Category: Time Out

Hong Kong Disneyland Unveils the Magical “World of Frozen”

In a dazzling prelude to the much-anticipated opening of the world’s first “Frozen”-themed land, guests from across the globe gathered at Hong Kong Disneyland for “A Spectacular Celebration of World of Frozen.” This grand event promised a glimpse into the captivating kingdom of Arendelle, inspired by the blockbuster animated films “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” World of Frozen will transport guests to the cinematic and living land – Arendelle. Guests will delve into this immersive travel destination, with its captivating stories, beloved characters, culture, stunning landscapes, enchanting music, and cutting-edge technology for the first time in forever by celebrating Summer Snow Day and enjoying fun-filled attractions and entertainment experiences.

Honoring the Visionaries: Special Guests and Distinguished Voices

The event witnessed the presence of luminaries such as Robert Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, Jill Estorino, President of Disney Parks International, Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Oscar®-winning maestro behind “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.”

“The ‘Frozen’ franchise is one of the most successful in Disney history and it’s a testament to the power of great storytelling, which is the foundation of The Walt Disney Company. It’s been this way for 100 years, and our commitment to storytelling and creativity will continue to define our next 100,” Iger said.

D’Amaro shared his enthusiasm for the immersive experience, saying, “our Imagineers worked with the team at Disney Animation to ensure every detail is just right. World of Frozen transports you to another world, where you can have fun with your loved ones and make some incredible memories together.”

The key creative force behind the hit franchise “Frozen,” Jennifer Lee was delighted to witness World of Frozen come to life firsthand. “We could not have dreamt that one day, we would have the opportunity to walk through and truly experience the kingdom of Arendelle as we all are today. I stand here – representing all of our artists who have worked together to create the ‘Frozen’ films – inspired and amazed.”

Immersive Enchantment: The World of Frozen Unveiled

The celebration unfolded along the Bay of Arendelle in World of Frozen. The air was filled with anticipation as the Royal Choir of Arendelle took the stage to perform a beautiful medley of “Frozen” songs. Joining the celebration, Iger, D’Amaro, and Lee extended a heartfelt welcome to guests. As Queen Elsa cast her Ice Magic, summoning the appearance of Olaf and creating an enchanting atmosphere, Queen Anna proclaimed that the gates of Arendelle are opening, and all guests enjoyed a beautiful evening beneath the stars.

Breathtaking Unveiling Along the Bay of Arendelle

The celebration unfolded along the picturesque Bay of Arendelle within the World of Frozen. The Royal Choir of Arendelle set the stage ablaze with a mesmerizing medley of “Frozen” songs. Iger, D’Amaro, and Lee welcomed the audience, and as Queen Elsa wielded her Ice Magic, summoning Olaf and crafting an enchanting atmosphere, Queen Anna declared the gates of Arendelle wide open. Guests reveled in a magical evening beneath the starlit sky.

A breathtaking lighting show marked a climactic moment as a fleet of drones soared into the night sky, choreographing iconic imagery inspired by the beloved “Frozen” movies. These formations, mirroring Elsa’s intricate Ice Magic, adorned the sky with awe-inspiring displays, etching a moment of wonder in the hearts of all attendees.

Mark Your Calendar: World of Frozen Opens November 20*

The grand finale was the announcement that the World of Frozen would open its gates on November 20*, promising a fully immersive experience. Guests can anticipate creating memories that will last a lifetime as they delve into the enchanting Frozen magic. For a hassle-free experience, secure your early park entry pass at Klook.

*World of Frozen will open its gate at 11:30am on the first day of the opening

November 17, 2023
Experience the Magic of ‘Gather to Give’: A Share-a-Ton Holiday Soiree at Sheraton Manila Hotel

Sheraton Manila Hotel kicked off the holiday season with ‘Paskonstelasyon‘ presenting ‘Gather to Give’: A Share-a-Ton Holiday Soiree – an enchanting night promising more than just merriment. The Marriott Bonvoy Soiree Lantern cast its golden glow, illuminating the splendid Christmas tree and encapsulating the festive spirit.

An Unforgettable Night of Joy, Unity, and Purpose

This year’s annual tree and lantern lighting at Sheraton Manila Hotel held special significance as part of the Sheraton Soiree campaign. Originating in September with the “Sundown Soiree,” it marked the countdown to Sheraton Manila Hotel’s upcoming 5th anniversary on January 16, 2014, at the Sheraton Ballroom. The event embodied Sheraton Manila Hotel’s commitment to creating memorable moments and shared experiences.

Welcoming each guest with warmth and the signature Sheraton festive drink, the night set the tone for ‘Gather to Give.’ Attendees captured and shared special moments, fostering a spirit of festivity filled with hope and togetherness.

The celebration, opened by General Manager Anna Vergara, emphasized the profound impact of unity and giving during the holiday season. Aligned with the hotel’s white-themed goodwill, she acknowledged Sheraton Manila Hotel’s commitment to building sustainable partnerships and communities, underscoring the invaluable contributions of the audience.

Yuletide Offers & Community Collaborations

Central to the event, the ‘Merry & Bright: Joyful Gatherings at Sheraton Manila Hotel Holiday Brochure,‘ revealed exclusive offers and delightful surprises. From sweet holiday treats to sumptuous staples, it transformed the festive season into something truly special.

Exciting collaborations were highlighted, including an upcoming bar takeover with 1834 Gin and The Lounge’s resident mixologists, promising an evening of exquisite cocktails and delightful entertainment. Another awaited venture involved an arts and crafts collaboration with “Googly Gooeys,” enabling guests to craft unique holiday keepsakes. These collaborations added an extra layer of excitement to the magical evening.

Purposeful Giving Lights Up the Evening

Children of Sheraton Manila Associates, alongside Executive Chef Andrea Burzio, adorned Christmas Chocolate Trees, each carrying a heartfelt dedication card. These treats sweetened the season and supported the education of children of Philippine soldiers through the HERO Foundation Inc.

In the spirit of giving, Sheraton Manila ensured that a percentage of proceeds from every holiday item sold would be dedicated to the foundation. This initiative embodies the essence of the holiday season—a time for joy, sharing, and making a positive impact in the community.

The Grand Finale and Culinary Delight

The evening concluded with the grand illumination of the Marriott Bonvoy Lantern and the Sheraton Manila Christmas Tree, symbolizing unity and marking the official start of the festive season. Sheraton Manila Hotel invited guests to be part of the ‘Gather to Give’ experience, exploring the secrets of making holidays enchanting, memorable, and purposeful.

A sumptuous gastronomic feast, featuring local products like artisanal salts, sustainable seafood, local chocolate, and coffee, was prepared by Sheraton Manila Hotel’s esteemed culinary team. Guests also got a glimpse of featured “Gather to Give” hampers and retail items, perfect for holiday gift-giving. Above all, Sheraton Manila Hotel left a powerful message of unity and hope, inspiring all to continue ‘Gathering to Give’ and share the light they bring, making the world a better place..For more information about Sheraton Manila Hotel, you can visit their website at www.sheratonmanila.com or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @sheratonmanila. You can also reach them by phone at (63 2) 7902-1800 or (63 917) 859-7496.

November 17, 2023
Unwrapping the Magic of Christmas at Robinsons Magnolia’s Enchanting Tree Lighting Event

The holiday festivities kicked off at Robinsons Magnolia with a captivating tree lighting event last November 13.

The joyous celebration was made more meaningful by the children from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral Foundation who were treated to a full day of fun, presents, and special surprises. Leading the lighting of the mall’s 40-ft golden Christmas tree are Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and RLC Executive Vice President and Business Unit General Manager Faraday Go, together with other Robinsons Malls executives and QC LGU officers. Experience Robinsons Magnolia’s holiday merriments with a wide array of exciting dining, shopping, and entertainment options for the whole family.

November 17, 2023
Jolly Snaps: Make it Christmas with Jollibee Joy in Metro Manila!

When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, Jollibee knows how to do it in style. They recently pulled off a “Jolly Snaps” Christmas surprise activity in different malls that had people all around town buzzing with excitement.

Jollibee made surprise appearances at popular spots such as SM City North Edsa and SM Megamall. Families and friends couldn’t believe their eyes as they spotted the iconic bee, giving away some of their Jollibee favorites: Crispylicious, Juicylicious Chickenjoy, Sweet-Sarap Jolly Spaghetti, Langhap-Sarap Yumburger, and Beefy-Saucy Linamnam Ulam Burger Steak, which they delightfully enjoyed with their families and friends.

On top of all of this joy and excitement, they even had the chance to strike a pose with the Jollibee mascot and bring home print-outs of their photos as souvenirs!

“This Christmas season, we wish you all the most joyous and memorable celebration with your family and friends. We hope that our simple surprise was able to transform seemingly ordinary mornings into fun, Christmas moments,” said Mari Aldecoa, Assistant Vice President. “With our delicious food and the festivities we have in store, Jollibee can help make this Christmas a truly heartwarming time for you and your loved ones.”

Harping on the “Make it Christmas with Jollibee Joy” campaign is the nationwide Christmas Light show, which will illuminate the holiday season! Ten stores from all over the country will be hosting light shows from November 2023 to early January 2024, every evening from 6 PM to closing hours. It’s going to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss! Find a store near you:

MEGA MANILA

BGC Triangle Drive
Katipunan
North Fairview
9th Avenue Caloocan
Baras Rizal
Alabang Madrigal

NORTH LUZON
Binalonan Pangasinan

SOUTH LUZON
Tagaytay Rotonda

VISAYAS
General Maxilom Cebu

MINDANAO
Davao Quimpo

For all the latest updates, make sure to like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

November 16, 2023
Festival of Lights 2023 Illuminates Ayala Triangle Gardens

Experience the magic of the well-loved Filipino Christmas tradition as Ayala Land brings back the Festival of Lights 2023 with a delightful twist. This year’s event promises not just a classic light show but also two brand new attractions, making it the most spectacular showcase yet. Let’s delve into the details and discover the wonders awaiting you at Ayala Triangle Gardens.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ClickTheCity (@clickthecity)

A Spectacular Evolution: From Light Show to Wonderland

The Festival of Lights, from its humble origins as a simple light show, has evolved into a breathtaking spectacle. Directed by the renowned Ohm David, the main attraction, “Kaleidoscope of Sight, Sound, and Light,” introduces innovative “mappable LED lights” and interactive floor projections.

These cutting-edge technologies transform the courtyard into a mesmerizing canvas of light and color, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

Musical Medleys to Warm Your Heart

Immerse yourself in the first medley, “Paskong Pinoy,” a visual symphony narrating the story of “Simbang Gabi” through vibrant lights and beloved Filipino Christmas carols. The second medley, “Cosmic K-Pop Christmas,” transports you to a K-Pop concert amid the picturesque Ayala Triangle Gardens. The third medley, “Big Band Holiday,” invokes the glamour of a bygone era, combining Art Deco-inspired lights with iconic tunes. Each medley is a journey through time and music, promising a feast for the senses.

Beyond the Courtyard: A Trail of Light Adventures

Explore curated installations beyond the courtyard, adding an extra layer of magic to your Festival of Lights experience. These installations are strategically placed throughout the gardens, creating a fully immersive and enchanting journey through the art of light.

Brand New Attractions: Making Wishes and Shedding Light

“Wish Upon a Light” awaits you at the northern part of the gardens, introducing a wishing pond where your Christmas wishes can come to life. Share your dreams on an interactive screen, and watch as they light up a green wall for everyone to see.

In collaboration with Arte House, Leeroy New, and Illac Diaz, the Festival of Lights 2023 proudly presents “Liter of Light.” This art installation features “Elemento” by Leeroy New, shedding light on an inspiring tale of recycled plastic bottles, water, and bleach bringing illumination to classrooms without electricity. Witness this awe-inspiring installation, lit up by solar-powered, recycled water bottles, starting December 2.

Save the Date: November 14, 2023, to January 14, 2024

Mark your calendars for the grand opening of Festival of Lights 2023 on November 14, 2023. The festivities will continue until January 14, 2024, giving you ample time to experience the magic. The show runs every hour, starting at 6 pm, with the final enchanting display at 10 pm.

Create Unforgettable Memories at Ayala Triangle Gardens

Gather your loved ones and immerse yourself in the nostalgic and heartwarming Christmas tradition at Ayala Land’s Festival of Lights 2023. It’s more than a light show; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories surrounded by countless lights. Don’t miss the chance to bond with the best people in your life this holiday season.

For the latest updates, follow Ayala Land (@ayalaland) and Make It Makati (@makeitmakati) on Facebook and Instagram. Join us in celebrating “Christmas Nights with Countless Lights” at Ayala Triangle Gardens!

November 14, 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
“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
URC Continues to Shine as the Philippines’ Leading Consumer Staples Company for the Third Consecutive Year

One of Asia’s leading financial publication, Asiamoney has, for a third year in a row, named Universal Robina Corp. (URC) as the Philippines’ most outstanding company in the consumer staples sector in its Asia’s Outstanding Poll 2023.

Asiamoney handed the award to URC, one of the Philippines’ largest food manufacturers, after an exhaustive survey of the region’s top capital movers and financial experts.

URC president and CEO Irwin Lee said clinching the award three times in a row “serves as a validation of the quality of our product, and a testament to the unyielding trust and confidence that our valued customers have in us”.

“It is also a recognition of the remarkable dedication shown by our workforce, and a reaffirmation of the overall excellence that defines our company,” he added.

Asiamoney is a top source of news, commentaries and data services for international capital markets.

The 2023 Asia’s Outstanding Company Poll covered over 1,225 fund managers, analysts, bankers and ratings agencies. In total, 7,653 votes were received for publicly listed companies across 13 markets in Asia.

The results recognized 194 companies as being the most outstanding in their respective sectors and markets.

The poll was designed to acknowledge listed firms that have excelled in areas such as financial performance, management team excellence, investor relations and corporate social responsibility.

Lee thanked the diverse group of fund managers, analysts, bankers, and ratings agencies who participated in the voting.

“We are also grateful to all our stakeholders – employees, suppliers, customers, and consumers – whose unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in our resilience during the recent challenging years,” he added.

Lee said the latest award reinforces URC’s commitment to becoming the “foremost sustainable food and beverage enterprise from the Philippines, that delight consumers around the world with good food choices”.URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Fun-O, Tivoli and Lexus.

Asiamoney, one of Asia’s leading financial publications has, for a third year in a row, named Universal Robina Corp. (URC) as the Philippines’ most outstanding company in the consumer staples sector in its Asia’s Outstanding Companies Poll. URC produces popular food and beverage brands such as Cream-O cookies, which are widely available in the region.

October 11, 2023
Cinemalaya Calls For Entries For Its 2025 Edition

Fresh from its successful 19th edition, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival now calls for submissions for its 2025 full-length category. The deadline for submissions is on or before 6pm on November 17, 2023.

The country’s biggest independent film festival continues its pursuit of innovative and excellent filmmaking as it marks its 20th year of nurturing new independent filmmakers eager to make their mark in the film industry in 2025.

Those who are interested in submitting their entries may submit it ONLINE through https://forms.gle/UGr1ayAmASL2hSp98 or OFFLINE at the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division office, located at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Annex Building, Vicente Sotto St., Pasay City.

For online submissions, interested parties must submit the following requirements: the concept paper of the project containing the premise(s) of the film, the genre, the tagline, the key characters, and their descriptions in Filipino or English; a two-page synopsis/storyline of the film project; resume of the proponent/s; two (2) recent photos of proponent/s; and a sample of the work directed by the proponent.

For offline submissions, participants should submit the duly accomplished 2025 Entry Form which can be downloaded from www.culturalcenter.gov.phor www.cinemalaya.org; concept paper; storyline, resume of the proponents and recent photos. Submit in six (6) copies in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of film entry, and contact details. The sheets containing the concept paper must NOT bear the name of the proponent. Full scripts will not be accepted.

Interested participants may submit a maximum of three entries. However, only one entry per proponent may be considered as a finalist. Works already in principal photography or post-production phase before JULY 2024 are disqualified, except for documentaries.

Works that are attached to film and television productions, as well as those of local streaming platforms, are eligible for submission as long as said works are not commissioned projects but originated from the filmmaker as a proponent. Commissioned works from commercial platforms are disqualified for consideration.

By FEBRUARY 2, 2024 (Friday), the Cinemalaya Competition Committee shall select 30 promising submissions, whose proponents will be invited to a pitching session for their respective projects. The initial selection would be narrowed down to 20 entries, whose proponents will undergo the Cinemalaya Film Lab, a three-month-long film-laboratory mentorship program which brings together resource persons from different aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, performance, editing, production design, sound, music, production management, and promotion strategies.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has been committed to the development and promotion of Philippine independent film. At its core, it provides an avenue for the production of cinematic works of Filipino independent filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With its call for submissions for the 2025 full-length film competition, Cinemalaya continues to invigorate the Philippine film industry by developing a new breed of Filipino filmmakers.

For full mechanics, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and the Cinemalaya website (www.cinemalaya.org). Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.

October 10, 2023