Smart partners with UnionBank to bring more exclusive rewards to subscribers with their new UnionBank Credit Card

 

Smart subscribers have one more reason to celebrate the new year as mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has teamed up with Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) to bring more exclusive rewards to subscribers with their new UnionBank Credit Card.

 

Under this exciting partnership, qualified Smart Prepaid subscribers will receive a P2,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card, while qualified Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity subscribers will receive a P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards, UnionBank Miles+, or UnionBank Reserve Credit Card.

Eligible subscribers can make the most of this exclusive Welcome Gift as they shop at their favorite stores or their go-to online shopping apps and e-commerce platforms. Smart subscribers can learn more about the perfect UnionBank Credit Card that suits their lifestyle at https://smart.com.ph/Pages/ubwelcomegift/.

 

How to redeem your exclusive Welcome Gift from Smart and UnionBank

 

Smart Prepaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P2,000 Welcome Gift by linking their UnionBank Rewards Credit Card to GigaPay on the Smart App, and then purchasing PowerAll 99 on the Smart App.

 

On the other hand, Smart Postpaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift by simply enrolling their Smart Postpaid account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website.

 

Aside from this exclusive Welcome Gift, UnionBank Rewards cardholders may also enjoy No Annual Fees Forever with an accumulated spend worth P20,000 within 60 days of card approval.

 

UnionBank Miles+ and UnionBank Reserve for Smart Infinity members

 

Meanwhile, Smart Infinity members on Plan 3500 may get their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website. UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card also gives users a chance to redeem a Welcome Gift of 30,000 never-expiring miles with an accumulated spend of P40,000 within 60 days of card approval.

 

In addition, Smart Infinity members on Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 may also receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Reserve Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website. Application to UnionBank Reserve Credit Card is by invite only and Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members are automatically eligible to apply.

 

On top of this Welcome Gift, UnionBank Reserve cardholders may also redeem as much as P18,000 worth of eGift from Giftaway merchants with an accumulated spend of P40,000 within 60 days of card approval.

 

This exclusive promo will run until February 29, 2024.

 

Smart’s collaboration with UnionBank is part of its thrust to bring exclusive rewards and epic lifestyle treats to the fingertips of subscribers on top of empowering them with the best mobile network experience possible. Learn more about the latest treat from Smart and UnionBank at https://smart.com.ph/Pages/ubwelcomegift .

Satisfy Your Cravings with Chowking’s Irresistible Lucky Siopao Mix & Match Merienda Delights

 

Chowking, the #1 Chinese QSR brand in the Philippines, rings in 2024 with a busog-sarap merienda offering na pwedeng araw-arawin! With the Chowking Lucky Siopao Mix & Match Promo, you can save big on busog-sarap food combos for as low as P88!

Big cravings, big savings for as low as P88

If you’re looking for a snack that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck! Chowking’s Lucky Siopao Mix & Match allows Filipino foodies to create a merienda combo that matches all kinds of cravings. For as low as P88, you can bite into Chowking’s best-tasting Chunky Asado Siopao with your choice of SuperSangkap Halo-Halo, 4-pc Siomai, Chao Fan, Wonton Mami, or Pancit Canton.

With the Lucky Siopao Mix & Match promo, you get to save as much as P40! Complete your merienda by adding P10 to include a regular drink - making this offering a tipid deal na ‘di ka tinitipid sa busog-sarap!

The Chowking Lucky Siopao Mix & Match Promo is available on Mondays to Fridays, 2PM to 9PM via dine-in, take-out, drive-through, or delivery via chowkingdelivery.com, Chowking App, GrabFood, or foodpanda. Promo runs from January 15 to April 30, 2024. 

Southeast Asia's Music Scene Raises its Voice on Climate Change

Through the years, the diverse musical traditions of Southeast Asia have served as a universal language, fostering cultural exchange and knowledge. Today, this musical legacy is taking on a new purpose: musicians around the world and from the region are lending their voices to move people to action around the climate crisis. 

One initiative is the Music Declares Emergency (MDE), a movement urging the music industry to take action on climate change. Supported by artists such as Grammy-award winning singer Billie Eilish who highlighted her environmental advocacy during one of her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour concert legs in the Philippines in 2022 by strategically minimizing the environmental impact of her tour. Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour, powered by renewable energy and initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, is also expected to go live in the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand this 2024.

This goes beyond musical acts. From Thailand's pioneering Wonderfruit Festival, with its waste reduction and renewable energy, to Malaysia's Rainforest World Music Festival, blending musical traditions with environmental advocacy, more and more concert productions, recording studios, and festivals are implementing eco-conscious measures. Beyond the stage, the Philippines is also echoing its commitment to conservation. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines’ "KANTALIKASAN" album celebrates winning environmental songs, while Lio Beach Fest in Palawan celebrates environmental awareness, harmonizing vibrant performances and conservation efforts.

Driven by a shared concern for the climate crisis, 13 leading Indonesian musicians also recently came together to form IKLIM ‘the Indonesian Knowledge, Climate, Arts and Music Lab’. These artists of various genres such as Endah N Rhesa, Iga Massardi, Navicula Tony Q Rastafara, and others gathered in Bali earlier this year to gain a deep understanding about the causes of climate change, what needs to be done to reduce carbon emissions and how music and art can be powerful tools for climate action. Their collaboration resulted in the 'sonic/panic' compilation album, released under Alarm Records, Indonesia's first environmentally conscious record label. The album's diverse genres unite under a common cause: the urgent call for climate action.

To celebrate the album's release on major digital platforms, the IKLIM Fest was held in Ubud on November 4, 2023. This event marked the first climate-conscious festival in Indonesia that implemented a 'Reuse Protocol' by Dietplastik Indonesia to reduce the large amounts of single-use waste typically generated at music festivals.

Gede Robi, vocalist and guitarist of Navicula, and a driving force behind IKLIM, said “Until now, there was no collective movement that united Indonesian musicians around the climate crisis. We are inspired by the global Music Declares Emergency movement, and aspire to encourage musicians across the Asian region to join us in taking climate action.” 

Furthermore, Robi outlined IKLIM's plans to broaden its reach by collaborating with more musicians and industry professionals across Indonesia and is currently actively promoting the joint movement among musicians in the Philippines, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and South Korea. 

"The ultimate objective," Robi elaborated, "is to promote sustainability within the music industry. IKLIM functions as a think-tank for making music more environmentally sustainable. As we continue to engage with industry stakeholders, our knowledge and experience will grow, enabling us to develop best practices for reducing the music industry’s carbon emissions. This, in turn, will empower musicians to play a more active role in both raising awareness and mitigating the impact of the climate crisis."

 

Charting a Path Forward

While challenges persist, which include limited knowledge and access to environmentally friendly solutions within the music industry, Robi believes that as more musicians and industry players join this collective effort, more solutions will emerge.

The establishment of Music Declares Emergency Indonesia, the first chapter of the global movement in Asia is an extension of the global movement that unites musicians, industry professionals and music lovers, and transcends genres and borders to take a collective stand around the climate crisis. 

As sustainable practices become integrated into Asia's music industry, musicians in the region can set a standard for responsible entertainment. "The climate crisis has now taken center stage for our generation, and the movement’s success hinges on collaboration, especially among industry stakeholders. We envision that our current efforts will serve as a blueprint for something much bigger in the future.”

UNIQLO launches four new stores for the Spring/Summer season

Global apparel retail brand UNIQLO hits the ground running in the Philippines this new year, with the announcement of four new store openings in time for the Spring / Summer season. 

 

Set to open on March 1, 2024 is the UNIQLO Venice Grand Canal along McKinley Drive in Taguig City, Metro Manila. UNIQLO also plans to expand its presence in the northern part of Metro Manila and Central Luzon with the soon-to-be-announced openings of UNIQLO SM City Caloocan and UNIQLO SM City Tarlac, respectively. 

Rounding out the list of new UNIQLO stores is the much-awaited opening of the new and elevated UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia this 2024. The country’s first UNIQLO outlet, the SM Mall of Asia branch was launched in 2012. Its expanded and well-curated space promises a bigger and better shopping experience for everyone to enjoy UNIQLO’s LifeWear products and more. The date for the branch’s official opening will be announced soon. Meanwhile, customers can still shop for their LifeWear needs in the temporary UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia branch.

 

UNIQLO customers may stay on top and updated with store opening date announcements and other updates by following UNIQLO Philippines on:

 

Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph)

Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial)

Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph)

TikTok (tiktok.com/uniqlophofficial ).

 

They may also download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store, or visit and shop from UNIQLO’s online store at UNIQLO.com/ph.

 

Watsons holds the biggest Watsons Health Expo 2024

 

On February 1-4, Watsons holds the biggest Watsons Health Expo 2024 at the SM Megatrade Halls, bringing Watsons brand of caring to more Filipinos. This event is brought by Watsons Club, which is the brand’s customer loyalty program wherein members can enjoy exclusive benefits and promos at Watsons.

 

As early as now, you can already become a Watsons Club member by simply downloading the Watsons app from the Google Play Store and App Store or through this link https://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp and registering with your mobile number to enjoy more perks and services from Watsons!

 

Among the services available during the four-day expo are the range of health and beauty products that are up to 70% off, brand booths and activities, free health consultations, informative and educational talks, raffle draws and prizes, wellness sessions, and pharmacy services under Click and Collect Express.

The participating brands in the Watsons Health Expo 2024 are Watsons Generics, Watsons Brands, Unilab, Belo, Puritan’s Pride, Goli, Reckitt, P&G, UL Skin Sciences, Berocca, Orahex, Cetaphil, Sanofi, Trianon, QuickFX, NOW, Mosbeau, Thiocell, Bestshape, Sleepasil, Snow, Biofitea, Sole Pharma, Health Fusion, NuWhite, Inmed, Regroe, Trust, Premiere, EZ, Sawaday, Koolfever, Ammeltz, Mead Johnsons, Salonpas, Difflam, Dequadin, Valda, Bactidol, Buscopan, Dulcolax, Mucosolvan, Claritin, Elica, Bewell-C, Cherifer, Propan, Fern-C, Poten-Cee, PNKids, Centrum Kids, Pharmaton Energy, Sangobion, Neurobion, Glucerna, Ensure, Nestle, Lipton, Emco, Skinny Mamas, Sofy, and many more.

 

You can now start your journey to health and wellness by downloading the Watsons app. Enjoy P100 off when you download the Watsons app through this link https://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp. Terms and conditions apply.

 

You can also visit any of 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide or pick up your orders at the nearest Watsons store in 30 minutes or less via Click & Collect or have them delivered to you in 3 hours through Express Delivery*.

 

For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

BGC Arts Center invites Filipinos to discover French Impressionism in the new world-class immersive experience of Monet & Friends Alive

An unforgettable multi-sensory experience celebrating Claude Monet and other artists of the Impressionist era.

Created and produced by Grande Experiences, and presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. together with Del Monte Philippines, Monet & Friends Alive is a multi-sensory experience to entertain the whole family. The French Impressionists' works have been displayed and enjoyed worldwide for more than 150 years – but never like this. 

After bringing to life the vibrant world of Van Gogh, BGC Arts Center invites Filipinos to discover French Impressionism in the new world-class immersive experience of Monet & Friends Alive. For the very first time in the Philippines, visitors can indulge their senses with the sights and sounds of 19th-century Europe as seen through the eyes of Claude Monet and other Impressionist painters. 

Monet & Friends Alive – an immersive adventure into French Impressionism, is a large-scale arts and entertainment experience that delves into the mesmerizing world of Impressionism. The digital spectacular opens on January 31, 2024 for a strictly limited season at the BGC Arts Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The Impressionists' depictions of modernity, movement, light, and shadow have been admired and emulated by generations of artists. Over 150 years later, the Grande Experiences creative team uses immersive technology to bring art to life through an incredible application of light that even the artists themselves could not have envisaged. 

Set to a powerful classical score and showcasing the full breadth of the Impressionist movement, a stunning display of iconic, inspirational images surround the visitor as they get lost in the vibrant colors and intricate details of the Impressionists' works.

Breathtaking paintings are projected at an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas and many more. In a rich, dynamic display of light, color, sound and fragrance, the masterpieces of the Impressionists come to life.

Visitors also have the chance to examine the Impressionists' sources of inspiration via photographs and video displayed alongside their works. 

“Once again, the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. partnered with Grande Experiences to make these iconic artworks accessible to local Filipino audiences in ways where they can embrace the art through this immersive experience. We hope that this offering will give us a sense of the broader tradition in the arts that have influenced generations of artists the world over, as we ourselves evolve our own beautiful art traditions, ” said Maria Isabel Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. 

“We are delighted that this exceptional experience will be at the BGC Arts Center – Monet & Friends Alive will offer visitors of all ages and backgrounds an entertaining, educational, and enlightening experience, whether they are art and history aficionados or exploring the Impressionists for the first time," said Bruce Peterson, Founder & Chairman of Grande Experiences. 

Adults and children alike will forge their own paths and find their own meaning as they wander through the galleries, exploring hidden nooks, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives. But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them. 

Monet & Friends Alive opens January 31, 2024

at the BGC Arts Center

Early Bird Tickets go on sale January 13, 2024

For full details, please visit www.bgcartscenter.org/mfa

TICKET PRICES

Premium Flex Pass: P2,500 ++ (adult/child)

Enter and exit anytime within the day of your scheduled visit, with a special entry lane and complimentary Monet & Friends Alive program. Limited slots available.

2-Hour Pass:

General Admission: P1,200 ++

Discounted*: P800 ++

*Discounted rate applies to Children, Students up to College level with School ID, Senior Citizens with Senior Citizen ID, Persons with disabilities with PWD ID. 

**Infants 2 feet and below are free of charge. 

Early Bird Rate (2-hr Pass): P760 ++ for all guests 

(selling period until February 4, 2024) 

++ All Ticket Prices are exclusive of ticketing charges

OPERATIONS SCHEDULE

Open Tuesday to Sunday

Closed Monday 

2-HOUR TIME SLOTS

Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday): 

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Weekends (Saturday to Sunday): 

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Filipino Teams Soar as Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals Group Stages Conclude

The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals kicked off with an electrifying display of skill and high-octane matches throughout the Group Stages. The Filipino teams have emerged as formidable contenders as the Group Stages reached its conclusion. This premier esports tournament pits 26 VALORANT and Dota 2 teams from the region as they vie for the coveted Predator Shield and the lion’s share of the $200,000 prize pool.

In Dota 2, Filipino powerhouses Blacklist Rivalry and Execration have successfully advanced to the semi-finals, solidifying their positions among the elite.

Blacklist Rivalry, led by world-renowned midlane Abed Yusop, lived up to high expectations, dominating Group A with an impressive 4-0 record. The methodical gameplay was on full display as they systematically dismantled opponents, averaging only 30 minutes per match. Not merely a one-man show, offlaner Kim ‘Gabbi’ Santos similarly demonstrated exceptional form, accumulating 59 assists across their matches.

Execration, despite sharing a group with the dominant Blacklist Rivalry, also secured a spot in the semi-finals. The squad dropped only a single game, facing defeat against the stars of Blacklist Rivalry. Execration secured victories against Malaysian team Mythic Avenue Gaming, fellow Filipino squad ZOL Esports, and India-based Whoops, with Mark ‘Bob’ Urbino leading the charge with an impressive 11 KDA ratio.

On the other side of the bracket, Team Aster from China topped Group B behind Gu ‘Han’ Jiahan’s performance in the midlane. The Chinese team lost only one match in the Group Stages against fellow semi-finalist IHC Esports. The Mongolians continue to show their constantly improving quality in Dota 2, as they continue to have magical moments in LAN events throughout the year.

In VALORANT, Philippine juggernaut Team Secret emerged unscathed in Group D, delivering dominant performances against Malaysian side TODAK and Singapore’s Ender Dragon. Unfortunately, other Filipino squads Oasis Gaming and ZOL Esports, couldn’t progress beyond their respective groups.  

Team Secret will face off against Team Flash from Vietnam, Japan’s FAV Gaming, and BOOM Esports from Indonesia. FAV Gaming and BOOM Esports were undefeated in Group A and Group C, respectively.

With two more action-packed days of high-level competition coming this weekend, it will be another Thrilla in Manila at the SM MOA Arena on January 13 and 14, 2024.

 

For more information and updates about the Asia Pacific 2024 Predator League Grand Finals, visit www.facebookcom/PredatorGamingPhilippines  or the official website www.predator-league.com.  

 

Unleash Power on a Budget: HONOR X9b 5G is now available with a Price Tag of Php 16,999!

 

Leading smart devices provider in the country, HONOR Philippines officially launched the toughest phone, HONOR X9b 5G, in the market for only Php 16,999! The latest addition to its acclaimed X Series line-up was seen to have combined exceptional display quality, expansive photography capabilities and enhanced battery and hardware performance, the HONOR X9b 5G sets a new benchmark for mid-range smartphones in the industry. 

“We are very excited to finally introduce the HONOR X9b 5G, the toughest phone that embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering an exceptional user experience,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. “From the exceptional display and powerful camera system to the impressive durability and outstanding hardware performance, the HONOR X9b 5G truly represents our dedication to creating a new intelligent world for everyone.” 

 

Industry-leading Durability Powered by Ultra-bounce Anti-drop Display 

Showcasing an industry-leading drop resistance and durability, the HONOR X9b 5G’s display incorporates the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop technology. Certified by SGS’s Five Star Overall Drop Resistance, the HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display utilizes advanced cushioning technology using newly developed materials, which increases the shock absorption capacity by up to 1.2 times, ensuring utmost durability even when subject to drops from a height of 1.5 meters and all angles. 

 

Human-centric Visual Excellence 

Equipped with a remarkable 6.78-inch AMOLED Curved Display, the HONOR X9b 5G supports 1.5K ultra-clear resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and up to 1.07 billion colors, offering ultra-clear visuals with sharp details and vibrant colors.  As a testament to HONOR's commitment to human-centric technology, the HONOR X9b 5G offers an array of eye protection features, including 1920Hz PWM Dimming, Low Blue Light, Dynamic Dimming, and Circadian Night Display, cater to the needs of today’s always-on generation who spend long hours in front of screens. 

 

Triple Camera System for Captivating Photography 

The HONOR X9b 5G boasts a triple camera system consisting of a 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera, a 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera. The 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera comes with a large 1/1.67-inch sensor and a large f/1.75 aperture, allowing it to capture more light and produce images with vivid clarity. The camera also offers high optical quality with 3X zoom and an outstanding motion capture engine, ensuring the HONOR X9b 5G produces clear snapshots with fascinating detail. 

 

In addition to the main camera, the 5MP Ultra-Wide Camera offers a 110° field of view, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, or architectural marvels. The HONOR X9b 5G also features a 2MP Macro Camera with 4cm minimum focus length, enabling users to capture close-up shots with stunning clarity and sharp details. 

 

Flagship Performance for Unmatched Productivity 

The HONOR X9b 5G comes with a durable and long-lasting 5800mAh battery that can power the device for 3 days on a single charge, providing users with reliable performance and a worry-free experience. Additionally, the battery exhibits superb durability, maintaining 80% of its capacity after undergoing 1,000 charge cycles, making it one of the most robust device batteries in the market. 

 

Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform, the HONOR X9b 5G delivers excellent flagship capabilities with a 35% increase in GPU performance and a 40% increase in CPU efficiency, always enabling seamless productivity and entertainment. Running the latest MagicOS 7.2 based on Android 13, the HONOR X9b 5G provides access to a range of upgraded and customized features, such as the HONOR Docs Suite, enabling a more intelligent and convenient experience of remote working. 

Design, Pricing, and Availability 

The HONOR X9b 5G boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic design with meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite detail and is available for only Php 16,999 in three colorways – Sunrise Orange, Emerald Green, and Midnight Black.  

 

Pre-order starts from January 12 to 19, 2024 where you can get a FREE HONOR Gift Box and HONOR Choice X5 Earbuds worth Php 4,000 at select HONOR Experience and Partner Store or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease). 

 

Good news for HONOR Fans! You can get your own HONOR X9b 5G with Home Credit and Skyro for 0% interest! Also for Globe Postpaid Subscribers, you can apply or upgrade with GPlan 1299 to enjoy an Unli All-net Calls and Text and 8GB All-access Data for a one-time cash out of Php 3,300 only! Get it online or head over now to any Globe physical store! 

 

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.