Author: Press Release

  • Freebie Alert! Score neat treats in Robinsons Supermarket’s promo

    Every day will give a delightful surprise‒ literally! ‒ as customers may receive all kinds of freebies with their orders in the Robinsons Supermarket Freebies Alert, exclusively via MetroMart, running from March 20 until April 12, 2023.

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    The Robinsons Supermarket Freebies Alert, exclusively via MetroMart, will have various items available for FREE with their online grocery delivery orders. Customers just need to add to cart the Free Item of the day, and continue shopping at Robinsons Supermarket on the MetroMart app. These products include Nestlé Koko Krunch Cereal, Hershey’s Kisses Special Selection, KitKat Bites, Oreo cookies, Pringles chips, and toiletries or household items such as Safeguard soap, Cleene ethyl alcohol, Sanicare facial tissue, and so much more. All New and Existing Users may check their MetroMart app to see the freebie of the day throughout the promotion period, March 20 until April 12, 2023.

    Please see the first half of the Robinsons Supermarket Freebies Alert itinerary below:

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    *Sale items are subject to availability in Robinsons Supermarket branches. 

    The Robinsons Supermarket Freebies Alert, exclusively via MetroMart, are applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A minimum spend of only ₱1,000 is required in order to avail the discounted items. Each freebie item will be available starting at 9:00 AM each day. Only completed checkout of orders within the scheduled day and time can avail the sale items.

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    Customers can also maximize the discount deals with other ongoing promos of MetroMart such as the Payday Specials, running this March 31 to April 2, 2023. By using codes MARPAYDAY300, MARPAYDAY200, and MARPAYDAY100, shoppers may avail of discounts up to ₱300, ₱200 and ₱100, respectively. This promo is valid for ALL Users, for a one-time redemption within the promo period, and applicable across all stores, terms and conditions apply. 

    The Robinsons Supermarket Freebies Alert is available in participating branches of Robinsons Supermarket. MetroMart’s online delivery service is available all over Metro Manila and key locations throughout the Philippines, including Cebu, Cavite, Davao, Iloilo, Bicol, Baguio, Pangasinan, and more.

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    MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Robinsons Supermarket, S&R (with or no membership card required), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart, Super8 Grocery Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, UltraMega Supermarket, and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, No Brand, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys”R”Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at @metromartph. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

  • AOV International Choral Festival 2023 Calls for Applications

    Will you be the next best choral group in Asia?

    Join the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival and vie for the Grand Prize in the biennial choral competition slated on July 20 to 23, 2023, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

    23 AOV Poster MAR 17 2023 1

    Interested choral groups may submit their application, addressed to the Festival Director, Mr. Joey Vargas, via mail at the Artist Training Division, Arts Education Department, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City 1300 Philippines. Or email the requirements to secretariat@aovchoralfestph.com. The deadline for submission of application is on June 01, 2023.

    The application must include: fully accomplished application form; audio/video recording of two (2) to three (3) songs of different genres, recorded within the last six (6) months prior to application; recent profile and photo of the choir taken within the last six (6) months prior to application; and recent profile and photo of the conductor taken within the last six (6) months prior to application.

    To be submitted after notice of the choir’s acceptance: repertoire per category; five (5) clear copies of each of the music scores (to be returned after the competition); permit for the use of original/photocopied original scores; and registration fee – USD 300 for non-Filipino choirs, and Php 10,000 for Filipino choirs.

    The participating choirs will compete in various categories: Folk Song, Equal Voices, and Mixed Choir. They can participate in any or all the categories as long as each competing choir fulfills the necessary requirements for each category.

    Two winners from this competition will be chosen to participate in the Asia Choral Grand Prix.

    Produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the choral competition is named after National Artist Andrea O. Veneracion, founder of the world-renowned choir recognized as the first in the world to win the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing twice in 1997 and in 2007.

    For inquiries, visit the AOV website (https://aovchoralfestph.com) or email secretariat@. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for latest updates.

  • Panda Express® Expands Outside NCR with First Store in South Luzon

    Panda Express® is finally bringing its signature dish The Original Orange Chicken® outside Metro Manila. The world’s largest American Chinese dining concept has made its way to the Land of the Brave and is opening its first store in Tanza, Cavite on March 24 —marking its first location in South Luzon. 

    Panda Express invites all hungry Caviteños and Caviteñas to visit its maiden branch in the province located at SM City Tanza, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, to experience the mouth-watering bold flavors of its wok-cooked dishes with Chinese and Sichuan influences. 

    “We are thrilled to open our first restaurant in Cavite and in South Luzon as we continue to expand in the Philippines to make it more convenient for our guests to enjoy Panda Express’ world-famous American Chinese dishes,” said Doug Stalgren, Vice President of Panda Express International Business Development. “We can’t wait to welcome our fans on the opening day.”

    From entrees to appetizers to sides, Panda Express offers a variety of scrumptious menu choices cooked with fresh, quality ingredients every day that leave its guests wanting for more. Among them is Panda’s  top seller, The Original Orange Chicken, which is prepared with crispy boneless chicken bites wok-tossed in its signature sweet and spicy Orange Sauce. 

    In time for Lent, the new branch also offers meat-free options for Christians and Catholics choosing to abstain from eating meat during this period. Some of their meatless options include: 

    • Honey Walnut Shrimp: One of its award-winning entrées, this dish is made with large tempura-battered shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.
    • Savory Shrimp: Another beloved shrimp recipe, this dish is inspired by the flavors of Hunan cuisine. It features premium, juicy shrimp, stir-fried with onions, green beans and bell peppers in a savory sauce that adds a beautiful burst of color, textures, and flavors. 
    • Kung Pao Fish: This Sichuan-inspired dish is a close cousin of another classic American Chinese staple, Kung Pao Chicken. It’s a divine combination lightly breaded, crispy boneless fish,a variety of freshly-cut vegetables and peanuts, all tossed in a savory sauce. 
    • Eggplant Tofu: A good source of protein, this entrée is made with lightly browned tofu, eggplant, and red bell peppers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.

    Deals and treats await Panda Express guests with the first 30 customers in line during the opening day able to receive free Panda Bears. Exciting freebies also await those who will visit the Cavite branch via dine-in or take out from March 24 to 26.

    Panda Express SM City Tanza is also available for long distance delivery via GrabFood, foodpanda, and order.pandaexpress.com.ph.

    Panda Express is also going full speed ahead with its expansion this year with a new drive-thru branch in the pipeline, which is expected to open in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna next month. This will become the first Panda Express store to have a drive-thru lane in South Luzon. 
    For more information about Panda Express®, visit www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram).

  • Telling It Like It Is: Katherine Alejar on Women’s Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century

    Female entrepreneurs are changing the game in numerous fields. Indeed, a quick scan of nascent businesses, particularly in the fields of beauty, health, and wellness, will show you that the majority of businesses that came about over the past decade were built up and continue to be operated by women.

    Katherine Alejar i3 Inc.s CEO and chief innovator 2

    As we are currently commemorating International Women’s Month, we are casting the spotlight on a woman whose business is focused on marketing communications since 2014 and recently, on delivering better health to Filipinos through innovative technologies. Her story is one we hope will inspire others to start on their own paths to success.

    Meet Katherine
    “I didn’t plan on being an entrepreneur,” i3 Inc.’s CEO and chief innovator Katherine Alejar admits somewhat ruefully. “My dream was to climb up the corporate ladder. However, I couldn’t find a job that would be able to pay my asking salary; so, I decided to start my own business.”

    Katherine Alejar i3 Inc.s CEO and chief innovator 1 1

    Not joining the corporate rat race certainly changed things for Alejar. Her company has expanded its scope of services, not only as a marketing communications agency in-charge of Visa’s point of sale marketing requirements since 2014. In 2019, i3 Inc. introduced and popularized the Vital Dome, France’s contribution to the growing number of wellness solutions available worldwide, in the Philippines. The company is also building new products and innovative ways for people to stay healthy and beautiful, inside and out.

    But the road that eventually led to where she is today was not an easy one for Alejar. An alumna of De La Salle University, she majored in the humanities and the first steps in her career path led her to advertising and marketing.

    Factory of Vital Dome in the historical place of Normandy France

    An Unlikely Beginning
    “I worked for well-known media outfits [in the early years of my career,]” Alejar recalls. “But the most memorable one for me was MTV as it was where I got my first exposure to the international market. I also worked as a consultant for a creative agency, then I joined a subsidiary of a major telco company as its mobile advertising head.”

    Alejar’s work opened her eyes to a number of things about women as members of the workforce, trendsetters, and individuals. The way many eschewed health and wellness to invest their earnings in luxury goods, in particular, was something she found disturbing.

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    “Health issues are one of the most common problems I’ve seen with my peers,” she says. “A lot of women tend to neglect these; and, instead, I see them buying these luxurious items. They are not paying attention to their health – and that’s going to be a problem sooner or later.”

    Bringing In the Gift of Good Health
    Herself a self-proclaimed fitness and wellness buff, Alejar’s wellness journey started at a young age. Then, she sought out solutions that would improve her appearance and keep her body toned and strong.

    Dr. Z Teo and Dr. Aivee Teo of The Aivee Group with Katherine Alejar at the Vital Dome showroom in Paris France

    But external beauty fades if one doesn’t take care of their internal health, so she began to seek solutions that would help boost one’s energy in a healthy and non-toxic manner and thus improve one’s productivity and vitality. That is where the Vital Dome comes in.

    “It’s not just a machine for beauty and, in the post-pandemic scenario, it’s timely because this is exactly what we need,” Alejar says. “After living under the specter of COVID-19, we need to think of ways to live healthier lives. The Vital Dome is one such way.”

    Woman entrepreneur i3 Inc.s CEO and chief innovator Katherine Alejar

    Indeed, the FIRs (far infrared rays) generated by the carbon panels within the Vital Dome help reduce internal inflammation – a necessary factor for managing chronic pain, mitigating the impact of aging on one’s joints and muscles, and rehabilitating those recovering from injuries or the wear and tear of repetitive movement.

    Its benefits extend towards healthy weight management, body shaping, and even dermatology as FIRs kick-start the regenerative process at the skin’s cellular level, leading to a fresher, more elastic, and younger appearance.

    “It’s the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones,” Alejar says of the Vital Dome. “You can relax in it after a hard day, and it’s very useful for detox. That’s important as we are exposed to oxidative stress every fifteen minutes that may cause numerous diseases. The Vital Dome helps flush these out from our systems, making us healthier.”

    The Vital Dome is currently available at the Aivee Clinic, the Avignon Clinic, The Farm at San Benito, Peak Form, at the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center and in Mindanao, at the CDO Pearl Body Touch Facial Center.

    Coping with a crisis
    “When the pandemic hit, inquiries for the Vital Dome went down to absolute zero,” she recalls. “No one would dare to go out to experience its benefits. Plus, all my clients decided to drastically cut back on their budget, citing that to continue to do conventional marketing during a pandemic was highly insensitive.”

    But where some saw a setback, Alejar took the restrictions of the pandemic as a challenge and a way to – temporarily – switch up her tactics to stay afloat.

    She decided to start selling testing kits and also partnered with a doctor and a team of nurses to perform on-site tests. Likewise, she found temporary occupations for her own team of drivers in food delivery to help them support their families.

    Alejar also became active in an international business organization (BNI) which made her more creative in doing business, honed her leadership skills and allowed her to break international barriers via zoom by networking with business owners all over world.

    She likewise began offering partnerships with clinics and wellness centers to retain brand visibility, something that allowed her to continue ordering from her principal in France and retain her position as the device’s exclusive distributor.

    She introduced Bring Home a Dome campaign that would allow clients to install Vital Dome in their homes so that they could share its benefits with family and friends.

    Beyond the Dome
    While i3 Inc. is the exclusive Philippine distributor of the Vital Dome, it is not the only wellness solution it offers.

    Alejar recently introduced Oligocheck, a non-invasive diagnostic device that does real-time analysis if one has been exposed to heavy metals and other environmental contaminants that are detrimental to one’s health. Likewise, the device uses algorithms to check for any deficiencies or systemic excesses in terms of minerals and trace elements, as well as any adverse aspects in one’s physiology. As a diagnostic device for medical professionals, it delivers valuable information regarding the causes of aging and chronic illness.

    i3 is also the exclusive distributor of Rejucream, a solution that women in their perimenopausal and menopausal years will gladly welcome as it relieves discomfort in the female intimate areas by relieving vaginal atrophy – a key source of stress and physical pain for women in their 40s and 50s.

    The Oligocheck is available at The Farm at San Benito and JLopez Medical Clinic. Rejucream, on the other hand, may be purchased sans prescription at the Vital Dome website, as well as the partner gynecological and dermatological clinics of i3, Inc.

    She will soon launch new health and beauty products to the Philippine market.

    Some Sage Advice
    This intrepid entrepreneur is setting her sights overseas, bringing the gift of health and wellness to those who need it the most. In fact, i3 Inc. is also now the exclusive distributor of Vital Dome in Singapore, Maldives and South Korea.

    ” My vision is to have satellite offices in other countries and cutting-edge products and solutions in the beauty and wellness industry. I also hope to be able to help others by generating valuable employment,” is Alejar’s reply when asked where she sees herself in the coming years. “I also want to strengthen the marketing communications business side of i3 Inc.”

    As for those thinking of going into business for themselves, Alejar says that they should go for it, especially now that the gender barriers that have kept women on the sidelines of progress have begun to disappear. But, of course, one has to be ready – physically and mentally – before taking on the task of setting up shop.

    “I would recommend that you read a lot and attend workshops, seminars and trainings so you know what’s going on in the world, especially the field you’re venturing into,” she suggests. (Alejar recently attended IMCAS Paris, the world’s largest congress for dermatologists, plastic surgeons and aesthetic and derma suppliers. She and her team also visited Vital Dome’s headquarters in France to update their technical knowledge of the dome especially of the new model that will soon be introduced).

    She adds that one also ought to have a sensible routine where prayer, meditation, exercise, a good night’s sleep, detoxification, and a good diet have a part to play.

    To prepare one’s overall mindset, she recommends getting a good busines coach or mentor to set them on the right path, and to keep good company with those worthy of being emulated and listened to. Likewise, she also suggests staying humble and willing to share knowledge with others seeking their own paths to success.

    As she puts it, “If I can help others or inspire them even in small ways, that would be good for me.  I’ve had many challenges just like any aspiring business owner and helping them by sharing what I’ve learned is both rewarding and humbling. There are no limits to what you can do if you put your heart and mind into it  – so, believe in yourself and what you can do.”

  • Ring The Alarm: CHANYEOL Is PENSHOPPE’s Newest Brand Ambassador

    Since his debut, CHANYEOL has been a clear fan favorite. “CHANYEOL’s upbeat energy, unmatchable creativity in both fashion and music and unique charm make him the perfect ambassador to represent PENSHOPPE,” says Brandon Liu, PENSHOPPE’s Brand Director.

    chanyeol
    Relaxed Fit Linen Blazer, Php 1,899 https://www.penshoppe.com/collections/easy-neutrals/products/dress-code-relaxed-fit-linen-blazer
    Long Sleeves Linen Shirt, Php 1,199 https://www.penshoppe.com/collections/easy-neutrals/products/dress-code-relaxed-fit-linen-shirt-with-long-sleeves
    Dapper Fit Linen Trousers, Php 1,199 https://www.penshoppe.com/collections/easy-neutrals/products/dress-code-dapper-fit-linen-trousers

    Below, we are sharing an exclusive first look at Prince CHANYEOL’s favorite looks from PENSHOPPE’s newest collection, Easy Neutrals, as he leads his first campaign as PENSHOPPE’s new brand ambassador.

    For a dressier OOTD minus the fuss, an all-linen get-up is an easy choice. CHANYEOL elevates his style by opting for a monochromatic look with a relaxed long-sleeve button-down, linen trousers, and a casual blazer to seal a fashionable deal.

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    Testured Knit Resort Shirt, Php 1,199 https://www.penshoppe.com/collections/easy-neutrals/products/textured-knit-resort-shirt-973060-off-white
    Linen Dapper Trousers in Brown, Php 999 https://www.penshoppe.com/collections/easy-neutrals/products/pull-on-linen-dapper-trousers-1

    When he’s not busy, CHANYEOL opts for an easy and relaxed ‘fit for his off-duty uniform. A textured resort shirt and a pair of dapper khaki trousers are a no-brainer choice.

    It’s rare to find anyone who can effortlessly pull off everything, and anything but CHANYEOL is one of the few exceptions. “It was a great shoot and all of PENSHOPPE’s pieces look good on him. That’s why we’re very excited to have CHANYEOL as part of Team PENSHOPPE!” Jeff Bascon, Golden ABC’s Vice President for Retail Brands, exclaims. “We cannot wait to show everyone everything that PENSHOPPE has lined up with CHANYEOL,” Bascon continued.

    More than just for the young, PENSHOPPE is an everyday-wear lifestyle brand perfect for all of your style choices. Shop CHANYEOL’s picks from the Easy Neutrals collection in PENSHOPPE stores nationwide, penshoppe.com, and on PENSHOPPE’s official stores at Shopee, Lazada, and Zalora!

    #PENSHOPPE #PENSHOPPExCHANYEOL #CHANYEOLxPENSHOPPE

  • 5 Things Why Nothing Compares to Walang KaParis

    Six years after their blockbuster film, Kita Kita, Director Sigrid Bernardo is back with a follow-up project starring Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez of the sensational love pairing, ALEmpoy.

    As the pandemic wanes, production for films has also come back in full swing. This includes the latest Amazon Original, Walang Kaparis, which will be available for streaming in 240 countries on Prime Video starting March 23, 2023.

    Director Sigrid Bernardo once again brings out the one-of-a-kind chemistry between Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. 

    Here are five things you should know about the film:

    1. ALEmpoy takes on an acting piece

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    Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez are already known for their comedy. But this time, we’ll get to see the tandem in a heartbreaking drama – a challenge especially to Empoy who’s less experienced in the genre. Alessandra shares that after reading the script, she immediately called Sigrid and jokingly asked, “Direk, acting piece ito ha. Kaya ba ni Empoy?”

    2. Empoy’s acting coach is none other than Golden Globe nominee Dolly De Leon

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    Director Sigrid Bernardo asked none other than Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Dolly De Leon to coach Empoy Marquez for Walang KaParis. Dolly also stars in the film that was shot both in Pari Baguio City.

    3. Walang KaParis shows a different side of Paris

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    Instead of the tourist attractions that Paris is famous for, the movie is set in Paris’ lesser known spots. Inspired by her friends who lived in Paris, Director Sigrid Bernardo wanted to show the parts of the city that people don’t usually see.

    4. KZ Tandingan is also back on board – this time singing Rey Valera’s Walang Kapalit

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    After KZ Tandingan’s hit remake of Two Less Lonely People in the World for Kita Kita, the singer is also back to sing the movie’s theme song – Rey Valera’s classic hit, Walang Kapalit.

    5. For Genre director Sigrid Bernardo, no one compares to ALEmpoy

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    Director Sigrid Bernardo also shares how Alessandra and Empoy are the only pairing for whom she’s ever done romance films. This has worked out well for Director Sigrid, too, as the love pairing has reached blockbuster status.

    Walang KaParis will be available for streaming worldwide starting Thursday, March 23, on Prime Video. Kita Kita is also now on Prime Video, along with thousands of amazing titles – all for only Php 149 per month.

  • Itziar Ituño and Najwa Nimri come back to their roles as police Murillo and Sierra in BERLIN

    Itziar Ituño and Najwa Nimri join the shooting of BERLIN to play police Raquel Murillo and Alicia Sierra once again. Both characters will appear in the spinoff for La Casa de Papel, which Netflix will release this December. 

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    BERLIN focuses on the golden years of the character played by Pedro Alonso and tells the story of one of the most extraordinary heists he carried out along with a gang that’s brought to life by Michelle Jenner, Tristán Ulloa, Begoña Vargas, Julio Peña Fernández and Joel Sánchez. 

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    The 8 episodes of the series, created by Álex Pina (La Casa de Papel, Sky Rojo) and Esther Martinez Lobato (La Casa de Papel, Sky Rojo), are written by Álex Pina, Esther Martinez Lobato, David Barrocal, David Oliva and Lorena G. Maldonado and will be directed by Albert Pintó (Sky Rojo, Malasaña 32), David Barrocal (Sky Rojo) and Geoffrey Cowper (Tercer Grado). 

    The series started production last October in Paris and is still currently being shot in Madrid.

  • Enjoy Up to 25GB Bonus All-Access Data with DITO SIM Starter Packs

    To encourage more Filipinos to try its high-speed data and value-for-money products, youngest telco player DITO Telecommunity now offers its DITO SIM Starter Pack with up to 25GB all-access data for only Php 39! New subscribers can also enjoy a bonus 30-day Amazon Prime Video mobile subscription for every purchase of any DITO Level-Up Pack! 

    DITO SIM Starter Pack

    In light of the new SIM Registration Act (SRA) as well, we are adding another 2GB bonus data for all DITOzens! New subscribers who activate their DITO SIM Starter Packs are eligible to enjoy this TODO SA SULIT bonus data promo!  New DITOzens can get their maximum free data allocation by following these easy steps: 

    Step 1– Activate the DITO SIM Starter Pack by registering your SIM card and enjoy 3GB bonus data.  Subscribers within 5G covered areas are also eligible to enjoy another bonus 3GB data. 

    Step 2- Download the DITO APP and update the customer profile to enjoy 4GB bonus data. 

    Step 3: Purchase or subscribe to any Level-Up Pack on the same day of SIM activation and get another 3GB bonus data.  Subscribers will also receive 1GB bonus data for 7 days for each of the first 12 Level Up Pack subscriptions- total of 12GB bonus data. 

    Aside from the 25GB bonus all-access data, new subscribers can also enjoy unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and 100 minutes of calls to other networks valid for 15 days. 

    “As the new year comes in, we want to encourage more Filipinos to try out DITO and of course register your SIMS.  From Php 49, we lowered our SIM Starter Packs to Php 39 with increased bonus data offering to enable interested subscribers to discover DITO and experience our high-speed connectivity and value-for-money products,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Commercial Officer. 

    Buy DITO SIM Starter Packs available at DITO Experience Stores and partner stores: https://bit.ly/DITOstores,  Shopee: https://bit.ly/SPshopee, and Lazada: https://bit.ly/SPlazadaFor more details, visit https://dito.ph/starterpack.

  • SM Prime helps address water scarcity in PH through water recycling in SM malls

    Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues that the world is facing today. Defined as a problem that occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available water supply, water scarcity is seen as a problem that will only get worse, especially since water use continues to increase at an unprecedented rate globally.

    According to 2019 figures from UN-Water, an interagency mechanism that coordinates the efforts of United Nations (UN) entities and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues, global water demand is expected to continue increasing by 1 percent annually until 2050. 

    As a company with sustainability at the core of its operations, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) knows that there is a need for solutions that help address the degradation and depletion of the world’s natural resources. In line with this, the company has been continuously working towards strengthening its commitment to a circular economy, implementing solutions that help improve efficiency when using natural resources, including water.

    “We all know that fresh water is a finite resource, so it is important that we try our best to conserve it. This is why SM has been adhering to a circular framework when it comes to our resource consumption, including the way we use water in our malls,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President for SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance Group and SM Cares Program Director for Environment.

    SM Prime helps address water scarcity in PH through water recycling in SM malls 1

    To improve water efficiency in its mall operations, SM employs facilities that help reduce its consumption of fresh water. Among these are sewage treatment plants that treat wastewater plumbing systems. This allows the water to be reused, helping ensure that there is enough water for the malls and the communities nearby.

    All wastewater from tenants and mall restrooms are treated in the sewage treatment plants to become non-potable water. The recycled water is then used for air conditioning operations, specifically by cooling towers, as well as for flushing toilets and watering of gardens. 

    In 2021, SM was able to save a total of 8.7 million cubic meters of water—enough to fill 3,480 Olympic-sized swimming pools—with the help of these facilities, which are present in 72 SM malls nationwide and have been in operation since the early 2000s.

    “Aside from minimizing our impact on common water resources, recycling water through these sewage treatment plants allows our malls to save big on water costs,” Engr. Silerio said. “Now, imagine if we all did it. I think we can leave a significant positive impact on our country’s source of fresh water.”

    SM Prime is committed to supporting the United Nations in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation” which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

    Other initiatives of SM aimed toward this include the Trash-to-Cash Market and Plastic Waste Collection initiative, both promoting responsible disposal of plastic waste so they don’t end up in seas and oceans; the AweSMSeas campaign in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which raises awareness of the importance of managing plastic pollution affecting the world’s waters; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers annually.Visit www.smprime.com/sustainability-overview to learn more about the sustainability programs of SM Prime Holdings.

  • Beat the summer heat with Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo

    Summer’s here! And what better way to enjoy the season than with a deliciously char-grilled meal, paired with the milky creamy goodness of halo-halo?

    Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, has recently embarked on a #SummerSarapAtMangInasal campaign that introduced a more affordable variant of its well-loved Halo-Halo. For only Php 39, customers can now order an 8-ounce add-on Halo-Halo — either Extra Creamy Halo-Halo or Crema de Leche Halo-Halo — to their Ihaw-Sarap Savers meal! The extra creamy treat also comes in Small and Regular servings, starting at Php 79.

    “Mang Inasal welcomes summer with the Mang Inasal Halo-Halo which many enjoy for its extra creamy goodness whether as dessert or snack,” said Mang Inasal business unit head Mike V. Castro. 

    Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media.