Philippines to Welcome First International Elephant House Cafe, the “Birthplace” of Harry Potter, in Greenhills Mall, San Juan

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Harry Potter enthusiasts in the Philippines have a reason to rejoice as The Elephant House, a renowned Scottish authors' café revered as the "birthplace" of Harry Potter, is set to open its inaugural international branch outside of Edinburgh. The highly anticipated establishment will find its home in the vibrant heart of the new Greenhills Mall, offering Filipino fans a unique experience steeped in literary history.

A magical partnership. Ortigas Malls and Visum Ventures signed the official contract to bring The Elephant House Cafe, the “Birthplace” of Harry Potter, Edinburgh, to the new GH Mall. (L-R) Arch. Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President. Jose Emmanuel Jalandoni, Ortigas Land President and Chief Executive Officer, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, John Michael Hilton, Visum Ventures Chief Executive Officer, Andrew McRae, Elephant House Int'l Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and. David Taylor, Owner of the Elephant House Cafe and Project Principal, The Elephant House Greenhills.

Located in San Juan City, Greenhills Mall has long been a haven for hobby stores catering to collectors with a wide range of interests. Here, enthusiasts can explore a vast selection of treasures, including toys, figurines, trading cards, and K-pop photo cards. Surrounding the mall, a bustling array of restaurants and cafes awaits, offering an enticing variety of cuisines to suit every taste. Come December 2023, it will proudly host the first International Elephant House Café in the Philippines, adding a touch of enchantment to the already vibrant shopping and dining scene.

“We‘re beyond excited for Greenhills Mall to be the home of The Elephant House in the Philippines. Greenhills Mall has always supported the many interests and hobbies of our shoppers, and the Harry Potter fandom will soon experience the magic themselves,” says Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls.

The Elephant House, in collaboration with retail brand Museum Context, has formed a groundbreaking partnership with Philippine restaurant group Visum Ventures. This marks the first international venture for Elephant House under its Elephant House International brand. The renowned Museum Context, located on the vibrant and picturesque Victoria Street in Edinburgh—a beloved destination for Potter enthusiasts due to its resemblance to Diagon Alley—will soon be accessible to Harry Potter fans of all ages.

Elephant House owner David Taylor and retail entrepreneur Andrew McRae, creator and curator of unique private label products and officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise available through his Museum Context stores, launched their partnership in December 2022. Scottish food producers are set to benefit from the enterprise which will see unique Elephant House blend coffee, teas, and menus featuring tried and tested recipes alongside Scottish produce such as Walker’s shortbread, Loch Fyne smoked salmon and Barr’s Irn Bru.

Since its opening in 1995 in Scotland, The Elephant House has evolved into a renowned tourist destination, captivating fans who revel in the world of Harry Potter. Inside, the enchantment extends with an array of officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise provided by Museum Context, alongside a plethora of elephant-themed accents. It's a unique haven where enthusiasts can connect over their mutual adoration for the beloved series. Guests can indulge in the cafe's delightful offerings, including the distinct Elephant House blend coffee, teas, and scrumptious Scottish cuisine. In the Philippines, it will faithfully replicate the menu and ambiance. As night falls, the cafe will unveil an additional delight—a whisky bar—to cater to the nocturnal visitors. Undoubtedly, with the support of Visum Ventures, this flagship store will become a must-visit pilgrimage site for Potterheads seeking an immersive magical experience.

The future home of Elephant House. Filipino Potterheads will be able to experience the The Elephant House, the “birthplace” of Harry Potter, Edinburgh at GH Mall in December.

Visum Ventures, a Philippines-based company, has built an impressive line-up of food and beverage brands, including popular ones like Koomi, Oh My Greek, ZIG, and new brands like Salt & Ice and Crown Street Kitchen. Led by Founder and CEO John-Michael Hilton, it has also formed partnerships with renowned brands such as Tsokolateria, Bebang, No.1 Malatang, and T2. During a visit to Edinburgh on February 28, Hilton signed an exclusive agreement, solidifying Visum Ventures' rights to introduce Elephant House International in the Philippines.

“Our portfolio is expanding with the exciting addition of Elephant House International. This franchise will offer Filipinos and tourists a unique and appealing experience, combining Harry Potter fandom, immersive ambiance, and merchandise sales,” says Hilton. He added that the “Philippines has a flourishing cafe culture, a local customer base, and tourist population seeking a distinctive and unforgettable cafe experience.”

The Elephant House International CEO and co-founder, Andrew McRae said: “We are thrilled to sign our first partnership with an organization that has the caliber and track record of Visum Ventures and underlines the international appeal of the one-of-a-kind brand experience we have created. Filipino consumers are always looking for new and exciting food and beverage options, and The Elephant House offer of innovative products and experiences has the potential to do extremely well in this market. Our range of exclusive and niche products are not available in other retail stores which gives us a unique selling proposition that will surely stand out in a crowded retail market.”

The arrival of The Elephant House in Greenhills Mall signifies a momentous achievement for Ortigas Malls, as they consistently strive to provide Filipinos with exceptional experiences. The profound impact of the Harry Potter series, encompassing both the books and movies, has touched the lives of countless individuals. Now, from December 15 onwards, they can immerse themselves in a touch of magic right in Greenhills.

This is just one of the many concepts that Greenhills Mall will offer. Be sure to stay tuned via Greenhills Mall’s Facebook (@greenhillsshoppingcenter) and Instagram (@greenhillsph) pages to see more exciting concepts in the future.

For more information on The Elephant House and updates on other activities, download the Ortigas Malls app and register for the Ortigas Community Card to enjoy exclusive perks.

Stars dazzle as the official press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” held at Puregold's Convention

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The stars shone bright at the recent Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-sari Store Negosyo Convention, Puregold’s annual celebration of small business owners across the country. Among the many exciting events lined up for participants, one notable highlight was the official press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile,” which took place on the first day.

Producer and award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig spoke on the behind the scenes workings of the series.

In attendance was award-winning filmmaker and producer Chris Cahilig, who gave the welcome remarks, while director Victor Villanueva both entertained and inspired the audience as he later related his experiences behind the scenes.

“Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” is the latest retailtainment offering from the Puregold Channel on YouTube, and came in the wake of “GV Boys” and “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask”. These online series allow Puregold to reach out to young digital natives looking to connect with classic Filipino stories.

The series revolves around the story of Bryce (Wilbert Ross), a young gamer taking his first uneasy steps into the world of dating with virtual wingman Angge (Yukii Takahashi) by his side.

Yukii Takahashi stars as Angge, the virtual wingman of Bryce.

At the press conference, Wilbert Ross and Yukii Takahashi conveyed their own musings on the story, and showed how onscreen chemistry can translate into real-time attraction as they charmed the audience. The dashing Wilbert especially impressed attendees with a song number during the intermission.

 The multi talented Wilbert Ross sang for the crowd in attendance during the event.

The supporting cast of “Ang Lalaki”—Kat Galang (Genski), Migs Almendras (Ketch), Marissa Sanchez (Bessie), Star Orjaliza (Yaya Aimee), Moi Marcampo (Chili Anne), TJ Valderrama (Cyrus), and Anjo Resurreccion (Jerry)—were also around to field questions during the open forum.

Big surprises awaited participants at the press conference. Grocery packs worth P2,500 each were raffled off, followed by grand prizes such as brand-new smartphones and laptops.

All in all, the press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile” turned out to be as fun and exciting as the show itself. 

Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., expressed his satisfaction with the proceedings. “We are always delighted by the chance to entertain our fellow Filipinos,” said Co. “And we’ve been able to do that with the help of the hard-working cast and crew of ‘Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile.’ We hope everyone enjoyed the chance to see them up close and personal at this press conference.”

Do you want FREE entertainment? Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

HONOR X9a 5G to be available via Globe Postpaid Plans with Zero Cash-out, 13 GB Data!

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Leading global smart devices provider, HONOR, has officially announced the availability of its viral smartphone HONOR X9a 5G via Globe Postpaid Plans. Starting May 26, you can now avail HONOR X9a 5G with Zero Cash-out when you renew or apply for GPlan 1799 and above.

Available at select Globe stores and online, you can get HONOR X9a 5G in Emerald Green and Titanium Silver with Zero Cash-out when you renew or apply for GPlan 1799 that comes with Unli All-Net Calls & Text, Landline Calls, and 13GB Data.

“Even months after its release, the demand for HONOR X9a 5G hasn’t decreased, so we are proud to bring another option for HONOR fans to avail our hot-selling smartphone – Zero Cash-out when you avail GPlan 1799,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

EXPERIENCE THE ULTRA-TOUGH

Sporting a 120Hz Premium OLED Curved Display, the HONOR X9a 5G brings users a large screen of 6.67-inch with an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 93%, guaranteeing an immersive viewing experience for all your favorite content.

Its ultra-large 5100mAh battery in a compact body allows up to 2 days of daily use for a truly uninterrupted user experience. With just 30 minutes of charging, the HONOR X9a 5G delivers 12.5 hours of video streaming, sparing users from having to worry about their battery.

Arranged along the Matrix Star Ring, the powerful Triple Camera system – comprising a 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera and a 2MP Macro Camera – allows users to capture their daily lives in photos and videos that can be shared with friends and family at the touch of a button.

Other HONOR Smartphones available with Globe

Other available HONOR smartphones via Globe Postpaid Plans are HONOR X6 (https://new.globe.com.ph/mobile-phones/honor-x6) with one-time cash-out of Php2,000 via GPlan 799 and HONOR 70 5G (https://bit.ly/3MDh25E) with Zero Cash-out via GPlan 1999.

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/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

SB19 drops new single “GENTO!”

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Multi-awarded Filipino boy group SB19 drops their latest single “GENTO,” giving fans a glimpse of what is to come for the group’s much awaited “PAGTATAG!” era. 

“GENTO” places SB19’s bold talent and confidence into the spotlight, highlighting their strength and versatility as a group. The song offers a catchy word play, effortlessly weaving ganito (like this), ginto (gold), and gento, the Caviteño word for ganito. It delivers a powerful message of their growth as a group, after years of refinement—just like gold.

For this single, SB19 draws inspiration from transformational change—how incremental and everyday acts lead to success and change. Often, it is the little, simplest acts that lead to triumphs. 

SB19 continues to set an example of hard work and perseverance as the group continues their path towards dominating the local, and global, music scene. Five years since their debut, SB19 continues to test—and break—limits with their unconventional sound and unbounded talent. 

Get ready for SB19 to take you on a journey. The new single sets the path for the group’s upcoming new EP release “PAGTATAG!” and offers the promise of new sounds and unexplored genres that will surely pique the interest of audiences.

This officially marks the start of the “PAGTATAG!” for SB19. Fans can expect groundbreaking sounds in the days to come—and an exhilarating ride as the group embarks on their second world tour. The award-winning group is set to kick-off their world tour at the Araneta Coliseum on June 24 and 25 and will have multiple stops in cities across the Philippines, United States, and Canada. Ticket selling will begin on May 21 at 12 noon through TicketNet outlets nationwide or through www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Are you ready for this? We hope you are. You’re in for a ride. 

“GENTO” is available now on all DSPs and streaming services via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.

Beko marks 3rd Anniversary in Ph with trade launch, announces business development plans

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Beko Philippines is entering a new phase of business in their journey to bring the European brand to a sustainable lifestyle for Filipino customers. In celebration of its third year of operations, Beko announces its goal of being the number one European brand in the Philippine market in the next 5 years.

Beko Executives: Beko Executives (L-R - Rolixus Kho Yute, Product Certification Specialist of Beko Philippines, Rebecca Aguilar, Product Marketing Senior Specialist of Beko Philippines, Ghie Papa, Brand Marketing Communications Specialist of Beko Philippines, Gurhan Gunal, Country Manager of Philippines, Nattinee Techanungnirun, Beko APAC Marketing Director, Panninuch Suwanaroek, Beko APAC Senior Lead Marketing Communications, Dyeun Zapanta, Marketing Head of Beko Philippines)

“We are very happy to be holding this trade launch for our dealers and stakeholders as we share that Beko will be a bigger and better brand in the Philippines in 2023 and beyond,” said Gürhan Günal, Beko’s country director in the Philippines, who also presented the company’s business development plans of EXPAND, GROW, LEAD, CONNECTIVITY and SUSTAINABILITY for the Philippines along with the brand’s hero technologies at the anniversary trade launch at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila.

This is the heart and reason why this year, Beko will be made available soon in other appliance stores nationwide as it continues to “expand” its distribution to other retail channels.

To further “grow” brand awareness and visibility they also announced the renewal of their brand ambassadorship with Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo alongside with digital and traditional media investments.

As one of the “leading” manufacturers of home appliances, Beko promotes the Live Like a Pro lifestyle and inspires Filipinos to experience a more convenient way of living through European style product lines. They stated that Beko Pilipinas Corporation is the exclusive distributor of Hitachi Major Domestic Appliances as part of their brand portfolio.

Beko appliances are made smart, relevant and designed to easily support Filipino families. With the HomeWhiz function you can easily “connect” to your Beko appliances with the use of your smartphones.

As part of Beko’s global sustainability effort, Beko Philippines announces its partnership with Plastic Credit Exchange, which serves a global ecosystem of carefully vetted partners that recover, process, and recycle plastic waste with programs that improve livelihood, scale up social impact, and reduce the flow of plastic pollution into nature. The partnership is in line with Extended Producer Responsibility Law, which holds companies responsible for the plastic packaging they use throughout the lifecycle of their products.

Trade launch showcasing hero technologies

As Beko marked its third year in the Philippines, the appliance brand held a grand trade launch for its dealers at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom with the theme “Empowered to Live Like A Pro.”

During the whole-day event, guests, including media and dealers, got to experience Beko’s range of appliances. They also got tips from a chef and an interior designer on how to manage their homes like a pro.

Beko Philippines showcased its hero technologies, such as HarvestFresh, ProSmart Inverter Technology, Steam Cure, Hygiene+, AeroPerfect TM and many others. These technologies help you live like a pro. Among the products displayed that day were cookers. The HII64205F2MT is a 60x50cm built-in induction hob with four Cooking Zones and two 2 Flexizone, nine cooking levels and a glass burner plate. Meanwhile, the BBIS14300XCSE 60x60cm. multifunction built-in oven with six cooking functions, including Steam Aid feature for moist and even cooking.

There were also refrigerators, one of the appliances which Beko is famous for. The GNO480E40HFGBPH is a 16.6cf inverter multi-door refrigerator with Neofrost Triple Cooling Technology, HarvestFresh, Prosmart Inverter Compressor, in sleek black glass door finish. Also featured is the Hitachi Refrigerator R-WB640VG0-1 GBK with Vacuum Technology with Platinum Catalyst, Inverter X Dual-fan Cooling with Eco-thermo sensor.

Other appliances include the CEG7302B, a bean-to-cup espresso machine and the BSEOG180/181 2Hp air-conditioner with Go Clean Technology, MicroClean TM Filter, Gold Guard, ZoneFollow, 4D Auto Swing and HomeWhiz.

Beko appliances are available at 1st Megasaver, Abenson, All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Centre, BHF, Echo Electrical, Fair N Square, Gloria Bazaar, Great World, Hat, J Marketing, Lazada, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Mike’s Department Store, NB Marketing, Pricewise, RS David, Our Builders, Robinsons Appliance, Savers, Shopee, SM Appliance, Solidmark, SVC & Plusign, United Motoliance, and Western Appliance.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, go to http://beko.ph or visit their

Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bekoph and their Instagram page at

https://www.instagram.com/bekoph/.

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About BEKO

Beko is the international home appliance brand of Arçelik, which is a multinational household appliances manufacturer that operates with 12 brands and employs over 40,000 people worldwide. It is one of the top three large home appliances brands in Europe* in the white goods sector.

Beko has been focusing on healthy living for years, raising awareness and developing products that make healthy living possible and convenient. Beko’s brand mission is ‘healthy living is only possible on a healthy planet’. Beko is committed to protecting the planet by designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products and investing in resource efficiency in production.

The brand has been in the Philippine Market for seven years and is currently available in select Abenson, All Home, Anson’s, Appliance Centrum, Asian Home Appliance, Automatic Centre, BHF, Fair N Square, Gloria Bazar, Great World, HAT, J Marketing, Lazada, Magic Appliance, Manhattan Appliance, Manila Imperial, Mike’s Appliances, Our Builders Warehouse Pricewise, Robinsons Appliance, Savers, SVC & Plusign, Shopee, SM Appliance, Solidmark, S&R (Gidi), United Mottoaliance, Western Appliance and 1st Megasaver.

This year, Beko will be made available soon in other appliance stores nationwide as it continues to expand its distribution to other retail channels.

Beko is committed to protecting the planet by designing and manufacturing energy-efficient products and investing in resource efficiency in production.

For information, follow @bekoph on Facebook and Instagram or go to http://www.beko.ph.