AirAsia Philippines Unveils Widest Network and Low Fares with a Special Invitation to Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival

Tweet

AirAsia Philippines is making January the ultimate month for travelers with its third consecutive seat sale, offering Widest Network Low Fares starting at just PHP 188 to selected AirAsia destinations.

The limited-time seat sale, offering 523,830 seats, runs from January 13 to 19, 2025, for travel between February 3 to November 30, 2025, with focus routes including Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo, Seoul, and Bangkok.

The World's Best Low-Cost Airline marks its third week of success following the launch of the AirAsia Fiesta Promo and the "25% Off on All Seats, All Flights" promotion, further cementing its position as a leader in affordable and accessible air travel.

In addition to this exciting seat sale AirAsia Philippines is gearing up for something spectacular this January with the Ati-Atihan Festival 2025 approaching. As the official airline partner, AirAsia is fully prepared to provide seamless travel to Kalibo, Aklan, enabling travelers to experience the country’s “Mother of All Festivals” firsthand. AirAsia offers direct flights from Manila to Kalibo three times daily.

Free Admission Concert at Magsaysay Park

In celebration of the Ati-Atihan Festival and as a gesture of gratitude to the warm and supportive Aklanon community, AirAsia Philippines will host a free admission concert at Magsaysay Park on January 16, 2025, starting at 4 PM.

The event will feature performances by Filipino band Spongecola, Filipino artist Kyle Echarri, talented local artists, and the lively AirAsia Allstars, promising a festival highlight that celebrates music, culture, unity, and gratitude.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy personnel to maintain the safety and security of all attendees, ensuring a secure and orderly event.

“As the leading airline in Kalibo, we remain committed to our mission of enhancing accessibility and stimulating travel to our key destinations by supporting the rich cultural heritage of the communities we serve. We’re proud to be the official partner of the Ati-Atihan Festival this year. To celebrate, we’ve prepared something special for the Aklanon community, including a concert, exciting raffles and giveaways,” shares AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.

Globe Platinum sets new benchmark, offers unrivaled everyday experiences for customers

Tweet

 

Globe Platinum is setting a new benchmark for premium postpaid plans designed to empower subscribers with superior connectivity, exclusive lifestyle privileges, and best-in-class services for unrivaled everyday experiences.

Since its launch in 2000, Globe Platinum has remained ahead of the curve, offering postpaid plans that seamlessly integrate premium connectivity with thoughtful lifestyle and wellness solutions. Now, the All-new Platinum GPlans continue to exceed expectations, building on the already superior features that set them apart from Globe’s other mobile brands.

The All-new Platinum GPlans take these benefits further, addressing the lifestyle needs of its subscribers with upgraded inclusions:

●       True Unlimited Data on Globe’s Priority Network, ensuring a seamless connection for browsing, streaming, and gaming. Complementing this is unlimited text and calls (even to landline) to stay in touch effortlessly.

●       Access to Thea, Platinum’s 24/7 Digital Concierge that enhances convenience with round-the-clock support for Globe-related concerns and lifestyle requests such as hotel and restaurant reservations, plan your travel itinerary, and even do your personal shopping, among others..

●       Priority reservation and lower cash-out on the latest flagship devices.

●       Dedicated Platinum Relationship Managers for bespoke and personalized assistance for all Globe account (mobile and broadband) and GCash concerns.

Globe Platinum also offers benefits beyond telco services built-in to their plans:

●       Enhanced Travel Benefits: Subscribers get access to international lounges via DragonPass on top of unlimited local airport lounge access via PAGSS and Plaza Premium Lounge.

●       Roaming Data allocations: Just turn on cellular and data roaming once overseas, and customers will enjoy up to 7 days of data roaming. No need  to buy a local SIM or rent pocket WiFi while overseas.

●       Cyber Insurance: This service provides financial protection against digital risks, including electronic fund transfer fraud, online retail fraud, and identity theft expenses. This service is critical amid the prevalence of evolving fraud tactics, ensuring worry-free online transactions for customers.

●       Device Protection Coverage: For subscribers who frequently travel or are always on the go,  Gadget Xchange allows hassle-free replacement in case their devices get lost or stolen.

●       Health Coverage: Globe Platinum plans include Singlife’s 100-in-1 Medical Plan, offering free coverage for over 100 critical conditions.

●       Always-On Perks and Rewards: Platinum customers just need to show their Platinum signal on their phones to enjoy a host of perks and offers, including access to exclusive events, discounts on hotel perks and luxury items, plus complimentary dining treats from partners.

"Globe Platinum is a gateway to a worry-free lifestyle with unmatched connectivity, thoughtfully curated benefits, and exceptional service. With the launch of the All-new Platinum GPlans, we aim to inspire and empower our subscribers to live effortlessly, focus on what truly matters, and confidently pursue their passions and aspirations," said Mark Pasaylo, Head of Globe Platinum.

 

Globe Platinum continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of its affluent customer base. From offering premium mobile connectivity to providing customized lifestyle and wellness solutions, Globe Platinum remains dedicated to helping subscribers achieve a well-orchestrated and meaningful life.

 

Learn more about the All-new Globe Platinum GPlan offers via  glbe.co/platinum.

HUAWEI Introduces Plaid-Rhythm Design and Best AI-Powered Portrait Camera for Stunning Beauty in Every Moment on HUAWEI nova 13 Series

Tweet

HUAWEI is looking to set new trends in mobile portrait photography as it debuted the all-new HUAWEI nova 13 Series during the HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch in Dubai last December 12. Pioneering the multi-focal portrait capabilities, AI-driven innovations, and the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series ushers in a fresh wave of trends while embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation.

Portrait Powerhouse: Capture Every Moment Freely

HUAWEI nova 13 Series debuts the AI Best Expression feature. Capturing moments with a single person or a group is made better as this tool optimises each subject’s expression, scanning through burst shots to allow users to pick out their most natural and lovable expressions from multiple shots and adapt it to the best photo composition. AI Best Expression highlights users’ best selves, perfectly capturing cherished moments to be treasured forever.

HUAWEI nova 13 Pro redefines the selfie experience with its industry-leading 60MP Ultra-Wide Front Camera. This advanced camera, featuring QPD Full-Pixel Precise Focus, ensures sharp focus even in low-light conditions and offers a 100° ultra-wide angle to capture more of your surroundings. With up to 5x digital zoom and 2x optical zoom, the 5x Portrait Zoom Lens on the front combines with PDAF autofocus to deliver precise, cinematic-quality portraits.

For the first time, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series introduces multi-focal portrait capabilities for both front and rear cameras, delivering stunning portrait shots with a richly artistic atmosphere. The HUAWEI nova 13 Pro also boasts an upgraded 50MP Adjustable Aperture Camera with a variable physical aperture range of F1.4 to F4.0. This intelligent aperture system can recognise scenes and adjust settings accordingly to help users capture stunning moments. Equipped with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), the camera improves light sensitivity for clearer results in low-light conditions.

Additionally, the 3x Optical Zoom Telephoto Portrait Camera with OIS provides versatile zoom options, perfect for medium to long-distance portrait shots. This allows for detailed, sharp images while maintaining a clean and visually striking composition, whether capturing close-ups or scenic backgrounds.

Powerful 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series addresses power needs with the new 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo with AI Precision Temperature Control for stable power output. This results in HUAWEI nova 13 Pro’s ability to charge to 50% in just 9 minutes while the HUAWEI nova 13 reaches 50% in 10 minutes, providing a smooth and convenient user experience.

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series keeps a sleek and lightweight body while carrying a 5000mAh Large Battery.

Aesthetic Design with a Style of Its Own

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series introduces a bold leap in design through the interplay of plaid patterns. Staying true to its fashion-forward, minimalist aesthetic, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings the plaid pattern from clothes and accessories into the world of handheld design by crafting a play on light blends bold, tech-inspired sophistication with a modern flair. The pattern’s shading shifts subtly with viewing angles to add a dynamic visual appeal to the design. The back cover is crafted with a unique upgraded Star Effect finishing, offering a silky satin-like texture that’s irresistibly smooth and comfortable to hold.

Launching with Loden Green as the flagship colourway, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series captures a lifestyle of effortless spontaneity and individuality, boldly breaking away from convention. The HUAWEI nova 13 Series will also be available in White and Black colourways, bringing timeless colours that are bound to leave lasting impressions.

As a defining fashion element of the HUAWEI nova lineup, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series elevates its signature Super Star Orbit Ring camera design with a sharper, more refined aesthetic for added sophistication. The 5D glass structure on the back panel enhances the tactile experience while visually minimising the camera’s height, creating a sleek, seamless look.

EMUI 14.2: Intelligent, Safe, and Efficient

Powered by EMUI 14.2, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings fun, intelligent, safe, and efficient device experience for users. With the enhanced HUAWEI Themes, users can use Symbol Stickers to add cut-out images from your Gallery as stickers into a thematic background, allowing users’ creativity to soar. They can also use Emoji Stickers to create their own personalised backgrounds. The home screen also supports personalized Symbol Stickers, giving users a richer canvas for self-expression.

HUAWEI has always considered cyber security and privacy protection as top priority, offering enhanced transparency and control over app permissions and device security status. Support for app tracking management and key control points during app installation and operation adds an extra layer of protection for users.

All-New Dynamic True-Colour Display with 120Hz LTPO

The HUAWEI nova 13 Series’ display ensures an easy viewing experience even during dimly lit scenarios with the advanced AI Eye Comfort Display. This enhances the experience from multiple angles as the display adapts to the user’s environment. By intelligently sensing ambient lighting, recognising image content, and controlling blue light levels, it ensures a more comfortable and strain-free viewing experience.

With the new Dynamic True-Colour Display, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series comes with AI HDR. It combines HDR technology with AI algorithms to automatically recognise scenes. This results in clearer details in both highlights and shadows, more vivid colours, and a bright, transparent visual experience that enhances the artistic appeal and viewing pleasure of each image.

HUAWEI nova 13 Pro features a 120Hz LTPO Adaptive Display, offering smooth, power-efficient performance with dynamic refresh rate adjustments tailored to your needs. The Always-On Display (AOD) provides a quick glance at essential information, while Splash Touch & Touch Optimisation ensures smooth, accurate interaction, even on wet screens.

Get an exclusive preview of the HUAWEI nova 13 Series on January 18 to 19 at 3:00PM and on January 25 to 26 at 3:00PM in 35 select HUAWEI Experience Stores. You can also avail of the early deposit and early bird vouchers to get up to P1,500 off on the nova 13 series via the online HUAWEI Store, Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop. Keep an eye out for the official launch of the HUAWEI nova 13 Series in the Philippines coming this January 17. To learn more about the HUAWEI nova 13 Series, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Paolo Sandejas celebrates interconnectedness in debut album, the world is so small

Tweet

Filipino singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas releases his highly anticipated debut album, the world is so small—out now via Sony Music Entertainment.

The 8-track release is a profound exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery, reflecting the beauty in life’s emotional turbulence, particularly within the formative years of one’s 20s.

According to Sandejas, the world is so small isn’t just an album; it’s an anthology of moments that mirror the intricate web of human connections. From fleeting romances to enduring heartbreaks and the quiet hope that lingers through it all, Sandejas uses his music to explore how we are all bound by shared experiences.

“This album is divided into four thematic arcs, each representing a different phase of a relationship,” Sandejas explains. “The first two songs cover excitement of a honeymoon phase. The next two dive into mental health. The third set focuses on the challenges of long-distance relationships, and the final set covers the moving on stage and finding peace. Through these stories, the album paints a picture of interconnectedness—how no matter where we are in life, we are always tethered to one another.”

The record’s narrative follows a fictional young couple as they navigate the complexities of a romantic relationship, with Sandejas weaving bits and pieces of his own experiences into the songs. “It’s funny cause I can always say the songs are about the character’s experiences not mine,” shares the Sway act. “But I’d be lying in some ways because these songs are so closely based on my own life. That extra layer of ‘protection’ though helped me get even more vulnerable in the songs.”

The title track, in particular, conveys Sandejas’ vision of a classic coming-of-age love story, a cinematic moment where the couple parts ways, leaving the listener with a haunting sense of nostalgia. “When I was writing it, I imagined the final scene of a love story, and this song playing as the couple went their separate ways. That visual really influenced the sound. It’s definitely the most unique song on the album, and I’m so proud of it.”

Musically, the world is so small blends Sandejas’ raw, vulnerable lyricism with an eclectic mix of indie pop, alternative rock, and stripped-down ballads. The album’s sound evolves organically, drawing on various genres and sonic inspirations to form a timeless, cohesive experience.

“I didn’t consciously set out to create a particular mood when writing the album,” Sandejas shares. “Considering we had the unique challenge of creating this album remotely with me in LA and my co-producer Xergio Ramos back in Manila, I really think we did a great job! It’s always a joy working with him and I’m so glad he did this album with me.”

Check out the album track list:

1. your favorite song

2. sirens

3. moonlight

4. roses

5. just a song

6. manila to LA

7. all the time

8. the world is so small

To celebrate the release of Sandejas first full-length album, he will perform live in two special events in January 2025. The first, on January 10 at Nook Molito, features guest acts syd hartha, Leanne & Naara, and Jolianne. The second, on January 17 at 123 Block, will include performances by The Ridleys, Kenaniah, and SOS. Tickets are available for purchase at bit.ly/worldsosmalllaunch.

Paolo Sandejas’ ‘the world is so small’ is now streaming worldwide on all digital platforms via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch out for the official music video of the title track on Paolo Sandejas’ official YouTube page at 6 pm.

Follow him on socials:Facebook / x / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube

The Art of Saga Wagyu and Japanese Whisky Pairing

Tweet

The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room offers a unique culinary experience, transporting guests to the historical Saga Prefecture in Japan through an exceptional six-course dinner, masterfully prepared by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed Japanese Chef Oseki Nobu, and paired with a curated selection of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, chosen by whisky expert Mr. Johnssen Li.

Scheduled for January 16, 2025 at the iconic Champagne Room, this elegant evening promises a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the unparalleled quality of Saga Wagyu with the nuanced profiles of premium Japanese whisky.

The Culinary Experience

Chef Oseki Nobu has designed a six-course menu that highlights the distinctive qualities of Saga Wagyu, known for its exquisite marbling, tenderness, and delicate flavor. The menu includes: Saga Tataki with Watercress Ohitashi, Thinly Sliced Saga in Beef Consommé, Sesame Tofu in Saga Beef Roll, Pan-seared Saga on Mushroom Risotto, Saga Beef with Black Garlic Sauce, Panna Cotta with Plum Wine Jelly, and Saga Beef Jerky in Dark Chocolate.

Japanese Whisky Pairings

Complementing this exquisite menu, Mr. Johnsson Li of Grand Cru Wines and Spirits has meticulously selected a range of Yamazakura Japanese Whisky, known for its fine quality and international acclaim, enhancing the dining experience of guests. The pairings include: Kyushiki Cocktail, Yamazakura Black Label Sasakawa Whisky, Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Sasakawa Single Malt Whisky, Yamazakura Cognac Cask 2023 Edition, and Yuzu Sour Cocktail.

An Exclusive Evening

This one-night only event is a rare opportunity to savor the finest Japanese beef alongside premium whisky in the elegant setting of The Manila Hotel’s Champagne Room. Limited seats are available, priced at Php 11,625 nett per person. Standard discount tiering applies for Prestige cardholders.

This event is presented in partnership with Saga-Gyu and Mayon Consolidated Inc.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or send an email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.