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Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, Travel

The Greatest Locations in Japan for Plum Blossom Viewing

Why not try something different and enjoy the Japanese plum blossoms, or “ume” as the Japanese refer to them, while everyone else is admiring the cherry blossoms? These reddish-pink and white blossoms, which bloom from mid-February to early March, represent perseverance and rejuvenation and mark the arrival of spring. When you travel at this time of year, you can avoid the masses that congregate for the cherry blossom season.

The following are some of the top locations to view the plum blossoms:

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto


Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

The Kitano Tenmangu shrine has been known for its plum blossoms for hundreds of years. There are over 50 varieties of and around 1,500 plum blossom trees planted in the area marking the beginning of spring in Kyoto.. Every year on February 25th, Kitano Tenmangu hosts the “Baikasai” or the Plum Blossom Festival.

The easiest way to get to Kitano Tenmangu is by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City bus 50 or 101 and get off at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop.

Kairakuen, Mito


Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Mito is famous for its plum blooms that there is a festival held  from late February to late March at the Kairakuen Garden to celebrate their arrival. People come from all over to see the beautiful landscape light up with pink and white flowers. There are thousands of plum trees in the Kairakuen Garden with over 100 varieties of plum.

To get to Mito, take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa, Tokyo, or Ueno Station to Mito Station. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk along the edge of Lake Senba to Kairakuen Garden.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo


Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

One of Tokyo’s most well-liked late-winter festivities, the 67th Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) is happening this year from February 8 to March 8. With its 300 plum blossom trees, the Yushima Tenjin Shrine garden is a peaceful haven in the hectic city. There are well-kept gardens, red bridges, and a general feeling of happiness.

The Yushima Tenjin shrine is next to Ueno Park and can be reached by foot in two minutes from Yushima Station’s Exit 3 on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.

A key component of Japanese springtime are the exquisite plum blossom tree blossoms. As the flower of renewal, plum blossoms are cherished for their longevity and beauty in Japan, and seeing one will definitely pique your curiosity about the country!

You can visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/) for more downloadable images and videos of Japan’s stunning and fascinating tourist destinations for use in media.

Food

The Flexitarian Diet: A Simpler Way to Eat Healthfully

It can be difficult for novice and seasoned cooks alike to come up with a balanced meal plan, let alone a nutritious one! It could be mind-numbing to scroll through social media in search of a recipe you should attempt. Finding a “healthy meal” would probably only return a list of several green options; most people would find it daunting to make such a significant dietary shift. A more manageable strategy would be to switch to a flexitarian diet.

This diet, which is semi-vegetarian, emphasizes eating more plant-based meals and drinks and consuming less meat. Veega offers a range of mouthwatering, high-protein alternatives that even children will love, like Veega Meat-Free Nuggets and Veega Meat-Free Burger Patty. This is ideal for the Lenten season as well.

Veega will make your meals taste better without adding any meat! Browse through Home Foodie’s assortment of recipes and conveniently shop at San Miguel Mart.

Lifestyle, News

Come to the Adobo SheCreative Network Conference this year, Women Arise, to find out more about ensuring that creativity has a sustainable future!

Visit the adobo SheCreative Conference 2024: Forging A Sustainable Future for Creativity to witness the power of creativity and teamwork. There, “Women Arise” to discuss a sustainable future for the creative industry. As committed to innovation as our speakers and attendees, we have partnered with Future Proof, RMN, Cignal TV, Shangri-La The Fort, PANA, ASEAN SOGIE Caucus, and Asia Society Philippines to bring you this important event.

Attend the 2024 #adoboSheCreative Conference presented by adobo magazine to find out how we can create a creative future that is sustainable. Women leaders are rising up and reinventing tomorrow in a world where optimism is much needed in our creative sectors.

Happening this March 26, 2024, 2PM at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, learn what these women have said, done, and promised towards forging a more sustainable future for our creative industries. Let them spark those same fires within you. Now, more than ever, the future is female.

With a line up of fabulous speakers, we are thrilled to announce the following women:

  • Loren Legarda – Keynote Speaker – Senator, Philippines Pro Tempore
  • Rhea Matute – Executive Director, DTI – Design Center of the Philippines
  • Lisa Collins – Director of Experience Platform, Accenture
  • Peachy Pacquing – Managing Director, Hyper Island Asia
  • Pia Colby – Vice President of Marketing, Globe Telecom
  • Jane Jimenez-Basas – President and CEO, Cignal TV
  • Lui Castaneda – PR and Influencer Lead, Unilever Beauty and Wellbeing
  • Merlee Jayme – Founder and Chairmom, The Misfits Camp

Join together with women who are paving the way for a more promising and sustainable future and benefit from their ideas and leadership. Tickets are available for purchase at https://adoboshecreative.helixpay.ph.

Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom wins a global accolade for Top Visual Merchandise Display in Retail

The highly sought-after International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Brass Ring Excellence Award for the Best Retail Visual Merchandise Display category was won by Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, at the IAAPA Honors 2024, which were held last March 3 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The IAAPA Honors 2024 recognized “innovative contributions that have propelled the global amusement and attractions industry forward.”

The leading international trade association for the amusement and attractions sector is the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). IAAPA, which has its headquarters in Orlando, Florida, USA, has been around for more than a century and counts all major international players in the industry as members, including Disney, Universal Parks, and Enchanted Kingdom. Leading industry suppliers, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries around the world are also included in the organization.

“This award further fuels our aspiration to be a world-class integrated attractions destination in Asia-Pacific. Gearing toward our 30th anniversary next year in 2025, we are committed to deliver new, fresh and innovative attractions and experiences to all guests as we consolidate and firm up our position as the Philippine leader in wholesome family leisure and entertainment and the pioneer world-class theme park in the country,” shared Mr. Cesar Mario O. Mamon, EK Chairman and President.

EK’s official entry, “Eldar’s Specialty Shoppe”, is the flagship retail store featuring EK’s homegrown jolly and wise Eldar the Wizard. “This dainty crown jewel of a shoppe infused a lot of elements arousing the interest of  deeply curious millennials, the incredibly tech-savvy Gen Zs, and all other guests across various generations,” said Ms. Cherina S. Consunji, EK’s Head of Merchandise.

Characters from EK’s original production, The Enchanted Kingdom Story Musicale, which stars Eldar the Wizard and the twin princesses of Enchanted Kingdom, Princess Victoria and Princess Madeline, are also on display in the specialized shop.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media pages @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram to learn more about the Eldar’s Specialty Shoppe and forthcoming events at EK.

Food

The Jollibee Group Headquarters in Manila is visited by the Agriculture Minister and Ambassador of Canada


Jolly Welcome. Jollibee Group President & CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (third from left) welcomes the Canadian Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay (fourth from left), Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman (sixth from left), and other members of the Canadian delegation to Jollibee Group’s headquarters in Pasig City, Philippines.

The Canadian Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay, the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman, and other important Canadian government and business representatives were recently hosted at the Pasig City, Philippines, headquarters of the Jollibee Group, which is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Canadian relations, Minister MacAulay’s visit is a part of Canada’s efforts to deepen relations with the Philippines and look into potential areas of cooperation.

“It is a privilege to host The Honorable Minister MacAulay, His Excellency Ambassador Hartman, and the Canadian delegation to the Jollibee Group,” shared Ernesto Tanmantiong, Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group. “This comes at an opportune time as we recently opened our 100th Jollibee store in North America, right in Canada’s British Columbia. We thank the Canadian people for welcoming us since day one of our first store opening. Their warm and ever-increasing patronage gives us more joy to expand in Canada and North America, which is a key pillar of our global expansion.”

“During my visit to the Philippines and Malaysia, I had the pleasure of meeting with a number of food companies that source our world-class Canadian agricultural products, including the wonderful folks at Jollibee. With the opening of our first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office, we are cementing our presence in the region for years to come and boosting trade and cooperation on both sides of the Pacific,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.


Tanmantiong and Minister MacAulay strike a pose with Jollibee.

During the meeting, Minister MacAulay underscored Canada’s commitment to helping build resilient, sustainable supply chains in the region as part of its Indo-Pacific Agriculture strategy.

Alongside Minister MacAulay and Ambassador Hartman were the Honorable Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the House of Commons; Paul MacKinnon, President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; and other key representatives from Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry. Mr. Tanmantiong was joined by William Tan Untiong, Chief Business Support Officer; Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer; David Beal, Global Chief Marketing Officer; Ferns Yu, President of Jollibee Philippines; and other representatives from Jollibee brand and Jollibee Group procurement.

To cap off the visit, the Canadian delegation made a brief stop at Jollibee’s 1000th Philippine store at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. They were warmly treated to a Jolly Kids Party, which, for many members of the delegation, also served as their very first taste of Jollibee’s bestsellers such as Chickenjoy fried chicken and Jolly Spaghetti.

Jollibee’s Presence in Canada

Jollibee opened its first store in Canada in Winnipeg in 2016, and currently has 28 stores across the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.


The Canadian delegation was treated to a mini Jolly Kids party at Jollibee’s 1000th store in BGC. Many delegation members would get their first taste of the brand’s signature Chickenjoy fried chicken, Jolly Spaghetti, and other products during the visit.

The 100th Jollibee location in North America is located in Canada as well; it debuted in Surrey, British Columbia, in January of last year. Huge lines formed hours in advance to sample their favorite Jollibee dishes, a sign of the company’s solid equity and mouthwatering menu. The lengthy line brought back memories of the first Canada store opening in Winnipeg, where customers had to wait in bitter cold and lots of snow.

According to recent rankings by reputable independent brand valuation and strategy firm Brand Finance, Jollibee is the fifth strongest brand globally and the second fastest-growing restaurant brand.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

Automotive

Get hot and sunny deals from Toyota as you enter the summer

Get ready to move your world to the heat of summer

With summer quickly approaching, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has released its March promotional offers. This month, buyers of new Toyota vehicles may take advantage of a number of incentives, including free insurance, free period maintenance, and more.

Adaptable Modes of Payment

With the Vios, increase the ante on your family’s summertime plans! With the Pay Light Option, purchase the 1.3 J M/T model for just PHP 8,038 a month. Customers can choose from affordable monthly plans with a 50% down payment and a 60-month amortization period with this choice.

While the 1.3 XE CVT variant is available under the Pay Low Option, which offers customers down payments as low as 15 percent with free insurance for the first year, free LTO registration for three years, and no chattel mortgage at 60-month payment terms, it is available for a low all-in downpayment of PHP 116,100.

Make it a summer to remember with the Innova. Big groups of families or friends traveling out of town can get the 2.8 XE Dsl A/T variant for as low as PHP 13,576 monthly under the Pay Light Option or an all-in downpayment of PHP 206,250 under the Pay Low Option. Customers can also get a discount of PHP 70,000 for the same variant under the outright cash option.

Adventure seekers planning a trip offroad, consider the Hilux! The 4×2 J M/T is available for PHP 10,860 per month under the Pay Light Option, while the 4×2 E M/T is available for an all-in downpayment of PHP 195,900 under the Pay Low Option.

Blaze through city drives with the Corolla Cross. The G CVT variant is available for a monthly payment of PHP 13,536 under the Pay Light Option or an all-in downpayment of PHP 196,800 under the Pay Light Option. Those looking for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant can consider the outright cash option, with an PHP 80,000 discount for the GR-S HEV variant. Now that’s a hot deal!

Customers can also avail the Toyota Camry’s 0% interest promo through Toyota Financial Services Philippines. There is also a PHP 50,000 cash discount for the Lite Ace Patrol Vehicle and Patient Transport Vehicle, and a PHP 40,000 cash discount for the Hiace Ambulance.

Free Periodic Maintenance Service

All brand-new Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, and select variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux purchased during the promo period get a free periodic maintenance service (PMS). Customers may avail the free PMS within 24 months from the release date of the vehicle and is valid up to the 20,000 KM check-up.

Many people are out on the roads during the summer season, so make it a habit to keep your car in good condition to prevent any accidents. One way to start this habit is to regularly bring in your vehicle for PMS!

All variants of the Lite Ace sold and released during this month are qualified for a fixed PMS package valid up to the 40,000 KM check-up. Lite Ace owners will only need to pay PHP 1,999 per PMS service.

Rebates, Insurance, Warranty

The changing seasons may also mean it’s time to upgrade your ride to a new vehicle. Get a PHP 25,000 rebate when you trade in your Vios for the All-new Wigo or Innova, or PHP 15,000 when you trade in your Innova for a Fortuner or Hilux.

Those who trade in their Rush for an Avanza or Veloz can also get PHP 10,000 in rebate.

The trade-in rebate can be used as cash discount when you purchase the new vehicle during the promo duration. The rebate can also be used to purchase Toyota Genuine Accessories.

All brand-new Wigo, Veloz, and select variants of the Vios, Corolla Altis, Innova, Hilux, Avanza, Rush, and Fortuner bought from any authorized Toyota dealer nationwide during the promo period are covered by a comprehensive one-year insurance provided by Toyota Insure.

The free one-year insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Every new Vios G, E, and XLE acquired from approved Toyota dealers is further covered by a five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, whichever comes first.

Take a Toyota and head into a wonderful summer! Offer valid only from March 18 until March 31, 2024. Visit this link to view the complete mechanics, deals, and models that are involved: https://toyota.com.ph/promos/Summer 

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. 189113 Series of 2024.

To receive the most recent information on goods, services, and promotions, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X, and become a member of the ToyotaPH community on Viber.

Fashion, Lifestyle

With the announcement of Heart Evangelista as their newest brand ambassador, Genteel Home ushers in a new era of Filipino furnishings

One of the top producers of custom furniture in the nation, Genteel Home is dedicated to promoting the home furnishings sector in the Philippines and highlighting the extraordinary skill and inventiveness of Filipino artisans. They have teamed up with Heart Evangelista, the leading international fashion and style icon in the nation, to set the path.

Founder and principal designer of Genteel Home, IDr., passed away on March 14. Heart Evangelista has been officially named as the brand’s newest ambassador by Katrina Blanca de Leon. She views Heart Evangelista as a representation of the development and expansion of their brand. “We’ve been crafting beautiful furniture for over a decade, and now, with Heart on board, we’re blooming like never before,” Katrina stated. She went on to say that Heart Evangelista personifies all that Genteel Home values, including enthusiasm, pride in one’s Filipino heritage, and a commitment to leaving an impact on the world.

Looking ahead, Genteel Home is set on expanding its reach to international markets, showcasing the Philippines’ rich talent in home furnishings. Heart Evangelista’s global recognition, not only for her fashion sense but also her social media influence, makes her an ideal representative for the Genteel Home’s global aspirations. “Heart’s involvement with Genteel Home signifies our readiness to make our mark on the international stage,” Katrina emphasized.

Heart Evangelista, known for her global acclaim in the world of fashion and beauty, affirmed and expressed her admiration for the international quality of Genteel Home pieces, “Genteel Home is super at par with international furniture. Not a lot of people talk about it, that’s why it’s so nice that Kat and Genteel Home are here to show the world what we’ve got. Most furniture suppliers that you see in the global scene are actually from the Philippines. We are world class. It’s important that we’re trying to celebrate that,” she said.


Host Bianca Valerio, Heart Evangelista, Genteel Home’s Katrina Blanca de Leon

Genteel Home’s journey began in 2013, when Katrina received a special commission that ignited her passion for furniture design. Since then, the brand has been dedicated to crafting pieces that inspire beauty and creativity in every home.

Beyond design, Genteel Home is dedicated to community involvement and sustainability. By making an investment in a mahogany farm, they support local communities with employment possibilities and environmental preservation in addition to guaranteeing a consistent supply of materials.


Genteel Home Collection showcase, styled by Robert Blancaflor

Every piece of furniture made for Genteel Home is lovingly and thoughtfully constructed. A bright future is ahead thanks to their partnership with Heart Evangelista, which symbolizes a common dedication to quality, sustainability, and Filipino workmanship.

Lifestyle, News

GS1 Philippines begins historic transition from barcode to QR code to support the digital transformation of the local retail business

In a time when customers need immediate, clear information about what they’ve bought, the supply chain sector is going through a radical change. According to 77% of retail workers surveyed in Zebra Technologies’ 2023 Global Shopper Study, consumers today are more aware than ever before, indicating a well-educated and discriminating consumer base.

Businesses are redesigning their goods and supply chains to deliver more transparency, resilience, and sustainability in response to these changing consumer expectations. The survey also shows that 7% of businesses are using business analytics and intelligence now or in the future as part of their supply chain management plans.

Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed to further enhance operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridge better product engagement between businesses and consumers in the advent of digital labeling.

The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order and other kinds of information.

The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product’s sustainable characteristics.

Moreover, the migration to the 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1’s global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product’s batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.

“In the face of rapid technological advancements, it’s critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora’s box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations,” GS1 Philippines President Roberto “Bobby” Claudio said.

The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global’s 50th anniversary of the barcode’s invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.

By 2027, GS1 Philippines hopes to have industry ready for the switch to 2D barcodes. By then, 2D barcodes enabled by GS1 can be read and processed by every retail point-of-sale scanner in the world, and widespread global brand owner implementation has taken place.

By the end of 2024, GS1 Philippines, which currently serves over 5,000 shops, hopes to have reached 30,000 establishments across the country.

Visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page to discover the limitless possibilities of a single scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology.

Food, Lifestyle

Coca-Cola Philippines encourages entrepreneurship by public-private collaborations and technological advancements

A pair of initiatives aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines were on display during the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW), which was held at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 11 to 22. These programs demonstrate Coca-Cola’s dedication to assisting women, giving them access to crucial business knowledge and resources, and fostering cooperative networks.

The Tindahan Extra Mile program (TEM): Balik PET Bottle Program, in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST) and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO), and the digital Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (iSTAR) program in the Philippines, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and six reputable civil society organizations, are two examples of successful partnerships leveraging technology to drive women’s economic empowerment.

CSW is the UN’s largest annual gathering exclusively dedicated to the promotion of women’s rights, documenting the reality of women’s lives around the world, and shaping global commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This year’s session tackles how the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women can be advanced by addressing poverty, and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. The two-week event will be attended by UN member states, specialized agencies that work with the UN, and accredited non-governmental organizations across the globe.

iSTAR: Helping women entrepreneurs thrive through digital

For over a decade, the STAR program, a joint effort between Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, focused on providing entrepreneurship training for micro-retailers. In 2020, this initiative transitioned into the iSTAR program, a fully digital learning platform.


Marife Hilario, an iSTAR graduate from Nueva Ecija, has increased her monthly earnings
 to over Php15,000 with the support of the program

iSTAR aims to address key barriers that hinder the development of women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to training, resources, and mentorship. Through its expanded digital platform, iSTAR has empowered over 150,000 micro-entrepreneurs, surpassing its 2025 target of 100,000 graduates. The program is available and can be accessed for free nationwide.

Implemented in collaboration with six civil society organizations nationwide, the multi-awarded program equips micro-entrepreneurs with essential digital skills to leverage online platforms for business growth and sustainability.

In 2022, a group of entrepreneurs from individual businesses completed the iSTAR program. Using the skills and knowledge they gained, they formed the PASCO Producers Cooperative the following year. Their collaborative effort led to the opening of the Eco-Grocer Store in Muntinlupa City Local Government and their catering business. Since then, each member has been earning at least Php5,000 monthly from their cooperative business, in addition to their income from their own micro-retail stores.

TEM: Enabling micro-retailers for a World Without Waste

Building on the foundation of digitally skilled micro-entrepreneurs, Coca-Cola Philippines extends support through the TEM program by helping increase their income while helping promote environmental stewardship.


TEM collection bins are placed in front of sari-sari stores and carinderias.  Here, consumers can drop their empty bottles and cans for recycling. 
 

iSTAR beneficiaries are encouraged to join TEM. Through the program, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners transform their stores into collection points for empty plastic bottles, which supports efforts to help reduce plastic waste and prevent pollution. With increased visibility and proximity to these drop-off bins, consumers are encouraged to dispose of their plastic bottles responsibly. Micro-retailers earn environmental points for collecting bottles, redeemable for cashback and products, strengthening their business. As of March, there are over 2,900 TEM members in the country. Earlier this month, Coca-Cola Philippines, BEST, PASCO, and the City Government of Bacolod launched the TEM program in Bacolod City.

TEM is a component of the “May Ikabobote Pa” consumer engagement campaign by Coca-Cola Philippines, which aims to inform, uplift, and encourage customers to recycle their empty bottles and cans. Customers may find the closest collection locations and learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ recycling programs by visiting the  Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub.

The global sustainable packaging ambitions of The Coca-Cola Company are being supported by this local endeavor. The company wants to make its major consumer packaging recyclable by 2025, collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can it sells globally by 2030, and utilize 50% or more recycled material in its packaging on average by the same year.

Lifestyle, News

Art in the Park is back, and BPI is giving credit cardholders access to exclusive benefits


Artwork by Demi Padua, this year’s Art in The Park’s featured artist, for BPI. Artwork will be printed on fans exclusively distributed to BPI clients at the fair.
 

The highly anticipated yearly art expo, Art in the Park, is returning for its 18th year, offering an eclectic display of Filipino ingenuity and a special chance for art fans to immerse themselves in a lively display of talent. This year’s event, which is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc., brings together over 60 exhibitors from independent art spaces, galleries, art collectives, and student organizations, providing a vibrant forum for interaction and involvement.

Art in the Park, which will be held on March 17, 2024, at Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village in Makati, provides a wide selection of artworks at a price cap of P70,000, enabling attendees to purchase sought-after pieces at reasonable costs. Through its all-inclusive approach, Art in the Park hopes to promote a closer relationship between artists and the community as well as democratize art appreciation.

One of the featured artists at this year’s event is Demi Padua, a native of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, whose journey in artistry began at a young age. Drawing inspiration from childhood imagination, everyday experiences, and the desire to express his true identity, Demi’s paintings and sculptures captivate viewers with their Trompe L’oeil style, blending theatrical production elements with visual arts. 

As part of its commitment to making art accessible to all, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is offering exclusive privileges to its credit cardholders during Art in the Park 2024. BPI Credit Cardholders can enjoy up to 6 months Real 0% Special Installment Plan (SIP) for a minimum purchase of P3,000 at the fair. Additionally, BPI offers a Buy Now Pay 3 months Later option and a 100% Bonus Madness Limit on installment purchases for qualified cardholders, providing a convenient and affordable way to acquire exclusive art pieces. 

Art in the Park is another day of celebration for art enthusiasts to foster a deeper appreciation on Filipino’s creativity and continues to be a platform to make art more accessible to the public.  

Art enthusiasts of all ages should look forward to an engaging experience from Art in the Park in 2024. Don’t pass up the chance to interact with the dynamic Filipino art scene and discover the variety of talents on display at this year’s festival.

Visit https://www.bpi.com.ph/personal/rewards-and-promotions/promos/art-in-the-park-2024 for additional details about Art in the Park and its exhibitors, or follow us on our official social media pages.