Eastern Communications holds a partnership kick off meeting with BIR to discuss the transformative benefits of SD-WAN [FROM L to R:] BIR Head Revenue Executive Assistant, (ISDOS) Jose Afable, BIR Head of National Office Data Center (Regions 8A/8B), Daniel Lubiano, BIR Head of Revenue Data Center – Luzon 2, Cynthia De Leon, BIR Chief of Staff, ISG, Eunisa Castillo, BIR Deputy Commissioner, ISG, Ma. Rosario Enriquez-Curiba, Eastern Communications (EC) VP and Head of Sales Mike Castañeda, EC VP and Head of Product & Innovation Edsel Paglinawan, EC Sales Enterprise Head Carlo Alzul, EC Senior Account Manager Stephen Yap, EC Sales Industry Head (G&S) Patrick Pilapil, and EC Sales Cluster Head Roy Dimaculangan.
Eastern Communications and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently held a partnership briefing in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Information System Group, marking the official cooperation. The BIR hired the ICT provider to use SD-WAN (Software-Defined Area Network) to secure the network infrastructure of its office. Eastern Communications is renowned for helping government organizations on their path to digitalized operations by providing them with cloud and data services, cybersecurity solutions, and quick, secure, and dependable connectivity.
Visit eastern.com.ph or give us a call at 5300-7000 to find out more about Eastern Communications’ dedicated internet, cloud, cybersecurity, and other ICT solutions.
The 9-track release is a chaotic but intentional collection of sonic backlogs, abandoned ideas, and unfiltered stories
With his much awaited third album, BACKSHOTS, Filipino rapper Waiian offers an honest, unfiltered commentary on music and personal life.
The well-known emcee boldly challenges the absurdity of the music industry and current trends with the nine-track album, defying social norms and highlighting the value of authenticity and keeping loyal to one’s talent.
“BACKSHOTS serves as my testament to consistently speak my truth,” says the SoloMission act. “The album is my rebelling against being known solely for motivational bars. Although I still believe in my roots, I also want to showcase my lighter side: the playful, humorous person who enjoys my life journey even as I pursue my rap career.”
Produced with Love and Rage
The album, produced by Kashira Music Prod and Pistolgrip, was shaped through a mix of love and raw emotion, challenging Waiian to rap over sonic experiments and eclectic beats. Throughout the project, the Makati City-based hip-hop artist credits his inspiration to artists who are not afraid to push the boundaries of songwriting, performance, and production.
“I drew inspiration from artists like Teezo Touchdown, Kanye West, Brockhampton, Kendrick Lamar, Denzel Curry and my past work, and more,” shares Waiian. “The 9-track album organically took shape, mirroring the cycle of life—its beginning and its inevitable end.”
A Journey of Growth and Reflection
BACKSHOTS offers a mix of seriousness and silliness, satire and sincerity, chaos and freedom. Lovingly layered with care and attention, the album takes listeners through unrefined thoughts and emotions, challenging and subverting traditional ideas of how music should be presented. With each track, Waiian blends confessional storytelling with unwavering commitment to his narrative, capturing both his growth as an artist and his reflections on career and life.
Key highlights from the album include “MAN IN THE MERROR,” the first track that he finished for this particular project, and “SI LODS NA ANG BAHALA,” which serves as a deep introspection of his life in a 3 minute and 32 second wav file. While he dedicates love, time, and focus to every single song in the record, making sure that each track possess its own distinct thought and direction, the aforementioned track reveals a splash of sentimentality that fits neatly alongside his earlier and current catalog.
He confides, “There is this one song that made me the most emotional when I came home from finishing it after several days of straight studio sessions. It’s SI LODS NA BAHALA, and I felt great being able to channel my life whereabouts in the confines of a song. It could be one of my favorite songs to perform from now.”
Music Video Releases
Waiian plans to accompany the release of the album with visuals featuring renowned collaborators and friends. The music video for “LODS NA BAHALA,” in particular, will have its own treatment, complete with archival imagery and locations from his formative years, including excerpts from the short films he made as a student and places he used to hang out at. “It’s about remembering my roots as a creative. These elements are blended with footage from my current life and experiences reflecting my artistic evolution.”
Additionally, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR,” which was directed Miguel Garcia from Madman Creative Solutions, will showcase his fun and goofy side, featuring places and people close to Waiian’s heart. He’s also in the pre-production stages of the music video of “SOFTIE,” which will highlight diverse couples representing various underrepresented identities in mainstream media, as well as a collaboration with Geloy Concepcion.
Live Performances and Upcoming Shows
Waiian will debut songs off BACKSHOTS live at the WanderlandMusicandArtsFestival, where he’s meticulously planning and rehearsing every song for that special day to ensure a solid performance. Fans can expect a dynamic and energetic live set that captures the raw energy and emotional depth of his new album. He’s also set to co-headline the upcoming ALL OF THE NOISE music summit, along with Taiwanese band The Chairs, Singaporean rapper San The Wordsmith, and Thai indie pop collective KIKI.
Check out the track list:
AUG27
MALAKING BIRD
MAN IN THE MERROR
LOSE MY NUMBER
SOFTIE
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES
ASAN NA SI…
SI LODS NA BAHALA
BOUNCE NA KO MAN
Through Sony Music Entertainment, Waiian’s latest album, BACKSHOTS, is currently available on all digital music platforms globally. This Friday, March 14, 2025, at 8 PM, the music video for “MAN IN THE MERROR” will be released on YouTube.
Pamungkas from Indonesia and Scrubb from Thailand will headline a one-day music extravaganza to commemorate GNN’s tenth anniversary of producing shows and concerts.
On April 26, 2025, #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila will be held at Mandala Park’s 123 Block in Mandaluyong City. The co-headline performance is exclusive to the Philippines and will be a major component of the year-long music campaign #GNN10.Earlier this year, this endeavor began with a series of sold-out performances, such as Tanaw: The Repeat at Newport Performing Arts Theater and Regina Song: Live in Manila.
The inaugural celebration not only commemorates the production company’s commitment to championing local and Asian artists but also reaffirms its mission of mounting concerts and events rooted in community building and inclusivity.
Screenshot
Having earned iconic status in their respective countries and throughout Southeast Asia, Pamungkas and Scrubb have cultivated a dedicated fanbase in the Philippines with their inescapable anthems. Indonesian singer-songwriter and producer Pamungkas became a regional sensation with his breakout hit, “To The Bone,” which topped streaming charts across Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, where it peaked at No. 5 on Spotify PH charts. Meanwhile, phenomenal Thai alt-pop duo Scrubb captivated global audiences with their enormous contributions to the official soundtrack of 2gether The Series, the biggest Boy’s Love hit to ever come out of the region.
GNN brought both artists in 2022 and 2024, respectively, introducing them to the Philippine market through separate headline shows.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Pamungkas and Scrubb back to the Philippine stage,” shares GNN Creative DirectorMarie LaraPauline Bobier in an official press statement. “This anniversary celebration marks an important milestone for me, Ian, and Milley, and reflects how far we’ve come from our humble beginnings. It is a testament to our younger selves that passion, dedication, and perseverance pay off. We started with nothing—personally cutting tickets, selling them through meet-ups with strangers, carrying our extension cords and electric kettles to gigs and concerts—all while holding onto our day jobs.”
Bobier continues, “GNN has never been just about numbers; it has grown through shared experiences and memories. Our artists, gig and concertgoers, and dedicated production team have created moments that will last a lifetime. GNN has always been, and will always be, for those who live and breathe entertainment. We are truly grateful that, through our company, we have the privilege of bringing together the artists we admire with the fans who love them just as much.”
Tickets to #GNN10 Presents: Pamungkas and Scrubb Live in Manila are available on March 14, 2025, 12 noon via https://scrubbpamungkas.helixpay.ph.
About GNN
GNN, previously known as Gabi Na Naman Productions, is a Filipino music events and multimedia company that brings memorable and one-of-a-kind experiences to a diverse spectrum of audiences. Founded in 2015 by Milley Habito, Marie Lara Pauline Bobier, and Ian Urrutia, the music and entertainment-focused agency has produced shows, activations, events, concerts and festivals in several venues across the country, from the Philippine Arena to Circuit Makati, from New Frontier to Music Museum, and so much more.
Aside from its landmark concerts and shows, GNN takes pride in its commitment to honing a safe space for music fans through concerts and events that champion the Filipino creative spirit. The Aliw Award-nominated team has mounted specialized shows featuring some of the biggest acts in the Philippines, including Ben&Ben, BINI, Ely Buendia, Kyla, Zack Tabudlo, IV of Spades, Lola Amour, Ebe Dancel, Kitchie Nadal, Barbie Almalbis, Mayonnaise, Gloc-9, UDD, Dong Abay, Johnoy Danao, Munimuni, Clara Benin, Over October, Joey Ayala, and more. They’ve also brought international acts to the local shores: Indonesia’s Pamungkas and Reality Club, Thailand’s SCRUBB, Singapore’s Regina Song, Ysa Yaneza and Club Mild, Taiwan’s Elephant Gym, Japan’s Hitsujibungaku and more.
As a business that focuses on publicity management, events production, and end-to-end music marketing, GNN has produced new strategies and creative solutions that are suited to the demands of the client or brand. In addition, the Filipino production group has worked with brands like Greenwich, TikTok, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music, Island Records Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Home Buddies, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Popular Music Festival (PhilPop), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Globe Live, CDM Entertainment, ABS-CBN, TBA Studios, Def Jam Recordings Philippines, Linya Linya, Jack Daniel’s Philippines, Smirnoff Mule, and more.
Racing series to introduce new race format and race class
After introducing significant improvements for the 11th season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippine Cup (TGR Philippine Cup), Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is once again bringing excitement to the local motorsports scene. The TGR Philippine Cup, formerly the TGR Vios Cup, is the top racing series offered by the mobility corporation with the goal of introducing Filipinos to the excitement of motorsports.
The 2025 TGR Philippine Cup season will resume with three race weekends and an earlier race schedule:
Race Weekend 1– March 22, 2025
Race Weekend 2 – May 2025
Race Weekend 3– August 2025
Race Weekend 1 will be setting the pace at the Clark International Speedway in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Action-packed races await spectators as racers in the Novice Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class duke it out in the Sprint and Endurance Races.
Returning to the Novice Class are TMP President Masando Hashimoto, Reph Bangsil, and media racers John Rey San Diego and Pablo Salapantan. Joining them are Vios Cup Autocross alumna Arianne Bautista, sim racer Luis Moreno, and media racer Ian Magbanua.
2025 TGR Philippine Cup Novice Class champion Russel Reyes and runner-up Jamil Lacuna have been promoted to the Sporting Class, where they will face off with some of the best racers in the country. They are joined by Kody Ng who is returning from last season to complete the Team TGR Philippines lineup.
A new race class will also be debuting on the grid—but with a familiar car! The Legacy Class, composed of former Vios Cup racers and owners of the third generation Vios, will be competing in their own race class in an exciting opportunity to see the legends and even former Vios Cup champions back on the track.
Racing teams from all over the country are revving up their engines for another thrill-filled season. With a bigger prize pool at stake, the competition is more intense than ever.
Fan-fun is back on track
In the spirit of providing fun and excitement to the fans, the TGR Philippine Cup is also introducing a new race format. Car clubs of Toyota’s performance cars – the GR Yaris, GR Supra and GR 86 – will get to push their super cars to the limits in the Club Race, a 5-lap circuit race.
Previously, car clubs were only given access to the speedway during Track Day, where they could fulfill their need for speed on the racetracks. Now with a competitive factor, the activity brings even more thrills to drivers and spectators alike.
For car club members who will not be participating in the Club Race, they will still get to enjoy driving around the track during Track Day, where fans can also enjoy seeing their favorite GR performance cars zipping through.
Fans will also get to see the New GR Yaris in action during its racetrack debut. The GR Supra, the GR 86, and various car club’s collections will also be on display at the event. Fans can also check out the official GR merchandise store for shirts, caps, umbrellas, tumblers, and other fan items.
There will be game booths, including the TGR GT Cup experience, where e-racing fans can put their skills to the test. Fans can also get their hands on freebies and prizes at the sponsors’ booths, and watch drifting and gymkhana exhibitions by professional drivers.
Filipino alternative rock band Hale will also be performing their hit songs for a night of celebration. Admission to all these activities is free!
“We talked with race fans and our customers to work out how we can make the TGR Philippine Cup even better. This led to the development of the Club Race and the Legacy Class, where fans themselves can participate in track activities,” shared TMP Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services Mr. Andy Ty. “Through events such as the TGR Philippine Cup, we hope more Filipinos can become interested in cars and motorsports, and experience for themselves the thrill of pushing the limits for better.”
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Facebook and YouTube accounts will stream live coverage of Race Weekend 1 of the TGR Philippine Cup. At 8:30 AM, the live stream will begin.
Official Tire Partner GT Radial and Official Fuel & Lubricants Partner Petron are bringing the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup to you. Toyota Financial Services Philippines, myTOYOTA Wallet, Denso, AVT, 3M, ROTA, Tuason Racing, OMP, and Kinto One are also supporting this event.
For the latest information, follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the official accounts of Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and the Toyota PH Viber community.
On March 21, 2025, the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila will host the eagerly awaited 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards. This esteemed occasion will honor people, groups, and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to governance, social responsibility, and sustainability.
The ceremony will celebrate new awards and recognition recipients who have shown exceptional leadership and ingenuity in furthering sustainable initiatives, and it is anticipated that approximately 1,000 distinguished guests will attend. With Senator Shelly V. Calvo among the esteemed guest speakers, the United States’ presence in this year’s event adds to its stature. She will offer insightful commentary on the worldwide push for a more sustainable and livable future.
Organized by Sustainability Standards, Inc., the awards recognize visionaries across various sectors who have significantly contributed to sustainability efforts within their industries. The organization remains committed to honoring and supporting individuals and businesses that prioritize environmental conservation, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
NBMA
Since its establishment in 2018, the Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards has recognized over 800 influential individuals and organizations, underscoring the critical role of sustainability in driving positive societal change. Last year’s honorees included key government officials and business leaders dedicated to fostering greener, more inclusive communities.
It is anticipated that this year’s event will be a historic celebration, uniting industry pioneers, thought leaders, and changemakers for an evening devoted to excellence and advancement. The 8th Nation Builders & MOSLIV Awards reiterate their commitment to recognize those who are creating a more sustainable and livable future as the globe continues to move toward sustainable practices.
The Filipino Chinese Baker’s Association Incorporated (FCBAI) Bakery Fair 2025 witnessed a dazzling display of innovation and expertise as URC Flour took center stage, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leaders in the flour industry. With a focus on cutting-edge techniques and high-quality products, URC Flour’s participation underscored its commitment to empowering bakers and driving the industry forward.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” stated Naida Ebora, Sales, Marketing and Distribution Manager, URC Flour Division. “With the recent opening of our Sariaya Plant, we continuously strive to develop products that meet the evolving needs of bakers, whether they are home enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources they need to create exceptional baked goods,” added Ebora.
This year’s theme of “Rise and Shine,” perfectly aligned with URC Flour’s dedication to helping bakers achieve their full potential. At their vibrant booth, attendees were treated to a showcase of the company’s latest advancement in n flour technology and baking solution. And to support this year’s theme, URC’s concept of “SIKAT”, has truly embodies the company’s position in helping bakers achieve their objectives.
SIKAT in Filipino, means to shine, to be radiant, to be successful. It embodies the very essence of what we aim to achieve together. With URC flour, we want to empower you to be SIKAT in your baking endesvors. We understand that every baker, from home enthusiasts, to established professionals, dreams of creating baked goods that stand out, that are truly exceptional. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves in providing you the highest quality flour, the perfect foundation for your culinary masterpieces, “said Ebora.
One of the hightlights of URC flour’s exhibit was the live baking demonstrations led by renowned Chef Aileen Asilom, which captivated audiences, showcasing the versatility and superior quality of URC’s Flour product range. The baking sessions not only highlighted the adaptability of URC Flour’s product range but also provide valuable insights into the latest baking techniques.
In addition to the live demonstrations, URC Flour also featured interactive displays that highlighted the science behind baking, which provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the properties of different flours and how they affect the final product.
The company’s representatives were on hand to answer questions and provide expert advice, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and knowledge sharing.
URC Flour’s participation in the FCBAI Bakery Fair 2025 was a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and expertise. By showcasing its latest products and providing valuable educational resources, the company has solidified its position as a leader in the baking industry. As the industry continues to evolve, URC Flour remains at the forefront, empowering bakers to “rise and shine” with their exceptional creations.
The FCBAI BAKERY FAIR 2025 has provided a platform for URC Flour to showcase their commitment to the baking community. Their SIKAT theme, combine with the fair’s RISE AND SHINE focus, has created a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration. By providing high quality flour and unwavering support, URC flour is helping bakers across the nation to truly shine.
The Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s biggest all-Filipino book festival is back – this time in a new location that is accessible to many. This year’s PBF will be happening at the Megatrade Hall in SMM Megamall, Mandaluyong, City, from March 13 – 16, 2025.
Registration is FREE for the four-day book festival, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB). Every year, this project puts Philippine Books at the center if a fiesta brimming with events, performances, and meet-and-greet sessions with your favorite authors.
“In just over a month, we are bringing back the Philippine Book Festival. Now in its third year, the PBF started in 2023 as an attempt to create the largest marketplace for Philippine books that the country has yet to see. Now, it has become an important annual gathering for families, educators, creatives, and avid readers – all in the name of Philippine books.” said Charisse Aquino – Tugade, NBDB Executive Director.
The PBF’s third edition promises to be more exciting, putting the spotlight on the country’s famnous festivals, each one designed by some of the best and brightest Filipino artists working today.
THE CREATIVE MINDS BEHIND THE PBF 2025 REALMS. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade with National Artist and Scriptwriter Ricky Lee together with the artists of PBF 2025 Realms, Paul Eric Roca, Danielle Florendo, Joffrey “Pepot”Atienza and Juno Abreau.
The first is the glorious Dinagyang Festival for Kid Lit (the PBF’s section dedicated to children’s literature), designed by Juno Abreau, and the Komiks realm inspired by the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, with design by illustrator and painter Paul Eric Roca. Aral Aklat, the section dedicated to text \books, draws inspiration from the colorful Pahiyas Festival in Quezon courtesy of Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, himself a native of the province, and finally, Panagbenga or the Baguio Flower Festival for Booktopia (the section for fiction, non-fiction and poetry), with design by Danielle Florendo.
The festive atmosphere is made all the more exciting as the PBF 12025 moves to a new venue – at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The NBDB believes this fresh location will bring new energy to the festival and draw and even larger audience.
“The decision to move the PBF to a different and smaller venue is definitely a bold one. We hope to offset that with the venue’s accessibility and generate higher foot traffic, as well as provide convenience for more visitors from other areas” shared Tugade.
The PBF is the largest all-Filipino book fair in the country and is one of the NBDB’s flagship programs. NBDB, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this June has amped its readership efforts in the past four years, shifting to solutions-based programming to improve trade and distribution. Concerned with the lack of quality Philippine-authored books in libraries and bookstores across the country, Aguino-Tugade spearheaded the PBF in 2023, a retail activation space that celebrates Philippine books while bringing in revenue for publishing professionals.
The fair also showcases the creme dela creme of Philippine literature, culture, and content – all situated in an engaging, experienced-based setting that fuses entertainment, education, and learning. Positioning PBF as a favorite pastime (reading) among Filipinos, all for a good cause.
The FCBAI Bakery Fair is back, and this year, the theme “RISE and Shine” couldn’t be more fitting with thousands of bakers from different parts of the world flocked to the World Trade Center for a 3-day baking exhibit.
This year’s fair is a celebration of resilience and innovation in the baking industry, a testament to the bakers who have weathered challenges and emerged stronger. URC Flour Brand Ambassador Chef Aileen Asilom more popularly known as Chef Ai, graced this year’s Bakery Fair and led the bakery demonstration at the URC Flour booth.
Chef Aileen’s story is one of inspiration. From her modest beginnings, fueled by a deep love for baking, she has risen to become a respected figure, known for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and empowering fellow bakers. Her journey resonates with many, making her the perfect face for URC Flour, a brand committed to providing quality ingredients for every baker’s dream.
URC Flour’s booth concept “SIKAT” reinforced the RISE and SHINE theme of this year’s Bakery Fair. Chef Ai’s path to being a successful baker is a story itself of passion and perseverance. Choosing the Right Flour
Chef Ai emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate flour for each recipe. “URC Flour offers a diverse range, from the versatile All-Purpose Flour to the robust Hard Flour for breads and the delicate Cake Flour for pastries,” she explains. “Understanding the characteristics of each variant is crucial for achieving the desired texture and outcome” added Chef Ai. She often recommends using URC’s hard flour for breads that need a good rise and chew, and their cake flour for light and airy cakes.
Chef Ai conducted live baking demonstrations together with other expert bakers,showcasing their signature recipes and innovative techniques, all using URC Flour. Attendees were able to witness firsthand the URC Flour quality products featuring DAISY, GLOBE, CONTINENTAL, SAMPAGUITA, BLEND 100 and CATTLEYA among others.
The baking demonstration also features baking equipment from Vesmach Hyundai Home Appliances while ingredients for the delicious baked goods are courtesy of Anchor Food Professionals, Sugar King Industries, Oleo-Fats Inc. and Neco Philippines, Inc.
In collaboration with URC Flour, Chef Ai curated a selection of recipes, featuring both classic favorites and modern creations,that were given to booth attendees to take home and recreate.
URC Flour: A Partner in Success: Chef Al’s passion extends beyond her own creations. She believes in sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embark on their baking journeys. “Baking is a gift that should be shared,” she says. “Through my partnership with URC Flour, | hope to empower bakers of all levels to create delicious memories.” Chef Ai’s partnership with URC Flour is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and its dedication to supporting the baking community. “URC Flour is more than just an ingredient; it’s a partner in my baking journey,” she concludes.
Globe is revolutionizing the rewards experience by converting regular points into chances for exciting prizes, necessary redemptions, and life-altering objectives, providing customers additional ways to make the most of their points before they expire on March 31, 2025.
“As we approach points expiry, we want to ensure that customers fully enjoy the value of their Globe Rewards points,” said Peter Redan Ramirez, Head of Loyalty at Globe. “This year’s offers go beyond simple redemptions, creating exciting opportunities for customers to win prizes, enjoy exclusive perks, and support a worthwhile cause.”
Despite the fact that about 3 million Globe customers have redeemable points, many of them are hurried when redeeming them, forget their balances, or lose track of their accrued incentives.
Globe Rewards is launching March Haves, three innovative ways to interact with consumers whether or not they have points, to make sure that every point matters.
G-Gantic Goals empowers customers to support animal welfare and provide rescued animals with a second chance at life by redeeming just 1 Rewards point.
Through its partnership with Pawssion Project, Globe aims to raise 150,000 points to give their rescued animals a second chance at life through supporting critical structures such as collapsible playpens in Bulacan and a pet nursery in Bacolod, ensuring better care for animals in need.
G Raffle Rushoffers Filipino families a chance to create the life they want, giving them access to enriching and delightful experiences beyond telco.
For as little as 1 Globe Rewards point, customers can win the latest gadgets such as an iPhone 16 Pro, and a MacBook Air M2. They can also enjoy all-expense-paid vacations to the Maldives and El Nido, as well as a Southeast Asian cruise, or receive Php100,000 in GCash, and more. A 0917Lifestyle shopping spree worth P10,000 and P10,000 Singlife credits are also up for grabs!
Customers who redeem any of the G Raffle Rush offers will also be getting exclusive offers from Pancake House, Jamba Juice, and Krispy Kreme to sweeten the deal.
Promo period runs from February 24 to March 24, 2025, with raffle draws on March 15 and March 31. Customers must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) form to qualify.
G Swipe for Allgives customers an opportunity to win prizes without using any Rewards points. Every Monday in March, customers can redeem a free G Swipe on the GlobeOne app, unlocking various instant rewards.
In partnership with 0917Lifestyle, this initiative provides discounts and freebies on shopping, gadgets, and food from popular brands, including SM, Shopee, Power Mac Center, Adidas, Puregold, Giftaway, GrabFood, Jollibee, and Krispy Kreme.
Globe wants to alert consumers to the dangers of receiving fraudulent text messages regarding their rewards claims. Only the GlobeOne app can be used to redeem Globe Rewards points.
Globe Rewards keeps coming up with new and interesting experiences. Download the GlobeOne app from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery, then begin redeeming to become a member.
They have not only exemplified grit, discipline, and teamwork – but have passed these on to the next generation
International Women’s Month, observed annually in March, is a global commemoration of women’s accomplishments and contributions across a range of areas. In 2025, MILO® will be proud to honor women who have not only played important roles in sports but have also cleared the way for others who aspire to be elite athletes.
These individuals, who have been recognized by MILO® as shining examples of sports inclusivity, have inspired and given back to the nation’s champions regardless of their backgrounds and identities, as well as using their influence for the greater good.
Sports inclusivity through MILO® partner schools
Hand-in-hand with the 60-year history of MILO® is their enduring relationship with various sports partners, furthering the cause in building the next wave of champions. Often, at the forefront of such partnerships are women committed to broadening sports inclusivity – training athletes from the grassroots level and providing opportunities for them to shine and take flight.
For one, heading the renowned basketball clinic and MILO®-backed BEST Center is Monica Jorge, continuing her father Nic Jorge’s legacy. Under her leadership, the center has trained over 60,000 young athletes in basketball and volleyball, and as a board member of the Small Basketeers of the Philippines, Jorge also advocates for the development of women’s basketball.
Commissioner Bong Coo has also had an illustrious career in and out of sport. Beyond bowling, Coo has always been vocal about her plans to pay it forward, where she vowed to “help develop junior bowlers who could bring honors to the country.” True enough, Coo now works with the Philippine Sports Commission, playing a role in furthering sports excellence in the country.
Mary Joy “MJ” Tabal-Jimenez made history as the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympics, and a 6-time National MILO® Marathon Queen. Now, she heads Mandaue’s grassroots sports program, sharing, “Our Mandaue City Grassroots Sports Development Program has reached around 400 kids from across 27 barangays of Mandaue. The program is not limited to children aged 12 and below but also involves parents, coaches, youth, and the wider community,” showing her commitment to spreading sports far and wide.
Gathering Champions from all walks of life
There are others, too, who teach sports to a greater community and weave inclusivity at the heart of everything they do. Whether empowering those in far-flung communities, Indigenous Peoples, or Persons with Disabilities, they have had the ability to see athletic potential in every single person and continue to extend the opportunity for sports to serve as one’s teacher in life.
One of them is Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal. All these years later, she shares her victories with others, saying, “[I am committed to give] back as part of the national coaching staff for the para powerlifting team. I also advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, especially women across diverse communities.”
Alongside the growth of running in the country, Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz founded Women’s Run PH in 2023 to provide a venue for women in running and to also serve as a platform for like-minded organizations, such as those that heed to women with disabilities, cancer survivors, and kids with autism. Says Nicole of her advocacy, “One’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on individuals. Even then, their growth doesn’t end during our events as their journey transforms not only their perspectives but also their lives.”
Angel Otom is a true testament to the power of perseverance. Born without arms, she has since earned seven gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games and made history as the first Filipina para-swimmer to compete at the Paralympics. Angel’s journey serves not just as a symbol of inclusivity but of grit, discipline, and resilience that define true champions.
Akiko Thomson-Guevara has also etched her place in Philippine history, competing in the Olympics thrice and earning seven gold medals at the 1987 and 1991 SEA Games and now serving as President and National Chairperson of the Special Olympics Pilipinas. Inspired by her experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, Akiko is dedicated to showing how every individual has the chance to be a champion in life – with contributions including holding Unified Sports events across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (with the program serving as a platform for persons with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team), and training coaches and teachers to enhance grassroots inclusion efforts.
Paving the way for the next generation of Champions
Sports is a great teacher not only for the values it instills, but also in how it gathers together those who share the same passion. In this final portion are stories of more figures who, while from different generations, have made their own contributions to sport one way or another – again, prioritizing inclusivity at the core of everything they do for sport.
Former Olympic swimmer turned coach Jenny Guerrero has been key in shaping the future of Philippine sports, having trained over 100 young athletes. Guerrero notes, “With my swimming background and now my coaching experience, I have reached kids in the provinces through swim clinics,” illustrating her commitment to broadening sports access to all – including athletes who have since made their way to the prestigious Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
Darlene Berberabe’s story is another example of how champions are built with the help and energy of those around them. Juggling her roles as Dean of the prestigious UP College of Law and mother to 2-time SEA Games kumite gold medalist and academic achiever, Jamie Lim, Berberabe was instrumental in the ups and downs of Jamie’s journey – from encouraging her to never give up to being present in every moment. When asked of her motivation to consistently be by her daughter’s side, she shares, “When one wins, many people share one’s joy; but when one loses, it certainly helps when there is at least that one person who is just with you – who continues to believe in you, win or lose.”
As the first Filipino to win a World Jiu-Jitsu Championship title, Maybelline Masuda is one of today’s leading figures in sport. While she remains an active athlete, she now also splits her time coaching the next generation of champions while also providing support to her daughter, Aielle, a second-generation athlete and youngest world Jiu-Jitsu champion at just 5 years old. Through her coaching and advocacy, Masuda continues to shape the future of the sport, inspiring more athletes to follow in her footsteps.
Chloe Cherish Cheng is a young athlete slowly and steadily making her mark in basketball, showing that young girls can step foot in and excel anywhere they set their hearts and minds to. A champion in and out of sport, Cheng currently serves as a MILO® ambassador and a BEST Center Sports Inc. scholar while being an academic excellence awardee. In opening the door for young girls like her to enjoy more opportunities as athletes, Cheng has surely been an inspiration to young athletes to pursue their dreams through grit and dedication.
As we begin a new year, let us remember the remarkable women who have gone above and beyond their accomplishments to fervently and selflessly clear the path for others who have followed them. These women include mothers, sisters, classmates, co-athletes, and many more. Even while each of these individuals may be unique, their influence on sports is unquestionably enormous, and their contributions to sports inclusivity will be felt for years to come through today’s champions who exemplify perseverance, self-control, and teamwork both inside and outside of the game.
In addition to being a proud partner of regional athletes and winners, MILO® supports the idea that everyone should have access to sports. Visit the official MILO® official website and the MILO® Facebook page to be informed about future activations and events.
