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Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle, Sports

ArenaPlus celebrates the 26th Kadalag-an Festival with locals

Your all-day sports betting app, ArenaPlus, continues to play a leading role in the local entertainment industry by providing fun and entertainment at the 26th Kadalag-an Festival in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The 26th Kadalag-an Festival, which took place from March 21 to 24, 2024, had the full backing of ArenaPlus, a platinum sponsor, in order to provide the Negrenses with top-notch entertainment. The company gave attendees of the festival a number of ways to make the most of their weekend and make lasting memories.

At Sidlak Victorias Global City, ArenaPlus set up an interactive booth where guests could play Roll the Dice and Spin the Wheel for prizes and acquire premium items. Tony Labrusca and Elyson De Dios were also brought in by ArenaPlus to perform for a crowd in order to provide even more fun and excitement. In a similar vein, there were games and prizes for the audience to win on stage.

In addition, ArenaPlus made sure to take part in one of the festival’s main events: the Miss Kadalag-an Queen 2024. The brand joined the coronation night last March 22 and awarded Ammeline Alegarbes, one of the pageant’s overall Top 5 candidates, Php 20,000 for winning the Miss ArenaPlus Kadalag-an Queen 2024 title. Jasper Vicencio, President of ArenaPlus’ personally congratulated Alegarbes as he handed the prize.

ArenaPlus continues to work with local organizers to bring more entertainment to various parts of the Philippines, regardless of how far the event and their communities are from the Metro. This effort extends to Visayas-based celebrations like the 26th Kadalag-an Festival in Negros Occidental, solidifying ArenaPlus’ dedication to developing entertainment all over the country.

Digiplus Interactive Corp. is a leading provider of gaming and leisure services in the nation, and BingoPlus and ArenaPlus are two of its proud flagship brands. Visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net for additional updates, or get the apps right now from Google Play and the App Store.

Automotive

With Toyota Motorist Assistance, travel during Holy Week with peace of mind

Through its Toyota Motoring Assistance program, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is once again assisting its customers in having safer and more meaningful travels throughout Holy Week.

TMP and a few of its dealerships nationwide are providing free emergency roadside assistance from March 28 to March 31. Drivers can get help from Toyota’s qualified service advisors and technicians from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the exception of Good Friday, March 29, when services are provided until 12:00 pm.

The following the participating on-site Dealer Facilities:

North Luzon

  • Toyota Angeles Pampanga
  • Toyota Baguio City
  • Toyota Bataan
  • Toyota Ilocos Norte
  • Toyota La Union

South Luzon

  • Toyota Calamba
  • Toyota Camarines Sur
  • Toyota Dasmarinas Cavite
  • Toyota Lucena City
  • Toyota Calapan
  • Toyota Silang, Cavite
     

Visayas

  • Toyota Mabolo, Cebu
  • Toyota Mandaue South, Cebu
     

Mindanao

  • Toyota Davao City

Toyota Motorist Assistance will also be available through Toyota service personnel assigned in partner Shell stations:

  • North Luzon Expressway (NLEX): Northbound – NLT Burol, Pan-Philippine Highway, Balagtas, Bulacan from March 28 to 31, 2024

Visit toyota.com.ph/promos/emergency-roadside-assistance-holy-week-2024 for more information, or follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Viber community ToyotaPH to stay updated on this campaign.

Food, Lifestyle

One of Pasig City’s Top Taxpayers is Jollibee Group


Fifth Top Taxpayer of Pasig City. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left) and Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr. (fifth from left) lead the recognition of the city’s top taxpayers. Receiving the award on behalf of the Jollibee Group were Clarisa Guerra, Jollibee Worldwide Services Director of Tax Services (fourth from left); and Atty. Anna Marie Curan, Jollibee Group Corporate Tax Manager (second from left).

The Jollibee Group’s dedication to helping to grow the country was further strengthened when it was recognized as the top five business taxpayer in Pasig City for 2023.

With the subject “One of the Pillars of Progress: Honoring our Tax Contributors,” The Grove by Rockwell hosted the award ceremony. The Pasig City Council, Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski, Jr., and Mayor Vico Sotto honored the top taxpayers in the city for their prompt and effective payment of overdue taxes, which supported the city’s services and programs.

“As a company proudly founded in the Philippines, we share in the role of nation-building. We do this not only by growing our business and serving food that brings joy to Filipinos but also by being a responsible taxpayer and corporate citizen,” shared Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group Chief Business Officer and Head of Jollibee Group’s Philippine Business. We remain committed to supporting the government’s programs that help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”

Popular Philippine brands like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Mang Inasal, and Red Ribbon are part of the Jollibee Group’s portfolio. In the nation, the company operated about 3,300 outlets as of December 2023.

Lifestyle, News, Tech

Auto Tech and Association for Mobility Inc. Declares New Leadership Group at AIM-DBI Roundtable ATM in Makati


Auto Tech and Mobility Association Officers: Mr. Mark Saberola, Chairman and President, Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, and Atty. Marlon Valderama, Corporate Secretary.

At the highly anticipated Roundtable ATM [AutoTech and Mobility] event held at the Asian Institute of Management – Dado Banatao Incubator (AIM-DBI), Makati City, The Auto Tech and Mobility Association Inc. (ATMAI), a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to pioneering advancements in the auto tech and mobility sectors, proudly introduced its new slate of officers.

David Almarinez from PeekUp and Alan Cheah from Carsome delighted the visitors with their engaging keynote addresses at the most recent roundtable. A significant milestone for ATMAI was also reached at the event when they signed a formal agreement to collaborate with Asia Events Group. This collaboration exemplifies ATMAI’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the automotive technology and mobility sectors and paves the way for the upcoming Future of Automotive conference, which is slated to take place in Pasay City. The event served as a great platform for introducing ATMAI’s new leadership team, who are equipped to lead the company into a bright future.

Mr. Mark Saberola, a seasoned auto industry professional with over two decades of experience, was elected as President and Chairman of ATMAI. A diverse group of officers who each bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment to the association complement his leadership, to wit:

Ms. Odessa Escartin, Treasurer, brings her insightful experience from the event management and insurtech industries to oversee the association’s financial health.

Atty. Marlon Valderrama, Corporate Secretary, a startup lawyer and a legal tech founder, lends his extensive legal expertise to ensure governance and compliance.

This dynamic team is further supported by a board of directors comprised of Mr. Jayvee De Leon of Forent, Ms. Olive Escartin of Oseas Tech, Mr. Kevin Abalos of AutoServed, Mr. Zes Martinez of Fame Technologies and Mr. Homer Nievera of Negosentro Group, all distinguished professionals from various sectors within the auto tech and mobility industry, all committed to driving forward the association’s mission.

“The introduction of our new officers at the Roundtable ATM marks a historic moment for our association, signaling the beginning of a new era of leadership committed to pioneering innovation in the auto tech and mobility space.” said President Mark Saberola. “With the collective expertise and vision of our leadership team, ATMAI is poised to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, making significant contributions to the industry.”

The Roundtable ATM event provided an engaging platform for discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the auto tech and mobility sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry forward.

In addition to expressing its gratitude to the Roundtable ATM participants, ATMAI urges all parties involved in the automotive technology and mobility sectors to collaborate with it in its efforts to innovate and promote sustainable mobility and technological excellence in the future.

Go to www.autotechmobility.org to learn more about ATMAI and how to get involved.

Entertainment

Josh Cullen of SB19 and up-and-coming rapper Al James collaborate on “Yoko Na

Pop sensation Josh Cullen and well-known rapper Al James collaborated on a new song called “Yoko Na,” which was published by Sony Music Entertainment.

In terms of lyrics,  “Yoko Na” conveys the things that are stated but not said during a breakup. It recognizes that despite one’s greatest efforts to endure to the very end, a relationship that was once vibrant and full of promises might unexpectedly cease.

With catchy rap verses from both singers, an unstoppable chorus, and a lively arrangement that combines contemporary hip-hop and R&B tastes with emotional flair, the song has all the makings of a summer anthem.

Collaborating with Josh on co-production, Brian Lotho skillfully conveys the core of the words with a steely defiance. He adds a distinct accent that evokes irreparable devastation, such the sound of bottles smashing or tables flipping, providing an added depth of authenticity.  

“Well, Yoko Na is like the product of a soul-baring session with my producer, Brian Lotho,” Josh Cullen explains. “For this particular jam, we traded cliched love stories with messy, real-life situations that ordinary people encounter on a daily basis: the frustrations and struggles from past relationships, and somehow confronted it with a more mature take. It’s a song that’s raw, honest, and straight from the heart.”

The partnership came to fruition after realizing that Al James’ style of laid-back rapping somehow fits the demo that Brian and Josh have been working on for months. Josh admits that he mustered the courage to ask the viral hitmaker to be part of the track despite the short notice. Luckily, Al James said yes and sent his verse a few days ahead of the deadline.

When asked about how Al James is as a collaborator, he said nothing but praise for the Pa-umaga act.

“He’s very chill. He submitted the reworked track ahead of time and recorded his parts in less than an hour. I really admire his level of professionalism. After that, we just bonded instantly and went on a food trip.”

The song Yoko Na  by Josh Cullen and Al James is currently available via Sony Music Entertainment on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Lifestyle, Tech

Three Female Leaders Creating a More Inclusive Industry: The New Architects of Technology


[From L to R}: Tech women leaders Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Director IV Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio, and Wilcon Depot Inc. Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie B. Ong, shaping the future of a more inclusive tech industry.
 

Women are pushing for inclusivity in the workplace, redefining creativity, and challenging the status quo in an era of rapid technological growth. Their leadership and research and development contributions show how important women are to the advancement of technology and diversity.

Despite having the greatest percentage of female technology graduates in Southeast Asia (48%), the Philippines only has 35% of female IT workers, according to a  Boston Consulting Group study. After years of working to advance women’s rights and welfare in a male-dominated industry—or maybe in society—gender-based discrimination and opportunity gaps persist in the workforce.

Amidst the challenges, these three leading ladies are helping forge a path for future female innovators to make their mark in the technology landscape.

Progression Towards a Digital Philippines

Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, Director IV for ICT Industry Development Bureau at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, brings a fresh perspective on the role of government in accelerating the country’s digital transformation. With 25 years of forwarding the local ICT industry, Delfin is at the forefront of initiatives to ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for empowerment and equal opportunity for all Filipinos, especially women in the tech sector. Some of these initiatives include promoting diversity in leadership, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, offering training and skill development programs, and opportunities for networking and community-building.

“As a woman leader supporting the tech industry, my motivation stems from the belief that diversity in leadership drives innovation and inclusivity in the digitalization process. The DICT and the local tech industry are actively taking steps to create a more inclusive environment for women. Overall, these efforts contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of technology and innovation,” Delfin emphasized.

“Remember, you have the power to shape the future of technology and make a positive impact in the world. Keep pushing forward with determination, resilience, and confidence,” she added.

Leading in Innovation: The Path Forward

This evolving narrative of female leadership in technology serves as a bridge to similar progressions in adjacent sectors, illustrating that the momentum of change can happen anywhere. We witness a parallel beacon of female leadership in Rosemarie Ong, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilcon Depot Inc. Under Ong’s stewardship, Wilcon Depot Inc. has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey, setting new standards in the retail and construction supply industry.

Recognizing the critical importance of keeping pace with technological trends, Ong has spearheaded initiatives such as the VR Store Experience and the development of MyWilconApp, which have revolutionized customers’ interactions with Wilcon’s vast product offerings. Ong’s vision extends beyond enhancing customer experience; it’s about creating a ripple effect of empowerment and inclusivity. “By investing in women, we foster an inclusive society—transforming the landscape of business competitiveness and productivity,” she asserts.

An Inclusive and Thriving Workplace for Women

Historically dominated by male leadership, the tech sector is witnessing a remarkable shift towards gender inclusivity and diversity, thanks to visionaries like Atty. Aileen Regio, co-coordinator of Eastern Communications. With a steadfast belief in the power of innovation and the vital role of women in tech, Regio has been at the forefront of Eastern Communications’ transformation.

Her leadership during the challenging pandemic has not only steered the company towards embracing ICT solutions but has also showcased the indispensability of female leadership in driving technological advancement and organizational change. “Time has truly changed for the better. I want to encourage more women to take the lead and showcase their talents and capabilities,” she highlighted.

At Eastern, Atty. Regio commits to be a transformative force not just in breaking barriers for women tech innovators, but also in spearheading innovation and adapting to the evolving digital era, “I firmly believed that embracing innovation was best for the company and would benefit our people.” Her seven years of visionary leadership have not only advanced Eastern Communications’ position in the telecommunications industry but have also exemplified a broader movement towards inclusivity and progress.

Looking towards the future, Regio envisions a tech industry where women are not just well-represented but are steering the path toward innovation. “I dream that women in tech will thrive, driving innovation and leading change,” she stated. With initiatives focused on diversity and gender equality, such as the full implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and Safe Spaces Act in the workplace and equal capacity-building opportunities, Eastern Communications is committed to making this vision a reality, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.

The technological sector is evolving. Notwithstanding these obstacles, there is a growing understanding of the importance of gender parity and the indispensable contributions made by women in the computer industry. Women are demonstrating their indispensability in pushing the limits of what is possible in technology, from leadership positions to ground-breaking inventions.

The message is clear: technology’s future is definitely inclusive rather than merely digital. Women will succeed and have a lasting impact on the world as we negotiate the difficult and cutthroat tech industry.

Call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about the women-led services and activities offered by Eastern Communications.

Food, Lifestyle

Voices of Honored Women Leading Purposeful Lives

Iya Villania and Marian Rivera shares their take on what it’s like being a woman of today

When we were little, our mother served as our inspiration. However, at the time, we were unable to truly comprehend that our mothers are strong agents for good. The world would not function as it does without the daily tasks they perform, which are what keep it turning.

These days’ mothers do many different duties and wear multiple hats, and often there are enormous expectations for them to have it all. Iya Villania-Arellano and Marian Rivera-Dantes are two mothers who seem to have some kind of harmony between their enterprises and motherhood.

Iya Villania – Arellano is an actress, singer, model, and TV presenter (what can’t she do?) Known for her work as a VJ on Myx, this multi-talented multi-hyphenate is a mother of four. She somehow finds time to be a parent on top of everything she does.

Iya gets her strength from her children. She says: these days, their opinions matter more than anything else. he wants her children and her children’s children to experience Mother Earth in all her beauty. That’s why she tirelessly pursue sustainable living so her children can live in a better world.  In her advocacy, she found a reliable and like-minded partner in Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation.  The company has launched in the market the first-ever seasoning product in paper packaging, the AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g which is made from natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted

She believes that women’s month is more than just about celebrating women’s beauty and strength, but also their voices. She is using hers to build a better world for her children. She’s not the only one who is giving her all for what she believes in. Another mom to highlight is Marian Rivera-Dantes!

Marian Rivera-Dantes needs little introduction. This celebrity powerhouse wows us again and again with acting, modeling, hosting, and running a business! On top of all that, she’s even a mother of two. Becoming a mom has made Marian hyper-aware of her children’s health, and she knows that other women all over the Philippines are just as concerned about their children.

She is big on education and explaining. She gently and patiently includes her own kids in her cooking. She talks to them about how to incorporate veggies rather than fighting with them about it. According to her, it’s not just about telling them not to eat sweets; it’s about incorporating them into the cooking. We should be teaching them what ingredients are for and how flavors interact. She’s been involved with nutrition education advocacy, and she lives it every day.  She and Zia leads the “I Love Veggie-Licious” campaign introducing new era of cooking for kids to enjoy vegetables made delicious with Aji-Ginisa® Flavor Seasoning Mix.

Both these women are a shining example of creating a positive impact with their passion and influence, and Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has been a long-time partner of these two Moms as  “Eat Well, Live Well” ambassadors.

They are a powerful force with platforms to reach millions, and they use that to do as much good as they can, not just for themselves but for the children who will take over after us.

Marian and Iya are both aware of what Mom used to produce. Our comfort comes from more than simply the food and the wisdom Mom imparted to us. It’s also about the impact mothers have on the world. Mothers bring about positive change in our lives by modeling excellent living and eating habits. They also teach us how to be decent citizens.

This Women’s Month, let us honor all women, including dog moms, aunts, and real mothers. Together, let’s bring about a positive change in the world, with each person contributing in a different way. What can you do when Marian and Iya are completing theirs?

To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com

Lifestyle

The Easter Egg Hunt at the Rizal Park Hotel Returns on March 31

On March 31, the Rizal Park Hotel will host a kid-friendly Easter Egg Hunt, which is one of the most popular events in Manila. Expect an amazing Sunday afternoon filled with magical Easter games, performances, and celebrations.

Kids can search for hidden Easter eggs in the majestic ballroom of the Rizal Park Hotel and experience the excitement of treasure hunting. Families will enjoy even more excitement as a few winners of the yearly Easter egg search will be granted an overnight stay at the hotel.

Not only that, but get ready to be amazed by a variety of acts, such as puppet displays, LED dancers, and acrobat shows.

Various fun and games, from giant inflatables and bubble experiences to photo booths and face paintings, will ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Tickets are available for purchase at P1,200 (one child and an adult) and P1,800 (one child and two adults). Tickets easily run out, and it is recommended to make reservations.

Registration starts at noon and the games at 2 pm.

Head to Cafe Rizal on Easter and dine with the family. Kids eat free when an adult avails the P1,800 buffet.

Stay at Rizal Park Hotel in a deluxe room for just P4,300 at any time between from March 24 to March 31.

Thanks to the kind sponsorship of Ritz Food Product Corporation, Advance Papers, Arce Dairy, and Tiger Sugar, the Easter Egg Hunt is made possible. For Easter tickets, contact (63 927) 693 3729 by text message.

For reservations and inquiries regarding the hotel, send an email to [email protected], give (63 917) 657-1334, or text the number. Keep up with Rizal Park Hotel on Facebook. as well as rizalparkhotel1911 on Instagram

Food, Lifestyle

On World Water Day, Coca-Cola Philippines celebrates takes part in discussions about sustainable water management


The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, led by Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe; and Coca-Cola Philippines, represented by Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Sr. Director Ivanna dela Torre and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecile Alcantara, were among the speakers and panelists at the Sip & Sustain: Water Security forum.

Coca-Cola Philippines and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) gathered stakeholders in honor of World Water Day to talk about the pressing issues pertaining to the country’s water resource management.


The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and leaders from various industries in the Philippines discussed
how multi-stakeholder collaborations can lead to sustainable water management for generations.
 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), represented by Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David gathered industry leaders, experts, and others for the Sip & Sustain: Water Security for the Philippines event on March 7th to talk about ways to guarantee water security for all Filipinos.


DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David shared efforts by the government to manage and preserve the country’s natural water resources. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, represented by President Cecile Alcantara, helps water-stressed communities have a sustainable safe water supply through watershed conservation and water systems for domestic use.
 

Participants shared their thoughts on the importance of sustainable water management practices and the need for collaborative efforts to tackle water-related challenges effectively. Topics ranging from data collection and planning to governance and accountability were explored, emphasizing the significance of transparent and accountable water management systems.

In addition to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, the event underscored the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and investment in water management initiatives, such as The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Global Water Security Strategy, where the company aims to:

  • Achieve 100% regenerative water use across 175 facilities in different countries identified as facing high levels of water stress by 2030;
  • Work with partners to help improve the health of 60 watersheds identified as most critical for the system’s operations and agricultural supply chains by 2030; and
  • Return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally, between 2021–2030.

Please visit www.coca-cola.com.ph or follow @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram for additional information on Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives.

Food

Stores and Facilities of the Jollibee Group Continue to Support Earth Hour in 2024

On March 23, 2024, over 4,700 Jollibee Group stores and facilities in the Philippines, China, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will turn off their lights in solidarity with over 190 other countries to raise awareness about the negative effects of climate change on the environment.

The following restaurants will donate an hour for the Earth: Highlands Coffee in Vietnam; Tim Ho Wan, Yonghe King, and Hong Zhuang Yuan in China; Jollibee, Smashburger, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in North America and Canada; and Mang Inasal, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Burger King, and Common Man Coffee Roasters branches in the Philippines. until nine thirty p.m. (local time), as they will all turn out their lights at the same time, including their billboards and signage.


Pepot Miñana Jr., Jollibee Group’s Chief Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer, emphasized: “We believe that all actions count in helping ensure a sustainable future. While participating in Earth Hour starts with turning off the lights, it serves a bigger purpose of being a visible and important reminder that we can take deliberate steps to make a profound difference on the planet.”

Energy management priority

Energy Efficiency is one of the major focus areas under the Jollibee Group’s Sustainability Agenda called Joy for Tomorrow. Under this priority area, the Company has set reduction goals and initiatives that are aligned with and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “Affordable and Clean Energy” (Goal #7) and “Responsible Consumption and Production” (Goal #12).

The Jollibee Group has implemented several energy-saving measures in its stores and commissaries to manifest this goal. This year, the Company will continue increasing the total number of solar-paneled stores to 64, on top of solar installations in its facilities.

After powering up an extensive 6,300 solar panel installation in its Canlubang Baking Facility last January, the Jollibee Group’s supply chain will mark another milestone by solarizing its two remaining sites, C3 and Jollibee Worldwide Services Logistics, by the second quarter of 2024.

After achieving a 28.2% reduction in energy consumption ratio in 2023, these manufacturing and logistics locations aim to further increase their energy reduction by the end of the year in order to continue supporting the Company’s expanding sustainable business practices.

Every year on the final Saturday of March, Earth Hour is observed in about 190 nations and territories. It encourages millions of people to take action by turning down their lights for one hour in order to limit their consumption of natural resources.

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