Ilocos Norte launches Phase II of “Ridge and Reef”

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 Ilocos Norte officially launched Phase II of reopening for tourism within the “Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor” yesterday, at the Robinsons Place Ilocos, San Nicolas.

From L-R: DOT Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco R. Ortega, Ms. Arlene Magalong, wife of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc, Councilor Elaine Sembrano and Councilor Lilia Farinas of Baguio city, together with Provincial tourism officers of Region 1[back row]  during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Ridge and Reef Travel Corridor Mini Travel Fair held yesterday (October 20) at the Robinsons Place in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Phase II of the “Ridge and Reef” is the amplified inter-regional travel bubble that includes other provinces and regions in Luzon as tourist generating areas.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, who arrived earlier in the province, will grace the formal launching ceremony, along with DOT Region 1 Director Mr. Joseph Francisco Ortega at Sitio Remedios, Currimao. Among other guests, DOT officials have witnessed “Biag ni Lam-ang” and “Fiesta Empanada” cultural performances as one of the highlights of the launch.

  

“Now, nauna si Governor Matthew [Phase II]. Nagbukas siya noong October 15 for all Luzon residents. Ang kagandahan kasi, pinagmasdan muna ng ibang provinces sa bansa ang nangyari sa Baguio at Region I. Noong nakita nilang successful, gumagaya na lang sila. Actually, you are the leader [Region I]. You are the number one. And I would like to thank Ilocos Norte for leading the way. Dahil sa inyo, magkakatrabaho na yung mga walang trabaho sa mahigit anim na buwan,” Secretary Puyat expressed.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office (INTO), prepared a series of activities: the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Mini Travel fair at the Robinsons Place, and the Region 1 Tourism Convention, also included the launch of Region Tourism Branding and the inauguration of Region 1 Tourism Council Interim Officers at Sitio Remedios.

Last October 13, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has established guidelines for the second phase of the reopening of tourism through Executive Order No. 98-20. Among the salient points of the guidelines include mandatory COVID-19 tests, registration to a software application called SafePass, a validated Health Declaration, and signed Affidavit of Understanding, among others.

“I’d like to reiterate na our tourists are not roaming freely. Talagang monitored, regulated, and accompanied ang movement nila kasi one of our safeguards is delineating and minimizing yung socialization ng mga turista sa local community. But at the same time, we’ll find ways so that our tourists can patronize our local businesses.

“In addition, I’ve always believed that our tourism has been growing very steadily and quite rapid. We’re hoping to make a climb to one of the first or top-of-mind destinations in the country. We know that when people actually come and visit, they are often very happy and impressed. So kahit malayo, we invite everyone to take a trip in our province. Surely, the land travel will be forgotten soon after they enjoy the beauty of Ilocos Norte,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc remarked.

Ilocos Norte has already started welcoming tourists since October 15, recording its first four travelers from Baguio City and Antipolo City.  

Globe launches KonekTayo School Bus WiFi in Manila

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In line with its continuous efforts to make internet accessible to Filipinos especially during this time, Globe Telecom officially launched the School Bus WiFi program in Manila City today. The kick-off also marks a new, bigger vision of Globe and KonekTayo WiFi to provide fast, reliable, and low-cost home internet connectivity in underserved markets in the locality.

Using KonekTayo WiFi, Globe deployed school buses equipped with special antennas that will broadcast WiFi signal from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday in covered areas including Pasaje del Carmen St., Remigio St., 853 Gonzalo Gil Puyat St., 924 Bilibid Viejo St., Tomas Mapua St., Alfonso Mendoza St., Dalupan St., Oroqueta St., and Basco St. in Manila.

The use of KonekTayo WiFi service will be free for the first hour for public school students and teachers in Manila who were provided 289,000 Globe SIM cards.

Through the School Bus WiFi campaign, Globe also extends support to school bus operators whose main source of livelihood was put at stake by the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the crucial need for connectivity like never before. For underprivileged communities, access to internet connectivity — or the lack thereof — determines whether demands of the new environment, such as distance learning and remote working, will be met by families belonging to these communities.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation Chairman , CEO and Globe Telecom Chairman said, “Against the backdrop of COVID-19, internet access has become a lifeline more than a luxury. Internet access is needed by students to pursue online education, by workers to continue earning a living while working from home, by families to stay connected with each other. With Globe’s School Bus WiFi in the City of Manila, we are able to help in ensuring that residents have access to affordable WiFi connectivity. We look to partner with other local governments to expand this initiative.”

Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said, “We recognize the difficulties faced by the private school transport industry, especially now that classes have started. We sought to develop an innovation that will not only provide this industry with a new opportunity but will also bring connectivity to students and communities in areas that need it most.”

Formerly known as KapitWiFi, KonekTayo WiFi is a fast and secure community WiFi service that aims to provide households with affordable internet. The School Bus WiFi campaign is part of KonekTayo WiFi’s bigger purpose of making internet connectivity more accessible for underserved families and communities across the country. With KonekTayo WiFi, customers simply need to connect to a KonekTayoWiFi hotspot, purchase a promo, and surf all day.

Available to all mobile networks, KonekTayo WiFi requires no device cashouts monthly fees and modems.

With the School Bus WiFi Project, students or people who work from home can avail of the KonekTayo WiFi service for as low as P15 a day.

Ricky Lee reveals storytelling secrets and journey in iWant TFC original docu series “Trip to Quiapo” (Based on his best-selling scriptwriting manual)

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Award-winning writer Ricky Lee helps writers and aspiring writers jumpstart their story ideas by detailing the process of storytelling – from the conceptualization to the final draft – in the iWant TFC original docu-series “Trip to Quiapo,” based on his best-selling scriptwriting manual. It starts streaming on the iWant TFC app and website on October 21.

 

Shot like a reality show, it is a five-episode master class where Ricky shares his knowledge about how to build stories, where to draw inspiration for them, and meaningful lessons from his life and over 40 years in the industry. “Trip to Quiapo” is directed by Treb Monteras, who co-wrote and directed the Cinemalaya 2017 Best Film “Respeto.”

Enchong Dee is also featured in the series as Julio Manunulat, the representation of aspiring writers and storytellers who are struggling to put into words the ideas they have in mind, similar to how Ricky began his writing journey.

 

“Nung baguhang writer ako, hindi ko alam kung paano magsisimula. Marami akong pinagdaanan at pagkakamali bago ako natuto. At hanggang sa ngayon, natututo pa rin. At ngayon para sa inyong mga gustong matutong magkwento, susubukin kong ibahagi sa inyo ang mga karanasan at kaalaman ko matapos ang ilang dekadang pagsusulat. Pero ang actual na pagsusulat, baka hindi lahat matutunan dito dahil buhay ang gagawa nun,” shares Ricky.

 

Aside from discussions, the series is also accompanied by cinematic visual storytelling of his life, how his passion for writing began, and why he intends to share his knowledge of storytelling with others.

 

As an adopted child who lost his parents at an early age, Ricky reveals that he had always felt like an outcast but was able to find refuge in a small library in Daet, Camarines Norte where he would spend countless hours reading books and eventually, where his passion for storytelling developed.

He shares, “Kapag nagbabasa ka, ‘di ba nakakalayas ka? Parang nagiging iba-ibang tao ka. Nagiging pilot ka, teacher, madre, superhero, lahat na. Kung ako bata na lumalaki ng ganun who felt I didn’t belong, ay natulungan ng mga libro, gusto ko rin na makatulong sa iba. Power of storytelling ang naging sandalan ko. Stories connected me to the world.”

 

“So I want to do it to other people also. Gusto kong gumawa ng mga pelikula na ‘pag naupo sila sa front row, mababago ko ang buhay nila kahit for two hours lang,” he adds.

 

Ricky also shares in the iWant TFC series the three types of writers and their different approaches to learning how to write – or go to Quiapo. As a child, he would read a lot about Quiapo, his dream destination that would become a symbol of his dreams.

 

“Para sa isang batang katulad ko, isang malaking katuparan ang Quiapo. Kaya noong nagsusulat na ako, Quiapo ang simbolo ng katuparan ng pangarap kong makagawa ng mahuhsay at matagumpay na script. At ‘yun ang gustong puntahan ng tatlong klase ng writers – ‘yun ang Quiapo.”

 

Boost your creativity by watching “Trip to Quiapo” on the iWant TFC app (iOs and Android) or on iwanttfc.com. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWantTFC, and follow @iwanttfc on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantTFC.  For inquiries and concerns about the service, users can also send a message on iWant TFC’s Facebook page or e-mail support@iwanttfc.com.

 

7 Must-see features of the awesome new TECNO POVA

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The newly-rebranded POVA smartphone series combines premium performance and competitive pricing

 

With the arrival of its POVA series in the Philippines, global premier mobile phone brand, TECNO Mobile, has once again provided consumers with a high-performance phone at an affordable price tag.

Officially launched on October 15, 2020, POVA is exclusively available at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall. This smartphone comes in two attractive colors, Magic Blue and Speed Purple, and is priced at PHP 6,999.

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Previously released as TECNO Pouvoir, POVA retains key elements from its predecessor, including an outstanding processor, brilliant screen, and superior battery. Built to provide optimal value to users, the new POVA series is flexible and adaptable, capable of delivering the best mobile experience.

What exactly can users expect from this performance beast? 

Here is a list of 7 must-see features of the awesome new TECNO POVA.

1. A 6000mAh super battery with a standby time of 30 days, and the ability to play music for 8 days straight, on just a single charge.
2. An 18W dual IC flash charger, which can increase charging efficiency by 20%
3. A Helio G80 Gaming Processor, which unlocks intelligent resource management in game mode, and enhanced power management for high intensity gaming
4. A 64GB + 6GB memory with HyperEngine Game Technology for a dynamic lag-free gaming experience
5. The exclusive HiOS Operating System, built on Android™ 10, with an all-new design that allows a wide-range of user customization
6. A 6.8” dot-in display screen with an extremely sharp display, and a 90.4% perfect screen ratio that provides a better viewing experience
7. Enhanced artificial intelligence cameras for professional quality photos - Four 13-megapixel focal length cameras on the rear, and an 8-megapixel AI selfie front camera

For a limited time only, POVA will be available at the special launch price of PHP 6,499 to the first 3000 buyers on the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall.  Be one of the first 1000 buyers to use voucher code GADGETZONE8 starting midnight of October 15, 2020 and get POVA for only PHP5,999.

Visit the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall to check out the new POVA series, and see the latest offerings. For updates and other information, visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph.

Ginebra San Miguel launches 2021 Calendar Girl

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Ginebra San Miguel introduces Christelle Abello as the Calendar Girl for 2021.

An aspiring model, a fresh face as its Calendar Girl for 2021, newcomer Christelle Abello was launched as Ginebra San Miguel 2021 Calendar Girl in a virtual media event held onTuesday, October 20. Christelle is 26-year old model based in California, USA. 

As Christelle takes the reins from Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez, the 2021 edition of the Ginebra San Miguel calendar is very timely as it captures today’s “new normal” at home in six (6) different layouts. 

With the theme “Ganado sa Bahay,” the calendars feature Christelle being “ganado,” motivated and productive even amid the COVID-19 pandemic – working from home, honing her creativity and discovering new skills, and taking care of her body and well-being. 

“More than just a pretty face, our Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl for 2021 definitely personifies our latest campaign ‘One Ginebra Nation.’ We were not only charmed by her intelligence, but also by her optimism, her courage, her never-say-die spirit, her heart for others, and love for her kababayan. We feel that she best represents the brand and we are very happy to welcome Christelle to our Ginebra San Miguel family,” relates Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) Sales and Marketing manager Allan Mercado. 

As in the past, the Ginebra San Miguel calendar is considered as a stepping stone for up-and-coming artists and personalities. 

For Christelle, being chosen as the next Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl is an opportunity of a lifetime. “I’m so thrilled. I’m so proud and honored to represent Ginebra San Miguel. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to be a part of such an iconic and historical brand,” she says. 

To prepare for her Ginebra San Miguel calendar girl shoot, Christelle made sure that she is both physically and mentally ready. 

“I already do a lot of weights and cardio workouts. I’ve become accustomed to that lifestyle not because I want to look good physically but also because I want to feel good mentally. And I think that’s really important especially at this time,” relates Christelle, who at the start of the pandemic put up a fundraising effort called “Kapit-bisig Tayo” to assist healthcare workers. 

REVISITING HER ROOTS 

Christelle is born to Filipino parents. Her father is from Kalibo, Aklan while her mother is from Silang, Cavite. She graduated with a degree in Communication from California State University San Marcos. 

While she spent most of her life in the US, Christelle has always been in touch with her Filipino roots. “My mom heavily enforced Filipino culture and values at home. She wanted my sister and I to learn Tagalog, and what better way to learn it than through watching teleseryes and movies. So, I grew up watching KathNiel’s ‘Got to Believe,’ and ‘A Very Special Love’,” shares Christelle, who dreams of starring in her own teleserye or movie. 

Christelle admits that the never-say-die story of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach also inspired her to pursue her other dream – to become a beauty queen. “The world of pageantry fascinated me so much because I witnessed phenomenal women and beautiful and confident women like Pia Wurtzbach who made a mark in this world. And they impelled me to say that I can do this too.” 

“Back in the day, my dad would tell me stories about [Robert] Jaworski and that even if the team was falling behind in a PBA game, people would still cheer them on and were confident that they will come back strong and win the game because of their never-say-die attitude. I think Barangay Ginebra resonates with Filipinos so well with who we are as people, resilient despite the adversities that come our way,” shares Christelle. 

THE GINEBRA CALENDAR TRADITION 

The Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl is a significant part of the brand’s 187-year history. Inspired by the classic US TV series “Charlie’s Angels,” the Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl promotion was started in 1988 and since then, the special merchandise has become a sought-after item among consumers and fans year after year. 

Through the years, Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl had popular beauty queens, models, and actresses grace its calendars including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach (2019), Arci Munoz (2018), Kim Domingo (2017), and Marian Rivera (2009 and 2014). 

GSMI is the producer of the world’s largest selling gin Ginebra San Miguel. Other GSMI products include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Pomelo, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Premium Gin, Don Enrique Mixkila, Antonov Vodka, Anejo Gold Rum, Vino Kulafu, and Primera Light Brandy. 

For more details, like the Ginebra San Miguel official Facebook page www.facebook.com/BarangayGinebra or log on to www.ginebra.com.ph.