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Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, News

Alsons Dev formally promotes DCWD’s Watershed Management Initiative

L-R: DCWD Environment and Watershed Protection Division Manager Anji Laura A. Grecia-Lorona, DCWD Community Relations and External Affairs Department Manager Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod, DCWD General Manager Mildred G. Aviles, CPA, DM-HRM, Alsons Dev Vice President & General Manager Eric de la Costa, Alsons Dev Corporate Communications Manager Margarita Rey-Gross, and Alcantara Foundation Executive Director Ryan Vidanes formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing, signifying Alsons Dev’s commitment to adopt a five-hectare area in the Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed.

On February 13, 2025, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed at the Alsons Dev Poblacion Market Central Sales Showroom, formally establishing the collaboration between Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for the Adopt-A-Site project.

The signing was led by Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director of the Alcantara Foundation, the CSR division of the Alcantara Group; Alsons Dev Vice President & General Manager Eric de la Costa; Alsons Dev Corporate Communications Manager Margarita Rey-Gross; DCWD General Manager Mildred G. Aviles, CPA, DM-HRM; DCWD Environment and Watershed Protection Division Manager Anji Laura A. Grecia-Lorona; and Department Manager Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod.

Through this partnership, Alsons Dev will adopt and rehabilitate five hectares of land in the Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed as part of DCWD’s Integrated Watershed Management Program. This initiative supports the protection of this critical water source through sustained reforestation and maintenance efforts over the next five years.

In order to ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations, the Adopt-A-Site project promotes stakeholder involvement in watershed protection. Alsons Dev’s involvement demonstrates the business’s enduring dedication to sustainable development and environmental care.

One of Davao’s top real estate developers, Alsons Dev, is dedicated to building thriving, sustainable communities. Go to https://alsonsdev.com/ to learn more about Alsons Dev.

Lifestyle, News

The New BFF Card Is Digital: You Can Tap Anywhere to Access All of Your Bistro Benefits

All it takes is a tap to have your next fantastic meal! Now available digitally, the new Bistro BFF Card grants you immediate access to special offers at more than 20 Bistro Group locations. Downloading the app will allow you to take advantage of eating benefits you were unaware you required, eliminating the need to carry a real card.

There are many different cuisines to choose from. There is a dish that will appeal to you no matter what you want to eat. Pizza, pasta, dim sum, burgers, steaks, and ribs? All-day breakfast, sushi, seafood, paella? Maybe buffalo wings or Korean BBQ?

With the new BFF Virtual Card, you can also take advantage of incredible and exclusive benefits that enhance the enjoyment of every meal.

Exclusive Perks for BFF Members

✔ Huge Discounts – Enjoy 30% off every Monday and 20% off from Tuesday to Sunday at all Bistro Group restaurants.
✔ ₱1,000 Dining Voucher – Can be used at any Bistro restaurant of your choice.
✔ Exclusive First Access – Be the first to enjoy special limited-time offers.
✔ Bistro Delivers – Order your favorites online via the Bistro Delivers app with a 20% discount.
✔ Kids Can Eat Free – Bring the whole family because kids can dine for free (maximum of 2 kids, entrée purchase required)                            

✔ Complimentary Tea or Coffee – Enjoy a free tea or coffee each time you dine in.

✔ Bistro Delivers –  Order your favorites online via bistrodelivers.com.ph with a 20% discount

Additionally, if you would like to eat your favorite bistro fare at home or at work, you may purchase online and get 20% off when you use your Bistro BFF app—a discount available just to BFF members who have the BFF app!

Make the switch to digital now! You can buy your BFF Card at any bistro restaurant or download it from the App Store or Google Play (App Store: https://2me.ph/QKOQQO, Google Play Store: https://2me.ph/OYWGEB).

Travel

Beyond the Brochures: Filipino Travelers Will Be Excited by Japan Travel Fair in 2025

The Japan Travel Fair 2025 is expected to provide Filipinos who are keen to explore Japan’s attractions with a cool respite as temperatures climb in Metro Manila. The Glorietta Activity Center in Makati will be turned into a vibrant center honoring Japan’s finest on February 22 and 23.

To ensure that guests can start planning their next vacation, airlines and travel companies such as All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), Philippine Airlines, Attic Tours, JTB, Rakso, and Universal Holidays will be available to provide insightful information and booking support. Attendees’ ideal vacations to Japan will become a reality as representatives from Sapporo, Osaka Expo 2025, Hakuba Village, Japanese railway companies, and more highlight everything from well-known destinations to hidden gems.

The event will kick off with an impressive opening ceremony, setting the stage for a lineup of exciting performances. Visitors can look forward to lively Japanese idol acts, powerful taiko drumming, and mesmerizing koto music. Performances from Link Start, Sharlla Mae Cerilles, Skygarden, Kena Yokie & Miyuki, and more will bring the energy to a whole new level, giving the crowd a firsthand taste of Japan’s entertainment scene.  

Attendees will have the chance to dive into a range of interactive activities, including lucky draws, quiz competitions, and vibrant dance performances. The crowd is sure to buzz with excitement as they participate in the Stamp Rally Challenge, collecting stamps from around the venue for a chance to win prizes. The first 1,000 visitors each day will be greeted with Japanese-themed erasers, while the Visit Japan Booth will keep the momentum going with original giveaways for those who join the surveys or download the partner’s app.  

There has never been a better moment to travel the nation thanks to the increasing number of inexpensive flights. The Japan Travel Fair 2025 is expected to be the ideal place to start organizing your next trip, regardless of your level of experience. Don’t pass up this fantastic chance; go to Glorietta February 22–23 to begin your journey to Japan that will never be forgotten!

Visit Japan Philippines on Facebook and @visitjapanph on Instagram provide additional information.

Lifestyle, News

The winners of the Shop & Win Raffle promotion receive keys to a Porsche 911 Carrera S and a Kia Sonet from Landers Superstore

Landers Superstore Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings turns over the key to a brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera S to Ms. Ingrid Rose Panuncialman, a lucky winner from Landers Alabang, during the Grand Shop & Win Raffle Awarding Ceremony.

During the Shop & Win Raffle Grand Awarding Ceremony, Landers Superstore, the nation’s fastest-growing membership shopping destination, gave two lucky members brand-new automobiles, making shopping even more rewarding. An exciting highlight of the brand’s eighth-anniversary celebration, the event took place at Landers Arca South on February 13, 2025.

The day is full of amusement and fun as we come to celebrate an important milestone with Landers. A lot of exciting prizes and discoveries have come our way, and I am so delighted to have witnessed it all. We are also thrilled to know who the fortunate individuals are that have won their huge prize for being a loyal customer.

Landers Superstore Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings (far left) hands over the key to a brand-new Kia Sonet to Ms. Joy Felycitas Alzate of Landers Davao (3rd from left), alongside Kia Philippines executives Ms. Marikit Ligaya Bati, Assistant Brand Marketing Manager (2nd from left), and Ms. Celine Acasio, Fleet and Special Sales Manager (far right), at the Grand Shop & Win Raffle Awarding Ceremony.

Joy Felycitas Alzate from Landers Davao got a chic Kia Sonet, while Ingrid Rose Panuncialman from Landers Alabang took home the top prize—a lavish Porsche 911 Carrera S—out of millions of eager competitors. When Kia Philippines officials joined Landers’ Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings in presenting the keys for the Kia Sonet award, both recipients were beaming.

From Grocery Runs to Life-Changing Rides

Winning a high-performance car for simply shopping felt surreal for Ingrid Rose Panuncialman, who described the moment as “a dream come true.” She added, “Landers has always given us great deals, but I never expected to win a Porsche just by being a member.”

For Joy Felycitas Alzate, the news came as a delightful surprise. As a loyal Landers member since the Davao branch opened, she shared, “I joined just for fun. I never thought I’d actually win a car!”

3 Million Entries, 64 Winners, Unlimited Excitement

The Shop & Win Raffle, which ran from June to December 2024, attracted a record-breaking 3 million entries from Landers members across its 14 stores nationwide. Aside from the two car winners, 64 other lucky participants received exciting prizes such as:

  • 1-Year Supply of Landers Caltex Fuel
  • 1-Year Supply of Landers Central Pizza
  • iPads, Gift Certificates, Maya Credits, and more

This overwhelming response reflects the excitement and trust Landers has built with its growing 2-million-strong membership community.

Membership Means More—And It’s Just the Beginning

With the winners

The raffle’s success demonstrates Landers Superstore’s commitment to giving each member a sense of worth. Bill Cummings stated,  “We want our members to know that when they choose Landers, they’re choosing more than just great products—they’re choosing a rewarding experience.

Given the amazing attendance at the Shop & Win Raffle, Landers anticipates even more surprises and fulfilling events in the future.

Go to www.landers.ph or follow Landers Superstore on social media to be informed about future promotions and exclusive member benefits.

Entertainment

The Carpenters’ “Close To You” gets a contemporary, indie pop makeover by Orange & Lemons

The award-winning Filipino band will also embark on a global tour across five cities in Asia and North America

Orange & Lemons, an indie pop quartet, celebrates the romantic season with a new rendition of The Carpenters’ timeless hit song “Close To You.”

The band’s rendition, which was released in time for Valentine’s Day, gives the classic song a contemporary spin while maintaining the emotional depth of the original.

Compared to their typical live performance, the remake of “Close To You” has a few minor improvements and embellishments.

Clem Castro, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, recalls the origins of the cover, which dates back to 1999 when the Bulacan-based band was preparing the material for their debut album, Love In the Land of Rubber Shoes & Dirty Ice Cream. He explains, “I was inspired to create a cover version for live gigs and challenged ourselves to integrate our own sound. It has been a staple since then on our set list. On top of that, I am a huge fan of Burt Bacharach.”

According to Clem, one of the major distinctions from the original version is the absence of the transposition, which sets this cover apart from others. The band reinterprets “Close To You” with keyboard elements that elevate the track’s melodic appeal.

“The guitar solo rolling bass lines, and drum pattern is definitely O&L,” Clem adds. “The build up at the end was eargasm for us. It is safe to say, this is infinitely different from any version you can find on streaming sites.”

In addition to the release of “Close To You,” the Hanggang Kailan chart-toppers are gearing up for an international tour. The band will visit five cities across Asia and North America, bringing their beloved hits, fresh tracks, and rarities to fans worldwide.

March 2: Singapore

May 30: Toronto, Canada

May 31: New York, USA

June 6: San Francisco, USA

June 7: Los Angeles, USA

“Close To You” by Orange & Lemons is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Lily Stars Records.

Lifestyle, Tech

Globe’s G Raffle Rush: Trike driver wins condo

Resty Trinidad, a tricycle driver from Nueva Ecija, was the lucky winner of a brand new condominium unit via Globe’s G Raffle Rush.

A modest tricycle driver in the rural town of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, just received the most surprising and transformative gift of his life.

After winning the grand prize in the G Raffle Rush last September 2024, 47-year-old Resty Trinidad, who has been a Globe customer for more than 20 years, now owns a brand-new condominium unit at the Avida Astrea in Fairview, Quezon City. One of the highlights of Globe’s yearly G Day celebrations last year was the Avida Land prize.

Living with his parents and extended family, Resty works tirelessly as a tricycle driver while running a side e-loading business to make ends meet. Little did he know that his 20 years as a Globe subscriber would one day lead him to his new home, offering his family the security and comfort they have always dreamed of.

“Hindi ko akalain na mangyayari ito sa akin,” Resty said, expressing his gratitude to Globe for his prize. “Isang malaking tulong po ito para sa pamilya ko, at nagpapasalamat ako sa Globe sa pagbibigay ng ganitong pagkakataon. Patuloy po akong magsisilbing loyal na customer ng Globe.”

“Resty’s story is an inspiration to all of us. His win highlights the true value of Globe Rewards, which is about empowering our customers to unlock everyday wins and create meaningful experiences. We’re proud to be part of his journey and we are excited to bring this same experience to more customers as they move forward with Globe,” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

Last September 2024, G Raffle Rush allowed Globe customers to redeem raffle entries with their Rewards points. Each point provided five entries, offering customers more chances to take home incredible prizes.

Aside from the Avida condo unit, G Raffle Rush prizes included a luxury vacation package for four in Palawan, a brand-new BYD Dolphin Electric Vehicle, two Gogoro Jego smart scooters, Php120,000 worth of SM shopping spree vouchers powered by Share Treats, Samsung S24+ smartphones, HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro smartphones, and 5x Php100,000 GCash, among many others.

Globe helps fulfil the desires of its clients with the All-New Rewards program. To experience fresh surprises and get the benefits of being a devoted Globe client, sign up for the All-fresh Rewards program.

In order to maximise your Globe Rewards Points before they expire on March 31, keep an eye out for another round of G Raffle Rush on February 24. This time, there will be shopping cards, GCash, and all-expense paid trips up for grabs.

Explore Globe’s website at https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Entertainment

The brand-new song “Tomorrow With You” by Ben&Ben comes out right before Valentine’s Day

The live version serves as the band’s first official release in 2025

Ben&Ben celebrates the season of love with the release of their charming new track, “Tomorrow With You,” which is presently available through Sony Music Entertainment.

The song explores how resilient love can be in the face of life’s uncertainties and stresses the need of living in the present, particularly during difficult times.

According to Ben&Ben, the song depicts their growth as individuals and as artists when surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones. It drew inspiration from those who impacted and molded their journey as a group and as individuals.

“Given that we have travelled quite far already in these dimensions, Tomorrow With You brings in the wisdom and maturity gained in these areas of our lives and channels it into a love song that embodies all of it,” explains the Pagtingin act.

The release of the track is accompanied by an audio bundle, which includes a live and a studio version. The band expressed their excitement over Spotify’s audio bundle feature, which allows listeners to enjoy both versions back-to-back, with the option to loop them for an immersive experience. “We poured different types of creative energy into both—one being a live performance and the other being a studio recording.” 

The live version of “Tomorrow With You” is particularly significant, as the band believes it gives listeners a chance to experience a Ben&Ben concert on an intimate level. The band describes the feeling as a “unique audiovisual storytelling adventure that hopefully becomes a part of their own life stories as well.”

“The live performance was meticulously recorded during a concert that meant a lot to us and to our Liwanag [fans],” they add. “The event was a milestone after a year marred with many struggles, hardships, failures, and lessons. Quite literally, it was the embodiment of the lyrics in the song: Embrace hard times with you, ‘til they’re gone.”

Produced by Indonesian musician Petra Sihombing, “Tomorrow With You” blends ‘70s singer-songwriter pop, jazz, and classic soul influences with a waltz-like rhythm, creating a soothing soundscape for moments spent with your special someone. The song’s rich textures are brought to life by Sihombing’s production, which the band says beautifully captured the song’s emotional depth and dynamics.

“Our good friend from Indonesia, Petra Sihombing, produced the track,” shares the nine-member band. “He was trying to achieve translating the earnestness of emotion and the steady buildup of the song in terms of dynamics and the frequencies highlighted, which we feel he did quite well. It’s always a pleasure working with Petra. Additionally, Ziv, our friend who produced the other tracks in the album, laid down the saxophone part, which added a whole new nuance to the song.”

Tomorrow With You” is the most current single from Ben&Ben’s third full-length album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, which was just published. Sony Music Entertainment has made the song available on all digital music outlets across the globe.

Lifestyle, News

In the Global 100 rankings, Schneider Electric was voted the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for the second consecutive year

  • Schneider Electric is the first-ever corporation to top Corporate Knights Global 100 twice.
  • This marks the company’s 14th consecutive year on the list, achieving a top 10 ranking for the 7th time.  
  • The global recognition highlights Schneider Electric’s outstanding efforts in advancing sustainability and innovation in emerging markets worldwide, including the Philippines.

Leading energy management and automation digital transformation leader Schneider Electric was named the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation for 2025 by Corporate Knights. The company is the first to ever rank first in the Global 100 twice, having done so in 2021. Schneider’s long standing dedication to providing the greatest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives in promoting sustainability and innovation throughout emerging markets globally, including the Philippines, is recognized by this international accolade.

“For many years now, sustainability has been at the heart of what Schneider Electric does. For an IMPACT company it’s more than just a corporate goal, it’s the driving force that shapes our business decisions and inspires our employees,” said Olivier Blum, Schneider Electric’s Chief Executive Officer. “This second title as the World’s Most Sustainable Corporation from Corporate Knights, alongside other key ESG recognitions, is testimony to the valuable, long-term positive impact we have.” 

Schneider Electric’s exceptional sustainability efforts, such as encouraging gender diversity in leadership, creating cutting-edge solutions for energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization, and linking executive pay incentives to its sustainability goals, earned it the top spot in this year’s Global 100 index. The company also received high marks for making large expenditures in sustainable R&D and successfully separating energy use and carbon emissions from commercial expansion.

This global commitment to sustainability is also mirrored in Schneider Electric’s impactful initiatives in the Philippines. In recent years, the company has demonstrated leadership in sustainable development practices across the country, including being named the most Gender-Inclusive Workplace by the 2024 United Nations Regional Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards for its efforts in advancing gender equality and inclusion in the workplace, all while delivering energy-efficient solutions through the expansion of its Smart Distribution Center in Cavite.

With 98% of Philippine firms prioritizing sustainability according to the company’s Green Impact Gap Survey 2024, Schneider Electric continuously supports local companies by advancing energy-efficient technologies, digitalization, and solutions for supply volatility and price fluctuations.

“Digitalization is becoming increasingly crucial for Filipino businesses. While challenges still remain, we are making significant strides,” said Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines. “Now, being recognized as the most sustainable corporation in the world twice in a row, it is high time to further accelerate efforts in transforming emerging markets in the Philippines into sustainable landscapes that drive progress and innovation.”

Corporate Knights’ Global 100 index uses publicly available data to score businesses according to sustainability. For 14 years running, Schneider Electric has been on the list, and it has placed in the top 10 seven times, which is a record for its category. The Schneider Sustainability Impact Program, which tracks ESG progress toward 2025 goals, began and ended with these recognitions.

Entertainment

Next month, Munimuni will lead a Philippine trip that will include visits to Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, CDO, and other places!

The nationwide tour will feature live performances featuring songs from their 2024 album, Alegorya, along with fan favorites

In an effort to promote their third full-length 2024 album, Alegorya, Munimuni will tour the Philippines the following month.

Baguio, La Union, Metro Manila, Lucena, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, and Davao are among the places in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao where the well-known Filipino band will perform during the first leg of their countrywide tour.

The five-piece band will play lengthy sets during the tour, which is co-produced and co-organized by GNN Entertainment Productions. Each city will have guest artists to support the band. To take the tour outside of the capital, the tour has also teamed together with Filla Killa, Indie CDO, Holodeck Productions, Alpas, Film and Print, and Whitebox Collective.

We try to get tour locations where we can reach both our current listeners and new ones,” shares the five-piece act in a collective statement. “In locations that are further away, although we can’t possibly reach every city, we had it in mind to choose venues that are accessible to as much of our listeners as possible. Another factor would be the existence of local productions, as we wanted to collaborate with and support local scenes.”

Apart from the commitment to reach out to the music listeners from far-flung areas that don’t normally see them perform live, the folk-pop quintet also expressed excitement in performing songs off their latest album, along with some fan favorites.

“We are embarking on this tour in order to promote our latest album, Alegorya. We’ll be singing a lot of songs from the album, but also some older songs. We plan our setlists in a way that makes sense depending on what main message we feel like we need to communicate for the particular event and audience.”

Tour schedule so far:

March 9, 2025: La Union (Alpas)

April 2, 2025: Baguio (TBA)

April 6, 2025: Lucena (Whitebox Collective)

April 12, 2025: Cebu (From Here)

April 25, 2025: Cagayan de Oro (TBA)

April 26, 2025: Davao (TBA)

May 17, 2025: Metro Manila (123 Block)

Soon, the band’s official social media pages will provide more information on the Munimuni: ALEGORYA Philippine Tour.

Entertainment

MURI, a Filipino performer, will represent the Philippines at the Bangkok Music City festival this year

Ahead of her stints at SXSW and BMC, Muri will perform at her own send-off party this February 22, 2025 at Astbury Makati, along with Clara Benin, The Ransom

Photo credits: Franco Maigue

Indie pop/soul sensation MURI is scheduled to represent the Philippines at this year’s Bangkok Music City (BMC) after recently confirming that she will play at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival.

Alongside 58 Thai artists and over 18 international artists, MURI, the well-known singer-songwriter who is recognized for her distinctive fusion of R&B, jazz, soul, and indie pop, will perform on a worldwide scale.

“I believe there’s a wealth of untapped potential for artists to connect within ASEAN, and I’m thrilled to perform in Bangkok for the first time,” shares the rising Filipino act. “I’ve also heard so much about the Thai music scene and can’t wait to check out Thai and regional musicians while I’m there. And hopefully give them a little taste of what Filipino music is too.”

As she continues to captivate international and local audiences, MURI is also preparing to release a string of exciting new tracks, including collaborations with music producers from Japan, Malaysia, and her home country, the Philippines. “2025 has just been kicking off with a bang. I feel so grateful for all these opportunities, and I’m looking forward to performing and pushing out new music, including some collaborations and my own solo work.”

The good news doesn’t stop there: Apart from her stints at SXSW and Bangkok Music City, Muri will be throwing her own send-off party on March 22, 2025, at Sixty32 Cocktail Lounge in Rockwell, Makati City. Fans can expect a memorable evening, as MURI is joined by an incredible lineup: award-winning singer-songwriter Clara Benin, indie-folk band The Ransom Collective, and promising newcomer OZO. The intimate show is co-produced by GNN, in partnership with Locked Down Entertainment and NYOU. Tickets are available via https://www.bit.ly/murisendoff.

MURI’s debut EP, 11ème, which was published late last year, transports listeners to the artist’s experiences in many locations and cultures. Additionally, in September 2024, she performed at the AXEAN Music Festival in Bali, Indonesia.

Bangkok Music City, which will be held in Bangkok’s Charoenkrung Creative District on March 1 and 2, 2025, is billed as the “pioneer music conference and showcase festival in Thailand.” Live Nation Tero, Fungjai, and Nylon Thailand are leading the charge for its 2025 comeback.

Follow Muri:

Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / TikTok / Twitter 

Listen to the album here:

Album link