The PR & Events Circuit

In its pursuit to showcase various local Ilonggo talents, Robinsons Place Jaro opens The Centerstage to feature homegrown talents. And for its initial offering, The Centerstage presented “The Virtuosos” – a violin and piano duet featuring Jonathan Rei Dago (violin) and Rofel John Parreňo (piano).

Megaworld, the country’s largest developer of integrated urban townships, is launching the first phase of the Festive Walk Parade in the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park township in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Western Visayas’ longest retail and dining strip opens to the public this Christmas season At 1.1 km long and divided into four phases, the Festive Walk Parade is considered as Western Visayas’ longest retail and dining strip. It will showcase local and legendary Ilonggo restaurants as well as international brands. “With the opening of the first phase of the Festive Walk Parade this Christmas season, Ilonggos will get a taste of the experience that a Megaworld Lifestyle Mall offers,” says Kevin L. Tan, senior vice president and head, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.    "The line of retail shops and restaurants fronting wide arcades, surrounded by beautifully landscaped walkways, makes a stroll along the entire stretch of the Iloilo Festive Walk a truly captivating ex...

After more than two years of being a "rumor" S&R Membership Shopping finally opens in Iloilo this coming Dec. 16, 2016. Two more days to go and Ilonggos will have a new shopping experience... S&R is a membership shopping store that only members can gain entry and shop (and dine inside). It is patterned after warehouse stores in the US that sees a whole range of products from grocery items to furniture plus bakeshop and delicatessen. An estimated 80% of the goods sold is imported mainly from the US so this is like a US balikbayan box but you have the control of what's inside.

Traditions are essential in every culture and create different experiences for everyone. For Filipinos, the Christmas season is one of the most celebrated traditions across the nation. As early as September, malls, establishments, and even homes are already decked out in holiday colors as families make plans for their usual Christmas activities. Whether it’s the annual Christmas Dinner, gift shopping, or traveling to wonderful destinations, the true meaning of the season is anchored on togetherness. Some may be miles apart but the love for each other brings everyone closer.  At the Wonderful World with Globe 12, the company prepared a thanksgiving dinner where they showcased their latest offers that are perfect for creating new traditions with the whole family. Today's digital lifestyle allows old traditions to be relived and made more exciting.  Turn them into new ones by using the latest digital trends from Globe and let everyone create new memories for a lifetim...

SM City Iloilo will launch the Brillante Mendoza Film Festival (BMFF) this coming December 15, 2016, 4 pm, at SM City Iloilo Northpoint. Highlighting the event is the screening of the director's internationally acclaimed film - Ma' Rosa on December 16, 2016 at SM Iloilo Cinema 6 and 7, 8 am.  The film is about ROSA, who owns a small community convenient store connected to their home in the slums of Metropolitan Manila. Together with her husband, NESTOR, they use their convenient store as cover-up for selling illegal narcotic, Methamphetamines. Their fate changes when their neighbor sets them up for a police raid leading to the couple’s arrest - a ploy for extortion. Backed against the wall, Rosa seeks help from her children, JACKSON, RAQUEL, and KERWIN as they do the daunting task to buy their parent’s freedom.

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom, together with its thousands of iPhone 7 customers, collaborates with Hineleban Foundation, Inc. on the Rainforestation of Six Mountain Ranges of Mindanao as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable development and good corporate citizenship.  MoA Signing between Globe and Hineleban on Rainforestation Program.   Signatories are Hineleban President Edgar Bullecer (2nd from left) and Globe SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (2nd from right). Witnesses are Globe Program Coordinator Neil Konrad Binayao (left) and Globe Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Rofil Sheldon Magto (right) together with the seven tribe leaders of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. At the same time, Globe signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Hineleban for a five-year Rainforestation Program composed of three key components, namely: reforestation, food security, and sustainable livelihood development. The foundation is a non-prof...

Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from left) and Metrobank President Fabian Dee, (2nd from right) shake hands following the signing of 12-year and 15-year P20 billion term loan facility. The loan is intended to finance partial acquisition of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets. The transaction, which is expected to provide benefits to mobile internet customers, exemplifies the company’s continuous commitment and investments in improving the network and quality of service. These investments will help support the data needs of existing and new customers and allow them to enjoy their digital lifestyle. Globe Chief Finance Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala (left) and FMIC president Rabboni Francis Arjonillo (right) witnessed the signing.

As part of its tradition of celebrating the Christmas season, Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PROFRiends) Iloilo condcted its annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in Guimbal, Iloilo on November 18.  PROFriends Iloilo turns over some corporate donations to Guimbal SPED Program  that they can use in teaching the children with special needs. For the past two years, PROFriends Iloilo spends its early Christmas in different institutions. These include the SOS Children’s Village in Zarraga in 2014 and Asilo de Molo in 2015. This year, they have chosen the students with special needs of Guimbal SPED Program to share love and joy this Christmas. The activity was highlighted with a magic show, fun games and the turning-over of corporate donations to the beneficiaries. 

A motif of gold, silver and bronze highlighting locally made products make up Seda Atria's holiday centerpiece - the "Alibangbang" Christmas Tree.  Made from burlap (jute sack), buri (taffia), nito (rattan) and the world-renowned “Hablon” fabric , the tree pays tribute to some of Iloilo's heritage cottage industry industry.  Launched last December 2 2016 through a Tree Lighting ceremony, it serves as a Holiday attractions for guests at the Hotel and at Misto Restaurant.

With the Philippines bagging the Top 2 spots in Time.com's WORLD'S SELFIEST CITIES ranking, it's no wonder that VIVO , the top 5 global smartphone manufacturer, made Manila one of it's stops for it's latest smartphone launch. In a grand unveiling ceremony held at the Solaire Grand Ballroom, Vivo revealed V5 - the world's first smartphone with a 20-megapixel front camera!

Pro-friends Incorporated, the leading developer of quality homes in Iloilo has always been passionate in promoting close knit family ties. True to its vision of creating communities and transforming lives, Pro-friends relentlessly delivers quality dream homes to the Ilonggo families. The dream homes have made families closer to each other, creating a happy community rooted in love and harmony.  Pro-Friends, Inc. will launch its newest campaign for Parc Regency, “ Closeness Matters ” on Nov. 25, 2016 reflecting how the Ilonggo family value closeness not only in family ties but in their day to day life activities as well.  More than the sweet tone of the Hiligaynon dialect and their innate hospitality to the visitors, Ilonggos are also known to have a very close family ties. Just like the typical Filipino family, Ilonggos value good relationship among the family members above all.

Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), the investment holding company of tycoon Dr. Andrew L. Tan, recorded net income of P17.3 billion in the first nine months of the year, reflecting a growth of 7% year-on-year.  This came on the back of cost efficiencies across all business segments, allowing for better operating margins as consolidated revenues rose 2% to P101.6 billion. Net income attributable to common shareholders stood at P11.0 billion, up 4% from its level a year ago.   In the third quarter, AGI’s net income swelled by 26% to P6.0 billion, its strongest quarterly performance since the second quarter of 2013.  Consolidated revenues amounted to P34.5 billion, underpinned by the sustained growth in rentals, increasing contribution from its overseas liquor business, healthy sales from its quick service restaurants and a recovery in gaming revenues. 

Philippine’s leading tourism estate developer, Global-Estate Resorts Inc. (GERI,) a subsidiary of property giant Megaworld,grew its net income by 41% to P754-million for the first three quarters of 2016 from P534-million of the same period last year. The company’s total revenues for the firstnine months amounted to P4.4-billion, up 15% year-on-year compared to the P3.8-billion of the same period last year. This notable growth was imputed by its residential arm which drove 77% of total revenues. Earlier this year, the company launched four residential projects, particularly in the tourism estate of Twin Lakes near Tagaytay: Three residential towers of The Manor with around 380 units and Lucerne at Domaine Le Jardin with about 320lots. These projects cover around P3.7-billion in projected sales revenues.

Emperador Inc., the world’s largest brandy company and owner of Scotch whisky brands of Whyte and Mackay as well as some Spanish brandy and sherry brands led by the iconic Fundador, realized a net income of PHP4.9 billion from January to September this year. This was about 5% higher than the comparable period last year and was achieved on consolidated revenues of PHP27.9 billion. Margins were higher compared to the same period of 2015 due to cost efficiency, which enabled the group to record higher earnings.

Property giant Megaworld’s rental income soared 15% in the first three quarters of the year, pulling up the company’s 9-month income. Rental income, which comes from the company’s expanded office and commercial retail portfolio, reached P7.41-billion in the first nine months of 2016 from P6.44-billion during the same period last year.  During the past months, Megaworld has opened new malls and commercial centers in its various integrated urban townships, particularly Uptown Bonifacio, McKinley Hill, Forbes Town Center, Iloilo Business Park, The Mactan Newtown, and Twin Lakes; and new office towers in McKinley West, Uptown Bonifacio, The Mactan Newtown, and Iloilo Business Park.

Mark your calendars and be part of the history! Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Regatta in partnership with The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) Alumni Circle is spearheading “I Run for Peace” at the Gaisano Iloilo City Center (GICC) in Mandurriao on November 20, 5 am. I Run for Peace is an advocacy run event which aims to promote wellness and peace among the Ilonggo youth.

Lazada’s Online Revolution 2016 is guaranteed to make your Christmas wishes and dreams come true with just a click, tap or swipe! With more than 12,500 local and international brands plus 6,000 merchants in participation, LAZADA brings the biggest online shopping event in the Philippines (and Southeast Asia) this Friday, November 11, 2016.  Brands for All is this Nov.11-Dec.12, 2016 shopping event’s theme putting customers’ favorite brands in the spotlight. 

There’s a big B along Iloilo Diversion that aroused my curiosity so when the invitation came came to check it out, I grabbed the chance!  The B Lifestyle Complex is where Life Just Got Better as it is a sustainable synergy of residential and commercial spaces that altogether provide work-life balance with lifestyle brands under one roof. It is comprised of  BED+BATH Serviced Suites,  BARN Breakfast Bistro, BALANCE Earth Friendly Lifestyle, BONDS Coworking Space, BLUSH Beauty Bar, BOOST Fitness Gym, BRIGHT Future Financing, BASICS Convenience Store and BREEZY Laundry Made Easy.

Days Hotel Iloilo was recently awarded with a three-star rating by the Department of Tourism. For Iloilo City’s first international brand hotel, this recognition reaffirms Days Hotel Iloilo’s commitment and constant pursuit of innovation to give its guests the best service.

In preparation for Lazada’s upcoming Online Revolution Sale kicking off on Nov. 11, the Lazada Affiliate Marketing team went on a roadshow in Iloilo last Oct. 29 after other key cities like Manila, Davao, Cebu, and Bacolod. During the 4-day roadshow, the cities’ top bloggers and social media influencers were given an introduction to Affiliate Marketing in order for them to earn while promoting Lazada.

The Pokémon Company, creators of one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, Niantic, Inc., innovative developer and publisher of ‘real world games’, and Globe Telecom, the Philippines leading mobile brand, today have officially announced a new partnership. Globe Telecom together with The Pokémon Company and Niantic confirmed their partnership to make the Pokémon Go experience more accessible and enjoyable to Filipinos. Leading the announcement for this exclusive partnership were Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert De Larrazabal, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan, NianticChief Executive Officer and founder John Hanke , and Susumu F ukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company. One of the highlights of the partnership was that Globe retail locations and charging stations have become PokéStops and Gyms in game. To help spread more Pokémon GO joy, Globe will also be working with its partners, namely Ayala malls, Puregold, Robinsons Malls an...

In one way or another, girls all over the world have seen themselves as a Disney Princess. Disney Princesses are an inspiration to most and inspire young girls to dare to dream big and make it a reality. Inspired by the empowering values of Disney Princesses, in association with Globe, a first-of-its-kind, digital reality-series comes to life with Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream. The producers are calling on all girls aged 9 to 16 years old to join the open auditions to be one of the six that will be chosen for the show.  Auditions will be held on October 22, 2016 at Cortes delas Palmas, Alabang Town Center, and on October 23, 2016 at Ayala Center Cebu, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream celebrates the aspirational values of the beloved Disney Princesses who have achieved their dreams, and hopes to encourage and inspire young girls in the Philippines to dare to dream, too. In the web series, the chosen girls will be staying in a house where ...

Increasing investments to continuously improve internet services in the country, Globe Telecom signed several agreements involving its technology partners Huawei Technologies, Nokia and Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies amounting $750 million over a period of 5 years to accelerate use of new LTE technologies to enhance its data services and improve customer experience. "Globe is deeply committed in giving a wonderful experience to our customers by continuing to build and invest on our network.  We are confident that our collaboration with Huawei, Nokia and Wuhan FiberHome will translate into a more robust Globe network that will meet the country’s future digital demands,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said. President Duterte (seated, 3rd from left) witnesses the signing of several agreements between Globe Telecom and its technology partners Huawei Technologies, Nokia and Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies. Above photo also shows Globe President &...

In the early eighteenth century, Paris was the first city to illuminate its streets. The many gas-lit walkways were so attractive to the visitors, who, fascinated by the look that the city took at night, gave it the name “City of Lights”.   Megaworld gives Ilonggos a taste of the ‘City of Lights’ with the launch of its new residential property and the very first 3D mapping lights show display in Visayas!

In just 40 seconds, 21-year old digital artist Vince Serrano aims to provide encouragement to emotionally-burdened people through the help of his animated digital video “Companion”, a story of a lonely boy who almost succumbed to the lure of death but received a second chance at life from a beacon of hope. The young animator‘s short video bested 20 other entries in the “Hope in 40 Seconds” video competition launched in June by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing depression to light. The awarding ceremonies were held on October 6 in observance of the National Mental Health Awareness Month. “Although I heard a lot of suicide cases when I was still in college, I didn’t put much thought on them until I decided to take on the challenge of doing an animation for NGF.  I had to research about mental health and that was when I realized that it is actually a hidden epidemic, a real issue which needs our attention.  This fur...

The wait is over! Chevrolet Iloilo finally inaugurated its brand new showroom along Diversion Road in Taft North Mandurriao. "Chevrolet Iloilo's new showroom (and service center) is our way of thanking the Ilonggos for their overwhelming support" opens up Jan Andrew Po during the media launch. Po is the President of Grandcars Inc., the official dealer of Chevrolet in Iloilo Inaugurated last October 8, 2016, Chevrolet Iloilo has one of the biggest showrooms in the auto industry in Iloilo City.

This Fall/Winter 2016, Converse launches its new Counter Climate Footwear Collection. Leading the new footwear series is the iconic Chuck II as Converse Footwear wages "war" against the wet weather.  In an intimate yet lively session with the Iloilo Bloggers at the Converse Store at Robinson's Place Iloilo,  Jeffrey Osoc, Marketing and PR of Converse Philippines briefed the attendees with what Converse has to offer.  "We are announcing the arrival of the Counter Climate Footwear and Apparel Collection in the Philippines" Jeff opens up. "We are keeping our consumers’ feet dry with waterproof and water resistant fabrics, so nothing can stop them in their quest for creativity"

Around 700 Senior Citizens gather last October 1, 2016 to join the Walk for Life activity at SM City Iloilo. The project which is in partnership with SM City Iloilo and Philhealth Region 6, is in support of the said event simultaneously held in the country. After the walk, senior citizens were treated by the government agency to breakfast at the SM Foodhall before attending another activity prepared by Philhealth at Cinema 6.  The program was composed of orientations for senior citizens regarding relevant issues and concerns that will assist in their well-being. Topmost photo shows(L-R) SM City Iloilo Building Admin Officer and Senior Citizens Committee in Charge Engr. Dorel Siacon, , Iloilo City Councilor Armand Parcon, SM Foodcourt assistant Tyrel Doronila, SM City PR Manager Troy Camarista, Philhealth’s Arlene Villacastin, Philhealth Regional Vice President Lourdes Diocson,  Philhealth VI Chief of Management Services Division Marjorie A. Cabrieto and Philhealth’s Mar...

Iloilo City - Seda Atria knows that guest loyalty should never be taken lightly. To show appreciation to their many loyal guests, the hotel recently launched Seda Rewards program where members can earn points and get amazing gifts and perks.  According to Mr. Joseph Del Rosario, Seda’s dynamic hotel manager, guests can easily join the Rewards Program by applying online at sedarewards.com as an individual or corporate member. For individual membership, points are credited to the guest’s personal account while companies earn points through their corporate accounts. SEDA HOTEL Iloilo at Atria Park District “We value our repeat guests and customers and this is our way of giving back. Every Php100 is equivalent to 10 points, so the more points a member has, the more privileges he can avail which includes birthday gifts, access to exclusive members-only events, and 10% discount when dining and wining in Misto and Straight Up Bar. They can also earn points by booking a room an...

The winners of the first ever Scrabble Competition in Iloilo Business Park together with Jennifer Palmares-Fong, VP for sales and marketing, Iloilo Business Park (center) are (L-R) Carl Reyphonse Caras, champion – Junior Category; Thomas Nathan Hautea, champion – Kids category; Jane Dane Labistre, 1st runner up – Junior category; and Drexter Jake Calunsod, 2nd runner up – Junior Category.  Iloilo Business Park once again proves that it is the hippest and happiest place for Ilonggos of all ages, as it hosts the biggest Scrabble competition for kids in Western Visayas over the weekend. More than 70 students from various schools in the province competed for the chance to put their vocabulary, wit and social skills to a test.  “Scrabble is not just a form of mental exercise, but it is also a social practice. It lets participants discuss language and teamwork while competing. This is a rather relevant event in the province, where many schools are luring students away fro...

Sarabia Jewelry, makers of finely-crafted and elegant jewelry pieces, makes available to everybody their collection through its newly-opened flagship at SM City Iloilo. The store is the culmination of the legacy that has been passed on from generation to generation. “After 70 years and three generations strong, indeed the time is now.” claims Mrs. Gina Sarabia-Espinosa, 2nd generation and president of Sarabia Jewelry. “ The store is a dream come true.  It took many months to plan this, it takes the brand to another level, by hiring the very best designer and contractor, ”

Manila, Philippines, September 29, 2016 –Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), the investment holding company of tycoon Dr. Andrew L. Tan, is allocating more than P150-billion for this year until 2017 to finance the various expansion plans of its companies.  “We continue to be optimistic about what lies ahead.  That is why we have kept an aggressive capex plan moving forward.  In 2010 to 2015, we spent an aggregate of PHP270 billion for our expansion projects.  We will spend more than half of that amount for 2016 and 2017 alone, proving our positive outlook for our business,” says Kingson U. Sian, president, AGI. After posting record performance in 2015, Alliance Global remains upbeat over long-term prospects AGI maintains its highly optimistic outlook over its long-term prospects after reporting record revenues and core profit of PHP139 billion and PHP21.6 billion, respectively, in 2015. The company continues to pursue heavy capex plans as it firms up the fo...

Almost half of Filipinos are now online. Approximately, 55% of the online population use smartphones, 43% use their laptops or personal computers, and 24% use tablets approximately 8 hours a day. Evident on the evolving digital lifestyle of Filipinos, Internet access is very important when choosing a mall or a cafe and prefer using the free wifi than consume their existing data coverage. Globe Telecom has been continuously helping Filipinos expand their digital lifestyle needs. Efforts such as the recently announced extensive reach of fast internet access to 500 public areas in the country is just one of them. From airports to bus terminals, 13 (out of 16) MRT stations, as well as Ayala Malls, Starbucks chains and select convenience stores, to name a few.

​​SEOUL, 23 September 2016 - AirAsia, Asia's leading and largest low-cost airline, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Korean drama "On the Way to the Airport" by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). The drama, which stars Lee Sang-Yoon and Kim Ha-Neul, explores the relationships of thirtysomethings working in the aviation industry, with the main characters depicted as an AirAsia pilot and cabin crew. All filming of scenes related to the aviation industry and scenes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were fully sponsored by AirAsia. To celebrate the sponsorship and on-air debut of the drama, AirAsia will hold a prize giveaway for viewers, which includes goodies such as scale model aircraft signed by AirAsia's brand ambassador in Korea Park Ji-Sung.

Since its opening in the Philippines in 2010, California-based retail giant Forever 21 has been warmly received by the Filipino public, quickly becoming a favorite among fashion lovers and shoppers. Now, Forever 21 ventures into the City of Love as it opens at the Upper Ground Floor of SM Iloilo's new wing on October 7 at 10:00  a.m.  

Vehicle owners in Bacolod and motorists visiting Bacolod can now avail of expert automotive service every day - even on weekends!   F&E Family of Stores (Automotive) recently unveiled its biggest and most advanced automotive store and service complex in Visayas and Palawan last September 17, 2016 at F&E Bacolod-Singcang Goodyear Autocare.