GH Mall unveiled a stunning all-red Christmas tree made with oversized baubles at the East Atrium last November 6, the Christmas tree signals a vibrant and exciting start to the holiday season, also serving as a bright beacon of hope, love, and prosperity for GH Mall shoppers.

This was the first Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony hosted in the new GH Mall, and it was attended by hundreds of visitors and store owners who witnessed the reveal of the luxurious display. The atrium transformed into a winter wonderland with a fabulous snow show and light show. The award-winning Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra and Los Cantates de Manila provided the angelic hymns to put shoppers in a cheerful mood while experiencing the Larger Than Life celebration.
 

Christmas Unwrapped: A Larger than Life celebration at GH Mall. (L-R) Jenna Belardo, VP and Head of Ortigas Land Residential Business Unit; Trina Chan, VP of Ortigas Land; Javi Hernandez, Head of Ortigas Land Office Business Unit; James Candelaria, AVP and Head of GH Mall Operations; Hon. Angelo Agcaoili, San Juan City Vice Mayor; Hon. Atty. Bel Zamora, San Juan City Congresswoman; First Lady Keri Zamora; Hon. Francis Zamora, San Juan City Mayor; Junie Jalandoni, President and CEO of Ortigas Land; Davee Zuniga, Chief Finance Officer of Ortigas Land; Atty. Michael David Abundo III, VP and Head of Ortigas Land Corporate Services; Alex Ortigas; Maite Ortigas.

The ceremony was led by Ortigas Land President and CEO Junie Jalandoni, the Ortigas Family, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora with First Lady Keri Zamora, Vice Mayor Rafael Agcaoili, and other members of the San Juan local government. They all expressed their excitement for visitors to spend their holidays in GH mall, which has world-class retail, culinary, entertainment, and wellness offerings.

“The Christmas Tree Lighting is just a taste of what visitors can expect this season at GH Mall,” said Mr. Junie Jalandoni, President and CEO of Ortigas Land. “We want GH Mall to be a wonderful spot for family and friends to spend their Larger Than Life holidays together, through gift-shopping, exploring different cuisines, watching movies, and other fun activities for the whole family. The Greenhills community and visitors from various cities can expect more events leading to Christmas, as we bring a supersized holiday cheer to everyone.”

6 November 2024. Christmas Unwrapped: A Larger than Life celebration at GH Mall. Members of Ortigas Land, Ortigas Family, and the San Juan LGU distributed gift packs to the children of White Cross Orphanage.

Ortigas Malls extended the celebration to the kids of White Cross Orphanage. They happily received the gift packs while enjoying the festivities at GH Mall. The holiday show and vibrant decorations brought smiles and laughter to the kids -- an experience they'll remember for a lifetime.

Every year, Ortigas Malls offers an exciting holiday experience to shoppers looking for the best gifts and restaurants for gatherings in all of its locations. GH Mall is the ultimate shopping destination that combines lifestyle and wellness amenities and world-class dining experiences in the heart of Metro Manila.

Christmas Unwrapped: A Larger than Life celebration at GH Mall. (L-R) James Candelaria, AVP Head of GH Mall Operations, Cathy Dueñas, AVP Head of Leasing, Junie Jalandoni, Ortigas Land President and CEO, Hon. Angelo Agcaoili, San Juan City Vice Mayor, Hon. Atty. Bel Zamora, San Juan City Congresswoman, Hon. Francis Zamora, San Juan City Mayor, Ms. Maite Ortigas, Ms. Alex Ortigas, First Lady Keri Zamora, and Monique Castañeda, AVP Head of Marketing Ortigas Malls.

With Christmas fast approaching, GH Mall’s stunning Christmas tree welcomes all shoppers to show their love and experience Larger Than Life moments with their family and friends this holiday season. Watch out for other exciting events at GH Mall, such as the annual Night Market (November 8 to December 30), Parol Making (November 9), Santa’s Little Workshop Gingerbread Making (November 11), Christmas Caroling (every Thursday of November), and Paws & Claus Holiday Photo Booth (until December 31). For more updates and information on upcoming events, like Greenhills Mall on Facebook, and follow @greenhillsph on Instagram. Don’t forget to capture precious moments and use the hashtag #GHChristmas.

Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc., together with Dialysis Philippines Support Group (Dialysis PH), Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines (KITAP), and Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), is bringing It Starts With U: Get CheCKD back in time for the holiday season. The awareness event will be on November 30, 2024, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD aims to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through activity zones that emphasize early detection and explain how the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases like Heart Failure are amplified with the presence of one of these three diseases.

"The alarming rise in Chronic Kidney Disease cases in the Philippines calls for immediate action. Every hour, a Filipino faces the possibility of chronic renal failure, and over 2.3 million are already living with this silent disease. Events like this are crucial for raising awareness and encouraging early detection, which can save lives and improve health outcomes," says Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

CKD is connected to other health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. Kidney disease is one of the first complications to develop when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to the body.[ Healthline. Why Congestive Heart Failure and Kidney Disease Often Occur Together. https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/chf-and-kidney-failure. Accessed Oct 23, 2024.] Diabetes, meanwhile, may also cause CKD as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and the heart.[ American Kidney Fund. Heart disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD). https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/risk-factors/heart-disease-and-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd. Accessed Oct 23, 2024.]

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD will raise awareness of CKD and its connections to hypertension and diabetes through educational talks and new booths focused on the two diseases. There will also be a booth where Boehringer Ingelheim will feature their educational website which aims to empower individuals with information about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and related health conditions. It offers valuable insights on prevention, risk factors, and complications, encouraging patients to take proactive steps toward better health and seek professional care when needed.

It Starts With U: Get CheCKD will also bring back the activity zones that made the first awareness event successful.

The Movement CheCKD Zone will encourage guests to lead a healthier lifestyle through live Zumba and POUND® sessions. Visitors may complement their active lifestyle at the Nutrition CheCKD Zone, where healthy food stations will offer kidney-healthy snacks. The Health CheCKD Zone will feature health and lifestyle stations where guests can check their vitals, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, and have one-on-one consultations with doctors. If determined to be at risk for CKD, patients can avail the free two-step screening process for kidney health.

Visitors may also play Check Your Choices, a life-sized board game that offers a fun learning experience on how kidneys work and how they may care for it.

Monitor your health

There is a simple 2-step screening process to check kidney health. First is the creatine test, a blood test that is able to measure the waste product of the body and from that the estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate can be computed. The second is the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test that uses a urine sample to measure albumin, or protein level present in your urine.[ National Health Service. Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/diagnosis/. Accessed Mar 7, 2024]

Two primary conditions that often lead to CKD are diabetes and hypertension. Lifestyle factors such as age, smoking, family history of CKD, and obesity also put individuals at risk of CKD. Unhealthy lifestyles may also cause you to eat foods high in sugar and sodium, be exposed to constant stress, or keep you from moving your body.

This Christmas, give your loved ones the gift of health. Consult your doctor. For more information, please visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.

Value mobile brand TNT is bringing more 'saya' and excitement for KaTropas this Christmas season as it launches its Paskong Panalo Raffle Promo, which gives subscribers a chance to win 5G smartphones and cash prizes of up to Php1 million.

Running from November 17 to December 28, TNT's Paskong Panalo Raffle promo is for all the TNT subscribers nationwide to receive data freebies instantly and earn raffle entries for prizes with every purchase of TNT’s featured promo of the week.

Text "RAFFLE" to 5858 to join

Starting November 15, TNT subscribers can already sign up for the raffle by simply texting "RAFFLE" to 5858 to receive a successful participation notification. By texting this keyword, subscribers agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice of this promo.

Upon successful registration, customers can start earning and accumulating raffle entries for every purchase of the featured promo of the week starting November 17.

Aside from earning a raffle entry, subscribers registering to the featured promo for the week will also enjoy double data, giving them more ways to connect and spread 'saya' with their katropas this holiday season.

5G smartphones and cash prizes up to Php 1 Million up for grabs

Five (5) lucky TNT subscribers per week will win some of the latest 5G smartphones in weekly prizes, enabling them to enjoy the blazing-fast Smart 5G connectivity in their favorite online activities, such as streaming their favorite holiday movies and series on the go, making crystal-clear video calls to their katropas, and uploading and posting their memorable Christmas moments on social media in real-time.

TNT Paskong Panalo will also pick 5 winners (one winner per region: North and Central Luzon, NCR, South Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) of cash prizes each week with a final raffle draw where 5 winners will get P1,000,000 each, all enabling lucky subscribers to chase their 'saya' in life and fulfill their dreams - whether it's to start a small business, renovate their home, fund their education, or save up for their future.

"TNT Paskong Panalo is our way of making the Christmas celebrations of our ka-tropas more fun, exciting, and meaningful. This is just one of the many ways we show our appreciation to our subscribers for continuously making TNT the country's biggest mobile brand,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, Group Head FVP for TNT.

To learn more about TNT Paskong Panalo promo, visit https://tntph.com/paskongpanalo2024 and follow TNT’s official social media pages.

The Batang Matatag Campaign, a joint initiative by Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines, has announced a significant expansion of its reach and a new partnership with the Manila Water Foundation.

Launched in 2022, the campaign addresses health challenges due to the lack of access to clean water and proper WASH and hygiene facilities. The Batang Matatag campaign invests in gut health and hygiene education for vulnerable communities, and the partnership with the Manila Water Foundation will help increase access to handwashing stations and water pumps in schools and communities across the country.

“Investing in our children’s gut health and hygiene is investing in our future. The Batang Matatag Campaign calls on all of us to play a part in building a healthier, stronger Philippines where every child has the chance to reach their full potential,” said Rica Mae Mateo from Erceflora Probiotics.

Deeply concerned by the rise of childhood mortality due to diarrhea in the Philippines, Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines launched the Batang Matatag Campaign to combat this preventable illness. Launched in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2022, the campaign reached over 19,477 individuals in communities and schools, training over 1,000 adolescents in essential life skills, educated 500 residents on child health and nutrition, and achieved a remarkable 100% improvement in health levels within the communities it served.

This year, Batang Matatag expanded its reach this year to the Rizal province in Luzon, completing four hygiene promotion sessions and WASH caravans, and 12 nutrition promotion sessions. The campaign provided 2,500 hygiene kits for students, as well as Brigada Eskwela cleaning kits for 126 schools in Rizal and BARMM.  

Batang Matatag also initiated educating school clinicians and nurses in 68 public schools in Antipolo about the role of probiotics and effective diarrhea management among school children.   

Through this campaign, the communities benefited from newly constructed water pumps and handwashing stations, ultimately benefiting 65,007 individuals in both provinces.      

"We are incredibly proud of Batang Matatag's impact in its first year, and thrilled to expand our reach to Luzon. With the support of our partners and communities, we are committed to continuing this vital work and ensuring that every Filipino child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong," Mateo added.  

Families are also empowered to support the campaign. With every purchase of Erceflora Probiotics, a portion of the sale will be donated to the #BatangMatatag Campaign to help build more WASH facilities and create more hygiene education programs for vulnerable communities and partner schools in the country. 

Erceflora is available in the nearest drug store or pharmacy, or online through the Sanofi Official Store. For more information, visit the Erceflora website here. 

Innovative technology brand TECNO has announced the debut of its latest smartphone in the Philippines, the SPARK 30 Series, featuring a dynamic lineup of four models including an exciting SPARK 30 Series TRANSFORMERS Edition. The new series brings revolutionary durability and playability with 5-year guaranteed lag-free performance, more immersive audiovisuals, an incredible main camera and much more.

The SPARK 30 Series features a special TRANSFORMERS Edition, under license by TRANSFORMERS brand from leading toy and game company Hasbro, made up of a SPARK 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition and SPARK 30 Bumblebee Edition. In addition to their powerful performance, these special devices feature iconic TRANSFORMERS elements, delivering iconic design, entertainment, and interaction like never before.

“The SPARK 30 Series is poised to revolutionize the smartphone experience, offering a symphony of unparalleled features and a coveted exclusive TRANSFORMERS Edition,” said Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. “With continuous enhancements to the SPARK Series, we are ensuring that vibrant, tech-savvy youth will embrace and revel in the power of our innovations to create new possibilities.”

Creating Seamless Fluency and Durability Assured by a 5-year Lag-free Commitment

The SPARK 30 Series gives users long-lasting value for money. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, SPARK 30 Pro offers incredible 5-year lag-free operation, standing out in its class as a must-have device for a seamless experience.

Making everyday use even smoother, the SPARK 30 Series is equipped with exceptional battery capacity, impressive storage and powerful performance, with battery health at 80%+ enduring after 1,000 charge cycles. The SPARK 30 Pro’s convenient 33W Fast Charge offers three intelligent charging modes and can charge the device from zero to 100% in approximately 70 minutes. The SPARK 30 Series offers up to 256GB+16GB (8GB Extended RAM) storage with a system slimming feature that frees up ROM space. The SPARK 30 Pro is powered by MediaTek’s Helio G100 processor, boasting an Antutu score over 420,000, adding to the fluid performance even more.

With super WIFI and ultra-fast 4.5G Lightning Network, consumers can enjoy enhanced online smoothness. The 4.5G Lightning Network delivers speeds up to 100% faster than 4G, with download speeds reaching up to 300Mbps, while super WiFi sets internet speeds apart in a crowd, improving ability to access networks by 616% compared to those without this feature. Leveraging its exceptional performance, the SPARK 30 Series demonstrates power and durability akin to that of the formidable TRANSFORMERS robots.

Inspiring with a Design Rebirth Full of the Transformers' Visual Splendor

Complementing its ultimate performance, the TECNO SPARK 30 Series features a trendy, sleek and tech-infused design. The SPARK family's signature large circular design is now enhanced and refined for a more streamlined appearance. With a 7.4mm ultra-thin body, the SPARK 30 Pro embraces the emerging minimalist technology trend, bringing an unprecedented grip experience in-hand. Not only eye-catching, the SPARK 30 series is also extremely durable, able to withstand the micro drop test up to 25,000 times. The SPARK 30 also features an IP64 level of dust and waterproof protection.

Taking inspiration from the unstoppable TRANSFORMERS robots, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, the SPARK 30 Series TRANSFORMERS Edition infuses technology with a Cybertronian-inspired design texture. The integrated DECO design is crafted with a metallic sheen and precision color coordination, adding a vibrant look while paying homage to the resilience of the iconic characters. Additionally, the edition debuts a customized interface adorned with TRANSFORMERS motifs, bringing the iconic world to life and providing a dynamic platform for users of all ages to express their love for the franchise.

Captivating with an Exceptional Audiovisual Entertainment Experience

The SPARK 30 Series creates an immersive entertainment space for users through vibrant audiovisual experiences. The 120Hz AMOLED Eye-care Screen, recognized by TÜV Low Blue Light Eye certification, delivers vivid images while providing an eye-friendly experience. On the audio front, the SPARK 30 Series provides symmetrical stereo sound. With Volume Plus 2.0 algorithms and a Dual Speaker, the SPARK 30 Pro delivers up to 300% full-scene louder volume for an immersive and balanced sound. The addition of Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res certified speakers significantly enhances entertainment quality.

Furthermore, the SPARK 30 Series is also equipped with the Infrared Remote Control for 15 household devices, allowing intelligent control of home life, enabling a personalized space at will.

On the camera front, the SPARK 30 Pro boasts a 108MP main camera, complemented by 3x lossless zoom and 10x digital zoom, delivering finely tuned images no matter the distance. The SPARK 30's SONY IMX682 Main Camera with 64MP, offers larger pixels, greater detail, and increased cropping flexibility. Equipped with TECNO AI, the SPARK 30 Series offers an array of advanced AI-driven features, including AI voice assistant, AI wallpaper, and AIGC imaging, enhancing your productivity and creativity.

Led by the masterful SPARK 30 and SPARK 30 Pro, the new SPARK 30 Series also features the exceptional SPARK 30C, SPARK 30 5G. As well as a groundbreaking special edition device, the TRANSFORMERS collaboration adds a further layer of excitement for energetic youth, with exclusive branded merchandise and gift sets also available.

First Sale Excitement!

The official price of SPARK 30 is P6,999 with Bumblebee. Users can purchase the SPARK 30 during its first sale up to 40% discount price of P5,599 from 11.5 to 11.11 at TECNO Mobile PH in TikTok Shop.

The SPARK 30 Pro official price is P7,999. From 11.7 to 11.10, it will be on special at TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee and be sold for P6,299, discounted up to 37%. During the 11.11 sale, the special price will be P5,999. *the discount is compared with E-commerce underline price

After 11.11 sale, SPARK 30 and SPARK 30 Pro will be available on both platforms and TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Lazada. By the end of November, SPARK 30 will also be available at TECNO Partner Retail Stores nationwide.

It’s nearly Christmas, which means it's time to bring out the cheer! Gather some friends and family and settle in for a feast because Racks and Tenya are out to make it a sparkling Christmas with these new treats!

On November 6, 2024, RACKS and Tenya held their Christmas Product Launch, revealing several new exciting products–a perfect spread for families and friends this holiday season.
 Holiday Baby Back Ribs and Holiday Steak & Truffle are sure to be your new favorites along with other brand-new offerings in store! Sensational sides and dessert reign supreme this Christmas with delectable Potato Gratin, Truffle Fries and Homemade Tiramisu. Celebrate the festive season with twists on classic dishes and more! Racks will have you and your loved ones unwrapping a perfect balance of flavors.

If Racks is all about comfort food done right, then Tenya, Japan’s No.1 Tempura Tendon, is taking your taste buds on a ride through snowcapped mountains and ice palaces! Take a taste trip to Japan with authentic winter flavors as Tenya brings the sparkling season to the Philippines. With snowflake dishes and sparkling plates inspired by Christmas, this seasonal special is sure to delight.

Snowflake Tendon and Snowflake Teishoku are an explosion of richness with a sparkling finish like flurries on your tastebuds. Pacific white shrimp tempura and pan-seared steak are melded together to excite you with every bite.

Also new is the matcha selection of drinks and dessert such as Yoghurt Matcha, Cold Matcha Brew and Matcha Tiramisu. These twists on the traditional are a taste sensation. Balancing delicate flavors with modern tastes, they are sure to take you away from the heat and into a winter wonderland.

As a kick-off to the Christmas event premiering these treats, Managing Director Leopoldo “Chukri” Prieto III shared a warm welcome to all the guests. “Thank you all for attending and celebrating this special occasion with us. We sincerely hope you’ll love the exciting dishes we’ve prepared for all of you.”

Lively performances followed his words, a band played all the Christmas classics and dancers energizing the crowd with their moves. After, Director of Operations Adele Susana “Denise” Ramos shared a quick message. “Our goal has always been about serving Filipinos with good food. No nonsense, just real, good food that people can enjoy with family and friends.”

After, the crew lined up carrying the new Christmas products offered by RACKS and Tenya, served to each table and met with excited faces all-around. Said by Cavallino, Inc. General Manager Edmundo “Iggy” Ramos, “We’re thrilled to serve you this unique experience only found at RACKS and Tenya—whether it’s the tender, smoky goodness that RACKS specializes in, or the crispy crunch of Japan that Tenya has perfected. We can’t wait for people all around the country to try these new dishes, and we are honored to be the meal people share with family and friends this holiday season.”

Tenya then invited the crowd and customers to spark hope; to spark a light bright enough to be a light in the dark for a child in need. By partnering with ChildHope Philippines Foundation, a portion of the proceeds from these special meals will be donated towards a child’s education and food security for the holidays. What’s better than trying a little taste of Japan while being a beacon of hope for someone else?

With all these new holiday offerings, and the proceeds funding Christmas joy, there is a lot to be excited about with Tenya and RACKS. Whether you spend the season at home with friends or dreaming of your next destination, these new bundles are perfect to gather around loved ones, savoring good food, conversation, and company. Feast with your family and friends at Tenya and RACKS this holiday season!

Visit www.racks.ph and www.tenya.com.ph for more details on their store locations and offerings.

Few things are more exciting than a good food trip with the right people. You and your friends on a scavenger hunt for your taste buds, in a new location full of local delicacies, finding new favorites to spread the word about. While you may get energy from the food along the way, packing lots of water for the journey is vital for staying hydrated (and as a palette cleanser between snacks).

But is there a better way to improve our hydration? Resident foodie Laine Bernado thinks so!

In a recent video, TikToker Laine Bernado encouraged her audience to “rethink the water they drink” as she went on her own little food trip along P. Noval, Sampaloc. Bernado recommended mineral water, as it contained essential minerals that improves hydration throughout the day, especially important for long food trips.

Signs of dehydration can be easily ignored or dismissed, so it is important to pay attention and know when they arise. According to Healthline, these symptoms may include dark urine, fatigue, dry skin, and frequent headaches. Prolonged stretches of dehydration could also increase its severity, requiring immediate medical attention.

To prevent dehydration, Bernardo cited the many advantages mineral water has over purified and distilled water. Mineral water contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all important minerals that the body does not produce naturally that further hydrate the body.

Other than preventing dehydration and its effects, Eating Well says there are more potential health benefits to drinking mineral water. The calcium it contains promotes bone health, leading to increased bone mass and strength, while magnesium helps prevent diabetes and heart disease. Popular mineral water brands include Fiji, Evian, and Le Minerale, the latter recommended by Laine Bernado in her video.

When it comes to nutrition and what our bodies need, food trip extraordinaires know more than you think! For more information on the benefits of mineral water, visit LeMineralePH, Signs You May Need to Drink More Water, and Health Benefits of Mineral Water.

https://www.tiktok.com/@laaainebernardo/video/7392842225778019601

Six brands made by food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) are still among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report

Three of these brands – C2, Nissin and Cream All – rose in rankings in the yearly study.

Great Taste is among the top 10 most chosen brands in Total FMCG and Beverages sector while Piattos remains among the most chosen food brands.

Payless, meanwhile, landed in the list of 20 most chosen food brands for the first time.

“We are happy to see that our well-loved brands are reaching even more Filipinos, delighting them with good food choices everyday,” said Mian David, URC’s chief marketing officer and managing director of URC International.

“This report also inspires us to continue giving Pinoys products of superior quality and value. Indeed, Great Taste, C2,Piattos, Payless, Nissin and Cream All are just some of our brands loved by Filipinos across generations,” she added.

Kantar’s Brand Footprint study uses a metric called “consumer reach points” (CRP), which measures a brand’s strength based on how many shoppers are buying the brand and how often.

It essentially shows which brands are winning at the point of purchase.

“Filipinos are now spending more on FMCG, presenting a bigger opportunity for more brands to win. Among these brands, many of them are able to do so with improved penetration,” said Mieke Bartholomeus, Strategic Insights Director at Kantar’s Worldpanel Division.

URC’s Great Taste coffee – with 440m CRP – ranked 8th among fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and fourth in the beverages sector.

Ready-to-drink tea C2’s CRP rose 25 per cent to 32m, making it the 14th most chosen brand in the beverages sector.

The number of households that bought C2 rose by some 281,000 in 2023, with better presence in groceries, sari-sari stores and market stalls.

In the food sector, snack brand Piattos held on to the 7th spot, while Nissin instant noodles climbed to No. 16.

Another instant noodles brand, Payless, broke into the list of Top 20 brands in the segment with a CRP of 74m, landing in 19th place in the food sector and 50th among FMCG brands.

Core variant Payless Xtra Big is still a big draw, while the still small, newly-launched Payless Sakto is already driving traction for the brand.

Cream All went up to No. 19 in the dairy sector.

As part of Kantar, Worldpanel provides brands and retailers with a unique, 360-degree understanding of consumer behavior across the globe. Worldpanel continuously monitors shopping behavior to shape the brands of tomorrow by better understanding people everywhere. 

URC produces iconic brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O.

Brands from food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. (URC) continue to be among the top choices among millions of Filipino households, according to brand consulting firm Kantar Group’s Brand Footprint report

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas has imposed a one-year suspension on the Municipal Budget Officer of the Town of Larena in Siquijor, along with five other members of the (BAC) from the same municipality.

This decision, issued on September 4, 2024, stems from a complaint submitted online by Darel Ybanez to the Office of former President Rodrigo Duterte via the Presidential Complaint Center on January 9, 2022. The letter outlines various alleged irregularities occurring in the Town of Larena, including claims of improper procurement practices involving rice from Ronkz System Solutions, despite the supplier being deemed eligible.

Ronkz System Solutions is involved in the sales of school and office supplies. Nevertheless, they were awarded a contract with an approved budget of Php198,000 in december 2018. According to Ybanez, her mother was among those who received rice from the local government unit (lgu). Senior citizens in the community were supposed to receive a sack of rice weighing 50 kilos; however, only five kilos were distributed.

Furthermore, the LGU was also responsible for distributing wheelchairs to those in need. Surprisingly, those who received assistance were given walkers instead of wheelchairs. This prompted ybanez to gather the courage to file a complaint to address the irregularities occurring in their community.

The respondents include Clifford Quillicot - Municipal Budget Officer, Rito B. Abapo - Municipal Planning and Development Officer/BAC Vice Chairman, Jorge A. Arcaya - Municipal Agriculturist/BAC Chairman, Cristino C. Sister Jr. - Municipal Engineer/BAC Member, Ellson A. Calibo Jr. - ICO Municipal Treasurer/BAC Member, and Michael P. Araya - BAC Technical Working Group Member. Former Larena Mayor Dean Samson Villa's case is now being investigated via Sandiganbayan.

Mr. Eric Alberto, DITO Telecommunity Chief Executive Officer with Mr. Noel Manankil, LIPAD President and CEO during the ceremonial turnover of DITO’s WiFi services held on November 7.

DITO Telecommunity, in partnership with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, elevates the digital experience at Clark International Airport with a PHP 50 million investment in high-speed Wi-Fi services for the next two years. This collaboration aligns with the airport's vision of becoming a world-class air gateway by providing passengers and stakeholders with reliable high-speed internet connectivity powered by DITO's 5G infrastructure.

With the launch of DITO’s free Wi-Fi at Clark International Airport, passengers can experience secure, seamless, and optimized use of fast internet access, letting them stay connected, stream content, and work efficiently before boarding their flights. This connectivity supports the airport's mission to provide domestic and international passengers with a globally competitive travel experience.

Mr. Eric Alberto with Mr. Noel Manankil

(L-R) DITO Executives, Ret. Maj. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Office-Enterprise; Mr. Eric Alberto, CEO of DITO Telecommunity with LIPAD Executives, Mr. Noel Manankil, President and CEO, Ms. Gina Gopez, Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Evangeline Tejada, Vice President, and Mr. Dante Basanta, Head of Operations.

Mr. Eric Alberto poses as Clark International Airport is now powered by DITO Telecommunity

Eric Alberto, President and CEO of DITO Telecommunity, shared, "At DITO, we are driven by a vision of a brighter future for the Filipino people, powered by our 5G technology. We now serve millions of Filipinos and actively engage in community-building efforts, government programs, and cultural celebrations nationwide. Adding to this mission is to ensure we also provide convenient and accessible internet access to tourism gateways in the country. This partnership with Clark International Airport symbolizes our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing what we can achieve when we unite our strengths."

DITO working tables inside Clark International Airport where passengers can freely work and charge while waiting for their flights.

To further elevate passengers' experience, DITO deploys working tables, charging stations, and SIM vending machines at key locations inside the airport. Working tables are equipped with charging stations that allow passengers to charge their devices while relaxing or working on the go. Kiosk-type charging stations offer quick and accessible solutions for passengers needing a battery boost for their travels, while SIM card vending machines are also available for travelers to easily purchase DITO SIM cards for reliable connectivity upon arrival.

DITO’s live speedtest at Clark Airport with speeds of nearly 150Mbps.

As the travel and tourism industry steadily recovers from the pandemic, DITO is committed to improving services for Filipinos and welcoming tourists to the country. In 2022, Clark International Airport recorded 629,000 international tourists and 140,000 domestic passengers, highlighting its role as a key regional transport hub. This year, the total passenger count is already at 948,608 for the first half and is expected to reach 2 million by year-end.

DITO Telecommunity executives at one of the DITO working stations inside Clark International Airport

By making the internet accessible and inclusive, DITO helps welcome visitors to the Philippines, contributing to the nation's advancement and supporting the growth of the tourism industry. This partnership also indicates DITO's dedication to backing the country's economic progress and recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we look ahead, DITO remains committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing meaningfully to the betterment of our nation. Our focus will always be on empowering our fellow Filipinos and ensuring that we uplift our country together. Thank you once again for joining us today as we begin this exciting new chapter. Together, let us embrace the power of connectivity and pave the way for a brighter future for all," Alberto concluded.

DITO is still the #1 Rated Mobile Network in the Philippines based on Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data analysis from Q3-Q4 2024 and Q1-Q2 2024.

For more details about DITO Telecommunity, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or visit https://dito.ph/.