SM Cinemas hosted the first-ever summer Manila Film Festival

Have fun this summer: Don’t miss the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival until April 18 at SM Cinemas nationwide!

Calling all movie enthusiasts!

This April 8, the first ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival takes place at SM Cinemas film lovers will surely enjoy! The festival showcases a wide variety of our own local films, making it a must-see event for movie lovers in the Philippines.

The festival runs until April 18, providing ample opportunity for audiences to catch their favorite films. The event is a collaborative effort between SM Cinemas and local film industry partners, who work together to curate a diverse selection of films that cater to the interests and preferences of all movie-goers.

The eight official entries for the Summer MMFF are: 

Apag starring Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose and Gladys Reyes; Singlebells starring Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga and Angeline Quinto; About Us but not About Us starring Romnick Sarmienta and Elijah Canlas; Kahit Maputi na Ang Buhok Ko starring RK Bagatsing and Meg Imperial; Unravel A Swiss Side Love Story starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla; Here Comes the Groom, starring Enchong Dee, Kempee de Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilhouete, Maris Racal and  Kaladkaren; Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko, starring Yoo Min-Gon and Bela Padilla; and Love You Long Time, starring Carlo Aquino and  Eisel Serrano.

Overall, the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival is a must-see event for movie nationwide. With its diverse selection of films, special events and activities, and celebration of Philippine cinema, the festival is a true celebration of the art of filmmaking. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a die-hard film fan, there's something for everyone at the Summer Manila Film Fest.

Don’t miss to watch the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival until April 18 at SM Cinemas nationwide!

Eurotel and Hotel Sogo become a New Sponsor of the UP Women's Volleyball Team

Eurotel and Hotel Sogo become a New Sponsor of the UP Women's Volleyball Team

The UP Women's Volleyball team (UPWVT) and Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC) held a joint press conference to announce their partnership at the Eurotel Vivaldi. 

In a press conference held at Eurotel Vivaldi on March 28, 2023, the partnership between the two renowned hotels and the UP Women's Volleyball team was celebrated. Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC), the management company behind Eurotel and Hotel Sogo, has pledged their unwavering support to the University of the Philippines Women's Volleyball Team (UPWVT).

Media representatives from various publications as well as Prof. Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UP CHK Foundation, Inc., a representative of UP, attended the press conference. Additionally present were Ms. Sue Geminiano, Corporate Marketing Manager, Ms. Mariel Quinto, Eurotel Ads and Promo Manager, and Mr. Francis Bernardino, Hotel Sogo Ads and Promo Manager, as well as Ms. Mozzy Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the (UPWVT), Mr. Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Coach, and the GCGC team.

GCGC pledged during the press conference to assist the UP Women's Volleyball team in its upcoming matches and competitions. In an effort to support sports development and gender equality in athletics, the two well-known hotel chains have promised to make a sizeable donation to the team.

The University of the Philippines women's volleyball team is renowned as one of the best college volleyball programs in the nation, consistently producing players of exceptional talent. The team has gained widespread respect for its support of gender equality in sports.

In order to continue competing at the highest levels of college volleyball, the team will benefit from the recent commitment from Eurotel and Hotel Sogo in terms of travel costs, training facilities, and equipment requirements.

The UP community expressed their gratitude for the collective effort of their coaches, the perseverance of all their athletes, and the support of Eurotel and Hotel Sogo.

According to Ms. Geminiano, GCGC is committed to providing the team with the necessary resources to help them achieve their goals.

"We consider ourselves as the first brand who sponsored such team considering na UP ito. Unibersidad ng Pilipinas so sobrang proud kami na nagsponsor kami sa inyo. I understand everybody knows about our standing, pero wag niyo isipin iyon dahil ang mas mahalaga samin yung perserverance ninyo, and yung willingness niyong manalo. Nakita ko kasi ang UP players, they are so daring, their drive to give the best. Hindi kayo yung tipong pag nalalamangan na eh parang nawawalan na ng gana. That is really something to be admired. I really find you guys still humahabol, and that’s the spirit of it." ~Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group

The UP Women's Volleyball team (UPWVT) and Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC) held a joint press conference to announce their partnership at the Eurotel Vivaldi. From left to right: Coach Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Representative; Mr. Dean Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UP CHK Foundation Inc.; Ms. Mozzy Ravena, UPWVT Team Consultant; Ms. Sue Geminiano, Marketing Manager of Global Comfort Group; Ms. Mariel Quinto, Advertising & Promotions Manager of Eurotel; Mr. Francis Bernardio, Advertising & Promotions Manager of Hotel Sogo. During the event, the UPWVT and GCGC expressed their excitement over the new partnership and their joint commitment to support the development of women's volleyball.

Dean Diaz expressed his gratitude to Hotel Sogo & Eurotel for their support, saying that it will go a long way in helping the UP Women's Volleyball team achieve its goals.

“Kami sa UP ay sobrang natutuwa dahil tayo ay narito ngayong hapon upang ilungsad formally ang commitment to support ng Global Comfort Group Hotels or GCGC sa ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team. The finer points of the sponsorship would come in eventually but it is really what we’re celebrating this afternoon for the context is the strengthened and formal show of support for the Women’s Volleyball Team of the Eurotel and Sogo Hotel with the collective effort of our coaches, the perseverance of all our athletes, and the support now of these 2 brand hotels, we think that this is the missing link para magpatuloy doon sa isang successful program, ang ating UP Women’s Volleyball Team. There are always challenges, hurdles, and humps, but the team that cares together gives so much respect to one another and perseveres and tries to do everything they can to help the team, in the end, would be given a successful outcome. So that is always in our prayers, and that is always in our commitment to support and help all of our players here today. So with that, thank you again for allowing us to be with you this afternoon, and lagi nating sinasabi sa UP, UP Fight girls. Thank you!” ~Mr. Dean Francis Carlos Diaz, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UP CHK Foundation Inc.

With this partnership, the UP Women's Volleyball Team will have the necessary resources to continue its success and compete at the highest level of college volleyball. The UP community is confident that this collaboration with Eurotel and Hotel Sogo is the missing link that will help propel the team to even greater heights.

Ms. Ravena, Team Consultant/Team Manager of the UP Women's Volleyball team, also expressed her appreciation for GCGC's commitment to the team, saying that it will positively impact the players' morale and motivation.

"On behalf of our coaches and players, we thank you for supporting the team. You know, sometimes, it helps when someone believes in you. Lalo na pag player ka, pag may naniniwala sa kakayahan mo, tsaka ability mo, potential mo, tingin ko doon nagsisimula lahat eh. Hardwork na lang ang susunod. So sana masuklian namin ang kabaitan na pinakita niyo samin at support. And also, is this just the beginning diba? Of a long term relationship. So thank you everyone." ~Ms. Mozzy Ravena, UPWVT Team Consultant

Coach Shaq Delos Santos also expressed his appreciation for the partnership.

"This partnership will provide a great opportunity for the team to improve and develop as athletes, kailangan makilala rin muna namin sila isa-isa, and then yung kaya nilang gawin, though right now sa UAAP, ano lang kami, fight lang nang fight. Kase yun lang ang kailangan namin. Di kami magstop especially meron na kaming sponsor na 100% susupport sa amin so maraming maraming salamat po, and we look forward to working with GCGC towards our shared goals." ~Coach Shaq Delos Santos, UPWVT Representative

The partnership between GCGC, Eurotel, and Hotel Sogo and the UP Women's Volleyball Team is a testament to the importance of community support in achieving success. With this commitment, the team is set to achieve great things in the upcoming season. 

The UP Women's Volleyball Team will now be able to focus on honing their skills and perfecting their strategy, knowing that they have the support of their community behind them.

OPPO Celebrates Creativity and Innovation during Inspiration: Ahead

OPPO Ambassadors, content creators with OPPO PH CEO Damon Huang, OPPO AVP and President of Overseas Sales and Services Billy Zhang and OPPO APAC President Andy Shi

Leading global smart device brand OPPO recently hosted OPPO Inspiration: Ahead, an event that empowered Filipinos to live a more creative and inspired life while embracing innovative technology. The event championed different passions and fields of creativity such as fashion, photography, content creation, and music.

The event was held at the BGC Amphitheater in Taguig City last March, and allowed guests to participate in interactive booths that let them experience the capabilities of the new OPPO smartphones and devices. They also had the opportunity to meet OPPO’s ambassadors and partner content creators Magic Liwanag, David Guison, Pam Quinones, and Daryl Chang plus OPPO celebrity brand ambassadors Bea Alonzo and Nadine Lustre! Also gracing the event were OPPO AVP & President of Overseas Sales & Services Billy Zhang and OPPO APAC President Andy Shi.

“At OPPO, Inspiration Ahead means we will always work hard to bring the kindness of technology to the world. We aim to use technology to make the world a happier place, as we collaborate with our partners and of course, all of you, to rise up to the challenges of the day. Through innovation and inspiration, we believe that we can help the society overcome anything to build a better future together.” ~Joanarc Sales, Head of CRM and Public Relations at OPPO Philippines

Daryl Chang and Pam Quinones educated the crowd on maximizing their OPPO smartphones for creativity and style

Guests learned practical photography and fashion tips and tricks from the best in the industry. Fashion icons Daryl Chang and Pam Quinones educated the crowd on maximizing their OPPO smartphones for capturing stylish looks and outfits. As fashion magazine editors and stylists themselves, Daryl and Pam shared how they find the drive to create looks that are unique and make a statement all these years.

Magic Liwanag and Content Creator David Guison taught the guest how to take your photography skills to the nexy level

Meanwhile, celebrity photographer Magic Liwanag and content creator David Guison taught the guests how to take your photography skills to the next level with OPPO smartphones. Magic also talked about how he captures photos that inspire and tell stories while David elaborated on how he constantly reinvents himself and channels authenticity as a content creator.

OPPO Celebrity Ambassador Nadine Lustre

During the much-anticipated meet-and-greet, Nadine stressed the importance of taking a step back and allowing yourself to recharge to stay inspired and creative. She shared that after traveling in and out of the metro, she was able to keep her mental health in check and become more productive.

“Find the chance to go on a beautiful journey." ~Nadine Lustre, OPPO Celebrity Ambassador

OPPO Celebrity Ambassador Bea Alonzo

Bea Alonzo was candid about her creative process as an actress, content creator, and businesswoman. What keeps her inspired is how she leaves a fragment of her authentic self in every role and every work she ventures into.

“When I am presenting myself on camera as Bea the vlogger, of course, I share my authentic self. I share my authentic joys, days, and hobbies.” ~Bea Alonzo, OPPO Celebrity Ambassador

OPPO Reno series brand ambassadors Leanne and Naara

Guests were also treated to great music from the acts of Fern. and Ace Banzuelo. OPPO Reno series brand ambassadors Leanne and Naara were also present during the event to serenade the crowd with their greatest hits.

To show appreciation to its loyal users, OPPO had special benefits for My OPPO App members who attended the event. Users got exclusive access to a special lounge where they could hang out and watch the program, availed of special merchandise to show off their OPPO swag, and first priority during meet-and-greets with Nadine Lustre and Bea Alonzo.

OPPO Inspiration: Ahead highlighted two of the brand’s latest smartphones that use cutting-edge features, which guests experienced during their visit in the immersive activity  booths. They were able to try out the 40x microlens feature of the OPPO Reno8 T 5G’s 100MP portrait camera in the Microlens Technology booth while others got the chance to play around with the newly-launched Find N2 Flip at the Self-Shoot area.

To know more about the #OPPOInspirationAhead event, visit the OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or its official Facebook page at OPPO Philippines.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 40 countries and regions, with 6 Research Institutes and 5 R&D Centers worldwide, as well as an International Design Center in London. More than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Protecting Philippine businesses with purpose-built security solutions

Vignesa Moorthy, Founder & CEO of ViewQwest

As the world adapts to the increasing demand for a less geographically-based workforce and corporations harness the power of ever-increasing connectivity options and digital transformation, there is also an increase of potential security threats. ViewQwest Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based leader in regional telecommunications and Managed Security Services, recently held the Cybersecurity Leaders’ Masterclass Series with key technology leaders and decision-makers  in the Philippines to propose a stronger, more purpose-built approach to security in the face of the challenges posed by the post-pandemic system.  

The event, “It takes only one: Navigating cyberthreats for safer digital transformation,” enabled IT and security leaders to explore next-generation cybersecurity measures that ensure safe and successful digital transformation amidst increasing cyber threats. These threats especially target areas where growth outstrips traditional systems. This is why Asian markets, particularly in the Philippines, can be at risk.  

Known for its ingenuity and adaptability, the Asian economy surprised the world post-pandemic, outstripping its Western counterparts in 2023 and is expected to perform similarly in 2024. The McKinsey Global Institute reports that Asia exhibited an overall exceptional resilience despite repeated setbacks and lockdowns, and as a result, is expected to account for 50% of global GDP and drive 40% of the world’s consumption by the year 2040, all things considered.  

“The key to this drastic growth is corporations going digital. We help customers transform their network and security architecture with confidence. Leveraging our telco DNA, we have built the most cost-effective, high-performance and reliable networking solutions integrated with our certified best-of-breed SASE capabilities from leading global cybersecurity leaders such as Palo Alto Networks. This allows us to create differentiated services that address unique security demands across our markets and customers – a distinct advantage that ViewQwest offers to enterprises in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia.” ~Vignesa Moorthy, Founder & CEO of ViewQwest

He warns that this move, crucial as it may be, could leave corporate assets and sensitive information open to threats and cyber attacks. 

ViewQwest is a regional industry leader servicing over 10,000 branches across North and Southeast Asia with its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions and software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) services. 

Tailored solutions to combat unique local and organizational challenges 

ViewQwest prides itself to be an industry innovator who refuses to be a one-size-fits-all service provider, acknowledging that every situation requires a tailor-fit solution if it is meant to be effective in the long run. The Philippines business landscape, in particular, can pose a challenge in many ways, from the quality of connectivity to the availability of service and even to the refusal of some individuals to upgrade to the current versions of software that they had become accustomed to. 

With a deep understanding of the Philippine market and the general Southeast Asian market, built on ViewQwest’s experience from large-scale enterprise projects, the company is cost-effectively delivering a simplified and high-availability network that provides superior network and application performance, as well as best-of-breed secure access to any remote user, branch office or device.  

ViewQwest Philippines offers a complete range of connectivity options, SASE, SD-WAN and managed services required for enterprise network and security transformation. Since entering the Philippine market in 2019, ViewQwest has grown its clientele and now supports the needs of top Philippine enterprises across various industries. 

For more details on ViewQwest, please visit https://viewqwest.com/  

 

 

About ViewQwest 

Established in 2001, ViewQwest is a leading regional provider of Managed Security and award-winning Connectivity services. With headquarters in Singapore and operations in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, we are a trusted partner of global MNCs and top companies in North and Southeast Asia. We help enterprises radically simplify their security and network infrastructure to securely connect their sites, people, devices, and applications from anywhere, with fit-for-purpose solutions powered by market-leading technologies and global technology partners.

ViewQwest also provides Premium Residential & Business broadband services in Malaysia and Singapore, and has been consistently recognized as Singapore’s Fastest Fixed Network from 2018 to 2022 by Ookla Speedtest Awards.

For more information, visit https://viewqwest.com/

SM Sunday Market at SM City Taytay and SM City Marikina

SM Sunday Market is now serving at SM City Taytay and SM City Marikina.  Now open at 33 malls nationwide, from 7AM to 2PM, the SM Sunday Market has begun to offer fresh produce and fruits in season, flowers and plants grown by local farmers.

The SM Sunday Market is a joint initiative of SM Supermalls, SM Cares, and the SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) which spotlights its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program. This helps hundreds of local food producers by providing them with high-traffic locations at SM malls nationwide to display and market their products to weekend shoppers, employees, and tenants. 

Since 2020, SM Foundation has helped 28,500 local farmers from different municipalities nationwide by equipping them with modern and sustainable farming skills.

As we approach Holy Week, traditionally a time for meatless meat choices, you can opt to drop by the SM Sunday Market with your family, friends, and furbabies! As you fill your baskets with the best of their harvest, at farmgate prices, you help local farmers thrive and grow their small businesses.  

You may visit SM Sunday Market at SM City Taytay Building A Drop off area and at the canopy area of SM City Marikina.

Support your local farmers and give your family nutritious farm to table dishes. Stay tuned for more updates about the SM Sunday Market by visiting www.smsupermalls.com or following @smsupermalls on social media.

Start your day with a hint of Japanese authenticity!

You can now greet the rising sun with the Nagi Izakaya Breakfast Bento! A customizable bento set is served from 8 AM to 11 AM at both Wonderbowl and Nagi Izakaya. 

Patrons can now choose a main dish,  a vegetable, and an egg option to go along with their bento set. Personalize your breakfast and get all the necessary nutrients in one bento.  You’ve got your go, grow, and glow foods in one seating!

You can pick from the following Japanese staples for your main dish; Gyoza, Katsu Curry, Chicken Teriyaki, Nanban Karaage, Tempura, Saba also known as Mackerel, Gyudon, or Sake which is also known as Salmon. 

As for the veggies, you can choose between their classic Izakaya Salad, the Yasai Itame, or the Edamame. 

You can choose how your eggs will be cooked too!  Choose from the classic Tamago, simple yet delicious scrambled eggs, the Tamago Sushi, or if you are feeling fancy, a Chawanmushi. 

All breakfast bento sets come with a serving of plain rice and miso soup. 

The breakfast bento is now available in all Nagi Izakaya and Wonderbowl branches nationwide. The breakfast bento is available for dine-in and takeaway from 8 AM to 11 AM. 

Have a hearty Japanese breakfast with the Nagi Izakaya Breakfast Bento today!

The future of Fintech will be brought to all Filipinos with the new innovations in GCash FutureCast

GCash is the Philippines'  #1  Finance Super App with  over 78  million  users  who  enjoy  fast,  safe,  and  convenient  transactions  online. GCash  is  the  #1  Finance  Super  App  in  the  country  with  the most  downloads,  the  highest it is  part  of  their  daily  routines. GCash  was  the  first  to  introduce  the  QR  payment  system  in  the  country.

It  supported  the  digital  migration  of  Filipinos  during  the  pandemic,  and  now  that  the  world  has  reopened,  it  expands  its  services  to  suit  the  changing  needs  of  Filipinos  in  a  global  digital  financial  landscape.

GCash introduced  10  ground-breaking  innovations  for  every this year's  #GCashFutureCast event.

Tools for financial freedom

GCash has made wealth management products like savings, insurance, and investments easy and accessible. Now it introduces products to help people grow their wealth and to help them protect it.

GStocks PH is AB Capital Securities, Inc. (ABCSI) online retail securities trading services made accessible through the GCash app. Its user-friendly and simplified trading interface was designed through a collaboration with the Philippine Stock Exchange. Through GStocks PH, users can now trade stocks of over 280 local companies. GStocks PH will be available to more users soon.

GCrypto allows users to discover and explore the world of Crypto and NFTs. Users get access to curated NFT collections, like The House of OhLala by Filipino contemporary artist, Reen Barrera, on the GCrypto NFT Hub. Buying and selling Crypto is also made easier with an exchange powered by PDAX, the Philippines’ leading homegrown cryptocurrency exchange.

GInsure Online Shopping Protect insurance offers users 60 days of coverage up to P20,000 for all their online purchases for just P34. The insurance covers scenarios when orders are not delivered, are accidentally damaged, are not as described, or are stolen. The insurance product, powered by Chubb, is embedded in the user’s online GCash payment journey across 1,500 online shops and platforms.

GCash goes global

Traveling Filipinos can now go cashless globally using GCash’s newest services. For overseas Filipinos, they can now use GCash to send money and support to their family back home.

GCash Global Pay allows Filipino travelers to do cross-border QR payments at Alipay+ merchants in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. This eliminates the hassle of paying with cash, or withdrawing money at ATMs where you can incur high service fees. It offers real-time Forex charging, with no service fees.

GCash Card gives travelers the advantage of real time Forex charging at low exchange rates and no service fees. With this, users can access their funds in a single tap at over 100 million shops across 200 countries and territories around the world through VISA’s expansive network. This enables travelers to enjoy hassle-free shopping and dining experiences wherever they may be. The new GCash card will be available later this year.

GCash Overseas allows overseas Filipinos in Japan, Australia, Italy and the USA to download GCash using international SIM cards. Now they can send money, buy load, and pay bills for their loved ones back home. They can enjoy the convenience of sending money for free with GCash to GCash transactions, saving them the cost of remittance fees. GCash also announced that it is now available in the UK and Canada. GCash Overseas is currently on Beta and is limited to a number of users, but will expand to more users soon.

Borrowing made easier

GGives supports Filipinos with the ability to buy now, pay later with zero credit cards, zero additional documents, zero down payment, and now with zero interest at select merchants. GCash users are now free from the barriers normally associated with installment plans, for both in-store or online purchases.

Borrow Load will allow eligible users to borrow their favorite load promos today at zero cash out, giving them access to their preferred entertainment – even if they’re short on budget. They can now afford to access data-heavy apps with load promos valid for up to 7 days. Borrow Load will be rolling out to more users soon.

Improved security and user experience

GCash has taken steps to make transactions safer and more seamless through two new features:

GChat is a new, user-friendly messenger feature that makes it easier to chat and transact with contacts, share receipts instantly, and trace transaction histories. The feature makes it easier to search for conversations with friends, merchants or customers, while the Gigi and Advisories features allow users to get help anytime in real-time. GChat will be rolling out to users in the next few months.

DoubleSafe is the latest GCash security feature that prevents fraudsters from taking over accounts. It provides an additional layer of security on top of the 2-Factor Authentication and mobile pin (MPIN). DoubleSafe will be activated for every first login to a new mobile phone, and will use facial recognition to secure an account should the user inadvertently share their MPIN and OTP to fraudsters.

“GCash has empowered and enabled every Filipino to remain hopeful and pursue progress. As the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and the first finance app to be a household name in the country, GCash is positioned to be everyone’s enabler to be future-ready. With the 10 new innovations at GCash, our hopes for a better tomorrow begins today.” ~Martha Sazon, GCash CEO

About GCash

GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, 79M registered users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5.2M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs.