The PR & Events Circuit

IT services company Tech Mahindra has tapped GCash PowerPay Plus for easier and faster reimbursement of employee expenses. The use of GCash PowerPay Plus, an automated salary disbursement app, will extend to Tech Mahindra’s units such as vCustomer Philippines and vCustomer Cebu. Tech Mahindra and GCash Partnership (from left to right) : Paramjit Singh Dakhar (Delivery Head for Telco), Emerlina Espinosa (General Manager for HR), Anand Achutan (Country Head for Tech Mahindra Philippines) together with Mynt Executives; Anthony Thomas (Mynt CEO) Luigi Reyes (VP for Business Development) and Ronald Obach (AVP for Business Development). By using GCash PowerPay Plus, employees of Tech Mahindra are assured they will receive their reimbursements in real time, and that the funds are safe and can be withdrawn 24/7 from any BancNet ATMs nationwide. The launching of the partnership between GCash and Tech Mahindra was led by top officials of the two companies - Mynt CEO Anthony Th...

Listed company Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) expands its presence in the booming city of Davao by collaborating with globally competitive higher education institution Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) to develop the latter’s Davao campus into a mixed-use, and world-class University Town. CLI is signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Lyceum of the Philippines University for LPU Town Davao, which is set to begin development by Q4 2018. It is a 17-hectare mixed-use development that has academic, residential, commercial, office, hotel and convention components. 5.2-hectares of which is dedicated for its LPU Davao campus including an academic resource center, a pool, dormitories, maritime center, and a football field inside this development in Buhangin, Davao City. An architect’s render of LPU Town Davao, a 17-hectare mixed-use development that will have academic, residential, commercial, office, hotel and convention components. Owner LPU has tapped leading VisMin-based...

Globe Telecom bagged five wins in various categories at the first YouTube Ads Awards Philippines, which honors ads that captured the hearts of Filipino viewers on the said platform. Getting the attention of viewers on YouTube is no easy feat. With viewers having the power to skip an ad, it is crucial to produce a narrative that would entice viewers to watch the entire clip. Globe proved they have the power to not only get viewers’ attention but also make a lasting impression on Filipinos. Its creative storytelling through the Globe’s Kaleidoscope Series has won them the Top Ad (Crystal) in Multi-video Storytelling. The Kaleidoscope Series features a collection of heartwarming human interest stories, on individuals who have overcome challenges in the pursuit of excellence in their craft. 

Nothing spells success as certainly as good quality. In nearly every industry, intense competition and changing market demands have transformed the business landscape, making it difficult to stay around long enough to be remembered. It’s no different for the beauty and personal wellness industry, where Strokes by Momoi Supe holds high regard as one of the best studios in the country. Among the many lessons that founder Momoi Supe has learned, one of the most important is that great service reaps great rewards.  He also realized the importance of technology in running the business smoothly, thus, the partnership with Globe myBusiness, the micro, small and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom. Momoi Supe, the artist behind Strokes Globe myBusiness offers the most up-to-date and relevant solutions for entrepreneurs to improve every facet of their business.  Through various solutions, Globe myBusiness is helping SMEs engaged in food, hospitality, and personal wellne...

Billions use social media every day and that number just keeps growing!  In fact, this year, it is estimated that 2.62 billion people around the globe will be using these social networks, up from just around 1 million less than 10 years ago. In the Philippines, according to Hootsuite and WeAreSocial 's “ Digital in 2018 ” social media and digital trends report, there are 67 million Filipinos using the Internet and around the same number are also active on social media. 

With an up-to-date and a chic interior design brought about by three months of renovation, SM Home at SM Delgado (Iloilo City) unveiled its new modern store with a blessing and ribbon cutting  rites yesterday, May 25, 2018. An affiliate of retail giant SM, SM Home is a one-stop shop for anything and everything for the modern  home -  kitchenware, glassware, linen, storage, organizers, furniture, decors and more.

It was indeed a “bonggang” pilot airing for Inday Will Always Love You (IWALY) as the latest rom-com series on GMA Network’s primetime block beat its rival program and dominated social media during its debut last Monday, May 21. The GMA News and Public Affairs-produced series that highlights the unique beauty and rich culture of Cebu recorded a 42 percent overnight people share according to Nielsen Philippines TAM’s National Urban Philippines data. IWALY’s counterpart show, ABS-CBN’s Since I Found You, only managed to get 34.8 percent. Viewers and netizens alike cannot help but be captivated by the bubbly and positive attitude of Happylou Magtibay, played by award-winning Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza. Online, IWALY also made a buzz with the hashtag #IWALYBonggangPilot landing on the top spot of the trending topics in the Philippines which ran hours before the actual airing until morning the next day.

The National Museum celebrated International Museum Day (IMD) 2018 on May 18 with the opening of the National Museum of Natural History located at Rizal Park Complex, P. Burgos St., Manila.   Opening Day at the National Museum of Natural History Photo credit to National Museum of the Philippines FB Page NM Board of Trustees Chairman Ramon R. del Rosario called on the public to visit National Museum facilities in Manila and other parts of the country to learn about the nation’s culture and heritage. “We are promoting to Filipinos and visitors from all around the world our National Museum in the Philippines. Here can be found knowledge, appreciation, and love for our heritage as Filipinos and as people, in the fields of fine arts, anthropology, the natural world and their historical context,” del Rosario said.

WiFi has become as basic in many homes as water and electricity. From Lola to bunso , the whole family enjoys being online for different reasons. Whether it's to post photos on Facebook, book family travel tickets or do some serious research for a term paper, WiFi has become more of a need than a want.   However, 76% of households still struggle with their WiFi speed, while 61% expect their service provider to ensure connectivity in all areas of their home. WiFi connectivity though is heavily dependent on the reach of routers. To maximize WiFi all around the house and address the most common connectivity concern of Filipino households, Globe At Home introduces the WiFi Mesh!

Listed developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) continues to top property market in the Visayas and Mindanao as it aggressively pursues expansion of its footprint in the region. In the Cebu house and lot market, Casa Mira South has the most number of housing units at 1,007 units. It also has the highest take-up rate with 43 units sold per month. CLI is the leading local housing developer in VisMin, for both horizontal and vertical developments, according to Santos Knight Frank’s 2017 study on the VisMin property sector covering major cities of Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Vista Mall brings life to Vista Iloilo's promise as a complete and self-sustaining community for  the Ilonggos. Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. unveiled today - Vista Mall Iloilo,  as its first Vista Mall outside Luzon. The 23rd Vista Mall in the country, Vista Mall Iloilo is situated in the heart of Oton, Iloilo City along circumferential Road 1 Savannah Pulo Maestra Vita, just 15 minutes away from Iloilo International Airport.  Vista Mall Iloilo is introducing a unique shopping and dining experience with its world-class amenities, diverse selection of restaurants, and an impressive line-up of global and local brands that are suited to the fine tastes of Iloilo residents. Locals will finally have a taste of what Vista Mall is known for—beautiful interiors, comfortable common spaces, and premium movie watching experience through Vista Cinemas. With Vista Mall rising in Vista Iloilo, Ilonggos can now enjoy a new way of shopping and dining made closer to their...

Starting May 18, 2018, Globe Prepaid customers who subscribe to GoSURF50 and up, GOTSCOMBODD70 and 90, or GoSAKTO120 and 140 will enjoy the additional 2GB for free to access their favorite video streaming and gaming apps and sites. “The digital Filipino youth has various passions and obsessions. As purveyor of the Filipino's digital lifestyle, Globe knows that they need access to a wide breadth of content in order to pursue these passions. Because of this, we're proud to offer additional GBs for customers to GoWATCH AND PLAY for free on top their favorite Globe surfing promos. More than the sizable data allocation of 2GB they get for free, customers can enjoy access to a wide array of video and gaming apps and sites. Along with our powerful LTE network, only Globe gives you unstoppable access to enjoy all the things you love,” said Issa Cabreira, Senior Vice President-Head of Consumer Mobile Marketing.

The 2018 National DQ Impact Report, a collaborative work among DQ Institute, Globe and DepEd, involved 3, 819 primary public and private school students. The study profiled the students’ level of access to devices and the internet, types of online activities they are involved in and their susceptibility to cyber-risks. Results of the study were announced in association with the World Economic Forum on Safer Internet Day 2018. According to the study, up to 73% of Filipino students, aged 8 to 12, are exposed to at least one cyber-risk, which include cyber-bullying, video gaming addiction, meeting strangers online, online sexual behaviours. This is significantly higher than the global average of 56%.

Unang Hirit makes it as a nominee in the Live Breaking News category of the 2018 Golden Nymph Awards of the Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco. It is the sole Philippine nominee this year in the entire awards, alongside entries from Al Jazeera English, BBC News, Sky News, and Russia’s RT for the said category. The Monte-Carlo Television Festival has, for more than half a century, presented the very best of television from around the world. Over the course of the Festival, an international jury of leading actors and industry professionals attend screenings of all the programs in competition. The Festival culminates in the Golden Nymph Awards which will be on June 19 this year. Unang Hirit’s entry is its coverage of the Resorts World Manila attack in June 2017. What was initially thought to be an attack related to the ongoing siege of the ISIS-linked Maute group in the Southern Philippines was soon revealed to be the work of a lone gunman, a disgruntled gambler ind...

Globe Telecom is calling on various organizations and volunteers to join its nationwide volunteer program slated to launch this month to promote sharing an act of kindness among Filipinos and collectively contribute to social development. Yoly Crisanto, Globe chief sustainability officer said, "We are reaching out to individuals, communities and companies to help create a "Globe of Good” thru the program." “Studies have shown that company volunteerism is a great tool for employee engagement. Over 90% of employees who volunteer are happier with their employers while majority of those who are proud of their company's contributions to society are engaged at work. Our program aspires to bring families, friends, and co-workers to form a unique culture of kindness,” she added.

Honesty seems to be a lost art among many people. But the commendable acts of two SM City Iloilo security guards and a maintenance personnel are testaments to the saying by Mother Teresa “Do Small Things with Great Love”.

In celebration of 2018 Heritage Month, the National Museum is holding a four-day Guides and Docents Training Workshop on May 7-10, 2018 at Western Visayas Regional Museum and Satellite Office (formerly Iloilo Rehabilitation Center) at Capitol Compound, Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City.  NM Assistant Director Ana M. T. Labrador said the program is the 5th in a series of workshops that National Museum started in 2016.  This year, NM chose Iloilo City as the venue because of the many museums and galleries in the region, including the two new National Museum facilities located in the City Proper and Jaro.

After its major announcement of entering the esports and gaming business, Globe Telecom together with SAGA Events, Inc., is now set to create a new platform for the local fashion industry by introducing “ style festph”. Joe Caliro, Globe Senior Advisor for Creative Marketing and Multimedia Business, said that fashion is the next frontier for the company. “Globe has always believed in the talent of the Filipino people with our programs in music, content, gaming, arts, theater, food, and recreation. We hope to generate business opportunities for designers and allow them to showcase their creative and entrepreneurial project to both the local and international markets and let their passions grow in the digital space,” Caliro revealed. One of the highlights of style festph is the Designer Mentorship Program where eight (8) aspiring designers will be mentored by some of the country’s notable names in fashion and beauty, or also known as, the “ style council”.

What was just a school assignment is now a moving reel of hope to promote mental health awareness and encourage those who suffer from these conditions to seek proper intervention through the 24/7 HOPELINE 2919.  Entitled “Black White Red”, the project won the top prize in the “Hope in 40 seconds” animated video competition of Globe Telecom, Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) and De La Salle – College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) with support from the Department of Health – National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). The winning team received a certificate of recognition and a cash prize of P40,000. The winning team - Alyssa Marie Misa (center, left) and Ma. Isabella Parca (center, right) with Globe SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (left) and NGF President Jean Goulbourn (right) The video created by Ma. Isabella Parca and Alyssa Marie Misa, senior BS in Animation students of IAcademy represents the feelings of pain, loss, and loneliness (black), the need ...

Julyan’s Farm in the sprawling ranch estate of Zambawood  in Zambales started with a dream to create a place for Julyan, the second child of the owners, who was diagnosed with autism.  Away from the fast-paced city life, Julyan found a sense of security and routine at his farm where he plants flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables and tends to fowl and livestock.  The farm now not only serves as a haven for Julyan but also for the community and other people with special needs. Touched by the story of Julyan and his farm, 23 Globe employees carried the company’s advocacy to bring a Globe of Good by giving the farm a helping hand.  The employees happily planted sunflower seeds, not minding the scorching heat of the summer sun. Sunflowers are not only beautiful ornamental plants but its oil and seeds are extensively used in the food industry as highly-nutritious energy food.

With an objective geared towards a digital economy, GCash has again marked a milestone in partnering not just with consumers but also with the public and government sector. Recently, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) welcomed GCash and other e-money issuers in its Head Office in Manila.  BSP employees may now avail of cash-lite transactions in purchasing food and goods from the cafeteria and cooperative store using GCash Scan to Pay.   A counter at the BSP cafeteria with the GCash Scan to Pay QR code Albert Tinio, President of GCash said: “We (GCash) are looking forward to all the possibilities we can explore in creating a digital ecosystem for or within BSP. It is exciting to extend our continuously growing GCash ecosystem to the BSP employees, expanding service and function beyond BSP premises.”

Wattpad , the global multiplatform entertainment company for original stories, has announced a new milestone in the Philippines, now reaching seven million people in the country every month. Wattpad has seen continued growth in the Philippines, the company’s second largest market. The company now has more than 65 million users globally, with 17 million located in Southeast Asia. Wattpadders in the Philippines read more than 400 million minutes each month, and Filipino writers have shared more than 24 million story uploads on Wattpad. Filipino writers are some of the most successful on Wattpad, with millions of passionate followers. Local writers like @jonaxx , @maxinejiji , and others have built massive communities of fans, as readers spend hundreds of millions of hours with their stories.   Wattpad has established a number of high-profile partnerships with some of the Philippines most innovative technology and media companies. In January 2018, Wattpad announced $51 mill...

GMA Network, along with prominent Kapuso personalities, received top honors anew at the 2018 Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Awards held last April 26 in Pasig City. The Network once again took home the Platinum Award in the TV Network category, the highest recognition among the most trusted brands in the Philippines. GMA News Pillar Jessica Soho (left) with Reader’s Digest Group Advertising Director for Asia Pacific Sheron White. GMA News Pillar Jessica Soho, in turn, was named as the first ever Hall of Fame Awardee for winning the Most Trusted News Presenter award for eight consecutive years. Soho holds the distinction of being the Filipino journalist with the most number of Reader’s Digest awards to date.

This summer, SM City Iloilo is bound to make things even hotter. Outfits from the top local and international fashion brands, will be showcased on the runway on May 4, 2018, 6pm at the Event Center. Fashion Nomads is a fashion show featuring summer’s trendiest collections and styles perfect for the great outdoors. Directed by Mr. Kevin Piamonte with the styling of Ms. Katrina Loring, the show will feature collections from Collezione, Mags, Maldita, Mossimo, Mossimo Kids, Great Kids, People are People, Folded and Hung, Levi’s, Uniqlo, Forever 21and the SM Store.

The perfect family vacation is always remembered fondly by all. Whether it’s a huge family or a simple stay-cation at a nice resort. Here are some easy-to-remember tips:

Mang Inasal, the leading Pinoy fast-food restaurant that serves the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, has opened its 500th store in Iloilo – the place where Sarap ng Kaing Pinoy started.  The restaurant opened on April 30, graced by some key people who have helped Mang Inasal’s journey to 500. The first and 500th customers who came to witness the unveiling of the milestone store were surprised with Mang Inasal coupons.

No matter what season, shoes and bags are our guilty shopping pleasure. And this summer, Parisian Shoes and Bags lets you elevate your street and resort style with its new collection.  Few things are as easy as slipping on a pair of mules, and at Parisian, it was all about happy and bright mule flats.  Buckles are also coming in strong for summer either for a retro effect, or simply a classic shoe design. Parisian Shoes also lets you put your best foot forward in easy breezy espadrilles and woven shoes which come in both flats and heeled designs.