Holiday at Play: Immerse yourself in pure festive awe at the brightest family Christmas Destination

Immerse yourself in pure festive awe at the brightest family Christmas destination in the South: Holiday At Play! Now in its second year, the spectacle is back with colorful installations and interactive activities, promising nothing less than unforgettable musical experiences fit for every kid and young at heart.

Nestled within Ayala Malls Vermosa’s Central Garden, Holiday At Play is open and free for all. Every day from November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025, families can explore this Christmas wonderland, accessible from day to night within mall hours. But that’s not all—a special light and sound show is happening daily from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, spaced every 30 minutes. The show, spanning ten minutes long, features various interactive attractions like sensor-illuminating passageways inspired by musical pipes. 

Strategically located in Vermosa, a complete community and mixed-use development set on a 725-hectare estate in Cavite, this Christmas showcase is just one of many initiatives aimed at bolstering the bustling South. Vermosa is rapidly becoming the premier suburban community for those pursuing an active, fulfilling lifestyle. It’s designed to blend the vibrancy of modern living with a focus on health, wellness, and community. With its new prime shopping and entertainment venues, along with a lively Christmas celebration, Vermosa is the perfect backdrop for lively gatherings and contemporary suburban life.

Recent and upcoming developments at Vermosa

New residential offerings

Vermosa unveiled expanded residential options, including additional phases of Alveo Caleia lots and Avida’s first mid-rise tower in Cavite, further diversifying its residential landscape. These new choices add to an array of established developments, such as The Courtyards, Ardia, Avida Vera Settings, and Amaia Series, giving future homeowners a wide selection of options to suit various lifestyle needs. 

Alveo Caleia is the latest Alveo Land Community in Vermosa, bringing fresh opportunities for elevated living. Meanwhile, with its established presence in the area, Avida continues to empower residents to live life more—offering a perfect balance of serene, nature-inspired living and modern convenience. Likewise, Sentria Storeys Vermosa offers thoughtfully designed life spaces, fostering enriching experiences and a vibrant community lifestyle. 

Together, these offerings create an ideal environment for building meaningful lives and securing futures in a community that supports wellness and growth.

San Sebastian Church

Adding to Vermosa’s charm and community focus is the San Sebastian Church, with a capacity of 500 seats. Playing an essential role in community life, the newly completed church provides a safe space for residents to come together for worship and reflection, as well as meaningful celebrations as it hosts Simbang Gabi this Christmas season. 

Unmatched Accessibility

Vermosa's strategic location and connectivity are its key advantages. Situated along major roadways and in close proximity to the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) and the upcoming Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), it offers convenient accessibility, making it an ideal location for both residential and commercial purposes. The new Vermosa Transport Terminal further enhances these links, offering convenient routes to Makati, Imus, General Trias, Dasmariñas, Alabang, Bonifacio Global City, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, One Ayala Makati, PITX, and NAIA. Not only do these routes cut down significant travel time, but these also reinforce Vermosa’s role as a premier, accessible urban development fostering integration across the region. 

Lifestyle and Retail Experiences

The "Vermosa lifestyle" wouldn’t be complete without dynamic retail experiences. By Q1 2025, Cavite’s first Landers Superstore will open at Vermosa, marking Landers' largest branch nationwide with a 1.3-hectare footprint. Through premiere membership-shopping, the superstore will bring residents an extensive selection of global products and services, thus enriching family life within the area.

Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Vermosa continues to elevate shopping and entertainment with an expanded lineup of renowned brands. These include fashion and sports labels like Levis, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, World Balance, and Planet Sports; sneaker go-to’s like Skechers, Converse, and Shoe Salon; gadget shops like Rulls, Digimap, and Huawei; home products like Flying Tiger, Robinson’s Appliances, and Daiso; specialty providers like Azta Salon, Skin Station, and Sarabia Optical; and an ultimate entertainment haven, that is Timezone! Moreover, with amenities such as a jogging path, Calisthenics field, playground, activity park, and the BarkYard for pets, Ayala Malls Vermosa enriches the community with spaces that support recreation and active lifestyles year-round.

In addition to all these, Vermosa boasts a range of exisitng facilities that enrich the community experience. Unique to the estate is its strong commitment to nation-building through sports and athleticism. It also fosters holistic development by providing more spaces that support education and community engagement.

De La Salle Zobel-Vermosa Campus

The De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) Vermosa Campus is a centerpiece of educational excellence in the estate, making Lasallian education more accessible to families in the South. Designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate diverse talents, the campus nurtures young minds in areas like arts, athletics, and innovation. DLSZ-Vermosa also stands out for pioneering the Next Generation Blended Learning Program, setting a new benchmark for basic education in the Philippines. Plus, by housing a dedicated facility for sports training at the Vermosa Sports and Lifestyle Complex, the campus aims to develop the next generation of Filipino athletes and future leaders.

Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

The Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is a complete one-stop training and lifestyle destination for triathletes and sports enthusiasts, featuring state-of-the-art facilities like an Olympic-sized pool, a running track, a football field, and a sports science laboratory. The Santé Fitness Lab within AVSH offers specialized services in sports rehabilitation, strength conditioning, and performance testing. With the Athlete’s House providing accommodation for top talents, AVSH supports both high-performance athletes and residents seeking to embrace an active lifestyle. All in all, this exceptional sports complex inspires a new generation of leaders and health-conscious individuals.

Safety and Security

Vermosa is also committed to safety and well-being, with essential facilities such as the Cavite Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and the Imus Government Center situated within the estate.

Green Spaces

For relaxation and community gatherings, Vermosa’s expansive green spaces include landscaped parks, pocket gardens, and the Vermosa Greenways and Play Park—a continuous green spine running through the estate, providing ample space for residents to connect with nature and each other.

A sneak peek of Holiday At Play 2024

Get ready for a holiday adventure that promises to transport you to a world of wonder Kick-start your holiday enchantment with a stroll through Candy Cane Lane and discover a world of magic! Dazzling Delights are scattered throughout the venue, casting a festive glow to light up your path as you wander through the Christmas Play Park. Don’t miss Shades of Funtasy, the perfect spot for capturing shareable moments. Swing by the Jingle Bell Swings to hop on and sway with joy, adding a playful touch to your festive adventure. At the heart of it all, our breathtaking 30-foot Whimsical Wonder dazzles as a vibrant showpiece, adorned with sparkling colors and festive candy accents. With enchanting surprises and interactive displays around every corner, your holiday spirit is sure to soar! 

In addition to Holiday At Play, Ayala Malls Vermosa is hyping up Christmas with exciting pop-ups at the Activity Center. Catch Holiday Harmonies, the Vermosa Holiday Market, and the Paws & Claus Holiday Party; plus, with the Vermosa Playzone, there's an abundance of hands-on activities that every member of the family can enjoy.

Holiday At Play is a collaborative project between Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls, proudly sponsored by Sun Life, the No. 1 life insurance company in the Philippines in terms of premium income. As the first and longest-standing insurer in the country, Sun Life is celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025. 

For more information, visit https://www.vermosa.ph/ or via social media at Vermosa PH on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Be the grand prize winner of PHP 1 Million Cashback with Metrobank

Metrobank credit cardholders can win weekly prizes up to P20,000 eGCs or up to P1 MILLION CASHBACK this holiday season.

This holiday just got merrier as Metrobank spreads holiday cheer with the launch of the Have a Merry Million promo, offering weekly prizes of up to PHP 20,000 eGCs or up to PHP 1 MILLION CASHBACK.

To qualify for a chance to win these exciting prizes, make sure to register at https://metrobankcard.mymcc.gift . For every PHP1,000 single-receipt purchase from October 20, 2024 to January 15, 2024 using any of your Metrobank credit card, you earn a raffle entry for a chance to win weekly prizes up to PHP1 million cashback that will be credited to your Metrobank credit card. And when you spend at least PHP4,000 in one transaction using your Metrobank credit card, you will receive an instant reward of PHP100worth of eGCs.

Apart from the million peso cashback, you can also get a chance to win a slew of especially curated rewards to give you the best experience when you travel, shop, dine, and so much more.

 

PRIZE	NUMBER OF WINNERS	ANNOUNCEMENT DATE
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Online Shopping merchants	3	November 8, 2024
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Shopping related merchants	3	November 15, 2024
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Travel and entertainment Related merchants	3	November 22, 2024
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Gadgets related merchants	3	November 29, 2024
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Dining related merchants	3	December 6, 2024
PHP 10,000 eGCs limited to Appliance & Furniture related merchants	3	December 13, 2024
PHP 15,000 eGCs limited to Grocery, Drugs, and Gas	3	December 20, 2024
PHP 20,000 eGCs limited to Apple related merchants like Power Mac, Switch, Beyond the Box, etc	3	December 27, 2024
PHP 20,000 CASHBACK to be rewarded as a credit adjustment on the cardholder’s statement of account	2	January 3, 2025
PHP 30,000 CASHBACK to be rewarded as a credit adjustment on the cardholder’s statement of account	1	January 10, 2025
PHP 50,000 CASHBACK to be rewarded as a credit adjustment on the cardholder’s statement of account	1	January 17, 2025
PHP 1,000,000 CASHBACK to be rewarded as a credit adjustment on the cardholder’s statement of account	1	January 24, 2025

 

Just use your Metrobank credit card when dining at your favorite restaurants, buying everyday essentials, or shopping gifts for your loved ones, to get a chance to win these exciting prizes in Metrobank’s weekly raffle. 

Follow these easy steps to register for the ‘Have a Merry Million’ promo:

a. Visit https://metrobankcard.mymcc.gift.

b. Log-in the mobile number registered to your Metrobank credit card. 

c. In the Available Promos section, click “Have a Merry Million” and enter your mobile number to register in the promo.

d. Enter the registration code sent via SMS to your mobile number.

e. A successful SMS will be sent to your mobile number after successful registration.

Winners will be announced via Metrobank’s Facebook page every Friday, starting November 8.

Unlock extraordinary rewards this holiday season with your Metrobank credit card in hand! Learn more about this promo, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos/chance-to-win-up-to-one-million-pesos-plus-instant-egcs. 

 

Check out https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos for more exciting offers with your Metrobank credit card. 

 

Not yet a Metrobank credit cardholder? Visit https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/creditcard to apply. 

 

Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gems: The Japan Agenda's Premium Travel Blueprint Takes You to Kyushu

 In the previous edition of The Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint, we explored Niigata and the nearby SadoIsland. Full of picturesque sights like the Kiyotsu Gorge and Sado Gold Mines, these itineraries are created to highlight Japan’s lesser-known but equally-beautiful areas. On this edition of The Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint, continuing with crafting adventures of Japan’s roads less traveled, we are taking you to and around Kyushu, one of Japan’s four main islands.  

Every Kyushu prefecture has its own charm and personality, all distinct yet harmonious, creating an adventure not to be missed, and with a short flight to Fukuoka from Manila, the wonders of Kyushu are just quick trip away. Join us as we take you throughthe island’s unique historical landmarks and culinary comforts.

 

Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka Airport

Afternoon: Arrive in Fukuoka Airport from Manila, and check-in at Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion.

 

Photo courtesy of Visit Fukuoka

 

Evening: Spend your first night immersing yourself in Fukuoka’s local delicacies at the stalls of Yatai. Slurp down a hearty Hakata tonkotsu ramen dinner, known for its flavorful white broth. 

 

Day 2: Nagasaki

 

Morning: Make your way to Nagasaki from Fukuoka, and consider checking-in at a hotel like the JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki near the station. 

 

Afternoon to Evening: Visit Glover Garden for an open-air tour of the old mansions once inhabited by Western Merchants, with the piece de resistance being the Former Glover House. All mansions are surrounded with well-maintained and colorful flower arrangements, completing the already beautiful scene. 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

 

Nagasaki has several high-rise cathedrals that will awe any visitor, with many of them located within driving distance from another, so explore as many of them as you can. The must-see churches are the Urakami Cathedral up north, the NakamachiCatholic Church south of that, and the Oura Cathedral further down, with other churches along the way.

 

End the day on a filling noodle dish like Champon in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, a city staple with an abundance of seafood and vegetable toppings paired with tasty noodles and soup. 

 

Day 3: Nagasaki

 

Morning: Check-out of your hotel, and step into a new world at Huis Ten Bosch. To fully immerse yourself in this foreign town, book rooms at Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch. 

 

 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

 

Afternoon to Evening: Explore Huis Ten Bosch, a town built to commemorate the long friendship between the Dutch and the Japanese. Akin to a European city, Huis Ten Bosch has walkable streets that all lead to exciting places, with light displays, virtual rafting rides, and dressed-up buildings that complete this otherworldly experience.

 

Day 4: Saga 

 

Morning: Before embarking on your Nagasaki to Saga road trip, have a Sasebo burger for breakfast in Nagasaki! The Sasebo burger is iconic in Japan, with a history dating back 50 years, and an authentic American taste. 

 

Afternoon: Make your way to Saga, near our starting point of Fukuoka. Explore another Euro-inspired area, this time with influences from Germany. The Arita Porcelain Park is known for its world-class porcelain, quiet yet vibrant gardens, and openparks, with restaurants around the area and souvenir shops for your loved ones back home.

 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization 

 

While you’re in Saga, stop by the Yutoku Inari Shrine, one of the country’s top shrines dedicated to Inari. Ascend the stone steps under the Torii gates to find the majestic main hall, bordered by verdant Japanese flora. 

 

Evening: Soak in the mending alkaline waters at the Takeo Onsen, a traditional Japanese onsen special water that revitalizes the skin and helps with conditions. They also hold pottery workshops and exhibit artifacts that hold the history to the onsen.

 

Day 5: Saga to Fukuoka

 

Morning: Before heading back to Fukuoka, visit the TosuPremium Outlets, with high-quality brand stores around every turn to treat yourself to. 

 

Afternoon: Once you get to Fukuoka, take a historical tour of Hakata Old Town. The tour will take you around the entire site, where you will learn about the old hub for Chinese merchants, going through the Sakura tea store, the Jotenji and Tochojitemple, and the resting place of the famous Chinese merchant Xie Guoming. Watch expert craftsmen hold demonstrations on their art of weaving textile and painting lanterns.   

 

Photo courtesy of Visit Fukuoka

 

Evening: After a long day of travels and tours, fill-up on hot-pot perfection with either Motsunabe, packed with beef or pork offal with a hearty helping of vegetables, or Mizutaki, with chicken and shitake mushrooms slow-cooked with the broth. Both are core to Fukuoka’s cuisine, so get them both for a perfect dinner to feed the whole family. After dinner, check back into our point-zero: Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion. 

 

Day 6: Fukuoka

 

Morning: Start your final morning of the trip with some much-needed downtime. Pair your morning ambience with some specialty chai at one of the many nearby café’s, with a variety of chai blends and spices to suit any and all tastes.

 

Afternoon: Go on a shopping-spree at Canal City Hakata, with over 250 shops, cafés, and restaurants to choose from, all in this creatively colorful mall. Don’t forget to buy pasalubong for the people back home! 

 

Evening: Make your way back to Fukuoka Airport, and leave for Manila with a newfound appreciation for Kyushu’s one-of-a-kind wonder. 

 

 

Additional recommendations:

 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

 

Capture the sunset in Itoshima, a coastal gem nearby Fukuoka. Known for its scenic beaches, rugged cliffs, and sparkling waters, every corner turned is a new sight to see and a new memory to make, so bring a camera and snapshot lifelong keepsakes.

 

Should your trip land between October 31st and November 4th, make time for the Saga International Balloon Fiesta to see the colorful and uniquely-designed hot-air balloons paint the sky for a stunning scene. 

 

As we mark the end of this adventure, we hope that the beauty of Kyushu and its prefectures has been revealed to you. Words and photos can only do so much to capture the magic of Japan, so plan your trip to Kyushu soon and see it for yourself.

 

Stay tuned for next month’s agenda for more extraordinary journeys that make you fall in love with Japan, one trip at a time. 

 

 

Here’s why upgrading to 5G+ could transform your home internet experience

 Have you ever wanted to experience the real power of 5G at home? PLDT Home’s new Home WiFi 5G+ might be the answer. Bringing the future of 5G connectivity into your home, it offers faster speeds, greater capacity, and enhanced flexibility. Here’s why upgrading to 5G+ could transform your home internet experience.

 

Unlocking the Real Power of 5G

 

Faster Speed: Imagine your current LTE internet speed multiplied by up to 10—that’s the kind of performance boost 5G delivers. The new standard for wireless connectivity, 5G can deliver as high as gigabit speeds for your device. With faster speeds versus its previous generation, 5G also delivers a more stable upload and download experience on a wireless connection.   

Better Support for Connected Devices: When several smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, home security cameras, and even your personal smartwatch are connected all at once at home, 5G can support all these high bandwidth demand. As more household devices nowadays require connectivity, 5G allows better handling of simultaneous internet use. 

 

Latency: Latency refers to the delay between sending data from your device and receiving a response. 5Gcan reduce latency to as little as 1 millisecond. This is especially useful for interconnected devices at home and real-time online activities like gaming, video calls, and even emerging technologies like virtual reality, where every millisecond counts.

 

Why Choose PLDT Home WiFi 5G+?

 

Uncapped speeds and WiFi 6 Technology: The PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ device can deliver uncapped speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps, far surpassing the capabilities of other 5G devices some competitors use. With these speeds, downloading a full-length movie in seconds is possible! PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ also excels at connecting multiple devices up to 15 gadgets simultaneously. Whether it's video conferencing, HD streaming or gaming, PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ ensures smoother, more reliable internet for the whole family. 

 

PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ also uses WiFi 6 technology, which supports faster data transfer and higher bandwidth compared to older standards. This enhances indoor coverage and performance, ensuring seamlessand uninterrupted online activities. 

 

Network Coverage: PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) covers 97% of the population and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure. With PLDT Home WiFi 5G+, you’re getting faster speeds and more stable and consistent connection with Smart’s 5G network that’s available in over 600 cities and municipalities nationwide. 

 

Plug-and-Play Convenience: Setting up PLDT Home WiFi5G+ is hassle-free. With a plug-and-play modem, there's no need for professional installation—just plug it in, register theSIM to activate, and start using high-speed internet right away. Whether purchased from PLDT and Smart stores, PLDT and Smart official store in Shopee, or in SM touchpoints, it’s never been easier to get connected.

 

True Unli and Flexible Experience: PLDT Home WiFi 5G+ offers a prepaid service. For a promotional price of ₱1,495, you get a modem, a 5G SIM card, and 15 days of unlimited WiFi. After that, simply reload your data as needed. What makes this even more unique is the true unlimited experience. While other prepaid services still use volume cap for loading, PLDT Home gives users a true unli experience whether you’re using a 4G or 5G device. You won’t need to worry about reloading and you have flexible load options depending on your need.

 

For more information or to check if your area is covered by Smart’s 5G network, visitPLDT Home WiFi 5G+.###