concert-goer, gamer, artist, or a TTRPG enthusiast, there is a place where one can feel belongingness.

Tier One Entertainment created BLACKOUT to bring the community together into a night where anyone can make it whatever they want it to be. The community builds and anchors the concept of BLACKOUT, whether it’s a gathering of friends, a moment for music, or a day to create experiences.

“Tier One has constantly evolved through the years.” Tryke Gutierrez, the CEO and Co-founder of Tier One, began his journey as a talent management specialist, built his esports teams, and later launched his first reality show, The Gaming House. “We take pride in bringing new and unique products to the market. For Blackout, our vision is to create a community-driven platform where individuals passionate about music, gaming, and the arts can celebrate their interests.”

He added, “Blackout marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Tier One Entertainment expands beyond gaming—and deeper into the heart of culture itself. At Tier One, we are committed to continuous improvement and never settle for less.”

THE COMEBACK THAT CONNECTS GENERATIONS

BLACKOUT will host the comeback of pop icon Iyaz, to connect generations together in a night they can remember. Iyaz’s return to the Philippines is a move to bring together a community from all generations, from the Gen Zs, Millennials, to the Gen X crowd.

2000s souls will sing out loud to the music they grew up with while connecting with the young crowd who resonate with Iyaz’s music and tone.

PARTNER AND COLLABORATE

Be part of the experience on June 14, 2025. Email blackout.inquiries@tier.one for inquiries.

Follow our official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated with the latest and be among the first to secure limited tickets

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Workspace, Redefined: COLAB Café Opens in Kapitolyo

 

COLAB Café officially opened its doors to the public and offered a redefined workspace that breaks the co-working space norms while adapting café culture. Every detail in the COLAB space answers the needs of a modern-day professional, from their Quiet Booths for independent tasks to the Interactive Material Library that sparks ideas and inspiration.

“When we conceptualized COLAB, we thought of all the struggles and pains of working beyond the office and home. We knew we needed to capture an environment that boosts productivity without limiting creativity,” said Karen Tui, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of COLAB. As a modern professional, home and office are no longer the only options when it comes to work. And as more people aspire to have a work-life balance, it just makes sense to create a space that enables that, Tui explained.

The thoughtfully curated space takes pride in its centerpiece, the Material Library, which showcases a wide collection of material samples, swatches, and even books and magazines about design and architecture. It also features a working pod called Quiet Booth where guests can focus on independent tasks or take online calls with minimal distractions. Round tables for both big and small groups are also available for team huddles and brainstorming. A collapsible meeting room is also available for more confidential discussions, which is available for rent.

 

But what makes COLAB different from a typical co-working space is its actual business model. It does not charge by the seat; it provides a free-seating environment for its guests. “We wanted a space built by the community. If we charge by the seat, it gives a restrictive environment, and guests will just be limited to the seat they paid for,” argued Koko Tamura, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer. “What we wanted to create is a community, and we believe a sound community is built by shared resources, collaboration and an open mindset. Most of our tables are for sharing; the community who enjoys the space will make the space sustainable by patronizing food and drinks offered at the bar, and occasionally, they would also use and rent the space to conduct talks, workshops and seminars that aim to share their knowledge. We designed the space and business to build the COLAB community.

COLAB Café is located at 2/F, The Vantage at Kapitolyo, 50 West Capitol Drive corner United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. For more information about COLAB, visit their website at www.colabph.com and follow @colabcafeph on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

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TEAM ENERGY PARTNERS WITH QUEZON VICE GOVERNOR

TEAM ENERGY PARTNERS WITH QUEZON VICE GOVERNOR – TeaM Energy recently turned over to the Office of Quezon Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III (2nd from right) various office equipment consisting of desktop computers, printers, and copying machines that will be distributed to various local government units and schools in the province. Formally turning over the items to Vice Governor Alcala is Froilan Gregory Romualdez III, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs, TeaM Energy. Also in the photo are Carlo Calvario, External Affairs Coordinator, TeaM Energy, and Katherine Ursolino, Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice Governor.

 

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A Traveler’s Guide To Affordable and Fun Adventures

From take-off to touchdown, make your next travel worry-free with BDO

Going on vacations is one of life’s greatest joys—from exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures to creating unforgettable memories with friends and family. Unexpected mishaps and last-minute changes should not derail it.

That’s where BDO Insure Travel Insurance steps in, ensuring your trip is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Whether medical emergencies, baggage delays, or flight disruptions, BDO Insure expertly selects packages from different insurance partners to provide only the best options tailored to your needs.

Affordable options are available for travelers aged up to 75 years.

  • Planning a four-day visit to Asia? Coverage for emergency medical treatment benefits of up to Ph500,000 starts at Ph350. Want more protection? Boost your coverage to Ph1.5 million for just Ph463. That’s a small price to pay for a big peace of mind.
  • Heading to the United States for 15 days? Enjoy up to Ph1.5 million in emergency medical treatment for as low as Ph917.
  • Planning to explore the Eiffel Tower in France? We’ve partnered with an accredited insurance provider whose plans are fully Schengen visa compliant, which is Ph2.5M in emergency medical treatment for as low as Ph1,749 for a 15-day trip.

Apart from these benefits, travelers can now opt for a more comprehensive cover which includes emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions and extreme activities, reimbursement of rebooking fees, and an additional benefit for the first 4-hour delay and baggage delay for return flights.

For a more seamless experience, purchase your travel insurance in the Philippines at least four hours before your departure.

Next time you pack, remember to include peace of mind with an insurance package that lets you travel safely and enjoy every moment worry-free. BDO Insure Travel Insurance includes COVID-19 coverage, travel inconvenience benefits, and access to a 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Hotline.

We invite you to conveniently purchase your travel insurance online at https://www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-insure/personal/travel.

BDO Insure is a registered trademark of BDO Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers, Inc. (formerly BDO Insurance Brokers, Inc.), an insurance broker licensed and supervised by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines. Its financial products are not deposit products. The PDIC does not insure these products, nor does BDO Unibank, Inc. guarantee them.

For inquiries and concerns, please call our BDO Insure Contact Center at (02) 8838-2364. The BDO Insure trademarks are owned by BDO Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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How to Make All Your #TravelGoals Come True This Year

Discover how you can unlock exclusive travel promos with the GCash Card

Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore – these are just some of the top destinations of Pinoy travelers last year. Whether it’s a quick getaway, an adventure abroad, or a return trip to your favorite country, making your #travelgoals a reality starts with good planning.

With 2025 well underway and everyone eager to tick off the countries on their bucket lists, here are a few tips and tricks for a fun, stress-free, and memorable trip abroad while ensuring you always get the most out of your money.

Create a travel budget and track all your expenses

It is so easy to get carried away by the sheer excitement of traveling abroad. This excitement can sometimes lead travellers to make expensive mistakes, such as booking overpriced hotels, planning too many costly activities in their itinerary, or purchasing excessive clothes and souvenirs that exceed their baggage allowance.

While it’s wonderful to splurge once in a while for a trip abroad, setting a budget can help you financially stay on track and prevent unexpected expenses. Who knows? You might save enough to be able to go on another trip later in the year!

An easy way to keep an eye on your budget is by tracking all your expenses in a notebook, an online spreadsheet, or an app – what matters is finding what works best to help you stay on top of your expenses so you can see where you can ease off on spending.

Research, research, and research

With a set budget in mind, your next planning focus would be finding the most ideal flights, accommodations, and tours. Now, research options to see if they meet your needs. Researching for your trip can be as simple (and fun!) as reading blog posts and watching travel videos about your dream destination. You can also check out reviews of certain hotels, restaurants, and activities to see whether they’re worth booking or not.

Before you finalize anything, make sure you also take a look at online promos and discounts, because it’s usually cheaper to book in advance online, rather than when you get to your destination. Also, make sure the travel apps and websites you’ll be booking on are safe and legit!

Get exclusive deals with your GCash VISA Card

One way you can unlock exclusive travel deals is by paying with the GCash VISA Card. Available in 200+ countries and territories and with over 80 million merchants, the GCash Card opens up endless possibilities – from the planning stages of your trip until you’re at your destination.

Using your GCash Card to pay for hotel bookings at Agoda gives you an exclusive 8% discount. Lifestyle and travel content creator Kara Rodriguez knows all about this convenient deal. During her recent stay in Cebu with her mom, she was able to take advantage of a hotel booking discount that provided everything she needed to truly connect with her mom! Check out her vlog here, and remember that with smart planning and your GCash Card always on hand, you can secure deals just like Kara did.

Embed video: https://www.tiktok.com/@karaysabella/video/7450340865966460178?_t=ZS-8uamg3Xdhgt&_r=1

But that’s not all! You can also book hotel stays with IHG and use your GCash Card for up to 20% off in participating hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Maldives, Laos, Japan, Micronesia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Islands!

Enjoy your travel adventure

With your bookings finalized, time to pack your bags, grab your passport, and get your OOTDs ready. Take lots of photos and videos, check out your destination’s hottest food and culture spots, and make unforgettable memories. Most of all, don’t forget to bring the all-new VISA-powered GCash Card with you for more convenient travels!

Easily order one without the need for required documents through the GCash app; turn your #travelgoals into a reality! To learn more, visit GCash at www.new.gcash.com/services/cards.

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Bank your way with BDO’s Universal Teller Machine

Do you believe that certain bank transactions are exclusive to the counter? Not anymore! With BDO’s Universal Teller Machine (UTM), everyday banking has become simpler and more convenient, giving you more ways to choose how you bank.

Whether you need to deposit your cheque, update your passbook, or make cardless transactions, the UTM enhances your banking experience with advanced self-service options.

“By integrating digital innovations into our expansive branch network, we empower more customers to bank in ways that suit their diverse lifestyles and needs,” says Cora A. Mallillin, BDO Branch Banking Group Head and Executive Vice President. “That’s why we are expanding the rollout of UTMs to more branches nationwide. With around 500 UTMs already installed, mostly in Metro Manila, more customers can enjoy flexible and hassle-free transactions.”

So the next time you plan a visit to a BDO branch, discover the following features that make the UTM smart and unique:

Fast check deposit, check! Now you can walk up to the UTM and deposit checks–as easily as depositing cash in a machine. The UTM lets you view your cheque details before completing the transaction, giving you peace of mind with an SMS afterwards.

 

Update your passbook on the go. With the UTM, you can update your passbook at your own convenience—simply insert your passbook once prompted. Within seconds, the UTM will automatically update your records, saving you more time for things that matter.

 

Cardless transactions, cool! No card? No worries with the UTM. Choose your way: scan your fingerprint to access your account or generate a QR code via the BDO Online or BDO Pay app. It’s that easy, simple, and seamless.

 

Join the many BDO clients who have discovered UTM in BDO branches and are sharing their wow experiences on social media. Find the BDO branch and UTM near you by visiting www.bdo.com.ph and going to the branch and ATM locator.