RE.UNIQLO Studio Enhances Your LifeWear with Embroidery: Longer Life, More Personality

RE.UNIQLO Studio Enhances Your LifeWear with Embroidery: Longer Life, More Personality

Sunday, October 20, 2024

UNIQLO’s embroidery service is now available in the Philippines, presenting a wide range of design options perfect for customization and ensuring longevity

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO celebrates the first anniversary of Re.UNIQLO Studio by launching the newest embroidery service, allowing you to adorn your favorite LifeWear items with a personal touch. Launched on October 18, RE.UNIQLO Studio’s new offering is now available at the UNIQLO Manila Flagship Store in Glorietta 5.

RE.UNIQLO Studio in the Philippines mostly offered simple, practical on-site repairs during its first year. Today, RE.UNIQLO Studio presents an embroidery service that allows you to customize your style with a vast array of over 80 design selections to go with text and fonts. Personalize your favorite shirt with your dog’s silhouette or your pants with your initials with tons of embroidery options, including pets, flowers, food, seasonal themes, and more. The designs can also be used to cover up small to medium holes, extending the life of your LifeWear pieces.

To commemorate the launch of RE.UNIQLO Studio’s embroidery service, UNIQLO tied up with sustainable fashion community Basically Borrowed for a fashion swap party. Customers brought in old and unused LifeWear pieces that they exchanged with other participants. The event, along with the launch of the embroidery service in the country, reinforces UNIQLO’s commitment to sustainability and clothing circularity.

“The overall RE.UNIQLO Studio initiative underscores three pillars: reuse, repair, and recycle. These are steps that we are taking for us to make a positive impact,” says Reichelle Vergara, UNIQLO Head of PR and Sustainability.

Meanwhile, Basically Borrowed is a circular fashion start-up that’s on a mission “to create an infinite closet for everyone by re-circulating fashion as efficiently as possible,” according to founder Jessie Jiang, who pushes for mainstreaming sustainable fashion. “Re.UNIQLO’s initiatives are commendable,” she says. “It’s inspiring to see a brand so dedicated to making a positive impact on both the environment and our communities.”

RE.UNIQLO Studio welcomes both old and new LifeWear items for embroidery. Aside from tops, bottoms, and even bags, check out the full list of eligible pieces at the counter at UNIQLO Manila Flagship Store. The price per icon/design is fixed at P250, while the text varies according to the size of the item and character length. Small and medium sizes with three to five letters are at Php 200, six to ten letters at Php 250, and large size (up to 3) also at Php 250.

Along with the meaningful launch of RE.UNIQLO’s embroidery service, UNIQLO also announced an exciting menu refresh for UNIQLO COFFEE. There are four new items that stay true to its mission to serve locally sourced quality coffee beans and pastries that mix Filipino and Japanese flavors and further elevate the shopping experience. Try the new Matcha Cheesecake Latte and Choco Berry Latte (hot and iced), both available at Php 180. For food options, there’s the new Melon Pan and Coffee Pan for Php 90 each.

Check out https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/special-feature/re-uniqlo-studio to know more about all the new items and offerings of the UNIQLO Manila Flagship store special services. Keep posted on all things #UniqloPH and #LifeWear by visiting www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and following @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram.

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Extra Budget for Holiday Preps: Grab and Maya Team Up for Easy Credit Access

Extra Budget for Holiday Preps: Grab and Maya Team Up for Easy Credit Access

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Grab users can get as much as Php 30,000 in just three easy steps

As the holiday season approaches, many Filipinos are already planning festive celebrations – from grand feasts and family reunions to exciting travel plans. To help make these moments even more memorable, Grab and digital bank Maya have teamed up to offer a fast and convenient way to access extra funds in time for the holidays.

Introducing Maya Easy Credit on Grab, a hassle-free loan option that allows eligible Grab users to borrow up to ₱30,000 without the need for collateral, paperwork, or the usual waiting time associated with traditional loans. This collaboration is designed to ensure Grab users can enjoy a smooth, seamless borrowing experience just in time for the holiday rush.

If you are a frequent Grab user, you could be among the pre-selected users eligible to apply for a Maya Easy Credit! There are two ways to verify this!

1. Check your Grab Homepage for a ‘Say Yes to Extra Budget’ Icon

2. Check your Grab in-app notifications and messages if you have received an offer to apply for a Maya Easy Credit Loan

If you've spotted the homepage feed card or received the Maya Easy Credit notification, you're just a few steps away from applying for your loan. We've simplified the process for Grab users:

1. Apply: Click the link in your notification box or the feed card. Hit 'Apply Now'. You'll be directed to a Grab form that needs to be filled out.

2. Verify: Enter your Grab-registered number to receive an OTP. As a pre-qualifier for the Maya Credit Loan, you'll also be asked to provide consent to share your Grab information with Maya.

3. Review: You'll then receive a notification from Maya Bank where you will be provided instructions to view your Maya Easy Credit Offer on the Maya app and subsequently input application details. If you're satisfied with the offer, you can proceed to open a Maya Credit account.

Harnessing the power of data analytics, Grab and Maya have optimized the evaluation of creditworthiness, ensuring the entire application process is made extra fast and convenient! With Maya Easy Credit, you can effortlessly make various QR PH transactions, shop at the Maya Store, or make online payments with selected merchants with an extra budget of up to P30,000. You can also use Maya Easy Credit to cash into your Maya wallet, which you can link on the Grab platform and include in your choices of cashless payment options for your transactions on the leading superapp.

Maya Easy Credit on Grab is the perfect financial tool to help with all your holiday preparations, offering you quick, easy access to extra funds when you need them most.

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James Reid expresses the joy of summer romance on “Mirasol”

James Reid expresses the joy of summer romance on “Mirasol”

The delightful pop track serves as the third single off his upcoming EP “jgh,” to be released next month

James Reid continues to earworm his way to pop ubiquity with the release of “Mirasol”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment.

His latest single not only oozes with undeniable charisma but also reinstates his potential as a hitmaker of first-rate caliber, boasting an impressive run of inescapable chart-toppers in the 2010s.

According to James, the song is about falling in love with a sunflower and how romance is something that requires appreciation, protection, and understanding. “Love is an organic process and needs to grow naturally,” he adds.

“Mirasol” is co-written by James and Alison Shore, an R&B artist whose work brims with effortless cool and ‘90s suave. Both accomplished artists thought of using the sunflower as a metaphor “for a relationship that gives off an air of sweet summer romance and innocence.”

As James explains it further, “I want to connect on a different level with my fans that I haven’t been able to do before. Writing in Tagalog (Filipino) was a very welcomed challenge for me, and I’ve enjoyed it so much.”

One Click Straight’s Tim Marquez, a frequent collaborator of James himself, also brought a tapestry of effortlessly blissful sound that complements the romantic nature of the lyrics. The final product evokes the more commercial and critically acclaimed work of James Reid during the Diary Ng Panget era, but rendered with more sophistication and subtlety, production-wise.

“Mirasol” serves as the third single off his upcoming EP, jgh, which is slated to drop on November 22, 2024. The soon-to-be-released EP, which contains tracks such as “Sandal” and “Hurt Me Too,” is described to be a “return-to-form” record, touching on his softer, more vulnerable side and more pop-leaning direction.

James Reid’s “Mirasol” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment and Careless.

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Frank Ely’s takes listeners to a slow dance with “Maisayaw”

Frank Ely’s takes listeners to a slow dance with “Maisayaw”

The track will also be released in a “playable” vinyl postcard format—a first in the Philippines

Filipino singer-songwriter Frank Ely lives up to his potential as one of the country’s promising new greats with the release of his new single “Maisayaw”—out now via Evosound Philippines.

The Kundiman-inspired track finds Frank Ely expressing his romantic admiration from a distance, displaying earnestness and levity in the most beautifully understated way.

Certified heart-stopper

“The song is a serenade for someone whose heart you want to win, a poem for the person who made you feel something you've never felt with anyone else—the one you cannot bear to lose and could never forget if they were to leave,” shares the breakthrough solo act.

According to Frank Ely, he originally composed the song in 2023 for his now-girlfriend but wasn’t fully produced at the time because he didn’t want the logistical limitations to get in the way of its quality and potential. A year after that pivotal moment, Frank Ely got signed to a record label called Evosound Philippines and eventually got the opportunity to record the material in an actual studio.

“It was great working with my producer, Paulo Agudelo, who understood the assignment and brought my vision back to life,” Frank Ely explains. “What I like about Paulo’s treatment is how it sounded perfectly aligned with the sonic direction of my previous work, but redressed with a more sophisticated and refined approach.”

Technological first

Evosound Philippines will be releasing Frank Ely’s “Maisayaw” in a postcard format, having the same function as a vinyl single that can be spun in a regular record player or a turntable. Embossed with comparatively light plastic grooves, the post-card vinyl will be the first of its kind to be released in the country.

“Evosound reached out to me to have my single pressed on a postcard vinyl,” Frank Ely reveals. “I thought it was cool to be the pioneering act to have my song pressed in a format that’s never been done, at least locally. It’s interesting how music packaging can change the course of the game and offer an exciting glimpse into the future of releases. The possibilities are just endless.”

Frank Ely’s “Makisayaw” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via evosound Philippines.

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#iPhoneforEveryONE: Home Credit makes it easy for Filipinos to own the iPhone 16 series

#iPhoneforEveryONE: Home Credit makes it easy for Filipinos to own the iPhone 16 series

Country’s leading consumer finance company unveils affordable installment options at Digimap's Apple iPhone 16 midnight launch

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, collaborated with Digimap for the launch of the highly anticipated Apple iPhone 16 Series in the Philippines.

During a midnight salubong event held on Oct 17 at One Ayala mall, Home Credit unveiled exclusive deals and promos, and flexible installment plans that make purchasing and experiencing the Apple’s newest devices easier for Filipinos.

“Our goal at Home Credit is to help Filipinos enhance their everyday experiences. By providing easier access to the latest devices, like the iPhone 16 Series, we enable individuals to easily upgrade from entry-level to top-tier devices that suit their needs. We are excited to offer these flexible installment options and great deals at Digimap, ensuring that more Filipinos can enjoy these devices without worrying about their budgets, making the #iPhoneforEveryONE a reality,” said Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH.

With just a 30% downpayment, customers can own the iPhone 16 with 0% interest on up to 12-month installment plans or 1% interest per month for up to 24-month installment options.

“At Digimap, we are dedicated to bringing the latest Apple technology closer to Filipinos. Our partnership with Home Credit makes it even easier for more people to experience the newest iPhone 16 Series, thanks to their financing services that are easy on the wallet. This enables Filipinos to live, play and connect—integrating the best technology into their daily lives, especially as we continue to embrace an increasingly digital lifestyle,” remarked Jill Baysa, Head of Marketing of Digimap.

The midnight launch featured an engaging Home Credit booth filled with interactive activities, graced by the Home Credit Salubong Squad: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, Mr. Manhunt International 2024 Kevin Dasom, and TikTok stars Ms. Deliciousness and Poca, with Sean Ortega and Patsy Reyes as hosts.

Additionally, the first 16 customers who purchased the iPhone 16 through Home Credit won exclusive Apple products—ranging from MacBooks and iPads to Apple Watches and AirPods—along with photo opportunities with the Home Credit Salubong Squad.

Acquiring the iPhone 16 through Home Credit is quick and hassle-free. With just one valid ID, eligible customers can get approval in as quick as one minute. To secure fast pre-approval for product installments, customers can download the Home Credit App from Google Play or the App Store or speak with a Home Credit sales representative at any Digimap branch for assistance.

“With minimal requirements and a fast approval process, we are making our financing offers accessible to more Filipinos. We will continue to ensure a seamless experience for our customers, making Home Credit’s products and services readily available to meet their needs,” Paul concluded.

The iPhone 16 Series is available in the following variants: the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB; the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB; the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB; and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

Customers can visit any Digimap branch to purchase the iPhone 16 with Home Credit’s installment options. For availability, they can check their preferred Digimap location here.

Home Credit’s iPhone 16 Series promos are also available through its partner stores nationwide, such as Abenson, Aerophone, Beyond the Box, Cellboy, Digimap, Digiplanet, Digital Walker, Fone Style, Gadget Headz, Greentelcom, Guanzon, In-box Personal Phone and Accessories, JI Telecom, Octagon, Power Mac, Silicon Valley, The Loop, Wiltelcom, and 8telcom, or at over 5000 Apple resellers nationwide.

To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 

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Mapua University Celebrates a Century of Innovation and Academic Excellence

Mapua University Celebrates a Century of Innovation and Academic Excellence

For nearly a century, Mapua University has established itself as a premier engineering and technological institution in the Philippines, and it now ranks among the world's finest. Renowned for its cutting-edge curriculum and research, Mapúa's achievements reflect its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. As the university approaches its centennial, it continues to expand its influence by introducing new programs, pioneering studies, and state-of-the-art learning tools.

A Century of Educational Milestones

Founded in 1925, Mapua University began its journey with just 75 students, offering two engineering and architecture courses. Fast forward to today, and the institution has grown into a leading university with thousands of learners across its campuses in Intramuros, Makati, Laguna, and Davao. With over 70 undergraduate degrees, more than 50 graduate programs, and a senior high school, Mapua has expanded its course offerings to include business, health sciences, media studies, and other fields beyond its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) origins.

Global Recognition and Rankings

Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, President and CEO Mapua University

Mapua's dedication to excellence culminated in a significant achievement in 2022, when it debuted in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2023, joining three other top Philippine universities. The institution is also recognized as a Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) 4-Star institution, placing it among the top 100 universities in Southeast Asia.

These international recognitions underscore Mapua's standing in the global academic community. The university remains committed to pioneering industry-aligned programs, utilizing digital education to enhance learning experiences, and empowering students with skills that will help them thrive in a fast-changing world.

Industry-Aligned Programs for the Future

Mr. Raul Victor B. Tan, EVP and COO Mapua University

To meet the demands of the evolving job market, Mapua has introduced new programs that align with global industry trends, such as energy engineering, data science, game development, financial technology, and business intelligence and analytics. These programs are designed to equip students with specialized skills and knowledge to succeed in a range of industries worldwide.

In October 2023, Mapua, along with its sister schools Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first school system in the Philippines to receive Quality Matters (QM) certification for select online courses. This certification signifies that their online offerings meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.

AI Integration and Cutting-Edge Learning Tools

Mapua's partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) in 2022 marked a transformative step for the university, enabling it to introduce AI-powered tools in its curriculum. Leveraging ASU’s collaboration with OpenAI, Mapua has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its programs to enhance student success, streamline processes, and open up new research opportunities. Students are trained to maximize AI tools through advanced modules such as Basic Prompt Engineering with ChatGPT and Scripting ChatGPT with Python, ensuring that they are well-prepared to create AI solutions in the future.

Transforming Education Through Digitalization

Mapua continues to expand its resources and infrastructure to offer students a holistic learning experience. Recent developments include a new canteen and clinic at the Intramuros campus, state-of-the-art digital classrooms in partnership with Cisco, and the upcoming Medicine wing at the Mapua-Arizona State University Human Health Learning and Innovation Center in Makati.

Looking ahead, the university plans to further its reach by launching new degree programs, expanding international collaborations, and embracing digital transformation. Mapua's ongoing efforts to innovate and provide accessible, high-quality education demonstrate its commitment to shaping future generations of learners equipped with future-proof skills.

Empowering Lifelong Learners and Educators

In 2024, Mapua continues its mission of accessible education with the launch of Mapua Snippets and STEMTeach, two philanthropic learning initiatives designed for young learners and educators. Mapua Snippets offers free interactive micro-videos to enhance English and Math for elementary students, while STEMTeach provides a free, fully online professional development platform for junior and senior high school STEM teachers. Both are housed under the new MapuaX platform, a hub for lifelong learning courses and micro-credentials.

Shaping the Future of Education

As Mapua approaches its 100th year, its vision of becoming a global leader in education is clearer than ever. By pioneering innovative educational technologies, offering cutting-edge degree programs, and forging international collaborations, Mapua is setting the stage for its next century of academic excellence. Through its commitment to digital transformation and lifelong learning, Mapua University will continue to empower students and educators alike, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth and shaping the future of education in the Philippines and beyond.

Mapua University stands as a beacon of academic achievement, not only in the Philippines but on the world stage. With its bold vision for the future, Mapua is poised to lead the way in fostering innovation, building future-proof careers, and making quality education accessible to all.

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5 Tips to Master Pro-level Portrait Photography with vivo V40

5 Tips to Master Pro-level Portrait Photography with vivo V40

Looking to take your portrait photography skills to the next level? With the vivo V40 and its powerful 50MP triple camera system co-engineered with ZEISS, you can capture professional-level portraits with ease.

Combining cutting-edge smartphone tech with world-renowned optics, the vivo V40 brings pro-quality photos into the hands of content creators.

Fun fact: vivo and ZEISS share the same lens structure used in high-end cine cameras!

Ready to master your craft? Here are five tips to help you make the most of the vivo V40's Portrait Mode:

1. Select the best focal length for stunning portraits

The ZEISS Multifocal Portrait feature offers three versatile focal lengths - 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm - making it easier than ever to get the perfect shot.

24mm - Great for capturing both your subject and the surrounding scenery. Use this for travel portraits where you want the background to complement the subject.

35mm - Ideal for street portraits or environmental photography, offering natural bokeh that subtly blurs the background.

50mm - Best for dramatic, half-body shots where your subject really stands out.

To make it even easier, the Portrait Lens Kit gives you four preset modes: 24mm Landscape Portrait, 35mm Street Portrait, 50mm Natural Portrait, and 50mm Classic Portrait.

Pro tip: For added depth, incorporate foreground elements like trees or buildings. Play with light and shadows to enhance the mood and emotion of your portrait. Plus, if you find your image is slightly out of focus, you can refocus it in the gallery afterward.

2. Be more creative with iconic ZEISS bokeh flares

Experience the signature ZEISS bokeh flares without the need for expensive equipment. ZEISS lenses, typically costing around $10,000, have been recreated in the vivo V40 with incredible attention to detail, ensuring accurate colors, sharpness, and that coveted 3D pop.

The vivo V40 offers seven bokeh styles, including Biotar for swirling bokeh, B-Speed for rounded triangular bokeh, Planar for distinct, oval bokeh effects, etc.

Pro tip: To amplify the bokeh effect, choose scenes with strong light sources, like street lamps at night or sunbeams filtering through trees. If you want to adjust the blur’s intensity, use the bokeh adjustment tool in the gallery and set the aperture up to F0.95.

3. Capture festive vibes with Festival Portrait mode

Celebrate in style with the Festival Portrait mode, featuring two distinct lookup tables (LUT): Day and Night. These modes are designed to enhance festive colors and background elements for lively, joyful portraits.

You can also experiment with nine other styles, including Beach Portrait, Lowlight Portrait (with six different LUTs), and Vintage to capture different moods and atmospheres.

Pro tip: Use Festival Portrait to emphasize vibrant, celebratory scenes, especially during events like holidays or parties, where color and energy are central to the image.

4. Perfect your lighting with AI Aura Light

Lighting can make or break a portrait, and the AI Aura Light feature on the vivo V40 brings studio-quality illumination to your photos. This physical fill light increases brightness but remains soft and natural, unlike traditional flashes that can be harsh on your subject.

The AI Aura Light also includes advanced AI algorithms that analyze facial features and apply a 3D virtual fill light to ensure perfect lighting from every angle.

Pro tip: Activate this feature by tapping the flash icon at the top of the screen and selecting Aura Light always on. You can manually adjust the light for warmer or cooler tones, giving you full creative control over your lighting setup.

5. Take advantage of AI Erase and AI Photo Enhance

Ever take a great shot, only to have it ruined by an unexpected photobomber? The vivo V40's AI Erase tool can help you remove unwanted elements from your photos in seconds. Just select the photo, tap Edit, choose AI Erase, and let the Smart Circle tool work its magic.

Do you have old photos that need a refresh? The AI Photo Enhance tool improves image clarity, optimizes colors, and reduces noise in your older shots - all with a simple tap.

These tools are perfect for enhancing your portraits, allowing you to remove distractions and make your memories look even better.

These are just a few ways you can harness the power of the vivo V40, co-engineered with ZEISS, to achieve professional-quality portrait photography.

The vivo V40’s starting price is just Php 26,999, and it's available at vivo concept stores, kiosks, and dealer stores nationwide. Prefer shopping online? You can also purchase it via the vivo website, Shopee, and Lazada.

Take your photography to the next level. Grab the vivo V40 today and start shooting like a pro!

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Show some love! Philippines in the running at World Travel Awards 2024

Show some love! Philippines in the running at World Travel Awards 2024

It is time to show some love for the Philippines once again as the country is in the running to win several categories at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024.

The Philippines aims to win as the World’s Leading Beach Destination 2024, the World’s Leading Dive Destination 2024, and the World’s Leading Island Destination 2024. The country is defending champion as the World’s Leading Beach and Dive Destination, with awards won last year.

Also, popular tourist destinations across the country are among the nominees in various categories.

The historic walled city of Intramuros is nominated as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024, trying to beat 21 nominees from the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, United States, China, Ireland, Vietnam, Peru, Tanzania, Canada, South Africa, India, Japan, Greece, and Australia.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ capital Manila is defending its title of World’s Leading City Destination for this year, which it won in 2023. It will try to win again over rivals from various cities in Mexico, Colombia, South Africa, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United States, Portugal, England, France, Morocco, Australia, Kenya, New Zealand, Ecuador, and Chile.

The world-famous Boracay Island, home to one of the world’s finest powdery white sand, eyes the prize of the World’s Leading Luxury Island 2024. It will compete against Jersey in the United Kingdom, Mustique in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and The Bahamas.

Cebu, a popular destination for heritage with its centuries-old churches and other structures and a haven of natural wonders, will vie for the World’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024 award alongside Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Bali in Indonesia, Barbados, Jamaica, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, and The Bahamas.

Also among the nominees are the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the World’s Leading Tourist Board 2024, and the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign as the World’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024.

The Department encourages the public to support the Philippines win these awards by logging on to https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.

Netizens must create an account to vote for the Philippines in the various categories.

Voting is open until October 20, 2024.

The winners will be declared during the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2024 to be held in Madeira, Portugal on November 24, 2024.

During the award-giving body’s Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony 2024 held in Parañaque City last September 2024, the Philippines won a total of eight awards.

The Philippines clinched the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination awards for 2024.

Also, Intramuros was recognized as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2024, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024, and Cebu as Asia’s Leading Wedding Destination 2024.

In addition, the Love the Philippines campaign bagged Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign 2024 award, while DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was honored with the Transformational Leader Award in Tourism Governance.

The Philippines has won in past editions of the World Travel Award, being Asia’s Leading Beach Destination in 2013, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024, as well as the World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2022 and 2023.

It is also consistently the best destination for diving in Asia from 2019 to 2024, and the best in the world from 2019 to 2023.

The DOT has won as Asia’s Leading Tourist Board in 2019 and 2020.

Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude to the World Travel Awards – one of the most esteemed award programs in the travel industry that recognizes excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors since 1993 – for recognizing the “breathtaking beauty and rich culture” of the Philippines.

She hopes the winning streak of the country at the World Travel Awards will continue this year.

“The Philippines' unique attributes are a constant source of pride to every Filipino. I encourage everyone-—both here and abroad—to cast their votes and help us reveal to the world the many things there are to Love the Philippines,” she said.

With a brand new set of nominations for the World Travel Awards 2024, Secretary Frasco encouraged travelers, local and foreign alike, to visit the Philippines as it “can’t wait to welcome travelers from around the world to discover more of what there is to love in our country’s diverse regions.” 

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SM Super Kids Shine in K-pop Dance Fest

SM Super Kids Shine in K-pop Dance Fest

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The excitement is palpable as the SM Super Kids K-pop Dance Contest continues to be a highlight of the ongoing Super Kids Month celebration this October. Recently, the vibrant energy of young, talented dancers lit up the stages of SM City Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, Sta. Mesa, BF Parañaque, and Muntinlupa. 

Children aged 6 to 12, brimming with enthusiasm and passion for K-pop, took part in the competition, battling it out with their jaw-dropping dance routines to claim the coveted grand prize.

The competition’s preliminaries were held across various SM Malls, with each location crowning its own dance champion. However, the ultimate showdown took place at SM City Marikina, where the grand finale unfolded into an electrifying spectacle. 

Among the standout performers was the dance cover group Kazed, who captivated both judges and the audience with their perfectly synchronized choreography and undeniable charm. Their stunning performance earned them the title of ultimate winners, along with a generous reward of 25,000 pesos worth of SM Gift Certificates.

As Super Kids Month continues, SM Malls have lined up more thrilling activities for the young ones to enjoy. Be sure to mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Monsterrific Halloween Event at the end of October. Families can look forward to seeing their nearest SM Supermall in the East Metro transform into a spooky wonderland, filled with spine-tingling fun and delightful frights for everyone to enjoy.

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to create magical memories with SM Super Kids Month.

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Holiday Escapes: How Filipinos Travel, Shop, and Pay During the Season

Holiday Escapes: How Filipinos Travel, Shop, and Pay During the Season

Survey by Visa shows Filipinos' shift toward contactless payments, experience-driven travel; Singapore and Japan preferred holiday destinations

It’s the holiday season—at least for Filipinos—and with it comes a surge in holiday shopping, travel, get-togethers, and festive activities. With the season being a peak time for getaways, Filipinos prioritize experience-driven travel, with Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan being top destinations. Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar survey[1] reveals a significant shift in how Filipinos plan and pay for their travels, showing a growing preference for contactless payments alongside the continued use of cash.

Travelling for new experiences, shopping

For Filipino travelers, the holiday season is an opportunity to explore new experiences and create lasting memories as travel peaks in December, with 32% of surveyed respondents planning domestic trips and 23% choosing international destinations.

The survey found that most Filipinos travel to relax (80%) and seek new experiences (43%). While sightseeing remains the top activity (82%), experiencing local cuisine and dining (67%) and shopping (67%) are also key priorities. This shows that Filipinos are looking for destinations that offer a blend of leisure, entertainment, and adventure.

Singapore, a long-time favorite, emerged as the top destination for Filipino travelers over the past 12 months, with 38% of respondents visiting the city-state. Singapore continues to draw Filipino tourists with its vibrant blend of urban attractions and rich cultural experiences. Its close proximity to the Philippines, ease of access, and wide range of activities makes it an ideal choice, especially during the holiday season.

Hong Kong remains a favorite at 31%, particularly for travelers who enjoy combining shopping with festive celebrations. Its expansive retail scene and diverse culinary offerings make it appealing to Filipino families seeking both luxury and bargain shopping experiences.

Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes, festive markets and shopping districts alongside its deep cultural heritage, is another popular destination, with 30% of Filipinos visiting to experience the Land of the Rising Sun.

As Filipinos head overseas, many are also drawn to the Philippines as a tourist destination. Inbound travel to the Philippines is also on the rise, with the country welcoming 3.66 million international visitors from January to August 2024—a 10.14% increase from the same period last year, according to the Department of Tourism.[2] Additionally, data from the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts that international and domestic tourism spending will reach P715.6 billion and P3.7 trillion, respectively, surpassing 2019 figures by 5.7% and 1.8%.[3]

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: “At Visa, we are committed to ensuring a seamless, secure, and convenient experience for Filipino travelers heading abroad and for inbound visitors to the Philippines. We recognize that tourism plays a vital role in the economy, contributing to job creation and overall growth. We’re working to support the Filipino government's efforts to enhance tourism by improving digital payment methods and providing tourists with an enjoyable experience, which will help to further drive economic development and strengthen the tourism industry.”

Visa helps drive the growth of tourism in the Philippines by leveraging its global network and collaborating with local markets to promote the acceptance of Visa cards, creating a more enjoyable payments experience for tourists. In the Philippines, Visa supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by providing tools and knowledge for cashless transactions such as the SME Online Toolkit. Post-COVID, Visa launched the POSM Visibility Initiative to enhance marketing materials in tourist hotspots. Additionally, Visa partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association to conduct finance and digital skills workshops for tourism SMEs and Department of Tourism officials, benefiting 120 participants across Southeast Asia including Laguna in the Philippines.

Shift in Payment Preferences: Contactless and Cash

A key trend emerging in Filipino travel habits is the shift toward contactless payments. In a survey commissioned by Visa done by YouGov[4] in Aug 2024 reveals that 66% of Filipino travelers now prefer using contactless methods like mobile wallets and tap-to-pay cards, while 67% said they will likely get cards with contactless features.

"As cross-border travel continues to grow, Visa sees a tremendous opportunity to remain a key part of the traveler’s journey. The convenience and security of digital payment options give travelers greater confidence when making transactions abroad—whether they are booking accommodation, dining, or shopping. Our goal is to continue supporting travelers at every stage, from planning and booking to the entirety of their trip, by encouraging the use of Visa for a seamless, secure, and hassle-free payment experience," Navarro added.

Despite the rise in contactless payments, 71% of holiday travelers still carry cash as a backup, particularly in areas where digital payment infrastructure may not be as widely available. The continued use of cash illustrates that there is some way to go towards full contactless payments, especially for holiday destinations that have not fully shifted to cashless payments.

As the holiday season approaches, the preference for more experience-driven travel, combined with evolving payment methods, reflects the changing dynamics of how Filipinos shop, pay, and explore the world. Whether through cash or contactless payments, the essence of Filipino travel remains centered around creating memories and sharing moments with loved ones—values that are as enduring as the destinations themselves.

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