With Freeniversaya: A FREEnet Concert , Voyager delivers a one-of-a-kind digital concert experience to Filipinos

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Since opening the doors of the digital life and rewards to users three years ago, freenet today continues to give access to the most exciting rewards and experiences to its users this time  through a one-of-a-kind digital concert extravaganza dubbed FREENIVERSAYA: A FREEnet Concert.   

In celebration of the 3rd anniversary of freenet, Voyager Innovations’ free internet and rewards platform, freenetizens were given free and exclusive access to an evening of music, prizes, and celebration at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last September 20. Concert-goers jammed to the hits of the country's biggest OPM artists today: Bamboo, KZ Tandingan, Moira Dela Torre, Shanti Dope, Gloc-9, Ben&Ben, and Hashtags, while Kaladkaren Davila and Luis Manzano brought the more saya by giving away lots of freebies and prizes to the thousands of fans in attendance. 

“We'd like to thank all the loyal and passionate freenet fans who joined us during the Freeniversaya: a FREEnet concert! This was a spectacular opportunity for us to give them a truly unique digital experience whether they were with us at the concert venue or even those who tuned in at home via Facebook Live. We hope all of them had fun listening to their favorite artists and getting all the free perks, because this is just the beginning of a free, fun, and rewarding life with freenet!" said Dindo Marzan, Managing Director for Marketing Technologies at Voyager Innovations.  

Complete Digital Experience 

The digital experience of freenetizens started with getting concert passes by redeeming desired tickets in the freenet shop using the freenet points they have collected over the past months. These points are earned once they complete in-app missions which include visiting sites, downloading apps, as well as referring their friends to freenet.   

During the concert, paying for food and drinks was also a breeze thanks to the quick and easy cashless transactions brought by PayMaya QR. Concert-goers were able to pay for refreshments from various merchants inside the venue using only the PayMaya app installed in their smartphones. Freenetizens who used PayMaya QR were not only able to pay conveniently, but they were also surprised with instant rebates ranging from P9 to P999 with just a minimum purchase of P99 at participating merchants during the concert.  

But the digital fun didn't stop at the concert venue, because freenetizens from all over the country were also given free access to the Freeniversaya experience through Facebook Live, so they can listen to the songs and jam to the hits of their favorite artists wherever they may be in the country, united under the hashtags #Freeniversaya and #GrabeAngSaya all throughout the night. 

Exciting perks and rewards 

But for those who were lucky enough to join the concert live on September 20, they were treated to an evening of not just musical spectacle, but exciting perks and rewards as well from freenet, PayMaya, Lendr, Smart Padala, and many other brands. 

For one, select freenetizens at the audience were able to join a special edition of the Dailygaya Raffle Promo where three lucky winners were each able to take home one of the following prizes: a brand-new Yamaha SZ16, roundtrip tickets for two to Taiwan, and 1 million freenet points, which the winner can use to redeem endless rewards at the freenet in-app shop including airtime load, data packages, gaming pins, and many more.  

In addition to this, three lucky freenetizens from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were also given the VVIP experience during the Freeniversaya concert complete with VVIP tickets plus a backstage tour before the show, hotel accommodations, as well as roundtrip tickets for two to those who live in the provinces. 

Throughout the night, freenetizens enjoyed one reward after another. Concert-goers were treated to an exclusive prepaid load flash sale courtesy of PayMaya. All PayMaya users were given 30 minutes to get a 100% cashback on their prepaid load purchases worth P20 via the PayMaya app. 

“I think it's an understatement that we really went all out in giving exclusive perks and prizes to all freenetizens during our anniversary concert.  We really want to drive home the message that it's really more fun and rewarding to be a freenet user. To our freenetizens, watch out as we have a lot in store for our dear community, ” added Heidi Garayblas, Associate Marketing Director at Voyager Innovations. 

Throughout its three years of giving a free and rewarding experience to more than 8 million Filipinos nationwide, freenet has definitely become one of the go-to apps of mobile Internet users, making it the top free lifestyle app and a consistent trending app in the same category on Google Play. 

To make sure you don't miss out on these exclusive perks, prizes, and even more surprises, download the freenet app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store today! For updates, follow @freenetph on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and visit www.thefreenet.com for more information. 

DTI-FTEB PERMIT NO. 9216 Series of 2018 

DTI-FTEB PERMIT NO. 16859 Series of 2018 

Boating Industry Hopes for Executive Decision to Drive Growth : 10th SEA-EX Philippine Boat Show & Nautical Lifestyle Expo on October 5, 6 and 7

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A group of private boaters are currently in talks with the government to help push for an executive decision that will help build the foundation of creating an organized local boating industry. 

Headed by Angelo Olondriz, President of Headsail, Inc., the private group says that a decision from the palace recognizing the potential of the industry can very well boost its growth. 

Angelo Olondriz, President of Headsail, Inc. and Apa Ongpin, Associate of Headsail, Inc.

“As a country with one of the longest coastlines in the world, the Philippines has an inherent potential to be a world leader in leisure boating,” shares Olondriz. 

“But what we hope the government can see is that it goes beyond that. We need to increase boat registrations. And for boat owners to want to register, we need the help of the government. Now more than ever, we must maximize not just our seas, but our rivers, lakes and other bodies of water as well. Boats can help move things forward for the Philippines in more ways than you can imagine.” 

He adds, “Imagine traveling from Manila to Makati in about 10 minutes. That’s possible with the Pasig River. Transportation of goods and people will become so much easier and more cost efficient. We can finally provide access to and drive the local economies of tourist destinations that, without boats, will be very hard to reach.” 

The National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWCS) has declared its support for this campaign and is assisting the group in securing the executive order. 

With over 7,107 islands, 36,289 kilometers of coastline—the third longest in the world—and rich marine life, the Philippines has the natural resources needed to support developments that, if done properly, can create a wide variety of economic activities, including: tourism and recreation like boating and water sports, sustainable employment, port facilities, ecosystem services like flood control and energy generation, mobility and regenerating urban areas, among others. 

“All our neighboring countries are doing it—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong. They’re all utilizing their waters to help fuel the economy. And they are being assisted by their respective governments. That’s why they are able to thrive. We know that should the current administration decide to support this cause, we can do so much to help Filipinos.” 

Seasoned boater and Associate of Headsail, Inc., Apa Ongpin adds. 

“Thailand is very similar to us. We have a much bigger industry than they did back in 1998 when they had less than 20 boats because the regulations were somewhat restricted, especially with taxes at 200%. Then foreign operators came in and told the government they needed boats to transport people back and forth. The government was convinced and they eased up on the regulations. Today, they have about 3,000 boats in Thailand and it’s become a huge industry that employs tens of thousands of people and generates four or five million Bahts in gross revenues.” 

In 2009, a select number of players in the boating industry, headed by Olondriz, started the campaign to turn the Philippines into Asia’s Mediterranean—a country whose coastlines host businesses that not only support employment for locals but also provide significant economic contribution as well. Last year, the government, headed by MARINA, the National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWS), the Maritime Development and Ocean Affairs Unit, and the Tourism and Promotion’s Board (TBP), joins the said campaign and calls for more private firms to join as well. 

Much like the said government agencies who’ve decided to throw in their support for the cause, Olondriz also hopes that more companies, especially those in the real estate, hospitality services, and construction field, start shifting their focus on one of our country’s most important resources. 

SEA-EX 2018 

In line with these efforts, Olondriz once against spearheads the biggest gathering of key notable people and brands involved in the manufacture and distribution of yachts, sail boats, boating accessories, water sports equipment, summer apparel and resort getaways in one roof—Philippine Boatshow & Nautical Lifestyle Expo. 

Considered as the biggest marine expo in the country, the 10th SEA-EX Philippine Boat Show & Nautical Lifestyle Expo will be held on October 5, 6 and 7 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Brands participating in the expo include local boat builders like Trevally Boats, Teamnonino, Australasia Marine Alliance Corporation, Advanced Composite Systems - Hammerhead Boats and Alu Porter Group. 

Sea-Expo is a three day boat show and nautical lifestyle expo event that truly celebrates the Philippine’s most valuable resource, the ocean. It provides a venue for the local and international marine industry to come together and showcase their products and services to the Philippine market. The show has evolved to encompass the nautical industry from boats, water sports equipment, dive shops, resorts, luxury automobiles, summer apparel and supplemental services, creating a complete lifestyle experience. The addition of the conference allowed key players all over the world to share and exchange ideas with regards to localized case study application to Philippine tourism, coastal development, maritime safety and marine preservation. Sea-Ex believes that the conference is one of our major platforms in changing mindsets to truly embrace opportunities that can be found in the Philippine leisure marine industry.

Also joining the roster of exhibitors are international boat distributors such as Asia Marina, Asia Yachting and Simpson Marine as well as local companies Europa Yacht and Rayomarine distributing international brands such as as Azimut Yachts, Beneteau, Lagoon, Princess, Chaparral Boats, NuMarine, Galeon.

Visit http://seaex.ph/ for more information and updates.

AiAi delas Alas’ Useful Tips to The Finalists of The Clash

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AiAi delas Alas knows a star when she sees one. She is in the industry where stars come and go and where longevity is the name of the game. She is one of the most durable and bankable stars and she knows the in and out of the business. 

AiAi is currently busy shooting a movie titled Sons of Nanay Sabel together with Ex-Battalion. 

AiAi sits as one of the judges of The Clash alongside, Lani Misalucha and Christian Bautista. The Clash, hosted by Asia’s Songbird Ms. Regine Velasquez, features aspiring singers who compete against each other to become the country’s next singing sensation.

Nearing its finale, The Clash has chosen the Final Six Clashers namely: Garrett Bolden (Olongapo City), Anthony Rosaldo (Valenzuela City), Golden Cañedo (Cebu), Mirriam Manalo (Pampanga), Josh Adornado (Cagayan De Oro), and Jong Madaliday (North Cotabato).

AiAi is on the lookout for the next singing superstar. As one of the judges of The Clash, Ai Ai wants to share practical tips to the final contenders of The Clash:  

1.      Pray. God listens.

2.      Believe in your talent but believe more in God’s power.

3.      Perform like it’s your last day on earth.

4.      Do not let fame get into your head. Be thankful.

5.      Build lasting friendships. Matutong makisama sa lahat ng tao.

6.      Stay humble and be kind to people.

7.      Love your work na parang boyfriend or girlfriend mo siya.

8.      Be disciplined. Be responsible. Practice makes perfect sabi nga nila. Memorize your lines and spiels.

9.      Learn to reinvent yourself. Times do change but don’t lose yourself on your way to stardom.

10.  Dream big but work harder.

AiAi Delas Alas is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

AirAsia is Keeping Fares Low, No Fuel Surcharge on All Domestic and International Flights

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Manila, Philippines -2 October 2018 – AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Airline, announced today it will not add fuel surcharge on domestic or international fares, staying true to its commitment to provide unparalleled low fares.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “To help reduce travel cost and stimulate more demand for travel and tourism, we will not be adding fuel surcharge on our fares for all domestic and international flights. We want to keep our fares low to encourage more people to travel.”

Last September, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved the guidelines on the imposition of the passenger fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights. The CAB also adopted a matrix for fuel surcharge that will be determined based on the two-month average of jet fuel

MOPS (Mean of Platts Singapore) prices in its peso per liter equivalent and will be fixed for two months.

Based on the published and approved matrix, fuel surcharge rates for domestic flights are divided into five categories, depending on flight distance. Domestic air fares according to CAB estimate could be slapped with an additional cost of up to P769 and those for international flights by as much as P9,860 with the reimposition by local carriers of the fuel surcharge.

“We are closely monitoring the impact of high oil price on our operations, however, we are also working hard to offset the sharp jet fuel costs by adopting cost efficient measures across the network or within the AirAsia Group,” Comendador said.

AirAsia is set to launch new flights to and from Cagayan de Oro and Kaoshiung in Taiwan on 28 October. Promo fares from as low as P850 are available for booking now until 7 October 2018 at www.airasia.com and valid for travel starting 28 October 2018 to 30 March 2019.

AirAsia currently operates a fleet of 20 aircraft with flights to and from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao, Tacloban, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tagbilaran and Kalibo/Boracay including international flights to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Bali, Taipei, Singapore, Seoul/Incheon and Bangkok.

Sam Concepcion X Ben&Ben : We are Family

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Whatever the genre, whatever the era, good music will contain the seeds of universal truths. While most songs are understandably about romantic love, it still is notable that there are few songs about the love that can be found in the family.

Ben & Ben

 Ben & Ben are especially qualified to be part of a song about family because they are literally related as well as a family that was formed by love for music. And song writer and guitarist Paolo Benjamin Guico shares, “ became part of our band!” 

So bonded are Ben and Ben that for their interview, they refused to begin until all nine members were present and ready to begin. The band was started by twins Paolo Miguel Guico and Miguel Benjamin Guico, hence their band name; and has now grown to include Poch Barretto on lead guitar, Jam Villanueva on drums, Agnes Resona on bass, Patricia Lasaten on keyboards, Ton Muñoz on percussion, and backing vocals and Kiefer Cabugao on vocals. For all of them to bond so strongly and effortlessly with Sam Concepcion, not just on the songwriting but on the performing and recording as well, is proof positive that music can truly unite people. 

 “We just connected as a family, sakto lang talaga” Sam insists. 

Sam Concepcion

“Talking about the family can be so cheesy, too cheesy! And sometimes, the emotions can also be too close to home,” admits Paolo. 

“Maybe it’s just easier to talk about love in general, than to say that its about a family,” Sam supposes when asked about the rarity of songs that delve into the dynamics of a family. Very early on in the process, they all honed in on that aspect of going back to your roots. “Just go back, go back , that was very clear. To what family is and what a beautiful story that can be,” Sam reveals. It was a good parallel to their process. 

 “Yes, it could have been difficult, we’re all very different people but what made us gel is that we all felt the same about the family.” 

The Ben and Ben family all admit that while their songs might be smooth and easy to listen to, there are some deep and potentially heartbreaking aspects to their lyrics as well. “We’re nine so that’s nine different experiences from nine different families, so we find what can cross the all that,” Agnes observes. 

But even with all that, Paolo says it was easy to find their groove. “It really just happened.” Miguel then adds, “Even if we had to build the song slowly, everyone just understood the feeling we wanted.” 

 Paolo then says, “And once we started jamming , there was just that magic of playing together.” 

Taste the sounds of Pinoy music as Sam Concepcion and Ben&Ben collaborate for Coke Studio Season 2. Catch them on October 7, at 11:15 a.m. before ASAP on ABS-CBN or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH