Ortigas Malls Media Alerts: Holy Week, Ortigas Malls store hours

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 In observance of Holy Week, Ortigas Malls store hours are as follows:

From April 3 to 5, Greenhills Mall will be open from 10am to 8pm, Tiendesitas will be from 10am to 9pm, and Estancia will be from 11am to 9pm. All three malls will be closed on Maundy Thursday (April 6) and Good Friday (April 7).

The malls will open again at regular hours on Black Saturday (April 8) and Easter Sunday (April 9).

Check Ortigas Malls’ Holy Week schedule below:

For more details, visit the social media pages of Greenhills Mall, Tiendesitas, and Estancia. Download the Ortigas Malls app to find out more about upcoming events, and sign up for the Ortigas Community Card for exciting perks.

Spend Easter Break at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas

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Holy Week is the perfect time to rest and spend time with family, and what can be more relaxing than staying in the city away from the crowded beaches and packed roads to out-of-town hotspots. At the center of the metro within the accessible Ortigas Center is Richmonde Hotel Ortigas which offers local staycationers a soothing sanctuary at special rates for an easy and affordable urban getaway.

Easter Break Escape Rates are available from April 1 to 10, 2023 starting at

PhP 3,400 nett per night for a 2-night stay, and PhP 3,500 nett for an overnight stay.

Available from April 1 to 10, 2023, Richmonde’s Easter Break Escape Room Package provides guests with a soothing sojourn for as low as PhP 3,400 nett per night if staying for two or more nights. Overnight rates are also reasonable priced starting at PhP 3,500 nett for Sunday to Thursday stays and PhP 3,700 nett for Friday & Saturday check-ins. For rates that come with daily breakfast buffet for up to two adults and two children aged 5 years old and below, rates begin at PhP 4,200 nett per night for a minimum of 2 nights, PhP 4,300 nett and PhP 4,500 nett for nightly stays from Sunday to Thursday and Friday to Saturday, respectively.

All guests also get complimentary use of the Health Club’s gym and heated indoor pool, scheduled afternoon snacks at the café and lemonade at the pool area on April 6, 7 & 8. And for the convenience of in-house guests on April 9, an Easter Sunday mass will be celebrated at the 3rd floor function rooms at 10:30am.

Savor the fresh and delicate flavors of Richmonde Café’s Seafood Specials featuring grilled marlin, sous vid black cod, and salmon teriyaki.

RHO Seafood Specials_Black Cod

RHO Seafood Specials_Grilled Blue Marlin

RHO Seafood Specials_Salmon Teriyaki

For guilt-free indulgences this Lent and the summer season, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Richmonde Café, introduces new seafood specials featuring fresh and healthy pescatarian dishes like grilled blue marlin (PhP 810nett), sous vid black cod (PhP 940nett), and salmon teriyaki (PhP 865nett). These delightful entrées are available for a la carte orders the whole month of April.

For bookings and inquiries, call Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. You may also call or message via mobile/Viber 0917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) and 0917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café).

As the initial venture of leading real estate company, Megaworld Corporation, into the hospitality business, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is a proud local brand that opened in 1999 at the heart of the then-burgeoning Ortigas Center. It is now a member of the steadily growing stable of homegrown brands under the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts group. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph and for the latest news on the hotel, follow @RichmondeHotelOrtigas on Facebook and Instagram.

Earth Hour 2023 unites more than 60 NGOs, NGAs and LGUs to give the biggest hour for Earth

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The celebration of Earth Hour 2023 in the Philippines was a success, with iconic landmarks, local governments, and businesses across the country participating in the switch-off.

A T-rex hugs the “60” Earth Hour logo in front of the Manuel Quezon Memorial just before the lights were switched off for WWF-Philippines Earth Hour celebration last March 25, 2023.

Credit: WWF-Philippines/Alo Lantin

Earth Hour is an annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) that encourages people to turn off their lights for an hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. This global movement aims to raise awareness about climate change and the need for urgent action to mitigate its impacts. The event also seeks to highlight the value of nature as climate’s secret ally and the halting of biodiversity loss as one of the organization’s critical advocacies.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) measured a total nationwide drop in electricity grid load of 62.68 megawatts (MW) during Earth Hour. Luzon saw the most significant drop with 33.28 MW, while Visayas and Mindanao saw load drops of 20.5 MW and 8.9 MW, respectively. To put this into perspective, a small household can consume around 150 to 250 kilowatts in a month, making the energy saved during Earth Hour equivalent to 250 to 418 small households not consuming electricity for a whole month.

“We see how much Filipinos care about the planet because of their consistent annual participation in Earth Hour. Each person’s contribution adds up to the bigger goal of reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels,” Earth Hour Philippines National Director Atty. Angela Consuelo Ibay said.

“Now that Filipinos have taken the first step of switching off their lights, it’s time to keep going by going beyond the hour. We need more people to support environmental efforts whether it is in reducing plastic waste, promoting renewable energy, and eating and living sustainably,” she added.

Atty. Ibay explained that switching off the lights for one hour is just a small act for one person, but when millions of people do it, it adds up to significant savings in terms of energy usage. She said that the switch-off is simply the first step to becoming more aware of our individual roles in protecting the environment.

Members of The Scouts of the Philippines and parkgoers write their pledges for nature and the environment on the freedom wall during the annual celebration of Earth Hour on March 25, 2023..

Credit: WWF-Philippines/Janine Peralta

A cyclist and fitness enthusiast signs up for the Earth Hour Virtual Run in the WWF-Philippines booth at the Earth Hour Sustainability Fair.

Credit: WWF-Philippines/Janine Peralta

WWF-Philippines’ Earth Hour in-person program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle was hosted by WWF-Philippines ambassadors Janine Gutierrez, Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Karen Ibasco.

Credit: WWF-Philippines/Janine Peralta

This year’s Earth Hour was held on March 25 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and was attended by an estimated 1,200 people, according to the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety. The event was marked by a series of activities, including a sustainability fair, a symbolic run for the Earth, and musical entertainment by local artists.

"It only takes 60 minutes to do good for our future, 60 minutes to take notice and commit to saving Mother Nature, to be united and take action because together nothing is impossible,” the President said in a video statement. "Let's switch off and give Mother Nature 60 minutes to breathe," he added.

In the previous year’s Earth Hour celebration, the total load drop measured was 65.32 MW for the entire country with the largest savings of 35.26 MW from Luzon, followed by 15.3 MW for Mindanao, and 14.76 MW for Visayas.

Since the first Earth Hour in 2007 in Australia, millions of people participate every year in Earth Hour from various sectors, groups, and parts of the world, making it an authentic movement of humanity for the environment. The Philippines joined the global movement in 2008. The yearly global switching off of lights is observed from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, where over 190 countries around the world joined in as part of this one-of-a-kind global grassroots movement for nature.

The Quezon City Memorial Circle monument, which usually flashes multiple colors, shuts off its lights during Earth Hour   (Credit: WWF-Philippines/Alo Lantin)

Earth Hour 2023 is co-presented by Quezon City Government, together with our Official Communications and PR Partner, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises; media partners The Philippine Star, GMA, Radyo Veritas, and Globaltronics; promotional partners Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines, Leo Burnett, and GCash; marketing partners Salad Stop, Coca-Cola, SSI Group, Inc., Epson Philippines, Sun Life Foundation, Booths & Partners, Ayala Malls, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; and community partners Save the Children, Oxfam Pilipinas, World Vision, United Nations Development Programme, International Organization for Migration, Association of Young Environmental Journalists, The Asia Foundation, De La Salle University and Philippine Scouts.

The following government offices support this event: the Department of Energy, Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, League of Cities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, Department of Agriculture, Court of Appeals, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Parks Development Committee, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Governance, Laguna Lake Development Authority.

The success of the Earth Hour event in the Philippines serves as an inspiration to other countries in the region and around the world. It shows that by working together, we can make a difference in our planet's future.

The Night Agent accepts its next mission: Season 2

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Netflix renews The Night Agent for a second season consisting of 10 episodes. The series, which is produced by Sony Pictures Television Studios, premiered on March 23, 2023, and immediately reached Netflix’s Top 10. The series debuted in the #1 spot on the English TV List with 168.71M hours viewed, making it the most viewed title this week. The action-thriller ranks #3 for premiere week of viewing across all Season 1 TV and appeared in the Top 10 in 93 countries. 

Creator / Showrunner / Executive Producer: Shawn Ryan (The Shield, S.W.A.T.) with MiddKid Productions.

Executive Producers from the first season also include Marney Hochman with MiddKid Productions; Seth Gordon and Julia Gunn with Exhibit A; Jamie Vanderbilt, William Sherak, Paul Neinstein and Nicole Tossou with Project X; and David Beaubaire with Sunset Lane Media.

Season 1 Logline: Based on the novel by Matthew Quirk, The Night Agent is a sophisticated, character-based, action-thriller centering on a low level FBI Agent who works in the basement of the White House, manning a phone that never rings -- until the night that it does, propelling him into a fast moving and dangerous conspiracy that ultimately leads all the way to the Oval Office.

QUOTES:

• Shawn Ryan,  Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, The Night Agent: “The last week has been a whirlwind as we've finally been able to share The Night Agent with the world. To see the tremendous reaction to the show has been a great joy and is a credit to our cast, our writers, our directors, our crew and our partners at Sony Pictures Television and Netflix. We couldn't be any prouder or more excited to get cracking on Season 2 to share the further adventures of Night Action with our newfound fans.”

• Jinny Howe, Vice President of Drama Series, Netflix: “We’re proud to see The Night Agent deliver a breakout performance and become instantly embraced around the world. Shawn Ryan has created a spy thriller sensation that viewers cannot get enough of, with a stellar cast featuring Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan and Hong Chau, and we’re here to bring them more of the action and suspense they love.”

• Katherine Pope, President of Sony Pictures Television: “We are thrilled to see The Night Agent become an instant global sensation and can’t wait to continue telling this story with our remarkable cast, creative leader, Shawn Ryan and our wonderful partners at Netflix.”

GCash FutureCast Introduces 10 New Innovations That Bring The Future Of Fintech To All Filipinos

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GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App with over 79 million users who enjoy fast, safe, and convenient transactions online. Based on Data.ai, a reputable 3rd party platform, GCash is the #1 Finance Super App in the country with the most downloads, the highest Monthly Active Users, and even the highest Daily Active Users, as GCash is now part of their daily routines.

GCash FutureCast 2023: The Future of Fintech

First launched as an SMS platform in 2005 and later as a super app in 2012, 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.

At this year’s #GCashFutureCast event, GCash ushered in the future of Fintech through 10 ground-breaking innovations for every Filipino.

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.'s (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.

Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer for GCash 

Michelle Fernandez, GCash Head of Digital Experience introducing the brands new GChat feature 

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.

Sharing in the celebration for GCash’s 10 new groundbreaking innovations: GCash Head of Growth Marketing Fe Olivia Mir, GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad, GCash Chief Technology & Operations Officer Pebbles Sy, GCash Endorser - Joshua Garcia, GCash Chief Executive Officer Martha Sazon and GCash Head of New Business Winsley Bangit 

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 CEO Martha Sazon introducing GCash as the country’s #1 Finance Super App 

with over 79 million users 

At the FutureCast event, GCash CEO Martha Sazon said, “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.” 

Complete your Summer checklist this 4.4 Sale: Up to Php 1,500 discount on HONOR gadgets!

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Hurry! HONOR is throwing away up to Php 1,500 discount, exclusive bundles, and free shipping nationwide on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok!

Leading smart devices provider in the Philippines, HONOR, has dropped their much-anticipated deals for the 4.4 Sale on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok including the all-new DSLR Smartphone HONOR X8a. Up to Php 1,500 worth of discounts are up for grabs with exciting bundles and free shipping nationwide.

“As you plan your summer trips this year, it’s important that the gadgets you’ll be bringing can help elevate your well-deserved vacation. Need a DSLR-like smartphone, HONOR X8a is for you. Long battery life? HONOR X7a can last you up to three days. If you are worried that you will continuously drop your phone during your travel, try our HONOR X9a 5G. And if you have a long trip planned, we have our HONOR MagicBook X laptops and HONOR Pad 8 perfect for your work requirements,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

With HONOR, you can always stay connected! Get a FREE Magic Keyboard worth Php 5,990 when you buy an HONOR Pad 8 while you can get a FREE Premium HONOR bag and Bluetooth Speaker worth Php 7,000 for every purchase of HONOR MagicBook X 14 or HONOR MagicBook X 15.

Hop on the train of HONOR’s viral phones! Get HONOR X9a 5G and receive a FREE Premium HONOR Speaker worth Php 3,999 while you will get a FREE HONOR Band 6 worth Php 1,990 when you treat yourself an HONOR 70 5G.

Get these and up to Php 1,500 worth of discounts with exclusive bundles and FREE shipping nationwide during the 4.4 Sale on Lazada (https://bit.ly/3ZsS0Jx) from April 1 to 8, and on Shopee (https://bit.ly/3J1Zv5n) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/3IMaizo) from April 4 to 6, 2023. Freebies are subject to availability and will be on a first come, first served basis.

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

Start your day with a hint of Japanese authenticity!

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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!

Manny Pacquiao and Hidilyn Diaz dared one another at the Alaxan Showdown of the Year, share trusted companion in their triumphs through the years

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Notwithstanding difficulties as world-renowned athletes, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz showcased their determination as they challenged one another at the recent Alaxan’s Showdown of the Year held at the Unilab Bayanihan Center.

To celebrate the coming together of Pacquiao and Diaz for Alaxan FR, the duo challenged each other by switching roles—Diaz challenged Pacquiao to lift weights while Pacquiao dared Diaz to spar. Aside from the challenges, the top-notch athletes also shared about their recent professional and personal endeavors and reveals their companion in their triumphs through the years.

Together with the pain relief medicine brand Alaxan FR, Pacquiao and Diaz, aim to empower hardworking Filipinos–the everyday champions–who continuously persevere and push their limits to achieve their goals and aspirations.

Moreover, as they continue honing their craft to level up with their respective sports, Pacquiao and Diaz, likewise demonstrate the same passion in their other endeavors.

Pacquiao recently unveiled his housing project called “Pacman Village” in Saranggani Province after he was named "ambassador for the homeless and vulnerable" by international organization Spring Rain Global. He is also dedicating his time in supporting young boxers including Mark Magsayo who held the WBC featherweight title in 2022. Pacquiao juggles these social projects with his training as he gears up for an upcoming match this 2023 in Japan.

Hidilyn Diaz, on the other hand, is undergoing rigorous training as she transitions to the 59-kg division for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics in her attempt to defend the gold after snatching it in the last Olympics in 2020. Named the Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), Hidilyn strives to promote weightlifting and empower young aspiring athletes, especially women, to reach their dreams.

While busy with both professional and personal ventures, Pacquiao and Diaz ensure they are accompanied by their tried and tested pain relief partner which helps them focus on being champions without worrying about body pains and without fear of any serious side effect.

Since 2001, Pacquiao has been taking Alaxan FR in fighting body pains not only from trainings but also from his non-athletic activities and endeavors.

“Alaxan FR ang naging kaagapay ko for the past 22 years. Ngayong 44 years old na ako, masasabi kong malusog at malakas pa rin ako, at ‘di ako nangangamba kapag nakararanas ng sakit ng katawan dahil sinusunod ko ang correct dose,” Pacquiao shared.

[Alaxan FR has been a reliable companion for the past 22 years. Now that I am 44 years old, I could say that I am perfectly healthy and have nothing to worry about when experiencing and treating my body pain because I always follow the correct dose.]

“Kilala ang mga Pinoy bilang masisipag kaya talagang isinasabuhay ko ‘to hanggang ngayon. Kapag weightlifter ka, hindi talaga maiiwasan ‘yong sakit ng katawan. I’m sure marami rin sa atin ang nakakaranas ng ganito sa araw-araw kaya importante na mayroong trusted companion gaya ng Alaxan na tumutulong labanan ang body pain at magpatuloy sa laban,” Diaz said.

[Filipinos are known for being hard-working and it is a value that I always keep in mind until now. As a professional weightlifter, body pains are inevitable. I’m sure many of us also experience this in our daily lives so it’s important to have a trusted companion like Alaxan that will help us beat body pains and continue moving forward.]

Trusted by many Filipinos for 50 years, Alaxan has not caused serious side effects with regard to taking this pain relief medicine. That is because it combined a lower level of Ibuprofen & Paracetamol (200mg Ibuprofen and 325mg Paracetamol). In fact, in a systematic analysis done by Cochrane in 2015, they found that “there were fewer side effects for people taking ibuprofen plus paracetamol than those taking placebo (a pretend treatment).” The study highlighted only Ibuprofen Paracetamol as having a good safety profile among all other common pain medicines that were included in the study.

“Pacquiao and Hidilyn have been icons and testaments that attaining your dreams is possible through determination. We’re very honored to have these champions who are very discerning about their health trust Alaxan, and we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve bigger things in life and in their career without worrying about body pains,” said Valerie Ifurung-Siquian from UNILAB Consumer Health.

For more information about Alaxan FR, visit their Facebook Page at @AlaxanFastRelief or visit their website: more about Alaxan. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Flying Towards Recovery: Philippine Airlines Marks 82nd Anniversary with hopeful promise

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Manila, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) celebrates its 82nd anniversary with a heartfelt video highlighting the airline’s resilience and commitment to the Filipino people amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

The flag carrier marked its 82nd year in the midst of a recovery journey and is keen on further improving its services and enhancing the travel experience of its valued customers.

The anniversary video features PAL’s employees and frontliners who have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of its passengers despite the hurdles in the past two years. The video also showcased the airline’s efforts in transporting vaccines and connecting Filipinos across the world during these trying times.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for the continued support of our customers who have stood by us during these challenging times. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our ability to continue providing safe and reliable services amidst the pandemic,” says PAL’s director Lucio Tan III.

In line with its commitment to its customers, PAL has also announced its plans for the future. The national flag carrier is gearing up to expand its fleet amid the projected growth in passenger volume. PAL is also preparing to expand its route network and introduce new service innovations.

"At PAL, we remain committed to providing our passengers with world-class travel experiences. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we undergo improvements and innovations in the coming months that will allow us to further elevate our services.," stated PAL President and COO, Captain Stanley Ng.

Pocketful of Sunshine: Inspiration through flight, photography

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SM Cares recently helped bring smiles to 31 pediatric patients afflicted with cancer and other chronic illnesses by supporting the Angeles City Flying Club's (ACFC) event "Pocketful of Sunshine," which treated the patients to a whole day of fun activities. The event was held last March 19 at the Angeles City Flying Club's base, Woodland Airpark, in Magalang, Pampanga.

"Pocketful of Sunshine" was led by the Angeles City Flying Club, a non-profit flying club and school established in 1993 that aims to promote recreational ultralight aviation among Filipinos. It was supported by SM Cares, with participation from photography advocacy group FOTOKLASE, Fujifilm Philippines' volunteer photographers, and UP Aviation Society, among others organizations.

All of the participants were from the Kythe Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve the quality of life for hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. Activities included ultralight and Cessna plane flying together with trained pilots, treasure hunting, kite flying, arts and crafts, and a candy drop on the runway.

In previous years, the ACFC together with the late Adphoto, Inc. founder and ACFC member John Chua held similar projects to share their love for aviation with children who are disadvantaged. A professional photographer himself, Chua also began his advocacy Photography with a Difference in 2010 with SM Cares as a partner, as a way to inspire people with disabilities through photography. Chua’s advocacy aligns with SM Cares’ advocacy of uplifting the lives of persons with disabilities, and after every successful program, a Photography with a Difference exhibit happens in a nearby SM mall.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the company's Program on Children and Youth, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, PWDs, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Introducing Petron’s Best Motorcycle Engine Oil, Petron Sprint 4T HTP!

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Industry leader Petron Corporation showcased its top-of-the-line Petron Sprint 4T HTP motorcycle engine oil at the 15th Inside Racing Bike Festival and Trade Show at the World Trade Center, Pasay City Manila from March 24-26, 2023.

Visitors to the Petron booth learned more about the Petron Sprint 4T HTP (High Temperature Protection) Fully Synthetic SAE10W40 Motorcycle Oil, particularly its advanced Thermal Control System (TCS) additive technology that enhances the oil’s thermal endurance, volatility profile, and oxidation stability. The Petron Sprint 4T HTP is the perfect match for top-of-the-line, high-performance machines such as big bikes, sports bikes, and adventure bikes.

If you’re looking for the ultimate performance, you can ‘Upgrade Your Ride From The Inside’ with Petron 4T HTP as it enhances gear and engine protection, delivers proactive cleaning power, and ensures reliable heat resistance even in extreme driving conditions. For the discerning rider who understands how to get the most out of his motorcycle engine, Petron Sprint 4T HTP offers the best defense against corrosion and engine stress.

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts at the 15th Inside Racing Bike Festival dropped by the Petron booth for a closer look at Petron’s best motorcycle engine oil, specially formulated for modern, high-performance motorcycles under extreme riding conditions, and is suitable for use in both air-cooled and liquid-cooled four-stroke motorcycle engines.

Petron Sprint 4T HTP is now available in Petron stations and retail outlets nationwide, as well as on e-commerce platforms Shopee and Lazada.

Gigacover: Bringing insurance closer to MSMEs through insurtech

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Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.6% of business in the Philippines, employing around 63% of the country's workforce. Despite its significant contribution to the economy, MSMEs often lack insurance, leaving both employers and employees vulnerable to risks in times of emergency.

This is not to say that MSMEs do not care for insurance. A recent study by Manulife found 36% of small business owners in the Philippines found medical, health, or accident insurance a top priority among financial products. Entrepreneurs in this sector are interested in financial protection products but find them unaffordable and complex.

Gigacover, a regional insurtech firm, shared insights on the fundamental ways technology can change traditional insurance for MSMEs, including tailored-fit digital policies that are more affordable and simple to use.

Rise of digital insurance offers competitive protection for the underinsured

Digital insurance can pave the way for more accessible and affordable policies. These solutions can be more adaptable to the demands of MSME workers and offer reduced premiums by providing coverage for a particular need and making distribution entirely online.

Insurtechs are also better equipped to develop insurance products that are not being addressed by insurers for several reasons, including lack of data for risk assessment, bureaucratic structure, and regulatory constraints, among others. For instance, as ride-sharing and car-sharing businesses flourished, motor accident risks increased. Gigacover’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) product suite helps drivers reduce accident liabilities, improving their financial security.

Seamless management of insurance in unified platform

Customers don't always know when to use insurance products, therefore MSMEs should review their policies on a regular basis to make sure they are valid when the time comes. Analyzing existing policies will also help entrepreneurs better understand new uncovered risks as the business scales up.

However, basic tasks such as reviewing benefits, claims filing, and other processes conventionally require assistance from insurance agents. Gigacover helps companies better administer their insurance through online applications where key processes such as viewing policy information and editing subsidy caps can be done to help businesses act more quickly on their needs. The technology behind it plugs in insurers, lenders, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) into the unified platform for easy access and administration.

Simplifying claims settlement through AI and big data

One of the most innovative ways insurtech is disrupting the insurance industry is by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help insurers analyze big data and identify risks quickly and accurately. As a result, risk assessment and management strategies become smart and impartial.

Gigacover’s system is able to extract data from claims documents and images, calculate and check against limits, detect potential fraud and also decide if advance claims payouts can be done for specific customer groups. This yields higher client satisfaction and also lower loss ratios for the insurers.

Amerson Lin, Co-Founder and CEO of Gigacover, shared, “By addressing the complexity and high costs associated with insurance, we make insurance more accessible to more Filipino MSMEs. We champion financial inclusion for MSMEs because protecting the vulnerable workers in this sector from health and income risks also financially protects the company, enabling MSMEs to grow sustainably and contribute to improved economic development.”

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About Gigacover

Gigacover was founded in 2017 in Singapore to build digital insurance programs for emerging segments. These include the gig/freelance industry, the mobility sector and now tech companies. Gigacover launched the region's first income protection insurance to meet the needs of the gig economy and then collision damage waiver for the mobility industry. Through technology and data, Gigacover automates distribution, administration and generates insights for risk management in order to bring flexible, affordable and portable benefits to its users. As of 2023, Gigacover has presence in Singapore and the Philippines and is backed by Vectr Fintech Partners, Quest Venture Partners, Alto Partners, M Venture Partners and Farsight Capital.

For more information, please visit: https://gigacover.com