IKEA Philippines Welcomes the Holidays with the Launch of the VINTERFINT Christmas Collection at IKEA Pasay

 With the Christmas spirit in the air, IKEA Philippines is marking the season with its largest price adjustment ever. True to its vision to “create a better everyday life for the many people,” IKEA Philippines continues to step up with the Swedish home furnishing brand’s proactive effort in making home life easier and more affordable for the many Filipino families.

According to the IKEA Life at Home Report 2023, 43 percent of Filipinos are most concerned about their household finances and disposable income. Additionally, 38 percent of Filipinos say that not having enough money to care for their home is a major reason that makes them feel less in control of their daily lives. In response, IKEA is committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people by offering affordable solutions that help Filipinos feel more in control and find joy in their homes.

Starting 1 September, IKEA will be bringing down prices on the things that matter most for the many Filipinos. Exactly 2,000 of 9,753 products, which is 20 percent of the IKEA product range, will now be available at even lower prices. Filipinos can expect the same great quality IKEA has been known for in the lower-price lineup which includes the SKOGSFRÄKEN pillow that ensures maximum comfort for better sleep, MURVEL shoe organiser which is a perfect solution for storing shoes in style and saving space, BESTÄMMA food container with lid offering a simple and reliable storage solution for packed meals or leftovers, fast-drying VAGSJON hand towel that adds a touch of softness and style to the bathroom with its pure cotton material, MIDDAGSMAT pot with lid makes cooking easier and more enjoyable with it fast-heating and lightweight design, and the AFJALL foam mattress that offers superior comfort and support for a restful sleep.

Along with this wide-ranging price reduction, on 26 August, IKEA Philippines reduced the cost of Truck Delivery nationwide to a fixed price of PHP 600, which is down from the previous maximum of PHP 1,990. Additionally, Click & Collect services are now free of charge (previously PHP 590) at all IKEA Collection Points nationwide located in Pasay City, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Misamis Oriental.

Moreover, customers who visit IKEA Pasay City can enjoy lower prices on select food offerings, such as meatless lasagna for just PHP 99 (previously PHP 199) and a hotdog with drinks combo for only PHP 59 (previously PHP 79).

“Our commitment to making quality home essentials more affordable is a reflection of our dedication to the many Filipinos,” said Gerard Jansen, Country Retail Director, IKEA Philippines and Singapore. “This early Christmas price drop is our way of helping families navigate the holiday season with greater ease and joy.”

As the Philippines now welcomes the ber months, you can think of these lowered prices as an early gift from IKEA to every Filipino home by making it easier for everyone to create a space they love with IKEA home furnishings that are now even more affordable.

Get into the Christmas spirit as early as September with new items from the beloved VINTERFINT collection, such as holiday decors, textiles, lighting, and Christmas trees. By letting you add a festive touch or helping you prepare for holiday gatherings, the VINTERFINT collection will bring the warmth and joy of Christmas in the homes of many Filipinos.

This holiday season, let IKEA transform your house into a home with great quality at even lower prices. Start creating the home you’ve always wanted—shop with IKEA today and bring joy and comfort to every corner of your home. Visit IKEA Pasay City or the IKEA online store at www.IKEA.ph.

Filinvest City’s annual holiday tradition is making a much-anticipated return

Some of the best cities in the world to live in are rated based on their beauty, walkability, community spirit, and activities, such as dining, arts, and culture. In the Philippines, leading real estate developer Filinvest Alabang, Inc. envisions just that for Filinvest City, a township development that is designed to provide modern conveniences amid lush, green landscapes in a modern central business district. And now, Filipinos have a go-to leisure destination right here in the country with the opening of Central Park in Filinvest City.

Central Park is the newest development in the crown jewel of Filinvest City, the Spectrum District. The park is an approximately 1-hectare property that offers a public gathering place for a diverse community – office workers, families, and tourists alike, and is made up of the sprawling Great Lawn and lush Botanical Garden where people from all walks of life can take in the great outdoors this holiday and all year round. 

Even before the pandemic, this impressive green belt park system connecting the entire city has always been a part of the master plan for a future-ready garden city. And soon at the center of Filinvest City, an iconic mixed-use development will rise creating a seamless connection to the Central Park– blurring the lines between private buildings and public parks for the community to converge and enjoy.

 

On top of that, Filinvest City’s annual holiday tradition is making a much-anticipated return. With the theme, “Come Together For Christmas”, families and friends can spend time with one another, create lasting memories, and rekindle their sense of childlike wonder this holiday season and beyond.

As the Christmas destination in the Metro South, Filinvest City offers a series of fun and exciting Christmas festivities at Central Park. Families and friends can catch the Fireworks Display every Friday at 8 PM until December 16, 2022, and groove to the melodious sounds of renowned OPM bands including Ebe Dancel, Rivermaya,  Lola Amour (December 2, 2022), The Itchyworms (December 9, 2022), and Franco and Urbandub (December 16, 2022).   

 

Of course, Filipino Christmas is not complete without delectable dishes to truly enjoy the holiday festivities. Thankfully, Eats by the Park is open from Friday to Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM where diners can select from a wide variety of food concessionaires and eat al fresco. And if they’re lucky, some might even catch and take a picture with Christmas characters at the park every Sunday until December 18, 2022. 

On the journey in or out of Central Park, visitors will be greeted by glittering lights and Christmas installations from 6 PM to 9 PM until January 6, 2023. Residents and visitors can also create their own holiday photo cards by taking snapshots with the larger-than-life Christmas tree, Christmas vignettes, the beautifully decorated Filinvest City Christmas Standee, or the life-sized Belen. They can also opt to take curated shots of the Dome with Stars or the Christmas Tunnel. 

For a meaningful celebration, guests can also attend Simbang Gabi at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, situated along the gardens of Filinvest City’s River Park near Festival Mall starting on December 15-23, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

Beyond the holidays, Central Park has been offering various amenities for the residents and employees in the area. At the park, they can avail of a bike repair station, a children and adult play area, a wireless charging station, and Moovr, an app-enabled e-scooter sharing service. As they partake in any of these activities or more, they can also take in or take photos of the road art that surrounds the park. Central Park will also offer more amenities for the community to enjoy soon.

“We always make it a point to make every year a most meaningful one, and this year’s Christmas celebration has been taken up a notch. I’m glad that we can celebrate as one big community together again and that we’re doing it here at the newest gathering spot, our Central Park. We’re excited to create more community activities here at the newest convergence space in the south–from concerts, festivals, sports, to other related open-air events,” Don Ubaldo, first vice president for Townships, shares.  After the pandemic and lockdowns, Filipinos can look forward to coming together for the holidays and all year round to soak in lush greenery, fresh air, and special Filipino touches at Central Park and more must-see spots at Filinvest City.

 

To know more about this thriving community, visit https://filinvestcity.com/. For more updates, follow them on Facebook @FilinvestCityOFFICIAL and Instagram @filinvest_city. 

 

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience

SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall

SM officially ushered the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20. 

The mall’s mega Christmas Tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM’s nationwide Happy Christmas campaign. And starting October 20 until December, SM shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall’s Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively. 

If you missed the SM Megamall Christmas event, there are still more ways to celebrate the joys of the holidays. SM Supermalls has lined up exciting and festive activities just for you and your loved ones! Check out the details below:

More Christmas Tree lighting activities in your favorite SM mall!

Apart from SM Megamall, other premier SM malls will light up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every SM shopper. Check out the dates below so you can drop by your favorite SM mall and watch the lighting of its dazzling trees full of lights, stars, and colorful ornaments.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite SM mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark. Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, and watch out for Santa appearances, character meet and greets, and other surprises! Plus, you also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark’s light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas won’t be festive without lights. Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best. 

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

SM Supermalls has also created outdoor attractions for that picture-perfect, memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family. At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2 so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas. You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the SM mall near you!

Turn Christmas AReality at SM

Don’t miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as SM incorporates the festive season with Augmented Reality. In SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle. You just need to scan the QR code at the SM mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive!

Check out the Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends. Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decors with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed Tiktok or IG video at your favorite mall.

Make your furbabies feel the happiness and love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies! Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty. You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets. Also, SM Supermalls will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos. Check out https://gosm.link/ChristmasVillage2022 as it goes live from October 28 to January 5 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience. Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and SM ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs 

Since it’s the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors. For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.

Marks and Spencer makes gift-giving easy with the launch of their food and wine gift sets For A Christmas Like No Other

This season, Marks and Spencer makes gift-giving easy with the launch of their food and wine gift sets For A Christmas Like No Other. Choose from 14 food and wine bundles thoughtfully arranged in a charming metal tray, or 6 food & wine gift boxes in the signature M&S package. Each assortment will surely make the festivities even more special.

 

The selection offers several themed collections that will impress even the most discerning such as the Lavish Luxury gift set, or a decadent spread that will please a sweet-tooth with the Chocolate Indulgence. It also includes wine duo sets made by award-winning in-house winemakers that both novice and seasoned aficionados will enjoy. 

 

Make holiday preparations easy with gifts that will make you unforgettable. M&S Food & Wine Gift Sets are now available in stores nationwide while M&S Food & Wine Gift Boxes are exclusive at marksandspencer.com.ph

Shop online for M&S Food & Wine Gift Boxes https://marksandspencer.com.ph/collections/food-gift-boxes

For corporate orders, you may contact edhalili@rgoc.com.ph,  cpyao@rgoc. com.ph or GMTayo@rgoc.com.ph. You may also place your orders directly to any M&S store or our Viber Community at tinyurl.com/MNSPH-VC. 

 

To get the latest updates, follow Marks and Spencer at facebook.com/MarksandSpencerPH , Instagram @marksandspencerph 

 

Five tips to have a holiday that’s easy on the pocket

By now everyone is deep into the holidays. And the season of giving can only mean one thing: with all the presents to give, parties to attend, and getaways to make, there will be a lot of spending coming your way.

But that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear all those expenses you’ll be making this Christmas! This is the best time to take advantage of all the deals, sales, promos, and perks that are available the whole season.

Here are a few tips you can use:

1. Set a spending limit
If you are really on a budget, then it’s important to set a spending limit. It’s better to acknowledge that you have got a hard limit to be mindful of, instead of having to deal with overspending when Christmas is over. Plus, it will force you to be more creative when it’s time to shop.

2. Make a list
Take the cue from Santa – he makes a list and checks it twice! Keeping a list will help you remember what you need to buy and the budget that you need to stick to.

3. Use the right credit card
Mastering the art of Christmas shopping will depend on your tool of choice. Have you considered getting the right credit card that lets you spend exactly the way that you need to?

For example, using an EastWest credit card to shop for the latest in gadgets, fashion, appliances, and more can get you 0% interest on installment for up to 24 months at Abenson, The SM Store, Power Mac Center, Rustan’s, and in over 2,000 participating outlets nationwide. That means you can get everything you need to get in your Christmas shopping without worry!

4. Find sales and discounts
Everyone is going to buy a lot this Christmas, so you can expect a lot of sales, everywhere! Take time to find the right holiday sales to get the things (and experiences) you want and need, at the best prices.

If you are looking to take a much-deserved holiday getaway, EastWest credit cards are ideal for booking and paying (partner hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more!), as they come with exclusive perks, discounts, and savings.

5. Give more
Christmas is all about giving, so you might want to spend less on the things you want for yourself and instead focus on giving gifts to people around you. If you can give something that doesn’t need to be purchased, that’s even better.

Give a loved one the freedom to spend with an EastWest supplementary credit card, to get free cash credits on your own principal card. Not only have you given them more financial freedom, but you get rewards along the way too!

Don’t miss out on everything you can enjoy this Christmas with your EastWest credit card. To learn more about all the promos and perks available this holiday season, visit https://www.ewbanker.com/Cards/CreditCardPromotions. Happy holidays!

Watsons helps you look good and feel great this Holiday season

Christmas is nearing and all of us just as early as today is planning what to buy for our special someone, family, friends, kids, officemates . That's why we should plan ahead and make a gift list and set a budget for everyone. That way we won’t fall prey to last minute splurge purchases.

Times like these, I always visit Watsons and they have everything for my loved ones. From that skincare to makeups, toiletries and even stuff toys for the little ones. It saved me time and money. With all the traffic and parking is hellish nowadays. What better way is to shop at Watsons near you. They also offer  exclusive gift sets for all.

Christmas isn’t just about being with family members and close friends. It’s also a great time to reconnect with people we don’t see often, like our relatives who live out of town or friends who reside far away.

Giving is the essence of the season. We love to give gifts to people we love — our parents, family members, barkada, employees, neighbors, colleagues and even strangers.

                            Watsons Marketing Manager Krista Paula Tan

But this feeling can be ruined by external factors like traffic and lack of time. Who has the time to shop for gifts all day when you have so many things to do at home and at work?

Leading health and beauty retailer, Watsons, helps solve this problem by being the one-stop destination for the best customized and themed gift sets for everyone in your gift list, whether your loved one is into health, fitness, skin care, hair styling, basic essentials and so on. Watsons has a wide selection of health and beauty gift sets that will make your holiday shopping easier and more convenient.

Watsons also makes it more affordable for shoppers by offering select exclusive gift sets for only P279 or P399 when they buy three until December 31, 2018. For Watsons Card members, shoppers can get two times their bonus points when they buy exclusive gift sets until December 26, 2018.

Watsons believes that everyone should look good and feel great this holiday season.

After all, when you look good and feel great, it will be a truly happy Christmas.

For more information, visit www.watsons.com.ph, follow @watsonsph on Facebook and Instagram. For exclusive benefits and promos, get the new Watsons Card. Membership is free and non-expiring. Get one point for every P200 spend at Watsons.

Celebrate the holidays looking good, feeling great at Watsons

Filipinos start counting down to Christmas as early as September. It’s definitely our favorite time of the year.


We love the holidays because it’s a time for get-togethers with family members and friends. Aside from the gifts we receive, parties to attend, and food to enjoy, the true essence of the occasion is the warm feeling we get when we’re with our loved ones.

Giving is what the season is all about. We give materials gifts and we give our loved ones the gifts of love and attention, which are both priceless.


Despite everything that makes the holiday season so stressful and hectic such as traffic and the holiday hustle and bustle, Watsons wants you to always look good and feel great.

The recently launched Watsons Holiday video (http://bit.ly/Watsons_Wish_FB) that has people of different ages break into the tune of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” reminds us that taking good care of ourselves inside and out is what makes a truly merry Christmas. They will teach us how to look good, feel great this busy holiday season.


“It’s gonna be a great Christmas and a healthy new year” is one of the lines from the video.  With your family, friends and Watsons this holiday, you surely know you can look and feel great.

For more information, visit www.watsons.com.ph, follow @watsonsph on Facebook and Instagram. For exclusive benefits and promos, get the new Watsons Card. Membership is free and non-expiring. Get one point for every P200 spend at Watsons.

Celebrate Christmas at Sea with SuperStar Virgo exclusive sales promo

You want to spend christmas cruising this December with your family? Now, that's a way to spend christmas like an alta but at a fraction of a price. Because SuperStar Virgo offers the most affordable and yet luxurious sailing with your loved ones this holiday season. Experience the best of the holiday season cruising with Star Cruises.

Following a successful summer series, SuperStar Virgo, the flagship of Star Cruises is  returning to her well-loved Manila homeport this December with several  holiday concept cruises that cater to a wide spectrum of holidaymakers.

At the press event held  at the Hippodrome Bar & Lounge in Winford Hotel,   members of the press got the news first-hand from senior executives of Star Cruises. Among the guests in attendance were celebrity chef Sandy Daza and world-renowned Manila Symphony Orchestra, who will both make their cruise debuts with SuperStar Virgo in the month of December.

With exclusive sales promotions of Cruise One, Take One or 3rd/4th Guest Free offers, holidaymakers will have more reasons to take their vacations aboard this December, thanks to the spectacular line-up of theme cruises on SuperStar Virgo, with 5-night journeys to the sandy beaches in Southern China, as well as idyllic destinations in Vietnam.

Concert Cruise Series with The CompanY
Departure Date: December 4 to 9, 2018
Destinations: Halong Bay, Vietnam and Sanya, China
The deployment kicks off will feature the much-anticipated holiday concert at sea by The CompanY, a vocal harmony group that excels in performing a wide range of music genres, from classical choral music to alternative pop. Formed in 1985, The CompanY has now released 24 studio albums and garnered 54 music industry awards, making them the most awarded recording vocal group in the land. Guests at all ages will be swooned and crooned on the high seas with this versatile quintet.

Concert Cruise Series with the Manila PhilHarmonic Orchestra
Departure Date: December 9 to 14, 2018
Destinations: Halong Bay. Vietnam and Sanya. China
Imbibe the holiday spirit through a concerto at sea, as the wider-acclaimed Manila PhilHarmonic Orchestra will make her cruise debut aboard SuperStar Virgo. With over more than a decade of showcasing a solid passion for music through well-applauded live performances, records, tours. innovative programs of bringing the orchestra closer to the communities, guests of SuperStar Virgo will be presented the musical masterpieces by one of the leading orchestras in the country.

Festive Cooking Cruise with Celebrity Chef Sandy Daza
Departure Date: December 14 to 19, 2018
Destinations: Ho Chi Minh and Nha Trang, Vietnam
Celebrity Chef Sandy Daza, also known as host of TV shows FootPrints and Casa Daza, will host cooking demonstrations on how to perfect his signature dishes specific for the holiday family festivities with guests onboard SuperStar Virgo. As a toting dad of four young adults, Chef Daza will also share personal tips on how to bond with children over the love of food and cooking, as cruises also sail through the wondrous country of Vietnam.

Vacation at Sea with Bro. Bo Sanchez
Departure Date: December 19 to 24, 2018
Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Vietnam
Presented in partnership with Executive Resources, Inc., world-renowned best-selling author, entrepreneur, and preacher, Bo Sanchez will bring a unique flavour to this holiday sailing to Vietnam with inspirational sessions aimed to bring out the best you during the most wonderful time of the year. Guests onboard will also be treated to special daily masses mirroring the Filipino Simbang Gabi tradition scheduled throughout the cruise.

Celebrations at Sea
Departure Dates: December 24 to 29, 2018 and December 29, 2018 to January 3, 2019
Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang, Vietnam
Treat yourself and your family the ultimate gift of a magical Christmas and New Year’s festive cruises with SuperStar Wgo. Make merry and memorable your family celebrations on the high seas, as the ship will not just be decked out in full-on festive designs, but also be providing once-in-a-year onboard activities fit for the biggest holiday celebration at sea!

Vacationers can also choose to embark from Manila to explore amazing tropical destinations with SuperStar Virgo, with the special 5-Night Coron / Puerto Princesa / Kota Kinabalu grand finale cruise with a single departure on 3 January 2019 to commemorate the completion of her seasonal deployment in the Philippines early next year.

For more information on Star Cruises, visit: http://starcruises.com