Thoney Pascual, Author at The Metropolista

13 September 202315 September 2023

GLOBE Brings Customers Closer To Their Dreams in Month-long 917 G Day Celebration

One-of-a-kind, life-enabling digital experiences

GLOBE, the mobile leader and top digital solutions provider in the Philippines, redefines customer appreciation with its annual G Day celebration. The telco-turned-techco is thanking its customers for their loyalty by bringing together life-enabling tools and rewards in line with its mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

Stretching beyond the iconic date of September 17 (09/17) or 0917, which represents Globe’s iconic mobile number prefix, this month-long celebration promises to bring Filipinos closer to their dreams with digital innovations and next-gen tech experiences.

“Through G Day, we hope to help our customers get closer to their dreams through innovative, life-enabling digital solutions, powered by reliable connectivity. We’re going bigger in terms of engaging our customers and making them feel valued,” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

Globe is also committed to using the G Day platform to reiterate its message of environmental sustainability. Throughout its G Day events and activities, Globe is championing sustainability by encouraging customers to observe eco-friendly and socially-conscious practices through small acts – from proper waste disposal, avoiding the use of single-use plastics, to using sustainable transport through the use of Globe’s electric vehicle shuttles to and from event venues, or via carpooling.

Customers are also encouraged to support advocacies such as the Hapag Movement, the Globe-led initiative that aims to address involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood training.

Here’s how Globe is going to help make customers’ dreams come true every day this September:

G Chance The Raffle (September 1-30)

Globe customers can use their Rewards points to redeem raffle entries via the GlobeOne App for the chance to win experiences that money can’t buy. For as low as 1 Globe Rewards point, customers have the power to choose a raffle category. Up for grabs in this year’s G Chance the Raffle are prizes that champion clean transport like a new e-powered vehicle or Gogoro Smartscooters; intelligent home enablement through Globe At Home technologies; vacacion en grande with Globe Roaming packages to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore in partnership with ANA and Klook, plus trips to Davao and Coron with the Discovery Hotels Group.

G Chance the Raffle can also kick-start online businesses and equip aspiring vloggers, giving them a chance to learn the ropes from industry leaders such as YouTube, Meta, and TikTok. Winners will also get access to premium subscriptions such as the RUSH Spark Lite e-Store Platform and Canva Pro, along with the tools they’ll need in their creator or business owner journey. Techies can win the latest intelligent gadgets, and for shopaholics, Globe is giving away a shopping spree at Puregold, GCash prizes and more.

Customers can redeem entries until September 30, 2023.

G Music Fest (September 16)

G Music Fest, now in its fourth year, is making an even bigger comeback as a Music and Creator Festival.

With a focus on celebrating local talent, this year will feature an all-Pinoy lineup from OPM OGs to young emerging performers through partnerships with Warner Music and Sony Music. Attendees from all generations will get to vibe with Urbandub, December Avenue, Lola Amour, Dilaw, PLAYERTWO, Paul Pablo, Sugarcane, The Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Ace Banzuelo, Nobita, Munimuni and Syd Hartha at Circuit Grounds in Makati. Event goers can also hang out at the DJ lounge sponsored by MYX Global.

Beyond inspiration through music, the festival’s Creator Hub will encourage self-expression, learning and creativity through various art and community building activities such as live murals and painting with Drip Splash and Paint It Fun.

Attendees can expect a wide variety of food choices on-ground through handpicked food concessionaires: Better than Ice Cream (BTIC), Kurimu, Pocofino, Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Pickup Coffee, Shakeys, Potato Corner, Army Navy. Alcoholic beverages will also be served through official alco partners – Coca Cola, and San Miguel Brewery.

Other key festival partners include Philippine Airlines, the official airline partner, Zing, KonsultaMD, GCash, Parlon, Klook, and PetPal.

G Music Fest will also encourage customers to practice sustainability throughout the event, from limiting the use of single-use plastics among concessionaires, to encouraging BYO (Bring Your Own) water bottles among customers and providing water refilling stations sponsored by Klean Kanteen. Through a partnership with the Waste and Resources Management Inc (WARM), water efficient portalets will be deployed on ground, and manned waste bins will ensure proper waste segregation.

Attendees can also enjoy sustainable transport to and from the venue through electric vehicles provided by GET EV official shuttle partner, with pickup points at Alabang Town Center, One Ayala, and TriNoMa.

G Creator Con (September 17)

G Creator Con aims to unlock the creative potential of each Filipino in the music, content, design and technology space. The event, to be held simultaneously at The Globe Tower, BGC Amphitheater, and Globe Creator House, transforms BGC into an Art & Tech City powered by Globe. It serves as a springboard for Globe’s Creator Culture, a long-term program combining thought-leadership, creative tech experiences and rewarding opportunities through creator project grants.

Creator Talks will feature speakers from Meta, YouTube, DTI Design Center, Myx, Social Media Marketing PH, Bitskwela, and creative thought-leaders Nadine Lustre, Mela Habijan, Pat Tinguy, Eva Le Queen, Pio Dumayas of Lola Amour as panelists! While fun and interactive activities from KROMA Entertainment, NABU, Kumu, Samsung and JobStreet will be in BGC Amphitheater, aspiring creators can have cinematic headshots taken at the Globe Creator House. To top it all off, music creators GNY, Carissa and Clara Benin will close the con on a sweet note.

Passes to the Creator Talks and Speed Mentorship can be redeemed with Rewards points via the GlobeONE app. G Creator Con is also part of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, a celebration of Filipino creativity for the whole month of September.

For more information on the different activities, visit the G Creator Con page.

G Fair (September 23-24)

To be held the following weekend also at the BGC Amphitheater, the art and tech pop-up market G Fair will showcase Filipino entrepreneurs and artists. With curated micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) and artists from MoCAF (Modern and Contemporary Art Festival), the bazaar offers a blend of homegrown businesses and art. The fair champions businesses with varied causes and backgrounds such as sustainability advocates (Lana, Sewn Sandals & MAGWAI), social entrepreneurs promoting the work of Filipino artisans (Tahanan Pottery & Habi Lifestyle), and regional businesses (Baguio’s Rebel Bakehouse). On top of this, customers will have access to the finest art galleries that feature emerging Filipino artists in partnership with MoCAF. Discover Filipino ingenuity from eight participating galleries: MoCAF Discoveries, R Gallery, Art Toys, Rojo Gallery, Village Art Gallery, Art For Space, Galerie Francesca Emporium and Cartellino.

Customers can pre-order online a few days before the event. On G Fair weekend, they will get to immerse in digital solutions that Globe Business offers, engage in interactive art activities, and win exciting raffle prizes.

G Battle Zone: G Legends Cup and REV Major (September 23-30)

Gaming enthusiasts can participate in an online nationwide Mobile Legends tournament, the G Legends Cup. Winners will receive cash prizes and a chance to meet, greet, and even scrim with Globe’s main gaming ambassador Blacklist International.

Gamers may also join the Philippines’ largest fighting game tournament, REV Major 2023, to be held at the SMX Convention Center on September 30 and October 1. Here, the best of Pinoy gamers will play against international fighting game esports athletes. Attendees can also enjoy exclusive giveaways from Globe’s partners such as GrabCar, Move It, and Foodpanda.

With the entire month packed with various events and offerings, Globe aims to give its customers memorable and rewarding experiences that can help bring their aspirations to life.

“G Day is all about celebrating our most-valued customers for staying with Globe throughout the years. With tech capabilities and digital solutions, our G Day celebration this year aims to make our customers feel that with Globe, they have a partner in making their dreams come true,” Patalud said.

For more information on the G Day events and how to participate, download and explore the GlobeOne app or visit glbe.co/GDayEveryday.

13 September 202315 September 2023

B.LEAGUE Promo Event at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila

B.LEAGUE Promotional Event at FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila, Philippines a Great Success for Japan Professional Basketball League.

At that event, visitors could enjoy an introduction to B.LEAGUE, witness free-throw scenes, and catch a glimpse of the hospitality seats for the B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME 2024 IN OKINAWA.

On the event’s first day, which took place on Thursday, September 7, approximately 500 visitors attended. Fumiya, recognized as ‘the most famous Japanese in the Philippines’ with a total of 6 million followers, was in attendance, adding to the excitement on its opening day.

In addition, B.LEAGUE continued to actively engage in activities to expand its recognition, both in Japan and overseas

The Japan Professional Basketball League held the ‘B. LEAGUE Promotion Event’ from September 7 (Thursday) to September 14 (Thursday), 2023, at ‘MITSUKOSHI BGC’ in Manila, Philippines, which had its grand opening in July of that year. In conjunction with this event, they invited the media to a media event held on September 7, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM

The B. LEAGUE “All-Star Game” was scheduled to take place in Okinawa in January 2024, with Filipino players expected to play in the game, generating even more attention. Moreover, there was a plan to offer “hospitality packages” so that visitors could interact with the players and enjoy a comfortable on-site game-viewing experience in Okinawa, a highly anticipated opportunity for enthusiastic fans. They hoped that all attendees would share the appeal of the Japan Men’s Professional Basketball League, B. LEAGUE, and Okinawa with the people of Manila, Philippines.

Activities that visitors could enjoy included a Guest Participation event (Free Throw Challenge) hosted by Ms. Sam Corrales on September 10. She conducted a free throw competition with the popular Japanese influencer Mr. FUMIYA. They also showcased autographed merchandise from B. LEAGUE players, displayed life-size panels featuring star players, featured a B-League game broadcast monitor, and distributed materials for the B-League All-Star Game tour package. On top, there was a Lucky Draw for B-League merchandise.

11 September 202315 September 2023

SM STORE CELEBRATES ITS 65TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY BY HELPING FILIPINO CHILDREN IN NEED THROUGH THE SHARE SHOES CAMPAIGN

The simple things in life are oftentimes taken for granted. To some people, tangible objects like clothes, bags, or shoes are everyday commodities that they can easily buy and eventually dispose of at will. Meanwhile, millions of people around the world, specifically children, walk barefoot as they lack the financial resources to avail themselves of decent footwear.

According to a 2017 article by William Blischke, an American Sociology professor at the California State University Dominguez Hills, 14% of the earth’s inhabitants lack shoes or have inadequate footwear. He adds that in some developing countries, shoeless children cannot attend school because they may communicate and contract diseases from their foot sores. This is why some international non-profit organizations claim that shoes, or the lack thereof, are one of the most visible signs of poverty.

In the Philippines, no available academic study justifies Filipino children’s actual lack of shoes. However, this phenomenon can be substantiated by the 2023 report of the Department of Education, which states that one of the most pressing issues in the primary education system is the lack of access to resources. Since school shoes are an integral part of a student’s uniform even in public schools, it will be difficult for less-privileged families to purchase them. Thus, leaving children with no choice but to either use their old and ill-fitting shoes or worse, walk barefoot – just to complete their education.

This is the challenge that the SM Store intends to address through the Share Shoes campaign – to provide school shoes to the poverty-stricken students of the Philippines. In line with the celebration of SM’s 65th founding anniversary and through the help of its dedicated customers and partner organizations, SM Store aims to donate more than sixteen thousand (16,000+) pairs of shoes to the last-mile schools and communities in the country. With a minimum of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000) single-receipt-spend at any SM Store, a customer is entitled to donate a pair of shoes, which originally retails for P299, for only Sixty-Five Pesos (P65.00) and shall be considered as a Share Shoes Champion.

In a statement, Mr. Dhinno S Tiu, Executive Vice President of SM Store, exemplifies the value and symbolism of shoes for both SM and its advocacy to support the community:

“Shoes have been the core of our business for over 65 years. Thus, giving out thousands of shoes to the Filipino children who need them the most through the generosity of our customers, is a symbolic gesture of our commitment to continue to live the legacy of sharing and giving back to our partner communities.”

More than a material donation, SM Store hopes that these pairs of shoes will help the children’s journey towards a better life. Through a simple act of giving, these underprivileged children will be able to learn, play, and flourish in school. And by protecting their young feet, the time will come when they can confidently step, walk, run, and even leap towards their individual goals and dreams.

Shop at your favorite SM Store from September 1, 2023 to November 15, 2023 to support a child in need. For only P65, you can help transform a life by being a Share Shoes Champion! Help us put shoes on a child’s feet and together, let us witness how they walk through life with smiles on their faces. (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-172377, Series of 2023)

11 September 202315 September 2023

SM Investments bags Best Environmental Excellence at Global CSR Awards

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), a leading conglomerate in the Philippines, clinched the Best Environmental Excellence Award (Bronze) in the recently concluded 15th Global Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Social Governance Summit and Awards held at Da Nang, Vietnam.

SM Investments was recognized for its sustainability initiatives across the group.

“We appreciate this award that recognizes SM’s efforts to operate as a steward of responsible economic and social development,” Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer, said.

SM’s sustainability efforts are consolidated under the SM Green Movement – a multi-year campaign that aims to make sustainability accessible to all by nurturing an ecosystem of stakeholders to live green in the easiest way possible.

This campaign covers the SM Group of companies including SM Investments, SM Supermalls, SM Store, and SM Foundation. The initiatives of the Green Movement focus on water recycling, waste segregation, renewable energy, disaster resilience, preservation and conservation, and building sustainable communities.

Dubbed Asia’s most prestigious recognition awards for Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG, the Global CSR & ESG Summit and Awards 2023 recognizes and honors companies for outstanding, innovative, and world-class implemented programs.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is a leading Philippine company that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the cuntry’s largest and most diversified with its food, non-food, and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth-largest bank by total assets among private banks.

7 September 202315 September 2023

UNIQLO showcases The Art of Modern Layering in 2023 Fall/Winter collection preview.

(L-R) UQPH Sr Mktg Manager Reichelle Vergara, COO Geraldine Sia, Matteo Guidicelli, Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli, COO Ikezoe Osamu, and VP Georgette Barrera-Jalasco

Layering clothes in fashion is a technique of wearing multiple garments on top of each other to create different looks and suit different situations. It’s not just to warm you but in addition to your fashion style statement.

UNIQLO celebrated the art of mixing and matching layered clothing for the upcoming season in the Press Preview of the 2023 Fall/Winter collection at SM Aura in Taguig City last September 5, 2023.

The modern layering of function features cutting-edge technologies and UNIQLO’s renowned HEATTECH innovation

The modern layering of style promotes the classic yet modern, the casual yet chic.

UNIQLO’s latest season collection preview featured the Art of Modern Layering, set to be a fashion staple in the coming months for warmth and comfortable styling.

Simple, chic, practical and classic, the new collection showcases an essential modern wardrobe mood with a limitless range of styling possibilities, perfect for travel and events during these -ber months. It’s a fashion fusion that gives the art of modern layering three key aspects: style, color & texture, and function.

“Our latest collection echoes our LifeWear philosophy. In the modern world where we see constant change in trends, LifeWear is UNIQLO’s dedication to bringing quality products designed to last and grow with you through the evolution of your own personal styles and tastes,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia.

Modern layering is all about creating your own unique layering style to make the cold weather season both fun and comfortable. This is why in terms of style, it promotes the classic yet modern, the casual yet chic. Cozy knits, utility bottoms and more allow individuals to express themselves with truth and sophistication.

Meanwhile, the color & texture centers on a simple modern look with tone-on-tone coordination. The collection presents a vast array of wools, knits, and other warm textures, alongside tone-on-tone gradation colors in gray, berry, and off-white.

The UNIQLO 2023 FallWinter LifeWear Collection also celebrated the 20th anniversary of HEATTECH

On the other hand, the modern layering of function features cutting-edge technologies and UNIQLO’s renowned HEATTECH innovation, keeping wearers warm, and in style, throughout the season.

UNIQLO Philippines ambassadors Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli and Matteo Guidicelli who expressed their excitement about perfecting the art of modern layering.

Alongside the Fall/Winter 2023, UNIQLO showcased its collaboration collection with British fashion designer JW Anderson. Featuring casual yet sophisticated designs, the collection takes inspiration from Anderson’s British roots and traditional university life. Graphic checks and playful animal motifs match wardrobe essentials such as trench and duffle coats in the pursuit of perfection.

Meanwhile, the UNIQLO U 2023 Fall/Winter collection stands for everything simple, chic, practical and classic. It comprises a wide assortment of garments with clean lines and generous proportions for styling made more effortless and genderless than ever. Its key colors consist of brown and rust, charcoal and gray, beige and off-white.

For the ladies, the UNIQLO collaboration collection with Ines De La Fressange is one to keep an eye on. It affirms the rich diversity of fashion’s origins and influences, with nature-inspired materials and colors of denim. The collection presents the colors chic indigo, denim blue, tweed brown, and burgundy, while the knit line-up features the vibrancy of magenta pink, Ines red, and mandarin orange.

Lastly, UNIQLO will surely delight everyone with their new collections of UT Graphic T-shirts; showcased during the event were new designs featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars as part of its Magic For All Forever collection; as well as new designs from the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. Moreover, UNIQLO also displayed new designs in collaboration with the renowned contemporary artist KAWS.

To learn more about #UniqloPH and #LifeWear, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram.

5 September 202315 September 2023

Enchanted Kingdom celebrates its 28th Anniversary this October

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, is inviting guests for its 28^th anniversary celebration this October with the theme Be The Magic! Be Enchanted! The year-long celebration places the spotlight on recreating enchanting stories from the past and creating new magical experiences for every guest.

“Enchanted Kingdom remains to be part of our guests’ personal milestones throughout its 28 years. We are very excited to capture these enchanting stories from our past and present guests, and celebrate these magical experiences with the future generation,” said Nico Mamon, 28th Anniversary Celebration Wizard and the Head of Organization Development and Corporate Planning.

Mamon also shared that due to popular demand, Enchanted Kingdom will bring back the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition after its last spectacle eight years ago. “Apart from entertaining and dazzling the guests’, Enchanted Kingdom has collaborated with Filipino fireworks manufacturers to showcase their products and creativity. As a proud Filipino company, we highlight local artistry with pyrotechnics and music, enchanting Filipinos for the past 28 years,” Mamon emphasized.

Enchanted Kingdom will also introduce its very own storybook characters with the launch of its grand parade. Apart from the iconic Eldar the Wizard, Princess Victoria, and Princess Madeline, meet and greet these lovable characters this October as part of the Enchanted Kingdom story for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Enchanted Kingdom invites everyone to be part of this magical experience this October. Stay tuned for more enchanting news and events in the upcoming weeks.

For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, 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.