Christmas at Jollibee makes holiday family traditions more festive

Dine at Jollibee and feel the spirit of Christmas as cute kiddie carolers welcome you with a warm smile. 

More than just a place for langhap-sarap food, Jollibee has become a haven of happiness for cherished family moments, especially during Christmas, the jolliest time of the year. This Yuletide season, the country’s leading fast-food chain is adding brightness and cheer to its nationwide network of stores with holiday decorations that make dining an even more festive experience.

Decals featuring well-loved Christmas parols and a group of cute kiddie carolers embellish the glass panels of Jollibee stores,welcoming customers as they enter and depicting the holiday traditions that many Filipinos are fond of. These also add to the heartwarming mood set by the colorful murals that showcase Pinoys’ strong family ties, as well as the fun store accents and décor that win over kids and kids at heart. Donation boxes for the 20th Maaga ang Pasko, the longest-running toy and book drive in the Philippines, also touched the hearts of consumers, encouraging them to share their blessings with those in need.

Filipino families celebrate one sweet Christmas with their favorite Jollibee treats—available in festive and colorful holiday packaging.

To get everyone into the holiday mood, Jollibee introduced special holiday treats that celebrate the flavors of the season. Celebrations with the family became even more complete with the Christmas Bucket Treats, featuring everyone’s favorite Chicken joy and Jolly Spaghetti bundled with yummy treats such as Buttered Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Peach Mango Pies and Jollibee Mix-ins with Hershey’s Kisses.

Adding a sweet note to the festivities are the Jollibee Christmas Creamy Shakes. Available in Mocha Cookie and Choco Cookie variants, these indulgent flavors mixed with vanilla soft-serve ooze with creamy and delicious sweetness.

What’s more, these tasty Christmas specials come in festive packaging that surely made diners feel the joy of the holidays. Completing the Christmas feel in the stores is the Christmas packaging for other favorites such as the Jolly Crispy Fries and Sundae Mix-ins, as well as the table napkins and drinking cups.

Mom of four Annie Ignacio shared that she found the kiddie carolers really cute and that they reminded her of her own kids. “When I first saw them, I instantly thought, ‘I wish my own children were featured as well,” she said. “Whenever our family visits our favorite stores, the Jollibee Libis and E. Rodriguez branches, we would always imagine that the carolers are singing to us.”

Marketing executive Jun Resterio shared that his daughter Charm was also enamored by the kiddie carolers. “As soon as we saw them, Charm instantly posed with the kids and asked her mom and me to take lots of photos. She said she wanted to sing with them,” he added.

For Jun, taking his girls—his wife Charmaine and daughter Charm—to Jollibee is something he always looks forward to, especially come Christmastime. “Before we go to church for Simbang Gabi, we would always have dinner first at Jollibee and enjoy our favorite Chickenjoy and the Christmas Creamy Shakes. We also see a lot of other families doing the same and it’s such a heartwarming sight to see,” he said. “There’s also something cheery about getting your favorites in festive packaging decked in Christmas colors—it instantly makes us feel the joy of the holiday season.” 

For event organizer Michelle Robles, the Jollibee Christmas decorations bring back fond childhood memories. “I remember how much my sister Rachel and I looked forward to the holidays, because it meant that our parents would bring us to the mall to look for new clothes and shoes we would wear for the big day itself,” she said. “After shopping, we would then head to Jollibee to have our fill of our favorite Chickenjoy and Spaghetti, talking about our plans for the holiday vacation.” 

Michelle added that she is keeping this Yuletide tradition alive, now that she has her own family. “My daughter Erin knows that if she behaves well and helps us shop for Christmas gifts, her dad and I would treat her to her favorite Chickenjoy and Choco Cookie Creamy Shake,” she shared. “Erin was also inspired by the Maaga ang Pasko boxes that she always sees at the stores, so she asked us to buy toys to donate as well.”

Nothing brings the family closer together than langhap-sarap meals shared in a warm, inviting Jollibee store that feels like home. Celebrate the joy of the season with your loved ones and visit any of Jollibee’s over 800 stores nationwide.

Experience XD 4D Cinema at SM Moa

It was my first time to watch in a theatre that thrilled me to no end as I twirled in my seat, watched an actual fog and felt a water sprinkled upon us. The new 4D experience with in-theatre effects include snow, wind, water and smell that could only experience at SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated (SMLEI) at  SM Cinema Mall of Asia’s Specialized Theatres – the XD 4D Cinema!

This is a new 4D experience with enormous in-theatre effects including Snow, Wind, Water, Smell, Fog and Strobe/Lightings. It also has Leg Tickler, Motion Seats, Seat Vibrators and Seat Impactors to add a breathtaking fourth dimension experience.

The XD 4D Cinema is equipped with strategically located 48 Pneumatic Controlled Seats that highlight the immersive nature of the theater while maintaining an exclusive ambiance to delight the audience.

The XD 4D Cinema Theatre soft opens last November 25, 2014 featuring The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1. The audience were brought to a sight-seeing trip to the smoking rubble of District 12 and navigated the underground to save Peeta.

Truly, this is a complete cinematic experience for all! SM XD 4D theaters is now open in SM Mall of Asia.

The XD 4D theater is just one of many exciting ventures that SM Lifestyle Entertainment (SMLEI), the educational, sports and recreational arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., will be offering to the public.

Ramen Sora: No Ramen No Life!

Ramen Sora opens at the Waterfront Avenue in Subic

My comfort food consists of hot steaming bowl of mami, congee and then ramen. When ramen becomes a rage in Manila last year. I checked out the first ramen house that was available together with a friend. I first ate out at Fukkouka Makati and the rest was history.  At first glance, ramen has a resemblance to mami but the difference lies in the soup and ingredients. It is mostly creamy based on the soup.  Ramen (ラーメン) is a noodle soup dish that was originally imported from China and has become one of the most popular dishes in Japan in decades.  Ramen restaurants, or ramen-ya, can be found in virtually every corner in Japan and produce countless regional variations of this common noodle dish. Ramen is the most affordable dish in China and or Hongkong, but here in Manila, you have to scowl php400 for a decent bowl. I have been to 5 Ramen restos in Manila and I should say, Im still exploring other ramen houses as well, as I am a fan of legit spicy ramen, the spicier the better.

From L-R; Chef Nori, Chef Yoshi, Chef Tommy and Gerry Apolinario

Last December 20, 2014 I was invited to check out the new ramen restaurant Ramen Sora at Waterfront Avenue in Subic. Gerry Apolinario of the famous Gerrys chain of restaurants decided to bring Ramen Sora here in the Phils from Las Vegas, USA. upon seeing that Ramen Sora holds a new promise in the food business, The men behind the Ramen Sora Nori, Yoshi and Tommy were excited for the first store in Subic  and claimed that they are on the process of putting up their second branch in Cebu.

Corn Butter Ramen

Shio deluxe Ramen

Menma Ramen

Miso Ramen

When I checked their menu, the ramen that intrigued me is the one with corn and  butter, so I ordered for that with the shoyu (soy)  soup as base as I am not a fan of the salt. The taste was fine with tomago and chasu. I feasted on their noodles. They were on their dry run that day, its okay to spice it up a little bit, if you prefer it with chilis. Noodles are freshly delicious, its not soft or hard, its the way I like it cooked. The interior has a homely feel to it as if youre eating in Japan with the legit ramen.

Born in Hokkaido Sapporo in 2003. Ramen Sora Subic is only the second branch overseas after Las Vegas, Nevada USA., which has a 5-star rating at travel website tripadvisory.,com

Considered Japan's culinary center, Sapporo is often the go-to district for those who want to indulge in the best of Japanese food like Ramen Sora.

Chef Yoshi Ishise, the man behind the restaurant's best tasting ramen, explains: "Ramen is one of Japan's staple dishes just like the rice to filipinos. We could not live without ramen. At Ramen Sora we put our heart and soul into preparing dishes because we want to make our customers happy. Isnt happiness life's ultimate goal?"

Chef Yoshi along with his team of Filipino chefs and partners from Prime Pacific Grill, Inc (PPGI) guarantee that they will transport Pinoys to Sapporo to enjoy the best ramen they will ever taste from Ramen Sora.

PPGI is also the operator of Filipino favorite Gerry's Grill, Kusina ng Gerry's, Aresi (Italian American restaurant) and Sweet Chili (Thai restaurant).

If you happen to drop by at Waterfront Subic, dont forget to check out Ramen Sora, Aresi and Gerrys as well. Then tell me what is your favorite ramen flavor.

Watch out for "Murder in the First" at WarnerTv every Thursday

If you are into mystery police drama series, then its time to switch that channel to WarnerTV every Thursday at 9:50 pm. "Mystery in the First" was co created by
 the Emmy Award-winning creator Steven Bochco  of esteemed series like Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law,  along with newcomer Eric Lodal.

"Murder in the First" is exclusively distributed by WarnerTV and was launched last December 15, at Red Panda Bistro, East Kapitolyo Pasig. I was not able to see the "mystery drama" presented before the eyes of the bloggers during that time. I was late for the launch,  traffic was bad coming from Makati going to Edsa. But anyway, seeing the review it was heavily favored as it offers pleasurably typical twists and natural, attention-grabbing characters.


MURDER IN THE FIRST, which takes an up-close and personal look at a single complex homicide investigation, marks its Philippine debut exclusively on WarnerTV on Thursdays at 9:50 p.m.

The entire season of the police drama follows the investigation by San Francisco homicide detectives Terry English (Taye Diggs) and Hildy Mulligan (Kathleen Robertson). The story takes two unrelated crimes that pit Silicon Valley Erich Blunt( Tom Felton, Harry Potter films) in the middle of the crime scene.

Murder in the First stars partner investigators in the San Francisco Police Department homicide unit who are assigned to take on the case. It also stars Mimi Kirkland (Safe Haven), Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time), Lombardo Boyar (The Bernie Mac Show), Ian Anthony Dale (Hawaii Five-0), Bess Rous (What Just Happened), Nicole Ari Parker (Revolution), Currie Graham (Raising the Bar), Richard Schiff (The West Wing), James Cromwell (Babe, L.A. Confidential) and Steven Weber (Dallas, Wings).

Set in San Francisco, the series follows homicide detectives Terry English (Diggs) and Hildy Mulligan (Robertson) as they investigate two murders. The mystery deepens, however, when they find both murders have a common denominator in Blunt (Felton).

Terry and Hildy's fellow detectives in their squad include SFPD homicide inspector David Molk (Sbarge), a thoughtful philosopher-cop and frequent class clown, and his tough-as-nails partner inspector Edgar Navarro (Boyar). The ambitious and no-nonsense Lt. Jim Koto (Dale) serves as the squad's supervisor.

Supporting Blunt in his endeavors are Bill Wilkerson (Weber), his long-time friend, driver and pilot; and Ivana West (Rous), the company's brilliant Chief Technology Officer. Blunt's legal team includes David Hertzberg (Schiff), his gruff lawyer and trusted confidant, and Warren Daniels (Cromwell), a legendary criminal attorney brought in to assist when suspicion turns to Blunt. Facing them in the courtroom will be the remarkably brilliant District Attorney Sonia Perez (Parker) and pit-bull Chief Prosecutor Mario Siletti (Graham).

Murder in the First also takes viewers into Terry and Hildy's home lives. Hildy is a single mom with an inquisitive daughter (Kirkland). Terry, meanwhile, is struggling to take care of his terminally ill wife, Emily (guest star Anne-Marie Johnson).

Murder in the First is executive-produced by Bochco (Justified, The Pacific) and Lodal and distributed internationally by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution. WarnerTV is available on SKY cable channel 77, Destiny Cable channel 80 and Cignal channel 66. Contact your cable operator to subscribe now.

The best of +J is back with UNIQLO

 UNIQLO Philippines carries an exclusive Holiday offer of luxury collaboration line +J.

After wrapping up three creative collaborations with Uniqlo, Jill Sander is back with her timeless and classic pieces from+J label this 2014. Due to popular demand, the selected affordable pieces from past seasons is now back at your selected favorite Uniqlo store.

The launch was held at SM Aura last December 17, and well attended by media. Ms. Liza Ilarde of Style Weekend won the raffle grand prize of php10,000. There was a photo booth stalled at the store wherein everyone enjoyed their black and white selfies.

When I rummaged for the +J Collection, I have come to like the black turtle neck, its a classic piece that will surely never goes out of style. You can partner the top with jeans, skirt or you can layer it over your shirt, the best thing is,  the classic piece is made affordable for everyone. I will be back before the year ends cause Im eyeing  the black buttoned top.

Ms. Sander used to work as creative director of Uniqlo's menswear and womens wear last 2009 and launched the +J label famously known for its minimal, clean aesthetic.

Loved for its timeless yet forward-looking style and affordable quality, over five seasons from Fall Winter 2009, +J grew to one of the most successful fashion collaborations of all time - elevating basic garments for functional, minimalist elegance to suit any lifestyle.

UNIQLO’s best of +J collection reissues selected garments from past seasons that capture the +J philosophy. The collection include items such as the classic man’s button-down shirt, an indispensable building block for any wardrobe. The collection’s wool items such as sweaters and coats that are rich in character, blending coziness with structure. Weightless and warm, +J's signature down jackets and parkas remain subtle testaments to the perfection of technical outerwear. Throughout the +J collection, precision tailoring, avant-garde textiles and modern silhouettes combine to create the personal uniform for the world of today.

This Special Holiday Offer the best of the collection, and is part of UNIQLO’s ongoing aim to answer customers’ needs and desires. +J Collection is available in UNIQLO SM Megamall, SM Aura and Glorietta 5 in special prices from December 17 – 31.

Perfect design. Simplicity. Priced for everyone.

Multi-lifestyle is more fun with Lenovo Vibe X2

Wearing many hats can be the opposite of complicated with a multilayered smartphone

An ogre from famous animated movie once said, each person is made up of layers (not like cake layers, but onion layers). In today’s world, most people play multiple roles or layers. Someone can be a entrepreneur-slash-blogger-slash-artist-slash-chef-slash-health buff. Some people are even thriving rather than stressing about their multifaceted lifestyle.

Recently, people can bring their multifaceted life to new levels with the world’s first multilayered smartphone, the Lenovo VIBE X2.


1. Reflect your changing moods. Show your true colors. Multi-role people like to stand out from crowd with what they wear, a trait shared by the VIBE X2. The first in the world to sport a trendsetting layered design, the Lenovo VIBE X2 turns heads with three colors. Lenovo applied three coats of paint for each tone, totaling nine coatings per phone. Expert hand craftsmanship further refined the layers -- gold, white, and red. Sleek and light, the VIBE X2 measures just 7.277 mm and weighs a mere 120g.

2. Multi-tasking down to the core. A dynamic lifestyle requires the Vibe X2’s multi-tasking prowess. Lenovo VIBE X2 is the first smartphone to utilize the latest MediaTek MT6585 True-Octa-Core processor. MediaTek applied its CorePilot technology to unlock the full power of all eight cores for real 4G LTE speed. The excellent performance-per-watt provides great multimedia, smooth gaming, fast 4G data transmission and long battery life.

The VIBE X2 runs on Android 4.4 Kitkat, for optimized memory and improved touchscreen responsiveness and accuracy. Plus, it boasts of the new VIBE UI 2.0 for instant access to camera, favorite apps, and more, right from the lock screen.

3. Energized for the extra mile. People who can go overnight having fun on their smartphone can get extra power without reaching for an energy drink. Lenovo’s innovative click on VIBE Xtensions add an extra layer, functionality and performance to the phone. The VIBE X2 Battery Xtension, ultra-thin at 5.1mm, does double duty by protecting the phone and extending the battery life by 75 percent. The clck-on case allow the layered beauty of the phone to shine through with its transparent edge.      

4. Listen with resounding success. The music fan or movie addict will have endless delights with the VIBE X2 incredible audio and video. The full HD touchscreen displays crisp vibrant colors on its 5-inch IPS LCD. Another VIBE Xtension: the VIBE X2 speaker, is JBL speaker that amplifies hi-fi music and movie audio. A stand allows hands-free usage and a built-in mic permits group conference calls.          

5. Chameleon personality with multiple exposure. Food photography, landscape photos and actions shots are easier than ever with the VIBE X2. It captures the great visuals of life with its advanced dual cameras stacked with multiple shooting modes, beautification and editing features. VIBE X2’s 13MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera comes with a back-illuminated sensor and LED flash to produce sharp, brilliant shots.

Uncomplicated and intuitive to use, the 5MP wide-angle front camera makes selfies effortless thanks to the auto-shutter that can be activated by the blink of an eye or a smile.

Thirty two GB of internal memory gives ample storage space to digital content. On top of that, the VIBE X2 comes bundled with Lenovo DOit Apps for sharing, securing and syncing data to the cloud.

For the latest Lenovo smartphones and tablets news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo Mobile on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/LenovoMobilePH) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/lenovomobileph).

Jollibee celebrates the 20th Maaga ang Pasko launch

Original Jolly Toy Scout Aga Muhlach makes his Christmas donation in the Maaga ang Pasko box during the launch in Jollibee Canlubang.

The kids and the kids at heart trooped down to their favorite Jollibee branches as Jollibee kicks off the earliest and longest christmas season. 

Jollibee celebrates the 20th year of Maaga ang Pasko launch as Jollibee branches featured celebrities,  Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre and The Voice Kids Top 4 finalists Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, Darlene Vibares and Darren Espanto and chorale groups for its early christmas carole.


At Jollibee Greenmeadows in Quezon City, The Voice Kids Top 4 finalists Lyca Gairanod, Juan Karlos Labajo, and Darlene Vibares performed their trademark songs and joined the Singles for Christ choir in singing the Maaga ang Pasko jingle. The young talents were also introduced as the newest endorsers of the Jollibee Kids Club, together with their fellow finalist Darren Espanto.

Jollibee joins Nadine as the Cheesy Bacon Mushroom Yum ambassador drops her donation at the Maaga ang Pasko box in Jollibee Mabalacat.



At Jollibee Mabalacat in Pampanga, young sensation Nadine Lustre brought her own family to take part in the gift-giving campaign. “Our family has been supporting Maaga ang Pasko even before I became a Jollibee endorser.  I feel blessed because as an official member of the Jollibee family, I can now do more and influence more people to share what they have and make kids happy this Christmas.” The actress also serenaded her fans with songs from her debut album, as well as joyful Christmas jingles with the Lumen Anima Chorale.

Jollibee then paid tribute to long-time ambassador and original Jolly Toy Scout Aga Muhlach at Jollibee Canlubang in a similar caroling activity. Together with members of the Jollibee marketing team, the seasoned actor gamely joined the Lumen Anima Chorale in a more upbeat rendition of the Maaga ang Pasko jingle.

“Maaga ang Pasko came from a very simple idea but a genuine desire to make kids happy on Christmas time. No matter what they may be going through in life, a kid’s face lights up whenever you give them a toy. I approached Jollibee because I know they can help me expand that into something even bigger and more impactful,” shared Aga. “I could not be any more grateful to Jollibee for bringing Maaga ang Pasko to where it is now, as the longest-running and biggest campaign of its kind in the country that has reached hundreds of thousands of children across the country.”

Through the decades, Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko has shown that it’s never too early to learn to share your blessings with others.


The celebrity guests each led the gift-giving ceremony by making their own toy and book donations together with members of the Jollibee Kids Club. Jollibee customers showed their support by lining up to drop their donations in the Maaga ang Pasko boxes.

“For the 20th year of Maaga ang Pasko, we’re targeting to bring the magic of toys and books to the most number of children in the history of the campaign. We are once again counting on the support of kind-hearted Filipino families from all over the globe to make this year the ‘pinaka-maaga, pinakamahaba at pinakamalaking Pasko’ for our Filipino kids,” said Jollibee Vice-President for Marketing Harvey Ong. 

The Voice Kids’ winner Lyca Gairanod, and finalists Darlene Vibares and Juan Karlos Labajo led the  Maaga ang Pasko donations at Jollibee Greenmeadows. 

Aside from dropping donations in Maaga ang Pasko boxes in Jollibee stores nationwide, anyone can also take part in the campaign by making online donations at www.jollibee.com.ph/MaagaAngPasko. Early Christmas shoppers can also buy and directly drop their donations in all Goodwill Bookstore and Toy Kingdom stores.

The charm of critically acclaimed film "This is where I Leave You"

This would be the film of the year, wherein I saw a little of myself. I love the way this was executed to the big screen. I laughed, cried and think a lot after watching this film, and would visit my parents this week to check on them.

Warner Bros. Pictures' endearing family dramedy “This is Where I Leave You” arrives exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Dec. 17 with a flurry of rave reviews from highly regarded American critics.

The  story revolves around the Altman's family when their father passed away, four grown siblings bonded together with their mother four grown siblings bruised and banged up by their respective lives are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide—driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.


Variety's resident film reviewer Scott Foundas writes, “`This Is Where I Leave You' is a sprawling ensemble dramedy that starts out like a full-tilt sitcom and gradually migrates to a place of genuine feeling. Repping a concerted effort by `Night at the Museum' and `Cheaper by the Dozen' helmer Shawn Levy to spread his wings beyond the gilded cage of family-friendly tentpoles, this alternately manic and mawkish adaptation of Jonathan Tropper’s 2009 novel aims for `Terms of Endearment' territory and ends up somewhere closer to a Semitic `August: Osage County.' But a tremendous ensemble cast gives the pic a significant boost, especially when they’re allowed to act rather than merely act out.

Continues Foundas, “[A]round the halfway mark, the movie quits trying quite so hard to make you love it and takes on a more nuanced, lifelike countenance. After setting up so many pat, obvious conflicts, Tropper’s screenplay then works through them in a somewhat less obvious fashion. The characters actually end up having to make some hard choices.”

Meanwhile, Betsy Sharkey of Los Angeles Times recommends that she “[C]an't think of a family I'd rather sit shiva with than the Altmans of `This Is Where I Leave You.' They bury their father with the right mix of tears and unearthed resentments, and they take the blows life hands them seriously enough but in stride. As if they are nothing special..This is exactly the charm of Jonathan Tropper's novel on which the comedy/drama is based.”

For his part, Newday's Rafer Guzman applauds, “Shawn Levy's new film, `This Is Where I Leave You,' checks off so many Hollywood boxes that you might suspect it of blatant pandering. Star-studded cast? Check. Based on best-selling novel? Check. Drama, romance, humor and pathos, all set against that instantly identifiable backdrop, the American suburb? Check, check and check.
“Despite or perhaps because of all that, `This Is Where I Leave You' works marvelously. Written by Jonathan Tropper from his novel about a dysfunctional Jewish family sitting shiva for its patriarch, [the film] is the year's first real crowd pleaser, a comedy-drama that presses all the right buttons but does so with intelligence and skill. It's not too heavy, not too light -- just right for a grown-up night at the movies.

Finally, Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter praises, “You laugh in spite of yourself in `This Is Where I Leave You,' a potty-mouthed comedy with enough exasperation, aggravations, long-standing grievances and get-me-outta-here moments of family stress to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever had to endure large clan gatherings that might have lasted a bit too long. The fact that many people will find something or someone to identify with here, even if they don’t have a mother with big new boobs prone to talking about sex most of the time the way Jane Fonda does here, should make Shawn’s Levy’s first R-rated comedy a much-needed hit for Warner Bros. Levy’s orchestration of the mayhem is silky smooth.”

The dramatic comedy “This is Where I Leave You” is directed by Shawn Levy, and based on the hilarious and poignant best-selling novel by Jonathan Tropper. It features a starring ensemble cast, including Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane Fonda.


To be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting Dec. 17, “This is Where I Leave You” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Energizer unveils the World's First Powered Playground

Energizer, the World's Longest Lasting AA and AAA batteries launched a modern day playground for the filipino kids last December 13, at the Trinoma Activity Center, the Powered Playground ran from 11am to 10 pm.

The event supported the Brand’s new Power Seal Technology campaign on Max Alkaline, which Protects Your Devices from Damaging Leaks. Guaranteed.

Parents and kids were given one hour to enjoy a wide array of battery operated toys with a purchase of Energizer batteries, chargers and flashlights. All the toys in the playground are powered by Energizer batteries. These dependable power cells deliver powerful and lasting performance.

“The holidays are always a special time for us at Energizer Philippines because we get to be a part of the fun and excitement of the season through our products,” says Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines Marketing Manager.

“This year, we get to provide even more holiday cheers to Filipino kids by setting up the world’s first Energizer- powered playground for everyone to enjoy.”

The activity was highlighted by a special donation to both the Manikako Foundation and The HOPE Foundation.
“It’s very important that we share the holiday spirit with kids,” Tecson says.

“By supporting the Manikako Foundation and The Hope Foundation, we are able to spread Positivenergy to the kids and make the Christmas season more memorable for them. ”

Manikako makes handcrafted dolls from donated scraps of cloth. The group started out as a fund-raising arm of the House of Comfort Art Network. or ArtHOC. a non-profit organization that advocates empowerment through art. ArtHOC has been conducting an workshops as a means of self~expression for children of unfortunate circumstances.

The HOPE Foundation, on the other hand, extends assistance to children who are not able to help themselves by providing food, clothing, medical treatment, and education.
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The Energizer Playground provided the perfect opportunity for kids and their families to experience long-lasting fun as they enjoyed the carefree time play provides. Kids of all ages had a grand time as they frolicked and enjoyed the many showcased toys that ranged from planes, trains, dolls and many others.

Children had a field day as they enjoyed the different areas of the high—tech playground.
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Musically inclined kids hung out at the Tone Town where they played with different musical toys. Children also had a chance to flex their minds as they explored the Learning Lane that showcased a wide array of educational toys.

Active kids, on the other hand, were able to indulge in the Action Zone where toys, robots and action figures abound. Finally, the Vroom Room – a pit stop for junior speed freaks – was also available where kids enjoyed different toys cars and other vehicles. The area is highlighted by the Energizer Playgrounds centerpiece — a 15-meter car race track and a high-powered helicopter exhibition.

Your favorite Lacoste poloshirt has a partner in L.12.12 timepieces collection

L.12.12 or Lacoste 12.12 timepieces collection in their 6 signature colors green, white, red, black and blue make up the design palette,  was launched last  Dec.12 at Isabela Room of Makati Shangri-la. The event was hosted by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Anthony Suntay. The L.12.12 watch collection is distributed by Artful Marketing, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Lucerne Group) and global licensee Movado Group, Inc.

The L.12.12 is the spirit of an icon, reinvented in a watch, its pure design, clean lines, unique pique texture and vibrant monochrome palette are the inspiration behind the watch to suit any lifestyle, mood or occasion.


A mini wii tennis tournament was also held and joined by media and bloggers. It was a fun festive afternoon as Lacoste  gave away watches to all attendees after the program. We picked a little gift box from the christmas tree with paper indicating the color and guess what I picked?  I got the Red L.12.12! it was an early christmas gift that would be remembered by. Red is my favorite wrist arm color of all time, the L.12.12 added up the prestige to my watch collection.  I am now thinking of buying 2 watches for my loved ones. You should too, its an ideal christmas gift to all Lacoste lovers out there as these will compliment their polo shirt collection.

As iconic and recognizable as the crocodile logo is the classic cotton petit pique poloshirt that tennis legend René Lacoste designed in 1927. Nicknamed the crocodile for his tenacity on the court, the athlete created a uniform that would allow for better sweat absorption and freedom of movement. He named it L.12.12 - L for Lacoste, 1 for its one-of-a-kind fabric, 2 for its short sleeves, and 12 for the number of the final version of the design he selected for production. Heralding the birth of contemporary sportswear, the L.12.12 has remained a beloved wardrobe staple for the elegantly athletic.

Lacoste’s sporting spirit is reignited in the Lacoste.12.12 watch collection, with its timely launch
“Much like the classic polo shirt it is named after, the Lacoste.12.12 watch embodies the brand’s rich history of designing crisp, elegant pieces, and we are really excited to be bringing its 2014 Holiday collection to Manila,” says Julian Addison, MGI President for Asia Pacific. “Filipinos seem to have a tasteful yet practical sense of aesthetics - values that are manifest in these timepieces.”

There is a timepiece for whatever the mood calls for. Take the classic preppy tack, go for masculine and powerful, understated and simple or relaxed and laidback. Whatever you choose, the result is timeless, simple, wearable elegance for work and play.

Simplicity, refinement and comfort are the hallmarks of Lacoste’s wearable icons. The light, airy piqué fabric that serves as the polo shirt’s unique signature is faithfully echoed on the watch by an attractive petit piqué mesh effect running around the case sides and along the soft-touch silicone strap. Ready to take a bite out of  3 o‘clock is the legendary green crocodile that adorns each dial. Indeed, wearing a Lacoste.12.12 watch is wearing a true classic on your sleeve.

Lacoste Watches are available at L Timestudio, Wristpod, select Chronos Boutiques, SM Department Stores, The Landmark and Robinson’s Department Stores.

Zalora partners with leading brands for the biggest 12.12 online shopping event

ZALORA is partnering with major e-commerce players and other leading brands across the Philippines for 12.12 Online Fever, an online shopping event poised to be the biggest cyber sale in the region on 12 December 2014.


With over 100 partners across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, 12.12 Online Fever is positioned as Southeast Asia’s answer to North America’s Cyber Monday and North Asia’s Singles Day – offering customers the most exciting deals in fashion, food, travel and more during the holiday shopping season.

Presented by Smart Communications, 12.12 Online Fever aims to empower and energize the Philippine market to embrace e-commerce and the great suite of services and products available during the event. As an established leader in mobile products innovation, Smart’s participation in 12.12 Online Fever provides an avenue for Filipinos to pursue their passions online and experience the best of what the Internet has to offer, specifically through online shopping.

Led by ZALORA, 12.12 Online Fever rallies like-minded partners to redefine Christmas shopping in the Philippines and accelerate e-commerce growth together with major e-commerce players from different industries. Top online retailers including Takatack, FoodPanda, and Widget City have also come on board to support 12.12 Online Fever by offering some of the most exciting deals of the Christmas season to consumers, and encouraging shoppers nationwide to go online and make a purchase. To enable a comprehensive view of all the shopping deals and discounts available on December 12, participating partners will host joint landing-pages on their respective websites to make sure shoppers don’t miss a
single deal.

12.12 Online Fever caters to a wide range of consumers through its extensive collection of deals and offerings. Style enthusiasts can expect high street fashion at great prices when they shop at ZALORA.

Those looking to find Christmas gifts for that hard-to-shop-for member of the family can look forward to exclusive deals from top e-marketplace Takatack and gadget retailer Widget City. Shoppers bitten by the travel bug can now plan for their 2015 trips as they take advantage of the special deals in flights and hotels with online service Travelbook and low cost airline Jetstar, offering discounted fares for 24 hours.

Digital service innovators like taxi booking app Easy Taxi and loyalty rewards program ZAP will be offering exclusive incentives for using their services on the special day. Paulo Campos, Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines, said, “The Philippines is one of the world’s
fastest-growing internet markets. With fellow digital pioneers like our industry and e-commerce partners empowering users through connectivity and an incredible range of digital services and offerings, the Philippines has rapidly evolved in to one of the most socially connected countries in the world. As a leader in the industry, ZALORA Philippines is committed to helping Filipino e-commerce reach new heights in 2015.”

“Smart is thrilled to partner with the country’s leading lifestyle portal, Zalora, in supporting the endeavor of bringing the full mobile Internet experience closer to the hands of more Filipinos. This is part of our mission to allowing our subscribers to ‘live more’ by democratizing access to mobile data through our innovative mobile Internet products and service offerings,” added Michele Curran, FVP for Data and International Services at Smart.

Asia-Pacific is set to become the next top e-commerce market slowly overtaking both America and Europe combined1, and the Philippines is poised to be one of the most promising markets across South- East Asia. With varied economies across a diverse region, payment infrastructures and misconceptions about online shopping continue to be a challenge. However, a recent UBS study shows that more consumers all over the region are starting to flock to e-commerce sites in significant numbers – showing that consumers are visiting online retailers 41 times2 for every single visit to traditional retailers. While online shopping in Southeast Asia only accounts for 0.2 percent of all retail sales today, a rises to 5
percent in sales would give online shopping a value of around US$21.8 billion2.