CENTURY PARK HOTEL TURNS SAPPHIRE: Monthlong Anniversary Celebration Packages and Treats Await as the Hotel Marks 45 Years

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The pandemic may still be around but for Filipinos, the ber months is the season of celebrations. In true fashion, being joyful amidst troubles and rejoicing over a special occasion is something Pinoys love to do. Whether it is a birthday, wedding, or any special event, commemorating life’s milestones is a way of coming together and giving importance to someone. As a quote from Terence E. Deal goes, “Celebrations infuse life with passion and purpose. They summon the human spirit.”

Century Park Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Manila, has all the reasons to celebrate this September. After its awarding of the Safety Seal Certification, it has also been recently granted Multiple Use Hotel (MUH) status by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bureau of Quarantine. Non-quarantine and quarantine guests, with the enforcement of stringent health and safety protocols, can now stay and enjoy the hotel.

Essential meetings and social events are also now possible with the Multi-use Hotel status.

This latest development could not have come at a better time as the hotel is holding its Sapphire Anniversary this month.

On its 45th year, Century Park Hotel has prepared celebration packages and treats to mark the occasion.

For only P4,995 net / set, families and barkadas can partake of a gustatory feast good for 8 to 10 pax. The chefs at the hotel prepared a weekly themed cuisine to make for a more fun and enjoyable celebration : Chinese, Japanese, Western and Filipino. Each package comes with a FREE anniversary Dark Chocolate & Raspberry Mousse Cake and P200 off at the Deli Snack.

Chinese Cuisine

Week 1

Mini-pork Buns

Snow Peas & Fried Scallops in Black Beans

Teochew Oyster Cake

Steamed Fresh Prawns

Roast Crackling Pork Char Siu Sauce

Cha Misua

Mango Sago in Custard Sauce

Japanese Cuisine

Week 2

Signature Sushi Rolls

Ankake Ramen

Tofu Furai in Shitake Mushroom Sauce

Salmon Head Teppanyaki

Prawn & Vegetable Tendon

Okonomiyaki

Green Tea Opera Cake

Western Cuisine

Week 3

Ciopinno Mixed Seafood Stew

Jamaican Grilled Chicken

Hickory Spareribs

Baked Mac & Cheese

Kale Salad

Buttered Seasonal Vegetables

Assorted French Pastries

Filipino Cuisine

Week 4

Crispy Pork Belly Kare-Kare

Lengua with Mushroom & Leeks

Grilled Stuffed Squid

Ensaladang Lato

Special Palabok with Squid & Chicharon

Bibingka

Brazo de Mercedez

A one day advance booking is required by calling 8528-5855/56 or sending a message at 09176332497. Transactions can be made through Paypal account at payments@centurypark.com.ph or cash payment / bank transfer to PNB (1702 7000 1013) or BDO (0044 7000 0100). Send proof of payment to the Viber number and advise of the pick-up date and time (between 10:00AM – 6:00PM). 

For deliveries, you may arrange for Grab, Lalamove or other delivery services. Transport fees will be shouldered by the customer.

Century Park Hotel is also giving away free Deli Snack Rewards Cards to guests on its anniversary month. The DELIciously DELIghtful Deals allows customers to earn rewards such as breads and pastries during their visit from September 1 – November 30, 2021. Each P500 purchase made at the outlet (from 8:00AM to 5:00PM only) is equivalent to one stamp. Orders made from food delivery apps, except Food-on-the-Go, are excluded in the rewards program. For PWD or Senior Citizen cardholders, the after-discount price should meet the minimum purchase to earn a stamp. Transactions made through complimentary Gift Certificates are exempted from the rewards program. Redemptions can be made until November 30, 2021 only.

“They say the Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration as it ‘officially’ starts in September. Century Park Hotel can relate to this as our anniversary falls on this month and we always find ways to celebrate our wins, however big and small it may be. The year 2021 has been challenging but we constantly look at things positively. We have so many reasons to be thankful for; our Safety Seal certification, our upgraded status to Multiple-use Hotel and another year of bringing our own brand of hospitality to everyone who walks through our doors. Going for 45 is a feat we are truly proud of,” said Anthony Tan, Century Park Hotel’s General Manager.

“We extend our gratitude to our loyal guests, old and new alike. The anniversary treats we have prepared is our way of showing appreciation for being with us through the years. We hope everyone will be delighted with the things we have in store” he added.

Western Union Money Transfers Now Available at a Smart Padala Agent near you

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Smart Padala by PayMaya, one of the leading financial service providers in the Philippines, and Western Union, a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, have come together to offer Western Union money transfer services at select Smart Padala agents across the country.

With this new service, picking up Western Union remittance is made more convenient and accessible. Once a customer receives a Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from their loved ones abroad, they can walk into any participating Smart Padala agent and receive their money transfers without incurring any additional fees.

The Western Union money transfer service is available across more than 800 Smart Padala agents nationwide, scaling up to more than 3,000 in the coming months. This is especially relevant today in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring customers have access to Western Union services closer to their homes.

“At Western Union, we are committed to serving customers, providing them with greater access and wider inclusion, and moving money for a better world,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Head of Network, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei & Indochina, Western Union.

“We are excited to expand our collaboration with PayMaya by launching our services with Smart Padala. This new launch is aligned with our vision and presents an opportunity to drive seamless and connected money transfer experiences for all,” he added.

“In these challenging times, we understand how critical it is for Filipinos to receive their remittances in a reliable and timely manner. We are proud to work with Western Union in making their cash pick-up services more accessible to Filipinos through our Smart Padala agents, who have become financial lifelines for many consumers across the country during the pandemic,” said Shailesh Baidwan, President of PayMaya.

Claiming Western Union remittance at Smart Padala agents is easy. All customers have to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Go to https://smartpadala.ph/find-a-smart-padala-agent, enter location details and select Western Union on the partner drop-down menu to find the nearest agent.

2. At the agent location, customers can provide the MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) from the sender, receiver’s name, and mobile number.

3. A 6-digit OTP (one-time PIN) will be sent to the receiver’s mobile number, which they can share with the Smart Padala agent to complete the transaction and receive their Western Union money transfer.

Once the funds are received, customers can now use it to pay their utility bills or even purchase prepaid load at their Smart Padala agent - making their remittance and other everyday transactions more convenient in just one stop.

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, enterprises, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the leading payments processor for "everyday" merchants in key industries such as retail, food, transportation, utilities, and eCommerce.  

PayMaya provides more than 38 million registered users with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently cash in, pay, cash out, and remit through its over 300,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. It is Smart Padala by PayMaya network of 55,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services.  

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Rico Blanco reimagines iconic PBB theme song now called "Pinoy Tayo"

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"Pinoy Tayo" is also the lead single in the upcoming 20th anniversary album of Jonathan Manalo.

Song to be part of Jonathan Manalo’s 20th-anniversary album OPM icon Rico Blanco delivers a unifying, Filipino folk music spin to the well-loved “Pinoy Big Brother” theme song meaningfully renamed “Pinoy Tayo,” 16 years after the song was first heard and eventually became an anthem of empowerment for many Filipinos.

Rico’s special anniversary version of the Orange and Lemons original “Pinoy Ako” will serve as the official theme song of the upcoming "Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Kumunity Season 10."

“It’s such an honor to do the song. Just what it stands for. The original version is so well-loved,” he said. “This is a chance to rediscover it.”

Now with vibrant elements of Filipino ethnic sound, “Pinoy Tayo” is a composition of ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, Clem Castro, and Rico, who also produced the remake while Jonathan served as the surpervising producer.

Rico detailed his inspiration in making the new version. “Tinanong ko ang sarili ko ‘ano ba 'yung ako’ and I put in all the small elements that my songs had throughout the years,” he shared.

“Excited ako about that happiness na mabibigay ng kanta. It’s a very bright, upbeat song, and I kept that from the original version,” he added.

Aside from being this year’s PBB theme song, “Pinoy Tayo” will also serve as the lead single in the expansive 25-track album that will celebrate the music of Jonathan in the last 20 years.

The multi-awarded songwriter and producer remains in awe of how the song has become a statement on Pinoy pride and how it continues to uplift the spirits of generations of Pinoy audiences.

“I’m grateful to hear people saying that this song has become part of the soundtrack of their lives,” Jonathan shared. “As I embark on my 20th anniversary in the music industry this year, an icon, a legend who I look up to helped me kickstart the celebration by re-imagining this song with his genius.”

Jonathan also spoke about what the song “Pinoy Tayo” means to him. “Ito yung gusto naming ibigay sa audience na mapagaan man lang ang pinagdadaaanan nating lahat at magbigay ng hope at inspirasyon individually and as a nation. And also to remind us na maraming reasons pa rin to celebrate ang ating pagiging Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, “Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10” has opened auditions for aspiring adult housemates age 20 to 40 years old until September 30. Just download the Kumu app and create an account. Upload a one-minute Kumu clip, introduce yourself, and explain why you deserve to become a housemate. Don’t forget the hashtag #PBBKUMUADULTS.

Be empowered with the reimagined track “Pinoy Tayo,” out on music streaming platforms worldwide. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

5 Easy Ways to Maximize Your Money When You Start Your Holiday Shopping at Shopee’s Sep 15 Payday Sale

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It’s already September, and you know what that means—the beloved and uniquely Filipino tradition of counting down to Christmas Day has begun! Aside from setting up our lights and trees, listening to festive jingles, and planning (virtual) reunions once the -ber months set in, we’ve also made it a habit to gear up for some intense early holiday shopping. After all, Filipinos are known not just for our love of Christmas, but for our generous spirit as well.

During these times, it’s more important than ever to spread joy to friends and family. If you’re wondering how to do so safely and conveniently without breaking the bank, read on for a few holiday shopping tips that you can use at Shopee’s upcoming Sep 15 Payday Sale:

1. Take advantage of Shopee’s multiple monthly sales 

To score major price drops and deep discounts, make sure to schedule your holiday shopping around sales. Mark your calendar during Shopee’s payday sales every 15th and 30th of the month. Each sale has its own exciting perks and promos that will make shopping more exciting and rewarding. At the upcoming Sep 15 Payday Sale, for instance, you can enjoy promos such as free shipping with no minimum spend, 50% bills cashback exclusively with ShopeePay, and ₱150 off vouchers.

2. Shop at midnight 

Worried about missing out on vouchers? Get first dibs on the best promos by shopping at midnight. Add all the items to your cart beforehand, log on to your Shopee app from 12:00 to 2:00 AM, and check out with your vouchers. You can go to bed and sleep soundly knowing you scored the best deals.

3. Stack your vouchers

For you to get your money’s worth, you have to get yourself fully acquainted with the app’s features. Always check your home page and click on icons such as Free Shipping and Cashback for vouchers you can collect. Then stack these vouchers upon checking out for even bigger discounts. Remember to diligently check the voucher terms and conditions.

4. Follow your favorite brands in-app 

Eyeing that brand-new smartphone for dad or that luxurious skincare set for mom? Head on over to your favorite brand’s page on Shopee Mall and hit that “Follow” button to receive announcements about new products, exclusive discounts, flash sales, and more. Make sure your notifications are turned on. Otherwise, someone else might just beat you to those deals! 

5. Pay with ShopeePay for great savings on load, bills, and essentials

For more savings, here’s a handy little hack: use ShopeePay, an all-in-one e-wallet that you can use to Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Avail of promos such as up to 50% off on mobile load; up to 50% bills cashback when you pay your bills at Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, and more; and ShopeePay ₱1 Deals for Puregold, Seaoil, Potato Corner, and many more when you scan to pay in-store. This September 14, you also get a chance to win ₱15,000 when you top up your ShopeePay wallet with a minimum of ₱500. Top up through your debit card, online banking, or over-the-counter payment partners to enjoy safe and hassle-free transactions during the holidays.

With these shopping hacks, you can score the best deals and allocate some extra cash towards your shopping budget. Enjoy splurging on your loved ones! Start your holiday shopping at the Sep 15 Payday Sale here: https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale.  

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

realme Philippines Official Store emerges as no. 1 top-selling mobile store during 9.9 Big Brands Sale

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realme, the country’s no. 1 smartphone brand for Q2 2021 continues to strengthen its foothold in the e-commerce landscape as proven by a successful performance during the recently concluded 9.9 sale on Lazada and Shopee.

From September 9 to 11, the brand rolled out discounts of as much as 50% OFF on realme smartphones and TechLife products, along with other offers such as free shipping and shopping vouchers.

After the three-day Lazada Big Brands Sale, the realme Official Store emerged as the no. 1 top selling mobile store, while the brand ranked no. 2 in terms of overall mobile sales. realme achieved a 65% growth from last year’s 9.9 performance on the platform.

On the other hand, realme also achieved strong numbers during the Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, recording a 142% year-over-year growth. The e-commerce platform also reported that the brand ranked no. 2 in the overall mobile brand category, and no. 3 in the audio and wearables category.

Among the best-selling realme smartphones recorded is the well-loved C-Series: realme C11 2021, realme C25S, and realme C21Y. The realme C11 2021 in particular proved to be the unbeatable mobile contender as it became the fastest smartphone to sell out during the sale, having been wiped out in under 30 minutes.

realme’s AIoT products also performed well on both platforms with the realme Buds Q2, the realme Buds Classic, and the realme Powerbank 2i emerging as the best-selling realme TechLife units.

These 9.9 sale achievements came on the heels of realme’s other milestones in the AIoT category. Global research firm Canalys recently reported that realme emerged as the no. 1 watch vendor in the Philippines with a 49% unit share and a whopping 2,286% annual growth.

Similarly, the brand was also hailed by the research firm as the no. 1 True Wireless Stereo (TWS) vendor, accounting for 30% market share with a 613% annual growth in the category.

This recent success underscores the three-year-old brand’s commitment to providing the best digital experience to every Filipino. 

“With every milestone we achieve, we are reminded of the tremendous support and loyalty of the whole realme community including our fans, partners, and employees across the nation. We are truly grateful for the love of our Squad, and rest assured, we will continue to disrupt the industry with quality products and services for our Filipino fans”,shares Austine Huang, realme Philippines’ VP for Marketing.

For more info and updates, be sure to follow realme on Facebook at facebook.com/realmePhilippines, @realme_PH on Twitter, and @realmephilippines on Instagram. #realmePH