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Victoria Court reveals secrets on popular themed suites for Valentine’s Day

Anyone who’s been inside these themed suites can attest that the beauty is in the details. From the Red Light, Green Light guns to the MRT train hand railings and color schemes, the rooms are designed accurately. Maybe too accurately.

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Love motels are an open secret to us, and over the years, Victoria Court has been unveiling one themed room after another. You may have heard of their Squid Room suite at the height of the show’s popularity (pandemic doom, we feel you) or their juicy and sweaty nudge to Filipino daily commute (and JAV chikan) with their MRT-inspired room.

Anyone who’s been inside these themed suites can attest that the beauty is in the details. From the Red Light, Green Light guns to the MRT train hand railings and color schemes, the rooms are designed accurately. Maybe too accurately.

After all, aren’t guests the ‘main character’ of their fantasies?

Speaking of getting into your main character era, who isn’t planning a spicy, steamy experience this Valentine’s Day? Whether we hide it or not, it’s been a long-standing tradition for Victoria Court to create an adult playground for love and intimacy this time of the year.

Victoria Court Owner Atticus King weighs in on how they’ve turned the drive-in motel chain’s themed suites from ideas into guests’ short-lived realities: “I had a professor once say, a room is a room is a room. With that in mind, we thought about how important it is to go beyond that, we wanted to give them an experience they couldn’t just get anywhere and that would make a mental mark and become a core memory. “Remember that time we went to VC…”

Yes, how could one forget a rendezvous night spent with their partner trying to live happily ever after? Victoria Court’s Ever After room in Pasig can do just the trick. The room’s jacuzzi is their biggest one yet, and you can literally float on it without touching the sides of the tub. Talk about real happy endings, right?

You’d also be surprised to know which themed rooms are well-suited to the Filipino taste. “We have the most number of suites in our Panorama Branch in Pasig. There, our top 10 busiest rooms are CLOY, Chips, Squid Room, Oval Office, Venice, Bachelor’s Pad, Moulin Rouge, Cirque, 50 Shades, and yes, Princess Jasmine,” Chief Operating Officer Sam Pineda reveals.

We’re not here to gatekeep on other steamy perks these rooms have to offer. “Aside from custom-built jacuzzis, we have rooms with playful additions like places to strap folks in. Our Homerun and Casting Couch rooms in Pasig are good examples,” Pineda adds.

Of course, behind each themed room is a story of how it came to be. “It’s a combination of looking at what is trending, what is underserved, and what we think looks fun. When we built the Oval Office room, my father [the late Archie King] said I’d end up losing my visa because it was a replica of the Oval Office but my selling point was how often can you say I’ve partied in the Oval Office? The room was a hit when we launched it and I didn’t lose my visa,” King explains, laughing.

But how exactly does the motel chain decide which fandom or Netflix show will turn into the next themed suite? “We have several recipes but to be honest, sometimes themes we think will be a big hit just do okay and others that are okay do exceptionally well. We always listen to our guests and we try to design themes to make their crazy fantasies real,” King says.

Even then, Victoria Court has moved away from its public perception of being a mere ‘biglang-liko’ or place for illicit affairs to a hotel chain that hosts (wholesome) parties and offers an award-winning food menu.

“The bigger suites are typically what end up hosting parties (and some couple stays). For couple stays, we find that while some regulars have a favorite room, others prefer not to use a room they’ve already seen – and that’s what’s beautiful about it,” Pineda explains. “You can choose or you can just go for any and be (pleasantly) surprised!”

Guests, despite being discreet, aren’t shy to offer a thought or two about these rooms. “We’ve received great feedback from either camp, with some loving the variety, while others have a favorite jacuzzi, enjoying the special effects, the tantra chair, or even something as simple as preferring rooms with more mirrors.” Pineda says.

Not all themed rooms are here to stay, though. But some rooms are classics and crowd-favorites that guests will always come back to now and then. “When we see a certain theme starting to look dated, we decide whether to reinvest to upgrade it or what we fondly like to call belo and make it fresh again or we take a vote on what new theme we can reintroduce.”

But more than rooms to play out fantasies is a vision to create an adult Disney experience for King: “I think our product will continue to evolve to serve couples looking for an experience that will bring them right to the edge of their comfort zone and inject that feeling of adventure.”

Well, folks, it’s time to head over to the nearest Victoria Court branch this Valentine’s Day and see their themed suites for yourself. You’ll never know what you’ll find there–a newfound fantasy or a tantalizing experience that will keep you on your toes, craving for more.

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Pru Life UK named Circle of Excellence Awardee

Pru Life UK has consistently demonstrated leadership in the industry, ranking as the top life insurer in the country with a New Business Annual Premium Equivalent of Php 4.8 billion and total premium income from variable life insurance products of Php 22.5 billion, as reported by the Insurance Commission as of Q2 2024.

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Pru Life UK, the leading life insurance company in the Philippines, has been recognised as a Circle of Excellence Awardee for Company of the Year at the prestigious 15th Asia CEO Awards, one of the largest business awards events in Southeast Asia. This honour highlights Pru Life UK’s contributions to business excellence and its positive impact on Filipino society.

Pru Life UK has consistently demonstrated leadership in the industry, ranking as the top life insurer in the country with a New Business Annual Premium Equivalent of Php 4.8 billion and total premium income from variable life insurance products of Php 22.5 billion, as reported by the Insurance Commission as of Q2 2024.

Additionally, Pru Life UK has received multiple awards for its excellence in service and employee satisfaction, including Philippines’ Best Employer 2022-2023 and Best Customer Service 2023 by Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista. The company has also been named International Life Insurer of the Year – Philippines at the Insurance Asia Awards for four consecutive years, underscoring its dedication to maintaining high standards in the insurance industry.

Pru Life UK’s efforts have been further enhanced through strategic partnerships with organisations such as the ATRAM Group and CIMB Bank Philippines, aimed at developing customer-centric investment solutions. The company has launched impactful initiatives, including the PRUBabies campaign, which aims to protect 175,000 newborns from the costs of select infectious diseases, and PRURide Philippines 2023, a cycling festival that brought together over 5,000 participants and families.

In addition, Pru Life UK has made significant strides in sustainability and community engagement with initiatives like Project Padayon, which provides financial literacy training to residents of Bantayan Island, Cebu, and empowers over one million students with essential money management skills through the Cha-Ching curriculum.

Pru Life UK’s recognition highlights its commitment to excellence and the positive impact it continues to make in society.

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Listerine partners with Operation Smile Philippines, Watsons to #GiftASmile to children with cleft issues

Listerine together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons launched the #GiftASmile campaign last September 4 to inspire Filipinos to make a difference and gift a smile to a child with cleft lip and palate.

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Having cleft conditions may impact both the physical and mental well-being of children with cleft and even their families. Especially among lower-income households, operations to treat cleft conditions are perceived to be expensive thus preventing them from seeking treatment. Recent studies have indicated that globally, 1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and palate; and many do not know that cleft conditions are more than just treatable.

That is why coming from National Cleft Awareness & Prevention Month, Listerine together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons launched the #GiftASmile campaign last September 4 to inspire Filipinos to make a difference and gift a smile to a child with cleft lip and palate.

Hosted by none other than Mikee Reyes, Listerine brand ambassador, the event aims to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate, and more importantly, to educate cleft patients and their families on the importance of good oral hygiene. Together with Operation Smile Philippines and Watsons, the goal of the campaign is to increase support needed for the program through volunteers, referrals, and donations.

As a longtime partner of Operation Smile Philippines, Listerine stresses the importance of oral health for children with cleft lip and palate, who are more susceptible to tooth decay due to increased exposure to germs and bacteria, making them more prone to oral diseases and infections. Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Listerine Philippines, emphasized “Listerine believes that healthy smiles are meant for all. As a mouthwash brand, Listerine advocates proper oral hygiene, especially for kids with cleft, so we can protect them from oral problems as early as possible to prevent further issues. Join us in educating the families of kids with cleft and teach them how to protect their mouths with proper oral health.”

“In the Philippines, there is an estimated 200,000 backlog of children with cleft lip and palate and many live in remote or rural communities. That’s why we urge the public to refer any patient to Operation Smile Philippines because I believe that each of us can make a difference by helping to transform a life of a child, one smile at the time!’ said Operation Smile Philippines’ executive director Emiliano Romano.

Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR, and Sustainability of Watsons Philippines, also a longstanding partner of Listerine, highlighted, “As part of our mission to Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great, we continue to team up with Operation Smile Philippines to bring perfect smiles to children afflicted with cleft lip and palate through the #GiftASmile campaign. We are proud to have Listerine as a loyal partner since 2013 in transforming the lives of these children.”

To shed light on her story as a mother of a child with cleft, Anne Clutz shared heartfelt insights from her journey, “Providing free comprehensive cleft surgeries to kids with cleft, is so valuable, especially for less fortunate families. I just want to thank Operation Smile Philippines and Listerine for making life-changing surgeries accessible and promoting the importance of good oral hygiene.”

Giving more kids the chance to live with healthier smiles is the main goal of #GiftASmile. Listerine’s commitment to promoting oral health, combined with Operation Smile Philippines’ free comprehensive cleft care—including dental services, nutrition screening, and speech therapy—and Watsons’ advocacy in bringing healthy smiles, is what these children need for their confidence to thrive. To support Operation Smile Philippines’ efforts in providing speech therapy, Listerine will donate ₱10 to Operations Smile Philippines for every bottle sold* for speech therapy *for the first 50,000 bottles sold of any Listerine variant and size from Sept 22, 2024, until Dec 31, 2024. Per DOH-FDA CCHUHSRR Permit No. 0669 s. 2024.

To learn more about the #GiftASmile campaign, simply access the link https://linktr.ee/OpSmilePhil or call (+632) 8351-1925. You may follow Listerine on Facebook @ListerinePhilippines for more information and check out the merchandising materials posted in select Watsons Drugstores nationwide.

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7-Eleven opens 4,000th store in PH

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Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), the exclusive licensee of 7-Eleven in the Philippines, marked an extraordinary milestone with the grand opening of its 4,000th store in Newport District, Pasay City, celebrating four decades of being beloved fixture with Filipinos. From its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved nationwide icon, PSC continues to bring convenience and comfort to its customers every day.

The journey began on February 29, 1984, when PSC opened its first 7-Eleven store at the corner of EDSA and Kamias Road in Metro Manila.  Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, the store’s vibrant orange, green, and red façade quickly drew attention.  What began as a modest outlet quickly turned into a staple of daily life, with phrase “Tara, 7-Eleven tayo!” becoming a popular call for a quick stop to grab a snack or drink.

Fast forward to 2024, 40 years later and PSC has expanded to 4000 stores nationwide, remaining committed to “being the Filipinos’ neighbor you can count on”, words of our founder, the late Mr. Vicente T. Paterno, still ringing true today.

The legacy of PSC’s leadership continues on in Mr. Jose Victor Paterno, President and CEO, as he continues the work started by his late father.  “Celebrating 40 years in the Philippines and opening our 4000th store is a significant achievement for us.  It underscores our commitment to delivering convenience and exceptional service.  We’re excited to keep serving our communities and look forward to the future”, he says.  The family’s dedication to the company has played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth and success over the decades.

Co-founder and now Chairman of the Board Mr. Jose T. Pardo, praised: “Reaching 4000 stores is an incredible milestone that reflects the trust and loyalty we’ve earned from our customers over the years.  It’s also a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team.  We are proud to continue being an integral part of Filipino daily life.”

To commemorate this, PSC has launched a year-long campaign “Forty-gether kasama ang paborito mong kapitbahay”.  This highlights the brand’s journey from a single store to a nationwide presence and reinforces its role as a cherished neighborhood companion.

In addition to the 4000th store in Newport, PSC is excited for the opening of another new store in Angeles City, Pampanga, also on October 15.

Through this branch, PSC continues to expand its 21 To Go chicken and Café Reserve brands.  Aside from upgraded store features and expansive dining spaces, this store utilizes renewable and sustainable energy with the use of solar panels as part of PSC’s efforts towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly store practices.

As 7-Eleven celebrates 40 years, it recognizes the countless moments and connections forged with its thousands of branches.  From Slurpee runs to late-night cravings, 7-Eleven remains the neighbor you can count on-a trusted friend in every Filipino’s daily life, blending convenience with a warm sense of familiarity.

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