Made It Through Mum

With their yearly ChriSMiles project, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela brought the year to a close. ChriSMiles is an employee volunteer program run by the Human Resources Department of each mall, intending to make children happy and bring holiday cheer to the community. In Caloocan, children from Tahanang Mapagkalinga Social Development Center were overjoyed as volunteers from SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan gave love and heartwarming surprises. SM City Grand Central became a hub of joy as the young ones were treated to a day filled with surprises, including a tour around SM City Grand Central, a hearty meal from Jollibee, engaging games from Tom's World, Quantum, and Jack Adventure, and entertaining movies from SM Cinema. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Caloocan City Government, City Social Welfare Officer Regina Embalsado conveyed her heartfelt thanks to SM, emphasizing the importance of the ChriSMiles project for abandoned,...

More than 10 boxes of clothes, shoes, books, toys, and even household items were collected from Converge employees over a month when Segunda Mana boxes were deployed to three Converge offices.  Converge partners with Caritas Manila for Segunda Mana donations in-kind program The first rule of mountain climbing, as hikers and climbers will tell you, is to travel light. You can climb the steep slope and dodge obstacles faster when you have less luggage to slow you down. Similar to this, we should have a "go light" mentality and let go of the things that stand in our way as we get ready to climb the mountain that is 2024 and overcome the rocks and slopes along the way. Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is participating in Caritas Manila's extensive in-kind donations program, Segunda Mana, in the spirit of literally and metaphorically lightening our burdens while also sharing our blessings with those in need. All offices of Converge, from Facilities to Executive Offices pitched in f...

Netflix, the streaming giant, evaluates ISPs monthly on the prime-time performance of Netflix content on their network. This November, Converge once again took the top spot - a position it has held for most of the year. Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a prominent fiber broadband provider in the Philippines, dominated the most recent Netflix ISP Speed Index Leaderboard, taking the top spot, which it has maintained for the majority of the year. The Netflix ISP Speed Index gauges how well Netflix performs during prime time on specific internet service providers (ISPs) across the world. Generally speaking, faster ISP performance translates into better picture quality, quicker start times, and fewer interruptions when streaming Netflix movies, TV shows, and other content. “As we hold on to the number one spot in this important barometer of internet performance, we are inspired to keep on doing better for our customers, especially for our more than two million subscribers who rely on our end-t...

The top consumer finance provider in the Philippines, Home Credit, has identified an interesting trend in the Philippine market as 2023 draws to an end: a rise in the number of financed purchases of various commodities, most notably mobile phones, which accounted for 1.7 million of all transactions. The year-long promotions from Home Credit, such as the most recent installment financing offer with 0% interest, helped to allow this spike in product sales. Purchases on Home Credit increased significantly this year in a variety of categories, indicating a change in customer preferences. Home Credit's products have changed to suit the changing preferences and aspirations of Filipinos, with an emphasis on enabling them to achieve their individual and family objectives. Among the highlighted categories, mobile and tablet purchases garnered the greatest number of units sold, indicating a continued reliance on these devices for work, education, and entertainment. The volume sold in this ...

Converge President and Co-Founder (fifth from Left), Maria Grace Y. Uy and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Azada (fourth from Left) are behind initiatives to reduce waste to landfill output, such as the Countdown to Zero waste program.  Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE:CNVRG), a prominent fiber broadband provider, has once again received an improved Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating. This improvement was noted in S&P Global's annual examination of companies’ handling of ESG impacts, opportunities, and risks. The company's ESG score improved from 40 in 2022 to 53 out of 100. “In 2023, we have put in place significant guardrails to ensure our sustainability practice remains aligned with the organization's values and goals, as well as with international standards. This is a testament to responsible business practice that will create long-term positive impact,” said Benjamin B. Azada, Converge Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer. F...

With complimentary Mango Bravo cakes and a sincere plea to spread the cheer to a stranger, Conti's Bakeshop and Restaurant elevated the festive spirit of Christmas. A second full cake was provided to diners who received a complimentary Mango Bravo, with an instruction to return the favor by giving the second cake to a stranger. "The act of paying it forward fosters a sense of connection and community. Sharing Mango Bravo with a stranger is a simple yet powerful way to bridge gaps and strengthen the bonds between people," Patricia Marañon-Tan, one of the daughters of Conti’s founder, said. "In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic, simple acts of kindness stand out. It has the power to create a positive and uplifting environment." Conti's decided to give out Mango Bravo cakes because they are the most popular dessert on the adored food brand's menu and have been a staple of many families' Noche Buena celebrations for the past 26 years. "Our sig...

SM City Valenzuela demonstrated its steadfast support and commitment to the Valenzuela City local government through a significant contribution of 1 million pesos. Present at the ceremonial turnover are Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” T. Gatchalian and SM’s Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations, Ana T. Datu (middle). Sharing honors (L-R) are SM City Valenzuela Assistant Mall Managers Kristine Joyce S. Pimentel and Cenen III M. Pamintuan SM City Valenzuela demonstrated its unwavering support and commitment to the local government of Valenzuela City by making a substantial contribution of 1 million pesos. This significant contribution solidifies SM City Valenzuela's dedication to the city's progress and its role as a key partner in fostering positive growth within the community. The timing of this donation holds particular significance as Valenzuela City celebrates its 400th founding anniversary with the theme "400 Years of History and Progress." From its ori...

Gathering strength, determination, and a sea of endurance: Participants unite for the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Princesa 2023, capturing the essence of the long-distance triathlon journey in a single frame. Travelers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts rank Puerto Princesa City, which is located in the Philippines' Last Frontier, as their top choice. The city is now firmly establishing itself as the “Sports Capital of the Philippines” thanks to the numerous sporting events that take place there. Invincible. Amazing. Indestructible. Puerto Princesa is the epitome of this, offering top-notch sporting events including wakeboarding, kiteboarding, water skiing, banana boat rides, tube rides, and hookah diving. The city also frequently hosts the Puerto Princesa International Motocross Grand Prix, Thai Riders, Pinoy Riders, Mountain Bike XC Challenge, Boxing Eve "Hamon sa Puerto Princesa," and the "Motocross Masters of Asia," the Philippine leg of the FIM UAM Asian Motocros...

It's the ideal time of year to bring warmth and happiness into your house as the holidays draw near. After all, the holidays are a time for joy, thankfulness, and making treasured memories. This carefully picked selection of Christmas gift ideas adds warmth, comfort, and style to the rooms we treasure most, whether you want to update your house or want to surprise your loved ones with meaningful gifts. Surprise your loved ones with the gift of cozy moments with Our Home recliners . Surprise your loved ones with the gift of cozy moments this Holiday season with recliners available at Our Home. Unwrap the joy of comfort this season with Our Home's collection of cushions that everyone will love to have and hug.  Share the gift of a welcoming home with candles and scent s . Give the gift of organized beauty.  Our Home’s jewelry organizers are designed to keep precious treasures safe and stylish.  Looking for the perfect gift for those who love to host? Our Home’s servewa...

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy delivered the keynote address, informing the audience of the state of the startup industry in the Philippines Leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. supported local businesses by offering free internet access to the Geeks on A Beach (GOAB) conference. GOAB brings together venture capital investors, technology, design, and innovation professionals, and up-and-coming entrepreneurs. After a five-year break, GOAB, which is co-organized by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the social business #GeeksPH, comes back this year. Panglao, Bohol's seaside town hosted a gathering of over 300 technopreneurs, entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists, and angel sponsors at the Bellevue Resort. Dennis Anthony Uy, co-founder and CEO of Converge, stated that the company has always encouraged small businesses and been motivated to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurs looking to grow their enterprises. “Just like...

As SM Cinema Pulilan opens its doors and ushers in a wave of historic charm harmonized with cutting-edge cinematic technology, be ready for the ultimate cinematic experience. Its three newest theaters provide an unmatched movie-watching experience while letting patrons enjoy a front-row show.  Impeccable Visuals and Sonic Brilliance With the cutting-edge Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound System and Standard Laser Projector System, experience a feast for the senses. Take in the wonder with unparalleled clarity as the Dolby Surround Sound transports you to an enthralling world, elevating each moment for the pinnacle of cinematic enjoyment. Conveniently Plush Seating Savor comfort and style with Opus Fixed seating, which guarantees both for all 245 guests. Cinemas 1 and 2 have a combined capacity of 93 guests, and Cinema 3 can comfortably seat 59 people. Every theater has two PWD seats among its opulent seats, guaranteeing accessibility and inclusivity for all film buffs. Retro Industrial-Insp...