Author: Press Release

Greenwich is Blacklist International’s Official Food Partner as they Win More Games in 2023

The barkada is growing. Greenwich—the number one pizza and pasta chain in the country—is teaming up with Blacklist International Mobile Legends team (#BlacklistMLBB) to bring an awesome bonding experience.

Entering the booming and competitive world of online gaming also known as esports, the partnership highlights how the two brands champion bonding and creating connections in every possible way, targeting over 43 million active gamers in the Philippines.

Now, the collaboration between Greenwich and #BlacklistMLBB, is expected to make gaming more exciting with their fresh and engaging streaming and content collaborations.

“Greenwich has always been a brand that champions the passions of the Filipino youth. And today, that includes gaming. With #BlacklistMLBB as the newest addition to our family, they best represent how we embrace all kinds of barkadahan. Together, we can’t wait to step up the pizza and pasta game in the Philippines by providing them with our best-tasting products, as they journey into their competitions with their winning gameplay,” said Ali De Torres, Greenwich’s Head of Marketing.

This Southeast Asian esports organization under Tier One Entertainment includes Coach BON CHAN, Ohmyv33nus, Wise, Hadji, Oheb, Edward, DEX STAR, Master The Basics, Eson, and Kevier.

With superstars Johnmar “Ohmyv33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario or popularly known as the VeeWise duo leading the team, #BlacklistMLBB was hailed champions of Season 7 and 8 of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines. Among their biggest achievements was winning the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M3 World Championship in 2021.

“From day one, we have stayed true with our mission to strengthen the spirit of barkadahan over our great-tasting pizzas and pastas,” De Torres added.

“For us, it’s always a treat whenever a household brand recognizes the power of esports and how it can now resonate with mainstream audiences. Greenwich is definitely one of those brands and we’re excited for this partnership to bring new things to the table for our fans,” said Blacklist International CEO and Co-Owner Tryke Gutierrez.

You better not miss out on this awesome partnership! Best paired while playing ML, Greenwich bestsellers include Hawaiian Overload pizza, All-in Overload pizza, Overload Trio Deal, Dealicious Duo, and Lasagna Supreme.

As the official food partner of #BlacklistMLBB, Greenwich aims to level up their menu offerings to fuel more ultimate bonding experiences with the barkada.

Taste this winning pizza and game, head over to the nearest Greenwich branch and order for dine-in or take-out. You may also order through www.greenwichdelivery.com.

January 23, 2023
Brad Pitt, a Silent Movie Star at the Top of His Game in “Babylon”

“Brad’s one of the few people today where you get some sense of what the old school movie star really might’ve been like,” says Oscar-winning director Damien Chazelle (La La Land, First Man). “That sort of larger-than-life aura that a star of that time could exude seemingly effortlessly. That’s the thing with Brad, especially at this point in his career. You don’t see the work… it’s completely invisible and effortless. That’s part of what’s so magical about it.”

We first meet Jack Conrad (Pitt) when he arrives at the Wallach party with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Ina (Olivia Wilde). Jack evokes the likes of John Gilbert, Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino, leading men of the silent movie era. When he makes his entrance at the party, Jack feels like the adult in the room, but it’s clear that he is ready to partake in the festivities if the right situation comes along.

“Jack is sort of the uber movie star,” says Chazelle. “He’s the highest grossing leading man in the world when we meet him. He’s one of those guys who has reached the apogee of stardom right at that moment, and the kind of hysterical love and admiration that he inspires, at a moment in time when the whole concept of movie stardom was still relatively new, is really hard for us today to fathom.”

In a throng of admirers, Jack knows just enough about everybody in the room to address them and make them feel special, even for a brief moment, without pausing for a beat on his way to the bar. Everyone wants a word with or a glance from the most famous man in the movies.

“Having him play a movie star of this era felt meta in the most beautiful way,” says Chazelle. “But it also gave us something to collaborate on together, because the story became a canvas that he could inform with his own experiences, so that you could see the humanity underneath — the vulnerability, the insecurity.”

To play a silent film star, Pitt also did his own research. “I went back and studied. I watched a lot of Gilbert, Fairbanks, and Valentino. There’s a real charm in those performances,” says Pitt. “Silent films didn’t have dialogue to rely on, they only had the occasional title card, so the performances have a style to them that’s different than what we have now.”

In cinemas across the Philippines starting February 1^st, Babylon is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #BabylonMovie and tag @paramountpicsph

Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”

January 23, 2023
The Virgin Labfest Calls for Script Submissions for its 2024 Edition

Now in its 18th year, the Virgin Labfest, the annual theater festival of unpublished, unstaged, untried and untested works, is now open for script submissions for its 2024 edition.

Deadline for submission is on February 28, 2023 at 12:00 midnight. Submit your entries in doc or pdf format only to thewritersblocinc@gmail.com.

The call for script submissions is open to all Filipino citizens ONLY. Entries should have a maximum running time of 40 minutes. The festival is open to various themes and genres.

All submitted works must NOT have been previously published in book form, staged commercially for more than two (2) performances (staged readings and/or one-time workshop productions are allowed), or have not received any recognitions and awards in competitions and the likes.

Script entries may be in Filipino, English, Cebuano, Hiligaynon or Ilocano; but should be submitted with accompanying Filipino translations. Entries in other Filipino languages will also be considered based on availability and capability of performers.

A partnership project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Writer’s Bloc, and Tanghalang Pilipino, Inc., the theater festival will select twelve (12) new one-act plays. The playwrights of the selected plays must be willing to undergo a script development process with the creative team of the festival.

The finalists will be formally announced at the end of the VLF Year 18, slated this June 2023.

For inquiries, call 8832.1125 local 1600 or email virginlabfest2023@gmail.com

January 23, 2023
Pizza Hut PH just turned 39, so Here’s 39% Off on ALL Regular and Large Pan Pizza!

For many, age is just a number…not for Pizza Hut! As one of the country’s most beloved pizza restaurants celebrates its 39th birthday in the Philippines, you can join the fun by copping your favorite Pan Pizza flavors, available at 39% off for a limited time only!

You heard that right! That’s a hefty 39% worth of savings apiece when you buy a regular or large Pan Pizza from January 17 to February 13, 2023! There’s no need for coupons, discount codes, or secret passwords, just some good vibes and great company!

It’s available with all Pan Pizza flavors, too! Enjoy all-time classics Veggie Lovers, Cheese Lovers, Pepperoni Lovers, and Spicy Pepperoni Lovers at just P225.09 for regular (from P369) and P340.99 for large (from P559), or indulge in your favorite Supreme, Bacon Margherita, Hawaiian Supreme, Bacon Supreme, BBQ Chicken Supreme, Bacon Cheeseburger, or Cheese Supreme pizza at just P243.39 for regular (from P399) and P365.39 for large (from P599). You can also go with Super Supreme, Meat Lovers, or Carbonara Supreme for just P261.69 for regular (from P429) and P383.69 (from P629).

“A lot has changed since we opened our first store in the Philippines in 1984. Since we launched our signature and world-famous Pan Pizza, Stuffed Crust Pizza, and a variety of great pasta, chicken, and side items, they have become staple favorites among Filipinos, delighting 1.4M customers a month in over 140 locations nationwide. But one thing has stayed the same all these years, and that is our commitment to providing good food that brings people together,” said PPI Holdings Inc. COO Chacha Juinio. “And now, as we pass another major milestone in the Philippines, we are inviting all pizza lovers out there to celebrate with us through this irresistible offer.”

Get your favorite Pan Pizza at 39% off during Mondays to Fridays by visiting your nearest Pizza Hut branch for take-out. You can also order for delivery via the 8-911-1111 hotline, the Pizza Hut website, or the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pizzahut.ph) and iOS (https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/pizza-hut-philippines/id1527383194).

Give Pizza Hut a like and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and deals!

January 23, 2023
The CCP Pasinaya is Back, and it’s Better & Bigger

AFTER three years of cancellation and online editions, the CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival – the largest multi-arts festival in the country organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines – returns this year on February 3 to 5, 2023 in various venues inside the CCP Complex, located along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The festival highlights the different outdoor venues such as the CCP Front Lawn, Liwasang Kalikasan, Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez and its surroundings, and parade ground of Vicente Sotto Street, among others.

“This year, Pasinaya follows the theme ‘Piglas Sining.’ We are breaking away from the notion that the CCP is just the building. We are emphasizing that CCP can be anywhere,” said CCP artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan.

Pasinaya continues its experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can scheme. For a suggested donation price of P50, participants may go in and out of the different CCP venues to attend the 30-minute workshops in various art disciplines conducted by leading artists, resource persons and teachers, or watch as many shows, screenings, and activities as they can.

Registration starts at 6:30am, at the Bukaneg side of the Front Lawn and at Vicente Sotto Street.

On February 3, there will be a Pagtitipon, an invitational gathering of the Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) regional partners. There are 59 regional partners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the KSS network, with three new partners joining. A program of the Cultural Exchange Department, the KSS aims to further strengthen the CCP linkages and cooperations with local organizations in the different regions of the country.

Palihan and Palabas happen on February 4 and 5, with the opening salvo kicking off at the CCP Front Lawn with a parade and special program. In Palihan, audiences can join the different workshops; while they can watch unlimited shows, featuring more than 3,000 artists from different art fields, in Palabas.

Festival programmers and art groups will meet in Palitan on February 4 and 5, on-site at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater) and online via Zoom.

The open house festival partners with various galleries, museums and art spaces around the metro to put the spotlight on communal artistic spirit and collaborations. For this segment, the Paseo Museo, there will be hop-on, hop-off shuttle vans that will go around the participating arts spaces for free on February 4 and 5.

Through the Pasinaya, the CCP aims to provide a platform for the artists and cultural groups to showcase their talents while nurturing the broadest public and creating new audiences through interactions and performances. Attracting more than 27,000 people with approximately 75,000 audience viewership pre-pandemic, Pasinaya is undoubtedly the biggest multi-arts festival in the country, and still getting bigger and better on its 18th year.

Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for the latest updates.

January 23, 2023
Nu Skin PH launches Inner Focus Collagen Plus

Nu Skin Philippines, a subsidiary of Nu Skin Enterprises, a global leader in premium-quality beauty and wellness products, has launched its latest innovation Inner Focus Collagen Plus to the Philippine market.

Designed to boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and support healthy hydration, the deliciously drinkable skin care super supplement features Bioactive Collagen Peptides that produce the highest stimulatory effect of all collagens tested in vitro, as confirmed in human clinical studies showing improvements in skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles.

“When we’re adults, we produce about 1.5% less collagen each year. Oxidative stressors – like the sunlight we see every day – can even further reduce the amount of collagen our bodies make,” said Helen Knaggs, head of global product of research and development. “At Nu Skin, we prioritize using the best in science, technology and ingredients to keep our skin looking as good as possible. This applies to Inner Focus Collagen Plus: our innovative ingredient blends are more bioactive, so your skin is stimulated and looks more lustrous.”

Inner Focus Collagen Plus is a powdered drink that can be mixed with water, or hot and cold beverages. It comes in stick packs and has no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Each Inner Focus Collagen Plus box containing 30 sticks (1 month supply) is available for Php 6,000.00.

The Proof is in the PLUS

Inner Focus Collagen Plus is clinically proven to help support multiple areas of skin health. Nu Skin’s proprietary ingredient blend features a special elite peptide “fingerprint” that is shown to effectively stimulate collagen and elastin production. In fact, Nu Skin’s bioactive collagen peptides produce the best results of all collagens when tested in vitro, as confirmed in human clinical studies showing improvements in skin elasticity and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

The Inner Focus Collagen Plus also contains lutein, which promotes skin radiance and helps protect it from oxidative stress. It also has phytoceramides that keeps skin’s moisture barrier healthy and hydrated all day long.

A clinical study commissioned by Nu Skin tested the efficacy of taking Inner Focus Collagen Plus once a day for four months and found participants that received the Collagen Plus experienced improvement in texture, radiance, and overall appearance of their skin.

Better Together: Inner Focus Collagen Plus and ageLOC LumiSpa iO

Inner Focus Collagen Plus packs a powerful radiance-boosting punch on its own but delivers even better results when used with Nu Skin’s ageLOC LumiSpa iO, the most recent upgrade to its award-winning* ageLOC LumiSpa – a first-of-its-kind, dual action skin care device that cleans and refreshes the skin.

In the same clinical study, people who took Inner Focus Collagen Plus once a day and used ageLOC LumiSpa iO daily noticed nearly double the visible texture benefits compared to using an ageLOC LumiSpa regimen on its own [1], as well as additional improvements in radiance and overall appearance.

Having just launched in late 2022, ageLOC LumiSpa iO has already received international recognitions including the “New Product of the Year” Award at the 2022 Business Intelligence Group (BIG) Awards for Business and the “Retailer Choice, Gold Winner for Best New Product” Award at the 2023 Delicious Living Beauty & Body Awards.

To know more about Nu Skin’s products, visit www.nuskin.com.ph.

January 23, 2023
All roads lead to Cebu this February 18 for PLUS63 Music and Arts Festival

If you are planning to visit Cebu soon, be sure to make it on the weekend of February 18! While the “Queen City of the South” captures a traveler’s gypsy heart with its beaches, unique dishes, getaways, and exciting activities, it is also the venue for the long-awaited comeback of PLUS63 Festival! An annual music & arts festival, it gathers international and local acts at the SM Seaside Complex.

Book a flight on a Friday morning and upon arriving in Cebu, visit the stunning beaches of Bantayan, Malapascua, or Mactan where you could swim, snorkel, dive, or island-hop. In the evening, visit Cebu’s street food markets—including those in Carbon Night Market, Sugbo Mercado, The Market in Mandaue, and Tinda Locale. Have a taste of Ginabot, Tuslob buwa, and Lechon, among others which are perfect when paired with boiled young coconut rice called Pusô.

Saturday, February 18, is THE date for PLUS63 Festival. After a two-year hiatus, it is back with a stellar line-up headlined by singer-producer-rapper-comedian Joji (who boasts of over 5 billion streams to date) and R&B siren Kehlani (currently on a world tour promoting her latest album Blue Water Road, and will be capping off the said tour at PLUS63 Festival). They are two of this generation’s most accomplished artists. Also in the line-up of performers are Davao’s rising electro-pop star Paul Pablo, Cebu-based pop-rock bands, The Sundown and Sansette, and Cebu’s crowd favorite DJ Short. Be sure to score tickets from www.PLUS63Festival.com, www.SMTickets.com and www.InsigniaTickets.com for a three-month installment, zero interest option via Atome.

After that memorable Saturday Night at the PLUS63 Festival, continue the lively vibe at NUSTAR Resort and Casino, a premier five-star hotel offering world-class gaming, entertainment, events, and exclusive shopping. The day after, you can go island-hopping or basking in the island’s sand bars which you probably thought never existed. If you are a self-confessed sun-worshipper, take a side trip to Oslob, Moalboal, or nearby Mactan.

From unique cuisine, beaches with crystal clear blue waters and powdery white sand, and the warm welcoming vibe of Cebuanos, Cebu has evolved into a destination for wanderlusts. Now, with the multicultural, multi-genre sonic PLUS63 Festival happening on February 18, this city meets the sea festival is a one- of-a-kind event where the curious and free-spirited, creative souls celebrate their passion for music and the arts.

PLUS63 Festival Cebu has previously been headlined by world-famous acts like Steve Angello, Steve Aoki, Showtek, Kid Ink, Dada Life, and LANY. Now, you don’t want to miss it, do you?!

PLUS63 Festival Tickets are available at www.PLUS63Festival.com. Prices are at PHP 1,500 (GA FIELD), PHP2,5000 (GA), PHP5,000 (VIP), and PHP 60,000 for 6 pax (VVIP). For VVIP tables, you may reach out to hello@PLUS63Festival.com.

January 23, 2023
Make playtime a jolly ride with Jollibee’s theme park-inspired toys

A trip to the theme park is always a joy-filled occasion. With Jollibee’s latest Jolly Kiddie Meal toys, Jollitown Theme Park, families can bring that same exciting experience to kids’ everyday playtime at home as they join Jollibee and friends enjoy their favorite amusement park rides.

What’s the first stop? Jollibee’s bungee jump ride! With just the press of a button, kids can see Jollibee soar to new heights through this cute contraption. Hetty also goes up, up and away on her super swing with a few rotates of its knob.

Other than the high-flying thrills, Popo, Yum, and Twirlie can also show kids how to have a whirling good time through their fun rides.

Popo’s ride starts at the top of a pole and turns into a fun, downward swirl with the press of a button. Meanwhile, Twirlie sits on twirling teacups that can be activated once you click the button. Kids can also move and spin Yum in random directions on his ride with three spinning wheels.

The Jollitown Theme Park Jolly Kiddie Meal toys will surely give Jolly kids loads of joy and fun! Each of the five collectible toys comes with its own Jolly Joy Box and is available with every purchase of a Yumburger (P85), Yumburger with Regular Pineapple Juice (P115), Jolly Spaghetti (P104), Jolly Spaghetti with Regular Pineapple Juice (P134), 1-pc. Burger Steak (P104), 1-pc. Burger Steak Meal with Regular Pineapple Juice (P134), 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice (P130), or a 1-pc. Chickenjoy with Regular Pineapple Juice (P160). The entire toy set is also available with a purchase of a 6-pc. Chickenjoy Bucket for only P660.

Enjoy a thrilling playtime adventure with Jollitown Theme Park Jolly Kiddie Meal toys! Don’t miss this chance to collect all five toys by visiting the Jollibee branch nearest you, or by having them delivered to your home through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000 hotline, GrabFood, or foodpanda. Promo runs from December 1, 2022 to February 15, 2023 only.

January 23, 2023
Shopping for daily care essentials but feeling the effects of inflation? Human Nature’s got your back!

This new year means another opportunity for us to make wais choices—may they be for our health and wellbeing, our homes, or the planet. This is a must-have skill for Filipino consumers especially nowadays when the effects of inflation are just too real not to feel.

Enjoy up to Php 130 off when you purchase your favorite daily essentials at Human Nature

Feeling it yet? According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, domestic inflation soared to 8.1 percent last December, marking the country’s highest inflation in 14 years. What does this mean for us consumers? The Department of Trade and Industry says that we can expect prices of daily necessities to increase early this year.

NGL, we have already been seeing prices of goods skyrocket even before Christmas. This is a challenge that’s been prompting many of us to be wais and tighten our belts. Don’t you agree? However, as a result, most of our consumer choices involve sacrificing quality for affordability.

But don’t fret! We can always start somewhere. Brands and consumers alike can take steps to support one another as we try to stay afloat.

Rising up together amid rising costs

To help ease the burden of the rising costs of goods, local brand Human Nature does its part by rolling back prices of our 33 favorite daily skin, hair, and home care essentials by as much as 20 percent effective on January 13, 2022. (Yes, you read it right!).

Wanna be wais as you take care of your household? Buy more while saving more by purchasing our hand soaps, liquid detergent, baby care, and hair care products and enjoy up to Php 130 price slash

—insta-FORDA-ble! Pamper yourself too by copping our face care must-haves like cleanser, mist, and moisturizer and enjoy as much as Php 45 off.

List of Human Nature products with big price rollbacks. Click here to see the complete list.

Want to experience the #SunflowerPower on your skin? You can now also enjoy the 25 miracles of Human Nature’s cult-classic Sunflower Beauty Oil products starting at Php 184.75 only! Scrub your stress away with our discounted body scrubs and reveal your skin’s glorious glow with our power potions–our natural lotions!

As they say, “hindi kailangan mahal magmahal.” You can still make consumer choices with care and without compromise. At Human Nature, we are committed to keeping our household staples af-FORDA-ble for Filipinos while still maintaining our promise of world-class quality, genuinely natural products free from harmful chemicals.

Supporting local brands helps raise up our local economy—and what’s even better is that when you buy from Human Nature, you also support living wages to hundreds of workers and uplift farmers through local sourcing at fair trade prices. This is not just wais for the pocket but also wais for the health and the heart because you get to raise others up as you buy natural, healthier products for yourself at lower prices.

To know more about our brand, kindly visit humanheartnature.com.

January 23, 2023
Explore The World Again with The New Explorer Credit Card by BDO and American Express

BDO Unibank, Inc. and American Express have launched the American Express^® Explorer™ Credit Card (“the Explorer Card”) in the Philippines for the aspiring and frequent travelers eager to explore the world again. Cardmembers earn American Express’ Membership Rewards® points, which never expire, and can be redeemed for air miles with a wide range of airlines including award- winning ones and for hotel loyalty points with thousands of hotel properties¹ – giving them greater flexibility and choice, and allowing them to travel for less.

Every P40 spent entitles Cardmembers to earn one Membership Rewards^® point. Each point can then be redeemed for one air mile at six frequent flyer partners: Mabuhay Miles, KrisFlyer, Cathay Membership, Royal Orchid Plus, Enrich, and Delta SkyMiles. The points can also be converted into hotel loyalty points from Marriot Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which both have thousands of properties worldwide including in the Philippines. In addition, the Explorer Card has one of the best rewards rates in the country and no conversion fee.

“We have seen substantial growth in travel-related spending among our American Express Cardmembers. In 2022, airline ticket purchase alone has increased exponentially versus the previous year,” says Rolando C. Tanchanco, BDO Senior Executive Vice President and Consumer Banking Group Head. “With the return of consumer confidence in travel, the American Express Explorer Credit Card is a timely addition to our extensive line-up of credit card products with our partner American Express.”

“After three years of the pandemic and with borders reopening, travel is back. Our American Express Explorer Credit Card launched in partnership with BDO, gives our Cardmembers in the Philippines, whether they are travelling solo, with family or with friends, the ability to earn rewards and travel for less, while doing what they are passionate about.’’ said Mr. Sanjiv Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Global Network Services, SouthEast Asia and South Pacific, American Express.

The Explorer Card was first introduced by American Express in Australia in 2016 and Hong Kong in 2021. Now, American Express with BDO are bringing the Explorer Card to the Philippines—a first in Southeast Asia. The new card forms part of the extensive range of BDO-issued American Express Cards.

Cardmembers can redeem their Membership Rewards points from a wide choice of local and international airlines and hotel loyalty programs.

Frequent Flyer Partners
·       Mabuhay Miles (Philippine Airlines)
·       KrisFlyer (Singapore Airlines)
·       Cathay Membership (Cathay Pacific Airlines)
·       Royal Orchid Plus (Thai Airways)
·        Enrich (Malaysia Airlines)
·       Delta SkyMiles (Delta Airlines)

Hotel Partners
·       Marriot Bonvoy
·       Hilton Honors

Other benefits include:
·       Up to P10M Travel Accident and Inconvenience Coverage
·       2,000 Bonus Membership Rewards points upon reaching P600,000 spend per year
·       Year-round deals, rebate or cashback, and instant savings from BDO partner merchants
·       Complimentary Annual Fee for the 1st year (Principal and Supplementary)
·       Waived Annual Fee upon reaching P450,000 spend per year

For     more details         or      to      apply for     the     American     Express®     Explorer™    Credit Card, visit www.americanexpress.com.ph or go to any BDO branch near you.

January 23, 2023