Pasko Like a Panda: A Christmas Raffle Extravaganza by foodpanda

'Tis the season for non-stop feasting and endless gatherings! Whether you're someone who loves the convenience of food delivery or takes pride in cooking up a feast, foodpanda's here to make your Christmas season a breeze!

But there's more to this festive treat as Pasko Like a Panda Christmas Raffle brings you bigger and better magical weekly prizes. Make the most of foodpanda's variety of services for your holiday must-haves and get a shot at winning awesome prizes every week!

Panda-monium of Prizes from our Partners
Pasko Like a Panda is packed with an array of spectacular prizes, thanks to our generous partners. Coca-Cola leads the grand prizes with a brand-new Chevrolet Trax, perfect for those who love the thrill of the open road. For the travel enthusiasts, there's a dreamy trip for five to the snowy wonderland of Sapporo, Japan, and for gaming aficionados, several lucky winners will take home the latest PlayStation 5 units. Adding to the grandeur, GCash/Alipay is offering a life-changing prize of Php 1 million.

But the excitement doesn't stop there. Other drool-worthy prizes include a Boracay getaway, a trip to Palawan, Klean Kanteen insulated bottles, Viu entertainment subscriptions, ZALORA fashion access, and an Anytime Fitness gym membership. These prizes are made possible thanks to foodpanda’s partners: Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Klean Kanteen, Viu, ZALORA, and Anytime Fitness. This raffle is not just a chance to win; it's an opportunity to experience the best of what our partners have to offer!

Festive Feasts at Your Fingertips
Organizing a Christmas party? Let foodpanda take care of the food. With a wide range of restaurants to choose from, you can order various cuisines to satisfy everyone's tastes. Are you the type to cook your own feast? Surprise your family with a special meal delivered right to your doorstep. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time creating memories.

Stocking Up Made Simple with pandamart
Forgot an ingredient for your holiday recipe? pandamart delivers groceries in minutes, saving your meal prep from disaster. Starting to decorate for the season? From decorations to snack supplies, get all your holiday essentials delivered without the holiday shopping rush.

Skip the Wait, Pick-up Your Feast
Out for holiday shopping and need a quick meal? Order ahead and pick-up your food on the go, avoiding queues and wait times. Opting for pick-up can also be beneficial when it comes to health. In times of heightened health concerns, pick-up offers a safe and contactless way to enjoy your favorite dishes. For the duration of the promo, pick-up also gives you twice the raffle entries.

Personal Delivery Service for Everything
Sending gifts to loved ones? Use pandago to deliver your parcels anywhere within the city. From picking up a last-minute gift to delivering party supplies, pandago is your personal courier for all holiday errands.

foodpanda truly shines during the holiday season, offering delightful treats to cater to everyone's needs. Whether it's the convenience of ordering lavish feasts to celebrate with loved ones, or the ease of stocking up on essential groceries and supplies, foodpanda has it covered.

Aside from the convenience and ease, using foodpanda for the holidays also pays dividends with the chance for weekly prizes. Joining is easy. Just use the code FPASKO at checkout and you’ll get raffle entries corresponding to the services and order values you picked. Additional entries can also be earned through pandapro and using our partner merchants.

A wide selection of prizes are up for grabs, from Apple gadgets, Sony gaming consoles, Vespa motorcycles, and more. There will be 15 weekly draws culminating in a Grand Prize draw on December 23, 2023. For more information regarding the promotion and the fine print, visit https://www.foodpanda.ph/contents/Pasko-Like-A-Panda-Raffle-2023.

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube.

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"SANA MASAYA KA" - Nicole Asensio releases new Christmas single

After a series of music releases that garnered multiple nominations, Nicole Laurel Asensio
released a brand new original Christmas duet entitled “Sana Masaya Ka” with iconic OPM artist Jeffrey Hidalgo on December 1, produced by Gabe Dandan and released under Warner Music.

"Sana Masaya Ka” is a bittersweet duet that unfolds the story between former lovers spending their first holiday season apart. Nicole’s silken vocals evoke nostalgia and Jeffrey Hidalgo’s smoky timbre resonates deeply into the very fibres of the bed of instruments arranged by Gabe Dandan. The classic and organic elements brought by strings and woodwind sections blanket the song with a much needed warmth and familiarity as the characters sing of healed hearts and happier holidays to come.

“It was well past midnight when I was in the throes of compiling lyrics and melodies for a different Christmas release.

Gabe arrived at the studio coming from another Christmas project. Because the holiday spirit was still ringing in our ears, I wanted to try writing another Christmas song even if it was creeping close to sunrise. Gabe begun jamming chords with a classic OPM feel and slow jazz accents, I loved them instantly. The challenge now for me was to express my sentiments in Tagalog. Save for some lyrical adjustments, the songwriting was done in one session," Nicole shares.

“Our process is very spontaneous, it creates a creative environment that allows us to surprise ourselves. After finishing the song, Nicole expressed that she wanted to try making it a Christmas duet because it was something we haven’t done. I immediately thought of Jeffrey Hidalgo as a perfect match for Nicole and the song because of his warm smoky vocal tone,” Gabe Dandan echoed.

“I was delighted hearing Gabe’s suggestion, I have a lot of respect for Jeffrey as a singer, actor and director, his voice really is something special. It took me about a week to muster up the courage to ask him if he was willing to do this and then send him a demo. It didn’t take Jeffrey long to respond and when he said yes, i was so grateful… it was a clear sign that I had to save my other Christmas project for another year and finish off 2023 with this one,” Nicole added.

“The last time I had a Christmas single was 25 years ago so I am really looking forward to the release of this track. Nicole and Gabe asking me to do this collab is really an unexpected blessing, ” Jeffrey
Hidalgo exclaimed.

The Recording Process
“Working with Jeffrey for the first time and Nicole numerous times was very chill and spontaneous, we were just recording over food and drinks at Nicole’s home studio, despite the relaxed setting it was a very productive evening, ” Gabe Dandan added.

“This was one of the best collaboration experiences I’ve had in the studio if not, the best! My favourite aspect of being a musician is the recording process and recording this single was the most fun I’ve had in the studio. I enjoyed working with Nicole and Gabe immensely. I loved how they took me out of my comfort zone with out-of-the-box harmonies that were peculiar but so delectable to the ears. I loved their vision for the song form the get-go, so I was all in,” Jeffrey replied.

“Jeffrey has a beautiful signature vocal tone that can smooth over the rough edges of even the most painful lyrics and make it an easy listen. His depth as an actor/director makes his delivery and storytelling hit home. I learned a lot while tracking him. It makes me smile when I think about how this project is entirely homegrown and home recorded. Lawrence Nolan recorded himself playing drums from his home, Gabe played Bass, Guitar, Hammond and Rhodes as well as sang backup vocals from home. The strings and woodwinds played by Ted Amper and Carlo Mikhail were recorded by us in my home and our friends Jess Fermino, Mark Enriquez and myself took turns tracking vocals. Learning the quirks of the process and making mistakes was definitely part of what made this song even more memorable,” Nicole beamed.

“Recording the musicians was smooth because all the musicians we worked with are not just talented but patient, I did the string and woodwind arrangement on the spot and hummed it to Ted (Cello) and Carl (Woodwinds and violin) on the fly Carl and Ted were so easy to work with. I am thankful for our friends in music,” Gabe shared.

The song was then sent to Angee Rozul for mixing then to Waxie Joaquin and Enrique Santamaria of Waxiefied Sound Production for further Mixing and Mastering in Dolby Atmos.

“Though I’m more known as a pop balladeer, my personal musical preference really leans more towards the indie-alternative genre. I’ve been a fan of Nicole ever since General Luna, and a bigger fan now that she’s a solo artist. I love how distinct her voice is and how she seems to be comfortable in whatever genre she dips her feet into. Our collaboration might seem unexpected to some but after hearing our voices together, I love how it all just makes perfect sense. I love how Gabe and Nicole both know exactly what they want yet, they let me explore as well within my vocal range and style” Jeffrey replied.

“Hindi man tinadhana, sana masaya ka”

“It really is a bittersweet season for some, I wrote the lyrics and melody because not everyone’s Christmas is “Merry” Though it is easier said than done, focusing on the blessings gets us by. Relationships fail. People make mistakes and grow apart. However, the markings of truly loving someone is wishing them love and happiness even if you are no longer involved with them…you still want to know they are alright, and that they’ll still have a Merry Christmas even if you’re not in the picture anymore. I suppose one would dedicate this song to their TOTGA (the one that got away), ” Nicole muses.

“I think I have 2 TOTGAs that I would have dedicated this song to, many many years back. I am just so glad I’m not in the position of the characters in the song nowadays. I’m in a much better place. LOL! But seriously, I am sure many people will be able to relate to this song if not at the moment, then at some point because because this has happened to a lot of us. You sincerely want to wish a past lover happiness, yet deep inside, you still really want to be with that person too. Ouch. Hahaha!,” Jeffrey jokingly said.

“Pagsapit ng bagong taon… saan ka man naroroon.”

“I am looking forward to next year because we will be working on compilations and EPs instead of singles, more ideas to execute, much more music to be made. I’m very excited for the different musical styles Nicole and I will be exploring,” Gabe said.

“Working with Gabe as a producer, sparked the producer in me as well and I am suddenly hungry to create more music next year,” Jeffrey gives a wink.

“I am grateful to still be making music and happy whenever inspiration strikes. More songs are already in the works for next year. I don’t know how many years on earth I’ll have to do this, and that makes me so much more grateful for the instances God allows creativity to flow, ” Nicole concludes.

Hiling ko lang ngayong pasko, Sana masaya kayo!

Listen to the song below:

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SRR Extreme 2023: Spine-tingling scares before the holidays

WARNING: Contains major spoilers.

Continuing the tradition of the Shake, Rattle and Roll trilogy during the holidays, Regal Entertainment Inc. presents the new line up of scary movies that puts the variety of film experience Filipinos were accustomed of. And this year, they have come extreme with three stories that are worth watching. I was happy to attend and gala night on November 26 at Market! Market! cinema in BGC and sharing my thoughts about this set. Themes were almost all Gen Z, I think, in general.

Glitch (by Joey De Guzman)

A demon captures vulnerable children's attention as their families were slowly torn apart through technology. In the modern times, Iza Calzado is a busy mother that no longer believes in prayers while she displays the Nativity scene in time for Christmas. Her daughter was lured by "Gary The Goat" in a kid's show and it was invited into her home with a bewitching chant. None that she is aware of but the goat is actually a demon that hurts and kills the people that disagree with the child. Appearing as a friend to the child but actually a punisher in disguise. The story gives a religious premise which is already predictable.

Lesson: Don't spoil the kids with gadgets and monitor what they're watching. 6/10

Mukbang (by Jerrold Tarog)

A group of social media influencers gather in a "dream collab" hosted by a couple. While they enjoy their stay in a collab mansion, feast on a delectable meat lovers buffet, their personalities change one by one. Strange as it seems, it was just ignored until they discovered they're in a monsters' lair that transfigures to their victims and eats human flesh to stay immortal. This movie is a balanced mix of fun, Gen Z spirit, a non-cringy romance and horror that social media savvies will enjoy. 8.5/10

Rage (by Richard Somes)

An alien life form from the meteor shower infests and transforms a provincial barrio into an angry zombie district that kills everyone in sight. In this story of survival, Jane de Leon and her friends try to escape the place through all means. This zombie-slasher segment knows how to do it. 8/10

Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Extreme stars Iza Calzado, Paul Salas, Jane de Leon, Jane Oneiza, Paolo Gumabao, with social media stars, AC Bonifacio, Ninong Ry, Esnyr, Phi Palmos, and more. Opening this Wednesday, November 29, only in theaters nationwide.

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LG PH Marks a Milestone: Life's Good Day 2023

On November 10, 2023, LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) celebrated a day brimming with optimism and innovation: LG Life's Good Day 2023. Held at the LGEPH Office, this event was more than just a milestone; it represented the brand promise of 'Life’s Good.' This promise is a testament to LG's unwavering belief and commitment to enhancing lives through innovation, all while maintaining an optimistic perspective. The day marked a vibrant declaration of LG's renewed brand identity, showcasing how it enriches lives through groundbreaking technology and a robust sense of community.

In the spirit of 'Life’s Good', LGEPH hosted a bloodletting event, embodying the company's deep-rooted commitment to community service and the well-being of others. This initiative showcased LG's drive to not only advance in technology but also to cultivate a culture of empathy and shared responsibility.

LGEPH employees participate to a blood letting activity

The event featured a special segment, Life's Good Hour, where LGEPH employees came together to enjoy an array of delightful Filipino snacks. This was a moment of joy and togetherness, reflecting LG’s core value of warmth and its belief in the importance of fostering community spirit.

LGEPH employees enjoying a delightful treat of Filipino snacks

The Three Pillars of LG's Brand Values

1. Uncompromising Customer Experience: Aligning with LG’s optimistic outlook, this event was a testament to the company's dedication to delivering exceptional products and services. LG believes that every interaction with its products should not only be satisfactory but should elevate the customer's daily life, infusing each moment with enjoyment and ease.
2. Human-Centered Innovation: At the heart of LG's innovation is a human-centric approach. This perspective ensures that every technological breakthrough and product is crafted with the end-user's needs and aspirations in mind, demonstrating LG's belief that technology should tangibly enhance human lives in practical, meaningful ways.
3. Warmth to Power a Smile: Emphasizing LG's optimistic perspective, the event demonstrated the company's belief in the power of warmth to kindle happiness and build connections. This philosophy was palpable in the communal enjoyment of snacks and the impactful bloodletting initiative, underscoring that technology is more than features – it's about creating joyful, connected experiences.

LG Life's Good Day 2023 marked a significant step in LG’s journey, reinforcing its commitment to improving lives with innovative technology and heartfelt service. This event was a clear reflection of LG’s belief in a better future, where technology and human empathy work in harmony to create a brighter world.

LGEPH Managing Director Mr. Sungjae Kim, with a tone of optimism, encapsulated the essence of the day, stating, “LG Life's Good Day 2023 is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to our customers, community, and the human spirit. It represents our optimistic vision for the future, a path guided by hope and positivity. This event symbolizes our journey towards a future where every innovation is infused with compassion, and each product we create is a step towards a more joyful, optimistic, and fulfilling life for everyone.”

Life's about more than having the latest technology, rather, it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers smart life solutions through top-of-the-line smart appliances, digital platforms, and services that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide - from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. LG products are available in major appliance stores nationwide and through its flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee. For more information, visit lg.com/ph and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube (@lgphilippines). 

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Auditions NOW OPEN for PETA's One More Chance, The Musical

Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) much-awaited production for 2024, “One More Chance, the Musical,” featuring the music of the massively popular and award-winning Filipino nine-piece band, Ben&Ben, announces the casting call for auditions starting Monday, November 20, 2024.

Interested applicants who want to audition will have the chance of a lifetime to portray the roles of Popoy, Basha, the Thursday Barkada, and other ensemble characters from the cult-classic movie.

Applicants must submit 16 bars, or 1 stanza and 1 chorus, of the best part of any Ben&Ben or OPM song, along with 4 bars of choreography to any contemporary modern music. The full set of requirements can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/OMCauds.

The deadline for all casting submissions will be November 26 at 11:59 p.m. Live auditions at the PETA Theater Center will follow from December 4–5.

“One More Chance, the Musical” is slated to open in April 2024 at the PETA Theater Center.

For more information on this much-awaited musical, follow PETA Theater on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @petatheater. For partnerships, email PETA at petatheater@gmail.com. For questions regarding auditions, email petaonemorechancetm@gmail.com.

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LG Philippines Joins ESGS 2023, Unveils Gaming Monitors for Thrill-Seekers

The Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) marked its 10th edition last November 3-5 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, bringing together enthusiasts, cosplayers, gamers, and tech aficionados for an unforgettable celebration. In a remarkable first-time participation, LG Philippines took center stage at ESGS 2023 by setting up its own booth, complete with gaming areas that showcased an array of monitors tailored to meet the unique preferences of every gamer.

LG's booth featured four remarkable monitors, each designed to deliver the ultimate gaming experience, whether it's an action-packed game or an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride. Among the highlights were the "UltraGear Racing," where a driving simulator was connected to the 45GR95QE, offering a lifelike racing experience. Additionally, "UltraGear Sports" demonstrated the monitor's optimal gaming frame rate when paired with a Nintendo Switch.

At the heart of LG's gaming showcase was the 45GR95QE, an ideal monitor for gamers with its 45" WQHD 21:9 Curved OLED Display. Boasting a 240Hz Refresh Rate, this monitor ensures that images are displayed at an astounding 240 times per second. The impressive 0.03ms Grey-to-grey Response Time ensures that the monitor can keep up with fast-moving images in action-packed games. With a 1.5M:1 Contrast Ratio, the monitor strikes the perfect balance between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks, delivering an exceptional gaming experience. The inclusion of AMD Free Sync Premium guarantees smooth, low-latency gameplay, making it a must-have for gamers seeking the best gaming experience.

Gamers immersed in LG's monitors found themselves in a world of elevated excitement while playing popular titles such as Call of Duty, Wii Sports, Gran Turismo, or League of Legends. The LG booth attracted countless visitors eager to experience how the monitors transformed their games into a realm of realism, with cosplayers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

An additional attraction at the LG booth was "The Falling Magnet," adding an extra layer of intrigue and engagement for visitors.

To stay updated on LG's latest monitors, offerings and innovations, follow @LGPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube. LG products are available through authorized dealers nationwide, both in-store and online. For a comprehensive list of retail partners, visit lg.com/ph or explore LG's Official Flagship Stores on Lazada and Shopee.

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ZTE hosts 5G Summit & User Congress 2023 in Thailand, unveiling the digital future with the theme "Embrace the Digital Nexus"

• Themed "Embrace the Digital Nexus,” the ZTE 5G Summit & User Congress 2023 brought together global telecom regulators, industry organizations, carriers, think tanks, partners, and analysts to share valuable insights on 5G, future networks, and digital innovations
• The ZTE 5G Summit and User Congress 2023 provides a unique platform for global partners to exchange ideas and collectively shape the future of communication in the digital era
• Working alongside 110 operators on 5G, ZTE has fostered an ecosystem with over 1000 industry partners

ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has inaugurated its annual 5G Summit & User Congress 2023 in Thailand today. Themed "Embrace the Digital Nexus," the two-day event brought together telecom regulators, industry alliances, standardization organizations, carriers, think tanks, industry partners, and analysts from GSMA, IMT-2020(5G) PG, IMT-2030(6G) PG, CCSA, TMF, ABI, CCS Insight, and other eco-partners from the worldwide to share valuable insights, perspectives and practical case studies, exploring trends in 5G, future networks, and the digital landscape.

Xiao Ming, President of Overseas at ZTE delivered an opening speech at the summit. He pointed out that, "In this interconnected world empowered by 5G-A, where space and earth are linked, between them is the ubiquitous network. Such as the XR and Metaverse are crafting realities previously unimagined. The digital force uplifts all industries, propelling human civilization to break barriers and ascend in these transformative times continuously. Dreamers among us are courageously bringing these to life. Infinite evolution leads to a thriving intelligent century."

Xiao Ming, President of Overseas at ZTE

Xiao Ming underscored ZTE's insights and practices in the digital industry. "Working alongside 110 operators on 5G, we've fostered an ecosystem with over 1000 industry partners," he stated. "Our vision for the future emphasizes digital cohesion, where functionalities are modular, easily accessible, and customizable. Our focus remains on capacity, efficiency, fusion, and green."

John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said, "5G networks, 5G Advanced, and the technologies they enable, will revolutionize the world. But we must keep working together to build a sustainable future, where everyone, everywhere can reap the full benefits of connectivity. The ZTE 5G Summit is a great opportunity for the industry to share knowledge and best practices for the future, and we look forward to continuing the conversation at MWC Barcelona 2024!"

John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd.

Rudolf Schrefl, CEO, Hutchison Drei Austria, said, "Embracing 5G stands not just for technological upgrade, but for revolutionizing customer experience—connecting people and devices with unprecedented speed and reliability, turning every digital interaction into a seamless journey, transforming how we live, work, and engage with the world around us."

Rudolf Schrefl, CEO, Hutchison Drei Austria

With the digital economy emerging as the primary driving force for sustained and stable global growth, ZTE is dedicated to becoming the Driver of the Digital Economy, with the commitment involving supporting global digital transformation through innovative ICT technologies.

Bolstered by a comprehensive portfolio encompassing wireless and wireline solutions, services, devices, and professional telecommunications services, ZTE possesses the flexibility to meet the diverse requirements and rapid innovation needs of global operators, government entities, and enterprise network customers.

During the event, ZTE showcased its innovative products, solutions, and best practices at Thailand's innovation center, illustrating the interconnected and transformative nature of everything in the digital landscape.

In the "Wireless Everything" area, ZTE demonstrated strategies to modernize existing 4G networks for future 5G success. The showcase extended the boundaries of 5G experiences, coverage, and services, emphasizing the importance of enhancing networks with native tools and green energy infrastructure.

As a leading player in the all-optical network field, ZTE activated the new value of an all-optical network through an end-to-end product series. This highlights ZTE's commitment to advancing optical network technologies.

In the servers and storage area, ZTE contributed to the digital era with full-scenario servers and storage solutions, providing the essential power for the ongoing surge in digital demands.

ZTE Mobile Devices adheres to the global brand vision of "Better for All," bringing numerous innovative smart devices to the event, including nubia Pad 3D as the world's first AI-powered eyewear-free 3D tablet, nubia Neo 5G as a 5G gaming phone for global beginners, and Blade V50 Design with an elegant appearance. The market share of ZTE FWA & MBB products ranks first in the world, MC888 and other 5G FWA & MBB products are presented at the event as well. ZTE is committed to satisfying global consumers by providing competitive products & services with better price, better experience and better quality, and aims to be the better choice for all and go beyond their expectation.

Together with operators as well as industry and ecosystem partners, ZTE aims to build a digital and intelligent ecosystem for shared success and will always play its part in promoting sustainable development.

The ZTE 5G Summit and User Congress 2023 provides a unique platform for global partners to exchange ideas and collectively shape the future of communication in the digital era. With the theme of "Embrace the Digital Nexus," the ZTE 5G Summit and User Congress 2023 was held on November 14 and 15 in Bangkok, Thailand. 2023 marks the annual ZTE Global User Congress' 10-year anniversary. For more information, please visit: https://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/exhibition/5g_summit_2023.html

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).

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