PAL RAINE

I recently joined the GDay Media Launch via Zoom, and it honestly brought back a lot of memories. You see, I’ve been with Globe Telecom before celebrating it together with my Blogger colleagues, and I still remember how we used to celebrate 0917—nothing too flashy, just simple, heartfelt ways of thanking customers. Fast forward to today, I was surprised (and impressed!) to realize that Globe has been celebrating 0917 for almost 10 years now. And wow—how things have changed!

The launch kicked off with a message from Ms. Bianca Wong, VP and Head of the Feel Valued Tribe at Globe Telecom. She gave us a nice walk down memory lane, sharing how GDay started as a small celebration but has now grown into a grand tradition filled with surprises, prizes, and events. It made me smile, remembering those early years, and seeing how Globe has turned this into something nationwide and bigger than ever.

Then came Mr. Raymond Baritua, GDay Program Lead, who gave us the juicy details of this year’s GDay festivities—and let me tell you, the lineup is massive!

GDay GRaffle Rush (Sept 1 – Oct 31)

Every Globe user has a chance to win exciting prizes through different raffle drops. Some of the highlights:

1st Drop

₱50,000 Home Appliance Showcase or a ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop with 1-year GFiber Prepaid internet.

2nd Drop

₱100,000 GCash Shopping Spree or a ₱50,000 SM Grocery Shopping Spree (yes, groceries are a blessing these days!).

3rd Drop

Big tech prizes like a BYD Electric Vehicle, Huawei Pura 80, and HONOR 40.

4th Drop

Dream travel experiences: a 4D3N Japan trip for four with Business Class tickets or a luxury local staycation.

5th Drop

And the ultimate life-changing prizes—a condo unit or a house and lot.

GDay Regional Pop Ups What I really love about this year’s GDay is that it’s not just confined to Manila. Globe is bringing the celebration closer to the people with regional pop-ups in places like Davao (my hometown!), Cebu, Bacolod, Tuguegarao, and more. Finally, everyone gets to join the fun, wherever they are in the Philippines.

From gadgets to groceries, travels to homes—this is definitely not the GDay I used to know. Globe really leveled up!

More Surprises in Store

Aside from the raffle and pop-ups, Globe also prepared:

GDay GFair (Sept 19–20) at the BGC Amphitheater

Surprise Gifts via the GlobeOne App

A chance to see BINI live at their fan meet (Sept 13)—for free, if you used Globe One app

And of course, GGive to Help, a beautiful way of giving back to those in need

The event wrapped up with closing remarks from Ms. Roche Vandenberghe, Globe’s Chief Marketing Officer, who reminded us that Globe continues to grow with its customers—always innovating, always finding ways to make life easier, more rewarding, and more connected.

As I logged off the Zoom launch, I couldn’t help but compare it to my old Globe days. From small get-togethers and simple tokens of appreciation, 0917 has now transformed into a full-blown nationwide festival of rewards and experiences. And honestly, I’m proud to have witnessed this journey—from the humble beginnings to this 10th-year milestone.

This year’s GDay 2025 proves one thing: Globe customers are not just subscribers, we are #GlobeValued. #GDayCelebratesYou

When I first heard about the Salindayaw Music Festival happening at Crocodile Park, I knew it was something I shouldn’t miss. Luckily, it turned out to be more than just an ordinary event for me—it became an unforgettable experience both as a festival-goer and as someone who got the chance to share it with my online community.

Through my Anything About Davao Facebook page, we held a raffle where 4 lucky follower won 4 SVIP tickets each, to the festival courtesy of Ms. Kat Dalisay of Manic Nightnings Production. Seeing the excitement of my winners made me even more hyped for the night! As for me, I had 2 platinum tickets, and to my surprise, they came with free merchandise—shirts, a fan, a tote bag with a cool print, plus stickers and a keychain. Talk about a festival starter pack!

Smooth & Well-Organized Event

From the moment we entered, I could tell how well-planned everything was. The entrance flow was organized, the staff knew exactly how to handle the crowd, and there were designated public toilets for every ticket section, which was a huge plus.

Food stalls and merchants lined up the festival grounds, making it easy to grab snacks and drinks without long waiting times. I also appreciated the strong presence of emergency responders—from 911 personnel to police officers and firefighters—giving everyone peace of mind that safety was a top priority.

A Celebration with Purpose

The festival wasn’t just about music; it was also a celebration of the 50th year of excellent service by Davao Doctors College. Seeing an institution known for shaping lives and communities partner with Manic Nightnings Productions, the team behind the festival, gave the event a meaningful touch beyond the fun and entertainment.

The Music That Lit Up the Night

Of course, the highlight was the music. The lineup was incredible, featuring both rising talents and well-loved OPM icons:

JR Oclarit, a talented singer from Davao City, rose to fame as a standout contender in Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime. Known for his heartfelt performances and powerful voice, he earned high scores in the daily rounds and quarterfinals, even securing a Hurado’s Save during the semifinals. Though he didn’t make it to the grand finals, JR left a lasting impression on fans and judges alike, proving himself as one of TNT’s most memorable voices.

Earl Agustin is a rising OPM artist from Ozamiz City, celebrated for his soulful retro-pop and R&B sound. Signed under Vicor Music, he gained massive recognition with his viral hit “Tibok,” which topped local charts and even broke into Billboard’s Global Excl. US chart. With his debut album Himig at Pag-ibig released in 2025, Earl continues to capture hearts through heartfelt lyrics, nostalgic melodies, and a unique blend of Manila Sound influences and modern soul.

Oh! Caraga is a rising band from Mindanao known for blending heartfelt lyrics with a soulful, modern OPM sound. Proudly representing the Caraga region, their music captures stories of love, hope, and everyday Filipino life, resonating with audiences across generations. Their performances bring an authentic and refreshing vibe to the local music scene, showcasing the rich talent and culture of Mindanao.

Moonstar88 is one of the Philippines’ most beloved alternative rock bands, known for their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies that have stood the test of time. With hits like Torete, Sulat, and Migraine, the band has become a staple in the OPM scene, resonating with generations of listeners who find pieces of their own stories in the group’s music. Their performances always bring a sense of nostalgia and connection, proving that Moonstar88’s music continues to be timeless and deeply relatable.

Cup of Joe is a fast-rising OPM band from Baguio City, known for their heartfelt lyrics and soulful hits like Tingin, Estranghero, and Multo. With their unique sound and relatable storytelling, they continue to capture the hearts of today’s generation of music lovers.

And of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without Parokya ni Edgar, who closed the festival with the classic energy and humor they’re known for—reminding us why they’ll always be OPM legends.

A Night to Remember

The Salindayaw Music Festival wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience. The combination of music, camaraderie, safety, organization, and meaningful celebration made it truly special. For me, it wasn’t only about attending but also being able to share it with my readers and followers who continue to support Anything About Davao.

Walking out of Crocodile Park that night, with my tote bag of freebies in hand and music still ringing in my ears, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Davao deserves more nights like this—where music brings people together, and memories are made under the city lights.

Thank You!

Big thanks to Manic Nightnings Productions for pulling off such a well-organized and memorable event, and to Davao Doctors College for making this festival part of their 50th-year celebration. And of course, a huge shoutout to all the amazing performers—RJ Oclarit, Earl Agustin, Oh! Caraga, Moonstar88, Cup of Joe, and Parokya ni Edgar—for giving us a night of music we’ll never forget.

Here’s to more festivals like this in Davao—where passion, music, and community come together in one beautiful celebration! 🎶💙

More videos at my TikTok Channel @palrainedotcom

McDonald’s never fails to make every gathering exciting—and this time, they made it extra special with the launch of MyMcDonald’s Rewards here in Davao City. The event was held at no less than McDonald’s 800th branch located at Davao Global Township (DGT), Matina, a venue that perfectly matched the milestone moment.

I was thrilled to be part of the launch alongside fellow Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and members of the Davao media—both traditional and social media personalities. It felt like a true celebration of community, where food, rewards, and stories all came together under one roof.

The Launching Event

The vibe at McDonald’s DGT was lively and welcoming. From the moment I stepped in, I could feel the excitement in the air. The setup showcased the brand’s modern, playful aesthetic—perfect for a new rewards program that aims to connect with customers in fresh and rewarding ways.

Ms. Adi Timbol Hernandez
AVP for Corporate Relations & Impact of McDonald’s Philippines

The program started with a warm welcome and an introduction to MyMcDonald’s Rewards—a digital platform where customers can earn points every time they order their McDo favorites. These points can then be redeemed for free food items and other exclusive treats. It’s McDonald’s way of saying thank you to its loyal customers, and I couldn’t help but get excited about how easy it is to enjoy rewards just by doing what I already love: eating at McDo!

As part of the launch, we also had the chance to try one of their newest menu items—the Golden Curry Chicken Fillet. Its bold curry aroma wasn’t exactly my personal favorite, but it surely left a mark even after I got home. Still, nothing beats my all-time favorite, the classic Chicken Fillet, which I continue to vow for every visit.

Mr. Yves Nacpil
Marketing Manager of McDonald’s Philippines

The event was attended by Ms. Adi Timbol Hernandez, AVP for Corporate Relations & Impact of McDonald’s Philippines, and Mr. Yves Nacpil, Marketing Manager of McDonald’s Philippines—together with KOLs and Davao Media, both tradmed & socmed. Their presence truly emphasized the importance of this milestone, showing how McDonald’s values both its community and the partnerships that help bring its vision closer to the people.

A Gathering of Creators and Media

What made the event even more memorable was seeing familiar faces—fellow creators, writers, and media friends who share the same passion for telling stories about food, lifestyle, and community. We all had the chance to learn more about the rewards system, ask questions, and of course, enjoy our favorite McDo meals together.

It wasn’t just about launching a new program; it was about building connections—between the brand and its customers, and among us in the media community.

For me, the launch of MyMcDonald’s Rewards is a step towards making every McDo visit more rewarding and personal. As someone who loves to share experiences both online and offline, I find this program exciting because it adds more value to something that’s already a part of my everyday life.

Walking out of McDonald’s DGT that day, I didn’t just leave with a full tummy—I left with the thought that my future McDo runs will come with even more reasons to smile.

👉 So the next time you grab your favorite McDonald’s fries, McFloat, or McCafe iced coffee, don’t forget to download the McDonald’s App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store and use MyMcDonald’s Rewards—because every bite now comes with points, and every point brings you closer to a reward.