Monthly Archives

August 2024

Entertainment

With his new track “Sandal,” James Reid returns to his mellow pop beginnings

The stripped-down OPM track marks the new direction of his upcoming EP, to be released soon


 James Reid returns to his mellow, pop-leaning beginnings with the release of “Sandal,” his latest song under Sony Music Entertainment and Careless, following the popularity of his OPM blockbuster “Randomantic.” 

“Sandal,” which is essentially stripped down with acoustic instruments and mellow vocals, manages to strike a balance between accessibility and elegance, emulating the enchanted pull of his previous records.

As anticipated, Reid shows how eager he is to elevate a straightforward act of romantic affirmation into a masterpiece. He returns on “Sandal” with a new serenade that has enormous creative and commercial promise.

“I just wanted to reconnect with my roots in music, blending my past music with my new sound and writing style,” the award-winning singer-songwriter and label mogul admits. “It’s also been a long-time request from my fans. Most of the songs in my new EP are written in Filipino.”

The recording superstar wrote the track together with Luke April of the Davao-based hip-hop and R&B group, Playertwo. Both Reid and April wanted to create a material that aims to easily comfort someone going through a tough time. As the former pointed out in his press statement, “The idea is that love is strength and vulnerability, and that I will be your sanctuary.”

James Reid adds, This song means a lot to me personally. I wrote it for my girlfriend when she was having a terrible day. I wanted her to know that no matter what you’re going through, you can always lean on me.”

“Sandal” is also produced by Tim Marquez, who has helmed tracks for eclectic Filipino acts such as Ena Mori and Zild, and previously worked with James Reid on the piano ballad “Hurt Me Too.” Building on the initial ideas brought by Luke April, Tim approached Reid’s new direction with a slow dance feel.

James Reid’s Sandal is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.

Lifestyle, News

Kudos to the Bagong Bayani! The way today’s heroes, the TAYO 21 honorees, are creating waves and impacting the community

“They aren’t gonna change this

We gotta do it ourselves

They think that it’s over

But it’s just begun

Only one thing can save us—Only the young (only the young)”

Taylor Swift’s “Only the Young” is an anthem that speaks to a profound and urgent reality in a time when long-lasting change can sometimes seem like a distant dream. Youth organizations are rising to the occasion and demonstrating that, after all this time, they have been the harbingers of transformation all along. The song encapsulates this generational call to action.

The TAYO Awards Foundation honored and recognized the ten most accomplished youth organizations in the following categories: Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; Health, Wellbeing, and Human Development; Livelihood and Entrepreneurship; and Culture, Arts, and Heritage. This year’s 21st National Awarding Ceremony took place on Monday, August 19, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila, and is a remarkable testament to the power of youth-led initiatives.

Under the theme “Makabayani,” a blend of the words makabayan (love for one’s country) and bayani (hero), this year’s awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of young leaders and their positive contributions to nation building.

“Ang pagsagot sa hamon para maging isang Makabayani ay nangangailangan ng malalim at totoong paniniwala at pagmamahal sa Pilipino, the Filipino is worth uniting for,” said former senator Bam Aquino during his keynote message.

TAYO 21 Awardees as Modern Day Heroes

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Finalists posing with their trophies

For more than two decades, the TAYO Awards Foundation has recognized and honored exceptional youth organizations that embody the spirit of service and patriotism. This year’s theme encapsulates the essence of modern heroism and showcases how these youth organizations are not only driven by a love for their country, but are also actively transforming their communities with their passion projects and initiatives.

The 21st Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Top 10 Awardees are as follows:

● Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests

  • Second Chance Philippines
  • Achieve Minarog Youth Organization
  • MSU – Iligan Institute of Technology Youth Chain of Peace
  • Sidha – San Jose City
  • Therawee Health Innovation Inc.
  • ADHIKA PH Inc.
  • Project Barako
  • Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders, Inc.
  • Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc.

The Top 10 awardees and 10 finalists received a TAYO trophy by national artist, Toym Imao, as well as Php 50,000 and Php 20,000 seed grants, respectively, to help fund their ongoing projects or start new ones.

 This year’s TAYO Awards Top 10 Awardees

Special Awards

Apart from the prizes received by the Top 10 accomplished youth orgs, the TAYO Foundation also gave special awards to select groups. These special awards were chosen by their partners and were given to organizations that will further their individual missions as institutions, corporate organizations, or public offices.

The Coke Barkada Award is a special recognition given to the TAYO Finalist that helps improve the well-being of communities and environment through projects that are aligned with The Coca-Cola Company’s sustainability priorities. This was awarded to Salumayag Youth Collective.

Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) President Cecile Alcantara emphasizes the role of youth in national development. CCFPI has been a co-presenter of TAYO Foundation since the 5th TAYO Awards.

Meanwhile, the San Miguel’s Better World Award is given to the organization that believes in the healing power of collaboration within communities. Therawee Health Innovation, Inc. took home this award for their work in the health industry.

The third special award—The Hello, Pagkain Award—is sponsored by TAYO Founder, Kiko Pangilinan. It is a special recognition given to a youth organization that trains young people with agricultural practices and technologies that will help them become food & financially secure. This was given to the Kagay-anon Youth Network Alliance.

The fourth special award is the Bida Kabataan Award sponsored by former Senator and TAYO Co-Founder Bam Aquino. This award is given to organizations that have rightfully showcased the bravery and intelligence of the youth. The awardees are Second Chance Philippines and Iloilo National High School Boy Scouts of the Philippines Outfit 154.

Another special award is the Georgina P. Nava Leadership Award. Nava was a beloved TAYO pioneer who dedicated her whole life in service of the Filipino youth. This award was given to Sidha.

The Asia Foundation and USAID, through Youth Leadership for Democracy, or YouthLed, are the sponsors of the last special prize, the Youthled Democracy prize. Model Sangguniang Kabataan Network received this prize.

Young leaders are redefining what it means to be a hero by taking on positions that are being filled around the country. They are actively bringing about change instead of passively waiting for it to happen. These young groups are leading the way with a passion and determination that speaks to the core of our contemporary concerns, from grassroots campaigns to creative initiatives and social movements.

Lifestyle, News

ANALYSIS: By the end of 2024, approximately 80% of fintech services will be accessed through mobile apps

The digital lending segment saw the largest growth in terms of application downloads during the first half of the year.

According to new research from consumer credit agency Digido, the percentage of people in the Philippines who are 15 years of age and older who use mobile apps for financial technologies may rise to 79.5% by the end of 2024, or over 66.4 million unique users1.

It is anticipated that the Digital Commerce area will account for 34% of the growth in said adoption rate, with Digital Wallets contributing 27.2% and Digital Banking 8.6%.

Adults in the Philippines adopted fintech services on their phones at a rate of 76.2% (63.1 million unique users) between September 2018 and June 2042. During that time, 617 million downloads of fintech mobile applications were made in the nation. With 31.4% of downloads, digital commerce was the most popular industry, followed by digital wallets (21.7%) and digital loans (20.3%). Digital banking (7%), digital personal finance apps (8%), and digital payments and transfers (11.6%) made up the remaining amount.

Solely examining absolute figures during the first half of 2024, the largest growth of downloads was seen in the digital lending sector at 25.4 million, followed by digital commerce at 13.5 million and digital wallets at 12.2 million. Digital payments and transfers, digital banking and digital personal finance applications garnered 7.8 million, 6.2 million and 4 million, respectively.

On average, Digido observes that the number of downloads is constantly growing at a rate of approximately 10.26% per half year. Over the first six months of 2024, the digital banking sector experienced the highest growth rate of downloads at 22.34%, followed by digital payments and transfers (17.72%) and digital lending (16.81%).

Commenting on the analysis, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco explained: “The positive numbers seen in digital lending, digital wallets and digital commerce can be attributed to growing trust in these segments and its natural synergies with one another. As strong demand for fintech in the Philippines continues, so too Filipinos’ expectations on convenience, interoperability and improved user experience across these applications.”

“We believe that the Philippines remains on course towards widespread digitalization, with its ‘fintech-ization’ far from weakening. Collaboration within and outside of the industry remains paramount for this growth to be realized at a faster rate,” Arreco added.

Lifestyle, News

Tetra Pak Disseminates a Whitepaper Outlining a Novel Sugar Reduction Strategy for the F&B Sector

A whitepaper outlining a novel strategy for reducing sugar in fruit juices was released by Tetra Pak, a global leader in processing and packaging solutions. This development is a reaction to the regulatory rules that have been put in place throughout Southeast Asia and the growing health concerns around sugar.

More than ever, consumers are turning away from high-sugar food and beverage goods and toward plant-based substitutes as a sign of growing health consciousness. As a result, in order to comply with new rules and rising consumer demands, F&B companies are now considering reformulating products to make delightful beverages like juices without relying on sugar and artificial sweeteners. This has made it difficult for the business to reduce sugar while preserving flavor and nutritional value, which has led to a lot of research and development work in this area.

The F&B sector is changing to accommodate changing consumer tastes and health regulations, which makes creative solutions more crucial than ever. Tetra Pak’s dedication to R&D guarantees that their partners have access to the most cutting-edge technologies out there.

Through controlled fermentation, Tetra Pak’s process can reduce the sugar content in juice to almost zero. This zero-sugar juice can then be blended with regular juice to achieve the desired level of sugar reduction. This innovative process ensures that the juice’s taste and nutritional quality remain intact, leveraging their well-established industry technologies.

John Jose, Marketing Director of Tetra Pak Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia, said “Health and regulatory trends are spurring tremendous innovation within the F&B sector. We are always on the pulse of the consumer needs and ready to help our F&B customers solve challenges with our latest technology and expertise. With our advanced fermentation process, we can cut down the sugar content in juice significantly. This process allows us to create a juice that can be blended to meet any desired level of sweetness, without compromising on taste or quality.”

The whitepaper highlights that this approach has been validated through technical and consumer tests. It opens significant opportunities for the F&B industry to develop a new category of reduced-sugar juices and drinks. It also delves into the changing consumer attitudes towards sugar, provides an in-depth overview of the fermentation process, and explores the potential of this new beverage category.

As the F&B industry evolves to meet new health standards and consumer preferences, the need for innovative solutions becomes increasingly important. Tetra Pak’s commitment to research and development ensures that their partners have access to the most innovative technologies available.

Jose added: “We have over 70 years of experience in beverage production, delivering food processing and packaging equipment around the world. Given our extensive specialist knowledge and our innovative ability to combine technology with food application expertise, we are uniquely positioned to support our F&B partners in navigating the challenges of sugar reduction. Our reliable and practical approach towards the fermentation process represents yet another advancement in the field.”

Download the whitepaper from the Tetra Pak website to find out more. Reducing sugar in fruit juices through fermentation: https://www.tetrapak.com/en-my/insights/food-categories/juice-and-drinks/reducing-sugar-in-fruit-juices-fermentation#cf-step-thankyou-textimage

   youtube.com/user/tetrapak

  @tetrapak

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tetra-pak

Sports

Anytime Fitness is celebrating strength and fitness by bringing back the Battle of the Purple Champions

21 teams battled it out for the ultimate title of Purple Champions

COO of Inspire Brands Asia, Mark De Joya takes an energizing group photo with our Purple Champions

Battle of the Purple Champions, Anytime Fitness’ much-anticipated strength competition, returned on August 25, igniting the spirit of community and strength once more. The occasion showcased the abilities of its community members around the nation and highlighted the best in health and fitness. With challenges based on real-world situations, this year’s competition offered something new and challenged competitors to go beyond standard training regimens.

Samuel Diones, John Kenneth Solonia, Danilo M. Quirabo Jr., Tristan Ivan Melgarejo, and Dexter Ansaldo were the winners of Team Anytime Fitness Ecoland Davao. With this triumph, they have now won three straight championships; they have also won in 2018 and 2019. In an astounding period of seven minutes and eighteen seconds, the team secured the victory. It is indeed a fun and enthralling fitness activity, as they have shared their talents and camaraderie and are able to move their bodies at the same time. We totally enjoyed all the performances and got inspired by the dedication.

Team Anytime Fitness Ecoland Davao consisting of Samuel Diones, John Kenneth Solonia, Danilo M. Quirabo Jr., Tristan Ivan Melgarejo, and Dexter Ansaldo wins First Place at Battle of the Purple Champions!

Securing second place was Team Anytime Fitness Bacoor with a time of 8 minutes and 44 seconds, while Team Anytime Fitness Mall of Asia took third place, completing the course in 9 minutes and 2 seconds.

Strength in Teamwork

Winning the title didn’t come easy for Team Ecoland Davao. All teams faced grueling workouts in the qualifying rounds, striving to complete the challenges in the shortest time. For the champions, teamwork, focus, and effective communication were key to their success.

Reflecting on their third win, the team shared, “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete again and proud to be champions. This event reminded us that anyone can be a champion if they work hard and persevere. Our journey shows that dedication pays off.”

The team members hope their victory inspires others to pursue an active lifestyle and reminds everyone that you can be a champion anywhere, Anytime.

“To be a champion, you need discipline and consistency in your workouts. We didn’t become champions overnight; it took patience and hard work. Not everyone can persevere through the challenges, but if you stay focused and committed, the results will come,” the team emphasized.

A Unique Comeback

This year’s Battle of the Purple Champions embraced a new approach, turning everyday activities into fun, fitness-oriented challenges. With Anytime Fitness’ state-of-the-art equipment on hand, participants pushed their limits while engaging in creative tasks.

The competition kicked off with Moving Day, a challenge inspired by the milestone of moving houses. Teams were tasked with organizing a shuffled room by lifting and arranging furniture to match a given layout.

Next was the Sandbag Shuffle, where teams carried five sandbags, loaded them onto a sled, and navigated through obstacles, testing their core, leg, and upper body strength.

To acknowledge the growing biking trend in the Philippines, the Bike Race challenge required teams to alternate between stationary biking and high jumps on a plyometric box, combining endurance and explosive power.

The final challenge, Champion’s Climb, saw participants racing up and down a staircase while carrying kettlebells, reminiscent of the strength required during travel.

Although Team Ecoland Davao emerged as the champions, every team exemplified the event’s core message that “real life never stops.”

Celebrating Champions

Mark de Joya, COO of Inspire Brands Asia, commented on the success of the event: “We are proud not just of our athletes who gave it their all during Battle of the Purple Champions, but for all who came to celebrate with us. At Anytime Fitness, we always want to push boundaries; that said, we want to take this chance to remind everyone that anyone can be a Champion – you just need to have a fighting spirit committed to making yourself a better version of yourself everyday.”

Anytime Fitness, the largest and most varied fitness network in the area and the creator of the 24/7 fitness franchise concept, is the sponsor of Battle of the Purple Champions. Anytime Fitness, which has more than 5,500 clubs worldwide, is unwavering in its dedication to offering every opportunity for growth and well-being.

Follow Anytime Fitness on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.

For more information about Anytime Fitness Philippines visit https://www.anytimefitness.ph/ 

Entertainment

The PAGTATAG of SB19! THE DOCUMENTARY is currently showing in Philippine theaters!

The P-Pop kings open up about tour setbacks and career challenges on new documentary film

The eagerly awaited movie PAGTATAG! from SB19! Today is THE DOCUMENTARY’s national theatrical premiere!

The highly anticipated documentary offers an intimate glimpse at the group’s experiences both individually and collectively while touring and attempting to manage their rise to international pop prominence while dealing with a debilitating fear of pressure and anxiety.

The concert documentary not only documents the P-Pop phenomenon’s journey as they “move forward to a new era of music, career, and emancipation,” but it also reveals never unseen moments that challenge their tenacity and dedication.

Watch the trailer here

“Part of what makes the film even more special is that it doesn’t sugar-coat the learnings and experiences that we’ve endured during the entire era of the PAGTATAG! tour and album release,” SB19 shares in a press statement. “The year-long run was filled with multiple setbacks that added mental and emotional distress. But as the title explains it best, the documentary will show how we bounced back from the adversities in life and career, and how we managed to mount a series of shows despite going through a lot of internal and collective struggles. We hope that through this movie, we will be able to inspire our A’TIN to become stronger and more resilient when they face a similar ordeal in a not-so-distant future.”

SB19’s PABLO, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 1Z Entertainment, emphasized that they’ve always thought about producing a documentary that captures the story behind the stage and the little moments that define the human aspects of mounting a tour of this scale and ambition.

“We’re grateful to First Light Studios and Jed Regala for helping us turn our vision into a reality,” PABLO reveals. “We’re lucky to have a team that understands the power of collaboration.”

The exclusive screenings will take place from August 28 to September 1 in cinemas nationwide.

SB19 just defeated some of the greatest and most recognizable international music stars in Billboard’s Fan Army Face-off, winning for the second year in a row. In the final round, the five-piece act that was topping the charts received 56.3 percent of the vote, defeating Barbadian megastar Rihanna.The GENTO hitmakers won the Voices of Asia Award for their innovative role in introducing Filipino music to a worldwide audience yesterday, August 27, when they also represented the Philippines in Billboard Korea’s “Billboard K POWER 100” in Seoul.

Get your PAGTATAG! THE DOCUMENTARY tickets here.

SB19 is self-managed by 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members of SB19.

Website: https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/SB19

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4v7afBTnJKRm4SlfHJzyg

X: https://twitter.com/SB19Official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsb19

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialsb19

Entertainment, Lifestyle

BPI MyFiesta: Customized options for your ideal vehicle, residence, motorbike, and more

Dexter Cuajotor, BPI’s Head of Retail Loans and Bancassurance, launched the BPI MyFiesta promo last August 2 at TriNoma Mall in Quezon City.

With the nation’s home and auto loan markets steadily expanding, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is providing Filipinos with additional options to own their ideal home, vehicle, or even motorcycle.

These debuted jointly at the Activity Center of TriNoma mall in Quezon City, Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod, and SM Downtown Premier in Cagayan De Oro during the MyFiesta event that took place last August 2-4.

Applicants for auto loans can receive reduced interest rates and waive bank fees up to Php 173,000. Additionally, through any BPI branch countrywide, they will be able to take advantage of low downpayment options, All-In Financing, and free bank fees of up to Php 30,000.

At the event that took place, BPI once again showed their festive celebration. We enjoyed the different booths that have been displayed and also the different tokens that have been given. It really feels like the true spirit of fiesta celebration with them.

For Housing Loan applicants, clients can enjoy a 7% interest rate fixed for 7 years, and free bank fees of Php 7k for every Php 1-million loan amount (capped at Php 173,000).

Clients will automatically earn 100,000 BPI Rewards Points via BPI Vybe for any Auto or Housing Loan application via BPI Loans Marketplace. The VYBE points can be used to redeem rewards from over 200 partner merchants.

The promos apply to Auto Loan and Housing Loan applications made from August 1 to September 30 this year.

For Motorcycle Loan applications from August 1 to the end of 2024, clients will get monthly amortization discounts when they pay on time. The discounts that will be applied are Php 500 per month for a 12-month loan term, Php 600 per month for a 24-month loan term, and Php 700 per month for a 36-month loan term. This promo for the BPI Motorcycle Loan is exclusive to motorcycle units of Premiumbikes and Summit Superbikes dealerships.

BPI MyFiesta showcased the bank’s partnerships with car brands, property developers, motorcycle dealers, insurance providers, and sustainable financing partners. The collaboration makes possible the provision of mileages through BPI Auto Loan, Housing Loan, and Motorcycle Loan.

“The event’s theme seamlessly integrated physical and digital experiences (phygital), strategically engaging customers in a personalized and immersive way. This approach aimed to forge a deeper connection with Filipinos, supporting them on their journey to achieve their personal aspirations,” said Dexter Cuajotor, Head of Retail Lending and Bancassurance, BPI.

My Fiesta was centered around three main themes: community, celebration, and customization. Beyond the event itself, personalization was also applied to the goods and services provided. Cuajotor continued, “We understand that every Filipino has different goals, and BPI is dedicated to supporting them in achieving their #LifeGoals.”

A celebration of community, individualization, and fun, BPI MyFiesta gave Filipinos the opportunity to own the vehicle, house, motorcycle, and more of their dreams! The following partner brands had booths at the event: Premiumbikes and Summit Superbikes for motorcycle loans; Cubo Modular Inc. and Greenery Solar for sustainable financing partners; Toyota, Mitsubishi, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BYD, Nissan, Honda, Isuzu, Geely, MG, Jetour, and GAC for auto loans; and Avida, Amaia, DMCI, RLC, Juanito King, JECO, ML&D, A Brown Company Inc., Italpinas Development Corporation, and Pueblo de Oro Corporation for housing loans.

Food, Lifestyle

The Ajinomoto Factory in Cebu is Celebrating 20 Years of Business Success

APF Cebu organizes Mangrove Planting: Sustaining the Environment, Marching on to 2030

Eat Well, Live Well Towards a Better Tomorrow: Over 100 Ajinomoto employees in Cebu planted 1,200 mangrove trees in Barangay Day-as, Cordova, Cebu, in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Flavor Food Inc. Ajinomoto Philippines Inc. Cebu, also known as APF Cebu, commemorates its 20 years!

APF Cebu held a mangrove tree planting event with the theme “Mangrove Planting: Sustaining the Environment, Marching on to 2030” to commemorate the company’s expansion and changes since its founding in 2004. This project, which honors 20 years of excellence in the food business, is a tribute to APF Cebu’s dedication to sustainability and community engagement.

1,200 mangrove saplings were planted by more than a hundred APF Cebu workers who joined the Fisher Folk Organization of Barangay Day-as in Cordova, Cebu. This is to recognize the significant role these trees play in preventing erosion along our shorelines. By offering homes for aquatic creatures, they also improve the biodiversity of the regions.

Led by APC Group President Mr. Koichi Ozaki, Vice President Mr. Makoto Tanabe, APF Bulacan Factory Director Mr. Juanito Ramos Jr. and APF Cebu Factory Manager Mr. Teodoro Wong Jr., a total of 1,200 pieces of mangroves were planted. This is  a significant number to help  strengthen the coastal ecosystem restoration of Barangay Day-as.

WIN-WIN partnership: APF Cebu employees joined the Fisher Folk Organization of  Barangay Day-as in Cordova, Cebu to strengthen the coastal ecosystem restoration of the area.

Last year, APF Cebu also conducted a similar planting activity in another strategic location in Cebu. This was done in Barangay Calawisan in Lapu-Lapu City, where the saplings have now shown significant growth as they have established strong roots in the coastal soil. This year’s mangrove planting is another promising activity that will be sustained through continuous monitoring to add to the number of the existing mangroves in these areas.

TEAMWORK: APF Cebu employees are all smiles while they plant together to fulfill the company’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement as they march on to Roadmap 2030.
 

Following the outdoor event, the APF Cebu headquarters hosted a mass of appreciation to show the company’s gratitude for 20 years of consistent and successful operations. Following mass, there was a formal program that featured remarks of inspiration and congratulations from Ajinomoto Philippines’ top management. This occasion was made even more joyous by the participation of talented employees and the sharing of anecdotes from long-tenured Ka-Aji’s (a name affectionately used by Ajinomoto Philippines employees to refer to their colleagues).

In order to achieve Roadmap 2030, APF Cebu will keep pursuing expansion, stable operations, participation in environmental initiatives, and community outreach while consistently delivering high-quality goods that uphold Ajinomoto’s motto of Eat Well, Live Well!

Automotive

National Finals of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Philippines 2024 wrapped up

Moreno, Ison, Reyes to represent the Philippines at the Asia Finals in Malaysia in October

(L-R) Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Senior Vice President Masahiro Haoka, TGR GT Cup PH 2024 2nd Placer Enzo Ison, Champion Luis Moreno, 3rd Placer Russel Reyes, and TMP President Masando Hashimoto

On Sunday, August 18, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) held a spectacular live event at the SM Mall of Asia to finish the National Finals of its premier e-motorsports tournament, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Philippines (TGR GT Cup PH).

The TGR GT Cup Finals was held over two days at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City

The TGR GT Cup PH Finals, which were held live for the first time in a public setting, drew sizable audiences as the nation’s best sim racers gave it their all in the hopes of winning cash prizes, exclusive TGR gear, Autocross Challenge seats, and the right to represent the Philippines in the Asia Finals.

Luis Moreno crosses the finish line of the Quarterfinals track, Trial Mountain

The Finals began with the Quarterfinals on August 17 where the Top 40 fastest e-racers from the qualifiers battled it out on Trial Mountain in the Toyota GR Yaris RZ “High Performance” ‘20. The participants were seeded into four batches of 10 players each, and each batch went head-to-head for three race heats. The first race held a qualifying time trial to set the grid, while the second race put winners of the first race at the back of the grid in an exciting reverse grid. The third race once again had the racers put in their fastest lap for a chance to start higher on the grid.

Luis Moreno, who was the TGR GT Cup Champion in 2021, has been sim racing for more than 10 years

Past TGR GT Cup PH Sporting Class champion Luis Moreno and defending champion Russel Reyes solidified their places as top contenders, winning all three races of their respective batches. Past Junior Class champion Enzo Ison also dominated his batch.

Former Promotional Class champion Stanley Golez went on to win two out of the three races for his batch, the other being won by newcomer Adrian Unisa.

Following the Quarterfinals was the Semifinals, which pitted the Top 20 against each other on the Suzuka Circuit in the Toyota GR Supra RZ ’20. Similar to the Quarterfinals, the Semifinals held three race heats for two batches of 10 players each. Qualifying time trials were done for the first and third races, while the second race reversed the grid, putting the top placers of race one at the back. Weather conditions, which were chosen at random, were thrown into the races to further test the skill of the drivers. The first race was met with drizzle, the second race with dry weather, and the third race with full-on rain.

Race one of the first batch of the Semifinals saw Luis Moreno crossing the finish line with an eight-second lead from the rest of the pack, with Jether Miole in second after a close fight with Enzo Ison, who finished third. Ison then went on to win the second race, with Moreno and Miole close behind. The third race was dominated by Moreno with Ison and Miole rounding up the second and third spots.

Russel Reyes clinches first place during his Semifinals race

Russel Reyes drove strong and steady to maintain his lead after starting from pole position in the first race of the second batch, which he won. Matthew Ang and Stanley Golez followed right behind in second and third. The second race saw similar results to that of batch one, with Ang taking the win, and Reyes and Golez in second and third, respectively. The same three e-racers dominated the rainy third race, with Russel Reyes in first place, Matthew Ang in second, and Stanley Golez in third.

The top 10 finalists of the TGR GT Cup. (L-R) Vito Manas, Adrian Unisa, Stanley Golez, Enzo Ison, Russel Reyes, Luis Moreno, Matthew Ang, Jether Miole, Kryz Aranzanso and Corwin Mercado with host Apple David.

For the National Finals, three different tracks with three different cars were introduced for the three race heats. E-racers sped through the Deep Forest in the Toyota GR Yaris RZ “High Performance” 20 for the first race, the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit in the Toyota GR 86 RZ ‘21 for the second race, and finally, the Fuji International Speedway in the Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept ’18.

With 10 of the best players remaining, tension was high with the races seeing more wheel-to-wheel action as the top e-racers pushed their limits on the virtual racetracks. Players who were put in different batches in the earlier races faced each other for the first time in the National Finals. This was met with enthusiasm from the audience as cheers echoed in the SM Mall of Asia for their favorite racers.

Enzo Ison fights his way to the front of the pack in the second race of the National Finals

Russel Reyes took pole position in the first race but was overtaken by Luis Moreno who went on to win the race after undercutting Reyes in a clever pit strategy. The second race was a reverse grid, which put Moreno at the back with Reyes and Ison in front of him. Race two ended with Moreno on top after making his way to the front of the pack, followed by Ison in second, and Reyes in third. For the third race, positions were reversed once again based on the results of race two, and dynamic weather conditions were enabled. Moreno delivered a masterclass with his pit strategy, which put him ahead of Ison and Reyes, but behind Jether Miole, the race leader. A mistake would cost Miole the lead, and Moreno was quick to take advantage of the opportunity.  

The final lap of the last race was met with adrenaline-filled action as Moreno made contact with another driver, putting Ang in the lead. Race three ended with Ang in first place, Moreno in second, and Ison in third.

Official results were announced, revealing Luis Moreno as the TGR GT Cup PH 2024 Champion with 75 points, Enzo Ison in 2nd Place with 48 points, and Russel Reyes in 3rd Place with 45 points. Special awards were also given to Ison for Driver of the Day and Matthew Ang for Fastest Lap.

“This has been a fun event. Thank you so much for giving us sim racers the opportunity to have another shot at the [TGR GT Cup]. Hopefully there’s more to come,” shared Russel Reyes.

“Thank you to my family and friends for supporting and helping me. And to my team, Legion of Racers, thank you for the practices,” shared Enzo Ison.

“I would like to thank Toyota Motor Philippines for a phenomenal event. It’s the first time we had a live event head-to-head, and it’s good to see more of these events coming out. This year, I had a different approach in terms of training. I wanted to be more open, more dynamic, and I’m happy that it paid off,” shared Luis Moreno.

Moreno, Ison and Reyes will represent Team Philippines at the Asia Finals in Malaysia on October 13.

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing GT Cup Philippines is brought to you by Petron and GT Radial, and in cooperation with Seiko. This event is also supported by Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One.

For more thrilling action, catch the second race weekend of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup on September 28 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. Admission is free!

For the most recent information, follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram and X if you’re interested in competing in the TGR GT Cup Philippines the following season.

Follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X, and become a member of the Viber community at Toyota PH to stay up to current on Toyota events, services, and products.

Lifestyle

Rosie A. Dominguez Retires: Examining a Legacy of Greatness at Alsons Dev

Looking back on Rosie Dominguez’s legacy after stepping down from her role as Executive Vice President for Alsons Development and Investment Corporation.

Leading real estate developer in Davao City, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), has been led by Rosie A. Dominguez for more than 30 years. In addition to propelling the business to new heights, her devotion, strategic vision, and unshakable commitment to excellence have also greatly changed the local environment and improved Davao’s quality of life.

It is appropriate to reflect on Rosie’s outstanding accomplishments and her enduring influence on Alsons Dev as she steps down as Executive Vice President.

A legacy of pioneering developments

Ladislawa Garden Village, one of Rosie’s earliest achievements, stands as a key milestone in Davao’s real estate history, being the city’s first gated subdivision with leisure amenities.

Rosie’s tenure is highlighted by groundbreaking projects that have transformed residential living in Davao. A major milestone was the relaunch of the company’s initial residential project, Ladislawa, into Ladislawa Garden Village. This project was Davao’s first themed residential community and the city’s first subdivision with country club facilities, setting a high standard for future developments.

From 1994 to 2010, Alsons Dev built a reputation for exceptional living spaces by incorporating community-centric designs. Projects like Woodridge Park, Las Terrazas, Northcrest, Fernwood, Wood Lane, and Eden Ridge established the company as a leader in creating high-quality residential environments.

In 2013, Rosie led the development of Northtown, a vibrant township designed to meet the city’s evolving needs. This was followed in 2016 by the introduction of a new mid-cost housing brand, Nurtura Land and Home, with Narra Park Residences as the maiden project.

The country’s first integrated emergency response facility, the Public Safety and Security Complex in Northtown Center, Cabantian, is a pioneering project donated to the City Government of Davao in 2016 that was especially close to Rosie’s heart.

The 2022 launch of Poblacion Market Central further diversified the company’s portfolio and enhanced the local shopping and dining experience. Poblacion is the new home of the shops from the Aldevinco Shopping Center, Alsons Dev’s pioneering shopping center that operated from 1965 to 2021.

Expanding beyond Davao, Alsons Dev also ventured into Alabel, Sarangani in 2023 with the launch of a master-planned, mixed-use township, Avia Estate, and Narra Park Residences Avia.

Celebrating Success and Excellence

Exceptional communities like Narra Park Residences have been recognized by national real estate award-giving bodies, cementing Alsons Dev as one of Davao’s leading real estate developers.

Rosie’s exceptional leadership didn’t go unnoticed, as Alsons Dev earned numerous recognitions under her guidance. From 2020 onwards, the company was named one of the top real estate developer partners at the BPI Partners Appreciation Night, honored as one of the top local developers in terms of title delivery and production.

Additionally, Narra Park Residences and Northtown Residences both received accolades from the 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards and The Outlook 2023: Philippine Real Estate Awards by Lamudi, further demonstrating the company’s versatility and excellence in the real estate sector.

Passing the Torch

Rosie’s influence extends beyond projects and awards. Her dedication has been key to establishing Alsons Dev as the leading real estate developer in Davao City, fostering a strong organization poised for continued success.

Rosie Dominguez (center) is joined by Miguel Dominguez, Alsons Dev’s new President and CEO (second from bottom left), and the company’s top executives. Under Rosie’s leadership, the team thrived, building a foundation of trust and collaboration that elevated Alsons Dev to new milestones.

Reflecting on her career, Rosie shared, “It’s been an incredible journey working alongside talented individuals to build Alsons Dev and positively impact Davao. Together, we’ve created thriving communities and a strong sense of belonging. I’m confident that our team will keep excelling and enhancing the lives of Mindanaoans for years to come.”

As Rosie retires, her son, Miguel Rene A. Dominguez, takes the helm as the new President and CEO of Alsons Dev. The young Dominguez has previously held various key roles within the Alcantara Group group of companies, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to his new position.