The 6-track release serves as his first record under Sony Music Entertainment
James Reid’s much awaited new EP, jgh, has been formally published by Sony Music Entertainment and Careless Music.
The six-track album documents his growth as a person and an artist over the years, providing a close-up look at his past and present.
JGH, which is short for “just got home,” also represents a pivotal point in Reid’s artistic development and, both sonically and thematically, his return to a place of calm and tranquility. The EP, which combines pop, R&B, and OPM sensibilities, shows Reid at his most vulnerable. He rediscovers the sincere, grounded aspects of himself that he may have lost touch with and learns to embrace and forgive the imperfections that come with it.
“My home is a reflection of myself,” says James Reid. “It’s filled with things I’ve gathered along my journey and decorated with memories. It’s been another crazy year, and now that I’m home, I have a lot of stories to tell.”
Written and produced by Reid alongside collaborators Tim Marquez, Niko, Luke April, Alison Shore, and Brian Lotho, the EP is marked by its introspective nature and sparse production. Many of the tracks began as simple acoustic guitar or piano compositions, with each producer adding their own unique touch to further shape the mood of the record.
“All the songs were written from the heart,” James shares. “Some of them were painful to write, others were inspired by realizations I had along the way, and some were inspired by love. It was an emotional journey, and I see each of these songs like a page from my diary or a chapter in my life—truths I may have found difficult to express before.”
The EP’s production style is subtle yet impactful, reflecting a sense of comforting warmth that resonates deeply with a universal audience. The songs are intentionally understated, trading polished arrangements or high-energy hooks in favor of nuanced details that highlight Reid’s rich vocal delivery and powerful storytelling.
As an entirety, jgh has the potential to dominate the charts and win over even the most hardened listener’s icy heart.
James Reid’s latest album, ‘jgh’ is currently available on all digital music platforms across the globe through Careless Music and Sony Music Entertainment
Ditch the typing and deepen your relationship with the app that’s risen to #1 on combined Apple App Store and Google Play Store downloads!
We have seen firsthand how rapidly the everyday message landscape has changed over the past ten years. With convenience at its highest level, messaging apps have become more popular, enabling everyone to send texts instantly.
However, there are drawbacks to these methods of communication as well. In addition to the work required to manually text, instant messaging may weaken our bonds with superficial interactions. Furthermore, although fast delight is convenient, the inability to engage in deeper conversation can weaken our relationships with others. Buzz, a social app, seeks to address this by leading the way in voice-powered communication.
Illustrating how voice can create a world of difference in deepening relationships would be the irresistible tandem of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, who features in buz’s latest TVC! Beyond showcasing their undeniable chemistry, the full clip also highlights buz’s main goal: to connect through voice, and to let users feel that they are always with their loved ones.
Recognizing the power of our natural voice, buz is the social app that improves the ways people connect with one another. Going beyond merely text, buz empowers users to converse with their easy-to-use Push-to-Talk (PTT) feature, allowing users to quickly send voice notes that play instantaneously for the receiver.
Flexibility is another core value of buz, allowing users to multitask in between apps and even transcribing with its Voice to Text feature to improve the ways we connect everyday. Aiming to provide more fulfilling exchanges that no other messaging platforms can offer, buz is also home to a number of fun features such as Voicemojis, voicefilters, and virtualgifts.
In the end, all of these features inside the app are a part of Buzz’s endeavors to not only give each discussion a distinctive, individualized taste, but also to exemplify the app’s primary value of facilitating instantaneous, enhanced contact with loved ones—all powered by everyone’s voice.
Make a verbal connection with Buzz and don’t forget to watch its most recent TVC featuring Barbie Forteza and David Licauco! Buzz is currently the most downloaded social app on both the Apple and Android downloads, platforms combined. It is also free, making it simple for anybody to use speech to instantly strengthen and expand their relationships.
The Philippines’ first and only top-tier theme park, Enchanted Kingdom, offers five (5) brand-new, classic Christmas experiences in Santa Rosa, Laguna, making for the most enchanting holiday celebration.
Every Filipino may now experience the Timeless Magic of Christmas with the Park’s festive music, colorful decorations, and lively displays, which were all displayed during EK’s grand holiday kickoff last November 23. This is in addition to the more than 30 unlimited rides and gated attractions.
ENCHANTING PERFORMANCES
The event’s amazing lineup of performers spread the timeless holiday magic through world-class music and entertainment.
Award-winning De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Rondalla serenaded the crowd with a Christmas medley and enchanting symphonic music through their strings and percussion.
Returning to the EK stage to bring some Yuletide cheer, members of the powerhouse dance company G-Force teased the audience with their spectacular dance moves. They also promoted their year-end dance concert which will also be held at the theme park on December 15.
EK’s homegrown vocal groups, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen, set up the festive vibe even more with their mesmerizing renditions of classic holiday songs.
THE MAGIC OF GIVING
The magical celebration was graced by Santa Rosa Mayor Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas, who shared that the Christmas season in the city would not be complete without the grand lighting ceremony of the Park’s Enchanted Christmas Tree and Grand Parol.
EK’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R Mamon officially turned over the donation funds raised during the Timeless Halo-ween: An Event for a Cause for the benefit of those affected by Typhoon Kristine, to the city government of Santa Rosa through Hon. Arcillas.
Hon. Arcillas expressed her gratitude to EK for spreading the ‘very essence of Christmas’ — the spirit of giving — through their offerings and initiatives.
ELDAR’S MOONLIGHT PARADE
Parkgoers flocked along the streets of Portabello and Brooklyn Place in anticipation for the back-to-back launch of EK’s holiday attractions beginning with the Eldar’s Moonlight Parade. And suddenly, there they were — EK’s jolly wizard along with other beloved storybook characters appeared with their vibrant, glow-in-the-dark costumes. Nightlife at the Park lit up as they pranced across the themed zones to the tune of lively, iconic EK songs.
ELDAR’S BROOKLYN SYMPHONY
As the parade party approaches EK’s 4D-simulated theater Rialto at the Brooklyn Place zone, Eldar the Wizard waved his magical wand to start the Brooklyn Symphony. Christmas lights that covered the whole zone suddenly came to life, dancing to the beat of popular Christmas songs playing throughout the area.
Guests also rejoiced upon the sight of ‘snow’ falling from the sky towards the end of the show as part of the holiday vibe.
ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS TREE
Serving as the highlight of EK’s magical holiday attractions this 2024 is their one-of-a-kind Enchanted Christmas Tree in partnership with Firefly. It is located between the Brooklyn Place and Midway Boardwalk’s Wheel of Fate.
With Dr. Mamon and Hon. Arcillas leading the lighting ceremony, purple lights soon covered the whole tree, unveiling its unique design.
This year, the theme park transformed the Enchanted Christmas Tree into Eldar’s iconic wizard hat. Serving as the ornaments are star-shaped lanterns, each bearing the portrait of the EK storybook characters; while on top is an image of the nativity scene, reminding every guest of the true essence of the Christmas season.
GRAND PAROL
EK embraced Paskong Pinoy and brought back the star of Filipino holiday celebrations through its Grand Parol, which stands even brighter at the Spaceport Grounds beside the Space Shuttle rollercoaster ride where guests can enjoy its colorful display synchronized with popular Filipino Christmas songs.
The Santa Rosa-based theme park commissioned the renowned lantern maker from Pampanga, Eric Bondoc Quiwa to create this record-breaking decor together with 100 other parols installed around the park.
ENCHANTMENT CONTINUES UP IN THE SKY
Once again, Eldar the Wizard orchestrates a grand spectacle of lights up in the sky with the new Timeless Magic Fireworks Show. This features the special holiday version of EK’s 29th anniversary theme song Timeless Magic, composed and sung by the theme park’s P-pop girl group SMS.
MORE TIMELESS CHRISTMAS MAGIC
‘Tis the season to celebrate with the whole family here at EK!
Guests can now continuously enjoy the majestic view of the Grand Parol, Enchanted Christmas Tree, and the Eldar’s Brooklyn Symphony while they can watch out for the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show during Saturdays at 7 PM.
Meanwhile, starting this December, Eldar the Wizard will add a Yuletide twist to his Moonlight Parade with the Christmastime Parade.
Musical groups and bands will also spread the magical spirit of the holidays through enchanting live carols by the Grand Parol starting the end of November. DLSZ Rondalla will be back with their music on November 30 and December 7. Ateneo Gabay and Emilio Aguinaldo Symphonic Band will also be there to join the festivities on December 16 and 21, respectively.
EK also hinted of an upcoming anniversary promo which is also set for release this last week of November that you surely don’t want to miss!
Gift the magic of Enchanted Kingdom through our upcoming holiday EKatalogue featuring the newest merchandise available for onsite purchase or online checkout through the EK Online Store.
So start planning your next EK getaway and create more unforgettable memories with your loved ones as we open six days a week (Tuesdays to Sundays) starting December 2 to 15. From December 16 until the first week of 2025, the Park will open its magical gates to all every day.
*Show schedules may be subject to change without prior notice
Bounty Fresh, Cloud 9, Coca-Cola, C2, Chuckie, DITO Telecommunity, Dove, Easy Life, Galway Lightskin, Krispy Kreme, Maya, McCormick, Milo, Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club, Optimal, Philadelphia, Poten-Cee Plus, PruLife UK, SD13 Advertising Corp., Selecta, and Tulip were among the sponsors who helped make the Timeless Magic of Christmas event even more magical.
To learn more about this occasion, visit the special offers, and further examples of EK’s enduring enchantment, stop by our Press Room at eK-press-room at https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ek-press-room & @enchantedkingdom.ph is the official social media account for EK. for Instagram and Twitter, and @ek_philippines for Facebook and Tiktok.
Even though Halloween has passed, you should continue to be alert for “spooky” situations since scammers are continuously looking for new ways to trick and exploit potential victims.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is reminding its esteemed customers to always be on the lookout for cybercrimes and to maintain good hygiene this November.
“The safety of our clients is our priority, that’s why BPI is doing its best to enhance its online security measures continuously. At the same time, we encourage our clients to ‘Maging Listo, Huwag Magpaloko’ because cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. With cybersecurity hygiene practices, people can avoid falling victim to cyber crimes such as hacking, phishing, and identity theft,” said Jonathan Paz, BPI Data Protection Officer and Enterprise Information Security Officer.
BPI Branch Lobby
Here are some fun tips to remember to avoid being “haunted” by scammers:
Witchcraft for Passwords – Cast a spell on your passwords by mixing letters, numbers, and symbols that are hard to decipher. Remember, a strong password decreases the risks of getting hacked and your data being compromised.
Haunted Wi-Fi – Always check the security of your own Wi-Fi connection. Make sure it is password-protected and not easily accessible to anyone unseen.
Don’t Invite Unwanted Guests – Just like you wouldn’t want random spirits to come uninvited, don’t accept friend and/or follow requests from strangers. It is best to keep your social media circle small and tight rather than having multiple random acquaintances.
Privacy Settings: Your Cloak of Invisibility – Make sure to utilize those privacy settings as a good invisibility cloak. You can also explore the advanced privacy settings option for added protection. It is important to keep your data hidden from prying eyes.
BPI strives to deliver safer and better banking experiences by collaborating with its customers. Go to www.bpi.com.ph to find out more about BPI’s online security protocols and how you may further defend yourself from cyberattacks.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the widely accepted and recognised English test taken by students and professionals wanting to work, live, and study abroad.
The British Council, through the IELTS Ready Premium, equips aspiring international students with the right tools and support to take the IELTS with confidence and ease.
The IELTS Ready Premium is the British Council’s latest support tool, offering personalised and comprehensive resources to help Filipino students who aim to study abroad effectively prepare for their exams.
Taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is the global standard for English proficiency, gives Filipino students who want to study abroad access to some of the most prominent universities in the world. Through its IELTS Ready Premium, the British Council assists test-takers by offering essential tools and resources, such as simple yet effective IELTS test tips, so they may confidently prepare for the test and get closer to their educational goals.
In order to address typical issues including time management, test anxiety, and complicated question types, test-takers can obtain expert IELTS test advice, individualized study programs, and practice exams through the British Council’s free assistance service, IELTS Ready Premium. With its comprehensive coverage of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, the tool gives students the resources and confidence they need to ace the IELTS exam.
Backed by research and insights of actual test-takers, the British Council shares 5 proven IELTS test tips for students to approach the exam with confidence and ease:
IELTS Test Tip #1: Know the IELTS test format.
Knowing what to expect is half the battle won. The IELTS Ready Premium includes well-organised, easy-to-follow exercises for each section—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—that mirror the actual exam, ensuring students are fully prepared for what is to come on exam day.
“The free materials from the British Council provided me the familiarisation to navigate the test, and gave me the confidence to get the band score I needed to study abroad,” shares Casey Cruz, 2nd Prize Winner of IELTS Prize 2023 Philippines and now pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Rights at Mahidol University, Thailand.
IELTS Test Tip #2: Practise with timed mock tests. The pressure of time can trip up even the most prepared students. Timed mock exams from IELTS Ready Premium simulate the actual test environment, allowing students to practise under pressure, and build familiarity with pacing and timing across sections.
“Taking the practice tests will take away your anxiety and worry because you will get a feel of the flow and the timing of the exam, allowing you to manage your time and plan how you can answer with the time constraint,” advises Rafi Sartin, 3rd Place Winner of the IELTS Prize 2023 Philippines, and currently completing her masters degree in Marketing at Western Sydney University, Australia.
IELTS Test Tip #3: Follow a personalised study plan. Every student learns differently, and a customised study plan makes all the difference. With its adaptive learning features, IELTS Ready Premium helps students study at their own pace, and focus on areas that need improvement based on individual learning styles and needs.
“The tailored study plan helped me concentrate on improving specific skills, especially with the personalised videos and targeted exercises,” shares Dorothy Pugoy, now a certified medical laboratory scientist in the United States of America.
IELTS Test Tip #4: Focus on strengths, improve weaknesses.
Knowing what works and what doesn’t is key to effective exam preparation. The IELTS Ready Premium includes practice tests for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, which provides possible bandscores for each section, helping students pinpoint their strengths and areas for improvement. “Writing and reading have always been my forte but it turns out that it is the field that I needed help the most. After spending hours reading handouts during my breaks, I worked on those weak spots, while strengthening the areas I had already mastered,” recalls Tracy Salazar, who reached her target band score to study abroad for a post-baccalaureate degree.
IELTS Test Tip#5: Learn from mistakes.
Mistakes are a natural part of learning. With model answers from test takers at various band levels and detailed feedback explaining what is right or wrong, IELTS Ready Premium helps students identify and correct errors to refine their answers.
“The practice tests gave me an idea on how I was doing so far in terms of reaching my target score to work or study abroad. I appreciate having model answers in the subtests based on the band scores available, since it gave me more ideas on how to compose and improve my answers,” shares Julienne Roman, who scored above her desired band level for future plans to work in the US healthcare industry.
The British Council is dedicated to helping Filipino students successfully pursue their aspirations to study abroad, in addition to helping them prepare for their IELTS test examinations. Through the IELTS Ready Premium, students may access a variety of IELTS exam tips, tools, and guidance that will help them achieve their academic objectives and realize their international job aspirations.
Sign-up for IELTS on computer examinations in select locations until December 31 to get a special price offer, gift vouchers and access to IELTS Ready Premium. When registering online at bit.ly/BCIELTSHoliday2024, enter the promo code BCHoliday2024. Visit the IELTS British Council Facebook page orwebsite to find out more about the features of the IELTS Ready Premium.
UL Skin Sciences showcases superior range of beauty and personal care products, providing a blueprint for holistic care and empowerment for Filipinas across the country
On November 25, UL Skin Sciences, Inc., the personal care division of Unilab Health Group, unveiled its Skin Sciences Blueprint, showcasing its expert-tested and scientifically supported brands that aim to promote overall wellness and improve outer radiance through an all-encompassing, inside-out approach.
The event by UL Skin Science, a trusted partner for all our skincare and intimate needs, is here for us once again to help us with our skin problems. I’m so happy to have learned from them and have different insights into what products are best for me. They also have different engaging activities and give a lot of knowledge regarding the products.
The Skin Sciences Blueprint event, which featured an immersive experience and stimulating sensory activities, aimed to enhance knowledge and appreciation of UL Skin Sciences’ commitment to quality, innovation, and integrity as well as its line of personal care and beauty supplements, including Celeteque, Myra, pH Care, GynePro, Fortima, and Lactezin.
Hosted by host, athlete, and entrepreneur Zara Carbonell, all were treated to a vibrant panel discussion led by content creator and youth empowerment advocate Ayn Bernos and certified dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan, in which conversations about a woman’s journey in maintaining their holistic well-being through health and beauty were covered.
Ms. Ning Achacoso Sevilla, Operating Vice President of UL Skin Sciences; Cla Ellazar, Research and Development (R&D) Director; and Kathryn Carag, Division Vice President and Head ofMarketing were also present to share the company’s aim in empowering lives through innovative personal care solutions and its efforts to guarantee quality and safe offerings across their portfolio.
Such efforts include having a dedicated world-class R&D team, which in its 17-year history has enabled UL Skin Sciences to mold itself as a powerhouse in the personal care space, with milestones from being the top personal care company in the country to offer the #1 beauty supplement for 17 years Myra-E, to housing market leading brands such as pH Care, Celeteque, and cult favorites like GynePro,.
“Our unwavering goal of committing to your beauty and wellness needs has brought us to the UL Skin Sciences of today. We aim for a culture of Innovation, Integrity, and Quality that gives a strong sense of empowerment and beauty – inside and outside.” says Mabel Luningning “Ning” A. Sevilla, Head of UL Skin Sciences.
The event also opened its doors to multiple brand discovery booths, enabling all to experience, and demonstrate UL Skin Sciences’ product range firsthand, consisting of the WITHIN, SURFACE, and INTIMATE zones.
Such zones housed immersive activities and demonstrations, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation for inner vitality and outer radiance across UL Skin Sciences Inc’ product range. From WITHIN, which housed an interactive skin analysis report with dermatologist Dr. Marian Macapagal; SURFACE with its product customization experience; to INTIMATE that showed the UL Skin Sciences’ commitment to providing the gentlest care for every Filipina. This event was a testament to their dedication in sharing their blueprint in unlocking self-empowerment for all.
In addition to offering its customers an immersive, sensual, and educational experience, UL Skin Sciences is dedicated to offering high-quality, safe, and scientifically supported products with the aim of improving every Filipino’s perspective on wellness and beauty through initiatives like The Skin Sciences Blueprint.
Follow UL Skin Sciences on their social media accounts to stay up to know on anything related to the company.
With the debut of Ozam, Iskaparate.com, a multi-vendor e-commerce network that links local business owners to a plethora of options through business, marketing, and financial help, has extended its reach into Canada.
Iskaparate.com continues to demonstrate its progressive measures to become a more inclusive institution for all entrepreneurs and customers with its recent press event that provided imaginative insights into its history, distinguishing features, and B2B platform.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Canada can offer handmade goods to Canadian consumers through Ozam, a Canadian gateway inside Iskaparate.com, if they wish to supplement their day job earnings and save money for their return to the Philippines.
Aside from its typical e-commerce activities, Ozam’s main highlight is its service-focused product line that connects Filipinos abroad to their homeland by enabling users to send gifts, request errands, join live-streamed learning sessions, and connect with the Filipino-Canadian community.
Inaugural Products of Iskaparate Canada
Four flagship product solutions bridge cultural and practical gaps for Filipinos abroad to keep strong and accessible connections to the Philippines.
Ozam Gift
Ozam Gift is an e-gift card available specifically for Filipinos in Canada who want a flexible, cross-border shopping option. Buyers can purchase a card in multiples of CAD 100 to either send them to family and friends back in the Philippines or treat themselves. This gift card can be used to purchase items on the platform.
Users are given spending flexibility as card utilization can be in small portions or all at once. It’s also usable on both Philippine and Canadian storefronts. When used to buy Philippine SKUs, the CAD balance is converted to PHP at the current monthly rate.
Concierge
Iskaparate.com points out the idea of Concierge as stemming from the Filipino term “pakisuyo” which means “favor.” This service is for those who need errands done for them, functioning much like a paid card for personalized tasks. Buyers simply select the service, describe their request, and await confirmation. Within 24 hours, Iskaparate sends a full quote which includes item or service costs and a nominal markup.
Once confirmed, Iskaparate.com’s team takes on the responsibility of fulfilling the errand. It could be organizing rides, hiring a tutor, arranging a small gathering, or simply picking up an item. All completed tasks are accompanied by visual proof to reinforce the trustworthiness that Ozam delivers as it promises.
Ozam Talk
Ozam Talk is a service that gives Filipinos in Canada access to learning opportunities and expert-led discussions across a range of topics. This includes personal finance, food safety, health, and others. These sessions, being presented by professionals from different fields, give practical insights and skills directly from experience. A session may feature senior physicians discussing health conditions, chefs sharing food styling tips, or digital marketers explaining strategies.
Joining from anywhere is easy thanks to its live-streamed sessions scheduled on specific dates. After purchasing, attendees receive a secure link to join. An additional fee secures a personal copy of the entire session.
Ozam Chamber
Ozam Chamber is a service in collaboration with the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC), an exclusive channel for Filipinos who want to stay actively involved in community events, networking, and initiatives. Through the Ozam Chamber payment service, users can pay membership dues, event fees, or donations directly on the platform.
The service process is fairly straightforward. After selecting their desired service, users fill in a registration form and proceed to payment. Given its systematic method and attested partnership, members can guarantee smooth access to events, services, and updates from the chamber.
From Local to Global: Iskaparate.com’s Vision for Filipinos Everywhere
Iskaparate.com’s efforts to transition from a regional e-commerce platform to a worldwide service provider are part of their goal to uphold relationships across national boundaries. The changing demands of Filipinos around the world are satisfied by Ozam, and offering culturally appropriate services is easy and accessible no matter where they are.
Iskaparate.com, the first e-commerce platform to support local micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), has started a fundraising drive to aid impacted families and communities in the wake of the terrible consequences of the recent typhoon that hit Bicol.
Iskaparate.com has teamed up with Simbag sa Pag-Asenso Inc. and the Angat Buhay Foundation, two reputable organizations with a long history of helping Filipino communities in times of need, to offer a prompt and direct solution to the situation’s pressing needs.
Customers can easily send their contributions by purchasing gift checks of a certain amount directly on the platform. The total funds raised through these gift checks will be managed by Angat Buhay and Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, who will use the accumulated proceeds to deliver food, clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities, directly to relief centers in Bicol.
To kickstart the fundraising drive, Iskaparate.com made its own gift check purchase followed by its marketing arm, DTC Promos Inc.
Iskaparate.com wants to make this campaign not just a vital relief effort but also a chance for communities to unite during difficult times, in keeping with the platform’s original goal of supporting local companies and enterprising women. In addition to mobilizing local support, this program aims to support Filipinos living overseas who want to give back and lend a helping hand despite their distance.
To donate, just go to the website and place an order for a gift check.
Prizes include PHP 30,000 cash, SM Gift Passes and Lazada Gift Cards.
With its Ho-ho-holiday Extravaganza lottery promotion, Digido, a multi-awarded digital lending platform, is happy to give its borrowers the chance to elevate their Christmas festivities.
Prizes consist of SM Gift Passes, Lazada Gift Cards and PHP 30,000 cash for one winner.
The seasonal deal is available to both new and returning customers who successfully apply for a new loan between November 14 and December 11, 2024.
Digido’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/digidoph/) will use the clients’ Lifetime IDs to announce the giveaway winners.
With Digido’s First Loan For Free program, new borrowers can get up to PHP 4,000 with no interest, while returning customers can get a regular personal loan up to PHP 25,000. It is accessible via Lazada Loans, its main website, digido.ph, and its applications on Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Commenting on the promotion, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “It’s no secret that Filipinos are big on the significance of Christmas and festive celebrations. Through this promotion, we wanted to give back to our clients by helping during the holiday rush and have a role in their Noche Buenas, get-togethers and gift-giving events. We are incredibly grateful to them for trusting our services this year and are eager to remain their financial partner in the years to come.”
Services under the Digido platform are financed by Digido Finance Corp. with SEC Registration No. 202003056 and Certificate of Authority No. 1272.
Digido’s trusted services have been lauded by the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards, International Finance Awards, World Business Outlook Awards, International Business Magazine Awards, Pan Finance Awards, The Global Economics Awards, the Global Banking & Finance Review and the Global Financial Market Review.
Bloom Residences in Paranaque is one testament to SMDC’s commitment to building homes that bring Filipino families together and give them a taste of The Good Life.
SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has always been a dream-builder for Filipinos, not just a real estate firm. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, SMDC looks back on 20 years of building houses, changing neighborhoods, and enabling Filipinos from all walks of life to realize their dream of homeownership. In keeping with the Sy family’s goal of empowering people by providing them with access to high-quality living, SMDC has constructed more than 183,000 residential units around the Philippines as of the end of 2023.
In addition to helping Filipino families, SMDC is continuing to work toward its goal of improving the lives of people. This plan of obtaining a decent life is their growing desire, as we have seen in the ever-changing growth of SMDC. The idea of having a place of residence or a condominium of my own makes me very happy. In addition to being a wise investment, I stand to gain from it over time.
Living the Good Life
Leading the charge today is Jessica Bianca Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SMDC, who is ensuring that SMDC’s vision evolves to meet the needs of the future. With a focus on sustainable living, Jessica’s leadership emphasizes creating communities where Filipinos can thrive for generations. “We’re not just building homes,” she shares. “We’re building sustainable communities where families can thrive for years to come, where every Filipino can live the life they deserve.”
For two decades, SMDC has been building sustainable communities all over the Philippines. Style Residences in Iloilo City is its first development in the Visayas.
Legacy in Motion
The story of SMDC is one of legacy and long-term vision. It all began with Henry Sy Sr., whose commitment to providing quality footwear for Filipinos laid the groundwork for something much bigger. Henry Sy Jr. then took this vision further by focusing on creating a nation of homeowners, ensuring Filipinos could enjoy stability and pride through homeownership.
Prime location, high investment returns – Sail Residences at MOA offers thriving, sustainable living by SMDC.
Jessica Bianca Sy carries on this tradition today by striving to give every Filipino the chance to enjoy the “Good Life” in a community that was developed with sustainability in mind. “Our focus is not just creating spaces for people to live in,” says Jessica, “but spaces where they can form enduring relationships, build their dreams, and experience the Good Life.”
Next Stop: The Future
From high-rises to mid-rises to house-and-lot developments, SMDC has it all for discerning Filipino buyers. Cheerful Homes 2 offers a horizontal development with SMDC’s signature sustainable community features.
In the future, SMDC is still dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and diversity. With a persistent emphasis on developing thriving communities that represent the evolving needs of contemporary Filipinos, the future is bright. As the business develops, it becomes evident that SMDC’s goal of giving people places to live, grow, and prosper—rather than merely houses—will continue for many generations to come.
