Enchanted Kingdom Hypes up 30th Anniversary With New Ride; CEO, First Filipino to Receive Prestigious International Award

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, officially welcomed its newest family thrill ride, EKlipse, with an enchanting and immersive launch event this March 30.

As one of EK’s inaugural gifts for its 30th anniversary this 2025, EKlipse offers an exciting new adventure for Filipinos, marking the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Guests will enjoy the heart-pounding thrill aboard this ride with its unpredictable rotating movement and the visual illusion it creates every time its arms pass each other.

Catering even to pre-teens and teenagers, this newest attraction is sure to foster even more shared experiences and create enchanting memories for EK’s multi-generational guests with their loved ones.

EKlipse Grand Launch

The EKlipse Grand Launch featured spectacular performances from rising P-pop group GAT, The Clash Season 6 grand champion Naya Ambi, and up-and-coming Filipino boy group AJAA.

EK’s very own P-pop group, SMS, also captivated the audience with their newly released single, Meant 2 Shine, along with their latest music, the theme song of EKlipse. This song supplements the overall experience of the new ride, as it plays throughout its entire cycle.

The enchanting celebration was graced by Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas who joined in the symbolic unveiling of the ride marquee, together with EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario Mamon; Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Mamon; Head of Integrated Marketing, and Organization Development and Corporate Planning Nico Mamon; Eldar the Wizard; and twin princesses Victoria and Madeline.

When the marquee was revealed, EKlipse suddenly came to life, setting off a dazzling display of dancing lights that highlighted the ride’s visual appeal, especially at night.

Adding a magical twist to EK’s classic tradition, the night was topped off by the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Display featuring the vibrant colors of EKlipse.

As a special treat, Eldar the Wizard also extended the park’s operating hours on Sunday to give the guests more chances to try the family thrill ride as well as EK’s other attractions.

The introduction of EKlipse exemplifies the theme park’s continuous pursuit in bringing new world-class and enchanting experiences for all Filipinos.

The Inspirational Man Behind EK’s Magic

EK also announced that its president and chairman, Cesar Mario Mamon, won the highly-coveted Inspiration Award in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region, as revealed by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) last March 25.

He is notably the first Filipino to ever receive this recognition from the premier global attractions trade association.

Through this prestigious award, IAAPA honors the visionary individuals who championed innovation in the amusement parks and attractions industry in their respective areas.

Currently in his third decade in the integrated attractions industry, Mr. Mamon has made a long-lasting mark not only in the country but also in Asia.

Aside from being the founder of the leading theme park in the Philippines, he served as the chairman of IAAPA in 2013, making him the first Asian to be elected for this esteemed role. Later, he became the founding head of the Philippine Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (PhilAAPA).

Mr. Mamon is set to receive the Inspiration Award at the IAAPA Honors 2025 which will be held in Germany from April 28 to 30.

For more information and updates regarding these and EK’s other upcoming events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

Score PHP 1K off the Vivo V40 Lite: Limited-Time Promo Until April 16

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Looking for the perfect smartphone upgrade? Now’s the best time! Vivo is offering an exclusive Php 1,000 discount on the stylish and powerful Vivo V40 Lite until April 16, 2025. Don’t miss out on this limited-time deal that makes premium features more affordable than ever!

Upgrade to the Vivo V40 Lite at these unbeatable prices:

• Vivo V40 Lite 5G (12GB+512GB) – From Php 18,999 to Php 17,999

• Vivo V40 Lite 5G (8GB+256GB) – From Php 15,999 to Php 14,999

• Vivo V40 Lite 4G (8GB+256GB) – From Php 13,999 to Php 12,999

Why Vivo V40 Lite is the best deal right now

If you're after a smartphone that delivers power, style, and innovation, the Vivo V40 Lite is the perfect match. Here’s why this limited-time discount makes it a must-buy:

5000mAh Battery with 4-Year Health Guarantee – Stay powered up all day with a battery designed for long-lasting performance. No need to worry about battery degradation—this one’s built to last four years while maintaining optimal capacity.
80W FlashCharge – With ultra-fast 80W charging, you can go from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes, keeping you connected and unstoppable.

50MP AI-Powered Camera with AI Aura Light – Take stunning portraits with a high-resolution 50MP main camera. The AI Aura Light ensures perfect lighting in every shot, so your selfies and portraits look flawless anytime, anywhere.

Don’t wait too long as this special Php 1,000 discount is only available until April 16, 2025! Head over to your nearest Vivo concept store or kiosk to grab this amazing deal. Check the vivo website for the full specs.

Unstoppable Power – The Perfect Duo with a 10,000mAh Mega Battery!

From back-to-back live selling and relentless delivery runs to marathon streaming sessions under the scorching sun—your phone should be your greatest ally. But what if it could be more? What if there was a game-changer on the horizon?

The Battery That Refuses to Quit

Imagine a 10,000mAh beast—a phone and a charging case combined. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to unstoppable power. Whether you’re navigating the streets for hours, binge-watching through the night, or grinding through daily hustles, this phone keeps going. Charge once. Conquer everything.

Sunlight? No Problem

A massive, ultra-bright display that dominates daylight, ensuring crystal-clear visuals no matter where you are. Whether you’re shooting content, gaming on the go, or checking orders under the sun, this screen doesn’t back down. Content creators, this is your golden hour—on demand.

Built for the Hustlers

A phone that laughs in the face of chaos. Rumors say it’s wrapped in weather-proof armor, built to survive unexpected drops, splashes, and the roughest rides. If you’re constantly on the move, this might just be your next workhorse.

Speed That Keeps Up

A flagship-level processor that crushes lag, paired with massive storage for 4K vlogs, non-stop downloads, and essential apps. Whether you’re editing videos, running multiple gig apps, or multitasking at lightning speed, this phone is built to handle it all.

The Mystery Deepens

Some details remain under wraps—but here’s what we dare to ask:

• Can a single charge really last an entire shift and a TikTok binge?

• What makes this display outdoor-proof?

• Is this the ultimate device for the Philippines’ unpredictable weather?

The Countdown Begins

Something big is coming in late April. The kind of upgrade that redefines what a phone can do. Keep your eyes on every update—because this isn’t just another smartphone. It’s a revolution.

Schneider Electric Champions Energy Efficiency as Key to Business Resilience

Manila, Philippines – As climate change and rising energy costs continue to impact businesses, Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has reinforced its call for Philippine businesses to prioritize energy efficiency as the fastest and most cost-effective route to sustainability.

Ireen Catane, Country President of Schneider Electric Philippines, recently stressed that energy efficiency is no longer a choice but an imperative for businesses aiming to remain competitive and resilient.

“In the Philippines, we have seen an increase in the Green Impact Gap by 5 points since last year’s survey, reaching 46%. While 98% of companies have sustainability goals, only 52% are taking comprehensive steps to meet them,” said Catane. “We need to better understand how we can work together to close this gap. Energy efficiency is the most immediate and impactful solution businesses can adopt today.”

Schneider Electric pioneered the use of the Green Impact Gap to measure the misalignment between companies' declared commitment towards their sustainability goals and the tangible actions to implement sustainable development.

Energy Efficiency: A Business Imperative

Schneider Electric reports that rising climate risks have led to unstable energy costs and supply chain disruptions, already impacting 41% of businesses in Asia. Moreover, artificial intelligence-driven computing demand is expected to increase data center power consumption by 4.2 times by 2028, further straining energy resources and amplifying the need for smarter energy management.

Schneider Electric’s insights align with data from the PE2. Alexander Ablaza, President of PE2, highlighted the financial and environmental benefits of energy efficiency, stating that businesses could save billions in operational costs while cutting carbon emissions. However, he noted that many companies are still in the process of prioritizing and mainstreaming sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives in their day-to-day operations.

At the same conference, Schneider Electric outlined a three-step approach for businesses to effectively close the Green Impact Gap: Strategize, Digitize, and Decarbonize.

• Strategize: Develop a clear roadmap to sustainability with measurable targets.

• Digitize: Leverage data and automation to monitor and optimize energy consumption.

• Decarbonize: Implement solutions that drive emissions reduction and long-term energy savings.

By adopting these steps, businesses can unlock financial and operational benefits. Schneider Electric’s research found that energy-efficient buildings not only reduce operational costs but also enhance property value and business reputation. Moreover, 42% of Philippine-based companies surveyed recognized new business opportunities arising from improved energy efficiency.

A Call to Action for Philippine Enterprises

Schneider Electric, alongside other representatives from both the public and private sector, reaffirmed its commitment to helping businesses navigate the energy transition through advanced solutions and strategic partnerships. “The path to sustainability is clear. Companies that act now will be the ones that thrive. The technology and expertise to drive energy efficiency already exist, and businesses must take decisive steps to turn commitments into real impact,” Catane emphasized.

With regulatory frameworks like the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act in place, the private sector faces increasing pressure to implement energy efficiency measures. Schneider Electric and industry leaders present during the conference highlighted that adopting these solutions is essential for long-term business sustainability and competitiveness in the Philippines.

Regional Growth Booming for Startups in 2024 - QBO Innovation Study

Manila, Philippines — The Philippine startup ecosystem is experiencing significant growth, with regional hubs expanding across the country.

This is the finding of the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports by QBO Innovation, the Philippines’ first public-private initiative geared towards providing a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop, and grow.

The initiative is in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the Strategic and Collaborative Alliance for Leveraging Ecosystem of Startups - National Capital Region (SCALE NCR).

Through discussion with key community drivers, gathering local insights, and validating data, the reports provide a comprehensive overview of each ecosystem’s current state, identifying movers and champions, available resources, success stories, and growth potential. Most importantly, they offer actionable insights on how ecosystem enablers can drive further development and foster long-term sustainability.

The reports focused on providing critical insights into five key locales: Region I (Ilocos Region), Lanao del Norte, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

According to the report, Iloilo stands out for its strong government support, with local policies and initiatives designed to foster startup growth, a model that other emerging startups could learn from. Negros Occidental benefits from strong collaboration between the academe and industry, creating a steady pipeline of talent and fostering innovation in Metro Bacolod’s growing startup scene. The report has found Lanao del Norte has a thriving base of young tech talent, supported by academic institutions and active local enablers driving interest in entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, General Luna is home to a vibrant community of digital nomads and tech workers, presenting opportunities to integrate this talent into startup activities, while Region I is witnessing increasing startup activity, particularly in key urban centers like Laoag and Dagupan, where innovation is beginning to take root.

While there is budding growth in the areas surveyed, the report reveals that startups across all locations still face challenges in scaling, with limited access to funding, industry connections, and broader markets. While local ecosystems are growing, many startups struggle to expand beyond their immediate communities. Strengthening investment opportunities and industry linkages will be key to helping regional startups scale nationally and globally.

"Regional development is essential to strengthening the country’s overall innovation landscape. These reports serve as a roadmap for empowering local startup ecosystems, bridging gaps, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation-driven growth. For startup founders and aspiring tech entrepreneurs, this means greater access to support networks, funding opportunities, and industry collaborations that can help turn ideas into scalable ventures. By working together, ecosystem builders, policymakers, and investors can fuel the next wave of Philippine startups, ensuring that innovation thrives in every corner of the country," said Alwyn Rosel, Executive Director of QBO Innovation.

The 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports were also made possible in partnership with local enablers, including UMWAD Western Visayas, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Bannuar Technology Business Incubator (TBI), the Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) WAVES TBI, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) iDEYA, the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Kwadra TBI, and the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) HIVE TBI.

Building on the success of the 2024 reports, QBO Innovation is already underway with the 2025 initiative, with visits to Cagayan and Isabela. They encourage other locales to partner and contribute to this ongoing effort, facilitating a broader understanding and strengthening of the Philippine startup ecosystem.

To know more about the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Mapping Reports, you may download the full reports at https://bit.ly/2024StartupMappingReport or visit www.qboinnovation.com and @QBOInnovation on social media. Additionally, for more information about SCALE NCR and its initiatives, you may visit their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.