D.M. Wenceslao Opens its Flagship Project Parqal in Aseana City

Parañaque City, Philippines – D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc. (DMWAI) proudly unveiled its flagship project in Aseana City, Parqal, in a recent grand opening,  marking a momentous occasion for both DMWAI and the vibrant community it now calls home.

A attendees stepped into Parqal, they were greeted by a captivating blend of nature and entertainment. The atmosphere was filled with the joyous echoes of traditional Pinoy street games, offering a nostalgic nod to the rich cultural heritage of every Pinoy. Adding to the festivities, an array of enticing food stalls adorned the courtyard, presenting flavors that celebrated the diversity of Filipino cuisine.

The evening culminated with a spectacular free inaugural concert that left a lasting impression on everyone present. Pinoy rock artists such as Yeng Constantino, I Belong to the Zoo, MC Einstein, and rising P-pop groups—VXON, G22, and Yes My Love—took the stage, enchanting the audience with their electrifying performances.

Parqal goers can now explore a variety of establishments, with more to follow in the future. Notable names like Cafe Mary Grace, Dylan Gourmet Café, Dunkin', A1 Shabu Shabu, Chachago, Soy Yummy, Sarabia Optical, Anthony's Hair & Nails Studio, Open Source by BTB, Aquabest, Iconique, Akira Skin & Spa, Le Reale Muebles, Skinive Aesthetics and Wellness Spa, Security Bank, Levi's, and KidCo are ready to welcome visitors. Additionally, The Marketplace is set to open its doors on October 4, offering even more choices for an enriching Parqal experience.

Parqal is open from 10 AM to 9 PM every Monday to Wednesday and from 10 AM to 10 PM on Thursdays to Sundays. 

PLDT, Smart envision AI accelerating PH digital transformation

PLDT and its wireless unit Smart welcome the advancement of artificial intelligence or AI as a catalyst for the Philippines’ digital transformation.

The PLDT Group sees the technology vastly improving processes and maximizing efficiency. “AI will accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The technology can automate a wide range of tasks, enhance productivity, and even help in decision-making. But most importantly, AI can help improve governance,” said Angel Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Redoble says that with the technology’s capability to sift through vast data, AI can flag unusual patterns or anomalies that might suggest fraudulent activity. This is particularly helpful in the banking industry where AI can sound the alarm on unusual transactions or patterns that deviate from a customer’s typical behavior.

“Based on historical data, AI has the capability to predict where fraud or corruption is likely to occur. This allows the organization to put in place preventive measures to address potential vulnerabilities,” explained Redoble.

In public governance, Redoble believes that AI can be used to make public spending and government transactions more transparent by combing through data and presenting them in formats accessible to the public.

PLDT and Smart have employed AI and machine learning on their self-optimizing network, joining global operators in the rapid adoption of the technology. PLDT also recently became the first in the local telco industry to offer better customer care with a voice AI solution, expanding its existing suite of customer service channels.

While AI can vastly improve economies and businesses, Redoble warns that AI can also be used by criminal entities to cause disruptions. The system can be programmed to launch phishing attacks, crack passwords, evade detection and create deep fakes.

“In the end, what matters most is the person behind AI. Humans will always dictate whether AI will be our friend or foe. That’s why it’s important that the good guys learn more about this technology faster than the bad guys do,” added Redoble.

PLDT and Smart's push for AI and other new technologies is anchored in the Group's aspirations of elevating customer experience and enhancing operational excellence. It also underscores the Group's support for the government’s nationwide digitalization efforts as one of the founding members of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar.

This effort also highlights the Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

A Game-Changer in Quezon City’s Hospitality Landscape: The Ascott Limited Unveils Citadines Roces Quezon City

Philippines, October 3, 2023 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of its latest serviced residence, Citadines Roces Quezon City, located in the vibrant Quezon City. With its prime location in Don A. Roces Avenue Diliman, Citadines Roces promises to be a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient getaway experience in the heart of Metro Manila. Once completed, Citadines Roces Quezon City holds the potential to establish the Ascott Limited within Quezon City, leading to growth opportunities and further brand awareness to the northern parts of the metro.

Quezon City, the largest city in Metro Manila and the capital of the Philippines has been experiencing rapid growth in terms of development. As a recognized emerging district with established townships and mixed-use communities, the city has become a hub for multinational companies and government offices. Citadines Roces Quezon City is strategically situated near these businesses, as well as shopping malls and renowned companies, providing the utmost convenience to its potential residents.

Set to open its doors in November 2023, the serviced residence offers 200 well-appointed suites, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Each residence is thoughtfully designed to provide a combination of style and comfort while also showcasing its modern look designed for functionality. Future guests of the property can expect a seamless blend of contemporary amenities and top-of-the-line personalized services to cater to their needs and preferences.

The serviced residence boasts a range of exceptional amenities, ensuring that every guest is in for a well-rounded living experience. From a retail podium offering convenient shopping options to performance spaces that inspire creativity, Citadines Roces Quezon City is designed to cater to the most diverse type of travelers. The property also features an all-day dining restaurant, function spaces for meetings and events, a swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and a resident’s lounge for both relaxation and socializing.

“As we introduce Citadines Roces Quezon City, we are excited to offer a dynamic and modern living concept that meets the evolving needs of today’s travelers,” said Philip Barnes, Ascott’s Country General Manager. “With its strategic location and an array of amenities, Citadines  Roces is poised to be a preferred choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient serviced residence experience in Quezon City.”

As The Ascott Limited expands its presence in the Philippines, Citadines Roces Quezon City represents the brand’s commitment to offering an unparalleled level of comfort, convenience, and contemporary living in prime locations nationwide. 

Citadines Roces Quezon City is set to open its doors in November. For reservations and updates about the property, visit the official website and its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

SM CENTER SANGANDAAN CELEBRATES WORLD ANIMAL DAY

SM Center Sangandaan is all set to host an event that promises a wagging good time for pets and their owners alike as the mall celebrates World Animal Day. On October 4, the mall will transform into a haven for furry friends, featuring a range of engaging activities and partnerships with notable pet enthusiasts and local pet businesses.

The festivities at SM Center Sangandaan will commence with a pet blessing ceremony, where pets and their owners can receive blessings for health and happiness. At the heart of this event is a Corgi Meet that will bring together corgi enthusiasts and their adorable companions. Biggie_thecorgi, a social media sensation, will be present to host the gathering, making it an unforgettable day for Corgi lovers and their four-legged companions. This delightful gathering of corgis promises to be a heartwarming spectacle, showcasing the charm and playfulness of these adorable furballs.

For the health and wellness of our furry companions, SM Center Sangandaan has teamed up with NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic to offer pet anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, and check-up services. The experienced professionals from NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic will be on-site to ensure that each pet receives the care they deserve.

To add a dash of culinary delight, the mall has partnered with The Little Paw Partissier to present an exclusive Pet Buffet. From scrumptious treats to specially crafted meals, this culinary experience will pamper pets with a delectable assortment of flavors, sure to have tails wagging in approval.

The celebration doesn't end there! Pet Games will also be the highlight of the event, providing entertainment for both pets and their owners. From fun agility courses to exciting challenges, there will be something for every pet to enjoy. Prizes and giveaways will make it even more thrilling for participants.

Additionally, our furry friends will have a chance to enjoy a variety of pet treats provided by our generous pet brand sponsors. These treats are sure to delight your pets and add a touch of sweetness to their day.

In addition to these exciting activities, SM Center Sangandaan will be partnering with local shelter, Whelps, for a special Pet Adoption event. This event encourages prospective pet owners to consider adoption, offering them the opportunity to provide a loving home to a deserving lovable companion.

World Animal Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and celebrating the diverse and incredible array of creatures that share our planet. SM Center Sangandaan is proud to stand with this cause with spectacular events aimed at uniting animal lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation for our loyal companions, and advocating responsible pet ownership.

Hot-Selling HONOR 90 Lite 5G is Now Available Nationwide for only Php 12,990!

Manila, Philippines, October 2, 2023 – Still on the success train of HONOR 90 5G, HONOR has officially made its equally powerful successor HONOR 90 Lite 5G available nationwide for only Php 12,990! Launched together with the HONOR X6a, HONOR X5 Plus, and HONOR Pad X9, the four devices hit stores starting October 1, 2023. 

“We are extremely happy with the reception of the consumers with our four new products especially now that all of them are available in-store and online. These four devices truly cater to different needs of our market at a very affordable price. Head on now to your nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online to get yours,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

 

The event was well-attended by guests from the media, partners, and was officiated by HONOR Philippines General Manager Sean Yuan, Vice President Stephen Cheng, and GTM Manager Steven Yan. Guests were also treated to a back-to-back performance by HONOR star Julie Anne San Jose.

HONOR 90 Lite 5G with reliable 100MP Ultra Camera and Super Storage 

 

An equally capable HONOR 90 5G successor, the HONOR 90 Lite 5G features an impressive 8GB RAM and 256GB super storage with 4500mAh battery to keep users online and connected throughout the day. It also boasts a rear 100MP triple camera system, featuring a 100MP Main Camera to capture the smallest details in any complicated scene, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and 2MP Macro Camera for capturing majestic landscape shots and intimate closeups. The 16MP front camera also ensures users can take captivating selfies with defined and enhanced colors. 

 

 

Camera smartphones under 7K! 

 

Launched on September 26, HONOR X6a and HONOR X5 Plus was also made available for only Php 6,990 and Php 5,490 respectively – making affordable camera smartphones within reach of the Filipinos. Both HONOR X6a and X5 Plus have a very capable 50MP Main Camera – rarely seen in smartphones within the same price range – allowing users to capture their life moments in vivid detail, day and night. On the front, the 5MP Front Camera produces high-quality images that can be instantly shared with friends and family. 

 

HONOR Pad X9 – the tablet of your dreams 

 

Much to the surprise of HONOR fans, HONOR Pad X9 was unveiled with a price tag of only Php 11,990 that comes with a FREE Premium HONOR Keyboard worth Php 2,499. This hot-selling table prides a revolutionary 11.5" 120Hz 2K Fullview Display, a Surround 6 Speakers, and a 4G RAM + 128GB ROM Large Storage Capacity. With these, you can now see more and enjoy more while enjoying an impressive refresh rate, definition, and performance! 

 

Enjoy these smart devices now and get it from your nearest HONOR Experience and Partners stores or online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop! HONOR 90 Lite 5G – Lazada (https://bit.ly/H90Lite5GLaz), Shopee (https://bit.ly/H90Lite5GShopee), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/3ZleihW). HONOR X6a – Lazada (https://bit.ly/X6aLaz), Shopee (https://bit.ly/X6aShopee), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTokX6a). HONOR X5 Plus – Lazada (https://bit.ly/X5PlusLaz), Shopee (https://bit.ly/X5PlusShopee), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTokX5Plus). HONOR Pad X9 – Lazada (https://bit.ly/PadX9Laz), Shopee (https://bit.ly/PadX9Shopee), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTokPadX9). 

 

Smart holds ‘Creativity Camp’ at Silliman University, Reinforcing Sustainability

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), together with Silliman University (SU), continues to promote sustainability among the youth through Smart Creativity Camp.

Smart teamed up with SU’s Fine Arts Department to hold a three-day Creativity Camp at the Romeo Ariniego Art Gallery to inspire the youth to become champions for sustainability and environmental awareness while fostering their creativity.

“This campaign is inspired by the youth’s efforts to contribute to a more environmentally friendly world, such as carrying their metal flasks to school rather than always consuming beverages in plastic bottles. We took the camp to various schools nationwide to encourage more youth to practice sustainability while celebrating their passion for the arts and promoting student wellness,” said Antonette Orpilla, Senior Manager, Smart Go-To-Market and Subscriber Management.

The camp was held in time for the university’s Genesis Week and Hibalag Festival 2023, adding more meaning to SU’s school year opening activities and Founders’ Day celebrations.

"The project was able to facilitate a shared space for students from different colleges and departments where they may forge connections through art-making. The fellow-feeling and sense of community that this encourages are essential to the pursuit of sustainability," said W. Don Flores, Fine Arts Department chair at SU.

SU students expressed their commitment to sustainability through the designs they created on their metal beverage containers. Manta Cristina Macabali, an instructor at the Fine Arts Department, also delivered a talk about art patterns and designs to guide students in enhancing their creations.

The students with the best tumbler designs and their respective organizations received special prizes from Smart.

"The change that sustainability requires is only possible if we understand that the call toward it is not only directed to us as individual makers but more significantly as persons who are part of a larger whole. Through community, we share anxieties and hopes. By making art side-by-side, as Smart Creativity Camp has encouraged, we are able to cultivate this sense of a shared longing for a better, more sustainable world," added Flores.

The Smart Creativity Camp is part of the PLDT group’s broad range of activities that empower and build bridges of collaboration across sectors and communities towards a sustainable future. 

Jollibee Group’s Hybrid Work Model Campaign Named Global Finalist at 2023 Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards

MANILA, Philippines. – Jollibee Group’s return to office campaign “Back with Joy” was among the finalists at this year’s Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards, a global program recognizing initiatives that push the marketing and communications function forward.

The Back with Joy campaign was shortlisted for Excellence in Change Communications, competing against international companies such as Cisco and Southwest Airlines. Jollibee Group is the only Philippine-based company in the category.

"Back with Joy’s recognition at the Gartner Marketing and Communication Awards affirms our efforts to build a safe and collaborative environment for our employees as we continue to thrive in the hybrid work model,” shared Arsenio Sabado, Chief Human Resources Officer of Jollibee Group. “This recognition is timely as we celebrate our first year of our hybrid work model, with its success made possible by our JFC Team who embraced our joyful return to the office.”

The Excellence in Change Communications category recognizes campaigns that supported leaders and managers in creating clear and compelling change communication and helped drive employee understanding of the change and capability in taking supportive action, among others. 

Back with Joy 

Anchored on a human-centric approach to redesigning new employee’s work-life balance, Jollibee Group’s Back with Joy focused on health and well-being, enhanced collaboration, and social connection. The campaign equipped JFC teams and managers with tools and frameworks to thrive in the hybrid environment and also involved a one-month pilot phase to survey what went well and what could be improved in the back-to-office setup. 

Jollibee Group’s participation in the Gartner Marketing and Communications Awards reflects its continuing commitment to its people, as well as its goal of providing a safer and more encouraging work environment for its employees. 

This recent achievement joins the list of recognitions the company has received this year. In March, Jollibee Group took home two Silver Anvil Awards at the 58th Anvil Awards conferred by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. Silver Anvil Awards were given to the Jollibee Times Square New York Campaign and the JFC Annual Report.

BingoPlus Renews Partnership with PBA, Recommits Support for Basketball and Sports in General

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES –BingoPlus, the official Bingo partner of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), has renewed its partnership with the league, ensuring that Filipino fans can continue to actively participate in its high-quality and thrilling basketball action.

BingoPlus avidly supported the upcoming 48th PBA season starting with its presence at the two-day PBA Draft Combine held September 12 and 13 at the Gatorade Hoops in Mandaluyong. Then at the record-breaking Rookie Draft event held September 17 at Market! Market! In Taguig City, BingoPlus helped welcome a new batch of young players who will join the ranks of Asia’s first and oldest pro basketball league, which is also the second-oldest continuously operating professional basketball league in the world, next to the NBA.

This year has been special for the PBA as a total of 124 rookies competed for selection by the twelve PBA teams, all aiming for success in the upcoming PBA season which opens on November 5.

The re-commitment of support for the PBA and basketball in general by BingoPlus holds special significance as it coincides with the participation of the national team, GILAS Pilipinas, in the ongoing Asian Games.

BingoPlus, a supporter of sports, culture, festivities and quality entertainment, remains unwavering in its commitment to provide top-tier and enjoyable entertainment that is accessible anytime, anywhere.

For more information on BingoPlus visit www.bingoplus.com. 

Maximize your Grocery Savings this Weekend with a Payday PISO Sale

Payday weekends mean lots of fun and big savings, especially with MetroMart’s September Payday PISO Sale.

Various items will be available at ONLY ₱1.00 from S&R and Landmark this September 29 to October 1, 2023. These products include rice, premium canned meats, and other pantry staples.

Please see the September Payday PISO SALE itineraries below:

S&R
DATE	TIME	SALE ITEMS	RETAIL PRICE	PROMO  PRICE
Sept 29 - Oct 1	9 AM - 2PM	Ranch House Corned Beef 330g	₱ 164.00	₱1.00
	3 PM - 8 PM	Nissin Cup Noodle Seafood 75g	₱ 134.00	₱1.00

LANDMARK
DATE	TIME	SALE ITEMS	RETAIL PRICE	PROMO  PRICE
Sept 29 - Oct 1	9 AM - 2PM	Cowhead Pure Milk 1L	₱107.00	₱1.00
	3 PM - 8 PM	Harvester's Thai Jasmine Rice 2kg	₱210.00	₱1.00

*Sale items are subject to availability in S&R and Landmark branches. 

Customers may get even more discounts with their MetroMart orders through the Payday Specials promo, running this September 29 to October 1, 2023. By using codes SEPTPAYDAY500, SEPTPAYDAY300, and SEPTPAYDAY100, shoppers may avail of discounts up to ₱500, ₱300 and ₱100, respectively. This promo is valid for ALL Users, for a 2-time redemption within the promo period, and applicable across all stores, terms and conditions apply. 

MetroMart will also offer Unlimited FREE Delivery this October. By using the code UNLIFREEDEL, shoppers may avail FREE Delivery for orders across all supermarkets and specialty stores, with a minimum spend of ₱4,000. This month-long promo is valid for ALL Users with unlimited redemption, and applicable across all stores, terms and conditions apply.

The MetroMart September Payday PISO Sale is applicable to New and Existing Users of MetroMart. A minimum spend of only ₱2,500 is required in order to avail the discounted items from the supermarket. Each item will be available in two time slots per day, namely from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or at 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Only completed checkout of orders within the scheduled day and time can avail the sale items.

The MetroMart September Payday PISO Sale is available in participating branches of S&R and Landmark. MetroMart’s online delivery service is available all over Metro Manila and key locations throughout the Philippines, including Cebu, Cavite, Davao, Iloilo, Bicol, Baguio, Pangasinan, and more.