Digimap’s iPhone 17 Launch: A Retro-Futuristic Celebration of Innovation
Digimap’s midnight launch of the iPhone 17 turned One Ayala into a retro-futuristic experience, mixing nostalgia, innovation, and community spirit.
Words Gerie Marie Consolacion
Photos courtesy of Digimap
October 29, 2025
Digimap, one of the country’s top Apple Authorized Resellers, welcomed the new iPhone 17 with a vibrant midnight launch on October 17, 2025. Held at its flagship store in One Ayala, Makati, the event brought together technology, community, and celebration in one unforgettable night.
(L-R) Night’s host Jerome Sang, Andi Manzano, Dong Ronquillo, Barbie Imperial, Nicole Hernandez, Kelly Misa, and Rica Peralejo
Throwback to the Future
The launch, called “Throwback to the Future,” was both a look back and a look ahead. It celebrated how far mobile phones have come, using neon lights, vintage-inspired designs, and futuristic displays to set the mood.
Laine Vallar, Country Marketing Head of Digimap Philippines, said the event was meant to bring back the feeling of “discovering technology for the first time.”
From early evening, loyal Digimap customers, Apple fans, media, and influencers gathered in anticipation. Guests enjoyed live music, photo booths, interactive setups, DJ sets, raffles, and special deals.
Left to right: Dytioco from Union Bank, Mia Nolasco Gonzalez, Anton Gonzalez - Digimap President, Mattel Luna from Union Bank, Daisy Escuerta from Union Bank, Mani Jayaraman - Digimap Regional Director, Gerald Senolos - Digimap Country Manager
Key Digimap executives, including President Anton Gonzalez, General Manager Gerald Senolos, Retail Operations Head Jennifer Maranan, and Marketing Head Laine Vallar, attended the event. Simultaneous launches were also held in Ayala Center Cebu and Alabang Town Center. Celebrities like Rica Peralejo, Barbie Imperial, and Kelly Misa joined the celebration.
First in Line: A Smart Move
Digimap Store at One Ayala, Makati officially opens as the clock strikes 12 for the official selling of the iPhone 17
Much of the buzz centered on the freebies for the first customers in line. Digimap gave away ₱37,000 worth of gifts to its very first customer.
That spot went to Charmaine, a 25-year-old online seller who camped overnight in Makati to secure her place. She saved for over three years to buy the new iPhone, seeing it as a business investment.
When a media outlet featured her, Charmaine received some online criticism, but she stood her ground. She explained that the iPhone 17’s better camera and video features would help her grow her business. For her, it wasn’t about luxury—it was about value.
25-year-old Charmaine is the first buyer of iPhone 17 at Digimap One Ayala
She also mentioned choosing Digimap because she believed it offered better chances to win rewards. Despite the challenges, she said the event, the people, and the overall experience made it “all worth it.”
As a fun bonus, her new iPhone matched her favorite K-pop idol SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu—but she said that was just a happy coincidence.
The next 29 customers received ₱14,000 worth of freebies, while those in line from 31st to 100th got gift bags worth ₱8,000.
Making Tech More Accessible
The new iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 launch reflects Digimap’s mission to make Apple technology more personal and accessible to Filipinos.
“Our goal is to create a space where technology and human connection meet,” said Gerald Senolos, Digimap’s Country General Manager.
As Planet Sports’ sister company, which includes powerhouse brands like Foot Locker, New Balance, Hoka, Converse, and Skechers, Digimap delivers best-in-class retail operations with a uniquely Filipino touch.
To make the iPhone 17 more reachable, Digimap worked with Home Credit, HSBC, and UnionBank to offer installment and financing plans. Digimap also provides trade-in programs, 0% installment deals, and other flexible payment options.
The iPhone 17 is now available in all Digimap stores, at digimap.ph, and through Digimap’s Shopee Flagship Store. Customers can enjoy exclusive launch bundles and flexible payment terms for a limited time.
