Garmin brings to the Philippines the Edge 1040 Solar and the Rally XC200

Garmin brings to the Philippines the Edge 1040 Solar and the Rally XC200, two new cycling equipment to bring Filipino cyclists closer to their goals. 

Driven by its Never Stop Cycling campaign that champions consistency, perseverance and transformation among cyclists, Garmin has been expanding its portfolio of products to make advanced and reliable equipment accessible for both aspiring and professional cyclists. Its new solar GPS bike computer and pedal-based power meters pack innovative features that will push 

Packed with Garmin’s performance, navigational, safety and connectivity features, Edge 1040 Solar is the ultimate GPS bike computer that lets cyclists ride longer, explore farther and train harder

Ride longer, explore farther and train harder

Garmin’s latest and ultimate GPS bike computers, the Edge 1040 and the Edge 1040 Solar are packed with a powerful, long-lasting battery, multi-band GNSS technology and other innovative features to boost cycling performance, navigation and safety.

 

“Cyclists expect as much from their GPS bike computer as they do themselves, and that is why we are thrilled to introduce the Edge 1040 Solar,” said Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia. “Durable, accurate and ready to go the distance, the Edge 1040 Solar is the pinnacle of GPS bike computers. No matter where you ride, or what bike you choose to use, the Edge 1040 Solar is ready for any adventure – from remote gravel trails to epic climbs.” 

Cyclists can explore far and cover more ground without having to worry about running out of power: The Edge 1040 can provide 35 hours of battery life, with an additional 70 hours on battery saver mode. The Edge 1040 Solar GPS bike computer’s Power Glass™ solar charging lens extends battery life by as much as 100 hours on battery saver mode, giving cyclists additional 42 minutes per hour for their daytime rides. 

 

Featuring multi-band GNSS technology, both the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar let cyclists go beyond familiar paths. With more accurate GPS positioning and coverage, cyclists can explore and conquer the most challenging environments such as dense urban areas or locations with thick tree foliage. 

Advanced navigational tools such as ride-specific maps based on Trendline™ popularity routing and turn-by-turn navigation and alerts keep riders informed of popular roads and trails and warn of sharp curves, respectively. With the Trailforks app, cyclists can view routes and trail details from more than 80 countries.

Beyond battery power and navigation, the Edge 1040 series incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and connectivity features to serve as cyclists’ training partner.

To help cyclists take their training a notch higher and stay consistent with their training goals while also protecting them from getting injured, Garmin included a cycling ability and course demands in the Edge 1040 series. These enable cyclists to identify their strengths and weaknesses and prepare for the demands of a specific course. The power guide provides power targets to help users manage their efforts throughout a course. 

Cyclists can track exertion levels during rides in real-time using the real-time stamina insights and monitor how their body is holding up in different environments with the Heat and Altitude Acclimations feature. They will also receive notifications when it is time to take a break and hydrate. When aiming for the peak during a climbing course, the ClimbPro feature lets riders track the remaining ascent and grade. 

After a long, hard day of training, cyclists can review their performance using the Firstbeat Analytics,™ which provides insights on VO2 max, recovery time, training load, training focus and more. Cyclists will also receive daily workout suggestions based on the results of their VO2 max and training load. 

For safety while out for a ride, the Edge 1040 series features incident detection and assistance. With LiveTrack, family members can view a cyclist’s preplanned course and track their real-time location.  Group messaging and tracking features also let cyclists stay in touch when they get separated from the pack.

For added confidence while riding, the Edge 1040 Solar is compatible with the Varia™ line of cycling awareness devices. The Edge 1040 Solar also works with inReach^® devices⁴ so cyclists can view and reply to messages, share trip data and trigger interactive SOS alerts with an active inReach subscription.⁵ In addition to receiving smart notifications and automatically uploading rides to Garmin Connect, the Edge 1040 Solar easily pairs with a Tacx^®indoor trainer, so cyclists can ride whenever they want.

Garmin’s Rally XC200 delivers reliable power measurements and advanced cycling dynamics with compatibility 

with SHIMANO and SPD cleats for off-road riding

Putting the pedal to the metal
The Rally XC200, the newest addition to Garmin’s Rally™ power meter series in the Philippines, measure total power, cadence, advanced cycling dynamics including left/right balance, power phase and more. These sleek pedal-based power meters feature sensors that deliver reliable and accurate data for every ride and training session. 

“We know cyclists are out there training to improve their performance every day, and we have created a power meter that they can depend on to help them achieve their goals. The Rally XC200 pedal have undergone rigorous testing to ensure we are not only providing cyclists with a superior pedal design, but with a power meter that riders can rely on to take their training to the next level, Lin added.

The Rally XC200 is designed for off-road cyclists, introducing its compatibility with SHIMANO SPD cleats. Its dual-sensing pedal-based power meters let cyclists review right and left leg data metrics separately so they can better understand their strengths and weaknesses and improve their pedaling form. Cyclists can also track the time they have spent seated and standing to measure position effectiveness and identify where power is being applied on the pedals for proper cleat positions. 

The Rally XC200 features up to 120 hours of battery life, which can support trainings for weeks or even months at a time. They can be installed like any other pedal and can be swapped between bikes. Their uniquely designed spindle can be transferred between different Rally pedal bodies, allowing cyclists to ride year-round on and off the road. 

Riders can get the most from their training by pairing the Rally power meters with compatible Edge^® cycling computers and the Garmin Connect™ app to seamlessly upload data and update software. The Rally power meters are also compatible with popular indoor training platforms, including the Tacx Training app, Zwift, TrainerRoad and more.¹

Champions choose Garmin
More than 15 professional cycling teams and hundreds of professional runners, cyclists and triathletes have chosen -- and relied on -- Garmin and Tacx products to help them meet their training and racing goals. 

The Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl, a Belgian UCI WorldTeam cycling team, will be using the whole Garmin cycling ecosystem, including the Edge cycling computers, Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainers, Varia rearview radars and premium wearables, for their training. The team consists of 30 riders from 13 countries, including reigning world champion Julian Alaphilippe. 

Alongside the Quick Step-Alpa Vinyl, other professional cycling teams will also use the Garmin and Tacx ecosystems such as the INEOS Grenadiers, the Team Jumbo-Visma, Astana Qazaqstan Team and Canyon CLLCTV XCO. 

In the Philippines, pro cyclists Jermyn Prado and Marella Salamat use Garmin’s cycling products for their trainings and competitions. Garmin Philippines has also recognized them as its cycling ambassadors, sponsoring them with a number of equipment such as the Edge 1040 Solar, Rally RS200, Tacx NEO 2T smart trainer and Tacx Boost. 

“Filipinos are widely known for their passion and talents, including athletic abilities in cycling. Whether a rookie or a pro, cyclists need professional equipment to help them achieve progress and keep pushing the limit in their training. These new tools from Garmin are not only designed to make Filipino cyclists physically stronger but will help instill in their minds the importance of persistence and perseverance in the sport,” said Ms. Stella Tan, Marketing Manager, Garmin Philippines.

Step into world of Garmin cycling that offers all your possible cycling needs. Stay on top of your racing goals and never stop cycling like the pros with both Edge 1040 series and Rally XC200. The Edge 1040 Solar or the Edge 1040 Bundle, inclusive of Edge 1040 non-solar + speed/cadence sensor and HRM Dual, can be purchased for only Php40,865, and customers can get the Rally XC200 for only Php66,995. 

Visit the minisite and learn more about Garmin Cycling ecosystem and its latest additions to its lineup – Edge 1040 Solar and Rally XC.

 

Garmin’s products are available at Garmin stores nationwide and its Lazada and Shopee stores. You may also browse Garmin’s products though www.kinetic.com.ph or send a message through Garmin Philippines’ Viber Community.  

Galaxy Racer features top-rating Content Creators, Kristine Santamena, Yna Magenda, and Kitz Cua

 

Galaxy Racer (GXR), a Transmedia Powerhouse leading the way in esports, content creation, music, and sports, also shows how to lead and cultivate a culture of inclusion. With thousands of team members spread out across the globe, from members of the organization to esports teams to content creators, GXR is indeed a community of diversity.

Kitz Cua

The world is evolving into a generation with more younger people than ever in our history. And this younger generation is inherently inclusive as opposed to any other generation before it. Their worldview is more expansive as the information channels are wide open, and communication is no longer bordered and limited. It is the internet age, and open-mindedness falls under a fresher and broader definition. 

This generational evolution has created a new breed of information sources that we now commonly refer to as content creators. They dominate the online sphere, from social media platforms to websites, blogs, and vlogs. Each has something unique to offer, and their uniqueness has spurred a fanatical following that is admirable in many ways.

Marcia Guillermo, Galaxy Racer's country manager shared, "It is a movement never seen before and is quite evident in the Philippines. We see more and more creative content crafted by unique individuals. This movement inspired us (in Galaxy Racer) to create a talent management arm, GXR Creators." She added, "GXR Creators' primary agenda is to connect brands with its audiences through GXR's pool of creators."

 

GXR Creators is proud to be collaborating with notable creators like Kitz Cua, Yna Magenda, and Kristine Santamena. With millions of followers across different platforms, these creators (clearly) set themselves apart from other creators through their content. 

 

Initially a cosplayer, Kitz Cua, found her home in TikTok and Twitch, where she feels very comfortable creating content and has successfully nurtured a friendly and supportive community. Cua shares, "I used to do cosplay videos where I lip-sync to a song or do a dance, but it did not do well. I decided to showcase transitioning from my usual self to a character with my video editing style, which worked well." 

She also livestreams playing Wild Rift and shares, "With Wild Rift, I get to enjoy the game and the interaction with my followers. The streaming community is so tight-knit that almost everyone knows everyone, and I have made many genuine friends."

Yna Magenda

Yna Magenda, another GXR Creator talent, shares, "Just have fun and make sure you're happy with what you're doing". Yna’s words of wisdom to new creators seeking their place in the world wide web. 

 

An avid player of Mobile Legends and streams her plays online, she shares, "It helps me to relax, and I decided to Livestream to share with everyone how happy it makes me and to allow my supporters to play with me." But more than this, Yna shares that the acceptance as "nanay" is the most memorable part of his online career.

Kristine Santamena

An early adopter, Kristine Santamena, started to stream as early as 2018. She shares, "At the beginning, I was always nervous, but eventually, I got the hang of it, and it became more of a routine." Adding delightedly, "I was encouraged to do it more regularly when I started noticing that my followers were increasing and are watching more regularly to the point that I memorized most of their names."

 

She said, “I know gaming and streaming are male-dominated fields, but I do not let that affect me, even when there are negative comments. I just focus on improving my gameplay, being more respectful, not thinking about the negative, and being a good example to both my male and female audiences."

Kitz, Yna, and Kristine share a common desire: To always keep their audiences happy, the key to keeping their community together and supportive of whatever they put out as their unique content.

"GXR Creators will continue to support our talents, providing them meaningful career advice and the chance to connect them with brands that align with their messaging," shares Guillermo. She closes, "The opportunity to reach a more significant number of audience is immense, by simply collaborating with our creators."

 

LG Philippines unveiled its new lineup of monitors

LG Philippines unveiled its new lineup of monitors and showcased its newest, powerful and most technologically advanced monitors yet, in a Top Gun-themed event hosted by Andrei “Dreister” Felix. 

According to Sungjae “Airboss” Kim, managing director for LG Philippines, the company remains committed to innovating and enhancing its monitor line-up to adapt to the needs of its consumers. He added, “We’ve made great strides to elevate the user-experience of our monitors–from adapting to flexible workstations and upgrading our systems with new generation gaming standards.”

LG Electronics Philippines managing director Sungjae Kim (center) with the country’s influential content creators (L-R) Magic Liwanag, LA Tenorio, Gab Valenciano,  Myrtle Sarrosa, and Eric Tai. The event was hosted by Andrei Felix (leftmost).

Meanwhile, the country’s most influential gamers, creatives and content creators attest to the power, image quality and versatility of LG’s latest monitor line-up. 

Actor, TV host and #FitGamer, Eric “Eruption” Tai enjoyed the immersive race car gaming set-up during the event featuring the 32GQ950 OLED Monitor. He said, “The contrast is just amazing with the bright whites and the deep, dark blacks. It provides a truly immersive experience whether you’re gaming for hours on end or just relaxing and bingeing on series and movies. And, it’s also equipped with HDMI 2.1”. Eric was joined on stage by Jane Pactoranan - business development manager and she further explained that the LG UltraGear 32GQ950 boasts a 4K resolution on a 32-inch Nano IPS display alongside a rapid 144Hz refresh rate (O/C 160Hz) and swift 1ms (GtG) response time. It also has a VESA certified DisplayHDR 1,000 which means this display should offer a dynamic contrast with brighter whites and deeper blacks and up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness.

Just the same, “PBA Ironman” LA Tenorio was impressed with LG’s marquee monitor, the 48GQ900 OLED, due to its size and impressive image quality. Equipped with the award-winning OLED technology with self-lit pixels, the 48GQ900 OLED monitor boasts of its immersive display and quick response time, ensuring its compatibility with next-gen consoles. The self-lit pixels also help keep response time incredibly fast according to Janille Umali, B2B marketing communications officer. The massive display of the monitor is designed to provide a better viewing experience like no other. It has anti-glare and low reflection technology built-in, ensuring that there are no distractions and you only focus on your game. This, of course, also helps reduce eye strain when used for long periods of time. Just like LA himself as one of the country’s formidable basketball pointguard, this monitor is as fast as they come. It has a 0.1 ms response time and 120hz speed. It can even be overclocked to 138Hz if you really want to push the envelope. This high speed reduces ghosting in games and helps objects render clearly and makes everything smooth and fluid. It has an ultra slim design that you can wall mount, or display in your living room, game room, or anywhere else. It also comes with its own remote control. When it comes to sound, this is no slouch either. It comes with two 20w speakers built-in. LA can chat with his teammates and gaming friends with 4-pole headphone outs and you can even be more immersive with the use of virtual 3D surround sound with DTS:Headphone X.

Music and lifestyle photographer “Magic” Liwanag, couldn’t help but agree with the product’s versatility, claiming that the LG Dual Up 28MQ780-B is a godsend for creatives like him. “The 16:18 aspect ratio and the freedom to swivel [the monitor] allows me to multitask in a completely different way,” he adds. Greg de Jesus, marketing communications officer for home entertainment expounded that the LG’s Ergo line is designed for these kind of users with this in mind as they get to work the way they want to. You can adjust the monitor by moving it forward or backwards, swiveling, rotating, tilting and more. Configure the setup any way you want to increase your productivity and immerse yourself in your work. It also offers DCI-P3 98%**—an elevated color spectrum that brings brilliant color to life and doesn’t hurt your eyes because of the ambient light sensor.

Gaming content creator, Myrtle “MyrtleGail” Sarrosa, was particularly drawn towards the 29WP500-B 29-inch, 21:9 UltraWide monitor saying, “What I love about this monitor is that even if ideally pang work siya, sobrang bilis pa rin for gaming.” She was joined by Ryan Nulud, IT monitor, sales and marketing manager and demonstrated how the monitor’s wide field of view is perfect for working from home or home learning. You can easily manage textbooks, lectures, conversations and searches in a single view and turn the wide screen into your favorite online classroom. The space is wide and expansive. It enables you to work with reports at a glance with datasheets and slides side by side without repeat Alt-tabbing. It also comes with AMD Free Sync and Dynamic Action Sync, which helps gamers by providing seamless, fluid movement in hi-resolution and fast-paced games. It virtually reduces screen tearing and stuttering.

Myrtle and Ryan was later joined by Gab “Viper” Valenciano, who is a tech geek and an avid LG monitor fan. He has been using LG monitors in his own studio for years now and was so ecstatic to try the LG UltraGear 32GN500 monitor with a flight simulator set-up to simulate a realistic Top Gun environment. He was thoroughly overwhelmed by the image quality and clear details that the LG UltraGear 32GN500 provides. “Aside from the solid features, the design is killer as well. It’s virtually borderless and looks good anywhere you put it, whether in the living room or your man cave. Two thumbs up for me.”  He also noticed that blurring and ghosting is almost non-existent that he always thought was normal and unavoidable. Thanks to the monitor’s speed, you get fast and smooth gameplay. The ​165Hz Refresh Rate and 1m MBR helps smoother gameplay, reducing blur and ghosting. It also has NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium for clearer, smoother and faster movement. 

More content creators chime in on the enhanced image quality of LG monitors with Vikka “Lightning” Francisco of The Modern Creatures favoring the 27UP850-W 27-inch UHD 4K IPS and Isa “Pink” Rodriguez of Isa Does and the LITT website becoming fond of the 27UN880-B 27'' UHD 4K Ergo IPS Monitor for its efficient workspace set-up. She adds, “This monitor really helps you keep your workstation neat and clean  with its one-click mount, c-clamp, easy cable management system, and its USB-C compatibility.”

LG Philippines also reaffirmed its commitment to help the community through its products and technologies through a large donation-in-kind of 30 LG UltraGear 32GN500 monitor units to the Naval Air Wing of the Philippine Navy which they can use in their Operating Squadron Offices and Flight Briefing Stations, Command and Control Center, Operations Center, flight simulation rooms to display lectures, flight deck videos, flight performance briefing and debriefing, active weather information, flight monitoring information to further capacitate them in their performance of duties during Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance, Airborne ISR and Humanitarian and Disaster Response missions. 

The LG 2022 monitors are now available in your favorite authorized retailers and LG’s official flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee. You may follow LG Philippines’ social media pages or visit their official website at www.lg.com/ph for more updates.

HUAWEI Philippines opens pre-orders for the HUAWEI Mate Xs 2, and the first sale for the HUAWEI Watch D

The search for the perfect mate, and the new must-have smartwatch is over as HUAWEI Philippines opens pre-orders for the HUAWEI Mate Xs 2, and the first sale for the HUAWEI Watch D, starting from July 1-14, 2022. 

 

With the new HUAWEI Mate Xs 2, Huawei returns to its roots to deliver an outward-folding handset, which is the thinnest, lightest, and most durable flagship foldable device on the market. It boasts of a new design and engineering as it introduces a new generation wing design, and a proprietary hinge technology that brings a reimagined and revolutionary flagship experience. 

 

Additionally, the world’s thinnest, lightest, and most reliable flagship foldable phone is composed of a new Fiberglass design for a beautiful look and refined texture that is soft to the

touch. It also comes in a metal middle frame and leather pattern to bring out a younger look and style, and its warm color tones give a sense of weightlessness, simplicity, delicacy, and fashion.

 

Unfolding immersive experiences would also be a delight as the HUAWEI Mate Xs 2 is sought to deliver a high-resolution screen, with HUAWEI’s very own True Chroma Display also coming into play. There’s wouldn’t be any compromises on camera or battery quality, either, thanks to

the HUAWEI Image: True-Chroma camera system and powerful 4600mAh anode battery it holds. 

 

The HUAWEI Mate Xs 2 will also provide cutting-edge technology with its EMUI 12 and Super Device capability that offers a straightforward, smooth, safe, reliable, and collaborative user experience – whether for working, studying, remote communication, gaming, entertainment, or video editing.

 

The HUAWEI WATCH D, on the other hand, is the first medical-grade smartwatch that brings the convenience of health monitoring to consumers’ wrists, enabling wrist-type ECG and blood pressure monitoring anywhere in real-time. The presence of high-resolution pressure sensor, feedback pressure control circuit and low-flow airway allows users to keep track of health and prevent any health and medical problems that may arise. 

Adding to this, the HUAWEI WATCH D is also equipped with an ECG high-performance sensor module that supports recording ECG data and immediately generating ECG reports, and even alerts every time an abnormal heart rate is detected. This new and intensive health assistant also supports features like Scientific sleep monitoring, all day SpO2 monitoring, skin temperature detection, stress monitoring, and can be a fitness ally with more than 70 workout modes to try. The worry of missing a beat is also not in line, as it can last 7 days of long battery life, for that undisturbed health monitoring capabilities. 

 

Experience technological breakthroughs on your hands, and wrists by pre-ordering your very own HUAWEI Mate Xs 2, and purchasing HUAWEI WATCH D now: 

●      HUAWEI Mate Xs 2: Huawei Online Store, Lazada, Shopee

●      HUAWEI WATCH D: Huawei Online Store, Lazada, Shopee

7-Eleven is gearing up for this year’s 7-Eleven Day with a 6-day promo-filled party

The most-awaited annual 7-Eleven SALE-bration is coming! 7-Eleven is gearing up for this year’s 7-Eleven Day with a 6-day promo-filled party from July 8 to 13 in all stores nationwide. 7-Eleven is treating customers to up to 50% OFF on over 200 items including its signature food items from Big Bite, City Cafe, and Crunch Time Chicken. 

 

Office workers, students, loyal customers, and those residing near 7-Eleven stores, better take note! Crunch Time Chicken will start its P10 OFF promo on its 1pc. Chicken with Rice on July 6, in time for National Fried Chicken Day, until July 11.

Get up to 50% discount on over 200  snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, personal hygiene products for the face, body, and hair, and other grocery essentials during the 7-Eleven Day celebration on July 8 to 13. 

 

Come 7-Eleven Day on July 11, the small size of the crowd-favorite City Cafe coffee blend is offered at half the price. This applies to all available blends: Brewed Coffee, French Vanilla, Mochaccino, Salted Caramel, and Hot Chocolate. Small Prima Americano is also available at half off. The customers’ go-to 7-Eleven snack, Big Bite Hotdog, is also at 50% off on this day. Should anyone need a quick bite or baon, then this is where to get the bang for that buck — and a delicious one at that!

 

From July 8 to 13, the convenience store will offer a huge price drop of up to 50% discount on snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, personal hygiene products for the face, body, and hair, and other grocery essentials. 

 

While #711Day merits its own grand party, what makes this year’s celebration even more special is that everyone is finally able to celebrate together, in person after spending the past two years in quarantine. 

 

All time favorite 7-Eleven snacks such as Big Bite, City Cafe, and Crunch Time Chicken will be offered at a discounted price during the #711Day celebration.

Now that everyone is going back to work, back to school, and back to regular daily routines, 7-Eleven is also urging Filipinos to come back to their stores to regain the experience of shopping at their favorite neighborhood convenience store. Take this as an invitation to get back all the things and people we missed — because with 7-Eleven’s #711Day, it’s a celebration like no other! 

 

Contactless payments through the CLiQQ app and GCash are available. Don’t miss out on 7-Eleven’s six-day celebration! Visit here for the list of the complete sale items available from July 8 to 13. 

 

 

The Asia-Pacific Predator League 2022 Grand Finals returns in-person and will take place in Japan!

The Asia-Pacific Predator League 2022 Grand Finals returns in-person and will take place from November 11-13 in Japan. Qualified teams across 15 countries and territories will participate in this grand finals spectacular. 

“After two years of lockdown and travel restrictions, we are so excited to meet the esports teams in-person again. ‘Become One’ is the theme for Predator League 2022, emphasizing the need to reconnect with fellow gamers and demonstrating Acer’s commitment to the gaming community,” said Andrew Hou, President of Acer Pan Asia Pacific Regional Operations. 

The Asia Pacific Predator League Grand Finals will be held in-person with all its intensity and passion, as the teams are expected to deliver the ultimate play for fans across the region. This year, the competition will be divided into two tournaments: Dota 2 and PUBG:BATTLEGROUNDS. 

The total prize pool for the qualifiers and winners of the two tournaments is US$400,000; winners of each tournament will also be given the coveted APAC Predator League Shield and Predator gaming products from Acer.

The stories behind the teams from each region will serve to elevate the drama, highlighting the exciting return of the tournament. Fans can visit the official Predator League web site to find more about the league. 

For more information regarding tournament schedules and programs, follow Acer’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

HOW CEB OFFERS A SAFE SPACE FOR LGBTQ+ FILIPINOS

 

First Officer Lorenz Montinola always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but was hesitant because of how people might treat him due to his sexual orientation. Still, he persevered to reach his goal – and in 2020, he started working at Cebu Pacific.

 

“At first I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “But then as I progressed, I felt really blessed that I was given the chance to work with Cebu Pacific.”

 

The local airline has a long-established policy of embracing the diversity and uniqueness of its employees. “We understand, accept, and value differences in race, culture, age, religion, marital status, abilities, gender identities and gender expression,” Cebu Pacific’s policy statement reads.

 

While Cebu Pacific has a non-discriminatory hiring policy, all applicants must pass a stringent set of qualifications to make it onboard. Every year, the airline receives thousands of applications and only the best of the best make the cut.

 

Crew members like Mikee Vitug, one of the first trans woman flight attendants in Cebu Pacific, go through training, difficult exams, and learn how to provide excellent customer service for months before joining the team.

 

Mikee said she had reservations about applying as a flight attendant after experiencing discrimination in another workplace firsthand. But she was relieved when Cebu Pacific accepted her application.

 

“From the initial screening and interviews, the staff, the employees, and almost everyone in the company have been very welcoming. They regarded me as ‘Miss’ and treated me as a woman. This is a very big deal for a trans woman like me. They gave me the freedom and liberty to be the woman that I am,” she said. Mikee was accepted in the Cebgo cabin crew in November 2019.

 

A culture of empowerment and inclusivity

Cebu Pacific prides itself on being a diverse and multicultural company. It’s a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that the company is a safe space for everyone to express their authentic selves.

 

“I believe that Cebu Pacific walks the talk. They make us feel that we are supported and celebrated. Their care and support for our community is genuine and as an employee I can really feel that. They celebrate Pride month yearly and that for me is already an important thing. In terms of employees, we’re seeing more diversity too,” Lorenz said.

 

First Officer Chezka Carandang, who identifies as lesbian, shared that the company “[organizes] campaigns that highlight what their employees in the [LGBTQ+] community believe in, like in the recently concluded shoot that we filmed.” Chezka and Lorenz were featured in Cebu Pacific’s “Fly High With Pride” and “Story of Pride” videos, respectively.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLU_8TMybpc

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oL9f7DMpyM

 

Mikee emphasized that Cebu Pacific treats every employee equally and doesn’t give them special treatment. “They treat and respect me equally as the others. Even though I am working in a professional environment, I feel like I belong in a big, loving family.”

 

Likewise, the LGBTQ+ crew does their part in promoting inclusivity, educating the people around them about SOGIE and treating them with respect. During flights, they ensure that everyone – from cabin crew to passengers – feels safe to express themselves.

 

“At this day and age, more and more people are becoming aware of our existence and our contribution to society. It is important for me to educate people about the difference and the significance of SOGIE to inspire them to create an LBGTQ+-inclusive workplace,” Mikee said.

 

“As part of the Cebu Pacific family, my goal is just to simply be my authentic self, so I can inspire others beyond the walls of our company to do the same and celebrate who they are,” Chezka added.

 

Growing with Cebu Pacific

Lorenz shared that one of his goals is to become a captain in the future. Meanwhile, Mikee is interested in enrolling in cadet pilot training. These opportunities are open to anyone who wants to work and grow with Cebu Pacific.

 

“In Cebu Pacific, we believe in the ability of our crew to provide excellent service to every Juan and the hard work that they put in, regardless of their SOGIE. More than anything, we want everyone, especially our LGBTQ+ crew, to live their truth while pursuing their dreams with us. That way, they will be able to work confidently, serve wholeheartedly, and inspire their peers,” said Candince Iyog, Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

 

While workplace discrimination is still a valid concern for many LGBTQ+ people, especially the youth, Mikee’s advice is to just go for it. “You will never know unless you try. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. You may fall and falter, but never forget to stand up and fight back harder.”

 

“Do not look down on yourself just because you feel that you are different. You matter. We all matter. If I can do it, so can you.”