Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!

SM Supermalls hosts the biggest gaming activation in 60 malls nationwide.

Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month!

From August 1 to 31, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made will welcome every individual with various needs.

Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena. Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches.

Gaming that never goes out of style. If you are a gamer who loves your classic video games, the Retroverse is for you. Select malls every Saturday will be setting up Retro Gaming Stations featuring classic consoles and games from the past. Relive the magic of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Venture into different worlds with AweSM Kids. Kids and kids at heart can have some fun at the Kids Zone–-an interactive area featuring popular games like SM Kids Roblox and Minecraft every weekend for the whole month of August.

The GeekCon is on! SM celebrates all things geek this Cyber Month including a Cosplay Competition. Every Sunday, bring your favorite anime, manga, games, TV, series, and comic book characters to life through elaborate costumes and performances that will wow the crowd. The GeekCon will also feature activities that geeks will love such as collectible toy displays, visual arts masterclasses, meet-and-greets with popular streamers, and Collectible Card Game Tournament.

SM City Masinag

Techtopia for all your tech needs. SM malls nationwide will have multiple activity areas bringing together a wide range of gadgets, interactive installations, and displays at Techtopia. Get your hands on the newest and trendiest gadgets, devices, and even smart home appliances at SM. Plus, at the Techtopia zone, you can check, test, and ensure the product’s quality before making that big purchase.

Discover the hottest tech deals. Gear up and get your baskets ready for SM Supermalls’ month-long nationwide tech and gadget sale. Whether you shop at your favorite SM mall or scroll through your go-to SM Online and SM Deals apps, there are a lot of great gadget deals all for you. Avail of these special promos, special offerings, and bundles on select items with up to 50% off in participating stores this August.

Mark your calendars! August is geek-out month with these fun-filled activities and deals in store for you this Cyber Month at an SM mall near you. Game on and shop #TechAssured gadgets and get exciting deals when you #CheckCyberzone.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/cyberzone or follow @SMSupermalls and @smcyberzone on social media.

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tick... tick... BOOM! Time is not running out for everyone.

Live theater is back for 9 Works Theatrical. Maybe the most recent company to open its doors to the audience with their restaging of one of Jonathan Larson's notable musicals, tick... tick... BOOM! This expresses that there will be a right time for all things. And the timing for staging this is well-executed.

tick... tick... BOOM! is about a struggling artist who feels the pressure of success in a target time, the case of which is before the age of 30. Led by Jef Flores, with Reb Atadero and Tanya Manalang, alternating with Khalil Ramos, Vien King and Kayla Rivera, this musical hits to the core of everyone who undergoes existential crisis and overthinking the goals that surround us.

Jon (Flores/Ramos) is like many of us. He has the ideals, passion but punched by reality in the face. I sometimes associate him to Christian of Moulin Rouge who believes that everything has its order but dwells in the reality that we are starting penniless and need to work hard.

But on the bright side, we are lucky to be given with a handful of people who can support us. Reb and Tanya, playing Mike and Susan, could be your household companions. It seems that Jonathan Larson was very lucky to have these two in his life. He was not even harshly confronted of taking too long to push a career but instead they supported his dreams. 

The three, collectively, has to be given credit for exemplary performance in their roles. They have formed a great ensemble with just 3 cast members. The stage also has a notable moment that drew the audience into a great impact which understands our feelings and in a comforting way. A special applause for director Robbie Guevara for a fun treatment on this production. It was clearly different in Netflix's version which stars Andrew Garfield, but that is for another commentary. 

9 Works' comeback production of tick... tick... BOOM! runs until August 27, 2023 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium. The cast are shuffled every show so you can watch different takes on the roles. For tickets, you may visit https://bit.ly/m/ticktickBOOMmnl

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FEU Chorale's PASASALAMAT concert set on Aug. 12

The Far Eastern University Chorale returns to the stage of the FEU Auditorium for "Pasasalamat" at 6 PM on August 12, 2023. This concert serves as a homecoming celebration for the group following their participation in the recently concluded 2nd Asia Choral Grand Prix in Bali, Indonesia, where 6 choirs from Spain, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines battled in this competition of winners. The FEU Chorale qualified for this prestigious competition by winning the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Competition in 2019.

2 weeks before leaving for Bali, the FEU Chorale competed in the Sing, Tarlac, Sing Choral Festival in Tarlac City and won a Gold Diploma, the Best in Folk Song Category, and the Second Prize.

In the Tarlac and Bali competitions, the FEU Chorale sang pieces in contemporary, folk, and sacred contemporary genres. These pieces will be performed in Pasasalamat, which recounts the group’s voyage under Mr. Angelo Tangco’s term as their Artistic Director. He molded the choir’s sound to be balanced and that is the legacy they will strive to maintain in the years to come.

The choir has been able to touch hearts and inspire people. An Indonesian choir approached the members of the FEU Chorale to say how they were moved by their performance. The FEU Chorale made them more interested in the sound of Filipino choirs.

Hear this sound in Pasasalamat on Saturday, August 12 at 6PM in the FEU Auditorium. Tickets are at p500 and p250 and are available at the FEU Center for the Arts and the FEU Chorale's FB page. They will be sold only until 5.30 PM on concert day.

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Building a Healthier Future Together: LG PH Donates to West Visayas State University Medical Center

L-R: Mr. Paul Rizzel Ledesma - Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Julio H. Lacao Jr.- Head of Linen Section, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III - Medical Chief II, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Celina C. Gelada - Vice President for Medical and Allied Services, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Mr. Philip Lee - Big Wash Director, Mark Vincent Fabresis - Owner, ML Laundry Equipment and Supply, Ms. Marylouie Gatuz - Product Marketing Manager for Commercial Laundry, LG Electronics Philippines, Dr. Marcos D. Bito-on - Asst. Hospital Director for Hospital Operations, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Ms. Belen Gabo-Carreon - Asst. Hospital Director for Administration, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Mr. Julius Juanito - Supervising Administration Officer - Supply Department, West Visayas State University Medical Center

LG Philippines affirms its commitment to build a better community with its recent CSR initiative in Iloilo. The activity was spearheaded by LG, together with Mark Vincent Fabresis from ML Laundry Equipment and Supply and BigWash. 2 sets of Giant C Max and 2 sets of Titan C Max washers and dryers were donated to West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) in Region VI, modernizing their laundry facilities. The turnover event, held on July 20, 2023, was attended by representatives from WVSU-MC, LG, and BigWash, highlighting the collective effort to enhance healthcare services in the region.

LG commercial washing machines can be a game-changer for hospitals, offering numerous benefits that streamline their laundry operations and improve overall efficiency. With their advanced technology and large capacity, these machines can handle the high volume of laundry generated, including bed linens, towels, and staff uniforms.

Ms. Marylouie Gatuz, Dr. Gelada, Philip Lee, Dr. Gelito, Mr. Gudfrey Manansala, Mr. Fabresis

Powering both the Giant C Max and the Titan C Max machines is LG’s Inverter Direct Drive. Unlike the traditional belt and pulley, the LG Commercial Laundry drum is directly attached to the motor providing superior durability and reliability. Less parts equal less repairs.Even with its size and large capacity, the noise of both models are also greatly reduced. Multiple dampers absorb vibration and reduce noise creating a quieter washing environment.

Blessing of the Hospital laundry area

The washing machine donations provided tremendous help for the medical center, which serves as a laboratory for the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry. Dr. Gelito of West Visayas State University Medical Center shares, “I was elated (of the donations). Laundry services is a backline service of the hospital. Yet it is an important service because we’re able to provide clean linens and sheets. With these donations, it will lighten the load of our personnel.” Mr. Fabresis mentions that we he heard about LG and BigWash’s project in one of the hospitals in Manila, he also hoped that he can do something for the Ilonggos at the WVSU.

Going into detail, Ms. Marylouie Gatuz, Product Marketing Manager for Commercial Laundry, discusses “Both machines help keep the hospital linens fresh, crisp, and germ-free. The Giant C-Max is equipped with a two-step hygiene care laundry system. The first step ensures that our machines are sanitized before, during, and after each load, while the second step is meant to sanitize your fabrics, killing 99.99% of germs and viruses. With this technology, the day-to-day laundry operations of West Visayas State University Medical Center has been a breeze.” Ms. Janille Umali, B2B Assistant Marketing Communications Manager of LG, speaking about the donations, stated “It is important that we go back to one of LG's core values, which is human-centered innovation. We chose to focus on health and hygiene because we believe that these are the two things that help the healthcare industry thrive.”

For more information regarding LG’s commercial washing machines, visit https://www.lg.com/ph/commercial-laundry. Find out more why business owners and entrepreneurs put their trust in LG Commercial Laundry by visiting www.lg.com/ph. Want to open your own business? Send a message to LG Commercial Laundry PH on Facebook or fill up the form at https://b2bmkt.lge.com/LP=7678 to get started.

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Fear or Love, Baby?

9 Works Theatrical presents Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick… BOOM!

tick, tick…BOOM!: A Must-Watch for All Artists and Creatives

If you’re a struggling artist or creative, odds are, you’ve found yourself asking this question: Will you pursue the passion that makes your life worth living? Or will you pursue a career that makes a living?

This is the story of our protagonist Jon in the musical tick, tick… BOOM! Jon is an aspiring composer who is about to turn thirty and is growing increasingly anxious about his future in theater. Pressure mounts when his girlfriend, Susan, hounds him about leaving New York to start a family and seek a more stable profession. Tensions also rise when his best friend Michael—an erstwhile actor-turned marketing executive—tries to convince him to join the fold.

Amidst it all, Jon hears a constant ticking–a reminder that he is getting older, with little to show.

“You're no longer the ingénue / Turn thirty, 1990 / Boom! You're passe!”
- 30/90 from tick, tick…BOOM!

Created by Jonathan Larson in the 90s, tick, tick…BOOM! brilliantly captures the internal war within every creative spirit: the struggle between going after one’s dreams and settling for a comfortable but joyless life. This story continues to ring true decades after its debut, largely because Larson harnessed his own life experiences, to bring the characters and songs to life. tick, tick…BOOM! began as a semi-autobiographical rock monologue about Larson’s hardships while trying to make a name for himself in the theater since the ‘80s. Sadly, Larson died the day before the preview performance of his masterpiece, Rent. He was 35.

“Can he make his mark, if he gives up his spark?”
- Johnny Can’t Decide from tick, tick…BOOM!

If you are a creative spirit, or if you have artist friends and family, bring them to RCBC Plaza any weekend this August to catch this era-defining musical!

In this restaging of the three-person musical, 9 Works Theatrical has assembled the perfect cast in theater veteran Jef Flores and Kapuso star Khalil Ramos (alternating as Jon), Miss Saigon alum Tanya Manalang and multimedia performer Kayla Rivera (alternating as Susan), and rising star Vien King and actor-creator Reb Atadero (alternating as Michael).

Back L-R: Kayla Rivera, Vien King, Reb Atadero, Tanya Manalang
Front L-R: Jef Flores, Khalil Ramos

tick, tick…BOOM! is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Daniel Bartolome as musical director, JM Cabling as choreographer, Mio Infante as scenographer, Shakira Villa-Symes as lighting designer, Bam Tiongson as Sound Designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer, Marlito Ambrocio as technical director, Ian Cartalaba as costume supervisor, and JV Rabano as photographer.

tick, tick…BOOM! will be showing all weekends of August 2023 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm on Saturdays & Sundays, at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net. Grab yours while you can!

tick, tick…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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ZTE included in FTSE4Good Index Series for eighth consecutive year

• ZTE recognized for ESG initiatives that contribute to social sustainability
• ZTE aspires to achieve sustainability and enrich communities over the long term

ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, recently has been listed once again in the prestigious FTSE4Good Index Series, a responsible investment (RI) index of FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group company, marking its eighth consecutive inclusion. ZTE's H-share and A-share were previously included in the FTSE4Good Index Series in 2015 and 2021 respectively.

Created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.

As a frontrunner in the ICT industry, ZTE has been incorporating the ethos of sustainable development into its corporate governance and operational endeavors, continuously elevating its social responsibility performance.

During the recent years, ZTE has actively engaged in global decarbonization and economic transformation, assuming a pivotal role in promoting green development. This May, the Company expressed its participation in the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), with the aim to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 1.5°C temperature rise limitation pathway and ultimately reach net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

In terms of shouldering corporate social responsibility, ZTE has consistently championed the ethos of Tech for Good, making sustained contributions to the betterment of global community. On the 55th World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) this May, ZTE reaffirmed its commitment to ITU's Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, aiming to play a pivotal role in narrowing the digital divide and facilitating meaningful and sustainable connectivity, as well as driving digital transformation for people in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Regarding corporate governance, ZTE lays emphasis on preventing emerging risks to solidify its position as a highly resilient organization, and has always been adhering to compliance in operation for steady business growth.

As a member of the UN Global Compact and Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), ZTE has proactively released its sustainability reports for 15 consecutive years. Remarkably, the Company’s sustainability accomplishments have also been recognized by other leading indices and rankings, such as 2022 CDP Environmental Leadership Award, 2022 and 2023 Fortune China's ESG Influential List, 2022 Forbes World's Top Female-Friendly Companies.

To learn more about how ZTE delivers social, environmental and governance values, please visit the Company’s FY22 Sustainability Report.

ZTE helps to connect the world with continuous innovation for a better future. The company provides innovative technologies and integrated solutions, its portfolio spans all series of wireless, wireline, devices and professional telecommunications services. Serving over a quarter of the global population, ZTE is dedicated to creating a digital and intelligent ecosystem, and enabling connectivity and trust everywhere. ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. www.zte.com.cn/global. Follow the official ZTE Corporation social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube.

You may also check the updates on ZTE Devices Philippines’ official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok (@ztedevicesph).

ABOUT FTSE4Good Index Series:
Created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The FTSE4Good indexes are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

FTSE Russell evaluations are based on performance in areas such as Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Anti-Corruption and Climate Change.  Businesses included in the FTSE4Good Index Series meet a variety of environmental, social and governance criteria.

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Shorts & Briefs 9 at Draper Startup House this August 6-27, 2023

Shorts & Briefs 9 by EKSENA PH, is an independently produced “THEATRE FESTIVAL” of short and brief Plays (10-12min plays) that features ONLY 1st time theatre makers and performers. It’s been running for 9 years. This year they are back to the LIVE theatre scene celebrating 9 years with 8 live shows on all Sundays of AUGUST. Debuting this season are 8 set of plays featuring new faces in the theatre scene. This year SNB 9 will also feature original stories from new and upcoming playwrights.

It will be staged at DRAPER STARTUP HOUSE in Poblacion Makati, All Sundays of August starting August 6-27. Showtime is at 2pm and 7pm every Sunday. DRAPER is a 80-seater venue, is located at 5048 P. Burgos Street, Poblacion, Makati, Philippines.

This year SNB 9 will feature original stories from New and Upcoming Playwrights.

The plays are as follows:
Tim Villanueva’s “Mga Nakasusuyang Putahe”, a funny story about relationship, revenge and food to be Directed by Naye Hedriana who is a former actress during SNB 5th season and currently an accountant, now exploring the role of a play director.

Ephraim Villafania’s “Save the Coffee Jelly” A comedy about creating false campaigns--save the coffee bean, in this instance--to create income. Directed by Cyril Balderama who is an Artist and Choreographer from Valenzuela City.

Aldrich Alcantara’s “Grief Registry” is a play set in a hotel room about a newly-wed couple who receives an unknown wedding gift to be Directed by Jemuel Satumba an award winning film actor.

Francis Peralta and Sean Macaraeg’s “Online Class” has been devised and collaborated with director and a licensed chemical technician Eunice Pacifico with “Latency” as its new title.

Julay Elloso and Frank Conche’s “Ang Tigas ng Ulo Mo” a riot story about three brothers and their “Alive” arthritic father to be directed by film/ theatre sound scorer and designer Paulo Almaden.

Dino Quintana’s “Homecoming” is a story about a balikabayan box that arrives months after the sender has died to be directed by Ciri Clarion a fresh graduate from Iligan City and a member of Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG).

Billie Fuentes’ “The Mourning After” has been collaborated and now called “11:11” is a story about relationship, friendship and mourning to be directed by certified meisner teacher and Sightlines Actors Space Founder Alecx Lorica.

Wilfredo Alipala’s “Bakit Bata” a story about ghosts and ghosting to be directed by Earl Pingol a former thespian and now a brand ambassador for a popular soda drink.

Shorts & Briefs started in 2015 to have a safe space for 1st timers and aspiring creators to collaborate and just create. An initiative of Festival Director Karl Alexis C. Jingco, a theatre Practioner whose works revolves around IMPROV and INCLUSIVE theatre, recently directed this years revisited play for the Virgin Labfest “Nay my Dala akong Pancit”. Since then S&B has been expanded to serve the larger theater community.

For more information about the festival please follow them on their socials. “EKSENA PH” on Facebook.
For tickets and other inquiries, please contact 09673828066 or message them on their social media.

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