Thursday, February 13, 2025

Teves Not Afraid Because He’s Innocent

“It is the right of every citizen to enter any courtroom and watch.” ~Atty. Ferdinand Topaci

Following the assertion of Atty. Ferdinand Topacio following the filing of a motion by the Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecution to prevent him from being present or observing the hearing on the Degamo slay case, which was held at Manila City Hall's Regional Trial Court on Friday, February 14, 2025, and in which former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. is being implicated.

Teves is viewed as innocent and a victim of political persecution by his constituents in Negros and other locations.

Topacio claims he was not present at the hearing held at RTC Branch 51, which was chaired by Hon. In addition to his role as an attorney, Merianthe Pacita Zurake is a member of the public who is specifically permitted by the Constitution to attend any hearing. In order to prevent more disagreements, the judge finally permitted Topacio to stay throughout the hearings. Topacio made it clear that he did not attend the session because the judge allowed it, but rather because the Constitution gave him the freedom to do so.

Topacio made it clear that he did not attend the session because the judge allowed it, but rather because the Constitution gave him the freedom to do so. The attorney added that he would file a motion to remove the ban on public attendance, arguing that it is against the Constitution and court rules, which stipulate that public hearings should be held unless the case involves private, obscene, or sensitive testimony that needs to be protected.

Topacio added that Teves is being let to remain "legally" by the Timor-Leste government since he has an appeal pending in his extradition case and an application for political asylum.


AMA Rural Bank to DepEd: Remit P1.5B or face legal consequences



Businessman Amable Aguiluz owns AMA Rural Bank of Mandaluyong Inc. (ARB), which has threatened to sue top authorities if the Department of Education (DepEd) does not pay P1.495 billion in unpaid collections from public school instructors. 

ARB Chief Operating Officer Felino H. Esquivias Jr. urged DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn M. Sevilla to disburse the cash within five days in a letter dated February 12, 2025.

Under the Automatic Payroll Deduction System, P734.57 million was collected between September 2019 and April 2022, while an additional P760.6 million was collected between May and November 2022. According to ARB, Sevilla has not yet sent the money, despite confirming the initial sum in a letter dated May 2022. 

The bank threatened to file complaints against Sevilla and other DepEd officials with the Civil Service Commission and the Ombudsman if they did not comply.

PlayTime’s Epic Car Giveaway is Here!

Our success would not be possible without our incredible 20 million+ subscribers, and we are so excited to give back! PlayTime is all about sharing blessings, and what better way to do that than by giving away a brand-new car to one of our amazing players!" ~Jay Sabale, Senior PR Manager at PlayTime


The anticipation is growing as PlayTimePH is only a few clicks away from achieving one million followers! The stakes are bigger this month than they were last December, when five Yamaha Mio Fazzios were given away. One fortunate follower will drive off with a brand-new car this summer whenever the Facebook account @PlayTimePH reaches one million followers!

Yes, exactly! This time, it's all about four wheels—forget two! It's the best summertime vehicle for exploring the countryside, taking scenic drives, and going to the beach. In time for the warm season, followers won't want to pass up the opportunity to win an automobile.

So, how do you get in on this epic giveaway? Visit @PlayTimePH Facebook page for more details.

Join now, and this summer, you could be behind the wheel of your dream car. Ready to roll? PlayTime na!

 















Launched in 2024, PlayTime is a premier online entertainment games platform licensed by PAGCOR. With over 2,500 games and 20 million users, PlayTime offers the highest daily cashback (up to 2%), and fastest withdrawals (guaranteed in 10mins) in the Philippines. Visit www.playtime.ph for more information.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

This Valentine's Day, discover love in full color at SM Supermalls in the East!

Capture love with family and friends at SM City Masinag’s photo area


The best place to celebrate love in all its manifestations this Valentine's Day is SM Supermalls in the East. At SM City East Ortigas, SM City Taytay, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Angono, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, we have something special in store for you, whether you're traveling alone, with a group of friends, as a couple, or even as furparents.  


Couples find love and laughter while playing the claw machine at World of Fun SM City Taytay.


Couples: Take a special date to SM to celebrate your love.  Savor a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants available. For an authentic Italian experience, try La Casetta de Britt at SM City Taytay, while Mary Grace at SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas, and SM City Masinag offers a cozy setting for couples.  See the newest blockbuster at SM Cinema, and don't forget to take pictures there with a Valentine's theme while our talented buskers perform live!


Have your photo taken with the whole family at the Valentine’s Day photo op area of SM City Taytay

Spoil your loved one with a cuddly heart-shaped plushie from The SM Store SM City San Mateo.

Families: At SM, share the love with your entire family. Together, you can bond over thrilling games at SM City East Ortigas Tom's World and World of Fun at SM Center Angono, enjoy a delicious meal at Yakimix SM City Masinag, watch a touching family film at SM City East Ortigas and SM City Marikina's Director's Club, or play Vikings at SM City Marikina or Botejyu at SM City San Mateo. 


Pick blind boxes with your loved ones and open them together this Valentine’s Day.  Grab yours at Fullybooked SM City East Ortigas.


Friends: Enjoy a friendly game of billiards at the Game Park in SM City East Ortigas, go blindbox-hunting and unboxing at Fullybooked SM City East Ortigas, or grab coffee at Krispy Kreme SM Center Angono to celebrate your friendship this Valentine's Day. You can also grab a bite to eat at Pizza Hut SM City Taytay and SM City San Mateo. At SM Center Angono, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM City Taytay, make new memories and remember to take pictures.


Enjoy sweet Valentine-themed treats with your friends.  Get these heart-shaped donuts from Krispy Kreme at SM Center Angono.

Express your love with chocolates from SM Center Antipolo Downtown and keep things sweet for your Valentine or your Galentine

Treat yourself or someone else like a princess with Silverworks from SM City Masinag


Singles: This Valentine's Day, embrace self-love at SM. Enjoy your favorite comfort food, Kyukyu Ramen, at SM Center Antipolo Downtown, get a bouquet of flowers from MSME merchants at your favorite SM Malls in the East, or treat yourself to a soothing spa day at Hey Sugar SM City Taytay, SM Center Angono, SM City San Mateo, or SM City Marikina.  Discover new hobbies at SM City East Ortigas, take part in Moss Escapes' workshop to create a miniature landscape terrarium, or just take a leisurely walk around the mall while listening to our Valentine's Day buskers' beautiful music.


Get your otter half this Made for Each Otter mugs from Starbucks


Pet Lovers: This Valentine's Day, give your furry companions some affection!   You can enjoy playtime at Paw Park at SM City East Ortigas, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM City Taytay, or keep an eye out for pet-friendly events, photo booths, and even special treats for your furry friends at Pet Express SM City Masinag, SM City Taytay, SM City East Ortigas, and SM City Marikina.


Treat yourself or someone special to some beautiful blooms from SM City Marikina this Valentine's Day.


Here's a glimpse of what awaits you at SM Supermalls in the East:
  • Dining Deals: Enjoy special Valentine's Day menus and promotions at participating restaurants.
  • Cinema Specials: Catch the latest romantic comedies and dramas at SM Cinema.
  • Arcade Fun: Challenge your loved ones to exciting games and win amazing prizes.
  • Photo Opportunities: Capture your sweet moments at our Valentine's-themed photo booths and photo areas.
  • Gift Ideas: Find the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones at our diverse retail shops.
  • Special Events: Look out for special Valentine's Day events and performances happening at our malls, including our pet-friendly celebrations!
  • Live Music: Enjoy the romantic and festive atmosphere with live performances from our Valentine's Day buskers.
Embrace love and let it blossom at SM City East Ortigas


Visit SM Supermalls in the East this Valentine's Day and experience a celebration of love like no other!


Monday, February 10, 2025

Top 5 Must-Buy Categories at UNIQLO's 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear Collection

“For this season, we bring you pieces inspired by the warm, sunny moments of summer and spring. Our showcase highlights the best of our LifeWear, with the wide variety of colors, textures and styles available that are a perfect fit for every Filipino.” ~Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer


With its latest collection of simple and easy styles, UNIQLO exudes the happiness and beauty of the warmer months. The 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear collection's theme, "Sunny Moments," elevates everyday basics with great silhouettes, comfortable functionality, and versatile materials that are ideal for sunny moments.





The international clothing retailer held an exclusive preview of this season's newest collection at Makati City's The Balmori Tent at Rockwell. The event, which was attended by members of the fashion industry and media, showcased the newest LifeWear essentials, which are made of lightweight materials and vibrant colors to inspire comfort and ease. 


(L-R) Donny PangilinanKianna DyJasmine Curtis-Smith, UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Osamu Ikezoe, Head of PR and Sustainability Reichelle Vergara, Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Head of Marketing Andrei de BorjaNiana Guerrero, and Solenn Heussaff.


Five main categories comprise the 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear lineup. Niana Guerrero, Donny Pangilinan, Kianna Dy, Solenn Heussaff, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, UNIQLO's local celebrity partners, represented each one in the preview and shared their enthusiasm for the newest collection.


Effortless Luxury with UNIQLO Linen

Jasmine Curtis-Smith wears the Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt for a chic summer vibe

“It’s a casual yet put-together outfit that I can bring from my tapings to brunch out with friends,” Jasmine said. “The 100% European flax material is so comfy! I can really wear this the whole day and not feel hot and sweaty from the humidity.” ~Jasmine Curtis-Smith


UNIQLO's new Linen items combine lightweight comfort with sophisticated city style. With its creative reworking of traditional patterns, washed fabric, timeless border, and stripes, the collection showcases a blend of modern and traditional elements, drawing inspiration from the distinctive appearance of a vibrant Athens summer. Actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith approves of the welcome combination; she wore a Premium Linen Shirt and Denim Bermuda Shorts to the event.








Experience All-Day Comfort and Support with UNIQLO Bra Top

Solenn Heussaff confidently poses in her AIRism Bra Sleeveless Top

“These Bra Tops are definitely my new daily uniform. I think I have every kind in several colors!” ~Solenn Heussaff


The Bra Top was inspired by Athens' sunny beaches during the summer. Featuring molded cups and supportive elastic underbands, the newest UNIQLO 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear collection can be worn alone or layered for added flair. Solenn Heussaff, a style icon, demonstrated how the AIRism Sleeveless Bra Top's seamless, soft, and comfortable material is ideal for summertime wear. 






Move Freely and Comfortably with UNIQLO Sports Utility Wear

“My newest favorite item, which is also something new in-stores, is the Ultra-Stretch Active Skort. It’s suited for casual looks, but with its ultra-stretch material and built-in shorts, I can easily take it on the court as well.” ~Kianna Dy

With its renowned AIRism technology, the high-performance UNIQLO Sports Utility Wear offers exceptional comfort both on and off the court, enabling even elite athletes like Kianna Dy to stay cool and fashionable all day. 




 





Stylish Silhouettes with UNIQLO Jeans

Donny Pangilinan sports the barrel silhouette of the Wide Tapered Jeans

“For my everyday looks, I usually try to go for pieces that look polished, but with a casual flair that I can take from work to play. I like the UNIQLO Wide Tapered Jeans because of its elegant silhouette and it is very light and easy to wear. It’s also easy to mix and match with different items, so I can pair it with shirts or something more formal and I feel that I look put together.” ~Donny Pangilinan


With its classic selection of jeans and denim, UNIQLO demonstrates why pants are a spring and summer necessity. UNIQLO's latest bottoms blend the traditional and the contemporary, drawing inspiration from Copenhagen's relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, which is reflected in the city's colors and timeless Danish design. It's ideal for light layering so that working and unwinding can be done with ease.




 




Actor Donny Pangilinan observed that UNIQLO Jeans' comfort and adaptability make them ideal for the summer. He looked amazing in the UNIQLO Wide Tapered Jeans during the occasion.


Celebrate Self-expression with UNIQLO UT

Niana Guerrero shows off her fun energy in her Mickey Faces UT graphic t-shirt

“Today I’m wearing the Mickey Faces UT that I paired with this vest and the online favorite Jersey Barrel Leg Pants. It’s casual, yet the UT adds a pop of personality to my look.” ~Niana Guerrero


In the UNIQLO 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear collection, the company's graphic tee line, UT, continues to celebrate pop culture from around the globe. The most recent collection from UT, which features the Mickey Faces line, MFA Boston Ukiyo-E, and Henri Matisse, features more than 1,000 new designs each season. Even t-shirts featuring pictures of cats are available. 





Global youth trailblazer and dance pioneer Niana Guerrero shared how UT is a way to express oneself while clicking her happy feet over the newest collection. As she displayed her fashionable "fit," the social media star enchanted the audience on stage with her positive demeanor.


At the Heart of LifeWear

The event featured UNIQLO's sustainability initiatives in addition to its 2025 Spring/Summer LifeWear collection. With the goal of donating one million pieces of HEATTECH and AIRism merchandise to refugees and underserved communities worldwide by 2025, the brand's global initiative, Heart of LifeWear, aims to protect those in need. 










Over 600 HEATTECH items were given to single parents in the Baguio area by UNIQLO Philippines last January as part of the global movement; additional communities will receive support in the coming months.









Be among the first to explore the newest collection and try on the newest LifeWear essentials this summer. For more details, check out www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Get all the latest news and updates by following @uniqlo on Facebook and on Instagram.


















About UNIQLO LifeWear
Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing
UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen for the 2024 fiscal year ending August 31, 2024 (US $21.39 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2024 rate of $1 = 144.9 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing's brands is now close to 3,600.

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere.  For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.