Made It Through Mum

SM City Valenzuela volunteer proudly hands an SM Bear of Joy to a child with disability. The mall contributed 700 bears, matched by SM City Grand Central, totaling 1,400 plush toys for children with special needs and PWDs. In a season marked by joy and giving, SM Malls in Grand Central and Valenzuela closed 2024 on a heartwarming note with their annual Bears of Joy donation, bringing smiles to children with special needs and persons with disabilities. The campaign, which underscores SM’s commitment to community upliftment, saw the donation of 1,400 plush toys to various beneficiaries across Caloocan and Valenzuela. SM City Valenzuela spearheaded the effort, contributing 700 bears, while SM City Grand Central added 700 to the tally. The plushies—adorable oval-shaped companions inspired by the viral Squishmallow trend—were distributed to beneficiaries such as Valenzuela’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office and the Alliance of PWD in Caloocan City Inc. An SM volunteer lights up the da...

Gino Riola, Chief Marketing Officer of Allianz PNB Life, emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness with the Allianz Healthbox Filipinos dream big—not just for themselves, but for their families. To achieve these aspirations, they need a partner who cares about their well-being, one who helps them enjoy the present while preparing for a bright tomorrow. In line with this mission to secure every Filipino’s future, Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) hosted the first insurance industry-led wellness event dubbed as  Healthbox Health Fest 2024 in Makati City, reaffirming its commitment to holistic wellness that integrates mental, physical, and financial health. The event highlighted how Allianz Healthbox supports AZPNBL policyholders by offering exclusive perks and benefits for their healthcare, lifestyle, and wellness needs. Through this, Allianz empowers Filipinos to lead healthier, more secure lives. “As a global insurance company, we recognize that healthcare is integral to life protecti...

From left to right: Uratex Monoblock Enna Chair & Charlotte Armchair Filipino families are known for their festive spirit, often beginning their holiday celebrations even before December. This love for celebrating— even the smallest of occasions reflects the deep joy and togetherness that define the true Filipino culture. From delicious feasts to thoughtful gifts, and even transforming the smallest corners of their homes into festive spaces, these efforts are all about creating special memories with their loved ones.  As homes and outdoor spaces become the heart of gathering spots for family celebrations, having the right furniture is essential for keeping everyone comfortable and relaxed during this festive season. That’s where Uratex Monoblock comes in, offering durable, high-quality plastic furniture that’s built to last. Strong enough to handle any celebration, Uratex Monoblock helps Filipino families host worry-free gatherings year after year. Whether it’s a Christmas din...

Darigold milk, a beloved brand from the 1950s-70s, is back in the Philippines!  Filipino families will once again enjoy this creamy, nutritious milk, bringing back cherished memories for older generations and introducing a healthy option to younger ones. A Taste of Home Darigold was a staple in many Filipino homes, featured in breakfasts and snacks.  Dan Hofmeister, President of Darigold Milk’s B2C Division, expressed excitement about reintroducing this quality milk to a new generation. More Than Just Milk Darigold's return aims to empower Filipinos to live fulfilling lives.  The brand is committed to being a reliable part of daily routines, supporting families in their daily adventures.  Hofmeister emphasized Darigold's mission to make a positive impact on Filipino lives. Quality You Can Trust Darigold boasts nearly 100 years of history, starting in Seattle and sourced from 300 family farms.  Its modern facilities and sustainable practices ensure fresh, high-qu...

  The holidays are not just a time of gift-giving but also a time for festive feasts with family and friends. It’s a time where everyone gets the chance to prepare their special recipes and devour their favorite dishes in one sitting. Century Tuna, with its extensive flavor offerings, makes it easy to incorporate into various holiday recipes, ensuring your Noche Buena and Media Noche celebrations have delicious, satisfying meals that everyone will love. Packed with Omega 3 DHA that’s good for the heart and mind, Century Tuna is also low in cholesterol and has no preservatives added, ensuring that you can prioritize your health and fitness even during the holiday season. Creamy tuna pesto made with Century Tuna Flakes in Oil For pesto lovers, you can never go wrong with Century Tuna Flakes in Oil. Simply whip up your favorite pesto sauce and combine it with the tuna and you have an easy pesto recipe that never compromises in taste. You can season to your heart’s desire and even add ...

Fresh from the blockbuster success of her recent movie, "Hello, Love, Again," TNT KaTropa Kathryn Bernardo is looking to make Christmas extra special by spending the holidays with her family. “Ang importante naman ay ‘yung makakasama mo sa Pasko. We’ll keep it very simple, so you’re hopefully surrounded with love and good energy, and sana ‘yun yung makuha ko this year. This will be our first Christmas in our new house so nandito kami Christmas at New Year,” she said. Kathryn revealed that this Christmas will be all about a simple dinner, exchange of gifts, and a family photo shot in their first Christmas in their new home. “Hindi na kami makikipagsabay sa mga umaalis na tao this year. The past few months medyo dire-diretso ang work ko so I just want to stay home, get some rest, and then bond with my family. We’ll keep it very simple,” she said. Kathryn’s ideal Christmas would not be complete if she couldn’t get hold of her friends and loved ones abroad, so she relies on her p...

  The holiday season calls for a lot of reconnecting and getting together. While it's almost true that the Philippines has the longest celebration of Christmas, it goes without saying that gatherings during this season won’t be complete without the traditional Noche Buena feast. As such, here’s a rundown of some dishes—from classic to modern—that you may find at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan.  Ready your list and make sure to fill your table with any of these well-loved delicacies: Pinoy Favorite Lumpiang Shanghai Nothing beats a classic Filipino favorite—Lumpiang Shanghai. Imagine these crispy spring rolls filled with an appetizing mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, dipped in a sweet and sour sauce. Grab these at Gerry’s Grill for a worthwhile Noche Buena feast. Traditional Queso de Bola A traditional treat everybody loves during Noche Buena, Queso de Bola is considered the ‘versatile’ cheese that goes well with variety of foods, including crackers, bread, f...

A child embraced SM City Grand Central Mall Manager Alpha Hernandez, beaming with joy as they received gifts during SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan’s ChriSMiles event. SM Supermalls brought the magic of Christmas to over 100 underprivileged children in Caloocan and Valenzuela cities through its annual ChriSMiles initiative.  Just days before Christmas, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela joined forces to create unforgettable holiday memories for children and their families. SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan partnered with Bountiful Children’s Foundation Philippines to bring joyful holiday memories to 50 children from Brgy. 176, Bagong Silang, North Caloocan. With big smiles, children proudly raised their Bears of Joy plushies during SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan’s ChriSMiles celebration. In Caloocan, a partnership with Bountiful Children’s Foundation Philippines resulted in a heartwarming celebration for 5...

Converge recently launched the third phase of its zero waste movement which focuses on segregating wastes properly, in line with the existing ordinance of Pasig. IN PHOTO (from left): Converge Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Azada, Converge President and Co-Founder Maria Grace Uy, Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado, and Converge VP and Acting Head of People & Culture Group Erwin Dotimas.  Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a leading fiber broadband and technology provider in the Philippines, is accelerating its commitment to environmental sustainability with the launch of "Countdown to Zero Waste 3.0." This initiative focuses on enhancing waste segregation practices across its offices, aiming for zero landfill waste by 2030. This third phase introduces a three-category waste segregation system: biodegradable, residual, and special waste.  This aligns with Pasig City regulations, where C...

This Christmas season, IKEA Pasay City is bringing back the magic of Filipino Christmas caroling!  From December 16th to 20th, they're hosting a week-long celebration filled with festive cheer, heartwarming traditions, and a chance to win amazing prizes. Forget the usual mall rush; IKEA is creating a unique and immersive experience.  Imagine strolling through beautifully decorated room settings, the air filled with the joyful sounds of traditional Christmas carols.  This isn't just about listening; you're invited to participate!  Whether you're a seasoned caroler or just love to sing along, you're welcome to join in and fill IKEA with holiday spirit. But that's not all.  IKEA is adding a creative, sustainable twist.  Participants can craft their own instruments using eco-friendly materials, making the experience even more memorable and in line with IKEA's commitment to sustainability.  After performing one or two carols, you'll get a chance to draw an ...

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has announced that its Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM now comes with unlimited data, making it easier for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and foreign tourists to enjoy fast and reliable connectivity while traveling around the country. For only Php1,599, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM comes with unlimited data and unlimited local calls and texts valid for 30 days, to cover all the connectivity needs of users for a worry-free travel experience. Those who prefer a fixed amount of data may still get the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIM for only P599, which comes with 24 GB of data, along with unlimited local call and texts to all networks, also valid for 30 days. Designed for returning OFWs, foreign tourists Now available on the Smart Online Store and select Smart Stores nationwide, the Smart Philippine Tourist eSIMs are designed specifically for tourists so they can enjoy local rates for data, calls, and texts, elimina...

NU Baliwag celebrates Paskonalian this 2024 with an impressive concert featuring guest performers and rising OPM bands Matilduh, Over October, and Cup of Joe. Proceeds of the concert will be donated to a chosen community this Christmas. Marking excellence beyond academics, NU Baliwag recently celebrated its annual Paskonalian or Paskong Nationalian, with dance and music competitions, highlighted by a remarkable concert-for-cause attended by 2,123 participants in SM City Baliwag.  A cherished tradition since 2020, what started as a simple live-streamed singing event showcasing the talents of NU Baliwag students—aimed at raising funds for the victims of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses—has grown into a grand celebration of community, charity, and holiday spirit. In 2023, proceeds of the Paskonalian celebration were utilized to fund financial literacy workshops for parents and vegetable planting activities for selected students at Sulivan National High School in the City of Baliwag. Volunte...

The Grab Be Present Bus assists passengers in getting home this holiday season, helping them avoid potential challenges with accessing regular transport options and ride-hailing services amid peak in travel demand The Grab Be Present Bus assists passengers in getting home this holiday season, helping them avoid potential challenges with accessing regular transport options and ride-hailing services amid peak in travel demand Grab Philippines, in partnership with the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) and OneAyala, is providing free shuttle rides for Filipinos arriving at Terminals 2 and 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – the busiest terminals this holiday season.  The Grab Be Present Bus provides convenient point-to-point transportation for Overseas Filipino Workers and other domestic travelers, connecting NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 directly to the OneAyala Transport Hub. Ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines are facing increased pressure this holiday season as surging demand co...

Amid the increasing social media activity of young Filipinos, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched an advocacy campaign that advances digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children. Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge introduced its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), which intends to educate learners on the importance of protecting their personal information online.  To kickstart the initiative, Converge tied up with its neighboring primary school Francisco Legaspi Memorial School (FLMS) in Pasig to engage its pupils in Grades 2 to 6 in a child-friendly discussion on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.  “The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the potential risks in the internet since children nowadays are already given access to gadgets and social media. We believe it is essential to start educ...

SM City Baliwag is expanding its culinary scene with the addition of two exciting new restaurants: Mr. Mala Hotpot and Sumo Niku. These additions promise a diverse range of flavors and dining experiences for Bulakenyos. Sumo Niku: Unleash Your Inner Samgyup Enthusiast  For those seeking a thrilling food adventure, Sumo Niku offers an unlimited Japanese barbecue experience. Located on the ground level of SM City Baliwag, this new restaurant is the perfect destination for a fun and satisfying meal with friends and family. Sumo Niku's all-you-can-eat deal features a delectable spread of premium grilled meats, including pork, beef, and chicken, all cooked to perfection. The experience is enhanced by a variety of side dishes, special sauces, and endless drinks for just P599 per person[1] . Mr. Mala Hotpot: A DIY Hotpot Adventure Perfect for both chilly evenings and warmer days, Mr. Mala Hotpot invites diners to embark on a personalized hotpot journey. This restaurant also sits on the gr...