“Ultimate Crush” Liza Soberano shares her own wellness ritual

We all know that too much stress can have a damaging effect on our overall health and well-being. But because of work and our neverending chores and obligations, we often forget to allot some time for ourselves to relax and take a quick  break. Maybe an occasional appointment for a massage, watch a movie, read a new book, wear your favorite lipstick and or even just spend time shopping.  That way you can limit stress, enjoy a relaxed body and a sound mind.

As I got older I learned to set aside some time to pamper myself. Even if its a quick escape to the spa for a massage, or even if its just a trip to the salon for a manicure, pedicure, brow threading, (or if i have more time waxing and a foot spa)  is on my list every month.

The smell alone of those aromatherapy oils helps me quickly  relax and get rid of the stress and the negativity around. My favorite is the lavender oil because its soothing scent can calm me instantly.

Now if you are planning to give yourself a well deserved pampering service, there is one newly opened Wellness Center in QC you have to check out, as it  is owned by no less than the Philippine showbiz industry’s “ultimate crush” Liza Soberano.

Liza Soberano recently launched her first business venture  HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness last December 10 with selected bloggers and print media at her first branch in Tomas Morato. Her loveteam Enrique "Quen" Gil showed some support at HOPE's launch.

Liza explained that the decision to have a wellness center as her first business should not come as a surprise to many because she has always been a great believer in wellness that goes beyond beauty.

 Liza, whose real name is Hope Elizabeth Soberano, said that she believes wellness goes beyond beauty. “Wellness impacts more than meets the eye. It is all about making us feel better holistically, from head to toe, body to soul,” Liza said.

Liza shared her own wellness ritual by using a lot of essential and organic oils to pamper her hands and feet and also to boost her body and spirit. “I am a great believer that wellness is essential in making us the best version that we can be. HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness is the first manifestation of the HOPE Wellness brand. We want this to be the go-to place for everyone and anyone who wants to feel better. HOPE is open to people of all ages, genders and walks of life,” Liza adds.

Speaking like a true businesswoman, Liza quoted economist Paul Zane Pilner who said that the health and wellness industry is predicted to become the next trillion-dollar industry worldwide, underscored by the trend that spas and wellness centers have become a lifestyle for many people around the world.

“By putting up HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness, we do not only encourage people to have their own proper wellness ritual but we are also aggressively taking part in what is described as the business of the future,” Liza said.

Liza mentioned that as much as her time would allow it, she would want to be very hands-on in managing the operations of her wellness center. “I made sure that I am actively involved from conceptualization to the actual construction of this place down to the services that we offer,” Liza adds.

HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness exudes serenity and calm with its blush pink, light grey and white color palette, customized comfortable seats for the clients, with sophisticated lighting elements creating the perfect relaxation vibe.

Liza’s wellness center offers not just the basic mani-pedis but special packages such as:  

Boss Lady Package- Even the busiest boss lady needs to be pampered especially when she's on her feet a lot. Our Boss Lady Package starts with a warm Himalayan Salt foot soak to soothe you, followed by a reinvigorating mix of coffee exfoliating foot scrub and softening coconut. To tighten and remove impurities, a bentonite and white tea oil mask is liberally smoothed on before a 30-minute massage.  This dreamy package is capped with an expertly applied manicure + pedicure worthy of any boss lady. 

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice-  The perfect mixture of sassy, sweet, and pampering. A brightening and softening milk and lemon warm foot soak begins the indulgent process. Sugar, olive oil, honey, and baking soda scrub create a natural moisturizing, antibacterial exfoliant to reveal dreamy feet. A relaxing sandalwood mask is applied, before a calming 30-minute massage readies your tips for premium manicure + pedicure. 

Age is Just a Number- Release your inner youthful nymph! Stay young and fresh with an anti-aging warm foot soak using sambong leaves. Coconut cream, Himalayan Salt, and Peppermint softens, hydrates, and invigorates your feet to make them baby soft. A white tea oil calms your tips in preparation for a reviving 30-minute massage tailored to promote blood circulation and anti-aging. Lastly, a manicure + pedicure that will add a touch of youth will be artfully applied.

HOPE Signature Wellness Package- HOPE’s very own de-stressing treatment. Healing Epsom salt and relaxing lavender oil is infused in a warm water foot soak. Chamomile tea bags, Himalayan salt, and olive oil make a trio of a calming and softening foot scrub. More premium lavender oil is used to indulge stressed feet before the ultimate therapeutic 70-minute reflexology massage begins. A manicure and pedicure seals in the deal and gets you ready to face the day with newfound wellness and hope.

The Pro-Active Package- Say goodbye to weary hands and feet any working woman has to deal with, and say hello to smoother and younger-looking hands and feet with this special treatment. An Epsom salt warm water soak starts the healing process, followed by a foot scrub of exfoliating refined sugar, re-energizing peppermint leaves, and soothing bamboo oil. A foot paraffin wax will help keep feet softer, before being followed by deeply calming 70-minute reflexology massage. The same youthful invigorating process is repeated on your hands before a manicure + pedicure is applied.

The Chill Chic- For the woman of substance who is cool, calm, and collected. The treatment begins with a warm steamed towel to cleanse and open pores. A soothing bamboo oil and Himalayan scrub will calm the senses in preparation for a milk, calamansi, and green tea hand mask for brightening, detoxifying, and softening rejuvenation. A deeply calming massage then precedes a high-quality manicure + pedicure.

The Little Prince/Princess Package- You can never be too young to pamper and care for yourself! Young patrons have a choice of either: A. Warm foot soak with healing sambong leaves, a gentle hydrating exfoliation using sugar and olive oil, a mask with bentonite clay and lavender oil to cleanse and soothe, before lastly enjoying a specially-tailored kiddie massage. B. A warm steamed towel cleans and removes impurities in preparation for a natural and gentle sugar and olive oil scrub for softness and moisture. A lavender oil mask soothes before a calming kiddie-friendly massage.

Visit HOPE Hand and Foot Wellness at U4, Creekside Square, 74 Tomas Morato, Quezon City.  Like us on FB @hopewellnessofficial and Instagram @hopewellnessofficial.

Tis the season to be grateful with My Pope PH December issue

Are you feeling the yuletide rush? Still looking for that unique gift idea? My Pope Philippines’ December issue offers you a treat that’s enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, the good way.

As it’s the holiday season, My Pope gives away,  My Pope Kids and the limited edition, My Pope Christmas post cards all for FREE. Collect all 2 designs perfect as Christmas giveaways for your family, friends and love ones. Have a glimpse of the Vatican’s holiday decorations over the past few years, as well as yummy Christmas recipes from Lolo Kiko’s days as a cardinal.

This issue,  brings you Pope’s advice for a more meaningful holiday and 12 other gifts that you can offer your loved ones this Christmas. Take a look at My Pope’s tips for fun and stress-free gatherings from all the reunions you will probably have this holidays. And as the year ends, it give stories of hope and inspiration like the generous St. Nick who is the basis for today’s Santa Claus.

 For more exciting treat, My Pope Kids debut issue are specially made for children ages 8-12 years old. It’s a supplement that provides tips for parents on how to deal with children which were inspired by Pope Francis and some professional  psychologists vice versa.

At the same time, it consists of fun games, puzzles, illustrations, funny stories and letter making to Pope Francis that kids will surely love. Lastly, it includes articles that will teach children to be a better person and develop their goodness as they grow old. My Pope Philippines magazine, special Christmas Bundle Treat will be available last week of November 27 on all National book stores, 7 Eleven and partner newsstands nationwide for only P85 per copy.

For more information, you may text/ call: (+63) 917 711-1818 or email at subscription@mypope.com.ph. You may also check out their official social media pages- MY POPE PHILIPPINES.

Like MY POPE PHILIPPINES  on Facebook & follow  on Instagram and remember to always use the hashtag- #mypopeph. From My Pope Philippines, wish you a joyful and Merry Christmas! Enjoy reading and always remember to “give the gift of My Pope".

KING SUE’S HOLIDAY RECIPES BY NEW CHEF-CONSULTANT KATRINA CUA

Christmas  means family get-togethers, reunions with friends, festivities, and of course, tons of food!

King Sue’s new chef-consultant, Katrina “Kat” Cua of katshappyfood.com, has great Christmas recipes using the brand’s ham and assortment of meat products.

She brings her experiences to the fore through easy-to-prepare yet delicious dishes that are perfect for the Noche Buena feast.

A graduate of BS IHM Culinary Arts at Enderun Colleges, Chef Kat worked for some hotels in the country, as well as in France and in a New York bakeshop. She loves French cuisine and infusing it with Asian flavors.  She grew with King Sue and is very fond of its meat products.

Chef Kat believes that no Christmas table is ever complete without the traditional King Sue Chinese Bone-in Ham and other premium ham and meat products.

“There’s  King Sue’s Sweet Ham prepared with a touch of sweetness.  The smokey flavor of  Pina Ham, meanwhile, goes well with cheese and wine spread. There are other King Sue products that are great for the Christmas menu. I love their thick cut boneless bacon slices; you  cannot find anything like them anywhere. I also like other bacon cuts such as bits and  cubes which I add  to my stir-fried vegetables and stews,” she said. 

Chef Kat shares these holiday recipes using King Sue products so you can  entertain your loved ones in a festive, sumptuous style.  Happy Holidays from King Sue! May your Christmas get-togethers be the most delicious yet!

                        KING SUE CHORIZO BILBAO and Apple Turnover
Ingredients:
-        ¼ cup unsalted butter
-        ½  teaspoon orange zest
-        1 ½ tablespoons fresh orange juice
-        ½  kilo granny smith apples, peeled and chopped
-        ½  KING SUE CHORIZO BILBAO, chopped
-        3 tablespoons brown sugar plus extra to sprinkle on top
-        ½  tablespoon all-purpose flour
-        1/8  teaspoon ground cinnamon
-        1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-        Dash of salt
-        2 sheets store-bought frozen puff pastry, defrosted

Procedure:
1.     Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2.     Prepare the egg wash (1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp, milk, pinch of salt) . Mix all the ingredients and set aside.
3.     In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté chopped apples. Add the orange juice and cook the             apples until soft. Add the KING SUE CHORIZO BILBAO, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Turn off the heat and add the orange zest. Cool and set aside.
4.     Cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 equal square portions and keep chilled until ready to fill.
5.      Place 1/3 cup of the apple mixture on half of the square. Fold the pastry diagonally over the apple and KING SUE CHORIZO BILBAO mixture to form a triangle. Seal by pressing the edges with a fork. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake for 20 minutes until brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serves: 8

                    HONEY CITRUS KING SUE BONE-IN HAM 
-        For 2kg KING SUE CHINESE HAM BONE-IN (RAW)

Cooking Liquid:
Ingredients:
-        1 cup sugar
-        1 ½  crushed pineapple
-        2 ½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice
-        2 cups 7up
-        ½ cup rum
-        3 tablespoon bay leaves
-        2 tablespoon crushed garlic
-        1 tablespoon whole black pepper
-        1 tablespoon lemon zest
-        1 tablespoon orange zest
-        1 tablespoon lime zest
-        1 ½ cup honey
-        ½ cup orange marmalade
-        Juice of 2 lemons
-        Juice of 1 lime

Preparation:
1.     Remove ham from packaging.
2.     Carefully scrape the starch covering the ham. Wash completely.
3.     Place ham in a pan. Cover with enough water and set aside for 4 hours. Every hour, change the
       water of the ham. This is done to remove the excess salt. Note: Do not soak overnight.

Cooking instructions:
1. Place the ham in a pan with approximately 3 liters of water or enough to cover the ham,
with skin facing down.
2. Slowly bring to a boil, skimming away any foam that forms on top. Gently simmer for 30
minutes. Drain and discard the water.
3. Mix all the ingredients of the cooking liquid in to the pan. Add 6 cups of water, then place
the ham with the skin facing up as not to stick on the pan.
4. Bring to a boil and once it reaches the boiling point, reduce the heat. Simmer until fully 
cooked.
5. One indication that the ham is cooked is when you can easily pull the fork back out. Another
indication is when the meat starts to separate from the bone as well as the skin with meat. Be careful not to overcook as it will fall apart.
6.     Remove the ham from heat. Marinate in the cooking liquid for a minimum of 12 hours.
7.     For better presentation, remove the skin and place brown sugar on top and torch the ham 
       until it caramelizes.

                                       King Sue Bacon and Onion Tart
Ingredients:
-        4 tablespoons butter
-        2 tablespoons oil
-        2 medium sliced onions, caramelized
-        2 cups KING SUE BACON SLICES, cut into lardons
-        1 tablespoon mustard
-        1 tablespoon dried thyme
-        2 sheets store-bought Puff Pastry (12x 12 inch)
-        Pepper

Egg wash:
-        1 egg yolk
-        1 tablespoon milk
-        Salt

Instructions:
1.     Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2.     Prepare the onions, and bacon. Set aside.
3.    Prepare the egg wash (1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp, milk, salt) . Mix all the ingredients and set aside.
4.     Make ridges all around the edge of the puff pastry. Spread the mustard on the puff pastry. 
       Add the KING SUE BACON SLICES and caramelized onions on top of the puff pastry, not
       exceeding the ridges. Sprinkle with dried thyme and freshly cracked pepper. Brush edges
       with egg wash.
5.     Bake until pastry is golden brown about 25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
       Cut into squares and serve immediately.

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!