Enjoying Wonderful World

October 3, 2024

Celebrate National Taco Day with this one-day offer from Taco Bell

Buy 1 Crunchy Beef Taco, get another at 50% off on Oct. 4 only

If you're a taco enthusiast, you probably already know that the annual National Taco Day has been permanently moved from October 4 to the first Tuesday of October, after Taco Bell got the approval of National Day Calendar to move the date. And now, we won't have to worry about National Taco Day not falling on Taco Tuesday!

To celebrate this new milestone, why not go for a classic Crunchy Beef Taco? You know what, why not make it two? If you do, you can get the second taco at just half the price with this one-day offer from Taco Bell!

You heard that right! For one day only, Taco Bell customers who buy one Crunchy Beef Taco can get another at 50% off! That's a total of just P149 for TWO Crunchy Beef Tacos (SRP P99 each), giving you P49 in savings!

Satisfy your taco cravings with Taco Bell's signature crunchy taco shell filled to the brim with perfectly seasoned Mexican-style ground beef, shredded fresh lettuce, special sauce, and a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese!

This irresistible offer will be available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery on Oct. 4, 2024, only! Visit your nearest store, call the 8911-1111 hotline, or log on to https://tacobell.com.ph to enjoy this offer together with your other favorites from Taco Bell! You can also order via Taco Bell's official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary).

Don’t miss out on the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok!

Generika Drugstore, Ayala Foundation’s Scholarship Program Empowers Next Generation of Pharmacists

Scholars smile with Generika Drugstore and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) officials during a virtual meet-and-greet before their semester started in August.

Aspiring pharmacist Micaella Abedejos from Davao City is pursuing her degree for a deeply personal reason: she wants to help her sick grandmother, who is taking several medications.

"Whenever I come home from school, my grandmother would ask me about her medications, and being able to explain it to her made me happy," 20-year-old Micaella shared.

Her knowledge from pharmacy school empowered her to explain to her grandmother the purpose of each medication, helping her manage her health and avoid potential errors. To Micaella, this is the important role pharmacists play in the community—to educate and empower the vulnerable sectors of our society.

“This inspired me to share my knowledge about her medications because I didn't want her taking them without knowing what they were for. I felt motivated to help and make a difference,” she added.

Micaella’s mother is a housewife, and her father works as an informal electronics repairman. Due to their irregular and limited income, it would have been challenging for them to support her college education, especially with three other siblings also in school.

But with her academic excellence and determination, Micaella was one of the chosen beneficiaries of the Enrollment to Employment Scholarship Program of Generika Drugstore, in partnership with Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI).

This initiative responds to the demand for pharmacists, especially in rural areas, by making it possible for students to pursue their studies.

Atty. Yet Abarca, the President and CEO of Generika Drugstore, emphasized that the scholarship program is in fulfillment of its promise to provide ginhawa by giving Filipino communities access to quality affordable generic medicines. She noted that pharmacists often serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare, especially in underserved areas where drugstores outnumber clinics and hospitals.

“This is really a milestone for us as we embark on this program with Ayala Foundation. Central to our promise of ginhawa is the pharmacist. We take pride in our network of friendly and knowledgeable pharmacists who are at the core of delivering our ginhawa promise to the communities that we serve,” Abarca said.

Beyond Gold: Carlos Yulo Joins EastWest as Newest Brand Ambassador

EastWest, one of the country’s most consumer-focused and fastest growing universal banks, proudly introduced elite gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo as its newest brand ambassador during an exclusive launch event held in Makati. The event celebrated Carlos Yulo’s historic athletic achievements and his inspiring financial journey as an EastWest client, making him the perfect embodiment of the Bank’s mission of nurturing dreams by championing sensible financial management for over thirty years.

EastWest’s newest ambassador, world-class Olympic champion gymnast Carlos Yulo (center), joins EastWest executives and media partners at the 'Beyond Gold' launch event. In addition to celebrating Yulo’s remarkable achievements, the event emphasizes the Bank’s dedication to delivering exceptional financial services that empower Yulo and its customers to reach their dreams.

With his exceptional rise in the field, Yulo has made a significant mark on the global stage, representing the Philippines worldwide. His dedication to his art and commitment to excellence align perfectly with EastWest’s values of pushing boundaries and striving for greatness. Just as Carlos Yulo excels as a world-class athlete, EastWest offers world-class services, always going further to empower Filipinos with the financial tools and guidance they need to achieve their dreams.

Yulo shared, “Itong partnership really started before ko po nakuha ang gold medals ko sa Olympics. Talagang tinulungan ako ng EastWest from the start na maayos yung financial goals ko. Madami akong natutunan sa kanila, nag simula lang ako ng simpleng deposit ngayon meron na akong mga investments na nakatulong talaga sa plans ko. Pareho kami ng mindset ng EastWest, always pushing ourselves to improve. Kaya this partnership comes in so natural sa kin, pareho kaming may relentless drive na magtuloy tuloy hanggang makamit namin ang dreams namin.”

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

(L-R) Jerry Ngo, CEO; Mia Tamayo, Head of Credit Cards Business; Ivy Uy, Head of Branch Banking Group; Lawrence Lee, Head of Consumer Lending; Carlos Yulo, EastWest Brand Ambassador; Isabelle Gotianun-Yap, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer; Jacqueline Fernandez, President; Cristina Que Orbeta, Independent Director; and Martin Reyes, Head of Marketing and Cash Management, proudly take the stage during the 'Beyond Gold' event, celebrating the official introduction of Carlos Yulo as EastWest’s newest ambassador and reinforcing the bank’s focus on supporting its clients, championing excellence and promoting financial empowerment.

The event highlighted the distinct connection between Yulo and EastWest. From simply being a customer, he is now the face of the brand. His discipline, perseverance, and focus on the mastery of his craft, evidenced by his rigorous training, is mirrored by the Bank — persistently supporting clients’ financial journeys to ensure that they can confidently pursue their own goals.

EastWest SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, Rafael S. Algarra Jr., expressed the significance of the partnership, stating, “Carlos Yulo represents the dedication and passion that EastWest stands for. His journey from having raw potential to being a world champion reflects the same path we aim to provide for our clients—guiding them toward financial success, whether through our Priority services, consumer loans, or investment management. We believe this partnership exemplifies our service commitment—always pushing further for our clients so they can achieve their goals.”

(L-R) Jerry Ngo, CEO; Carlos Yulo, EastWest Brand Ambassador; Jacqueline Fernandez, President; and Martin Reyes, Head of Marketing and Cash Management, share the spotlight at the 'Beyond Gold' event.

Carlos Yulo's Inspiring Financial Journey

Yulo’s partnership with the Bank also highlights his personal journey of financial growth and empowerment. He started with basic banking products to save and pay for expenses while training and competing. As his financial capacity grew, he relied on the help of a dedicated EastWest Priority Relationship Manager to give him financial advice. With guidance, Yulo transitioned into investments, ensuring that his earnings were wisely managed, while he focused on training. Yulo shared,

Carlos Yulo shares his excitement after his grand entrance as EastWest Bank’s newest brand ambassador, discussing his personal journey and how the values of excellence and dedication he upholds in gymnastics perfectly align with EastWest’s commitment to supporting Filipinos in achieving their financial dreams.

“Si EastWest po talaga has been so helpful in my journey—not just as an athlete, but also in managing my finances. Tinulungan po nila ako maging smart sa financial decisions ko and magkaroon ng solid financial plan and dahil dito, naka focus ako sa training and competitions ko. Nung nagsimula akong kumita, hindi ko talaga alam kung paano i-manage ng maayos ang pera ko. I had deposit accounts and a credit card with EastWest. Pero na-realize ko na kailangan ko ng mas malalim na understanding para mapalago yung pinaghirapan ko. Buti na lang, EastWest Priority assigned me a relationship manager who really guided me. Siya ang nagturo sa akin about investments and how I can grow my savings para I’m financially prepared.”

EastWest: Celebrating 30 Years of Financial Excellence

As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, their partnership with the Olympian marks another milestone. For three decades, EastWest has consistently provided its clients with personalized services that guide them through every stage of their financial journey, and clients like Yulo are proof of their commitment. While embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of their clients, EastWest ensures that they never lose the human touch, balancing cutting-edge solutions with the warmth and care that have always defined their approach.

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo delivers his welcoming remarks, emphasizing the bank’s focus on excellence and its partnership with Carlos Yulo as they embark on a journey to empower Filipinos in achieving their financial goals.

EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo shares, "Carlos Yulo embodies resilience, focus, and the pursuit of excellence—values EastWest has upheld for the last 30 years. As we continue to innovate and grow, we proudly welcome Carlos as a partner who not only stands for athletic success but also a commitment to smart financial growth. Together, we aim to inspire Filipinos to push their boundaries and achieve their financial dreams with EastWest by their side."

(L-R) Jerry Ngo, CEO; Carlos Yulo, EastWest Brand Ambassador; Jacqueline Fernandez, President; and Martin Reyes, Head of Marketing and Cash Management, make the partnership official with their ceremonial signing at the 'Beyond Gold' event.

Carlos Yulo engages with the audience during the Q&A portion onstage, candidly sharing his thoughts on financial literacy, his partnership with EastWest, and how he balances his career in gymnastics with managing his finances.

EastWest, alongside esteemed guests and media partners, proudly introduces Carlos Yulo as their newest brand ambassador, marking the start of an inspiring journey towards financial empowerment and excellence with a human touch.

Martin Reyes, EastWest Head of Marketing and Cash Management, shares, “Carlos’s story is one of hard work, perseverance, and excellence. Like EastWest Bank, he is always striving to go further and reach new heights. We are proud to have him represent the same drive and passion we bring to supporting Filipinos in achieving their dreams.”

October 2, 2024

Cebuana Lhuillier’s Search for “Happiest Pinoy” Campaign Returns!

The nationwide Search for the Happiest Pinoy returns and Cebuana Lhuillier continue to find and recognize the country’s most optimistic and passionate Filipinos who kept a good-natured demeanor while overcoming life’s challenges,

After a five-year break, Cebuana Lhuillier has officially relaunched one of its most beloved campaigns, the "Happiest Pinoy," marking the beginning of a new chapter in the search for joy and resilience among Filipinos.

This year's revival of the campaign brings hope, inspiration, and optimism at a time when the need for such qualities has never been more apparent.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier's President and CEO, expressed his excitement for the relaunch, emphasizing the strength of the Filipino spirit, which has toughened despite the challenges of recent years.

"The last few years have been challenging for all of us, but through it all, the unique Filipino spirit-the same spirit we celebrate in this campaign-remained unbreakable. We've seen time and again that, despite adversity, Filipinos always find a reason to smile, to be hopeful, and to spread joy,"
Lhuillier said. He added that the "Happiest Pinoy" campaign shines a light on those who uplift others through their personal stories of optimism and resilience.

The "Happiest Pinoy" aims to celebrate Filipinos who rise above life's challenges and continue to spread positivity. The competition is open to Filipino citizens aged 13 and above, excluding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This year, the contest features several categories:

Masayahing Gen Z (Youth); Happy at 60 (Senior Citizens); No Way Kapansanan (PWD); Inspiradong Champion (Manggagawa or MNGGW); Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla (OFW); Bibo sa Negosyo (Entrepreneur); Proud as Pride (LGBTQIA+) and Creative Pinoy (Creative Arts). This year, the competition has also introduced Special Awards: Katutubo (TRIBO) and Happiest Ka-Cebuana.

In 2019, Zaldy Bueno, a 37 year old public school teacher from Gumaca Quezon won Cebuana Lhuillier's search for the Happiest Pinoy. Zaldy, representing the Professional Category, bested other finalists from different categories by virtue of his advocacy to see more children's lives change through education.

The grand winner of the search will receive a cash prize of PHP 500,000, with category winners receiving PHP 35,000 each. Special awards' winners will, meanwhile, receive, PHP 25,000 each.

Applicants can submit their stories via three methods:

Video Submission: Submit a video entry by downloading the form from the "Happiest Pinoy" social media pages, filling it out, and sending the form along with the video to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com

Google Form: Fill out the official form via the Happiest Pinoy's social media pages, providing the required details and sharing experiences of optimism and joy.

Cebuana Lhuillier Branches: Visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch to get a physical copy of the form, fill it out, and return it to the nearest branch.

The return of the "Happiest Pinoy" competition is a significant moment for Cebuana Lhuillier and the country. As Lhuillier emphasized, this comeback is about more than just finding a winner; it is a celebration of the strength and happiness that define Filipinos. He said, "This campaign isn't just a search for an individual—it's a celebration of the strength and happiness that define us as a people."

With this relaunch, Cebuana Lhuillier hopes to continue sharing meaningful stories that uplift the Filipino spirit, demonstrating once again that, no matter the adversity, Filipinos will always choose to find happiness

BingoPlus holds star-studded launch of latest digital perya game Pinoy Drop Ball

BingoPlus, the country’s top platform for digital entertainment, introduces its newest perya game Pinoy Drop Ball in a star-studded launch on Sunday, September 29, at the Grand Hyatt Manila featuring performances from its endorser and TV host Maine Mendoza and celebrity guests Julie Anne San Jose and PPop idol Alamat.

Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., sharing the finer qualities of Pinoy Drop Ball and all DigiPlus products.

This thrilling addition is a homegrown creation, carefully designed to deliver a nostalgic perya experience that Pinoys know and love, but in dynamic and fresh ways that only BingoPlus offers.

Pinoy Drop Ball joins DigiPlus’ popular lineup of digital games, including Bingo, Tongits, and Perya Games. Notably, Pinoy Drop Ball is the first-ever live-streamed drop ball game in the Philippines, setting a new standard in digital perya gaming. But more than just another game, Pinoy Drop Ball reflects DigiPlus’ deep understanding of what Filipino players want—authentic and culturally resonant entertainment that fuses tradition with technology.

“As a brand deeply rooted in Filipino culture, it has been our mission to elevate traditional Pinoy entertainment and bring this experience to the modern age. Like our well-loved Filipino games Bingo Mega, Color Game, and Papula Paputi, Drop Ball promises to reignite your excitement and engage you further in the BingoPlus platform,” said DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco during his speech at the grand reveal. “Drop Ball is another leap forward in this mission, as BingoPlus continues to bridge offline traditions with modern technology, creating a more seamless and exciting experience for all.”

Noted influencers Albert Nicolas and Jai Asuncion trying out the classic Pinoy Drop Ball game live on stage with BingoPlus hosts Lea and Ian.

What makes Pinoy Drop Ball stand out is the thrilling chance to win big from multipliers. Players can enjoy the classic feel of the perya game while competing for prizes. Pinoy Drop Ball follows a set of payout rules for the six betting areas. If a card has a single ball on it, players will receive a 2x payout and if there are two balls on a card, then there will be a 3x payout.

Meanwhile, if three balls land on a card, the game will enter a special Pachinko round, where players are given a shot at bigger rewards. Once triggered, this bonus round opens up 15 slots filled with multipliers of 10, 50, 100, and even up to 200, pushing the stakes higher and creating a truly immersive experience. Triple cards can occur up to an estimated 40+ times in a day. With the game streamed live 23/7, players are right there in the moment, sharing the excitement of every move anytime, anywhere.

Developing a digital game rooted in Filipino culture requires significant effort, and BingoPlus has invested heavily in research and development to ensure that Pinoy Drop Ball truly captures the essence of a game reminiscent of the joy in local town fiestas, while bringing it to life in a convenient, mobile-friendly format.

Maine Mendoza arriving as a special guest to the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (left), and Eusebio H. Tanco, Chairman of DigiPlus welcome Maine Mendoza to the stage of the Pinoy Drop Ball launch.

Left to right: BingoPlus host Lea, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio, special guest Maine Mendoza, and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco celebrate the release of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

BingoPlus assures that its efforts have paid off, with all its equipment tested and licensed by PAGCOR. The playing tables have been precisely measured to ensure stability throughout a game and the balls have been especially weighed and manufactured to ensure consistent gameplay all throughout. Each inspection of the equipment and playthrough have also undergone thorough observation by PAGCOR officers to guarantee players that every round gives honest results and follows strict regulatory measures. Additionally, BingoPlus will switch hosts every 30 minutes in consideration of the various ways they may throw the balls.

With the release of Pinoy Drop Ball, BingoPlus continues to revolutionize how Filipinos experience the games they’ve loved for generations, in new and more rewarding ways.

DigiPlus is the fastest-growing digital entertainment company in the country. It operates the country’s leading digital platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and Gamezone, with more to come. BingoPlus is a leading platform for various forms of entertainment for Filipinos where players can explore tongits, bingo, perya games and many other game choices to have fun at home. For more information, visit: www.bingoplus.com or download the app now from App store and Google Play.

More photos during the BingoPlus star-studded launch of latest digital perya game Pinoy Drop Ball

Alamat gave a lively performance for the crowd at the Grand Hyatt Manila celebrating the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Julie Anne San Jose giving a rousing performance at the Pinoy Drop Ball launch event at Grand Hyatt Manila.

Julie Anne San Jose was one of several special guests that came to celebrate the official launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Alamat dancing their hearts out for the crowd present at the launch of Pinoy Drop Ball on BingoPlus.

Musical guests and stars came out to mark the grand launch of BingoPlus’ latest innovation, Pinoy Drop Ball.

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio, special guest Maine Mendoza, and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco introduce the public to the latest classic Filipino game on the digital BingoPlus platform: Pinoy Drop Ball.