Exclusive March Deals at The Manila Hotel: Special Room Rates & Dining Offers

Thursday, March 13, 2025

This March, The Manila Hotel invites guests to embark on a culinary journey, featuring the Alimango Festival, refreshing summer delights, and exquisite seasonal offerings.

The Alimango Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang


The Manila Hotel is excited to present the Alimango Festival, a celebration of the rich and succulent flavors of mud crab. Available throughout March, guests can savor a delectable spread of alimango dishes, available exclusively during dinner from Thursday to Saturday at Café Ilang-Ilang. “We are delighted to bring the Alimango Festival. Our culinary team has prepared a selection of dishes that highlights the flavors of this beloved seafood, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for our guests,” said EJ Yap, assistant director for food and beverage.

Diners can indulge in both classic and innovative preparations of alimango as part of Café Ilang-Ilang lavish dinner buffet, offering an extensive selection of international and local cuisine.

Cool Off with Summer Delights at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar

As summer heat hints at its arrival, Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar offer a selection of desserts and refreshing frozen treats, perfect for beating the heat while indulging in sweet, tropical flavors. Guests can enjoy familiar favorites such as Buko Halo-Halo, Tropical Banana Split, Thai-inspired Mango Delight with sticky rice pudding, Minatamis na Saging at Mantecado Sorbetes, Kit Kat Crepes, and Dreamy Dizzle—ten flavors of ice cream with toppings of barquillos, chocolate candies, and more. These summer treats are available throughout March at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar.

Savor the Art of Raclette


Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Raclette at the Lobby Lounge. Throughout March, diners can gather with family and friends for an indulgent cheese experience, featuring a selection of Raclette variations: Traditional Swiss Raclette, Prawn Raclette, Italian Raclette, Sausage Raclette, and Vegetable Raclette. Prices start at Php 1,380 per order.

A Delightful Treat: Walnut Fig Bread at the Delicatessen


For those who appreciate a balance of wholesome and indulgent flavors, the Delicatessen introduces its Walnut Fig Bread, a delightful combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet, juicy figs. Available daily for Php 480 per piece, this artisanal bread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying treat on its own.

For inquiries, call (63 2) 8527-0011 or (63 2) 5301-5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
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Rider, sweet lover: road safety tips for you and your O.B.R.


Riding with your O.B.R. (official back rider) is one of the best ways to share the road and make memories together—but safety should always come first. A smooth, secure ride is not just about skill; it’s about responsibility, awareness, and proper preparation.

As part of its commitment to road safety and responsible riding, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA)—through its “Tropang MAALAM” campaign—reminds all riders that the key to a safe and enjoyable trip with a passenger starts with the right habits. Whether it’s a short city ride or a long road trip, knowing how to properly accommodate and protect your O.B.R. is a must.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to making every ride with your back rider safe, comfortable, and worry-free.

Two helmets, one safe ride

Your O.B.R.’s safety starts before they even hop on the bike. Helmets are not optional—both you, the rider, and your passenger need to wear a certified, properly-fitted helmet at all times.Ensure your O.B.R.’s helmet is securely fastened and fits comfortably.

Avoid loose or oversized helmets—they won’t provide proper protection.
If possible, get a full-face helmet for maximum safety!

Protecting your O.B.R.’s head is the ultimate way to say, “I care about you”!

Proper seating: stay close, stay secure

How your passenger sits can make or break the ride. A proper seating position ensures balance, comfort, and safety for both of you. Here are some tips on the correct way to sit:

Hands: Your passenger should wrap their arms securely around your waist, keeping their grip firm but comfortable.

Upper Body: They should sit as close as possible behind you, moving with you—especially when navigating sharp turns or uneven roads. Think of it as riding as one unit for better balance and control.

Knees: Their knees should press lightly against your hips, helping with stability and reducing sudden shifts in weight.

Feet: Always ensure their feet are firmly planted on the passenger foot pegs to prevent imbalance or accidental interference with bike controls.

Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors after your passenger is seated to ensure a clear rear view despite the added weight.

Head Position: Ask your passenger to rest their head on the right side when needed, rather than the left, to avoid blocking your view when checking for traffic before turning, overtaking, or moving forward.

What NOT to do:

Shifting weight unexpectedly, especially during turns.
Holding onto your shoulders or arms (this can affect your steering).
Moving suddenly, which can throw off your balance.

MDPPA tip: Always do a quick “ready?” check before hitting the road to ensure your O.B.R. is seated properly!

Communication is key: hand signals 101

Since you can’t exactly chat while riding, having basic hand signals and discussing them beforehand makes it easier to communicate while on the road. Here are some basic O.B.R. signals to know:

Pat on your side → “Slow down” or “I’m uncomfortable.”
Double tap on your shoulder → “I need to stop now.”
Thumbs up → “I’m good!”
Pointing ahead → “Watch out for that!”

Want an upgrade? If you and your O.B.R. ride together often, consider using Bluetooth intercoms for seamless communication!

Smooth moves! Ride with your passenger in mind

Riding solo is different from riding with an O.B.R.—the extra weight changes how the bike handles. Adjusting your riding style is key to a safe and smooth journey. Here are MDPPA’s tips for a smoother ride: Accelerate gradually! Sudden speed changes can throw off your O.B.R.’s balance.
Brake gently and earlier than usual to accommodate the extra weight.
Take turns smoothly. Leaning too aggressively can make your O.B.R. uneasy.

First-time back rider? Take them on a short practice ride before heading on a long trip.

Gear up, love up

Riding gear isn’t just for you—your O.B.R. needs proper protection, too! Before heading out, make sure they wear: 

  • A certified helmet (non-negotiable!)
  • A riding jacket (for wind and impact protection)
  • Gloves (for grip and comfort)
  • Pants and closed shoes (no shorts or slippers—safety first!)

If you wouldn’t let your O.B.R. go out in bad weather unprepared, don’t let them ride without proper gear!
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SM Active Hub Launches in the East

SM Supermalls has officially launched SM Active Hub, its latest initiative aimed at revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country. The grand kickoff in the East of Metro Manila on March 9 also saw thousands of fitness enthusiasts and athletes gather across SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, marking the beginning of a new era in accessible, community-driven fitness.

A Hub for Every Fitness Passion

Marikina Run Club

Marikina Run Club

In partnership with Team Malaya, the Marikina Run Club in SM City Marikina gathered a strong community of runners for an exciting kickoff. Participants engaged in warm-ups and a community run, fostering camaraderie among beginners and seasoned runners alike.

East Ortigas Run Club

East Ortigas Run Club

Supported by Anytime Fitness and Boysen, SM City East Ortigas launched its run club where participants had the opportunity to train and run along the mall’s dedicated 880-meter run path, a safe and accessible space designed for both casual joggers and serious runners.

Pickleball Hub

Pickleball East Dinkers Club Inc

Pickleball fever swept through SM Center Antipolo Downtown with an exciting tournament hosted by Pickleball East Dinkers Club Inc. Enthusiasts and experienced players took to the courts for friendly yet competitive matches, bringing more attention to the fast-growing sport in the East. The event was filled with energy, camaraderie, and sportsmanship as participants showcased their skills and embraced the excitement of the game.

Country’s Largest Playground for Sports Enthusiasts at SM Supermalls

With the launch of SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls continues to expand its commitment to health, fitness, and community engagement. SM partners with top fitness clubs and organizations to bring accessible, fun, and engaging sports experiences to everyone.

This is just the beginning—expect more exciting fitness activities and partnerships in the coming months as SM strengthens its position as the largest playground for sports enthusiasts in the country. Lace up, grab a paddle, or take the first step in your fitness journey—SM Active Hub is ready for you!
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PLDT Home WiFi rebrands to Smart Home WiFi, with all-new data offers


PLDT Home WiFi has rebranded to Smart Home WiFi as it reinforces its thrust to make high-speed and reliable connectivity even more accessible to Filipinos residing in fiber-limited areas.

Under the Smart Home WiFi brand is the new Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi, a plug-and-play WiFi device that lets users connect up to 15 devices simultaneously to Smart’s fast and reliable 5G network.

Available for only P1,995, the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi is quick to set up at home, dorm, or small office. And because it’s a prepaid device, users will only need to top up or reload the device when necessary - this means there’s no need to worry about bill shock or going over one’s budget.

UNLI and all-new BIG DATA offers

Smart Home WiFi



Smart Home WiFi users can make the most of the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi with UNLI or the all-new BIG DATA offers that give users more value-for-money as they connect for work, school, small business, or simply entertainment.

UNLI 1299 comes with unlimited internet valid for 30 days, best for worry-free surfing. This offer is perfect for multi-gadget users and families. For only P1299, parents can remain on top of their work while their children are on their gadgets streaming movies, playing their favorite mobile games, or researching for their homework.

On the other hand, BIG DATA is for those who need access to all sites and apps at more affordable prices. BIG DATA 199 comes with a total of 52 GB data (45 GB + 1 GB a day for seven days) valid for seven days, perfect for a heavy week at work, school, or small businesses.

Also available are BIG DATA 299 with a total of 72 GB data (65 GB + 1 GB a day for seven days) valid for 7 days, and BIG DATA 999 with a total of 250 GB data (220 GB + 1 GB a day for 30 days) valid for 30 days.

These Smart Home WiFi new offers are also open to existing PLDT Prepaid Home WiFi 5G+ and LTE Home WiFi subscribers.

Powered by Smart 5G network

To get the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi, simply order via the Smart Online Store, Smart official pages in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok, or head to the nearest Smart Store or authorized Smart retailers nationwide.

Smart Home WiFi users can stay on top of their Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi device by downloading the Smart App and linking their account to conveniently manage their account, and top up with their preferred data offers that suit their needs. Data offers may also be availed via e-wallets and through suki retailers.

Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart’s superior 5G network, which empowers users with blazing fast speeds so they can stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag.
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Unilab Launches New Marvel-themed PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW to Safeguard Your Kids’ Nutrition


Philippines’ first Marvel-themed vitamin supplements for the young heroes

With raising a child comes great responsibility. That much is clear for every mom who hopes to nurture aspiring young heroes-at-heart. Regular vitamin supplementation, for one, on top of proper diet and healthy lifestyle, ensures a child’s overall growth, development, and immunity defense. It helps pave the way to safeguard their nutrition to help them reach their full potential.

Celebrating its 80th year of providing quality medicine and innovating to meet consumers’ evolving needs, UNILAB continues to make Alagang Unilab felt through its products as it proudly unveils its two new vitamins—PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW,with packaging designs inspired by Marvel Super Heroes. Packed with essential nutrients for your growing heroes aged 4-12 years old, these quality vitamins help support children’s growth, development, and immunity alongside proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. These products empower parents to help their children unlock their limitless potential, all while having the comfort and stability of iconic superhero characters from their childhood.


PowerCEEZ swings in with immune-boosting power with Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Zinc. With packaging designs featuring fan-favourite Marvel characters Spider-Man and Ghost Spider, PowerCEEZ helps to boost the immune system and protects kids, the young superheroes-at-heart, from illnesses.

Meanwhile, UHP SuperGROW’s packaging design features Captain America and Captain Marvel and comes with a collectible Captain America-themed measuring cup. UHP SuperGROW has a powerful blend of Vitamins A, B Complex, C, D, and Zinc plus Taurine, Lysine, Zinc, and Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), that is specifically formulated to support children's growth, development, and overall well-being.

UNILAB upholds its commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that all its products meet the four marks of its Quality Alaga standards: Subok at Napatunayan, Ayon sa Standards, Sinuring Mabuti, and Gawang World-Class.

Extensive research and studies are conducted to formulate products that meet the highest standards, using carefully selected materials and processes, along with top-tier facilities and capabilities to ensure world-class quality. This commitment applies to all UNILAB products, guaranteeing that PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW carry the Quality Alaga promise.

The new range was introduced at Unilab’s “Super Hero Headquarters”, a themed launch event for PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW

“Consistent nutrition is key to a child’s growth and immunity. With the right vitamins, parents can help boost their little ones’ development and defense against everyday health challenges” - Pediatrician said at the Unilab event.

Guests were also given a first look at the TV commercials of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW.

“Our mission has always been to support the health and well-being of Filipino kids, empowering them to grow strong and thrive," shares Nerissa Inumerable, UHP Marketing Director. "With the launch of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW, we are giving parents the confidence that their little heroes have the right daily nutrition to fuel their growth, strengthen their immunity, and unlock their full potential. This is more than just providing vitamins—it’s about setting up the next generation for a healthier, brighter future."


The launch of PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW wasn’t just about fun — it was a celebration of every child’s strength, resilience, and potential. Like their favorite superheroes, kids need the right support to grow, thrive, and stay strong against daily challenges. UNILAB continues to live out its purpose of working towards a healthier Philippines, one quality medicine at a time – with PowerCEEZ boosting their immune defenses and UHP SuperGROW providing essential nutrients for overall health and development, , parents can equip their little heroes with the power they need to take on every adventure. 

Try the new Marvel-themed vitamins, PowerCEEZ and UHP SuperGROW, and unlock your child’s limitless potential now! Available in leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.
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The Lasting Mark of Care: Celebrating 80 Years of Alaga


What does it mean to truly leave a mark? Sometimes, it’s in the simplest gestures—a comforting touch, a reassuring word, or a quiet sacrifice made out of love. These small acts of care can create ripples that change lives in ways that people may not immediately see. This is the heart of Unilab’s 80th-anniversary celebration: sa simpleng alaga, malaki ang nagagawa (through simple care, a big impact is made).

Care is not measured by its size but by its lasting impact. A mother’s gentle hand can ease the pain of a sick child. Neighbors sharing their time to lend a helping hand can finish a difficult chore. A young lad helping an elderly lady cross the street can keep her safe. A teacher’s word of encouragement can inspire a failing student to persevere and chase their dreams. A doctor’s reassuring words can give hope to a worried patient. A sudden call from a friend can perk up a stressful day. These everyday simple moments of alaga (care) leave marks that shape individuals, families, and even an entire community.

"For 80 years, Unilab has been committed to ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every Filipino. But beyond medicine, we recognize that true alaga is in the small, everyday acts of care that create ripples of impact," says Alexander S. Panlilio, Corporate Vice President of Unilab. "This anniversary is a celebration of the many ways Filipinos show alaga and malasakit (compassion)—from our healthcare professionals to parents, teachers, mentors, and even strangers who lend a helping hand."

Different Marks of Alaga

Behind every success story are individuals who have willingly given their alaga, leaving a mark that shaped a bright future.

A Love that Inspires. Dr. Reinerio Prieto in a selfie with his late mother, Gregoria Prieto, who inspired him to leave his mark on others as a doctor.


One such story is that of Dr. Reinerio Prieto, the person’s life story that became the inspiration behind Unilab’s anniversary film. Dr. Prieto’s first encounter with care was not in a hospital, but in the quiet acts of love he experienced at home. His mother, who was a teacher, was very hands-on when it came to taking care of him and his siblings. When it came to Dr. Prieto’s dreams, she did not leave anything to chance. She was with him every step of the way—encouraging him, nurturing him, and standing by him through every challenge.

“My mother was a very strong woman. Bata pa lang ako hanggang sa naging doktor na, I drew a lot of my strength from her. And it wasn’t the big gestures she made—’yung little things ang tumatak sa akin. A nod of reassurance, a pat on the back for comfort, her smile. ‘Pag nagkasakit ako, siya ang nag-aalaga at nagbibigay ng gamot. The baon she prepared for me every day. These seemingly small things gave me a lot of motivation every time,” said Dr. Prieto.

The impact Dr. Prieto’s mother had on him is the force that drives him to help patients and communities during medical missions all around the Philippines. He knows that a personal touch of alaga can be life-changing for someone. He understands that each patient is a son, father, sister, or mother to someone else. Treating them means they will be able to continue caring for their loved ones. This ripple effect started with his mother, and now, he is passing on her kind of care to his patients.

“Napaka-eye opening ang pagpunta sa mga medical mission. Magugulat ka sa kondisyon ng maraming lugar that there’s a lack of supply of medicine, infrastructure, healthcare personnel—you name it,” said Dr. Prieto. “That’s why as doctors we know the impact our presence makes, especially to the people wanting to seek care. I personally make sure that when I attend medical missions, I give my complete attention to the patient in front of me. Kukumustahin ko siya, and as much as possible I try to explain the diagnosis and treatment carefully kasi natatakot din sila. People are sometimes afraid to ask questions. So, I tell them, nanay o tatay, kung may tanong kayo wag ho kayo matakot.”


A Doctor’s Ripple of Impact. One of Dr. Prieto’s medical missions where he puts into practice the life lessons he learned from his mother.


Dr. Rei remembers the power of simple acts of care that his mom inspired him to leave his own mark on others. "Like my mom, those who have left a mark through their care should be the ones we remember. ‘Yung impact nila lives on in every life they’ve touched. Nakaka-inspire ‘yun, kaya sana maraming Pilipino rin ang ma-inspire on how they, too, can make a difference," said Dr. Prieto.

A Call to Pay It Forward

Marka ng Alagang Unilab. A community scene depicting the main character in Unilab’s 80th Anniversary Film, inspired by a true to life story of Dr. Prieto.

Care is not just about receiving—it is a force we must keep passing forward. Sa simpleng alaga, malaki ang nagagawa is more than a reflection of Unilab’s 80-year legacy—it is a call to each of us, from all walks of life, to take part in creating a better world. No act of care is ever too small. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up for someone are simple gestures that can create ripples reaching farther than we could ever expect. It is a reminder that each of us has the power to leave a mark through the simplest acts of care. Just like Dr. Prieto’s life story, every story of care matters because it can create a ripple of change that can impact lives, communities, and generations to come.


Do you have an Alaga story to share? You may visit unilab.com.ph or follow the official Unilab Facebook page.

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Celebrate Women’s Month at SM Malls in the East: Shop, Pamper, and Shine!


March is all about celebrating the strength, beauty, and brilliance of women! This Women’s Month, SM Malls in the East—Angono, Antipolo Downtown, East Ortigas, Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Taytay—invite every queen to indulge in self-love, style, and empowerment. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, treating yourself to a well-deserved spa day, or enjoying a relaxing coffee break, SM Malls have curated the perfect experiences just for you!

Glow Up & Stand Out


Start your self-love journey with a fabulous fashion upgrade! Find trendy and elegant outfits at For Me, Unica Hija, Surplus, and Bayo. Complete your look with stylish accessories from SM Store and step out in confidence with comfy yet chic sneakers from World Balance. 


Want to add a little flair? Stay on-trend with fashionable eyewear from Ideal Vision and OJO Eyewear. Don’t forget to stay hydrated in style with a pretty pastel AquaFlask—because self-care starts from within!

Pamper & Unwind


Every queen deserves some pampering! Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating mani-pedi at Nailaholics. Looking for a radiant glow? Enjoy a refreshing facial at K Skin or achieve silky smooth skin with a painless waxing session at Hey Sugar. These luxurious treatments will leave you feeling refreshed, confident, and ready to take on the world!

Savor Every Moment


Bonding with your besties over coffee is always a great idea! Head to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or ZUS Coffee for a cozy caffeine fix. Whether you're sipping on a handcrafted brew or indulging in a sweet pastry, these little moments of joy make every sip even more special. Cheers to friendships, empowerment, and self-care!

Shop for Self-Care & Wellness


Keep your glow going all year long with the best beauty and wellness essentials! Discover top-tier skincare and self-care must-haves at Watsons, Healthy Options, BLK, Happy Skin, and SM Beauty. Whether it’s a hydrating serum, wellness supplements, or a confidence-boosting lipstick, SM Malls have everything you need to radiate beauty inside and out.

Shine Your Own Way

This Women’s Month, let SM Malls in the East be your ultimate self-care destination! Celebrate yourself, embrace your beauty, and own your shine with exclusive deals, special treats, and empowering experiences designed just for you. Because every woman deserves to feel empowered, appreciated, and absolutely fabulous!

Visit SM Center Angono, Antipolo Downtown, SM City East Ortigas, Marikina, Masinag, San Mateo, and Taytay this March and make every moment about YOU.

Follow SM Supermalls on social media for more updates and share your Women’s Month moments with us! 

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The Wit, Wisdom, and Hustle Behind Real Talk Darbs

Real Talk Darbs

Darbie Kim Estrebilla’s journey from OFW to video marketing mogul is marked by grit, creativity, and an unrelenting drive to disrupt the industry. Known for his candid insights and sharp humor, Darbie’s success isn’t just about technical expertise but authenticity and relatability.

His ability to blend wit with wisdom is evident in his content. Whether he’s breaking down complex marketing strategies or injecting hugot lines like, "Focus on the seminar first. Do not text them yet... they will just hurt you anyway," he keeps audiences engaged while delivering value.

This unique mix has allowed him to amass over a billion video views, five million followers, and a track record of training students who have collectively generated over ₱100 million in revenue. After all, people can relate to his content within their daily lives, which is one of the most important factors when it comes to engagement.

Darbie Kim Estrebilla

Beyond his on-screen persona, Darbie is a strategist at heart. His unconventional marketing experiments prove the power of positioning.

One standout moment? Selling a pen for ₱70,000—not for its material value, but because of the narrative and branding behind it. The proceeds went to charity, but the experiment reinforced a crucial lesson: success isn’t just about the product; it’s about how you market it.

His career has not been without challenges. From dealing with online bashers to navigating content stagnation, Darbie has had to evolve continuously.

He transitioned from love advice to viral social issues before finding his true calling in video marketing. Today, he helps entrepreneurs overcome limiting beliefs—especially the outdated notion that financial success requires massive capital or mainstream media exposure.

Despite his larger-than-life online presence, Darbie is an introvert at his core, recharging in solitude before stepping back into the spotlight. He also has a surprising hidden talent—he’s an exceptional gamer, admitting that if content creation hadn’t worked out, he might have pursued a career in e-sports.

Looking ahead, the future of Real Talk Darbs is packed with big moves: the opening of a 336-square-meter House Creatives headquarters, the launch of new training programs, and a landmark 3,000-person live event in December. Through it all, Darbie remains steadfast in his goal—to make Philippine entrepreneurs billionaires through the power of video marketing.

Real talk? The best is yet to come and Darbie wants you to join him for the ride.

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Power Mac Center equips Bataan schools with 4,000 MacBooks to boost digital learning


Provincial Government of Bataan, Power Mac Center team up to boost quality of education. Over 3,000 teachers and school heads receive laptops, while various schools across Bataan get to beef up their computer laboratories with Apple devices. 

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) provided the technology requirements of the Provincial Government of Bataan in its bid to accelerate capacity-building for its grade school and high school teachers.

In a recent turnover ceremony led by Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III, over 4,000 MacBook devices were distributed to Elementary teachers and School Heads, and schools with computer laboratories across Bataan. The province is accelerating the digital transformation of its classrooms by integrating technology. This initiative aims to enhance teaching and learning experiences through the adoption of digital tools and interactive learning platforms.

“Power Mac Center is honored to extend our education solutions to the local government of Bataan and its dedicated teachers to empower them amid the increasingly tech-driven education setting. We hope to partner with more local governments and members of the academe in our mission to continuously help Filipino students be globally competitive,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

As a valued Education partner, the Bataan government enjoys PMC’s special support in overall servicing, from product procurement and priority service and repair to technical training for teachers, school principals, and IT personnel. This covers topics that explore the possibilities of teaching and learning with Mac and foundational resources that will help them innovate in their classroom.

Such investment is ultimately expected to make students in Bataan more competitive and equip them with the digital skills required in the workplace now and in the future.

“Alam natin na makakatulong ito sa inyong pagtuturo, paggawa ng inyong mga lesson plans (We know that this will help you in your teaching, creating your lesson plans),” said Bataan Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia. “Makakaasa po kayo at ipinagmamalaki ko sa iba pang mga Vice Governor sa ibang probinsya na talagang ang ating SEF o special education fund ay talaga namang ramdam sa ating lalawigan ng Bataan, at talagang ibinibigay natin yung parte para sa ating education system (Rest assured and I proudly tell Vice Governors in other provinces that our SEF or special education fund is fully harnessed in our province of Bataan, and we are really giving the share for our education system).”

The event was actually the second installment of device turnovers, following the success of the initial implementation benefiting no less than 2,500 junior and senior high school teachers and Division supervisors in 2023.

Learning made limitless

PMC’s Education Business group has been paving the way for digital empowerment within the academe by extending end-to-end tailored support, from the procurement and use of Apple devices and accessories to service and training.

Its solution packages are specially designed to prepare teachers and students alike for the classroom of today and of the future. The company even accommodates Customized-to-Order (CTO) units to cater to the individual needs of schools, universities, and LGUs. With its expansive presence of over 120 retail stores nationwide, it is now easier than ever for LGUs and school administrators to accelerate their education campaigns.

In Central Luzon alone, PMC has retail presence in [Bataan] PMC SM City Bataan and PMC Vista Mall Bataan; [Bulacan] PMC SM City Baliwag, PMC SM City San Jose del Monte, PMC SM City Marilao, and The Loop SM Center Pulilan; [Nueva Ecija] PMC SM City Cabanatuan; [Pampanga] PMC SM City Clark, PMC SM City Telabastagan, PMC SM City Pampanga, PMC Vista Mall Pampanga, and The Loop Newpoint Mall; and [Zambales] PMC Harbor Point and PMC SM City Olongapo Central. PMC’s official service arm Mobile Care also has a branch at Newpoint Mall.

Meanwhile, retail customers can also avail the special education pricing for the iMac, MacBook, iPad, AppleTV, and Mac Mini, as well as Mac and iPad accessories at any Power Mac Center and The Loop store nationwide. The discount is extended to bonafide members of the academe including all students, faculty, and school and IT administrators. Flexible payment options are available.

Interested LGUs, schools, and universities can collaborate with Power Mac Center by visiting https://powermaccenter.com/pages/education or emailing concerns or inquiries to academy@powermaccenter.com.

More information on news and promos is also available in the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube, as well as The Loop Ph Facebook and The Loop Ph Instagram.
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PAL Pledges Php10 Million to Empower the Next Generation of Filipina Pilots

Tuesday, March 11, 2025


Philippine Airlines (PAL) seeks to address the gender gap in aviation through its Fly With Her program, which helps women pursue their dream of flying for the nation’s flag carrier. It recently pledged P10 million to the PAL Foundation, which oversees the scholarship program for women pilots.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organization,” said Alvin M. Miranda, PAL Vice President for Marketing.

Apart from the P10 million pledge, PAL will release a film inspired by a real-life story of a young girl who dreamed of becoming a pilot.

“When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs.

The gender gap in aviation remains significant, with only around 6% of pilots worldwide being women.

An Ally of Women in Aviation

PAL has long been a staunch supporter of women in the airline industry. In 1989, its very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first woman commercial airline pilot to fly a commercial flight. She broke barriers again in 1993, by becoming the region’s first woman airline captain. PAL continues to lead the way in opening doors for women in the male-dominated industry.

PAL continues to work for clearer and more inclusive skies in aviation, on the strength of its signature service of #CareThatComesFromTheHeart. Know more about the Fly with Her Program and PAL’s advocacy towards women in aviation by visiting https://www.philippineairlines.com/FlyWithHer.


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