Create Waves of Positive Change with SM at the 2024 International Coastal Clean-Up

Taking place simultaneously on September 21 in 15 different SM Supermalls across the nation, including SM By the Bay at SM Mall of Asia Complex, SM Tuguegarao Downtown, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Bataan, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Sorsogon, SM City Legazpi, SM Daet, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Roxas, SM City Cebu, SM City Seaside Cebu, SM City Mindpro, and SM City General Santos. The International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) is back for another year, and it looks to be the biggest one yet. When we work together, we can significantly improve our oceans and make the world a healthier, cleaner place for everyone.

Over 100,000 kg of waste were collected in 2023 by SM Cares with the assistance of approximately 17,000 volunteers from 15 SM Supermalls across the country. This year, SM Cares hopes to reach 20,000 volunteers and double the amount of solid waste collected to 200,000 kg in honor of its 20 years of helping communities and improving the environment.

If you're interested in joining the global movement towards cleaner seas and oceans, SM Cares is inviting you to be part of this year's ICC!

For participants from NCR, you may register via SM Malls Online through this link: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICC2024

For participants from Cebu, you may register via SM Malls Online at https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ICCSMSSXSMCC

For outside of NCR and Cebu, you may visit this link: https://bit.ly/ICC2024-Registration

The corporate social responsibility division of SM Supermalls, SM Cares, is in charge of programs that advance community growth and sustainability. In addition to its environmental programs, SM Cares also advocates for women and breastfeeding mothers, people with disabilities, senior citizens, children and youth, and the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

Experience the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration in Solaire Resort North

Weihenstephaner Beer

In October 2024, Solaire Resort and the German Club of the Philippines will host the largest Oktoberfest celebrations. Now, on October 19 and 20, 2024, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort North, visitors can enjoy the magnificent Oktoberfest. Savor a variety of traditional German foods, unrestricted beer, and live music provided by Bavarian Sound Express all evening long.

(L-R) Michael Scheile, Program Host & Oktoberfest Committee Chef Sebastian Kellerhoff, Vice President for Culinary, Solaire Resort, Tobias Rast, Oktoberfest Chairman, Roland Odenthal, Oktoberfest Committee

With the renowned Weihenstephaner serving as the official beer sponsor, guests will only be able to sample the best brews. The second day of the event is family-friendly at Solaire Resort North, making it a unique experience. It's a great day out for kids of all ages with a range of activities including face painting, a German costume photo booth, a bouncy castle, and carnival games.

Without the Brotkorb, or breadbasket, which is a must-have centerpiece of freshly baked German breads and Laugenbrezel, or soft pretzels made in the Bavarian style, there would be no German feast. These are ideal for sharing with Obatzda, a creamy German beer cheese dip. A delicious spread of German cheeses and cold cuts can be found at the Wiesen jause. Pick between the traditional German potato salad Kartoffelsalat, the zesty white cabbage salad Krautsalad, and the Munich-style sausage salad Münchner Wurstsalat. With these dishes, everyone can enjoy a hearty and savory German spread.

Sausage selections on the menu include Frankfurter sausage, which is served with creamy German potato salad and a freshly baked Kaiser roll, and Rostbratwurst, a spicy and grilled pork sausage that goes well with tangy sauerkraut, roasted potatoes, and rich onion jus. Savor the slow-roasted pork knuckle or Oktoberfest Haxe, which comes with a wheat beer sauce that will make you want more. A robust beef goulash made with braised beef ragout, the Rindsgulasch is served with red cabbage on the side and bread dumplings. Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, or black forest gateau, Kaiserschmarrn, or shredded caramelized pancake, and Apfelstrudel, or traditional apple strudel, are the items available at the dessert station. Families can enjoy a delightful experience with these German treats.

Take advantage of the room package offered by Solaire Resort North exclusively to Oktoberfest attendees to get the most out of your trip there. Reservations for this package for stays from October 8 to October 14 can be made through October 12. Take advantage of a 20% reduction on the Bed and Breakfast Rate, which includes a breakfast buffet at Fresh for two people. 

This amazing celebration of German culture shouldn't be missed! Tickets can be purchased at https://oktoberfest.ph right now. Take a seat and join us for the most genuine Oktoberfest celebration that Quezon City has ever experienced. 

Enjoy a five-day feast at Solaire Resort North and Solaire Resort Entertainment City honoring the rich traditions of Germany.

Globe celebrates loyal customers with month-long G Day festivities

Download the GlobeOne app, join Rewards, and transact online to earn points and enjoy surprises

Customers of Globe, get ready! Globe is stepping up the excitement this September with the grand return of G Day, our largest and most fruitful celebration to date. Globe is expressing its gratitude in many ways, including with brand-new deals, unique prizes, and cutting-edge experiences.

“Our G Day celebration this month, anchored on Globe's iconic 0917 prefix, honors our loyal customers with special treats and surprises, a gesture of our continuing commitment to serve them in uplifting ways. Our goal is to make it a G Day every day for Filipinos–  to create wonderful experiences that empower them with choices, help them find the courage to overcome challenges, and discover new ways to live the best life with their loved ones." ~Darius Delgado, Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer

The whole month of September promises to bring fun, delight and purpose through the many programs and activities lined up by Globe for its customers.

• All-New Rewards: More ways to earn rewards points, new lifestyle partners, deals and games with exciting prizes, exclusive in the GlobeOne App.
• G Raffle Rush: Convert Rewards points into raffle entries for the chance to win a condominium unit, electric vehicles, travel packages, and shopping sprees.
• G Fair: An event created for Filipino-owned SMEs to showcase their products with the bigger Globe customer base, powered by Globe’s digital business platforms.
• G Fest: A series of events in Manila, Iloilo and Davao celebrating music and the creativity of the Filipino youth in expressing their passions and connecting with their communities through digital platforms. G Fest will feature renowned local artists and provide opportunities for young people to hone and showcase their skills.
• G-Gantic Goals: With just 1 Rewards point, customers can contribute to a nationwide cause - donating 100,000 Rewards points in total will provide 917 families from different regions of the country with grocery packs and cinema block screenings for a family movie bonding weekend in partnership with the Hapag Movement.

“In celebrating our millions of beloved customers across the country, the GlobeOne app serves as the gateway to unlocking rewards and rewarding experiences, enabling customers in the pursuit of their passions, while also giving them a platform to engage in causes that create positive social impact.” ~Jerome Patalud, Head of Globe Rewards.

To participate in the G Day festivities and unlock these exclusive rewards and experiences, customers are encouraged to download the GlobeOne app, add their Globe accounts, and join the All-New Rewards program. To start earning rewards points, they must use the GlobeOne app for transactions, including payments and load top-ups.

 

For more information about G Day and how to participate, visit http://glbe.co/GDayEveryday.

ABOUT GLOBE

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It offers innovative digital solutions in the areas of fintech, healthtech, adtech, climate tech, shared services and venture capital. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region.

HUAWEI Set to Dominate Tech Landscape with New Smart Devices Launch this September!

Tech lovers have plenty of new devices to gush over as "Tech-tember" approaches. HUAWEI is getting ready to introduce a fresh range of cutting-edge technology products, such as tablets and wearables. On September 19, the much-anticipated keynote will occur. 

Filipino customers are excited to see what HUAWEI will unveil because they have a lot of options on the market. They are hoping for innovative features and cutting-edge technologies that will influence their next smart device purchase. The bar has been set, and Huawei is prepared to satisfy the need for cutting-edge technological solutions. 

A New HUAWEI WATCH GT Series on the Horizon

The introduction of the next generation of Huawei Watch GT Series is one of the event's most eagerly awaited highlights. There are rumors that the newly released HUAWEI TruSense System, which aims to improve fitness and health tracking with more accurate and thorough data, will be incorporated into the new HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series. The August release of the HUAWEI TruSense System includes emotional health monitoring as well, which could revolutionize wearable technology. 

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Series is credited with pushing the limits of style and functionality in terms of design. Sharp, geometric designs made of high-end materials like metallic titanium alloy and white ceramic have been alluded to in teases from HUAWEI's social media channels. These watches would be a chic and avant-garde addition to the smartwatch market.

The Next Swing For HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate

The updated HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate edition is another eagerly awaited release. It's assumed that the teasers will reveal golf-related features. This is timely because there is a growing user base of wearables looking for features specific to their hobbies and exercise regimens. The new features on the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate are likely to appeal to users who value accuracy in both their smartwatch and their game, given the rising popularity of golf in the Philippines.

The teasers revealed not only the functional improvements but also a sneak peek at the watch's eye-catching new Dual-Color Bezel design. It is anticipated that the watch's new texture and design will improve its aesthetic appeal.

Next-Generation Blood Pressure Monitor 

According to teasers posted on Huawei's social media pages, the next-generation blood pressure monitoring will be available on the HUAWEI WATCH D 2.

With the launch of the HUAWEI TruSense System, HUAWEI has indicated that it will concentrate on enhancing health tracking features. Rumor has it that the company may include ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring) on its wearables. By supporting dynamic, real-time blood pressure monitoring, the HUAWEI WATCH D 2 would become the first smartwatch in the world, genuinely advancing health and wellness for Filipino consumers.

The HUAWEI WATCH D, which was well-received for its ability to measure blood pressure and was EU CE medical certified, was the most recent significant release in this field. It was released in 2021. HUAWEI's leadership in this field is evident in the release of yet another cutting-edge smartwatch that leads the industry. Given that cardiovascular health is among the main concerns of a large number of Filipino users, the anticipated advanced features of the Huawei Watch D 2 may be particularly appealing to those who are searching for creative and dependable ways to monitor their health.

An Update to the HUAWEI MatePad Series

HUAWEI has consistently created and introduced a remarkable range of innovative tablet devices. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2" and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X are two new tablets that tech enthusiasts can anticipate being released. It is anticipated that both gadgets will debut at the eagerly anticipated launch event.

Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, which offers anti-glare, eye-soothing, and pen-on-paper writing experiences, is a noteworthy upgrade for the HUAWEI MatePad Pro. It enhances overall performance and ushers in a new era of tablet-based creation. A revised HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, possibly featuring a novel stylus storage design and seamless connectivity, will also be unveiled at the launch. 

Mark Your Calendars

There's growing excitement in the tech community as the launch date approaches. Do the most recent innovations from Huawei live up to the hype? Huawei is obviously preparing to compete at the top of the industry with these amazing features and upcoming upgrades. As HUAWEI continues to push the limits of technology, consumers can anticipate a greater selection of tech options for their next smart device. 

Don’t miss out on the HUAWEI launch on September 19, 2024. Stay tuned to find out more about HUAWEI’s newest releases. To find out more, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram). 

About HUAWEI Consumer BG

HUAWEI's products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world's population. Fifteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India and China. HUAWEI Consumer BG is one of HUAWEI's three business units and covers smartphones, PC and tablets, wearables and cloud services, etc. HUAWEI's global network is built on over 30 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information please visit: this page.

Local Farmers Unlock New Farming Strategies at Jollibee Group Foundation’s Journey to Growth Forum

JGF President Gisela Tiongson led the team in facilitating learning sessions, focus group discussions, and strategic business planning.

Agro-entrepreneurs make many decisions and conduct business in large part by embracing new technologies and practices and adjusting to the constantly shifting market conditions. Through the recently held Journey to Growth Forum, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, facilitates the continued growth of these agro-entrepreneurs. The Forum seeks to improve smallholder farmers' strategic thinking so they can keep developing their abilities and broaden their scope, paving the way for a secure future for agro-entrepreneurs.

Farmers, cooperatives, associations, local government entities, and partner organizations came together in a spirited manner at the Forum. It included lively agri-innovation learning sessions, the most recent business news, focus groups, and workshops on strategic business planning. All of these activities were intended to give attendees the skills and information they needed to succeed in the modern agricultural environment.

By offering leadership and agro-entrepreneurship training that expands their knowledge and skills, JGF's Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) enables smallholder farmers to prosper as agro-entrepreneurs and achieve economic independence. 

“The Journey to Growth Forum not only strengthened our relationship with partner farmers but also provided an ideal avenue for them to learn best practices and discover solutions to existing farming challenges. We hope to aid our farmers in achieving sustainable growth by continuously providing workshops and training on leading edge and innovative approaches.” ~Gisela Tiongson, JGF President 

Leadership and expertise

Engaging conversations on important subjects like customer service, supply assurance, operational efficiency, financial strength, sustainability, and leadership were led by experts from Jollibee Group's global divisions, including Procurement, Insurance and Risk Management, Finance, Sustainability and Public Affairs, and the Data Office.

Jollibee Group’s Global Chief Business Support Officer William Tan Untiong has shared that the FEP farmers have already fulfilled 90% of the company’s onion requirement as early as the second quarter of 2024

Through breakout sessions, participants discussed challenges and devised viable solutions for better produce and sustainable farming practices.

The Foundation invited business leaders to share state-of-the-art perspectives on agri-innovations in order to increase the impact.  Miguel Garcia, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation's (PDRF) Junior Operations Center Supervisor, talked about getting ready for any potential upcoming La Nina. 

Dr. Dionisio Bucao of Mariano Marcos State University contributed to the body of knowledge by emphasizing the vital role that healthy soil plays in sustainable farming. Arjay Aquino of Central Luzon State University provided practical methods for restoring healthy soil, ensuring that farmers have access to the most recent sustainable techniques.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 18 brands with over 6,900 stores across 32 countries. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. JFC also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. The Company also established a joint venture company that will own and operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. Recently, the Jollibee Group signed agreements to own 10% ownership in Botrista, a leader in the beverage technology space. The Company also owns a 90% participating interest in Titan Dining Partners II Ltd to further grow Asia Pacific food service brands and/or bring strong global food service brands to Asia Pacific.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the Company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The Company is also a three-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award and was recently cited in TIME’s List of the World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

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

BPI Awesome Travel Fair back in September at Glorietta

It's never too late to book another trip this year—the eagerly anticipated return of the BPI Awesome Travel Fair is almost here, bringing with it fantastic and even more affordable travel offers.

This year's travel fair, which is in its fifth iteration, is scheduled to take place from September 13 to September 15, at the Glorietta Activity Center. Over 20 exhibitors, including airlines and travel agencies, will be present on-site. These include Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Saudia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines, AirSWIFT, Universal Holidays, Ark Travel, Rajah Travel, El Nido & Huni Records, Executive Resources Cruises, and numerous others. 

Only BPI banking clients and cardholders who may wish to make more travel memories in the latter part of the year and take advantage of the exciting offers are eligible for the BPI Awesome Travel Fair, which features offers from partner airlines and travel agencies. When guests show their Robinsons Bank credit or debit card or their BPI credit or debit card, admission to the travel fair is free. 

Great deals start with low and discounted fares from travel exhibitors:

• Real 0% Special Installment Plan for select exhibitors during the event, with a 100% Bonus Madness Limit for qualified BPI Cardholders and Buy Now, Pay Later (up to 3 months) for select merchants
• Installment payment terms with minimal monthly add-on fee for select partners during the event
• 1.85% foreign exchange conversion rate when booking airline tickets, shopping abroad, or buying from online international stores for BPI Credit Cards
• Free Travel Insurance for select BPI Credit Cards
• 0% installment for up to six months on airline ticket purchase using Platinum Rewards Mastercard

Cardholders who convert their straight purchases, for a minimum spend, to flexible payment terms through balance conversion are eligible for special offers. Customers may also take advantage of thrilling giveaways with a minimum purchase of Php 5,000 when they use a BPI Credit, Debit, or Prepaid Card.

The good news is that from September 12–30, 2024, travelers will be able to book from the comfort of their homes with the BPI Awesome Travel Fair and all of its travel offers. Joining the online BPI Awesome Travel Fair will get you amazing deals from airlines like Emirates, China Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Qatar Airways, AirSWIFT, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Agoda.  

Why Women—and Everyone Else—Are Getting Vaccinated Against HPV

L-R: Liza Sta. Maria, Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Bea McLelland, Belay Fernando, Kendra Kramer, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Niña Corpuz, Dr. Mary Ann Galang-Escalona, Ethel Calma, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, and Aencille Santos.

Her Story, Her Strength: Speaking Up on What We DeCerv, an influential panel discussion hosted by MSD in the Philippines by Guard Against HPV, brought together women from various backgrounds. 

Influencers provided insightful advice on simple preventive measures, medical experts shared gripping tales about health literacy, and advocates and survivors led moving discussions. 

Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, Liza Sta Maria, Jane Cheng, Aencille Santos, Jessica Tinio, Ivy Bermejo, Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, and Kendra Kramer were among the panelists that Niña Corpuz skillfully moderated. 

What is HPV

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that can cause serious health issues in both men and women, such as throat, genital, and cervical cancers. Since many people don't have any symptoms, it's frequently spread unintentionally. 

Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, an OBGYN, calls it a "silent pandemic." To combat HPV, she recommends the ABCDV approach: abstinence, be faithful, condom use, doctor consultation, and vaccination.

"[HPV] is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is responsible for over 95% of cervical cancer cases." ~Dr. Stephanie Veneracion, OBGYN 

Preventing HPV with Awareness

L-R: Panelists include renowned women’s health advocates Belay Fernando, Bea McLelland, Kendra Kramer, and Cheska Garcia-Kramer, with Niña Corpuz as the host.

Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate Cheska Garcia-Kramer shares her approach to starting tough conversations about HPV at home with her daughter Kendra: 

“I know a lot of young girls are more comfortable talking with their peers, and young girls are also comfortable getting information through the internet. But I always remind her [Kendra] that your comfort should be with your mom. Because I love you. I don’t judge you. There are no questions too hard, too difficult, or too embarrassing that you can’t tell me.” ~Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Celebrity Mom and Women’s Health Advocate

 

Belay Fernando, former player and coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's football, and a cancer survivor, reflects on her experience with the early symptoms of cervical cancer: 

“There were signs, but as Filipinos, as athletes, we were told to be strong. You have to put work ahead [or] this priority ahead. We weren’t really taught or told to prioritize our health or to listen to the signs of our body.” ~Belay Fernando, Former Player and Coach of the Philippine National Team for Women's Football, and a Cancer Survivor

Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Prevention, highlights the lack of awareness about the disease: 

“Nobody really talks about cervical cancer. Not even with my friends, not in schools, not even within the family. They [medical professionals] opened my mind to it and how this is one cancer that can really be prevented with vaccination and early detection.” ~Bea McLelland, a Beauty Queen and Advocate for Cervical Cancer Preventio

Starting Open Conversations on HPV

Given that people are reading fewer books and watching more videos these days, Jane Kingsu, a member of the media, stresses the significance of spreading the word "in an easy and comprehensible manner." Everyone has the ability to influence other people, and she feels that it is our responsibility as health advocates to take proactive measures to address this.

Jessica Tinio, a multihyphenate mother, content creator, and law student, discusses how going to a prior "Di Mo DeCerv" talk motivated her to “try to research and to read more.” Echoing Jane Kingsu's emphasis on accessible information, Jessica highlights the importance of dedicating time to reading and research, which she finds pivotal in her journey to prioritize her health while balancing the demands of motherhood.

Aencille Santos, a fitness content creator, believes that health is subjective but emphasizes four key areas to prepare against HPV: “movement, food, mind, and connections.” She stresses that these should be practiced consistently, even in small doses, as part of a daily routine. 

People have diverse perspectives on health, particularly Filipinos. Financial advisor Ivy Bermejo points out that Filipinos frequently place little emphasis on their health. She notes that investing in preventative measures is crucial.

“If you add in the emotional cost, mental stress, financial cost–it makes sense why investing in this is a smart financial decision.” ~Ivy Bermejo, Financial Advisor

Why Get Vaccinated Today

“There is what we call pharmacy-based immunization. There are now certain pharmacies that are licensed to give the vaccines. [Through] proper training and certification, they would be able to administer the vaccines.” ~Liza Sta Maria, President of the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists

Why then should you receive a vaccination today? Making routine screenings and vaccinations a priority is essential for both your own health and the larger public health initiative. By being proactive, you can make sure that you're doing everything within your power to safeguard yourself and contribute to the ongoing battle against diseases linked to HPV. 

Make the decision to get checked and immunized right away to protect your health and demonstrate your dedication to what you have to offer. Learn more about HPV and what you can do about it through Guard Against HPV.