Watsons end 2024 with 1,166 stores, continues to expand its community pharmacy format

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Further expanding into community pharmacy, Watsons Philippines opened more than 50 stores outside of Metro Manila.

Watsons Philippines, a leading health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group, concluded 2024 with 1,166 stores, as part of its strategic expansion. The company opened 80 new stores last year, with more than 50 of these outside Metro Manila.

The Watsons brand also opened its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia last year, led by Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group. She shared how the opening of the 8,000th store marks a significant milestone in their global expansion, “The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson. This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise.”

Expanding into community pharmacy

Since its first store opened in 2002, Watsons Philippines has grown significantly through a joint venture between the SM Group and Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson & Co. Ltd. The brand continues to enhance its presence nationwide, making healthcare and beauty products more accessible to Filipino consumers.

Last year’s new store openings include key cities and municipalities in Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting Watsons’ commitment to reaching communities in need.

A recent study by Bain and Company, titled “Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare 2024,” reveals that about 85% of consumers in the region prioritize healthcare maintenance, with 51% willing to increase out-of-pocket spending for improved health outcomes and experiences.

Jared de Guzman, Customer Director at Watsons, emphasized the brand's focus on community pharmacies. “Watsons is not only expanding in malls but is also committed to establishing a strong presence in local neighborhoods,” De Guzman said. “By the end of 2024, we have 400 community stores throughout the Philippines, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers.”

Watsons began its community pharmacy journey in 2015 with its first store in Pateros. Today, the brand operates in three formats: Watsons Pharmacy, with more than 1,000 locations in various settings; SM Beauty in 76 SM Stores; and LOOK, a multi-brand outlet at SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia.

De Guzman highlighted the significance of these community pharmacies as a growth driver. “Our community stores bring essential healthcare products closer to home, catering to the convenience sought by our busy shoppers. They have become vital destinations for health, beauty, and wellness needs.”

Watsons continues to serve a diverse consumer base, from health-conscious individuals to trendsetting beauty enthusiasts, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider in the health and beauty sector.

CHERRY Floss & Go – Your Oral Care on the Go for Just P1,800!

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For travelers and those always on the move, maintaining your oral hygiene just got easier with the CHERRY Floss & Go.

This portable water flosser has an Ultra Jet Water Spray, ensuring a deep clean with powerful 140PSI. Whether you’re traveling or just need an efficient solution for your busy lifestyle, the CHERRY Floss & Go is the perfect companion.

Featuring three flossing modes—Soft, Normal, and Pulse—this device offers customizable cleaning to suit your needs. The 360° rotating nozzle ensures thorough cleaning from every angle, while the easy-to-refill removable water tank makes it convenient for frequent use. With a 1600mAh rechargeable battery, the Floss & Go offers long-lasting operation for up to two months.

Recharge it in just 3 to 4 hours using the Type-C charging port, and enjoy a max speed of 8800RPM for effective plaque removal. At just P1,800, the CHERRY Floss & Go is your must-have travel accessory for your oral health. 

                                                                                                                                                                      For more information:

CHERRY Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

Landco Pacific Corporation Unveils New Student Lounge at Asian Institute of Management, Strengthening Partnership for Future Leaders

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The Asian Institute of Management and Landco Pacific Corporation officially unveiled the Landco Pacific Student Lounge at the AIM campus in Makati City. The ceremonial event was led by Dr. Jikyeong Kang, President and Dean of AIM, and Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific Corporation.

“We are thrilled and grateful for the donation of Landco Pacific in providing a space designed to enable our students to connect and engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen their bonds,” said Dr. Kang, President and Dean of AIM.

Manzano highlighted the support of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Landco Pacific Corporation and its parent company Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), in making the student lounge a reality. “This initiative wouldn't have been possible without the vision and support of Mr. Pangilinan. Our donation of the new student lounge reflects our commitment to education as a vehicle for progress and aims to enhance the learning experience for AIM students, helping them become the next generation of innovative leaders.”

The collaboration between AIM and Landco Pacific further reinforces both institutions’ shared vision of fostering the growth of future leaders who will drive sustainable change in Asia and beyond. AIM continues to be a pioneer in management education, committed to producing transformative leaders who are equipped to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving world.

As one of the premier business schools in Southeast Asia, AIM has maintained its reputation as a leading institution for business and management education. Its MBA program is internationally recognized, and its alumni network spans across the most influential sectors in Asia.

“My time at AIM played a crucial role in shaping my leadership abilities. The case study-based learning approach and real-world problem-solving experience provided me with invaluable skills that I still apply in my career today. I hope that with our donation of the lounge, AIM students will appreciate its value as a platform for exchanging ideas, sparking creativity and forging lifelong friendships,” Manzano shared as an alumnus of AIM.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions, CEO Insights Asia Magazine named Manzano as one of the Top 10 Best Alumni Leaders of AIM in 2023. This prestigious recognition put into spotlight his outstanding achievements in the business and real estate sectors.

Landco Pacific is acclaimed for pioneering premium developments for more than 30 years, and has a long-established reputation for creating valuable developments, a legacy that continues to ring true since its first development, Punta Fuego in the 1990s.

Under Manzano’s leadership, Landco Pacific has been at the forefront of the development of innovative and sustainable Leisure Resort Estates – CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach) and Club Laiya in Batangas and Costa Azalea in Samal Island, Davao; and The Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, the luxury residential beachfront condominium as the last call to be part of the exclusive community of Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas. Landco BeachTowns are master planned and mixed-use developments featuring cutting-edge designed beachfront condominiums, sprawling estates and resort attractions in premier tourist and leisure destinations. These developments complement Landco Pacific’s premium residential and commercial communities in key locations across the country.

For more information about AIM and its programs, please visit https://aim.edu/. For information about Landco Pacific Corporation, please visit https://www.landco.ph/.

Guaranteed Worry-proof: The realme C75 is now available starting at P8,999

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realme’s latest C Series device offers a Waterproof, Worry-proof experience with cutting-edge durability and performance

The highly anticipated realme C75 has finally arrived in the Philippines, starting at P8,999 SRP. This latest addition to the C Series brings unprecedented durability and peace of mind, featuring three industry-standard Ingress Protection (IP) ratings: IP69, IP68, and IP66.

These IP ratings are recognized as the global standard for measuring a device's resistance to dust, water, and other environmental elements. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, the realme C75 ensures a “Waterproof, Worry-proof” experience for users.

All-around Waterproof

The IP69 Dust and Water Resistance rating is the highest level of protection, which means the realme C75 is completely dustproof and can handle exposure to high-pressure water and high-temperature environments. During testing, the realme C75 endured hot steam and even near-boiling water, proving its ability to hold up in unusual situations.

The realme C75 can also be submerged at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, thanks to its IP68 Dustproof and Waterproof rating. This means less worrying about damage when the device accidentally falls into a pool or tub. Plus, the IP68 rating makes it possible to take photos and videos underwater.

Lastly, the IP66 Dust and Water Resistance rating ensures resistance to powerful water pressure, such as from water guns or water jets, from any direction. Be it accidental spills or extreme outdoor adventures, the realme C75 won’t be easily damaged. 

Powerful Performance and Durability

Beyond its waterproof capabilities, the realme C75 boasts performance, long-lasting battery life, massive storage, and exclusive features to enhance the Squad’s overall experience.

The realme C75 is powered by a massive 6000mAh battery that delivers up to 12 hours of video playback and 5 hours of mobile gaming without recharging all the time. This is backed by 45W SUPERVOOC Charge that restores full battery capacity in just 90 minutes. Since the device is designed for long-term reliability, the battery retains 80% health even after years of use.

Under the hood, it has 8GB of base RAM that can be expanded up to 24GB using Dynamic RAM Expansion technology, allowing seamless multitasking and lag-free use. In terms of storage, the Squad can choose 128GB or 256GB, giving plenty of room for apps, photos, videos, and games.

The realme C75 is priced at PHP 8,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and PHP 10,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant. It is available in two stunning color options: Lightning Gold and Storm Black. 

Exclusive First Selling Promo

The Squad better get ready because from January 24 to February 2, 2025, every purchase of the realme C75 comes with an exclusive freebie of TechLife Wireless Earbuds Neo worth P799.

For flexible payment options, credit card holders and Home Credit patrons can avail of zero-interest installment plans from January 23 to 31. Credit card holders can avail of a 6-month plan for the 8GB+128GB variant or an 18-month plan for the 8GB+256GB variant, while Home Credit is offering up to a 9-month installment plan for the lower variant and up to 18 months for the higher variant.

For those who prefer online shopping, the C75 is also available through realme’s official stores on TikTok and Shopee.

To stay updated on the latest promos and announcements for the realme C75, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.

Discovery World Corporation and Discovery Hospitality Corporation hold groundbreaking ceremony for new hospitality concept in Siargao

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Hotels and resorts developer Discovery World Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Lucky Cloud 9 Resort, Inc. (LC9), and its property management company, Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), are making their mark in the Surfing Capital of the Philippines as they recently broke ground for the soon-to-rise Kip&Kin Siargao on January 10, 2025.

L-R: Engr. Michael Ching of Sterling Struktures Inc.; Grace Limboc of Land Bank of the Philippines; Charlie Ledesma of Discovery World Corporation and Lucky Cloud 9 Resort, Inc.; John Y. Tiu, Chairman of Discovery World Corporation; Melito Cruz of Discovery World Corporation; Kathleen Nuestro of H1 Architecture; Lynette Ermac of Discovery Hospitality Corporation; Ace Gumafelix of AVAC Project and Construction Managers Corporation

Under DHC’s dynamic brand portfolio, Kip&Kin exemplifies the philosophy of "Live Unbound," a brand that celebrates kinship, community, and connection. Designed for the younger generations of millennials and Gen Zs, it provides areas that encourage both solo and group activities while allowing visitors to easily connect with the places they are visiting. With its dual concept of hotel rooms and hostel stays, Kip&Kin appeals to this new generation of tourists looking for lively, meaningful stays while also providing the ideal getaway for families and mature travelers looking to make lifelong memories.

Choosing Siargao, the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, is the perfect spot for Kip&Kin. The teardrop-shaped island, known for its top-notch waves, vibrant culture, and close-knit community, epitomizes everything Kip&Kin stands for. This location offers the ideal setting for meaningful adventures, a community of kindred spirits, a sustainable and engaging environment, and appreciating the charms of free-spirited life.

Partners from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Sterling Struktures Inc., H1 Architecture, Design HQ, and AVAC Project and Construction Managers Corporation graced the ceremonial breaking of the ground, marking the beginning of construction works for the latest addition to DHC's renowned managed properties in the Philippines.

This exciting development will be built on approximately 7,000 sqm out of the company's 2.6 hectare lot area in General Luna, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, and is near Cloud 9, one of the island’s most famous tourist sites. It will house 34 hotel rooms, 48 hostel beds, and retail spaces, providing options for different preferences. The rest of the property is being planned for future expansion phases of additional rooms and retail spaces.

“Kip&Kin is more than just a place to stay; it's a lifestyle brand where guests can immerse themselves in the energy of Siargao's vibrant culture and natural splendor,” says Discovery World Corporation Chairman and CEO John Y. Tiu, Jr. "We are excited to have Discovery Hospitality's expertise to create an experience that captures the essence of Siargao and makes a significant contribution to the local economy."

Kip&Kin Siargao’s anticipated opening is in 2027. The hospitality group also plans to open another Kip&Kin in Vanilla Beach El Nido and San Vicente, Palawan.

Bring your business to this charming island. Entrepreneurs who wish to lease a space in Kip&Kin Siargao may contact the leasing office at +63 2 8519 5674 to 79 local 320. For more information about Kip&Kin Siargao and other Discovery properties, visit https://www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com.