No dressing room snakes here: Robinsons Department Store's Chinese New Year celebration lets luck slither into your life

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Uncover the myth of the Robinsons Galleria dressing room snake, play games, and more for a chance to take home prizes

Chinese New Year is a time to manifest good luck and prosperity into our lives. With 2025 being the Year of the Wooden Snake, there’s great focus on growth and transformation in different aspects of our lives, from relationships to career to personal goals.

If you’re looking to bring in good fortune in fun ways, Robinsons Department Store Galleria has set up eye-catching installations at the Atrium to get you in the Chinese New Year mood. There are also exciting activities and surprises that you and your loved ones can enjoy until January 31, 2025.

Robinsons Department Store is giving shoppers the chance to check their 2025 Horoscope forecast at the Atrium area. You can also score limited items on sale during the Lunar Lucky Fair, so be sure to grab clothes in auspicious colors and home decor to ward off bad luck and welcome more good fortune.

The festivities don’t stop there. You can get the chance to win amazing prizes with Robinsons Department Store’s plethora of Chinese New Year activities. 

First, visit the iconic Robinsons Department Store Galleria fitting room to find out if the myth of the snake is real or not. Snap a selfie in the Mystery Fitting Room and share your photo on social media to get a chance to win gift certificates.

Check out the free photo booth where you can Pose & Get Lucky from January 29 to 31. This trendy photo booth is the perfect souvenir for you and your shopping buddies. You can also get the chance to take home some cool surprises from Robinsons Department Store.

Lastly, get ready to scream for your luck when you play the Snake Machine happening from January 24 to 26. More prizes await you at this thrilling game, which will surely bring out your competitive side.

Plan out your Chinese New Year hangouts now at Robinsons Department Store Galleria until January 31, 2025. May good fortune come to you during this festive season.

TNT brings ‘saya’ to lucky subscribers in a special meet-and-greet with Kathryn Bernardo and Joshua Garcia

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Five lucky TNT subscribers welcomed the new year filled with unforgettable 'saya' moments through their special meet-and-greet session with TNT katropas Kathryn Bernardo and Joshua Garcia, one of the many special prizes of the TNT Paskong Panalo promo.

Just by registering to their favorite TNT promos, Benjie Carpio of Pasig, Gelica Gemina of Quezon City, and Ophelia Dantes of Tarlac racked up raffle entries that paved the way for them to finally meet Kathryn and have a free-flowing conversation with her over lunch - much like katropas catching up with one another.

‘Napaka-humble and napakabait niya’

"Di ako makapaniwala na nasa harap ko si Kathryn! Sobrang na-appreciate ko po itong experience," said Gelica, 34, a BPO employee and TNT subscriber for 14 years.

"Cloud 9 po talaga ang feeling. Di ko rin inexpect na sobrang friendly at sobrang wise ni Kathryn. Worth it po talaga yung puyat ko," said 29-year-old Ophelia, who traveled to the venue straight from her graveyard shift.

"Kinabahan po ako at di talaga makapaniwala," said 34-year old Benjamin, who sat directly across Kathryn throughout the entire session. "Napaka-humble at napakabait niya at sana hindi siya magbago.”

As a TNT katropa, Kathryn gamely talked about her career and personal life, and even shared life advice with the lucky subscribers during the intimate gathering.

‘Say words of affirmation as much as possible’

"Di kami lumaking expressive. Pero ngayon na may pamangkin na ako, we're trying our best to say words of affirmation as much as possible. We learned that it's important to say 'I love you, thank you, and I'm sorry' to children," Kathryn said.

"Also, please don't forget to take good care of yourself. Wag niyong pabayaan ang sarili niyo dahil marami kayong iniintindi," she reminded the three subscribers.

‘Hindi ko po ito malilimutan’

On the other hand, two other lucky subscribers  - 37-year-old Najer Basser of Iloilo City and 30-year-old Roselyn Ricorte of Pagadian City - went on to meet and exchange life stories with Joshua.

"Akala ko po talaga ay scam lang to nung una, kaya sobrang saya ko po nung nakita ko si Joshua. Maraming salamat po sa TNT, hindi ko po ito malilimutan," said Roselyn, who left her small sari-sari store for a day just to fly into Manila and meet Joshua.

“TNT lang po talaga ang load na binebenta ko sa may amin sa Pagadian kasi yun po ang malakas ang signal,” she said.

"Yung pamilya ko naman, gustong makipagpalit sa akin para ma-meet si Joshua! Nagpapasalamat ako sa TNT kasi ‘di ko inexpect na mangyayari ito," shared Najer, who makes a living selling slippers and sandals at a public market. 

'Maging mabuti at magtrabaho nang marangal'

"I-video call natin sila para maniwala sila," Joshua urged the Roselyn and Najer, and then chatted with their families, sending them into a frenzy.

"Maraming salamat po dahil bumyahe pa po kayo nang malayo just to spend time with me. I really appreciate your time," said Joshua, who also shared about his experiences as a Batangueño being new to the city.

“Na-overwhelm ako noon sa mga building at sa dami ng pwedeng gawin dito. Pero ngayon, mas na-appreciate ko na yung katahimikan sa probinsiya,” he said.

Asked for life advice to share with the two subscribers, Joshua said: "Siguro pareho lang sa  payo sa akin ng tito kong pari - maging mabuti at magtrabaho nang marangal at walang tinatapakang ibang tao."

"Naniniwala rin po ako na darating ang success pag nagsusumikap at kumikilos tayo," he added. 

Watch out for more 'saya' moments from TNT

Aside from these unforgettable moments with Kathryn and Joshua, the recently concluded TNT Paskong Panalo promo also brought ‘saya’ to 5 lucky grand winners from North and Central Luzon, NCR, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, who each won a life-changing prize of P1 million cash.

Now gearing up for its 25th anniversary, TNT is set to bring more saya to katropas nationwide through more value-packed data offers, more exciting promos, and more unforgettable experiences - backed by its superior mobile network.

To know more, follow TNT’s official accounts on Facebook, X, and TikTok, or visit its official website at https://tntph.com.

“I Am Forest Lake” program honors stakeholders behind the Forest Lake’s success

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Life Achievement Award Presentation - From left: President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Mr. Antonio V. Syyap (2nd from left), receiving the Life Achievement Award, and Chairman, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr.

Forest Lake Development Inc. capped the year 2024 by presenting an initiative that aims to celebrate the success-driven people behind Forest Lake, the country’s leading memorial park developer.

Aptly called “I Am Forest Lake,” the program takes immense pride in the employees, sellers, and sales leaders who continue to propel the company to its coveted status in the industry. By showcasing their stories and their vital roles in Forest Lake’s growth, the initiative affirms how the company values its people, builds their morale, and fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging among them.

For one, “I Am Forest Lake” motivates the company’s sales leaders by acknowledging their accomplishments, stressing on their crucial role in Forest Lake’s success.

“I Am Forest Lake” likewise spurs clients and customers to share the trust and satisfaction they experience as they avail of Forest Lake’s services, highlighting how the company offers comfort and support in meaningful ways.

At the event held last December 3 at the luxurious Okada Hotel, “I Am Forest Lake” validated the company’s commitment to fostering deeper emotional connections with their stakeholders. This was achieved by relating the personal success stories of employees and sellers and through testimonials that reflect on Forest Lake’s mission on families and communities. These in turn revealed the heart and humanity that lie at the center of any successful business.

Forest Lake President and CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos III underscored this point, saying, “At Forest Lake, our success is built on the dedication of our employees, sales leaders and sellers, and the trust of our clients. Through ‘I Am Forest Lake,’ we celebrate the people who make our mission of care and service possible.”

Among the many people who were honored at the event was Ruperto Rivera Jr., Group Chief Finance Officer for Forest Lake. Rivera was awarded for his twenty years of service with the company, a tenure marked by excellence and loyalty.

Life Achievement Award Presentation - From left: Chairman, Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Mr. Antonio V. Syyap (3rd from left), receiving the Life Achievement Award, Treasurer & Managing Director, Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos, and Group CFO, Rupert L. Rivera

Exhibit Gallery: I Am Forest Lake 2024 Service Awardees

President & CEO, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, takes a moment to appreciate the gallery honoring Forest Lake's 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year service awardees. Their dedication and contributions remain an integral part of the company’s success and legacy.

Rivera expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, “As someone who has been part of Forest Lake for two decades, I am deeply honored to be part of this celebration. It reminds us all that our work is not just about numbers—it’s about people, families, and the legacies we help create.”

Forest Lake’s clients were equally jubilant as they spoke at the event about the positive impact Forest Lake’s services have had on families and communities.

Hailing the contributions of all these stakeholders is an act of gratitude on the part of Forest Lake. “Our employees and sellers are the heart of Forest Lake,” HR Director Jose Antonio Xerez Burgos asserted. “Their stories of perseverance and dedication inspire us to continuously improve and create a workplace where everyone feels valued.”

All in all, “I Am Forest Lake” empowered everyone in attendance to stay on track as they make Forest Lake not just a memorial park developer, but a “community built by people, for people.”

I Am Forest Lake 2024 Service Awardees

A proud celebration of Forest Lake's 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year service awardees, recognizing their unwavering commitment and valuable contributions to the company’s continued success.

I Am Forest Lake 2024 Service Awardees - Honoring the remarkable 10-year and 20-year awardees for their dedication, loyalty, and significant contributions that have helped shape Forest Lake's enduring success.

From left: Maria Susana U. Pactanac (10 years), Ivy Avril M. Alvarez (10 years), Myra B. Cabrera (20 years), and Ruperto Sancho L. Rivera Jr. (20 years).

A Serenade for the I Am Forest Lake 2024 Service Awardees

A heartfelt serenade fills the room, honoring the dedication and loyalty of the awardees during the awarding ceremony. A tribute to their years of service and invaluable contributions to Forest Lake's success.

Executives and managers joined in celebrating the 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year service awardees, honoring their dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions to the success and growth of Forest Lake.

From left: Chairman Alfred Xerez-Burgos Jr., President & CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, Mr. Antonio V. Syyap, Life Achievement Awardee, Treasurer & Managing Director Jose Antonio Xerez-Burgos, and Group CFO Rupert L. Rivera, 20-year service awardee.

For more information, interested customers may view Forest Lake’s official Facebook page at fb.com/forestlakememorialparks and Instagram @forestlakememorialparks.

Redefining Boundaries in Content Creation with vivo V40 Lite

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If you're stepping into your content creator era, the constant pressure to produce fresh, engaging content—while navigating challenges like lighting, angles, and technical hurdles—can be overwhelming.

But no need to stress. Designed for dreamers, doers, and creators on the go, the vivo V40 Lite revolutionizes content creation by streamlining your creative process and effortlessly overcoming any challenges!

Capture Every Creative Vision

There are moments when you think you've nailed the shot, only to be disappointed by blurry images and dull colors!

With the V40 Lite's powerful 50MP main camera, those days are over! Powered by advanced imaging technology that ensures each shot is rich in vibrant colors, fine details, and dynamic contrast—taking your storytelling to a whole new level.

This smartphone truly knows no bounds when it comes to content creation. Ready to stand out?

Radiate Everywhere with Aura Light

Starting off with this smartphone's AI Aura Light, which intelligently adapts to ambient lighting conditions to provide soft, even illumination. Think of it as your portable studio light!

Perfect lighting can be tough to capture, and flashlights often leave harsh shadows and overexposure. Thanks to the AI Aura Light, you’re guaranteed a soft, flattering glow that complements your natural beauty.

Get ready for your selfies to steal the spotlight!

Blur to Impress using Bokeh Effect

Want to add a little magic to your shots? The bokeh effect is just what you need!

This delivers a dreamy blur to your background, transforming lights into whimsical shapes, making you the focal point without even trying!

Pro tip: Make the most of the enchanting fairy lights around Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and capture stunning portraits with the vivo V40 Lite’s bokeh effects for Instagram-worthy photos!

Frame it All with Ultrawide Shot

And what if you need to fit more into the frame?

The 8MP ultra-wide angle camera with a 120° field of view ensures you never have to cut corners which are perfect for shooting landscapes, group shots, or anything that requires that extra wide perspective, giving you all the tools to make your content shine while having fun memories with your co-creators!

Powering Your Creative Marathon

You can say goodbye to the anxiety of running out of power in the middle of a shoot. With the 5000mAh ultra-durable battery and 80W FlashCharge, you can go from 0 to 80% in just 0.5 hours. That means less waiting, more creating.

Plus, its overnight charging protection ensures your phone is safely charged while you sleep, so you can wake up fully powered ready to fuel your creativity all day long.

Are you ready to elevate your content creation game? Get your own vivo V40 Lite starting Php 13,999 at vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and authorized retail stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.vivoglobal.ph.

BDO strengthens opportunities for Japanese companies in the PH

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As the Philippine economy is poised for growth, BDO fuels national development by providing essential support to Japanese businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in the country.

In a significant move, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) and Japan’s Ashikaga Bank, Ltd. (ABL), signed a business alliance agreement through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster partnership that enables Japanese companies to thrive in the Philippines’ diverse markets.

ABL, a leading regional bank based in Tochigi Prefecture, is the 17th Japanese bank which has partnered with BDO. With 134 branches including satellite offices and commercial banking services, ABL has been keeping the major market share in the region.

The MOU with December 23, 2024 as the mutually agreed execution date aims to further strengthen the relationship between these two banks as BDO provides banking support services to Japanese business entities who are ABL customers and have existing operations or plan to build or expand their business in the country.

Incorporated in 1895 with over 70,000 corporate clients, ABL expects to grow its roster of customers in the Philippines with new investments and business matching deals.

As the only bank in the country with comprehensive international desks, BDO offers a multicultural team of relationship managers and advisors who possess extensive international and local banking experience. Established in 2007, BDO’s Japan Desk has grown, with Japanese speaking personnel dedicated to market and service Japanese companies operating in the Philippines, and service the retail needs of Japanese customers.

BDO is the country’s largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management. The Bank has the country’s largest distribution network with over 1,700 consolidated operating branches and more than 5,700 ATMs nationwide, and has 16 international offices in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The Bank also offers extensive digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients.