CRUISIN: Sanya,China + Carry-on Travel Essentials

On our way back to the SuperStar Virgo, we were talking about how our Vietnam Shore Excursion was a bit “bitin,” which made us more excited and hopeful that our next destination—Sanya, China would be a bit longer.

The sea was also a bit calmer that night and I was able to sleep a bit more comfortably dreaming of our next Shorex. I guess my excitement got the best of me and I was up even earlier and prepared my clothes for a warmer weather.

We again gathered at the Zodiac theater at around 9:30 each of us had color coded stickers which determined our group and bus number.

The disembarkation process was the same as Vietnam. But this time there were immigration officers that stamped the photocopy of your passport. The port of Sanya was also quite impressive there was even a Dragon dance and some cultural dancers that greeted us as we exited the port. I wondered if they do that for every cruise ship that docks there.

The weather was also a lot warmer, unlike in Vietnam where it was raining, the sun was out in Sanya and it was hot, around 28 degrees… still I wore my bubble jacket. It was an airconditioned bus afterall . Hahaha.

Our tour guide took us to our first stop the Tianya Haijiao and Luhuitou Park which was a bit far and it took us one hour to get to the park via bus. It was almost lunchtime when we got there so we were all a bit starving. I suggest you bring some bread from the buffet to the ShoreEx just in case, so you wont go hungry on the trip

We were told that it was one of the most popular tourist destinations, however I have to let you know that their comfort rooms stink a bit and I had a hard time peeing because it was one of those squat toilets which I’ve never used before.  So better have some wipes and a hand sanitizer ready.

The tour guide got us tickets to get inside the park. There were so many people and almost everyone only spoke Chinese. Suddenly, I had this feeling that if I’m going to get lost there, I would probably have a hard time finding my way back to the cruise ship. So I held on to my partner despite the hot weather. The feeling of being a stranger in another country is quite unsettling. Its best to get a translator app and download the Chinese language for offline use so you can communicate with the locals much easier.

We rode a “tram” to get to the park, but it was just a very short ride. It features the Nanshan temple and a 108-meter Nanshan South Sea Kwan-yin Bodhisattva Statue. The view there was breath taking but it was hot. And if you arrive by morning the sun would be almost behind the statue.  And like I mentioned, it was almost lunchtime so we were all famished. It was quite a long walk to get to the statue so we told  our guide that we wanted to have lunch first. We again rode a bigger golf cart, which took us to Nanshan Hotel restaurant on top of a hill. It had the best best view of the statue from the restaurant.

After lunch we had our photos taken at the entrance of the hotel/resto where there was a giant hand and a nice wall backdrop. Our bus then fetched us and we were brought to a “local souvenir shop”.  The store was filled with almost every kind of coconut product you can imagine—candy, coffee, biscuit, sweetener… and a lot of other food items. There were numerous free samples, but we didn’t find anything we liked.

We spend about 30 minutes there before we made our way to the “The Summer Mall,” which they say is one of the biggest shopping center in Sanya. The mall offers a good selection of branded make-ups, perfumes, watches, jewelry, clothing, shoes, and many others. But the one that got us excited was the sight of Starbucks Coffee inside the mall.

We checked out their merchandise, unfortunately they didn’t accept credit cards during that time so I wasn’t able to buy souvenirs. We just had our latte inside the coffee shop and Ed bought a Sanya tumbler as pasalubong to his dad. Everything in the mall was pricey. It was just the same price point in Manila. There were no sale or discounts available during our visit.

A word of advice, don’t rely on your cards as they are more into mobile payments so its best to bring some local currency Rinminbi.

We spent most of our time inside the mall that we forgot we were just near their famous beach. If you really don’t plan on shopping, I suggest you head over to the beach instead. There really isn’t a lot of good things to buy beside some local food items from the grocery stores. Remember not to buy any fruit or cooked product as they wont be allowed back on the ship.

Sanya was nice and while I do plan on going back, I want to explore another side of China next time. I was surprised at how progressive the city was and how disciplined their motorcycle riders were, they were all wearing helmets.

Here are the essentials I packed for our 6 days cruise travel:

1.  Seasickness pills/ ibuprofen/paracetamol or bracelet (the bracelet, we found out,  before going disembarkation is available inside the cruise,ask any crews around when youre inside the ship. Be prepared and bring your other medicines as well.



 2.  Ziploc Bags –   This comes in handy for your things, jewelries, food or for your phone, passport when something unexpected happens or when the rain comes.   Ziploc bags can keep important things dry.



3.   Pill Container – For your vitamins or jewelries.



4.  Sunscreen- I never leave home without my sunscreen. It is a must for my every travel, whether local or abroad.



5.  Bug spray- you never want to go home with insect bites or worse Dengue!



6.  Hat/Cap - to keep your hair neat and away from the sun and its the best accessory to partner with your outfit.

7.   Safety Pins


8.   Wind breaker, Bomber jacket/sweatshirt- Because the weather is unpredictable.



9.    Band-Aids



10.  Sunglasses/shades


Pls read my first SuperStar Vietnam Cruise here http://www.lemongreenteaph.com/2019/01/superstar-virgo-cruise-vietnamchina.html

All reservations are just one-click away with Eatigo app

Its the start of another year and new food adventures for all the foodies in us.

Its that time of the year when we have to discover where and what to eat and post all those sumptuous meals in our instagram accounts. It is by just downloading the Eatigo app that I discovered restaurants through discounts and promos.

Eatigo, your trusty partner for delicious discounts on over a hundred restaurants in the metro, has narrowed it down to five dining holes which are certainly worth your time and money!



BUTCHER AND SONS STEAKHOUSE

First on the list is Butcher and Sons Steakhouse, a top-notch European restaurant found in the south of Metro Manila.

Butcher and Sons

They serve only an authentic steakhouse experience, complete with boneless and bone-in meat cuts with your choice of flavour, breed, diet, and more. The ambience itself is luxe yet cozy, perfect for intimate dinner dates.

THE COOK BY HONGLEEPARK

For dessert or savory dishes, make your way over to The Cook by Hongleepark, an Italian-Korean fusion place where flavors and ingredients are in abundance.

The Cook by Hongleepark

The cheese bingsu is a best-seller, as well as the Spicy Chicken Steak Salad. Oh, and the Shrimp Pilaf is to die for.

KUSINA SEA KITCHENS

For the people behind Kusina Sea Kitchens at Hilton Manila, seafood is a word they do not take lightly. Have the freshest catch of the day cooked to your preferences dampa-style, or savor the interactive buffer counters offering splendid Filipino food.

Kusina Sea Kitchens

The vibrant space is a preview to the colorful meal you’re about to devour—delicious, varied, and no less than exceptional.

WYLD KITCHEN AND BAR

A newly-opened American pub serving mean bar chow and equally sinful drinks is WYLD Kitchen and Bar.

WYLD Kitchen and Bar

Their signature cocktails are quite inventive, particularly the Afterglow, Radiculous, and Curry the Painkiller. They also have the usual beers, vodka, and liqueur if you’re up for something familiar and good.

TORI ICHI YAKITORI AND BAR

For your Japanese fix, Tori Ichi Yakitori and Bar will not disappoint.

Tori Ichi Yakitori and Bar

The casual diner takes after Japan’s izakayas, serving you glorious yakitori sticks and all the best rolls including the crowd-favorite Spicy Salmon Roll and a plate of the addictive Mochi Bacon.

All of these restaurants are conveniently available on Eatigo, so all reservations are just one-click away.

The best part is they’re offering the promo code EATMORE to get an additional Php100 off from your total bill!

Download the app now and sign up to see more of their exclusive and sky-high deals.

Visit Eatigo now: https://bit.ly/2AxZhiL.

SVPTOP: How to Lower your electric bills with G-Power Patch + Free phone calls abroad

SPVTOP International Inc. is a multi business organization that caters to create opportunities for individuals who want financial success.  Their products are the best consumer invention in the market today.  I need this and will try to use one of their prouducts,  the G-Power Patch this month and see if there will be an adjustment on my Meralco bills next billing.

If you want to save on your electric bills,  they have a G-Power Patch that removes electromagnetic flux and reduces wire heating. I need this in summer where there is a high energy consumption on air conditioning unit.

If you have seen  KMJS segment on BATANG HENYO,  showing a child reading cards, distinguish shapes and colors with a blindfold or two.  It is called  G-Minds or Genius Minds under SPVTOP.  I also witnessed this on their recent event where I held a card and the blindfolded kid read it to me and gave his answers correctly. I was amazed. My grandkids need this.

Add caption

This system has been featured several times in ABSCBN’s SwaknaSwak. This is an amazing, safe and effective way of learning. Done in 1-2 days, kids can learn how to distinguish colors and shapes fast, even when blindfolded. This would help turn kids to be on top of their class.

AJ Miclat

G-Webphone App

This is what I need to call my son abroad free of charge!

The G Webphone app  lets you call, send sms, (and soon also video calls) to any online AND OFFLINE phones anywhere in the world and its proudly Pinoy made!

All you have to do is download the App from the Google Play Store, create an account and use the referal code “f$Y5o2l” to activate it. You will received 13 days or 334hours free!

G-Bio Energy

Everybody utilizes Electricity and Gas. If there is something common to all of them, it’s how we an save while using it.

The G-Power Patch removes electromagnetic flux and reduces wire heating. The system protects your home from electrical surges and lowers power consumption by fixing losses on lines.

The USB G-Flash is a multi-purpose flash drive when inserted on PC and Laptop units can speed up processing. For car owners, just plug the unit on the USB Port and it will instantly work in a flash for better performance, cooler aircon, easy acceleration and fuel efficiency. if worn, it can also protect you from harmful radiation emitted by electronic devices.

The G-Bio F Line has already helped a lot of Motorcycle riders (possibly millions more people) save on fuel. It gives more power to its motor and makes it fuel efhcient giving you tons of savings in the process. The Cooking Gas Saver Kit is ideal for anybody that cooks at home, restaurants and establishments too.

G Bioinoculant

Made with 3 live micro organisms, (B’ subtilis, B’ pumilus& Lacto bacillus) this can help with farming in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock and even waste management. It brings back nutrients to the soil and promotes regenerative farming.

G Bio Fruitmate

It is an organic fertilizer, sourced from animal bones, fish emulsion and selected ripe fruit. its considered as complete NPK or Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorous. ltis in liquid form and certified organic.

G-Web Mall

If you love online shopping, then head on to the G-Web Mall. Not only is open 24/7, it’s where you can buy stuff as it teaches you how to have unlimited money for shopping.

The Techno User SIM

This SUPERSIM can load phones In all networks. Ideal for those who want an income generating business that can also be done in homes, sell It with lifetime discounts and book flights and hotels very soon.




Founded by husband and wife team General Manager BRICK Y. AGCOPRA and Ms. LElLA V. AGCOPRA, they began a prepaid loading business in November, 2011. As the country is known for being the texting capital of the world, the company made it into a proprietary self loading technology venture designed to empower mobile users with self discounts so they too make it into a very lucrative business opportunity. The company has continued to grow over the years and has introduced even more breakthrough products so Filipinos would flourish with it.

With the combined power of internet, mobile phone and newly-developed agricultural, energy and technology-related products coupled with the expertise and skills of the management team, SPVTOP INTERNATIONAL INC. is determined to bring its dedicated leaders, distributors, members and the consuming public towards greater heights they have never been experience what is like to be on TOP!


The SPVTOP MARKETPLACE



It is easier to purchase these products and services through the SPVTOP Marketplace. Whether it is GMinds, G-Webphone, G-Bio Energy, G-Bio Inoculant and more, members can use this as their digital storefront. The website is secured and can accept credit and debit payments via MasterCard or Visa, GCash, bank transfers or CASH ON DELIVERY!

For more information, you may visit their official websites.www.spvtop.com and  SPVTOPMARKET.COM.
For G Minds https://www.facebook.com/spvtopgmindsofficial/

ProPak Packaging seminars in Manila on Jan 24-26

ProPak, the biggest international processing and packaging trade event in Asia, comes to the Philippines for the first time.

Slated on January 24-26, at the World

Trade Center Manila, ProPak Philippines will be the first-of-its-kind food, drink, and pharmaceutical-focused international trade exhibition in the country, in response to the rapidly expanding processing and packaging industries, and government initiatives to encourage the growth of local industries.

More than a hundred local and international exhibitors representing the manufacturing and packaging sectors, including food processing, quality control, machinery and automation, bottling, brewing, waste management, food safety, and many more.

The latest industry developments, trends and techniques in supply chain management and innovation, food, drink, and pharmaceutical processing and packaging methods will be presented in seminars during the three-day event.

On Jan 24,“Safety & Quality Requirements of Packed Food Products,” 3:30-6 p.m., by Engr. Menandro Ortego, consultant ALAFOP;

On Jan 25, “Packaging Technology & Innovations”on appropriate packaging material for different products, 11a.m.-6
p.m., by Daisy Tañafranca, DOST – ITDI; “Mandatory Label Requirements for the Philippines and the World’’to help MSMEs in complying with relevant regulations for product packaging and labelling, 3:30 p.m., by Engr. Menandro Ortego; “Paper Packaging - Technical Considerations” on global paper trends and bring home some packaging secrets from Fedrigoni of Italy, 1 p.m., by Kevin Valero of Fedrigoni Asia;

“Package Printing” on about the different kinds of package printing and their applications, 2 p.m., by Marites Liwanag and  George Lora of  Philippine Printing Technical Foundation; and “Packaging Design that Trends: How to Pack” for MSMEs and how to develop their product packaging to align with prevalent market and design trends, 3 p.m., by Third Domingo or  Ideas Ex Machina.

On Jan. 26, seminars scheduled are: “Packaging for Business Expansion,” a presentation of different requirements of major international markets (e.g. European Union, United States, Middle East, etc), 10 a.m.,by the Export Marketing Bureau; “Packaging for Business Expansion,” on recent developments in international product packaging such as edible packaging and other innovations, 11 a.m., by Clarke Nebrao, ALAFOP, PIP & TNV; “FDA Requirements for the Processed Food and Non-Food Industries,” at 11 a.m., by the Food and Drug Administration;  and “The Power of Digital Packaging Transformation” on the benefit of digital printing methods over traditional printing, 1 p.m., by  Ivy Tamisin and Eugene Marquez, HP Inc;

Also on Jan. 26 are: “Value of Branding & Brand Identity,” 3:30 p.m., by Sherill Quintana of ORYSPA;
“Green & Eco-Friendly Packaging” on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle and create awareness in protecting the environment through packaging, 4:30 p.m., by Wilhelmina Garcia or JunkNot; “Online Shopping: Disrupting Product Packaging” on e-commerce and online shopping, and how businesses can take advantage of the growing demand by adopting product packaging improvements, 2:30 p.m. by Stefano Paolo Bunag, PIP President & Creative Director, Design Systemat;

Completing the Jan. 26 line-up are: “Packaging Wastes and the Environment” on the impact of the prevalent single-use packaging and means to mitigate its effects, 3 p.m., by Crispian Lao, Chairman, Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS); “PET Recycling & Its Developments” on the latest in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling process, 4 p.m., by  Rodel Espinosa of Krones Filipinas Inc; and “Barcoding in Packaging”, 5 p.m., by Dr. Joseph Jocson, GS1 Director & PIP outgoing president.

ProPak Philippines is supported by the DTI, the Packaging Institute of the Philippines, the Dairy Confederation of the Philippines, the Production Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Printing Technical Foundation, the Association of Laguna Food Processors Inc., the Philippine Association of Food Technologists Inc., and other allied industries and associations.

Expect a turn of luck this new year, particularly in relationships in the Year of the Earth Pig

Expect a turn of luck this new year, particularly in relationships, for those with signs compatible with the Pig—Rabbit, Sheep, and Tiger—according to the new “Chinese Astrology 2019: The Year of the Earth Pig” book by Feng Shui master Master Hanz Cua.



“The year agrees with those who would like to get married, especially with Pig and Tiger,” shared the “Umagang Kay Ganda” Chinese astrology expert in this latest ABS-CBN Publishing guide.

Aside from romance being bountiful this 2019, there will also be positive outcomes in relationships with business partners, friends, and co-workers as the year is predominantly filled with good luck.



“A lot of people will be successful in their lives, career, and relationship in the Year of the Pig,” wrote Master Hanz, citing that even those who are incompatible with the pig sign will have opportunities to enjoy and help to receive, as long as they follow Feng Shui cures to counter bad luck, which are mentioned in “Chinese Astrology 2019.”

The renowned author studied Feng Shui disciplines in Malaysia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and in other parts of the world. His services include psychic tarot card reading, aura reading, home and office Feng Shui, palm and face reading, space clearing, and a lot more. He also gives out on-air consultations and Feng Shui advice on DZMM.



Catch Master Hanz at the launch of the “Chinese Astrology 2019: The Year of the Earth Pig” book this Saturday (January 19), 4 PM at National Book Store - TriNoma. The book is now available in leading bookstores nationwide for only P250. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbn.com/newsroom.

Conquer your first marathon with TCS Clark Animo International Marathon on March 10, 2019

Are you ready to run your first 42.2 km marathon this year? You still have 2 months to get yourself into shape. For as long as you are running regularly trying to follow the program, you should be fine.

Begin to ramp up your mileage in preparation for this race.

So flex those muscles and conquer your first marathon with the 10th TCS Clark Animo International Marathon on March 10, 2019 at Clark Global City. 

To those coming from Manila, The TCS Clark Animo has transportation arrangement via P2P in Trinoma and Clark Global City.

The race is internationally certified by the International Association of Athletic Federations and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. 

The De La Salle Alumni Association Pampanga Chapter is to set to hold the 10th TCS Clark Animo International Marathon on March 10 this year, promising a more fun and exhilarating run to this year’s event with internationally certified courses and special activities.

With 10,000 runners expected to join the event, it will feature a 42.2 km marathon, a half marathon, as well as 10 km, 5 km, and 2.5 km courses.

“We initially had 600 participants on our first year,” Atty. Melvin Panlilio, President of DLSAA – Pampanga, said. “But our runners and members of DLSAA-P gradually grew through the years, giving us the opportunity to give back to more beneficiaries.

“We’re likewise proud to announce that for 2019, our courses have been given international certification by the International Association of Athletic Federations and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races,” he added.

“The TCS Clark Animo International Marathon and associated races are all conducted on IAAF-AIMS Certified Courses. This provides a guarantee to runners that they have run the correct distance and, therefore, their recorded time are valid and will be recognized internationally for qualifying and rankings purposes. This is not only particularly important for runners who aim to join international races like the Boston Marathon, it is for all runners participating in this event. It is never a good outcome to train for a race like a marathon only to discover, after completing the event, that the course they finished did not have the correct distance and their time invalid,” Jumbo Tayag, Race Director, explained.

To make Animo Run’s 10th year more exciting, cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third placers of the 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km distances in the men’s and women’s categories. A special incentive will also be given to runners with the best costume. One runner each from the Adult (18 years old and above) and Kiddie (17 years old and below) categories will likewise receive cash prizes.

This year’s races will see 1,200 participants from Tata Consultancy Services, one of the biggest call center companies in Clark, and a sponsor of the event as well.

Gun start for the 42 km distance will be at 2 a.m.; 4:30 a.m. for the 21 km; 5:30 a.m. for the 10 km; 5:45 a.m. for the 2.5 km; and 6 a.m. for the 2.5 km. Runners are expected to be at the venue 30 minutes before their gun start.

Proceeds of the run will be used to fund DLSAA-P’s environmental and community projects like tree planting, maintenance of the Angeles City Watershed, support for the La Salle Botanical Gardens in Alviera, Porac, Pampanga, as well as the Yellow Boat Foundation for the marginal school children of coastal Pampanga.

TCS Clark Animo International Marathon is made possible by Tata Consultancy Services, Smart, Nepo Center, Cherifer Premium, CMCS Inc, Pampanga’s Best, Genesis Transport, and NLEX Corp. This year’s run is presented by Clark Global City.

Other Sponsors: Go Express, New Balance, Inbox & Inbook, Cenmidis, Balipure, Colorsteel, Ederm Centers, Paolo Feliciano Photography, Bale Capampangan, Quest Hotels, Kenny Rogers Roaster, and Clark Water. 

Media Partners: CLTV36 and UFM 105.5

Supported by: CDC, BCDA, Angeles City Government, Medical City Clark, Lasik Center-AUF

Starbucks builds another classroom with Hope in a Bottle

Ever since it was established in the country in 1997, Starbucks has always been known to brew handcrafted beverages for coffee lovers. Since 2012, however, the company has also been brewing opportunities for young Filipinos to better their lives through simply serving Hope in a Bottle.



In partnership with Hope in a Bottle, Starbucks Philippines (Rustan Coffee Corporation) has been retailing the purified drinking water in their stores nationwide, to generate funds needed to build public school classrooms in areas where they are most needed. Upon construction, the facilities are donated to schools identified by the Department of Education Adopt-A-School program, to help address the problem of classroom shortage. The department is set to deliver 81,000 classrooms to address the shortage which affects more than 2.5million students.

100% of the profits from selling Hope in a Bottle go into building the classrooms. The social enterprise has built four classrooms for Starbucks, including one in H.N. Cahilsot Elementary School in General Santos City, and two classrooms at the Lt. C. Villafuerte Sr. Elementary School in Davao City.



Starbucks classroom

Recently, officials of both partners have unveiled another classroom donated by Starbucks at the Archbishop Emilio Cinense Memorial Integrated School (AECMIS) in San Felipe, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“We would like to thank Starbucks for being a donor of our new classroom. This will benefit not only our students for this current schoolyear but also all the future generations of students here in San Felipe,” said Felisa Cabaobas, AECMIS principal.

The principal noted that before HOPE and Starbucks donated the new classrooms, students from different grade levels shared old, poorly ventilated classrooms through a morning and afternoon “shifting” schedule. This meant that every day, teachers had less- time to teach their subjects while students had to learn as much as they can in the same amount of time, in such a poor learning environment.



Addressing educational and environmental impacts

To be occupied by Grade 11 students, the Starbucks classroom is made of eco-bricks from a compact mixture of cement and post-consumer plastic, making it stronger than regular concrete hollow blocks. This is the program’s first classroom to be built with eco-bricks.



HOPE considers the latest classroom construction a breakthrough in their advocacy since it addresses two main concerns: education and the environment. “Eco-bricks provided us with the unique opportunity to upcycle thousands of plastic bottles per classroom, so we have committed to using them in all of our builds starting 2018,” said Joie Ann Balaong HOPE program officer for education.



Partnership brings hope to students

More than building and donating classrooms in far-flung and devastated areas, Friends of Hope and Starbucks share in the vision and passion of making education more accessible to students, giving them hope for a brighter future.

“We are happy to be partnered with HOPE. At Starbucks, we believe in making a difference in the communities we engage in. In this case, we believe that every Filipino has the right to quality education by providing them with a conducive learning environment, and this is what our partnership delivers,” said Jo-Ann Ramos, Starbucks Philippines marketing manager.

In mid-2019, Starbucks is set to turn over its 5th classroom, which will also be constructed using eco-bricks, as part of its commitment to education and the environment, and is already looking forward to building more classrooms and being a vehicle for positive change among the youth.



Apart from helping build new classrooms, Starbucks is also committed to refurbish and rehabilitate school facilities to solve classroom shortage through its partnership with non-profit organizations, Teach for the Philippines and Renovate to Educate.



The program gives Starbucks partners (employees) the opportunity to help rebuild classroom chairs and tables, repair classroom doors, and repaint comfort rooms, even fabricate blackboards and shelves through various initiatives, including the Starbucks Planner promotion.



To date, the Renovate to Educate program has rehabilitated fourteen (14) schools in Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro City with the help of more than 800 Starbucks partners.

The well-ventilated and lighted Starbucks classroom is made of sturdy eco-bricks using recycled plastic to provide students with a safe and conducive learning environment.

Students of Archbishop Emilio Cinense Memorial Integrated School in San Fernando, Pampanga thank Starbucks and Friends of Hope for the gift of a new classroom.

Friends of Hope, Starbucks and school officials lead the unveiling of the new classrooms. Photo shows (from the left) GenerationHope Inc Commerical Director Bambi Defensor, Starbucks Philippines marketing manager Jo-Ann Ramos, Starbucks Philippines category manager Jamie Silva, Starbucks Philippines assistant category manager for food Celine Lichauco, and AECMIS principal Felisa Cabaobas.

Get ready for a popcorn-filled day at SM Cinema

Get ready for a popcorn-filled day at SM Cinema as they celebrate the beloved and classic movie snack that completes our every movie experience!

Exciting activities await at SM Megamall for those who wish to join the festivities on January 19! Challenge yourself in the popcorn eating contest or choose a team and vote for your favorite popcorn flavor. Be on the lookout as well for Snack Time’s resident mascot as Poppy the Popcorn leads the celebrations at SM Megamall and so much more!

Join the festivities and show your love for popcorn in social media by using the hashtag, #InternationalPopcornDay! As a treat, on International Popcorn Day this Saturday, January 19, free popcorn will be given to lucky movie buyers in all SM Cinema branches nationwide! So hurry on to the nearest SM Cinema branch near you!

Snack Time is the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema that offers a wide array of affordable snacks, such as popcorn with different exciting flavors, hotdogs and burgers, among others. Choose from their selection of cinema favorites and bring your favorite popcorn snack to complement your next movie at SM Cinema!

Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Minimize large pore appearance with #AltheaSerumCleanser

If you have big pores like I do. What's the best thing to shut them off? or just keep them clear and free from a build-up of dirt and dead skin cells?

If your pores appear larger, it may be because of pimples, increased sebum production or oily skin, or maybe because of sun damage.

What causes large pores?

"A build-up of oil or dirt in the skin can contribute to making pores appear enlarged as they become blocked and the skin around the pore dilates. People with naturally more oily skin are likely to have bigger pores because their oil glands are more active, meaning they need a bigger pore to release oil from within the skin. In these cases, a thorough cleansing routine can have a big impact on the appearance of the pores, helping to reduce blockages and breakouts.

If you’re using any products designed to clear excess sebum and acne for a longer time, this would irritate your skin and large pores would appear more.

I suggests you use Althea's New Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser to help extract dirt from inside the pores and to maintain a healthy pH balance of the skin.

These are the products that Im using to attain that poreless smooth skin. After cleansing with New Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser, I use Althea Milk Peel Cream Mask. They are the best pair ever after bed time.

How to use the Pore Purifying Serum Cleanser?

To remove makeup:
Step 1: Pour an adequate amount of the product onto the palm of your hand.
Step 2: Massage the product all over your skin in circular motions to remove dirt and makeup.
Step 3: Rinse off the residue with water. You may also use a second cleanser to completely remove any residue.

To cleanse the skin:
Step 1: Dampen the skin and apply an adequate amount of the product onto the palm of your hand.
Step 2: Gently massage the product all over your skin in circular motions for 5-10 seconds before rinsing it off with water.

You can order these pair at https://ph.althea.kr/ at a discounted price.
Happy K-shopping everyone!

Cruise the World with Chef Anton Amoncio

Celebrity chef Anton Amoncio embarks on an exciting adventure to start 2019. See him and fellow hosts Patty Lee, Yvonne Man, and Michele Lean as they cross the vast ocean on a cruise ship while presenting coastal destinations that will leave the viewers in awe with the new TLC show, Cruise the World.



On the first two episodes of Cruise the World, Patty and Chef Anton meet each other while on a cruise. Forging new friendship, they travel together and introduce their respective countries, Taiwan and the Philippines. Fun and adventure await them as they head to their two getaways.

The pair starts their journey on Patty’s homeland Taiwan where Chef Anton and the viewers discover something new on the island state. Chef Anton and Patty later venture to the Philippines and explore Palawan, one of the country’s famous tourist attractions where they experience local culture and cuisine.



“Traveling with strangers is something new to me. Working with Patty is super fun and cool. We had great chemistry while doing the show,” shares Chef Anton.

Chef Anton is the grand prize winner and the first Filipino to win in the Asian Food Channel’s Food Hero Asia in 2016. He is the host of Asian Food Channel and The Food Network Channel. Meanwhile, Patty is a host, actress, singer, and model from Taiwan. She is the host of the TLC travel show, Fun Taiwan First Timer, and the Taiwanese dive show, 30 Meters Underwater.



The other two TLC hosts are Yvonne Man (journalist and host of Bloomberg TV) of Hong Kong and Michele Lean (television presenter, Asia Food Channel host, and TV chef) of China. They will be featured on the third and fourth episodes of Cruise the World.   



The four-episode show will premiere on January 19, Saturday, at 7:10pm (SEA and PH) and 8:00pm (TW) as well as January 20, Sunday, at 6:00pm (India). 

Chef Anton Amoncio is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency