Author: Press Release

GCash, Grab Philippines join forces for more convenient direct cashless payment option

Paying for your ride and food orders will soon be easier and hassle-free as the country’s leading mobile wallet GCash partners with Grab Philippines, the country’s leader in transportation and deliveries.

The landmark partnership will give Grab users access to the easiest, most convenient, and secure cashless transactions when they add GCash as a direct payment method on the Grab app. GCash will be officially available as a mode of payment on the Grab platform by February.

Through this partnership, users can simply choose GCash as their payment method, and pay cashless for GrabCar, GrabFood, GrabMart, GrabExpress and other Grab services with just a few taps on their smartphones. Moreover, this partnership enables users to avoid transfer fees which go as high as Php 50.

“With this partnership, we once again realize our commitment to make the lives of Filipinos better each day by delivering a more convenient, secure, and cost-efficient way to pay for their rides and food and grocery deliveries. We look forward to this partnership and we will continuously innovate and build more partnerships that will improve the lives of the Filipinos”, said GCash president and CEO Martha Sazon.

To make their cashless transactions more convenient and rewarding, customers of Grab also get to avail of GCash exclusive deals, and get special treats when they pay for their transactions using GCash.

Country Head of Grab Philippines Grace Vera Cruz shared, “Grab Philippines is dedicated to empowering our stakeholders in a digital-first economy, and key to this is driving a deeper and wider cashless adoption in the country. With more Filipinos transacting via cashless means, we are accelerating our prospects of digital transformation. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded partners such as GCash on this agenda, and we are optimistic that through this partnership, we can improve the lives and livelihoods of many of our kababayans, while building a cashless, digital-first economy for all Filipinos.”

Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp for ride hailing, food delivery, and on-demand grocery delivery. It touts strong foothold in markets like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Prior to this development, GCash and Grab have already established a strategic collaboration. Their initial partnership has provided Filipinos safe, seamless, and secure digital experience by allowing users to transfer money from their GCash wallet to their GrabPay wallet, and vice-versa.

Building on GCash and Grab’s shared mission of addressing Filipinos’ daily needs, this partnership also helps in creating a more cash-lite and digitally driven economy.

January 28, 2023
WATCH: Sci-Fi Thriller “65” Unleashes Brand New Trailer

About 65

After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills (Adam Driver) quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on Earth…65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive.

From the writers of A Quiet Place and producer Sam Raimi comes 65, a sci-fi thriller starring Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, and Chloe Coleman. Written and directed by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods and produced by Sam Raimi, Deborah Liebling and Zainab Azizi. Also produced by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.

65 is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #65movie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

January 27, 2023
The NOMA neighborhood: Makati’s hip and happening side

Noted for its numerous gated communities, upscale malls, world-class hotels, and bustling central business district, Makati City has a long-held reputation as the place to live and work for society’s rich and famous.

But the city is a hip and happening destination too, and the area that best captures this vibe is the North of Makati—or NOMA to its denizens. A neighborhood teeming with galleries, live music, and one-off dining options, NOMA is also home to The Rise Makati, a 55-story residential condominium that shares the fun and fresh atmosphere of its dynamic location.

Situated along Malugay Street in San Antonio Village, this thoroughly modern development spoils its residents to the hilt with amenities that promise endless hours of leisure and enjoyment: there’s a 28-meter tropical pool, 380-meter private jogging path, a well-being zone called The Nest, lounge space known as The Hangout, a business center called The Workshop, and The Kids Zone, where condo-dwelling children have room to run and play in a 280-sqm space.

For variety, residents head outdoors to the vibrant selection of eateries, art spaces, and entertainment that NOMA is known for.

Are you a foodie? Along Yakal Street, continental fare can be had at Chesa Bianca Swiss Restaurant, I’m Angus Steakhouse, and Santi’s Delicatessen. The Pantry on La Fuerza 1 Building along Chino Roces draws the office crowd with its adobo, salpicao, and other Pinoy comfort food. And speaking of Pinoy comfort food, try the bagnet at Bagnet 8065, along St. Paul Road in San Antonio Village: the Ilocano version of lechon kawali is cooked in several iterations—kare-kare, dinuguan, spicy gata, and curry, to name a few. If you live in The Rise, you can enjoy a careful selection of dining options right outside your doorstep. Visit Assembly Grounds at The Rise, where the roster of restos can satisfy your every food craving, from Filipino (Kuya’s, Zubuchon) to Asian (Yuki, Yi Fang, Tong Yang Shabu Shabu Express, Recipes), Western (Casa Mia, Buffalo’s Wings n’ Things), and all-time favorites (Starbucks Reserve, Bread Talk). Start your morning with a caffeine fix at Starbucks Reserve or at PICKUP Coffee, then treat your family and friends for dinner at your choice of Pinoy fare

at Kuya’s, Asian food at Tong Yang Shabu-Shabu Express, or Western bites at Raging Bull Burgers. End your day with some well-deserved pampering at the salon like Sanbry Men’s Grooming House and /Nook/ Salon or have a quick spa sesh at Lomi Imua Hawaiian Relaxation Spa or get other beauty services at Nisce Skin Medispa for skin treatments and at Pink Parlour for hair removal services.What’s for dessert? For something out of the ordinary, Patiserrie Bebe Rouge on Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village, indulges your taste buds with its Japanese-and-French-fusion cakes and pastries. Poison Coffee and Doughnuts in Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces, tempts with its self-described “dangerous” array of hot and cold drinks and rich doughnuts. Order them after a savory lunch of ramen or rice bowls. Mochiko in Malugay Street has a menu of different mochi ice cream flavors. Malugay’s also where you can score desserts you can drink from Raspberry Eats and Tai ho Milk Tea and Deli.

Red or white? Toast to fine wines at Titania Wine Cellar and Cave Werdenberg Wine Bar, both on Yakal Street.

How about some entertainment? Catch live bands and solo acts (and have some drinks and bar chow while you’re at it) at famed watering hole SaGuijo Café and Bar on Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, or witness some serious Pinoy rap battles in Fliptop Battle on Malugay Street. If you and the gang are up for a challenge, sign up at Escape Plan Manila at HPGV Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, or Mystery Manila at Century Mall, along Kalayaan Avenue.

Investing in art? NOMA is the place to be, with its spate of galleries and creative spaces all in La Fuerza Plaza, Chino Roces: there’s Modeka Creative Space on Warehouse 20, White Walls Gallery on Warehouse 12A, Finale Art File on Warehouse 17, and Leon Gallery on Warehouse 14. If it’s wearable art you’re after, drop by Suez & Zapote. The shop on the corners of Suez and Zapote streets in Barangay Sta. Cruz sells clothing by streetwear brand Team Manila and Daily Grind. It also hosts art exhibitions and live gigs, giving you the full-on NOMA experience.

Living in the city doesn’t have to be restricting, especially if you’re living in The Rise Makati that’s situated in the middle of the hip and happening NOMA neighborhood.

Learn more about what makes The Rise Makati your dream home in the city. Visit its website at therisemakati.com and follow @TheRiseMakatiOfficial on Facebook and Instagram.

January 27, 2023
Pizza Hut, Airrack Break Guinness World Record for Largest Pizza

No one out-pizzas the Hut! It’s official! Pizza Hut has broken the world record for the largest pizza with its mammoth, 13,990-square-foot pizza created with popular YouTuber Airrack at LA Convention Center, Los Angeles, California last January 18.

The Guinness World Records officially recognized the Double Pepperoni Big New Yorker Pizza with its 132-foot diameter as the world’s largest pizza after two days of onsite preparations to create this gigantic treat! To create this world-record-breaking pizza, 6,193 kg of dough was used, and along with it came 2,244 kg of pizza sauce, 3,992 kg of cheese, and around 630,496 pieces of pepperoni.

According to David Graves, CEO of Pizza Hut, the humongous pizza in compliance with L.A. County Department of Public Health, is meant for an incredible cause because 68,000 slices will go to local food banks in the Los Angeles area.

Celebrate this record-breaking feat with your very own Pizza Hut favorites by visiting your nearest Pizza Hut branch for dine-in and take-out. You can also order for delivery via the (02) 8-911-1111 hotline, www.pizzahut.com.ph, or the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS.

January 27, 2023
McDonald’s brings together your all-time favorite cartoon characters with the newest Warner Bros Happy Meal Collection!

The bold and brave heroes of Warner Bros are the latest characters to join the Golden Arches with the launch of the newest Happy Meal collection! Well-loved characters from the Scooby Doo, Tom & Jerry, and DC franchises make up the Warner Bros Happy Meal collection which will be available in McDonald’s starting today, January 27.

As Warner Bros turns 100 this year, McDonald’s joins the celebration with the release of 24 Warner Bros characters with interchangeable heads and bodies, encouraging kids to practice imagination and creativity as they mix up the characters. With a Happy Meal toy of Batman in front and Starfire at the back, or Aquaman in front or Scooby Doo at the back, parents will be able to give their kids a chance to play pretend with the characters they grew up watching.

Take kids on a bold adventure alongside the well-loved cartoon characters from Warner Bros with the newest Happy Meal collection— now available at McDonald’s Dine In, Take Out, Drive-Thru, and Delivery! Visit McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about how kids can go on an exciting and bold adventure with the new Warner Bros Happy Meal collection.

January 27, 2023
Zack Tabdulo Launches New Era with ‘Akin Ka’

After being hailed as Spotify’s Top Streaming Domestic Artist for 2022, Zack Tabudlo breaks barriers again with “AKIN KA,” a new record exploring a different side of his craft. Here, he explores with reckless abandon—it’s unapologetic and passionate but remains a homage to the smooth soul musical genre.

Zack sees the single as a mirror of his fun side since he took inspiration from funk and RnB classics, including legends like James Brown and Motown.

His choice of lyrics is also bold, as the persona speaks to a potential lover in a raw language—almost as if gasping for air, as he drowns in passion. On the other hand, the musical elements blend colorful sounds, meshing well with the narrative.

“The certain elements within—like the horns section, keys, drums, ambient noise, and backup vocals—helped build the entire song. It’s also a new experience for me, as the song mimics the 70s era and how soul music was made and written during those times.”

Fans can expect more of Zack Tabudlo (and his new musical explorations) in the coming months. From new tracks to live gigs, the night is young and full of passion—so listen to “AKIN KA,” out now!

January 27, 2023
WATCH: ‘Shazam!’ Faces the ‘Fury of the Gods’ in the Sequel’s New Trailer

New Line Cinema has just revealed the brand new trailer and poster of the superhero adventure, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” Check it out below and watch the film only in cinemas across the Philippines starting March 15.

From New Line Cinema comes “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult superhero alter ego, Shazam.

Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy—aka Shazam—and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” stars returning cast members Zachary Levi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) as Shazam; Asher Angel (“Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson; Jack Dylan Grazer (“It Chapter Two”) as Freddy Freeman; Adam Brody (“Promising Young Woman”) as Super Hero Freddy; Ross Butler (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as Super Hero Eugene; Meagan Good (“Day Shift”) as Super Hero Darla; D.J. Cotrona (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) as Super Hero Pedro; Grace Caroline Currey (“Annabelle: Creation”) as Mary Bromfield / Super Hero Mary; Faithe Herman (“This Is Us”) as Darla Dudley; Ian Chen (“A Dog’s Journey”) as Eugene Choi; Jovan Armand (“Second Chances”) as Pedro Pena; Marta Milans (“White Lines”) as Rosa Vasquez; Cooper Andrews (“The Walking Dead”) as Victor Vasquez; with Djimon Hounsou (“A Quiet Place Part II”) as Wizard.

Joining the cast are Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”), with Lucy Liu (“Kung Fu Panda” franchise) and Helen Mirren (“F9: The Fast Saga”).

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and produced by Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Suicide Squad”). It is written by Henry Gayden (“Shazam!,” “There’s Someone Inside Your House”) and Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “The Fate of the Furious”), based on characters from DC; Shazam! was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. Executive producers are Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Marcus Viscidi and Geoff Johns.

New Line Cinema presents A Peter Safran Production of A David F. Sandberg Film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #ShazamMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

January 27, 2023
PETA, Indie.Go Media, and Star Magic come together for ‘Walang Aray’

Pioneer Filipino theater company, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), award-winning creative content agency, Indie.Go Media, and premiere talent management, Star Magic, are coming together to bring forth Rody Vera’s all-original Filipino musical, Walang Aray, from Feb 17-May 14, 2023 at the PETA Theater Center.

This unique partnership between the three companies, comes after the displacement of the creative and cultural sectors during the height of the pandemic. PETA alone had to close its theater doors for nearly three years, and this is the first-time that the company is staging a live public performance in its home theater since March 2019.

“We are coming from a period where art was deemed non-essential,” PETA artistic director Maribel Legarda explains. “We need partnerships, we need community, and we need to come together. This partnership with Indie.Go Media and Star Magic blurs the borders and allows for collaboration to happen between artists and creatives from various sectors and organizations,” she adds.

Indie.Go Media founder-CEO and veteran advertising director, Jun Reyes, has been the driving creative force behind Walang Aray, since he first commissioned it as a film script in 2007. As a fourth-generation descendant of Walang Sugat playwright Severino Reyes, his dream was to be able to transform his great-grandfather’s 125-year-old zarzuela into an original musical comedy for modern audiences. “My grandfather was the great Filipino storyteller of the 20th century, both through his plays and Lola Basyang stories,” says Reyes.

“When Indie.Go and I collaborated with Rody [Vera] to create a screenplay based on Walang Sugat, we wanted to honor his creative legacy by turning his century-old masterpiece into a movie musical with OPM songs. The Indie.Go film never got made. But thanks to PETA and Star Magic, we’re happy the script will finally see the light of day on the stage, for today’s generation to enjoy.”

With Star Magic as a partner, PETA is also able to continue its tradition of inviting television and film artists to bring in new audiences to the theater, which began from the time of the late National Artist and former PETA Executive Director and member, Lino Brocka.

Legarda recalls, “Lino always felt that it’s good for film actors to come and do theater because their experience of the theater will improve their craft as performers, and at the same time, their give back, is that they lend their celebrity to help theater become more popular to new audiences.”

Walang Aray features Star Magic’s “hottest musical couple” KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad — a.k.a KDLex, who will make their theatrical debut as the leads Tenyong (KD) and Julia (Alexa), alternating with theater triple threats, Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila.

Star Magic Head, Lauren Dyogi, shares his enthusiasm regarding the collaboration: “We are thankful to PETA for this partnership. We know this experience will help our artists, Alexa and KD, in their craft. This joint venture will surely be fruitful not only for PETA and Star Magic, but also for the entire industry, and most importantly for the artists who are part of this production.”

With Walang Aray, PETA hopes to celebrate the joy of our little victories as artists and citizens. “We need to re-energize ourselves and move forward,” says Legarda. “It’s healthy and important in terms of strengthening whatever ideas we have of ourselves as a nation and as individuals.” Even with Walang Aray’s historical narrative, its message rings true and relevant to today’s generation: that despite whatever repressions Filipinos may face, there is strength and victory in community when we clamor for change and fight for our dreams.

Walang Aray is hilariously clever, with irreverent tongue-in-cheek humor. “After three years of what we went through – not only the pandemic, but also the elections – that’s actually what I think people need right now. People need a space to laugh and allow themselves to have fun and enjoy,” Legarda quips.

The entertainment value of Walang Aray, together with how it pays tribute to our history and culture, and how it makes social commentary by weaving the past and present, make for a musical that will surely leave audiences with a reignited love for theater and nation. It is an echo of what Walang Aray calls for: TUMINDIG at UMIBIG! “That’s the whole idea of ‘tumindig’,” says Legarda. “Standing up and moving forward.”

Walang Aray will run at the PETA Theater Center from Feb 17-May 14, 2023. Tickets are available via TicketWorld.com.ph starting December 10, 2022. For bulk tickets and showbuying inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.

January 27, 2023
Enter a New Phase of MCU & Buy your Advance Tickets Now for Marvel Studios’ ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’

Enter the dangerous and mysterious Quantum Realm, and push the limits of time and space in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”, showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide in three weeks, starting on February 15. Grab your advanced tickets now and watch the newest chapter of the Ant-Man saga unfold.

The film is the third installment of the Ant-Man movie franchise and the first film of Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 5. After rescuing Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) in the previous movie, superheroes Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together with Janet, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), they explore the Quantum Realm once more.

Upon entering the Realm, they encounter a bizarre new world with unique creatures and meet Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). With Kang giving Scott an offer that’s difficult to refuse, he and the rest of the group have to push their limits and have the strength to face all of the threats in the Quantum Realm, and maybe even Kang himself. Can they safely make it out of the Quantum Realm and stop Kang from reaching his goals?

Don’t miss this must-watch Marvel film this season and get ready for what the new phase of the MCU has in store. Check the available showtimes here and book your advanced tickets now!

Follow Marvel Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest news and promos. Join the conversations online using #AntManandTheWaspPH and #QuantumaniaPH.

January 26, 2023
Get a Delicious Immunity Boost with Tropicana Twister

There’s something special about oranges that lifts one’s mood. Oranges represent bursts of vitality to brighten one’s day, from the fruit’s vibrant color or its sweet-tart taste.

Managing one’s exertion amidst significant weather changes contribute to the increased risk of catching the common cold and the flu. Medical professionals recommend making mindful lifestyle updates to boost immunity and prevent illness. Health journals also note the effect of adding oranges to the daily diet, as these fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps lower the risk of cell damage and enhance the immune system. Oranges are also rich in B vitamins that help convert food to energy and regulate brain functions.

Well-loved brands like Tropicana Twister makes getting one’s daily dose of vitamins easier. Available through Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI), the country’s exclusive distributor of PepsiCo beverages, Tropicana Twister is made with real orange juice squeezed from fresh-picked oranges.

“Tropicana Twister is the ideal of taste and nutrition. Every bottle is packed with vitamins for a healthy immune system. Tropicana Twister helps keep us refreshed and well, especially during the rainy season,” said Frederick Ong, PCPPI president and chief executive officer.

“Keeping ourselves healthy remains a responsibility we must uphold, especially with more people returning to their offices or attending in-person classes. It has become more crucial to nourish our bodies with vitamins to keep us strong. Adding orange juice to one’s diet is among the easiest ways to do this. With Tropicana Twister, we enjoin everyone to continue having the zest for life,” Ong added. Tropicana Twister is available in stores nationwide.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of Tropicana and other well-known beverage brands like Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Sting, Gatorade, Lipton, Aquafina, Premier, and Milkis. For more information about PCPPI and its products, please visit pepsiphilippines.com.

January 26, 2023