The “HONOR Your Heart: A Jump Rope Workout for the Philippine Heart Center by HONOR Philippines in partnership with Jump Manila” was a huge success after over 500 participants joined the donation and awareness drive on heart health with the total proceeds going to the beneficiaries of the Philippine Heart Center.
“This partnership has been truly meaningful for all of us in HONOR. What better way to shed light on heart health than during love month, right? We celebrate love every February, yet we know very little of our heart health. With the success of HONOR X9b 5G, a platform has opened for us to raise awareness on this important matter,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
“As long as we have a platform and as long as there are brands like HONOR Philippines that are willing to support this great cause, we will always aim to raise awareness on heart health,” said Jump Manila Founder Erwin Ng.
Held during the Car-Free Sunday Mornings at Ayala Avenue on February 11, over 500 jumpers flocked together in hopes of raising funds and awareness for the Philippine Heart Center. The jump rope workout, led by Jump Manila, was enjoyed by the participants. Food and refreshments were also sponsored by Fitbar, Gardenia, and Sip.
HONOR X9b 5G was put on a test yet again as the participants tried its viral smash and drop tests. First seen to destroy a hallow block and watermelons, the HONOR X9b 5G was seen to be smashing a hard-shelled coconut.
A spectacular 43-foot long Lucky Giant Dragon installation has been erected at SM City Grand Central, bringing positive energy and setting the way for a prosperous year. This larger-than-life installation is set to captivate shoppers and usher in the Year of the Dragon, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for all in 2024.
The charm of the Lucky Giant Dragon will welcome shoppers entering the mall. This mythical creature exhales smoke and wraps itself around the central column, overlooking the panoramic vista of the bustling mall. While its head peeks magnificently into the second floor, its tail softly descends to the ground floor, creating an enthralling visual feast that perfectly captures the spirit of Chinese New Year.
The dragon, a vibrant and welcoming protector for everyone who believes, is revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of good fortune, ushering shoppers into a year of wealth and abundance. Its presence in the mall aims to create a lively, culturally diverse atmosphere that encourages people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.
More than an iconic installation and captivating welcome, the Lucky Giant Dragon also signals the beginning of a yearlong festivities. Shoppers can expect an immersive experience that will bring them into the heart of the joyous celebrations, filled with laughter and cultural richness.
SM City Grand Central encourages shoppers to visit the mall to experience the majestic grandeur of the Lucky Giant Dragon firsthand. The larger-than-life installation promises to be a unique and Instagram-worthy backdrop, allowing shoppers to snap and share amazing moments and unforgettable experiences with family and friends.
Time to reward yourself and start anew with great discounts awaiting at SM City Baliwag’s first leg of 3-DAY SALE this 2024.
As you plan the year ahead, SM City Baliwag keeps you company, as bigger savings are up for grabs on this year’s first 3-DAY SALE happening on February 16-18. Check out the latest finds from The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Watson’s, SM Appliance Center, Surplus and Miniso.
Shop all you want as delightful fare, festive selling and great discounts of up to 70% awaits on countless items mall wide. Whatever your plans are for the start of the year, February 16-18 is definitely the best time to fill up those carts at SM City Baliwag.
Purchases could even bring you heap of chances to bring home a brand-new SUZUKI DZIRE GL MT! To join, shoppers may avail P1000 worth of purchase to earn 1 e-raffle entry. Increase your chances of winning by getting additional coupons on Saturday (February 17) and Sunday (February 18) to double the entries. Shoppers may also get 5 additional entries through their SM Malls Online Account.
While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at the mall.
Get your calendars and mark February 16-18 all the way from 10am-10pm. Dig the best deals only at SM City Baliwag’s 3 Day Sale blowout! For mall events and updates, follow SM City Baliwag on Facebook and Instagram.
Jay Fajardo to succeed outgoing Executive Director Kat Chan.
Manila, Philippines – IdeaSpace, the MVP group startup accelerator and early-stage venture investment arm, announced today that veteran technopreneur Jay Fajardo will be taking the helm as the new Executive Director of both companies.
Jay Fajardo, who has founded several tech startups over the years, including Airborne Access, the country’s first wifi hotspot operator, and LaunchGarage, a tech startup accelerator, will be taking on the role of outgoing Executive Director Katrina Rausa Chan.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to step in as a leader in the startup ecosystem, bringing with me new energy and goals. I believe that 2024 will see the Philippines as a regional startup success story, being home to a talented workforce, digital-savvy market, and a mature startup community,” said Fajardo.
President of IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub, Rene “Butch” Meily, expresses his confidence in Jay Fajardo as a dedicated champion of grassroots innovation. “I welcome Jay to the company and acknowledge him and his achievements that shaped the Philippine startup ecosystem. We are delighted to have him steer the ship forward, and we’re excited to witness what he will be bringing to the table,” said Meily.
Leaving her post of close to a decade, Katrina Rausa Chan passes on the torch as she pursues other endeavors. Chan is now ready to take a step back and be a staunch supporter of Filipino startups from the sidelines.
“I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved during my time at IdeaSpace and QBO Innovation Hub. This spans the creation of QBO itself, our programs such as the PH Startup Week, IdeaSpace Accelerator, and Startup Pinay — all of which garnered multiple awards. Most importantly, I’m proudest of the growing number of startups we have supported, and the inspiring founders behind them who are now poised to be future Filipino UNIQORNS,” said Chan.
Kat Chan was instrumental in launching QBO Innovation Hub in 2016. And in 2021, she successfully implemented the merger of IdeaSpace and QBO, transforming the two organizations into one startup industry powerhouse. “I want to express my gratitude to Kat. With her hard work and leadership, we have made IdeaSpace and QBO stars in the local startup universe,” said Meily.
Over the last five years, IdeaSpace and QBO invested in over 25 startups, pouring in the equivalent of P300 million in resources to support the ecosystem. The organization has incubated over 250 startup companies, supported more than 700 ventures, won 15 awards, and is conducting 100+ programs annually for the benefit of QMMUNITY startups.
ALL HANDS ON DECK: Global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry, Foundever, teams up with the Department of Labor and Employment – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) for a donation drive in support of Project Angel Tree. Pictured are the Foundever in Baguio associates who organized the gathering to hand over the donations at the Child Development Center, Baguio.
Foundever™, a global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry, has continued to take steps towards being a force for good, this time by initiating a donation drive in support of Project Angel Tree in Baguio.
Project Angel Tree is an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) born out of a commitment to help eradicate child labor. Aside from providing food, clothing, and educational assistance, Project Angel Tree also conducts learning sessions, life skills training, and orchestrates donation drives for school supplies for the benefit of the children and their families.
Vida Haboc, Senior Director and Site Lead at Foundever in Baguio, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for this venture. “We believe in using our resources to make a positive impact in the lives of the children and their families,” she said. “Project Angel Tree aligns perfectly with our values, and our team is excited to come together and support the cause.”
“This donation drive is not just about material contributions but also about instilling joy and hope among the children and their families,” Haboc stated.
Associates of Foundever in Baguio organized a two-week donation drive, collecting school supplies including coloring materials, books and notebooks, and various other learning essentials. In addition, Foundever in Baguio teamed up with DOLE – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to arrange a small gathering to hand over the donations to the children, their parents, teachers, and other guests.
Ann Behis, Director of Operations at Foundever, emphasized the broader significance of the initiative. “We, at Foundever, understand the importance of community engagement,” she said. “We are not just part of our organization but integral members of a larger community.”
“This initiative not only reflects a shared vision of creating positive change but also provides us an opportunity to come together, show empathy, and make a significant and meaningful impact to the lives of those who need it most,” added Behis.
This endeavor reflects the organization’s commitment to taking proactive steps and enhancing the welfare of the community they belong to. Moreover, it exemplifies how Foundever transcends their role in business processes as they embody the spirit of compassion and generosity, underscoring the link between their success and their capacity to uplift and empower the communities they serve.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Today’s generations are at the forefront of embracing the gig economy, and this is revolutionizing the traditional employment landscape. Fueled by a desire for flexibility and independence, millennials and Gen Z are increasingly turning to gig opportunities or side hustles.
This was the insight that inspired Sun Life Philippines’ recently launched campaign, “The Next Big Gig”. The campaign aims to invite today’s generation to venture into becoming a financial advisor as their next side hustle.
“The Next Big Gig” was officially launched at a media event held at Makati Shangri-La last February 7, 2024. At the event, Sun Life Financial Advisors shared their own personal stories to enlighten the audience about how this gig gives them income opportunities, the freedom of time, and a sense of fulfillment in helping their clients start their journey towards financial security.
All these were likewise reflected in Sun Life’s newest digital video, which premiered during the event. It features various individuals who are also financial advisors, such as a school teacher, an online seller, a corporate employee, and an entrepreneur – all of whom enjoy the perks of being a financial advisor, namely the earnings, travel incentives, finding an advocacy, and the rewarding feeling of being your clients’ Partner for Life.
To add an experiential element to the event, there were three main “pods” or activity booths that simulated the experiences of a financial advisor. Each pod allowed the attendees to win exclusive Sun Life merchandise and prizes.
The “Next Big Quiz” pod was a quiz booth with questions on life insurance to challenge the attendees’ knowledge on the subject matter. The second pod was entitled “Next Big Destination”, which was an international-themed photo wall. This represented the travel incentives of Sun Life advisors. Lastly, the third pod was called, “Next Big Project”. This booth showcased advisors’ corporate social responsibility activities and included a voting apparatus that asked what project advisors should support next.
“The gig economy is booming, and we recognize that today’s generation craves flexibility and purpose in their careers. Our campaign, ‘The Next Big Gig’, aims to showcase the incredible opportunity for individuals to build a fulfilling career and advocacy as a Sun Life Financial Advisor. This gig allows you to earn income while pursuing your passions, experiencing rewards, and finding a sense of purpose,” said Al Quitangon, Chief Distribution Officer of Sun Life Philippines.
A Win for the Planet. Officials from the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corp. led the switch-on rites of Canlubang Baking Facility’s solar panels last January 9, 2024. In the photo are (from L-R): Ronaldo Sales (Zenith Foods Corporation’s AVP-Canlubang Baking Facility & Plant Head), Carlos Lorenzo Vega (First Gen VP for Power Marketing, Trading, & Economics), Michael Ong (Zenith Foods Corporation’s VP & Head Supply Chain Management), Honorable Rosseller Rizal (Mayor of the City of Calamba), Julius Leyba (Zenith Foods Corporation’s AVP & Head of Engineering Services), Mark Malabanan (First Gen’s AVP for Solar), and Manny Portugal (First Gen’s Head of Technology Solutions).
The Jollibee Group continues to accelerate its shift to renewable energy by operating 6,300 solar panels in its Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF), the company’s most extensive solar panel installation to date. This initiative is part of the Jollibee Group’s commitment to more sustainable business practices guided by its global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow.
The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Zenith Foods Corporation (ZFC), has collaborated with First Gen Corporation, through Pi Energy Inc., to energize 1/3 of the Jollibee Group’s manufacturing facility with solar-powered electricity. Officials of both the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation led the switch-on rites together with Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal last January 9, 2024, in Canlubang, Laguna.
The Jollibee Group continues to accelerate its shift to renewable energy by operating 6,300 solar panels in its Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF), the company’s most extensive solar panel installation to date.
During the ceremony, Jollibee Group Supply Chain Head Michael Ong underscored the company’s drive to lessen the environmental impact of its supply chain operations. “In our quest to bring the joy of eating not only for today’s generation but that of tomorrow’s, we integrate solar energy into our state-of-the-art Canlubang Baking Facility. This is our largest installation to date, but this is also just the beginning. We have more locations planned in the months ahead, and we are determined to accelerate further our journey towards carbon neutrality,” he said.
Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal cited the project’s role in helping achieve the city’s goals on sustainability for the business community. “Your [ZFC] initiative to promote sustainability in your facilities will not only have positive results for your company, but it will also be in solidarity with the government’s call for a more orderly operation of companies that considers many factors, including those that concern our environment,” he said.
Ong and his team at ZFC started accelerating the integration of sustainable business practices into the Jollibee Group’s commissaries and logistics centers in 2020. The Canlubang Baking Facility is now the second out of the four target sites for solar panel installation. The first one was Zen3, also in Canlubang, which was installed with 3,000 solar panels last November 2023. The solar panel installation in the two other sites is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2024.
These commissaries and logistics centers support the Jollibee Group’s portfolio of brands in the Philippines, such as Jollibee, Greenwich, Burger King, Red Ribbon, Chowking, and Mang Inasal.
Calamba Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal and Jollibee Group Supply Chain Head Michael Ong at the ribbon-cutting and switch-on ceremony. Aside from achieving energy independence, Rizal noted that the initiative to promote sustainability in CBF will save a considerable amount of cost and decrease carbon footprints, which is the cause of global warming.
Solarizing for the future
First Gen constructed four rooftop solar power plants for ZFC’s commissaries, cold storage, and logistics facilities.
Carlo Vega, First Gen’s Vice President for Power Marketing, Trading, and Economics, said, “We are thankful to Jollibee Group’s ZFC for their trust in our company to be their reliable energy partner in our shared vision of a cleaner and greener future for this generation and the next.”
The Canlubang Baking Facility is the manufacturing site of Red Ribbon products.
A journey towards more sustainability
From the established 2020 baseline data, Ong shared that, apart from solar energy use, the Jollibee Group manufacturing sites across the country have reduced their waste by 38% as of 2022. Furthermore, the manufacturing facilities have decreased their water use ratio by 23% and energy use ratio by 21.5%.
“We learned that our impact on the planet revolves around three critical areas: energy, water, and waste. With this newfound awareness, we embrace the challenge of ‘Joy for Tomorrow,’ and we set out to establish strategies, systems, and initiatives that will allow us to treat our planet more responsibly,” said Jose Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group’s Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.
Putting the GAME in eGaming: DigiPlus utilises cutting-edge technologies and a deep bench of experts from different spaces within the gaming industry.
Traditional bingo is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Such gaming activities have served as a space where people from all walks of life get to enjoy, relax, and build meaningful connections with every game.
However, the unprecedented times brought by the pandemic changed the entire gaming industry amidst quarantine restrictions preventing any form of social gatherings. The public crisis also rapidly pushed digital adoption across the world. This comes amidst a digitally adept young demographic and a significant penetration of the Internet and smartphones in recent years.
This brought both a challenge and an opportunity for gaming and leisure company DigiPlus Interactive in leading digitalisation in the Philippine gaming industry whilst creating enjoyable experiences for its players across channels.
DigiPlus Interactive has launched BingoPlus in January 2022. It is the first digital platform where bingo-loving Filipinos can play with the convenience of time and place by bringing the game live online. BingoPlus leverages the company’s deep understanding of its customers whilst bringing in innovation and technologies to offer new entertainment product formats to more Filipinos.
BingoPlus’ brick-and-mortar or traditional bingo operations also complemented the foray into the digital space. DigiPlus Interactive currently operates at least 200 bingo halls in different parts of the Philippines, which continue to be popular amongst Filipinos.
The strong performance of BingoPlus propelled the robust growth of DigiPlus. In 2022, DigiPlus posted a turnaround in its financial performance, with a net income of ₱686.9m coming from a net loss of ₱894.6m in the previous year. Furthermore, in the first nine months of 2023, DigiPlus registered a net income of ₱2.1b, more than a tenfold growth from 2022.
As the first and only government-licensed digital bingo platform in the country, BingoPlus is reshaping the country’s gaming industry. Continuing to dominate the digital gaming space, BingoPlus has opened up new opportunities, triggering a proliferation of online gaming platforms in the Philippines. This healthy competition fosters innovation and creativity that fundamentally benefits the customers.
The platform has also since become a community and entertainment platform, a source of revenue for the Philippine government, and a contributor to various social and educational non-profit programmes.
“The success of BingoPlus has paved the way for [DigiPlus] to undertake a strategic transformation to position itself as a digital entertainment platform,” the company said. It added its plans of launching new and innovative game offerings to cater to broader demographics and lifestyle preferences.
The platform’s continued investment in research and development, as well as its efforts in revolutionising the digital gaming experience, has been lauded by the inaugural Asian Management Excellence Awards, with the company bringing home the Philippines Innovator of the Year – Media & Entertainment category win.
The coveted awards programme celebrates the finest business leaders, innovators, and companies in Asia, and commends exceptional achievements in the various aspects of operations, including employee engagement programmes, diversity and inclusion projects, and health and wellness initiatives.
SM City Marilao welcomes the Year of the Dragon with “Luck in Love” festivity this February. Visit the Luck in Love Fair at the Mall Atrium and spot unique items perfect for gifting, such as pastries, arts and crafts, fashion accessories, and customized flowers.
February is, without a doubt, one of the busiest months of the year. Case in point: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day make a great combination at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan as the malls roll out “Luck in Love” with festive activities, surprising events, and attractions for the mall goers to enjoy.
This year, the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations come full circle with love and prosperity. Shoppers can have a fun time taking photos and get in the festive mood with the Luck in Love centerpiece in SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.
Be lucky in love and celebrate togetherness with your loved ones at the Instagrammable heart installations with lanterns and charms located at the Mall Atrium of SM City Baliwag.
Spot the lucky dragon and get helpful tips on love, wealth, health, and career with the “Lucky Forecast” Chinese zodiac, and uncover what the stars have in store for you as you step into the year of the dragon. Meanwhile, if you’re feeling in love, lucky heart installations adorned with Chinese lanterns and charms add a heartwarming delight to lovers, friends, and family who are celebrating togetherness this love season.
It’s also the best time to surprise loved ones this February with the perfect gift from a wide selection of variants to choose from at the Luck in Love Fair. From novelty items, lucky charms, popular Chinese treats, unique gifts, boxes of chocolates, and customized flowers, the fair will give you creative ideas and lots of options to make your loved ones feel extra special this luck and love season.
Bring friends and family and embrace the fortune that a lucky dragon brings at the “Luck in Love” installation in SM City Marilao.
As a special treat for the Year of the Dragon, be mesmerized as the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dance will be gracing every corner of SM Bulacan malls on February 10. On the same date, SM City Baliwag will light up the night sky through a dazzling firework display to ignite the Lunar New Year.
To add good vibes, shoppers can also enjoy sweet melodies during the Love Playlist session, with live musical performances on Valentine’s Day.
Cuddly bears, hearts, and lovely flowers are some of the thoughtful gifts you may find at the Luck in Love Fair in SM City Baliwag.
Needless to say, February at SM Bulacan malls is a double celebration of luck and love. Experience all that and more at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. Follow their social media pages for updates.
Just last year, its collaboration with Romantic Baboy was met with only finger hearts by customers. Now, this perfect pairing has more mouthwatering choices a few months after its initial launch. After all, only the best K-dramas merit a second season.
This year, 7-Eleven is introducing an expanded cast of delectable characters to its hit lineup. Whether it’s a solo samgyup feast, a quick eat for the busy bee, or something for the K-foodie, it’s Korean for everyone with the new Beef Bulgogi Set (P159), complete with fish cake, egg roll, kimchi, rice, and ssamjang, and the Jeyuk Rice Bowl (99), spicy marinated pork sided with kimchi, fish cake, and rice. In true 7-Eleven fashion, both are packed with our Korean faves and priced affordably for a comfortable indulgence like no other.
With a now wider and more varied menu to choose from, a visit to 7-Eleven is sure to satisfy any Korean hankering at any time. Choose from the newest lineup or enjoy more options from season one: Cheesy Samgyupsal Set, Japchae, and Bibimbap. All these are exclusively available at 7-Eleven, bringing the Korean experience closer to everyone.
Skip the long KBBQ lines and head over to our favorite neighborhood convenience store now. But stay tuned as there will be another rollout of yet another tasty surprise coming soon.
The 7-Eleven Chef Creations x Romantic Baboy collaboration is available in select 7-Eleven Luzon stores. Drop by now and get a fill for a daebak meal with every bite!
Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok for more information.
