Ayala Land Gallery of Lights: Making the holidays more meaningful for many Filipino families

Christmas is truly in the air as Ayala Land Gallery of Lights opened up the show with a 3D video mapping show and dancing lights at the Ayala Triangle last November 12. It was a sight to behold for everyone as we witnessed the night's "carol of lights".

Every year, thousands of families and friends gather at the Ayala Triangle Gardens to experience a spectacular evening made to delight the senses. Dazzling lights, beautiful music, stunning projections, and illuminated art installations are brought together for a memorable Christmas tradition.

“The Gallery of Lights by Ayala Land is the highlight of our year. It’s our way of giving back to the community and making the holidays more meaningful for many Filipino families.” says Cathy Bengzon. “Filipinos celebrate Christmas like nobody else in the world. It’s a special time that brings families together, and it truly brings us joy knowing how we have become apart of this tradition,” she continues.

“And each year we are inspired to make the event even more memorable than the last. That is why this time around, we’re making the event brighter with new additions to the whole production, and a line-up of activities that we hope will bring cheer to everyone.”This November, Ayala Land will once again bring out the enchantment from North to South as it lights up six of its estates: The Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Ayala Center in Cebu,Centrio in Cagayan de Oro, Abreeza Mall in Davao, and Capitol Central in Bacolod.

This year’s Gallery of Lights is going to be more magical than ever, with a combination of new design concepts and classic staples that will surely bring the Christmas spirit to life. Polygon clouds will form a canopy of lights, while bright-colored noodle lights will line tree trunks and branches designed by lighting direction Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia.

Tivoli and laser lights will also dance to festive music composed of three beautiful medleys starting with the techno-inspired number by Tris Suguitan; a Big Band medley by Mel Villena which consists of jazz-inspired tunes that feature brass instruments; and finally, a Filipino medley by Vonde Guzman that showcases popular Pinoy Christmas tunes with a mix of cheerful and sentimental melodies.

Spectators in Makati will have an extra visual treat as the “Carol of Lights”, a 3D video mapping show  made possible by Epson Philippines, withl light projections designed by G.A. Fallarme and conceptualized with Henk-Gert Lenten, will be done for the first time.

People will be right under where all the magic happens, as the images will be projected at the dome of Tower One and Exchange Plaza, which provides the perfect surface for a truly immersive show. This is inspired by church ceilings and stained glass windows from select Filipino and international churches, integrating whimsical elements and technology, providing a spectacular festival mood for the holidays.

This year’s exciting Gallery of Lights is done in collaboration with HSBC, SunLife,  Globe Telecom, and Epson Philippines—a huge holiday treat that everyone can enjoy from 6PM-10PM every night from November 12 until January12, 2020.

For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.com and follow MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, andInstagram.

Acer partners with realme to spread the holiday cheer with a FREE realme smartphone for every purchase of Acer or Predator PC

Tis the season to be jolly as Acer partners with realme to celebrate the #RealHolidays.  For each time you buy an Acer or Predator PC. You will get a new realme smartphone for yourself or if you feel generous you can give it to your loved ones instead. Its a win-win situation.

The holiday season is just around the corner. The lights are on; the streets are busy, and the people are merry. Nothing beats the excitement of gift-giving and seeing the eyes of the recipient light up.

Multinational technology company and the Philippines’ No. 1 PC brand, Acer, and country’s fastest growing smartphone brand, realme, forge a partnership to spread the holiday cheer with a FREE realme smartphone for every purchase of any qualifying Acer or Predator PC. 

The holiday promo aims to celebrate the #RealHolidays and #ExperienceRealConnections with the TechEssential duo—Acer Predator PCs and realme smartphones—bridging the gap between you and your loved ones in this most wonderful time of the year.

Gadget geeks will have an unforgettable Christmas when they purchase any qualifying Acer or Predator laptop, which are powered by either Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. For Acer laptops, the customer gets the realme C2 2020 (2GB + 32GB) worth P4,990 for free, while Predator laptop buyers will get a free realme 5 (3GB + 64GB) worth PHP7,990.

Ms. Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines' General Manager

“Acer is excited to partner with realme for this holiday promo as we both believe in developing products that can help bridge the gap and let our customers #ExperienceRealConnections” said Ms. Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines' General Manager. “Offering both of our top-of-the-line gadgets, we hope that this duo spread holiday cheer to you and your loved ones this Christmas season.”

Eason de Guzman, realme Marketing Head

To qualify for the giveaway, customers must register their new purchase for warranty at https://warranty.acer.com.ph/ within two weeks of purchase. The Aspire, Nitro, and Predator laptops are given a two-year warranty.

The purchase of eligible products has a corresponding electronic voucher that the customer will get through the email they will provide. Customers just need to print it out to claim their free smartphone at any designated realme redemption center. They need to present a valid government ID. Customers must make sure to register within seven (7) days after the date of purchase. 

Acer and realme aim to celebrate a long Christmas as the promo begins on Nov. 15 and will run until Dec. 31. Customers have 60 days to redeem the electronic voucher until the end of the promo.

Check out the following social media accounts to learn more on the #Acerxrealme Promotion: Facebook – @AcerPH, Instagram – @acerph, Twitter – @acerphils, Website - http://www.acer.com/.

The Fast charging feature is the life hack you need, especially if your mantra is Rest and Reset

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, a smartphone is a must-have appendage to keep up with one’s daily grind. But one feature that rarely takes the spotlight, yet very much deserves it, is Fast Charging.

Go-getters would know that the last thing that they want is for their smartphone to slow them down. And the best smartphone of choice to date, that will be up and running as you are is the Vivo V17Pro. 

Powered with 4,100 mAh battery, the V17Pro guarantees long battery life despite multi-app use. In layman’s term, one can enjoy a reliable phone that is versatile enough for quick document work, incessant communications via messaging apps, constant browsing, and even games, without it dying on you just after a few hours. 

The Fast charging feature is the life hack you need, especially if your mantra is Rest and Reset. It’s most important to have a phone that will only require as little time to reset as you are if you’re the image of up-and-about. 
   

Get the party started with SM’s new Spotify playlist

Looking for the perfect playlist to match your mood? SM Supermalls teamed up with Spotify to launch its official profile and curated playlists fit for every occasion, from Christmas hits to K-pop faves!

SM Supermalls is kicking off the holiday season with classic songs like Jose Mari Chan's "Christmas in Our Hearts," Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," and The Jackson 5's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,". The playlist also features SM Supermalls’ new Christmas jingle, “Happy SM Mallidays.”

Aside from its Christmas playlist, SM Supermalls has also created more playlists for every season, which anyone can listen to anytime, anywhere. 

Set the mood for a laid-back afternoon with friends by listening to the Coffee & Chill and Autumn Hits playlists. Dance to your favorite K-Pop tunes by following the K-Pop Faves playlist, featuring tracks from TWICE, BLACKPINK, EXO, BTS, and more. Turn up the SuperKids Jam playlist to enjoy classic Disney hits and catchy pop songs.

Follow SM Supermalls on Spotify and get ready to listen to some good music with family and friends. For updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com. 

Perfect holiday gift for coffee lovers

Spread the joy of the holidays with Villa Del Conte Coffee Bean Dragees, a chocolate masterpiece of perfectly roasted coffee beans, with an irresistible aroma and crunch, covered in mildly sweet, extra dark chocolate. 

An invigorating treat for coffee lovers, the Villa del Conte Coffee Bean Dragees is available at Greenbelt 5 and SM Megamall or contact 893-2575. You may also visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com, or follow Villa del Conte on Facebook and Instagram: @VillaDelContePh and on Twitter: @villadelconte. 

dōTERRA essential oils is now in the PH

Next to brewed teas, my partner and I have a collection of essential oils in the house. Name it--from lavender, lemon, wintergreen, ylang ylang, etc and we probably have it. I lost count of all the bottles sitting in our cabinet.

So you could just imagine my excitement when I got invited to the #dōTERRA launch the other day. Problem was I had another terrible headache (sidestory: I've been having on and off headache for about 8 months now and my doctor only prescribed Biogesic PRN for pain).

I was already late and was in a rush to catch the last few remaining minutes of the briefing when I passed by the hall where several dōTERRA diffusers were installed.

The scent made me stop and as I inhaled the aromatic scents, my headache suddenly disappeared in just a few seconds! Definitely better than any of the meds I was given.

I have never known dōTERRA essential oils until their event last November 8.  Doterra Greg Cook, Founding Executive made us sample their Frankincense oil and it smelled divine.

dōTERRA, the world leader in essential oils, is celebrating its global expansion with the grand opening of a new corporate office and locally registered product in the Philippines. The office provides a convenient location where thousands of local Wellness Advocates, together with a growing customer base, can come to learn about and purchase dōTERRA’s pure, potent, and sustainable essential oils.

“This is a great day for dōTERRA and the growing number of dōTERRA Wellness Advocates and customers whose demand for our products were critical in our expansion into the Philippines,” said Greg Cook, Founding Executive. “We are excited about the potential of our Southeast Asia business, and the opportunity to share our pure essential oils with more consumers and increase awareness of our sustainable sourcing with another global community. Our presence in the Philippines further solidifies our position as the largest essential oil company in the world.”

“Opening an office and building a support team in the Philippines is a small, yet significant way for us to support our Filipino Wellness Advocates and customers, and demonstrate our commitment to building a successful business in the region,” said Johnathan Kunz, dōTERRA Vice President of Asia Pacific Markets. “Serving the thousands of loyal dōTERRA customers just got easier, and we appreciate everyone that has had a hand in making this office possible.”

dōTERRA previously announced that Micheal Carson will serve as General Manager for the Philippines. Carson is an experienced industry leader who also helped open China for dōTERRA in 2014.

Upgrade Your Lifestyle through Technology at TechLife Expo 2019

Enjoy multiple products of innovation brought by the marriage of lifestyle and technology at the first TechLife Expo, on November 15-17, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The three-day expo highlights a future of tech-integrated living where digital experience becomes seamless and more accessible to the Filipino audience.

Leading brands will showcase their latest products and services to give visitors an enriching customer experience and amazing deals, including up to 50% discount and more on selected items.

Visit the booth of our partner brands: GetGo, Logitech G,  Logitech, Ultimate Ears, Jaybird, Vivo, Sun Cellular, Ogawa, CaseLogic, JBL, KASE Lens, Growl, Carousell, AGVA, Converge, MW2000, Felta, Taktyl Studios, McDonald’s, PEPERO, RC Cola, QuickmealsPH, Food Panda , and many more!

Guests and attendees will also have a chance to broaden their knowledge on various topics to help them appreciate how they can upgrade their lifestyle through technology. Industry thought leaders will be invited to deliver talks to discuss and delve on the topics of cybersecurity, e-commerce, e-sports, robotics, smart homes, and wellness.

Entrance fee is Php 50.00 but get a Free Entrance Pass when you pre-register on-line via www.techlifeexpo.com. Registered guests will also have a chance to win in the grand raffle.

What are you waiting for? Bring your tech-savvy friends and family for three days of learning, booth hopping and shopping, and partying at the TechLife Expo 2019!

For more information, visit techlifeexpo.com and follow @TechLifeExpo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Contact us at 0916-891-3779,  info@techlifeexpo.com

Keepr: A Service for Families in the 21st Century

Moms across Metro Manila now have an answer to all their storage needs with Keepr Storage PH. 

Available on both Google Play and the App Store, Keepr Storage PH is the best full-service storage solution that enables women to securely store and monitor their most treasured possessions right from their own phones! Keepr’s services start at just ₱399.00 a month.

Making Space is Never Easy 
For many mothers in Metro Manila, clearing up space around the home is an all too familiar challenge. As times change and children age, it can be very easy for our things to pile-up, gather dust, and take-up an unnecessary amount of space. 

“Extra storage allows us to better use our home for the things that truly matter,” says Keepr founder, Anna Moncupa. “It's being able to have a full life and not being limited by small spaces.”

Keepr: A Service for Families in the 21st Century

Having relocated back to Metro Manila with her two children and partner, Jay Buensuceso, Anna Moncupa recognized a need for sustainable storage space. 

“We’ve always liked being flexible in our space, having moved quite a bit around Manila and Los Angeles,” shares Jay Buensuceso. “When we decided to move back to Manila for good, we ended up living in a two-bedroom apartment because we thought it’d be a lot easier to maintain. It ended up being difficult for us since we’ve accumulated quite a chunk of possessions over the years, and barely had space for half of our belongings!”

Inspired by her experience using valet storage in the United States, Moncupa, together with Buensuceso, went to work on an app that could serve the needs of growing families in small, urban spaces. 

“Keepr was inspired by our lifestyle abroad – the convenience and ease of having such a service,” says Anna Moncupa. “The real challenge was making it the perfect fit for Filipino families, and I think we were able to really step up to that challenge by making sure our warehouse is in Metro Manila. This enables us to cater to our clients more efficiently, allowing last-minute requests when needed. I believe that homes are living spaces, not storage space. We looked at our need of having just our essentials at home, and everything else in storage, but within reach.”

How Do I Use Keepr?
Through this easy-to-use app, users have constant access to Keepr’s high-level security system and strategic logistics. Available on all mobile devices, Keepr works in just five simple steps:

1. Download & Sign-Up
Download Keepr Storage PH on your Apple or Android device and simply fill in the sign-up form. You can activate your account through e-mail, Facebook, and Gmail. 

2. Get Your Free Assessment 
Once you have successfully activated your account and provided Keepr with your mobile number, a Storage Specialist will get in touch with you for an over-the-phone assessment. This consultation will allow Keepr’s Storage Specialist to understand your needs and identify a storage package just right for you!

3. Schedule a Pick-Up
Now that you’ve found a storage plan tailored to your needs, you can book an appointment with Keepr’s team. At just ₱150.00 per hour, per personnel, the Storage Team will expertly pack your valuables and put smaller items in tamper-proof bins. 

4. Customize and Manage Your Inventory
Once your items arrive at Keepr’s warehouse, it will be under 24-hour CCTV-monitored security. Every Keepr Bin will be photographed, given a barcode, and uploaded to your account. You can create custom labels for all your items uploaded into your personal photo inventory.

5. Schedule an Item for Delivery at Your Convenience 
For a flat rate of ₱500.00, you can have your storage bin returned to your home! In addition, Keepr’s team can pick-up your empty storage bin when you’re done at no extra cost. 

Keepr: For Moms By Moms
Keepr is the perfect app for any mom who wants to free up space in the home. With Keepr, mothers all across Metro Manila now have the chance to really bring out the beauty in their homes without giving anything away. 

“Modern-day moms are superheroes, on-call 24/7. We have careers yet find the time and energy to make a house a home and take care of our families,” Moncupa shares. “Through Keepr, I want to empower mothers to make room for what truly matters so they can spend more time doing what they love. Keepr is a cost-efficient solution to creating more space at home, plus it’s really hassle-free - all it takes is a few taps in our mobile app!”

Download Keepr Storage PH now on the App Store and Google Play! Keepr Storage PH provides you with a host of storage solutions combined with real-time and customizable storage management. Prices start at just ₱399.00 a month! Learn more at https://www.keeprstorage.ph or call +63-917-533-7774!

Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan lit up the 75-foot Firefly LED Giant Christmas Tree at SM By the Bay Mall of Asia

How time flies when Firefly LED had their 71-foot Christmas tree lit up at SM By the Bay MOA last year. This year they were joined by Celebrity singer Jose Mari Chan in lighting up the giant christmas three adorned with gift boxes, candy canes, Christmas balls with angels and snowmen, and covered with Firefly LED Bright Christmas Lights. 

Firefly LED makes Christmas even better and brighter for 2019.  The tree is now taller and no less than the Filipino Christmas icon, singer and songwriter Jose Mari Chan, lit up the 75-foot Firefly LED Giant Christmas Tree at SM By the Bay Mall of Asia on November 9, signaling the official start of the Christmas season in the Philippines, which was hosted by Donita Rose.

The Philippines celebrates Christmas the longest—it begins in September and typically ends in January—and it is a most joyous celebration.

The tree lighting event also served as the first public introduction of Jose Mari Chan as Firefly LED Brand ambassador.

According to Chan, Firefly LED is not the only brand that offered him an endorsement. The reason he accepted it is because the company manufactures products that he believes in.

"I am very honored to be Firefly LED's first ambassador. Firefly LED makes Christmas even better because a safe Christmas is indeed a happy Christmas," said Chan.

At the Chan home, their Christmas tree is lit up with Firefly LED Christmas Lights, the first Firefly-branded Christmas lights in the country.

"Firefly has lights for every household need, and its standard LED bulbs range is safe for the eyes, as certified by TÜV-SÜD, a world-renowned German testing institute. We are very happy to be working with Jose Mari Chan, who is a revered Christmas icon in the Philippines," said Erik Riola, Marketing Director of Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation.

The  Firefly LED Giant Christmas Tree at SM By the Bay has a "Home for the Holidays" theme with red and gold colors. The tree is adorned with gift boxes, candy canes, Christmas balls with angels and snowmen, and covered with Firefly LED Bright Christmas Lights.

To supplement the grandiose Firefly LED Christmas tree, SM By the Bay, has also installed "Christmas Forest of Lights" featuring 30 8ft forest trees with light synchronization to be displayed until January 2020.

Aside from SM By the Bay, Firefly LED also lit up the 75-ft Christmas tree at SM North Edsa with a "Frozen" theme, a parol-inspired tree in Ayala Cebu, and an indoor Christmas Tree at Robinson's Tagum.

Firefly LED also has Christmas lights installation at Aseana Bradco and Macapagal Avenue in partnership with DM Wenceslao.

During the tree lighting event, Chan performed a number of songs, including the iconic "Christmas in our Hearts."

The Filipino-owned Firefly Lighting brand has been in business for close to two decades, but only began selling Christmas lights three years ago. The company mainly sells various lighting and power solutions products.

Firefly LED Bright Christmas lights is the first Firefly-branded Christmas lights in the market today. These lights are tested safe as the product has a built-in safety fuse and made of  high-grade materials such as copper wire, instead of aluminum. All Firefly Christmas lights  are approved by the Department of Trade and Industry.

"Firefly’s Christmas lights come in warm white, white and RGB (red, green and blue). The Christmas lights prices range from P439 for the 90 LED bulbs, 6-meter, steady-on string lights, to P2,499 for the curtain lights with 400 LED bulbs and with a blinking night sky effect" said Christine Reyes, Assistant Brand Manager of Firefly LED.

Visit Firefly’s official Facebook page: facebook.com/FireflyLightingPH to know what Jose Mari Chan and Firefly LED has in store for you this holiday season.

Preserve your business legacy with AXA’s Asset Master

Owning a business is not a walk in the park – you have to be on top of your operations 24/7, you constantly have to make crucial business decisions, and you have employees who rely on you for their livelihood. 

AXA Philippines’ Asset Master as keyman insurance is designed to ensure business continuity and smooth transition with the availability of funds from insurance proceeds in case of the loss of a key person. 





But what will happen in case of the untimely demise of a key employee? A new executive will have to take over. But it may take months before you could find a suitable replacement, and a temporary loss of profit could happen. To make matters worse, other key contributors might resign when they sense a possible slump, and your creditors and investors may lose a little confidence.

To help companies prepare for this scenario, AXA, one of the leading insurance companies in the country, introduces Asset Master as keyman insurance. As keyman insurance, Asset Master is designed to ensure business continuity and smooth transition with the availability of funds from insurance proceeds in case of the loss of a key person.  

“Accidents and critical illnesses, which can potentially lead to untimely demise, are a reality of life. As a business owner, the most important legacy he/she can leave his/her company is to keep it afloat and successful. AXA aims to be the company’s partner every step of the way through Asset Master as keyman insurance,” says AXA Philippines president and CEO Rahul Hora.  

This single-pay, investment-linked insurance plan allows you to maintain smooth business operations with 125% guaranteed life insurance coverage of your one-time payment, which can be used to cover the loss of profit, recruit and train the keyman successor, and sustain good credit rating. 

Asset Master as keyman insurance also allows you to diversify your investment portfolio with access to globally diverse funds. Its investment funds are tailored to suit your risk profile while giving your portfolio a global exposure.

Lastly, it supports business growth by allocating investment gains to expand and upgrade facilities via partial withdrawal while maintaining the insurance coverage of the keyman.

Preserve your business legacy with the AXA Asset Master. To know more, talk to an AXA financial advisor by visiting the nearest Metrobank, PSBank or AXA branch, or email customer.service@axa.com.ph.

Coleen and EA’s on-screen chemistry sizzles in “Mia” trailer

LEAD ACTORS Coleen Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman display exceptional on-screen chemistry in the official trailer of their latest film, “Mia,” released by Insight 360 Films in partnership with Viva Films.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Veronica Velasco, “Mia” is a romantic comedy film about a doctor Mia Salazar (Garcia) and a nerdy forester Jay Policarpio (Guzman).

Jay, who transforms mined-out land into rainforests, pursues the self-destructive alcoholic, Mia, who recently joined the government’s Doctor To The Barrios program to heal from the tragedy of her fiance’s death.  

Showing that conflict sometimes belies an undercurrent of passion, Mia and Jay’s occasional clashes soon create compelling chemistry between them.

The trailer, which was released on various prominent Youtube and Facebook channels including Insight 360, Mia: The Movie, CinemaBravo, and Design Pirate PH, also features the film’s official soundtrack titled “Sa Iba Na Lang” performed by duo B.O.U. and written by Jayson Dedal.     

  

Other cast members include veteran actors Yayo Aguila and William Martinez, Billy Crawford, Star Orjaliza, Jeremy Domingo, Sunshine Teodoro, Pau Benitez, and Xenia Barrameda.  

The screenplay was co-written by Velasco and Jinky Laurel while Noel Teehankee served as its director of photography.

Produced by public relations and digital marketing expert Chris Cahilig, “Mia” is scheduled to be in cinemas on January 15, 2020.