Discovery Resorts Brightens the Holidays with Enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies

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The Discovery Resorts marked the start of its festive season with captivating Christmas tree lighting ceremonies across its properties. With unique themes and heartfelt celebrations, each event showcased the joy and togetherness that define the holidays.

Under the theme "Whimsical Holidays," Discovery Boracay and Discovery Coron brought to life a Polynesian-inspired celebration filled with vibrant performances and heartfelt community-driven initiatives. Infused with the spirit of the sea, the warmth of the islands, and the magic of the holidays, the Tree Lighting ceremony began with a captivating tale. The storytelling wove a narrative of how all things return to nature, celebrating the timeless cycle of life. This enchanting theme was reflected in the Christmas tree itself, adorned with delicate blooms and vibrant flowers that symbolized growth, renewal, and the beauty of nature's resilience. It stood as a radiant centerpiece, blooming with the magic, wonder, and joy of the season.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Discovery Boracay with Bogart and Bella, the resort mascots.

Discovery Boracay Christmas Tree.

Ati Choir.

As we lit the tree of Discovery Boracay, the air was filled with heartwarming performances from the employees and the Boracay Ati Choir. Established in 2005, the Boracay Ati Choir was born from a shared passion for music and faith. Encouraged to join the choir of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Balabag, young members of the Ati community—ranging from primary students to high schoolers—have carried on this heartfelt tradition ever since. The choir has become a symbol of cultural pride and youthful artistry showcasing their vibrant spirit.

Adding a personal touch to their performances, they even sing original songs composed by a talented member of their community, sharing stories and melodies unique to their heritage.

A Festive Light Display at Balay Discovery, the staff house of Discovery Boracay.

The celebration continued at Discovery Balay, the staff house grounds of Discovery Boracay, adorned with festive lights and vibrant Christmas elements for the Boracay community to enjoy. Special guests during the activity included Malay Mayor Floribar Bautista, Rev. Fr. Francis Bolivar, and Re. Fr. Jogie Esmeralda.

Timmy + George with Discovery Coron staff.

Meanwhile, guests at Discovery Coron experienced a magical evening of festive tunes, Polynesian-inspired dances, and a sumptuous buffet dinner at Firefish Restaurant. Celebrity guest Sam Pinto and her daughter Mia joined the celebration, adding a special touch to the tree-lighting festivities. Live music by the Center Stage Band carried the evening into an atmosphere of joyful cheer.

Discovery Samal’s Whimsical Dreamland.

In Davao, Discovery Samal invites you to step into a Whimsical Dreamland—a breathtaking transformation that turns the resort into a spectacular holiday escape filled with enchantment and joy.

The event kicked off with a grand parade led by a Drum and Lyre ensemble, with performers in colorful costumes bringing the carnival to life. Guests were treated to stirring musical performances by multi-gold medalists JETZ Tacsanan and Alexis Ritz Labaya by Muzic’sKool. At the heart of this magical celebration is a life-sized gingerbread castle, surrounded by dazzling installations that serve as the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable holiday memories.

The spirit of a carnival comes alive as Discovery Samal brings people together to share laughter, celebrate life, and bask in the joy of the holidays. With a sense of wonder and playfulness, Whimsical Dreamland is Discovery Samal’s way of embracing the festive season.

The lighting of the tree was accompanied with an array of delectable holiday treats and enchanting Christmas-inspired culinary delights, the evening unfolded like a dream. A spellbinding musical performance set the tone, culminating in a magical journey through Discovery Samal's Whimsical Dreamland. At its heart stood a breathtaking life-sized gingerbread castle, surrounded by festive installations that created the perfect backdrop for capturing the wonder of the holiday season.

The ceremonies celebrated not just the joy of the season but also the values of kindness and giving back. Each property featured unique entertainment, local partnerships, and opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmas.

Discovery Boracay, Discovery Coron, and Discovery Samal are offering a variety of holiday packages to make this season even more special for you and your family.

For more information, visit each property’s websites: discoveryboracay.com for Discovery Boracay, discoverycoron.com for Discovery Coron, and discoverysamal.com for Discovery Samal.

Teleperformance advocates children’s rights, supports anti-child labor program in partnership with Philippine Labor Department

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As part of its firm commitment in upholding Human Rights across the communities where it operates, Teleperformance (TP), global leader in digital business services, partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support over 50 families in northern Mindanao, Philippines as part of Project Angel Tree.

Teleperformance in the Philippines, in support of Project Angel Tree, contributed essential items to children and their families in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City.

Project Angel Tree, an initiative dedicated to preventing and eliminating child labor, provides critical aid to families in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City. TP contributed essential items, such as school supplies, hygiene kits, and food.

The recent community event also held discussions to raise awareness on the basic rights of children and the protection of minors from exploitative labor.

Chief Executive Officer Rahul Jolly continues to support the program’s goal to end child labor, stating, “We at Teleperformance recognize our role in combatting exploitation wherever it may be. Child labor is a persistent and devastating problem in society, and we each have a role to play in ending it. Teleperformance in the Philippines is proud to support programs that align with our values. We are honored to be part of Project Angel Tree.”

“Helping our communities goes a long way, even in our smallest gestures,” added Chief People Officer Jeffrey Johnson. “Efforts such as Project Angel Tree highlight the impact of these efforts on the lives of the future generation. We are thankful to DOLE for the opportunity to help the children, both in the long- and short-term.”

The event culminated with the awarding of a Certificate of Appreciation from DOLE Region X (Cagayan de Oro Field Office) to Teleperformance Philippines, recognizing the company’s contributions to supporting children and families in Barangay Mambuaya.

The initiative is part of Teleperformance Philippines’ broader commitment to corporate social responsibility through the Citizen of the World (COTW), its corporate social responsibility arm. Earlier this year, COTW Philippines supported Kythe Foundation’s Summer Nature Camp 2024 for children with chronic illnesses.

For more information about Teleperformance and its commitment to various initiatives, please visit www.teleperformance.com.

Smart rolls out TNT 5G Max in Taguig

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PLDT’s wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is upgrading the 5G experience for ordinary Filipinos through its value mobile brand, TNT, with the launch of 5G Max—a boosted network experience that delivers faster speeds and more reliable connectivity for subscribers.

A big step toward TNT’s thrust to bring the many benefits of 5G technology to the masses, the TNT 5G Max experience is initially available at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and its surrounding areas - a bustling area of people from all walks of life, including office workers, college students, entrepreneurs, and tourists, among others.

Powered by TNT 5G Max, subscribers can experience seamless connectivity as they go about their daily online activities like upload and download heavy files instantly, staying active on their productivity apps, streaming their favorite shows in ultra-high definition without interruption,and play high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Ramdam ko talaga ang bilis ng TNT sa Taguig kasi di ako nag-la-lag sa app. Mahalaga ito sa trabaho ko bilang rider para tuluy-tuloy ang biyahe," said Aaron Blanquera, 39, a ride-hailing app driver who has been a TNT user for two years now.

"Mahilig talaga ako mag-FB at TikTok tuwing break, at napansin ko na mas mabilis nang mag-load ang videos sa phone ko," said Krissian Levi Sindico, 28, who works in a BPO company in Taguig and has been a TNT user for five years.

“TNT 5G Max strengthens our mission of bringing ‘saya’ to the masses powered by the latest innovations. We look forward to rolling this out to more areas across the country so more Filipinos can benefit from our superior 5G experience. It will be simply amazing,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, TNT Group Head.

TNT 5G Panalo Phone for only P3,990

To make the 5G Max experience even more accessible, TNT unveiled the new TNT 5G Panalo Phone, the most affordable 5G smartphone in the Philippines for only Php3,990.

Now available at accredited retailers nationwide, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone is compatible with 5G to provide users with faster speeds, more reliable connectivity, and better quality of service.

Built for everyday use, the TNT 5G Panalo Phone runs on Android 14 and is powered by an Octa-Core processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 512GB, ensuring smooth multitasking for work, school, and entertainment. It also has a 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera for taking sharp photos and clear video calls.

The TNT 5G Panalo Phone is perfect for Filipinos from all walks of life to enjoy a faster, smoother, and reliable mobile experience at a very affordable price. Young professionals, call center agents, riders, and college students can rely on it to stay productive and entertained - from streaming high-resolution movies and series on the go, navigating online maps in real time, or attending online classes and virtual meetings.

Best Paired with Saya All 99 and Unli 5G 75

Subscribers who plan to purchase the TNT 5G Panalo Phone can unlock its full potential by topping up with TNT’s Saya All 99 or Unli 5G 75 promos.

With TNT Saya All 99, users get 6GB of open access data, unlimited access to Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, as well as unlimited calls and texts to all networks, all valid for 7 days.

Subscribers can also rely on TNT Unli 5G 75, which offers unlimited 5G data for 1 day.

TNT is powered by Smart’s award-winning mobile network.To learn more about TNT’s affordable offers, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok..#

PetPal empowers Filipino vets with EMR Portal

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PetPal, the Philippines’ first all-in-one digital petcare platform from 917Ventures, is transforming the country’s veterinary landscape with its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Portal.

This latest innovation marks PetPal’s move in expanding its services to cater not just to pet owners, but also Filipino veterinarians.

The EMR Portal aims to help in streamlining patient management by linking pet owners’ information submitted through the PetPal app with veterinarians' patient records–providing quick access to comprehensive profiles for faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

Martin Luchangco, General Manager of PetPal highlighted that the integration of a digitized system can enhance overall clinic efficiency; guiding veterinarians through the entire process—from initial consultations and scheduling procedures to managing prescriptions.

"We see the Vet EMR Portal as a game-changer for Filipino veterinarians," Luchangco said. He mentions how the platform’s real-time sync with the information submitted through the PetPal app is what sets it apart from other EMR service providers, making it easier for both vets and pet owners to keep track of their pets’ medical records.

He added, "Our goal is to help vets do what they do best—caring for animals. Through the EMR Portal, we are streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing the overall veterinary experience."

In the Philippines, where 79% of households own pets, the veterinary sector faces considerable challenges. With only around 10,000 active veterinarians and fewer than 500 clinics nationwide, the ratio of pets to veterinarians is a staggering 2,000 to 1.

This shortage highlights a substantial gap in the availability and accessibility of veterinary services, which PetPal seeks to bridge by empowering veterinarians using the EMR portal.

For a limited time, vets are offered FREE access to PetPal’s EMR services. Those interested in exploring the benefits of the EMR Portal may visit https://org-portal.petpal.asia/login for more details.

The Humanistic Vision Behind OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards：Stories of Love, Memory, and Everyday Beauty

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Attracting over a million entries from 81 countries and regions, OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards celebrates the powerful potential of mobile photography to capture life’s most compelling moments. Honoring 56 exceptional works showcased at the Paris Photo 2024, this year’s competition reveals how mobile imaging goes beyond technology—it captures and shares stories of humanity, creativity, and cultural diversity.

Each winning work offers a glimpse into universal experiences, capturing moments that resonate across cultures and bridging human connections. These stories reveal the unique power of mobile photography to connect us, and how advanced imaging technology empowers everyone to share their world, frame by frame.

Beyond Capturing Moments: A Snapshot of Pure Joy

By the banks of the Hutuo River in Hebei, China, a child plays in a swirl of bubbles on a bright summer day, his laughter filling the air. In “Summer by Hutuo River,” amateur photographer Liang Xibing captures this simple joy with a vividness that conveys the magic of childhood. This heartfelt image, taken with an OPPO smartphone, won the prestigious Master Award at the 2024 OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards.

As a dedicated father, Liang values  mobile photography for its accessibility and ability to capture memories as they happen. “With the OPPO Find X7 Ultra, I don’t have to worry about missing a good scene, and I can share it with my friends or on social media directly after shooting,” he shares. Liang's approach goes beyond just documenting a moment; it brings to life the warmth and innocence of youth, all framed by OPPO's advanced imaging technology that allows for an intuitive, precise capture of fleeting expressions. “A good photo isn’t just a visual snapshot. It resonates emotionally and connects with the viewer on a deeper level,” Liang adds， embodying OPPO’s vision of enabling everyone to preserve life’s fleeting emotions with a single click.

Threads of Memory and Unspoken Bond: Connecting Generations

From a Chinese city to the Japanese countryside, “Thread” by Kazuyuki Kawahara—a Bronze Award winner—takes us into the intimate world of family bonds. With OPPO’s Find X7 Ultra, Kawahara captured a poignant scene featuring his daughters and their grandmother, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. The three generations share a day in their ancestral home, where they spent abundant time revisiting the grandmother’s fading memories.

In this series of photos, they played games with strings, picked vegetables in the fields, put on lipstick at the vanity, cut their bangs, and played with handmade dolls. In the slow passage of time, happiness was all around. Photography allows everyone to hold on to memories that words can’t express, recorded by the OPPO smartphone, these treasured family bonds are forever etched into memory.

In the language of photography, love isn’t spoken but vividly captured. Similarly, in “Unspoken Bond” by Hana Galal Gad from Egypt, a poignant connection between man and horse is captured in a simple yet profound portrait. This piece, recognized in the Portrait category, echoes Gad’s own memories of horseback riding in her youth- a student evading her father and school to ride horses, now reflected in her role as a parent facing her child who escapes to the open fields much like she once did, where joy on horseback is found. For Gad, OPPO’s imaging technology brings out the story within each image, combining precise details and natural light to create an emotional impact that feels authentic.

Photography captures moments that transcends language. From “Thread” in Japan to “Unspoken Bond” in Egypt, we can feel photography’s unique ability to weave a compelling tapestry of unwavering love that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

The Beauty of Everyday Life: Bringing Cultural Narratives into Focus

In the remote countryside of Myanmar, a cowboy leads his cattle to greener pastures, with his loyal dog trailing closely by his side. This simple yet powerful image, “Ordinary Life,” by Kyaw Kyaw Winn, celebrates the beauty of daily life and cultural heritage. Recognized in the Travel category, Winn’s photo captures the harmony of Myanmar's rural lifestyle - a perspective on life rarely seen but universally relatable.

As the judges noted, with so many images flooding our consciousness, something special to stand out. Photography draws our attention to moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Winn embraces the ordinary and transforms it into the extraordinary, using photography as a potent tool of fostering human connections. “A photo can tell a story without using words and helps us understand the lives of others. It brings people closer by showing common experiences and emotions, no matter where they are from,” he says.

Through this extraordinary work, Winn also expressed his amazement at the OPPO smartphone’s jam-packed features and methods to optimize snaps anytime, anywhere, such as its great clarity, autofocus, and wide-angle feature. “With OPPO’s technology, I could capture the scene exactly how I imagined,” he underscores.

Each of these stories reflects OPPO's humanistic vision in mobile imaging, where every image is an invitation to experience the beauty and depth of life through diverse perspectives. From fleeting childhood laughter to intergenerational bonds and daily life in rural Myanmar, OPPO’s imaging technology helps photographers immortalize these moments, adding layers of emotion and meaning to each shot.

With its innovative approach to mobile photography, OPPO invites everyone to capture, celebrate, and share the stories that matter, underscoring the belief that a single image can indeed tell a thousand words.