AlcoPro helps protect commuters through new partnership with Beep November 18, 2021 at 01:52AM

Out of Town Blog
AlcoPro helps protect commuters through new partnership with Beep

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Commuters in Metro Manila can expect an added level of protection against COVID-19 in their daily trips as First PGMC Enterprises Inc. (FPGMC) ethyl alcohol brand AlcoPro enters into a new partnership with beep card, a stored-value contactless card of AF Payments, Inc.

Photo shows the on-site launch which kicked off the new partnership between FPGMC’s ethyl alcohol brand AlcoPro and beep card of AF Payments Inc.

The new partnership will see not only the production of AlcoPro-branded beep cards, but also the distribution of free 60ml AlcoPro samples at beep-enabled bus stations all across the metro. AlcoPro 1L pumps are also available for commuters’ use on each card distribution and loading booth.  This move is a testament to AlcoPro’s commitment to keeping Filipinos safe, sanitized, and healthy as they go about their daily commutes.

 Photo shows the on-site launch which kicked off the new partnership between FPGMC’s ethyl alcohol brand AlcoPro and beep card of  AF Payments Inc.

“Keeping our hands clean and sanitized is very important, not only to combat COVID-19 but also to prevent a range of other infections,” said Joseph Charles Cruel, New Business Development Group Head of NutriAsia, during the event that kicked off the new partnership.

“This is why we are grateful for this partnership with beep card. It is our own way of empowering more Filipinos to be extra vigilant with hand hygiene to combat the spread of the virus and thus win the battle against COVID-19. We will continue to respond to the needs of millions of Filipinos all over the world and remain a steadfast partner in mapping out better, brighter days for our country.”

“We have formed a strategic partnership in light of the pandemic to bring more value to our customers through this very unique opportunity.  Even though we are from different industries, what we both do is help Filipinos go back to normal lives. We accomplish this with our beep cashless product, while you do it with your AlcoPro sanitation products,” said Bing Barraquias, head of transportation of AF Payments Inc.

The new partnership will see not only the production of AlcoPro-branded beepcards, but also the distribution of free 60ml AlcoPro samples at beep-enabled bus stations all across the metro.

The partnership kicked off with an on-site launch at the BGC Bus Terminal McKinley at EDSA corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City last October 15. Free AlcoPro beep cards, as well as 60 ml AlcoPro samples were distributed to commuters at the terminal. Distribution of free cards and samples continued in BGC Market-Market and  Precious Grace Transport Trinoma Terminals.  It will be extended to EDSA Carousel buses later this year up to early 2022.

AlcoPro is a 70% ethyl alcohol that is naturally sourced from sugarcane, posting a 99.9% kill rate against illness-causing germs. It contains Aloe Vera and Pro Vit B5, which act as moisturizers for the skin and come in a Powder Fresh scent for a light and clean fragrance.

beep is a stored-value contactless card that can be used for fare payments in Metro Manila’s three elevated railways—LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3—and can be used for fare payments in a growing number of Point-to-Point (P2P) buses and PUVs nationwide. Outside of public transportation, beep can also be used to pay for Cebu Ferries and is accepted in selected Ministop branches.

In a recent survey, results showed that 5 out of 10 Filipinos claim they are bothered by the dry skin they experience due to regular alcohol usage. Another interesting insight was that 6 out of 10 Filipinos agree that roughness of skin is a characteristic of dry skin. Aside from roughness, 3 out of 10 also agree that dry skin is characterized by stinging sensation, skin peeling, and presence of skin cracks, the survey revealed.

These concerns can be alleviated with the use of AlcoPro with the following benefits validated in a clinical test:

• Dermatologically and clinically proven and tested safe
• Gentle on the hands
• Clinically proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses
• Clinically tested effective to moisturize skin

For more information and updates about AlcoPro, follow AlcoPro on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/alcoproph.

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AlcoPro helps protect commuters through new partnership with Beep
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Baguio City Gears Up for the Highly-Anticipated Ibagiw Festival 2021 November 10, 2021 at 03:15PM

Out of Town Blog
Baguio City Gears Up for the Highly-Anticipated Ibagiw Festival 2021

Ibagiw Creative Festival 2021

Baguio City is poised and already geared up to host the fourth (4th) edition of the highly anticipated Ibagiw Creative Festival. The theme for this year’s celebration, which will last for the whole month of November 2021, is “Create. Integrate. Elevate.”

The Ibagiw Festival was created by the Department of Tourism to showcase and promote the ever-beautiful treasured traditions and art culture of Baguio City. The festival aims to highlight the particularly rich and vibrant cultural history of the Summer Capital of the Philippines, showing the world a glimpse of why the UNESCO World Heritage considered Baguio as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts.

Kidlat Tahimik – a National Artist of the Philippines for Film

This year’s theme focuses on three powerful phrases that perfectly embody a progressive tone that aims to inspire and motivate the people of Baguio City amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Ibagiw Festival 2021 wants everyone to discover and build (Create), to unite and come together as one (Integrate), and to keep on moving forward and rising above every difficult situation given to us (Elevate).

At the Baguio Convention Center, the highly-anticipated month-long celebration of Baguio City’s Ibagiw Festival kicks off on November 12, 2021. With its massive significance to the city’s reputation in art and culture, expect the festival’s opening ceremonies to exceed high expectations. Featuring a fascinating narrative about Baguio City’s foundation starting with artistic and cultural rituals, which eventually progress to the modern Ibagiw arts and crafts that we’re familiar with today, there’s no doubt that Ibagiw Festival 2021 will undoubtedly impress.

Ibagiw Creative Festival in Baguio City

Furthermore, the opening will be followed by a series of art exhibitions featuring the city’s diverse cultural and artistic heritage. These will place hidden gems of art in the spotlight, which paves the way for local artisans to showcase their world-class creativity in almost every aspect of arts and crafts.

Numerous art exhibitions and craft demonstrations by talented local artisans will simultaneously take place all around the city, starting from October 14 to November 30, 2021.

The Ibagiw Festival 2021 wants to encourage people to appreciate and promote Baguio’s artistic culture and boost their confidence and morale towards life after the pandemic. We were all heavily affected by the crisis, forced to disconnect from society and just spectate over everything happening from the comfort of our own homes and the screens of our smartphones. Since the onset of the pandemic, our life revolved around things such as temperature scanners, face masks, face shields, and most especially, QR codes. The latter is beautifully brought to life by the renowned solo visual artist recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Olie Olivete.

There will also be a series of short documentaries featuring the beautiful collections of Museo Kordilyera and reconnecting us with the talented local artisans of Baguio City. An exhibit entitled: “Agaramid Tayo!” also aims to walk us through the meaning and technology of different aspects of art and culture such as basketry, metal crafts, tattooing, weaving, and wood carving. If you’re interested to know more about the exhibit, click this link!

Baguio Arts and Crafts

On top of all these early art exhibitions and visual documentaries showcasing the rich and vibrant art culture of Baguio City, there will also be tons of other exciting activities to make Ibagiw Festival 2021 more special! Cultural shows, trade fairs, forums, and themed webinars will also be held to ensure that the people and visitors of Baguio City will be able to admire its art and learn a lot more about the city’s vibrant and harmonious creativity that thrived within the population.

Most importantly, a whole new perspective of admiring art and culture will be introduced this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The digital execution of Ibagiw Festival 2021 will be carefully handled by strictly following the COVID-19 health and safety protocols while preserving the grand festival’s essence. This year’s Ibagiw Festival is certainly special not only because it’s a celebration of Baguio City’s undying creativity but also a tribute to everyone’s resilience during the crisis and the new normal. More than showcasing the arts and crafts of Baguio City, what Ibagiw Festival 2021 truly embodies is the unmatched identity of Baguio as a home of cultural heritage and communal unity that confidently shines above all the conflicts and predicaments.

For more information about the highly anticipated event, you may visit the official FB page of Baguio Creative City.

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Read: Treat Yourself To The Best Craft Beers At Baguio Craft Brewery

Baguio City Gears Up for the Highly-Anticipated Ibagiw Festival 2021
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

IKEA PH, the World’s Largest IKEA Store will Open in MOA in November 2021 November 10, 2021 at 03:45AM

Out of Town Blog
IKEA PH, the World’s Largest IKEA Store will Open in MOA in November 2021

IKEA PH Set to Inspire Filipinos in 2021 at SM Mall of Asia Complex

Manila, Philippines – IKEA, the Swedish brand which opened its first store in 1943, is set to open its first physical and e-commerce store in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia on November 25, 2021. The brand known for its well-designed and affordable home furnishings is planned to have about 65,000 square meters of space near the Pasay City giant mall.

Mabuhay! IKEA Philippines

The company responsible for the brand launched a pre-opening website at the event they hosted for government officials, media, online content creators, the corporate circle and colleagues.

Are you ready for the Worlds largest IKEA Store?

IKEA to open its biggest store in the world in the Philippines

Christian Rojkjaer, Managing Director for IKEA Southeast Asia claims that they’re committed to bringing to the Philippines their brand that is known by many around the world for its durable, stylish, and affordable designs. He also stated that the brand has around 9,000 quality home furnishings for Filipino consumers. He said that IKEA Philippines is set to make the lives of Filipino buyers better!

IKEA Store in the Philippines

The IKEA PH 68,000 square-meter store is likely the size of 150 basketball court which is about double the size of the ‘typical IKEA big blue box. Aside from its shop and restaurant, the building will have a call center and a big warehouse to accommodate its e-commerce platform. This is to allow people in Greater Manila to shop online.

Both the showroom and market hall will display over 8,000 IKEA products, including furniture, home decors, appliances, and more.

Christian Rojkjaer, Managing Director for Ikea Southeast Asia

Georg Platzer, market development manager, Ikea Philippines

The initial investment for this project is Php7B and the company is hiring about 500 Filipino co-workers and other spin-off jobs and business opportunities. They’re also looking to partner with local food suppliers, transport and logistics, security and waste management, business owners, etc.

Ikea Philippines team

The IKEA PH store is where Filipino families and individuals can find everyday items such as candles, cookware, and kitchen items, and other furnishings. They offer sustainable products like LED lights and recyclable items. The huge space of their store will be an inspiration for many Filipinos as they plan to put enough room settings to serve as guides for homeowners. IKEA Philippines MOA has a self-serve warehouse which means when you see something, you get it, pay for it and take it home because their products are already flat-packed.

Ikea’s Georg Platzer and Christian Rojkjaer with SM Supermalls’ Steven Tan.JPG

Other parts of the gigantic store are their playroom where parents can entrust their children while they shop because it’s a supervised area.

Ikea’s Georg Platzer with Harald Fries, Sweden’s Ambassador to the Philippines

One of the highlights of IKEA’s history is the time when a co-worker removed the legs of furniture to transport it through a car. It was then that they discovered about flat-packs and have been using it ever since. There are 422 IKEA stores having operations in 50 countries and they have 208,000 co-workers worldwide. In 2016, the first IKEA office in the Philippines opened in Makati, and in 2018, they finally announced their entry to the Philippine market. The franchisee of IKEA is IKEA Southeast Asia. The franchise company has the right to own and operate in countries Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Ready to transform your house with IKEA PH

How about IKEA Food?

IKEA PH will also have its famous food outlets and a restaurant where families and friends can eat together after shopping. So Yes! to Meatballs and all IKEA food favorites. The restaurant aims to accommodate 850 seating capacity under COVID-19 protocols.

I guess the only question is, Are they going to offer food delivery as well?

The food at IKEA Philippines MOA

The restaurant at IKEA PH

Dining Area at IKEA Philippines Mall of Asia PH

How to visit IKEA Pasay?

To strictly follow government safety protocols, IKEA limits the number of foot traffic per day. Customers can book a time slot for their visit via the IKEA Philippines website. Each customer can book up to 3 guests and will be issued a digital token.

IKEA Philippines Careers and Job Opportunities

To know more about IKEA’s products, job opportunities, and other updates, you can visit www.IKEA.ph.

Also Read: IKEA Philippines to Open Two Stores in Metro Manila Soon

IKEA PH, the World’s Largest IKEA Store will Open in MOA in November 2021
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Cebu Pacific launches Manila to Camiguin route November 16, 2021 at 01:53AM

Out of Town Blog
Cebu Pacific launches Manila to Camiguin route

Boosts domestic network in preparation for travel demand

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The Cebu Pacific Manila-Camiguin maiden flight was welcomed with a water cannon salute at the Camiguin Airport on November 15, 2021.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, launches its newest Manila-Camiguin route yesterday, November 15, 2021, as it boosts seamless connections across its widest domestic network.

Cebu Pacific launches Manila to Camiguin route

CEB is the first airline to resume operations to and from Camiguin Island.

“We are happy to be the first carrier to operate again in Camiguin and launch our newest direct flight from Manila as borders begin to open up for safe and convenient travels. This route will allow more travelers to experience the beauty of Camiguin, perfect for solo or even family trips, as we enter the holiday season; while at the same time, providing locals a direct connection to Luzon,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.

Flights between the two destinations operate every Monday and Friday, via Cebgo’s 78-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft. DG 6703 departs from Manila at 11:30 AM, while return flight DG 6704 departs from Camiguin at 2:20 PM. Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific has recently resumed its flights between Cebu and Camiguin on November 9. The Cebu-Camiguin service runs twice weekly, every Tuesday and Saturday.

To continue enabling everyJuan to fly, seats to Camiguin are up for grabs for as low as PHP88 base fare until December 15, 2021, for travel from now until December 31, 2021.

“We are optimistic that the direct flights will bring more visitors to Camiguin and help boost tourism and invigorate the local economy. We share the goal of safe and responsible tourism, which should help the recovery, not only of the province but the entire region,” said Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo.

Visitors are required to create an account on cleancamiguinqr.com and upload necessary documents such as a filled-out health declaration form, along with proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination. Partially or unvaccinated travelers must also present a negative RT-PCR (swab) test result – taken at least 72 hours before departure if from Luzon; taken at least 48 hours before departure if from Visayas and Mindanao.

Partially vaccinated minors aged 12-17, as well as unvaccinated children aged 11 and under, will be permitted entry if accompanied by fully vaccinated adults.

Camiguin also requires visitors to upload proof of confirmed booking from an LGU-accredited establishment or a clearance from the Municipal Health Officer of the municipality if staying in a private home. Once complete, tourists need to download their ID with a QR code and save a copy for presentation prior to flight.

CEB operates with a 100% vaccinated active flying crew. It has also been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, in accordance with global aviation standards. These include daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities, antigen testing before duty for all frontliners and crew members, and contactless flight procedures.

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Read: Updated List Of Domestic Destinations Waiving RT-PCR Tests For Fully Vaxxed Visitors As Of November 2021

Cebu Pacific launches Manila to Camiguin route
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog