Book at Agoda.com Hotels in Davao and Shop Till You Drop for the Big Davao Fun Sale

Agoda.com Hotels for the Big Davao Fun Sale 2014


Calling out all shopaholics in the country! The first ever city-wide sale in the Philippines will launch next month in the biggest city from March 14 to April 16.
The Big Davao Fun Sale will take place for 4 long weeks where the city will be offering up to 80 percent discount on fantastic deals. Participating establishments include Robinsons Cybergate Davao, Abreeza-Ayala Mall, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, NCCC Mall, SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier.

Throughout the month, there will be specific themes per week for the shopping frenzy community: From March 14 to 16 will be general sale; March 16 to 23 will be Health & Beauty; March 24 to 30 will be electronics and gadgets; March 31 to April 6 will be Home & Travel; April 7 to 16 will be Active Lifestyle/Fashion; and March 14 to April 16 will be Dining, Fruits & Flowers

Agoda.com has prepared a list of recommended hotels for you to make sure that you get enough rest as you shop till you drop!

1. Seda Abreeza Davao (4.5*)

http://www.agoda.com/seda-abreeza-davao/hotel/davao-ph.html

This hotel can make any guest feel right at home because of their quality accommodation and great service. Advantage of this location is that it’s close to the Abreeza Mall to accommodate your shopping needs right away.


2. Home Crest Residences(3*)

http://www.agoda.com/home-crest-residences/hotel/davao-ph.html

Home Crest Residences has always been a very common choice for travelers. The establishment is known for their excellent service, superior facilities and the ambiance of their guestrooms. The hotel is also just a stone’s throw away from SM City Davao.


3. The Apo View Hotel (4*)

http://www.agoda.com/the-apo-view-hotel/hotel/davao-ph.html

The Apo View Hotel is one of the most popular establishments in Davao because of the following; their central location, 24 hour casino and the second oldest hotel after Manila Hotel . They take pride in their spacious clean rooms and their well-appointed facilities like the pool, gym and restaurants.


4. Park Inn by Radisson Davao (4*)

http://www.agoda.com/park-inn-by-radisson-davao/hotel/davao-ph.html

Park Inn by Radisson Davao is situated in the Davao City Center which is close malls like SM Lanang Premier and also the Davao Medical Center. The hotel lives up to the expectations of their guests because of their beautiful appointed guest rooms, complete list of recreational activities and their over the top service.


5. Banana Beach Resort (4*)

http://www.agoda.com/banana-beach-resort/hotel/tagum-ph.html

For those who want to experience a different side of Davao, Banana Beach Resort is the place for you. Just an hour and a half from Davao City, the establishment is situated in Tagum and is accessible to Tagum City Freedom Park and NCC Mall of Tagum, who is also participating in the Big Davao Sale. They are known as the world’s only beach inside a banana plantation. They offer impeccable service, casitas that is perfect for relaxation and top-class facilities.


Travelers can expect good deals ranging from 5% to 60% discount on the following hotels below by connecting to Agoda.com and through the Agoda Mobile App (available on Apple and Android) on the duration of the Big Davao

Fun Sale:
1. Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island
2. Banana Beach Resort, Tagum
3. Marco Polo Davao Hotel
4. Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao
5. Seda Abreeza Davao
6. Park Inn by Radisson
7. Tune Hotel Davao
8. The Royal Mandaya
9. Hotel Vicente
10. Hotel Tropika
11. Pinnacle Hotel and Suites
12. Home Crest Residences
13. Casa Leticia Business Inn
14. Greenheights Hotel and Convention Center
15. Big Apple Hotel & Bar
16. Piazza Luna Tower
17. White Mansion
18. ALU Hotel
19. Linmarr Apartelles and Suites
20. Courtview Inn
21. Humberto’s Hotel
22. Bagobo House Hotel
23. Hotel Galleria
24. The Apo View
25. Green Windows Dormitel
26. The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases
27. Ecoland Suites
28. GK Business Hotel
29. Casa Ruby Bed & Breakfast
30. The Metropolis Suites Davao
31. The Royale House Travel Inn & Suites

Check out more hotels all over the Philippines and learn about special deals & promotions by connecting to www.agoda.com. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Google+, Instagram, or Pinterest.

About Agoda Company Pte Ltd:
Agoda Company Pte Ltd (Agoda.com) is a leading Asia-based, online hotel reservations company, which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices. Agoda.com is part of the Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda.com’s network includes more than 360,000 hotels worldwide. The multinational staff of more than 1,400 professionals, located throughout the world, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.
In addition, Agoda.com customers can earn loyalty rewards, which can be used on future bookings. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda.com’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people. AGODA® is a registered trademark of AGIP LLC, used under license by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd.

Herve Leger Now Hugging the Manila Fashion Scene

MANILA BOUTIQUE OF HERVÉ LÉGER LAUNCHES IN ASIA

When you say Herve Leger all you could think of is that one tiny  bandage dress that is beautifully hugging and contouring someones body. Herve Leger make a statement with bandage dress originally called "bender" because of its form-fitting fashion.

Max Azria acquired the Hervé Léger fashion house in 1998.  In early 2007, Azria relaunched the Hervé Léger label with his own designs, which were quickly embraced by celebrities and trendsetters worldwide.

Herve Leger bandage dress comes in colors and styles that you could choose from. From a little black dress to a tight fitting gown to a one piece swimwear. Make heads turn, get ready to flaunt your figure,  Herve Leger is now opening its first store in Asia, the style capital Manila.

Originally founded in 1985, Hervé Léger was acquired by the BCBGMAXAZRIA GROUP where Designer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Max Azria brought new life to the label with his own fabulous creations, quickly embraced by today’s most renowned style-setters, inclu

ding Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Diane Kruger, Miranda Kerr and Jennifer Lopez.

Today, the exclusive and ultra chic fashion house responsible for pioneering the iconic “bandage dress,” comes to Manila fashion scene.

Flanked by equally high-end and luxurious brands, Hervé Léger opens at the upscale East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza.  Capturing the allure of the modern, powerful woman with its exclusive couture and dynamic ready-to-wear collections, the Hervé Léger look is designed with the infamous, body contouring dress in mind, seamlessly sculpting the female silhouette with signature banding construction.  Paying tribute to empowered femininity while maintaining the house’s heritage, it makes an unforgettable statement of glamour.

Will It Be Team Phil or Team James? Watch Out for The Clear Dream Match!

The Final Battle for Clear Supremacy
Clear Dream Match III slated on June 7

 Aside from basketball, football has gaining followers all over the Philippines,  with the sporting sibling rivalry Phil and James Younghusband topping the Philippine football scene, they are slated to do their best on June 7 for the Clear Dream Match III at a venue to be announced soon. Help settle the rivalry by casting your vote.Take your pick now.

Taking on the challenge of growing football in the Philippines, Clear, the No. 1 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men, partnered with Manchester United and the United Football League. Given the partnerships, Clear Brand Manager Drew Copuyoc said, “Clear Dream Match 3 will be the most competitive game yet, as only the best football players in the Philippines will get to participate. Returning with its strongest lineup of players, this year’s voting pool will consist only of the top 50 players (statistically) in the UFL.”

In the first ever Clear Dream Match, Phil Younghusband won over his older brother with a dominant 5-1 victory. The following year, James Younghusband exacted his revenge, defeating Team Phil 4 - 1.

With the brothers now tied at 1 - 1, the game is further intensified with the addition of two Manchester United Legends, Paul Scholes and Andy Cole who are experienced in settling highly contested rivalries in English football history.

Manchester United Legends

Andrew “Andy” Cole has won numerous trophies with Manchester United and is the second highest goal scorer in Premier league history. Cole is one of the few players to date who has bagged all possible honors in the English game, including the PFA Young Player of the Year and the UEFA Champions League title.

Cited as one of the best midfielders of his generation, Paul Scholes has made over 700 appearances for Manchester United and has the third-highest number of appearances by any player for the club. Scholes played a key part in the club's Treble-winning success in the 1998–99 season, and has won 11 Premier League, three FA Cup and two UEFA Champions League winners medals.

Join the Battle for Clear Supremacy

Fans can go to www.cleardreammatch.com.ph to help decide which of the top 50 players of the UFL will join the Clear Dream Match on June 7. Voting will start on March 10 and end on May 6.

The top 32 players will be drafted by James and Phil for their respective teams on May 10. The players will hit the pitch for the much awaited Clear Dream Match finale on June 7.

Up to six football amateurs can play in the Clear Dream Match 3 by joining the nationwide tryouts handled by the UFL at Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Metro Manila.

Aside from voting the UFL all-stars, fans can also earn points by showing their support online. The fan with the most points will win a trip to Manchester, and get the chance to watch a Manchester United game live.

Tuloy Foundation

Tuloy Sa Don Bosco Foundation, the sole beneficiary of the Clear Dream Match, has received continuous support from Clear Philippines. A donated percentage of ticket sales from the match, together with Unilever Personal Care products will be given to the children of the foundation. As an added treat, top players of the UFL will also visit the foundation to play football with the children.

Be part of the Clear Dream Match and pick a side. Will you pick Team James, or will you pick Team Phil? What team will Paul Scholes and Andy Cole play for? And which team will finally prevail in the battle for clear supremacy? All will be settled on June 7, go to www.cleardreammatch.com.ph to help settle the rivalry once and for all.

Doctors No Longer Ask For Apology from BIR Chief

I am sharing this post for my doctor friends from CGHMC and from other hospitals as well, I hope that this will enlighten everyone with regards to the BIR advertisement  that came out a week ago.

Here is an update sourced from ABS-CBN News

Doctors will no longer demand apology from BIR chief over adBy Niko Baua, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 03/11/2014 8:27 PM | Updated as of 03/11/2014 8:27 PM

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) will no longer ask for a public apology from Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares over an advertisement that depicts doctors as tax evaders.

According to PMA vice president Dr. Irineo Bernardo, after a meeting over the weekend, the Board of Governors has decided that they would rather move forward with the BIR and ask for assistance in paying the right taxes.

Doctors earlier expressed dismay over the advertisement, which they called a "shame campaign" of the BIR against professionals.

The controversial ad shows a doctor perched on the shoulders of a grade school teacher, with a caption saying: "When you don't pay your taxes, you're a burden to those who do. Do your share. knowyourtaxes.ph.

The BIR, for its part, had said the advertisement does not single out doctors and is aimed at anyone who is not paying the correct taxes.

If you have anything to share. Please feel free to speak your mind.

The Search is Over for the Best Wagyu Burger Ever at Village Tavern

The melt-in-your-mouth goodness Wagyu beef is now made available in a burger patties, with all the trimmings that you want in a burger. You will easily differentiate the taste between a plain burger patty and one with Wagyu beef in it, because it is  tender, the more you chew, the more the flavor comes in every bite, because of its juiciness and buttery taste, not to mention that it is famous around the world because of it marbling characteristics. This is the first time I had a bite of Wagyu burger, believe me, I savor each bite, its distinctive taste is worth marveling about. Village Tavern has put their signature with this delectable creations in Wagyu burger. For all the Wagyu lovers, this one deserve a try.

THE WAIT IS OVER FOR THE BEST WAGYU BURGER

(VILLAGE TAVERN NOW SERVES 4 KINDS OF WAGYU BURGERS)

You haven’t gone to burger heaven if you have not tried Village Tavern’s new to-die-for Wagyu burgers, four kinds of gourmet burgers that are making headlines in food circles with their succulent patties made of the fabled Japanese beef and layered with some of the most exquisite toppings one can think of. 

Created by award-winning Bistro Corporate Chef Josh Boutwood who’s known for pushing the envelope with his original culinary creations, these premium burgers are nothing like anyone has tasted before: each ingredient coming together to create a surge of sensations and textures the moment it hits your mouth. 

Sandwiched inside a homemade pretzel bun is the star of the burger – a juicy, char-grilled beef patty made ofWagyu beef. Wagyu, which means Japanese cattle, is a kind of cattle farmed in Japan and fed a special diet so that itsmeat produces divine flecks of fat that give it that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. According to Chef Josh, the quality of real Wagyu beef is  excellent that it even surpasses the USDA marbling standards for prime-grade beef.

“We are all very excited here at Village Tavern as we launch our Wagyu beef burgers because I am sure our guests will love the immense marbling and the delightful beef flavor in each bite,” Chef Josh said.

To further level up the whole Wagyu experience, Chef Josh created four kinds of burgers using different toppings, giving customers unique set of flavors with every burger. 

Waiting to be relished is the Foie Gras Burgerwhich is a beautiful layer of Wagyu beef patty, grilled cheese, onions and yes, luxurious pan seared foiegraswhich gives the burger a subtle degree of richness without overwhelming the palate. 

Foie Gras Burgerwhich

Who knew that tequila can create magicin burgers? Well, Chef Boutwoodknew exactly and proves it with his Tequila Burger. Oozing with zest, this burger is made with premium grade Wagyu beef splashed with tequila (for that extra kick!),then ladled with fresh cilantro mayo, habanero-infused cheddar cheese and topped with slices of jalapenos for a mind-blowing explosion of flavors.

Tequila Burger

Memories of homemade cooking are the inspiration behind the Reuben Burger. Deceivingly simple, this meat monster combines the goodness of corned beef brisket, pickled cabbage and fried egg atop the Wagyu burger patty. 

Reuben Burger

Rounding out Village Tavern’s Wagyu Burgers offering is the Truffle Burger; a true gourmet treat that features a tier of divine flavors from the Wagyu and truffles. Truffle-infused mayo is generously spread on the homemade pretzel bun, then topped with grilled Wagyu patty, velvety asiago cheese and finished of with sautéed shitake mushrooms. 

Truffle Burger

“Our burgers are exceptionally savory and unparalleled in marbling, richness and taste our customers won’t be disappointed,” Chef Josh enthused.

Chef Boutwood’sWagyu Burgers share stellar billing with Village Tavern’s classic American cuisine inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern.The restaurant is known for its signature dishes such as flatbreads, steaks, burgers, ribs, pizzas and crab cakes. Also worth another visit are the new additions to the menu like the Crispy Clams Dipped with Spicy Lemon Dip, Homemade Jalapeno Poppers, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings and Shrimp Balls with Cilantro Lime, Roasted Bone Marrow. Luscious desserts – think of Black Velvet Cake, Warm Butter Cake and Red Velvet Cake – enjoy a huge following as well. 

Check out villagetavernph(Facebook) and  @villagetavernph(Instagram and Twitter). Village Tavern is located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Women: Act Those Dreams and Be Able to Inspire Others For the Better

SM Supermalls Honors 100 Women of Power and Substance This March

 It is Women's empowerment month and SM Supermalls is celebrating it with us. In lieu with this, they came up with a Project Headshot  Clinic,  and the Dream Project Philippines are launching a campaign and digital exhibit called Inspire.

Inspire brings together 100 of the country’s most inspiring women from all fields and industries, such as Jessica Cox, Irma Adlawan, Andi Manzano, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Kai Magsanoc, Margie Moran, Nene Chan, Angel Guerrero, Kara Alikpala, Wilma Galvante, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Ingrid Santamaria, Sarah Gaugler, and Merlee Jayme. (Photos can be found here)

The diversity of the women chosen shows that regardless of background, beliefs, and preferences, empowered women who dream and act on those dreams are able to inspire and change their communities for the better.

Inspire is showcasing stories of women empowering others. To get a chance to be one of the 100 women featured in Inspire, applicants must answer the question, “How are you using your power as a woman to inspire change and enable dreams of your own and of others?” Their answers should be posted in any of the  following  social  media  accounts,  Facebook,  Twitter  or  Instagram,  starting  with  the  hashtag
#SMProjectInspire.

Applicants must also register via Headshot Clinic's official website, www.headshotclinic.com, for their entries to be counted. Entries must be received by March 17, 2014.

Inspire is a joint effort of SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines. It is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ national celebration of Women’s Month. To know the full schedule of events for March, please visit www.facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Project Headshot Clinic is digital platform that merges profile photos with campaigns and advocacies. The Dream Project Philippines is a volunteer-based community initiative that helps build the nation by shaping the dreams of the Filipino youth.

For more information about Inspire, go to  www.headshotclinic.com,  www.smsupermalls.com or in the
SM Supermalls’ official Facebook page.

Veteran Journalist Writes About the Controversial BIR Ad

For the past few days, there has been a lot of buzz concerning an ad from the BIR which appeared in the newspapers. The ad shows a "Doctor" riding on top of the shoulders of  a teacher with notes showing that the teacher is actually paying bigger taxes despite earning less. 

But should the doctors be offended by the ad? Here is a very informative article written by Solita Monsod in her Phil. Daily Inquirer column.

Get Real
Why take offense?By Solita Collas-Monsod
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:28 am | Saturday, March 8th, 2014

It is not as if this is the first time we are told that a great number of professionals (e.g., lawyers, accountants, doctors), and the rest of their self-employed, “own-account” brethren, don’t seem to be paying their fair share of taxes. One certainly remembers that P-Noy made a point of it in his State of the Nation Address. It’s been written about at any time these past 20 years, including by yours truly, who also brought it out in any number of speeches in front of professional organizations.

So why has such offense been taken? What’s with the onion-skinned reaction on the part of the Philippine Medical Association? Are the accountants and the lawyers (the lawyers have not as yet been featured, and if the ad campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Department of Finance does not include them soon, there will be hell to pay) going to say that they, too, are being unfairly treated?

Only consider: Of the 1.7 million professionals registered with the Professional Regulation Commission, less than a quarter—about 400,000—are registered taxpayers. That leaves 1.3 million who are not paying taxes.  Surely it is not a leap of logic to conclude that these will include doctors, lawyers, and accountants, among others?

Then there are the studies of the DOF showing that (and I brought this out 12 years ago, courtesy of Nene Guevara) that for every P10 collected from a fixed-income earner, P1 is collected from a professional. That’s how bad it is. Surely doctors, lawyers, and accountants are also involved here.

In other words, there is enough empirical evidence to justify the ad campaign. There is nothing in the ad campaign that says, or even implies, that all doctors are tax cheats. The ad shows one doctor whose income is more than P1 million paying P7.4 thousand in income taxes, riding on the back of a teacher whose income is P852 thousand paying P221 thousand in income taxes. Then there is a message: “When you don’t pay your taxes, you’re a burden to those who do.” That is all.

From there, the PMA has proclaimed that the thrust of the ad is that the entire medical profession is a burden to the Filipino people. Excuse me? What I understood from the ad was that if a doctor earning P1 million pays only P7,000 in taxes, the doctor has to be a tax cheat. That doesn’t mean all doctors are tax cheats. But it does mean that other doctors who pay similar amounts on their income are tax cheats. That is incontrovertible. Why should anyone take offense at that conclusion?

The same thing can be said of the accountants (it was amusing that the PMA’s Dr. Leo Olarte seemed to hold the accountants to blame for any misdeclaration the doctors made). In the ad, the accountant earning P540 thousand paid P2.5 thousand in taxes, while the chef who earned P513 thousand paid P101 thousand in taxes. Notice that the ratio of tax collections from fixed-income earners (the chef, the teacher) to those of professionals is more than P10 to P1—it’s more like P30 or P50 to P1.

So let’s not make any more out of the ad than what it says: for taxpayers to pay the proper taxes. That the message was eye-catching is a plus. Come April 15, let’s do what is right for the country. Kim Henares should be cheered, not jeered. She’s a hard worker, and she needs all the help she can get.

A look at where the Philippines stands with respect to tax efforts and tax collection compared to 110 developing and developed countries tells us what kind of problems we face (Le, Moreno-Dodson, Byraktar, Tax Capacity and Tax Effort: Extended Cross-Country Analysis from 1994 to 2009).

The tax revenue to GDP ratios of high-income countries in 2009 was 29.3 percent; of middle-income countries (the Philippines is one), 19.3 percent; and of low-income countries, 13.6 percent.

If we group the countries by regions, the tax revenues as percentage of GDP in 2009 for East Asia and the Pacific (EAP, which includes the Philippines) was 14.8 percent.
How does the Philippines compare with these averages (19.30 percent for middle income, 14.80 percent for EAP)? Our average for the period 1994-2009 was 14.34 percent, or below both averages. Worse, in 2013, per Sonny Coloma, this ratio was only 13.6 percent. Nota bene: A 1-percent shortfall from the average is equivalent to roughly P100 billion.

But the study goes further. It ranks countries according to “Tax Effort Index”—the ratio of actual tax collections to predicted tax collections (based on their model which includes the effects not only of income but also of demography, trade openness, agriculture value added and governance quality). The Philippines ranks 64th with a tax effort index of 0.91, which means it is not collecting what it should be collecting. Highest tax effort index is 1.66, lowest is 0.16.
It also classifies the Philippines as a low-collection, low-effort country. A country is regarded as low-collection if its tax collection is lower than 18.31 percent of GDP and regarded as low-effort if its tax effort index is less than 1.

The study, though, offers some consolation to Kim Henares, as well as those who feel she is picking on them: It has found that in recent years, countries with better institutional quality (such as bureaucracy and less corruption) can collect higher taxes. In other words, the quality of governance has to be improved for higher tax revenues.

So what do you think? Hit the comments section and speak your mind!

Melanie Griffith's Daughter Dakota Johnson Stars for "Need for Speed"

BEFORE “50 SHADES OF GREY,” SEE DAKOTA JOHNSON IN “NEED FOR SPEED”

Scott Waugh, the director of DreamWorks Pictures' new action-adventure “Need for Speed” was looking for someone special for the role of Anita, the girl the film's hero let get away. Waugh found her in Dakota Johnson, the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, and one of the hottest, new stars in Hollywood, having taken on the coveted role of Anastasia Steele in the upcoming “50 Shades of Grey.”

“Need for Speed” centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar mechanic who races muscle cars on the side in an unsanctioned street-racing circuit. He and Anita have a long history, but he lost her to the big city and arrogant, rich rival, Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper).

Waugh says, “Dakota is the siren we have in this movie. You can’t take your eyes off of her when she’s on screen. You just get totally sucked into her world and she’s incredible.”
Following her motion picture debut in “Crazy in Alabama,” Dakota Johnson went on to give critically acclaimed performances in “The Social Network” and “21 Jump Street,” among others. She will soon be seen in the coveted role of Anastasia Steele in “50 Shades of Grey.”

Johnson says that working with Aaron Paul and Dominic Cooper was a very fulfilling experience. “Aaron is so gifted and so accessible. Dominic is the same. It’s so nice to work with actors who accept what you’re giving them and they give it back to you. It’s so much fun to watch them work.”

“Need for Speed” marks an exciting return to the great car culture films of the 1960s and ’70s, when the authenticity of the world brought a new level of intensity to the action on-screen. Tapping into what makes the American myth of the open road so appealing, the story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey for our heroes — one that begins as a mission for revenge, but proves to be one of redemption.
Struggling to keep his family-owned garage afloat, Tobey reluctantly partners with the wealthy, ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster. But just as a major sale to car broker Julia Maddon (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey's shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, and sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his business out West.

Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge — but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of underground racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his car. With the help of his loyal crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic supercars, the underdog can still finish first.
Based on the car racing video game of the same name, “Need for Speed” captures the freedom and excitement of the game, while bringing to life the passion for the road that has made our love of cars so timeless.

Opening across the Philippines on March 12,“Need for Speed” is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

MEET & GREET “MR. PEABODY” THIS WEEKEND – MARCH 8 & 9

MEET & GREET “MR. PEABODY” THIS WEEKEND – MARCH 8 & 9

                Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world is in the country’s premiere malls this weekend (March 8 and 9) for a rollercoaster ride through history!

                Treat your family and friends this weekend and catch Mr. Peabody tomorrow (March 8, Saturday) at Robinson’s Manila (2:00pm); SM Manila (4:00pm); SM Manila (5:00pm) and at Lucky Chinatown (7:00pm).  Mr. Peabody will also be seen on Sunday, March 9 at SM Megamall (2:30pm) and at Robinson’s Metro East (6:30pm).

                In the movie, “Mr. Peabody & Sherman”, the father-son tandem use their time machine - the WABAC - to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes the WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history.  Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era:  figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history.

                “Mr. Peabody & Sherman” is now showing nationwide in more 120 screens nationwide –  A DreamWorks Animation presentation from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.

#SunsilkHairkada with Sarah Geronimo, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Julia Montes

Fun and adventure begins with the #SunsilkHairkada

Girls  were treated to a night of fun, pampering and adventure at a recent #SunsilkHairkada event. There were booths provided to style  your crowning glory and explore your creativity. You could style and put blings on headbands and flipflops of your choice. The good thing is you can bring home your own creation afterwards. As everyone is excited to witness the new endorsers of  #SunsilkHairkada.

 Fun, spirited and outgoing – these are the words that aptly describe young ladies of today. They love to bond with their close friends by embarking on new adventures and pursuing shared passions. They are keen on trying out new things and find ultimate fun in all-day adventures with nothing to hold them back.

Yet, there are times when outgoing girls are hesitant to join the fun, especially when their hair is not on their side. Sports, shopping and even taking a stroll outdoors can take its toll on hair at the end of the day.  Good thing there is a trusted haircare brand like Sunsilk for every barkada that allows them to be carefree and to enjoy all day bonding with smooth and fragrant hair.

These bonding moments are in sync with the lifestyle of three of today’s hottest young stars who, together, make up the most sensational barkada in town. The #SunsilkHairkada is comprised of pop princess Sarah Geronimo, the chic and sassy Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and primetime princess Julia Montes.

Despite their hectic schedules, each young lady never fails to find time to indulge in what pretty lasses their age love to do – to take a moment to be spontaneous, expect the unexpected, and have fun pursuing new adventures, without compromising their beautiful hair.

Sarah, Jasmine and Julia are just among the thousands of young girls who are rearing to follow their passions and go for an adventure. Fortunately, Sunsilk’s promise of smooth and fragrant hair all day never fails to bring out the fun and adventurous side of these three women. “Sunsilk’s Smooth and Manageable contains 5 natural oils that deeply nourish each strand leaving your hair smooth and fragrant from day to night. So now, hairkadas like Sarah, Jasmine and Julia can stay out under the sun, go to crowded places, even venture out to new locales without worrying about how their hair will look or smell every minute,” says Sunsilk Brand Manager Ann Esteves.

Sunsilk aims to inspire barkadas all over the country to take on every adventure that comes their way with great hair as their ally. Just like Sarah, Jasmine and Julia, there is no stopping hairkadas from pursuing their goals together, now that they have help from Sunsilk.  Girls can now leave their worries behind and enjoy life to the fullest.


Get to know our #SunsilkHairkada

Sarah’s shining star

The country’s pop princess is no stranger to adventures. Looking at the milestones of her illustrious career is like reading an adventure book itself – from her humble beginning as a contestant in a singing competition to a string of record-breaking concerts, sell-out albums and box office hits. Sarah’s never-ending adventure goes on even after the klieg lights are turned off. Behind the camera, Sarah loves to dine out and watch movies with her close friends. She even throws movie marathon sessions in her place from time to time. She also loves to travel and hike up a mountain or two whenever her hectic schedule permits. Whether giving a stellar performance or trekking a beaten path, Sarah is confident that her hair stays smooth and fragrant with Sunsilk. Sarah and Sunsilk do make good music together – always in harmony whether she’s on top of the concert stage or a scenic mountain.

Jasmine on the rise

Jasmine has definitely stepped out from the shadows of her celebrated big sister, as she is currently being groomed by her home network to be one of its primetime stars. She surely has what it takes to be a star in her own rights, given her talent and captivating screen presence. Her dedication to her craft is also reflected on her passion to pursue her interests with her friends. Jasmine never fails to see the hottest concerts in town, loves to take fun pictures with her friends, and takes good care of herself through Pilates. Always on the go, the energetic young actress keeps her hair on check with Sunsilk. She loves the way it leaves her hair smooth with long lasting fragrance. With Sunsilk as her constant hairkada, Jasmine can only agree that pictures may fade, but having smooth and fragrant hair all day never goes out of style.

Julia’s coming of age

Julia first graced local television screens as a child performer, playing bit roles in soap operas until she became one of the cast members of a children’s gag show, where she made a name for herself. Her legions of followers have seen her grow from a bubbly little girl to a sophisticated young lady, playing lead roles opposite some of the biggest stars in show business today. Her taste for what’s hot and what’s not might have changed over the years, but her gusto for good food never wavered. Julia is still adventurous when it comes to trying out epicurean delights. She is more than willing to try out a new restaurant, scout a food bazaar and even check out a night market for a delicious find.  Despite spending hours outdoors, Julia is confident that her hair is still smooth and fragrant, thanks to Sunsilk.

The #SunsilkHairkada bandwagon   

Sarah, Jasmine and Julia invite hairkadas all over the country to leave their hair worries behind and embark on a fun-filled adventure. The #SunsilkHairkada philosophy believes that every young girl should be able to live out their passions with the confidence that smooth and fragrant hair can bring. It’s the same philosophy that keeps the winning trio of Sarah, Jasmine and Julia on the go and ever ready to take on the challenges set before them.

It’s high time to get barkadas together and brace for an epic adventure. The #SunsilkHairkada celebrates the joys of being young, free, and more importantly, having hair that stays smooth and fragrant all day, which is every young girl’s greatest dream.

SMDC's GRACE Residences Luxurious Amenities in the City of Taguig.

One of the most exciting projects of SMDC is the Grace Residences in Taguig, touted as SMDCs property boasting with the biggest open space ratio and sprawling gardens.

Any weekday spent in the cityscapes of Makati, Ortigas or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is an adventure. Amid all the fast-paced movement, one can sense the collective pulse of human interaction and the steady bellowing of rushing vehicles. Going home the quickest way possible, whether to retire for the day or to freshen up for a night out, is a challenge because of rush-hour traffic.

Fortunately, there is a residential escape from this feverish pace that is easily accessible. SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) Grace Residences offers a sanctuary where slowing down is embraced. The sprawling project is designed with a generous open space for tranquility and luxurious amenities that fit the demands of the modern urban professional.

Staying home at Grace Residences is a wonderful option for the city-weary. Its garden concept involves different areas that will benefit every resident, whether single or with family. Lush greens complement subtle swirling patterns reflected on its towers’ facades.

Grace Residences is SMDC’s first mid-rise property development in Taguig. It is near main thoroughfares like C5, EDSA and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The thriving commercial and financial hub of Bonifacio Global City and the Central Business District of Makati are only minutes away. This proximity to business and commercial areas allows residents to make quick trips to modern facilities like shopping malls, boutique stores, sports halls, arts and culture hubs, and entertainment spots.

Grace Residences is one of the many projects under the SM brand, making it a major investment consideration. SM is acknowledged as a dominant figure in property development, mall operations, banking and finance, retail, hotels and conventions. As a property developer, the quality of SMDC’s projects is compared to that of 5-star hotel. And with a concept like a garden in the city, one can expect a gift of serenity waiting at home by the end of each frenzied day.

SM Development Corporation’s (SMDC) Grace Residences offers a sanctuary where slowing down is embraced. The sprawling project is designed with a generous open space for tranquility and luxurious amenities that fit the demands of the modern urban professional. It is near main thoroughfares like C5, EDSA and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The thriving commercial and financial hub of Bonifacio Global City and the Central Business District of Makati are only minutes away.