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SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela are set to be the epicenter of fan excitement as the malls host back-to-back fandom events this weekend.



Fans of Seventeen, known as Carats, are invited this Saturday, September 23, 2023, at SM City Valenzuela for the much-anticipated fandom event, “CHEERS TO CARATS”. The Event Center of SM City Valenzuela will be transformed into a haven for all #Seventeen fans. In partnership with Carat Land Philippines, attendees can look forward to an array of #AweSM activities and prizes that await them. The event will feature live performances, abundant freebies, a thrilling play dance, engaging games, and much more. The best part? Admission is absolutely free, and the event is open to all Carats, whether you are a long-time fan or a newbie.



Following this, SM City Grand Central will be hosting the Armys Fandom event on Sunday, September 24, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm. The Mall Atrium will serve as the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating gathering, presented in collaboration with ARMY YAH PH. This event promises an unforgettable day filled with an exciting lineup of activities, captivating music, breathtaking visuals, and an abundance of love for BTS. Attendees are encouraged to let their true purple ARMY spirit shine and create lasting memories with fellow fans.



Both electrifying fandom events are set to bring together the K-pop community in a celebration of music, camaraderie, and shared passion. Attendees are advised to come early to secure their spots and make the most of this remarkable experience.

Cyan Modern Kitchen

With its commitment to bringing the heart of Manila into its four walls, Lanson Place Mall of Asia introduces thoughtfully designed living areas that capture a panoramic view of the city, complemented by five dining venues with distinct gastronomical offerings.

In CYAN Modern Kitchen, an interactive open kitchen and Lanson’s main restaurant, both Buffet and A La Carte menus pay homage to Filipino delicacies. Guests are invited to try the classic Eggs Benedict, which utilizes Malabar Spinach or alugbati and coconut aminos from local farms instead of imported spinach and balsamic glaze. This adds not only a local touch to a classic dish but also helps support agricultural suppliers in the area.

Cyan holds a contemporary design with its floor-to-ceiling windows that invoke a flexible space that can cater to both leisure and corporate gatherings. At the main dining hall, diners have front-row seats to the magnificent sunset Manila Bay is best known for. Meanwhile, its private room holds a view of the MOA Eye and even Mount Samat on a clear day.

“The interior design of Lanson Place Manila’s restaurants draws inspiration from various sources. The wide spaces mimic the surrounding scenic views such as Manila Bay, the city skyline, and the courtyard resulting in charming dining spaces that set them apart from other options in the area. For our menu, we curated it with meticulous attention to the Filipino market. 75% of the menu was thoughtfully crafted to cater to a diverse clientele. Each restaurant presents an array of international cuisines, encompassing not only Filipino favourites but also an enticing variety of Indian and Spanish influenced dishes. As a Hong Kong brand, we further delight our patrons with menus influenced by the vibrant culinary scene of the Asia-Pacific,” said Lanson Place Mall of Asia Executive Chef Kristine Oro.

Twice Cooked Pork Belly

Sous Vide Salmon

Lanson Place Mall of Asia takes extra steps to advocate sustainability without compromising their commitment to quality. One example is how they will grow their own herb and citrus garden for dishes and beverages. They ensure the quality of their produce while, at the same time, lessen their carbon footprint.

Chef Kristine Oro states, “Lanson’s commitment to sustainability can be seen through the support of the local community’s farmers and suppliers whose products are at par with international standards. We also aim to minimize imported ingredients by replacing them with local alternatives to enhance the flavour of their dishes.”

Guests can sample the home-grown herb flavours at the Madeleine High Tea, a cosy high tea lounge that offers tiered high tea menus with tea selections from Agusan del Norte served as traditional and cocktail teas. It also provides a vibrant and inviting space for groups of friends or families to enjoy pastries-to-go and a delectable signature high tea, fostering bonding moments. Madeleine High Tea also serves as an ideal venue for premium and intimate events such as launches or art exhibits.

Guests can have a sip of perfectly brewed coffee made with premium beans sourced from both local and international growers at the BLK12 Café|Bar. This versatile café stands as a cosy lounge in the morning and transforms into an upbeat and stylish wine bar at night, offering a lifestyle choice to relax and unplug.

For business travellers, Bytes, a grab-and-go counter, offers freshly prepared meals for busybodies. Nestled in the courtyard, it is the perfect place to grab a healthy meal and a quick breather before a busy day begins.

“At Bytes, we prioritise healthy snacks made mostly from local ingredients that are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Packaging materials used are made with biodegradable materials as well,” Chef Kristine Oro said.

On the other hand, the Edge Pool Bar is made for a day of lounging and relaxing. It has a 180-degree scenic view of Manila Bay and the Metro’s skyline. Guests will be able to unwind and enjoy the scenery while taking a dip in the infinity pool.

Saffron Grand Ballroom

 

Lanson Place Mall of Asia’s dining options are made to fit any occasion. The hotel’s banquet and meeting areas provide a versatile co-working space for casual discussions or a spacious venue for grand celebrations. Well-sized meeting rooms promote an efficient work environment, ideal for hosting conferences and gatherings of any scale. It also ensures accessible and well-appointed meeting facilities for various business events with ample daylight seeping through its floor-to-ceiling windows and easy access to the courtyard for break-out sessions.

Residents’ Lounge

 

 

 

For long-staying guests, the Residents’ Lounge provides a calming space to lounge and offers a tranquil environment for relaxation. It features a nature-inspired color scheme and window seating that provides a view of the Galleon.

After a day in the premiere Residents’ Lounge, guests can head to the gym and wellness facilities of the property. The well-equipped gym and spacious yoga studio can accommodate the fitness requirements of both short-staying and long-staying guests. Set on the top floor of the building, it is a perfectly scenic place to hold special classes and lifestyle activities.

Experience the comfortable living, artful design, and architectural marvels of Lanson Place Mall of Asia while the Early Bird Offers still stand. Guests who book their stay early can enjoy the best available rates.

For more information about Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila’s collaboration with local businesses and farmers, their upcoming events, and other offerings, visit the official website at www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia or follow its official social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).

Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered in-restaurant solutions.

The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes.

In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled “CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences”. At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency.


With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload.

According to foodpanda Philippines Commercial Director Luis Antonio Yanga, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare’s platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and provides efficient solutions for our thousands of partner vendors and merchants.”

Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike

With foodpanda and TabSquare’s combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention.

Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends, and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers’ purchasing history,” Yanga said.

Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints.

According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10% higher bill sizes, up to 50% reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10% uplift in business performance since joining the platform.

In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of their services. “With foodpanda, we will be bringing many new innovative features to the industry. For example, restaurants working with TabSquare can now promote themselves to foodpanda’s large customer base and attract new customers,” told Anshul Gupta, co-founder of TabSquare.

Growing demand for QR codes in dine-in

Dine-in is offered through foodpanda’s pandapro subscription program with exclusive discounts and deals for app users.

Yanga shared that to further boost this segment and cater to the growing demand for QR Code payments, foodpanda introduced TabSquare’s enhanced QR Code scanning process for dine-in orders. This strategic move comes as a response to the rising demand for QR Code payments, evident by the country’s QR Code transactions totaling P 32.7 billion in Q1 2023.

Recently, dine-in has also become available to all foodpanda app users in Cebu with new features like in-app payment. With “Redeem & Pay,” the process becomes effortless as users can pay directly through the app, saving time and enhancing the overall dining experience.

From left: GCash chief marketing officer Neil Trinidad, chief transformation officer Ron Testa, chief technology and operations officer Pebbles Sy, chief people officer Robert Gonzales, president and CEO Martha Sazon, chief strategy officer Rowie Zamora, chief finance officer Tek Olano, head of wealth management Jong Layug

The country’s no. 1 finance super app GCash was recently hailed as one of the best employers, this time by the prestigious ‘HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2023’. GCash chief people officer Robert Gonzales, along with president and CEO Martha Sazon, received the recognition during the awards night held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay .

The awards program is organized by HR Asia, the most authoritative publication for senior HR professionals with over 200,000 monthly average unique visitors and 300,000 monthly average page views, having readership segments that include HR Officers, HR Managers, Senior Management, ‘C’ level executives, and consultants across the Asian countries. It is among the publications of Business Media International (BMI), which is one of Asia’s leading business-to-business publishers.

The awards are given annually in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Citations given to companies based on HR Asia’s Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM) survey, which is one of the largest employee engagement surveys across Asia.

“We are truly honored to receive yet another recognition for our continued commitment to employee well-being. Here at GCash, our goal is financial inclusion in every possible way. Aside from our customers, we also aim to bring the benefits of financial inclusion to our valued employees,” said Gonzales.

Just a few months ago, GCash also received the Great Place to Work Certification and was included in the top companies to work for by LinkedIn. With their most recent recognition by HR Asia, GCash cements its commitment to prioritizing employee well-being and action through people-oriented programs and initiatives that can build the success of any business organization. However, the company’s dedication to creating an exceptional workplace goes beyond individual rewards and revolves around the trust employees have in their leaders.

To learn more, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Today’s advancements in smartphone technology has not only allowed us to make our lives easier, it also lets us explore new passions and leisures. One of the most notable improvements is the enhancement of its cameras which has allowed people to express their creativity through the lens of their mobile devices.



Case in point is the OnePlus 11 5G, an accessible flagship smartphone that can produce professional quality photos using its state-of-the-art Hasselblad camera system.


Using your smartphone to snap images – whether still or moving – need not be complicated. Professional photographer, Cyrus Panganiban, has cemented his place in the field of portrait photography, taking portraits of the most influential and powerful personalities in the country. He will share useful tips and fundamental rules of taking powerful shots that anyone can achieve using the OnePlus 11 5G:

Know what you like taking photos of

“Photograph anything or everything that interests you. In the process, get to know yourself – and in what field or aspect of this medium you like the most; that is where you’d train, specialize and excel in!” said Cyrus. He adds how he captures anything and everything because he likes to document his daily life.

Cyrus Panganiban works with big camera set-ups on a regular basis. But for his laid back and relaxed moments, the OnePlus 11 5G is his perfect pocket friendly companion when he needs and wants to capture experiences at a moment’s notice.

It is equipped with Hasselblad cameras which have captured the most iconic moments in history – from impactful portraits to man’s first steps on the moon. It is able to bring true-to-life colors for unbelievable image quality. “I like the Hasselblad imaging, particularly the portrait mode. I just love the idea of sometimes going out without my pro cam and just documenting everything with my mobile phone and just enjoying the moment with no heavy gear,” he says.

Co-created by Hasselblad, the OnePlus 11 5G boasts its system-based triple camera module paired with Hasselblad-branded color turning, allowing users to get solid shots out of the phone without washing out its natural colors. This gives users quality camera features at a good price. “Being a OnePlus 11 5G ambassador came at a good time, with its 50MP main camera with Sony IMX 890 sensor and 32MP telephoto camera I was able to start with ease.”, he adds.

Find Good Light

Having good lighting is key for a well-taken photograph. More than the brightness or the darkness of the photo, perfect lighting helps set the mood and vibe of a photo. As a portrait photographer, finding a good light source is the first thing Cyrus does. “Good lighting requires observation. For beginners, I suggest taking time and just observing the day, from sunrise to sunset. At night, observe how street lights behave. It’s a preference on how a photographer balances the light and dark. Continuous practice and taking the time to memorize how light moves is key.” Cyrus said.

But even in places where a good light is not available, the OnePlus 11 5G got you covered for its camera houses a 50MP Sony IMX 890 main camera that gives users the ability to take low-light photos and videos even at backlit areas. Apart from the main camera are the 115° 48MP ultra-wide camera and IMX709 32MP telephoto lens which can produce DSLR-level quality shots.



“I like and use the main camera mode of the OnePlus 11 5G. The 50MP main camera with Sony IMX890 sensor and 32MP telephoto portrait camera is what I use in almost all of my daily documentation,” he shares . He also likes using the portrait mode with its bokeh effect. “I like the XPAN mode which gives my photos that cinematic vibe,” said Cyrus .



Be familiar with the camera’s features

Taking stunning photos using camera phones has become easier and better. To achieve this, you must first study the features and settings to make the most out of it.

“Practice and be attuned to your mobile phone’s camera settings and features. This will give you that edge,” said Cyrus.

Starting to learn mobile photography is not easy, and one of the common photography mistakes Cyrus sees in social media are pictures taken on a busy background. According to him, a busy background takes away the focus on the subject. But the solution he finds using the OnePlus 11 5G is the portrait mode. “Setting the camera of the OnePlus 11 5G in portrait mode with a wide aperture gives me the option to isolate my subject. Match the portrait mode with good lighting and you get great portraits.”, he said “With the OnePlus 11 5G, anyone can take beautiful and captivating portraits. With the Hasselblad camera and user-friendly camera features, it’s as if you are taking photos like a pro”. He adds.



Snap powerful portraits with the OnePlus 11 5G

Achieve the perfect shot and show the true photographer you are with the OnePlus 11 5G.

The OnePlus 11 5G is priced at PHP 45,990 for the 8+128GB variant and PHP 49,990 for the 16+256GB variant. It comes in 2 colorways – Titan Black and Eternal Green.

Experience the Shape of Power and get the OnePlus 11 5G today in all official OnePlus kiosks and select OPPO brand stores nationwide. You may also purchase via Lazada and Shopee.

For more information on the OnePlus 11 5G, its features, and its availability, check OnePlus Philippines’ official website and Facebook page for more details.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) signs partnership with The Pod Network (TPN) for the PRSP Education Committee Breaking Down the Buzz, a 12-episode PR Students and Young Professionals Congress Podcast Series. Previously a students’ congress, it has evolved into a podcast for academe and young professionals for this year. The partnership includes the development of evergreen and topic-based content for students and young practitioners to have access to continuous and experience-based learnings via easy access to a platform favored by its target audience. This is a pioneer event in the PR industry and for allied industries in using craft and technology for innovative and sustainable activations.

The agreement was signed by officers of PRSP Education Committee & The Pod Network (seated L-R): PRSP Trustee Joe Zaldarriaga of Meralco, PRSP Trustee & Education Committee Chair Aye Ubaldo, PRSP President Harold Geronimo of Megaworld, The Pod Network CEO & Co-Founder Alan Fontanilla and TPN CFO John Philip Co. Also present were committee members (standing L-R): Abigail Mendoza of Meralco, Judy Villaroman-Aguilar of Evident Communications, Rudy Villar of TOG Integrated, Riza Myfel Del Rosario, Podcast Manager of TPN and Joselle Jamison, Head of Data of TPN.

Another feat for Filipina women leaders on the global stage. Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group’s Head of Global Organization, Leadership, and Culture and Head of Region Philippines Human Resources, was cited as the only Filipina among the three finalists for the People category at the WeQual Awards, Asia-Pacific 2023.


The WeQual Awards identify senior executive women with exemplary leadership qualities. The Awards aim to promote and accelerate gender parity at the top of the world’s largest companies.


“It is a great honor to become part of this global list of outstanding senior executive women. This recognition inspires me to do even more to foster our JFC culture of inclusivity and equality in the workplace that allows employees, regardless of gender, to grow and succeed,” Angeles said.


WeQual cited Angeles as a skilled communicator with a deep understanding of aligning people strategy with business objectives. WeQual likewise recognized Angeles’ well-developed judgment and remarkable resilience.


Angeles started her journey with the Jollibee Group in 2006 as HR Manager for Jollibee Worldwide Services and became part of its pioneer leadership team. After this stint, she led Red Ribbon Philippines’ HR function, helping keep people aligned amid its business turnaround at the time. She was soon elevated to HR Head of Jollibee Philippines, facilitating a culture transformation that helped the brand achieve significant sales and store network growth. Today, Angeles leads the Regional HR team in the Philippines and the Global Organization, Leadership, and Culture team concurrently.


As the Regional HR Head for the Philippines, Angeles oversees the consistent delivery of HR programs, systems, and processes while building the talent pipeline for organizational sustainability in the region. Simultaneously, Angeles drives cultural transformation across JFC’s BUs and functions globally through learning and development, organizational development, and employee engagement.


In the Philippines, women comprise most of Jollibee Group’s management positions. The organization was named in the list of Forbes’ Most Female Friendly Companies—a testament to its commitment to supporting its women employees worldwide. Last year, Cynthia Castro, Finance Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Region and Jollibee Philippines, was also recognized as a finalist in the WeQual Awards.

In its bid to transform and redefine the Filipino prepaid mobile experience, DITO launches its “mas pinaTODO” mobile prepaid offerings, enabling DITOzens to go all-out in enjoying value-for-money prepaid products to help them chase their passions -powered by the speed of DITO Flash 5G.

“DITO is excited to unveil a fresh phase of connectivity, catering to the lifestyles, aspirations and needs of Filipinos, especially for young adults and Gen Zs,” said DITO Chief Commercial Officer Evelyn Jimenez. “Our MasPinaTODO mobile prepaid offers aim to deliver a perfect balance between affordability and high-speed connectivity so that Filipinos can be ushered to a whole new horizon of endless possibilities and opportunities.”

1-Elevating your Digital Lifestyle

You can keep on getting the most with your interests with DITO Level-Up Packs. This enticing offer invites you to fully embrace digital living for as low as Php 99 only which is already valid for 30 days. It’s more than just affordable – it’s the complete value package, which includes calls, texts, data, and exciting bonuses like Prime Video access.

For DITO Level-Up Pack Php 99, you can enjoy a total of 7GB all-access data, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, 300 minutes calls to other networks and bonus 30-day Prime Video mobile edition subscription. You will also benefit from the game-changing data rollover feature which would ensure that any of your unused data be carried over to the next subscription. DITO’s thrust goes beyond mere connectivity—the company wants to present itself as your steady ally on your journey to embracing your own TODO lifestyle.

2-Envisioning Seamless Connection

Experience seamless connectivity with DITO’s Video over LTE (ViLTE) technology which redefines video calling by eliminating your usual data worries. This innovation embodies DITO’s dedication to delivering uninterrupted communication via our unlimited DITO-to-DITO video calls with absolutely no data charges. Unlike the typical power-hungry video calling apps that end up finishing your data, ViLTE functions seamlessly on DITO’s network, enabling endless conversations without data charges. You can even turn off data while staying connected using ViLTE’s unique capabilities.

This feature is available for ViLTE-enabled phones only.

3-Leading the Future of Connectivity

As DITO continues to build on its strong momentum, it remains at the forefront by introducing breakthrough UNLI 5G services. Empowered by its 5G SA technology, DITO is one of the first to showcase the true 5G experience.

DITO UNLI 5G 299 encapsulates not only unmatched speed but a comprehensive mobile experience where you can enjoy unlimited 5G data along with 10GB 4G data, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, and a bonus 300 minutes calls to other networks.

4-Redefining Affordability and Flexibility

Prioritizing its value-for-money stance, DITO’s innovative DATA Sachets have been made affordable to make your digital needs more manageable.

These flexible prepaid data options have been designed to seamlessly align with your budget, data needs, and usage duration. DITO Data Sachets grant DITOzens extended access to diverse applications, facilitating continuous learning, entertainment, and connectivity.



With this offering, exploring the digital realm has never been simpler, with choices spanning from 1GB at PHP 10, diving into 2GB over 3 days for just PHP 20, to exploring DATA 50, a package carrying an impressive 5GB of data, valid for 7 days.

5-Unboxing Limitless Connectivity

DITO introduces yet another game-changing product that amplifies your connectivity. More than just a physical SIM card, the DITO Starter Pack opens up a world of boundless potential. DITO Starter Pack comes packed with up to 25GB of data, including 3GB of 5G data, and unlimited calls and texts across all networks. And as a special bonus, subscribing to the Level-Up Packs also gives you access to Prime Video, adding another layer of excitement to your DITO adventure.

As DITO lowers the barrier for people to try their services, they are not only refining their prepaid offerings but also reshaping how Filipinos connect, communicate, and create. Try out the new

Starter Pack and become part of a movement that celebrates connectivity in its most boundless form.

Win For Every Telecommunity

DITO is also making its presence felt after Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics company, awarded DITO multiple noteworthy awards in their latest report: Upload Speed Experience, Availability, Excellent Consistent Quality, and Core Consistent Quality.

DITO even dislodged Smart Communications from the top spot in the Excellent Consistent Quality category after scoring a record-breaking 58.8% versus Smart’s 56.7 %. Moreover, on Core

Consistent Quality, DITO soared to a 79.9% rating, knocking-off Globe Telecom from the top spot who only registered 77.7% Incidentally, DITO’s Upload Speed has also risen remarkably, with a score of 5.2Mbps.

At the same time, the Availability Award they received recognized DITO for providing the most available network connection in various places where people commonly go, allowing users to access DITO’s network and stay connected more of the time.

These awards prove that as DITO grows, it continues to uplift telecommunities with reliable connectivity that they deserve.

For more information, check out dito.ph/prepaid. For the latest updates, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.

Understanding the Filipinos’ need for investment options with potential monthly dividend payouts, Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI) has launched a new fund called Sun Life Prosperity World Income Fund (SLP WIF).

A peso-denominated feeder fund, SLP WIF was designed to help clients make the most of their investing journey in two ways. First, SLP WIF will maximize their Philippine Pesos’ potential by investing it in a Target Fund managed by BlackRock®, one of the world’s largest asset management companies. The fund’s composition adjusts according to market conditions, allowing investors to take advantage of investment opportunities.

The adaptive reallocation to a variety of asset classes worldwide maximizes potential earnings, then enabling the fund to potentially pay out monthly cash dividends to investors. With SLP WIF, clients can enjoy the returns of their investment in the short term, while still maintaining their capital for the long term.

SLP WIF is ideal for clients eager to diversify their financial portfolio or avail of investment opportunities abroad who are less worried by market volatility which can affect the value of their investments. Initial investments start at only ₱10,000 while additional investments start at only ₱1,000.


“SLP WIF’s launch comes at an ideal time, with the re-energized global economy and the Filipinos’ revitalized appreciation for investing. We’re excited for clients to discover how this fund can be an ideal addition to their existing investments,” SLAMCI President Gerald Bautista said. “After all, SLP WIF was created with their needs at the core.” SLAMCI President Gerald Bautista