Fora Mall Tagaytay, a fresh and cool shopping experience for weekenders

When the nights become longer and the temperature starts to drop that’s when you feel that Christmas is truly just around the corner. Which means that its time to take those jackets and sweaters and put on a more layered look for your OOTD. But because its still pretty hot in Manila even though we are only a couple of weeks away from Christmas I never bothered to bring a shawl to layer into my denim jacket even though I was headed to Tagaytay.

So I was really in for quite a pleasant surprise when we got to Tagaytay and I could see a thin fog around the city. It’s the kind of weather that make you want to convince your special someone to go on a road trip for a romantic evening and escape the crowded urban city.

Or even if you are single and just want to have some quiet time, now may be the best time to take your backpack on a quick weekend getaway.  Just don’t forget to bring something that will keep you a bit warm and fashionable so that you’d look amazing in photos.

The good thing is that now you can do all that and even squeeze in a bit of shopping at the new Filinvest Fora Mall located at the landmark rotunda along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City.

Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC) officially opened Fora Mall last week and seeks to provide a FRESH and vibrant shopping experience for weekenders and urbanites who flock to the 5.2-hectare, master-planned townscape at the iconic Tagaytay Rotunda.

Fora is a game-changer, a destination and a testament to Filinvest’s track record in creating retail destinations. It was designed to be one of the main attractions in Tagaytay as a prime shopping and entertainment spot.

Fora Mall is part of the Fora Tagaytay mixed-use development by Filinvest, which will be composed of three main districts. Aside from the newly opened commercial block, there will be two eight-story condominiums. and two 10-storey condotels with a shared infinity pool, trade hall, and meeting rooms. to be operated by Filinvest Hotels lnc. through the Quest Hotel brand. The development will also feature a forest-themed garden around the amphitheater, making it an ideal location for special events like weddings and parties.

FDC president and chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap graces the opening of Fora Mall. alongside Tagaytay City local government officials, other FDC officers, and the welcoming people of Tagaytay.

                           Tagaytay Mayor Hon.Agnes Tolentino

As part of its opening festivities, Fora Mall features the exhibit of designer John Ablaza's Le Petit Couture Collection. The collection is composed of 13 special gowns measuring 18 inches the miniature version of the gown collections. The designer hopes to tour these gown collection to the world to showcase Philippine fashion.

FORA also partners with  S.I.L.Y.A. (Sa Iyo Lolo at Lola Yantok aming Alay) to provide the elderly with their own seats in the mall. The beautifully painted rocking chairs by multi awarded artist Pancho Piano is now on display at Fora Mall.

"A Lifemall is not just another fancy name for a chain of shopping center establishments from Filimest. A Lifemall is more than just a retail center. it is designed to be the center of life and activity wherever it is located. A Lifemall brings life to the city and it enhances the recreational lifestyles of the people who live and work nearby. A Lifemall will be seen as a place where people‘s needs and passions hnd an ideal balance,” defines says Joy Polloso, Filinvest senior vice president for commercial centers and retail management.

CHANGING TAGAYTAY

Fora Mall aims to change the landscape of retail in Tagaytay City with world-class shops and amenities fit for the city's growing number of discerning clientele.

One of Fora Mall’s anchor stores is Super Metro Hypernarket of the Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI),  the country's first ever 24-hour hypernarket that will provide shoppers in Tagaytay City a one-stop shopping experience as only a combined supermarket and department store can deliver. Super Metro Hypernarket also houses complementary outlets Metro Pharmacy. Suisse Cottage bakeshop. a bills payment center. and foreign exchange center.

It also has four digital cinemas. something which the residents of City of Tagaytay has been looking forward to. The state-oi-the-art cinemas occupy an area of over 2,000 sq. meters, with over 200 reclinable seats per cinema and an impressive Dolby Digital surround sound system. These ultramodern cinemas are guaranteed to provide an immersive entertainment experience for every viewer.

"With our cinemas, people now have an easier, more convenient option for entertainment - and it is digital " says Polloso.

Among 300 retail outlets to open this month are KTZ Hot Spot, Lady Christine's, Classic Savory and Uncle Cheffy's for dining. Levi's, Wrangler Broadway Gems, and La Sedia for retail,  Nail's Glow and Nuat Thai for wellness.

Retail therapy is primed to take on a new dimension with approximately 31,000 square meters of retail space, over 250 dining and retail establishments, and an extensive supermarket. Mall-goers can also catch the latest flicks at any of its four digital cinemas.

Fora’s chic restaurants shall offer a range of gastronomic delights, from fast food and casual dining options, to well-loved Tagaytay cuisine. All these guarantee a variety of activities and experiences to engage people of all ages, whether locals or out-of-towners.

Offering everything from basic essentials to pasalubong selections, The Fora Mall is a convenient, one-stop destination not only for weekends, but also for quick food trips and other weekday jaunts.

How to get to Fora Mall Tagaytay: Via Aguinaldo Highway (with less traffic in my experience)

1. Take Roxas Boulevard all the way to Baclaran
2. Get on the Coastal Road
3. Get on Aguinaldo Highway heading straight through Bacoor, Imus, and Dasmarinas
3. At the end of the Aguinaldo Highway will be the Tagaytay Rotunda


How to Get to Tagaytay via Bus

There is a terminal near the LRT Gil Puyat Station (also known as Buendia). Bus Fare is around php80.  Fora Mall is along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, just tell the driver to get you off Fora Mall.

Fora Mall is a Filinvest Lifemall, which also includes Festival Mall in Alabang. To discover more about Fora, call (02) 850-0888, (0917) 877-0888 or log on to www.filinvest.com.ph.

Recognize goodness and generosity with Starbucks "Hearts of the Season" cups

This holiday season, Starbucks, through its red cups, encourages everyone to express their affection and take simple gestures to make this Christmas an extra special one.

Say ‘thanks’ or ‘you’re great’ with a little encouragement from the red cup. This year, the Starbucks red holiday cups returns with a new look. The ‘Hearts of the Season’ red cups feature hands that form a heart. In the middle of the shape, customers can make it personal by writing the names of their loved ones or even fill it with scribbled messages.

Build the courage to show people just how special they are. Part of the challenge of the red cup is putting your ‘heart’ in your cup for other people to see. Celebrate the spirit of the season by recognizing the people who have shown generosity and kindness and enlivened these values all year-round.

Join in graciously welcoming the goodness in others. Starbucks encourages people to create a stream of positivity online, sharing stories of kindness and tagging people who have exhibited this action using the hashtag #GiveGood. With a simple gesture of acknowledging one individual, we can inspire others to follow suit and pass on the habit of doing good.

Take on the habit of giving by starting early and trying often. It takes practice to adopt the habit of giving, and the red cups are only one great way to start. Explore ways on how to give good this season. Lend your ear to a friend or a loved one. Surprise yourself with what you can do to show others the best reasons for the season.

Allow yourself to be moved this Christmas. There is something about the holidays that unspool the heartstrings and lends the courage to be loving to others. Embrace this time to support organizations that turn compassion into action. The names topping the Starbucks list this year are: Teach for the Philippines (TFP) and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Who else is in your list?

The Hearts of the Season Red Cups are available in Starbucks branches nationwide this season. Catch its festive new look and the ‘good and merry’ things it collects this Christmas.

“We encourage our customers to recognize those who fill their heart and embody goodness this holiday season by writing that person’s name in the heart of the cup. The holidays are about remembering what it means to give love and put goodness out into the world,” shared Keith ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Cole, Starbucks Philippines head of marketing.

The red cups continue the tradition of meaningful cups from Starbucks, after the “Give Good” color-in cup that celebrated the diverse ways people celebrate Christmas. Get a cup of your favorite handcrafted beverage today, and pick up the habit of ‘giving good’ from Starbucks.


The red cups make a comeback at Starbucks stores this December as we invite everyone to recognize goodness and generosity using the hashtag #GiveGood.

Why McJim leather goods make the perfect Christmas gifts for the men in your life

The signs are here: nippy mornings, Yuletide carols being aired, that tingly feeling of joyous anticipation . . . and yes, traffic snarls and gridlocks due to mall sales and bazaars. The latter is a stark reminder that the “season to be jolly” comes with the perennial search for the perfect gifts to give the men in your lives.

Stumped for choice? This year, forget fancy—think classic, enduring, and timeless.

 McJim Classic Leather wallets are made from authentic leather and crafted to last for years, something that the men in your life truly appreciate this Christmas.

Think McJim Classic Leather and choose from its vast array of high-quality accessories that are meant to last as long as your love and affection will.
You can never go wrong with leather! Especially not with McJim’s finely crafted leather accessories designed to suit your laidback lolo, your no-nonsense corporate dad, your sporty and stylish husband or boyfriend, your multi-tasking guy friends and officemates, and your picky, fashionable brother.

Check out the following options from McJim Classic Leather and get your toughest holiday shopping chore done—quick and easy:

Leather wallets. A McJim leather wallet is made to last for years. Style-conscious but practical husbands or boyfriends will appreciate those designed with slots for photos, credit cards, driver’s license, and assorted stuff. Your dad and lolo will say goodbye to their tattered old wallets when you gift them with sleek McJim billfolds that they can easily slip into their pockets.

Did you know that giving wallets as gift is considered “lucky”? Try your luck this Christmas with McJim’s stylish and functional leather wallets.

Belts. Gifting your special male friend with a leather belt affirms your special bond and intimate relationship. McJim offers a variety of authentic leather belts that feature unique-looking metal buckles and come in neutral colors—basic modernist black, basic dark brown, and reversible minimalist—that will suit his wardrobe.

To make gift-buying easier, McJim also offers all-leather belt and wallet gift sets that are wrapped and ready-to-give.

Leather bags. A stylish and functional bag, roomy enough to stash stuff for work, school, and special events is a must-have for any upwardly mobile young man. To help you choose the right bag, McJim offers sturdy leather bags that come in a range of styles, sizes, and functionality—shoulder bags, cross body bags, and gadget bags.

For almost 50 years now, McJim Classic Leather has been the leading and trusted brand for making classic leather goods and accessories of superior quality and design.

McJim products are available in leading online shopping sites and all major department stores nationwide. For more information, visit and like the official McJim Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

Celebrate 12 days of Christmas with attractive deals and free shipping with Shoppee

No Christmas season in the world is as fun and festive as that in the Philippines, and Shopee is here to make Paskong Pilipino even merrier. In addition to celebrating Filipino traditions centered around the themes of family and sharing, Shopee Philippines aims to make festive gifting more convenient and fuss-free.

   Ceremonial launch of Shopee Christmas Sale (From L-R) Andi Eigenmann,         Shopee Brand Ambassador;
   Terence Pang, Shopee COO; Agatha Soh, Shopee Regional Marketing Head

“Christmas is a special occasion in the Philippines, but it’s also one of the busiest and most hectic times of the year, especially in Metro Manila. At Shopee, we offer both savings and convenience for Filipinos when it comes to completing their festive shopping online, so that they can spend more time with their families and friends,” said Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee.

This Christmas, Filipinos can check off their Christmas shopping lists from the comfort of their homes with Shopee’s free delivery and cash on delivery options. To add to the festive cheer, from 11 November to 25 December, the Shopee Super Christmas Sale will be featuring huge discounts across popular gift categories including Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Mobile & Gadgets.

On December 11 and 12, shoppers can also look forward to non-stop exciting promotions, including P12 deals, discounts up to 90% off, giveaways, flash deals and many more. Participating brands include Cosmetique Asia, Unilever, Timeless Manila, Coca-Cola, Polaroid, Imarflex, Indoplas and Infinix.

There is no better way to get your Christmas shopping done than on Shopee.

To start your Christmas shopping, visit www.shopee.ph/christmas-sale. 
Shopee is available for free download on Google Play and App Store.

SM Cinema installs life-size Star Wars Starfighters in malls

Jedis and Siths, this is not a mind trick: SM Cinema is mounting life-size spaceships in their malls as a tribute to the upcoming and highly-anticipated sequel, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.”

As SM Cinema brings the 8th instalment of Star Wars from the big screen to real life, fans can experience the full-scale X-Wing and TIE Silencer installations first-hand at their favorite SM malls.

Be a part of the Resistance and get a chance to explore the X-Wing, the Rebel Alliance’s Starfighter designed for long missions and intense battles as it lands at SM Seaside City Cebu beginning December 1 until January 21, 2018.

Are you part of the empire or the resistance? Get ready to take sides as the Storm Troopers and Rebel Pilots visit the Mall of Asia activity center on Dec. 13, 5 p.m.


Experience what it’s like to be in Kylo Ren’s shoes and snap a photo at the replica of the TIE Silencer, the dark warrior’s famous angular fighter. Get drawn to the dark side as the exhibit makes its way to SM Mall of Asia from December 13 until January 8, 2018.

Get ready to snap selfies with Storm Troopers Rebel Pilots from the 501st Legion as they make a special appearance at the Mall of Asia activity center on December 13, 5 p.m.

Enhancing the Star Wars experience, the latest episode of the film will be digitally re-mastered in IMAX. Bring the far-away galaxy closer to you with IMAX’s vivid 3D colors and effects and hear the ‘vwoom’ of striking lightsabres with the theatre’s pitch-perfect sound.

Live in the Star Wars galaxy at select SM malls and catch Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the theatres that deliver the best reel-to-real experience, IMAX and SM Cinema. For more information, log on to www.smcinema.com or follow @SM_Cinema on Instagram, and /SMCinema on Facebook and use the hashtag #TheLastJediInIMAX. May the force be with you!

"Locally" catches the fancy of Asean delegates at Asean summit

How would you introduce yourself to the world? The answer is short, but sweet: By keeping it cool, classy, and… juicy?

Locally catches the fancy of Asean delegates and the foreign press not only because of its creative packaging but more so because of its natural ingredients and refreshing sweet-sour flavors.


Yes, a cool, classy, and juicy introduction did actually happen when world leaders convened in Manila for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit. And tropical Philippines being the host country, one of the more heartwarming welcome gestures for the distinguished delegates was being served indigenous local fruit juices as refreshments.

Locally by NutriAsia, the first quirky Filipino juice line made with uniquely indigenous local fruits, enthusiastically gave summit participants—that included heads of state and journalists from different parts of the globe—a taste of the homegrown goodness of local fruits cultivated in Philippine soil: Tamarind My Bell (tamarind), Pomelong & Lasting Love (pomelo), Save the Best for Siniguelast (siniguelas), Calamansi’z the Day (calamansi), Guyabano-Body But You (guyabano), Mangosteenie Minie Mo (mangosteen), and You’ve Dalandan It Again (dalandan).

Gretchen King, group product manager-specialty F&B at NutriAsia, revealed that Locally Blended Juice Drinks—which come in cool eco-friendly bottles or recyclable cans with bright-colored and informative labels—caught the fancy of Asean delegates and the foreign press not only because of its creative packaging but more so because of its natural ingredients and refreshing sweet-sour flavors that are proudly Filipino.

“There was no more fitting venue to promote something that’s uniquely and ‘Locally’ Filipino than a gathering of friends and allies from different parts of the world,” King said. “We are not just marketing a brand; we are also putting Filipino culture and identity in the front row of the global stage and showcasing the fruits of Filipino hard work and innovation.”

Locally provides a thirst-quenching and healthy refreshment to members of the international media covering the Asean summit in Manila.



King likewise pointed out that participating in and covering various meetings during the week-long summit must have been tedious. “For this reason, we happily provided our friends from the association and the media with natural and healthy thirst-quenchers that best evoke Filipino hospitality.

“We wanted their brief stay in our sunny country to be sweet and flavorful, with more than a little help from a quirky juice drink that is truly Filipino in every drop—and we would like to believe that we were able to do that.” 

Locally elicited an overwhelmingly positive feedback from Asean summit participants and members of the international press, encouraging the brand to expand its target market and set its eyes on going global.

The week-long summit, which coincided with the regional bloc’s 50th founding anniversary, gathered top officials of Asean member-states, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, as well as delegates from its dialogue partners like the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, India, New Zealand, and Russia.

Local fruits squeezed to produce Locally Blended Juice Drinks are sourced from different parts of the country, namely: tamarind from Batangas, Pangasinan, and Bulacan; calamansi from Isabela, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija; dalandan from Laguna and Mindoro; guyabano from Cebu and Misamis Occidental; pomelo from Davao; and siniguelas from the Negros provinces.

Aside from its Blended Juice Drinks, Locally also offers the first Eco-Certified and purely organic coconut water in the Philippines, Merci Buco, which also comes in buco pandan and buco lychee variants.

Locally is the first quirky Filipino juice line that uses homegrown fruits that suit the unique and fun characters of Filipinos. Locally products are available in 7-Eleven stores, PureGold, Robinsons, Rustan’s, and WalterMart supermarkets nationwide.

For inquiries and more information, visit the official Locally Facebook and Instagram pages at www.facebook.com/LocallyPH and www.instagram.com/locally_ph or email locallyph@gmail.com.

THE PROMISE OF A BETTER YOU ACROSS ALL SKINCARE NEEDS

Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare Center (dS) goes beyond the promise of delivering beautiful skin! It now offers a total beauty and wellness package with its products and services at an affordable price. For 21 years, dS has been providing the highest standard of skincare treatments, quality products and excellent services.

Start With The Basic
The first step in prepping for make up application is taking care of your skin. With dS, they could come up with a skincare system uniquely tailored for you. To start with the basic, dS offers Facial Supreme, a 15-step signature facial treatment that cleanses, tones, firms and nourishes the face, resulting to a clear, healthier, radiant and younger-looking skin.

Clients with low pain tolerance do not have to worry because they also offer Painless Facial which uses desincrustation technique for a minimal discomfort, as it helps control oil production of the skin.

                                                                  Stalder Dermatologist Dr Faye Ang-Angco, MD

Diana co, MD
You could also relax with their Casmara Algae Peel-off Mask from Spain! These are formulated with seaweed extracts that provide a powerful hydrating effect, along with diverse active ingredients which are different on every mask. It has different kinds that meet the needs of every skin type:

REAFFIRMING MASK to absorb oil and other skin impurities leaving your skin detoxified and moisturized;

GREEN MASK for red or dry skin giving a soothing effect and making your skin revitalized;

VITAMIN VEGETABLE MASK, a Vitamin C-rich mask for any skin type and age to have fairer skin;

SENSITIVE MASK for sensitive and coupe rose skin;

NOVANEW MASK for dehydrated skin;

GREEN TEA MASK to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin;

RGNERIN MASK for delicate, post-exfoliation treatment and aged skin;

GOJI MASK for all ages and dehydrated skin

C40 Bi-PHASE SOYA MASK for any skin types, perfectly suitable for mature skin; and

GOLD MASK which has 24 karat gold dust

Better, Safer, Fairer

A study of Global Industry Analysts (2013) stated that skin lightening has been a trend in Asia Pacific. Thus, dS offer a shock treatment in which after just one session, you could already see a visible result which is called the Casmara Nacar Whitening Facial. It is a clarifying and lightening facial treatment for any skin type and age and it is suitable for illuminating and unifying skin color.

They also have Diamond Peel, a microdermabrasion or a non-invasive exfoliating procedure that refreshes and renews the skin for a new vibrant glow. Furthermore, if you want to improve the texture of the skin revealing a regenerated skin that is smoother, lighter, softer and less-wrinkled, you may avail the Ultimate Power Peel which is a combination of diamond peel and glycolic acid (natural skin exfoliant).

Certainly, you would not want to neglect your body skin. Thus, Diana Stalder also offers Intense Body Bleaching for a convenient, non-evasive to achieve a body that is fairer and younger looking; Milk and Coffee Scrub body treatment for a smooth, glowing and tightened skin, as well as cellulite improvement; and Skin Yoga, a combination of body scrub and bleaching, for an even-colored, glowing and healthy-looking skin. There are also procedures that are strictly done by doctors, like the Absolute Power Peel which uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to achieve medium depth peel; and Glycolic Peel which uses glycolic acid to help improve fine wrinkles, areas of dryness,and uneven pigmentation.


No to Zit and Dirt

Say NO to zit and dirt with Diana Stalder’s anti-acne services. They have the Acne Cure Facial, for normal, moderate and severe, that gently clears your face of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples thus providing you an acne-free and a healthier skin.

You could also avail Pimple Injection to immediately reduce the inflammation of large acne lesions. If you have back acne, you don’t have to worry because they also offer Back Acne Cleansing.

For a premium offer, they have the Casmara Shinestop Facial Treatment (with REAFFIRMING MASK to absorb oil and other skin impurities leaving your skin detoxified and moisturized) is an specific dermopurifying treatment that eliminates excessive oil production. It also optimizes the moisture of the skin thus leaving your skin in a matte finish.

Medical procedures (done by doctors) are also available with specialized Pimple Treatment, Acne Surgery, Acne Peel and Skinvigoration, one of the best-selling medical procedures which involves the use of an Auto Microneedle Therapy System that stimulates collagen formation, reduces the appearance of scarring, restores elasticity and reduces pigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Be Forever Young
Reminisce no more with your youthful days as you can always live with a younger-looking skin! Diana Stalder offers various anti-aging treatments for pre-aging to aged skin.

Dermalift Treatment is the best seller anti-aging treatment which is a revolutionary, non-surgical technique that utilizes micro-current to stimulate the production of the skin’s natural collagen and elastin. The skin will be lifted and toned along the jawline and cheekbones, expression lines will be smoother, large pores are reduced, and lines around the mouth are less evident.

Visible improvement on skin texture and brightness are noticeable on single treatment.

They also have the Casmara premium line of anti-aging treatments like the Casmara Anti-Oxidant Facial with strong antioxidant effect from Goji extract; the Casmara Botox Alternative Facial which is a regenerating treatment; the Casmara Lift And Firm Facial for dry, tired skin and generally for skin in need of repair, requiring an energy boost; the Casmara Skin Sensations (with Gold Mask) that provides all skin essentials for the proper functioning of the skin such as water, minerals, vitamins and many other; and lastly, the Casmara Stem Cell Facial which is a very powerful treatment that contains the newest active ingredients following the latest scientific technology regarding skin rejuvenation.

Furthermore, you can also ask for Doctor’s procedure which includes:
Botox which involves injection of prescription medicine into the facial muscles to treat facial lines or wrinkles;

Syringoma Removal to selectively destroy and thermally injure syringomas on the surface of the skin;

Micro Botox that injects diluted prescription medicine into your face to reduce oil production, pores tightening and skin tightening for a radiant and glowing face;

Dermal Fillers which involves injection of Hyaluronic Acid to immediately improves wrinkles, folds and other skin depressions. It also helps plumping up or restoring volume of target areas such as lips and eyebags


Body Beauty
Don’t neglect your body shape as Diana Stalder provides body services such as Meso Sculpt body contouring treatment that eliminates and stop the development of new fatty cells; Lipo Sculpt non-invasive ultrasound procedure that is used to eliminate your body fat while redefining your figure. It can target your abdomen, arms and thighs; Slim Line which is an electronic muscle stimulation machine that helps your body slim down, tones and firms muscle and reduces cellulites; Laser Hair Removal that penetrates the hair roots to disable the growth of unwanted hair; and, Aqua Detox which is an effective alternative medicine treatment to re-balance, re-energize and detoxify the body.

It Goes With A Regimen

For a more effective skincare routine, Diana Stalder has a variety of product kits, as follows:

WHITENING KIT, effectively designed to whiten and rejuvenate the skin, it contains a mild agent that cleanses and moisturizes the skin;

ANTI-ACNE KIT, specially designed for oily and acne-prone skin, it has a natural antibacterial agent that heals and dries up pimples fast;

ANTI-AGING KIT, specially formulated to reduce the signs of aging, it keeps the skin hydrated to maintain its suppleness and delay wrinkle formation;

MELASMA KIT, specially formulated to reduce dark spots and eliminate skin pigmentation and blemishes;

BODY BLEACHING KIT, effectively designed to lighten the skin tone of the body, it has a mild peeling effect, removes blemishes, rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin; and,

UNDERARM BLEACHING KIT, specially formulated to lighten the skin tone of the underarms, it has a mild peeling effect which effectively whitens the skin.
With Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare Center, clients are encouraged to be better everyday whatever circumstances they may have, as they live with “The Promise of a Better You” across all skincare needs.

Smart's RoamFree app lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.

If you've been following my blog for the past couple of years you probably know that one of the most trying times of my life was when I left my family to work in Abu Dhabi.

I remember the time I spent in Iran was one of the most difficult and depressing part of that journey. One time  I got lost inside a mall and because I dont have mobile data nor wifi to try and contact my roommates I felt scared. and if you've ever been to Iran or any Middle Eastern Country which isnt an open city, you 'd know what I mean.. Only a few people could speak or understand english it was a good thing that I found a kabayan who was able to help me find my way back to our hotel.

Getting lost in a foreign country without mobile data isnt only scary but dangerous especially if you are a woman, but thanks to the new app from Smart, called RoamFree, you can access the most popular apps for the country even without mobile data for FREE! that's right, now you can get  an UBER or book a hotel or AIRBNB room and even check reviews from TripAdvisor through the Roam Free app.


The app was launched last week at the Marco Polo Hotel with no less than Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach as its celebrity ambassador.

Smart recently launched RoamFree app together with Smart celebrity ambassador Ms. Universe  Pia Wurtzbach. Now, traveling abroad is easy peasy and more convenient with RoamFree,

Enjoy free access to 21 apps including Uber, Google Maps, and Booking in 26 destinations

Smart’s groundbreaking app that lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.

Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO

Designed as a one-stop portal, RoamFree gives you free instant access to up to 21 partner apps at your destination, even if you haven’t subscribed to a roaming data package.

With RoamFree, relevant travel information and services are right at your fingertips: you can easily check in your flights, reserve and confirm hotel accommodations, book rides, sign up for local tours, and check out top food spots, among many others, for a hassle-free getaway.

The app is now available for use in 26 destinations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and United Kingdom. It is also accessible for free in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.

One-stop travel portal without data charges

To use the portal, simply download the RoamFree app on Google Play Store if you are an Android user, or iTunes if you have an iOS device. Once abroad, just turn on your mobile data and open the RoamFree app to access your accounts on various partner sites and services – without worrying about data charges.

Through the app, you can sign in to your account and book rides on Uber, reserve your accommodations through AirBNB, Agoda, or Booking; and navigate your way around the city using Google Maps. You can also check in your flights ahead of time on PassnFly; get valuable local tips on Musement; pore over recommendations from fellow travelers on TripAdvisor and Triip; or get together with locals who share your passions via Meetup.com.

You can also book tours on Klook and Tiqets; order food or reserve a table in top restaurants via Foodpanda, OpenTable, and TheFork; and snag deals on Groupon, KeyFlow, and Viator. You also have practical travel apps at your fingertips, such as Google Translate, XE Currency Converter, and ATM Finder.

Smart World for hassle-free getaways

“Staying online while traveling abroad makes for a hassle-free travel experience, but unfortunately, many travelers still choose to go offline out of fear of racking up enormous data roaming charges.  The RoamFree app addresses this by allowing you to freely connect to relevant content and services that make for a travel experience like never before,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO.

“Working with key players in the digital travel space, we are able to deliver sponsored data to cater to the growing number of overseas travelers, and reinforce our thrust to connect Filipinos wherever they are. In the same way that we are expanding and improving our nationwide network, we are continuously enhancing our global services to give our subscribers  the best mobile experience  - whether they are in the Philippines or abroad,” said Eric R. Alberto, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Track your online activities abroad

Among Smart World’s innovative solutions is the Data Roam Manager, a one-stop portal that lets you buy data roaming packs, and keep track of your data usage while on the go.  Accessible to all Smart Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers traveling in over 130 countries, the  Data Roaming Manager pops up when you open your mobile browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, after turning on your mobile data and data roaming.

The Data Roaming Manager lets you monitor your active subscription, so you never have to worry about going over your set data package and racking up unwanted charges. It gives you specific details, such as your running data volume consumption, as well as the start and expiration of your subscription, so you can take full control of your roaming experience.

Smart’s biggest data roaming pack

Smart World has also introduced GigaRoam, its biggest data roaming pack, providing 1GB data valid for 7 days for only Php999.

GigaRoam lets you enjoy all your online activities as you travel, whether its video streaming, downloading, surfing, or updating your social media accounts.

To give travelers utmost flexibility, the RoamFree App and the Data Roaming Manager also allow users to register to data roaming packs perfect for their needs – whether its GigaRoam, Surf Abroad or Chat Abroad.

Surf Abroad lets you enjoy 24-hour data roaming for a flat-rate of Php550 per day, while Chat Abroad, lets you stay connected to chat apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, WeChat, and Viber for only Php150 per day.


To know more about the Smart’s RoamFree app, Data Roaming Manager, and the data roaming packs perfect for your needs, visit smart.com.ph/world and follow Smart’s official account on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).