Author: Press Release

Here are the top 10 holiday destinations Filipinos want to visit this year
2023 will soon be over and everyone’s already looking forward to the holidays. Many have been raring to fly off somewhere to celebrate the end of the year, but there may be some who still need a little help planning and choosing where to go.

What better way to figure out your year-end vacation destination than with the help of Google Flights? Whether you want to go where the people are or you want to know which spots to steer clear of in favor of the less-beaten path, Google Flights has the important data you need–namely, the top 10 places Filipinos have been searching for and booking trips to.

Here’s the list:

Top 10 year-end destinations on Google Flights
1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Singapore
3. Hong Kong
4. Caticlan
5. Osaka, Japan
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Seoul, South Korea
8. Kalibo
9. Taipei, Taiwan
10. Cebu
Once again, Japan tops the list of most-searched destinations, with travelers from the Philippines looking at choosing the country as their top choice. Within Japan, Tokyo leads the way, while Osaka takes the 5th spot. Looking at the list, it would suggest that on top of trips within the Philippines, most are thinking of traveling within Asian countries.

Better, savvier traveling with Google

Flights don’t come cheap, but if you want to save money this year-end season, or any time of the year, a little bit of planning can go a long way. Most of the time, it’s better to book early but flight prices can fluctuate, and often there are bargains to be found.

On Google Flights, you can already see whether current prices for your destination are low, typical, or high compared to past averages for the same routes. It also takes it to the next level, having added a feature where it lets you know when it’s the cheapest time to book based on your chosen dates and destination.

Aside from Google Flights, there are other ways to get help with your travel planning. Here are a few more features you can use:

●        Bard: Google’s Bard AI is like talking to a virtual travel agent that’s personally helping you. You can ask it to help create an itinerary that’s uniquely yours, pulling data and info from all over the web. Just don’t forget to double-check things personally before you start booking.

●        Immersive Landmarks in Maps: If you’re going somewhere like Japan, you can learn more about the spots you’ll be visiting before you go. Search for a landmark like ‘Tokyo Tower’ in Google Maps, tap “immersive view” then get a sense of the surroundings, and use the handy slider to see when it will be raining or how crowded it is at different times of the day.

●        Google Lens: See something the locals are eating and want to find out more? You can snap a photo and use Lens in the Google app to search for it. Want to have a try? Multisearch can help – add ‘near me’ to your search and find nearby restaurants serving that dish.

●        My Ad Center: Here’s one you might not think of but buyers’ remorse is real. With airlines, hotels and credit card companies running promotions, avoid missing a deal by tuning your ad preferences. Choose to see more or fewer trending ad topics to surface relevant ads or for something specific, you can adjust your brand preferences.

Now that you’ve got some inspiration, it’s not too late to make your travel plans. From Bard, to Flights and Maps, Google tools can help you on every step of the trip.
October 17, 2023
Next Limited King Ramen Unveiled – Celebrating 10 Years of Ramen Nagi in the Philippines

In celebration of Ramen Nagi Philippines’ 10th anniversary, the first Limited King Ramen was a remarkable collaboration between Ramen Nagi and Ramen No. 11. This exclusive ramen, available from September 29 to 30 at the One Bonifacio High Street branch and later from October 6 to November 10 nationwide, featured a fusion of culinary artistry from both establishments.

This limited-edition ramen combined homemade noodles with ingredients such as cabbage, bean sprouts, quail eggs, garlic, and Buta, resulting in a harmonious interplay of flavors and textures. The soup was meticulously crafted with simmered bones, pork, and aromatic vegetables, offering a mild yet flavorful broth that left you savoring each sip. Chef Masa-san of Ramen No. 11 brought his award-winning skills to create a tender and rich braised pork (buta).

Now, let’s move on to the exciting introduction of the second Limited Kings Ramen as part of Ramen Nagi’s 10th-anniversary celebration.

Meet ANTCICADA and Chef Yuta-san

ANTCICADA, a Tokyo-based award-winning fine dining establishment in Nihonbashi, is anything but conventional. Led by visionary Chef Yuta, who boasts over two decades of entomophagy experience, the restaurant is at the forefront of innovative gastronomy. Yuta’s intimate coexistence with thousands of insects has transformed him into a passionate advocate for integrating these fascinating creatures into our culinary repertoire, fostering innovation, conducting workshops, and more.

With a background that includes a stint at the prestigious Michelin Star restaurant “Yotsuya Uemura,” Yuta brings a unique blend of innovation, flavor, and tradition to the culinary landscape. His signature creation, the “Cricket Ramen,” shatters traditional boundaries by introducing crickets as a central ingredient. This distinct approach has earned ANTCICADA acclaim in the Japanese culinary scene, lauded for their pioneering work in seamlessly integrating crickets into their creations.

The Cricket Ramen Experience

The concept of entomophagy, or the consumption of insects, has been steadily gaining traction worldwide. It’s a notion rooted in sustainability, as insects pose fewer environmental concerns compared to heavily farmed meat sources. In fact, many countries across the globe have already embraced insects as a regular part of their diets, recognizing the myriad benefits they offer.

Now, when you savor the Cricket Ramen, you’re not just indulging in a culinary masterpiece, but you’re also seeing insect cuisine through a new and sustainable lens. This refined ramen boasts a remarkable balance of flavors, offering a golden blend of saltiness and sweetness. It features a generous slab of chashu pork, perfectly grilled menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and, in keeping with its name, every component is infused with the essence of crickets.

From the dashi broth to the soy sauce base and even the noodles, which bear tiny specks of powdered Futahoshi crickets, every aspect of this dish embraces the unique essence of insects. This one-of-a-kind ramen features two domestic cricket species, with up to 160 crickets used per bowl. The robust, savory flavor of the Futahoshi cricket is beautifully complemented by the refinement of European cricket species. While the crispy and nutty fried cricket topping may initially challenge some diners, its unique texture and flavor are certain to surprise and delight those who dare to try it. ANTCICADA’s Cricket Ramen stands as a bold redefinition of culinary boundaries, inviting you to explore the remarkable potential of insect-based cuisine within the confines of a beautifully crafted dish.

The Cricket Ramen will shine during a special two-day kitchen takeover event on October 20-21 at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, with a maximum of 150 bowls served per day. This limited culinary showcase is made even more exceptional as Ramen Nagi proudly presents Chef Yuta as a distinguished guest chef at the kitchen takeover, personally crafting his visionary dish for discerning patrons.

But wait, there’s still more!

Ramen Nagi X Ramen No. 11’s outstanding Limited King Ramen is quickly earning its place as a fan favorite, and we’ve just introduced you to the upcoming launch of the unique cricket ramen. However, our gastronomic journey is far from complete. With one more Limited King Ramen set to be unveiled in the coming days, the excitement continues to build. Then, on Ramen Nagi’s 10th anniversary on December 13, another extraordinary Limited King Ramen will take center stage, making the celebration truly special.

A Toast to Ramen Nagi Philippines’ 10th Anniversary

10 years in any industry is a big achievement. For Ramen Nagi Philippines, reaching this milestone required staying true to its history as an innovator—shaking up the palate with unique flavors and cultural fusions—while being grounded by what it wants to offer: comfort, value, and flavorful memories.

Erickson Farillas, the visionary behind Ramen Nagi Philippines, puts it this way, “In the last 10 years, the iconic red Ramen Nagi bowl saw many unique ramen experiences, but always the same last scenario: an empty bowl and smiling faces. I believe we got here because we understand that ramen is not just food; it’s an experience, a work of art. It must celebrate tradition and also push boundaries. Do this, then you will go far.”

Celebrating a decade of culinary excellence, Ramen Nagi’s journey has just begun, and we are fortunate to be part of this delicious ride.

Follow @ramennagimanila on Instagram and Ramen Nagi PH Facebook for more updates.

October 17, 2023
Joshua Garcia, other celebs and content creators spread cybercrime awareness
Content creators and celebrities often share their daily dose of comical skits, life hacks, and shopping ‘budols.’ But aside from spreading entertainment, some of them also took immediate action to help protect netizens’ hard-earned money from being stolen through fun and educational videos.

Top social media stars partnered with leading finance super app GCash to help spread awareness on e-wallet phishing scams, one of the most rampant cybercrimes in the country.

Joshua Garcia and the different e-wallet phishing scams

GCash endorser Joshua Garcia takes the helm in spreading awareness in social media, sharing how e-wallet phishing scams could come in the form of 1) fake portals in non-PAGCOR accredited gambling sites, 2) fraudsters who claim to be from GCash saying your account is on hold, and 3) fake rewards.

Spotting the red flags with Saab Magalona, Chinkee Tan and Ayn Bernos

Red flags are warning signs that may indicate unhealthy relationships, but they also extend to every day, seemingly-harmless messages that might end up as scams. Through witty yet educational skits and reminders, singer-podcaster Saab Magalona, financial guru Chinkee Tan, and writer-entrepreneur Ayn Bernos, also shared three red flags that could help users spot each of the e-wallet phishing scams.

Kaladkaren and Direk Tonet and the wrong kinds of ‘karupukan’ and ‘budol’

Winning big through online games might seem like a good life hack to earn additional money, but TV host Kaladkaren shares why non-PAGCOR sites are literally ‘budol’ – where you can end up losing money instead of earning more. Meanwhile, it seems that filmmaker-podcaster Direk Tonet Jadaone already knows that a lot of Filipinos remain ‘marupok’ and oblivious to red flags when it comes to relationships. However, she reminds everyone in her video: “Alam kong mahilig kang ma-fall, pero wag sa scam.”

Davao Conyo and the oversharer’s worst nightmare

Oversharing, including your personal information such as Mobile Personal Identification Number (MPIN) and One-Time Password (OTP), can lead to dire consequences. Davao Conyo, known for making related comedic skits, shares in his video every self-confessed oversharer’s greatest fear.

Pipay on why ‘TMI’ is never a good thing

Everyone has that one ‘bida-bida’ friend. Social media personality Pipay recreates this scenario as a third wheel, ultimately reminding netizens why sharing too much information is never a good thing, especially when it’s your personal information at stake.

AC Soriano and staying secure under pressure

Dubbed the ‘multi-dogshow superstar’ for impersonating celebrities, AC stages a ‘fast talk’ segment to remind us not to share our sensitive information such as MPIN and OTP even when put under pressure.

Spot Red Flags, Don’t Overshare

As different content creators showed, it is important to be constantly aware of phishing scams as cybercriminals have been increasingly creative to remain unsuspicious. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Think before clicking a link. Review the sender and the content of a suspicious message even before responding or clicking on the link. If you are being offered rewards or prizes, backtrack if you have indeed joined a program or raffle and verify with the company through another channel. Remember that GCash will never send links via SMS, email and messaging apps, so never click on links claiming to be from GCash.
- Only transact through your GCash app. GCash will never ask you to activate your account through a phone call or through messaging applications. All transactions are only done through the official GCash app, including resolving concerns related to your account. If a notice feels rushed, it’s most likely a phishing scam! Check your account through the GCash app first to confirm if it is indeed on hold and don’t share your MPIN and OTP to anyone – even those who claim to be from GCash.
- Carefully read the text messages that come with an OTP. If you receive an OTP through text message, make it a habit to read the entire message and make sure that it matches the request you made. If you did not make the request or if it is different from what you want to do, do not enter your OTP on any site or send it to anyone, to make sure you are not unknowingly linking your account to another device.
- Never share your OTP and MPIN. Never provide your personal information if you did not initiate a request. As a rule, don’t provide sensitive information, such as your OTP and MPIN, even to your family, friends and other people claiming to be representatives of banks, companies, service providers, and government agencies. Remember that GCash will never ask for these details from you.
As trusted e-wallet apps like GCash work to ensure that the tools we use for our everyday financial transactions are fortified with security measures, it is also essential that e-wallet users play their part in keeping their personal information safe and out of reach by cybercriminals. As all of the content creators remind netizens, whatever the circumstance, never share your MPIN and OTP!

If you encounter any phishing scams or suspicious activities targeting your GCash account, report them immediately. You can do this by visiting the Official GCash Help Center or messaging Gigi on the website, and simply typing, “I want to report a scam.”
October 17, 2023
ICYMI: Grab reintroduces GrabPet, delights Filipino pet parents

Grab Philippines officially reintroduces its pet-friendly mobility service GrabPet, giving pet parents better access to safe, reliable and convenient transportation as they move about with their beloved furry, feathered, or even scaly companions.

GrabPet, as a specialized on-demand service, is designed to help passengers ferry their pets to various destinations, including veterinary clinics, groomers, pet-friendly cafes, and more with just a tap of a button. Initially available in select areas of Metro Manila, GrabPet-ready driver-partners are all set to onboard dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, rabbits, and fish on rides.

To ensure top-notch transportation for GrabPet passengers, animal-loving driver-partners with spacious six-seater vehicles were purposefully tapped for the GrabPet fleet, even undergoing comprehensive training in handling pet-related bookings. All GrabPet rides also come with added insurance to ensure the well-being of the pets on board.

“As a pet parent myself, I understand how challenging it can be for Filipinos to bring their animal companions to essential services and even leisure trips given the limited transportation options available. As an expression of our dedication to addressing the varying transportation needs of commuters, we have launched GrabPet. It is our firm belief that safe, reliable, and convenient mobility services should be accessible to everyone – even families with winged or four-legged friends,” shares Grab Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ronald Roda.

Working Together for Above-Par, Pet-Friendly Rides
In a bid to safeguard both the safety and convenience of passengers as well as to preserve the pristine condition of the driver-partners’ vehicles, Grab Philippines has enforced a set of requirements for individuals utilizing the GrabPet service.

● Pets should be accompanied by human passengers.
● Pet owners should also refrain from booking rides for pets with parasites and/or fleas
● Pet owners can bring a maximum of two small and medium-sized pets or one large pet per ride, subject to the discretion of the GrabPet Driver-Partner.
● A maximum of four passengers can accompany the pet(s) during the ride.
● Pets are also required to be in diapers and inside carriers.

Roda adds, “We are committed to ensuring that owners and their pets are safely and conveniently transported to their intended destination while also preserving the integrity of the vehicle of our driver-partners. A driver-partner’s vehicle is their means of livelihood, hence by collaborating with us in maintaining high hygiene and safety standards during the GrabPet ride, pet parents help in making sure that our driver-partners can go about their day worry- and hassle-free.”

For more information and updates on GrabPet, visit this link.

October 17, 2023
Online shopping scam gets deadly in “Target” starring Shin Hae-sun

Shopping for second-hand items online becomes a terrifying and life-threatening situation in the upcoming Korean action thriller Target starring K-Drama’s most renowned actors led by Shin Hae-Sun, along with Kang Tae-Oh and Kim Sung-Kyun. Together the actors give life to everyday, realistic characters embroiled in the hazards brought about by online scams.

Soo-hyun’s (Hae-Sun) life falls apart when she is targeted by a killer after buying a used washing machine online. Bent on saving costs due to skyrocketing prices of goods, Soo-hyun falls for a deal when a seller posted a second-hand washing machine online at a very cheap, irresistible price only to find out that she’s been scammed since the item is not working. Annoyed and unwilling to let it slide, Soo-hyun tracks the seller and warns everyone online about being scammed to protect potential buyers from the fraudulent seller. She soon finds out that this is no ordinary scammer and will do anything at all costs to stop her from spreading the word against him. Strange things soon happen as she start to experience receiving strange text messages and deliveries at home she hasn’t even placed. Shaken, Soo-hyun reports the incidents to the police that led them to a terrifying revelation that she bought an item from a killer.

Target starts off with the realistic subject of second-hand shopping, which has become a familiar part of our daily lives, and combines it with the thriller genre with added cinematic imagination. The plot of being scammed and targeted by a criminal in a used goods online market, where anyone can easily sell and buy, is not just for the movies, but something that could be happening to someone right now. The film sharply captures the crime of online second-hand shopping and maximizes suspense with a heightened sense of reality.

Shin adds to the immersion by expressing Soo-hyun’s emotions as she goes from an ordinary office worker to the target of a killer whose life falls apart as she is anonymously threatened. From the anger of being scammed in a used item purchase, to the fear that someone is watching her every move, and the despair of not being able to escape the criminal’s watch, Shin delicately expresses the various emotions with a three-dimensional, compelling performance. Portraying not just a victim who is unconditionally targeted, but a woman who takes action to find the culprit, Shin leads the audience with her intense performance. Director Park Hee-kon expressed his great satisfaction in working with Shin Hae-sun, saying, “It is difficult to express various emotions where an ordinary office worker becomes a target of crime, and to coordinate the changes with other actors, but I was amazed to witness her doing that every day on set.”

An Encore Films to be distributed by Warner Bros., Target opens October 18 in local cinemas.

October 16, 2023
Find the perfect gift from Sony’s Early Holiday Audio Deals!

The melodies of the holiday festivities are filling the air, marking the start of the gift-giving season! As the quest for finding the perfect gift is in full swing, Sony has launched its Early Holiday Audio Deals featuring high-on-demand audio devices fit for every occasion.

Elevate your holiday vibes and save up to PHP 4,000 per item on select Sony audio devices, available from October 1 to 31, 2023. Need help in choosing the right gift for your loved ones? Here’s a quick guide below:

Noise-canceling headphones for him

For men with dynamic lifestyles, who are no strangers to the demands of balancing work and leisure, they deserve a pair of headphones that fit and can keep up with their everyday lifestyle.

On top of the list is Sony’s WH-1000XM5, which stands out as the ideal gift choice for him that likes to binge-watch series, listen to the latest hits, ace study sessions, or push through workouts. Its industry-leading noise-canceling capabilities provide a distraction-free environment for a truly remarkable listening experience.

Another great option is Sony’s WH-CH720N, as men always seek that perfect balance of focus and fun while immersing themselves in gaming, entertainment, and various other interests. Its noise-canceling technology and lightweight design enable prolonged music enjoyment in comfort.

Chic wireless earbuds and headphones for her

When choosing the ideal product, women consider both style and comfort. They look for products that are not only comfortable but also vibrant in color, reflecting their unique style and personality. That’s why Sony’s LinkBuds S are an excellent gift choice. This personal audio product is tailored for women, striking the perfect balance between fashion and an exceptional audio experience.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option that also offers quality sound, design, and comfort, check out Sony’s WF-C700N and WH-CH520. They not only complement her impeccable sense of style but also meet her high standards.

Sharing the joy of giving gifts goes beyond mere material exchange; it is a heartwarming expression of love and appreciation for the people we hold dear. Thoughtful giving means choosing presents that truly connect with those special individuals, resonating with their unique passions and interests.

While searching for gifts for your loved ones, don’t forget to treat yourself too! Sony offers a wide range of headphones and earbuds suitable for everyone and any lifestyle. Check out their newest flagship truly wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, which provide industry-leading noise-canceling technology, next-level immersive sound, and Sony’s best-ever call quality.

Enjoy Sony’s Early Holiday Audio Deals at the following online flagship stores:

Lazada: https://bit.ly/SonyPhilippines-LazMall
Shopee: https://bit.ly/SonyPhilippines-ShopeeMall

October 16, 2023
Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal Going Out Of The Box with Woodwinds Concert

Soprano Lara Maigue and musical theater artist Gian Magdangal step out of their comfort zones and try something out of the box with the Wondrous Woodwind Concert, the third installment of the CCP Out-of-The-Box Series slated on October 27 (730pm) and 28 (4pm), 2023 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

Maigue has performed with notable orchestras in a variety of performance halls in Asia and the Philippines over the years. Opera, Kundiman, jazz standards, Broadway, OPM, and her own original compositions are among the songs in her arsenal. She recently rose to fame after her version of Mozart’s “Queen of the Night” aria garnered over 30 million views on Instagram, following the success of her version of “The Flower Duet” with her mother (Nanette Moscardon), which garnered over 6 million views.

As for Magdangal, he has worked in a variety of reputable theater shows and other productions. He reprised his role as Hector in the most recent staging of the musical Ang Huling El Bimbo, which has undoubtedly continued to solidify his career this 2023.

Magdangal remarked that working with an orchestra’s woodwind section on a concert is something he has never done before. “Personally, it’s my first time to collaborate with the woodwinds. I’ve never experienced that as an artist. I have performed with bands, with a full orchestra or chamber orchestras. This is something out of the box and something I look forward to. Kung pwede lang mapanood namin ‘yong sarili namin. I would wanna see that. It’s very unique,” he said.

Maigue, on the other hand, looks forward to performing with the PPO Woodwind Quintet, composed of bassoonist Frenvee Andra, oboe player John Peter Bautista, French horn player Ernani Pascual, flutist Marie Poblete, and clarinetist Ariel Sta. Ana.

“Gian and I were quite surprised when we saw the program prepared by Direk Ariel (Yonzon). Having worked with him in the past, he really thinks out of the box. It is very tricky because the songs need to be arranged specifically for this concert. Our preparation would be learning songs with a different approach,” shared Maigue.

For this concert, the PPO Woodwind Quintet would be performing familiar selections of classical music including Johann Sebastian Bach’s Fugue in G minor, Jacques Ibert’s Trois Pièces Brèves, Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango (Arr. Jeff Scott), Zequinha Abreu’s Tico Tico no Fubá, among others.

The musicians would also be playing beloved Filipino tunes such as Edgardo Parungao’s Philippine Airs Medley, National Artist Lucio San Pedro’s Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, and an Ernani Cuenco Medley, featuring Kalesa, Nahan, Bato sa Buhangin, and Gaano Kita Kamahal.

The concert will surely engage the audience members in a sing-along of nostalgic favorites with the Beatles Medley and 70’s Manila Sound. Dancers Bianca Manalo, Abigael Tinio, and Brando Balmedina also share the stage in spot numbers.

For her part, Maigue will be singing Giulio Caccini’s Ave Maria, while Magdangal will cover National Artist Ryan Cayabyab’s Hibang sa Awit. They will also perform an especially arranged duet cover of a couple of Taylor Swift songs.

Both admitted that the performance would be challenging for them as artists because they would be dealing with diverse instruments of the woodwind section, which requires them to relearn songs they already know – something that Maigue and Magdangal thought to be a wonderful opportunity for them to learn new things.

When asked which among the woodwind instruments pique their interests, Maigue who came from a family of musicians mentioned that she wished to play the clarinet. “I love how it sounds and I have a piece I want to do with clarinet.”

Magdangal, for his part, is interested in learning how to play a woodwind instrument due to its distinct texture and calming sound. “For the fun of it, I want to learn a woodwind instrument because it’s your voice and not your voice at the same time.”

Catch Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal in CCP Out-of-The-Box Series: Wondrous Woodwind this October 27 and 28, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater). The CCP OOTB Series has been conceptualized to present performances that audiences normally wouldn’t see in conventional programming. With the ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the premier arts and culture institution of the country strives to continue fostering artistic excellence and cultural representation across multiple venues.

Get your tickets at the CCP TIG Box Office, located inside the CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard, or at TicketWorld. Follow the CCP official social media accounts in Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for latest updates.

October 16, 2023
“Hear For It”: The Philippines Tunes Into Its First Podcast Festival
Hang onto your headphones, audio aficionados! The Philippines is rolling out the red carpet for a revolutionary event that’s about to send ripples through the world of podcasts. Welcome to Hear For It, the nation’s maiden podcast festival, tailored to weave a web of connections among prodigious creators, zealous producers, and of course, the devoted fans!

Where and When?

Mark your calendars! The festival is set to unravel its magic at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center on the 20th of October, from the crack of 10:30 AM till the dusk of 8:00 PM. And guess what? You can dive right into this audiophile ocean without any admission charges! Free for all, indeed!

Podcast Panorama: The Star-Studded Line-up

The luminaries of the podcast realm are gracing the event. From Bianca Gonzales of Paano Ba ‘To, known for sharing advice on life, career, love, and self; directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast, engaging in hilarious and insightful conversations about love and pop culture; real-life couple Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona of Wake Up with Jim & Saab, discussing everything from reality shows to voter registration; host and comedian Victor Anastacio of Intellectwalwal, providing cerebral yet humorous takes on everyday life; creative Ali Sangalang of The Linya-Linya Show, focusing on Filipino life, arts, and culture through pun-filled variety segments; GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan and the crew at The Kool Pals offering listeners a wacky time; DJ Joelle of Paano Kung…, exploring the infinite possibilities and answers to life’s many “Paano Kungs”; Roanne and Tina of Queertuhan creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community; Podquest, an initiative by The Pod Network aimed at discovering and fostering new podcasting talent; Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra of Anyare Saeyo? discussing their love for K-culture and life in general, and many more to be announced soon!

Podcasts: More Than Just Voices

In the words of Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, the Head of ANIMA Podcasts, “Hear For It reflects the growing popularity of podcasts in the Philippines. We’re thrilled to bring together podcast creators, fans, and budding talents for an unmatched experience that truly highlights the captivating power of audio storytelling. At ANIMA, our goal is to build and strengthen the community of podcasters in the Philippines, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of this vibrant community.”

Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, Head of ANIMA Podcasts

All Ears, Here’s What’s Brewing

Festival-goers can look forward to a variety of exciting activities:
- Immerse yourself in curated listening pods featuring various podcast titles, providing a unique and intimate listening experience.
- Gain first-hand insights from the most influential voices in podcasting by engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
- Connect with fellow enthusiasts, creators, and industry experts to build relationships within the community.
- Hone your podcasting skills with hands-on workshops covering everything from content creation and production to marketing and monetization.
- Capture memories with your favorite podcasters and share the excitement on social media.
Additionally, select fans will be treated to an exclusive box with limited-edition merchandise and exciting goodies from event partners!

“I’m super excited to be a part of ‘Hear For It,’ and it’s great that we have the support of companies like ANIMA, so we get to share our passion for storytelling through podcasts. This event is a must-attend, whether you’re a long-time pod listener or new to the world of podcasting,” says Bianca Gonzalez, host of Paano Ba ‘To.

Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the podcast community and discover the magic of audio storytelling! Pre-register for Hear For It via this link and get the latest updates by following @animapods on Instagram.

Hear For It is powered by ANIMA Podcasts and co-presented by Globe and Kroma Entertainment, in partnership with Spotify and The Pod Network, and sponsored by YOU Beauty, with Ayala Malls as the official venue partner. Special thanks to KonsultaMD.
October 15, 2023
Pluxee by Sodexo: Elevate Your Holiday Gifting Game This Season

Twenty years strong and Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services has been a festive fixture for over 4,000 corporations in the Philippines. This year, the company brings an extra sparkle to gift-giving with its first Christmas campaign carrying its new brand, Pluxee.

“Magical ConneXions”: More Than Just a Spell of Joy

Dubbed “Magical ConneXions,” the campaign aims to bring more joy to employees, partners, and consumers with a focus on convenient, relevant digital gifting solutions. “As Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services transitions to Pluxee, clients can count on our heritage of expertise and global perspective on innovation to elevate employee experience and engagement. The wordplay in Magical ConneXions is an ode to the ‘X’ in Pluxee which represents the importance of our relationships with clients, merchants and consumers in everything that we do,” expressed Marketing Director, Sharon K. Velasco.

Discounts on Top of Rebates and Waived Fees for Corporate Clients

For corporate clients, Pluxee isn’t just a gifting solution; it’s a cornucopia of savings! New clients can enjoy up to 75% on service fees, rebates on total orders, waived portal fees worth Php 30,000, plus free API integration if required. Additional discounts are also available with  Christmas products such as vouchers for  ham, baskets, and cakes. Existing clients can enjoy all these, plus flexible pay later terms.

Ham-azing Deals at GC Regalo

From October 9 until December 31, Consumers and MSMEs ordering as low as P4,500 from Pluxee’s e-commerce store, GC Regalo, at www.GCregalo.sodexo.ph, can get free digital gift certificates (GCs) of Purefoods Ham.

Next-level Gifting by Pluxee

As the pioneer of paper gift certificates in the country, Pluxee, a Sodexo company, was also the first to offer SMS and email based gift certificates and the only provider of app-based GCs.  The email and SMS based GCs sent as codes to recipients’ mobile numbers and inboxes via user-friendly web portal. These are API enabled for easy integration with clients’ systems and can be customized for specific products and brands. Additionally, the app-based GCs can be partially redeemed, sent as credits to other users, and used to redeem vouchers at  popular e-commerce stores like Grab, Lazada, and Shopee.

“In keeping with our tradition of launching industry milestones, we continue to evolve together with our stakeholders in a fast-paced digital landscape. We put in careful thought in enhancing UX across our products and platforms, actively expand our merchant network and touchpoints in key cities nationwide, and invest in technologies to develop solutions for tomorrow. Today, we are investing in the brand to let the world know that the best is yet to come from the most trusted rewards and benefits provider,”  CEO Mert Cetin shared.

In the Philippines, Pluxee is a proud partner of the country’s largest retail network, SM. Pluxee powers SM’s official GC, the SM Gift Pass, and has recently launched the digitally-powered SM Gift Pass Choice, accepted at all SM Store branches and affiliates.

Ready to play Santa this festive season? Let Pluxee be your sleigh, guiding you to gifts that resonate, celebrate, and appreciate. Dive into a world of rewarding experiences, not just for this merry season but for many more to come. Happy gifting!

October 15, 2023
Get Your Wallets Ready: Up to 70% OFF on foodpanda’s October Groceries Day!

Foodies, mark your calendars! foodpanda, your go-to online food and grocery platform, is back with its much-awaited Groceries Day sale from October 20 to 22, 2023. As the ultimate shopping event of the season, Groceries Day is packed with thumb-stopping deals that will make both first-time shoppers and loyal app users keep coming back for more.

“Every quarter, we look forward to Groceries Day – it’s our special way of rewarding our loyal shoppers. By teaming up with top brands and providing irresistible deals, we aim to make grocery shopping not just convenient but also budget-friendly,” shares Danielle Eleazar, Head of Marketing at foodpanda Philippines.

This time around, shoppers can bag groceries at discounts reaching up to 70%. Plus, there’s an extra treat – an additional P300 off using the code: GROCERDAY. With an array of popular brands joining the sale, including Nivea, PepsiCo, URC, and Johnson & Johnson, there’s something for everyone. Be it skincare products from Nivea or refreshing beverages from PepsiCo, the Groceries Day offers the best of the best.

“Our vision with Groceries Day is twofold. Firstly, we want to introduce the seamless and budget-friendly shopping experience of foodpanda to new users. And secondly, we want to embed a habit of quarterly bulk-shopping among our regulars. After all, who doesn’t love big savings?” emphasizes Eleazar.

“Every Groceries Day is more than just a sale; it’s an event, a celebration of smart shopping. In the age of instant gratification, we bring you an instant solution to your grocery woes. No long queues, no crowded aisles, just pure shopping bliss from the comfort of your home,” Eleazar further adds.

Whether you’re a savvy shopper, a busy parent, or someone looking for great deals, the Groceries Day sale is tailored for all. So, buckle up and get ready to fill your carts with a wide variety of quality products at unbeatable prices.

Download the foodpanda app now and order your groceries from October 20-22, 2023 to enjoy the exciting offers and exclusive discounts from this ultimate grocery shopping spree. Don’t miss out!

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube.

October 15, 2023