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Cyberzone Game Fest 2024 is back to Celebrate All Things Gaming Cyberzone Game Fest at SM Supermalls now on its 9th Year

Calling all gamers, esports enthusiasts, and tech aficionados! Now on its 9th year, Cyberzone Game Fest is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever before!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the latest gaming innovations, exclusive tech releases, and a thrilling celebration of all things gaming. Cyberzone Game Fest is not just an event; it’s a gaming extravaganza that transcends boundaries.

Here’s what you can expect at Cyberzone Game Fest 2024 at SM Supermalls:

Battle Arena

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rising star, battle it out at our esports tournaments or watch as other gamers show off their skills.

Images from last year’s Cyberzone Game Fest

Since Valorant is one of the top PC games in the Philippines, it is our highlighted game this year. Get the chance to play against other local Valorant players to win up to 30,000 pesos prize pool in cash plus ACER premium merch and SM Malls Online surprises.

Catch two famous personalities in gaming and entertainment! Stay tuned for the official announcement a few days before the Mega Launch! Our lips are sealed to keep the element of BIG surprise.

A few lucky fans will be selected to join the celebrity tournament. See and join them LIVE on March 1 (Saturday) at SM Megamall.

Cyberzone has finally opened the gates of Battle Arena! Gather your teams now and showcase that fresh plays and lineups. Register via SM Malls Online app.

Game Fest Kids

Cyberzone Game Fest 2024 will never be complete without tons of fun for kids.

Images from last year’s Cyberzone Game Fest Kids

Placing a special focus on the phenomenal world of Roblox, young gamers can immerse themselves in their favorite game by completing activities and challenges on their Roblox passport. A free-play area and Roblox tournaments are in store where kids can grab a prize pool of 5,000 pesos.

Catch the Game Fest Kids every Sunday during the entire run of Cyberzone Game Fest 2024. Go up and close at the meet-and-greet with Juneru (Roblox Starcode “Dora”) at select legs of the gaming festival.

Mini Challenges

Open to gamers of all ages, the Mini Challenges will allow you to interact with virtual elements, create your own virtual world, and experience hands-on simulations that will truly elevate the gaming experience.

Images from last year’s mini challenges on Beat Saber and Racing Sim

Slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music as you play Beat Saber. Fun mini challenges also abound at Cyberzone Game Fest 2024. Experience driving different vehicles in a virtual environment through Racing Sim and show off your fighting skills in a game of Tekken.

Enter the VR world and immerse through fun mini challenges during the entire event run.

The Best Tech Deals

Of course, shopping will always be on the menu at Cyberzone Game Fest 2024 as well. Look forward to special deals, unbeatable discounts, and cutting-edge tech exclusives that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone to upgrade their setup and enhance their gaming experience.

Get ready to catch Cyberzone Game Fest 2024!

Mark your calendars and get ready to level up your excitement with your favorite gaming buddies at Cyberzone Game Fest 2024 happening at select SM Supermalls on these dates:

SM Megamall	March 1-3
SM Southmall	March 8-10
SM North EDSA	March 15-17
SM City Baguio	March 22-24
SM City Clark	April 5-7
SM City Sto. Tomas	April 12-14
SM Seaside Cebu	April 19-21
SM City General Santos	April 26-28

See you there!

#CheckCyberzone and discover the thrill of #TechAssured. #NoLimitsAllThrills of fun, gaming and tech deals only at Cyberzone. Visit their website for more updates. Join Cyberzone’s growing community on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

February 24, 2024 0 comment

Breaking the ice from Shanghai to Boston: PH’s Gamez and Korovin earn ticket to world championship glory

written by DWIZ 882

Team Philippines once again impressed the world with outstanding performances on the ice at the prestigious International Skating Union (ISU) Four Continents Figure Skating Championships (4CC) in Shanghai, China.

Team Philippines represent at the 2024 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai, China. In photo (L-R): Alexander Korovin, Isabella Gamez, Sofia Frank and Edrian Celestino.

The remarkable figure skating duo, Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin, secured the 11th position at the esteemed ISU 4CC held from January 30 to February 4 at the Shanghai Pudong Development (SPD) Bank Oriental Sports Center. Their impressive technical element scores, combining results from last year’s World Championships in Saitama, Japan, and the free skating event at the ISU 4CC, were 29.30 and 46.45 respectively, securing their place in the 2025 World Figure Skating Championship. This world championship stages a significant role in the qualification for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Dynamic skating duo Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin continue to skate their way to success ranking 11th in the prestigious ISU 4CC held at SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.

(Photo courtesy from Getty Images by Annice Lyn)

In addition to the remarkable achievements of Filipino talents at the esteemed ISU 4CC, Filipino-Canadian Edrian Celestino finished strong with a score of 180.31 points, ranking 18th in the men’s individual figure skating segment. Celestino had also competed in the ISU Challenger Series Autumn Classic, where he placed 10th in September 2023.

Ranking 18Th out of 27 at the men’s individual figure skating is Filipino-Canadian Edrian Celestino qualifying to the Worlds next month. (Photo courtesy from Getty Images by Annice Lyn)

In the women’s individual figure skating segment, two-time Philippine national champion Sofia Frank placed 19th with 134.79 points. Frank is scheduled to compete next at the Jr. World Figure Skating Championship in Taipei, Taiwan, celebrating her 3rd year representing the Philippines.

Daughter of former Filipino beauty queen Precious Tongko, Sofia Frank ranks 19th out of 26 at the women’s individual figure skating. Frank qualifies to compete at the Jr. World Figure Skating Championships which she has been Philippine representative in event for 3 years now. (Photo courtesy from Getty Images by Annice Lyn)

With the recent conclusion of the continental championships, Team Philippines are ready to take on to their next journey making a great impact on young Filipino figure skaters. Sending best wishes to all incredible skaters on their next competitions.

To learn more about SM Skating and available skating lessons, please follow SM Skating on social media or visit the nearest SM Skating branch at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside City Cebu.

February 24, 2024 0 comment

SM Super Pets Club throws epic 1st birthday bash at SM Aura Skypark

written by DWIZ 882

Tails wagged and hearts melted as furry friends and pet lovers alike gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of SM Supermalls’ Super Pets Club at the SM Aura Skypark recently.

Hearts awed as pet pals assemble to pawty for the 1st birthday of the SM Super Pets Club

The Skypark was transformed into a pet paradise, complete with a playground and a pet buffet, and a variety of parlor games were made available for both pets and their owners to enjoy. From finding out which dog is the quickest to respond to the “bark” command, a pet race where each furbaby competes on who can get to their furparent the fastest, and even a game of musical mats, pet and furparents alike showed off their skills and strong bonds with each other.

The event features a pet playground and playful games for furry friends.

Pets also strutted their stuff in a pet fashion parade. Dressed to the nines and in adorable costumes, they showcased their pet owners’ creativity and flair. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as each pet took center stage, showing that they were a superstar in their own right, but the furbaby that captured the hearts of the SM Aura team and crowned best dressed was Cupcake the cat.

A pet enjoys one of the awesome parlor games.

Cupcake the cat wins the Best Dressed Award at the Pet Fashion Parade.

A dog dresses up in an adorable costume.

But the fun didn’t stop there! The Super Pets Club mascots Matty, Maki, Shasha, and Sera flaunted an energetic performance, entertaining the participants with their adorable antics and enthusiasm.

The Super Pets Club mascots Sera, Shasha, Matty, and Maki entertain the crowd.

Pet owners also got the chance to ask their burning questions to the resident veterinarian of the Super Pets Club Vet’s Chat, Doc Jannie Pauline Sta. Ana. Doc Ja gave a short talk about the firsts of pets, specifically puppies and kittens. She touched on how to best care for pets in their infant stages, the importance of deworming and ensuring all pets get vaccinated, especially the anti-rabies shots.

Veterinarian Doc Jannie Pauline Sta. Ana offers tips on optimal pet care.

Pet lovers and their furry companions departed with smiles on their faces and memories to last a lifetime, already looking forward to next year’s festivities. With its commitment to celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners, SM Supermalls’ Super Pets Club continues to be a beloved destination for pet lovers everywhere.

Since 2023, the Super Pets Club has offered a flourishing community for pet lovers of all kinds. Through a range of exciting events, activities, and exclusive perks, the community provides a platform for pet lovers to connect, learn, and share their passion for their furry companions.

The SM Super Pets Club provides a haven for pet lovers, featuring tail-wagging events, purrfect activities, and exclusive treats.

To know more about how you can join the Super Pets Club, visit www.smsuperpetsclub.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

February 24, 2024 0 comment

Informa Markets Announces Inaugural Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo in PH

written by DWIZ 882

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The new major automotives and parts event is set to debut in June 2024

A new platform for local, international, and regional suppliers of automotive parts, accessories, maintenance equipment, and tools is set to debut in the country in June. The inaugural Auto Parts & Vehicles Expo Philippines (APVE) will be mounted from June 5 to 7, 2024 at the VWorld Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

The three-day event is aimed at gathering over 4,000 potential buyers and sellers from across the country and the region. More than 120 regional and international exhibitors are expected to showcase the latest products and solutions in the industry. It will also facilitate a forum for productive discussions about solutions and best practices that can enhance efficiencies and profits for all scales of businesses in the consumer and commercial automotive industry.

“We are thrilled to unveil the game-changing platform for the automotive industry that will congregate top industry leaders, buyers, and sellers to connect and unlock new growth opportunities,” said APVE Deputy Event Director Alwin Seow.

Leveraging on trade show expertise

Informa Markets, the organizer of the APVE 2024, is committed to utilizing its trade show expertise to make this event an advanced networking, exhibition, and knowledge-sharing platform that would redefine automotive standards.

“Explore new partnerships through networking opportunities, discover the latest trends and developments, and find cutting-edge products and solutions during the three-day APVE 2024,” said Rungphech ‘Rose’ Chitanuwat, Informa Markets General Manager in the Philippines.

“APVE is open for exhibitors, trade buyers, businesses, and consumers not just from the sector but also from related industries like mining, construction, logistics transportation, and agriculture,” she added.

APVE 2024 will be the largest in the Philippines to focus on auto parts and vehicles, amid impressive growth of domestic annual vehicle sales in the post-pandemic period.

Encouraging figures

Based on the joint report by the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi), overall vehicle sales in the country grew by 21.9 percent in 2023 to a record high of 429,807 units, exceeding the industry’s annual sales target and even the pre-pandemic sales levels. For comparison, annual vehicle sales posted was 369,941 units in 2019, 223,793 in 2020, 268,488 in 2021, and 352,596 in 2022.

Thus, there is a logically growing demand for planned servicing and maintenance activities to possibly extend the lifespan of new and ageing vehicles. APVE intends to be an ideal B2B setup to equip businesses (and even consumers) in properly maintaining their fleet.

For inguiries abOut APVE 2024, visit its website at www.apvexpo.com or Contact Belle Tamayo (email: Belle.Tamayo@informa.com; landline: +632 8581 1932).

For exhibitionand sponsorship, contact Yves Caisip (email: Yves.Caisip@informa.com; landline: +63 2 8581 1919; mobile: +63 923 824 8477).

February 23, 2024 0 comment

Lalaking umakyat sa poste, patay nang makuryente sa Manila

written by Krystine Belen

Patay ang isang lalaki matapos makuryente sa isang poste sa Port Area, Manila kahapon ng madaling araw.

Batay sa imbestigasyon ni PCpl. Charles Benzon Dela Torre mula sa Manila Police District (MPD), nabatid na dakong alas kwatro ng madaling araw nang maganap ang insidenteng naging dahilan sa pagkasawi ng biktimang si Arwin Cabugayan.

Ayon sa live-in partner ni Cabugayan na si Rica Delos Santos, bigla silang nawalan ng kuryente sa kanilang tahanan. Upang maibalik ang suplay ng kuryente, umakyat ang biktima sa poste.

Maya-maya lamang, nakarinig si Delos Santos ng malakas na kalabog at nakita na lang niyang nakahandusay ang biktima sa sementadong kalsada.

Isinugod si Cabugayan sa Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) ngunit dead on arrival na ito.

February 23, 2024 0 comment

KMC Savills Presents the Panoramic View of the Philippine Real Estate

written by DWIZ 882

KMC Savills, the country’s leading real estate brokerage and consultancy firm, takes a panoramic look on the state of Philippine real estate as they presented the latest data and outlook on the country’s property market for 2024. The presentation was led by KMC Savills’ Research and Consultancy together with their newly-appointed CEO Joe Curran and COO Cha Carbonell.

Starting the event, KMC Savills CEO Joe Curran looked back on the year that was before discussing the current situation of the Metro Manila Office market sector. “Upcoming office completions are set to invigorate leasing activities”, shared Curran as demand is seen to sustain for 2024 while increase in vacancy rates is expected due to the upcoming multiple office building completion for the year. BGC remains the favorable location for prime buildings, leading all submarkets with more than 2 million in office stock and an incoming office supply of about 182,000 sq m – the highest in all submarkets in Metro Manila for the past year.

However, noteworthy transactions also occurred in the last quarter of 2023, with about 110k sq m of space taken. Leading the charge are the new buildings in Makati, reaching high occupancy rates despite the competitive office landscape.

Metro Manila office lease rates have stabilized post-pandemic to an average of 858 pesos per sq m down by 6.7% from pre-pandemic rates. Remarkably, Iloilo’s lease rates have increased through the pandemic due to the constant demand from IT-BPM sector which is seen to continue its expansion outside Metro Manila where there is deemed to be a larger talent pool and relatively lower wages.

In the Industrial sector, KMC Savills COO Cha Carbonell shared that “Manufacturing and Logistics are paving the way for industrial hubs” with Manufacturing accounting for nearly half—41% of the current tenant market. Laguna is reported as the primary location for over half of the warehouse stock. Elevated vacancies, however, may pressure warehouse rents. Particularly noteworthy are the significant decreases in the rental rates of Bulacan, which went down by 42% and Pampanga by 21%.

In the Residential sector, KMC Savills Research and Consultancy Associate Director Joshua De Las Alas discussed the shift on how the middle-market consumers are now leaning more towards PAGIBIG to finance their dream homes outside of Metro Manila. On top of rising interest rates, the need to live near the place of work has declined, leading to the slowdown in mid-market condominium sales. On the other hand, developers are now putting more focus on high-end and luxury developments, which make up 60% of the new launches for the past 2 years. Notably, the Metro Manila market has only sold 65% of the 113,000 units floated, both for pre-selling and RFO units. Around 40,000 units are still left unsold, half of which are from mid-market developments.

The event ended with KMC Savills’ bullish outlook for 2024, reporting that the real estate market will continue to pick up. In terms of specific market segments, KMC Savills is optimistic about the office, retail, and hospitality sectors. On the other hand, they are wary of the mismatch between the demand and supply in the industrial market and the potential saturation of the mid-end residential market. They also mentioned the emerging markets to look out for such as the rise of renewable energy and the data center industry, which are currently in their early stages.

February 22, 2024 0 comment

RGS: Pioneering BPO Excellence

written by DWIZ 882

RGS Recovery Management and Collection Services (RGS), a prominent Filipino-owned BPO firm, has been at the forefront of industry excellence for over a decade. Initially specializing in receivables management, RGS has broadened its scope to include comprehensive solutions in customer service, customer experience (CX), and digital experience (DX) management.

Excellence as Standard:

Our steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation has earned us the trust of major banks in the Philippines, solidifying our position as their preferred service provider. The numerous awards we’ve garnered serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.

Recent Accolades:

Highlighted among our recent achievements is the prestigious PAG-IBIG 2022 Excellence Award, acknowledging our invaluable contribution to facilitating special account endorsements, thereby aiding in the financial stability of Pag-IBIG Fund.

Furthermore, the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) honored us with the 2023 Titanium Top 1 Award, recognizing our outstanding adherence to regulatory frameworks while supporting the policies of individual banks.

Additionally, our partnership with Globe Telecom has yielded impressive results, with RGS achieving top recovery rates overall and in broadband services from January to September 2023.

Strategic Collaborations:

RGS has cemented two strategic partnerships to bolster our capabilities. Collaborating with Call Center Studio (CCS) allows us to deliver exceptional customer service experiences across diverse channels. Likewise, our partnership with Antarex Cyber enhances our cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of our clients’ assets.

Expansion and Global Reach:

In line with our vision for global expansion, RGS has diversified its services beyond receivables management. Our state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. Equipped with cutting-edge call center solutions, we are well-positioned to deliver unparalleled services on a global scale.

Comprehensive Solutions:

Through our Omni-Channel Platform, branded as the RGS INTERCONNECT SYSTEM (ICS) OMNICARE, we offer a wide array of BPO services, encompassing customer service, CX management, DX management, and our core expertise in receivables management.

Continued Leadership:

As RGS continues to lead the way in BPO excellence, our dedication to innovation, strategic partnerships, and global expansion remains steadfast. With a relentless focus on delivering exceptional results and surpassing client expectations, we are poised to shape the future of the industry and uphold our legacy of excellence for years to come.

February 22, 2024 0 comment

Paano inihahanda ang mullet roe?

written by Krystine Belen

Hindi mawawala ang isda sa hapagkainan nating mga Pilipino dahil bukod sa masustansya, mas mura ito kumpara sa karne ng manok o baboy.

Pero alam mo bang mayroong isda na nagkakahalaga ng $500 o P28,000? Hindi pa buong isda yan ah, kundi roe o itlog lang.

Ito ang itlog ng mullet fish, o mas kilala bilang ‘banak’ sa Pilipinas.

Itinuturing ang roe ng mullet bilang ‘Rolls-Royce’ o most luxurious sa mundo ng mga isda.

Masarap, ngunit kumplikado ang paghahanda nito.

Una, maingat na hinihiwa ang tiyan ng isda upang tiyakin ang quality at freshness nito. Dito na tatanggalin ang kulay gintong itlog.

Lalagyan ng asin ang mga itlog at ilalagay sa isang wooden board. Pagpapatong-patungin ang mga ito, saka dadaganan ng malalaking bato.

Dahil sa gravity at high penetration ng asin, matatanggal ang natitirang tubig sa roe hanggang sa lumiit ito.

After a few hours, lilinisan ang itlog at ilalagay ulit sa isang wooden board para matuyo. Isa-isa itong iche-check at kung may butas o anumang sira, tatapalan ito ng bituka ng manok.

Matapos ang isang linggong pagkakaimbak, tuluyan nang matutuyo ang mullet roe at maaari nang kainin.

Mayroon itong light salty flavor at sweetness ng fresh fish. Chewy rin ito at elastic sa bibig, kaya masasabing swak ito sa panlasa.

Ikaw, susubukan mo bang kumain ng mullet roe?

February 22, 2024 0 comment

Bakit mahal ang gooseneck barnacles?

written by Krystine Belen

A seafood to die for.

Ganito kung ilarawan ang gooseneck barnacles, isa sa mga pinakamahal na seafood sa buong mundo.

Nagkakahalaga ng $100 o halos P5,600 ang kada one pound ng gooseneck barnacles sa Spain at Portugal, kung saan ito itinuturing na delicacy.

Isang crustacean o shellfish ang gooseneck barnacle na nakadikit sa bato. Dahil mahal itong maibebenta, maraming mangingisda ang nagbubuwis ng kanilang buhay para mangolekta nito. Sa katunayan, limang tao ang namamatay tuwing harvest season ng gooseneck barnacles sa Spain.

Malapit sa dagat ang mga batong dinidikitan ng gooseneck barnacles. Kumakain ito ng plankton na nadadala ng dagat tuwing high tide. Kaya naman kung saan may malakas na alon, doon din makikita ang malalaki at matatabang barnacles.

Napaka-delikado nito para sa mga mangingisda, kaya sinusubukan nilang mangolekta tuwing low tide. Kadalasan, kailangan pa nilang maghintay hanggang gabi para lang makakuha nito.

Pili rin ang pagkuha sa gooseneck barnacles. Matapos kolektahin ang isang bato ng barnacles, kailangan itong protektahan sa loob ng anim na buwan upang hindi ito ma-extinct. At dahil nalilimitahan nito ang huli ng mga mangingisda, kailangan pa nilang maghanap pa sa ibang lugar kung saan may malakas na alon.

Crunchy sa unang kagat, ngunit malambot at halos natutunaw sa bibig ang lutong gooseneck barnacles. Kalasa nito ang oyster at lobster na may fresh saltwater taste.

Rare at nakamamatay man ang pagkuha sa gooseneck barnacles, worth it ito para sa mga nakatikim na.

Ikaw, susubukan mo bang tumikim ng gooseneck barnacles?

February 22, 2024 0 comment

11 katao, sugatan sa salpukan ng tatlong jeep sa Quezon City

written by Krystine Belen

Labing-isang katao ang sugatan matapos magsalpukan ang tatlong pampasaherong jeep sa Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Batay sa ulat ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Traffic Sector 5, bandang alas diyes ng umaga kahapon nang maganap ang aksidente malapit sa kanto ng Tandang Sora Avenue, Brgy. Old Balara.

Sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, nagmamaneho ang driver na si Noel Lipango sa Commonwealth Avenue mula Philcoa nang mawalan ito ng preno, kung saan nabangga niya ang jeep ni Fernando Cadayona.

Tumagilid naman ang jeep ni Cadayona na naging dahilan sa pagsalpok nito sa isa pang pampasaherong jeep na minamaneho ni Rolando Rubia.

Walong pasahero mula sa jeep ni Cadayona ang sugatan, samantalang tatlo naman ang mula kay Lipango.

Dinala sa East Avenue Medical Center ang siyam sa mga sugatan. Hindi pa rin alam ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan sa ngayon.

Samantala, iniimbestigahan pa rin ng Traffic Sector 5 ang tatlong jeepney driver upang malaman ang pinagmulan ng banggaan.

February 22, 2024 0 comment

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