UNIQLO today furthers its reach in Cebu with the opening of the first LifeWear store in Mandaue City at SM City J Mall, the brand’s fifth in the central Visayan capital.

Uniqlo  LifeWear store, SM City J Mall, Mandaue, Cebu

More Cebuanos now get to enjoy UNIQLO’s brand of high-quality, stylish, and affordable apparel at the new 102.3 sqm space. The store also serves as the closest UNIQLO location to Mactan Airport in Lapu-Lapu, enhancing convenience for both residents and travelers. In celebration of UNIQLO SM City J Mall’s opening, shoppers can surely look forward to lots of amazing offers and limited promos during the store’s first week. 

Uniqlo  LifeWear store, SM City J Mall, Mandaue, Cebu

For every Php 2,500 spent from October 25 to 31, app members can boost their collection of UNIQLO novelty items with an exclusive UNIQLO thermal mug. Shoppers can also win exciting vouchers through a popular Japanese toy-vending machine known as gachapon. Mystery prizes include vouchers for a free upsize in any The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch in Cebu, a free donut from SM City J Mall J.CO Donuts & Coffee, and a surprise novelty item. To play the game, shoppers must be a UNIQLO app member and present a minimum purchase of Php 2,500 from October 25 to 27.

Get this JMALL exclusive UNIQLO thermal Mug when you spend Php 2,500 from October 25- 31.

The discounts extend to your transportation fare as well. Get a maximum of Php 60 off on your Grab ride when you pin UNIQLO SM City J Mall as your destination or pick-up point. Simply use the promo code #UNIQLOJMall to avail of the promotion, which runs from October 25 to 31.

Uniqlo  LifeWear store, SM City J Mall, Mandaue, Cebu

Uniqlo  LifeWear store, SM City J Mall, Mandaue, Cebu

The fun also begins a week before the opening of UNIQLO SM City J Mall. Receive a UNIQLO Tote Bag with Cooler Compartment by purchasing online or through the UNIQLO App, and selecting UNIQLO SM City J Mall as your Click & Collect store from October 18 to 24.

Now that we’re nearing the holiday season, you’ll surely find great value in these deals. Some standouts include: 

Flannel Shirt (Now at PHP 990 from PHP PHP 1,490)

Women’s Pleated Wide Pants (Now at PHP 1,490 from PHP 1,990)

UNIQLO U Crew Neck T-Shirt (Now at PHP 390 from PHP 590)

Light Souffle Yarn V Neck Short Cardigan (Now at PHP 990 from PHP 1,490)

Round Mini Shoulder Bag (Now at PHP 590 from PHP 790)

Be one of the pioneer shoppers at UNIQLO’s first store in Mandaue City at SM City J Mall. To learn more about #UniqloPH and #LifeWear, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram.

The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is one of the Philippines’ most iconic animal species, second only to the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) in global renown. Estimated to number over 10,000 heads a century ago, this dwarf buffalo once grazed across the entirety of Mindoro – until poaching, land conversion and a deadly outbreak of cattle-killing rinderpest nearly wiped it out.  

Wildlife Icon. Animal Town features well-known Philippine animals like the Pawikan and Tamaraw, shown here. Players can build and manage their own tiny town of animals, while completing various tasks and undergoing quests. Users can donate to wildlife and biodiversity conservation via downloads, in-app purchases and by buying merchandise. (DENR-UNDP BIOFIN)

By 1969, less than 100 were thought to remain, prompting the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to declare the Tamaraw as critically endangered, a precarious step above extinction.

Vigorous conservation efforts by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) via the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP) and Tamaraw Conservation Programme (TCP) have so far staved off its demise.

Targeted by Poachers. A butchered Tamaraw, its meat cut into strips and laid out to dry in the sun, is recovered by rangers and wardens protecting the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park in August 2020. Though legally protected, Tamaraw are still occasionally targeted by poachers, who are kept at bay only through the gutsy vigilance of rangers. (Tamaraw Conservation Programme)

“We estimate that there are from 574 to 610 Tamaraw left in Mindoro, with around 433 living within the MIBNP, where the largest population is concentrated,” shares MIBNP Park Superintendent Ellie Nuñez. Together, MIBNP and TCP are working to drive off poachers while convincing residents to stop deforestation and kaingin or the controlled burning of forest to make way for upland farms.

Tamaraw Month, celebrated each October, is when the bulk of Tamaraw conservation efforts are highlighted. "We observe Tamaraw Month every October, but we work hard to protect our Tamaraw 365 days a year,” says TCP Coordinator Efren Delos Reyes. “This month is jam-packed. We have everything from environmental outreach programs, native tree planting drives, town parades, poster making contests, even a bike ride for the Tamaraw,” adds TCP Assistant Coordinator Neil Anthony Del Mundo.

Last Captive Tamaraw. Kalibasib, the world’s last captive Tamaraw, died on 10 October 2020 after 21 years in captivity. The sole progeny of a breeding programme involving 21 wild-caught Tamaraw, he became a symbol of his species’ bullheaded will to survive. (Gregg Yan)

To help conserve this rare buffalo for Tamaraw Month 2024, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) are asking people to download and play Animal Town, a mobile game about animals and biodiversity conservation launched in March 2024.   

“We want to introduce iconic and endangered Pinoy wildlife to a fresh generation of environmentalists,” explains UNDP-BIOFIN Philippines Country Manager Anabelle Plantilla. “With 30 million gamers in the Philippines including me, the potential for gamers to donate to wildlife conservation can definitely help save endangered species like our Tamaraw.”

They Need Funds. The rangers and wardens protecting Tamaraw badly need funding for salaries, benefits, field equipment and patrol provisions. You can help keep them in the field by downloading Animal Town and making a small donation to the conservation of iconic Philippine wildlife, especially this Tamaraw Month. (Gregg Yan)

BIOFIN is a global UNDP initiative across 41 countries with funding from the European Commission and the Governments of Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Belgium, Flanders, the United Kingdom, Canada and France. It contributes to closing the financing gap for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity by identifying, accessing, combining and sequencing sources of biodiversity funding.

In the Philippines, BIOFIN is working with the DENR to narrow the financing gap for the implementation of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP), the country’s roadmap to conserving its biodiversity. Among its identified finance solutions are the improvement of biodiversity expenditure reports, supporting and strengthening policies, mainstreaming biodiversity in national and regional programs, increasing investments in protected areas and generating revenues from private individuals.

Kaingin, the illegal burning of upland forests to farm crops like rice, corn and taro, remains a major threat to Philippine mountains. Rangers, wardens and park staff in the four remaining Tamaraw conservation areas are ever on the lookout for the telltale smoke plumes of a fledgling kaingin plot. (Gregg Yan)

Animal Town donations will be managed by FFP, while DENR-BMB will identify conservation programmes to be funded. Some funds will go to Tamaraw conservation initiatives, such as halting illegal poaching for bushmeat, developing solutions to connect genetically isolated Tamaraw subpopulations and reducing human-wildlife conflict between the Tamaraw and indigenous communities.

“Tamaraw conservation is complicated and involves close, continuous coordination between the indigenous people who share the Tamaraw’s home range, protected area managers, fundraisers, policymakers, scientists and law enforcers,” adds D’ABOVILLE Foundation’s Emmanuel Schutz, who has been helping conserve the endangered buffalo for the past 12 years.   

“The Tamaraw is iconic of Philippine wildlife, but many lesser-known plants and animals need the country’s attention,” adds British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. “Introducing wildlife stewardship in a fun and casual way can help younger Filipinos understand and value Filipino wildlife of all shapes and sizes.” The UK government helps fund BIOFIN to advance the implementation of biodiversity finance plans, collaborate with the finance sector and repurpose subsidies. One of its key workstreams for the Philippines focuses on implementing a biodiversity finance solution focused on sub-national plans in protected areas, while helping develop Animal Town.

Animal Town was launched in March 2024 and is fast rising in popularity. It can be freely downloaded at the Google Play Store for Android Phones or the Apple App Store for iOS Phones. (DENR-UNDP BIOFIN)

Freely downloadable, the app has been snowballing in popularity since its launch. “We have almost 20,000 users who have donated nearly PHP20,000, with donations trickling in monthly. We hope to generate more funds as players have fun building their tiny animal towns,” adds Animal Town App Developer Lord Gosingtian.

So to help save the Tamaraw and ‘level up’ your involvement in conservation, simply download the Animal Town app and make a small donation. By doing so, you’re helping ensure that Tamaraw Month will continue to celebrate successful Tamaraw conservation for many years to come.

Animal Town can be downloaded at the Google Play Store for Android Phones or the Apple App Store for iOS Phones.

About the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

BIOFIN was launched in 2012 and seeks to address the biodiversity finance challenge in a comprehensive manner – building a sound business case for increased investments in the management of ecosystems and biodiversity, with a particular focus on the needs and transformational opportunities at the national level. For more information: www.biofin.org.

About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

In the Philippines, UNDP fosters human development for peace and prosperity. Working with central and local governments as well as civil society, and building on global best practices, UNDP strengthens capacities of women, men and institutions to empower them to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan. Through advocacy and development projects, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, UNDP works to ensure a better life for the Filipino people. Learn more at ph.undp.org or follow at @UNDPPH.

About UK International Development

The UK Government helps fund BIOFIN to advance the implementation of biodiversity finance plans, collaborate with the finance sector and repurpose subsidies. UK support for BIOFIN Philippines is conducted through the Nature Positive Economy (NPE) Programme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The programme builds capacity and provides technical assistance to help countries transition to nature-positive economies.

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, has inaugurated the additional domestic and international flights from Davao, making Mindanao’s economic and cultural center even more connected with the Philippines and the rest of the world.

The water salute is a cheerful airport tradition to celebrate maiden Flights

Starting October 27, 2024, CEB will operate daily flights between Davao and Caticlan and Puerto Princesa, and 4x weekly flights to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, 3x weekly flights to Bangkok-Don Mueang will begin on October 28, and 3x weekly flights to Tacloban will commence on October 29.

“We are thrilled to expand our network to and from Davao, strengthening the city’s connectivity both locally and globally. With the addition of these domestic and international flights, Cebu Pacific reaffirms its commitment to supporting Davao’s growing role as a key economic hub. These routes offer greater convenience for travelers and open new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange, all while promoting inclusive growth in the region,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer (center) with stakeholders from Region XI.

Previously, passengers from Davao had to book connecting flights from Manila and spend up to 8 hours traveling to reach Hong Kong and Bangkok with layovers. With CEB’s direct international flights from Davao, passengers will no longer need to pay more for an additional stop or wait at another airport during their layover. 

From Davao, passengers may now reach Hong Kong and Bangkok in 3.5 hours and save up to 5 hours in travel time. Passengers from Davao may also save up to 35% on one-way fare to Hong Kong and up to 99% on one-way fare to Bangkok on direct flights with CEB.

The direct flights from Davao to Caticlan, Puerto Princesa, and Tacloban will open new opportunities for travelers to explore each destination’s iconic attractions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant culture. Currently, CEB also operates direct flights to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Siargao, Tagbilaran, and Zamboanga from Davao.

“With added flights, passengers from Davao have same-day return options. Fly to Manila, Cebu, or Iloilo in the morning, have your meeting and come back to Davao in time for dinner at home. CEB continues to offer flexible flight schedules to our passengers so they can make the most out of their day,” Iyog said.

CEB operates to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

A New Era of Premium Travel Experiences

EastWest Bank, in collaboration with KrisFlyer, the rewards programme of the Singapore Airlines Group, proudly staged its milestone celebration of the enhanced EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World and Platinum Mastercard credit cards. The event, held in Cebu at the NuStar Hotel on October 11, 2024, marks another significant moment in EastWest's continued commitment to providing premium travel experiences to its valued customers.

The unveiling of the new, eco-friendly design of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World and Platinum Mastercard credit cards in Cebu City

A Perfect Partnership for Travelers

The milestone celebration was a culmination of the longstanding partnership between EastWest Bank and KrisFlyer, the rewards programme of Singapore Airlines Group, which has consistently delivered exceptional value to frequent travelers through the years. The EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World and Platinum Mastercard credit cards are perfectly designed for those who aspire to reach their milestone destinations sooner and to travel more frequently, by empowering them to earn KrisFlyer miles easily for their travel and overseas spend.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP. Executives from East West Banking Corporation, Singapore Airlines Group, and Mastercard raise a toast to mark their successful 5-year collaboration. At an intimate event held at Fili Hotel, NuStar Resort in Cebu City, they also unveiled the new eco-friendly design of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard credit cards. From left to right: Mia Tamayo (SVP and Head, Credit Cards, East West Banking Corporation), Judith Dayrit (VP, Account Management Head, Mastercard), Elaine Thamm (VP, Business Development, Mastercard), Jovi Abad (FVP and Head, CLC VisMin, East West Banking Corporation), Lawrence Lee (EVP and Head, Consumer Lending, East West Banking Corporation), Jacqueline Fernandez (President, East West Banking Corporation), Jerry Ngo (CEO, East West Banking Corporation), Bryan Koh (Divisional VP, Loyalty Marketing, Singapore Airlines), Liwei Tai (General Manager Philippines, Singapore Airlines), and Sherlin Oh (Regional Manager, KrisFlyer Partnerships, Singapore Airlines).

Proud Cebuano and East West Banking Corporation CEO Jerry Ngo warmly welcomes partners and media guests to his hometown at the celebration of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard

East West Banking Corporation SVP and Head of Credit Cards, Mia Tamayo, addresses questions from Cebu-based media during a roundtable discussion after the launch of the eco-friendly EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard credit cards

“Over the years, I’ve earned miles that have taken my family and me to various destinations, helping us create unforgettable memories. These moments align perfectly with the promise of our credit cards—helping you earn more miles and reach new milestones, making your travel experiences even more rewarding.” said Jerry G. Ngo, CEO of EastWest Bank.

Key Features of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World and Platinum Mastercard

Highlighting EastWest’s focus on delivering premier financial products that meet the sophisticated needs of Filipino travelers, the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard credit cards feature a new premium and sophisticated design that is recyclable and environmentally friendly, further elevating the travel experience. Cardholders will enjoy exceptional benefits, including earning KrisFlyer miles for every purchase, lounge access, and exclusive travel perks across Singapore Airlines’ global network. The EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard credit cards offer an unparalleled suite of benefits tailored specifically for travelers:

• KrisFlyer Miles Earned on every purchase: With a  generous purchase to-miles  conversion rate of 1 KrisFlyer mile per PHP 12 spent on World and 1 KrisFlyer mile per PHP15 spent on Platinum, cardholders can earn more miles across various categories, including flights with Singapore Airlines and Scoot, purchases at KrisShop, Pelago, Kris+,  other travel-related expenses and e-commerce spend .
• Mastercard® Travel Pass Provided by DragonPass (MTP): This feature elevates the travel experience by offering access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including exclusive access through the Plaza Premium Group partnership. The MTP app ensures a seamless experience, providing real-time updates on lounge access, travel information, and dining offers.
• Low Foreign Currency Conversion Fee: A low 1.70% fee on international purchases allows cardholders to indulge in guilt-free shopping abroad.
• Free Comprehensive Travel Insurance: The cards provide up to Php 20 million in travel insurance coverage for the cardholder and their family when travel expenses are charged to the card, ensuring peace of mind during every journey.
• Mastercard® Travel and Lifestyle Services: Cardholders can access exclusive travel perks, including guaranteed lowest hotel rates and personalized trip recommendations through a dedicated Lifestyle Manager.

The EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard is a premium credit card designed for those who live life to the fullest and are passionate about travel. It offers cardholders the opportunity to earn KrisFlyer miles faster and enjoy a range of travel-related perks.

Cebuana key opinion leader Kryz Uy joins East West Banking Corporation executives Mia Tamayo and Jerry Ngo during the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard celebration

Cebuana socialites and key opinion leaders—Binibining Cebu 2018 Steffi Aberasturi, YouTuber Kryz Uy, and personal finance influencer Charm de Leon—pose during the celebration of the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard at Fili Hotel, NuStar Resort, Cebu City.

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Henry graces the celebration of EastWest's 5-year partnership with Singapore Airlines Group and Mastercard for the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard, held at Fili Hotel, NuStar Resort, Cebu City

With the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard, cardholders can enjoy benefits such as extensive lounge access, comprehensive travel insurance, and a low foreign currency conversion fee, making every journey more rewarding.

For more information on the EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer World Mastercard, please visit EastWest Bank KrisFlyer Mastercard and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.

About East West Banking Corporation:

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) is a Filipino-owned universal bank. EastWest is a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC), one of the country’s leading conglomerates with a diverse range of interests including real estate, banking, hospitality & tourism, infrastructure power generation, and sugar. It is not affiliated with any foreign financial institution which may bear the same name.

About KrisFlyer:

KrisFlyer has evolved from being an airline loyalty programme to an industry-leading lifestyle-centric rewards programme. Today, it has about 9.1 million members who benefit from wide-ranging accrual and redemption opportunities both on the ground and in the air.  

Members can not only earn and redeem miles on their flights on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance member airlines, and SIA partner carriers, but also through everyday spend with more than 1,3000 non-airline brands operating over 3,300 outlets worldwide. These include banks, hotels, travel services, restaurants, retail brands, and a wide range of experiences in Singapore and around the world.  

KrisFlyer members may also earn or redeem miles with KrisShop, the SIA Group's award-winning e-commerce arm, and enjoy a broad range of shopping, dining, and wellness experiences with partners on Kris+, the SIA Group’s rewards and lifestyle mobile app, and when they book travel activities in over 2,200 global destinations on Pelago, SIA’s travel experiences platform.

Follow KrisFlyer’s Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

A Passion for All Things Coffee

In celebration of International Coffee Month this October, Starbucks Philippines honors the artistry of coffee with initiatives designed to elevate the customer experience – crafting a personalized coffee journey that’s uniquely theirs. 

“As we celebrate International Coffee Month, we invite our customers to immerse themselves in an enhanced coffee experience—both in our stores and online,” says Noey Lopez, President of Starbucks Philippines.

Introducing Starbucks Milano Duetto: A Celebration of Milanese Coffee Heritage 

Crafted by master roasters at the esteemed Milano Roastery, Starbucks Milano Luna and Starbucks Milano Sole is a unique pairing of two contrasting cups that embody the duality of tradition and innovation. Inspired by the rich coffee culture, art, and design of Milan, these new offerings showcase the same blend interpreted through two distinct roasts: light and dark. 

Starbucks Milano Luna and Starbucks Milano Sole

 

Starbucks Milano Sole features notes of creamy vanilla custard and sweet pomegranate, while Starbucks Milano Luna celebrates the heritage of Starbucks' coffee roasting, highlighting bold notes of dark chocolate truffle and roasted black walnut. 

Starbucks Reserve: A premium coffee experience

Starbucks Reserve embodies the brand’s dedication to exceptional coffee. Each small-batch coffee from around the world is roasted with distinct care, transformed into an art form through innovative brewing techniques. 

Coffee pairing with Media and Bloggers at Starbucks Reserve, Cebu City

In the Philippines, 19 Starbucks Reserve stores offer exclusive beverages, such as Shakerato Bianco, Cold Brew Malt, and Classic Affogato, which reimagine classic coffee traditions. Starbucks Reserve features unique store designs that reflect local communities, making each visit a distinct coffee experience.

2024 Regional Barista Championship and Coffee LIVE

 

From L-R: Kent Dela Cruz, 2024 Starbucks Philippines Barista Champion, Jamie Silva, senior manager of Marketing, DCE & Loyalty, Starbucks Philippines, Adrian Santos, 2023 Starbucks Philippines Latte Art Champion

Kent Dela Cruz, 2024 Starbucks Philippines Barista Champion

Now in its 8th year, the Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships has been a platform for showcasing the unwavering passion and expertise in coffee of partners (baristas). The 2022 event, held in Hong Kong last June, drew 14 top contenders from across the region. This annual competition not only celebrates the exceptional talent of partners but also enables them to refine their craft and deliver an unparalleled Starbucks Experience to customers worldwide.

Facebook & Instagram Live event & virtual coffee tasting in Cebu City

Starbucks will host a Facebook & Instagram Live event that will take viewers on a virtual coffee tasting in two Starbucks Reserve™ stores, Starbucks Reserve™ Ayala Malls Central Bloc Cebu today, and Starbucks Reserve™ Arya Residences in Bonifacio Global City on October 10. The event features a coffee tasting with Kent Dela Cruz, Starbucks Philippines’ 2024 Regional Barista Championship Representative, and stunning latte art demonstrations by Adrian Santos, Starbucks Philippines’ 2023 Latte Art Champion.

“By harnessing the power of coffee, we aim to bring people together and spark meaningful connections over every cup, elevating the coffee experience for all.”

For more information on Starbucks Philippines’ initiatives, visit starbucks.ph/stories and follow Starbucks Philippines on their social media pages: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.