The PR & Events Circuit

Smart subscribers are going to have more travel unique experiences than ever as it teams up with Airbnb, a community-driven hospitality company. Airbnb is changing the way people travel by opening up millions of unique accommodations in more than 34,000 cities in over 190 countries – be it an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month. Airbnb’s award-winning app, downloadable for free on the App Store and Google Play Store, makes searching, communicating with hosts and booking safe, seamless and fun and brings the world at the fingertips of Filipino travelers who are in search of a home away from home. All Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid and Smart Bro subscribers enjoy a P2500 discount for a minimum of P8,000 booking, here or abroad, on Airbnb.

SM City Iloilo took in its new batch of senior citizens under its Senior Citizen Community Service Program. Every weekend, these elderly staff work for 4 hours in 2 days and are given compensation in accordance with the Regional Wage Order plus 15% premium. The staff are also on duty during holidays.

Unrivaled mobile services leader Smart Communications has announced its unbeatable plans for the much anticipated iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, with super-sized data offers and awesome perks aimed at giving you the Smart Life experience. As a special offer from November 6 until December 31, you can get the iPhone 6s FREE on Plan 2000 under a 30-month contract, inclusive of a super-sized 10GB data allowance for all your videos, music and games; plus All-Month Surf, which gives you access to all your favorite websites and apps like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and chat apps like Viber, Whatsapp, Line and Messenger, among many others, throughout the 30-month period. As part of the limited offer, you can also get the iPhone 6s Plus FREE on Plan 2499 under a 30-month term, inclusive of super-sized 15GB data allowance and All-Month Surf which you can enjoy throughout the duration of the contract.

Globe Telecom, through its corporate information and communications technology (ICT) arm Globe Business, gathered the country’s top business and enterprise leaders for a day of insightful learning, discussion, and sharing of best practices on how innovation can help sustain a corporation’s competitiveness and relevance in the digital age. As one of the most awaited and exclusive business events of the year, the Enterprise Innovation Forum (EIF) brought together thought leaders and speakers from all over the world to instill the importance of innovation in leading businesses and industries. The 6th EIF was held at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel with the theme “Gearing up your business for the future”, focusing on how enterprises can drive competitiveness and relevance in the market by leveraging on new technologies in the age of globalization and digital revolution.

Property values in the 62-hectare Alabang West, a Beverly Hills-inspired township development of Megaworld’s Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), have already soared 19 percent, just around 11 months after the launch of its posh Alabang West Village last year. Megaworld’s GERI reports Alabang West Village lots now almost sold out From P47,000 per square meter in October last year, land prices in Alabang West have increased to P56,000 per square meter as of September 30 this year. To date, around 80% of the total 788 residential lots  have already been sold out. Rachelle Peñaflorida, vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., said the fast take-up of village lots in the township can be attributed to the township’s strategic location and brighter prospects for fast value appreciation of the property.

A Southeast Asian company is taking the wedding industry by storm. Using technology to their advantage, Bridestory connects wedding professionals to couples across the globe in the most convenient way possible. It is the leading wedding marketplace in the region.  SEALED WITH A KISS. Photo Courtesy of Mayad Studios. “Wedding vendors are very good at what they do, however, not all of them can market their brands in an appropriate way, which is an important factor for success. Bridestory is here to solve that problem,” said Kevin Mintaraga, Chief Executive Officer of Bridestory.

The SM Group announced a collaboration with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia to bring the Disney brand of stories closer to Filipinos through mall, retail, entertainment and amusement opportunities. The two companies aim to bring Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars brands to life through unique Disney experiences at SM’s many leisure and entertainment properties. Fans can look forward to a host of innovative offerings including Disney branded events, promotions and other unique experiences themed around fan-favorite Disney brands and characters.   Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy join SM Prime Holdings, Inc. President Hans T. Sy, The Walt Disney Company, Asia President Paul Candland, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. President Edgar Tejerero and The Walt Disney Company, Southeast Asia Managing Director Rob Gilby in celebrating the SM-Disney partnership that will bring the Disney magic closer to Filipinos. “We are thrilled to be associated ...

As Eat Bulaga gears up to make history with the “Eat Bulaga – Sa Tamang Panahon” concert at the Philippine Arena this Saturday, October 24, 2015, GMA Pinoy TV has made it possible for ALDUB fans overseas to witness a momentous chapter of the kalyerseye unfold LIVE on their TV screens.  GMA Pinoy TV subscribers from North America, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Pacific will be able to watch the Philippines’ longest-running noontime variety show at the same time that it airs in the Philippines on the day of the concert only.

The moment you use iPhone 6s, you know you’ve never felt anything like it.  With just a single press, 3D Touch lets you do more than ever.  Live Photos brings your memories to life in a powerfully vivid way.  And that’s just the beginning.  Take a deeper look at iPhone 6s, and you’ll find innovation on every level. Globe Telecom will offer iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, beginning on November 6, 2015.

 Megaworld, the country’s largest developer and lessor of office buildings, has accelerated the construction of six campus-type office towers in the 34.5-hectare McKinley West township located in the southern part of Fort Bonifacio beside the upscale Forbes Park community. The six towers will have a total of 60,000 square meters of office space, and will be part of the 350,000-square meter office space expansion of the property giant in the entire Fort Bonifacio in the next three years. “We are now experiencing an overwhelming demand for office spaces in our various townships and a big chunk of the demand pie comes from Fort Bonifacio. In McKinley West, the demand is focused on campus-type buildings which have higher efficiency floor plates, easy access to office floors via internal staircases and branding rights for whole building occupiers,” explains Jericho Go, senior vice president, Megaworld.

As the Northwing expansion of SM City Iloilo open by November this year, Ilonggos will see more dining and shopping destinations. Among them is Pepper Lunch which is schedule to open by December 1. Pepper Lunch (ペッパーランチ Peppaa-ranchi) is a “fast-steak” restaurant concept that originated in Japan in 1994.

In support of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Globe Telecom transmitted text messages warning customers of potential danger coming from Typhoon Lando. Only customers in areas affected by the typhoon were given the message.  The mobile alerts include critical information that affected communities can use to prepare for and respond to disasters The move is also in compliance with the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act or Republic Act 10639, which requires all telecommunication service providers to send free mobile alerts before disasters such as typhoon happen. “As mandated by law, Globe is privileged to be a conduit of useful information beneficial in ensuring the safety and security of people. We hope that through dissemination of timely and relevant alerts, Globe is able to assist and contribute to the government’s objective of minimizing casualties,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said. 

Let the holiday shopping begin at SM City Iloilo! SM City Iloilo will be holding its Pre-Holiday Sale starting October 23 until November 1, 2015 to give its shoppers a chance to do their early holiday shopping and enjoy special discounts on various items. Up to 70% off on great finds are in store! Plus, for every minimum P3,000 worth of single-receipt purchase from October 23-25, one can have the SM Parol Bag, exclusive for SM Advantage Card members.

Tinapayan Bakeshop Iloilo 's Chocolate Festival is now on its final run this week. For this finale week, indulge in the chocolatiest last hurrah - CHOCO ESPRESSO CRUNCH CAKE, CHOCO BLUEBEERY ACAI BAR, BELGIAN CHOCOLATE BUNS and CHOCO PEANUT BUTTER REVEL BAR

As the country’s leader in providing innovative digital services, Globe Telecom is supporting the Mondato Summit, an exclusive thought leadership forum on mobile finance and commerce. On October 20th and 21st, the Mondato Summit Asia will be held at the Makati Shangri-la where leading experts and their peers come together in an intimate setting to undertake substantive dialogue to uncover actionable insights and advance common objectives. The event will gather decision- makers and influencers focused on the mobile finance & commerce (MFC) ecosystem in Emerging Asia.  This is the first Mondato Summit Asia to be held in the Philippines. Last year, the forum was held in Singapore.  “Globe believes that innovation can be applied across a range of various platforms not only in technology but also in mobile finance and commerce. In supporting the Mondato Summit, we hope to bring in the innovative spirit of stakeholders in mobile finance and commerce.   To help ou...

Putting smiles to the faces of these students in Arevalo, Iloilo City, Tinapayan Bakeshop joined the annual celebration of World Bread Day. Elementary and high school students enjoyed Tinapayan's signature cracked pan de sal last Oct. 16, the designated date of World Bread Day.

Take advantage of this limited offer to experience Richmonde Hotel Iloilo at special discounted rates from October 18 to November 5, 2015! Starting at only PhP 3,500nett and PhP 4,00nett for a deluxe room for single and double occupancy, respectively, you can enjoy a quick city escape or Iloilo holiday in first class comforts with international-standard facilities and service, and complete with breakfast buffet at The Granary and Wi-Fi internet access. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 33 328 7888, email rhi@richmondehotel.com.ph , or book online at www.richmondehotels.com.ph . This offer is valid only for local residents and foreigners with valid ACR, and is available only for a limited number of rooms. Prior reservations required and subject to availability.

1337 Ventures ( pronounced “leet ventures” ) in collaboration with Department of Science & Technology of Philippines brings its idea validation programme, Alpha Startups to the Philippines region with the initial marker being laid in Cebu this November 9-13. Existing start ups as well as new business ideas are welcome to apply for the inaugural class within the Philippines.  “We have always viewed the Philippines region as a lucrative market to launch a start up. They have alargeunbanked population, one of the biggest inbound transactions and great talent.This programme will greatly help Philippine entrepreneurs as well as all others within our Alpha Startups alumni as it puts them on a global footing to potentially work together and have a greater geographical presence.”says BikeshLakhmichand, CEO of 1337 Ventures 

This year’s Masskara Festival is set to become another wonderful experience once again as the country’s number 1 mobile brand Globe Telecom and multi-brand mobile retail chain Allphones partner to give customers the best smartphone and postpaid plan deals to share their Masskara experiences. For the best range of gadget and devices, Allphones has become the go-to store for value-for-money seekers. Alongside its partnership with Globe, Allphones maximizes the combination of retail and telco services by offering flexiblepostpaid plan deals. With its commitment to offer the best value postpaid plan, Allphones recently introduced the Allphones Shopping Money and is bringing the exclusive offer to the Masskara Festival. Allphones Shopping Money offers new postpaid customers P8,500 worth of shopping money for Plan 999 and P4,000 shopping money for Plan 599.

Enjoy your favorite Krispy Kreme treats dressed up for Halloween with this fantastic promo exclusive through the Krispy Kreme Mobile App ! From October 1 to 29, 2015, get half dozen doughnuts with 3 Original Glazed and your choice of any 3 assorted varieties for P150 only . Here are the mechanics for this treat!

 Globe Telecom has once again upped the Filipino digital lifestyle experience by signing an exclusive deal with Sphero, an industry-leading robotics toy company which creates connected toys that fuse emerging technology with the latest innovations in robotics.Globe isthe only Philippine telco to bring the revolutionary Star Wars BB-8 app-enabled droid to the country, much to the delight of Filipino Star Wars fans and gadget geeks. The BB-8 is now available for pre-order at the Globe GEN3 Store Greenbelt and will soon be in all GEN3 Stores nationwide Customers can already pre-order the Sphero BB-8 at the Globe GEN3 Store in Greenbelt Makati and soon in other GEN3 Stores nationwide. Offered at P12,499.75, the BB-8is iOS and Android-compatible, housed in a durable polycarbonate shell and boasts of a Bluetooth smart BLE connection of up to a 100-feet range.

DOST – Information and Communications Technology Office, in partnership with 1337 Venturesand TechTalks.ph, is set to run a pre-accelerator program for startups in their early ideation and validation stages. The Alpha Startup Bootcamp will be on its pilot run in the Philippines this November, kicking off with a boot camp in Cebu City on November 9 – 13, 2015.  The inaugural 5-day Bootcamp will feature workshops on customer and product development, pitching, mentoring sessions, and networking sessions that will help startups advance from idea generation to developing viable products and business models. To conclude the Bootcamp, startups will get the chance to showcase their outputs in a demo day that will be attended by key investors.  

Some like their weddings to be the grandest celebration, regal and majestic in every detail. Then there are those who like it quaint and intimate. Others, however, prefer a scenic affair, a communion with Mother Nature. THE WEDDING PLANNING EXPERIENCE. Bridestory makes planning your wedding day easier. A wedding celebrates the union of two people, and setting up the perfect scene for that once-in-a-lifetime moment is important. Sometimes, it proves to be difficult to plan out the perfect wedding and find the right vendors without that much effort. 

SM started out with shoes. And today, it continues to expand its footwear legacy by reaching out to communities with Simply Shoes . An affiliate of SM Retail, Simply Shoes had a 10-10-10 Opening as it opens its tenth branch at Citymall Tagbak Jaro last October 10. 

Enterprises looking to maintain a competitive advantage are now relying more heavily on information and communications Technology (ICT) to improve productivity, promote innovation, and speed up the time to market their products and services. The ability to digitize and simplify business-critical operations and management systems continues to grow in importance, since companies need to find ways to keep up as new trends become available and prepare for an eventual business expansion.  To address this, companies are now turning to a partner who understands not only the requirements of their business, but also delivers innovative and relevant solutions as well as consistent superior customer service that will bring forth a meaningful and long-lasting partnership. Enterprises have found that partner in Globe Business.

The Premier Family Business Consulting Inc. (PFBC), the only family enterprise consulting firm in Southeast Asia, is inviting family businesses, practitioners, and stakeholders to join a conference that will tackle the challenges facing family businesses.  Now in its third year, the Family Enterprise Excellence Conference (FEEC) will be held on October 26 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. With the theme “United, we unite families in business,” the one-day event will not only feature talks but also serve as an occasion for sharing experiences and best practices among family businesses as well as for networking.

Globe Telecom provides the fastest LTE service in the Philippines, affirming the superiority of its mobile internet service and network infrastructure amid intensely competitive environment in the local telecommunications industry.  Providing fastest mobile internet service in the Philippines Based on OpenSignal’s State of LTE report for the third quarter of 2015, Globe Telecom’s LTE download speed is at 10 Mbps, double its competition’s LTE download speed of only 5 Mbps. Globe Telecom’s LTE download speed is comparable to territories/countries like Hong Kong (Smart Tone), India (Airtel), Norway (Telenor, Network Norway), Portugal (NOS), Indonesia (Indosat), which all registered a 10 Mbps download speed,  and even higher than the 8 Mbps download speed in Russia (MTS), Malaysia (DiGi) and even US (AT&T, US Cellular, Sprint, C Spire Wireless).  

Ilonggos will soon have the convenience of shopping and dining as City Mall Tagbak in Jaro, Iloilo opens this Saturday, October 10. Located across the transport terminal for PUVs going north and central of Panay Island, City Mall Tagbak will have an array of tenants from a grocery store and banks to fastfood restaurants and specialty shops. Shoes, shoes, shoes everywhere Among them is a shoe mecca for shop-o-holics addicted to shoes... Simply Shoes ! It's an offshoot of SM Department Store which is entirely devoted to not only to shoes but also bags and other footwears. And for its opening weekend promo from Oct 10 and 11, shoppers are in for some additional treats - Bonus Points will be 10x with an additional 10% off for all SM Advantage, Prestige and BDO Rewards card holder! Take your pick on a wide variety of shoes  Photos (from existing branches) from Simply Shoes facebook  

AirAsia , the world’s best low cost carrier for seven consecutive years running, today announced it is increasing flights to Hong Kong from Manila from 4x to 7x weekly starting 25 October 2015. All-in promo fares from as low as P688 are up for grabs now at  www.airasia.com In conjunction with this exciting news, AirAsia is offering all-in promo fares from as low as P688* one way from Manila to Hong Kongfor bookings made today until 18 October 2015 for the travel period from 25 October 2015 to 26 March 2015 .Guests can also book their flights via AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as its mobile site mobile.airasia.com.

Spa Riviera, the pioneer spa and wellness center in Iloilo is celebrating 15 years of continued success and innovation this October, which is timely because October is also Wellness Month. As a token of Spa Riviera’s love (gugma) for its clientele, it has launched its “Gugma Card” which comes with free add-ons and special price discounts. “Gugma Card will be given to the first 200 who will avail of our two signature Ilonggo services - Gayuma Package and Gayuma Experience in any of our 3 branches. Every month, we will have special free add-ons. The card is valid for one year,” said Anna Marie Rivera-Wharton, chief executive officer of Spa Riviera.

Globe Telecom confirmed it is currently in talks with PLDT for an IP peering arrangement but laments PLDT’s proposal will prevent Globe customers from accessing content and applications hosted by PLDT data centers (which includes ePLDT, Vitro, Sun, Smart, etc.) “The proposal does not go far enough even to meet the definition of peering. We are hoping any bilateral arrangement with PLDT would effectively reduce latency of local intent and improve internet speed. As is, PLDT’s proposed peering agreement won’t be effective in improving the country’s internet speed as it doesn’t allow Globe customers to directly access content and applications hosted by the PLDT group without exception,” Globe Chief Operating Officer Gil Genio said. 

SM Foundation, the retail giant's corporate social responsibility arm, turned over a 200-unit housing project, for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda, situated in Barangay Bacjawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo.  Known as the SM Cares Village - Concepcion , the turn-over rites was led Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. and Mayor  Millard Villanueva together with SM Foundation Executive Director Carmen Linda Atayde; SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Vice President Ma. Eloisa Fernan and  SM Supermalls President Ana Maria Garcia. Also present was the family of Roberto and Gloria Tirol, represented by Jose Robert Tirol who donated the 1-hectare lot; Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) director Rev. Msgr. Meliton Oso, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Bacjawan Sur Brgy. Capt. Nonilo Villarias.

Globe Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Advisor Rodolfo A. Salalima, a recognized authority in the field of telecommunications law, launches his new book titled: “Telecommunications in the Information Revolution”.  The book is a compilation of the law and jurisprudence on telecommunications and of insights on the evolving language and fundamental issues of the Internet revolution. It helps provide understanding on the current communications technologies that help shape the change in people’s lives and lifestyles. It is also used as a textbook filled with legal commentary for law students, and as a reference material for industry practitioners and non-lawyers.  

Globe Telecom has disconnected from service close to 30,000 prepaid numbers found to be consistent source of spam and scam text messages as the leading mobile operator continues to intensify efforts to eliminate such unsolicited and annoying messages.  The numbers blocked from the Globe network were subject of complaints reported through the http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam where customers are simply required to provide all the details of spam and scam messages they received on their mobile devices. Numbers that are reported to be a constant source of spam messages are then disconnected from service. 

Globe Telecom, Inc. signed a 10-year P5 Billion and 7-year US$45 Million term loan with Metrobank. The loans shall be used to finance Globe's capital expenditures. “This new loan facility from Metrobank will help us address the demands of our customers in their continuing shift to a digital lifestyle. Globe is committed to invest in additional network capacities to handle the robust growth in data traffic from our customers“, said Alberto de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Financial Officer.    Left to right are, Metrobank Executive Vice-President Mary Mylene Caparas, Metrobank President Fabian Dee, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu and Globe Chief Finance Officer Alberto de Larrazabal. Globe invested about P11.4 Billion in capital expenditures in the first half of 2015. Bulk of the investment was allocated for data-related projects, including investments for the company’s broadband network, capacities for wireless data, LTE, and domestic and international transmission fa...

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu supports the Philippine Eagle Foundation through the project “ Adopt Pag-asa ”. The hotel offers a "Hope Room Package" to help the Philippine Eagle Foundation’s efforts towards the protection of the Philippine Eagle through conservation, breeding and by working with local communities. The package includes a stay in a mountain-view accommodation with an awesome day-starter – a breakfast for two at “Cebu’s Best Breakfast Buffet”, Café Marco. PLUS, take home a Pag-asa stuffed toy from the Philippine Eagle Foundation helping the organization save the endangered Philippine Eagle.

Barangay Tinago, Cebu City and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. launched Wednesday, September 30, their joint campaign to help increase the public’s awareness on breast cancer prevention with the ceremonial opening of Lopez Jaena Street as “Pink Street.” CEREMONIAL OPENING. (L-R) Tinago, Cebu City Barangay Captain Joel Garganera, RAFI Chief Operating Officer Dominica B. Chua, RAFI President Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz, and RAFI Reputation Management Head Carol Ballesteros cut the ribbon to formally open Lopez Jaena Street as “Pink Street”. The project is in observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Adorned with banderitas (buntings), tarpaulins, ribbons, and balloons—all in pink—that give the street a “fiesta” mood, the Pink Street intends to serve as a reminder to Cebuanos to be aware about cancer, specifically breast cancer, and that they could always tap the barangay and the community in this endeavor. The Pink Street campaign is also a call to Cebuanos to work...

Philippine startups and developers were recently called to push for global digital inclusion by providing free access to basic internet services to millions of people worldwide through Facebook’s Free Basics powered by Globe.  Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Daniel Horan, Growth & Partnerships Manager, Facebook Dikshant Chopra, Lily Lyman and Product Partnerships Manager, Facebook Jackie Chang, and Kickstart VP and Head of Community Engagement Christian Besler at the Kickstart Raid the Fridge event.   Globe, through its venture capital subsidiary Kickstart Ventures, Inc., recently brought Facebook’s Free Basics closer to Philippine developer and startup communities to rally them to develop locally relevant and useful services for Filipinos through the Free Basics platform. Jackie Chang, Product Partnerships Manager, Facebook, spoke to over 150 members of the Philippine startup community at the Raid The Fridge event hosted by Kickstart.