Author: Thoney Pascual

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EK Welcomes Prosperity And Happiness With The Year Of Snaptooth The Snake, A Chinese New Year Celebration

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, welcomes magic and luck with a vibrant and immersive Chinese New Year celebration as it kicks off its 30th anniversary this 2025!

The Year of Snaptooth the Snake is set to leave guests forever enchanted with breathtaking cultural showcases, special food and dining offers inspired by the tradition, and festive decorations, among other things, from January 29 to February 9.

The celebration commenced at EK with the first 300 guests receiving red envelopes upon the opening of EK’s magical gates. Everyone was also given the opportunity to meet and greet EK’s beloved character Snaptooth, as well as dig into the limited-time offer of Snaptooth’s Prosperity Set Meal from Amazon Grill and LaunchTime restaurants. Plus, there is a 10% special food offering discount for those who would like to refuel their energy at the Snaptooth Snack Station.

Thousands of guests were dazzled by the Enchanted Lunar New Year Parade as it made its way across the streets of Portabello, Brooklyn Place, and Spaceport zones during the day. The symbolic lion and dragon also ushered in the magic of prosperity and good luck for everyone as they pranced around the park.

At nighttime, the park guests once again witnessed the Enchanted Lunar New Year Parade followed by the colorful performance of the LED lion dance to the beat of traditional Chinese drums. Snaptooth even joined the two mighty lions as they made their stop in front of the Eldar’s Theater to shower even more good luck on the crowd.

EK topped off the festivities with the enchanting spectacle of lights at the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Display.

Schedule Your Lucky Day

Head on to Enchanted Kingdom and welcome prosperity, happiness, and good fortune this year with your family and loved ones until February 9, Sunday!

*Schedules may be subject to change without prior notice

For more information and updates regarding these and EK’s other upcoming events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

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UPMV K9 Dog Obedience Workshop Open to the Public

The University of the Philippines—Metro Manila Development Authority—Vanguard K9 Corps (UPMV K9 Corps) invites all dog owners to our Dog Obedience Workshop, happening on January 25 and February 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This two-day event aims to foster stronger bonds between owners and their canine companions while promoting responsible pet ownership as part of our disaster preparedness initiatives.

At the workshop, you will learn how to better understand your dog’s behavior, needs, and individual communication style. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or have years of experience, this workshop is designed to benefit all, regardless of breed or skill level. We believe that well-trained dogs can be vital partners in helping ensure safety during emergencies—especially in disaster scenarios like the anticipated “Big One” earthquake in Metro Manila, for which every citizen can and should be prepared.

All proceeds will go towards training the UPMV K9 Corps’ search and rescue volunteer handlers and their dogs.

With limited slots available, now is the perfect time to invest in your dog’s training and preparedness! The registration fee is ₱2,000, which covers both sessions. The registration deadline is January 19, 2025. To secure your spot, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit https://tinyurl.com/OBW2025UPMV.

This workshop is not only about obedience training—it’s about building a community of responsible pet owners who are ready to face challenges together. Join us in making Metro Manila safer, one paw at a time!

Don’t miss this opportunity to bond with your furry friend and help prepare for the unexpected. See you there!

To learn more about SAR dog training and/or to explore potential partnerships with the UPMV K9 Corps, follow and message https://fb.com/upmmdavanguardk9 or email upmmdavanguardk9@gmail.com.

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Art Education At Asia Pacific College Leads To Real-World Employment Opportunities

The new era of “content creation,” in which creativity and technology come together to populate the contemporary media landscape, is providing new work prospects, particularly in the sector of creative digital marketing.

This increasing trend positions educational institutions such as Asia Pacific College (APC), a member of the SM Group, and its Multimedia Arts program at the forefront of providing an art education that can lead to solid professions.

According to human resource consulting company John Clements Consultants, digital marketing is one of the top five rising careers in the Philippines in 2024, with a focus on providing content in various formats for usage on social media platforms. According to the online job search platform Jobstreet, a digital marketing professional’s current average monthly compensation is Php 30,000.

Arts in the Multimedia Age

APC was founded in 1991 as a cooperation between the SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, and it has been pushing a curriculum designed to develop competitive IT professionals in the country.

SM has long been a strong supporter of quality education for the impoverished, which leads to practical and fulfilling work. APC is a direct product of this endeavor, as it is a non-profit, non-stock organization.

Their multimedia arts program, which presently enrolls 384 students, meets the demand for education that combines technology and art. The curriculum is intended to include the most recent disciplines in the creative area, as well as relevant understanding of the digital creative tools now utilized in the industry.

Students can use a variety of program-specific tools to help them work on projects involving 2D and 3D animation, digital sculpting and painting, multimedia publishing, sound design, video production, and photography.

Aside from the digital resources available to students in their courses, APC’s Multimedia Arts program takes a project-based approach.

“Our program is unique in that it offers very targeted and in-depth training,” explains APC Executive Director Robert Besana. “The many hours students spend in the studio creating creative works are critical to their education. They improve their skills as they spend more time in the studio. Furthermore, the mentor-apprentice relationship between professors and students is critical to developing a more engaging learning environment. Professors serve as facilitators of learning rather than lecturers,” Mr. Besana says.

Teachers as mentors

Many of the instructors in APC’s Multimedia Arts department are industry practitioners themselves, so students get real-world industry insights and valuable on-the-job experience.

Jaime Pacena II teaches video production, post-production techniques, scenography, and photography. Mr. Pacena II, a seasoned visual artist, music video director, and filmmaker, earned the Best Director award at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival for his film Kono-Basho, which was shot entirely in Japan.

“I incorporate a large number of my pupils in most of my personal efforts. I have worked with many of them on music video projects. “Some of them had really worked with me on the film I shot in Japan,” Mr. Pacena explains.

APC’s project-based learning allows students to collaborate with various clients who are APC partners.

“We have a subject called seminars, in which we bring various industry executives to speak with our students directly and intimately in a classroom setting.

APC Multimedia Arts graduates have gone on to work in a variety of disciplines within the rapidly expanding digital creative economy.

“Many have pursued careers in post-production, studio design, music video production, television directing, and corporate videos, among others. Some have opened their own studios, creating opportunities for themselves,” Mr. Pacena explains.

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Enchanted Kingdom Wraps 2024 With Recognitions From DOT and DepEd

Gearing towards its 30th year of creating and providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime, Enchanted Kingdom—the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines—received the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Champion Award for Tourism Enterprises from the Department of Tourism (DOT)—Calabarzon.

EK President and CEO Mario O. Mamon and Head of Learning and Development Ms. Pauline Barreiro received the award during the Tourism Excellence Awards 2024 and the Philippine Tourism Awards Regional Recognition held at the Twin Lakes Hotel, Tagaytay City, December 3.

“Through this very relevant program, we have been able to provide even more world-class, enchanting, educational, and entertainment experiences to our guests of all ages, embodying the unique brand of Filipino service excellence,” Mr. Mamon shared.

As of 2024, EK has completed training 99% of its more than 800 Cast Members (employees) under the FBSE program. Additionally, the premier theme park is planning to extend the said training to its partner agencies and tenants this 2025.

“As we at Enchanted Kingdom prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we shall endeavor to continue our mutual support, partnership, and collaboration with DOT, especially in CALABARZON, to uplift Philippine tourism service standards locally and globally in the years to come,” Mr. Mamon added.

Partner in Education

Meanwhile, EK has been recognized as one of the long-standing education partners who have shown unwavering support to the Department of Education (DepEd) during the Pasasalamat at Pagpupugay (Partners Appreciation and Recognition Event) on December 16.

The said event celebrates and acknowledges the support and collaborative effort of partners on the various DepEd priority programs in education. EK has been supporting Brigada Eskwela for 10 years now and has helped improve a total of 11 classrooms in various elementary schools in Santa Rosa City, Laguna.

Magical Year of Tourism Excellence

Beyond creating magical experiences for guests of all generations, Enchanted Kingdom serves a higher purpose of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and its immediate community

In August, the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) recognized EK’s outstanding achievement and excellence in company operations and management during the 2nd Laguna Stakeholders Business Forum. The local government commended EK’s significant contribution to the economic development and competitiveness of the province.

Additionally, EK has also been recognized by the PGL as an esteemed industry partner for its valuable contribution to the tourism and industry development of the province during the Laguna Business Summit held in March. The said recognition highlighted EK’s dedication to excellence as proven by prestigious international awards it received, such as the Best Retail Merchandise Display from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Brass Rings Award.

Good Corporate Citizenship and Fostering Inclusivity

In March, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Biñan-West Laguna District recognized EK as the Top 3 Taxpayer, acknowledging EK’s prompt and efficient payment of correct taxes, which immensely contributed towards the achievement of the district collection goal for the calendar year 2023. EK was also awarded the Top Taxpayer Amusement Park Category in September during the prestigious Lion Awards for Business of the local government unit (LGU) of the City of Santa Rosa.

And lastly, EK strengthened its commitment to inclusivity as a mother-and-baby-friendly establishment certified by the LGU Santa Rosa. EK was also recognized as an autism-friendly working environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in part of LGU Santa Rosa’s celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week 2024 in January.

“As we gear towards our 30th anniversary of creating magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime, all the more that we commit to embracing diversity, exclusivity, and inclusivity. Ultimately, we want every guest regardless of gender, religion, culture, disability, and race to enjoy the park and accommodate their special needs in ways we can,” said EK’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Cynthia R. Mamon.

For more information about these awards and upcoming events and offerings, visit our press room at https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ek-press-room and EK’s official social media accounts, @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

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Saving Made Easy with GSave

Saving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. But with clear goals and the right tools, anyone can begin—even with small amounts.

GSave, powered by GCash with its trusted bank partners, simplifies saving like never before. You can earn up to 6% interest annually on your savings, open a bank account in just a few taps, choose the bank that suits you best, skip the tedious paperwork, and start saving with as little as PHP 10—all conveniently through your phone.

For an even easier experience, use GSave’s Auto-Save feature. Simply set your desired amount and schedule, and let your savings grow automatically!

Remember, saving is a journey, not a destination. Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant savings over time. Happy saving!

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2GO Confidently Projects Growth for 2025

 

After a transformative 2024, 2GO, the Philippines’ premier provider of logistics and maritime travel solutions, anticipates sustained growth in 2025. 2GO is committed to advancing the interests of its stakeholders and the communities it serves by solidifying its status as a sustainable and dynamic logistics partner.

A Year of Expansion and Transformation

2GO initiated an innovative ship re-fleeting program in 2024, which utilized state-of-the-art vessels to enhance operational efficiency, increase cargo capacity by 35%, enhance passenger comfort, and facilitate route expansions to Davao and General Santos City. This initiative emphasizes 2GO’s dedication to providing improved services and connecting a greater number of businesses and communities throughout the Philippines.

In the Visayas region, the company also enhanced its retail network, which promoted increased commerce both within and beyond the region. 2GO’s offerings continue to satisfy a broad spectrum of logistical needs, including reliable package and parcel services and temperature-controlled dispatches that are less-than-container-load (LCL).

Developing More Robust Partnerships

In 2024, 2GO’s success was contingent upon collaboration. The company aligned itself with the Filipino Brand of Service by partnering with critical organizations and events, such as the Department of Tourism and IRONMAN Philippines. Additionally, it collaborated with Cebu Pacific to optimize cargo scanning procedures for air forwarding.

2GO’s dedication to empowering local communities, propelling economic activity, and serving as a trusted partner in logistics and travel services is illustrated by these initiatives.

Upbeat in 2025

2GO is optimistic about the upcoming year. President and CEO of 2GO, Frederic C. DyBuncio, stated, “We are leveraging the strong foundation we have established in 2024 to achieve even greater success in 2025.” “We are prepared to confront new challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and maintain our exceptional value to our customers and partners with the assistance of our stakeholders and the commitment of our team.”

Innovative logistics solutions for special projects and forwarding, expanded cold chain and ISO tank services to new destinations, and further enhancements to cargo routes are among the key plans for 2025. These initiatives are designed to solidify 2GO’s status as a prominent economic development force in the Philippines by facilitating the efficient movement of products and passengers throughout the archipelago.

For additional details, please visit www.2go.com.ph.

Regarding 2GO Group Inc.:

2GO GROUP, INC. facilitates the transportation of individuals and goods throughout the Philippines. It is the country’s foremost point-to-point transportation and logistics provider. Five business divisions, including 2GO Sea Solutions, 2GO Special Containers and Value-Added Services (SCVASI), 2GO Express, 2GO Forwarding, and 2GO Logistics, are at the organization’s core.

2GO, a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, the nation’s foremost conglomerate, provides a range of services, including e-commerce logistics, including express courier deliveries and last-mile deliveries, as well as warehousing and inventory management. Additionally, 2GO provides customized containers and project logistics. Additionally, 2GO offers sea travel and a comprehensive array of peripheral logistics services, including import and export processing, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage. 2GO utilizes all of its services to develop distinctive supply chain solutions for all of its clients.

2GO has established a reputation for facilitating the efficient movement of products and commodities, providing exceptional travel experiences, and fostering business growth in both domestic and international markets, all of which are rooted in its 148-year history of expertise in transportation and logistics.

For additional details, please visit www.sminvestments.com.