Monthly Archives

May 2024

News, Tech

ICT Enablement Sessions Lead the Way in Digital Transformation for Eastern Communications

Aiming to elevate the Philippines’ below-average rank of 60% in the UN ICT Development Index


Eastern Communications Product Manager Jovee Gecha discusses ICT trends at the 2024 Access Eastern run in Clark Pampanga.

In the Philippines, digitalization has emerged as the key to company expansion. The International Data Corp. (IDC) estimates that in 2023, Asia-Pacific would spend $1.3 trillion on information and communication technology (ICT) services. The first telecom company in the Philippines, Eastern Communications, is currently spearheading the nation’s ICT solution integration to support entrepreneurship and economic growth in the digital age.

The Philippines is facing difficulties even if the IDC also notes that the region is becoming more and more dependent on emerging technologies, with an average growth rate of  4.6% until 2027. According to the UN’s ICT Development Index, the nation has a score of 65 out of 100, which is third lowest in Southeast Asia and lower than the global average of 72.8.

The aforementioned statistics highlights the imperative nature of Eastern Communications’ efforts to bridge the digital divide for Filipinos by augmenting its network reach and improving ICT awareness.

Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs

Eastern Communications understands that businesses in the Philippines vary significantly in size, scope, and requirements. Therefore, it has developed a range of ICT solutions that cater to the unique needs of each enterprise. From small startups to large corporations, Eastern provides comprehensive services designed to optimize operations through boosting efficiency and innovation.

“Empowering businesses beyond internet connectivity, we’re elevating Eastern Communications’ role to a managed services provider across various industries. This year, we’re committed to delivering comprehensive ICT solutions that streamline operations and empower Filipino entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s digital era,” said Eastern Communications’ AVP & Head of Marketing Jed Estanislao.

Eastern’s Network Solutions offers seamless access points that are adaptable to any business setting. By having network tools equipped with cutting-edge security features like the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Security Service Edge (SSE), Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), and Managed Endpoints, businesses can operate confidently, knowing their networks are safeguarded against evolving threats. The company was recently recognized by Cisco as its Top SMB Partner, highlighting its dedication and expertise in delivering innovative Cisco solutions to small and medium-sized businesses.

With cyber threats rising, Eastern’s Cyber Defense Suite provides innovative security solutions integrated into connectivity solutions, such as its DDoS Protected IDS & Zero Trust Network Access, and offers more advanced security options through Point Solutions and Eastern as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP).

Eastern Communications was recently granted Sophos’ Platinum Partnership status, becoming the first telco provider in the Philippines to receive this honor in May 2024. This achievement highlights its pivotal role in driving sales for Sophos’ hero products, including XGS Firewalls and Endpoint Security, underscoring its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies to safeguard businesses against evolving cyber threats.

Eastern Cloud services cater to the varying needs of remote work environments. Innovations include cloud-hosted infrastructures, development platforms and testing environments, business continuity, and backup solutions, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly and securely from anywhere.

Continuing its vision to position the Philippines as a regional hyperscale hub, Eastern has enhanced its Data Center Services. Offering hyperconverged infrastructure, hyperscale colocation, and partnerships with industry leaders like Huawei and Asus, Eastern ensures optimal performance and reliability. Multi-tenancy options further maximize resource utilization, making Eastern’s Data Center Services a cornerstone for businesses’ digital infrastructure.

Access Eastern: Bridging the Digital Divide Across the Islands

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity in the digital age, Eastern Communications extends its reach to regional cities through its “Access Eastern” thought leadership runs. Starting in May 2024, these initiatives will cover key locations such as Clark, Laguna, Cavite, Baguio, Dumaguete, and more areas to follow. By engaging with businesses in regional hubs, Eastern Communications aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all enterprises, regardless of location, have access to transformative ICT solutions.

Through its tailored ICT solutions, strategic partnerships, and commitment to sharing its valuable expertise, Eastern Communications is not only fuelling the growth of businesses but is also building a culture of digital empowerment for Filipinos. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the digital era, Eastern Communications remains a trusted “Partner in Progress,” empowering them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Empowering Filipinos Through Education and Thought Leadership

Beyond offering cutting-edge ICT solutions, Eastern Communications recognizes the importance of knowledge democratization in driving digital adoption among businesses. In line with this vision, Eastern Communications is set to launch pocket ICT Enablement Sessions and its biggest thought leadership event of the year entitled, “Transcend Technology Summit: Forging the Future of Business.”

The goal of Eastern’s ICT Enablement Sessions is to provide organizations with essential knowledge about Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud Solutions, and Connectivity—as well as insights from industry experts such as Cisco, Huawei, and Fortinet.

These projects, which are expected to launch in the latter part of the year, are the most important thought leadership events to be aware of from Eastern Communications. Eastern hopes to empower Filipino enterprises around the country by collaborating with leaders and specialists in the tech sector and arming them with the resources and know-how required to prosper in their specific sectors and locales.

May 21, 2024 by
Entertainment

Ben&Ben is in charge of the endearing Robinsons Malls video campaign, which included the popular song “Araw-Araw”

To commemorate the great inauguration of Robinsons Malls, Ben&Ben and the company have produced a video campaign.

This is the newest concept store, Liwanag House. The video, which is set to the upbeat melody of Ben&Ben’s popular song “Araw-Araw,” follows the award-winning band members as they discover different areas of the shopping center and discover love, pleasure, and happiness every day in the cozy confines of #OurFavoritePlace.

From enjoying delectable meals to indulging in retail therapy, the ad showcases the wide range of options that make Robinsons Malls the ideal location for crafting unforgettable daily experiences.

Liwanag House’s current home base is Robinsons Galleria, where the nine-piece band intends to host unique events and fan-specific experiences in addition to hosting exclusive product launches and limited-edition merchandise launches. Liwanag House should serve as a venue for community-driven events where everyone is made to feel appreciated, heard, and welcomed, according to Ben & Ben.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Ben&Ben delighted music enthusiasts with an exciting performance in Robinsons Galleria’s atrium. The group played some of their most well-known, chart-topping hits, such as the recently released, widely available digital single “COMETS,” and the now-viral “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay.”

The YouTube video campaign is currently accessible. Watch it right here.

May 20, 2024 by
Food, News

Recycling by Coca-Cola Philippines at the Panaad sa Negros Festival

Coca-Cola Philippines and its partners commemorated Earth Day by gathering 444.85 kg of PET bottles and cans between April 16 and 21 as part of the Panaad sa Negros Festival 2024 through the Tindahan Extra Mile (TEM) program, following a successful launch in Bacolod.

In an effort to reduce plastic waste and fight pollution, the program gives micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and owners of sari-sari stores the ability to turn their establishments into places where empty plastic bottles are collected. By gathering bottles, micro-retailers can accrue points that can be exchanged for money and merchandise for their stores.

TEM is a collaboration between Coca-Cola Philippines, Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO). As of May, there are over 3,500 TEM members in the country.

This local effort aligns with The Coca-Cola Company’s global World Without Waste strategy. Globally, the company aims to collect and recycle the equivalent of each bottle and can it sells by 2030, make its primary consumer packaging recyclable by 2025, and use an average of 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.

TEM is a crucial component of “May Ikabobote Pa,” Coca-Cola Philippines’ consumer engagement campaign, which encourages people to recycle their empty bottles and cans. Customers may find out the closest pickup locations and further information about the company’s recycling programs by visiting the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub.

May 17, 2024 by
Food, News

Jollibee is Listed in Kuwait’s Top 10 Brands for Customer Satisfaction


Warm, joyful service. Jollibee earned another triumph with its recent inclusion in the Top 10 brands for customer satisfaction in Kuwait. The awards program by Service Hero surveyed over 500 brands in the country.   

According to the 2023 Service Hero Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards, local food chain Jollibee has been named one of Kuwait’s Top 10 Brands for Customer Satisfaction.

An annual recognition program called the Customer Service Index Awards rewards Kuwait businesses who provide outstanding customer service. It gauges important aspects of the service, like overall satisfaction, expectations, and recommendation likelihood. It also evaluates several aspects of the services, including personnel, location, value for money, staff quality, speed, and dependability. For this list, more than 500 brands in 20 categories were assessed.

“Being recognized among Kuwait’s Top 10 brands for customer satisfaction from over 500 brands is a testament to our commitment to providing customers with great-tasting food served with the warmth and joyful service that the Jollibee brand is known for. This citation is not only a badge of honor for us, but it also means we are fulfilling our promise to our customers,” said Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head, Jollibee Global.

Meanwhile, Dennis Flores, President of Jollibee Group’s business in Europe, Middle East, and Asia, and Australia (EMEAA), congratulated the Jollibee Kuwait team and franchisee for this milestone recognition: “We celebrate this achievement with all our store and operations teams in Kuwait whose passion and dedication to our mission of serving great-tasting food and bringing the joy of eating to everyone has made this recognition possible. We are also grateful to our customers in Kuwait for their continued support and loyalty to Jollibee.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our franchisee Yacoub Aljajery for his steadfast belief in our brand. His hands-on approach not only ensures operational excellence, but also fosters a culture of passion and commitment, making exceptional customer service at Jollibee Kuwait possible,” Flores added.

The Jollibee Group opened the first Jollibee store in Al Watya, Kuwait City in February 2012 through franchisee Yacoub Aljajery of the Al Musaifra Catering Company. Today, Jollibee has seven stores in Kuwait, with loyal fans craving for bestselling products such Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti.

Jollibee as a franchisor of choice

“I chose Jollibee as a franchise because of its strong brand recognition, delicious menu offerings, and the opportunity to introduce Jollibee to Arab/Kuwaiti customers, which has proven to be a successful venture,” said franchisee Yacoub Aljajery. “As a franchisee, I appreciate Jollibee’s comprehensive support system, including marketing assistance, ongoing operational guidance and training programs which have been instrumental in the growth and success of our franchise operations in Kuwait.”

“Being cited as one of the Top 10 brands in Kuwait is a recognition for our dedication and hard work in upholding Jollibee’s standards and values. This award also serves as our source of pride and motivation to continue delivering exceptional service and quality to our customers in Kuwait,” he added.

Jollibee also has stores in other Middle East countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Recently, Jollibee has been ranked Top 5 Strongest Restaurant Brand in the World, overtaking more established Quick Service Restaurant brands, according to the latest annual brand ranking report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading independent brand valuation agency. Jollibee has elevated its rating from AA- to AAA. In addition, Jollibee is the only Philippine brand listed in the 2024 Top 25 Most Valuable Restaurant Brands and Top 10 Strongest Restaurant Brands.

The brand has also been cited as the Top 2 fastest-growing restaurant brand in the world. Surging by an impressive 51% to USD2.3 billion in brand value, Jollibee ascended from rank 20 to rank 17 in this year’s Global Restaurant Rankings.


Serving joy. The Jollibee Kuwait team has shown passion and dedication in providing exceptional customer service to customers who crave for bestsellers Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti.   

Outside of the Philippines, mainstream customers are still gravitating for Jollibee. Mainstream non-Filipino locals make up around 100% of the clientele in Vietnam and Brunei, 81% in Malaysia, 80% in the UK, 70% in Singapore, and 60% in Hong Kong. This demonstrates the brand’s attractiveness on a worldwide scale.

Jollibee Group flagship brands in the ranking

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf TM, another brand owned by the Jollibee Group, is ranked among Kuwait’s Top 10 Brands for Customer Satisfaction. In the café category, it likewise came out on top. The flagship brand for the coffee and tea industry under the Jollibee Group is CBTL.

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

May 17, 2024 by
Entertainment

KAIA chronicles personal rise to fame in the music video for “You Did It”

The official music video for KAIA’s latest single, “You Did It,” has been made available.

Under the direction of Raymond “Pabi” Fabian and Francis “Kiko” Magundayao, the five-piece band’s transition from their early years to their more assured and polished stage is shown in the pictures. It also tells the origin tale of the dragonfly, which serves as a symbolic representation of their journey as a Filipino female group attempting to succeed in the cutthroat world of the music industry.

According to the MV, KAIA is now traveling farther to investigate new areas with its wings expanded.

The P-Pop trio admits that they were more active in the music video’s concept, even going so far as to incorporate concepts drawn from their own experiences and embrace darker themes.

“We really like being involved because it helps us interpret our songs better and perform with more passion,” shares the Dalawa act in a press statement. “We made sure that everything, from outfits to the set design and even our facial expressions, aligned with the music’s theme. The goal was really to elevate the message of the song through visuals, so we put in extra effort for this MV.”

KAIA also credited their two MV directors, “Pabi” and “Kiko,” for bringing immense creativity to the project and being highly collaborative with the visual storytelling.

The acclaimed pop act explains, “They were able to translate what we envisioned, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Their direction made us feel comfortable and confident on the set. Because of this experience, we were able to focus on our performances while they take care of the bigger picture. Overall, it was a collaborative effort that we are very proud of.”

“You Did It” is a dance-pop track that brims with Persian-style instrumentation and modern pop sensibilities. The song was produced by Oh-won Lee, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, and Primoz Poglajen, with lyrics by Jonell “J.O” Sarmiento, a former Z2Z member. KAIA also contributed to the overall concept and narrative of the track.

With this song, KAIA hopes to represent those who lack the bravery to speak up for themselves and who are unable to speak for themselves. The fierce five-piece group continues, “so that when they listen to the song, they’ll feel more confident and empowered.”

The song “You Did It Here”  by KAIA is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide. Go here to view the music video.

May 17, 2024 by
Entertainment

Liwanag House, a new concept store, will be introduced by Ben&Ben with a concert at Robinsons Galleria

The award-winning band will be performing at the atrium on May 18, 2024

Take note! Joining forces for the Grand Opening of the Liwanag House, the band’s newest concept store designed especially for its expanding fan base, partners, and supporters are Ben&Ben and Robinsons Galleria.

In addition to offering unique experiences and exclusive releases to their fan base, Liwanag House will be the headquarters for Ben&Ben’s limited-edition merchandise and exclusive releases.

The small venue will also serve as a venue for community-driven events that seek to draw a wide range of participants and initiatives. Ben&Ben’s goal is to establish a space where everyone is respected, heard, and made to feel at home.

To mark the official launch of the Liwanag House, Ben&Ben will be performing at the atrium of Robinsons Galleria on May 18, 2024. The nine-piece band is set to perform some of their biggest and most acclaimed hits, including the viral smash “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their new single “COMETS,” which dropped a few days ago on all digital music platforms.

With these easy steps, everyone will have the chance to score exclusive passes and watch them live:

1. Download the RMalls+ app (if you haven’t already).

2. Visit any Robinsons Galleria from May 14-17, 2024 (Tuesday to Friday).

3. Enjoy shopping and dining at your favorite stores, and keep your receipts.

4. Present your RMalls+ app voucher and a purchase receipt at the Guest Services Booth of Robinsons Galleria (from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

On May 18, Robinsons Galleria is also giving fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the band at the Grand Opening of Liwanag House at Level 4, ADB Wing of Robinsons Galleria. Everyone may get exclusive merchandise here and snap selfies with band memorabilia. As a bonus, attendees will be able to witness Ben&Ben staffing the store just prior to the event and catch a peek of the award-winning ensemble during rehearsals.

Aside from the Liwanag House, Robinsons Galleria provides a unique assortment of unique finds like Flying Tiger, first-in-the-metro dining concepts like the recently launched Don Don Tei, Fat Daddy, and Palgakdo, and other hang-out activities to enjoy the ideal weekend at the mall. PlayLab, Winter Magic, and Timezone are just a few of the family-friendly amusement park locations located in Robinsons Galleria.

May 16, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

Home Credit Philippines: Every Filipino’s financial ally

The country’s leading consumer finance company on empowering and enabling Filipinos to live more rewarding lives on its 11th year of business in the Philippines

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) serves a diverse variety of Filipinos, accounting for 78% of its sales from consumers who live outside of the National Capital Region. The company has over 10 million clients. Aware of the diversity of its clientele, Home Credit has created offerings that speak to different markets and strive to improve people’s lives. I, for one, can say that Home Credit is such a reliable ally for all our needs. I have been in circumstances where home credit has given me so much help and comfort. Throughout the years, they have proven their worth and are still improving it for the convenience of every Filipino. I have also been using Home Credit not just for my lifestyle products, such as my gadgets, but also for my online shopping and transactions these days.

Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH, stated at a recent event that the company runs three year-round major campaigns where customers can purchase products at great deals, including 0% interest installment rates. The campaigns are called the Summer Campaign, Back-to-School Campaign, and Holiday Campaign. HCPH does this to provide financial and credit opportunities to Filipinos during peak shopping seasons.

“We create campaigns with our diverse customer base in mind. Our initiatives to make financial solutions more accessible through our campaigns enable them to live the life they desire. We are grateful that our efforts are well-received by our customers, and we consider their recognition of our campaigns as a testament to our commitment to providing only the best initiatives that can truly benefit Filipinos,” Paul added.

Trusted partner for lifestyle products

Over the years, the increasing trust of Filipinos also meant an increase in demand to finance more and more commodities and high-ticket items for its customers. What was initially just four commodities—smartphones, televisions and computers and laptops—grew and diversified to more than 80 types of commodities now, the widest selection for any consumer finance company in the country. Some additional commodities include tablets, e-bikes, motorcycle necessities, musical instruments, furniture, farming equipment and medical needs, among others.

This growth in the types of commodities financed over the years were driven by strong partnerships with the most trusted brands and retail stores in the country, some of which were present as collaborators during the event to celebrate HCPH’s milestones and welcome its new decade: Abenson, Acer, Cellboy, Digimap, Imperial Appliance Plaza, Octagon, Power Mac  Center, Samsung, and Silicon Valley.

Top-selling commodities over the years

In the past years, the commodity with the most units sold by HCPH is mobile phones, with over 12 million units sold. In 2023 alone, the company facilitated installment financing of 12.5 million units of mobile phones worth P30 billion, with iPhone being the top brand sold, accounting for P6B worth in overall sales.

Apart from mobile phones, HCPH has also financed three other top commodities over the years: televisions with 1.2 million units sold, computers and laptops with 900k units sold, and aircons with 500k units sold.

These remarkable numbers are driven by the company’s 0% interest deals across its product range. For instance, Home Credit’s introduction of its Summer Campaign’s 0% interest promo on cooling appliances and other home essentials helped Filipinos survive the unforgiving heat through the 1000+ per day air-conditioners that the company has sold since the middle of March.

New way for Filipinos to shop

Filipino customers’ shopping behavior have dramatically changed over the years with online shopping becoming a preferred way to get information and buy products. According to a study conducted by Agile Data Solutions Inc., Filipinos’ consumer behavior prefers in-store shopping over online one, with 77 percent of Filipinos still prefer in-store shopping for unknown products.  The recent pandemic, however, has also opened them to the world of online shopping deals, where customers utilize online shopping platforms to do price research and get deals, and do physical shopping for sensory appeal and visceral experience.

As Filipinos increasingly adopt the digital lifestyle, Home Credit also underwent a digital transformation journey to enhance its customer service and provide easy access to its products, deals, and locations of partners shops via mobile phones. HCPH introduced Shoppingmall.ph, an online platform where customers can discover over 50,000 deals and select them from over 500 merchants, in three easy steps.

Shoppingmall.ph gives customers the opportunity to look for the commodity they need, search for the best deals, and choose their preferred store from HCPH’s more than 50,000 partners shops nationwide.

The goal of Home Credit, which is to empower more Filipinos through more financial options, more shop locations, more cutting-edge technologies, and more customer-focused services, is still very much in line as the company approaches the next decade. It will stay every Filipino’s financial ally, para sa life, and keep making credit chances more accessible.

Go www.homecredit.ph, the official website of Home Credit Philippines, to learn more about the most recent developments. Its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts are also open for visiting. Consumers can also peruse the most recent 0% interest offers by visiting Shoppingmall.ph. They can also download the My Home Credit App from Google Play to start the application process for an installment.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have granted Home Credit Philippines the necessary licenses and supervision.

May 15, 2024 by
Food, News, Travel

The Philippine-based AJINOMOTO Corporation is fully committed to promoting environmental care and sustainability


(L-R) Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) Senior Vice President Makoto Tanabe, APC Chief Sustainability Officer Ernie Carlos, ACEN Senior Account Manager Elisah Cabato, APC President Koichi Ozaki, APF Bulacan Factory Director Juanito Ramos Jr. and APF Bulacan Factory Manager Kei Tanigawa.

Concerning the mitigation of plastic waste and lowering its carbon footprint, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) remains a leader in the market. APC has been joining the Ajinomoto Group’s long-running campaign to promote environmental causes, which aims to educate the next generation about the need to live in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly world. As Ajinomoto tightened their engagement to promote a greener world, they did such interesting and helpful programs in their own ways. They also let us have a great time in their place and discover things such as how they value their products. We also discovered how they pack their products in a way that is according to their vision of having a greener environment.

The SariCycleTM Program was introduced by APC, the Quezon City Local Government, and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) Incorporated only this year. This program makes it possible to implement an incentive-based model of community action that reduces the amount of single-use plastic waste generated and motivates all members of the community to participate in being environmental stewards. In just three months of operation since its start in January 2024, the SariCycleTM Program has been able to collect over 1,000 kg of single-use plastics and onboard 359 sari-sari businesses in Quezon City. The initiative offers Ajinomoto product bundles and Environmental Points (EPs), which can be redeemed for cash at participating merchants, as incentives to support the livelihoods of its retail partners, known as “SariCyclers.”

Following this was the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between APC and ACEN RES. Back in 2022, a 1MW-peak capacity Solar Rooftop installation on the APF Bulacan Factory comprised of more 2,000 solar panels was  energized, effectively reducing its annual carbon footprint from electricity consumption by 18%.Today, APF Bulacan is running on 100% renewable energy.  Since January of 2024, the APF Bulacan Factory has saved around Php 2,000,000 in electrical expenses and has reduced their monthly carbon footprint by ~95%   by transitioning to full renewable energy. To commemorate the turnout of these efforts, APC and ACEN conducted a Badge Turnover Ceremony. APC was one of the first companies to receive the new generation of ACEN Renewable Energy Badge – awarded to partner facilities who are supplied with 100% renewable energy.


The AjiPanda Diner at Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food, Inc. or APF Bulacan Factory.

Aside from being a beacon of sustainability, the APF Bulacan Factory also boasts of its newly opened canteen that serves healthy and good food! At the official opening of the “AjiPanda Diner”, a factory tour was also conducted for some of Ajinomoto Philippines’ invited guests from the media. The group were first given a brief history of Ajinomoto, an orientation on the factory dresscode, safety precautions and the proper conduct during the tour before heading to each station at the factory. The tour was concluded with a lunch buffet highlighting Filipino dishes we all grew up loving like Chicken Tinola, Pork Adobo and Chopsuey, all thoughtfully cooked using Ajinomoto products.

On the way to factory tour at APF Bulacan with media friends

Ajinomoto Philippines’ media guests are all suit up at the Production Area during their factory tour at APF Bulacan.

APC Group’s Workplace Nutrition Program provides free vegetable dishes to all Bulacan Factory employees on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in addition to the comfortable and soothing atmosphere of the AjiPanda Diner. As promised by its name, the “AjiPanda Diner,” the cafeteria serves food to both workers and guests of the facility, providing a wholesome Ajinomoto experience. To guarantee that every meal is given with quality and the best flavors, Ajinomoto goods are used to make a wide variety of delectable dishes that both staff and guests can feast their eyes on within the complex!


ONE TEAM. All smiles under the scorching heat at the façade of APF Bulacan’s newly opened AjiPanda Diner.
 
I enjoyed the plant tour at APF Bulacan

As they reflect on these achievements, APC is proud to say that they are still fully committed to reaching the sustainability targets outlined in their 2030 Roadmap. APC’s long-term projects continue to grow and change in response to the demands of the Filipino community while maintaining their primary goal of protecting the environment so that everyone can genuinely Eat Well and Live Well by adopting the Ajinomoto way of life.

May 15, 2024 by
Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom is having the most AMAZING Mother’s Day celebration

With Eldar

During its Enchanting Mother’s Day event on Sunday, May 12, Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, once again made unforgettable memories for everyone.

AGILA the EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines, was among the over thirty rides and attractions that customers may enjoy for free with the introduction of the park’s Ilaw ng Tahanan Promo. For just Php 1,200, Mother’s Day at EK featured a plethora of exclusive deals, sweets, and events that showcased the enchantment of a mother’s love for her children and family. A Smart Wifi Portable Air Conditioner and a chance to win one (1) Firefly e-gift card worth PhP 200 were also included in this special EK online shop promotion.

EK Mother’s Day Concert

Moms were also serenaded by mother-daughter tandem Pinky and Karel Marquez with An Enchanting Mother’s Day Concert, joined by the Women of Song and Music Making Company as they paid tribute to all the mothers with a night of music, dance and entertainment. EK’s very own Circle of Artists, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen also spiced up the Mother’s Day concert with a series of heartwarming musical performances to remember.

Enchanted Kingdom shared more magic through unique offerings for Mother’s Day around the park. Kindermagic, EK’s indoor play area, gave fun passes to moms accompanying their children. EK’s award-winning merchandise stores created Mother’s Day Corners, where guests can take their instagrammable photos while they shop for selected EK merchandise.

EK’s very own restaurants LaunchTime and Amazon Grill offered a special Mother’s Day Group Meals for a magical dining experience. Selected EK tenant partners also joined the fun with discounted treats and freebies. Lastly, EK’s Laser Mission and EKaleidoscope provided group discounts for moms to create more magical adventures at the park.

Baby Dove, Surf, Dove Deo, Rexona, Snailwhite, Snake Brand, Oxecure, Beauty Dream Hall, Pastel, Sparkle, Krunnnch, Piattos, Dewberry, Cloud9 Chocolate Milk Drink, Cream O, Nissin Ramen, Great Taste Iced Coffee, Koreanna, Nutri10excel, Lightskin, Landers, Cher-Aim Thai Herbal, McCormick, Nido, Zim, and Nurture were among the sponsors that contributed to the celebration’s fantastical atmosphere. In addition, the following tenant partners offered their assistance for this unique day: Teho, Angel’s Corn, Dash Premium Ice Scramble, Dairy Queen, Subarashii Manju, Lil’ Orbits Mini-Donuts, Tater Tots, and Sigue Trading.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media pages @ek_philippines on Twitter and Instagram and @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and Tiktok for additional details and updates on this event and EK’s other forthcoming events and offers.

May 14, 2024 by
Food, News

Through its global suppliers, Jollibee Group Strengthens Its Commitment to Responsible Sourcing


Growing together. Jollibee Group and its partners Lamb Weston and McCain Foods provide customers worldwide with the best quality potato products. 

The Jollibee Group, a multinational restaurant chain dedicated to sustainable business practices, understands the need of collaborating with suppliers like Lamb Weston and McCain Foods, who also share the company’s dedication to ethical sourcing.

Core to Responsible Sourcing

McCain Foods is a Canadian corporation that specializes in potato goods, particularly fries. It has been a dependable supplier to the Jollibee Group for 20 years. The Jollibee Group collaborates closely with 3,500 farmers to rethink more sustainable potato cultivation practices.


Shared agricultural goals. Jollibee Group and Lamb Weston are committed to creating progress for the planet. Both companies support sustainable agriculture practices that continuously improve their processes and adopt the latest equipment and technology.
 
 

Anchored in its regenerative agricultural practice, Farms of the Future supports farmers in adopting techniques that conserve water, minimize chemical fertilizer usage, and enhance soil health. These efforts contribute to its inclusive goal of empowering its farmers to face threats in the global food system, such as climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and food waste.

McCain Foods aims to further its commitment to responsible sourcing by operating three Farms of the Future in different growing regions on top of its locations in Canada and South Africa by 2025. This project is one of several initiatives that helped place McCain Foods at the 55th rank in the 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark. The Food and Agriculture Benchmark is part of the World Benchmarking Alliance, which provides an essential tool for measuring and comparing corporate performance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It measures and ranks 350 keystone companies – from farm to fork – on key issues underpinning the food systems transformation agenda.

For its part, Lamb Weston, a global producer, and processor of frozen potato products, and one of the Jollibee Group’s longtime potato suppliers, has comprehensive sustainability goals focused on food, people, and the planet.


Commitment to customer satisfaction. Jollibee Group and McCain Foods work together to understand and anticipate customers’ needs, enhance their responsible sourcing efforts, and provide delightful and memorable experiences with every meal.
 

One of its banner initiatives is its Sustainable Agriculture program which continuously improves its processes, adopts the latest equipment and technology, and shares the best practices with its growers. Before introducing them to its growers, Lamb Weston recently piloted its technologies and practices in 100 Circles Farm–its 20,000-acre farm in Paterson, Washington, United States. With this, the company can better understand the opportunities and challenges that the farmers encounter. Lamb Weston has also invested in soil research and technologies, believing that healthy soil is the key to climate resiliency and long-term productivity.

Sustainability across the entire business


Care for the planet. Through its Farms of the Future Project, McCain Foods gains a better understanding of regenerative agricultural practices and their positive impact on the Earth. 
 
 
 

The Jollibee Group will strengthen its relationships with international suppliers who share its commitment to sustainability as it pursues its global sustainability strategy, Joy for Tomorrow, in tandem with its continued worldwide expansion.

In order to incorporate its sustainable business practices into a more unified structure that integrates the entire organization and directs its interactions with partners and stakeholders, the Jollibee Group launched Joy for Tomorrow.

May 14, 2024 by