Zeinab Harake Parks, Casino Plus Light Up Bacolod for MassKara 2026 Electric Float Parade

 

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, 16 OCTOBER 2026 — Social media personality and Casino Plus brand advocate Zeinab Harake Parks brought star power to Bacolod’s MassKara Festival 2026 on Friday, joining the highly anticipated Electric Float Parade in the city where hundreds of cheering festivalgoers gathered for an evening of spectacle, entertainment, and celebration.

Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), served as the official presenter and a major sponsor of this year’s festivities. The gaming platform made a striking impression with its 21-foot emerald-and-gold float, which illuminated the parade route with an elaborate display of lights and festive design.

At the center of the showpiece was a jeweled masquerade mask featuring Whimsy, the official Casino Plus mascot. Neon-lit scrollwork and glowing mask motifs accentuated the float’s design, creating a dazzling spectacle against the night sky.

Riding on the float’s upper deck, Zeinab greeted cheering spectators and waved to tourists and Bacolodnons at Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, joining the city’s vibrant celebration of smiles, culture, and community spirit.

Daniella Louisse Merelos, the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, also joined the parade along with Zeinab, drawing cheers from the crowd as they waved to festivalgoers.

Named among the Top 5 finalists of Miss Bacolod MassKara, Merelos said the title is about more than glamour, calling it a chance to connect with people and take part in meaningful community experiences.

‘“MassKara is more than just a festival. It is an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections. I’m excited to experience the diversity, joy, and vibrant spirit that make Bacolod unique,” Merelos said in an earlier interview with Casino Plus.

The 25-year-old added that she looks forward to joining more Casino Plus activities throughout the festival, where she can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

MassKara Festival’s most anticipated highlight

Hundreds of Bacolodnons and tourists lined up in the Megaworld Upper East area as early as 4 p.m. to witness  the electric float parade, as the event is considered one of the most anticipated highlights of MassKara Festival.  

Among them was Audi Johnson, who set up their foldable chairs for one of the most anticipated highlights in MassKara. Audi said his 3-year-old daughter personally wanted to see the lights. 

“Last year, ‘dun kami nakapuwesto sa dulo, hindi convenient kasi ‘di kami makapuwesto. Sa side lang ng kalsada. Mas kampante kami dito,” said Audi, who was accompanied by his wife. Asked what float he was most excited to see, he said, “Siyempre ‘yung Casino Plus!” 

Meanwhile, Marvin Cadapan, a tourist from Makati, said he was starstruck when he saw Zeinab, saying the “Reyna ng Good Vibes” greeted her with a flying kiss when Casino Plus’ float went by. 

Cadapan said watching the floats in the parade was one of his favorite highlights for MassKara, noting this is his first time attending the festivities.

“Sobrang saya kasi na-notice ako ni Zeinab [despite] so many people kanina. Very colorful ang float ng Casino Plus and malawak siya so kitang-kita namin ‘yung float ni Zeinab,” he said. 

‘Arat na!’ Zeinab Celebrates with Bacolodnons

The festivities continued at Lacson Street during Casino Plus’ takeover, where Zeinab joined the MassKara celebration and engaged with festivalgoers in an evening of music, entertainment, and interactive activities.

Casino Plus also treated attendees to exciting prizes, including JBL speakers, an iPad, and other giveaways, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving participants more opportunities to take home memorable prizes.

Beyond the entertainment, the MassKara Festival remains an important platform for promoting Bacolod’s cultural identity and supporting local livelihoods.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation underscored the festival’s wider economic impact, noting that the influx of visitors generates business for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production crews, and small businesses.

“When visitors come to Bacolod, they support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production workers, and small businesses,” Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said.

Ascalon explained that the festival’s message, “Making MassKara Matter,” reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the celebration itself.

“We want the festival to have a positive impact beyond the event venues. We want the smile to reach the communities and the people who work behind the celebration,” he added.

Through its participation in MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus continues to bring entertainment and community engagement to one of the country’s most celebrated regional festivals, joining Bacolod in honoring the creativity, resilience, and joyful spirit that define the City of Smiles.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

MapleStory’s Chang-seop Kim to Share Two-Decade Southeast Asia Journey

 Mr. Chang-seop Kim, General Director of NEXON's MapleStory, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Reflecting on MapleStory's two-decade success across Southeast Asia, he will share insights on expanding gaming worlds into transmedia cultural IP, sustaining community building, and cross-sector brand collaborations.

Cultural enthusiasts, digital creatives, and students across Metro Manila are invited to participate in an extraordinary international cultural summit. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea (MCST), the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the ASEAN Foundation are bringing the “2026 ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum” to the Ayala Museum in Makati City on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

This prestigious cultural gathering offers a vibrant platform for anyone passionate about contemporary visual arts, Korean creative content, and emerging digital media trends. The forum’s headline speaker is none other than Mr. Chang-seop Kim, the renowned General Director of NEXON’s MapleStory—one of the most beloved Korean online gaming franchises across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Attendees will gain direct, insider knowledge on how creative storytelling evolves into a world-renowned cultural phenomenon.

This prestigious cultural gathering offers a vibrant platform for anyone passionate about contemporary visual arts, Korean creative content, and emerging digital media trends. The forum’s headline speaker is none other than Mr. Chang-seop Kim, the renowned General Director of NEXON’s MapleStory one of the most beloved Korean online gaming franchises across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Attendees will gain direct, insider knowledge on how creative storytelling evolves into a world-renowned cultural phenomenon.

In addition to inspiring speaker dialogues, attendees will enjoy free access to “Gathering Point,” a world-class contemporary art exhibition running at the Ayala Museum from November 7 to November 13, 2026. Visitors will experience breathtaking, boundary-pushing artworks by celebrated artists including Mark Justiniani of the Philippines, Kim Joon of Korea, Ari Bayuaji of Indonesia, and master creators from Thailand and Malaysia.

The organizing team has opened official Pre-Registration for local university students, young creators, lifestyle bloggers, museum curators, hospitality art coordinators, and Korean culture advocates.

Selected attendees will receive a VIP guest badge granting complete complimentary access to the day’s activities. The forum provides full English-Korean simultaneous interpretation, a delicious complimentary Korean buffet luncheon, and a customized instant photo booth where attendees can capture and print their memories on the spot.

To celebrate cultural exchange, a Grand Finale Raffle Draw will take place immediately after the final session at 4:30 PM, exclusively for dedicated delegates who complete the full forum journey (10:00 AM to 4:30 PM). An extraordinary array of premium Korean gifts will be awarded, including:- Premium Electronics: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, Samsung Galaxy Fit3 smart bands, and JBL portable Bluetooth speakers;- Official K-Pop Memorabilia: Rare BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) LP vinyls, BTS concert albums, and J-Hope solo albums, alongside SEVENTEEN unit photobooks, fan-meeting packages, and BOYNEXTDOOR tour releases;- K-Beauty Sets: Luxury Sulwhasoo skincare packages, Dokdo deep-hydration gift sets, and trending Korean skincare toner pads.

Participation is entirely free of charge, but attendance requires prior screening through the official Google Forms registration link. With high regional demand and curated entry clearance, aspiring participants are strongly encouraged to register early.

Registration Information

Prospective attendees, arts and culture professionals, museum and gallery curators, creative technologists, and academic researchers may submit their applications via the official registration portal:

Registration Link:
Google Forms: https://forms.gle/Q4fUW5TLBXbK8oWSA
Website: https://joinenjoy.com.ph/
(Due to limited gallery capacity and curated seating assignments, early registration is highly encouraged.)

About Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc.

Established in the Philippines in 2002, Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc. (IRC) is a premier MICE and destination management specialist with a proven track record in orchestrating high-level, bilateral governmental and corporate events adhering to rigorous state-level protocol standards. Notably, IRC spearheaded local operational management for the Korea-Philippines Business Forum, held on the occasion of the South Korean President’s state visit to the Philippines to commemorate the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations. IRC is a fully accredited travel agency licensed in the Philippines, South Korea, and Cuba, and is officially designated by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea to process Korean electronic visas (e-visas). Through its flagship platform, "Join Enjoy," IRC continues to lead bilateral cultural exchange, tourism, and business connectivity between the Philippines and South Korea.

New Pet Care Brands Amico & Veravit Enter the Local Market, Name Maxene Magalona as Brand Ambassador

 

 Amico Innovations Inc. celebrated the growth of its pet care brands, Amico and Veravit, at the Amico & Veravit Pet Carenival, held on October 16, 2026, at Avire Tower in Quezon City. The event officially introduced actress and cat mom Maxene Magalona as the brands’ newest celebrity ambassador, bringing together influencers, business partners, media, and pets for interactive activities and educational discussions on responsible pet care. Through the event, the company highlighted its commitment to making science-backed, functional pet nutrition more accessible to Filipino households. With upcoming product innovations and expansion into major retailers such as Robinsons, Puregold and 7-Eleven, Amico Innovations Inc. aims to raise the standard of pet care in the Philippines.

Pet care is so much more than choosing a cute animal. It’s knowing how to look after them, knowing their limits, picking up after them, and feeding them right. Amico Innovations Inc. wants to add one more thing to the list: pet care is fun.

This is the thesis for their brand launch event, The Amico & Veravit Pet Carenival: Where Pet Care Takes Centerstage. Walking through the event alongside influencers, photographers, furry friends, and even people on stilts, reveals Amicotown and Veraville, named after the two brands under the Amico Innovations Inc. Pet Care umbrella: Amico and Veravit.

Following the successful launch of Veravit Savory Beef Dry Dog Food and Veravit Tuna Steak Cat Food in 2025, Amico Innovations Inc. has continued to expand its presence in the local pet care market with a growing portfolio of products for dogs and cats nationwide, as highlighted by the company’s CEO, Francis Simisim, in his welcoming remarks.

Veravit is built around science-backed nutrition formulated for all breeds and life stages with extensive benefits that support everyday health. Complementing this, Amico launched in April 2026 and offers more tailored nutrition developed around specific needs, including their Amico Dry Cat Food with Urinary Care, Amico Medium-Large Breed Adult Dog Food with Joint Support, Amico Wet Food with Blood Support, and other life-stage-specific dry food for Puppies, Small Breed Dogs, Kittens & Mother Cats. Together, the two brands provide Filipino fur parents with a broader range of accessible and purposeful pet care options.

At the Pet Carenival, their products are proudly on display, with attendees going from booth to booth, exploring the attractions that the brands have to offer.

At around 4pm, Kharl Yeung, COO of Amico Innovations Inc. and recognized this year as one of Forbes’ Asia 2026 30 Under 30, took the Carenival Grand Stage in front of the gathered crowd to discuss the journey of the company, and just how far they’ve come.

“Amico is built for our friends, our companions,” Yeung shared, explaining that Amico is an Italian word meaning “friend,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to caring for pets as cherished companions. He also highlighted the company’s partnership with Monde Nissin Corporation, stating, “Monde Nissin is the partner who believes in the vision that we have.” Yeung further shared how Monde Nissin’s Better Food Forward campaign aligns with Amico’s own vision of providing better, more purposeful nutrition. “What we’re putting out here is not just pet food, it’s functional pet food,” he emphasized, reinforcing the company’s commitment to raising the standard of pet care in the Philippines.

Following that, he welcomed onto the stage Amico & Veravit’s new celebrity brand ambassador: actress, yoga and meditation teacher, and proud cat mom Maxene Magalona.

Magalona shared how her two cats, Yoyo and Snow, unexpectedly came into her life. “These two cats, hindi ko sila hinanap. They were given to me, I believe, as gifts, as blessings.” She recalled how Yoyo originally belonged to her brother, Frank Magalona, and was only supposed to stay with her temporarily before she eventually adopted him as her own. “Yoyo came into my life during one of the hardest challenges in my life,” she revealed. “I’m 39 years old and I don’t have any children, kaya my cats, they really give me so much joy.” Snow, on the other hand, was a gift from the brother of her partner, Geoff Gonzalez, to Geoff's son, Liam.

Speaking about her decision to partner with Amico and Veravit, Magalona shared how deeply she connected with the brands’ vision of treating pets as family. “I’m a firm believer that what you give out to the universe, you get back in return. So I treat my pets as my family, and I know Veravit and Amico, that’s how they think of pets when they’re making the food. You make sure that you give them the best nutrition and everything that can help them become healthy and happy.”

When asked what better pet care means to her, Magalona concluded, “Better pet care means to be present with our pets, to connect with them, and not just to treat them like objects.” Her message echoed the heart of Amico and Veravit’s mission: to build a future where better pet care goes beyond nutrition and fosters deeper, more meaningful connections between pets and the people who love them.

However, that wasn’t all that they had in store for attendees. Their resident vets Doc Arah Virtucio and Doc Julia Capistrano were welcomed to centerstage to help demonstrate proper pet care to the attending furparents. They made clear that Amico’s goal is not simply to get attention: it is to bring informed pet care into the spotlight.

The event ended with happy guests holding their personalized tote bags full of Amico & Veravit goodies.

What’s next for Amico Innovations Inc.? Keep an eye out for more flavors of their pet treats and cat litter to round out the kind of care every furparent needs. The company is also set to expand its retail presence, with products soon to be available in more stores, including Robinsons, Puregold, 7-Eleven, and other retail partners, making quality pet care even more accessible to Filipino households. One thing is for certain: Amico Innovations Inc. will continue to build products around the evolving needs of Filipino pets and pet parents.

Amico & Veravit products are available online on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop and offline through key retail partners like Landers, Shopwise, South Supermarket, Ever, Heyday, Gaisano Malls, and pet specialty stores. Follow @lifewithamico and @veravitpets for any updates on their brand and product line-up.

The Future of HR Is Here: 4th HR e-Knowledge Summit 2026 Challenges Philippine Organizations to Lead the AI Revolution

The future of work is moving faster than traditional HR processes can keep up. As organizations face growing pressure to attract exceptional talent, retain high-performing employees, and improve operational efficiency, one question becomes increasingly important: Is your HR strategy ready for the AI era?

On October 23, 2026, HR Game Changers, powered by HR Calabarzon Group, Inc., will bring together HR professionals, business leaders, and people managers for the 4th HR e-Knowledge Summit 2026, a full-day learning experience designed to help organizations rethink how they attract, develop, engage, reward, and retain their people.

Taking place at the Garden Ballroom of EDSA Shangri-La Manila, Ortigas, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the summit will also offer an online participation option, making its insights accessible to professionals and organizations beyond Metro Manila.

Guided by its theme, “Lead with Clarity. Drive with Strategy. Empower Every Stage of the Employee Journey with AI,” the summit will explore how organizations can embrace emerging technologies while preserving the human judgment, leadership, and employee-centered values that effective HR demands.

The Cost of Standing Still: Why HR Must Evolve Now

For today's HR leaders, the challenge extends far beyond filling vacancies and processing employee records. Organizations increasingly expect HR to deliver measurable business value, anticipate workforce needs, strengthen employee experience, and help leaders make better decisions.

Yet repetitive administrative tasks, inefficient recruitment workflows, talent shortages, and employee retention challenges can prevent HR teams from focusing on the strategic work that matters most.

Artificial intelligence offers new possibilities—but meaningful transformation requires more than adopting another tool. It requires understanding where AI can make a difference, how to integrate it into existing processes, and how to ensure technology serves both business objectives and people.

The 4th HR e-Knowledge Summit 2026 is designed to help participants explore these questions through expert perspectives, practical discussions, and insights into the changing role of HR.

One Day. A Broader Perspective on the Entire Employee Journey.

Rather than treating AI as a standalone HR application, the summit examines opportunities across the employee lifecycle—from attracting candidates and onboarding new hires to developing talent, improving engagement, designing rewards, and retaining high performers.

Participants will explore strategies and emerging practices in:

AI and Human-Centric Transformation: Understanding how to integrate AI while keeping people at the center of organizational decisions.

Talent Acquisition and Talent Intelligence: Exploring smarter approaches to candidate sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and future talent development.

Leadership, Engagement, and Employee Well-Being: Strengthening the people practices that support healthier, more productive workplaces.

Total Rewards and Employee Value Proposition: Rethinking how organizations attract, motivate, and retain talent.

Organizational Design, Culture, and the Future of Work: Preparing organizations to adapt to changing business demands and evolving workforce expectations.

HR as a Strategic Business Partner: Connecting people strategy with organizational performance, workforce transformation, and long-term business goals.

The program will feature industry voices including Francis Kong and other experienced HR and business leaders who will share perspectives on leadership, human-centric AI, talent management, and organizational transformation.

For attendees, the objective is clear: gain a broader understanding of the challenges shaping modern HR and identify ideas that can inform decisions back in their own workplaces.

Turn Learning Into a Competitive Advantage for Your Organization

Panelists From Left to Right: Vanessa  Michelle Cordero-Garcia, Pinky Diokno, Dr. Ronald Malicdem, Mikel Leroi Balansag

The summit is intended for professionals who want to strengthen their capabilities, challenge outdated practices, and prepare their organizations for the next phase of work.

Whether you lead an HR department, manage a growing business, oversee talent acquisition, or influence organizational strategy, the summit offers an opportunity to:

Identify HR processes that may benefit from AI-enabled solutions.

Explore ways to improve recruitment efficiency and talent decision-making.

Strengthen employee engagement and retention strategies.

Reduce repetitive administrative work and create more room for strategic initiatives.

Build a stronger understanding of the relationship between people, technology, leadership, and business performance.

Connect with fellow HR practitioners and business leaders facing similar workforce challenges.

AI is not a substitute for effective leadership. When implemented thoughtfully, however, it can help HR professionals make better use of their time, information, and capabilities.

That is the opportunity the summit seeks to bring into focus: not simply doing HR differently, but enabling HR to contribute more meaningfully to organizational success.

Bring Your Team. Multiply the Learning. Save on Registration.

Organizational transformation rarely happens through one person alone. Equipping HR colleagues, people managers, and business decision-makers with a shared understanding of emerging practices can help organizations move from individual learning to collective action.

To support team participation, the summit offers the following registration packages:

INDIVIDUAL PASS — ₱7,000

For HR professionals, practitioners, and business leaders investing in their professional development.

ONSITE TEAM PASS — ₱35,000 | 5 + 1 FREE

Bring six participants while paying for only five. Compared with six individual passes at ₱7,000 each, the package saves your organization ₱7,000.

ONLINE TEAM PASS — ₱20,000 | 5 + 1 FREE

Bring six participants online for ₱20,000, giving organizations a convenient option to learn together regardless of location.

Onsite participation will be subject to venue capacity. Organizations interested in face-to-face learning are encouraged to complete registration promptly and confirm availability.

The Countdown to a More Future-Ready HR Function Starts Now

With the summit taking place on Friday, October 23, the opportunity to bring together your HR team and explore the next generation of people strategy is approaching.

For HR professionals, the question is no longer simply whether the workplace will change. It is how effectively they can help their organizations navigate that change.

The 4th HR e-Knowledge Summit 2026 invites the Philippine HR community to move beyond reactive people management, embrace informed innovation, and strengthen the strategic role of HR in building future-ready organizations.

Lead with clarity. Drive with strategy. Empower every stage of the employee journey with AI.

Register now at https://hrcgihrgamechangers.com/

Choose your individual, onsite team, or online team package and secure your participation in the 4th HR e-Knowledge Summit 2026.

About HR Game Changers powered by HR Calabarzon Group, Inc.

HR Game Changers is an SEC-registered non-profit organization powered by HR Calabarzon Group, Inc. Founded on March 4, 2020, the organization is dedicated to uplifting the HR profession and transforming workplaces across the Philippines through education, professional development, partnerships, and community engagement. With a growing community of more than 18,000 HR professionals, HR Game Changers works to equip practitioners with the knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional networks needed to champion people-first workplaces and drive positive change. Guided by its mission of growing people and hearts, one at a time, the organization continues to create learning opportunities that strengthen HR effectiveness, encourage collaboration, and advance the future of work. Learn more at https://hrcgihrgamechangers.com/