POSTS BY AUTHOR
Katrina ANGELI
A vessel thatâs set to be the worldâs biggest cruise ship has completed construction at a shipyard in Finland and has made its first foray into open water for sea trials ahead of likely delivery in October this year.
Royal Caribbean Internationalâs Icon of the Seas is a mammoth 365 meters long (nearly 1,200 feet) and will weigh a projected 250,800 tonnes. For comparison, thatâs like trying to keep two CN Towers afloat.
When it sets sail on Caribbean waters in January 2024, it will comfortably hold some 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew. The boatâs piece de resistance will be the worldâs largest waterpark at sea. Named Category 6, itâll feature six record-breaking water slides, but guests who want a more leisurely experience can also relax in the boatâs seven pools and nine whirlpools.
âMind-blowingâ
[caption id="attachment_41975" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Icon of the Seas will have 20 decks and eight neighborhoods to explore.[/caption]
Itâs being built at Meyer Turku shipyard, one of Europeâs leading shipbuilders, in Turku, Finland. At an on-site press panel earlier this year, Royal Caribbean International president and chief executive Michael Bayley told media that the vessel was on track to join the Royal Caribbean fleet on October 26, ahead of its 2024 debut.
The current title holder of worldâs largest cruise ship is another vessel in the Royal Caribbean fleet, Wonder of the Seas, which made its inaugural voyage just last year and is a slightly teensier 1,188 feet in length, with a mere 18 decks to explore.
Royal Caribbean International is pitching Icon of the Seas as the cruise lineâs evolutionary peak, using the latest technology and building on 50 years of learnings through the companyâs history.
"We are positioning it as the ultimate family vacation and when you step back and look at all the energy and time that has gone into creating this ship it is mind-blowing,â Bayley said.
The Icon completed its first set of sea trials on June 22, according to a Royal Caribbean statement.
âDuring her first set of sea trials, Icon of the Seas traveled hundreds of miles, during which the main engines, hull, brake systems, steering, noise, and vibration levels were all tested,â the statement said. âEverything was done on time as outlined in the schedule, despite her departure being delayed due to wind conditions.â
âThe perfect home baseâ
[caption id="attachment_41976" align="alignnone" width="788"] A rendering shows what the ship will look like when finished.[/caption]
The ship promises more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, many of which are included in the cruise fare. With 20 decks and eight neighborhoods to explore, the idea is to cater to every type of vacationer, with everything from areas dedicated to young families, to adults-only spaces such as Royal Caribbean Internationalâs first dueling pianos bar.
There are 28 different types of accommodations, with more categories for families, more layouts with ocean views and more space for group travelers. The cruise line says itâs the longest timeframe itâs ever dedicated to âdesigning the perfect home base.â
Icon of the Seas is also Royal Caribbean Internationalâs first ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fuel cell technology, as part of the companyâs move to a clean-energy future.
2,600 workers per day
Some 2,600 workers have been grafting on Icon of the Seas each day. For the sea trials, hundreds of specialists were on board to assess performance over four days.
Royal Caribbean says a second set of sea trials is scheduled for later in 2023.
Record-breaking sales
Buzz about the ship is such that advance sales have been record-breaking. Michael Bayley is reported to have described Icon of the Seas during the companyâs quarterly financial results as âliterally the best-performing new product launch weâve ever had.â
Icon of the Seas will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami all year round. Every sailing will include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbeanâs award-winning private island destination, as well as its new expansion, Hideaway Beach.
Source: CNN News
Published on June 28, 2023
TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS IS SHOWING
For you movie lovers, the latest edition of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts has started screening at the Paradise Cinema, Vision City Mega Mall in Port Moresby.
Rise of the Beasts is the seven installment in the Transformers live-action film series and is a thrilling addition that will leave fans of the series thrilled and satisfied.
Directed by Steven Caple Jr., the film takes place in New York City during the 1990s and follows a new cast of characters as they navigate a world where Transformers, Predacons, and Maximals exist.
The film showcases Optimus Prime and the Autobots taking on yet another challenge when a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction of Transformers known as the Maximals to save Earth.
The movie features impressive special effects and action-packed scenes that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
For the fans, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" introduces new robots and nods to the original series, bringing a sense of reminiscence to the film.
The cast, which includes Anthony Ramos, who stars in the film along with Dominique Fishback, and Ron Perlman, delivers strong performances that add depth to their characters.
While the plot may feel familiar to fans of the franchise, "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" offers enough new elements to keep the story fresh and engaging.
Overall, the film is a fun and exciting addition to the Transformers universe that will leave audiences wanting more.
Meanwhile, a private screening was held over the weekend for film reviewers made possible through the support of Coca Cola.
Published on June 26, 2023
TWO AIR NIUGINI JETS GROUNDED IN BRISBANE
Unforeseen technical difficulties with two of Air Niuginiâs Boeing 767 aircrafts have rendered them both temporarily unserviceable in Brisbane.
This is according to Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon, who stated that a team comprised of highly skilled engineers and technicians has already been put in place and are working tirelessly to rectify the issues and restore these aircraft to full operational capacity as soon as possible.
âAt Air Niugini, safety is our topmost priority. However, due to the complexity of the required repairs and the availability of spare parts, we anticipate that the restoration process may take longer than initially expected.â
âWe are hopeful to have one of the wide body aircraft operational by the end of today (Sunday 25th of June). The parts were secured from the US and shipped overnight. The other aircraft will be unavailable for longer than expected, as we are performing an engine change, once a spare engine has been moved to Brisbane.â
As a result of both these unserviceable aircraft, Air Niugini had to make major adjustments to their flight schedules, leading to disruptions for the passengers traveling both domestically and internationally.
âWe sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by these changes and understand the frustration this may cause our customers.â
Seddon said that Air Niugini is actively engaging with affected passengers to minimize disruptions and provide suitable alternatives wherever possible. The customer service teams are working diligently to assist passengers with rebooking, refunds, and accommodation arrangements as required.
Seddon expressed on behalf of the airline that they very much appreciate the patience and cooperation during this challenging period whilst in the meantime, they are exploring all available options to alleviate the impact on their operations.
âWe are working closely with our industry partners and evaluating the possibility of âwet leasingâ additional aircraft to supplement our fleet and minimize service disruptions.â
However, due to the scarcity of available aircraft across the region, it is unlikely that additional aircraft will be used as a short-term solution. We are committed to ensuring that our customers' travel plans are accommodated to the best of our ability.
âThe integrity of the schedule has been a cause for concern for many months, which is why we have taken the necessary steps to procure four Q400 turboprop aircraft and 2 larger Boeing 737-800 narrow body regional jet aircraft. All units will be delivered to PNG before the end of 2023. We then expect brand new aircraft to join the fleet from the end of 2024 through to 2028.â
Air Niugini understands that their passengers rely on them to provide seamless and reliable air transportation services, and sincerely regret any inconvenience caused. Air Niugini assures all passengers that they are doing everything within their power to expedite the repairs and resume normal operations at the earliest.
They remain steadfast in their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction and will continue to provide regular updates on the progress of the repairs and the restoration of their affected aircraft.
âI am incredibly grateful to our valued passengers for their patience during this challenging time. I am also thankful to the dedicated Air Niugini team who are doing everything within their power to assist passengers to get to destinations.â
Published on June 25, 2023
OLYMPIC DAY AIMS TO PROMOTE MOVEMENT FOR BETTER HEALTH
The Olympic Week celebrations in the lead up to Olympic Day, which took place yesterday Friday 23rd June, was celebrated with a myriad of sports activities centered around the 2023 Olympic Day theme; âLetâs Moveâ.
The celebrations took place in Goroka, Kavieng, Port Moresby and other centers in the country in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and ExxonMobil PNG.
The initiative was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) through its partnership with the IOC that combines the power of the Olympics and the WHOâs advice on physical activity to help inspire and motivate people to move for better health.
Since Papua New Guinea (PNG) joined the Olympic Movement in 1974, they have been part of the Olympic Day celebrations.
The important event in the Olympic Movement calendar has been celebrated worldwide since 1948.
It is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Sorbonne, Paris in 1894 where the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, rallied for the revival of the Olympic Games.
It celebrates sport, health, togetherness, and help spread the Olympic ideals. Olympic Day provides a platform to inspire people to get active and move more for better health.
With the belief that sport can help make a better world, irrespective of whether you are a city, a school, an organization or an individual, everyone has the power to inspire others through movement.
Celebrations in the country started off the Letâs Move! Campaign in the Highlands region in Eastern Highlands together with the staff of the Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation arm in the province, the National Sports Institute and the junior-level students of Jolly Bee Day Care Center.
Celebrated activities then moved to the Islands region with activities in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.
The activities involved senior and junior basketballers of the Kavieng Amateur Basketball Association, including children, youth and adults that joined a beach clean-up, education and awareness on the Olympic Values, a fun game of Basketball and a Basketball Referees Rules refresher session, which was led by Team PNG HERO and Basketball PNGâs Hoops for Health Coach, Jordan Sere.
Meanwhile, in Port Moresby, the Olympic Day celebrations continued early this week at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), where the Unity Games were held. Activities included information on the Letâs Move campaign, Olympic Values Education Program and Fun Games.
The celebrations ended with a 30-minute workout with PNG Olympians, Team PNG athletes and officials, Board members and staff of the PNG Olympic Committee.
Published on June 24, 2023
CHURCHES UNITE FOR IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY
The Church Partnership Program (CPP) recently hosted its annual Forum in Port Moresby which was held on the 20th-21st of June, aimed to foster stronger collaboration between churches, the Government, civil society, and private sector organizations to enhance service delivery in the communities.
The forum was hosted by the United Church of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and centered its discussions on the theme; âRethinking development in PNG, through theological principles and effective governance.â
The CPP Forum is an annual event that provides the seven mainline churches the opportunity to reassess and adjust their plans with their commitment to serving communities across Papua New Guinea.
The Forum is supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership through the CPP.
Representatives from the churches, along with stakeholders from the Government, civil society, and the private sector, convened to explore collaborative approaches in enhancing and strengthening service delivery in PNG.
In anticipation of the event, Moderator Reverend Bernard Siai, emphasized the pivotal role of churches in local communities.
âChurches have extensive footprints and strong ties in communities and can play a key role in service delivery. This forum is an opportunity to discuss how we all can work collaboratively to bring services effectively to our people.â
In addition to this, Phase 4 of the CPP was launched during the forum, which further signifies the Australian Governmentâs long-standing commitment and support to PNG churches under the PNG-AUS Partnership to promote improved service delivery in PNG through collaboration, capacity building, and evidence-informed advocacy.
Following the forum, church leaders will meet to affirm their commitment to collaborative action, addressing crucial issues such as enhancing accountability in service delivery, and utilizing church influence to combat gender-based and sorcery accusation related violence.
Published on June 22, 2023
KOKOPO CITY LORD MAYOR CONCERNED OVER FIRE SAFETY
The Kokopo Lord Mayor, Isidor Bonga is now calling on all stakeholders in the public sector to work together to address fire hazards in Kokopo town in East New Britain Province.
The town recently experienced a spate of fire disasters which had gutted a number of shops in the town.
Bonga, who met with the Kokopo Fire Station Commander Steven Ephraim Namur, said that a way forward must be identified by stakeholders to address fire safety issues currently affecting the town.
âFires have gutted a number of shops in Kokopo town and is a wakeup call for the province. This indicates the need to review safety standards of buildings and fire service operations must be properly equipped.â
Bonga said Water PNG must have the capacity to put out fires. There should be fire hydrants especially in densely populated areas where time is of great essence during emergency situations such as a fire.
He stated that there should be one fire hydrant easily accessible in streets so fire fighters can tap into a water supply.
âThe Fire Services in the province must seek support from the provincial government if they are facing logistical support. Building boards and people who wanted to construct new buildings must also consult the community safety sections of the fire service.â
The Kokopo Vunamami Urban LLG will have monthly meetings with concerned stakeholders to ensure there is routine inspections conducted at business houses and all safety standards and requirements are complied with.
Bonga stated that as a matter of urgency, the building board which comprises of staff from Department of Works, PNG Power Ltd, Water PNG Ltd, ENB provincial administration, health inspectors and KVULLG must review the standard (fire safety and other safety measures) for all buildings in Kokopo town.
âWe need to work together to make sure fire safety is addressed at all levels.â
Published on June 22, 2023
PNGFM COMPLIES WITH CENSORSHIP BAN ON JAYREX SONGS
PNGFM Limited, parent company of NAU FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM, Total Events Company, PNG HAUSBUNG, and Magic Factory is complying with directive from the Censorship Office regarding the temporary ban on songs by artist Jason SuiSui or better known as Jayrex.
This follows receipt today of the official notice from the Chief Censor under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act, 1989 and the issued Circular instruction to inform the public including media mediums of the directive on the temporary ban issuance.
The Notice from Censorship said, âAny person or entity operating the business activities are hereby advised that all publications (songs) composed and published by Artist: JASON SUISUI (JAYREX) are âTEMPORARILY BANNEDâ from being broadcasted, displayed, or exhibited.â
âThis is after it was brought to the Censorship Office that Jason Suisui composed publications (songs) causing emotional and psychological issues to a person or certain class of persons, to or for whom, it is published or is intended to be published or is intended to be published and as such, the publications produced by Suisui is found to be âobjectionable publicationsâ under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act, 1989. (Section 2(1)).â
âAs stipulated under Section 17(1) (b) and Section 18(1) (b) (d) (e) and 18(2), and Section 34 of the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act, 1989: Chief Censor under his functions has the power in relation to publication and broadcasting as are conferred on him or obtain expert advice as the Chief Censor to consider appropriate decisions on any matter to be considered by him as the Prescribed Authority.â
PNGFM Ltd General Manager Ms Rosemarie Botong said PNGFM Ltd via the 3 radio stations NAU FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM are complying with this directive and have removed all songs from the artist Jayrex from rotation and airplay here on.
âWe are complying with the directives of the Chief Censor, whereby media mediums were informed to take immediate action and have ceased the artist: Jason âJayrexâ Suisuiâs songs from being broadcasted, displayed or exhibited in or on any stated operations forthwith.â
It is understood that Enforcement and Compliance officers will be conducting inspections of all stated operations to ensure compliance with the Chief Censorâs directives.
Meanwhile, the Office of Censorship has further stipulated that any failure to comply with the directive will result in legal action being taken for breaching the ban.
Published on June 21, 2023
Theodist Limited recently presented travel vouchers and cash payments totaling K35,000 to the lucky winners of the Lenovo Win a Trip Promotion.
The promotion took place throughout the months of March and April, offering our valued customers an opportunity to win travel tickets and extra spending money.
The response to this promotion was overwhelming, with an astonishing number of over 200,000 entries pouring in from our branches in Port Moresby, Lae, and Mt Hagen.
The 1st prize winner, Mr. Patrick, walked away with a K15,000 travel voucher including K2,000 in spending money, Mr. Yasinga, the 2nd prize winner received a K10,000 travel voucher plus K2,000 in spending money, and Mr. Chen, who won the 3rd prize, was granted a K5,000 travel voucher along with K1,000 in spending money.
Kevin Anderson, the National Sales and Marketing Manager of Theodist Limited, expressed sincere gratitude to all the customers who actively participated in this promotion, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to its success.
"On behalf of Theodist Limited, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners of this competition.â
âWe hope you will take this opportunity to travel around the world with your families and enjoy that once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all our customers for their participation in this promotion including our partner, Lenovo, who has played a fundamental role in making this promotion a success," Anderson added.
âContinuing our dedication to our valued customers, we are excited to announce our latest promotion.â
âThroughout the month of June, for every purchase of an HP Managed Printer, Theodist is giving away three top-of-the-range HP X360 convertible laptops valued at K25,000.â
Additionally, customers will receive a complimentary 3kVA Torq UPS with every purchase of an HP Managed Printer.
âAt Theodist, delivering excellent customer service and creating opportunities to enhance the lives of our customers is fundamental to our values.â
âWe remain committed to our tradition of bringing remarkable initiatives and promotions to our valued customers, ensuring that their experience with us remains extraordinary.â
Published on June 20, 2023
WASH COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED TO IMPROVE SANITATION
A WASH Committee has been established in the Rabaul District of East New Britain Province to help drive projects aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation needs in the communities of its four local level governments.
District Administrator, Benedict Mode, said the establishment of the committee is part of the National WASH policy that requires districts to have WASH committees and is one of the priority of the government of the day to drive WASH projects and programs.
The district WASH committee chaired by Mode and comprised of the four LLG managers and sector heads, was established following a training conducted in March of this year in Kokopo and attended by the environmental health officers (EHOs) and Mode himself.
âAfter this training we went as far as establishing the WASH committee which is one of the activities in the district and is also included in the activity program for 2023.â
âWe have conducted a number of meetings in the last few weeks including a submission to the district management team to endorse the terms of reference and funding allocation of K600, 000 for the committee.â
A WASH Technical team under the committee has also been set up specifically to look at improving water supply projects in the wards including schools and health facilities within the district.
According to an implementation schedule, a training will be held for ward development officers and EHOs next month (July), which is also a requirement of the policy to come up with a five year implementation plan for the WASH program in the district.
âAfter the training we will then visit the wards and conduct surveys and data collections to help draft the five year plan that will run concurrently with the Rabaul district 5 year development plan, also being drafted. Both plans should be launched before the year ends.â
Meanwhile Mode said the committee plans to implement two projects targeting Watom LLG and Gelagela in Kombiu LLG this year.
Published on June 18, 2023
ANSLOM ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF FOUR NEW SINGLES
Papua New Guineaâs well-known International Reggae Music Artist, Anslom, has announced the release of four new singles come the 23rd of this month.
The singles, titled Jail Bird, Zion Train, Leadermahn and Whine Your Body, will be available on all major streaming platforms and will be published by Anslomâs record label Big Records in Canada.
Each of the four singles showcases Anslomâs unique style of reggae which has earned him international recognition.
Anslom featureâs an international artist from Jamaica Sanley Cruz and Papua New Guineaâs very own Cammie Bee in the single âWhine Your Bodyâ.
Anslom has worked hard to create music that is both unique and accessible to a wide audience, and these new singles are no exception.
"I'm thrilled to be releasing these four singles. I've poured my heart into each of these songs and I can't wait for my fans to hear them. I hope that these new singles will inspire and connect with listeners in a meaningful way."
Anslom has been making music since the 1990s, and has since gained a loyal following of fans who appreciate his style of music.
His previous releases have received critical acclaim overseas, with Anslom making it as a finalist in two categories; International Male Album of the Year- Love Me Again and International Band of the Year at the prestige 2023 International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) music awards, which will be held in August in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA.
The release of these four new singles marks an exciting continuation for Anslom breaking barriers internationally.
Be sure to check them out on all major digital streaming platforms on June 23rd.
Anslom is known for spreading reggae music with positive messages and breaking barriers promoting PNG on a global scale.
Published on June 18, 2023
HUNTERS PUT UP A STRONG DEFENCE DESPITE LOSS
The SP PNG Hunters recent winning streak has ended at the hands of Souths Logan Magpies, falling short with a 40-10 score in Round 14 of the QRL Hostplus Cup that took place at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Hunters looked confident working through their opening sets until a great tackle from Broncos-contracted hooker Blake Mozer forced an error in yardage. With the ensuing field position, Italian International representative, Jack Campagnolo orchestrated a left edge movement that ended with centre Jesse Jennings steaming through the line to score.
Mozer was at it again for the visitors shortly afterwards, bamboozling the Hunters ruck defence with great deception to pass another Broncos-affiliated player, Benjamin Tu Kura, into another try scoring situation beside the posts.
With full confidence, Souths Logan made a line break from the following kick off and looked like going the length. Some desperate cover defence from Benji Kot and Joshua Lau saved the day for the Hunters on this occasion, but the Magpies went quickly back on the attack.
They came close to scoring again when Mozer darted from dummy-half late in the count, only for Kot to again produce a big defensive play for his teammates.
The Hunters made the most of their possession to work up field and into position for an attacking kick.
This saw a perfectly weighted Hunters five-eighth, Joshua Mire bomb was well supported by Brandon Nima and Lau in the kick-chase, forcing the error from the Magpies defence.
Kot was the man on the spot to collect the loose ball from there, completing an athletic, diving effort in the corner to score the Hunters first points.
When Hunters, Casey Dickson was sent to the sinbin in the 31st minute for a tackle gone wrong, Souths Logan struck with two opportunistic tries in the shadows of halftime.
Despite being down 24-4 going into the sheds, the Hunters werenât far away and again looked likely in the opening exchanges of the half.
They were matching the Magpies in the yardage battle until another sinbin once again gave Souths Logan a numerical advantage on the field.
Absorbing a mountain of pressure in their own half, the Hunters exploded to life the first time they worked into Magpies territory.
A great run from Trevor Solu burned the markers and split the ruck defence, and Mire backed it up with another clever run from dummy-half to score.
Mire almost went back-to-back in the kickoff set. The Hunters rolled downfield and found easy metres on the edges before setting up on the right tram line.
A four-pass shift to the left edge ended in the hands of Mire, who broke through the line but lost possession in the cover tackle.
Buoyed by their defence, the Magpies dominated the next 10 minutes. They played most of their footy in PNG territory and the pressure eventually told when fullback Braden Whittaker broke into the backfield on a kick return.
Souths Logan winger Jack Smith iced the play on the following tackle to give the Magpies a 34-10 lead.
The craft and speed of Magpies hooker, Mozer from dummy-half picked apart the Hunters ruck defence around the posts and prop-forward Logan Bayliss was the beneficiary in the 73rd minute, taking the Magpies tally to 40 points.
Despite finishing on the wrong end of a lopsided scoreboard, the Hunters werenât far off the competition leading Magpies in this one.
They were competitive in yardage and the more aggressive side in defence for most of the contest.
They kept themselves in the fight through until the fulltime siren, but just lost too many small moments throughout the match.
Those small moments eventually added up for the Hunters while Souths Logan showed why they sit atop the QRL Hostplus Cup ladder after 14 rounds played.
Meanwhile, SP PNG Hunters Coach, Stanley Tepend, who was bitterly disappointed with the end result, stating that they let themselves down.
However, was proud of his teamâs effort, particularly in defence, but pointed to poor execution and ill-discipline as reasons for the loss.
âOur effort in defence was great but a couple of poor passes and some silly errors or penalties just gave them too many chances. Weâve been much better with our discipline the last few weeks and I thought weâd turned a corner, but those sinbins really hurt us and we lost our concentration and execution in attack.â
On a more positive note, Tepend was pleased to see Ila Alu return from injury and hopes to have a full and healthy squad available for selection next week.
âItâs good to have competition for positions and we should have close to a full strength team available next week. Weâve got an extra dayâs preparation before the Falcons game (next Sunday, 25th June) so weâll work hard at training and look to bounce back next week.â
Published on June 18, 2023
TEN WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR COKE STUDIO PEEL & WIN PROMO
It was an exciting moment for ten lucky winners who won the top tier prize in the Coke Studio Peel & Win promotion that was launched in February of this year.
The participating promo was the Coca Cola PET 500ml and 300 ml.
The prize package includes a pass with a companion to the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards, 3-days 2 nights at Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, meet and greet with selected Coke Studio Artists and transportation pick up by Habib Limo to the awards night.
The promotion itself had almost 4.7 million entries with everyone wanting to have a share of the promo experience.
This saw the ten lucky winners including those from across the country who walked away with the grand prize whilst others won weekly prizes comprising of Digicel Credits, Digicel Internet Data, JBL portable speakers and JBL wireless headphones.
Mondu Robert who resides in Port Moresby, a very happy and excited winner; expressed joy when informed that he was one of the winners for the top prize.
Robert shared with PNGHAUSBUNG as someone who loves drinking coke and decided who would try out and take part in the promotion. Not thinking too much about it, Robert would hear stories from people in his community of how they would win minor prizes such as headphones and credits from Coca Cola.
He hoped he would also win the same, at least since he did take part as well and to his surprise, won something much greater.
âWhen I heard that some of the people, I know would win something from the Peel & Win promotion, I decided to give it a go and take part. So, I bought a 500ml coke and I followed the instructions on how to go about and enter to win. After doing that, I then got a notification later on stating that I won. I didnât believe it at first, so I went down to the Coke Headquarters as instructed and confirmed of my win.â
Another excited winner was George Koivi who also took part in the promo by purchasing a 300ml coke. Koivi is not new to the promo as he has won Digicel credits as well as Digicel Data in the previous promotion and thought the same would turn out for him this year.
However, things have turned up a notch when he won the top prize.
âI thought it was a scam at first so I showed it to my cousin and he said to go to the Coke Headquarter and find out and for sure I did win. I was then informed by one of the members from the promo team that I would receive a call from the Total Event Company and then follow instructions in order to claim the prize.â
The promotion was made possible through Coke Studio that was launched back in 2016.
Coca-Cola PNG Marketing Manager, Rachel Nainggolan stated that Coke Studio is a signatory music platform, where Coca Cola PNG provides an avenue to the artists not just the region and season artists, but also the young and uprising artists in the country.
It was initially a TV show content but as their consumers grew, the music industry grew and from there became a radio content and created a partnership with PNG FM Limited.
âWhen we grew this asset, we realized that we canât work on our own, we need a strong partner who understands music that well and that is why PNG FM plays an integral role in Coke Studio. Our artists were also nominees for the music awards and this strengthened our partnership.â
Though ten winners have been announced for the Top tier prize, there were only six winners who were able to claim their prize and enjoyed their stay including the YUMI FM PNG Musik Awards tonight.
Published on June 17, 2023