Watsons Philippines Launches 2nd Sustainability Art Competition: ‘Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future

 In 2023, Watsons made a significant impact on the local art scene with “Reuse with Watsons: A Sustainability Exhibit” at drybrush Gallery. This pioneering exhibit featured art made from discarded materials like plastic bottles, packaging, and more, collected from Recycle for Rewards bins found in select Watsons stores. 

Building on last year’s success, Watsons is excited to present its second sustainability art competition, “Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future” held last August 8 at drybrush Gallery in SM Mall of Asia showcasing the creative talents of 31 local artists. Watsons remains committed to educating and inspiring Filipinos to make sustainable choices and adopt more eco-conscious practices in their daily lives.

“This art exhibit not only provides a platform for talented artists but also harnesses the power of art to drive meaningful change. We recognize art’s unique ability to inspire action and spark conversations about sustainability. Through this initiative, Watsons aims to encourage our customers to make recycling a regular part of their lives by showcasing innovative ways to transform waste into beautiful and functional,” said Sharon Decapia, Senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability at Watsons.

Participating artists of  ‘Reimagine, Recycle for a better future’ sustainable art competition with judges and  Watsons executives

Noli Espanola; Grand Prize Winner with his winning piece entitled ‘Alay sa Inang Kalikasan’

Sven Wilbur Lim; Runner-Up Winner with his winning art piece entitled ‘A Cinderella Story’

This initiative is part of Watsons’ ongoing sustainability efforts, guided by their three-part action plan focusing on the planet, the people they work with, and the communities they serve, as well as the product innovations and sustainable choices they create for their customers. 

The competition showcased the innovative spirit of 31 local artists who transformed recycled plastics, papers, steel, and Watsons product packaging into compelling works of art.  The artists highlighted the potential of discarded materials and recycled items in the world of art and reinforced the message of sustainability.

Noli Española, with the artwork titled 'Alay sa Inang Kalikasan’, was chosen as the grand winner for its innovative use of mixed media including repurposed plastic packaging materials. Sven Wilbur Lim, who placed as the runner-up with ‘A Cinderella Story’, utilized mixed media with resin. Both winners received cash prizes of P100,000 and P50,000, respectively, along with P10,000 and P8,000 worth of Watsons Sustainable Choices products.

Sharon Decapia, Senior AVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability of Watsons Philippines

Lexie Coloma, Senior Marketing Manager for Sustainability of Watsons Philippines

“Partnering with Watsons for this event has been incredibly rewarding. The diverse range of artworks created from recycled materials not only showcases the talent of our local artists but also highlights how creativity can drive progress in sustainability,” expressed Jojo Liao, founder of drybrush Gallery.

The artworks are on display from August 3 to 16, 2024, attracting art enthusiasts, sustainability advocates, students, and mall shoppers. The exhibition is also featured online on drybrush Gallery’s website, extending the reach of these impactful works to a broader audience.

As part of its dedication to sustainability, Watsons continues to offer a wide variety of Sustainable Choices products and remains committed to providing customers with better ingredients, better packaging, clean beauty and refills.

Explore Watsons' Sustainable Choices products at over 1,100 Watsons stores or shop via the Watsons App to help contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more information on the artworks and the Reimagine, Recycle for a Better Future exhibit, visit the drybrush Gallery website. To stay updated on Watsons’ sustainability initiatives, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Disney Fans, Get Ready: An All-New Marvel-Themed Area is Coming to Bring More Magic to the Universe

 

The universe of Marvel stories continues at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California an extended Marvel-themed area featuring a new attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort as part of its multi-year expansion. With the concept art of the attraction unveiled for the first time ever, the highly anticipated project calls on Marvel fans worldwide to gather at the resort and immerse themselves in this thrilling adventure.

To ensure a better and brighter future for all mankind and the world, the most brilliant minds from the Avengers are working together and bringing new pavilions to the Stark Expo to showcase their most recent inventions and technologies. Peter Parker (a.k.a Spider-Man), the newest Stark Industries intern, is among one of them and will also be the host to demonstrate the latest breakthrough. Undoubtedly, the presence of Spider-Man will also attract one of the most formidable villains, who wreaks havoc at the scene. Peter will need all the help he can get to protect his brand-new technology while saving guests caught in the middle of the showdown.

 

The upcoming new project marks the third major addition to the immersive Marvel-themed experience with an extended area in Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland, and will include all-new entertainment, shopping and dining offerings. It will further expand the epicenter of the Marvel Super Heroes at Hong Kong Disneyland, attracting fans from around the world to unite and fight against various villains from different stories across the Marvel Universe. 

 

The Marvel saga at Hong Kong Disneyland began with Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man) choosing Hong Kong as the Asia headquarters of Stark Industries. The park also became the home of the Stark Expo, showcasing the largest and latest high-tech creations of Stark Industries. Following the immense popularity of its existing Marvel-themed experiences, from Iron Man Experience and Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! – both of which are available only at Hong Kong Disneyland and have entertained millions of guests since their launches in 2017 and 2019, respectively – to ever-growing seasonal offerings including a rich lineup of Marvel Super Heroes, the Avengers Deployment Vehicle, and the one-of-a-kind Marvel-inspired drone show, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is thrilled to continue to bring to life more heroic Marvel stories through its unique and innovative storytelling.

Gear Up for School: Capture Memories and Boost Productivity with the New realme 12 for Just P13,999!"

It's back-to-school season, and there's no better way to gear up for the academic year than by getting a stylish new gadget to capture new memories and boost productivity. Thankfully, realme has released the perfect device for students: the brand new realme 12, now available for P13,999.

The realme 12 is the latest realme Number Series device and the final installment in the realme 12 Series. Its Sony LYT600 OIS Portrait Camera and all-rounder features can easily make any student "Be The Portrait Master" of their class.

Create lasting memories with a powerful camera

Any Gen Z student is rarely seen without a phone in hand, always ready to snap pictures of cute cats on campus or the hilarious antics of their classmates. 

With the realme 12 and its Sony LYT600 OIS Portrait Camera with support for a plethora of camera features, users can readily take clear and steady photos at a moment's notice. 

The camera features include Portrait Mode, which can be paired with various Master Portrait Filters options to give your shots an extra flair. Plus, the SuperOIS, realme's enhanced version of optical image stabilization, reduces shakes and blurs to make every image look sharp. 

This combination guarantees picture-perfect snaps, whether it's a candid moment with friends, a club activity, or a selfie on the first day, every moment will be captured in stunning detail. 

Enjoy an ultra-bright display

Students spend a chunk of their time on campus, be it a sunny morning training on the football field or a lazy rainy afternoon by the campus gazebo; the realme 12's 2,000-Nit Ultra Bright Display can quickly adapt to any environment. 

The display supports Rainwater Smart Touch, ensuring the realme 12 stays responsive even with wet fingers or a wet screen. At the same time, the AI Protective Film Touch maintains up to 96% touch accuracy when used with phone accessories such as waterproof pouches and screen protectors.

Now, there's no need to worry about using thick screen protectors or sudden drizzles while walking to class because the realme 12's interaction remains smooth and effortless as if there are no barriers.

Additionally, the realme 12's Sunlight Display uses AI Dual Light Sensors to automatically detect changes in ambient light using the front and rear cameras. This feature boosts the display's brightness to a maximum level of 2,000 Nits, ensuring clear visibility under the bright sun without glare.

Stay powered up all day

It's normal for students to juggle classes, extracurricular activities, and social events, so their phones must keep up with the demands of hectic schedules and long days on campus.

Fortunately, the realme 12's 67W SUPERVOOC Charge boosts the device from 0% to 50% in just 19 minutes and reaches 100% in 47 minutes, so users can stay powered up and ready to go, even with a full calendar.

And since students love life hacks, the realme 12 offers a brilliant way to prolong the battery health using the AI Smart Charging feature. This feature intelligently adjusts charging speeds based on usage patterns, ultimately extending battery life and protecting it against overcharging.

To round up the quality of life features that make the realme 12 suitable for students is its fast and reliable 4G connection, perfect for staying in touch with classmates, sharing large files, and researching online without connectivity issues.

The realme 12 is now available in a single 8GB+256GB variant. It has a sleek 7.92mm Trendy Watch Design available in Pioneer Green and Skyline Blue, making it a fashionable and productive accessory for any student.

First-selling deals and offers

Want to score exclusive freebies when purchasing the realme 12? From August 10 to 25, 2024, get the realme 12 and receive a free TechLife Handheld Fan 3 worth P1,599 while supplies last. This handy fan is the perfect addition as part of the back-to-school essentials for those sunny days on campus! 

For those looking for easy installment plans, the realme 12 is also available to purchase at 0% interest and flexible payment terms of up to 18 months for credit card users. At the same time, Home Credit offers 3, 6, 12, and 18-month plans at 0% interest with rates starting as low as P1,684.

To keep posted on other announcements about the realme 12 Series 5G, the Squad can also visit the realme official website.

Sa Jollibee, Bida Ang Saya”—Jollibee introduces the JoyZone, an innovative, interactive experience that transforms smiles into delightful rewards

Get ready to experience joy like never before at Jollibee Glorietta from August 10-11 and 14-18, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In line with their motto that smiling brings joy to others because— “Sa Jollibee, Bida Ang Saya”—Jollibee introduces the JoyZone, an innovative, interactive experience that transforms smiles into delightful rewards.

“Jollibee has always been committed to spreading joy, and the JoyZone is our latest way of showing that. With the help of modern technology, we aim to provide our customers with a fun and unique experience, where they can enjoy their favorite Jollibee meals at discounted prices,” said Luis Berba, Director of Masterbrand and Chickenjoy.

Start your journey with the interactive Joy Mirror
Your JoyZone experience will begin with the Joy Mirror filter located by the entrance of the Jollibee Glorietta store. You’ll see an LED screen with the friendly Jollibee mascot who will give you a sneak peek of what you can expect inside! Pay close attention to see where Jollibee will lead you to.  

Smile wide with the Joy Meter
Upon entering the store, a large LED screen will present to you the first-ever Joy Meter filter that will analyze your Joy Level. What makes this exciting mini game even more special is that your Joy Level will give you an equivalent Peso discount through a personalized voucher. You may redeem this discount on your next order at the Jollibee Glorietta store with a minimum spend of P249! 

At the Jollibee JoyZone, every smile turns into joy and rewards! Be sure to check out this limited-time installation from August 10-11 and 14-18, 2024 at the Glorietta branch. Invite your family and friends as there’s plenty of joy to go around!

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

MOVE IT promises “Aabot Ka Sa Ganap”

 Homegrown motorcycle taxi app touts a fast and seamless booking experience, promising a ride confirmation in less than two minutes

In the hustle and bustle of the metro cities, the ceaseless ebb and flow of heavy traffic is the norm. Amid this challenge, a single question persistently stands, "Will I punctually make my appointment?".

 

The central character in MOVE IT's latest whimsical videoexperiences this urban predicament. The character's tension – arriving at an unusual scene where his family is being interviewed by a winged TV reporter, underscores the impact of transportation challenges on commuters' ability to attend critical events. The lack of context only amplifies the surreal nature of the situation.

To end the suspense from watching the original video, MOVE IT invites the viewers to book a MOVE IT ride and uncover the true unfolding of events. In the alternate rendition of the video, the storyline diverges, underscoring MOVE IT's commitment to helping every passenger reach their crucial engagements.

 

The online video showcases MOVE IT’s pledge to every passenger: "Aabot Ka Sa Ganap". This promise primarily stands on the platform’s efficient booking time. According to records, compared to the previous year, passengers can now secure a MOVE IT booking in as little as two minutes.

 

A Reliable Transportation Option

MOVE IT’s confidence in promising “Aabot Ka Sa Ganap” stems from its many efforts to improve the efficiency and productivity of its fleet of rider-partners – ensuring its supply of professional moto-taxi service providers meets the demand of Filipino commuters. 

 

● Improved Supply: The MOVE IT team has expanded its capacity to assess and upskill a larger number of rider-partners. These partners – after undergoing professional training and assessment – are seamlessly integrated into the MOVE IT platform. This year, MOVE IT has launched a rider-onboarding caravan in diverse areas across Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro – optimizing the allocation of slots for its services in these regions.

● Auto-Accept Booking: The Auto-Accept Booking feature is an opt-in tool designed for MOVE IT rider-partners. It intelligently assigns passengers who are located within a specific radius of the rider-partner's current passenger's drop-off point. This feature facilitates back-to-back bookings for rider-partners, thereby enhancing their productivity and enabling them to serve a larger number of passengers.

● Set Destination: Rider-partners' productivity is enhanced by effectively assigning them passengers who are headed towards their final destination, even while they are on their way home. This efficient allocation ensures that no trip is wasted and maximizes the use of their time and resources effectively. 

● Heatmap: This feature strategically directs MOVE IT rider-participants towards areas of high demand, effectively aligning the supply of moto-taxi service providers with locations where a substantial number of passengers are seeking rides.

 

MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto shares, “Ang pangunahing layunin namin sa MOVE IT ay tanggalin ang alinlangan ng mga komyuter kung mayroon ba silang masasakyan na maghahatid sa kanila sa kanilang mga destinasyon. Kaya ang simple naming pangako ay aabot ka, kahit ano pa ‘yang inyong ganap.  Ang kumpiyansa na maipangako ito ay bunga ng sipag at dedikasyon ng aming libo-libong rider-partners. Mula noong aming relaunch noong 2023, kami ay patuloy na nagtitiyak sa aming mga pasahero na ang MOVE IT ay maghahatid ng serbisyong maasahan, ligtas, at tapat.”

 

PLDT Home Unveils New Fiber Unli All Plans with Unlimited Mobile Calls and Double the Speed

 PLDT Home is revolutionizing family connectivity with its newFiber Unli All Plan1399. This plan has unlimited mobile calls and double internet speeds, ensuring everyone stays connected effortlessly.

 

PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans now have enhanced Unli Fam Call, a feature that lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile. To enjoy this feature, customers cannominate five (5) Smart or TNT numbers as part of the Unli Fam Call.

The Fiber Unli All 1399 deliver sspeeds of up to 100 Mbps, whichis twice as fast as the previous plan at 50 Mbps. 

 

The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 delivers great value for money –combiningin one bundle a family calling circle and high-speed internet with unlimited Cignal TV– which allows customers to enhance their lifestyle while spending less for their digital services.

 

Keeping Family Connected

What’s great about the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans–theycome in two value-packed optionsto suit the size and needs of thehousehold. The average Filipino household is estimated to have four members, but no two homes have the same internet requirements. Families with young children and teenagers may require more bandwidth for their online leisure activities, whilehouseholds with work-from-home set up and multiple smart devices may demand higher internet bandwidth.

 

There are two (2) Fiber Unli All options – the enhanced PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 now at 100 Mbps and Plan 1799 at 200 Mbps. Now customers have more options best suited to their whole family’s internet usage.

 

PLDT HomeFiber Unli All Plans ensure that Filipino households get the most value for their money by having the right services that they need for the whole family.

 

The bundle offers endless entertainment from CignalTV’sdiverse array of viewing options. With access to a vast selection of channels—including popular movies, TV shows, sports, and kids’ programming—there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. 

 

Whether it’s movie night for the singles in their condo, or a family catching up on the latest sports events like the Olympic Games Paris 2024, or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite cartoons and educational shows, Cignal TV guaranteesthat all members of the household stay engaged and entertained.

 

PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans arereally designed to keep the whole family connected.To check out the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans, visit this link.

 

Acer Day 2024: A Star-Studded Concert at MOA Arena Draws Over 20,000 Fans On-site and Online

Acer Day is a celebration and an affirmation of the values that Acer holds close to its heart. It's also a way for the brand to show customers its latest products, designed to enhance the user experiences and unlock the untapped potential to do more.

This year's Acer Day theme is "AI'm Limitless," which aims to inspire people to push beyond their limits and explore new user experiences with Acer's vast range of PCs and lifestyle products

On August 4, all roads led to the MOA Arena for the Acer Day 2024 concert, featuring Acer ambassadors SB19, Sandara Park, and G22 with performances from Cup of Joe, TJ Monterde, Ebe Dancel, and Rico Blanco. The show was hosted by Luis Manzano. The concert had an audience of over 20,000 people, both on-ground and online via a Facebook livestream!

"Acer Day helps connect us with our customers through music and different activities that allow them to try the products which provide tools that enable individuals to explore limitless possibilities and bring their ideas to life," said Sue Ong Lim, Managing Director of Acer Philippines.

Pop/alternative band Cup of Joe opened the show with "Wag na Lang," followed by its hit songs " Tingin" and "Estranghero."

Next up was singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, who wowed the crowd with "Mahika," "Tulad Mo," and "Palagi."

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter and OPM icon Ebe Dancel wowed the crowd with his hits “Hari ng Sablay,” “Makita Kang Muli,” “Wag Kang Umiyak,” and “Bawat Daan.” Dancel recalled that during the pandemic when there were no gigs for artists like himself, it was Acer who first reached out to him to sing for some of the company's executives and employees at a very small venue.

Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and OPM rockstar Rico Blanco kept the energy going with "Antukin, "Umaaraw Umuulan," "Your Universe," "Kisapmata," and "You'll be Safe Here."

International superstar and Filipino favorite Sandara Park and G22 took to the stage for a never-before-seen stage of "In or Out." Finally, it was Dara and SB19 for "Reset," a song they collaborated on for Acer in 2023. 

G22, known as the "Female Alphas of P-pop," performed their songs "Boomerang," "Bang," "One Sided Love," and "Loka."

Sandara, whose group 2NE1 is reuniting, kept the positive vibes and upbeat mood going "Dara Dara," "I Don't Care," and "I'm the Best+Can't Nobody."

SB19 proved why they are called the "Kings of P-pop" with "Gento, "Hanggang sa Huli," and Crimzone. SB19 also performed an unreleased song titled "Kalakal" with rapper Gloc 9.

Finally, it was time for SB19 and G22 to perform "Limitless," the theme song of Acer Day 2024. SB19 leader Pablo composed the song. The two groups proved that they, like Acer, are limitless in what they can do.

"The concert and all the Acer Day activities showcase Acer's AI-powered range of products, which will not only elevate user experiences but also open limitless opportunities," said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager of Acer Philippines.

For more information about Acer and Acer Day 2024, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram or visit www.acer.com.

Celebrate Xiaomi's 8th International Store Anniversary with Exclusive August Deals!

 This August, Xiaomi is celebrating the eighth anniversary of its first stores around the world, and everyone is invited! For its month-long anniversary blowout, it’s showering Filipinos with huge discounts and thrilling deals. 

From August 1 to 31, 2024, you can get some of Xiaomi’s best devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, wearables, AIoT appliances, and so much more at special prices, and also get special gifts on top of the discounts! 

 

Here are the three different gifts you can get during the International Store’s eighth anniversary promo. For purchases of P20,000 and above, you can get a free Xiaomi Smart Band 8 worth P1,999. Purchases of P10,000 to P19,999 get you a free reusable Xiaomi Cup, and those from P3,000 to P9,999 get you a free insulating Water Bottle. All of these gifts also come with a free voucher for a three-month subscription to streaming platform Viu.

All you have to do to find the discounts is go to any authorized Xiaomi store. You can get deals such as the Xiaomi 14, which is now going for P47,999 for the 12GB+512GB variant, and P45,999 for the P12GB+256GB variant, or the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G, available for P18,999 for the 12GB+512GB variant, and P16,999 for the 8GB+256GB variant. 

 

Another great deal is for the Redmi Note 13, which is down by up to P1,500. The 8GB+256GB variant is now at P8,999 (from P9,999 SRP), the 8GB+128GB at P7,499 (from P8,999), and the 6GB+128GB at P6,999 (from P7,999).

 

For those in the market for smart devices and appliances, the Xiaomi TV A Pro Series is also slashed down, among other AIoT pieces. The 65-inch variant is going for P28,990 (from P32,990 SRP), while the 55-inch is now at P19,990 (from P22,990) and the 43-inch is at P14,990 (from P16,990).

 

You can check out the full list of discounts this month on the official Xiaomi Store eighth anniversary website here.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Xiaomi store and enjoy the gifts, surprises, and deals waiting for you in Xiaomi’s eighth International Xiaomi Store Anniversary Promo! 

 

Learn more about Xiaomi devices by visiting the official Xiaomi website at https://www.mi.com/ph/.

Own a Piece of History: The Sinag Barong Worn by Philippine Athletes at the Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremonies

In celebration of Carlos Yulo's back-to-back gold medal win for our country, experience the honor and glory of wearing the well-celebrated Sinag Barong and challenge yourself to earn the same Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremonies attire created by renowned designer, Francis Libiran! 

Visit any of the Sinag Barong exhibits in Shangri-La Mall or SM Mall of Asia and make your own creative IG Reels video collaboration post with Francis Libiran's IG accounts– @francislibiran and @francislibiran8.

 The video entry post with the most number of likes by August 31st will get their own Sinag Barong, to be announced on September 1st 2024 in Francis Libiran's IG account. 

The Sinag Barong will be on exhibit from August 5 to 12 at Level 2 of SM Mall of Asia’s main mall. You can also visit the other Sinag Barong exhibit at the East Atrium  ofShangri-La Plaza from August 5-15.

 

For more information, follow @FrancisLibiran on IG and Francis Libiran on Facebook.