However, the demand for motorcycle taxis has also encouraged practices that put commuters in a pinch. If you’ve ever stood by a curb in the metro while waiting for a ride, you’ve probably been approached by a random habal-habal driver offering to ferry you – for an exorbitant kontrata price, with no guarantees on safety or expertise. On the other hand, once you look to motorcycle hailing apps for safety, you then face a bidding war to get a ride due to some apps’ pre-book tipping systems.

Your safety and money are not worth sacrificing just for a ride home. Every commuter deserves a fair and just commute, so we’re sharing these #DiskartengTapat tips for you to keep in mind when you’re out on the streets.

Check if you’re getting fair rates 

Did you know that there’s a government organization named the Motorcycle Taxi Technical Working Group (TWG) that creates guidelines for motorcycle ride fares? This matrix was created to ensure that riders get fair prices on their rides. One way to make sure that your fare follows this matrix is by asking for a receipt from your driver, where you can inspect the breakdown of your bill.

Ride with a driver with proper credentials

Government-approved riders must be registered with the LTFRB, which is mandatory for any driver under motorcycle ride-hailing apps. These credentials ensure that you are riding with a competent and trained driver, and that they can be held accountable if something goes wrong with your ride.

Don’t engage in kontrata; only tip if you want to

Protect your hard-earned money by asserting your right to fair prices. Kontrata bookings, where habal-habal riders ask you for arbitrary – and often costly – fares, is an illegal practice. This extra cost can sometimes also be disguised as tips. Remember that tips should be completely optional, and any driver who requires it is taking advantage of desperate times for hard-pressed commuters.

Practice proper rider etiquette 

Of course, we can only demand a fair ride if we ourselves are fair to our drivers. Make sure that you are practicing proper hygiene and safety practices to ensure that you both have a safe ride. Stay alert and avoid using your phone during travel, since your body’s positioning can influence the balance of the vehicle. It would also be wise to wear a face mask in public, especially on a motorcycle ride with close proximity, to help lessen the spread of illnesses.

MOVE IT’s upgraded app elevates motorcycle taxi experiences

Motorcycle taxis are a great option for commuters who need a little relief from the daily grind, and that’s why we have to protect the features that make it great by asserting fair, just, and safe rides.

With a vision to provide commuters the rides they deserve, MOVE IT has officially upgraded its app through a technology partnership with Grab. The motorcycle taxi app now touts enhanced and industry-leading safety features such as in-app driver and passenger chats, which protect the mobile number privacy of both riders and drivers. The app also has other safeguards like Share My Ride, which allows passengers to share their live location to loved ones, and a 24/7 emergency center, which gives passengers and riders easy access to emergency contacts and law enforcement. 

Harnessing the cutting-edge online mapping system GrabMap and Navigation, MOVE IT also boasts a precise pinning capability and optimized routing – effectively saving time and mileage for passengers and riders. And lastly, motorcycle taxi commuters will now enjoy a crash-free booking experience with the upgraded app’s 99.9% uptime. 

MOVE IT strictly abides by TWG’s set fare matrix, and even better – they have a Mas Murang Rides Guarantee program that gives riders a voucher for the fare difference versus any competitor with a fare/km matrix that is proven lower than MOVE IT’s prices. Championing transparency in the industry, MOVE IT also developed a fare calculator on its website to help passengers confirm if their fare is aligned with what’s been set by the government. 

Want to experience a #DiskartengTapat ride from MOVE IT? Download the upgraded app now via Playstore and App Store or through bit.ly/moveitupgradedapp. Stay updated by following their Facebook page today. – Rappler.com

Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by MOVE IT Philippines and was produced by BrandRap, the sales and marketing arm of Rappler. No member of the news and editorial team participated in the production of this piece.

How would you define love?

You might have different answers to that question depending on what stage you are in life. Maybe you were set on a fantasy when you were younger, then fell for its complete opposite growing up. Maybe now, you’re not thinking of it at all. Whatever your answer is, one of the beautiful things about love is that it can grow and change like we do.

In the same wave, society has had its own definitions of what love should be. For years, heterosexual relationships have been the standard for happily ever after. But now, we’re throwing away the script and seeing love beyond boundaries.

While we’re on a more inclusive path to breaking down walls against LGBTQ+ relationships, dating remains a crazy rollercoaster ride. But experience is still the best teacher, even more so for those paving their own path.

This Pride Month, we spoke to members of the LGBTQ+ community to find out what dating advice they wish they heard when they were younger – and the sage advice they would give to the younger LGBTQ+ community today.

Don’t rush it

Ayie Licsi, a 25-year-old queer woman, would tell her younger self to be patient while she’s still figuring out her sexuality.

“Sure, everybody around you is getting into relationships, but just be patient,” Ayie shared. “You’re probably crushing on boys right now and soon you’ll figure out you don’t really like them!”

On the other hand, 48-year-old gay man, Kraus Estanislao, also shared a practical piece of advice we need to hear when we’re lovestruck and deep in the moment: “Don’t say I love you on a first date.”

“Always have room in your heart for yourself, follow your intuition, it’s always right,” Kraus added.

55-year-old Maddy Tolosa, who identifies as a lesbian, also echoed their advice and emphasized the importance for LGBT youth to get to know someone before falling in headfirst “I would advise my younger self to take it easy and not to rush dating any girl that shows interest in her. It ends up messy. I would advise her to stick to one.”

Surround yourself with people who accept you 

You might think that someone as confident as a drag queen would be an ace in dating, but 29-year-old drag queen and gay man Bryce Montecalvo (also known as Ultraviolette) shared that the insecurities he had growing up made him the star he is now.

“The number one rule I would give my younger self is to accept yourself first,” Bryce shared. “You have to understand that you will grow up in a world that’s different from the norm and that’s why it’s worth it.”

Bryce adds that you might feel pressured to mold yourself into being a socially-acceptable and “dateable” person, but you have to be who you are because “if they can’t accept the real you, they don’t deserve the best you.”

Aside from a partner, it’s also important to find people that understand that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community comes with its setbacks and judgment from society, but they just want to bust misconceptions and let others know that their love is as pure and tender as any relationship.

“Who doesn’t know any LGBT couples nowadays?” 37-year-old gay man AC Gabat queried. “Little do they know that our love is incomparable and is always overflowing, romantically or not.”

“The love we pour into everything is pure and selfless. No one is allowed to dictate who we ought to give our love to or who deserves it.”

It’s also important to remember that while they deserve acceptance, traditional gender roles shouldn’t be the standard when it comes to perceiving LGBT couples.

“People also think that same-sex couples have to fill certain gender roles in the relationship, but we don’t. Nobody’s the man in a sapphic relationship and nobody’s the woman in a gay one,” Ayie shared. 

“We just wanna love our partner and take care of them the best we can in our own ways, gender roles and stereotypes be damned.”

Learn to give love

While it’s important to find someone worthy to love, Kraus added that it’s important to be someone who knows how to give it too.

“It’s just as important to ask yourself the same question: Do I even pass the list of requirements that I made for others to be with me? Can I give them the love that they need from me?”

Kraus is now happily married to his husband from the United Kingdom, and they made the purpose of their relationship clear as early as the second date.

“We said that we’d like to be together and we agreed to get to know each other on a daily basis, that way we can understand each other better. After 18 years together, we still try to know each other.”

Whether you’re in a long-term relationship like Kraus or still in the infatuation stage, there’s nothing better than boldly expressing your love. For when you want to live and love out loud, grab a cone of Cornetto Pride – Cornetto’s new creamy & crunchy ice cream that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.

With its rainbow of colorful flavors and an all-new loud-and-proud design, Cornetto Pride is here to show your authentic colors and proudly express yourself to the people that matter most. 

There’s nothing wrong with taking that leap, and acts of love like sharing Cornetto Pride prove that you can love in any way you want.

Define love for yourself first

Dating as part of the LGBTQ+ community is hard enough in terms of finding someone compatible and who holds the same values as yourself, but Ayie also learned to see love beyond the usual heteronormative code and define what it actually means for her.

“I always saw love as something that happens to everyone but doesn’t for me. Mostly because I never thought I’d be in a relationship with a man or have that family-picket fence,” Ayie shared.  “I’ve come to learn that love doesn’t need to be like that. There’s no one way for love to look,” she said. 

AC likewise would tell his younger self to set standards and boundaries – and that means not compromising your values.

“You now have your checklist of red flags. You look for profoundness in anything, in everything. You just do not let your love alarm ring the way it used to before.”

“You have to invest time to know the person,” AC added. “And if you realize that he is the one, then that person is someone with whom you share your dreams, goals, failures, and triumphs.”

***

Who would you share your dreams, goals, failures, and triumphs with? These proud LGBTQ+ stories and pieces of advice prove that there’s no one-size-fits-all package on who to love – and how it can start.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a proud ally, remember that you can celebrate love in all its colorful forms with Cornetto Pride. 

Cornetto Pride is a delectable new treat perfect for the summer and the month of June with its creamy strawberry-yogurt ice cream, sprinkled multi-colored cereal balls, strawberry sauce, a dual-colored cone, and a crunchy choco tip. 

As an extra treat this Pride Month, Cornetto is also partnering with Metro Manila Pride and donating funds to LGBTQIA+ student orgs around the Philippines to support their Pride activities within campuses.

Express your love with Cornetto Pride, available in all leading supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. 

Like what the stories showed, love’s definition can change over time and across experiences, but one thing’s for sure – there’s no wrong way to love. – Rappler.com

One of the most important events in Philippine history is the declaration of our independence as a nation. As we inch closer to Independence Day, Filipinos have already started to commemorate the heroism of every Super Pinoy who fought mightily for our freedom.

In celebration of the Philippines’ 125th Independence Day, SM Supermalls will be holding major events and activities to keep the Super Pinoy spirit alive and burning starting on May 28. 

Flag raising ceremonies

SM malls across the country will be simultaneously holding flag-raising ceremonies during National Flag Day on May 28 and Independence Day on June 12, respectively. Participants are encouraged to wear the colors of the Philippine flag which signify truth, patriotism, and valor. After the ceremony, a short program will follow featuring Filipino modern pop music. Check your favorite mall’s Facebook page for schedules and venues.

Score the best deals and treats

From June 1 to 12, a sumptuous Pinoy food trip will welcome shoppers in SM malls. Enjoy numerous food promos and dining deals in indoor and al fresco dining spots decked in Filipiniana. 

After a hearty meal, shop ‘til you drop as the Super Pinoy Deals will give you the best offerings at SM. Whether you shop in-mall or online via the SM Malls Online and SM Deals apps, you can score amazing promos on the latest tech, gadgets, and fashion. 

But wait, there’s more. From June 9 to 12, SM unleashes the best deals for all Super Pinoys, with the Super Pinoy Independence weekend sale! 

Celebrate Pinoy Pride on IG

As you cap off the Independence Day festivities, don’t forget to check out the Super Pinoy Photo Spots. Tons of creative and fun photo spots will be showcased, plus Philippine Pop (P-Pop) music will be blasted through the mall speakers. Take photos, snap reels, and other creative content in these spots and tag us @SMSupermalls so we can feature you on social media. 

This June, SM Supermalls will keep freedom, future, and history alive with all these Independence Day activities. Make sure you visit an SM mall near you to celebrate being a Super Pinoy in all ways possible.

For more information, check out www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms. – Rappler.com

AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life), together with its subsidiaries BPI AIA, AIAIM Philippines, MediCard Philippines, and AIA Digital+, successfully concluded its highly anticipated concert ‘ROAR as One’ at the Mall of Asia Arena last May 16. In a show of force, the concert brought together thousands of its employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders, with some of the most prominent names in the local music industry. 

AIA Philippines CEO Kelvin Ang rallied the company’s ranks and noted: “This concert was a big ‘thank you’ celebration of our people’s hard work that contributed to the wins we accomplished in 2022. The past few years coming from the pandemic have been challenging and yet our people came together to deliver. Last year’s achievements were the result of those efforts. These would not have been possible without their focus and dedication.”

The performers, headlined by brand ambassadors Gary Valenciano for AIA Philippines and Chito Miranda for BPI AIA, regaled the audience with crowd-favorite hits, energetic performances, and songs closest to the Pinoy heart. 

Valenciano, who has proudly supported AIA Philippines for years, encourages Filipinos to protect their loved ones. “Everyone deserves to have peace of mind, and AIA is the partner that can help with that. I am committed to helping them spread the word on the importance of protection and reach more people,” he said. At the concert, he led the night’s highlight, singing the upbeat AIA song, “It’s Real Love,” a collaboration with award-winning songwriter Jonathan Manalo, who composed it with help from both brand ambassadors and musical arranger Mon Faustino. “It talks about the many ways to express love for our loved ones, and making sure they are protected with an AIA Philippines policy is the best way to express that love,” he shared.

On the AIA song, Miranda explained, “The song is about love, in all forms. We wanted to come up with something that talks about love, not just the romantic kind, but love for your mom, your brother or sister, or your children, and how unselfish it is and how it makes you care about someone else, more than yourself.” A longtime BPI AIA client, Miranda kept the mood light and happy throughout Parokya ni Edgar’s set with fans singing along to the band’s most famous songs. 

The star-studded lineup continued with Ely Buendia’s performance that ended the concert on a high note as he dished out hit song after hit song. December Avenue and Zack Tabudlo sustained the excitement that was kicked off by The Diegos’ and El Gamma Penumbra’s pre-concert sets. 

A night of music, fun, and camaraderie, the ‘ROAR as One’ concert was a fitting celebration of AIA Philippines’ successes in 2022, and an inspiring way to sustain the momentum for 2023. “With AIAIM Philippines and MediCard Philippines a part of AIA Philippines, alongside BPI AIA and AIA Digital+, all the building blocks are in place. We are now in the best position to capture the opportunities ahead and become the leading brand for Filipinos’ protection, long-term savings and healthcare needs, empowering them to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives,” Ang said in closing. 

Click here for more information about AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more. – Rappler.com

CONQuest Festival 2023, AcadArena’s award-winning gaming and pop culture convention slated for June 2 to 4, is gearing up to be bigger and bolder than its previous iterations in all ways possible.

CONQuest 2023 presented by Globe expands on last year’s SMX Convention Center venue to include the adjacent Seashell Lane, Conrad Manila, Mall of Asia (MoA), and National University MoA (NU MoA). The multi-venue setup will host a variety of events such as the Alliance Games in partnership with NU Laguna and NU MoA. This weekend event will feature over 70 local and international guests celebrating gaming, tech, music, pop culture, and everything in between.

Headlining the CONQuest 2023 guest roster are Valkyrae, Pokimane, Sykkuno, South Korean rock indie band The Rose, and Filipino singer-actor James Reid. Other notable internet personalities include Fuslie, Michael Reeves and LilyPichu, and anime content creators JoeyTheAnimeMan and AkiDearest.

“We always joked about eventually growing CONQuest in Iloilo to the point we’d get to Manila and have international guests,” said CONQuest founder and AcadArena chief growth officer Justin Banusing. “We even had OfflineTV as an April Fools’ joke. But thanks to the community’s undying passion, our dreams are coming true.”

CONQuest 2023 also brings musical acts into the fray for the first time with the introduction of Music Night. Joining The Rose and James Reid are local stars Carousel Casualties, Oh Flamingo!, and Autotelic, as well as international DJs James Landino and Hyper Potions.

A number of warmly-received guests from last year’s CONQuest are also set for a return. This includes Genshin Impact voice actresses Anne Yatco and Ratana, Vtuber Bao, and content creators Atsu and BTMC.

The allure of worldwide attention has also enticed some of the biggest brands to support CONQuest, who extends its gratitude to Presenting Partner Globe, as well as Platinum Partners Riot Games, Predator Gaming, and Blockchain Space. Joining the roster are Gold Sponsors composed of Lazada, Grab Philippines, Jollibee, Kumu, Coin98, coins.ph, SVGA, NU Laguna, UniPin, and Tier One Entertainment.

Check out CONQuest 2023’s full schedule here, or you can book your tickets here. – Rappler.com

As the saying goes, “History repeats itself.”

After breaking the code on the global stage through a clean sweep, ECHO once again ended its match against Blacklist International, recording yet again a 4-0 win – this time in the 11th season of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines (MPL-PH) last May 7.

In a dominating fashion, the boys in purple and white defeated the defending champions Blacklist International, known for its signature UBE or Ultimate Bonding Experience Strategy, by employing brute force and coordinated assassinations.

EXP Laner Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, who is only 16 years old, was crowned the Finals MVP of the MPL Season 11. Having played only three seasons in the MPL and an M4 Championship Medal to boot, Sanford was able to lead ECHO in its commanding victory versus Blacklist International.

ECHO’s win did not come easy. The team had to climb through the Low Bracket Finals and braved several teams to earn a spot in the Grand Finals, after defeating RSG Slate Philippines in a hotly contested match, ending at 3-2.

Known as the House of Highlights, ECHO really gave the audience a series to remember. The team also gave us a masterclass on how to win in the current META (most effective tactic available).

Lesson #1: Capitalize on your early game advantage

In the first game of the series, ECHO was clearly in a better position to be aggressive. Karl “Karltzy” Nepumoceno’s Lancelot had an early pick off on Blacklist roamer Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna on the Rafaela. This gave him an early game gold lead to become more forceful in the succeeding minutes.

At five minutes into the game, ECHO gold laner Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales’ Harith was able to kill his lane matchup Lee “Owl” Gonzales’ Brody. Knowing that other members of the Blacklist squad will try to defend the lane, Karltzy quickly followed up and chased down OhMyV33nus, who was accompanying Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario’s Fredrinn.

After a series of skill trading and being cornered to a spot, Karltzy was able to dash through the chaos with the help of ECHO’s Mid Laner Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Roamer Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera, and Bennyqt.

In just 30 seconds, the Orcas were able to wipe out the whole Blacklist squad and this gave them the snowball that they needed to build up on their items and end the game in just 14 minutes with a kill score of 15-4. (Timestamp Game 1: 5:14 to 5:55)

Lesson #2: Know your timings and position well

After a harrowing first game defeat, Blacklist clearly tried to adjust to the play style of ECHO. All five members became more aggressive, especially as OhMyV33nus was commanding the team with a Faramis.

Despite the adjustment, however, ECHO clearly knew their timings and was able to keep their boys in the right positions to give Blacklist a run for their money.

Right before the 8-minute mark, ECHO already had an 8,000 gold lead. After assassinating OhMyV33nus in a crucial turtle take, the boys in purple and white positioned themselves near the second-tier tower.

When Sanji saw Owl’s Karrie running back to the base, he used his Yve’s Real-World Manipulation and was able to secure a kill on his belt. Wanting to take revenge, the Blacklist team ran after Sanji and was able to pick him off, but a good positioning from Bennyqt’s Beatrix, who was hiding on a bush, punctured through the health bars of the Blacklist front liners, killing Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Gloo and OhMyV33nus in the process. They also chased down Wise with Karltzy’s follow-up taunts. (Timestamp Game 2: 8:03 to 8:42)

The game quickly ended in less than 12 minutes.

Lesson #3: Turret dive if you must

MLBB is not a one-man fight. The Orcas understand this quite well. A skill on top of another, while boxing their opponents allowed ECHO to win a team fight in the turtle pit.

In Game 3, Yawi’s Chou was able to knock up three members of Blacklist International using a Jeet Kune Do plus Flicker move, allowing Karltzy’s Akai to dash toward them and knock them further using his heavy spin. This allowed them to take the turtle and gain another significant gold lead against Blacklist International.

The boys did not stop there. After killing Wise’s Fredrinn, they followed up on killing OhMyV33nus in the middle lane, while the other members of Blacklist International fled towards the side lane.

The aggression continued with Sanford’s Joy turret diving towards Owl’s Pharsa. Karltzy, who still had full health at that time, took on the turret damage to allow his teammates to assassinate Owl, Edward, and Rookie of the Season Kenneth Karl “Yue” Tadeo.  (Timestamp Game 3  6:50 – 7:36)

Lesson #4: Pick the right targets

That dominating third game was too much for Blacklist International that they were left to resolve to keep the minions near their towers to allow them to gain gold. They succumbed to giving the Enhanced Lord to ECHO at 13 minutes.

While they were doing great at managing the minion waves, ECHO called for a pick off. Yawi flickered towards OhMyV33nus, who was giving vision to her teammates, and used the Way of the Dragon to bring her towards the bloodlust ECHO members.

Sanji dropped his Yve’s Real World Manipulation knowing that Wise will try to avenge his captain, while Karltzy and Sanford dashed through the backlines to prevent Yue’s Pharsa from using its ultimate and targeted Owl’s Karrie, who was considered Blacklist International’s main damage dealer.

With Edward as the only remaining member of Blacklist International, ECHO ended the third game 22-5.

Lesson #5: Have a winning mindset

While Blacklist International was hoping for a reverse sweep, ECHO wanted to end the series with a clean sweep. ECHO drafted well against magic and crowd control-heavy lineup of Blacklist International.

Game 4 was not as dominating as the first three ones with ECHO prioritizing turrets over heroes to the point that in the latter part of the game, the kill score was only 12-7 at more than 15 minutes.

After taking the Enhanced Lord for themselves, the Orcas marched through the Blacklist base. Sanji popped his Yve’s Real World Manipulation and Sanford used his Yu Zhong’s Black Dragon Form to zone their opponents out for a successful push against the inhibitor turret.

Karltzy’s Lancelot pierced through the minions and members of Blacklist International to push Owl’s Karrie back from defending the crystal.

Sanford’s flying dragon landed straight against four Blacklist International members and used the battle spell Petrify to stun them. The other members of ECHO were able to kill Wise, but the Lord was still pummeling the base of Blacklist International, forcing them to continue their defense.

OhMyV33nus, Edward, Owl, and Yue were able to regenerate their health from the fountain, but another round of ECHO minions were marching down the middle, top, and bottom lanes.

ECHO members kept their winning mindset and masterfully landed every skill and attack on OhMyV33nus’ Faramis. As Edward’s Gloo tried to retreat after popping his immortality, Sanji used his Yve’s Real World Manipulation to slow him down and Bennyqt’s Harith was able to pick him off.

Owl and Yue tried to retreat from the battle, but Sanji flickered towards Yue and used a Void Blast to stop Yue’s attempt to flee. Karltzy punctured through the minions and the members of ECHO were able to pick off Owl and OhMyV33nus.

Even with slivers of health left, the Orcas called for a base lock and ended Blacklist International’s hope for a reverse sweep.

ECHO, Blacklist to represent PH in MSC

Both ECHO and Blacklist will represent the Philippines in the upcoming MLBB Southeast Asia Cup (MSC). The best teams in Southeast Asia and three new regions, North America, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Turkiye will meet and compete for the coveted title in Phnom Penh, Cambodia this June.

MPL Philippines is powered by Smart Communications Inc. as its official telco partner. Smart enables gamers to live more today powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network, as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.  

To continue enjoying the best mobile gaming experience on the Smart mobile network, make sure to register your Smart and TNT SIMs at: http://www.smart.com.ph/simreg. – Rappler.com

Are you a fan of Korean content? Classic animated films? Or are you simply looking for quality movies and series to watch? With an ever-growing library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star, there is something on Disney+ for every member of the family to enjoy. And Globe At Home is here to bring you this wonderful treat.

Catch j-hope IN THE BOX, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, all seasons of Grey’s Anatomy, the latest season of The Mandalorian, and more when you sign up for Globe At Home’s GFiber Unli Plan 2499 which comes with a 12-month Disney+ Premium access. 

With internet speeds of up to 500Mbps, enjoy a seamless Disney+ experience and more exciting movie nights with the fam as you settle in to watch your favorite shows! 

Apart from a 12-month Disney+ Premium access plus an internet speed of up to 500 Mbps, GFiber Unli Plan 2499 subscribers will also get a free landline, and access to a VIP hotline and Globe Home Squad if you need to level up your digital home experience and are in need of special assistance in setting up your IoT devices at home. 

The GFiber Plans are powered by the next-generation WiFi 6 technology, which can connect more devices with increased range and improved power efficiency. This means that the family can stay connected and powered at all times.  

If you’re already a Globe At Home subscriber, you can also get access to Disney+’s wide array of entertaining and educational content through the Disney+ Premium Plan for ₱349 a month or ₱2,799 a year. Visit the Globe One app and charge your purchase to your Globe At Home bill.

Don’t miss out on this limited time deal! Sign up with Globe At Home here. For existing subscribers, you can upgrade your current plan here. – Rappler.com

Following the announcement that Hamilton will make its Asian premiere at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila starting September 2023, the producers of the Tony^®, Grammy^®, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical are pleased to give fans the opportunity to access tickets before they become available to the general public.

UnionBank of the Philippines has been selected as the official sponsor and pre-sale partner for the Manila season of Hamilton, offering exclusive first access to the hottest ticket in town. 

UnionBank cardholders* can start booking their tickets via TicketWorld.com.ph from April 17 to 19, a week before tickets are available to the public. Citi cardholders may also access the exclusive booking period on the same dates. To join the pre-sale, you just need to enter the first six digits of your card.

UnionBank and Citi cardholders will also have an extended pre-sale period of 2 days shared with the Hamilton waitlist sign-ups from April 20 to 21, 2023. 

Tickets will be available for performances from September 17 to November 12, 2023 and will go on sale to the general public on April 24, 2023.

Presented in Manila by Michael Cassel Group with GMG Productions, Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now, featuring a diverse cast of performers telling the story of the birth of the United States through a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway.

Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre – a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography.

Hamilton premiered on Broadway in 2015 and went on to win 11 Tony awards, including Best Musical. It has since been seen all over the world including in London’s West End, Puerto Rico, Germany, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and soon, Manila, Philippines. 

In the teaser video announcing the Manila premiere, Miranda said: “We have had so many incredible Filipino company members part of the Hamilton pamilya all over the planet, and now we get to bring the show to your beautiful country very soon! I can’t wait for you to see it.” 

The international tour of Hamilton is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater, and Michael Cassel. The Manila season is presented by Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions.

Michael Cassel shared, “The response from Hamilton’s fans in Manila since we announced the season has been phenomenal. We can’t wait to get there in September.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that Hamilton will be making its Asian Premiere in Manila,” said Bob Sewell, co-presenter of Hamilton in Manila and producer at GMG Productions. “We can’t wait for Filipino audiences to see this incredible show. We are also so excited to be working with UnionBank who have shared in our enthusiasm from day one.”

Vishal Kadian, Cards & Loans Head at UnionBank, seconded this sentiment. “We could not be prouder to partner with GMG Productions for Hamilton Manila’s pre-sale,” he said. “Along with being the Best Digital Bank, we are committed to offering our customers truly amazing and exclusive experiences, and this is just one of many to come.” 

Don’t miss the Asian Premiere of Hamilton and apply before the exclusive booking period from April 17 to 19! Visit a UnionBank branch near you or apply online at https://www.unionbankph.com/cards/credit-card/apply. You may also apply for a Citi credit card here: https://www.citibank.com.ph/apply. 

Follow UnionBank’s Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/unionbankph/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/unionbankph, and Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/unionbankph/ for further announcements. To buy tickets, visit TicketWorld: https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/default.aspx. – Rappler.com

* Valid for UnionBank credit or debit cardholders only.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-164311 Series of 2023. Promo Duration: April 17-21, 2023

Looking for ways to spend the Easter holiday in the city? The World’s Gathering Place, Sheraton Manila Hotel, is offering an egg-citing treat perfect for the long holiday.

Perfectly situated in Pasay City, across Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Sheraton Manila Hotel is the right venue for a well-deserved family escape. The special room package gives guests reasons to have new moments together with a relaxing overnight stay in a deluxe room complete with breakfast for two at S Kitchen. Kids will never be left out as free breakfast buffet are extended for ages 12 years old. The whole family can also explore more of what Sheraton Manila has to offer with an exclusive 30% food and beverage discount in Oori and S Kitchen. To make the experience more fun and exciting, a special art kit for the kids is included in the package. To have your own Sheraton Family Escape, visit www.sheratonmanila.com/sheraton-family-escape.

Easter hunters are in for an escapade as the superheroes unite for a special Easter fun at S Kitchen. For only Php 3,888 nett, kids and the kids at heart can enjoy an afternoon with the mighty ones over a sumptuous lunch buffet, amusing games and activities like pastry painting, and the classic egg hunt, and more. There will also be special loot bags from generous partners: Vibelle Manufacturing, Nestle Chuckie, Werdenberg, Pik Nik, JC Lucas Digital Print Services, and Emperador Distillers. Kids ages 6 to 12 are 50% off, while 5 years old and below are free of charge. For ticket reservations, please call (02) 7902 1800 or log on to https://www.skitchenmanila.com/.

For guilt-free indulgences this Lenten season, the hotel’s authentic Korean restaurant, Oori, offers an exquisite seafood platter for P3,600 nett for 2 persons. This includes a scrumptious combination of king prawn, squid, scallops, and seabass, delicately grilled with seasonal greens and special sauces. A fresh sustainable seafood spread also awaits you in S Kitchen’s Lenten Seafood Buffet this Good Friday for P3,500 nett.

To know more of Sheraton Manila Hotel’s offers, call (02) 7902 1800 or visit www.sheratonmanila.com and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @sheratonmanila. Join the Viber community to be updated with the latest offers at Make It Marriott. – Rappler.com

SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This year’s Earth Hour is all about “creating the Biggest Hour for Earth,” and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants, and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25. 

This day also marks the start of the WWF’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50% of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA 7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares’ sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developers, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares. – Rappler.com