Author: Thoney Pascual

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Enchanted Kingdom Celebrates 29 Years Of Timeless Magic This October

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, officially kicked off its 29th-anniversary celebration on September 28, Saturday, at the Eldar’s Theater.

This year’s celebration reflects how EK has stood the test of time and left a lasting legacy among Filipino families by providing transformative experiences since the park opened its magical gates in 1995.

Nico R. Mamon, EK’s 29th Anniversary Celebration Chairman, expressed, “Looking back at almost three decades of Enchanted Kingdom, we have created countless magical memories that transcend trends and generations. We are hopeful and excited to continue being a part of everyone’s story through our timeless offerings for the years to come.”

The launch unveiled a lineup of events and offerings prepared by EK in line with its commitment to providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

Enchanting Events Leading to the 29th:
On October 6, teachers are in for a magical treat as EK pays tribute to their timeless contributions to the growth of countless Filipinos through the World Teachers’ Day Magical Celebration. The day will be filled with activities such as learning seminars, EDU-fun games, entertainment, zumba sessions, and raffle prizes. Teachers can also enjoy two (2) Regular Day Passes for unlimited rides (except gated attractions) for a special price of Php 1,200, valid on October 6. This promo can be booked through the EK Online Store until October 5.

Timeless Magic Concert and Fireworks Show:
Gear up for the peak of the 29th Anniversary festivities on October 19! In partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG) Philippines and Coca-Cola, EK is set to bring a magical night of musical escape with the Timeless Magic Anniversary Show. The event will feature performances from G-Force, Janine Berdin, Zack Tabudlo, and EK’s homegrown talents—SMS, Victoria’s Way, and the Kingsmen. The day will end with the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show, synchronized with the 29th Anniversary theme song composed and sung by SMS.

EK’s SMS Shines with New Music:
EK’s P-pop girl group SMS will share their music on Spotify! Stream their first single “EK High! (Dance Like Me)” and watch out for the release of their new song “Meant to Shine.”

Scan this to access the Spotify of SMS and stream “EK High! (Dance)
Scan this to access the Spotify of SMS and stream “EK High! (Dance)

New Enchanting Ride:
Create more timeless memories with your loved ones with the new family thrill ride that will be coming soon.

Seamless Online Experience:
Enjoy optimized browsing with the addition of new features on the EK Mobile App. Guests can now receive push notifications for upcoming promotions and on-the-day events. Plus, special access when inside EK: plan your way around the park by checking estimated queue times for each ride right from the app. An enhanced EK Online Store will also be launched this October for a seamless booking and shopping experience.

Timeless Offerings:
Bring home the magic with the newest set of EK merchandise like the Eldar Pop, Twin Princesses Rag Dolls, and the six-piece set EK Christmas Baubles. Visit the merchandise shops, including the immersive tram souvenir shop at the EK Portico. Guests can also explore the newest gated attraction, the Midway Mirror Maze, and enjoy refreshments at the new Snaptooth Snack Station located at the Midway Boardwalk.

More Days of Timeless Festive Magic:
Make the most out of the holiday season at EK! The park will be open five days a week in October and every day starting December 15 until the first week of January.

For more information about this celebration 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 @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

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BingoPlus Unveils Pinoy Drop Ball: A Dynamic Digital Carnival Game

BingoPlus, the leading platform for digital entertainment in the Philippines, has just launched its latest game: Pinoy Drop Ball. This exciting addition combines the nostalgic charm of traditional perya (carnival) experiences with modern technology, creating a fresh and engaging gameplay opportunity.

“As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino culture, our mission has been to elevate traditional Pinoy entertainment and bring this experience to the modern age. Like our well-loved Filipino games, Bingo Mega, Color Game, and Papula Paputi, Drop Ball promises to reignite your excitement and engage you further in the BingoPlus platform,” said DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco during his speech at the grand reveal. “Drop Ball is another leap forward in this mission, as BingoPlus continues to bridge offline traditions with modern technology, creating a more seamless and exciting experience for all.”

Here are the key highlights of Pinoy Drop Ball:

  1. Live-Streamed Thrills: Pinoy Drop Ball is the first-ever live-streamed drop ball game in the country. Players can participate in real-time, adding a new dimension to digital carnival gaming.
  2. Cultural Fusion: As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino culture, BingoPlus aims to elevate traditional Pinoy entertainment. Pinoy Drop Ball seamlessly blends the familiar perya experience with cutting-edge technology.
  3. Multiplier Madness: What sets Pinoy Drop Ball apart is the chance to win big through multipliers. Players can enjoy the classic carnival feel while competing for prizes. Payout rules vary: a single ball on a card yields a 2x payout, two balls result in 3x, and three balls trigger a special Pachinko round with even bigger rewards.
  4. Immersive Experience: The bonus round in Pinoy Drop Ball features 15 slots filled with multipliers (ranging from 10x to 200x), intensifying the excitement. Triple cards can occur frequently throughout the day, and the game is available for live streaming 23/7.
  5. Rigorous Testing and Regulation: BingoPlus ensures fair play by meticulously testing and licensing its equipment through PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation). From stable playing tables to precisely weighed balls, every detail matters.
  6. Changing Hosts: To keep things fresh, BingoPlus switches hosts every 30 minutes, ensuring diverse ball-throwing styles and maintaining player engagement.

With Pinoy Drop Ball, BingoPlus continues to transform beloved Filipino games into rewarding digital experiences. Whether you’re reminiscing about local fiestas or seeking entertainment on the go, this game promises excitement and cultural resonance.

With the release of Pinoy Drop Ball, BingoPlus continues to revolutionize how Filipinos experience the games they’ve loved for generations in new and more rewarding ways.

DigiPlus is the fastest-growing digital entertainment company in the country. It operates the country’s leading digital platforms, BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and Gamezone, with more to come. BingoPlus is a leading platform for various forms of entertainment for Filipinos where players can explore tongits, bingo, perya games, and many other game choices to have fun at home. For more information, visit: www.bingoplus.com or download the app now from App store and Google Play

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WORLD TRAVEL EXPO YEAR 8: THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS

After the outstanding success of World Travel Expo Year 7, we are thrilled to announce the return of the most anticipated event in the travel industry—World Travel Expo Year 8, happening from October 18 to 20, 2024, at SPACE, One Ayala, Makati City.

Following the footsteps of last year’s blockbuster event, which gathered thousands of travel enthusiasts and industry professionals, World Travel Expo Year 8 promises to deliver even bigger and better opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors. As the go-to marketing platform for the travel sector, the event continues to serve as a vital bridge between international and local tour operators, airline companies, and travel authorities. This event is more than an expo—it’s a gathering of all things travel, offering the best deals, insights, and connections in the industry.

(L-R): Mr. Dino Dacanay, Marketing Director, INNOVATOR; Mr. Mark Christian Agustin, Sales and Marketing Supervisor, AQUAPLANET; Mr. Jud Errol Baldonado, Director for External Affairs, PATA LPU MANILA STUDENT CHAPTERL; Mr. Joshua Ayeras, Sales Manager and Ms. Jean Valdez, Director of Sales and Marketing, BERJAYA MAKATI HOTEL; Ms. Miles Caballero, Managing Director, AD ASIA EVENTS GROUP OPC; Mr. Melvin “MJ” Justiniano, Resort Manager, VILLA EXCELLANCE BEACH AND WAVE POOL RESORT; Mr. Ronald Allan De Vera, Marketing Head, PSA HELPLINE.PH

A Bigger Showcase in 2024! This year, the World Travel Expo will host over 160 booths in an expansive 3,000 sqm space, offering a comprehensive showcase of travel-related products and services. The expo will also feature forums, exclusive travel packages, and engaging activities designed to provide valuable information for both exhibitors and attendees. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast looking for your next adventure or a business seeking opportunities to network and grow, this is the event to attend!

“We’re excited to bring together the best the travel industry has to offer—not just for our exhibitors, but for every traveller eager to explore new destinations and discover unique deals,” said by Ms. Miles Caballero, Managing Director of Ad Asia Events Group. “World Travel Expo continues to be the ultimate hub where the industry connects and grows together

Event Details: 📅 October 18-20, 2024
📍 SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City
🕚 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

World Travel Expo 8 is supported and Endorsed by the Department of Tourism; Platinum Sponsor, DOOH, PSA Helpline.ph; Gold Sponsor, Club Wyndham Asia, Silver Sponsor and Official Hotel Partner, Berjaya Makati Hotel, Bronze Sponsors, Aquaplanet, Villa Excellance Beach and Wave Pool Resort, and Kandaya Resort, Event Partners, Media House Express—Ka Wanderer’s Connect; PATA LPU Manila Student Chapter

For more information and updates, visit our website and follow us on Facebook at World Travel Expo.

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Ja Morant’s Second Signature Shoe, the Ja 2, is Built for the Next Generation of Playmakers

Quick, high-flying, anon d elusive, Ja Morant needs a shoe that keeps pace with his game and helps him get up.

Enter the Ja 2, Nike’s solution for Morant and the next generation of playmakers whose dynamic performance demands the highest levels of support, bounce, responsiveness, and control.

Building off the success of Morant’s first signature shoe, the Ja 1, Nike designers created a second-generation silhouette that maximizes comfort and support, defending against the rigors of a full season of takeoffs, landings, and lateral movement.

“From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same. The work ethic doesn’t change,” Morant says. “It’s about comfort, more bounce, and bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know. We tell those stories through the colorways of my shoe.”

The Ja 2’s forefoot Air Zoom unit delivers extra bounce and effortlessly guides athletes through quick shifts on the court, while a molded midfoot panel drives lockdown responsiveness and control for hoopers who run the break or break off defenders one on one. An underfoot traction pattern — inspired by the semitrailer tires Morant used to train in his childhood backyard — further allows athletes to cut with confidence.

The silhouette’s sidewall guardrail is designed to protect and stabilize, giving players the confidence to take off unexpectedly, and a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding add comfort for any kind of movement. A ballistic mesh upper improves breathability all the while, no matter how much heat the game brings.

Morant’s hands-on creative approach shows up in several design elements of the Ja 2, including colorways that reflect the feeling of watching him compete and his background as Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete. The “Purple Sky” launch colorway, for example, is inspired by the fact that watching Morant in action — with his high-flying dunks, flashy ball handling skills, and intense energy — is as mesmerizing as looking up at a purple night sky.

The silhouette further reflects Morant’s story as a person and a player: It’s about his roots, his connection to the next generation, and how his drive to get up after getting knocked down can inspire us all.

Similar influences extend to the Ja 2 apparel collection, which speaks to Morant’s personal style, swagger, and connection to youth culture through energetic, artistic prints on his signature fleece hoodie and pants.

In a nod to Morant’s widespread influence on the game, his second signature silhouette will include kids’ sizes, and his fleece hoodie and pants will be available in extended sizes.

“In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world’s best athletes, help them be even better on the court, and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play,” says Josh Wachtel, VP/GM, Global Men’s Basketball. “The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need — it’s bouncy, fast, stable, looks great, and is available in kids’ sizes to serve the next generation.”

The Nike Ja 2 will be available on SNKRS and in select markets on September 26. The silhouette and apparel collection will be available globally at nike.com and select retailers on October 8.

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MOVETIX by AirAsia MOVE Partners with Ticketmelon to Enhance Asean’s Event Booking Experience

 

Photo caption: (From top left) Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE; Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A; and Teerarit Saubhayana, Commercial
Director, Ticketmelon, witnessing the signing between AirAsia MOVE and Ticketmelon, represented by (from bottom left) Hassan Choudhury,
CEO of MOVETIX, and Panupong Tejapaibul, CEO of Ticketmelon in Kuala Lumpur today.

MOVETIX, the global ticketing platform for events & concerts on the AirAsia MOVE app, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Ticketmelon, one of the region’s premier ticketing and event technology platforms. 

This collaboration will see Ticketmelon’s extensive inventory of over 300,000 tickets across the Asean region integrated into the AirAsia MOVE app, offering travellers and event-goers a seamless experience to book flights, accommodations, event tickets, and even airport transfers —all within a single, convenient app.

A partnership agreement signing ceremony was held between MOVETIX, who was represented by its CEO, Hassan Choudhury, while Ticketmelon was represented by its CEO Panupong Tejapaibul. Also in attendance during the signing ceremony were Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Executive Chairman of MOVE Digital, Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE, Ravi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer of AirAsia MOVE, Teerarit Saubhayana, Commercial Director of Ticketmelon and Som Puangladda, Marketing Lead of Ticketmelon. 

This partnership comes at a time where live events tourism is growing at unprecedented rates, with sports tourism leading the way valued at USD564.7 billion and is expected to almost double in value to USD1.33 trillion by 2032, while music tourism is projected to contribute an additional USD13.8 billion, more than doubling its current valuation of USD6.6 billion*. 

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Executive Chairman of MOVE Digital commented, “We want to make everyone’s dreams of attending any event or concert, wherever in Asean, into a reality, and make it as affordable as possible. At AirAsia MOVE, our OTA platform is not just about booking hotels and flights, but about giving you experiences that you have never dreamt of. We look forward to working closely with the Ticketmelon team, and I would like to thank them for doing an incredible job so far, and for giving AirAsia MOVE the trust to deliver for them. 

Hassan Choudhury, CEO of MOVETIX by AirAsia MOVE commented, “We are in very exciting times, especially driven by the region’s young, dynamic population and increasing disposable income who are part of a growing global fanbase who will spend to travel to iconic live events such as sports and concerts. With the integration of Ticketmelon’s event listings into AirAsia MOVE, travellers will have unprecedented access to a wide range of concerts, festivals, and events, making it more convenient than ever to plan their entire trip in one place. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Ticketmelon and leverage each other’s strengths to bring the best of live events to the region.

With this integration, users can expect a more comprehensive travel experience, whether they are planning a weekend getaway to attend a music festival or organising a trip to catch a major sporting event. The future of travel and event booking in Southeast Asia has never looked brighter.” 

Panupong Tejapaibul, CEO of Ticketmelon adds, “We’ve witnessed tremendous growth in the events sector across the region, with Ticketmelon emerging as a key hub for music and entertainment events. This partnership with AirAsia MOVE marks another significant milestone for us, as two leading regional companies come together to elevate the experience of music and event tourism. The exponential growth potential of this industry is clear, and we’re excited to combine our strengths with AirAsia MOVE to offer an unparalleled experience for event-goers across ASEAN.

Through this partnership, Ticketmelon will gain access to AirAsia MOVE’s large and engaged user base, enabling them to tap into new markets and demographics. Meanwhile, AirAsia MOVE continues to expand its offerings, solidifying its position as Asean’s favorite travel companion by being the go-to platform for all travel-related needs in the region. 

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Jordan Brand’s New Tatum 3 Delivers a Lightweight Feel and Adaptable Performance

A gold medal. A championship ring. A hunger for more.

After winning on the greatest stages in the game this summer, Jayson Tatum is back for another NBA season—ready to rise to the occasion in his latest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3.

The new, court-ready silhouette has all the features fit for a champion while delivering unmatched style and continuing the Tatum series’ reign as the lightest in the Jordan Brand basketball collection.

“I don’t take having a signature shoe for granted,” Jayson says. “I’m grateful to be in a position where I can co-create with Jordan Brand and have fans connect with me through my shoe. My favourite part of the 3s is the way they take on colour, so my hope is that we inspire and energise a lot of people through the colourway storytelling.”

The Tatum 3 is the result of Jayson’s extensive collaboration with Jordan Brand’s footwear designers, who met his needs with a shoe that feels broken in right out of the box and adapts to the foot without restrictions or pressure. A new upper incorporates insights from athletes’ on-court moves in the Nike Sport Research Lab, layering materials where they matter most for power and comfort, creating a supportive, conforming fit without feeling bulky or stiff.

Cushion 3.0 foam and a Zoom Air insert work alongside the upper’s firm frame to promote lateral movements that feel smooth and secure, and a herringbone traction pattern propels a superior first step and quick cut while helping hoopers stop on a dime.

The smoothness of Jayson’s play and his commitment to his family are built into the Tatum 3, reflected in fluid lines that represent his uninterrupted approach to the game and the foundation of his family tree. Like the Tatum 2, the name of Jayson’s son, Deuce, is featured on the inside of the tongue, opposite his signature JT logo, and his number 0 is included on the heel along with unique sayings on the heel tabs, specific to each colourway. His popular “Find a Way” quote from his 2023 “humbly” interview is also included on the medial side of the shoe.

The launch colourway, Welcome to the Garden, showcases growth in all areas of Jayson’s life—his family, his game, and his pursuit of greatness—in a floral pattern that nods to his home and personal garden, where he’s surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.

Jayson first unveiled the new silhouette via the NBA 2K25 cover and during his summer tour of China, where he teamed up with fellow Jordan Brand athletes Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The Tatum 3 will be available globally on Jordan.com and select retailers on October 10.