Lifestyle, Travel

Hassle free travel in Banwa Private Island and be amaze with it

Eliminate the trouble of traveling!

Sunlight Air has been adding flights to its schedule steadily lately, and they are getting closer to their pre-pandemic frequency of almost daily flights from Manila to San Vincente airport in Palawan.

Enjoy our VIP meet-and-greet and fast track service at the Manila International Airport, a quick transfer to Sunlight Air’s private lounge, and a thrilling one-hour flight on an ATR 72 aircraft to the center of Palawan.

From there, take pleasure in a one-hour scenic ride through Palawan’s breathtaking tropical interior to the quaint coastal town of Roxas while being pampered in luxury. For a relaxing 25-minute trip to Banwa Private Island, you will board our amphibious Iguana Commuter Yacht here.

Contact the reservation team by phone or WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit their website www.banwaprivateisland.com. for additional details.

Automotive

Launch of the New Hilux GR-S by Toyota Motor Philippines

The new Hilux GR Sport (GR-S) has been introduced by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), significantly bolstering the lineup of the nation’s top pickup.

The New Hilux GR-S now has a harder design thanks to a wide-tread body, matte black GR-S overfenders, 17-inch alloy GR design wheels with All-Terrain Tires, and the GR Aero sports bar, taking design influences from the Dakar-winning GR Hilux.

The new Hilux GR-S is also 65 mm taller and 120 mm wider. Overall, the New Hilux GR-S’s exterior has a more robust appearance than its predecessor, which better conveys the vehicle’s improved generational features of quality, durability, and dependability.

The New Hilux GR-S is equipped with an air-cooled intercooler and a 2.8L Diesel, 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC Variable Nozzle Turbo engine. It now has an enhanced 224PS maximum output and 550Nm maximum torque. The New Hilux GR-S also features monotube shock absorbers, GR front and rear disc brakes with GR brake calipers, and other features that improve both on- and off-road performance.

Inside, the New Hilux GR-S is clad in GR-S suede and leather seats. A GR-S emblem embellishes the leather steering wheel, while the leather door trims with technical mesh and red seatbelts add to the overall sporty appearance of the interior. New amenities such as the 9-inch Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Wireless Charger add spirit to every adventure in the New Hilux GR-S, while functions such as Smart Entry and Push Start System offer convenience in each ride.

Now with a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), the New Hilux GR-S is as safe as it is exhilarating to drive. It is also equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) and other safety features such as a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Downhill Assist Control (DAC).

Available colors and respective prices for the New Hilux GR-S are as follows:

Retail sales for the New Hilux GR-S started on September 13.

Visit toyota.com.ph/hilux or get in touch with any Toyota dealership in the country to learn more about the New Hilux GR-S.

To receive the most recent information on Toyota products, services, dealer operations, announcements, and events, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Viber.

Food

Great experience with delectable meals at AMAH

Ever since, I have been truly amazed at how AMAH sustains their scrumptious meals. As I visited, they never failed to amaze me with the food they served. What I also liked about AMAH is their place; it is so spacious and relaxing. The people are so kind and courteous, which is truly a plus and also added to my memorable experience at AMAH. About the food, it is highly recommended. I really did like their fruit pie, the guyabano pie in particular. You will really taste how good the guyabano really is, including its sourness. If you’re a fan of fruit pie, this place is for you.

What I liked about this restaurant is the variety of food that they have, and everything tastes so good. One of those is the Siu Mai, due to the freshly prepared ground pork and flavorful components like the fried garlic and chopped scallions, this siu mai is considerably different from the typical siomai. The pork tofu—I don’t eat tofu, but you’ll love this because it’s crunchy and has pork in it. It doesn’t taste like tofu, and I find it so delicious. Also, the kinilaw tastes so different from the usual kinilaw. It is made of fish from Sorsogon Amberjack, and you will surely love it while drinking your favorite beer. The Char Siu: with sweet and savory Char Siu pork, this is one of AMAH’s signature dishes. I enjoy the honey glaze seasoning, the nutty scallion peanut sauce, and how much better it tastes with the toasted handmade bao buns. I also find the soy chicken very scrumptious, especially with their special sauce. The palabok is not the usual one; they used sotanghon as the noodles with shrimp, and it was very tasty. Their roasted corn ice cream is a very unique dessert: corn-flavored ice cream topped with popcorn and salted caramel. Since I do like ice cream, this one is included in my favorites. The calamansi pie will make you taste the sourness, but it also tastes so good that you will enjoy every bite of it. They also have a lot of cocktails, fruit juice, and a lot more

Drinking some of the AMAH’s cocktail drinks

All in all, AMAH is such a great place to go. Aside from the delicious food they offer, they have a great place, and you will enjoy the company of the people there. I highly recommend it, and I really want to go back to the place. You must try it, and it is worth the penny.

To know more about AMAH, you can visit their social media accounts and go to their website: www.heirloomamah.com/reserveme or call them through this number 09989721198. And be updated about their events and more.

Entertainment

The Best of Anime 2023 Highlights Japan’s Unique Culture

This reunion is huge! The Best of Anime (BOA), which had to take a three-year break due to the pandemic, is returning in 2023 with a fury. The Anime Idol Dance Battle, Anime Sing-Off, All-Star Cosplay Competition, and Lolita Fashion Show are just a few of the spectacular events that BOA will be hosting this year. These events will feature special guests, performances by fan favorite cosplayers, and more.

Without merchandising, an anime event is obviously incomplete, so don’t forget to stop by the stores and pick up some manga or comics! If you’ve never heard of cosplay, it’s a concept that combines the words “costume” and “play” and describes activities involving dressing up or acting as a character from anime, manga, or any other type of media. Cosplayers spend all of their time thinking, designing their exquisite costumes, and developing their own definitions of the characters rather than just dressing as them. Cosplayers from all over the Philippines will congregate at BOA for one of the largest cosplay events in the country to display their incredible creations and celebrate this art form while having a great time. Naturally, BOA is not just for cosplayers. Everyone who enjoys cosplay, anime, manga, and Japanese culture is welcome at the event!

The Manila Office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is thrilled to support this event. Both groups will be present at BOA to educate attendees about the unique facets of Japanese culture and to give fun activities and educational materials about Japan.

The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion is a must-see if you enjoy Japanese culture, anime, manga, cosplay, and other forms of Japanese pop culture. On September 16, stop by the SM Mall of Asia Complex’s SMX Convention Center for an anime extravaganza!

WHAT: The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion

WHEN: September 16, 2023

WHERE: SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City

Buy tickets on-site or in advance through SM Tickets:  https://smtickets.com/events/view/11993

Regular tickets: ₱380

Premium tickets: ₱1,250

For more downloadable photos and videos of Japan’s beautiful and exciting tourist attractions for media usage, you may visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/).

Tech

Unique, life-improving digital experiences: Globe’s month-long 917 G Day celebration brings customers one step closer to their dreams

With its yearly G Day celebration, Globe, the top mobile and digital solutions provider in the Philippines, redefines what it means to appreciate one’s customers. In keeping with its objective to improve the lives of Filipinos, the telco-turned-techco is thanking its consumers for their devotion by combining tools and rewards that make life easier.

This month-long celebration, which goes beyond the famous date of September 17 (09/17) or 0917, which stands for Globe’s famous mobile number prefix, aims to bring Filipinos closer to their aspirations through digital advancements and cutting-edge tech experiences.

“Through G Day, we hope to help our customers get closer to their dreams through innovative, life-enabling digital solutions, powered by reliable connectivity. We’re going bigger in terms of engaging our customers and making them feel valued,” said Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

Globe is also committed to using the G Day platform to reiterate its message of environmental sustainability. Throughout its G Day events and activities, Globe is championing sustainability by encouraging customers to observe eco-friendly and socially-conscious practices through small acts – from proper waste disposal, avoiding the use of single-use plastics, to using sustainable transport through the use of Globe’s electric vehicle shuttles to and from event venues, or via carpooling.

Customers are also encouraged to support advocacies such as the Hapag Movement, the Globe-led initiative that aims to address involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood training.

Here’s how Globe is going to help make customers’ dreams come true every day this September:

G Chance The Raffle (September 1-30)

Globe customers can use their Rewards points to redeem raffle entries via the GlobeOne App for the chance to win experiences that money can’t buy. For as low as 1 Globe Rewards point, customers have the power to choose a raffle category. Up for grabs in this year’s G Chance the Raffle are prizes that champion clean transport like a new e-powered vehicle or Gogoro Smartscooters; intelligent home enablement through Globe At Home technologies; vacacion en grande with Globe Roaming packages to Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore in partnership with ANA and Klook, plus trips to Davao and Coron with the Discovery Hotels Group.

G Chance the Raffle can also kick-start online businesses and equip aspiring vloggers, giving them a chance to learn the ropes from industry leaders such as YouTube, Meta, and TikTok. Winners will also get access to premium subscriptions such as the RUSH Spark Lite e-Store Platform and Canva Pro, along with the tools they’ll need in  their creator or business owner journey. Techies can win the latest intelligent gadgets, and for shopaholics, Globe is giving away a shopping spree at Puregold, GCash prizes and more.

Customers can redeem entries until September 30, 2023.

G Music Fest (September 16)

G Music Fest, now in its fourth year, is making an even bigger comeback as a Music and Creator Festival.

With a focus on celebrating local talent, this year will feature an all-Pinoy lineup from OPM OGs to young emerging performers through partnerships with Warner Music and Sony Music. Attendees from all generations will get to vibe with Urbandub, December Avenue, Lola Amour, Dilaw, PLAYERTWO, Paul Pablo, Sugarcane, The Itchyworms, Mayonnaise, Ace Banzuelo, Nobita, Munimuni and Syd Hartha at Circuit Grounds in Makati. Event goers can also hang out at the DJ lounge sponsored by MYX Global.

Beyond inspiration through music, the festival’s Creator Hub will encourage self-expression, learning and creativity through various art and community building activities such as live murals and painting with Drip Splash and Paint It Fun.

Attendees can expect a wide variety of food choices on-ground through handpicked food concessionaires: Better than Ice Cream (BTIC), Kurimu, Pocofino, Jamba Juice, Pancake House, Yellow Cab, Pickup Coffee, Shakeys, Potato Corner,  Army Navy. Alcoholic beverages will also be served through official alco partners – Coca Cola, and San Miguel Brewery.

Other key festival partners include Philippine Airlines, the official airline partner, Zing, KonsultaMD, GCash, Parlon, Klook, and PetPal.

G Music Fest will also encourage customers to practice sustainability throughout the event, from limiting the use of single-use plastics among concessionaires, to encouraging BYO (Bring Your Own) water bottles among customers and providing water refilling stations sponsored by Klean Kanteen. Through a partnership with the Waste and Resources Management Inc (WARM), water efficient portalets will be deployed on ground, and manned waste bins will ensure proper waste segregation.

Attendees can also enjoy sustainable transport to and from the venue through electric vehicles provided by GET EV official shuttle partner, with pickup points at Alabang Town Center, One Ayala, and TriNoMa.

G Creator Con (September 17)

G Creator Con aims to unlock the creative potential of each Filipino in the music, content, design and technology space. The event, to be held simultaneously at The Globe Tower, BGC Amphitheater, and Globe Creator House, transforms BGC into an Art & Tech City powered by Globe. It serves as a springboard for Globe’s Creator Culture, a long-term program combining thought-leadership, creative tech experiences and rewarding opportunities through creator project grants.

Creator Talks will feature speakers from Meta, YouTube, DTI Design Center, Myx, Social Media Marketing PH, Bitskwela, and creative thought-leaders Nadine Lustre, Mela Habijan, Pat Tinguy, Eva Le Queen, Pio Dumayas of Lola Amour as panelists! While fun and interactive activities from KROMA Entertainment, NABU, Kumu, Samsung and JobStreet will be in BGC Amphitheater, aspiring creators can have cinematic headshots taken at the Globe Creator House. To top it all off, music creators GNY, Carissa and Clara Benin will close the con on a sweet note.  

Passes to the Creator Talks and Speed Mentorship can be redeemed with Rewards points via the GlobeONE app. G Creator Con is also part of the Philippine Creative Industries Month, a celebration of Filipino creativity for the whole month of September.

For more information on the different activities, visit the G Creator Con page.

G Fair (September 23-24)

To be held the following weekend also at the BGC Amphitheater, the art and tech pop-up market G Fair will showcase Filipino entrepreneurs and artists. With curated micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) and artists from MoCAF (Modern and Contemporary Art Festival), the bazaar offers a blend of homegrown businesses and art. The fair champions businesses with varied causes and backgrounds such as sustainability advocates (Lana, Sewn Sandals & MAGWAI), social entrepreneurs promoting the work of Filipino artisans (Tahanan Pottery & Habi Lifestyle), and regional businesses (Baguio’s Rebel Bakehouse). On top of this, customers will have access to the finest art galleries that feature emerging Filipino artists in partnership with MoCAF. Discover Filipino ingenuity from eight participating galleries: MoCAF Discoveries, R Gallery, Art Toys, Rojo Gallery, Village Art Gallery, Art For Space, Galerie Francesca Emporium and Cartellino.

Customers can pre-order online a few days before the event. On G Fair weekend, they will get to immerse in digital solutions that Globe Business offers, engage in interactive art activities, and win exciting raffle prizes.

G Battle Zone: G Legends Cup and REV Major (September 23-30)

Gaming enthusiasts can participate in an online nationwide Mobile Legends tournament, the G Legends Cup. Winners will receive cash prizes and a chance to meet, greet, and even scrim with Globe’s main gaming ambassador Blacklist International.

Gamers can also participate in REV Major 2023, the biggest fighting game competition in the Philippines, which will take place at the SMX Convention Center on September 30 and October 1. The greatest Filipino fighting game esports athletes will compete here against foreign players. Additionally, attendees can take advantage of exclusive prizes from partners of Globe, including GrabCar, Move It, and Foodpanda.

Globe seeks to provide its consumers with unforgettable and gratifying experiences that can help them realize their objectives by jam-packing the entire month with a variety of events and products.

“G Day is all about celebrating our most-valued customers for staying with Globe throughout the years. With tech capabilities and digital solutions, our G Day celebration this year aims to make our customers feel that with Globe, they have a partner in making their dreams come true,” Patalud said.

Download the GlobeOne app and explore it for more details on the G Day events and how to take part, or go to glbe.co/GDayEveryday.

Automotive

Top Sporting Class racers will compete in the Asia Finals when the TGR GT Cup PH 2023 season winners are announced


National Finals Winners, TGR GT Cup Philippines 2023

The National Finals, which were broadcast live on September 6, will mark the end of the 2023 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Gran Turismo Cup Philippines (TGR GT Cup PH) season, according to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP).

The Sporting Class finalists competed for a spot on Team Philippines for the TGR GT Cup 2023 Asia Finals in the National Finals, which marked the conclusion of the TGR GT Cup PH 2023 season. Three races were held, each with a unique track and vehicle. In the first race, competitors faced Trial Mountain in the GR 86, Sardegna – Rally Cross in the GR Yaris RZ, and Mount Panorama in the third and final race, in the GR Supra Race Car ’19.

Russel Reyes won the title at the National Finals after competing consistently over the course of all three races, winning two of the three rounds. Reyes finished second in the National Finals last year and competed for the Philippines in the Asia Finals, where he placed sixth.

Matthew Ang, a Sporting Class rookie who placed second overall in the Promotional Class last year, won second place in this year’s National Finals thanks to a standout performance in the second race where he displayed his prowess on the Sardegna rally course.

Luis Moreno, who placed third overall, rounds up the TGR GT Cup Team Philippines lineup. The winner of the TGR GT Cup Philippines in 2021 was Moreno. It is his first time competing in the Asia Finals and his return to the Team Philippines lineup this year. “We have a strong roster of racers this year,” shared TMP Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano. “This is the first time we are sending players overseas for the Asia Finals. Having watched Russel, Matthew, and Luis in the local and national rounds, we are confident that they will make us proud as Team Philippines,” Luciano added.

Reyes, Ang, and Moreno will represent the nation at the TGR GT Cup 2023 Asia Finals on September 24 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as the Sporting Class season champions. At 5 PM, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines Facebook page will stream the live event.


Junior Class Overall Winners, TGR GT Cup Philippines 2023

Additionally, the overall champions for the Junior and Promotional classes were revealed. In the Junior Class, Vito Manas finished third, followed by Russo Gabriel Formoso in second place. David Enzo Ison took first place. The winner of the Promotional Class was Stanley Theodore Golez. Jan Rene Aldiosa came in third, followed by Benedict Salido in second.


Promotional Class Overall Winners, TGR GT Cup Philippines 2023

The local TGR GT Cup rounds are now over, and TMP is turning its attention to the regional round, which will decide who will represent Asia in the TGR GT Cup Global Finals in 2023.

Visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details on the events of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

News, Tech

‘Pamilya Kaya’ from Globe GFiber Prepaid is now available! Sila kalalanin natin

What happens when you combine a madiskarte housewife with a komedyante father who enjoys dad jokes, a gifted gamer, and a romantic of the digital era yearning for kilig?

Pamilya Kaya will be there to introduce you to the limitless and fascinating world of Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid. Pamilya Kaya exemplifies the Filipino diskarte in all of the family members and how they can make the most of any circumstance by working with what they have to produce amazing results.

Meet ‘wais na misis’ Neri Miranda, an actress and businesswoman who plays Mommy Kaya, first. She’s a hip mother who excels at finding the best online bargains and providing for the whole family’s requirements. As someone who enjoys exploring additional income streams, Mommy Kaya is prepared to astound everyone with her challenge: live-sell 299 products in seven days. The bet is on with fiber-fast internet from GFiber Prepaid!

Then there’s Daddy Kaya, played by the hilarious Teddy Corpuz, a singer, host, actor, and comedian. Lovable and relatable Daddy Kaya stays close to his wife and kids by watching the latest TV shows of their choosing. With GFiber Prepaid as a trusted buddy, he’s on a mission to upload 299 videos on social media and become an online sensation in a week. Will he be the next content king, or will he end up being the family’s biggest meme? Watch out for it!

And then there’s Kuya Kaya, represented by actor, model, and digital creator Raymond Mabute.  Kuya Kaya dreams of becoming an eSports competitor one day, so he hustles constantly to get the latest games and equipment. As the family’s resident gamer, he’s determined to win 299 online matches in seven days.  Will he rise to eSports stardom? With GFiber Prepaid’s reliable connectivity for gaming, it’s game on!

Last but not least is satire queen and content creator Lottie Bie as Ate Kaya. Sweet and charming, she feels ready to find love but not quite sure how to do that. So Ate Kaya is now on a digital quest for love, aiming to find the best matches in seven days. Will she find “the one”, or will she end up swiping left? With GFiber Prepaid’s seamless connectivity, her heart’s desires are just a click away.

Watch out for Pamilya Kaya as they embark on these epic challenges soon. If you can’t be there in person, don’t fret! regional livestreams will be popping up in key cities, so you won’t miss a beat.

“More than providing fast and consistent internet, GFiber Prepaid is also about the adventures, the laughs, the connections, and the endless possibilities it brings to every Filipino family. With Pamilya Kaya, we’re showing you how fun and limitless life can be para angat ang buong pamilya!” said Raymond Policarpio, Vice President of Globe at Home Broadband Business.

With fiber-fast internet available from GFiber Prepaid for just P299 for seven days, the Filipino family’s potential is unbounded. With no application or lock-up time, it is instantly accessible and offers prepaid pricing for limitless internet.

Are you prepared to embark on new digital journeys with Globe At Home GFiber Prepaid? Join together with Pamilya Kaya to create online marvels! Utilize the GlobeOne app to register for GFiber Prepaid. Kaya Mo Now, Gaya ng Pamilya Kaya!

For updates and additional information, go to https://fb.me/globeathome.

Automotive

Toyota Ormoc, Leyte is the first Toyota Motor Philippines location to open in Eastern Visayas

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the nation’s top automaker, has formally launched Toyota Ormoc, Leyte, its newest dealership prepared to assist consumers in Eastern Visayas.


From L-R: Mr. Boldman Yulangco, Board Director of Toyota Ormoc, Leyte, Mr. Henry Gosyco, Executive Vice President of Toyota Ormoc, Leyte, Mr.Jimmy Yaokasin Jr., Chairman of Toyota Ormoc, Leyte, Honorable Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez, Mayor of Ormoc City, Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto, President of Toyota Motor Philippines, Mr. Danilo Cruz, First Vice President-Vehicle Sales Operations of Toyota Motor Philippines

Tucked away in the bustling neighborhood of Brgy, in the center of Ormoc City. Simangan, San Pablo

Toyota Ormoc, Leyte is thrilled to be the 73rd TMP dealership nationwide. With a total lot area of 15,000 square meters, Toyota Ormoc, Leyte is the largest dealership within Toyota Tacloban Group.

It features a sizable showroom where up to six automobiles can be displayed for visitors to admire, as well as a dependable service department with seven service reception bays, two rapid repair bays, one periodic maintenance bay, fourteen body and paint bays, and 152 stockyard bays.

Genuine parts and accessories will be offered at the dealership along with high-caliber, dependable servicing from specialists trained by Toyota. In the GR Garage section in Toyota Ormoc, Leyte, clients can buy a variety of authentic GR goods.


Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin, President of Toyota Ormoc, Leyte

“We are highly committed to continue what we’ve started. Bringing a culture of resilience and stakeholder-friendly brand of management, and with the help and support of our team members and customers, and the guidance of our Almighty God, we are confident that we will be able to achieve more milestones in the future,” said Mr. Jimmy Yaokasin, President of Toyota Ormoc, Leyte during the official launch event of the dealership.

Visit Toyota Ormoc in Brgy, Leyte. To experience the new dealership, go to San Pablo, Simangan, Ormoc City, Leyte, 6541. Customers in Ormoc can get in touch with them at (053) 520 1250 or 839 4418 for further information. The MyToyota App, the official Toyota smartphone app, can also be used to complete some transactions, such as booking services.

Food, Lifestyle

By signing agreements with BEST, Envirotech, Plastic Credit Exchange, and Republic Cement, Ajinomoto Philippines Corp strengthens its efforts in sustainability and environmental responsibility


Photo shows (left to right): Mr. Ernie Carlos, Chief Sustainability Officer for APC, Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia, ecoloop Director of Republic Cement, Mr. Jan Vincent Mercado, Senior Vice President for Business Development of Basic Environment Systems and Technologies Inc., Mr. Marcelino Fronda, Manager for Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc., Mr. Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director for Plastic Credit Exchange, Mr. Koichi Ozaki, APC Group President, and Mr. Hironori Aoki, APC Group Director for Sales, Marketing, and Public Relations.

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) has forged new alliances with four leading Filipino waste management companies as part of its most recent effort to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 (EPR Law). At a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), Envirotech, Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), and Republic Cement last September 1, 2023, at APC Makati headquarters, the food industry giant formally reaffirmed its dedication to a more sustainable future.

The EPR Law requires businesses to assume greater responsibility for the post-consumer waste management component of product disposal and recycling throughout their life cycle. Obligated businesses like APC are required to make sure they contribute to the recovery, diversion, and recycling of plastic waste produced by the usage of their products. These regulations seek to reduce and control the overall consequences and environmental impact of post-consumer plastic trash.

APC saw the enactment of the EPR Law as an opportunity to supplement their current environmental stewardship projects. The company immediately sought partnerships with organizations that would not only help make their sustainability efforts more feasible, but also inspire new initiatives for a more environmentally sound future for the Philippines.

To aid with the collection of post-consumer packaging, APC tapped BEST, a waste management consulting company established in 1999. BEST founded the Trash-to-Cashback program operating in different parts of the Philippines and the MyBasurero App that encourages waste collection through an incentivized system.

Since 2010,  Envirotech has built multiple materials recovery and processing facilities nationwide, with facilities that turn low-quality soft/flexible plastic waste into construction and furniture grade materials.

PCX is widely known for pioneering the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard, which allows for the management of pledges from companies and institutions to clean up their plastic footprints and be awarded Plastic Neutrality Certifications for their efforts. Their aim is to protect the ocean by collecting and processing solid waste found in our waters, while providing livelihood opportunities to women in vulnerable communities through their Aling Tindera Program.

Completing APC’s new set of collaborations is Republic Cement, who launched the Ecoloop program that encourages waste recovery and processing from collecting, segregating, and shredding of viable solid waste to be used as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).


(From left to right): Mr. Jan Vincent Mercado, Sensior Vice President for Business Development of Basic Environment Systems and Technologies Inc., Mr. Marcelino Fronda,Manager for Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc.,Mr. Koichi Ozaki, APC Group President,Mr. Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director for Plastic Credit Exchange,and Atty. Angela Edralin-Valencia, ecoloop Director of Republic Cement.

During the ceremony, Mr. Ernesto Carlos, APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer further assured that APC, alongside its partners who signed the Memorandum of Agreement, will put up unwavering efforts for future generations of Filipinos.

“We encourage all companies to embrace the EPR Act and take a proactive approach to managing their plastic footprint,” Carlos said. “By working together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for all.”

APC has been actively looking for ways to reduce plastic waste in order to achieve its aim of minimizing environmental impact by 2030. The AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g, which is created from natural and renewable paper that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted, is the first seasoning product ever to be sold in paper packaging. While the company has developed programs that were made easier by their production processes, it has also incorporated sustainability education through the #IlabasAngSustainAbilidad campaign, which makes use of the social media following of Ajinomoto Philippines.

The adoption of APC Group’s sustainable practices and the promotion of eco-friendly lifestyles are now being done on a broader scale toward creating sustainable communities thanks to the expertise of their four new partners.

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

Entertainment

September Fever will promote regional independent music from the Philippines with its “Music Talks” and “Showcase Festival” programming

September Fever, a two-day event that shines a spotlight on the local indie music scenes in the Philippines, returns with an electric twist.

Now in its sixth year, the event changes format to become a Music Talks and Showcase Festival, improving its programming with a more grassroots-leaning, pro-independent music approach and giving aspiring and self-sustaining musicians the chance to learn the ins and outs of the business from important resource speakers.

September Fever Festival Director Karl Lucente explains, “In a nutshell, this year’s edition of September Fever Music Festival is a dynamic blend of electrifying performances, informative discussions, and a strong sense of community. It’s a moment when music takes center stage, artists shine, and audiences come together to celebrate the power of creativity and the love of music.”

Day 1: Music Talks and Networking Night

Music Talks, a new segment that was introduced by September Fever this year, is designed to empower and educate the participants on the crucial aspects of the industry. Curated by The Rest Is Noise PH, the forum will cover four main topics and has invited speakers from the scene to discuss the nitty-gritty of DIY ethos with tried-and-tested methods to communicate one’s music brand: Music Marketing and Branding (Ian Urrutia from The Rest is Noise PH and NYOU Consultancy); Music PR and Media Pitching (MC Galang from The Rest is Noise PH and AXEAN Festival); Artist Perspective: Touring Local (Mich Paclioga of Loop PH); and Music Production (Tim Marquez of One Click Straight).

“Beyond the performances, the festival is now introducing a series of engaging music talks,” shares Karl Lucente. “These talks feature industry experts who share valuable insights and advice, particularly for those embarking on their musical journey. From practical tips to behind-the-scenes stories, these discussions provide a wealth of knowledge that can guide aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike.”

From music marketing and branding strategies to navigating the complexities of music production, these guest speakers will share practical insights and valuable tips that can truly make a difference in one’s musical journey. “Additionally, they’ll shed light on touring in our own land from the artist’s perspective, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a mark on the global stage,” Lucente reveals.

Following ‘Music Talks,’ the event seamlessly transitions into an insightful Roundtable Discussion that provides invaluable expertise on industry-related topics pertaining to the promotion of local artists. This discourse also proposes the unification of production teams from diverse regions, forming the foundation for September Fever’s 2024 Regional Caravan. Esteemed music producers, production leaders, and industry experts gather to chart a path that transports VisMin’s artists nationwide while championing the indie music movement—a convergence of creative energies where innovation meets collaboration, shaping the future of VisMin’s indie music scene. The Roundtable Discussion will be attended by various professionals in the Philippine music scene: KC Salazar of Indie CDO (Cagayan de Oro); J Martino “Bobbi” Olvido of John Bottles (Cebu); Sandy Kiamko of Holodeck (Davao); Philip Biboso of Southlab (Koronadal); and Josh Alipe of Sapphire (Cebu).

Day 1 is then capped off with a Mixer/Networking Night that aims to connect the press, industry leaders, musicians, entrepreneurs, creatives, and VIP attendees with the goal of fostering meaningful collaborations and opportunities for the artists. Cebu-based rising artists Lolita Grey and Franciskoe will be performing, followed by a DJ set by the Baihaus spinners.

Day 2: Showcase Festival

While Music Talks lays the groundwork for aspiring musicians in the local indie scene, Day 2 presents a celebration of music excellence featuring some of the most notable names in the Philippine music scenes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—be it independent, mainstream, or anything in between.

This year’s September Fever Music Festival artist lineup consists of Cebuano acts Coloura, Kali Hoods, Tomorrow For Sure, Renzo Sy, Sansette, and Wonggoys. They are also joined by guest acts from all over the Philippines: Aira Casti, KRNA, Loner, One Click Straight, Oh, Flamingo!, The Itchyworms, and DJ Love.

As evidenced by the broad and diversified roster spanning various parts of the nation, Lucente underlines that the showcase format’s curation attempts to highlight the vibrant tapestry of the Philippine music landscape. “This comprehensive approach blends education, entertainment, and cultural exchange, ensuring attendees enjoy the performances while gaining enriching insights for their own musical pursuits,” he continues.

The alliance of The Rest is Noise PH, Filla Killa, Black Straw Prod Co, and Missing Scene makes September Fever Music Festival VI feasible. On September 22 and 23, respectively, Draft Punk and From Here in Cebu City will host the music discourse and showcase event.

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Visit linktr.ee/septemberfeverfest to secure your tickets for the event!