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Hop Inn celebrates 10th hotel milestone with AirAsia Philippines partnership

Hop Inn Hotel, the leading budget hotel network in Asia Pacific, celebrates the opening of its 10th hotel in the Philippines in partnership with AirAsia Philippines, Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline.

Synergizing both brands’ leadership in budget travel, Hop Inn is set to launch its “Hop Inn 10 Hotels: Stay and Fly Promo” to reward its loyal customers with a chance to fly for free to Japan and their dream destinations in the Philippines via AirAsia.

Established in 2014, Hop Inn is a growing network of more than 70 budget hotels across Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. The brand is renowned for its value for money and consistent quality accommodations, centrally- located in key business districts across 3 countries. Its recent expansion to Japan is part of the company’s strategic investment plan of PHP16 billion to expand in APAC, with a mission to operate over 150 hotels and 14,000 keys across the region by 2030.

Since launching in the Philippines in 2016, the brand has been welcoming guests to 7 Hop Inn hotels in Metro Manila and 3 in key cities of Cebu, Iloilo, and newly – opened Davao.

Kirill Mokronosov, Hop Inn Senior Vice President of International Operations said, “Our 10th Hop Inn Hotel in the Philippines is a testament to our commitment in offering comfortable, convenient, and accessible travel experiences to everyone. This is a value we strongly share with AirAsia, APAC pioneer in low-cost travel, a brand which for 15 consecutive years, has been recognized as the world’s best in airline service excellence, providing affordable and safe flights for all.”

“We have had the honor of collaborating with AirAsia Philippines on many occasions, most recently for the successful launch of our 4 Hop Inn Japan hotels. As Hop Inn’s network continues to grow across APAC, we aim to strengthen our partnership and joint mission of providing quality travel experiences at competitive prices in the region,” he added.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hop Inn Hotel as they reach this milestone with their 10th hotel in the country. Our partnership reinforces our shared vision of enhancing the travel industry in the country, making it easier and more accessible for Filipinos to explore Asean and beyond” said AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla.

“Hop Inn 10 Hotels: Stay and Fly Promo” runs from September 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025. For details on how to join, visit www.hopinnhotel.com and follow Hop Inn Hotel Philippines on Facebook www.facebook.com/hopinnhotelph, Instagram www.instagram.com/hopinnhotelph, and TikTok

www.tiktok.com/@hopinnhotelph.

 #HopInn #StayandFlypromo #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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CCP Art Collection goes to BenCab Museum

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in partnership with the BenCab Museum launches two new exhibitions: Visions on Paper and Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades, opening at the BenCab Museum’s Sepia Gallery and Gallery Indigo, respectively, on view until September 2024.

Both traveling exhibitions aim to showcase significant works of Filipino visual artists from the CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection. This exhibition program, organized by the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division with support from the BenCab Museum, is a continuation of the CCP’s ongoing pursuit of making the collection accessible to a wider audience while the CCP Main Theater Building is undergoing rehabilitation.

Nena in Paris by Benedicto Cabrera.

 

Visions on Paper, exhibited at the BenCab Museum’s Sepia Gallery, presents selected works by National Artists of the Philippines. Exploring quieter forms of abstraction, portraiture, and even rhythmic composition, the exhibition aims to highlight the artist’s creative process through works on paper. Sketches reveal thoughts and ideas transferred onto paper, looking into the artist’s inner worlds with works such as a self-portrait by National Artist for Visual Art BenCab, as well as National Artist for Literature Amado Hernandez’s words inscribed on National Artist for Theater and Music Atang de la Rama’s wooden fan.

In the BenCab Museum’s Gallery Indigo, the exhibition Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades presents a sampling of the art of contemporary printmaking in the Philippines. With works spanning from the 1950s to the 2010s, the exhibition visualizes the range of artistic expressions and practices of generations of Filipino artists that have made significant contributions to Philippine printmaking.

The participating artists are National Artists Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Felipe de Leon, Atang dela Rama, Victorio Edades, Amado Hernandez, Jose Joya, Arturo Luz, H.R. Ocampo, and Guillermo Tolentino.

Untitled by Arturo Luz

 

Works of various artists are also showcased namely Jose Garcia Villa, Joseph Abando. Ambie Abaño, Raymundo Albano, Ivi Avellana-Cosio, Virgilio Aviado, Santiago Bose, Mars Bugaoan, Benjie Cabangis, Benjamin Torrado Cabrera, Jandy Carvajal, Florencio B. Concepcion, Evelyn David, Cian Dayrit, Fil Delacruz, Noell El Farol, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Josefina Escudero, Brenda Fajardo, Lynden Garcia , Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Bernadette Gular-Becares, Ojeng Jocano, Flora Mauleon, Omar Noble, Romulo Olazo, Nonon Padilla , Rod. Paras-Perez, Rhoda Recto, Cenon Rivera, Manuel Rodriguez, Sr., Marcelino Rodriguez, Rodolfo Samonte, Danny Sola, Manuel Soriano, Des Tenorio, and Efren Zaragoza.

Aside from the exhibitions, CCP and BenCab Museum will be hosting public programs such as guided tours and printmaking workshops organized in partnership with the Association of Pinoyprintmakers. These public programs aim to familiarize the general public with different forms of artmaking while broadening their appreciation for Philippine art and culture.

Both exhibitions opened last August 3, 2024 (Saturday), 4PM at the BenCab Museum. Visions on Paper at Sepia Gallery runs until September 1, 2024, while Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades at Gallery Indigo runs until September 29, 2024.

To get the latest updates on the exhibitions Visions on Paper and Chronicles in Ink: Philippine Printmaking through the Decades, follow the official CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) and BenCab Museum social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

#CCP #BenCabMuseum #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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ManilART 2024: Reflecting the Radiance of Filipino Artistic Expression

ManilART, the country’s national art fair, returns this year with the theme “Prisms & Mosaics,” highlighting the multifaceted nature of contemporary Filipino art. Set to run from October 9-13, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, this year’s event is a dynamic celebration of diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness in artistic expression. This theme aligns with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s 2024 Museums and Galleries Month theme, “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” (Art’s Harvest, A Creative Nation), which emphasizes that the abundant harvest of Filipino creativity stems from the nation’s collective imagination.

Exploring Multiple Perspectives and Collective Visions
As a prism refracts a beam of light into different wavelengths and spectra of colors, contemporary Filipino art encompasses a breadth of perspectives, techniques, and stories. Artists draw from a wellspring of inspiration: from history and traditional folklore to global trends and emerging schools of thought. While each facet retains its unique qualities, collaboration is crucial, connecting and enhancing each artist’s contribution and enriching the overall picture. Much like a mosaic, where distinct pieces form a cohesive image, art fairs and the Philippine arts and cultural scene unite individual talents into a collective celebration of artistic expression — in this unity, the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. This emphasis on collaboration reflects the Filipino spirit, known for its bayanihan, where collectivism is deeply rooted in our cultural heritage.

Myriad Expressions and Creativity in the Time of AI
This year’s roster explodes with diverse offerings that interpret the theme in both figurative and literal ways. Among the anticipated exhibits is the showcase and biographical book launch of glass master Ramon Orlina. The three-dimensional lineup includes works in glass and crystal by powerhouse Marge Organo, oversized iridescent wall-bound metalworks by Ombok Villanueva, woven wood functional art by Agi Pagkatipunan, giant brass insects and birds by Jik Villanueva, and filigreed translucent ostrich egg carvings by ManilART Head Curator Danny Rayos del Sol. Two-dimensional works include masterworks by Romulo Galicano, surreal figurative semi-murals by Darby Alcoseba, works of cultural iconography by Adeste Deguilmo, ethereal whimsical expressionism by Joe Marie Sanclaria, and bold impastos and cutting-edge glasswork by the all-female power trio of Anna Orlina, Bea Policarpio, and Abby Añover.

A special multimedia exhibit entitled “Plugged Into Fernalia— Art in the Age of AI” will juxtapose AI-generated works alongside human-made art given a set of specially-curated prompts and seeks to explore the complex interplay of technology and human creativity. Gromyko Semper assembles a roster of local and international artists to participate in this ambitious project. The lineup includes Noel Sadicon, Joshua Palisoc, Pen Medina, Isobel Francisco, Jonathan Benitez, Maria Magdamit, Judeo Herrera, Gilbert Semillano, Cheryl Hironaka, Glenn Martinez, Ali Alejandro, Roman Padilla, Angelo Padilla, Paul Benjamin Hilario, Jopeter Arias, Hermino Tan, John Melvin Garcia, Joyce Pertez, Rem Kulas, AJ Pascua, Jascha Tolentino, Vince Balandra, Raeun Ramos, James Koehnline, Christian Townsend, and Peter Gric.

Museums and Galleries Month partners and satellites

The five-day fair is co-presented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and ManilART Foundation, and banners Museums and Galleries Month in October, and coincides with satellite shows around the country.

 

ManilART’24 is supported by partners Museo Orlina, The City of Taguig, SM Supermalls, SMX Convention Center, Ladder Events Production, Vision Prime Media, Future Studios, Design Phoundry, Ticketbooth.ph, Via Mare Catering, Pure Foods Deli, BDO, MOD Coffee, Grentek Solutions, Marco Polo Ortigas, Art Caravan, and Sebastiao Cocktails. Media partners include ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), The Philippine Star, Inquirer.net, Metro, Inquirer Pop!, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Preen.ph, Business Mirror, Peoples Journal, WhenInManila.com, Scout, Pilipino Mirror, Nolisoli.ph, Klik.ph, Cebu Daily News, Experience Travel & Living, Hue TVEverywhere, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Standard, and Alike.

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ManilART’24 tickets are available at Ticketbooth.ph. For group tours and school groups, email manilartsecretariat@gmail.com. For more details and the official activities calendar, follow our social media pages at ManilART on Facebook and @manilartfair on Instagram or  visit www.manilartfair.com.

 

#ManilART2024 #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Help alleviate hunger: GlobeOne App now accepts Rewards points donations for Project PEARLS

In celebration of Project PEARLS’ 14th anniversary, Globe and TM customers can now help combat hunger in the country and give disadvantaged children a better life by donating their Rewards points to the organization through the GlobeOne app.

Project PEARLS, a partner of Globe’s hunger alleviation program, The Hapag Movement, has been tirelessly working since 2010 to provide education, empowerment, nutrition, and healthcare to communities in need across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zambales.

As it enters another year of service, Project PEARLS is expanding its fundraising efforts to reach more supporters and make an even greater impact.

“We are happy to partner with Globe in offering this convenient yet impactful way for its customers to contribute to our cause,” said Melissa Villa, Project PEARLS Founder and Executive Director. “Every donation, no matter how small, helps us provide nutritious meals, education, and healthcare to children and families in need.”

Globe and TM customers can donate as little as one Rewards point to Project PEARLS, making it easier than ever for individuals to support the organization’s vital work. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Hapag Movement’s goal of leveraging technology and partnerships to drive collective action for sustainable development.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Project PEARLS on its 14th anniversary of making a profound difference in communities across the Philippines,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe. “To mark this milestone, we are excited to empower more people to join the fight against hunger by offering our customers the opportunity to donate their Rewards points to Project PEARLS via the GlobeOne app.”

In addition to the new GlobeOne app donation channel, Project PEARLS is commemorating its anniversary with other exciting initiatives.

Project PEARLS has launched a virtual charity auction, offering supporters the chance to bid on exclusive items such as a Taylor Swift-signed acoustic guitar, framed NBA jerseys autographed by basketball legends Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Steph Curry, a trip to Tuscany, and more. While primarily targeting US-based supporters, these prizes can be shipped worldwide, expanding the reach of Project PEARLS’ fundraising efforts.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate in a gala event at the end of the month, bringing together some of Project PEARLS’ biggest partners, including Globe and Canva. This event will highlight the organization’s achievements and reinforce its commitment to creating lasting change in communities across the Philippines.

Globe’s collaboration with Project PEARLS started earlier this year. The organization became an international partner of the Hapag Movement, enabling US-based individuals and corporations to contribute to the cause through the dedicated platform at https://givebutter.com/c/globe_projectpearls/. This alliance has opened up new avenues for global engagement, particularly among the 4 million Filipino-Americans in the United States.

The Hapag Movement, launched in 2022, has already made significant strides in addressing hunger in the Philippines. To date, it has provided food packs to over 95,000 Filipinos and produced 2,662 livelihood training graduates, with 2,361 of them successfully starting their own small businesses.

Despite these efforts, the need for continued support remains crucial. In June 2024, 17.6% of Filipino families reported experiencing involuntary hunger or had nothing to eat at least once, according to the latest Social Weather Stations survey. This is an increase from 14.2% in March 2024.

Hapag Movement and Project PEARLS call on the public to support its various fundraising activities as every contribution helps the organization move closer to its vision of a world where no child goes hungry.

To learn more about how to make a lasting difference in the lives of those most in need, visit Project PEARLS/Hapag Movement website.

#Globe #ProjectPEARLS #HapagMovement #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Banwa Private Island Named Among Robb Report’s ‘Greatest 50 Luxury Hotels on Earth’ for Second Consecutive Year

Banwa Private Island is honored to announce its inclusion in Robb Report’s prestigious “Greatest 50 Luxury Hotels on Earth” list for the second consecutive year. This esteemed recognition solidifies Banwa Private Island’s position as one of the world’s premier private island destinations.

Robb Report, the definitive authority on luxury, has meticulously selected the world’s most exceptional hotels for its annual Top 50 list. These extraordinary properties offer unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance. Each hotel has been rigorously evaluated by Robb Report’s 22 Travel Masters, ensuring that only the finest establishments are recognized.

With a legacy spanning nearly half a century, Robb Report is the ultimate arbiter of luxury. The brand’s global influence and discerning readership make this recognition a testament to Banwa Private Island’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.

“We are deeply honored to be named to Robb Report’s Top 50 Luxury Hotels list once again,” said Janet Oquendo, Island Manager of Banwa Private Island. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team in creating extraordinary experiences for our guests. To be included among such prestigious properties is a true privilege.”

Nestled within the pristine marine sanctuary of northeastern Palawan, Banwa Private Island offers an intimate all-villa retreat where guests can immerse themselves in unparalleled tranquility and a profound connection with nature. Each of the six contemporary villas provides an oasis of comfort and privacy, while the island’s dedicated staff delivers intuitive and heartfelt service.

#BanwaPrivateIsland #RobbReport #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Give the Gift of Travel Through HSMA’s September Online Sale

Get up to 75% off on hotel and resort stays, dining packages, and more.

 

The September Online Sale, organized by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), is back with 85 hotels and resorts participating in the online travel fair this year.

HSMA is the premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders in the country, with members representing hospitality properties in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

What started in 2020 as a way to boost the hotel and hospitality industry during the pandemic has become the Philippines’ biggest online travel sale, an anticipated annual event known for great deals and exciting offers.

The month-long online sale, which kicks off on September 1, is the perfect chance to start your Christmas shopping—because is there a better gift than the gift of travel? You’ll give the people you love beautiful adventures, enriching experiences, and memories to cherish forever.

In 2023, approximately 3,700 vouchers were sold, totaling a revenue of  P19M.

The top ten selling properties were Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay, El Nido Resort in Miniloc island, Palawan, Bai Hotel Cebu, Okada Manila, The Lind Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa in Bohol, Belmont Hotel Manila, Seda Nuvali Laguna, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, and Acuatico Beach Resort in Batangas.

In terms of area, member properties from Southern Luzon, Palawan, Leyte, Davao, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay had the biggest share of the revenue from total sales last year.

The best part is you can do all your booking and shopping without leaving the comforts of your home—no need to trawl through multiple sites either in search of good rates.  To avail of the discounts, interested parties simply need to visit the HSMA website – hsma.org.ph/sos beginning September 1, 2024.  Once on the site, they can choose from a selection of featured destinations and hotel offers. They can immediately book and purchase their preferred hotel offers and a voucher will be sent to them soon after.  The sale officially ends at midnight on September 30, 2024.

There are 85  participating hotels and resorts this year, categorized into nine (9) clusters.

The Alabang, Pasay, and Parañaque Cluster features Acacia Hotel Manila,
B Hotel Alabang, Belmont Hotel Manila, Crimson Hotel Filinvest Manila, Grand Westside Hotel Inc, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Hyatt Regency Manila, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila, Okada Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Seda Manila Bay, and Bellevue Manila.

The Bohol, Iloilo, and Bicol Cluster includes Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort Panglao, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Misibis Bay Resort, Mithi Resort and Spa, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, and The Bellevue Resort Panglao.

The Boracay Cluster has Astoria Current, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Discovery Boracay, Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club, Feliz Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boraca,  and The Lind Boracay.

The Cebu Cluster includes Bai Hotel Cebu, Belmont Hotel Mactan, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort, J Park Cebu, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebu, and Savoy Hotel Mactan.

The Manila and Makati Cluster features Bayview Park Hotel, Diamond Hotel Philippines, Dusit Thani Manila, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Seda Residences Makati, Sheraton Manila Bay, The Manila Hotel, and Winford Manila Resort and Casino

The North Luzon Cluster comprises Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Clark Marriott Hotel, Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, and Swissôtel Clark Philippines.

The Palawan and Davao Cluster has Acacia Hotel Davao, Astoria Palawan, Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Samal, Dusit D2 Davao, Dusit Thani Lubi, Lihim Resorts El Nido, Miniloc Island Resort El Nido, and Seda Lio.

The Pasig, Taguig and Quezon City Cluster includes Ace Hotel and Suites, Astoria Plaza, B-Hotel Quezon City, BSA Twin Tower, Discovery Suites, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, F1 Hotel Manila BGC, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Joy Nostalg Hotel, Luxent Hotel, Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Seda BGC, Seda Vertis North, and The Linden Suites.

The Southern Luzon Cluster features Acuatico Beach Resort and Hotel, Acuaverde Beach Resort and Hotel, Anya Resort Tagaytay, Bayleaf Cavite, Club Balai Isabel, Hacienda Isabella, Pico Sands Hotel, Quest Hotel Tagaytay, Seda Nuvali, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Taal Vista Hotel, The Farm at San Benito, Timberland Highlands Resort, and Twin Lakes Hotel.

The sale runs from September 1 to 30, 2024, via HSMA’s website – hsma.org.ph/sos For more information, visit or follow  @hsmaph on Facebook and Instagram.  

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-xxxx Series of 2024.

Featured photo: HSMA Board of Directors with Alfred Lay (center), Director of Hotels, Tourism & Leisure, Leechiu Property Consultants during the HSMA General Membership Meeting and September Sale media launch held at Sheraton Manila Bay.

 

#HSMA #SeptemberOnlineSale #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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SMX Convention Center Celebrates Grand Return of Culinaire 2024 Featuring 10 Partner Caterers

The largest convention center operator in the country SMX Convention Center marked the grand return of its signature culinary event, Culinaire last August 6, 2024 with the captivating theme “Flavor Flix.” Over a thousand guests enjoyed a unique dining experience showcasing the culinary excellence of 10 esteemed partner caterers with the thrilling flair of movies and series from popular streaming platforms.

Held in the expansive Function Rooms 3-5 of SMX Convention Center Manila, which together span a total venue space of 5,200 square meters, the event transformed the place into a vibrant culinary wonderland. All 10 caterers showcased their creativity and event styling inspired by a film of their choice. Guests had the chance to savor a full range of offerings, starting with free-flowing cocktails at the “Love Island” bar by Event Shakers, and a tantalizing set of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, from the rest of the caterers.

The partner caterers and their film adaptation themes were: BIZU with Bridgerton, CONRAD MANILA with Memoirs of a Geisha, The Creamery Catering with Queen Charlotte, Hizon’s Catering with The Bear, Via Mare with Maria Clara, Kitchen City with Squid Game, Tjioe Chew with Mulan, Juan Carlo with Stranger Things, M Catering with Avatar, and Event Shakers with Love Island.

The Creamery’s “Queen Charlotte” Presentation –
Inspired by the film series “Queen Charlotte,” The Creamery captivated guests with a regal display of culinary artistry at the 2024 Culinaire event.

 

Throughout the evening, guests also participated in the voting process to determine the People’s Choice Awards with categories: Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, and Best Dessert. Meanwhile, a panel of culinary experts conducted a blind tasting earlier in the night to determine their own top picks.

THE CREAMERY Afternoon Tea with Charlotte – Awarded “Best Dessert” by the panel of judges (Pistachio Tres Leches, Vanilla Mascarpone on white Chocolate Cup. Garnished with Strawberry Shavings and Edible Butterfly).

 

The winners were announced with much anticipation: Best Appetizer was awarded to The Creamery’s “The Queen’s Garden,” Best Entrée went to Juan Carlo’s “Vecna’s Enigma,” and Best Dessert was claimed by The Creamery’s “Afternoon Tea with Charlotte.” In the People’s Choice Awards, Juan Carlo swept all categories, earning top honors for their appetizers, entrées, and desserts, with their “Stranger Things” theme.

Opening the event, Mr. Michael Jaey Albaña, Vice President – General Manager of SMX Convention Center, highlighted the significance of Culinaire’s return after a long hiatus since 2019. It can be recalled that the previous years have been challenging for the MICE and events sector, caused by the pandemic. “Each offering is not just food but a story, a piece of art that showcases the ability and eagerness to elevate the experience of your event.” He noted that as the industry begins to recover robustly in 2024, this event represented a celebration of its resurgence.

As the premiere event venue operator in the country, SMX Convention Center continues to lead the industry in providing exceptional venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). However, as Albaña highlighted, Culinaire also exemplifies SMX’s flexibility in celebrating life’s important milestones, such as birthdays and weddings.

This year’s event was a remarkable collaboration between partner caterers and SMX-accredited event suppliers, including Black Tie Entertainment for the live band and DJ; Metrotech, CNS Events Solutions, FORSC INK INC, City Neon Philippines, Inc, Centrex, MSD Godspeed, Ginger Event Styling, RSL for lights and sound, GEV ME for the automated registration system, and STAGES as event organizers.

The evening was filled with exquisitely prepared dishes and top-notch entertainment, ensuring guests experienced the full magic of Flavor Flix.

#SMXCulinaire2024 #FlavorFlix #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Carlos Yulo: The Golden Boy of Philippine Gymnastics

Carlos Yulo’s remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics have not only elevated his personal standing but have also brought immense pride and honor to the Philippines. Securing double Olympic gold in artistic gymnastics is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Congratulations to Carlos Yulo on this extraordinary accomplishment!

 

Despite his many trials in the sport, Carlos Edriel Yulo has shown unshaken dedication and unwavering determination that led him to his historic win in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Gymnastics was once a popular female sport, but Yulo’s win as a Filipino gymnast is historic as it is iconic, breaking gender stereotypes. His win had put gymnastics in the same spotlight as other sports like basketball and volleyball.

The playground

Journeys have to start somewhere. Caloy’s journey started small and unorthodox. He was seen happily tumbling in a playground by his grandfather, Rodrigo Francisco, who took Caloy to a nearby Rizal Memorial Complex to see if he would take a liking for gymnastics. “One time may lumapit sa amin na gymnast and may kaibigan din siya na nagturo sa amin. Tapos sinabi nila, bakit hindi kami sumali ng gymnastics doon sa may Rizal (Memorial Complex),” he said according to a Spin article in 2019.

His immediate display of talent showed remarkable promise.

The longer he trained, the fewer young gymnasts there were. Parents would pull their kids out of gymnastics, believing they would have no future in a sport like gymnastics. The Yulos, however, thought that the sport would open doors for Caloy.

Caloy as a young gymnast

As a young athlete, Caloy had already shown great talent in gymnastics, winning medals for different skills. In 2019 he started competing in the Palarong Pambansa — a multi-sport event for elementary to high school students nationwide. Representing the National Capital Region (NCR), he was part of the team that won gold, while claiming silver in floor exercise and fifth in individual all-around.

In 2013, Carlos Yulo moved up to junior-level competitions where he would earn more medals. He was coached by Allen Aldrin Castañeda who would eventually become his coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Training in Japan

As years passed, Caloy’s career opened many doors for him. In 2016, he was sent to train in Japan under Coach Munehiro Kugimiya and supported by the Federation Internationale Gymnastique and the MVP Sports Foundation who would then prepare his way at the senior level of international competitions.

Kugimiya trained Yulo to become an elite athlete. He became a head-turner at the 2018 Doha World Championships, earning a bronze medal in the floor exercise before winning a historic gold medal in the floor exercise at the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. This historic win was his ticket to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

His stay in Japan was quite an eventful time in his life and career. He encountered many issues concerning his love life, family, and career. Caloy’s girlfriend, Chloe San Jose, was partially blamed for his losses as fans deemed her a distraction in his training. Caloy denied this and said that Chloe served as part of his motivation. He directly credits Chloe saying, “Naturuan din kasi ako ng partner ko na mag-grow, dati puro gymnastics lang ang alam ko… siya ‘yung part ng motivation ko ‘pag ginagawa ko ‘yung gymnastics ko po.”

 

Carlos with his GF Chloe San Jose in Paris. Courtesy: Carlos Edriel Yulo FB

 

Caloy decided to part ways with his Japanese coach, sparking controversy over his career and relationship with his mentor. He then explained that the decision was of no ill intent but rather a decision he would make to further push his career as a gymnast. Despite netizens and fans calling Yulo an ingrate, the Japanese coach and his mentee would remain tension-less as Coach Kugimiya later expressed his pride for the Filipino athlete upon his win at the Olympics in Paris. Yulo eventually went back under the coaching of his then mentor Coach Castañeda.

Carlos Yulo and weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz paved the way for aspiring athletes to pursue their passion for any sport. He will remain the Philippines’ golden boy, earning two iconic Olympic gold medals for his beloved country.

Contributed by Dana Angela Belo

#CarlosYulo #Olympicgoldmedalist #Filipinoathlete #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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The 35th Philippine Travel Mart Focuses on Love the NextGen Tourism

The Philippines’ longest running travel fair  is back. Philippine Travel Mart will take place at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from Sept. 6 to 8, bringing you great travel packages, deals and discounts so you can have more adventures across the country and abroad.

It’s a celebration of the beauty and culture of the Philippines. Through the years, the fair became popular for showcasing diverse destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with its grand regional pavilions.

Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), the 35th Philippine Travel Mart will bring together almost 300 tour operators, tourism offices, travel agencies, airlines, hotels, resorts in one event and they are ready to help make your travel dreams come true. The theme this year is Love the NextGen Tourism, signifying PHILTOA’s focus on the following tourism trends – Sustainability, Digitalization, Inclusivity, and Health and Wellness.

The Philippine Travel Mart is supported by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). The TPB reaffirms its very strong support to contribute to its continued success in showcasing the Philippines as a world-class tourist destination.

“Our collaboration for this event is essential as tourism is one of the most vital contributors to the country’s economy. And this year’s Philippine Travel Mart comes at an opportune time to build on the momentum gained by the industry,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Nograles during the 35th Philippine Travel Mart media launch at the Grand Westside Hotel in Paranaque. “Over the past few decades, we have witnessed how this event has sparked interest in various attractions across our 7,641 islands.

Nograles added that the travel fair has also been crucial to the development of the country’s MICE sector. Various establishments have discovered tourism products that take their meetings, incentive travels, conventions, and exhibitions to a whole new level. “This is very much in line with the goals of ‘MICE Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart,’ which aims to create a world-class MICE initiative with a stronger sales force, an empowered private sector, and the full support of the government- all encapsulated in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.”

Nograles also mentioned that globally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, and the tourism department is proud to be at the forefront of this movement in the Philippines.

“As tourism stakeholders, our commitment to preserving the natural and cultural treasures we promote drives our approach to sustainable practices. And this is best exemplified by the innovative pavilion design we will build at the Philippine Travel Mart. The pavilion will tell the wonderful stories of our country and our people, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness that define Filipino ingenuity. The materials of the structure will then be upcycled to the TPB office, ensuring nothing goes to waste. This is a testament to our ability to balance growth with environmental stewardship, so future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our country,” said Nograles.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Team with TPB COO Margarita Nograles.

 

Last year, the Philippine Travel Mart drew approximately 60,000 travelers and visitors in search of their next adventures.

The three-day fair is your chance to book highly popular destinations and perhaps your old favorites but it’s also a great opportunity to discover new corners of the country to fall in love with.

How much of the Philippines have you already explored? Last year, attendees got the chance to  book tour packages from all corners of the Philippines, including  the Spratly Islands and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This year, a number of exhibitors will also sell packages to popular  international destinations—Asia, the US, Europe and Australia as well..

Visit philtravelmart.com, email philtravelmart@philtoa.com and follow @philtravelmart on Facebook and Instagram.

 

#35thPhilippineTravelMart #Philippines #TPB #DOT #MargaritaNograles #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Build Your Intelligent Home

Globe AT HOME has partnered with XIAOMI, a global leader in accessible quality technology, to bring exclusive online offers catering to the needs of modern Filipino households.

Together with XIAOMI’s innovative devices, Globe AT HOME aims to provide the best value for fiber connectivity that helps build intelligent homes and enhance the digital experience of its customers.

Until August 31, new GFiber Prepaid subscribers will receive a P500 XIAOMI voucher with every successful application. This initiative provides affordable and reliable internet solutions while granting access to XIAOMI’s wide range of intelligent devices.

Follow this simple process to get the e-gift certificate:

  • Redeem the promo code via Globe Rewards, no points required. Search “P500 XIAOMI voucher with NEW GFiber Prepaid Application” in the Rewards catalog.
  • Alternatively, find the promo code on marketing materials available on https://XIAOMIstoreph.com/, the official XIAOMI Facebook page, and select XIAOMI authorized  stores nationwide.
  • Enter the promo code in the “referral code” field when applying for GFiber Prepaid.To apply, simply go to globe.com.ph or the GlobeOne app.
  • Receive the P500 XIAOMI voucher via SMS within three business days of installation.

GFiber Prepaid boasts numerous benefits, including high-speed internet up to 50 Mbps for as low as P23 per day over 30 days, reloadable UNLI Internet with no monthly bills, no contract, and a quick installation process within 24 hours.

Existing Globe AT HOME subscribers are also in for a treat with a 10% discount on select XIAOMI items.

The process to claim this discount is straightforward:

  • Redeem and get the registration link via Globe Rewards without needing any Rewards points. Search for “10% discount on XIAOMI” in the Rewards catalog.
  • Register your Globe AT HOME account details, whether GFiber Plan postpaid or GFiber Prepaid, in the provided form.
  • Within 5-7 business days, XIAOMI will send instructions via email to access the exclusive page offering the discount.

“We are committed to bringing the best value and technology to our customers. Through our partnership with XIAOMI, we aim to empower more households with high-quality internet and cool devices, making intelligent homes a reality for many Filipinos,” said Abigail Cardino, VP and Head of Brand Management for Globe’s Broadband Business.

“XIAOMI is excited to partner with Globe AT HOME to bring our innovative and practical technology to Filipinos, making their daily lives more convenient and enjoyable,” said Tomi Adrias, Head of Marketing at XIAOMI Philippines.

 #PanahonNa para sa mabilis at sulit na UNLI Internet! Apply through https://gfiberprepaid.globe.com.ph/ or the Globe One app to begin creating an intelligent home.

#GlobeATHOME #Xiaomi  #rubyspreciousmoments  #rubyasoyph