If I’m being perfectly honest, the only reason why I was able to enjoy CONQuest 2023 was because I had a media pass. And even then, I was eventually guilt-stricken by the fact that my colleagues and I could go in and out while everyone else had to line up for hours only to be met with more lines inside the halls of the SMX Convention Center.

CONQuest Festival is an annual pop culture and gaming convention. The festival originated in Iloilo and was brought to Manila for the first time last year by AcadArena. Last year’s event was regarded as a huge success. Attendees finally had the chance to physically be with the bigger gaming and anime community as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were loosened. Plus, CONQuest did what many local cons had not done as much – bring in some of the largest international talents into Manila.

This year, event organizers tried to go bigger by bringing in more talents, more brands, more partners, adding more venues, more events, and more displays. But in the end, things didn’t really work out as planned.

Yes, there were more things to do at CONQuest this year, but everyone was stuck in queues under sweltering heat for too long that in the end, not everyone got to enjoy the three-day affair.

The Bad

Let’s start with the obvious: there were too many tickets sold, and the main venue wasn’t big enough for what they intended.

Ticket claiming started ahead of the festival so that con-goers wouldn’t need to collect their passes on the same day which would’ve meant more lines. But even then, the queues were still too long. And despite long lines and the already packed convention center (it was honestly suffocating), there were still passes being sold onsite.

Hundreds of attendees had to line up for four hours (some even more) outside the SMX Convention Center, many of them in full cosplay.

Imagine wearing layers of fabric and other materials, plus wigs and accessories, while standing under the summer sun and over concrete radiating with heat. There were reports of people fainting while in the queue, and since there wasn’t much room to walk through, medics took too much time to get to them.

There are many entrances you can take to get into the SMX Convention Center, but many of them were closed during day three, which funneled people into one main entry point at the front of the venue. Queues were so bad, memes about them cropped up on the internet. At one point, even the designated entrance for persons with disabilities was closed.

What organizers tried to do to mitigate this was to add more venues where further activities could be enjoyed. Some of the panel discussions, gaming tournaments, meet and greets, and exhibits were held in adjacent locations like Conrad Manila, the National University MOA campus, Microtel by Wyndham, SM Mall of Asia’s Atrium, and even a portion of Seashell Lane right outside SMX.

Unfortunately, the main events were still found within SMX, so even though there were additional venues that con-goers could explore, the majority still flocked to the convention center. And who can blame them? All the exhibits and main events were found there.

Part of CONQuest’s appeal was also the fact that attendees can win passes for meet and greets with famous content creators, gamers, and artists. Some of these passes were raffled online ahead of the event, while others were supposed to be distributed onsite. To get a pass, people would have to queue at designated schedules and venues, but unfortunately passes were given away randomly and arbitrarily hours ahead of their supposed time slots. Many attendees expressed their frustration online, wondering how they were given away and to whom, and why schedules weren’t being followed.

Tickets started at P800 for a one-day pass, but premium passes with all the perks were priced at P20,000. This didn’t include the flights and accommodations some con-goers booked just to make it to CONQuest 2023.

There were also last-minute changes to plans and schedules that left vendors, exhibitors, and some of the talents confused.

Compared to the previous CONQuest festival, this year’s event was chaotic. Last year, I remember walking around freely and with less sweat. Sure, my colleagues and I chose to wear Squirtle onesies this year, but I also had on thick clothing the year before and I was totally fine. In fact, it was really cold last year because the crowd wasn’t as thick.

I also remember being amazed by everyone’s cheerfulness and amazing costumes. People were hyped about finally getting to attend a convention again, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we really tried to bask in the moments of CONQuest 2022. This year, however, felt like we were all exhausted and frustrated. Some have even started Twitter threads about plans to file a lawsuit against the organizers.

The disaster also prompted Justin Banusing, one of the founders of CONQuest, to create an apology post. Organizers are also now accepting refund requests.

That being said though, there are certain things about this convention that left me wanting more.

The Good

If we ignore the chaos and the logistical mayhem, CONQuest 2023 would’ve been an experience to remember. The fact that this year’s headliners were some of the biggest names in online streaming internationally was quite the feat to pull off.

Streamers like Sykkuno, Pokimane, Valkyrae, Lilypichu, Michael Reeves, and iGumDrop all have thousands of fans across the world. CONQuest 2023 also brought in other well-known individuals in the scene like Anne Yatco and Laura Stahl who are best known for their roles in the hit game Genshin Impact; music performers like James Reid and the K-pop group The Rose; VTubers Demenishki, Bao, and Shoto; and local creators like MaggieKarp, Een Mercado, and KrisRey.

See the full guest list here.

Each of these individuals was given multiple opportunities to participate in shows, meet their fans, and have a good time.

And their respective fandoms and communities already intersect in one way or another, so to see everyone merge into one giant convention was inspiring.

CONQuest 2023 also had some upgrades that they tried coming off from their 2022 experience. For one thing, they added more food concessionaires and placed them in two main locations – outside at Seashell Lane in partnership with Mercato Centrale, and right at the doors of the convention center’s second floor. They also added more activities in the evening like music nights that featured a number of bands and performers. And, as mentioned earlier, they booked adjacent venues so crowds could spill over to other areas.

CONQuest was also an opportunity for creators to get their work seen directly by the people who would appreciate them. Questmarket, for example, was a zone for indie creators and vendors to sell their crafts. There was booth after booth after booth of artists selling prints, stickers, bags, and more.

There was also a section for people developing indie games and looking for players or investors. Amazingly too is that they added an advocacy section for social enterprises and groups working in the development sector to gain some support from the community.

And there were also places where people can play free games like a section dedicated to board games, and an improved retro games zone where con-goers can play classic titles from their childhood.

Several national gaming tournaments hosted by Alliance Games were concluded in CONQuest, giving students from different colleges and universities opportunities to impress gaming communities and win coveted trophies. Scholarships were given out too.

Plus A LOT of freebies and discounts for merch and products.

All in all, CONQuest would have been a mecca for gaming and pop culture fans to feel welcomed and uninhibited. It was a place where everyone can get their geek on and no one would be judgy. It’s a place where community inside jokes can make sense, and terms like MonkaS and KEKW mean anything.

And with gaming and anime becoming more mainstream, the community is also evolving into one that no longer gatekeeps but rather welcomes newcomers. And an inclusive community like this would’ve had a better experience as a collective if everyone had a fair chance at attending and enjoying the con.

Hopefully, next year would be better. – Rappler.com

SM Supermalls won a special award in recognition of its invaluable contributions to the retail industry at the Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards Night held last June 8 at Okada Manila.

SM Supermalls president Steven Tan received the special award for SM’s commitment to supporting retailers during a time of crisis last 2020 to 2021.

The 2023 Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards Night, hosted by the Philippine Retailers Association, was a celebration of the remarkable resilience, commitment, and dedication of Filipino retailers during difficult times. It was themed “TIBAY: Gabi ng Pagpupugay,” and served as an inspiration to different communities to make a significant impact amidst continuous adversity. – Rappler.com

Submissions will be accepted until June 19, 2023. It’s time to let your imagination run wild and bring your ideas to life through the power of visual storytelling. Show the world your passion for combatting misinformation and make a lasting impact.

Not only will you have the opportunity to make a difference, but you also stand a chance to win amazing prizes! The winners will be awarded attractive cash prizes, recognizing their talent and dedication. But that’s not all! We have a special award waiting for the video entry that receives the most likes and shares across social media platforms. So, make sure to create compelling content that resonates with the audience.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! The grand celebration awaits at the 1st-ever Philippines Fact-Checking Summit in Manila on June 24, 2023. Join the gathering of industry experts, journalists, and fact-checkers as we honor the contest winners and engage in thought-provoking discussions about media integrity.

Ready to make your mark? Visit our website bit.ly/PakCheckVideoContest for more information and official rules. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a movement that empowers truth and accuracy.

Spread the word and invite your friends and fellow creatives to join the Pak! Check Video Making Contest. Together, let’s raise awareness, inspire critical thinking, and shape a more informed digital community.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, served as a seal of commitment to expand SM’s Government Services Express nationwide. SM will provide the venue to make DSWD programs and services more accessible to Filipinos in the malls, starting with 21 locations.

The MOA was signed during the launch of DSWD’s new Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), titled “Sibol,” which is a five-year enhancement program that will improve the well-being of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households by providing access to livelihood assets and resources. The launch also showcased exhibit products and commodities by all SLP beneficiaries. 

For almost three decades, SM Supermalls has been a staunch supporter of DSWD’s SLP for the benefit of the Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) and Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) beneficiaries. 

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan mentioned that through the SM Sunday Market Project in over 30 malls, the 28,500 Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) farmers who were trained by SM Foundation and DSWD can sell their produce and become self-sufficient agri-preneurs.

The joint partnership of SM and the DSWD extends into disaster relief, adoption awareness, and empowerment of vulnerable sectors such as women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. 

“SM Supermalls commits to looking after our communities, especially the disadvantaged, and we share DSWD’s goal for a more sustainable future for all where no one is left behind,” said Mr. Tan.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ government-related activities, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

As the much-awaited remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’ splashes onto silver screens, Ayala Malls Cinemas takes it a notch higher. On May 27, they are bringing fun and engaging events that kids and kids at heart can look forward to such as Princess Parties, Seashell Painting, Photo Walls, Aerial Splash LED screens, and many more along with special screening tickets.

Going to movies has been a constant bonding activity of parents and kids, and having a story as familiar as The Little Mermaid to watch together strengthens connections across generations. Singing along to its catchy songs, picking favorite characters from the film, and sharing emotions felt are only a few of what makes going to the theater with your family enjoyable.

To top it all off, Ayala Malls Cinemas are conceptualized with viewers’ maximum comfort and enjoyment in mind. With A-luxe seats that offer comfort seating in wide reclining seats and provides spacious legroom, laser projections that make images crisper, and Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos that add depth to sound quality, making films much more real and the experience, much more exciting.

Top-billed by Halle Bailey, ‘The Little Mermaid’ live-action brings watchers a part of the underwater world and Ayala Malls makes it more special with the events and art installations it has prepared for those who will enjoy the film at their cinemas. During the premiere night at Glorietta Cinema 6, parents and their children, as well as those in between who enjoyed the 1989 animated movie, were decked out in costumes and excitement as they came to see how Halle Bailey brings a different life to the beloved Ariel character. The interactive installations by the cinema’s lobby were also Instagram-worthy, that everyone couldn’t resist taking photos. These will be up until Sunday, May 28, 2023.

At Ayala Malls, everyone can extend the fun beyond the movie as there are a myriad of retail options available. From dining offers, shops that carry essentials and knick-knacks, to other entertainment places such as Timezone, there’s always something to do for every mall visitor.

Don’t miss out on events, promos, and sales! Follow Ayala Malls and keep your eyes peeled for other surprises they have in store. – 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

AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor is a leading renewable energy company in the Philippines specializing in developing and operating run-of-river hydroelectric projects.

As the company celebrates its 45th anniversary on May 25, here are some interesting facts about
Hedcor.

• Established in 1978, Hedcor aimed to become a Philippine renewable energy industry leader. It has since grown, operating 22 hydroelectric power plants and one solar farm nationwide. Formerly known as Hydro Electric Development Corporation (HEDCOR), the company dropped the acronym but kept its focus on run-of-river hydro technology, prioritizing sustainable energy solutions with minimal environmental impact.
• Hedcor uses the power of flowing water from rivers to generate electricity. Water flows through turbines, which are connected to generators that make electricity. This power generation process doesn’t need fuel, so it doesn’t create CO2 emissions.
• Among its hydroelectric power plants, Hedcor’s smallest is the Talomo 2B in Davao City, which generates only a third of a megawatt (MW). This was constructed in 1954 as the region recovered from World War 2. Its largest plant is the 75-MW Bakun AC Hydro in Ilocos Sur.
• Beyond environmental stewardship, Hedcor extends social benefits to the communities it serves. These include the construction of classrooms, livelihood programs, and health and wellness initiatives, among others. Hedcor actively contributes to the holistic development of the areas where it operates.

Learn more about Hedcor here. – Rappler.com

To make this year’s Mother’s Day extra special, a variety of activities are in store as moms take center stage at your favorite SM malls nationwide until May 14. 

Offer a prayer of thanks for mom

Start the day with a prayer of thanks and a special blessing of all moms during Sunday Mass at the malls’ activity center or chapels. 

Lunch or dinner, its on you! 

This is the one day in the year where you should treat mom to her favorite meal, her craved-for dishes and sweets. Choose from a range of restaurants, coffee shops, food stops, and dessert places at her favorite SM mall. 

Snap up the best deals and amazing finds 

Surprise mom with amazing gifts, delectable dining treats, and mind-blowing deals from pampering, skin care, and so much more! Mother’s Day only comes once a year so this is the perfect opportunity to treat and give back to our supermoms. 

Champion your local mom-preneurs

Enjoy great finds and all the local products at the Mom-preneur Market! This pop-up of small and medium businesses owned by super mom-preneurs has almost everything you want from food and beauty to wellness and fashion.

Groove and move to the beat of the latest tunes 

Calling all #SuperKids and kids at heart! Jive, laugh out loud, or marvel in awe with other families as you and your SuperMom perform the trendiest TikTok craze, challenges, and dance hits with moms in matching outfits this May 14 at your favorite SM mall.  

Celebrate supermoms on IG! 

Capture your most memorable selfies with your mom at the beautiful spots and installations all over SM. Be free to express your own uniqueness and creativity in the specially-designed photo spaces. Don’t forget to tag us on IG!

Calling all fur moms: Paw-ty with your beloved fur babies 

To make things even more paw-tastic, SM welcomes fur moms and their fur babies to enjoy a special bonding day filled with yummy treats and awesome prizes. 

Count on SM Supermalls to provide you with not just ideas but an #AweSM SuperMoms Day. Everything’s here so be sure to drop by the nearest SM mall with your fam and most especially, your Super Mom. 

To know more about SM Supermalls’ promos, deals, and exciting activities for Moms, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

Puregold will hold its 15th Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention 2023 on May 18, 19, and 20 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This year’s theme “Sari-Saring Saya, Sari-Saring Benta,” celebrates the Tindahan Ni Aling Puring (TNAP) program’s diverse membership of small and medium-scale business owners that include sari-sari store owners, bulk buyers, caterers, operators of karinderyas, canteens, bakeries and online sellers.

Through TNAP, these entrepreneurs enjoy negosyo promotions and discounts when purchasing from Puregold as well as perks and privileges that help them grow and expand their businesses. An example of this is the recently introduced cashback rewards program that gives members the chance to earn cashback points with a lesser purchase requirement.

At the upcoming convention, TNAP members naturally can expect to be treated to value-for-money deals and instant freebies. Aside from this, they may also engage with some of the country’s brightest business minds and join the free seminars that will be held at the event. Invited speakers are Chinkee Tan, author of best-selling books on money and business; Pocholo Gonzales, motivational speaker on leadership and entrepreneurial mindset; and Rose Fres Fausto, writer and lecturer on financial literacy.

Resource persons from TikTok, and Globe will also offer useful tips to Aling Puring members who utilize digital tools in pursuing business transformation.

For Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., such benefits work both ways. “Puregold looks forward to the next twenty-five years with all the hard-working sari-sari store and business owners who are part of the Aling Puring program,” he said. “We will continue to engage much of our company’s efforts in consistently improving customer experience, whether through our consistent offers of discounts or innovations like the Puregold Mobile and Aling Puring app.”

Exciting opportunities for business growth await participants at the Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention 2023. While Co enjoins all members to attend, an estimated 30,000 Aling Puring members are expected to be at the festive event. – Rappler.com

SM Supermalls, the primary and official partner of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), invites you to join the epic job fair at SMX, Manila which is rescheduled for April 30.

Since 2008, Supermalls has been holding job fairs across various SM malls in the Philippines, and it’s making a big comeback in time for Labor Day. And even after May 1, this partnership will continue to keep their malls open as an official venue for job fairs all over the country.

The job fair aims to provide employment opportunities for job seekers as well as support the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment in the country.

The job fair is open to all job seekers, including fresh graduates, returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and those who have been displaced from their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. DOLE has invited various companies to participate in job fairs, offering a wide range of job opportunities in different industries such as retail, hospitality, business process outsourcing (BPO), and the like.

During the job fairs, job seekers can submit their resumes and undergo initial interviews with the participating companies. Some companies even conduct on-the-spot job offers, which means that qualified applicants can receive job offers on the same day.

As the official venue of DOLE for job fairs nationwide, the job fairs will also take place on May 1 at SM City Grand Central, SM Southmall, SM CityBF Paranaque, SM City Sucat, SM City Baguio, SM City Marilao, SM City Pampanga, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tuguegarao, SM City Cabanatuan, SM CDO Downtown Premier, SM City Davao, and SM City San Jose del Monte.

In recent years, LGU  and PESO have also embraced online job fairs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical gatherings were restricted. This year, they strategically selected SM City Marikina SM City Lipa (May 1) under LGU, SM City Roxas (May 1),  SM City Bacolod (May 5 and 6), SM City Puerto Princesa (May 1), SM Cherry Antipolo ( May 12),) SM City Novaliches ( May 1)  under PESO by connecting job seekers with employers and promoting employment opportunities.

Take your career to the next level with new opportunities and #ExperienceTogetherAtSM.

Grab this great opportunity to find your dream job! Visit the SMX
Convention Center in Manila on April 30 and SM Supermalls for the nationwide job fair on May 1!

For more information and updates, check out smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com