Where Serenity Meets Paradise: Boracay Newcoast Offers Idyllic Holiday Retreat

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It’s becoming popular for people to escape the Christmas and New Year frenzy by spending the holidays out of town. Some choose chilly winter vacations, but others have discovered the laid-back chill of Christmas by the beach–specifically Boracay, recently ranked number 3 in Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 10 Islands in Asia for 2024, and number 4 in the Best Islands list of the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. While Boracay’s charm never goes out of style, it’s also a joy to discover the island’s other side where Boracay Newcoast is peacefully tucked away, facing the Sibuyan Sea.

Boracay Newcoast is an integrated tourism development that serves as home to Megaworld Hotels and Resorts brands including Savoy Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, and soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay. The development also includes upscale residential condominiums, lifestyle/retail districts, and a Shophouse District, all situated on gently rolling terrain that opens out to the sea.

The best part is Boracay Newcoast’s private beach, a 300-meter stretch of fine, white sand with the island’s famous “Lapus-Lapus” or Keyhole Rock Formation anchoring one end. Here, tranquility still exists. Guests can lie back and still hear the wind rustling through the coconut trees, and the sound of waves chasing each other to shore, leaving lacy tendrils of seafoam behind. Instead of watching the sunset surrounded by a crowd, they can walk on a pristine beach and watch the sunrise wake up the rest of the island. Boracay Newcoast has the serenity that was the essence of the old Boracay of the 80s and 90s but with all the amenities of 2024.

Blissful Moments and Merry Escapes

Belmont Hotel Boracay and Savoy Hotel Boracay have ensured that their guests can experience the best of both worlds this Christmas season. Away from the bustling main strip, there are opportunities to breathe and relax, reconnect with nature, spend quality time with children and family, enjoy watersports and beach games without having to jostle for space or fall in line, and create lasting memories with friends at fun events planned for the season. There isn’t any need to leave the warmth of Boracay Newcoast, but when a fancy for the hustle and bustle and party atmosphere of Boracay strikes, there’s a complimentary scheduled shuttle to White Beach, just 20 minutes away.

Belmont Hotel Boracay, relatively nearer to the beach, with sun-filled rooms suited to families or travelers looking for a more laid-back vacation, has their Blissful Christmas Escapade promotion of P11,500nett per night for the stay period December 22 to 27, 2024, and their New Year’s Kiss promotion of P13,500nett per night for the period December 28, 2024 to January 2, 2025. Both promotions are for a minimum of 2 nights stay, and feature a Deluxe room with buffet breakfast for 2 people. And for those who would like a pre-Christmas stay, the Holly Jolly Stays promotion offers a Terrace room with buffet breakfast for two for just P4,200nett per night, until December 21, 2024. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at the Belmont Cafe will be serving up a fiesta of food, with acoustic entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus for P1,800 per person. The New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet of international favorites is P2,100 per person.

Savoy Hotel Boracay, with its bright colors, gym, and party pool has room packages designed for groups of friends or families looking for a fun time. Merry Moments Escape is a 3-day, 2-night package inclusive of a festive dinner for two on Christmas Eve, breakfast, holiday treats, and activities for just P12,000 for two adults or P12,180 for two adults + 2 kids for the period December 20 to 27, 2024. A Toast to 2025 on the other hand, is a 3-day, 2-night package inclusive of breakfast, welcome drinks, holiday treats, a New Year’s Eve dinner and countdown, water sports, holiday activities, and more for P14,000 for two adults or P14,660 for two adults + 2 kids for the period December 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025. For Christmas Eve, the hotel will be serving a lavish buffet of Filipino and international holiday favorites for P1,399 per person and P699 for kids aged 6-12. There will be lechon, of course, baked ham, an abundance of desserts, live music, a festive parol lighting, a choir performance, and fire dancers. The Newcoast Beachside Bash promises to be an all-out fun way to welcome 2025 with a beachside buffet, cocktails, live entertainment from a full band and DJ Lee, sparkling wine, party hats, and LED glasses, for P2,025 per person, and P1,012 for kids aged 6-12.

This Christmas season and beyond, Boracay Newcoast gives travelers a chance to discover another side of Boracay and to reimagine Boracay into the vacation paradise they want it to be.

For inquiries about Belmont Hotel Boracay’s holiday offers visit their website: belmonthotelboracay.com, or send an email to stay@belmontboracay.com.ph.

For Savoy Hotel Boracay’s packages, visit savoyhotelboracay.com, or e-mail reserve@savoyboracay.com

Grab Offers Free Shuttle Rides for Homebound Filipinos

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The Grab Be Present Bus assists passengers in getting home this holiday season, helping them avoid potential challenges with accessing regular transport options and ride-hailing services amid peak in travel demand

Grab Philippines, in partnership with the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and OneAyala, is providing free shuttle rides for Filipinos arriving at Terminals 2 and 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – the busiest terminals this holiday season.

The Grab Be Present Bus provides convenient point-to-point transportation for Overseas Filipino Workers and other domestic travelers, connecting NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 directly to the OneAyala Transport Hub.

Ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines are facing increased pressure this holiday season as surging demand collides with persistent challenges such as traffic congestion and supply-demand imbalance. Grab Philippines’ historical data shows that the number of ride bookings grows to as much as 45% in the second and third weeks of December, directly impacting the reliability of the existing fleet of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers to render their services.

With the Grab Be Present Bus connecting passengers from the airport to a hub that houses other mass transit options, these concerns are effectively mitigated – ensuring more Filipinos can reach their destinations this season.

The Grab Be Present Bus free shuttle services will be available from December 12 to 14 and December 19 to 21, 2024, operating daily from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Passengers who wish to avail of the service can find Grab marshalls stationed at the arrival halls who will be ushering them to the pick-up point. 

They can also directly proceed to the pick-up points located at Terminal 3 (Bay 4) and Terminal 2 (Bay 5). To board the bus, passengers simply need to register and present their Grab app to the marshalls.

Pancake House Brings Comfort Dining to Antipolo

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Pancake House has just opened its newest branch in Antipolo, officially welcoming locals and visitors. The new spot brings all the classic comfort food that Pancake House is known for to the scenic city of Antipolo.

Antipolo, with its stunning views, relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, and popularity among cyclists, is the perfect place for Pancake House. The city's welcoming vibe makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy signature dishes—from fluffy pancakes and golden waffles to hearty rice meals, comforting pasta & tacos, and the ever-popular Pan Chicken®️—all served in a cozy setting that feels just like home. After a bike ride or run, the new Pancake House branch is the go-to post-activity stop for cyclists looking to refuel and relax.

(from left to right) - Councilor Rico De Guzman, Ms. Sharon T. Fuentebella (Chairperson of Max’s Group, Inc.), and Franchisees Dr. Cherry Ordinal and Dr. Gjay Ordinal graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony

(from left to right) - Ms. Carthy Deron, Managing Director of Matterhorn Peak, Franchisees Dr. Cherry Ordinal and Dr. Gjay Ordinal

The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Ms. Sharon T. Fuentebella, Chairperson of Max’s Group, Inc., Franchisees Dr. Cherry Ordinal and Dr. Gjay Ordinal, Ms. Carthy Deron, Managing Director of Matterhorn Peak, and Councilor Rico De Guzman. The event was a memorable celebration, marking an exciting milestone for the Pancake House family and its growth in the community.

After a bike ride or run, the new Pancake House branch is the go-to post-activity stop for cyclists looking to refuel and relax

Conveniently located along Sumulong Highway, the new Pancake House branch is the go-to stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—whenever that pancake craving hits. It captures the signature cozy vibe Pancake House is known for, offering a welcoming atmosphere for families, friends, and anyone in need of a comforting meal.

Antipolo’s unique blend of nature, culture, and warm community makes it the ideal fit for Pancake House. With its timeless menu and focus on good food and good times, the new branch is ready to become a local favorite. Whether you're craving a delicious meal in the morning, a mid-day bite, or a late-night comfort dish, the branch is open daily—Monday to Thursday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 MN.

For anyone in Antipolo, Pancake House at 030 Sumulong Highway, Brgy. Dela Paz, is the place for all-day comfort dining, where you’ll always feel right at home. Like and follow Pancake House on Facebook, X, and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and promos.

Smart gears up for amazing 5G Max Experience in BGC on Dec. 14! Catch performances of Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery

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Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc., (Smart) is pulling out all the stops as it showcases how it empowers subscribers via the Smart 5G Max Experience, happening on Dec. 14, Saturday, on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Catch Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira Dela Torre, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery as Smart puts the spotlight on the many amazing ways Filipinos can harness the power of 5G—from streaming ultra-high-definition movies and shows, sharing content on social media in real time, to playing high-bandwidth mobile games without lag.

“Everyone is talking about 5G and its impressive speed, but the true value of 5G lies in its ability to enhance experiences— whether it's gaming, streaming, or sharing content. With Smart 5G Max, we’ve made 5G seamless in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and we plan to expand this coverage across the country in the coming months,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice President for Smart Wireless Consumer Business.

“Gone are the days of fluctuating connections from 5G to 4G and even 3G. With Smart 5G Max, you can enjoy, fast download speeds for streaming, instant uplink for sharing, and low-latency for gaming — all without interruption and on-the-go,” she added.

The latest wireless technology, 5G or fifth generation brings four things to the table: super-fast speeds for downloads and uploads, ultra-low latency for gaming and responsiveness, greater bandwidth for more devices, and a much better quality of service.

Everyone can experience these first-hand at the Creator’s Lab, Game Arena, Stream Theater, and 5G-powered Stage and Store.

Explore Smart 5G at the Creator’s Lab

Get the chance to explore the Creator’s Lab, an interactive area where you can experiment on creating content and upload it on TikTok in a snap.

The Creator’s Lab has a complete livestream set-up, and green screen backdrop dance challenge floor, and duet singing booth for your instant TikTok content.

Level up your gameplay with Smart Omega

Take your gameplay to a whole new level at the Game Arena, where you can get a chance to go up against the Smart Omega team on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to win a prize!

The Game Arena will feature a 5v5 set-up with high end gaming smartphones to maximize the power of Smart 5G Max.

Watch your favorite shows at the Stream Theater

If you are into binge-watching, the Stream Theater is the best place to catch up on the latest shows on MAX and Netflix!

Expect surprise celebrities to drop by while you watch Max’s Dune and Netflix’s Squid Game in glorious 4K – complete with exclusive swag!

Generate your Avatar, interact with robots

The event will also have a generate-your-own-avatar section, where you can simply take a selfie, generate a digital image, and get a QR code for easy download.

You can also interact with a Service Delivery Robot and Robot Dog at the event.

Bamboo banners FREE concert

The must-not-miss live performances of Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira, AC Bonifacio, and Arthur Nery will cap the event with a free concert.

Lucky fans will get the chance to meet and greet AC and Belle and take their photos with them to share on social media.

Mark your calendars and experience the power of Smart 5G Max on Dec. 14, starting at 2 p.m., on 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. To know more, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, X, TikTok and IG.

DITO Caps Off the Year with Philippines' Fastest Mobile Network Award

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Leading the Way in Delivering Exceptional Mobile and 5G Experiences for Every Filipino

In this season of love and thanksgiving, DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco provider in the country, sends its heartfelt gratitude as DITO ends the year with another significant milestone.

Eric Alberto, Chief Executive Officer of DITO Telecommunity

During the recently concluded DITO year-end thanksgiving, DITO Chief Executive Officer Eric Alberto announced that the young telco is now the Philippines' Fastest Mobile Network* as awarded by independent mobile analytics company Opensignal, dominating in 14 categories and outranking the two telco giants in the speed race.

"I'm honored to share with all of you that independent mobile analytics Opensignal awarded DITO as the Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines, where we excelled in the speed race. These milestones are not just accomplishments nor mere awards; they are reflections of DITO's dedication and affirm the strength and reliability of our network," Alberto said.

Based on Opensignal's October 2024 Mobile Network Experience report, DITO stood out in the awards, earning recognition across numerous categories. This achievement highlights the young telco as the country's most awarded and fastest in 5G speeds and overall experience.

In terms of speed, DITO sweeps all four speed awards across overall and 5G. DITO confirms its superiority in 5G download speed, boasting a speed of 287.2 Mbps, nearly double Smart's figure trailing with 147.5 Mbps and easily surpassing Globe's 95.2 Mbps. Users also see the fastest overall download speeds on DITO's network at 34.6 Mbps with the two telco giants Smart and Globe behind at 28.6 Mbps and 20.9 Mbps, respectively.

2024 is indeed a break-out year for DITO. Alberto also shared the other significant milestones of DITO this year including the successful fifth and final technical audit with 86.3 percent coverage, capping off the year with 14 million subscribers, and winning back-to-back Ookla wins as the Rated # 1 Mobile Network in the country (Q3-Q4 2023 and Q1-Q2 2024) to now the Fastest Mobile Network*— DITO is indeed making strides in the Philippine telco landscape and its presence is highly felt and recognized.

As this year ends, Alberto remains steadfast in saying that DITO will continue to innovate and improve its technology because DITO's mission remains clear— to bridge the digital divide and uplift Filipino communities.

Eric Alberto, Chief Executive Officer of DITO Telecommunity

"While our recent milestones validate the meaningful progress we've achieved so far, we understand that progress is not a one-time achievement—it is a continuous journey of building and improving. We at DITO remain committed to bridging the digital divide and contributing meaningfully to nation-building," Alberto said.

GALING DITO SA PUSO KO

This year, DITO also launched two of its biggest campaigns— Galing DITO, which champions Filipino talent and excellence, headlined by Pinoy pop boy group Alamat, and DITO sa Puso Ko, featuring power couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, a campaign that celebrates the love and trust of DITO subscribers nationwide.

DITO Executives with Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and Alamat

Fittingly for the holiday season, DITO unifies these two campaigns into a powerful message that underscores DITO's heartfelt service to the Filipino people.

DITO Executives with Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and Alamat

L-R: Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Officer for Enterprise, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business

"GALING DITO SA PUSO KO speaks volumes about who we are and what we stand for. Every campaign, every product, and every service we offer comes straight from the heart—ours to yours," said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business.

Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business

Jimenez also said the company remains committed to building on this momentum as DITO moves forward into the new year.

"Our work to expand and innovate our infrastructure is far from done. Together, we will continue to connect underserved communities, inspire dreams, and make a difference in the lives of Filipinos." Jimenez concluded.

Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business

To learn more about DITO's value-for-money products and services, from mobile prepaid to postpaid and home, visit https://dito.ph/. Interested customers can also shop directly via the DITO App and online stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.