TOYCON Philippines 2023: Celebrating 20 Years of Play

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Philippine TOYCON, recognized as the biggest pop culture convention in the country, celebrates its milestone 20 years as a destination event, happening from July 7-9 at the SMX Convention Center Manila,

As one of the longest-running pop culture events in the Asian region, this year’s edition promises to raise the bar again for pop-culture events as it returns back to form as the collectors’ mecca and an ultimate destination for pop-culture fan engagement.

With each iteration, the Philippine TOYCON has gotten bigger and better, establishing itself as a cultural juggernaut and one of the most anticipated events of the year, as thousands of con-goers take part in a weekend of fun, nostalgia, and fabulous finds!

TOYCON this year will feature almost a hundred toy exclusives from partner exhibitors, with top toy brands like Funko, Lego, Bandai, Hot Toys, Pop Mart, JoyToy and many others. We will be featuring the top toy designers in the country, from the region and from the US. World-renowned toy designers like Quiccs, Wetworks, Creon Chknhead, Arman Kendrick and more, add to the hype with their limited edition TOYCON releases

TOYCON also partners with international brand and licensing giant, MINDstyle, to bring you the FanXperience, where con-goers can sample the latest trends in upcoming art toys and purchase Pop Asia exclusives. Fans also get to interact with top creators and designers like Punk Drunkers and Reen Barrera. You also get to check out the Secret Fresh merchandise and exhibits. And one the most anticipated toys of the convention brought in by MINDstyle is the very first ever Philippine Convention exclusive in the form of TOYCON’s brand mascot, TC-02, as an official Funko Pop collectible!

Globe is this year’s event co-presenter and they are bringing in the Globe Playboxx Booth where one can unleash their inner child. They also bring the Globe Premium and VIP Passes loaded with awesome toy exclusives, merch and vouchers. Avail of these VIP passes to be the first to own these much sough-after toy exclusives like Creon Chknheads CCW Buck Philippine Colorway, and Punk Drunkers convention exclusive Pops.

Still very much a highlight for the event is the ongoing live-action adaptation of the beloved Robot Romance Trilogy anime known as Voltes V. This Philippine production, known as Voltes V: Legacy with GMA TV, has received rave reviews for its cutting-edge special effects and attention to detail, clearly serving as a love letter from its makers to the source material. The cast of Voltes V Legacy and its show-runner, Director Mark A. Reyes will have a fan interaction on the TOYCON stage. GMA will also bring in other stars to grace the event.

But that’s not all, because from our homegrown talent taking on a much-beloved Japanese franchise, we also get to welcome some special guests from the Japanese Tokusatsu (“live-action special effects”) universe. 

First up, we have Tetsuo Kurata, aka Robert Akizuki, as he was locally known when he played Masked Rider Black and Black RX. With him of course is Ryosuke Kaizu, who played Red Mask in Hikari Sentai Maskman. All those who grew up with these 90’s heroes will have a blast to see them up close and personal along with their props and vehicles in the Toku Spirits booth.

Cosplay also returns to TOYCON in a big way with arguably the most entertaining and most talked-about cosplay competition in the country. The Cosplay KO heightens the excitement for individual cosplayers on Saturday with a P20,000 cash prize for the best anime and the Anime S Cosplay World Stars local qualifiers in the Duo Category and the Cosplay Pop Duo Contest liven up the TOYCON stage on Sunday. Celebrity Cosplay photographer, Jay Tablante, also conducts a Cosplay Photography workshop sponsored by Canon.

Movie fans will celebrate in the immersive cinematic displays as Warner Brothers sets up for Barbie the Movie and the highly anticipated DC superhero movie, Blue Beetle. Paramount Pictures also joins the fray with a booth for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

TOYCON also brings to the fore the top local and international creators with not just one but three Creative Zones: the Comics Zone powered by Komiket, with top comic book artists and illustrators, and two Toy Designer Alleys with the best local and international toy designers including Hot Actor, Pucky, Chino Lam, Unbox Industries and more! Enjoy more than 80 toy exclusives to be released by more than 40 toy designers around the world!

And of course, the heart of the event is the TOYCON Collectors Gallery where around 80 toy collector groups will display their collections with exciting panel discussions and competitions for Custom Toys, Toy Photography, Best Display and Awards for the Best Toy Collectors Group sponsored by the Philippine Toy Groups Association. And definitely, the shopping and collectibles hunting is unsurpassed in TOYCON with more toys, comics, collectibles to be found in more than 250 vendor booths!, And even bigger fan experiences than you could possibly imagine await you over this epic weekend!

An absolute epic experience awaits all fans this July 7-9 at the SMX Convention Center as we celebrate 20 years of TOYCON with the TOYCON MINDstyle FanXperince. The only question is: will you be celebrating with us, or will you be missing out on one of the hottest events of 2023? The choice couldn’t be clearer - see you there!

The 20th TOYCON Philippines and MINDstyle FanXperience is presented by Globe, in partnership with Great Toys Online, Filbars, Hobbiestock, CalicoToys, Gaming Library, Funtastik, Talent High, Solid Toys, Collectors Base, Stormy Vault, Devil Toys, the College of St. Benilde, Bostik, Cybercraft PH, Grimalkin, JoyToy, Gnarly, and supported by Canon, GMA Store, Quiccs, Toku Spirits, Funko Funatic Philippines, Big Boys Toy Store, Image World, Yori, Warner Brothers Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Del Monte Potato Crisp, with hotel partners, Citadines and Heritage Hotel. Also powered by Exlink Events, Anime Alliance, Ambox Events, Komiket, IPMS, the Philippine Toy Group Association and Creon Chknhead.

Tickets are available at SMTickets.com or onsite during the event dates at the SMX Convention Center. The Globe Premium Passes and Globe MINDstyle VIP Passes are available on Tickelo.com

TOYCON PH

Email: toyconph@gmail.com / toyconphmarketing@gmail.com

Website: toyconph.com

Facebook: FB/ToyconPH

IG: @PhToycon

YouTube: Youtube.com/@TOYCONPH

Lalamove announces the opening of ‘Partner Driver Center’ at PITX

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Lalamove Philippines, one of the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform, announced the opening of its new one-stop center for both its existing and potential partner drivers at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

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The facility is intended to empower the leading on-demand

 delivery service provider’s vast partner driver community

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The Partner Driver Center, which is open starting July 3, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (except on holidays), functions as an all-around facility designed to accommodate everything related to Lalamove’s partner drivers.

Delivering Success Together: Lalamove, PITX, and LGU of Parañaque inaugurate the new Bossing Center, a hub designed for our valued partner drivers. IN PHOTO (L-R): Mohit Malhi, Chief Executive Officer of Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Djon Nacario, Managing Director of Lalamove Philippines, and Mark Allen Besa, Parañaque City Environment and Natural Resources Department Head (CENRO), representating Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez

“The Partner Driver Center is the realization of Lalamove’s mission to continuously empower our partner drivers, our Lalamove Bossings, who are among the most essential part of our nearly seven-year journey in the Philippines,” Lalamove Managing Director Djon Nacario said at the ceremony. “It is our way of extending our gratitude to the ever-growing partner driver community, as well as to the Filipinos wanting to become part of our commitment to deliver the best service to our customers.”

Nacario was joined by Lalamove Star Drivers, as well as representatives from PITX and Paranaque City’s Local Government Unit, in the momentous event, where participants got their first glimpse of the Partner Driver Center and won exclusive prizes from Lalamove and its partners.

Lalamove Bossings can roam around and mingle with their fellow partner drivers while waiting for orders. Merchandise booths are available if they are in need of Lalamove Bossing essentials such as the iconic LalaJacket, LalaBag, and LalaVest.

Interested applicants may also do walk-ins and undergo the onboarding and enhanced driver training process on the same day, while current partner drivers having issues or concerns with their Lalamove Driver App accounts may also approach personnel for assistance.

Meanwhile, Lalamove partner drivers who need reskilling and retraining are welcome to undergo the Balik Biyahe program in the facility.

“As we continue to grow our fleet, it is vital that we simultaneously grow our partner driver community. The Partner Driver Center, which is located within our soon-to-reopen multi-modal hub in PITX, is a testament to this commitment,” Nacario said.

Earlier this month, Lalamove announced the relocation of its logistics hub from Makati City and Quezon City to PITX to strengthen inter- and intra-city deliveries and provide a wider space for its partner drivers to come together.

With the growth of Lalamove’s fleet to include six-wheel and 10-wheel trucks, PITX’s close proximity to other major transport hubs makes it an ideal location to create more livelihood opportunities for Filipinos in a more accessible way.

Lalamove invites all individuals seeking flexible livelihood opportunities a chance to join the thriving community of partner drivers and additional avenues to earn.

Visit the Lalamove website to learn more and apply to be a partner driver today. Get the latest updates on Lalamove by following it on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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ABOUT LALAMOVE

Founded in Hong Kong in 2013, Lalamove is an on-demand delivery platform born with a mission to empower communities by making delivery fast, simple, and affordable. At the click of a button, individuals, small businesses, and corporations can access a wide fleet of delivery vehicles operated by professional driver partners. Powered by technology, Lalamove seamlessly connects people, vehicles, freights and roads, moving things that matter and bringing benefits to local communities in 11 markets across Asia and Latin America

Opening Doors to Affordable Diagnostics: Cardinal Santos Offers Significant Discount on Lab Procedures During Sundays and Holidays!

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center is starting off the month of July by offering a 30% discount on all laboratory procedures conducted on Sundays and holidays. The hospital builds on its commitment to people-centered care by announcing this new initiative to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the community.

Recognizing the importance of timely and accurate diagnostics in patient care, Cardinal Santos aims to remove barriers that may hinder individuals from seeking necessary medical tests. By introducing this discounted pricing structure, the hospital aims to encourage patients to prioritize their health and undergo essential laboratory procedures without financial constraints.

Dr. Zenaida M. Javier-Uy, SVP & Chief Medical Officer at Cardinal Santos, highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, "We firmly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all. By providing a substantial discount on laboratory procedures during Sundays and holidays, we hope to encourage members of our community to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps towards their healthcare needs."

The 30% discount will apply to a comprehensive range of routine laboratory procedures, including but not limited to blood tests, urine analysis, and other chemistry services. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a team of skilled professionals, Cardinal Santos Hospital ensures accurate and reliable results for its patients.

Patients and community members interested in availing themselves of this exclusive discount can simply visit the Cardinal Santos laboratory department during Sundays and holidays. The hospital's compassionate staff will be readily available to assist patients throughout the process and answer any queries they may have.

This offer underscores Cardinal Santos Hospital's unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier community by making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. This is evidenced by its achievement of being the First Hospital in Asia to receive the People-Centered Care Commitment Award from Accreditation Canada earlier this year, to go along with its Platinum Accreditation.

This offer is valid until further notice. Terms and conditions apply. For the complete list of discounted laboratory services and more information about the other programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

Mang Inasal celebrates 20th anniversary with Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Caravan

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Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, spreads unlimited fun this July through its continuous Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Cavaran that treats customers with free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Palabok in different parts of the country.

"We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary by giving out our customers’ favorite Mang Inasal products," said Mang Inasal business unit head Mike V. Castro. “Through our Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Caravan, we get to see how our patrons have been sharing their love for our food and the happy moments they enjoy with their families and friends.”

Launched in April, the Mang Inasal Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Caravan continues this July with free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Crema de Leche Halo-Halo to be served at Waltermart Gapan, Nueva Ecija on July 1, Waltermart Gen. Trias, Cavite on July 7, and SM Lemery, Batangas on July 8. The month will be capped with Metro Manila runs on July 14 and 15.  

Meanwhile, the free Palabok caravan will visit Robinsons Malolos, Bulacan on July 7. Succeeding schedules will be announced on Mang Inasal’s official social media channels.

Want Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates and https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals.

Red Bull and Bo’s Coffee Shake Things Up with a Powerhouse Partnership

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Caffeinated drinks just got a lot more exciting with the recent collaboration between the globally-renowned premium energy drink Red Bull and Bo's Coffee, a popular global Filipino coffee chain. 

Starting July 1, Red Bull Energy Drink and Red Bull Sugar Free will be listed as part of Bo’s Coffee’s Ready to Drink beverage menu. Additionally, together, they have created a duo of Red Bull-infused drinks, elevating the drinking experience for consumers everywhere.

The collaboration has paved the way for two exciting additions to Bo’s Coffee’s menu offerings. Staying true to the tropical roots of the country, as well as the energetic flavors of both Red Bull and Bo’s Coffee, the public will be introduced to the Sunset Orange Fizz and the Golden Passion Bliss.

Sunset Orange Fizz combines Red Bull with the zesty taste of orange juice and the sweetness of strawberry syrup. This trio of flavors creates an invigorating and dynamic beverage that’ll energize consumers with every sip.

Golden Passion Bliss, on the other hand, is the perfect drink for those looking for bold, tangy, and tropical flavors. Mixing Red Bull with the vibrant taste profile of passion fruit juice, customers trying out this drink will be greeted with a delightful balance of tangy and sweet, with the perfect hint of refreshing acidity.

“This remarkable partnership between Bo’s Coffee and Red Bull has paved the way for two unique drinks to enter the market for a limited time.” said Chief Operating Offer, Rachel Fallarme. “Prepare to embark on a tantalizing journey as you savor the first sip of these limited-edition creations. From the invigorating energy of Red Bull to the exceptional craftsmanship of Bo's Coffee, each drink tells a story of collaboration, excellence, and a shared commitment to providing an unforgettable experience.”

Both drinks will be readily available for purchase in all Bo’s Coffee stores and franchise locations across the Metro area starting on July 1, but they will eventually be available in Bo’s Coffee menu in all locations starting on July 16. Since they're limited-edition beverages, these drinks will only be available in Bo's menu until August 31, 2023.

For more information and updates regarding Red Bull and its future collaborations, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok )