DonBelle and Maine Mendoza Join Lucky Smart Subscribers for a Special Group Date

 In line with Smart’s commitment to empower subscribers with amazing experiences that go beyond connectivity, select subscribers enjoyed some rare quality time getting to know Smart ambassadors Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, and Maine Mendoza in a series of meet-and-greet sessions. 

Through Smart’s Holideals promo, Donny and Belle treated fans like family last February 15 while Maine had an extended bonding session with her supporters last February 22.

 

Group date with DonBelle

 

For DonBelle fans who joined the Smart Holideals Meet-and-Greet promo, there was no better way to spend the love month than with the country’s most-sought after on-screen loveteam.

 

Ten lucky fans—who also participated in getting-to-know games moderated by Rammy Bitong— went all out to prepare personalized gifts for DonBelle and even sang Happy Birthday for Donny who celebrated his birthday last February 10.

 

The event also saw DonBelle interacting with each subscriber, taking time to truly talk to each of them about their own personal experiences, and even making video calls for their friends. The winners did not just have their photos with DonBelle taken but were also able to share their stories with the loveteam, who in turn reminisced about their career and personal journey through the years.

“We really enjoyed spending time with you guys. Thank you for coming out here. We know marami rin kayongagenda sa buhay or pinagdadaanan but you still showed up for us," said Donny.

 

"Belle and I would not be here without you guys. We consider you guys family. We just hope we all could all continue to lift each other up and spread positivity. Thank you, guys. We love you so much. Thank you, Smart, for this opportunity,” he added.

 

For her part, Belle said, “It’s rare that we get to have this kind of interaction with you na talagang very intimate. You know so much about us so it’s really nice to have this opportunity for us to know more about you.”

 

She also echoed Donny’s sentiments by saying, “I agree with Donny na tayong lahat, marami tayongpinagdadaanan but despite all that, we have each other to lift each other up. We have different fan groups but it’s nice that we can create a community and grow together as a family and this event does just that. To our Smart family, thank you so much for doing this. We truly appreciate this!”

 

The supporters took time to do a group video about the event to collectively thank Smart: “We weren’t expecting this meet-and-greet to be this personal. Thank you so much to Smart!”

 

A trip down memory lane with Maine

 

On the other hand, Maine Mendoza immediately took off from her noontime show to surprise nine lucky Smart subscribers having lunch at a restaurant in Quezon City. The fans were in knee-deep conversation with P-Pop Daydream member Denise Silva, hosting the event and reminiscing about Maine’s colorful career.

 

Among them is 36-year-old Elvira Abad, who traveled all the way from Meycauayan, Bulacan to interact with her idol. Elvira has been a Smart subscriber since 2015. “Very relatable siya nung nag-start pa lang siya sa showbiz. As a fellow introvert, medyo naka-relate ako sa part na ‘yun,” Elvira shared.

 

Another lucky Smart subscriber for 21 years, 52-year-old Leonora Aquino from Navotas, said that like Maine, Smart makes her life easier, especially in her work at school. “As a teacher, ginagamit ko ‘yung PowerAll for my school presentations. Hindi ko na dinadala ang laptop ko; ini-screen mirror ko na lang siya kapag walang Wi-Fi sa school. Ginagamit ko ‘yung mobile data para magpanood ng educational YouTube videos sa klase,” Leonora shared.

 

Meanwhile, Mary Graze Oalog, a former OFW in Saudi Arabia said it was worth it going back home to meet Maine. “Actually, sumasali kami sa Smart promos dahilkay Maine. Nung nasa abroad ako, siya ‘yung stress reliever namin,” she recalled.

 

Maine, who is celebrating her 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry this year, also thanked the Smart subscribers for supporting her all this time.

“Ang dami nating firsts today! Ten years na kayongsupporters ko at ang dami pa nating nalalaman about each other. Kasi hindi talaga natin ito nagagawa. It’s always fast meetings and encounters. Today, sobrang dami kong nalaman na stories na ngayon ko lang narinig so thank you for sharing, thank you for letting me know, and thank you for the experience,” said Maine.

To learn more about Smart’s special promos and meet-and-greet rewards, load PowerAll 99 with the following inclusions: Unli Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram or Unli TikTok; 10 GB for all apps; unlimited calls; and unlimited texts—all valid for 7 days.

For more details, follow Smart’s Facebook (Smart Communications, Inc.) and @livesmart on Instagram, and X.  

Sun Life Boosts Healthcare Access for OFWs and Seafarers

 Protecting one’s health is a priority for many Filipinos. After all, it is key to achieving their goals and living their best lives. An illness can not only derail plans but also impact one's overall well-being and outlook on life.

This is especially true for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). They move abroad to make a livingband support their families; however, they must also cope with living far from home and adapting to new cultures and environments. Should they get sick, it can disrupt their work abroad or it can be a possible reason for them to be sent back abruptly, which can have significant consequences on their finances, their family’s goals such as building their own house or business, and ultimately, derail their dream of coming home for good.

“There is a lot at stake for OFWs if their health is compromised. Unfortunately, for many of them, they do not have healthcare coverage when they come home for vacation or when their employment contract ends,” Sun Life Philippines Client Segment Marketing Head Cary Casipit said. “This prompted Sun Life to explore possible solutions.”

The result is Sun Life OFW Health Protect, a life insurance and comprehensive health protectionnplan designed specifically for Overseas Filipinos.

Sun Life OFW Health Protect provides coverage throughout an OFW’s health journey - from prevention to diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation - up to age 100.

The prevention feature would enable OFWs to proactively maintain their health through an annual physical examination, specific vaccinations, or teleconsultations. The insured can avail one of these benefits starting on the 2nd policy year until the 6th policy year.

In case the insured is diagnosed with any of over 100 critical illnesses covered, Sun Life OFW Health Protect can help fund the treatment or other medical expenses through a lump sum cash benefit. The plan also comes with a booster benefit for specific cancer conditions, which provides additional cash benefits to help with medical expenses including hospitalization, follow-up care, and even home recovery.

Furthermore, as early as age 65, 5% of the policy’s face amount may be received the by insured in advance for eight consecutive years. This ensures that the OFW would have funds to enjoy upon their retirement, when they are finally home for good.

“As OFWs work hard to care for their families, Sun Life is here to care for them as well,” Casipit said. “It is our hope that with Sun Life OFW Health Protect, they can be in the best of health as they work hard to achieve their dreams and secure their future.”

Disclaimer: Overseas Filipino clients may avail of Sun Life solutions while they are physically present in the Philippines.

To know more about Sun Life OFW Health Protect, visit www.sunlife.co/OFWHealthProtect or talk to a Sun Life advisor via www.sunlife.co/ofhp-pr-TalkToAdvisor.

Solaire Resort Marks 12 Years of Redefining Manila’s Culinary Scene

 Solaire Resort Entertainment City celebrated its 12th anniversary with an event that left an impact on Manila’s culinary scene. For the third year in a row, Solaire brought in one of the world’s top Michelin-starred chefs to Manila for an unforgettable gastronomic celebration.

Three culinary icons—Chef Jun Yukimura, Chef Sun Kim, and Chef Heinz Beck—graced some of Solaire’s signature restaurants, offering guests a dining experience that was as much about the journey as it was about the destination. 

From the precision of Japanese cuisine to sophisticated Italian dishes and innovative Korean flavors, Solaire’s anniversary celebration became a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for guests to witness these chefs and indulge in their unique dishes. 

Guests were welcomed by an elegant and warm ambiance, complemented by welcome drinks inspired by the distinct cuisines of each chef. 

At Yakumi, guests enjoyed exceptional concoctions by award-winning mixologist Shingo Gokan, including the Ancient Tomato Tree—a twist on his signature cocktail. Waterside offered something refreshing, where guests could choose between an oolong tea paired with soju or a mocktail with oolong tea and pineapple. Finestra Italian Steakhouse's standout drink, the Esposito, like a margarita, proved to be a crowd favorite. They also indulged in a classic prosecco rosé or the Bella Luca mocktail, a delightful blend of passion fruit and jasmine. Every sip offered a glimpse into each chef’s unique visions.

The umami of flavors from each dish at Yakumi were devoured by each guest. Three-Michelin starred chef Jun Yukimura's attention to detail ensured that his 9-course menu provided an unforgettable experience. 

It featured a delicate Hokkaido Seaurchin caviar, followed by his signature cold soba noodles topped with bottarga powder. The clean and briny flavors of the flounder Japanese cockle and pike conger had a velvety texture. The snow crab, tender Kinross lamb chop had a harmonious blend of sweet and rich flavors, and the white fungus’ silky broth had a freshness to it. The tender wagyu beef shabu-shabu melted in your mouth with a savory hot broth. This was followed by steamed green beans rice, and a refreshing pineapple sorbet for dessert--a perfect sweet ending to a spectacular evening.

3-Michelin Star Chef Jun Yukimura presented a 9-course menu at Yakumi

 

Chef Sun Kim gave guests the opportunity to feel the essence of Meta through his inventive dishes at Waterside. He crafted a 6-course menu that reflected his culinary journey, infusing his Korean heritage with elevated global flavors. This featured the artistry of Tea Master He Jia, who curated tea pairings that beautifully complemented the dishes, adding an extra touch of refinement to the experience.

The meal began with a delicate sashimi of tuna, paired with cuttlefish, seaweed, yuzu, and myoga, a refreshing, light dish to start the course. The Hokkaido scallop with rice, parsley, and aged soy sauce was a dish that balanced delicate sweetness and brine. The third course, a reinvention of Chawanmushi with spanner crab, seafood broth, and chili oil, captivated diners. The bold umami flavors of this dish set the stage for the showstopper that followed--the Jeju abalone porridge. Infused with lily bulb, kamtae, and chicken heart, this dish was a crowd favorite that carried the essence of Chef Sun’s signature style.

The Miyazaki grilled wagyu beef had a rich, savory taste, served with celtuce, onion purée, and a mushroom ragout that complemented the tender beef in perfect harmony. Dessert was in the form of sweet corn, local to the Philippines, with caramel and popcorn ice cream. He Jia’s infusion of black tea and rose petals rounded out the experience, offering a fragrant, delicate conclusion to the meal.

3-Michelin Star Chef Heinz Beck presented a 6-course menu at Finestra Italian Steakhouse

From an elegant dinner to an indulgent brunch affair, Finestra Italian Steakhouse had the honor of hosting three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck, owner of La Pergola in Rome. He believes that your food is your medicine, and that your medicine will be your food. He makes sure he doesn’t overpower his dishes with the flavors he puts into it. This allows guests to enjoy gourmet experiences while they maintain a balanced lifestyle. Chef Heinz’s 6-course menu was expertly paired with exceptional wines from the prestigious Gaja Winery in Italy's Langhe region.

The evening began with fresh marinated amberjack, accompanied by celeriac water and oxidized chocolate, offering a tantalizing preview of what was to come. The next course, scampo paired with sweet peppers, green gazpacho was a standout with its delightful coconut aroma and perfectly balanced, light flavors. Guests then savored al dente Sedanini pasta with red shrimp and smoked aubergine coulis, followed by a rich pumpkin risotto, elevated with amaretti, artichokes, balsamic vinegar, and a generous helping of black truffle—its fragrance filling the air as guests eagerly awaited its first bite. The dish offered a delightful contrast of textures, from sweetness to crunch, making each mouthful a sensory delight. The pistachio-crusted veal, served with a puree of dried fruits, brought a refreshing twist, with the savory meat harmonizing beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the fruit. For dessert, an exquisite red fruit ice sphere tea cream, garnished with crystallized raspberries and dark chocolate, delivered a burst of flavors, leaving guests with smiles and contentment.

Finestra Italian Steakhouse offered a new interactive set-up of the Sunday brunch. The kitchen counter offered roast beef, a table filled with desserts from cakes to gelato, and a seafood tower was served on each table. It was a feast for the senses. To top it all off, Chef Heinz’s exclusive dishes were served, and it was the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon with family and friends.

Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s 12th anniversary celebrationwas nothing short of amazing, offering extraordinary experiences, not just about food but also celebrating the union of cultures and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

For details and more information, check outhttps://sec.solaireresort.com/ or Solaire’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

 

 

15 Years of Crunch and Flavor: Bonchon Philippines Kicks Off a Daebak 2025

Bonchon Philippines, the popular Korean Fried Chicken brand that has taken the Filipino fast-casual world by storm, is celebrating its incredible 15-year journey marked by delicious flavors and exciting milestones, including taking home InfluentialBrands® Top Brand 2024 in the Korean Restaurant Category.

As the brand celebrates its 15th anniversary, Bonchon Philippines is not only reflecting on its rich history and this remarkable recognition, but is also gearing up for an exciting 2025 with a refreshed look and ambiance in key locations, new store openings, and a host of exciting new menu items that are sure to keep customers coming back for more.

Named Top Brand 2024

Bonchon Philippines’ commitment to Korean flavors and innovation was recently recognized when it was awarded the prestigious title of Most Influential Brand in the KOREAN RESTAURANT Category by InfluentialBrands®.

Leveraging on more than 20 years of business knowledge, know-how and expertise in Asia, InfluentialBrands® is the premier Catalyst of Growth that celebrates “Champions of Excellence” in Asia. This accolade highlights how Bonchon Philippines has helped popularize the now-beloved Korean fried chicken and other Korean-inspired dishes in the country.

Reaching Philippine shores in 2010, Bonchon Philippines quickly became a favorite among Filipinos by introducing founder Jinduk Seo's passion for Korean comfort food that led him to craft the ultimate crispy, tender, and flavorful Korean Fried Chicken.

Bonchon Philippines stays true to its Korean flavors while innovating for the Filipino palate. In 2024, new offerings include Rosé Tteokbokki, a creamy, spicy twist on chewy rice cakes and pasta; and the Sizzling Bibimbowl, a hearty rice dish available in original and spicy flavors. The Beef Stew, now served sizzling, boasts tender short ribs in bold Korean flavors, while the Boneless Chicken delivers effortless, flavor-packed indulgence. For drinks and desserts, Café Koreano blends rich coffee with milky Korean snow ice, while Bingsu offers a refreshing, sweet milky treat.

Bonchon Philippines continues to grow, unveiling a refreshed look in 2025. Select revamped spaces enhance the dining experience, blending Korean flair with a relaxed vibe to welcome both loyal customers and new visitors, and as the brand celebrates 15 years in the country, Bonchon stans will be treated to more exciting new dishes that will keep them coming back. Fans can look forward to knowing more in the months ahead.

“Bonchon Philippines’s 15th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past; it’s a glimpse into an exciting year filled with even more flavor, growth, and unforgettable dining experiences brought to you by Scottland Food Group. We thank you all for being part of our journey and look forward to sharing more exciting news in the coming months,” said Scott Tan, Managing Director of Scottland Food Group Corp.

SFGC’s growing legacy

Scottland Food Group, founded by Scott Tan, has been a key player in bringing diverse international flavors to the Philippines. Bonchon was introduced to Philippine shores by Scott Tan in 2010, quickly becoming a household name for its signature Korean-style fried chicken. Scottland Food Group also operates other innovative dining concepts, including Japanese fast-casual chain Go Bento, the creative Korean-inspired pizza brand Eat Pizza, and the Singaporean chain of mass-market, retro-ambience cafés selling toast products Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

The group's commitment to introducing new flavors to the Philippines reflects a valuable support for the diversity of cultures and cuisines from around the world — a testament to the warm and welcoming nature of the Filipino palate. Through strategic innovation and a deep understanding of local tastes, Scottland Food Group continues to shape the evolving food scene in the country.

With store openings on the horizon, award recognition, and exciting menu launches, the future is bright for this Korean Fast Casual Restaurant, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next! Satisfy your #KoreanCravings and visit the Bonchon brand near you! For more information about Bonchon, just go to www.bonchon.com.ph or visit their social media pages!

Polaris Fireworks of China Wins Big at the 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

 The night sky over SM Mall of Asia (MOA) shimmered and exploded in an incredible display of color and sound as the 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) concluded its five-week run, crowning China’s Polaris Fireworks as the champions.

The 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition concludes with an incredible burst of color and sound over SM Mall of Asia, as Polaris Fireworks from China emerges as the champion.

A global display lights up SM Mall of Asia

Thousands gathered each Saturday from February 15 to March 15, 2025, to witness the world’s finest pyrotechnic teams battle for supremacy in a magnificent fusion of fireworks and music. Co-presented by SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and Suzuki, the PIPC delivered a spectacle that fascinated audiences and solidified its reputation as the Philippines’ premier pyrotechnic event.

An alluring display of fireworks and music captivates thousands at the Philippines’ premier pyrotechnic competition, co-presented by SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and Suzuki.

International teams showcase pyrotechnic artistry

The competition saw eight international teams showcase their artistry, each performance a meticulously choreographed symphony of light and sound. The participating countries, including Austria, France, China, the USA, Germany, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with the Philippines only exhibiting, brought their unique styles and innovations to the Philippine stage.

A global spectacle unfolds as eight nations, including France, Germany, and South Korea, present their innovative light and sound performances, alongside a Philippine exhibition.

China’s Polaris Fireworks enthralls judges and audience

However, it was China’s Polaris Fireworks that ultimately captured the hearts and imaginations of the audience and judges alike. Their performance, a masterful blend of dynamic colors, intricate patterns, and perfectly synchronized music, left spectators in awe.

Five weeks of explosive entertainment

The five-week event kicked off with a superb opening exhibition by the Philippines’ own Platinum Fireworks, setting the stage for the international competition that followed. Each Saturday, attendees were treated to two world-class pyromusical displays, creating an unforgettable experience.

A grand finale and crowning moment

The grand finale on March 15, featuring a closing exhibition by the Philippines and Canada, and the announcement of the winners, drew a massive crowd, eager to witness the culmination of the competition. The atmosphere was electric as the champions were revealed, with cheers and applause echoing across the bay.

A resounding success and anticipation for the future

The 12th PIPC was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of pyrotechnic artistry to unite and inspire. As the smoke cleared and the echoes faded, attendees left with memories of a truly magical experience, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this remarkable event.

Spectacular pyrotechnics at the 12th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition ignite the night, leaving audiences spellbound and anticipating future displays.

For more information on exciting SM Supermalls events, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

Chanyeol's fire and Ever Bilena's freshness at Waterbomb Manila 20

 Waterbomb Manila 2025 kicked off with a bang, but nothing could top the explosive finale of Day 1—EXO’s Chanyeol setting the stage on fire in the most unforgettable way!

Returning to the Philippines for the third time, the K-pop superstar delivered a high-energy set that had fans screaming from start to finish. He kicked things off with “Nothing,” his hit track with EXO-SC, effortlessly commanding the crowd with his signature charisma and electrifying presence.

EXO’s Chanyeol electrifying performance at Waterbomb Manila 2025

“I know you’ve been waiting a long time. Thank you so much! It’s amazing to see everyone having fun together,” Chanyeol said in Korean, flashing his trademark smile. “You know I really love it here in the Philippines.”

 

The energy only intensified as he hyped up the crowd, playfully shooting water guns and sharing lighthearted moments with fans. But it wasn’t all just fun and games—his heartfelt performance of “Good Enough” had the audience swaying in emotion, while “Tomorrow” left them completely mesmerized.

Ever Bilena’s makeup retouch station at Waterbomb Manila 2025

Beyond the show-stopping performances, festival-goers also got to enjoy exciting brand activations. Ever Bilena, an official sponsor of Waterbomb Manila 2025, made sure attendees stayed fresh and flawless despite the scorching Manila heat. Their exclusive makeup retouch station was a must-visit, ensuring that everyone looked as vibrant as the performances on stage. 

Adding a fun, personal touch, Ever Bilena also set up a charm-making booth, where guests who brought their EB Lip makeup could create their own festival keepsakes. With the sun beating down, EB’s moisturizing lippies became the ultimate festival essential, keeping lips hydrated, smooth, and picture-perfect all day long.

From heart-thumping performances to thrilling festival experiences, Waterbomb Manila 2025 delivered an unforgettable weekend—one that left fans already counting down to the next one!

Dive Back In! Nissin Seafood Dreamland Pop-Up Returns with More Venues This Year

 Nissin is known for elevating how Filipinos enjoy noodles through their wide range of local and international flavors. This year, Nissin aims to level up your noodle experience and offer an exciting treat with the return of its Nissin Seafood Dreamland event this March.

A haven for seafood lovers, Nissin Seafood Dreamland is an immersive event offering your favorite Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood flavors, fun and exciting games, and an 8-feet Nissin Cup Noodles Seafood structure that’s perfect for taking amazing snapshots.

Since seafood is the name of the game, there’s no shortage of seafood-themed activities and set-ups you can enjoy. In the Cebu stop, you can kick off your seafood adventure with an unforgettable photo op with the larger-than-life Nissin Cup installation. After snapping your perfect shot, you can head over to the Nissin Bar to enjoy a warm cup of seafood-flavored noodles (for free). You can enjoy this seafood haven even more by unwinding in the lounge area.

 

The fun continues with more exciting activities in the Pampanga leg.Try your luck at the Seafood Onsen Game, a game where you need scoop as many toy fish as you can and put them inside a Nissin Cup using a special melting paper scooper. You can even challenge yourself further in the Seafood Chopsticks Game, racing against the clock to collect as many crab and shrimp plushies as you can using giant chopsticks.

 

After enjoying all the activities, you may head to the “Catch A Prize” booth to grab your Nissin Seafood Dreamland-exclusive tote bag. Plus, don’t forget to pick up your printed photos to keep as a souvenir.

 

The Nissin Seafood Dreamland is the perfect event for foodies and noodle lovers everywhere who are looking to enjoy their favorite Nissin seafood flavors. Enjoy the giant Nissin Cup Noodles and the beautiful Japanese spring theme that make it feel like a noodle dream.

 

The event kicked off at Davao City last March 8 and gave visitors a taste of Nissin’s seafood goodness. Mark your calendars and catch the next stops of Nissin Seafood Dreamland at Marquee Mall in Pamapanga on March 23, and Gaisano Mall in Cebu City on March 30.

 

For more updates on Nissin Cup Noodles and its exciting activities, visit their Facebook page.