PLDT Smart SME Nation puts the focus back on MSMEs as part of nation-building mission

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MSMEs—or micro, small, and medium enterprises—are driving the Philippine economy to an interesting direction: inclusive growth.

As of 2013, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded 937,327 businesses falling under the MSME category, which accounts for 99.6 percent of all registered enterprises in the country. The micro segment is the largest segment, with over 800,000 registered entities that provide 2.3 million local jobs and generate 25 percent of the country’s total exports.

These figures highlight a new economic landscape where more and more people—even those with little to no capital or those typically excluded from the job market—generate and gain productive employment. Students, housewives, retirees, and individuals with limited physical abilities can participate in income-generating activities through starting their own micro-enterprises.

“PLDT Smart SME Nation believes in empowering individuals to become modern entrepreneurs,” said Mitch Locsin, PLDT VP and PLDT Smart SME Nation Head. “Entrepreneurship is not only about helping one’s self, but also about contributing to families and communities. Collectively, MSMEs contribute to an economically stronger Philippines.”

Leveling the playing field
Despite the increasing number of Filipino entrepreneurs and their growing economic impact, an overwhelming majority is missing out on profit and expansion opportunities.

“Only one percent of over 900,000 MSMEs have online presence,” noted Locsin. “With the rest of the world quickly moving to a more digital-centric business direction, MSMEs—especially the micro-enterprises—need to catch up, fast.”

A group dedicated to amplifying the business potential of MSMEs, PLDT Smart SME Nation offers the right digital tools to future-ready micro-entrepreneurs. Through a reliable landline and high-speed DSL connection, the SMART BizKit, and an online store powered by Tack This!, a micro-enterprise can reach and serve more customers with lower overhead costs.

“The digital arena is where MSMEs can directly compete with large enterprises,” added Locsin. “That’s why we support our entrepreneurs and help them conquer the digital landscape with our products and services.”

Gearing up for a digital future
Last April 22, 2016, PLDT Smart SME Nation gathered over 1,400 modern Pinoy entrepreneurs at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila for a day filled with revolutionary insights and key learnings from the country’s industry stalwarts. Dubbed TechIsland 3.0, the event is the first SME Nation business convention to be open to the general public.

To help MSME owners embrace a digital future and put their learnings into practice, PLDT and students from Pampanga’s St. Mutien College developed websites for each TechIsland 3.0 attendee. The students developed 30 percent of the websites, and will continue to work with PLDT Smart SME Nation for future projects to benefit MSMEs.

SME Nation also rolled out the TechMobile, a caravan of digital tools and solutions specifically designed for MSMEs, in several key provinces, including Negros and Cavite. Through this initiative, PLDT and Smart’s tech expertise can easily reach entrepreneurs wherever they are in the country.

Locsin added, “By empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital disruption happening in business right now, we also empower them to become active players in the journey towards nation-building through inclusive economic growth.”

To find out how you can become a digitally savvy micro-entrepreneur, visit www.smenation.com.ph.

RCBC HOLDS MID-YEAR PRODUCTS FAIR

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Urbanites working or living in and around RCBC Plaza in Makati City are in for a treat this May 30 as Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation launches its last sunny-season hurrah – the RCBC Products Fair.

From May 30 to June 1, 2016, the three-day festive bazaar takes place at the RCBC Plaza Courtyard.

Michelangelo R. Aguilar, RCBC Executive Vice President and head of Conglomerates and Global Corporate Banking Group that organized the Product Expo, says that the bank has been regularly organizing such product fairs.

“Bazaars are a great way to bring people and products closer to each other,” he said. “Every year, the fairs that we organize are always well attended and these open up opportunities for customers to get special deals and for our clients to get better patronage for their brands.”

Michael O. de Jesus, RCBC Executive Vice President and head of National Corporate Banking Group that co-organized the activity, says that this is the bank’s way of providing brand exposure to its valued clients’ brands.

“Some of RCBC’s long time merchant partners are showcased regularly in the product expos that we conducted every year,” he said. “This is one of the many ways that we, as a banking institution, assist in their growth and market visibility.”

The extensive RCBC Plaza Courtyard has always been a viable venue for such lively activities the bank regularly conducts. “The celebratory atmosphere entices a diverse set of customers, from employees of our building tenants to those around the vicinity as we offer an accessible avenue for shopping and refreshments,” said Joee C. Guilas, RCBC First Vice President and head of PR and Media Relations.

Participating brands include apparels such as Converse, and Kamiseta, a host of food and beverage brands that include Del Monte, which is sponsoring refreshments, Bounty Fresh’s Chooks-To-Go, Gardenia breads, Vanilla Cupcake Bakery, Oishi, Regent and Yakult, plus fragrances and beauty products.

RCBC also showcases its top retail financial products together with its subsidiaries RCBC Savings Bank, one of the largest thrift banks in the country, and RCBC Bankard, the pioneering credit card brand.

DepEd-Las Piñas school gets a fresh coat of color and hope from Nippon Paint

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently launched its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative dubbed as Colourful Dreams, which aims to be a catalyst for positive change to children of all ages. This is part of the bigger Colour, Joy and Love CSR programme implemented by the NIPSEA group across the 15 countries and 300 cities in Asia where they operate.

Carrying the theme “Create Joy Today, Hope for Tomorrow”, Nippon Paint Colourful Dreams has endeavored to support the Department of Education-Las Piñas Division’s Brigada Eskwela Adopt-A-School-Program, which encourages private companies, professionals, and education stakeholders to contribute their time and resources in helping in the school maintenance effort to ensure that public school facilities are ready for opening this June. For this project, Nippon Paint has also partnered with the Philippine School of Interior Design Alumni Association (PSID-AA), whose members have volunteered to share their skills and talents.

“We at Nippon Paint have always wanted to give back to the community and share with them our success in the three years that we have been in the Philippines. What better way to do these than to support a meaningful project like Brigada Eskwela. We are thankful to have found partners in DepEd-Las Piñas and PSID-AA, with whom we share a common goal of creating a safe, conducive and colourful environment for children’s learning and development,” relates Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines General Manager, Michael Chung.

According to PSID-AA President Paolo Jara, “Our organization has always been inspired by the saying, ‘what person is a person who does not make the world better?’. We support Brigada Eskwela with Nippon Paint as it is another opportunity to make the world better for others.”

DepEd-Las Piñas Schools Division Superintendent Loreta Torrecampo conveys, “Bayanihan spirit is really the essence of Brigada Eskwela. As you know our public schools really need much support. That’s why we appreciate all the time, effort and help that we receive from the community and the private sector. We thank Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines and PSID-AA for upholding their commitment to the country and their eagerness to contribute to national development.”

Nippon Paint Colorful Dreams’ first Brigada Eskwela beneficiary school is Pamplona Elementary School Central in Las Piñas City, which welcomes about 3,000 students every school year. Together with volunteers from PSID-AA, Nippon Paint will be painting the school’s library, reading corners, hallways, and exterior premises with designs that inspire creativity and fun learning.

As part of its Green movement, which emphasizes on developing and offering green products to ensure sustainability, and the agreement with DepEd – Las Piñas, Nippon Paint will be using its new toluene-free Pylox Spray Paint and Green Choice Series, a line of high-quality coatings that are water-based, no added lead and mercury, and near-zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) coatings. This means these products are environment friendly and most significantly, safe for everyone specially children.

Pamplona Elementary Central School Principal Felix Perido muses, “We are delighted to be chosen by Nippon Paint as a beneficiary school for Brigada Eskwela. When classes start, our students will surely be happy to be in a learning environment that is clean, freshly painted and colourful.”

Being a paint company, Nippon Paint knows that even a little bit of paint and colour can go a long way in making learning fun and engaging. Through its Colourful Dreams and Brigada Eskwela CSR program, Nippon Paint aims to motivate students to learn with joy, be their best and hope to achieve their most colourful dreams.

As a final note, Chung concludes, “While this is the first time that we are launching Colourful Dreams in the country, we have been reaching out to the academic community through the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award, which recognizes the talents and potentials of student interior designers and architects, a service that we do for the professional design industry. Brigada Eskwela, on the other hand, is geared towards younger students and the community as a whole. In the future, Nippon Paint aims to expand its CSR initiatives by working with more communities on projects that are meaningful and beneficial to people.”

For more information about Nippon Paint, visit www.nipponpaint.ph or check out www.facebook.com/nipponpaintphilippines

PMA’s 47th National Marketing Conference says “Hello ASEAN”

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The ASEAN market is teeming with untapped opportunities for Chief Operating Officers and Chief Marketing Officers and their teams to make a distinctive entry into this emerging economic powerhouse within the Asian Region. Realizing an urgent need to spread this knowledge, the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) set the theme of its 47th National Marketing Conference (NMC) this year as, “Hello ASEAN”. The conference will feature stories and scenarios from top-tier business experts and practitioners, marketing masters and disrupters, including CEOs of Philippine, Asian, and global brands that successfully launched or grown their businesses in the ASEAN trade sphere. The event will happen on July 28-29, 2016 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City.

The speakers will share their success stories and learnings from exploring and filling the gaps in the market. These insights will feature the strategies and tools that helped their companies conquer multiple challenges. Aside from the invaluable content that attendees will get from the conference and an accompanying trade exhibit, “Hello ASEAN” will feature the ASEAN Pavilion that houses the embassy representations from ASEAN member nations and other guest Asian countries.

“This will give our attendees opportunities to explore, on more concrete grounds, possible partnerships. These business meet-ups are fertile ground for networking, exchanges, developments, and partnerships,” PMA President, Ms. Pinky Yee shared.

PMA also teamed up with the No. 1 Business Channel, Bloomberg, which recently opened its Philippine office after establishing its partnership with TV5 Network Inc. and Cignal. Being the first business news channel to air on a 24/7 basis in the country, Bloomberg TV Philippines is now set to reach out to its audience by co-presenting PMA’s 47th NMC.

“Bloomberg is really privileged to take part in the Philippine Marketing Association’s National Marketing Conference,” Vice President and Head of Channel Management for Cignal TV, Ms. Sienna Olaso shared. “It is our privilege to meet the people in the marketing industry, because our network’s presence in the conference will definitely do something good for Bloomberg. By the same token, we hope that Bloomberg’s integrity and credibility can lend itself to the success of the event. We are looking forward to meet everyone in the event and we are all excited in Bloomberg.”

Some of the speakers who are set to give their invaluable insights on the ASEAN market are, Philippine Airlines (PAL) veteran Jaime J. Bautista who has a long and credit-worthy record of professional service in the travel and tourism business. He recently assumed the presidency of PAL in October 2014 after the Lucio Tan Group took over management control of Asia’s longest-running airline.

Other Notable Speakers

Asian Brand advocate Joe Baladi brings his extensive experience in business communications across multiple geographies to the conference with his talk on How Asian Brands Can Conquer the World. This well- traveled marketing consultant is credited for shaping and repositioning major SME and MNC brands. He is a frequent speaker on the conference circuit, a regular guest on business television programs, and regularly contributes thought leadership articles to business magazines and newspapers across the region. As the CEO of BrandAsian, Joe divides his time in providing one-on-one business and branding advice and counsel to CEOs of some of the Asia’s largest companies.

Joseph “Chay” Cruel, currently the Vice President for Asia Brewery – Non-Alco Marketing, Business Development and International Business, is responsible for the popular domestic non-alco products such as Cobra Energy Drink, Absolute Distilled Drinking Water, Summit Water, Sunkist, Nestea, and Vitamilk. He spearheaded the international business and strategic partnerships for Asia Brewery.

Prof. Enrique Soriano is a Certified Professional Marketer and a PMA Agora Awardee for Excellence in Marketing Education who will examine the nature of Asian Family Businesses. As the Executive Director of the W+B Advisory Group, a Strategic Consulting Group servicing ASEAN corporate organizations on strategic leadership matters, Soriano will discuss growth in Asian family businesses, organizational change, and competitive strategies.

Angelica Suiza is the Chief Product and eCommerce Officer at Triple Pte. Ltd. With her expertise in omni-channel inventory resources optimization, she is responsible for providing category merchandising strategies for Under Armour in Southeast Asia as aligned with the company’s aggressive global merchandising directions.

Lucien Dy Tioco is the Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing at The Philippine STAR and concurrently heads the sales and marketing of the country’s leading business newspaper, Business World. He oversees the sales and marketing programs of The Philippine STAR across all platforms: from print, digital, and most recently, television. His presentation will cover the overall strategic direction of media conglomerates , through his company’s own Brand directions, as they venture overseas.

PMA hopes to focus the spotlight on the ASEAN region, which is seen as the 3rd largest consumer market after China and North America, but still overlooked by companies within the region. MNCs have been aware of this potential for some time as even Euromonitor acknowledges this region as one the fastest growing markets in the 21st century. Through its theme “Hello ASEAN”, the 47th NMC aims to shed light on these opportunities especially for those who are motivated by success and growth for their businesses.

For inquiries and or registration, please contact the PMA Secretariat at (+632)638-7700; (+632)634-5722 or email helloasean@philippinemarketing.net.ph.

Jodi and Thirdy joins the Jollibee family as the latest Jolly Spaghetti endorsers

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Warm welcome. The Jollibee team (L-R) – Regional Business Unit Head for Metro North Mike Castro, AVP for Marketing Kent Mariano (fourth from left, back), PR Director Arline Adeva, Chief Global Marketing Officer for Jollibee Global brand Francis E. Flores (6th from left, back), Assistant Brand Manager for Jolly Spaghetti Luis Berba and Corporate PR and Events Manager Dennis Reyes, gave Jodi and Thirdy a warm and jolly welcome to the Jollibee Family.

MANILA – Jollibee recently welcomed Jodi and Thirdy as the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti during the media launch held at the Ortigas Roosevelt branch. Jodi and Thirdy, who stars in the latest TV commercial for Jolly Spaghetti, shared their own personal experiences, from happy memories when she was a kid and to how she now enjoys the same bonding moments with Thirdy. The Jolly Spaghetti Sweet-Sarap Moments event also featured fun games for the media guests and their kids.

Batang Jollibee at heart

Jodi confesses to being a certified Batang Jollibee, even before she got into show business. Her mother worked hard to raise Jodi and her siblings, but made sure to devote her Saturdays to quality time over her children’s favorite Jollibee treats.

“Every Saturday, iti-treat niya kami sa Jollibee sa may Landmark food court,” Jodi recalled. “Talagang masasabi ko na kinalakihan ko si Jollibee. At hindi lang ‘yon, kasi bawat party, bawat celebration, talagang naging part siya ng family namin at ng pamilyang Pilipino.”

Growing up, Jodi said she would often order Jolly Spaghetti and Jolly Hotdog, and it became staples in her bonding moments with her mom. Now that she’s a mother herself, she wants to pass on the same joyful experience to Thirdy. The 10-year old loves the cheesy, meaty, and sweet-sarap flavors of Jolly Spaghetti.

“Wala akong nakilalang bata na gusto ng maasim na spaghetti,” the actress remarked candidly. “Especially Filipino children. I believe na nakuha ng Jollibee ‘yung manamis-namis na timpla na hinahanap-hanap ng bawat batang Pilipino.”

Mom first, actress second

Jodi remains simple even with her celebrity status and recent accolades for her stellar TV performances. Despite her busy schedule, she makes sure that spending quality time with Thirdy is her priority, just as her own mother did years ago.

The actress related that she and Thirdy can spend hours upon hours just talking about anything, especially over their favorite Jolly Spaghetti. They often order “C3,” the Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy combo, for delivery or drive-thru.

“Sa hapagkainan, that’s where the bonding happens. Nakakatuwa si Thirdy when you spend time with him. He’s a very opinionated child. Baka pwede siyang maging lawyer,” Jodi proudly added.

Perfect Choice for Jolly Spaghetti

Jollibee likewise is equally happy and excited to welcome Jodi and Thirdy to the family.
“Jodi and Thirdy are the perfect endorsers for Jolly Spaghetti,” said Kent Mariano, Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Marketing. “Despite Jodi’s celebrity status and hectic schedule, she believes in making even the smallest of moments count when it comes to strengthening her bond with Thirdy and her family. Jodi’s own story and personal experiences of bonding with her mom and now with her son is something that many Pinoy families can relate to. We at Jollibee have always proud to be part of such memorable moments.”

The latest TVC features Jodi reminiscing her bonding moments as a kid with her mom, and fast forward to the present, Jodi letting Thirdy experience the same happy moment while enjoying their favorite Jolly Spaghetti.

Green Day’s American Idiot to set stage at Globe Iconic Store on June 24, 2016

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Globe Telecom is set to open its world-class Iconic Store at the Bonifacio Global City Amphitheater this June 24, 2016. Opening the store’s entertainment facility will be the Philippine version of Green Day’s American Idiot with front row acts from rock icons such as Basti Artadi of Wolfgang, Miggy Chavez of Chicosci, Jason Fernandez and Norby David former Rivermaya vocalists, and veteran thespians Nel Gomez.

Phase one of the Globe Iconic Store will be launched, featuring a pioneering glass bridge connected to two separate stores in opposite buildings. This bridge, flanked by two massive LED screens on each side can be converted into a performance space catering to an audience below. This structure is dynamic and innovative and when merged with the creative minds of the Philippine entertainment industry, it becomes an open-air stage with limitless possibilities. While phase two will be opened on the third quarter of 2016 to feature the complete store including a Chroma studio for live production on-site.
To debut on-stage at the Globe Iconic store is the time relevant and hit musical Green Day’s American Idiot. The musical is about a journey of three young men as they face the harsh realities of the world around them – a symbolic post-9/11 America – where they must face the challenges of love, teen pregnancy, war, drugs, and loss. The musical is set to the incredibly biting and riveting music of Green Day that features a surprisingly profound understanding of the pains and frustrations of today’s youth.

“Green Day’s American Idiot is the perfect play to launch the Globe Iconic Store. With the world class entertainment venue we can provide and its unique location, American Idiot’s dynamic story can fully utilize the facility and deliver an immersive theatrical experience like no other. But more importantly we are doing this to be a medium of awareness of the youth today, and bring a valuable lesson of what today’s generation should avoid such as drugs, peer pressure, teen pregnancy and more.” – says Globe Retail Transformation and Stores management Head, Joe Caliro.

The cast features today’s premiere rock and theater acts, to bring a powerhouse performance that represent the current generation. Aside from Jason Fernandez, Miggy Chavez, veteran thespians Nel Gomez, and Basti Atardi. Other cast includes Yanah Laurel (Spring Awakening, Rizal X) and Alex Godinez (Grease, High School Musical) and Ela Lisondra (Disney Paris and Hong Kong, and recent Miss Saigon alumnus).

Rounding up the cast are Kai Atienza (GMA 7 artist), Ariel Reonal (seasoned thespian, Hong Kong Disney and Miss Saigon alumnus), Gian Gloria (Euro Pop Berliner Perle finalist, Marco Polo musical), Mako Alonso (La Cage aux Folles, Rivalry), Sarah Facuri (Grease, No Filter), Chesko Rodriguez (La Cage aux Folles, Universal Studios Singapore), Shalee Vicencio (Disney’s Camp Rock, Alice in Wonderland), Mark Tayag (Rent, The Wedding Singer, Grease) and Kendrick Ibasco (Pinocchio, Rivalry).

Green Day’s American Idiot will have a total of 9 nights show from June 24 till July 9, 2016. Check out more details at www.globe.com.ph/american-idiot. Tickets are now also available for purchase via Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit https://www.ticketworld.com.ph.

CALTEX – The Power of X Unleashed

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Caltex unleashed recently the full Power of X as it launched its newest line of Havolineand DELO lubricants, in a fun-filled event centered around X-Men: Apocalypse, thelatest installment in the blockbuster franchise, at the SM MOA Atrium.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the all-new Caltex lubricant line, suchas Delo® Sports with ISOSYN® Technology, Delo Sports Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40, and Delo Sports Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30. These products are particularlydesigned for the ever popular diesel-powered SUVs and pick-up trucks, providingenhanced engine protection and increased power even in the most trying of drivingconditions.

“At Caltex, our customers are the cornerstone of our business. Every bottle of Havolineand Delo engine oil is imbued with the power to protect their engines and deliveroptimized performance” said Joe Bronfman, Chevron Philippines, Inc. (CPI) AreaBusiness Manager for Lubricants, Philippines, and Vietnam. “This is also a very opportune event as we introduce Delo Sports, the latest from theCaltex diesel engine oil product family, which will allow motorists to experience the fullpower and performance of their diesel engines in their everyday drive.”

The venue was transformed into the X-Men School for Gifted Youngsters where mall-goers got to take home exclusive X-Men premium items by joining the Caltex XtremePower Challenges such as the arcade, hammer, and matching games.

Adding excitemement to the event were cosplayers all dressed-up as X-Men Apocalypsecharacters who obliged X-Men fans with selfies.It was indeed an exciting, power-packed event with no less than the Caltex and X-Menreleasing the Power of X for everyone to experience.

Colgate Philippines and Robinsons Supermarket come together to support World Vision

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Giving back to the community is the key focus of Colgate-Palmolive in 2016 as it celebrates 90 years in the country. Among the key activities that had been lined up for the year is a partnership with one of the biggest supermarket chains in the Philippines, Robinsons Supermarket, to help raise awareness and support for World Vision Philippines.

Recently, Colgate-Palmolive Philippines and Robinsons Supermarket initiated a sales promotional activity to raise funds for World Vision. With every purchase of participating Colgate products (toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash), World lpascualVision was to receive P5.

“Robinsons Supermarket’s commitment to health and wellness aligns with World Vision’s advocacy of promoting the overall well-being of children and their families throughout the country,” Jody Gadia, General Manager of Robinsons Supermarket, remarked. Josias T. dela Cruz, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines, responded by saying, “On behalf of World Vision, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous gift. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have Robinsons Supermarket and a global brand such as Colgate to share in our vision.”

Stephen Lau, Vice-President & General Manager of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, replied, “It has always been the mission of Colgate-Palmolive to bring smiles to more people across the world. We feel privileged to have this opportunity to reinforce that mission in the Philippines on our 90th year through this collaboration with Robinsons Supermarket and World Vision.” Robinsons Supermarket turned over the donation of P334,495.00 to World Vision Phils, in the presence of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines.

Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza presents X-Men: Apocalypse and Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure

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Pizza Hut, the Philippines’ well-loved pizza brand, serves not only a flavorful extra large pizza and the hottest blockbuster movie promotion of the summer, but also the chance to win an exciting trip to Las Vegas, Nevada!

Dubbed Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure, Pizza Hut’s newest promotion was launched during an event presided by its Chief Operating Officer TH Lim. “Given that Filipinos enjoy eating together, we have recently introduced the Blowout Pizza, our biggest pizza ever that gives families, colleagues and barkadas more reasons to bond over this extra-large, extraordinary pizza,” he said. “But with the upcoming screening of one of the most awaited blockbuster movie franchises, we’ve kicked things up further with an exciting series of X-Men: Apocalypse branded offerings.”

Pizza Hut has partnered with one of the biggest entertainment companies in the country, 20th Century Fox, for the nationwide release of X-Men: Apocalypse. With the tie-up, each order of Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza is packaged in one of four limited-edition collectible boxes for fans of the X-Men film saga to enjoy.

On top of all this excitement, Pizza Hut is set to reward lucky patrons with the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure promo. Grand prize winners of this raffle promo will go on a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada where they can live like an Egyptian God for four days and three nights in a deluxe room with private VIP poolside cabana access at the Luxor Hotel. Winners will also ride on a private helicopter above Las Vegas’ iconic pyramid featuring an incredible view of the strip, become horsemen on a guided 2-hour horseback trek into the Grand Canyon, and explore Las Vegas’ iconic Neon Graveyard after dark.

Tony Rulloda, Marketing Director of 20th Century Fox, shared during the event, “This is going to be the most thrilling X-Men installment, and we thought to make it even more exciting by tying up with a brand that has always been a favorite of moviegoers, a brand that never fails to amaze and thrill its loyal customers.”

Raymund Nobleza, Marketing Officer-in-Charge for Pizza Hut, presented details of the promotion to guests. Pizza Hut customers can join by ordering a Blowout Pizza in any Pizza Hut restaurant, filling out the receipt’s back with their contact details and signature, then dropping it at designated boxes. “You can choose to enjoy the Blowout Pizza through Hut Feast promos on site or a la carte, or if you want to enjoy your a la carte order by delivery you can get an upgrade with add-ons like Cream Of Mushroom Soup, Fried Chicken, Spaghetti Bolognese or Slingers for just P99,” he said.
Aside from a limited-edition Magneto Helmet as seen on X-Men: Apocalypse, other prizes in the promo include ten 18” Blowout Pizzas, which combines the Hawaiian, Supreme, Roast Beef and Veggies, and Sausage and Bacon flavors into one pizza, as consolation prizes.

Pizza Hut Blowout Pizza’s X-Men Apocalypse and Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure promos are valid until June 6, 2016. For more information about Pizza Hut’s Blowout Pizza, the X-Men Apocalypse promotion and the Xtreme Las Vegas Adventure raffle, visit www.pizzahut.com.ph or “like” www.facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines. You can also follow @PizzaHutPhils on Twitter and Instagram, or simply call 911-1111 (Metro Manila) today!

About X-Men Apocalypse

Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshiped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto, to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction

FILIPINO BARTENDERS COMPETE IN THE FINAL DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

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The last challenge leg of Diageo Reserve World Class 2016 ended on a flavorful note last May 12 at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Diageo Reserve World Class is the cocktail industry’s most renowned and respected mixology training programme and competition worldwide. This 2016, the world’s best bartenders will pit their skills, impeccable techniques, and knowledge against each other in front of experts in the global bartending industry.

The third and biggest challenge round for the prestigious Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2016 followed the theme “Cuisine Meat Cocktails”- a feast of savory flavors and the world’s finest Scotch whiskies. The challenge ushered in #LoveScotch – a global movement that promotes Scotch whisky’s unique style, substance, and flavor.

Competing bartenders made use of Diageo Reserve’s portfolio of Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Singleton of Glen Ord, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Talisker, Lagavulin, and Caol Ila in their cocktails.

20 of Manila’s top mixologists served scrumptious creations that surprised the senses with unthinkable ingredients by balancing savory tastes to the diverse flavor profiles of Scotch whisky. The “Cuisine Meat Cocktails” challenge was a test of integrating food elements while putting together exceptional cocktails.

“This batch was truly exceptional. The bartenders did a great job this year,” said Marie Ona, Diageo Reserve Philippines Luxury Manager. “All three winners demonstrated unique talents and the promise to make a difference in Miami later on this year, taking advantage of food trends to create their winning cocktails.”

Offering their discerning palates to the competition were judges Will Thompson, Global Ambassador for Don Julio Tequila; Hannah Waters, presenter and bartender for Tales of the Cocktails; and Ray Reyes, food and travel blogger of lynne-enroute.com. Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao hosted the competition.

The top 4 bartenders will represent the Philippines at the regional finals in Bali, Indonesia in late May. They will also receive premium prizes from Diageo and BevTools. The winners of the regional finals will then go on to compete in the Global Finals in Miami, Florida, where they will have the opportunity to learn from the industry’s most renowned figures and gain access to exclusive World Class tools and workshops.

Every year, Diageo Reserve World Class continues to grow, with more and more countries adapting the training program and joining the World Class Bartender of the Year Competition. Now on its eighth year globally, World Class continues to elevate the craft, innovation, and creativity within the cocktail industry. This is the fourth year the Philippines is participating with the biggest batch thus far with contenders hailing from Manila’s finest bars.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The industry’s largest, most credible investment in the luxury on trade, it discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and brings these to the best bars worldwide.

At the core of World Class is an expansive global training program that invests in the skill of the bartender and provides an international platform to discover and showcase the best talent from preeminent bartenders all over the world, culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 15,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, partners, and owners, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.

As an extension of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS training programme, in 2011, Diageo launched the Diageo Bar Academy in Asia Pacific, the region’s largest bartending course accredited by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which has trained 10,000 bartenders to date.