Travel

Visit the Secret Christmas Garden at SM Southmall!

The holidays are here once again and there’s no better place to celebrate it than right at every Southies’ second home. SM Southmall is known for their larger-than-life, picturesque Christmas centerpieces that are perfect backgrounds to our holiday photos. This year however, SM Southmall unveiled their first ever experiential Christmas centerpiece!

Abundant trees in varying sizes surround the whole display with a pathway leading to and unveiling the mystery of a secret garden. At the heart of the centerpiece is a 35-feet towering Christmas tree adorned with blooms and thousands of sparkling lights with giant elegant reindeers around it. Be transported to a Secret Christmas Garden at the mall’s Food Street Concourse.

There’s a lot more in store!

SM Southmall wants to bring back the joy of shoppers through fun and ‘southtacular’ activities you may safely enjoy (even with your kids)! Here are four ways you can fully enjoy Christmas with SM Southmall:

The South Pole Express

Another first for the mall is their Christmas drive-thru experience with immersive displays and interactive moments that families can enjoy in the safety and comfort of their cars. Let us all aboard The South Pole Express starting December 1st !

South Yuletide Markets

The Christmas bazaar will have a display of different knickknacks and gifts you can take home to the family. The South Yuletide Markets are there for the holidays so check them out at the Event Center and South Yard (near Door 4).

Santa’s Here!

The pandemic cannot stop Santa Claus from visiting SM Southmall. He will be at the Door 4 driveway to bring the Christmas cheer to as many Southies as possible! Drive thru with your kids on December 24 – 25 and say hi!

The Big South Sale is also something to look forward to on November 19 – 21. Up to 70% off on festive finds! Check out some last-minute Christmas gifts for your family without the long wait and shipping fees! Get a chance to drive home in a brand-new MG ZS Compact SUV with every P3,000 single or accumulated receipts from any SM Southmall store.

Spread the spirit of giving this Christmas and purchase a pair of Bears of Joy. Customers get to keep one bear and the other one will be donated to the kids of SOS Children’s Villages. Just drop by the Bears of Joy booth at the Food Street Concourse and purchase a pair for only P250 until December 25.

Christmas may be celebrated differently this year but its spirit is still the same! Stay up-to-date on all the holiday fun and events happening down South! Visit @smsouthmall on Facebook and Instagram for more information. #SeeYouDownSouth

Arrive in Style on your wedding day with the Tesla Model X

To most women, the wedding is the most important and anticipated day of their existence. They’ve rehearsed it a thousand times in their minds, imagining all the intricate details of the said event.

It’s romantic, fun, and all that but we all know how complicated a wedding can get. The first question you’ll need to ask yourself, before you get caught up in all the nitty-gritty details, is how you want to arrive at the venue. After all, you would want to start the occasion the best, grandest way possible.

This is the part where most young girls would fantasize about riding a carriage similar to Cinderella, a limousine for a classy appeal, a sportscar perhaps, a badass motorcycle, or even on a vintage car for that retro vibe.

If you can, why not take it up a notch? Picture this, show up to your eagerly waiting guests on a sophisticated, top of the class, modern, noiseless, safe, fast, and ultra-comfortable Tesla Model X in pristine white. Falcon wing doors open to reveal the most special person of the day, stepping out of the vehicle to grace the celebration.

Why you should ride in style with the Tesla Model X?

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, you’ll desire to be seen on this thing of beauty. The Tesla Model X SUV 75D, a model based on the more familiar Model S sedan, is here and will be available as a luxury bridal car rental.

It boasts of a long-range battery capacity and two electric motors that provides on-demand all-wheel drive and performance-car acceleration.

For an SUV of this size, it’s surprisingly nimble and it will take you to your destination in no time. Step inside and you’ll be mesmerized by the minimalist design and a clear glass roof all throughout giving you a nearly uninterrupted view of what’s ahead and what’s above.

Enjoy its stylish and spacious interior, thanks to the third row of seats which lets you move more people. A high-tech infotainment comes along with this ride as well as driver-assistance features.

How much does it cost and what are the inclusions?

The cost is Php 19,900 only which includes four hours use from hotel/house to church and reception within Metro Manila, a personal professional driver, and a bouquet decoration.

What is the rate if you exceed the time limit?

In case the time limit is exceeded then an additional Php1,500 will be charged per hour.

Is there any discount?

To start the year right, they’ll be giving a 10% promotional discount that runs from January 5th, 2021 to June 16th, 2021.

How to rent this car and who to contact?

Book your appointment now! Contact 09173174227 or send them a message at teslamodelx.ph@gmail.com. Visit their social media page for more info https://www.facebook.com/TeslaBridalCarPH/

ZEN Rooms and Selah Hotels announced as Newest Hotel Partners of Miss Asia Pacific International 2019

ZEN Rooms, Asia’s leading hotel chain, together with one of its partner hotels in the Philippines, Selah Garden signed off a partnership to host this year’s candidates of the Miss Asia Pacific International.

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Now on its 4th edition since its relaunch in 2016, Miss Asia Pacific International is again hosted by the Philippines and promises a memorable one from the pre-pageant events starting on October 04 all the way up to the grand coronation night set to take place on the 9th of October at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. Considered to be one of the most distinguished beauty pageants in Asia, this year’s pageant will surely make its mark with around 80 beautiful candidates from across the continent, vying for the coveted title.

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ZEN Rooms immediately welcomed the opportunity to partner with a beauty pageant for the first time. “ZEN Rooms is the number 1 budget hotel chain in Southeast Asia and so is Miss Asia Pacific International when it comes to beauty pageants. For years both of us have been on top of our game so it was natural for us to enter into this symbiotic relationship that signifies high standards and affirms our market leadership.” said by ZEN Rooms Philippines’ Regional Marketing Director, Amit Shukla.

Starting October 01, all candidates of Miss Asia Pacific International 2019 will be staying at ZEN Premium Selah Garden Pasay until the Grand Coronation Night. ZEN Rooms prepared a number of engaging activities for the candidates as well as a visit on their other hotels in Metro Manila such as ZEN Rooms Selah Pods and ZEN Premium Rockwell Makati. On October 03, the hotel chain will formally welcome the candidates from across Asia and present them to the Media through a Press Party. ZEN Rooms is also set to award its recipient of the title “Miss ZEN Asia Pacific International 2019” during the preliminary Swimsuit Competition on October 05 and on October 12, ZEN Rooms and Selah Hotels will be hosting a Pool Party as an after-party celebration for the new titleholders.

“As an international pageant, we are very excited to partner with world-renowned brands like ZEN Rooms and Selah Hotels. Like how their hotels embrace and promote each culture they are located, we celebrate the individuality of our candidates as they represent their respective nations. In that, we are aligned in seeing the beauty in diversity,” explained by Miss Asia Pacific International General Manager, Essa Santos.

In line with all of the offline activities, ZEN Rooms will also be engaging its online community to be part of this partnership through an online competition where the lucky winner can get a chance to stay with the candidates at ZEN Premium Selah Garden Pasay, exclusive invite to all the events, and VIP tickets to the Grand Coronation Night on October 09. The launch of the online competition is on September 09 at www.zenrooms.com and ZEN Rooms’ Facebook page, facebook.com/zenroomsph.

If you want to know my own review about my personal stay at Selah Garden.

THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST PYRO SHOW ON EARTH MOVES TO SM CITY CLARK

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) is a tradition at the SM Mall of Asia that has brought endless enjoyment to millions of Filipinos each year. For the past 9 years, the pyrotechnics have always complied with the international standards for environmental safety, at par with countries like Canada, Australia, Hongkong and famous theme parks around the world.

In full support of the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program of the DENR, SM Supermalls will move the 10th PIPC from SM Mall of Asia to SM City Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga starting on February 23 to March 30, 2019.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition’s annual program has 10 competing countries who take on a battle of breath taking fireworks performances amid symphony of sounds.

On March 2, Germany’s 9 th PIPC champs “Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke” and Portugal’s “Pirotecnia Minhota” will treat the crowd with their tradition and mastery of skills in the sky.

On March 9, the Pampanga skyline will witness France’s “Brezac Artifices” followed by a burst of vibrant colors by Finland’s Oy Pyroman. Italy’s very own “Viviano S.R.L.” and last year’s champion, United Kingdom’s “Pyrotex Fireworx” will battle it out on March 16.

Canada’s turn to paint the night sky bursting with colors on March 23 with their very own “Fireworks Spectaculars” and China’s Polaris Fireworks will surely stun the crowds.

To cap off the competition and close a decade of giving the best pyromusical exhibition in the Philippines, March 30 promises the most spectacular display of colors and surprises with Poland’s Surex Firma Rodzinna and the Philippines’ own Platinum Fireworks Inc. in a grand finale like no other.

The annual PIPC Photo Contest will also highlight entries from amateur and professional photographers wherein winners will receive special prizes from PIPC’s partners and sponsors.

Tickets to the most-awaited 10 th PIPC are available at www.pyrophilippines.com or through SM Tickets, SM Cinemas, SM Mall of Asia ticket booths starting February 13, and at SM City Clark ticket booths starting February 14, ranging from the Patron with dinner at P1,800, VIP at P600, Gold at P350 and Silver at P120. Ticket prices will be different on the closing day of 10 th PIPC. Ticket coupons will be available for purchase in Metrodeal starting February 13, 2019.

This magnificent family-friendly bonding experience is made possible with Platinum Fireworks Inc., the City of Angeles, Pampanga, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Reclamation Authority and our many sponsors.

For more information about PIPC show schedules, visit the SM Supermalls social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and http://bit.ly/10thPIPCFAQs or call any of the following hotline numbers:

Platinum: 0966-9682256;‬ 0947-5989523‬; (02) 3591486

SM Mall of Asia: (02) 556-0660

S Maison: (02) 946-3848

SM By The Bay: (02) 556-6244

SM City Clark : (045) 499-0198

SM Tickets: (02) 470-2222

Metro Deal: (02) 823-1955

How to Protect Yourself at Night

You may often find yourself having to walk alone at night due to various reasons. You may have come from the office and you are just trying to get to your home safely so you can rest. There are times when you have just come from a party that is just a few streets away. There are a lot of thieves and attackers who may be prowling at night. You do not want to be their victim. It is a good thing that there are different items that you can use to protect yourself. One of the items you can use is a stun gun flashlight for sale . The best thing about this is that you can use the flashlight to illuminate the road that you are traversing on. You will know if there are some bumps that you should avoid on the road.

Some would rather get collapsible batons . They are small enough to be placed inside bags. Some can even be placed inside pockets so they are not immediately visible. If an intruder comes, the baton can be used for protection. Take note that there are some stun guns that come with their own batons. It is best that you check the different types available.

These are the other things that you can do to protect yourself at night:
 Try to avoid walking or running alone at night. If you must do it, best to pair up with a friend or someone who will go through the same streets.
 Do not listen to music while walking or jogging as this will make you less aware of your surroundings.
 Look for well-lighted areas to walk on. A lot of attackers are lazy but they still do not want to be visible.
 It is best to stay away from areas wherein you know that people will have a lot of places to hide.

For example, there may be some large bushes in the area. It is best to avoid these areas at all costs.
 Do not display your cash or your wealth as this will make you a target.

If you feel that you are being followed, turn and walk towards the opposite direction. You can also try to get to a place wherein there are more people.

Family Friendly Getaways for Your Next Vacation

Planning a vacation gets a little bit complicated when you already have a family. This is especially true when you have young children, for whom some activities and attractions may be off-limits; you simply can’t be as random or spontaneous in your choices.

Thankfully, there are a lot of family-friendly escapes and vacation destinations nowadays. In fact, hotels, parks, museums, and other similar establishments often offer family packages due to the increasing demand; websites like Deal Grocer also have an array of deals that make it a lot more convenient to look for and choose an ideal getaway.

Here are some ideas for your next vacation, so you can make the most out of your holiday and ensure that everyone in the family has a fun and relaxing time.

Forest View Room at The Manor at Camp John Hay
Baguio has long been a favorite vacation destination, with its cool weather, breathtaking views, and various landmarks and tourist spots. And when you say “vacation in Baguio,” there is no better place to stay than at The Manor at Camp John Hay. The place is simply a visual treat, with its beautiful architecture amidst a backdrop of pine trees and the sounds of nature.

For a truly relaxing holiday with the family, pick a room with a view of the forest. There’s nothing quite as peaceful and relaxing than the sunlight streaming into your room in the morning, coupled with a breath of fresh mountain air. At night, you can keep warm in the lobby with its cozy fireplace, as you and your kids enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. The Manor also serves excellent food at Le Chef, from breakfast to dinner. Every dish is prepared carefully by chef patron Billy King, using Baguio’s freshest produce.

The Manor is also strategically located to give you access to the most popular destinations. There are attractions within the landscape itself, like the Bell House and the Shalan di Kabadjo. There are also nearby spots, like Good Shepherd and Mt. Cloud Bookshop.

Deluxe Stays at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
If you want a vacation-slash-educational tour, then Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan is the perfect destination. You will certainly feel like you have been transported into an 18th century Spanish-Filipino town, with Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar’s cobblestone streets, old world architecture, and scenic backdrop of rice fields and mountains.

The “heritage resort” offers various tours and activities in and around the community, including a caruaje ride around the plaza and a workshop tour to know more about the process of making the site’s wood carvings and bricks. You and your family can also take a swim in the pool that’s designed to look like a stream, go kite-flying, fishing, and even horseback-riding.

At night, after all the fun and educational activities, your luxurious suite awaits. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar has a host of rooms, suites, and houses (casas) that can accommodate two up to sixteen guests. The designs of these accommodations are faithful to Spanish-Filipino roots, giving you that elegant charm along with modern conveniences. You can also choose what view you can wake up to: the rustically charming plaza or the breathtaking ocean.

Glamping in Camp Nayomi, Batangas
Camping can be a fun activity, but it can be challenging for kids. Fortunately, Camp Nayomi in Batangas offers the perfect balance between being one with nature and enjoying modern comforts. Camp Nayomi has an exclusive partnership with CanvasCamp, so you can sleep under the stars on a cozy bed in a private tent that is guaranteed to withstand all weather conditions. Each tent is also equipped with an
electric anti-mosquito machine to help keep the bugs away. You will also have your own veranda, as well as access to a fully functional and furnished bathroom, which is definitely a must for families with young children!

Nayomi Sanctuary Resort also offers delicious Filipino fare and fresh fruit shakes, a perfect complement to the natural beauty of the surroundings. If you want more things to do and explore, you can take a dip in their pool, book a hiking tour of the nearby Taal Volcano, or simply stroll around the property and just enjoy the view. Camp Nayomi deliberately did not include Wi-Fi in their services, all the more for you to
be able to make meaningful with your loved ones.

For families with PWD members, fret not. Camp Nayomi is a recognized PWD-friendly establishment, so even your handicapped loved ones can enjoy a truly memorable glamping experience.

Retreat at Balay Indang
Are you looking for a getaway that’s not too far from the city, but still feels like you’ve been transported into a rustic and homey retreat? Then look no further than Balay Indang in Cavite. They venue boasts of vintage wooden furniture and heritage decor, and no two rooms that are exactly alike. Even their bathrooms are works of art, with their stone-crafted showers, colored windows, and antique trimmings.

Indeed, everyone’s experience at Balay Indang is one of a kind. Balay Indang is also well-known for its excellent food, with fresh ingredients grown from the in-house farm to provide an authentic farm-to-table experience. The staff also ensures that you are not served the same food twice, so each meal is an experience in itself.

Apart from taking a dip in the pool, you can also take a leisurely walk around the expansive gardens or simply relax or play games in the poolside pavilion. Their common sala is also a homey place to just snuggle in with a book, with several plush and comfortable seats that are just waiting for you to sink in and forget your worries for a while.

It may not be as easy to plan a vacation for the whole family compared to when you were single, but it’s definitely worth it for the precious new memories you are going to create and share. Have a happy vacation!

Sneak Peek: Level Up Your Flights with PAL’s Brand-New Airbus A350 and A321neo Planes

Inflight comfort and luxury are redefined with Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) brand-new Airbus A350-900 XWB and A321neo airplanes. Generous legroom, enhanced entertainment, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity await passengers across all travel classes beginning July 2018.

“PAL aims to provide excellent standards of service for its passengers throughout the entire travel experience and be at par with the world’s best airlines. We are taking our flights to the next level by modernizing our fleet and enhancing our cabin amenities and inflight offerings, on top of ensuring that we consistently provide that distinct brand of heartfelt service PAL is known for,&said PAL President and COO Dr. Jaime J. Bautista.

“The arrival of the Airbus A350 and A321neo forms part of our journey towards attaining our goal of being the only 5-Star airline in the next few years from our 4-Star global airline rating. he added. In partnership with airline design specialist LIFT Strategic Design, PAL equipped the new planes with both function and form in mind, promising an enhanced passenger experience.

“With state-of-the-art modifications based on the latest technologies, these new aircraft will bring more benefits not only to passengers and crew but to the environment as well,” said Bautista.
Here are four things you can expect from PAL’s brand-new planes:

A Whole New World of Flights

These planes unlock PAL’s true potential with the new long-range aircraft capable of flying non-stop, up to 17 hours for the A350 and up to 8 hours for the A321neo. The new A350 will open a whole new world of access to long-haul destinations in North America and Europe. Starting October 2018, passengers can enjoy travelling to New York City nonstop for the first time in ultimate comfort and style with the introduction of the A350’s Tri-Class cabin experience. The A321neo, on the other hand, has commenced non-stop flights to Brisbane last July 2nd and will soon explore Sydney, Port Moresby, and Sapporo.

Space for Days (Or hours)
The new A350 and A321neo pack an impressive space in the cabin so that every passenger, regardless of class of service, enjoys the maximum comfort possible during the flight. These new aircraft also feature an innovative cabin layout and seat design. Business Class passengers aboard the A321neo can enjoy full-flat seats up that extend up to 78 inches, a first in PAL’s narrow-body fleet and a first for A321neos worldwide. Meanwhile, all Business Class passengers aboard the A350 have direct access to the aisle with the 1-2-1 seat configuration. Business Class passengers aboard the A350 enjoy top-level comfort that matches the best competitors globally with seats that can be reclined to full-flat beds, equipped with adjustable air cushions and massage functions. Plus, with enhanced amenities and services such as our new plush duvets and Dine-on-Demand meal service, passengers can expect a cozier and more enjoyable long-haul journey.

The Premium Economy Class onboard the A350 – a first of its kind to be offered on PAL’s destinations in the US Mainland and the UK – offers passengers an upgraded experience without the lavish price tag, with 38-inches of legroom and seats that can recline up to eight inches. Passengers seated in the Premium Economy Class also enjoy privacy and exclusivity with only 24 seats available and a dedicated lavatory in the cabin. Economy Class on the A350 has also been enhanced with seats that recline up to six inches and a spacious legroom with seat pitch of up to 33 inches, offering industry leading comfort.

Put Boredom Behind
The A350 and A321neo provides more options and control to passengers seeking personal entertainment during a long-haul flight. All seats are equipped with personal TV screens with an up-to-
date selection of movies, TV shows, music and more for every generation. Starting October 2018, passengers will have more control to select content from their mobile phone aboard the A350 via the myPAL Player App. Guests simply need to download the app, pair it up the personal TV screen assigned, and have full control on the entertainment.

The A350 boasts of having the first high-speed Wi-Fi in the PAL fleet – so you can surf and watch videos on Facebook or YouTube, or even shop online starting October 2018. The new aircraft is also equipped with experience-enhancing mood lighting with scenes designed specifically for PAL, giving the cabin a “distinctly PAL” ambiance.

Less Noise, More R&R
You can sleep soundly when flying via the A350 and the A321neo — their state-of-the-art engines produce less noise both inside and outside the cabin, compared to other previous-generation aircraft. In fact, the A350 has four times less noise than its competitor aircraft, making it the quietest twin-aisle aircraft to date.

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The arrival of the A350 and A321neo is just a preview of what PAL has up its sleeves. Committed to providing Filipinos a better flying experience, PAL expects a total of 27 new aircraft – with 6 A350s and 21 A321neos – bringing the average age of the flag carrier’s fleet to 5 years by end-2018. The arrival of new planes is an exciting phase in the flag carrier’s journey towards a 5-Star Skytrax Rating in 2020.

Bantayog Festival 2018 showcases Camarines Norte’s Rich Heritage

Summer is here! If you’re looking for a quick getaway from the metro, Batangas and La Union are your best bets but if you want to wander a little further, Camarines Norte is the spot for you. Camarines Norte is recently getting a taste of the spotlight as it is becoming the hottest tourist destination. So much is in store for its visitors: surfing, kayak surfing, island hopping, kiteboarding, paragliding, paramotoring, trekking, or simply dipping in its cool blue waters and frolic in the sand. I recently visited Daet in Camarines Norte where the Bantayog Festival is held. Bantayog translates to monument and it pays tribute to our National hero Dr Jose Rizal and to Filipino heroes that fought in the Spanish era and in the second world war. According to history, a monument was built two years post our National hero’s execution. An interesting fact is, the monument originally concealed his name from the eyes of the colonizers but later on after the revolution, his name was finally engraved.

2018 marks the 93rd founding anniversary of Camarines Norte and the 14th Bantayog Festival. Seven contingents vied for the title as the grand winner of this year’s fest donning elaborate costumes and masks with props accompanied by the bands.

1. Boyuboy Festival of San Lorenzo Ruiz
Boyoboy or Boyuboy means pagborogkos in the local dialect which translates to their post harvest activity. San Lorenzo Ruiz is home to the Queen Pineapple which Camarines Norte is famous for.

2. Pinyasan Festival of Daet
It was in the year 2009 when Daet set the record for the longest pineapple chain in the Guinness Book of Records during the Pinyasan Festival . The celebration promotes the Formosa variety of pineapples which accounts as the sweetest kind.

3. Rahugan Festival of Basud
Rahug means many coconuts. Their festival celebrates the spirit of solidarity among its people, their love for their family, and peaceful living.

4. Mananap Festival of San Vicente
The festival’s chants and street dancing shows their love and care for the environment especially to the the Mananap Falls, the tourism pride of the municipality.

5. Palong Festival of Capalonga
Their festivity is derived from the abundance of the “rooster combs” or “palong manok” also known as “Capalongan” shortened to Palong.

6. Padayog Festival-Sta. Elena
The name of the festival is derived from the word Padayog: palay, isda, at niyog (rice grain, fish, and coconut) which are the main produce of Sta Elena.

7. Pabirik Festival-Paracale
Street dancers holds a Pabirik during their celebration. It is a tool made of a strong circular wood used by miners in Paracale.

List of Winners for Bantayog Festival 2018
Major Awards:
Festival Champion (PHP200K) Padayog Festival, Sta. Elena
1st Runner Up (PHP150K) Palong Festival, Capalonga
2nd Runner Up (PHP100K) Rahugan Festival, Basud

Minor Awards:
Best in Moving Choreography-Palong Festival, Capalonga
Best in Music-Rahugan Festival, Basug
Best in Costume-Padayog Festival, Sta. Elena

My Weekend Flash Sale Experience at Ayala South Park

Nothing gets me excited than the weekends. I can finally have time for myself. No more work, no more traffic, no more STRESS, no more nothing. What’s with the weekends, anyways? This weekend, I heard that there’s a Flash Sale going on. Yep, shopping is my stress reliever. I headed to Robinson’s Flash Sale at the newly opened Ayala South Park mall in Muntinlupa City. Yeah, it’s Friday. It was traffic and July 14th is a payday which makes it even worse but a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. Huge discounts mean stretching the power of the peso.

Besides, it’s not everyday that there’s a sale. The flash sale is exclusive to Robinson’s Rewards Card holders but the card can be purchased for a discounted price of P100 instead of the usual P150 if you don’t have it yet. Participating stores are Robinson’s owned establishments: Robinson’s Department Store, Robinson’s Supermarket, Daiso, Toys ‘R Us, Handyman and South Star Drug.

My first stop was Toys “R” Us. They have a huge selection of toys and I thought of bringing some home for my nephews. Toys R Us was officially launched here in the country in 2006 and is best known as the “World’s Greatest Toy Store”.

They have a strong portfolio of brands, they also have their own line of private brands and exclusive merchandise such as BRU, Dream Dazzlers, True Heroes, Just Like Home, Educational Science, Fast Lane, Animal Alley, and You and Me dolls. Toys “R” Us is a go-to-store for toy lovers of all ages. I have to admit, at this age I still have a thing for collecting toys.

It was a breeze going through the store as everything is neatly categorized. They have the Let’s Play Zone, Action and Adventure Zone, Tech Zone, Babies “R” US, Family Fun, and Game one. Ayala South Park is their 33rd branch up to date.

Next is my hunt for clothes at the Robinsons Department Store. Thirty to a whopping seventy percent discount applies to selected merchandise. Even the branded ones are on sale too! Shoes, jackets, sporting goods, jewelry and so much more were all on sale! The sale range from 30% to 70% and that is a lot of saving to get a whole new chic wardrobe.

My favorite store would be Daiso Japan where they have most products for Php 88. It’s where I shop for beauty products, snacks, chocolates, household items and everything kawaii.

Their hardware store is the Handyman where I looked for the tools I need. I have this habit of fixing things rather than hiring a carpenter to do the job. I even have my own tool box at home!

I remembered back in the province, there were Southstar drug branches. Finally we have it here too. It is strategically located beside Robinson’s Supermarkets and these two stores are both part of the Flash sale. Grocery goods and even my medicine were purchased at discounted prices. One of my favorite place at any mall is the Supermarket and what differentiate Robinson Supermarket from the rest, is their advocacy to focus on improving and promoting wellness. The first selection of food that was displayed on their entrance was the fresh fruits so that people can easily grab healthier options. They do have a rack of food and tags for health conscious individuals.

I clearly lost track of time as I did my shopping but it was convenient due to the friendly and polite staff. I meticulously check for product details before buying them and they did not fail to provide assistance in the process. Check out lines are organized. Personally, I shop at Robinson’s stores also because of the great store atmosphere and design. There are still two days left. The three-day Flash Sale at Ayala South Park Mall is from the 14th to the 16th of July. It was a good thing I bought everything I need before Saturday. Happy shopping everyone!

NCCA, DOT launch KulTOURa mobile travel guide

A new app was recently launch that can help both tourist and students to better appreciate the culture and history of the Philippines.

This is the Kultoura Philippine travel guide app which the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched today in collaboration with PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications and InnoPub Media.

Representatives from Smart, NCCA, DOT and InnoPub sign the memorandum of agreement for the KulTOURa app at Rizal Park Visitors Center.

The Kultoura app features information on heritage sites, historic schools and churches, nature parks, popular attractions, famous landmarks and other must-see places in various parts of the country. The app also contains colorful details of the history of selected cities and provinces, including their famous personalities, delicacies and other interesting trivia.

Available as a free download for Android and iOS devices, the app is continuously being updated to provide more relevant content and encourage travelers to explore the country. It will soon offer other services such as a chat bot, which can give automated travel advice; allow users to take virtual tours; and enable purchases via a digital marketplace.

Though initially designed as an aid for tourists, the mobile app is also a handy resource for students. The comprehensive information found on the app can help them gain a better understanding of the rich culture and history of the country.

The launch of the Kultoura app was held at Rizal Park to commemorate the 156th birthday of National Hero Jose Rizal. Leading
the launch were Smart AVP/Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships Gabby R. Cui, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs
Group Head Ramon R. Isberto, NCCA Chairman Virgilio Almario, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director
Penelope Belmonte, DOT Undersecretary for Oversight Function for Legislative Matters Falconi Millar, and InnoPub Media co-
founder Max Limpag.

“The Kultoura app was developed to help tourists and students learn more about Philippine culture and heritage. It may also be useful to foreigners who are interested in the rich history and beautiful destinations in our country,” said NCCA Chairman Virgilio Almario.

“We want to help travelers really enjoy and experience the Philippines by seeing for themselves the rich culture and heritage of our people,” said PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

“Innovations such as the Kultoura app are part of Smart’s efforts to enable foreign and local tourists to travel like never before.”

To enhance the tourist experience, Smart will also provide high-speed Wi-Fi and install quick response (QR) codes and NFC (near-field communications) chips on markers in selected areas to enable access to additional travel information via phone scan.

The Kultoura app, the tourist markers and the provision for high-speed connectivity are part of the Digital Tourism program, which was launched by InnoPub and Smart in 2012 in partnership with local government units. The Digital Tourism program aims to harness mobile technology to promote tourism and the preservation of cultural and heritage sites. It has been implemented in destinations such as Baguio, Bohol, Albay, Dapitan, and Davao.

“Our mobile phones are our constant travel companion. It serves as our messaging device, camera, map, and tour guide. With the Digital Tourism program, important historical, cultural and heritage information are now more widely available to tourists through mobile devices,” said InnoPub Media co-founder Max Limpag. “The Kultoura app and markers contain information directly sourced from the NCCA. It is a comprehensive effort among partners to make Philippine history and culture interactive.”

The deployment of high-speed Wi-Fi at tourist hubs, meanwhile, complements Smart’s continued LTE rollout. It is available at airports, seaports, and transportation terminals all over the country, as well as in hangout places such as food parks, providing even more connectivity to mobile users on-the- go.

In cooperation with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Smart recently launched carrier-grade Wi-Fi service at MRT stations and along EDSA to benefit the commuters traveling across the country’s busiest highway.

Present during the launch were NCCA Chairman Virgilio Almario, DOT Undersecretary for Oversight Function for Legislative Matters Falconi Millar, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto, Smart AVP/Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships Gabby R. Cui, InnoPub Media co-founder Max Limpag, and representatives from the National Parks Development Committee and the six attached cultural agencies.

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