Grab x Tinder Partner to Spark New Connections with a Chance to Meet Your favorite Internet Stars

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading technology company, is partnering with Tinder, the world's leading social app for meeting new people, to let you spend a day with your favorite internet personalities.

Book a ride today via the Grab x Tinder “Meet your Match” icon within the Grab app, and you may be in for a pleasant surprise, as you may end up sharing a free ride with one of Tinder’s Top 10 Personalities, such as Michelle Gumabao, Tohid Ajdani, Mauro Lumba, Karl Kramer, Jose Sarasola, Nix Damn P, Princess Legaspi, Tricia Santos, Roxanne Montealegre and Jaz Reyes.

Here’s how it works – today, the “Meet your Match” activation will have Tinder’s Top 10 Personalities roving in GrabCar vehicles and will be picking up passengers from 10am to 4pm around Makati and BGC CBDs. You can take this opportunity to get to know these internet stars while riding to your destination of choice.

Each ambassador will select the passenger he or she gets along with the most; Tinder and Grab will then arrange an outing for them to do an activity together – from dining in the coolest café in the city to bungee jumping off a cliff – it all depends on the interests of the ambassador and passenger!

The rides will be filmed, and the most interesting and fun moments will be captured on video and shared on the Grab Facebook page starting on the 5th of April.

Spark new connections while on the go

Tinder’s first partnership in Southeast Asia puts the spotlight on Grab’s ride services and its strong reputation for delivering safe rides, so everyone can enjoy a safe online and offline environment for sparking new connections with people in the same city.

“Grab is a brand that delivers more than just rides and is all for creating memorable experiences for our passengers", said Cheryl Goh, Grab’s Vice President for Marketing.

“Tinder is a platform for meeting new people,” said David Wyler, VP of Global Partnerships at Tinder. “Our simple user interface makes it easy to meet people anywhere. We wanted to provide an opportunity for our users to connect with some of their favourite social media stars and still get to their next meeting on time. Grab is the perfect partner to make this happen.”

“Meet your Match” will be rolled out in five markets – Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia – starting today. For more information, please visit www.grab.com/ph/grabtinder.

Summer happiness with new Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors

This year, the world’s favorite ice cream brand is sure to bring more happiness as it introduces new ice cream flavors to delight ice cream fanatics in the metro.  Here goes (drum roll, please): Butterscotch Toffee Blondie, Dulce de Leche, Salted Chocolate Truffle Crunch and Tiramisu Delight.

Available in stores now is the new Tiramisu Delight, a rich tiramisu and espresso ice cream wrapped with an espresso chocolate flavored ribbon and tiramisu cake pieces. A perfect treat to beat the summer heat is Butterscotch Toffee Blondie, which is made with butterscotch toffee pieces and brownie bits swirled with a toffee ribbon.

Upcoming flavors include Dulce de Leche ice cream swirled with a dulce de leche flavored ribbon (available in April) and Salted Chocolate Truffle Crunch, chocolate ice cream with a salted chocolate cookie crunch ribbon and chocolate flavored truffle pieces (available in May).

To know more about other Baskin-Robbins premium ice cream flavors, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their social media accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.

Graduation Gift Guide from Moto and Lenovo

To the style-savvy whose OOTD has always been on point every single school day, the Moto M would be the best gift this graduation. Moto M fuses power and metallic glory with its blazing-fast Helio P15 Octa-core processor 2.2 GHz and up to 4GB of RAM, elegant fine metal design and a gorgeous 5.5” Full HD display. The Moto M retails at P14,999.

The Lenovo A6600 Plus offers an A+ mobile experience for that goal-getter. This feature-packed smartphone delivers amazing performance and awesome pictures, at an affordable price point. It is a multimedia powerhouse that delivers entertainment and multitasking on-the-go. The Lenovo A6600 Plus retails at P5,999.

Lenovo A6600 Plus 

 Music and movies are few of the escapes people tend to turn to whenever stress or boredom looms in. Feed that hunger for an endless entertainment with the Lenovo K6 Note. It has a massive 4,000mAh battery, blazing fast processor speeds and a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos, which complements its 5.5-inch full-HD IPS display. The Lenovo K6 Note retails at P11,999.

Lenovo K6 Note. 

Smart Giga Movies special screening of "Ghost in the Shell"

Following the successful screenings of the blockbuster hit "Logan" Smart Giga Movies rolls the red carpet anew for Smart subscribers with the block screening of “Ghost in the Shell.”

“This event is exclusive to our valued postpaid subscribers. Like what we said when we did the ‘Logan’ advance screening a couple of weeks back, this is not a one-time event. Our subscribers will be treated to the biggest movie releases throughout the year,” said Patrick Tang, Head of Smart/Sun Postpaid.

Smart Giga Movies’ “Ghost in the Shell” screening happens March 29, 7 pm at the Cinema Four of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, the science fiction stars Scarlett Johansson as The Major, a cyborg counter-cyberterrorist tasked to thwart criminals and hackers.



 To win tickets to Smart’s special screening of Ghost in the Shell, log on to your FB accounts and go to Smart’s FB page where users will have to count and spot how many times the invisible Major appeared in a lengthened Facebook GIF. There will be a beginning and an end supers to indicate the start and end of the GIF.

Smart Postpaid subscribers who will guess the number correctly in the comments section with the hashtag #SmartGigaMovies will get a chance to win tickets.

Its the Start of Something Big for SM Little Stars 2017

Before Esang (Elesa Marie de Torres)  made those chairs turned at The Voice Season 2 she already had a lot of practice wowing crowds when she joined SM Little Stars 4 years ago.   Belter “Esang” De Torres placed 3rd runner up at SM Little Stars 2013 and look at the young achiever is doing today!

 Just like Esang did, let your kids flaunt their talent and be the next SM Little Stars 2017. If they can sing, dance or act and have that X factor in them. Its about time to bring your kids for audition at any SM branches near you.

Prizes worth over 9 million awaits the lucky young achiever of SM Little Stars 2017. Trips for 2 to US and China, College scholarships, 2 Brand New Chevrolet Sail 1 for each of the Grand Winners and Php200,000 worth of cash and gc's.

SM Supermalls recently launched SM Little Stars 2017 at SM The Block on March 22. Past winners from SM Little Stars headed by Lei Andre Navarro, Chun Sa Jung and Johan Josef Yalong  graced the launch together with celebrity judges Ms. Regine Tolentino, Princess Velasco, Andi Manzano, Zeus Collins, Director Mac Alejandre, and Jonas Gaffud and SM Supermalls VP for Advertising Grace Magno. 

The following are the requirements to be eligible to join the #SMLittleStars2017:


CONTEST MECHANICS

1. Every individual boy or girl whose age is between four (4) to seven (7) years old during the date of the Preliminary Screening schedule, photogenic / telegenic, cute & charming with pleasing personality, and talented, is eligible to join and be qualified to win the SM Little Stars competition.

2. The following are not eligible to join the SM Little Stars competition or be qualified to win in SM Little Stars competition:

 a. Winners or placers from other similar contests within the duration of the previous calendar year until the current calendar year, of any company/sponsor and its affiliates with the same line of business or industry or in conflict with the business or industry of SM Supermalls and SM Affiliates.

b. Boys and girls who have been contracted in any form or of whatever nature by a TV network, talent management agency, or movie outfit whose appearance or
performance will be aired or shown during the Preliminary Screening, Regional
Finals, Grand Finals and on the date of the airing of SM Little Stars 2017 TV Special.

c. Boys and girls who have any commercial arrangement with any talent or advertising outfit or of similar kind whose appearance or performance will be aired or shown during the Preliminary Screening, Regional Finals, Grand Finals and on the date of the airing of SM Little Stars 2017 TV Special.

Any contestant found to be in violation in the eligibility or qualification to join and win in the SM Little Stars and/or any of the rules above, shall immediately be disqualified from the contest at any stage, and/or shall have forfeited his/her prizes and title. Decision on eligibility, disqualification and violation of this rule shall be final.

3. The application forms will be available at the Mall Administration Office (Marketing Department) at any SM mall branches. It can also be downloaded from the SM Little Stars official website (www.smlittlestars.com.ph)

4. To join the contest, the following must be submitted to the Mall Administration Office (preregistration) or to the official event organizer during the Preliminary 
Screening schedule:
a. Application Form – completely filled-up and signed by the parent/s (exercising
parental authority) of the contestant

b. Original & photocopy of the contestant’s birth certificate (original copy will be returned after proper verification of the photocopy)

c. Two (2) copies of 4R size photo of the contestant taken with light make-up only: one (1) close up shot and one (1) whole body shot

5. Schedule of submission of the application form and requirements will be as follows:

a. Pre-registration will start on March 18, 2017, 10am to 6pm. Deadline of submission will vary depending on the contestant’s preferred schedule and/or venue of the Preliminary Screenings:

PRELIMINARY SCREENINGS MALLS SCHEDULE OF PREREGISTRATION

April 1
 SM North Edsa, SM Masinag, SM San Lazaro March 18 – March 31 |
10am-6pm

April 2
SM Novaliches, SM San Mateo, SM Bicutan,
SM Cauayan, SM Baliwag, SM Bacoor,
SM Santa Rosa, SM Iloilo

March 18 – April 1 |
10am-6pm

April 8
SM Fairview, SM Taytay, SM Sta. Mesa,
SM BF Parañaque, SM Clark, SM Sangandaan,
SM Muntinlupa

March 18 – April 7 |
10am-6pm

April 9
SMDC Light Mall, SM Taytay, SM Manila, SM
Las Piñas, SM Sucat, SM Baguio,
SM Valenzuela, SM Dasmariñas, SM Cebu,
SM Bacolod, SM Davao

March 18 – April 8 |

10am-6p

AUDITION STARTS ON APRIL 1, 2017 AT PARTICIPATING SM MALLS.

For more information please visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smlittlestars/assets/SMLittleStars2017Mechanics.pdf

TravelBook.ph celebrates 4th year anniversary with 50% discount on hotel stays

Now that summer is here, everyone is heading to their favorite local destination in the country. Be it Boracay, Bohol, Batangas, Cebu, Palawan, Davao, or Baguio. The one that concern travelers is the budget and where to stay for a vacation. There is one local online travel agent that I relied upon when I have to book for a hotel stay.

TravelBook.ph online travel agent does not require one to have a credit card for a room booking. How convenient is that for those who doesnt own a credit card. All you need to do is search for a city hotel and schedule your dates and pay in a hotel upon arrival. There is no better time to see the best places in the Philippines than this summer. Plan your summer vacation with TravelBook.ph now.

TravelBook.ph, the country’s biggest local online travel agent celebrates 4 years with the launch of their two exciting promos to satisfy every traveler’s needs. The launch was attended by Travel Book Ph Inc., CEO Mr, Hiroyuki Murai and executives.

Travel Book Ph Inc., CEO Mr, Hiroyuki Murai 

TravelBook.ph presents the ongoing Super Summer Sale that features great offerings of more than 50% off and special stays worth only P100 on select hotels and resorts. One can avail of the massive discounts by booking through the TravelBook.ph website or the mobile app.

They are also launching the Konnichi-WOW monthly raffle where guests, who have made online bookings from March 11 to May 31, 2017, will get a chance to win a trip to Japan for two with full accommodations and pocket money. A winner will be drawn every month until May thus increasing one’s chances of going on another holiday for free!

TravelBook.ph will also be releasing their self-titled magazine, a free publication that will feature the country’s most scenic travel spots, local secrets and tips. In addition to these offerings, the company is committed to providing excellent service and operations to make travelling accessible, inclusive and affordable for all.

TravelBook.ph started in 2010 as an online catalog for local accommodations before it grew into an online hotel booking service in 2013. In its first few months, the company has been averaging 185,000 unique visitors monthly and with a peak of 290,000. Today, almost 3,000 local hotels and resorts are listed on their website, providing more opportunities for Filipino wanderers to travel around the country and support local tourism.

How do you beat the hot days and long weekends of summer? Go to the TravelBook.ph website at www.travelbook.ph or download the mobile app on iOS and Android platforms and make all your dream destinations come true.

Philam Life partners with AC Energy to finance energy related projects

In photo (from left to right) are Philam Life Head of Fixed Income and Corporate Finance J. Vincent R. Daffon, Philam Life CIO Arleen May S. Guevara, AC Energy President and CEO Eric T. Francia, and AC Energy CFO Maria Corazon G. Dizon.




Philam Life, the country’s premier life insurance company, recently signed an agreement with AC Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation (AC), for a Php1.0 Billion long-term loan to partially finance the energy development company’s power and energy-related projects. Throughout its almost 70-year history, Philam Life has actively supported nation-building efforts by providing financing to key industries involved in major infrastructure projects like the Cavite Coastal Road and the first Skyway Project, among others.

AC Energy reached over 1000 MW in attributable capacity across its thermal and renewable energy platforms.  The company is now positioned to double its attributable generation capacity to 2000 MW by 2020.

HOOQ brings you Aldub's "Destined to be Yours"

HOOQ, Asia’s largest Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) service, recently announced its acquisition of the exclusive SVOD rights to the catch-up episodes of Aldub’s first-ever teleserye,Destined to Be Yours, in the Philippines.

“With this new partnership, AlDub fans in the Philippines can stream the latest episode of Destined to be Yours 24 hours after its telecast on GMA Channel 7, plus they can also catch up on all the previous episodes they missed,”says Jane Cruz Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ.  

“Since we announced the highly anticipated first primetime TV series of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the entire #AlDub nation created such a buzz online that Destined to be Yours was definitely destined to be a hit even before it aired its first episode,” says Judd Gallares,President & COO of GMA New Media, Inc. “

Destined to Be Yours is currently the most talked about primetime show on Philippine television since it aired its premiere episode last February 27, 2017. In fact, the pilot episode garnered 22.5% ratings on AGB Nielsen NUTAM which is 2.9% higher than its rival program. The hashtag for the pilot episode, #DestinedToBeYoursWorldPremiere, also dominated worldwide Twitter trends – garnering 4.4 million tweets from February 26, 6:00 pm to February 28, 6:00 am.

Destined to Be Yours quickly captivated viewers with the enthralling romance story between Benjie Rosales (Alden Richards) and Sinag Obispo (Maine Mendoza) which is set in a charming and picturesque town where anything, especially destiny, is a possibility.

Sinag is a DJ in a community radio station in her hometown of Pelangi. The paradise-like town of Pelangi was formerly a well-developed municipality due to its flourishing mining industry but many people were forced to leave the town after mining firms closed down. Sinag stayed behind because of her love for her hometown and her intention to preserve the traditions and culture of Pelangi through the community radio station that she inherited from her late grandfather.

Meanwhile, Benjie had just graduated from his university and had high hopes of starting his career as an architect. Benjie applies for Rosales Development, one of the largest real-estate development firms in the country. Amanda (Lotlot De Leon), who had to raise Benjie on her own after her husband died from an accident, was against this at first but later allowed it after a change of heart.



Benjie’s grandfather, Vicente Rosales (Tommy Abuel), is a real-estate tycoon and is the owner of Rosales Development. He had alienated Benjie and Amanda for many years following the tragic death of Benjie’s father, Gabriel. In order to make up for lost time, Benjie’s grandmother, Helen (Boots Anson-Roa), convinces Vicente to interview and offer Benjie a position in the company.

As Benjie accepts the job, he gets assigned to a project at Pelangi. There he meets Sinag and their lives become intertwined as they fall in love with each other.

Joining Alden and Maine is a cast of talented actors led by Boots Anson-Roa, Lotlot De Leon, Gardo Versoza, Tommy Abuel, Ronnie Henares, Ina Feleo, Sheena Halili, Dominic Roco, Juancho Trivino, RJ Padilla, Koreen Medina and Janice de Belen who recently returned to GMA for this project.

Besides having thousands of Holywood or US movies and TV series, HOOQ is now the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies amongst any video-on-demand service in the country.

“Destined To Be Yours”is the latest addition to the ever growing library of local content available on HOOQ.

HOOQ subscribers can now enjoy over 1,200 Filipino movies spanning almost five decades of film making, and over 4,000 hours of local television leaving other video-in-demand services way behind in terms of Filipino content.

Fans of local TV series can also watch catch up episodes of the latest GMA 7 shows including Meant To Be,  Ika-6 naUtos and more in the coming months.

HOOQ has over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download. Globe At Home customers can get up to 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans.   You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.

Manila Fashion Festival 2017 kicks off with a Veejay Floresca, Jaz Cerezo and Cheetah Rivera creation

Manila Fashion Festival, produced and staged by Art Personas, comes back this summer and showcases what’s coming up on Philippine fashion trends in a 4-day fashion event on March 21-24, 2017 at The Marquee in Edsa Shangri-La Manila.

I have witnessed the first fashion event on March 21 showcasing creations of today's emerging fashion designers such as Pablo Cabahug, Azucar, Cheetah Rivera, Jaz Cerezo, Veejay Floresca

My personal favorites among the 5 are the ones designed by Cheetah, Jaz and Veejay.

"Psyche" by Jaz Cerezo

Mua Ai by Cheetah Rivera

St. Tropez by Azucar

Dark Romanticism by Pablo Cabahug

Enchanted by Veejay Floresca

Once again, expect this season to showcase collections that are set to blaze the Philippine fashion scene with creativity and craftsmanship that will define what’s next in fashion. Witness impressive talent and vision from a roster of pioneer, emerging, and even new breed fashion designers and brands, translated into stellar, impeccable fashion pieces. The runway is also set for the make-up looks of the models by the artistry of MAC Cosmetics and trendy hair styles by the Folded & Hung Famous Salon.

With this world-class fashion event full of creative minds, the future of Philippine fashion is sure to move forward to a bigger platform. Pushing this forward, innovative brands such as Philips will provide PerfectCare Iron for the designers’ creations. The catwalk will also get more lively as you witness a parade of prints and patterns inspired by the designers’ limitless imagination made possible by EPSON’s digital textile printing technology.

Putting into the spotlight young, fresh talents, MFF will stage the comeback of SoFA Design Institute graduation show. Expect it to be another exciting showcase of fresh pieces by new breed talents that will surely set their names in the fashion industry.

AirAsia and MFF are also on the lookout for young aspiring designers in the country to further develop potentials and discover new talents. Two winners will showcase their designs and represent our country for the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2017 happening at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2017 this August. On-ground registration will be open for the hopefuls at the MFF.

At the end of the shows each day, afterparty celebrations will happen with overflowing drinks to be provided only by Grey Goose. To cap off the event, Folded and Hung will end the show, featuring its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, and will host a summer-themed finale party full of drinks and fashion.

Create your own Epic Experiences with Visa

Visa cardholders can now create their own unforgettable experiences as the global payments firm launches Epic Experiences by Visa, an ever-expanding universe of exclusive privileges for Visa cardholders.

In its fourth year, Visa’s homegrown privilege platform is broadening its offerings beyond dining to cater to the different interests of cardholders. Over 80 dining, retail and travel partners nationwide have been added to the list of partner merchants this year. Simply present your Visa card at partner establishments to experience Visa’s signature VIP treatment and exclusive offers. Through this program, Visa gives its members the power to tailor-make their own lifestyle experiences: you can try out the most popular restaurants, keep up with the latest trends, and travel to exclusive vacation spots around the country.

“Our vision isto give our cardholders an opportunity to curate their unforgettable life moments through Epic Experiences. Our wide range of partnerships and offers will enable our members to enjoy exclusive privileges that can build on their interests and enhance their lives,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam. 

Partner establishments and offers

All Visa Credit, Debit, Prepaid and Commercial cards issued locally and abroad are eligible to enjoy the unique perks of Epic Experiences by Visa. Use your Visa card at any of the partner establishments to avail of exclusive promos. Offers are available from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. Terms and conditions apply.


For more information, please visit www.visa.com.ph

Landers Superstore to open in Pasig and Muntinlupa

Inspired by the increase in spending power of Filipinos and the year on year growth in retail, Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest growing membership shopping establishment, recently announced its plans to expand to the southern and eastern part of Metro Manila.

Backed by thorough research and the success of the first two superstores, Landers Superstore is poised to take advantage of the rapid developments in Pasig and Muntinlupa Cities.

Two Landers Superstore outlets will be opened in these areas, as confirmed by Atty. Lowell Yu, chairman of Southeast Asia Retail Inc., which recently formalized an agreement with Megaworld Corporation, the developer behind ArcoVia City along C5 in Pasig and Alabang West in Muntinlupa City. The expansion, he explained, will provide residents from these two townships and from neighboring areas with an exclusive one-stop shop where they can find a complete array of their everyday lifestyle needs.

“The retail industry has been growing exponentially, propelled by the steady increase in the spending power of Filipinos specifically towards household consumption expenditures. These factors, plus the strategic locations where we are setting up, made us decide to expand our investment in this category,” added Yu. In the second quarter of 2016, the company launched the first Landers Superstore in Balintawak, Quezon City, followed by another three-hectare store in Paco, Manila. 

Given the overwhelming response from the first two Landers Superstores, Yu is optimistic that the new superstores will have a positive reception. “It’s all about giving our members better value for their money.  As members, they have access to products and brands that are not available elsewhere in a setting that lets them shop minus the stress, the long lines, and tight grocery area. Many of our members bring the entire family to our store because the spacious layout makes shopping really convenient and enjoyable. This way, we also promote family bonding.”

With an average of 10,000 square meter vast space per outlet, Landers Superstore takes pride in having well-lit and spacious aisles packed with an assortment of goods, including a wide range of imported products coming from as far as the US, Canada, and Australia and high-quality local and exclusive brands.

From food and other grocery items to  furniture, appliances, and even hardware products,  Landers Superstore houses a range of treasure finds including Badia Spices, Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream, Double Rainbow—which is the best Gourmet Ice cream in San Francisco—Luvo (easy-to-cook health food), Every Man Jack, and President’s Choice products, to mention a few.

Landers Superstore is also the first membership superstore in the Philippines to have a cozy coffee shop, Doppio; a comfortable diner, Landers Central; and a delectable bakery, Dough & Co. The superstore also provides a lavish dining area where members can enjoy a delicious New York Pizza, chicken, hotdogs, bagels, fancy cakes, and pastries while taking a break from shopping.



Waiting husbands and kids can also get their own pampering in Landers’ very own barbershop (Talas Manileño in Landers Balintawak and Federal Barbers in Landers Otis). Plus, exclusively for members, Landers Superstore also offers year-long gasoline discounts from its very own gasoline station, Caltex.

For more information, visit Landers Superstore at 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City or Landers Superstore - Otis at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. You can also check them out at http://landers.ph/.