Cruising the high seas in effortless indulgence

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The majestic SuperStar Virgo will make Manila its homeport from March to May. The cruise ship offers travellers a visa-free way to visit cities in Taiwan and southern Japan.

With the gentle swaying of the sea that seems to lullabyits passengers, a timely cruise can bring a much-needed calmness, even to the weariest of travellers. Days full of exciting possibilities with nowhere to be, no one to see, and best of all, no distractions - a complete cruise-cation to celebrate life.

In the past decade, cruises have become one of the most popular ways to relax and see the beauty this world has to offer. With its unique destinations, cost-efficient rates, and state-of-the-art ships, it comes as no surprise that cruising continues to gain popularity, especially among Filipinos.

This year, Star Cruises announced that its 269-meter cruise ship, SuperStar Virgo, will homeport again in Manila for the summer months from March to May. With absolutely no visa requirements, the 6-night SuperStar Virgo cruise offers two travel destination packages. The first package will start at the Manila port then a day will be spent on the high seas. The next two days will be dedicated to seeing Naha in Japan,and Keelung in Taiwan. The fifth day will be on the high seas again, and then the cruise will head back to Manila on the sixth day.

The second destination package starts at the Manila port followed by a day cruising the high seas on the way to Ishigaki, Japan, on the third day. The fourth day will be spent seeing the beauty of Keelung, Taiwan, then to the high seas on the fifth day, and then back to Manila on the sixth day.

Besides the great destinations, and interesting land tours, a lot of people miss out on the fact that the SuperStar Virgo is itself,a giant floating destination. Packed with entertainment facilities, exquisite dining outlets, and duty-free shopping, the cruise ship has just about anything one could ever need or want.

The nightly live performances on the SuperStar Virgo showcases some of the world’sbest singers, acrobats, and magicians, set to tickle ones imagination. What’s more,the cruise offers various options and thematic activities fit for the whole family, not to mention, the wide range of dining outlets, retail shops, relaxation, and entertainment facilities.

The huge pool and giant slide continues to be a top favourite of passengers. Imagine sliding and splashing in the pool on top of a cruise ship, right in the middle of the ocean. And what better way to enjoy an unobstructed view of the perfect sunset gracefully going down the horizon, then to see it on the viewing deck.

Cruising offers the perfect vantage points to take photos of the endless sea complimented by the clear blue sky. It features an unspoiledcanvass showcasing the breath-taking magnificence of nature’s beauty. Savor the various sights, sounds, and even the smell of crisp clean air over a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee, while basking in sweet retreat, solitude, and surrender.

Catch exclusive offers forthe 3rd and 4thpassengerfor free, if booking is for the Inside State Room, Ocean View State Room, or the Balcony State Room on March 30, April 14, 19, and24, and on May 4, 14, and29, 2018. There is also a free balcony upgrade during the mid-season sailing.

A 20% additional Senior Citizen discount will likewise be offered on April 14, 19, 24 and on May 4, 14, and 29, 2018.Avail of other special promos including the “Cruise One, Take One” two-for-one summer promo, a 2-night Manila high seas cruise, scheduled from March 3-5, 2018.For inquiries, call (02) 8366080 or visit www.starcruises.com.

Aga Muhlach and family do again “Isa pang Chickenjoy!”

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The Muhlachs are back again for “Isa pang Chickenjoy!” 

For the Muhlachs—a prominent celebrity family consisting of Aga, Charlene, and their twins Atasha and Andres  there is only one brand that comes to mind when you talk about fried chicken: Jollibee Chickenjoy.

Aga Muhlach talks about his experience as Jollibee’s Chickenjoy endorser.

Last Sunday at the media conference, Aga shared how the twins have grown and how the whole family shared many happy moments with Jollibee. Aga and family recount how long the fastfood has been part of their lives.

Aga shared why Jollibee Chickenjoy will always be his family’s favorite fried chicken. The Muhlach's presents epic flashback. Twelve years after they all starred in their first Jollibee commercial as a family back in Christmas 2006, the first commercial endorsement of the twins who were 4 years old at the time and rarely seen in public.

From L to R: Jollibee Brand PR and Engagement Specialist Celina Tan; Assistant Brand Manager Shaun Si; Marketing Director for Flagship Products Cathleen Capati; Global Chief Marketing Officer and Philippines Head of Marketing Francis Flores; Aga, Charlene, Atasha and Andres Muhlach; Senior Brand Manager for Chickenjoy Joseph Aruta; Assistant Brand Manager Pamie Cruz; and Brand PR and Engagement Manager Cat Triviño.

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food brand has always been known for its wide variety of offerings. They have delighted taste buds and captured the hearts of Filipino diners for four decades now. Of course, the most famous offering is Chickenjoy: a crispylicious, juicylicious, gravylicious favorite that continues to thrill Filipinos of all ages, across different generations.

The Muhlachs along with scores of Filipino families all over the country and the world, consider Chickenjoy as the delicious centerpiece to countless bonding moments.

The latest Chickenjoy TV commercial, which started airing in January 2018, brings another side of the Muhlach family to the fore. In this ad, Aga reminisces key moments in his life as he remembers how Chickenjoy has been a huge part of their family bonding moments through the years.

Like any other family, the Muhlachs treat mealtime as a perfect opportunity for fun family bonding; and as a way to celebrate each other’s company with a favorite they have grown to love through the years.

‘Mula noon, hanggang ngayon’

The new Chickenjoy ad is more of a reunion for the Muhlachs’ with the 40-year-old homegrown fast-food brand. Aga—with his matinee idol looks and signature dimples—has always been closely associated with Chickenjoy through a series of fun, memorable commercials for Jollibee. This dates back from his bachelor days up to today as he has grown into an upstanding family man.

“Talagang mula noon, hanggang ngayon, Chickenjoy has been a constant presence in my life,” Aga shared. “Not only because of all the projects I did with Jollibee, but because it really is my favorite fried chicken. From the crispylicious skin to the juicylicious, malinamnam meat that you dip in the gravy, Chickenjoy really hits the spot when it comes to flavor na ‘di ko malilimutan.”

This love for Chickenjoy is something that the actor has shared with his family up to now with the teenage Atasha and Andres, who also appeared in several Chickenjoy commercials as young children.

“And the twins really do the ‘isa pa! isa pang Chickenjoy’ thing because they really love (the product). They grew up with Chickenjoy, and they know that when it comes to fried chicken, talaga namang best sa sarap ang Chickenjoy,” he added.

“Throughout the years, Chickenjoy has always been a classic favorite for many Pinoy families because of the unparalleled flavor and dining experience it delivers,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee Marketing Director for Flagship Products. “The love for our crispylicious, juicylicious, and gravylicious offering is something that one grows up with, and is eventually passed on to the younger generation, like with Aga and his family. This tradition of heartwarming family moments made even more joyful with Chickenjoy is something that we at Jollibee hope to encourage and foster for the years to come.”

Like the Muhlachs, celebrate family bonding time with a time-tested classic from Jollibee! Savor every crispylicious and juicylicious bite of Chickenjoy today, available for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru in all Jollibee stores nationwide.

For more information on Jollibee’s latest products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Muhlach twins Atasha and Andres talk about their fondest Jollibee memories as children.

Jollibee Senior Brand Manager for Chickenjoy Joseph Aruta talks about how the reunion of Jollibee and the Muhlachs perfectly celebrates the fast-food giant’s 40th anniversary this 2018.

The Muhlachs singing "isa pa, isa pang, Chicken Joy" - a line all of us have chanted. 

South Star Drug now accepts GCash in Metro Manila outlets

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South Star Drug, one of the biggest drugstore chains in the Philippines, becomes the first drugstore in Metro Manila that allows customers to purchase medicines and other items using GCash scan to pay mode of payment.

From L-R:  Christine Tueres, South Star Drug Deputy General Manager; Robina Gokongwei, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President & COO; Anthony Thomas, Mynt President and CEO: Luigi Reyes, Mynt VP for Business Development; Dahlia Dy, South Star Drug Managing Director; Thaddeus Sanchez, South Star Drug AVP for Operations; and Manuel Dy, South Star Drug SVP for Business Development.

The medicine retailer has over 450 stores nationwide and still growing.  The use of GCash in South Star Drug’s Metro Manila outlets is being piloted in six branches – two in Pasig (C. Raymundo cor. F. Legaspi, Dr. Sixto Ave.), two in Makati (Herrera, Guadalupe Unimec), one in Pasay (Balabag Merville), and one in Las Pinas (Philamlife).  By end of the year, all South Star Drug outlets are expected to accept GCash scan to pay.

GCash is being operated by Mynt which is owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial and Ayala Corp. “Mynt’s partnership with South Star Drug is part of our company’s efforts to make payments more convenient, safer and easier.  This brings us another step closer to our goal of making the Philippines a cashless country,” says Anthony Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mynt.

Christine Tueres, General Manager of South Star Drug said:  "South Star is always working to improve customer experience and find ways of doing things better - that includes giving our customers more payment options. With GCash QR code feature, even without cash or credit card, our customers can make a purchase in any of our stores with just a few taps on their smart phones". 

Using GCash is easy.  A customer with an iPhone or an Android smartphone only needs to download or update to the latest version of the GCash App, register for an account, and fund  their GCash wallet at any of over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets nationwide. This includes Robinsons Business Centers. Once done, the customer just has to tap on Scan QR, point a phone’s camera at the partner’s QR code, and key in the amount to be paid.

Blue Ant Entertainment celebrates good fortune and prosperity with lunar New Year Weekend Special

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The coming Lunar New Year is set to bring another round of fun, food, and fireworks to welcome good luck and prosperity as lion and dragon dances parade the streets. To heighten the festivities, Blue Ant Entertainment is lining up exciting and exclusive shows from February 16, Friday starting 11:30AM, to February 18, Sunday, to kick off the Year of the Dog with the best television has to offer.

Red Carpet Glamour

Can’t get enough of lucky color red this Lunar New Year? Revisit the glitz and glamour of the red carpet at the encore of the 75th Golden Globes, along with stand-out moments at the stage of the 24th Screen Actors Guild Awards. Catch Hollywood’s finest as these accolades recognize the most outstanding actresses, actors, and performances of 2017.

Sing-Along Surprises

What’s a Lunar New Year celebration without music? Join today’s hottest artists including P!nk, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, and Sam Smith on a series of Carpool Karaoke sessions care of The Late Late Show with James Corden. Indulge in laughter on interviews with your favorite celebrities on top of other segments with the one and only, James Corden.

Hidden Talents Unleashed

A bit of thrill—and a few cringe-worthy moments—will surely add to the Lunar New Year excitement. Don’t miss the best, the worse, and the funniest acts from across the United States and throughout the world at the audition weekend marathon of America’s Got Talent Season 12.

Blue Ant Entertainment’s Lunar New Year Special starts at 11:30AM on February 16, Friday, and runs until February 18, Sunday. Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.

One Rewards Card: Limitless Possibilities

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Rewards programs are designed to create a mutually beneficial relationship between brand and customer.

In return for the customer’s continued patronage, they get rewarded in the form of points and perks. 0n the surface, it’s a win-win situation that many customers find value in. In fact, studies show that Filipinos keep up to 11 rewards cards in their wallets or purses to ensure that every purchases, whether groceries, pizza or coffee, counts.

The rewards programs being offered today award points that expire and provide a list of redemption partners.

Imagine a program with limitless possibilities no points expiring, no redemption venues and one that offers more than just rewards.

Be rewarded for paying your most important bills 

Earn points for paying something essential and inevitable like your monthly bills. And not just points – points AS GOOD AS CASH. It’s a simple yet innovative approach that goes beyond rewarding consumers, and now, it’s a reality.

Pioneered by the PLDT Group, MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Rewards is an innovative program that allows PLDT Home, Smart, Sun and Talk ‘n Text (TNT) customers to earn points that are good as cash just by paying for the basic necessities of modern day living – mobile and Internet. Points earned from different accounts are credited into the MVP Rewards Card powered by PayMaya. With this, customers can choose how they want to enjoy their rewards without ever having to worry about expiration dates. And because points are good as cash, it can be used to shop or dine locally and abroad.

“MVP Rewards is in a category of its own. We’ve taken what is best across industries and put it in one powerful program that offers more than just rewards. And the PLDT Group has the unique ability to provide this level of convergence owing to the breadth of our combined services.” – PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan

One wallet for all your points, the one card you need in your wallet

You can skip your frappuccino for a week or choose not to order pizza for a month. But can you imagine not being able to use your phone or the internet for a single day? Your monthly internet and phone bills are essential and non-negotiable.

Now, with MVP Rewards, if you’re a customer of PLDT Home, Smart or Sun postpaid, every time you pay IN FULL and ON TIME, you are immediately credited with points as GOOD AS CASH. Prepaid Smart, Sun and TNT customers, on the other hand, earn points every time they load up.

The more accounts you enroll in this program, the more points you get AUTOMATICALLY since earned points from each service of each company are credited and consolidated into one wallet.

More than just rewards

With the MVP Rewards program, you can shop or dine anywhere and at anytime you want, just like using a credit card or a debit card. That’s because the points you earn are as GOOD AS CASH and HAVE NO EXPIRATION DATE and the MVP card itself is powered by PayMaya.

This allows it to function as a prepaid card, which makes it your safest choice for shopping, both online and offline. Unlike credit cards, which rack up interest and debit cards, which are connected to your salary or personal savings account, the MVP Rewards Card can help you manage your expenses by loading ONLY WHAT YOU’RE WILLING TO SPEND. So if you’re going out of the country and you want to keep your shopping habits in check, you can conveniently use the card by loading it and by swiping as a VISA card.

You can even use the card to pay your toll fees. The MVP card also has Paywave function which means it can be used as ‘tap card’ when paying for toll fees in Cavitex.

Members get automatic perks and discounts

Just by being a member, you get instant perks.

For starters, customers enrolled in the program are automatically included in regular member-only raffle draws. Here you get a chance to win big rebates for your phone, cable, Internet, and utility bills!

Members also enjoy special discounts when they show their MVP card at various establishments nationwide including restaurants, fitness and wellness centers and retail outlets.

“MVP Rewards is a game-changer in the country’s rewards category. We made sure that the unique benefits and features of the program and the card are truly rewarding for our subscribers. This is only the beginning of a wider roll-out that will include a bigger membership base, more partners and more exciting perks.” – PLDT FVP and Group Head for Loyalty and Rewards Annette W. Tirol

Get your personalized card delivered to your door for free

Qualified subscribers who sign up for the MVP Rewards Card on or before February 28, 2018 will get their very own sleek black personalized card delivered right to their doorsteps for FREE.

MVP Rewards members can also earn more points as good as cash plus enjoy up to 15% savings if they subscribe to the PLDT Best Buy Bundle offer product bundles that enable subscribers to mix and match the best unlimited Internet service from PLDT Home Fibr, fastest LTE from Smart, and Cignal HD TV.

Sign up for your own MVP Rewards Card and enroll your PLDT Home, Smart, Sun and TNT accounts at www.mvprewards.ph.