“Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace”: Traditional and digital retail trends discussed in SM’s first Partnership Summit

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With the market’s adaptation to digital shopping, traditional retail businesses find it important to keep with the consumer’s growing needs and demands for shopping experience beyond the brick-and-mortar concept. 

SM Supermalls used this big idea for its first Partnership Summit titled “Bricks Click: Creating the New Marketplace” to create a venue for deeper discussion among retailers and business partners. The summit was held at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia Complex.

SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia and Senior Vice-President for Operations Steven Tan together with panelists (second from left) Margot Torres, Executive Vice President, McDonald’s Philippines; Hiebert Dimagiba, Head of Mobile & IT Business, Samsung Philippines; Aitor Gomez Maguregui, Head of New Business Sales, Google Philippines; and Mark Gamboa, Director of Marketing, Max’s Group.

The summit aimed to inspire and motivate players in the retail industry, local and regional, through knowledge sharing and market updates from distinguished experts in the field. During the summit, discussions centered around the impact of social media on businesses; ways to elevate customer experience, and strengthening customer satisfaction.

Esteemed guest speakers included entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong, Disney Institute Regional Business Development Manager Wing-Hoe Tan, and Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang. Panel discussions further elaborated the topics, with executives and veterans of known companies such as Samsung, Max’s, McDonald’s and Google contributing their insights and business experiences.

Francis Kong

In his presentation, Kong explained that a business should learn to utilize social media and technology not to compete with the traditional way of retail, but to enhance and further develop its reach. Technology, according to Kong, is not the competitor of traditional retail, but its complement.

Entrepreneur and inspirational speaker Francis Kong talked about creating new and meaningful experiences for the customer with the cohesive use of social media with traditional retail.

“Co-existence between analog and click technology can never replace human involvement,” Kong added.

Tan stressed in his speech that positive results and customer delight root from company culture, from how they treat their customers to how they treat their own employees.

Wing-Hoe Tan

A playful moment from Disney Institute’s Wing-Hoe Tan, his session discussing about ensuring delightful service and maintaining good company culture.

“An organization must cultivate the same internal customer service within their employees, gauged with the same intentionality as how they do with their external ones. It is not written on any handbook; rather, it is already imbibed in the employees’ hearts and minds to provide exceptional service,” Tan said.

Kang ended the sessions with his emphasis on how technology heavily influences consumers’ decisions, but in the end, the brick-and-mortar shops are still their preferred way of shopping for their desired products.

David Kang

Samsung Electronics Vice-President for Online David Kang delves deeper into his talk about the cohesive existence of technology and traditional retail to bring another level to the customer’s shopping experience.

There were 1,000 participants who attended the summit, hailing from businesses in the Philippines and abroad, all pioneers and heads of SM’s valued tenant companies.

The partnership summit is one of SM’s projects in line with celebrating its 30th year in the retail industry. SM currently has 55 malls nationwide.​

"Living Re-Imagined” - Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali holds Upcycling Challenge

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In a bid to turn waste materials into more useful resources, real estate developer Amaia Land Corp. recently launched the first Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge last Saturday, Oct. 17, at Solenad 1, Nuvali, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

Amaia’s Upcycling Challenge saw the participation of a slew of design students, professionals, and upcycling enthusiasts, out of which thirteen were chosen finalists. All the participants are given sufficient time to create marketable and practical home products from scratch using a selected material—in this case, plastic soft drink bottles.

Victorious Secret

Jensen Gonzales, Jeremiah Mendoza, and Klingeln Castillo of Victorious Secret wastes no time in creating their upcycled hanging lamp to ensure a win during the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

PSIDream

Members of PSIDream, Julian Agustin, Princess Dumpit, and Roxanne Ramos, tries to turn plastic bottles into a "Sit-n-Sleep Bottle Couch-Bed."

Mirror

Team Mirror composed of Denver Aurallo and Kate Oliva prepares their materials for the Amaia Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

The ongoing environmental competition is scheduled to hold its awarding ceremonies on Sunday, October 25, where only three of the most creative ideas and designs will be chosen.

Ricky Celis, Amaia Land Corp. president, said the upcycling contest was meant to encourage the public to creatively reduce waste by turning these into useful and aesthetically pleasing products.

“When waste products are not biodegradable, these occupy space out there and possibly pollute the environment. Thus, before throwing anything out, why not consider upcycling them?” Celis pointed out.

“Caring for the environment has always been part of our advocacy. We wanted a project that would push this cause, so the Upcycling Challenge was really perfect for us.

Here in Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali, we encourage everyone to live a life that is one with nature—to not just enjoy its beauty but also care for it,” he added.

Kneutral MNL

Carissa Patricia Del Rosario and Jose Masucol of Kneutral Collection creates a useful table out of green plastic soda bottles.

7CM

Duo Janneal Avy Chug and Kirk Cedrick Moaje is making a different kind of table lamp made out of plastic bottles, which they will call "Cap-wise Clockwise Table Lamp."

Upcycling, also known as creative reuse, is the process of turning old and discarded goods or waste materials into something useful and beautiful and with better environmental value.

For the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge, in particular, the finalists were tasked to create home products that must be useful to Amaia homeowners—an endeavor that was consistent with the development’s theme: "Living Re-Imagined.”

“We are doing this to inspire our residents and future homeowners to contribute to preserving our environment,” Celis said. “We believe that even seemingly small ways such as these will have greater impact if everyone adopts the habit of upcycling waste materials into something useful again.”

Each team was provided transportation to the site and P3,000 for raw materials.

Team Bulahao

Louie Lucena of Team Bulahao puts a game face on when the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge officially started.

Get Backers

Louie Ermitanio and John Henry Lazaro of Team Get Backers discusses how will they start making their upcycled wall clock, which they call "Positive Time."

The finalists’ entries will be displayed at Soledad 1 in Nuvali while its images will be showcased in Amaia Land Corp.'s official Facebook page. The entry with the most number of likes on Facebook will receive a special prize.

The grand winner will be awarded P100,000 in cash and a glass trophy. The first runner-up will receive P50,000 and a glass trophy and the second runner-up will get P25,000 and a glass trophy.

Team Makati Folks

Raffy Lacaden and Anthony Lau of Team Makati Folks brainstorm the best game plan to finish their "Plastic Bottle Chairble" on time.

OCCA Design

Anzella Casica and Gethymane Cobico of OCCA Design works on their upcycled chair, hoping to bag the first prize in the first-ever Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcyling Challenge.

Ayala Land’s Nuvali, which spans 1,750 hectares, is an inspiring model of a green, sustainable eco-community. Built on the pillars of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, community development remains a primary objective of Nuvali in achieving this balance.

Designer Duo

Designer Duo Janica Uy and Christine Mariano sure knows how to have fun while making their coffee table with hidden storage box during the Amaia Steps Parkway Nuvali Upcycling Challenge.

Team DJE

Danny Kalinga, Jojean Aguilar, and Johnedel Ogalesco of Team DJE are working on the "Bubble Coral" floor lamp made up of plastic bottles and a junk bike wheel.

UP IndDes

Students from UP Fine Arts, Nico Macabuhay, Andrea Anatacio, and Tolits Tanaka, are working together as team UP IndDes to come up with "Duâ," a coffee table that is convertible into 2 chairs.

Companio

Rhanmar Dacayo and Joan Tay of Team Companio tries to make a 2-level chair called "Atom" out of plastic bottles and other waste materials.

Nuvali, which is located in the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba, and is in the Municipality of Cabuyao in Laguna, is part of the growth corridor of the Calabarzon region. Its campus-like environment integrates a community where residences, business, and recreation flow seamlessly. It is a community where you could proudly raise a family.

Repertory Philippines adapts Secret Garden for a new generation

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Repertory Philippines is set to showcase another musical production; now of Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s adaptation of the classic story The Secret Garden. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the story revolves around the lives of two abandoned youngsters Mary Lennox and Colin Craven who, through the power of love, begin to transform their spoiled and selfish ways for the better. The show runs simultaneously with Rep’s staging of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Rep’s version is anticipated to entertain audiences with a magical score and fascinating choreography but it shouldn't be missed largely because of the amazing young talent set to play the spirited main characters of the story. Playing the mischievous Mary Lennox are 12-year-old Ashlee Factor and 9-year-old Ginger Karganilla. Between them, they have already starred in five stage productions. Not only is Ashlee already playing a role in Rep’s production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but she also played one of the lead characters of the theater production house’s adaptation of Scrooge. While Ginger took part in playing characters in Resorts World Manila’s Cinderella the Musical and The King & I.

As for the very headstrong Colin Craven, the role will be played by 11-year-old Daniel Drilon, 10-year-old Albert Silos, and 11-year-old Noel Comia. Not to be outshined by their female counterparts, the boys also have an impressive list of titles behind them. Apart from playing roles in Rep’s Scrooge, Pinocchio, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Noel had a role in Kids Acts Philippines’ Hua Mulan which earned him the Best Child Performer Award at the 27th Aliw Awards. Albert’s background includes roles in Resorts World Manila’s King & I and Cinderella and in Gantimpala Theater’s Kanser the Musical. While Daniel, despite having his professional debut just last year, has had years of intensive training in the performing arts which landed him lead roles in Rep’s Pinocchio and Scrooge.

With their extensive experience in theater arts and months of preparing for the role, the cast is set to bring the story of Secret Garden and its characters to life. “We like to perform to make the audience happy,” explains Daniel--a statement that resounded with the entire cast. Come opening day on November 20, that’s what they plan to do.

With director Anton Juan leading them, the entire production is sure to enthrall audiences no matter what age. Together with the story’s beautiful message, no doubt the show will be a hit. “Secret Garden has a really nice moral lesson, the music is catchy, and they should watch it because they will learn a lot,” shares Albert of the experience people should expect from the show.

The Secret Garden will be staged from November 20 to December 20, 2015 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices range from P500 to P1,000. For more details on the play, call Repertory Philippines at 843-3570 and book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Mega Global presents latest endorser Liza Soberano for the new "Mega Tuna"

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Mega Global Corporation introduced the latest endorser, Fil-Am model and teen superstar Liza Soberano on October 20, 2015 held at the Luxent Hotel, Quezon City, in time for the launching of  Mega Tuna, their newest addition to their line of premium products.

The country’s top manufacturer and distributor of canned goods has recently launched Mega Tuna, - Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Mega Tuna Flakes Hot and Spicy, Mega Tuna Flakes Sweet and Spicy, Mega Tuna Flakes Spanish-Style as addition to their line of premium products namely Mega Sardines, Mega Creations, Valley Farm, and Oh my Ulam!.

With their vision set in providing high-quality, value-for-money products through bringing forth improvement and innovation in fishing, food technology and packaging, Mega Global has set a high standard in providing all 100% pure tuna in every variant of Mega Tuna.

Raffy Lantin, Mega Global Corporation AVP for Sales and Marketing

“Forty years in the business and continuously growing, Mega Global is very excited to introduce our newest product in the market, Mega Tuna. We assure you that, ALL variants of Mega Tuna contains 100% pure tuna with no extenders, no preservatives and no MSG," as Raffy Lantin, AVP for Sales and Marketing of Mega Global Corporation has expressed the company’s excitement over the launch of this new world-class product from MFC. 

Mega Tuna Brand Manager, John Paolo Calona, proudly explained how he sees Mega Tuna and how it is different from any other tuna brands.

John Paolo Calona, Mega Tuna Brand Manager

“We want Mega Tuna to be the top choice of tuna enthusiasts who want to savor the true taste of pure tuna. With no extenders, no preservatives, and no MSG, Mega Tuna gives only 100% pure tuna in every can. Mega Tuna comes in four variants, namely, Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Hot and Spicy, Sweet and Spicy and Spanish-Style. Whichever you choose, you are sure to get 100% pure tuna goodness with Mega Tuna.

With very discerning market who takes pride with their choices in mind, Mega Tuna, unlike other tuna brands, does not utilize Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) or commonly known as "extenders". Extenders when combined with additives such as food coloring, MSG, or emulsifiers and the likes, can be potentially harmful to one’s health. The most common ingredients used by some canned tuna as extenders are "soy protein concentrates". So next time you buy canned tuna, don't forget to check the label!

During the product launch event, Mega Tuna also introduced their latest endorser Liza Soberano who the brand sees as the personification of Mega Tuna: naturally 100% beautiful inside and out.

“We are very excited to work with Liza whose beauty and personality captures the heart, who gives her 100% in everything she does, whether it is with her showbiz career, her advocacy and most especially with her family. We are very confident with Liza for Mega Tuna,” Calona said.

Shy, simple, young and happy Liza shared “I am very excited and grateful to my Mega Global Family for trusting me to be the endorser of Mega Tuna. I like being healthy and Mega Tuna is the perfect partner for me. With Mega Tuna, you are getting 100% pure tuna in all variants.”

Mega Tuna is available in all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide at the suggested retail price of P33.10.

Stay healthy, enjoy pure tuna goodness with every variant of Mega Tuna. With Mega Tuna, all variants, all 100% pure tuna.

NorthPine Land unveils Peppermint model house for Parkview, Greenwoods community

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Exuding style and comfort thru its first-rate architecture, the Peppermint house model was recently launched as the newest addition in NLI’s Parkview development.

For almost 20 years, NorthPine Land, Inc. (NLI) has been building quality yet affordable suburban communities in areas where there is a strong combination of accessibility and opportunity.

It comes as no surprise then that the company has created its biggest project to date in Greenwoods in Cavite. Covering over 80-hectares of prime real estate, Greenwoods also boasts of several communities with their own distinctive identities namely: Greenwoods, Greenwood Heights, Norfolk Ridge, Parkview, Primrose Place, Rosewood, and The Prime.

Complete with all the necessary amenities for wellness and recreation such as a multi-purpose pavilion, a sports center, a wellness park, village chapel, nature and life trails, swimming pools and basketball courts, Greenwoods also distinguishes itself from other communities with its strikingly beautiful houses.

A fine example of these well-designed houses is the Peppermint, a model house introduced during a recent grand open house event called “It’s A Sunday Playdate” that centered on a block building activity for children. Peppermint is NorthPine’s latest addition to the set of house models in Greenwoods’ Parkview community.

NLI’s Executive Vice-President Mr. Ferdinand M. Macabanti helps a kid assemble her own house made from toy bricks in the recent open house event for Parkview.

As dream homes go, Peppermint represents the picture-perfect lifestyle envisioned by NLI for Parkview, a sub-community in Greenwoods. It is also noteworthy that like all other NLI projects, the first-rate architecture and amenities of Greenwoods is very much comparable to posh subdivisions in Metro Manila.

Model unit Peppermint covers a total lot area of 185 square meters with 162 square meters-floor area. The house includes three (3) bedrooms (with one Master’s bedroom), three (3) toilets and bathrooms (including one for the Master’s bedroom); as well as a family room, living, dining and service areas, kitchen, maid’s room, lanai, porch and balcony.

In addition to being an ideal community, Parkview, Greenwoods is also located at the heart of Dasmarinas, Cavite, and is only about an hour drive away from Metro Manila. Important establishments like malls, hospitals, and schools are also very accessible to this big community. 

“With Greenwoods, we offer the peace and serenity of suburban living as well as access to the busy and vibrant city lifestyle,” said Executive Vice President of NLI Ferdinand Macabanti.

Macabanti pointed out that the ongoing development of the Skyway extension and other government infrastructure projects like the highly anticipated Intermodal Transport System (ITS), LRT 1 Cavite Extension, LRT6 Project and Cavite- Laguna Expressway (CALAX) are proofs that NLI communities like Greenwoods are in strategic locations ideal for everyone. 

Likewise, because of its proximity to the city and the booming infrastructure projects already ongoing in the CALABARZON region where Parkview is situated, Peppermint is also a sound investment as all these improvements mean that prices of properties in the area are certain to appreciate.

With regards to “It’s a Sunday Playdate,” Macabanti shared that company representatives encouraged guests to bring their kids along and allow them to be creative as they play and experiment with colorful building sets and blocks.

“The event centered on the idea of building dreams through homes like Peppermint and many more in the future. Hence the block building and coloring activities for kids,” noted Executive Vice President of NLI Ferdinand Macabanti. 

About NorthPine Land, Inc.

NorthPine Land Inc. (NLI) is one of the country’s trusted real estate prime movers with a prestigious portfolio of projects such as Kahaya Place, Greenwoods Village, Wind Crest, Kohana Grove (Cavite), South Hampton (Laguna), Forest Ridge (Antipolo City), and Lexington (Pasig City). Its distinguished shareholders are: HongKong Land, BDO, Metrobank, and San Miguel Properties, Inc. To know more about our lineup of products, visit www.northpineland.com or call +632 637.1531.