New holiday video captures ChristmaSaya celebration at SM

There is nothing quite like the joy that the Christmas season brings! And SM is spreading even more good vibes and Christmas cheer as it unveils its newest holiday video, Ngayong Pasko, ChristmaSaya sa SM, which you can watch here.

The 45-second heartwarming video, which aptly plays a re-arranged rendition of the Boyfriends’ iconic "Sumayaw, Sumunod," shows split screens of families and friends happily celebrating, dining, or shopping from home via the SM Malls Online app or at SM malls, signaling that we now have many safe options to enjoy the holidays this year.

As quarantine restrictions have eased, SM malls are ready to welcome us back with safety measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. As one of the first establishments to acquire the Safety Seal in all its malls nationwide, SM ensures that all its malls are regularly cleaned and sanitized. All SM employees are fully vaccinated and all health protocols of the IATF and the LGUs are strictly implemented for everyone’s safety.

For many of us who missed the incomparable taste of piping hot specialty dishes such as ramen or paella when dining out, SM’s new video shows us that, with social distancing measures in place, one can safely dine at one’s favorite restaurants, indoor or al fresco. This is also the perfect time to Christmas shop for those high value gifts that are best bought in mall, such as gadgets and phones at Cyberzone where a salesperson can explain the latest hi-tech features to you, smart appliances that require a personal tutorial and – last but not least- shoes! One is never sure what shoes online would look like when they are delivered, while a trip to an SM Mall offers an endless variety of choices you can try on for that perfect comfort fit.

If you opt to stay at home this season, SM’s ChristmaSaya video shows you can complete our gift list from home through the SM Store Gift Registry and the SM Malls Online app. It’s easy! Just ask family and friends to register via The SM Store Gift Registry (https://www.thesmstore.com/pages/gift-registry) and come up with their wishlists which can be shared through SMS, Viber, Facebook, or email. Plus, it comes with exclusive perks such as free delivery and free wrapping of gifts. You can take the kids with you to pick the gifts up at the curbside, too.

So, whether you’re celebrating Christmas from home or getting into the festive spirit by marveling at the dazzling decor at the malls, joyfully embrace the season and have a festive celebration with your loved ones, as SM’s new video happily sings: Sumayaw, sumunod ka sa indak ng panahon, makisama, mag enjoy ka ngayon!

SM implements strict #SafeMallingAtSM protocols nationwide and offers an equally convenient online shopping option with the SM Malls Online app on Google Play or App Store. To know more, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

A delightful and techy Holiday experience at SM ChristmaSaya Village

The season of joy is near! With the number of COVID cases going down, we can all look forward to Christmas with newfound excitement and giddy anticipation! Of course, we should still celebrate with caution, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a great time with our loved ones. With fun tech like augmented reality, we can rediscover our favorite SM mall, meet friends, shop to our heart’s delight, and play games with loved ones without leaving our homes! 

How? SM Supermalls has come up with the awesome virtual ChristmaSaya Village to bring everyone together. Read on and find out all the fun things you can enjoy in this delightful tech experience. 

Reimagined Christmas shopping and dining. Imagine that you can shop and visualize products in real-time from the comfort of your own home. Sounds awesome, right? You can do just that with SM ChristmaSaya Village! First, register online at smchristmasayavillage.ph to join this awesome augmented reality shopping experience from November 22 – December 25. You can create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games.  SM’s ChristmaSaya Village lets you immerse in virtual Christmas zones — from dining to shopping!

Festive Christmas centerpieces and a fun play area. Even when you’re staying at home, you can still enjoy SM Supermalls’ merry and bright Christmas centerpieces at the virtual ChristmaSaya Village. But of course, nothing beats seeing the real thing -- the sparkle, the colorful lights, and the dazzling size of these centerpieces! So, if you’re going to be shopping at SM, be sure to stop by and see them in person and take photos with family and friends to capture the joyous moment. Be enthralled by the 32-feet Christmas tree centerpiece at SM City Clark Pampanga, be giddy with excitement over SM Aura’s romance-themed centerpiece featuring regal swans and gorgeous red trees and be spellbound by the magical Christmas garden with a 45-foot Christmas tree surrounded by multi-colored butterflies at SM Megamall. 

Exciting prizes, deals, and discounts. While exploring key areas, shoppers can find and collect coins in random gift boxes, which they can use to redeem vouchers based on the equivalent value of your coins. Use these vouchers for your Christmas shopping, have fun, and win more – the sky’s the limit!

The pandemic may have changed the way we traditionally celebrate Christmas but with innovations like ChristmaSaya Village from SM, there are now so many fun things we can do with friends and families even we’re not physically together! We may be apart, but let’s find ways to come together and bask in hope, joy, and love during this most wonderful time of the year! 

SM implements strict #SafeMallingAtSM protocols nationwide and offers an equally convenient online shopping option with the SM Malls Online app on Google Play or App Store. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

SM City BF Parañaque celebrates Merry Magical Christmas with 30-foot Christmas tree

SM City BF Parañaque launched its "Merry Magical Christmas" display last November 11 unveiling their 30-foot tall Christmas tree. Truly, the festive season makes us feel the wonder and awe of a magical Christmas especially when family and friends come together.

The Christmas display runs till January 6 at the Mall Atrium.

SM City Sucat launches its Robocarnival Christmas display

Christmas always gives us the sense of magic and excitement especially when family and friends come together. Through the years, SM Supermalls has been steadfast with making sure that the magic of Christmas is felt in many exciting ways. 

PayMaya’s Merry Millionaire Promo gives out prizes to 46 lucky customers!

PayMaya gives users a million ways to share the love this Christmas with the Merry Millionaire Promo.

It’s back and it’s bigger. Now on its second year, PayMaya’s much-awaited Merry Millionaire promo is once again giving away a million pesos, tax-free, to one lucky customer. This year’s Merry Millionaire promo also extends the holiday cheer to 45 other winners of P10,000 each in the weekly raffle draw.

Christmas Combo Magnifico Treat at Gumbo

Christmas is just around the corner.  Everybody’s in a rush.  No time to prepare for your Noche Buena or get-together with your family and loved ones?

Relax, just go out and dine in at any Gumbo restaurants located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia.  

Marvelous Christmas Combo Treat at Burgoo

Christmas is in the air!  Everybody is busy preparing gifts for friends and loved ones.  Also this is the time of the year for the much-awaited Christmas parties or get-together at schools, offices, neighbourhoods and communities or at your own homes.

No time to prepare foods for your parties?  Burgoo is now offering free delivery at its Tomas Morato and Rockwell outlets.  Just call 9277396 or 8981815 and you can have your favorite Burgoo dishes such as Shrimp and Ribs Platter, Seafood Caesar Salad, Chicken Dianne, supreme pizzas and pastas and luscious desserts, among others in an instant and without the fuss.  

Ever So Happy Christmas Tree Lighting at Ever Gotesco Ortigas

Ever Gotesco Mall Ortigas has officially started the Christmas season with its Christmas tree lighting ceremony held at the mall's parking lot on November 29, 2014. Dubbed as Ever So Happy, the mall campaigns that it's merry to celebrate the yuletide season with family and friends.

Abusive son ruins Thanksgiving celebration

An abusive son went amok in front of his family at the dinner table during their Thanksgiving celebration recently. He felt embarrassed for the kind of prayer his father did and he did not want to cooperate to say grace and the things he must be thankful for. I think it's just about deep-seated pride that eats us up whole. This guy seems to do things without giving much thought of the consequences of his actions.

Reasonable shopping this Christmas season at Tutuban Center, Manila

Christmas season is in the air and everyone is already planning for their holiday shopping to buy gifts. Tutuban Center in Tondo Manila offers a great deal for affordability that can give you a lot of savings. As early as November, the shopping and entertainment destination right in the heart of the City of Manila is offering the widest variety, quality holiday items and yet affordable.

Just walk through the hundreds of stores inside and around Tutuban Center with wide array of merchandise and you can surely find what you need in one of the country's most visited shopping center. Whether buying by piece or in bulk, there’s no need to worry because this much-admired retail destination is your perfect Christmas shopping solution.

Shopping Galore
If you are planning to design your home with festive decors, check out the wonderful Yuletide garlands, colorful lights and all types of Christmas tree trimmings available at Tutuban Center. From the simplest Christmas balls to the biggest parol, you are sure to find the best holiday ornaments that you need.

Christmas gift shopping for family, friends and colleagues is fun and easy with Tutuban Center’s complete offerings - from jewelry, designer shirts, fashion finds, fragrances, shoes, novelty items, even electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras or tablets.

Festive Mood

Apart from the budget-friendly items, you’ll be amazed with the festive holiday mood as Tutuban Center unveiled its holiday display to help keep your mind off the stressful Christmas rush and for the enjoyment of the shoppers.

There’s also the “Christmas Wonderland sa Tutuban” where the young, or even the young at heart, can go to and enjoy with its amazing rides and other well-loved attractions.

Food Hopping

If you suddenly grow hungry, explore delicious food fare at the Tutuban Center Food Bazaar. Meantime, for those who want to avoid the shopping frenzy at daytime, the Tutuban Center Night Market offers a comfortable shopping experience even after the regular shopping hours.

Resting Place

Lastly, if you want to take first crack at shopping and avoid the mad rush both in time and traffic, you may check-in at Orion Hotel, Tutuban Center’s swanky yet right-in-your-budget accommodations located right inside the center. This allows you to shop fresh and fabulous in the morning.

All of these and more in Tutuban Center, located along C.M. Recto Avenue in Manila. Operating hours are from 9 am to 12 midnight, from Monday to Sunday.

Follow Tutuban Center:

http://www.tutuban.com.ph

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Ceremonial Lighting of Parul Sampernandu at CCP on November 6, 2012

Photo courtesy of Philstar.com taken from News Flash

Cultural Center of the Philippines, in cooperation with the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, cordially invites everyone to the Ceremonial Lighting of Parul Sampernandu to be held at the CCP Facade on November 6, 2012 at 6:30pm to signal the start of the Holiday Season.

The 12 Shoppers of Christmas: Which one are you?

* click the image for larger view *

Which among the 12 Shoppers of Christmas are you? I'm among the 3 types:

1. The Shopping Dead.

2.  The Look-Around-The-House Guy.

3.  The Guy Who Doesn't Get Anyone Anything.

Note: Image courtesy of Florencio P. Jusay (Krisis Komiks).

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Boracay, second top beach destination in the world

Note: my personal photos will be added here soon.

Boracay beach in the Philippines was voted as one of the top beach destinations in the world. It ranked second place, and Providenciales in Turks and Caicos made it on top of the list, according to a survey done by Trip Advisor.  

I was in awe when I landed on that island for the very first time in September 2007 with over 90 people for a church retreat. Can you imagine a church retreat in the island of Boracay? The experience was different. I could never imagine that such a beautiful place exists - pristine waters, white sand, colorful sunset, restaurants and hotels left and right and this one really marked my jaw-dropping wonder - an ATM machine set on sand?

October 20, 2010 is the 4th National Thank You Day; Toblerone's Thank You Museum

Filipinos are known for being the most hospitable people in the world. But surprisingly we didn’t do well in a 2006 Canadian Reader’s Digest survey on gratitude. Among the 35 major cities worldwide, Manila placed only a mediocre 22nd, while cities such as Toronto, Zurich, and surprisingly New York took the third, second, and top spots, respectively.

Father's Day gift ideas from Apple

Mac 

For Father's Day, appeal to Dad's inner geek:

• Work and Play Dad: With a MacBook Pro, Dad can easily connect to the web, keep a calendar of important appointments, quickly pull up his favorite online grilling tips, and create an iPhoto slideshow of the latest family trip to share with friends. The MacBook Pro is the perfect personal assistant for Dad. www.apple.com/macbookpro
  
  
  

Ways to report incidents during the May 10 Elections

From Aileen Apolo:

Here's a way you can send in reports:

Smart mobile users: text reports through number 5656 (typing "BOTO "),

Other texters: use +63-905-304-2534,

Email reports to reports@aeswatch.org

Key in reports directly on the website http://www.aeswatch.org, or

Send reports via Twitter using the hash tag: #aes, #aeswatch, #juanvote, #halalan
Best to include the precinct number, municipality or city, and province, followed by the incident.

Reports received are pinned on a digital map of the Philippines which can be found on the AESWatch site (done by volunteers!). The monitoring center of AES Watch will be located at Ang Bahay ng Alumni in U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City . You are all welcome to drop by and provide morale support to the young volunteers (and you are welcome to volunteer too!).

____________________________

REPORT ANY INCIDENT THAT VIOLATES THIS GENERAL RULE: All eligible voters have a right to vote freely and to have those votes counted quickly and accurately to determine the winners in the electoral contests.

Voting Issues
* Delays in opening of precincts
* Preventing any registered voter to cast a vote
* Missing names of registered voters in List of Voters
* Receiving a ballot that has already been pre-marked or with shading
* Any person checking out how a voter is casting a vote (violation of privacy and secrecy)
* Precinct runs out of ballots (If precinct runs out of ballots, a voter should be allowed to cast votes in next precinct)
* Precinct runs out of markers
* Precinct has wrong ballot
* Suspension of voting for whatever purpose
* Non-use or unavailability of indelible ink to mark voters who have already voted
* Premature closing of precincts

Automated Election System Issues
* No PCOS machine in precinct
* PCOS machine malfunctions
* PCOS machine rejects ballots
* CF card (memory card) malfunctions
* Brownouts at any time on Election Day at the precincts
* Unauthorized personnel (non-COMELEC) accessing the PCOS machine
* Stealing or destruction of the PCOS machine

Election Violence
* Unauthorized presence of armed military or police personnel
* Unauthorized presence of unidentifiable armed persons (private armies, militias)
* Fighting in precincts, polling centers and canvassing centers
* Any physical attack or threat of physical attack against any teacher or official authorized by the COMELEC, or against any voter, any group of voters, any candidate, or supporters of any candidate or party

COMELEC: Prohibited acts on Election Day
* Campaigning
* Selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor
* Giving, accepting free transportation, food, drinks and things of value
* Soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling place or within thirty (30) meters thereof
* Voting more than once or in substitution of another
* Holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races or other any other similar sports
* Opening of booths or stalls for the sale, etc., of merchandise, or refreshments within a radius of thirty meters from the polling place

Other Hotline #s:
* COMELEC: 525-9296, 5259345, 5275574, 5271892, 5259335, 5259294, 5270821, 5259297
* PPCRV: 5253476, 5265694, 5260869, 5261417, 5260012, 5236574, 5254992, 5264572, 5262248
* NAMFREL: 4704151, 4847590, 0927-9611524, 0919-3389344
* KONTRA DAYA: 5693427, 0921-2953004, 0915-2332413

This May 10 we would have two “firsts”: The first nationwide automated elections, and the first social media coverage to be mounted by citizens.

Krispy Kreme's "Vote 2010: DOugh YOUR PART" campaign

As the election date is approaching, a lot of people is not yet decided on who to vote. The streets are filled with campaign posters and commercials of candidates have invaded the television channels day by day. I already have my own choice months ahead and have based my decisions on all the forums and debates I constantly followed on TV.  It is our responsibility to do our own research because it is our right to ask and to know the truth. Since the national campaign period started, the limelight has been on who to vote come May 10. But what about how to actually vote?

We don't choose someone who is  just popular, or the choice of the majority, or because we only know of a few things about the candidate. We choose a leader who is honest, sincere, optimistic, God-fearing, hardworking, an experienced leader and full of integrity.

For the first time in the country, an automated voting system will be used by registered voters for the upcoming elections. A mock election conducted by COMELEC showed that some voters do not know where and how to cast their ballots. Efforts from various sectors like on-air commercials are being made to be able to reach out to the voters in introducing it—and Krispy Kreme is one of them.

The well-loved family brand is out to their own campaign called “Vote 2010: Dough Your Part” and in doing so have devised their own way to help spread awareness. This advocacy campaign was launched on April 29, 2010 at Krispy Kreme branch in Bonifacio High Street, The Fort, Taguig City.  This event was hosted by RJ Ledesma, editor-in-chief of UNO Magazine. Krispy Kreme has created a mock ballot wherein voters will choose their winning doughnut and coffee. “We wanted to make it a fun learning experience for the voters. This will help them prepare for the real, automated voting system," says Mark Gamboa, Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme."

The mock ballot of Krispy Kreme will also encourage people to actually exercise their right to vote.  For everyone to further maximize this advocacy, limited edition Krispy Kreme Vote 2010 doughnuts will be available in all Krispy Kreme branches from May 8 to 10, 2010.

With this campaign, Krispy Kreme proves itself more than just a doughnut brand. They are also advocates of responsible citizenship. They have shown how doughnuts and coffee became a viable tool to educate Filipinos about the latest voting system.

You may visit any of the following Krispy Kreme Branches: Bonifacio High Street, Greenhills Shopping Center Drive-Thru, SM Mall of Asia, Trinoma Cinema Level, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia Drive-Thru, Ayala Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, SM City Annex (North EDSA), Annex 2 SM Fairvew, Eastwood, Marquee Mall Pampanga, SM San Lazaro & SM Manila or call +63.917.8053000. Also, be sure to log on to www.krispykreme.com.ph and be a Friend of Krispy Kreme to get updates.

Delifrance introduces Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Celebrate the romantic month of love with Délifrance's sweet pastries!

Indulge your loved ones with Frosted Cinnamon Rolls that are so temptingly good, beautifully topped with vanilla custard swirl. 

The Frosted Strawberry Muffin is also a very delectable treat, bursting with strawberry and walnuts and topped with strawberry swirl. 

For those who want bite-sized goodness, the Strawberry Walnut Cookies and the Mocha Walnut Cookies are the gifts to give.  

Finally, as the pièce de résistance, Délifrance’s Chocolate Wanut Croissant is a luscious crescent shaped, golden layered pastry, oozing with chocolate and walnuts.

Visit Delifrance website for the Café Directory. Enjoy these luscious treats!

Metro Manila Film Fest (MMFF) 2009 Winners

Here is the list of winners to the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on December 28, 2009. Seven (7) films competed this year. Films are shown beginning on December 25, 2009:

ANG PANDAY (Imus Productions/GMA Films)

BEST PICTURE

BEST ACTOR: Bong Revilla

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Phillip Salvador

BEST CHILD PERFORMER: Robert “Buboy” Villar

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Jay Santiago

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Richard Somes

BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG: “Ang Panday” by Ogie Alcasid

MANO PO 6: A MOTHER'S LOVE (Regal Films)

ANTONIO VILLEGAS CULTURAL AWARD

BEST ACTRESS: Sharon Cuneta 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Heart Evangelista

BEST DIRECTOR: Joel Lamangan
BEST MUSICAL SCORE: Von de Guzman

GENDER SENSITIVE AWARD

I LOVE YOU, GOODBYE (Star Cinema)

2nd BEST PICTURE

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Meily 

BEST FILM EDITING: Efren Jarlego & Manet Dayrit 

BEST ORIGINAL STORY: Vanessa Valdez, Kriz Gazmen & Karen Ramos 

ANG DARLING KONG ASWANG (Octoarts/APT Entertainment)

3rd BEST PICTURE

BEST SOUND RECORDING: Mike Idioma

SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL XI (Regal Films)

BEST MAKE-UP: Noel Flores

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Dolphy

No Award Received:

NOBODY, NOBODY BUT JUAN (RVQ Productions)

WAPAKMAN (Solar Entertainment)

Experience Germany with Weihnachtsmarkt 2009

The sparkle of Christmas lights. The delicious aroma of sausages and cookies. The uplifting voices from a choir singing Stille Nacht (Silent Night). 
  

While not immediately obvious, Filipino and German cultures surprisingly find the perfect meeting point during the season of Christmas. The Philippines has the longest period of Christmas merriment, starting Christmas countdown as early as September, while Germany prides itself with quite a magical and festive Christmas celebration born from centuries of heritage and tradition. As a nation, both countries share the same kind of fondness for Christmas. 

 

Christmas in Germany is not complete without a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market). It has never been organized here – so far. This year, the holiday season takes a new twist as the first German Christmas Market in the Philippines will be held. Dubbed “Weihnachtsmarkt 2009”, the special event will be celebrated in Manila on December 4 at the Ateneo High School (ITC-Field) and in Cebu on December 12 to 13 at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

 

Weihnachtsmarkt aims to share German Christmas traditions, as well as familiarize Filipinos with German language and culture. Throughout the day, a variety of activities will take place: choral singing competitions, raffle draws, movie screening, cooking demos, games, trivia and photo contests, and more! A scholarship in Germany awaits a lucky winner. In Manila, a concert will feature the bands Kjwan and The Out of Body Special, while a choral competition will be the highlight in the Cebu leg, with choirs from different high schools and universities rendering their version of German Christmas carols.  

The venue will be designed and decorated in a similar fashion as the German Christmas Markets. Weihnachtsmarkt will also showcase a merry mix of booths selling German delicacies such as freshly baked Stollen and ginger bread, sizzling sausages grilled over charcoal fire, hearty stews with Wiener Würstchen, and other sumptuous goodies.

 

Weihnachtsmarkt is brought to the Philippines by the initiative Schools: Partners for the Future (PASCH) and the Goethe-Institut Manila.

  

The goal of the PASCH initiative is to establish a worldwide network of the top schools of different countries, aiming to awaken young people's interest in the Gerrman language and modern-day German culture.  Furthermore, PASCH endeavors to help in creating a first-rate learning and teaching environment conducive to learning German, to prepare young people for the opportunity to study in Germany, and to promote intercultural dialogue between decision-makers of the future generation. Schools: Partners for the Future is coordinated by the Federal Foreign Office and implemented in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut, the Central Agency for Schools Abroad, the Educational Exchange Service and the German Academic Exchange Service.   

Students, professionals, enthusiasts of the German culture, and the general public are invited to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Weihnachtsmarkt2009. For the full event program and further information, please visit German Cultural Center Manila or call the Goethe-Institut at (632) 840. 5723 or 840.5724.