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| First Vice President Lloyd R. Manaloto and Eduardo E. Torres with the gold citation trophy won by Smart Communications Inc. at the 2024 Panata Brand Effectiveness Awards (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) took home the lone Gold citation for Single Medium – Out of Home (OOH) Marketing Communications Channels category at the 2024 Panata Brand Effectiveness Awards held last September 6, 2024 inside the Seda Hotel at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City. Organized by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the annual awards is a grand celebration of excellence and effectiveness in advertising in the country.
Smart, an official global partner of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted the historic basketball tournament and turned the Mall of Asia (MOA) Ball into a massive basketball with a hoop OOH to celebrate the tournament and the Filipinos’ love of the game. With the help of Metropolis Evolving Media Solutions Corporation & Up Rising Corporation, Smart was able to light up the MOA ball which was considered as one of the most awe-inspiring and larger-than-life basketball tributes in the country and perhaps the world. “We share this citation with the teams that worked on this project and our partner agencies for making the MOA Ball basketball tribute part of the country’s basketball history and one memorable reminder for Filipinos to be truly proud of as we successfully hosted the climax of the FIBA World Cup 2023,” said Smart Senior Vice President for Wireless Consumer Business Kristine A. Go. Smart First Vice President Lloyd R. Manaloto added, "Smart’s MOA Ball OOH really took our FIBA World Cup 2023 hosting to a whole new level for basketball fans and FIBA delegates from all over the world."
Aside from the Panata gold award, the Smart MOA Ball execution also earned prestigious recognitions from local and international award-giving bodies including a bronze award from the 2023 CLIO Sports Awards, Excellence in OOH Advertising from the Marketing Excellence Awards 2024, and Best Outdoor Ad from BestAdsOnTV.com. The MOA Ball measuring 1.5 meters in diameter inside a goal with 111 meters in circumference was the result of the hard work of 248 workers (on-site workers, engineers, safety officers, and designers among others) who made sure basketball fans were in for a mesmerizing and worthy reminder that Filipinos were able to welcome the world’s best basketball players and teams for a once in a lifetime experience. Smart remains a global partner of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 to be held in Qatar. The four-year partnership extension comes from the telco's stellar promotional work for FIBA 2023.
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Paskong Pinoy With AI: Google And Commune Cafe Use Gemini To Create Special Bibingka Latte
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| Google Gemini x Commune Cafe's limited-time-only Special Bibingka Latte (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Google Philippines/Commune Cafe) |
Showcasing the transformative potential of human-AI partnership, Google and Commune Cafe have teamed up to brew something that’s absolutely delicious and uniquely Pinoy at the same time. Commune is currently serving the Filipino-flavored Special Bibingka Latte, a limited-edition coffee blend that’s created in collaboration with Google's generative artificial intelligence (AI) product Gemini. The Special Bibingka Latte is heavily inspired by the flavors of the iconic Filipino delicacy which is popular during the country’s extended Christmas season which anecdotally starts in September, the year’s first -ber month. The drink is comprised of Commune’s espresso and steamed milk, topped by savory shreds of salted egg and queso de bola to evoke the familiar feels of the holiday kakanin. Finally, the Latte is then rounded out by a torched banana leaf to complete the Pinoy experience.
To craft this unique drink, Commune used the power of Google’s Gemini, a helpful generative AI designed to enhance people’s capabilities to think, create, and work. Gemini presented an array of innovative drink concepts, serving as a springboard for Commune’s talented baristas to develop their own masterpiece. As part of the partnership, Google provided training on generative AI and Gemini to Commune Cafe staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively harness Gemini. Following the training, the staff participated in a mini-workshop where they were divided into groups and competed to put their knowledge into practice and explore the creative possibilities of Gemini within the cafe setting. “Using Gemini for experimenting with concoctions was a lot of fun. It felt like having an extra brain in the room, ready to toss ideas around. It also streamlined our creative process significantly. Having access to Gemini’s vast knowledge made the whole process enjoyable and collaborative," said Commune Cafe Chief Coffee Extractor Rosario "Ros" Juan.
“We’re so excited to partner with Commune and bring the Special Bibingka Latte to coffee lovers across the city. This project is a celebration of the delicious possibilities that arise when human creativity and AI blend together. It’s also a tribute to the spirit of Filipino Christmas and the unique flavors of our local delicacies, like Bibingka, which we’re immensely proud to share with the world,” said Google Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Mervin Wenke. Located at the bustling neighborhood of Poblacion in Makati, Commune is renowned for its high-quality coffee that’s fully sourced from the Philippines and inviting cafe atmosphere. The Gemini-inspired Special Bibingka Latte is available for a very limited time only so if you’re a coffee enthusiast, visit the cafe and experience this delicious creation now until September 26, 2024. For every other creative and productive endeavor, Gemini is here to help with its impressive capabilities. Try it out now and see what it can help you come up with at gemini.google.com.
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Xiaomi Enables Mobile Connectivity And Entertainment With The SIM-Powered Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G
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| (Image Source: Megabites/Xiaomi Philippines) |
Enabling entertainment anywhere on the go, Xiaomi released the new Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G in the Philippines which boasts a SIM card slot for added mobile data connectivity. This compact yet powerful tablet offers a cinematic experience, exceptional audio, and seamless connectivity, all in a stylish and portable design. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G is designed to be your go-to entertainment companion wherever you are, giving you mighty fun in a tiny pad package.
It gives an immersive theater experience with its 8.7-inch display with 600 nits of brightness and a 1500:1 contrast ratio ensures clear and vibrant visuals, even in outdoor settings. The 10-bit color depth delivers stunning color accuracy and detail while the 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and responsive experience. It’s also equipped with dual stereo speakers that deliver powerful and immersive sound. Running on Dolby Atmos® support, you can enjoy enhanced audio quality for movies, music, and games. Along with its entertainment capabilities, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G boasts a built-in SIM card slot so you can stay connected to the internet and make calls on the go even without WiFi. Enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and social media no matter where you are. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G can also keep you entertained all day. The large 6,650mAh battery ensures you can enjoy your favorite content for hours without worrying about running out of power. It’s also powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor that can handle all your demanding tasks with ease.
The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G boasts a sleek and stylish design that is both comfortable to hold and easy to carry. It is available in three vibrant colors: Graphite Gray, Aurora Green, and Sky Blue. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G is now available in Xiaomi authorized stores for only Php9,499 for the 4 GB + 128 GB variant and Php8,499 for the 4 GB + 64 GB variant with a Php500 discount on top of a free cover worth Php699 and when you buy from now until September 26, 2024. Experience mighty fun with the amazing portable theater experience today with the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G!
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Experience The Legacy Of Disney In Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero
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| (Image Source: SM Supermalls) |
The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero. Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as they join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and friends from around the Disney Kingdom on a journey through timeless tales of heroism when Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero skates into the Philippines from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Disney On Ice Presents Find Your Hero brings beloved characters to life through cutting edge figure-skating, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, high-flying jumps, and breathtaking skating make the holiday spectacle an experience the whole family will treasure forever.
Join Mirabel as she sets out to save her family’s beloved Casita, all while learning that everyone has their own gifts, magical or not, and being true to yourself and loving those around you is what makes you special. See how far Moana will go when she embarks on an action-packed voyage with mighty demigod Maui in a quest to save her island, become a wayfinder, and find her own identity. Journey alongside Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf on their quest to protect the kingdom. Dive “Under The Sea” and test the power of true love with The Little Mermaid. Get tangled with Rapunzel as she dares to explore the world outside her own. And be there as Belle boldly tames the fearsome Beast. Discover that courage, determination and heart are all part of the hero in you! This event is made possible via its official bank partner Metrobank Mastercard.
Metrobank Mastercard credit cardholders can get first dibs on Disney On Ice tickets during the presale on September 20-22, allowing them to snag the best seats in the show. Official sale starts on September 25, 2024. You may buy tickets at any authorized SM Tickets nationwide or online at www.smtickets.com. To purchase tickets online, just log in to the official SM Tickets website and create an account. Registered SM Tickets Online members shall proceed to the Disney On Ice show page, view available seats and choose from the complete list of ticket prices.
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Catch Awesome Adventures At 7-Eleven: Pokémon Teams Up With Convenience Store Giant For Special Merch And More
| (Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/7-Eleven Philippines) |
In its constant pursuit to foster community, 7-Eleven has mastered collaborating with popular brands that can stir excitement among its customers. This month, 7-Eleven goers can jump on another awesome adventure as a legendary partnership is making noise in regions far and wide: that between the convenience store giant and one of the most beloved media franchises in the world, Pokémon. A brand that’s captured the hearts of many with its range of video games, animated series and films, trading cards, and mobile apps, Pokémon’s zest for exploration will definitely provide an irresistible thrill for fans of the franchise and 7-Eleven alike. The partnership was launched last September 13, 2024 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at 7-Eleven Centris 1 in Quezon City. Present at the milestone occasion were representatives from 7-Eleven Philippines, The Pokémon Company, and Niantic Inc., the company behind the hit mobile game Pokémon GO.
Both brands kicked things off by dressing up 7-Eleven Centris 1 in full Pokémon decor with 7-Eleven Arnaiz Avenue in Makati and 7-Eleven St. Theresa Casa Rosario in Cebu to follow in the next few months. To add to the fun, 7-Eleven Centris 1 has also been turned into a PokéStop in Pokémon GO along with the rest of the Philippine 7-Eleven stores. Customers can now venture to the branch nearest to them for the full Pokémon experience by channeling their inner trainer and catching their coveted Pokémon through the Pokémon GO app on their smartphones. Gamers can then take a break from playing and enjoy their go-to 7-Eleven products wrapped in Pokémon-themed packaging. There’s Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur for Crunch Time; Pikachu and Snorlax for 7-Fresh Siopao; Meowth for Big Bite; Jigglypuff for Fundae; Gyarados for GULP; Eevee, Flareon, and Jolteon for the small, medium, and large cups of City Cafe respectively; and Umbreon for Prima. The themed packaging is currently available in 7-Eleven stores across Luzon but will be implemented across the country starting October.
Meanwhile, trading card game fans have it extra special as Pokémon Trading Card Game Booster Packs are up for grabs in 1,500 7-Eleven stores nationwide. There’s a surprise for every fan too. For every purchase of one Booster Pack which starts at Php259, buyers will receive one limited edition Pokémon 7-Eleven Promo Card. Definitely an extra treat for fans to engage with the community and collect, train, battle, and trade in the spirit of the franchise. Experience the 7-Eleven and Pokémon partnership today and prepare to embark on a great journey and become the very best of them all at 7-Eleven. For more information and updates, visit and follow 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook, Instagram (@711ph), X (@711philippines) and TikTok (@711philippines)for more information.
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ONE Championship Announces Partnership With Upcoming MMA Action-Drama "The Beast In Me" Starring Russell Crowe And Daniel MacPherson
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| (Image Source: ONE Championship) |
ONE Championship (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, announced an official partnership with The Beast In Me, a feature-length MMA action-drama film from Broken Open Pictures that is scheduled to begin filming later this year. ONE will be featured prominently in the film which stars Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man) who co-wrote the script and Daniel MacPherson (Land of Bad, Foundation, Infini), among others. Select ONE talent including ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong are also expected to make appearances in the movie.
On January 24, 2025, a ONE Friday Fights live event at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand will play host to an MMA action scene for the film with additional footage being captured throughout fight week. Sityodtong stated, “I am thrilled to be partnering with the star-studded cast and production team behind The Beast In Me. I am confident ONE is the best platform to help tell their story of grit, perseverance, and determination. We cannot wait to host their entire team in Bangkok at a ONE Friday Fights fight week in January.” The Beast In Me producer and co-writer David Frigerio said, “We are excited to be partnering with ONE Championship as we create a film that resonates with fans, celebrating the spirit of competition, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. With access to ONE’s vast network of athletes and events, we are poised to deliver an exhilarating cinematic experience that reflects the true heart of martial arts.”
In the film, MacPherson plays an out-of-work former MMA fighter who suffers a personal tragedy involving his brother. With the help of a veteran trainer played by Crowe, he sets out to avenge his brother by coming out of retirement to compete in ONE Championship. The film will be directed by Tyler Atkins and produced by Frigerio, along with Tim O’Hair and John Schwarz, with Shane Abbess and Brett Thornquest serving as executive producers. More details on the film, including an official release date and global distribution partners, will be announced in the future.
