5 TikTok songs and filters to spread an early Christmas cheer this September

Do you hear the bells ringing and jingling? We know you’re excited to sing ♫♪Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays♪♫ because September is the Philippines’ widely accepted but unofficial beginning of the Christmas season.

Be part of the joy to the world by creating videos with these TikTok sound bites that would remind everyone of that good Paskong Pinoy feeling.

We listed 5 iconic songs that you can use to bring the Christmas spirits on your next TikTok videos:

1.      “Christmas in Our Hearts.“ Jose Mari Chan has become the undisputable Filipino Christmas icon because of this 90s hit. The song is a reflection of the traditional Christmas in the country with children selling lanterns on the street and the community attending church services; all in remembrance and celebration of the birth of Christ. This explains the reason why this song tugs every Pinoy at the heartstrings.

2.      “All I Want for Christmas is You.” This chart-topper cemented Mariah Carey’s Christmas diva status. Why not create a video and tag @mariahcarey on TikTok? The Songbird Supreme loves a good engagement with her fans as she also joined the trending #Obsessed challenge.

3.      “O Holy Night.” Bring out your inner Yuletide diva while lip synching to another Carey Christmas classic. Belting this song will also be a sure hit as the TikTok community supports great talents!

4.      “Last Christmas.”  From the 80’s pop duo Wham!, “Last Christmas made it to the list because in spite of the song’s betrayal angle, it also conveys a hopeful message of finding a more deserving love. Through the years, a lot of artists covered the song including Carly Rae Jepsen,  Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. The world’s waiting for your own 15-second version.

5.      “Mano Po, Ninong.” Popularized the backbending songstress, Pilita Corrales, this Christmas classic featured a beautiful Filipino gesture, pagmamano. From the word mano (hand), the person giving the greeting bows toward the hand of the elder and presses their forehead on the back of the elder's hand. It is an act of respect to elders as elders give their blessing in return. It is a Christmas custom to bring the godchildren to their ninong (godfather) and ninang (godmother) and receive aguinaldo (gifts). Parokya ni Edgar has a tweaked version of this song in the point-of-view of an adult godchild.



To match these songs are the top Christmas filters on TikTok: 

Christmas Snow. Yes, living in a tropical country, Pinoys are deprived of Christmas snow but not on TikTok. Live your White Christmas fantasy with this cool filter. For alternatives, you can also use the effects ShakeSnow or SnowflakeMask.

Cat & Owner Santa. The app is very inclusive that it created a filter that’s purr-fect for you and your lovely pet.

Reindeer Makeup. A whole new level of beauty awaits when you apply this reindeer inspired makeup filter. Also a good alternative is the Christmas makeup filter.

Christmas Lens. Life is as colorful as it can get on Christmastime. Record and preview your -BER moments in Christmas colors. 

Big Nose Santa. If comedy is your forte, here’s the perfect Christmas filter that will give your audience a hearty laugh!



How to use the Effects QR? Tap Discover and click on the scan button located at the top right area of your screen. Scan and record!

All songs and filters can be searched on TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video sharing app. Available for iOS and Android.  

Robinsons Townville challenges dance creativity through #OurFunOurSquad contest

Robinsons Townville celebrated the creativity of various dance crews as it challenged them to perform to the latest dance mix of the Robinsons Townville jingle.

The #OurFunOurSquad dance contest, held last August 31 at Robinsons Townville in Pulilan, Bulacan, attracted several talented dance crews who showcased their modern and hip-hop dance covers of the new jingle.

No less than Los Angeles-based YouTube content creator and international dancing sensation, Ken San Jose, was among those who graced the performances. The "World of Dance Philippines" contestant who has collaborated with artists like Jason Derulo, WilldaBeast, and Alexander Chung, also wowed the audience with his own dance number prior to awarding prizes to the winners.

Folk Jumpers took home the grand prize of P10,000 worth of Robinsons gift certificates (GCs) and P5,000 worth of cash.

Beat Dancers landed in 2nd place and received P7,000 worth of Robinsons GCs and P3,000 cash while Novel Crime settled for 3rd place and got P3,000 worth of Robinsons GCs and P2,000 worth of cash.

The #OurFunOurSquad dance battle contestants and audiences also enjoyed exciting pocket activities courtesy of Robinsons Supermarket, Daiso, Swift, and Universal Robina Corporation.  They were also treated to an interactive arcade experience care of Dance Kinect.

Aside from building a more harmonious community with the #OurFunOurSquad Dance Contest, through celebrating art and culture, and promoting a sense of involvement and collaboration; Robinsons Townville continues to create accessible shopping experiences for Filipinos with the presence of their stores near schools and residential areas.

Don’t miss out on what transpired during the Robinsons Townville #OurFunOurSquad! Check out and “like” Robinson’s Townville’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/RobinsonsTownville/, or visit their website at www.robinsonstownville.ph/

Experience chocolate heaven in every bite with Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Cake Creations

A year after the release of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Paulo Avelino continues to receive acclaim for what is his biggest film role to date. Paulo, who has starred in numerous blockbuster films, has truly come full circle as an actor. At 30 years old, he steadily built himself a name in the entertainment industry, making him one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

Much like Paulo's deep passion for excellence in his craft and his love for acting, Red Ribbon creates with similar passion and excellence irresistible and delectable cakes to bring to life the sweetest and most meaningful celebrations. 

Now, the country’s most-loved bakeshop chain proudly introduces the Red Ribbon Chocolate Cake Creations, a selection of beautifully designed cakes — in three mouth-watering round cake variants — made with the finest chocolate ingredients and the most ardent care. 

Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Indulgence has layers of rich and moist pound chocolate cake interspersed with chocolate mousse filling that's infused with chocolate bits. It is beautifully designed with rich chocolate drippings and sweet icing swirls, garnished with a special chocolate ornament that sits at the center of the cake.

Chocolate Mousse is a timeless Red Ribbon favorite. Its ice-creamy, fudgy chocolate cake layers, topped with velvety whipped cream and chocolate chips, make it a classic choice for chocolate cake and ice cream aficionados.

For chocolate cake lovers in search of a familiar favorite, one of Red Ribbon’s latest offerings will surely bring delight. Rocky Road, the newest addition to Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Cake Creations line, is made out of chocolate chiffon cake, filled with creamy chocolate icing, and infused with the perfect balance of crunchy cashew nuts and soft vanilla mallows. Rocky Road is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds — made with chocolate lovers in mind — as it take chocolate cakes to a whole new level.

Experience chocolate heaven in every bite with Red Ribbon’s Chocolate Cake Creations. 

Avail of the Chocolate Indulgence at P580 for Regular size, Chocolate Mousse at P500 for Regular size, and the newly launched Rocky Road for P600. The Chocolate Cake Creations are available in all Red Ribbon branches nationwide.

Botanika Nature Residences: A front-runner in sustainable luxury living

Beyond its display of refined elegance and prime location in Filinvest City, Alabang, Botanika Nature Residences proves that modern and upscale living can go hand-in-hand with environmental sustainability with its 4-star rating from BERDE – or Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence, the green building rating scheme of the Philippine Green Building Council –which is a pioneer in residential developments in the Metro.

A signature residential masterpiece of premium real estate brand Filigree, Botanika is one of its pilot projects under BERDE certification system. Botanika ensured the building’s environmental performance from planning and construction, down to delivery, and has surpassed its Initial aim for a 3-star rating prior to project completion.

The project was also recognized as Best Apartment Philippines Award with a five-star rating from the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018. The award is yet another affirmation that the concept behind the upscale garden resort-inspired condominium located in the dynamic Metro South is truly exceptional and world-class.

Botanika's iconic leaf-shaped structure is an innovation in high-end condominium living. A collaboration between US-based Architecture International and renowned Leandro V. Locsin Partners, it features an atrium at the core which allows natural light and ventilation that can reduce energy use and water consumption.

Other green features include a 2.7 meters ceiling height for each unit, ensuring that the living space will allow better cooling capacity, thus, consume less energy; tinted tempered glass balcony door and windows which provides cross ventilation and balcony overhangs to minimize heat. Moreover, parking floors are underground and constructed to support the gardens and lawn areas, essentially becoming a large green roof over the basement.

Botanika’s commitment to authentic green living goes beyond its interior as it harmoniously co-exists with its environs. With approximately 70% of its total land area allotted for gardens and open breathing spaces, the building itself was designed to respect and complement the natural rolling terrain of its location, while still clinging onto details like top-end finishes and lavish amenities.

“Botanika is a condo complex that is laid out in a big garden, where greens are integrated in the whole development,” said Catherine Ilagan, Filigree head. “But more than the literal greeneries, its core design is what really makes it an authentic green building. This ensures the high quality of life for its residents, which is a luxury nowadays.”

A front-runner in sustainable luxury living that offers innovative green features, lush environs and world-class architecture, Botanika Nature Residences is now ready for occupancy, and makes for a truly great investment, especially among those who prefer a truly refined and sustainable lifestyle.

Jollibee celebrates Grandparents Day with their newest video "Garapon"

Grandparents play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, so much so that their love for their grandkids equals to that of parents.

This Grandparents’ Day, Jollibee celebrates the selflessness and unconditional love of lolos and lolas for their apos in “Garapon,” the newest video installment in the award-winning Kwentong Jollibee series.

Catch the “Garapon” Kwentong Jollibee episode on Jollibee Studios’ official YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/J8AoJjoBlx8.

WWE SmackDown! makes its return to the Big Dome on Sept 20!

WWE Universe in the Philippines, the wait is finally over! The Superstars of WWE SmackDown! make their long-awaited return to Manila on Friday, September 20th, 2019, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

WWE Superstars Charlotte Flair and Kevin Owens are poised to return in a sports entertainment spectacular with two Wrestlemania XXXV rematches! Roman Reigns squares off against Drew McIntyre in a Street Fight and WWE Champion, Kofi Kingston (of The New Day) takes on the challenger, Daniel Bryan!

The Return to the Big Dome
No other venue in the Philippines is as iconic as the Smart Araneta Coliseum. ‘The Big Dome’ first opened its doors in 1960 and would host a number of historical events, including several WWE live shows. Starting with 1994’s Manila Mania, numerous legends have graced its halls including Bret “Hitman” Hart, “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Ric Flair, Triple H, Edge, John Cena, Batista, and Jeff Hardy. This September, WWE SmackDown! makes its return to the Big Dome following a decade-long absence.

Back-to-Back Wrestlemania XXXV Rematches
For the last several months, Drew McIntyre has been obsessed with ending Roman Reigns’ career. The Big Dog of the WWE has been the target of McIntyre’s assaults following his return from a four-month battle with leukemia. Despite Reign’s victory at Wrestlemania, the fiery Scot has been relentless to destroy the third-generation Superstar! Does Drew McIntyre have what it takes to stop Roman Reigns once and for all? Or will the Big Dog use Drew McIntyre to make the Big Dome his yard?

Tensions have been high around the WWE Championship since Kofi Kingston’s historic victory against Daniel Bryan in Wrestlemania. Kingston’s rise as WWE Champion came as an unexpected welcome to the WWE Universe, much to the annoyance of Daniel Bryan; a man who turned his back on the very people who propelled him to the top of the WWE. Can Kofi Kingston prevail and keep the most coveted prize in sports entertainment? Or will Daniel Bryan pull the biggest upset this year?

See Your Favorite Superstars Live In Manila! 
The Superstars of WWE SmackDown! return to the Philippines on Friday, September 20th, 2019, at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum, in Quezon City. Tickets are now available at all Ticketnet outlets nationwide and on https://www.ticketnet.com.ph!

For additional information, please visit: http://www.WWE.com or follow the WWE on its social media pages: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WWE) | Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/WWESEAsia)

EU-funded Project RELY gives 2 Palawan senior high schools EIM-solar tools

Two public senior high schools in Palawan received tools and equipment that can be used to teach solar electrification installation and maintenance from Project Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (RELY), an endeavor funded by the European Union (EU). 

The Palawan National School (PNS) and the Roxas Comprehensive High School (RCHS) are the partner institutions that will support the off-grid public schools in Palawan that will be energized through solar energy under Project RELY. Project RELY is being implemented by international development NGO sequa, Vivant Foundation and PROCESS-Bohol, an NGO involved in community development.

With funding from the European Union, Project Renewable Energy for Livelihood (RELY) Palawan National School received tools and equipment that will be used to teach Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM), whose curriculum has been enhanced to incorporate solar technology. During the turnover, officials of the Department of Education, Palawan National School and Ms. Agnes Acosta-Magdaug (fourth from right), sister and representative of Rep. Gil Acosta Jr., thanked Project RELY and Vivant Foundation, represented by its executive director Shem Jose Garcia.




“The assistance from RELY will help Puerto Princesa maintain its position as a carbon-neutral city and supports Palawan’s efforts to achieve sustainable development,” Vivant Foundation Inc. executive director Shem Jose Garcia said. 

Project RELY, which aims to promote use of renewable energy to improve lives and foster climate change mitigation in poor and remote communities by energizing 16 off-grid public schools in Palawan, Cebu and Bohol. The approach combines solar electrification with community development and improved vocational education by collaborating with partner senior high schools.

PNS and RCHS are among the five partner senior high schools whose students will benefit from the improved vocational education, which was enhanced by adding solar technology into the existing Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) curriculum in senior high school. The assistance also included training EIM teachers in the partner senior high schools on basic solar energy installation and maintenance. 

Project Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (RELY) donated tools and equipment that will be used to teach Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM), whose curriculum has been enhanced to incorporate solar technology, to Roxas Comprehensive High School in Palawan. 



EIM-Solar students of PNS and RCHS will be the ones conducting maintenance at the off-grid schools to be energized under RELY as part of their education: New Canipo Elementary School and New Canipo National High School, San Vicente; Old Caruray Elementary School and Caruray National High School, San Vicente; New Panggangan Elementary School and Marufinas Elementary School, both in Puerto Princesa City.

“We are thankful to the European Union for this grant that gives us the opportunity to implement a project that will contribute to a better future for poor and remote communities in these three Philippine provinces,” said Project RELY Project Director Sabine Schacknat.

The EU has allotted 2.2 million Euros (P120 million) for Project RELY, one of seven awardees of the EU-Access to Sustainable Energy Programme. 

Score big travel savings from airfare, activities and merchandise only at Klook Travel Fest

Are you itching to go on your next getaway? If so, there’s good news for you. Klook, the world leading booking platform that has revolutionized the way we travel, is holding Klook Travel Fest 2019 — the biggest and most out-of-this world travel sale yet. Scheduled on September 7-8 at Halls A and D of the World Trade Center, this is the first and only mobile-led travel festival in the country.

Now on its third run, expect bigger and better as this year’s mobile-led Klook Travel Fest is powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the Philippines’ fastest fixed internet, to ensure that guests get uninterrupted access to all the deals. Gush over great deals on the most famous attractions around the world and imagine eye-popping surprises for just about every popular destination you can think of!

Step into the #KlookUniverse for out-of-this-world deals and promos

In line with providing everyone with an out-of-this-world experience, the Klook Travel Fest serves as a universe where travelers can enjoy buy two, take one deals for Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park; Taipei Pass and Taipei 101;Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Pass in Japan; Universal Studios Singapore; Discover Seoul Pass and Everland in Korea. And for the first time ever, you can also enjoy the same deals at Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

On top of that, you can score up to P15,000 off on your purchases to Big Bus Hong Kong, Sky 100, Madame Tussauds, and Ngong Ping 360, all in Hong Kong; JR West and Harukas passes in Japan; Resorts World Sentosa and the Wildlife Reserve in Singapore; and Ktourstory in Korea. 

You will definitely be amazed at how affordable traveling can be with thehuse deals and promos. Enjoy extra discounts on all your purchases with Klook’s round-the-clock surprises - so be sure to check Klook’s Facebook page for the official schedule! 

Curate your next vacation in the most entertaining way

Not only can you get the best price for tours and attractions at Klook Travel Fest, but you can also get entertained while you book for your next vacation. On the first day of the travel fest, KPOP fans will surely barge their way to the World Trade Center as Klook brings Korean groups Monsta X and WekiMeki to celebrate its second birthday in the Philippines. 

Travel fest goers have a whole lot more to look forward to as Klook Travel Fest 2019 merges travel and entertainment through various performers, experiential booths, and fun games. Celebrities Liza Soberano, and Team Kramer will also share their tips on how to be a globetrotter and on how to make the most out of family vacations. Youtube content creator Mike Chen of Strictly Dumpling will also impart his broad knowledge on food and world class taste. Last but not least, Lauren Bullen and Jack Morris of Do You Travel will let consumers in on their secrets on how to live like a local!

Klook extends its Travel Fest to Cebu

To ensure that everyone gets to partake of its great offerings, Klook is also taking the Travel Fest to the North Wing of SM City Cebu. Cebuanos no longer have to travel to Metro Manila to get the same exciting deals that people rave about.

Go ahead and make your travel plans happen! Thanks to Klook, you can explore your dream destinations with affordable, hassle-free, and well-thought out deals that you definitely cannot resist.

To join the biggest, and most out of this world Klook Travel Fest 2019, sign up at https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/24283-travel-fest-2019-manila/. For more details, you may also check out Klook’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/klookph/. 

What Parents Should Know About the HPV Vaccines

Back in the day, I used to work in a tertiary hospital in Manila. Everyone knows everyone from the hospital.  I had a friend from the  Communications Dept, she was bubbly and full of life then. No one would suspect that she had the dreaded Stage 4 ovarian cancer. She did not seek treatment, because she had no symptoms. 

She looked healthy, or so I thought.  Until, she was admitted because of high fever. She died after a month prior to admission. It was that fast.  I never had the opportunity to visit her. Until now, I cant believe that she was gone.  Maybe, in my mind, if she had her regular pap smear test,  she would be saved. 

Last week, I had an opportunity to attend Guard Against HPV campaign held at Seda Hotel last August 28. The campaign was graced by Guard Against HPV Ambassador Ms. Nina Corpuz. The broadcast journalist and health advocate co-moderated the media discussion with Dr. Erwin De Mesa, President of the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG). They were joined by Mom panelist blogger Ms. Karina Ramos and youth officers from Lingkod E.R. 

The discussions centered on debunking the myths and misconceptions surrounding the virus such as “Is it too early for teenagers to get an HPV vaccination?” and other perceptions such as “Only those who get sexual intercourse can get HPV” received clarification from medical experts. 

In the Philippines, HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is the second leading cancer site among Filipino women, with thousands of new cases and deaths occurring yearly.

The medical experts/panelists advised that as early as 9 years old, you can get your child vaccinated for HPV. You can ask from your pediatrician or OB Gyne if who would administer the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is approved for people 9 to 26 years old: For kids and teens ages 9–14, the vaccine is given in two shots over a 6- to 12-month period. Always seek advice from the medical experts. 

Motherhood has evolved over the years. Caring for kids have transitioned from being simple "what to eat, what to wear, which school is best" to something more demanding. Modern moms have taken motherhood to superhero level - they are wide readers, event organizers, influencers, self-care and health enthusiasts armed with a wealth of information towards one battle cry "My kid deserves the BEST!" 

And yet, adolescence —a topic which does not receive as much discussion as the early childhood years— also represents a vital chapter in human development and family life. With teenagers on the verge of independence, and their moms starting to take back their long-lost “me time,” the situation can cause a gaping hole in communication and understanding at such a critical window of time.

Health prioritization among teenagers at times take a backseat since they are now considered better at warding off diseases like colds and diarrhea. Pediatrician visits become less and less except when they badly need it. One life-altering issue that deserves focus is the huge burden that continues to threaten women and men, including teenagers worldwide, caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. 

Although some of the infections from this commonly occurring virus with more than 100 types usually go away on their own, at least 14 types of HPV have been found to be cancer-causing.

These HPV-related cancers and diseases are cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers, penile cancer, anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and genital warts.

Guard against HPV

As the digital age brings advancements in health care, it also ensures a steady stream of distractions that compete for the attention of mothers and teens. 

Hence, the Guard Against HPV, a campaign supported by MSD in the Philippines together with its advocates, is calling for the urgent need to increase awareness and understanding of HPV diseases and their burdens on the unprotected population, since most HPV infections show no symptoms at all.

Aligned with the “Inventing for Life” ethos of MSD, Guard Against HPV encapsulates the vision and the organization’s efforts to continuously invent and innovate to address some of the world’s most life-threatening diseases, like those linked with HPV-related cancers and diseases. Through the campaign, dialogues among medical professionals, patient groups, along with the media generate more awareness and discussion on HPV, and also call for change in perspective on such kinds of diseases so that we may overcome them more effectively and efficiently. 

Through Guard Against HPV, all stakeholders are called to address the HPV concern and stigma and ultimately ensure the welfare of children and the youth later in life.  


Early this year, the Philippines was plagued with a measles outbreak that could have been avoided with immunization. Since HPV diseases like cervical cancer are vaccine-preventable, representatives from groups like Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines (CECAP), Philippine Dermatological Society of the Philippines (PDS), and PIDSOG shed light on the hotly debated vaccination issue, while underscoring the need for a preventative approach. 

Topics also include contextualizing the risk factors associated with HPV, and how HPV is linked to cancer, genital warts, and other HPV-related health problems.

Awareness and willingness to take action are imperative because HPV vaccination works best when given before a person becomes exposed to the virus. To highlight the importance of immunization and regular check-ups as key factors to disease prevention, representative mother and youth officers from Lingkod E.R. reiterated the value of early protection such as vaccination, in addition to exchanging valuable insights on adolescence as the ideal time to talk about personal health. The campaign aims to empower mothers to be one of the primary advocates for their children’s health. It also seeks to engage the youth as well in the conversation about protecting their health now to enjoy a future free from HPV diseases and cancers. 

Health-empowered parenting

As with other vaccine-related concerns, informed choice is crucial. Teens themselves have to be equipped with the right information necessary for them to be proactive health-wise, with the guidance of their parents who likewise need protection from HPV. 

To keep up with the times and to harness the power of the digital space to educate both parents and the youth, the Guard Against HPV website and its social media pages were launched during the event. These digital assets aim to educate and advocate for HPV prevention.

A global problem as crushing and widespread but preventable as HPV-caused cancers needs a multi-sectoral solution, and Filipino moms and their adolescent children can count on that. 

The value of vaccination and regular screening have always been underscored by global health care authorities. Vaccination acts as a shield, protecting children from dangerous diseases and saving up to 3 million lives each year, as stated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This is why Guard Against HPV empowers mothers and teens to take charge of their health and wellbeing, with vaccines as one of the effective tools that they can use to shield themselves from fatal illnesses like cervical cancer.  

A ceremonial activity is performed at the media launch where the various stakeholders who are the “guardians” of an HPV-free nation placed a gem on a ceremonial armor – each representing a commitment to fight against HPV. 

These gems represent Reality (of the burdens and threats of HPV); Mind (or mindfulness in health); Power (to take action in our hands); Time (to vaccinate our young ones); Space (to make use of the digital space to educate mothers and teens); and Soul (or the willingness to advocate for protection against HPV diseases and cancers).

Many Filipinos would rather steer clear of HPV talk, genital diseases, and mortality rates but the plain reality is that no enjoyment of lifestyle is even possible if the wellbeing is compromised. A shoutout to moms—it can be prevented and it’s in your hands. 

Guard Against HPV is an advocacy campaign brought to you by MSD in the Philippines.