EK Gifts Filipinos With Timeless Magic of Christmas

Celebrating its 29th year anniversary, experience the timeless magic of the holidays with a grand spectacle of music, harmony of lights, unlimited rides, and EKciting attractions only at Enchanted Kingdom — the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines!

Timeless Magic of Christmas

On November 23, Saturday, witness the grand kickoff of the holiday festivities here at EK with our Timeless Magic of Christmas event.

Get into the festive mood and join Eldar the Wizard and friends across the Park’s themed zones during the vibrant Eldar’s Moonlight Parade. Dance under the melody of dazzling lights and festive holiday music at the Eldar’s Brooklyn Symphony. Be enchanted by the lighting ceremony of the unique Enchanted Christmas Tree, adorned with the sparkling EK Storybook Characters decors. Sing along to classic Filipino Christmas songs playing at EK’s 22-foot Grand Parol, created by renowned Pampanga lantern maker Eric Bondoc Quiwa.

Groove with powerhouse dance crew G-Force, and don’t miss out on world-class Filipino music talent with the internationally-renowned De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Rondalla as they serenade us with their enchanting performance of Christmas carols.

EK’s homegrown talents, SMS, Victoria’s Way, and the Kingsmen, will also be there to spread the magic through a series of spectacular musical performances.

And finally, to cap off the night, create more lasting memories with the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show to the tune of EK’s 29th-anniversary theme song composed and sung by our very own P-Pop girl group SMS.

Homegrown EK Talents and Weekend Carols

This December, embrace the magical spirit of the holidays with our Christmas shows.

EK is set to showcase our homegrown talents through the play A Very Timeless Christmas featuring Eldar the Wizard, Princess Victoria, Princess Madeline, and SMS. Victoria's Way and The Kingsmen, together with SMS, will serenade guests with Christmas Songs at EK’s bandstand. Also, watch out for the Christmastime Parade and enchanting live carols every weekend this December!

A Merrier Timeless Christmas EKsperience

Christmas is made even more merry here at EK!

Give in to your holiday cravings at EK’s Food Fiesta Bazaar located at the Eldar’s Village. Enjoy an array of Filipino and Korean street foods, fresh fruits, juices, hot meals, and delectable snacks.

Stay tuned for our upcoming holiday food offerings this December! EK is working our magic in creating a delightful selection of seasonal treats to make your EK adventure extra special.

Eldar the Wizard continues to bring enchantment in the sky with the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show on all Saturdays of 2024. This special display of lights gives a spectacular twist to one of EK’s traditions, the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Show, which will still illuminate the night sky during all of the Park’s open days except Saturdays.

Lastly, don’t forget to feel the magic of love with your family and loved ones at EK’s 4D motion stimulator Rialto - with its new featured film Happy Family: Next Level.

So save the date for your next EK getaway as we are open six days a week starting December 3 to 15. We will also be open every day starting December 16 until the first week of January.

For more information about this celebration, available promotional offerings, and more of EK’s timeless magic, visit our Press Room at https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ek-press-room/ and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

Lenovo Launches Holiday Shopping Spree Promo with Exciting Freebies

[Manila, Philippines] November 2024 – Lenovo, global leader in consumer technology, is gearing up to make the holiday season even more exciting with its Holiday Shopping Spree Promo. Starting from November 1 until December 31, 2024, customers across the Philippines can take advantage of exclusive deals and freebies when purchasing select Lenovo devices from authorized resellers.

This year, Lenovo is bringing smarter technology for all, offering irresistible gifts with every purchase of the latest Legion, Yoga, LOQ, IdeaPad, and IdeaCentre devices, ensuring there’s a perfect Lenovo product for every tech lover. Whether you’re buying a gaming laptop for the holiday season or upgrading your home office setup, Lenovo’s wide range of devices ensures a smarter, more productive experience for all users in preparation for the coming new year.

Unwrap Exciting Freebies This Holiday Season

Filipino techies can look forward to premium freebies that come with the purchase of Lenovo’s best-in-class devices. Customers will receive exciting gifts such as the 8GB ADATA RAM, Canon Pixma MG2570S Printer, a Php 4,000 CASIO voucher, or a Lenovo L15 Monitor, depending on the product they buy. With freebies worth up to PHP 10,495, this promo delivers the best-added value for every purchase this holiday season.

Here are some of the exciting offers available during the Holiday Shopping Spree Promo:

Shoppers can find the full list of participating Lenovo products, freebies, and redeeming instructions at promotions.lenovo.com.

How to Redeem Your Freebie

To redeem the freebie, Lenovo customers just need to follow these simple steps: 

• Purchase a qualifying Lenovo product from November 1 to December 31, 2024, at any authorized reseller.
• Visit promotions.lenovo.com and fill out the redemption form with the required details such as proof of purchase, serial number, and personal information.
• Customers will be notified via email within 5–7 business days on the status of their redemption, and successful applicants will receive their freebies within 5–14 business days.

The promo is not open to corporate purchases, wholesale orders, or employees of Lenovo Philippines and its partners. For full promo mechanics, visit the official website.

Make the Season Smarter with Lenovo’s AI-Powered Devices

Lenovo's latest line of cutting-edge technology, including its AI-enabled devices, makes this the perfect time to upgrade your tech setup. Whether you’re a gamer, a student, or a professional, Lenovo’s product lineup ensures optimized performance and a more intuitive user experience for all. With the holiday season just around the corner, there’s no better time to treat yourself or a loved one to a new Lenovo device and enjoy exclusive freebies!

Unveiling the Magic: Experience a Day of Music and Marvel at Fanverse in Enchanted Kingdom

From casual curiosity to passionate preference, the journey of superfans resonates with us all. UMusic Philippines, recognizing its devoted community's engaging and endearing efforts, is set to enchant music lovers with a reimagined superfan convention – Fanverse 2023. This fairytale-inspired experience promises a convergence of fans and stars, creating magical moments at the heart of Enchanted Kingdom on December 17, 2023.

A Magical Day Unveiled:

Step into the most enchanting place in the Philippines, where fantasies come to life. Fanverse 2023 at Enchanted Kingdom invites fans to navigate a journey guided by Eldar The Wizard. With regular day pass and EKspress day pass options, priced at P2000 and P3000 respectively, fans can access a host of one-of-a-kind activities.

Enchanting Activities Await:

- Rides with Your Favorite Artists: For a limited time, experience the magic of Enchanted Kingdom alongside your beloved artists.

- Booths and Games: Immerse yourself in a world of fandom with engaging booths and games that cater to every fan's interests.

- Meet and Greets: Get close and personal with your music idols in exclusive meet and greet sessions.

- Busking Sessions: Enjoy intimate performances by artists in unexpected corners of Enchanted Kingdom.

- Closet Sale: Shop for exclusive merchandise and memorabilia to commemorate this magical day.

- Magical Music Festival: The grand finale, a music festival featuring a stellar lineup including Juan Karlos, Zild, Jayda, Janine Berdin, Blaster, Dionela, ONE CLICK STRAIGHT, VXON, G22, AJAA, Yes My Love, Elha Nympha, Cydel, Isang, Shane Bernabe, Daniel Paringit, CHNDTR, Chen, Gab Tagadtad, dia maté, with a special appearance from Zack Tabudlo, and more.

Aligning Stars and Superfans:

UMusic Fanverse 2023 at Enchanted Kingdom is more than just a spectacle; it's a service to the true stars – the fans. In this storybook experience, you, the fan, take center stage. Your once-distant wishes become tangible dreams fulfilled.

Book Your Journey:

As the stars align, usher in your "once upon a time" at UMusic Fanverse 2023. Secure your tickets now and be part of this fairytale adventure. Let the enchantment begin! 

Globe GFiber Prepaid launches referral program: Win big by bringing your friends and family onboard

Picture this: your simple act of referral turns into a world of rewards! Globe At Home is now offering its GFiber Prepaid customers an opportunity to win fabulous prizes just by sharing the joy of top-tier internet connectivity with friends and family.

Globe At Home’s new initiative turns every GFiber Prepaid user into a potential winner. Participating is a breeze. Just register for the raffle and ensure you have the GlobeOne app and access to your GFiber Prepaid account.

Next, share your unique referral code with someone looking for a reliable and affordable internet connection. The moment they sign up and get their GFiber Prepaid connection installed, you're one step closer to a spectacular prize.

The rewards are nothing short of exciting. Envision relaxing in front of a brand-new Samsung 50" Class Crystal UHD TV, exploring the digital world with an iPad 10.9 WiFi 64GB, or capturing life's moments with an iPhone 14 Pro Max 128 GB. You also get the chance to bag PHP5,000 in GCash credits!

The campaign runs until January 12, 2024, and your chances increase with every successful referral. The winners will be decided through an electronic raffle, with two minor draws on December 13 and 27, 2023, leading to the grand draw on January 17, 2024.

Keep an eye on the official Globe At Home Facebook page for the announcement of winners on December 15, 29, and January 19, 2023. Plus, if you're one of the lucky ones, expect a congratulatory text straight from Globe. Winner announcements will be done via SMS, Facebook, and email.

“We at Globe At Home are all about enriching connections, and what better way to do that than by rewarding our loyal customers? We’re thrilled to see our family grow through this program and can’t wait to give back to our community with these amazing prizes,” said Raymond Policarpio, Vice President and Head for Brand Management, Broadband Business.

 

Globe At Home is dedicated to enhancing digital lifestyles across the Philippines by continually pushing the boundaries of service and satisfaction. Through GFiber Prepaid, Globe At Home offers a sachet with reloadable unli WiFi for as low as P299, with no lock-up terms and documents required.

 

Don't miss out on your chance to be part of this exciting journey! For more information, please visit https://glbe.co/GlobeOne.

Power up a gamer's Christmas with Lenovo

07 December 2023, Manila, Philippines - With the holidays around the corner, you’ve most likely started checking off items on your Christmas gift list. Wondering what to get for your gamer sibling or significant other? Surprise them with Lenovo’s latest lineup of world-class gaming devices sure to cater to all their needs and gamer dreams.

Lenovo’s latest gaming devices range from beginner and budget-friendly to innovative handheld greatness. Catering to a wide variety of gamers, Lenovo’s Legion and LOQ lineups are bound to provide hours of quality performance and immersive gameplay that gamers old and new alike will surely appreciate.

Give the gift of ‘powerful luxury’ with the Lenovo Legion 9i

Launched last September, the Lenovo Legion 9i has already garnered a solid fanbase of gamers who swear by the device’s premium quality and impressive technology. The Legion 9i, dubbed the “King of Cool” is the world’s first 16-inch AI-tuned gaming laptop with an integrated liquid-cooling system. The device redefines powerful luxury with its 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13980HX processor, AI-tuned, triple-fan air-cooling system with 6,333 individual intake vents, and innovative new A-cover made from forged carbon chips among other first-rate features.

On top of its impressive cooling system, the laptop also features a 94% screen-to-body Mini-LED display and up to 2TB of PCIe (Gen 4) SSD storage, ensuring crisp visuals and ample room for gamers and content creators alike to enjoy.

Get the Lenovo Legion 9i today at PHP 347,995

Inspire future pros with Lenovo LOQ

There’s no need for beginners to splurge on high-end gaming PCs to kickstart their gaming journeys. Newbie gamers looking to invest in a powerful and versatile gaming device need not look any further as Lenovo’s newest sub-brand LOQ is jam-packed with all the features one needs to embark on their path toward greatness. The Lenovo LOQ laptops provide users with the option to customize their processors with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core processor or AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPU, with a Lenovo LA AI Chip powering the built-in Lenovo AI Engine+ designed to dynamically tune wattage and thermal performance for optimized gameplay.

Built for both future pros and casual gamers looking to have a good time, the devices also feature up to 16GB 5600MHz DDR5 RAM and support up to 32GB storage, future-proofed with two slots for RAM and two PCIe slots for expanded RAM and storage down the line.

The Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 RTX 4050 is now available today starting at PHP 79,995.

Portability Is a present with the Legion Go

Give your loved one the gift of gaming on the go with Lenovo’s first Windows gaming handheld device, the Lenovo Legion Go. Designed for gamers who won’t settle for anything less than top-tier specs and visuals, the Legion Go is a game-changer in the Legion lineup --ensuring users are treated to Windows PC gaming power all in the palm of their hands.

The Legion Go is powered by AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Series processors, with an 8.8-inch Lenovo PureSight Gaming Display built for quality visuals despite the device’s size. The device is also powered by AMD RNDA™ Graphics and smart power management technology, and its controllers are detachable, hall effect joysticks to ensure ​​no joystick drift and more flexibility in playstyles. On top of this, the Legion Go can also convert into FPS mode for impromptu FPS gaming sessions, wherein the kickstand can prop up the device while the right controller can be attached to a magnetic base to act like a mouse.

Get the Lenovo Legion Go today at PHP 49,995.

This holiday season, level up your gift game with Lenovo’s latest Legion and LOQ devices designed to provide a powerful and unparalleled gaming experience for every kind of gamer. Gift your loved ones only the latest innovations in gaming and stay ahead of the game with premium and top-tier devices designed to be stylish on the outside, but savage on the inside. For more information and to check out the devices listed above, visit the Lenovo Flagship Store here. You may also visit Lenovo Exclusive Stores and authorized resellers nationwide.

#BringBrightness to your home this holiday season with limited-time offer Globe GFiber Plans

The festive season sparkles with the joy of connections, and Globe At Home is ready to make this one the brightest and most memorable yet! Say goodbye to buffering and hello to seamless holiday cheer!

Globe At Home is spreading the magic this season with an irresistible promotion on its GFiber Plans to provide customers reliable and fiber-fast connectivity at special rates.

 

GFiber Plan 1299 is now available for just PHP999 for the first 12 months, giving customers savings of PHP 3,600 over one year. With this plan, you can enjoy internet speeds of up to 50Mbps, allowing you to play your favorite games, stream your much-loved shows, and snatch up the season's best online deals! You can apply for this time-limited offer via globegfiber.com or visit any Globe Store nationwide from December 1, 2023 until January 15, 2024.

For an even enhanced experience, GFiber Plan 1799 with speeds of up to 200 Mbps is your ticket to a buffering-free holiday season. It offers cutting-edge WiFi 6 modem technology with 12 months of Disney+ Mobile and KonsultaMD subscription, as well as a complimentary PHP 1,000 Razer Gold voucher.

In response to the need for a quick and hassle-free internet setup, especially during busy times, GFiber Plan offers installation in as fast as 24 hours. No long wait to start enjoying an uninterrupted online experience.

 

“This holiday season, Globe At Home is making internet access even more affordable and within the reach of Filipino families. With the launch of our exciting holiday promotions, we aim to show that Globe At Home is much more than just an internet provider – we are a life enabler and a lifestyle partner at home,” said Raymond Policarpio, Vice President and Head for Brand Management, Broadband Business.

 

“Our products are thoughtfully curated with your needs and aspirations in mind. We’re here to help you live life freely, progress, and pursue your dreams. This is the essence of what we bring this festive season – a true partnership in every step of your digital life."

 

Through Globe At Home’s #BringBrightness campaign, the brand ensures you stay connected to what matters most. Whether you’re sharing festive selfies, streaming midnight mass, or having a virtual holiday dinner, it’s ready to make sure every moment is as bright and joyful as possible.

 

Ready to brighten up your holidays? Visit globegfiber.com for more details.

Lenovo unveils Legion Go in the Philippines to revolutionize the gaming world

[Manila, Philippines] – Lenovo is set to redefine gaming experiences with the official unveiling of the new Legion Go, Lenovo’s first gaming handheld device operating on Windows 11. This high-performance portable gaming handheld device ensures gamers the power to bring their a-game wherever they go.

The Legion Go encapsulates performance, versatility, and accessibility. It currently stands as one of the best Windows 11 gaming handheld devices offering hybrid experience of powerful gaming capability and unmatched portability.

The Legion Go brings Windows 11 PC gaming power to a handheld mobile form and is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with AMD RDNA 3 Graphics to deliver unmatched PC gaming performance for the most power-demanding games. It features a stunning 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, the largest display on handheld gaming devices in the market, and is further enhanced with a 144Hz refresh rate.

It features 16GB of LPDDR5X (7500Mhz) RAM with power management flexibility that delivers optimal gaming performance and faster loading times, in addition to up to 516GB of SSD storage3. The Legion Go also has a long-lasting 49.2Wh battery that supports Super Rapid Charge4. This will allow gamers to play all day long and return to gaming in no time.

Innovations for the Legion Go collectively raise the bar for performance, portability, and gaming experiences. The detachable TrueStrike controllers, featuring hall effect technology, provide precision and portability, outperforming transitional handheld gaming consoles. The new gaming modes, such as the ‘Battlestation’ and ‘FPS mouse mode’ allow the device to transform into the perfect device for casual, competitive or shooter games.

This handheld gaming machine is also engineered with the Legion Space, a gaming hub that combines a centralized game library comprising of popular industry game platforms, libraries, immersive game pages, and quick launch features to make it easy to browse, manage, and configure settings to personalize gaming experiences. These innovations mark Lenovo Legion’s contribution to the evolving landscape of gaming, promising a future rich in innovation and player empowerment.

“The Lenovo Legion Go combines our signature innovative engineering and design expertise to bring the power of PC gaming into the palms of gamers’ hands. Its high-performance gaming power combined with Legion Glasses, exclusive detachable controllers, widely compatible software, and exhilarating gaming modes for gamers-on-the-go, all converge to create a gaming experience like no other,” said Clifford Chong Category Manager (Gaming), Consumer Business, PCs and Smart Devices, Lenovo Asia Pacific.

The Lenovo Legion Glasses is a plug-and-play advanced wearable display solution that can be used with the Legion Go and other Legion devices. It boasts of a high-quality AR gaming experience through its micro-OLED display technology that delivers high color, contrast range FHD resolution with 60Hz refresh rate.

The Legion Go is already available for pre-order at PHP 49,995.00 exclusively at Lenovo Experience Stores and Legion Stores. This can be bundled with a free Legion Go Tempered Glass, Legion H200 Wired Gaming Headset, and a Legion Go Carry Case. Upon purchase, the device will come with a 2-year onsite support.

To learn more about the Legion Go and to find out about the arrival of the Lenovo Legion Glasses, check out the Lenovo Legion PH Facebook. For more information, follow Lenovo Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Enchanted Kingdom Brings the Biggest Parol in the Country

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world class theme park in the Philippines, highlights the Filipino Christmas tradition through the launch of EK’s Giant Parol at the Agila Grounds last November 26, Sunday.

According to EK President and Chairman Mario Mamon, EK is committed to showcase the Filipino Christmas tradition of parols and local festive decorations to bring nostalgia during the holiday season. “We are very excited to share with you the biggest parol in the Philippines!” It is our aspiration to provide a destination where families can create their enchanted Christmas stories,” Mr. Mamon further explained.

EK tapped renowned lantern maker from Pampanga, Eric Bondoc Quiwa, in the creation of the 22-foot parol installed at the Agila Grounds. This is the centerpiece of the theme park’s holiday events along with 100 parols around the park.

EK’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Cynthia R. Mamon shared that the making of the biggest parol is a three-week labor of love: from conceptualization and design, up to framing, welding, partitioning, installing the electrical components, then lastly, finishing. It is illuminated by 1,700 LED lights and will have a daily show of lights every night at the park.

EK is also set to showcase their homegrown talents through their Christmas shows such as Christmas At The Kingdom (EK Story), Brooklyn Diaries: Oh Paskong Maligaya (OPM) and Eldar’s Christmas Parade featuring its storybook characters to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

The park is now open six times a week from Tuesday to Sunday, 11AM to 8PM. Starting December 18, the theme park will also open its gates everyday, from 11AM to 8PM with extended hours on selected special holidays until January 7, 2024.

For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

An Enchanted Christmas Story - Eldar the Wizard brings yuletide cheer and magic for the holiday season

Enchanted Kingdom (EK), the first and only world class theme park in the Philippines, brightens the holidays with An Enchanted Christmas Story starting with the Christmas Tree Lighting and launch of EK’s Giant Parol on November 26, Sunday.

EK tapped renowned lantern maker from Pampanga, Eric Bondoc Quiwa, in the creation of the 22 foot parol to be installed at the Agila Grounds. This will be the centerpiece of the theme park’s holiday events along with 100 parols around the park. Quiwa will share this bright and colorful tradition in creating the biggest parol thus far in the country.

Additionally, EK and Firefly Lighting CeleBrights moments with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for all to enjoy at the Spaceport.

According to EK President and Chairman Mario Mamon, EK is committed to showcase the Filipino Christmas tradition of parols and local decorations to bring nostalgia during the holiday season. “It is no doubt that Christmas is the most festive and magical time of the year in the Philippines. As a proud Filipino company, EK is the ideal place where Filipino families can create more magical experiences and reminisce about their most enchanted Christmas stories,” Mr. Mamon further explained.

EK is also set to showcase their homegrown talents through their Christmas shows such as the plays Christmas At The Kingdom (EK Story) and Brooklyn Diaries: Oh Paskong Maligaya (OPM). The Eldar’s Christmas Parade will feature Eldar the Wizard and the Royal Family with the storybook characters as they dance and prance around Enchanted Kingdom to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. EK’s very own vocal groups Victoria's Way and The Kingsmen together with P-pop girl group SMS will serenade guests with Christmas Songs at EK’s bandstand.

For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Twitter and Instagram.

Eddie Murphy Returns to the Holidays in a Magical Comedy Extravaganza!

Eddie Murphy, the iconic comedian, is making a grand return to the holiday film scene, infusing his distinctive comedic flair into his first festive feature. The project marks a reunion of the dynamic trio—director Reginald Hudlin, Murphy, and producer Brian Grazer—rekindling the creative magic that gave us the beloved 1992 hit, Boomerang.

Candy Cane Lane is penned by Kelly Younger, the screenplay draws inspiration from his own yuletide escapades on Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo, California. In this uproarious holiday comedy adventure, Murphy takes on the role of Chris, a man determined to clinch victory in his neighborhood's annual Christmas home decoration contest.

The plot takes an enchanting turn when Chris unwittingly strikes a deal with Pepper, a mischievous elf portrayed by Jillian Bell. Pepper, eager to assist Chris in his festive quest, casts a magical spell that brings the classic "12 Days of Christmas" to life. However, the well-intentioned spell quickly spirals into chaos, wreaking havoc across the town.

As the whimsical magic threatens to ruin the holidays for Chris, his wife Carol (played by Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children, the family finds themselves entangled in a race against time. The mission: is to break Pepper's spell, confront deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.

The film promises not only Murphy's trademark humor but also a heartwarming exploration of the importance of family and the spirit of the holiday season. With Hudlin's directorial expertise and Grazer's seasoned production touch, audiences can anticipate a festive rollercoaster filled with laughter, magic, and the timeless message of Christmas joy.

As Eddie Murphy ventures into the realm of holiday cinema again, this comedic extravaganza is poised to become a new seasonal classic, bringing festive cheer to young and old audiences. Prepare for a spellbinding adventure that blends Murphy's comedy's magic with the holiday spirit's enchantment.

Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9d2G3l3UO4?si=2maza-zkfQmhiN7i

Packworks study reveals Philippines is a Fried-food nation this holiday season

27 December 2022 - Frying food is one of the most common and preferred cooking methods in the Philippines because of its convenience and affordability. This holiday season, Packworks’ Sari IQ, in collaboration with Fourth Wall, a sociocultural research firm, has found out that products related to fried food are on the top of the shopping list of Filipinos in their favorite sari-sari stores.

A comparison data obtained from Sari IQ on December 1-14, between 2021 and 2022, showed that among all holiday season products, packaged sauce or “sawsawan” has the highest consumption rate, with a significant increase of 8%. Breading and coating mixed came second at 7%, while cooking oil, despite ranking in third place, remained statistically static with a 5% increase.

To explain this phenomenon, John Brylle L. Bae, Research Director of Fourth Wall said, “At a sociocultural level, Filipinos prefer fried foods because of its association to sawsawan and the culture it breeds. The sawsawan culture epitomizes the communal nature of eating for us, Filipinos – that is, eating is more than just consuming good food, but forging long-lasting connections with others.”

According to a 2016 essay by Andre Orandain, “Our [Filipino] cuisine is participative and communal. It asks and implores one to touch the food, not only to consume but also to partake. To allow ourselves to connect with the things we eat on a deeper, more spiritual level. It asks us to treat food intimate. [Therefore] The sawsawan is one of the most important facets of this trait. It defines the very structure of Filipino culture. It shows us how we adapt, how we change, how we are hospitable, and how we love to please. It is many things all at once, but more importantly, it shows how much of a reflection food is.”

Meanwhile, products related to fruit salads experienced no significant change. Evaporated milk increased by 2%, while condensed milk declined by -1%. Other fruit salad-related products have experienced drastic declines, including all-purpose cream at -11% and canned fruits at -16%, suggesting that Filipinos are giving up fruit salads on their holiday table this year.

Moreover, the demand for sugar and seasonings has considerably gone low. Sugar declined by -9% and seasonings by -33%, which shows that Filipinos are becoming more conscious about their diet – even during the holiday season.

“Our analysis further suggests that on holiday seasons, Filipinos are willing to forgo salads and sweets, but they are struggling to let go of fried foods. The aversion to sugars and salads comes from high inflation, growing concerns on diabetes, and increasing health consciousness. Meanwhile, the propensity for fried foods comes from practical considerations (convenient and economical) but also from a much deeper sociocultural consideration,” Bae explained.

Late Christmas shopping? Do good while you shop with Globe and SMAC

It's that time of year again. The holiday season is in full swing and everyone is rushing to get their Christmas shopping done. 

If you're one of those last-minute shoppers, Globe and SM Advantage Card (SMAC) has some great news for you: you can now help put food on the table of underprivileged families while buying gifts for your loved ones.

The loyalty card of retail giant SM is the latest supporter of the Hapag Movement, Globe's program against involuntary hunger. So every purchase of a new SMAC means P50 will be donated to the Hapag Movement and other SM Foundation programs.

But that's not all. SMAC members who shop at select stores, including the SM Store, SM Beauty, SM Appliance, Kultura, Surplus, Our Home, Baby Company, Crate and Barrel, Levi's, The Body Shop, Forever21, Ecco, and Miniso will earn up to 1,000 extra SMAC points.

And the best part? Half of those extra points will be donated to the Hapag Movement from December 15, 2022, until January 15, 2023.

This pioneering partnership between Globe and SMAC is a great opportunity for shoppers to share their blessings with the most vulnerable Filipinos, which is what Christmas is all about.

“Millions of Filipinos are suffering from involuntary hunger. By getting a SMAC or shopping at participating stores, you can help provide meals and assistance to those who are struggling. It's a simple way to give back and bring joy to those who are facing difficult times and make a positive impact on these communities,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

 

“As we do our last-minute shopping for our friends and loved ones for Christmas, may we also keep in mind our kababayans who have no means to do the same. Let us help give them decent meals this holiday season through the Hapag Movement,” said Jay Beltran, SMAC SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing.

 

An estimated 15 million Filipinos regularly experience involuntary hunger, according to the Social Weather Stations. This makes it more important than ever to support programs like the Hapag Movement, which are working to alleviate hunger and provide assistance to those in need.

 

The Hapag Movement uses technology and collaboration to help 100,000 families experiencing involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood support.

 

If you're still doing your Christmas shopping, why not make a difference while you shop? By getting a SMAC and supporting the Hapag Movement, you'll be able to contribute to a great cause while crossing items off your holiday shopping list. It’s not too late to start shopping while doing good!

 

To learn more about the Hapag Movement and the partnership between Globe and SMAC, visit the official Hapag Movement  page or https://smac.ph/ or download the SMAC app.

Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi offers exclusive promos and discounts

This Christmas season, get the most out of your Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi with the gift of exclusive promos and discounts for a more sulit internet connection.

Globe At Home is offering discounted modems, free GBs, and other rewards to new and existing customers to make this season extra special.

“Globe At Home understands the Filipino family's daily struggles. We want to provide them with offers and deals that they can share with their loved ones, especially during this Christmas season,” said Janis L. Racpan, Globe At Home Brand Management Head.

Here are the ways to get rewards and freebies via Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi this season:

● Until January 15, 2023, you can get a Home Prepaid WiFi for yourself or as a gift at a discounted price of P799, P200 less than its original price of P999. It also comes with a free 50GB that you can use to watch, learn, and earn apps.

● You can also save P1,100 and get a FREE TP-Link WiFi mesh when you purchase Xtreme Home Prepaid WiFi in Globe Stores. Xtreme Home Prepaid WiFi allows you to enjoy an all-in-one Internet TV Box that provides video streaming with access to over one million videos, shows, and movies. It has videoke-ready and voice command features and offers clear local TV channels in areas where digital terrestrial television (DTT) signal is available.

● Every purchase of a Home Prepaid WiFi will get you freebies such as a Christmas Tote bag and an insulated tumbler. Available in select stores and cities.

● Enjoy up to P150 worth of vouchers and cashback until January 5, 2023 for Merry GCash offers. This promo started on November 28, 2022.

● You can also catch the 12 days of Pamasko Promo. Load via the GlobeOne app from December 12 to 23, 2022 to earn rewards points you can redeem as vouchers with lower points daily, such as EdVenture tutorial sessions, 1GB of data for one-day surfing, P20 Razer Gold Wallet PINs, P50 Grab Express vouchers, and up to P100 Lazada vouchers.

To avail of Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi's exciting offers, download or check out the GlobeOne App https://globeone.onelink.me/ej7I/G1Ref.

Enjoy wonder at home this holiday season with the latest GFiber offer with Disney+ from Globe At Home

Globe At Home brings an enhanced fiber broadband experience for the whole family with its affordable, fast and reliable GFiber Unli plan that comes with the newly launched Disney+ streaming platform.

Enjoy watching the incredible content on Disney+ with GFiber Unli 2499, with speeds of up to 500 Mbps, with a 12-month Premium Plan for Disney+. Gather the family in the TV room for exciting movie nights together!

 

“With the new GFiber Unli plans with Disney+, families will be able to look forward to coming home to spend movie time together and enjoy some of their favorite Disney films,” said Janis Legaspi-Racpan, Head of Globe At Home Brand Management.

Customers who subscribe to the GFiber Unli Plan 2499 with the Premium Plan for Disney+ also get access to a VIP hotline, free landline, and a Home Squad visit, where Globe’s tech experts deliver personalized intelligent home assessment and installation. The team can also make home visits as early as the same day these are requested.

The GFiber Unli plans are powered by the next-generation WiFi 6 modem, which can connect more devices with increased range and improved power efficiency.

All existing Globe At Home customers can also catch blockbuster films, and original Disney+ titles, and access an incredible collection of entertainment content through the Disney+ Premium Plan for P369 a month or P2,950 a year.

 

Meanwhile, customers who upgrade to GFiber Unli 2499 will be able to enjoy the same benefits on us. Customers also have the option to charge their subscription fee to their Globe at Home bill through the GlobeOne app.

 

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Star, and so much more. It features a vast and extensive collection of beloved characters, movies, and shows that inspire hope, wonder, and joy, power imaginations anew, and energize spirits.

 

To avail of the latest GFiber Unli plans, visit https://new.globe.com.ph/gfiber.

GCash shares how we can make Christmas more magical for our Lolos and Lolas this season

There are many ways to bring back the magic this holiday season – from honoring traditions in new ways, spending quality time with the people we hold dear to us, and even extending the Christmas cheer to the ones who need it most.

This year, GCash brings back the magic to Christmas for the Lolos, Lolas, and the whole family we missed through the short film ‘Akap’, reuniting the start tandem of Writer-Director Antoinette Jadaone, better known as Direk Tonet, and leading man, and new GCash member, Joshua Garcia.

Dedicated to all the elderly who have no family left, are confined in homes or living very far away from their loved ones, the film hopes to remind us that while we celebrate the gift of togetherness with our very own family, we could also share the magic of Christmas with every Lolo and Lola who don’t have families to celebrate Christmas with.

As GCash shares in its short film, bringing magic back to the holiday doesn’t end with shopping for or sending gifts to our loved ones. 

Through its Scan to Donate initiative, GCash encourages Filipinos to extend their Christmas celebration to the elderly beneficiaries of three non-profit and non-government organizations in the country so they could also feel love and magic this holiday season.

• Caritas Manila

Established in 1953 by Manila Archbishop Rufino Cardinal Santo, Caritas Manila was first known as the social welfare program Catholic Charities. With its four core programs, the non-profit organization now serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. 

Caritas Manila leads programs for the elderly in different parishes in Metro Manila such as the Damayan Feeding Program, and the donation of Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit and Caritas Manna food bag. 

• Coalition of Services of the Elderly
  

The Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) works with older persons to strengthen their organizations, partnership building, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1989, COSE has organized 850 Older Persons Organizations in 21 provinces and cities across the country. 

Aside from community organizing, COSE leads advocacies to protect older people as one of the most at-risk and vulnerable sector, makes studies and advocates for new policies on healthy aging, implements an inclusive community-based Disaster Risk Reduction program for the elderly, and operates a residential care facility for abandoned older women located in San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan.

• Anawim Lay Missions

Starting as a small facility for poor and abandoned elderly people founded by Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez in 1996, Anawim Lay Missions has provided a home and sanctuary to the poor and abandoned elderly who have nowhere else to go. 

Anawim provides services for the care and rehabilitation, home life, spiritual life, and counseling of rejected and abandoned elders. 

To support the programs and advocacies of these organizations for their elderly residents, GCash users may donate to them directly by scanning the QR code below:

By spreading cheer to your loved ones and to those in need, having a meaningful and magical Christmas celebration is possible with GCash. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Register and get verified today, and discover how you can have a Merry GCash celebration!  

Go on virtual Visita Iglesia using Globe At Home

The season of Lent is a time for Catholic devotees to reflect and strengthen their faith. Part of this season’s tradition is the Visita Iglesia, where the faithful visit and pray in at least seven different churches.

In this digital age, physically visiting churches is not the only option. Globe At Home offers the virtual Visita Iglesia, where customers can easily participate in the annual religious tradition and even do the Lenten devotion to Stations of the Cross, pray with the congregation, and attend masses in the comfort and safety of their homes.

Being a trusted partner of Filipino families, Globe At Home ensures families have a strong and reliable internet connection and sulit offers to participate in Holy Week activities.

 

With Globe At Home’s HomeSHARE, prepaid subscribers don’t have to choose between loading their mobile phones or home prepaid WiFi, since it allows family members to share data allocation wherever they may be and can be used when they are outside the house. 

 

Customers can subscribe to just one HomeSHARE promo and share it with up to three other Globe Prepaid, Globe MyFi, TM, Postpaid, Platinum, or Home Prepaid WiFi users.

 

Parents can always check on the kids at home through Viber or Messenger while on physical Visita Iglesia, while Lolo and Lola can watch online Masses and Lenten programs at home.

 

“At Globe, our customers are always our priority. We care about you and your family’s needs. We want a better world for all where everyone is connected to the Internet to help with their needs, be it for mental or spiritual activities.  And with HomeShare, we make sure that lahat sabay-sabay may internet connection whether at home or on the go, lahat tayo haharapin ang mundo!” said Barbie Dapul, Globe At Home VP for Marketing.

 

To enjoy HomeSHARE, register via the New GlobeOne app, GCash, or through authorized AutoLoadMAX retailers. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph/help/broadband/prepaid-wifi/homeshare.html.

 

On the other hand, Globe At Home Postpaid subscribers can also enjoy a fiber-strong, family strong connection with GFiber UNLI, available on plan 1599 with speeds of up to 50Mbps and comes with a free speed boost to 100Mbps for 3 months. For more information, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/broadband.html.

 

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, highlighting the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

 

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Highly anticipated Sony Alpha 7 IV and SEL70200GM2 lens now available in the PH!

Sony continues to expand its camera business in the Philippines, launches the highly anticipated Alpha 7 IV and powerful SEL70200GM2 for serious hobbyists and professionals.

The unprecedented hybrid camera Alpha 7 IV is now available in all Sony Centres and Authorized Camera Dealers nationwide. Get it at P149,999 for the body only and P159,999 for the kit package. Both packages come with FREE 64GB SD Card.

The Alpha 7 IV is Sony’s newest game-changer hybrid camera made for the new generation of shooters and content creators. It is loaded with impressive features that make it perfect for both stills and movies, delivering an uncompromising and high-quality output.

Meanwhile, the full force of Sony’s latest lens technology brings the new FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200GM2) that offers stunning resolution and exquisite bokeh together in the world’s lightest large-aperture G Master telephoto zoom lens. With significantly evolved AF performance, the FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II can deliver the full potential of today’s advanced still and movie camera bodies. The SEL70200GM2 is now available at P169,000 in all Sony Authorized Dealers.

Whether you’re getting the Alpha 7 IV or the SEL70200GM2, make sure to purchase your gear from local Sony Authorized Dealers for a guaranteed warranty of 2+1 years when you register your product in “My Sony”.

Click here for more details of 2+1 Year Warranty: https://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/cameradealers

Hurry and go to the nearest Sony Centre or Authorized Camera Dealers nationwide, click here to locate stores near you or you may also opt to checkout in Lazada and Shopee.

For full information about the A7IV and SEL70200GM2, checkout the links below.

Alpha 7 IV: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7m4

SEL70200GM2: https://www.sony.com.ph/electronics/camera-lenses/sel70200gm2

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