Now is the Best Time to Eat Lobster at Red Lobster PH

If youre a seafood lover and would want to sink your teeth to that one red juicy and sweet lobster and crustaceans (shrimps!!)  then its time to bring your loved ones this holiday season and indulge at the  Red Lobster Restaurant, named as the biggest seafood restaurant in the world. Red Lobster opens its 1st restaurant this side of Asia.

The 115-seater branch is located at Level 1 S Maison, MOA in Pasay City.

We dare you to test your boundaries, and try the Red Lobster’s signature and much-touted Ultimate Feast  loaded with Maine lobster tail, steamed wild-caught North American snow crab legs, signature hand-crafted garlic shrimp scampi served with wild rice, fries, veggies and butter.  Have this when you’re either undecided what to have, or if you want it all.

But before that you should try their Honey and Bleu Cheese Salad prepared with your favorite greens complemented by a rich bleu cheese dressing. Its the tastiest and healthiest salad. Its addicting that I had 2 servings of it.



Expect Red Lobster to offer a wide selection of fresh quality shellfish combinations and other #lobsterworthy dishes, from starters, salads, seafood feast combinations, pasta, pizza, desserts and unique beverages.

Rock Lobster!
At Red Lobster, everything is about celebrating the bounty from the sea. Get your appetites ready for their bestsellers. Experience a warm welcome with the complimentary serving (and refill) of freshly-baked Cheddar Bay Biscuits®, famous for their garlicky cheesy Have a ‘clawsome’ experience at RED LOBSTER

THE #1 SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN THE US IS NOW IN MANILA!
Lobster, Crab and Shrimp…are you on a seafood mood? Get up ‘claws’ and personal with the mecca for anything seafood- RED LOBSTER!goodness.

Next, get into the Seaside Nachos, that delivers the seaside-inspired crunch that’s inventive and a little loco. There are also refreshing salads like the Honey and Bleu Cheese Salad prepared with your favorite greens complemented by a rich bleu cheese dressing. Or you may opt for the Shrimp & Kani Pizza topped mozzarella, parmesan, shrimps, kani and a deep anchovy dressing. And speaking of cheese, there’s the Mac N Cheese which is cavatappi in cheese sauce, mozzarella and Colby cheese.

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Attack!!! Calling all lobster lovers .right now is the best time to eat lobsters at @redlobsterph @thebistrogroup . . . #redlobstersph @redlobsterph #lobsters #shrimps #fish #cheddarbaybiscuits #honeyandbleucheesesalad

A post shared by lou sv (@lemon_wowa) on Dec 18, 2018 at 12:02am PST

Indulge in the Bar Harbor Seafood that tells of a story about Bar Harbor, an idyllic seaside town where lobster bakes are a way of life. Enjoy bites of garlic butter sauce spaghetti tossed with mussels, scallops, squid and shrimps. Cod New Orleans, meanwhile, is your classic white fish that’s succulent and full of flavor combined with shrimp, cajun butter sauce, pico de gallo and mashed potatoes. Another great choice is Blackened Barramundi over roasted potatoes, snow peas and beurre blanc.

                                               Seaside Nachos

                                 Red Lobster Bar Harbor Seafood Plate

                                            Red Lobster Baramundi

                                     Red Lobster Cod New Orleans

                                            Truffle Mac and Cheese

                                           Shrimp and Kani Pizza

But it’s not Red Lobster without lobsters!
All these sea-to-table dishes can be enjoyed in Red Lobster’s come-as-you-are ambience that’s cozy and comfortable, perfect for guests to indulge in their daily catch.

The Seafood Story
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 as a single, family-owned restaurant in Lakeland, Florida. Today, it has over 745 restaurants in 11 countries and is making it the world’s largest seafood restaurant company and largest seafood purchaser in the world with the highest market share of all seafood specialist restaurants in America, at 47%.  Its vision is to be where the world goes for seafood, now and for generations. To achieve this, the company is seizing opportunities to continue to grow, including opening new restaurants like their first in the Philippines.

The dining experience at Red Lobster is further enhanced by the brand’s global commitment to only source the highest quality seafood in the world.  It is committed to the advocacy of obtaining seafood in a “traceable, sustainable, and responsible” method. All seafood are 100% traceable to a known and trusted source and from suppliers who follow the most responsible industry practices. Red Lobster is dedicated to protect and preserve the oceans and marine life for future generations.

Red Lobster is brought to the Philippines by The Bistro Group, one of the country’s leading restaurant operators responsible for changing the casual dining landscape in the country.

So dive into your favorite dishes and experience how to “sea food differently”!
To know more about Red Lobster and The Bistro Group, check out and follow @RedLobsterPh and @TheBistroGroup on Facebook and Instagram.

Star Magic, marks the annual charity event Star Magic Gives Back

Gift-giving started early once again for almost hundred of the brightest Star Magic artists as Star Magic, marked the annual charity event Star Magic Gives Back last December 1.

Proving that the Yuletide Season is always better when you share your blessings and your heart, Star Magic has chosen four institutions this year with whom the artists shared their time, talent, laughter and gifts with.

The chosen institutions composed of orphaned kids and abandoned elderlies were Good Samaritan Home for the Elderly in Marikina, Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines in Manila, Sta. Maria de Mattias in Marikina and the Bantay Bata Children’s Village in Bulacan.

The happiness in the eyes of the kids at the Bantay Bata Children’s Village were incomparable as they spent quality time with Piolo Pascual, Edward Barber, Maymay Entrata, Eric Nicolas, Enzo Pineda, Luke Alford, John Bermundo, Sharlene San Pedro, Heaven Peralejo, Ysabel Ortega, Vivoree Esclito, Yasmyne Suarez, Gerard Acao, Karl Gabriel, Luis Hontiveros, Mark Rivera and JM de Guzman.

A fun yet heartfelt program and gift-giving event marked the elderlies’ day in Good Samaritan Home for the Elderly as Maja Salvador, Gerald Anderson, Joseph Marco, RK Bagatsing, Jayson Gainza, Elmo Magalona, Jane Oineza, Sofia Andres, Maris Racal, Alexa Ilacad, Darren Espanto, AC Bonifacio, Axel Torres, Kyle Velino, Joj and Jaj Agpangan, Lala Vinzon, Sarah Carlos, Loren Burgos, Hiyasmin Neri, Belle Mariano, Ashley Colet, Melizza Jimenez, Nikki Gonzales, Amy Nobleza, Chantal Videla, Raine Salamante, Kira Balinger and Alora Sasam came to visit, as well as child stars, Bourne Luna, Omar Uddin and Robbie Wachtel.

Meanwhile, the kids in Sta. Maria de Mattias had unique entertainment and fun games together with Sue Ramirez, Nash Aguas, Jairus Aquino, Kim Cruz, Desiree del Valle, Boom Labrusca, Ryan Rems, Kitkat, Jenny Miller, Gillian Vicencio and child stars Xia Vigor, Lance Lucido, Myel de Leon, Hannah Vito, Uno Bibo, Andrez del Rosario and Erika Clemente.

Finally, the children at the Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines only had good memories to bring with them that day as they joined the activities prepared by Zanjoe Marudo, Harvey Bautista, Krystal Mejes, Krystal Brimner, Mitch Naco, Daniela Stranner, Inigo Pascual and Liza Soberano.

Apart from donations in kind, each institution also received 80 thousand cash donations each from Star Magic in order to aid in their other needs.

Star Magic Gives Back 2018 wouldn’t have been possible if not for the generosity of the following sponsors: Sunlife, Megan, LifeStrong, Head & Shoulders, P&G, Mediacom, Unilab, Enervon, Fudgee Bar, Nestogrow, Advance, Kopiko, Sterling, 555 tuna, Megasoft, Modess, Guitar, My Dentist, Blair Cosmetics, Sunnies, Lewis and Pearl, Pepsi, BNY, MEGA Sardines, Gluta-C, Goldilocks, MET, KJM Cosmetics, Hapee Toothpaste, Blackwater Men, Montalbo Spa, Moosegear, Top-O, My Daily Collagen, Freshlook/AirOptix, Potencee, Fern-C, The Generics Pharmacy, Calla, Hannah, Hearts and Bells, Champion, Kojic, Aquafina, Lemon Square, Palmolive, Unilab, Ritemed, Nivea, Cosmo Cee, Asian Stationery Corporation, Beautederm, Blade, Wrangler, Birch Tree, Miss Buttercream, Chowking, Turks, KFC, Jollibee, Shakey’s and Greenwich.

Starbucks is celebrating the season with "Starbucks for a Year" promo

What’s better than enjoying a perfect cup of Starbucks coffee? Getting it every day, for one year, on the house! This Christmas, Starbucks is celebrating the season by giving its customers the best reasons to stop by for a sip of their favorite beverages.

Aside from rewarding coffee lovers with the new Starbucks Philippines 2019 Planners or Starbucks Travel Organizers, Starbucks is also raffling off Starbucks for a Year to 21 lucky holders of the Starbucks Christmas Traditions Cards.

To join the Starbucks For A Year, Christmas Traditions Starbucks cards should be activated at Starbucks stores and registered to a new or existing My Starbucks Rewards® account.



Starbucks For A Year
Now on its second year, Starbucks gives winners a cupful of possibilities each day to discover an exciting coffee journey. Cool down with a Frappuccino in the summer, discover new and amazing espresso flavors, or warm up with a brewed coffee or hot chocolate beverages during rainy afternoons.

A free Starbucks daily allows them to share that amazing love for coffee with loved ones, colleagues and friends. Sharing not just delightful cups but also smiles and stories that strengthen relationships.

To join, Starbucks Christmas Traditions cardholders should activate their card with at least ₱500 at any Starbucks store in the Philippines and register the activated card to a new or existing My Starbucks Rewards account. They have until January 8, 2019 to register their card to qualify for the raffle promo. The raffle draw will be held on January 15, 2019 and winners will be announced through the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page.

Every Starbucks 2019 Planner or Travel Organizer comes with a special edition Christmas Traditions Starbucks Card that can be used to register for the Starbucks For A Year raffle promo.



So, what are you waiting for? Start redeeming your Starbucks Philippines 2019 Planners or Starbucks Travel Organizers for a chance to win Starbucks for a Year! Visit www.starbucks.ph for more details.

Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No.12408, series of 2018.

Innovative fishball maker from Bulacan named top winner of 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards

An entrepreneur’s innate ability to fish deep for innovative ideas to propel his fishball-making business to success earned him the top spot in the 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a program funded by the Citi Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc (MCPI).

2018 CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year Fishball Manufacturer Erwin Ramos (center) receives his award from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier (left) and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed. CMA recognizes outstanding microentrepreneurs across the Philippines



The CMA is a signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at generating economic opportunities for low-income people, including youth, around the globe. The awards program provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business, including access to networks, capital, tools and training; and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Erwin Ramos, who turns bidbid fish into fishballs and other processed products, was presented the CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year award in ceremonies held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Manila.

Ramos was joined by other awardees: Maria Elena Estadola, nito handicrafts business owner, Regional Awardee for Luzon; Rosario Amoroto, calamansi processing business owner, Regional Awardee for Visayas; Arnold Viado, balut producer, Regional Awardee for Mindanao; and Mary Grace Bayalas, midwife and owner of a birthing home, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year.

The Special Award for Agri Micro-business was given to two equally deserving winners this year: Estrella Balnao, a coffee farmer and producer; and Romeo Ponio, a corn and vegetable farmer. The Special Award for Community Leadership went to Jessette Oquendo, owner of a pasalubong (souvenir) center for Palawan crafts; while Marisa Ganding, a spa and wellness center owner, received the Special Award for Startup Micro-business.

During the launch of the 2018 CMA, BSP governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. pointed out that "It is only appropriate that we continue to showcase truly inspiring success stories of our microentrepreneurs. Since its creation in 2002, the CMA program has served as a vehicle to encourage other aspiring microentrepreneurs nationwide and to spread the message that through the value and nobility of hard work, anything is possible.” He added that “our partnership with MCPI and Citi Foundation is a significant contribution to the BSP's Continuity Plus-Plus Agenda - one aspect of which is ensuring that our financial system is inclusive and leaves no one behind."   

“We are honored to recognize and celebrate successful entrepreneurs whose perseverance, determination and conviction to pursue their dreams serves as an inspiration to others. These outstanding entrepreneurs have made a difference for their families and now serve as catalysts to encourage and motivate other entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.  Citi Philippines is dedicated to supporting financial inclusion initiatives that help Filipinos achieve financial independence and enable them to make a contribution to their communities,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

In 2011, Ramos, together with his wife Lanie, experimented with the use of bidbid fish—considered a nuisance in bangus fishponds—as base ingredient for fishballs. In time, they ventured into dried fish processing and fish chicharon (crispy skin)-making. An initial loan of PhP5,000 from UPLIFT Philippines, Inc. helped Ramos launch their own brand, Erwin and Lanie’s Fishball. His production facility in Paombong, Bulacan churns out freshly made fishballs and other products on a daily basis. No part of the bidbid fish goes to waste; even the innards are used as feeds in prawn farms. To this day, Ramos continues to make product innovations while relentlessly marketing his products to clients in person.

This year’s winners received close to PhP2 million in cash and non-cash prizes that include life and health insurance coverage for one year; laptops and IT training; and grassroots entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center, another Citi Foundation program in partnership with Bayan Academy. The winners will also be highlighted during celebratory town halls in their respective hometowns after the awarding ceremony.

The National Selection Committee (NSC) that chose this year’s winners is composed of Gov. Espenilla and Mr. Ahmed as co-chair; with members Mr. Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III, president and CEO, RFM Corporation; Ms. Teresita T. Sy-Coson, vice chairperson, SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, chairman and CEO, GMA Network, Inc.; Hon. Ramon M. Lopez, secretary, Department of Trade and Industry; Ms. Mary Ann M. Montemayor, Mindanao Private Sector representative, National MSME Development Council; Ms. Imelda M. Nicolas, president, Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran; Ms. Marixi Rufino-Prieto, former chair, the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Dr. Michael L. Tan, chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman; Mr. Orlando B. Vea, president, Voyager Innovations, Inc.; and Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president, Ayala Corporation.

CMA is now on its 16th year of recognizing outstanding microentrepreneurs across the Philippines. Through the years, this awards program has highlighted the efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to strengthen microfinance and enterprise development, and financial inclusion in the country. CMA has given recognition to over one hundred microentrepreneurs across the country, including youth microentrepreneurs and those with notable contributions in community leadership, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

King Sue has always been one of the stars of the Filipino Christmas

In the Philippines, there are well-loved Yuletide traditions that we’ve observed for years and are treasured by generations of families.  Having King Sue hams on the Noche Buena table  is one of them. Let’s look at some of these endearing practices that make Christmas in our country like no other.

Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo
It is believed that completing the nine-day novena masses will make Christmas wishes come true.

Caroling
Filipinos sure love to sing and during the Yule Season, this fondness for music is manifested through caroling.  Neighborhood kids sing with hand-crafted tambourines while adult carolers have ventured into more high-tech versions, with microphones, mobile speakers, and even lights as they render their well-practiced song and dance numbers.

Exchange gifts
This sharing of blessings often comes in the form of “Aguinaldo” (usually from godparents), small funny items (from office Monito-Monita), and of course, the much-awaited exchanging of gifts with the family on Christmas Eve.

Putting up of Christmas decorations
 As soon as November 1 is over, Filipinos immediately take down their Halloween decor and replace them with festive and colorful embellishments to signal the start of Yuletide. Think glittery buntings, the traditional parol made of  bamboo and Japanese paper or Capiz shells laden with Christmas lights and of course, the Christmas Tree. There is no better symbol of Christmas than the Belen, the centerpiece of one’s home decoration.  A representation of the Nativity Scene, it is present in almost all Filipino household.

Noche Buena
It literally translates to “Good Night” in Spanish but for Filipinos, Noche Buena is the ultimate feast on Christmas Eve. Here families get together at 12 midnight and share a lavish banquet prepared by the whole family.   The Yuletide table is filled with all kinds of dishes including King Sue’s Chinese Bone-in Ham and other premium meat products. Its Pear Shape, Pina Ham and Sweet Hams, bacon, sausages, cold cuts and chorizos, are also the most likely ingredients in some recipes including lasagana, paellas, pasta, tacos, sandwiches and salads. Indeed, King Sue has always been one of the stars of the Filipino Christmas. It’s a time time-honored tradition that never grows old.

Merry Christmas from King Sue!  May the Yule Season be a special and memorable one for you and your loved ones!

#healthierQC CAMPAIGN VS OBESITY AND DIABETES LAUNCHED

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista announced that Quezon City is building a #healthierQC in a commitment to fight non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death in the world today. 

This initiative is in collaboration with Partnership for Healthy Cities (PHC), a global network of cities led by Michael R. Bloomberg, a World Health Organization (WHO) Global Ambassador for NCDs and former Mayor of New York City.

#HEALTHIERQC. Representatives of Cities4life, including from the Quezon City Health Department, grace the stage during the launch of #healthierQC at the Far Eastern University in Diliman. #healthierQC is the Quezon City Government's youth-oriented health information campaign addressing obesity and the many illnesses that may come from it.



NCDs — including stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases—are on the rise and the leading cause of death in the Philippines. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban settings, cities are uniquely positioned to transform the fight against diseases and injuries by implementing policies to significantly reduce exposure to risk factors.

To reduce deaths, illness, and injuries related to NCDs, Quezon City launched #healthierQC, a campaign that aims to encourage healthier diets among children and youth. This means increasing the consumption of nutritious food and water, and avoiding consumption of junk food, processed food and sugary drinks.

“#healthierQC will form part of every activity of the City Health Department of Quezon City, especially under the nutrition division. On-the-ground events will include assemblies where we can showcase these videos, the Teen Walk To Health where most of the participants are the youth especially the high school students who consume a lot of sugary food and junk food,” ,” said Dr. Verdades Linga, Quezon City health officer.

Linga said that #healthierQC will not only target the youth, but parents and businesses as well, emphasizing the need for companies to address these thrusts in public health.

"We also want businesses to acknowledge the need for improving the health of consumers, especially the young people---the most vulnerable sector of society,” Linga said.

Quezon City will work alongside Bloomberg Philanthropies and implementing partner Vital Strategies to deploy proven solutions in saving lives and improving environments where people live, work, and play.

“The Partnership for Healthy Cities unites mayors who are committed to helping their citizens live healthier lives and to reduce NCDs and injuries,” said WHO Global Ambassador Bloomberg. “The actions these mayors take can prevent millions of needless deaths and protect the health of generations to come, while at the same time making their cities stronger and more prosperous.”

“In Quezon City, we are committed to building capacities so that our residents can have longer, healthier, and happier lives. We encourage the community—our parents, teachers, schools, and our youth—to get behind #healthierQC. We believe that, in the long run, being healthy is the best gift we could ever give to our loved ones. Nutritious diets are, ultimately, a better way of showing how much we care for our family and our children,” said Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.  

By implementing high-impact interventions, Quezon City will reduce the number of premature deaths caused by NCDs and their risk factors. As a part of Partnership for Healthy Cities, Quezon City has gained access to a global network of city leaders and public health experts working to prevent NCDs and injuries, along with a seed grant to jumpstart the effort.

Anilao Underwater Shootout 2018 announces winners

My brother (Richard) is a professional diver and whenever he's in the country for a vacation, he keeps nagging me to join his diving trips to Batangas.

But I always say no because I feel claustrophobic wearing that diving mask; fearing that it won't fit my face and that I might drown because of that--or the fact that I really don't know how to swim.

I can float a bit, but that about sums up my swimming skill.

Still, I've always wanted to see what was beneath those corals, to see if his stories about differently colored fishes and beautiful underwater creatures were true and most importantly discover why he's become so passionate about diving.

Last week, after attending the #anilaounderwatershootout and seeing all the winning photos, I sent my brother a message and made him promise that he'd bring me to his next diving trip in Batangas. Now, I have to enroll myself in underwater photography.

Last Dec 1, we were invited to witness the awarding of the 6th Anilao Underwater Shootout winners mounted by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort Mabini, Batangas.

DOT hosts the 6th edition of the Anilao Underwater Shootout from November 27 to December 1, 2018.

This event were joined by more than 220 divers and underwater photographers from all over Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America and to showcase Anilao’s immensely rich biodiversity and to promote the area as a world-class diving destination.

 The Awarding of Winners

Home to some of the rarest species underwater, the rich seas of Anilao were masterfully captured in photographs—Dubbed as the “World Cup of Photo Competitions” .

Here are the winners to the 6th Anilao Underwater Shootout, mounted by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in Mabini, Batangas.

Divers/photographers competed for the  Open Class, Macro/Supermacro, Open-Marine Behavior, Nudibranch, Fish Portrait, Compact Class, the Macro/Supermacro, Marine Behavior, Compact Nudibranch, Fish Portrait categories.

In the Open Class, Macro/Supermacro category, winners are: Yun Na Thing from Indonesia, 1st place, with a photo of a wide-eyed fish, its vibrant orange color stand stark against the blurry background; China’s Cai Heng, 2nd place; and UK and France’s Henley Spiers, 3rd place.

Open Class, Macro/Supermacro category, Yun Na Thing

Open Class, Macro/Supermacro category China’s Cai Heng

       

France’s Henley Spiers

                                       

In the Open-Marine Behavior, Dennis Corpuz from the Philippines took home the 1st prize for his photo of a shrimp struggling from the grip of the cephalopod’s tentacles; Brook Peterson from the US, 2nd; and Cai Heng from China, 3rd.

Open-Marine Behavior, Dennis Corpuz

Philippines’ Bebot Esteban bagged first prize in the Nudibranch category with her shot of a pastel-colored nudibranch. Taking the next two spots are Hong Kong’s Lai Kam Moon, 2nd place; and Malaysia’s Mohan Thanabalan, 3rd place.

In the Fish Portrait category, Peri Paleracio of the Philippines bagged first place for his photo of a vibrant red fish with glowing eyes lurking in the shadows; PJ Aristorenas from the Philippines and Marco Steiner from Austria won 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively.

Fish Portrait category, Peri Paleracio of the Philippines

Fish Portrait category, PJ Aristorenas

For the Compact Class, the Macro/Supermacro category winners were Ericson Yee from the Philippines, 1st place; Narumon Pimsirinath of Thailand, 2nd place; and Philippines’ Ex Liao in 3rd place

For Marine Behavior, Maria Nerissa Fajardo of the Philippines won 1st place for her photo of a translucent cephalopod against the pitch black waters; Jayson Apostol from the Philippines took home 2nd place, and Korea’s Gyoungmi Lee settled for 3rd place.

In the Compact-Nudibranch category, 1st place went to the Philippines’ Marc Stephen De Leon for his beautiful close-up shot of a glowing nudibranch “dancing” in the darkness; China’s Haojie Lin, 2nd place, and Ronald Dalawampo, 3rd place, complete the winners’ circle.

In the Fish Portrait category, the fish opens its eyes and mouth wide open in the photograph snapped by Philippines’ Regie Casia, 1st place. The two other winners were Sudong Lim from the US in 2nd place, and Indonesia’s Ajiex Dharma in 3rd place.

Special prizes were won by Ria Crucero of the Philippines in the Special Beginners category; and China’s Cai Songda in the Blackwater/Bonfire category.

China’s Cai Songda in the Blackwater/Bonfire category

FSH3 Marco Steiner

The Philippines took both titles for the DOT-PAL Photographers of the Year with Dennis Corpuz for his Open-Marine Behavior entry, and Regie Casia for his Compact-Fish Portrait photo.

The international event has been organized by the DOT since 2013, in line with the identification of diving as a priority tourism product in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

This year’s panel of judges had some of the most respected names in underwater photography, namely, widely published French naturalist photographer and marine biologist Laurent Ballesta; award-winning Belgian underwater and wildlife photographer Ellen Cuylaerts; macro photography expert and 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Indra Swari; renowned Singapore-based underwater photographer William Tan; and Underwater360 founder and Asia Dive Expo’s official organizer John Thet.

Even Santa deserves to look #LookGoodFeelGreat this season

Some of the best things about Christmas are the festive parties, reunions and get-togethers with our family, relatives, friends, and even those people we don’t often get to spend time with or see during the year. Whether it’s something big with all the festive decorations and gift-giving or something simple through a visit to the mall – parties, reunions and get-togethers with our loved ones are something we look forward to every Christmas season because it’s a time for fun, love, appreciation and sharing.

But have we ever wondered how the people who make our celebrations happen spend the holidays? Mall Santas, hotel employees, security guards, drivers of public utility vehicles are just some of the people who spend the holidays just like regular working days or even working overtime, entertaining and serving people just to make sure our celebrations are as merry as we want to.

Leading health & beauty retailer, Watsons, recently released a video about different Santas, dedicated to all the other “heroes” and people who give and give more than they should.

The heart-tugging video (http://bit.ly/WatsonsSanta) reminds them, with all their hard work and dedication serving other people, they also deserve to be treated especially during this season – with the gift of time or anything that can improve their health, wellness or appearance.  It reminds them that although their loved ones and all the people they serve are important, it’s also important to take care of themselves, to look good, feel great; so they have more energy, capacity and confidence to continue taking care of other people.

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