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November 17, 2017

GCash #GDay offers early Xmas treat at TriNoma Greenlight Sale

Enjoy #GCashCinemaDay and get P150 cashback at all Ayala Cinemas when you scan to pay


GCash, the Philippine mobile money wallet provider, offers an early Christmas treat of up to P500 cashback to its loyal customers who will use the GCash App to pay for their purchases on #GDay at Trinoma Greenlight Sale from November 18 to 19, 2017. 


Discounts on Shopping, Movie Tickets, and more! 



GCash partner merchants will be giving an additional 20% (up to P500) cashback, on top of their sale discounts when customers use the GCash App scan to pay feature when paying for goods and services.

At the same time, moviegoers who will use the GCash App to buy movie tickets at any Ayala Cinema nationwide will enjoy a P150 one-time cashback which will be credited back to their GCash account within 24 hours. The cashback is only applicable to one ticket per user per day. Additional purchases will not be included in the cashback.

Aside from the cashback offering, GCash will also do daily raffles of PHP 10,000 GCash to customers who will scan to pay for their purchases on partner merchants.

To start enjoying the benefits of the GCash scan to pay feature, customers must download the app for free from the App Store or Google Playstore and register for an account. Once installed, customers can cash-in or reload at any GCash kiosk and digital payment booth in Globe stores, and in over 12,000 GCash Partner Outlets nationwide. 


Scan me, pay me

Through the QR-based mobile payment system, customers can now shop by just scanning the QR codes displayed by partner merchants and establishments. With the new smartphone application, there will be no need for customers to carry around wads of cash. It makes purchasing the latest fashion items or paying services more convenient and secure, while eliminating the chance of having misunderstandings over payments and getting the wrong change.

Ayala Malls pioneered the cashless shopping through GCash starting with Glorietta and followed by Trinoma. Other Ayala Malls will come on board as more and more stores and restaurant will become GCash and QR code ready. Expect more #GDay events as GCash rolls out the QR code payment solution across other Ayala Malls in the country.

Learn more about GCash by visiting www.gcash.com

City of Dreams Manila ushers in the 'Wonders of Christmas' with an annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

City of Dreams Manila officially kicked-off Yuletide festivities with the lighting of a 32-foot Christmas tree as the main highlight of its European-themed décor replete with two towering 22-foot nutcrackers, life-size Santa’s log cabin and sleigh at the main entrance.

City of Dreams Manila’s Christmas Tree Lighting (L-R standing): Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo, celebrity Karylle, Belle Corporation Vice Chair Willy Ocier, City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres, Mrs. Janet Olivares, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Parañaque First District Congressman Eric Olivarez, and Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista spearheaded the lighting ceremony, together with the Southside ballerinas (seated). 
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and his wife Janet, Parañaque First District Congressman Eric Olivarez, Belle Corporation Vice Chair Willy Ocier and City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres spearheaded the lighting ceremony and were joined by celebrity Karylle and Ms. Earth Philippines 2017’s: Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo and Ms. Fire Nelza Bautista.

(L-R) Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista, Belle Corporation Vice Chair Willy Ocier, City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres, Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo and lank the Southside ballerinas Mrs. Janet Olivares, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Parañaque First District Congressman Eric Olivarez, and Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista led the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Karylle also serenaded guests with classic holiday songs” Carol of the Bells”, “Angels We Have Heard On High” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. Hosted by Chaos Night Club Entertainment Manager and coincidentally Ms. World Philippines 2017 finalist Cristina Coloma, the program also featured an eight-piece ensemble from the Manila Symphony Orchestra with DJ Mica Atkinson, and the Southside ballerinas.

Karylle serenaded the audience with holiday melodies at City of Dreams Manila’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony


In his welcome remarks, Andres attributed the property’s Christmas décor concept to the Danish designer Creation Group, which has designed amusement parks, malls, family entertainment spaces and hotels and restaurants, and Tema Design Philippines which executed the displays and various fiberglass installations.

City of Dreams Manila’s Property President Geoff Andres rendered his welcome remarks during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

During the holiday season, Santa will be present at the log cabin installed at the main entrance and distribute sweet treats to guests during weekends of December. Various choirs will perform holiday melodies also every weekend up to December 25 at The Shops on the upper ground against a cluster of golden Christmas trees with fairies in flight. For magical photo ops, a 22-foot teddy bear covered in LED lights will be a favored backdrop at the garden by Nobu Hotel, as it sets the holiday mood and illuminates the integrated resort’s outdoor and garden space.

A Yuletide fairy brought enchantment at the European-themed Christmas display at the main entrance of City of Dreams Manila


European-themed décor of its Christmas display at the main entrance of City of Dreams Manila


Southside ballerinas performed a special dance number with the presence of officials who led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony (from left): Belle Corporation Vice Chair Willy Ocier, City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres, Mrs. Janet Olivares, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Parañaque First District Congressman Eric Olivarez3. Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo, Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista, Southside ballerinas at the European-themed Christmas installation at the main entrance of City of Dreams Manila

DreamPlay will hold its annual Christmas-themed activity “Shrek the Halls” from December 2 to January 2, while a three-day bazaar for Dream Rewards members from November 24 to 26will be held at the Grand Ballroom. Staycation packages at Crown Towers Manila, Nobu Hotel Manila and Hyatt are on offer until December 31. Holiday menus and promotions will be offered in Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon, Red Ginger, Wave, Café Society, and The Café at the Hyatt and in the other dining establishments.

Manila Symphony Orchestra performed Christmas songs at City of Dreams Manila’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Chaos Entertainment Manager and coincidentally Ms. World Philippines 2017 finalist Cristina Coloma hosted the event


Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista and Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo planks the Southside ballerinas at the European-themed Chrismas décor of City of Dreams Manila

Chaos will fly in international DJ Ookay to perform on December 8, while New Year’s Eve countdown parties at Chaos and CenterPlay will highlight top local performing artists including True Faith on December 31.

Yuletide themed cookies at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony



Manila Symphony Orchestra performed Christmas songs at City of Dreams Manila’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony


Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Fire Nelza Bautista and Ms. Earth Philippines 2017-Ms. Eco-Tourism Vanessa Mae Castillo with the Southside ballerinas at the European-themed Chrismas décor of City of Dreams Manila.
A 22-foot teddy bear covered in LED lights at the garden area near the Nobu pool

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Dream Rewards membership sign-up is free.


iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus arrive at Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom announced it will offer the new generation iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Customers will be able to purchase the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus at www.globe.com.ph/iPhone8 and in stores starting November 17. For complete pricing details, please visit www.globe.com.ph/iPhone8.




“Every year, the iPhone launch is always something Apple enthusiasts look forward to. With Globe Postpaid’s ThePLAN, customers can get the best experience out of their iPhone 8 and 8 Plus with more data and access to the best content,” says Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business, Issa Cabreira. 

iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are a new generation of iPhone featuring a new glass and aluminum design in three beautiful finishes - space gray, silver and a new gold – made with the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, Retina HD displays, A11 Bionic chip and is designed for the ultimate augmented experience. The world’s most popular camera gets even better and wireless charging brings a powerful new capability to iPhone. iPhone 8 Plus features dual 12-megapixel cameras and introduces Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, bringing dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field effect in five different lighting styles.

With Globe Postpaid, customers can get iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus at attractive monthly repayments with ThePLAN 1799 or with the best Globe has to offer, ThePLATINUM Plan 4999.

ThePLAN 1799 comes with 11 GB of data, together with access to top TV, movie, and music apps. Customers get full access to the Netflix and Disney apps for 6 months, plus 3 months of Spotify Premium subscription at no extra cost and an additional 1GB to stream your favorite songs. The plan also comes with unlimited calls to Globe/TM and unlimited texts to all networks. Get to know more about ThePLAN at globe.com.ph/postpaid/theplan.

With Globe Platinum, experience the best Globe has to offer. Get Priority Network access to keep your mobile data at its most optimal levels. You also enjoy the freedom to surf, watch, and listen to your heart’s content with All-Month Data Surfing. Plus, have access to Thea, your Platinum Virtual Concierge that not only addresses Globe-related concerns, but can book dining reservations, buy movie tickets, or assist you with virtually anything under the sun. To learn more about ThePLATINUM 4999 Plan, visit www.globe.com.ph/platinum

For more details on pricing and data plans, please visit www.globe.com.ph/iPhone8

For more details on iPhone please visit www.apple.com/ph/iphone.

Giulia Takes Home-Cooked Food To A Whole New Level as It Opens at SM North EDSA


Looking for more relaxing place to satisfied your appetite and food craving?

From the company that introduced Casa Italia to Metro Manila in 2015, comes Giulia, the newest dining place that beckons anyone longing for home-cooked food.

I enjoyed a delicious lunch with blogger friends last Saturday, November 10 at Giulia located at G/F the Block, SM North EDSA.



Taking off from the same location where the renowned Casa left its footprint, Giulia is a full-service restaurant that whips up hearty dishes that linger way after you’ve finished everything on their plates.

While meeting and greetings with each other, we have offered something to refresh - I had Cappuccino in Piccolo.





For starters, you can choose from the ceasar salad, the pumpkin and the mushroom soup. Or you can sate your palates with their flavorful servings of Gambas Al Ajillo and Loaded Fries.



Sure to earn raves because of its size and flavor is the Legend- a big chunk of fried, boneless chicken which packs in just the right amount of spices.



They also have other meat dishes like the Braised Lamb Shank, Italian Beef Stew and Crispy Pork Belly.



There is also something to be had by pasta lovers at Giulia: there is the carbonara, creamy prawn, beef lasagna, spicy calamari, and bolognese.


For sharing, they have an assortment of pizza to choose from, including the four-cheese, the all meat and the chicken barbecue. 

They also have big plates good for a few hungry mouths- like the rib and chicken platter.



Then, for sweet endings, they have a premium gelato line which boasts of the most natural ingredients- like their best-selling flavors pistachio, dark truffle, mint and Bailey’s.

Jay Tan, Managing Director of Grupo Manna, which operates Giuia is excited to add another restaurant to his other two diners- Casa Italia and Gelatofix- both located at the Bonifacio Global City.

He exclaims: “Having Giulia here at SM North EDSA is the perfect opportunity for us to serve customers from this part of the Metro who crave for well-thought of dishes. With Giulia, we promise you a holistic experience of good food, enticing ambience and great service.”

*Giulia is open during mall hours and is located at the G/F the Block, SM North EDSA.



November 16, 2017

Meet Jelai Espino : A young aspiring actress/singer


Bitten by the acting bug, young and pretty Jelai Espino, aspires to be a well-known singer and actress someday.

Jelai, a 15 year-old (Grade 7 San Beda) student knows she still has a long way to go. 

To hone her craft, she’s been attending acting workshops, including the one offered by ABS-CBN's Star Magic and Ogie Diaz Acting Workshop. At present, she’s being handled by the same management of Comedy Queen Ms. Ai Ai Delas Alas, whom she’s very thankful for acting tips she has learned from Ai Ai giving full support on her activities.




For a jumpstart, she has released a CD single titled "Huwag Mong Biruin," composed and produced by well known Philippine musician, songwriter and hitmaker, Vehnee Saturno. Jelai’s music genre, Pop, she shared to us that she loves listening to KPop songs. She has done some shows, she performed an opening act in Michael Pangilinan show.

Has done some commercials and print ads too, Jelai is also chosen as brand ambassador for Natural Blend Coffee, and she is the endorser for Natura Organics Dear Teen Collections and Color Cosmetics.



When asked on opportunities on acting and love teams, Jelai shared that if she will be given the chance, she would love to work with Daniel Padilla and James Reid because she really looks up to them as great actors. And on her dreams to work with, her all time favorite actress, the star for all seasons Ms. Vilma Santos. She said that she really loves Ms. Vilma's movie "Anak" with Claudine Barretto and would want to do some of the scenes with her too.

During the blog conference, Jelai said that she is willing to give up her studies if a good opportunity knocks in her showbiz career.

The pretty teener Jelai also envisions herself as a lawyer someday when she grows more mature. She's now truly devoting herself to the craft of acting and singing and she’s getting ready for the challenges ahead. 

Jelai is the daughter of Butch and Bing Espino who are business entrepreneurs. 

To know more about Jelai Espino, visit her Facebook https://www.facebook.com/officialjelaiespino and follow her via Instagram at @jelaaaay_ .

John Legend brings Darkness And Light World Tour to Manila


10x Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, John Legend will be returning to Manila for his highly anticipated Darkness And Light World Tour on March 21st, 2018 at the Araneta Coliseum.


John Legend’s latest album Darkness And Light has been a worldwide smash hit with the chart-topping singles “Love Me Now” and “Penthouse Floor” featuring Chance The Rapper. The album debuted on the Top 20 of the Billboard 200 and was streamed over 12-million times in the first week.

Legend serves as one of the principles for Get Lifted Film Co., a film and television production company that serves as Executive Producers on the HBO documentary “Southern Rites”, Pop Network docu-series “Sing It On”, WGN America’s series “Underground”, and films such as “Southside With You” and the critically acclaimed “La La Land”. Legend was also featured in the film and soundtrack of La La Land with the single “Start A Fire” and in the blockbuster Disney movie “Beauty and the Beast” with Ariana Grande.

Fans can expect to hear John Legend perform these new hits with his full live band, as well as his well-loved singles “All Of Me”, “Ordinary People”, “Green Light”, “Used To Love U”, “Save Room”, “Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” and more. 



Tickets will be on-sale on Thursday, November 30 via TicketNet.com.ph. For more information, visit Wilbros Live on social media. 

Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @WilbrosLive

#JohnLegendMNL  #DarknessAndLightTour


Fitness enthusiasts troop to Nuvali for Golden Fiesta’s ‘Heart Healthy Camp’ kickoff

Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp participants at Nuvali try out the Heart Pumps plyometric box jumps to improve their leg and lung power and increase heart rate to burn more calories and fat.
A tropical cyclone had come and gone, the sun was up bright and early, and for the Philippines’ leading cooking oil brand, Golden Fiesta, it was perfect weather for the special gathering of health enthusiasts, both incorrigible veterans and newbies in the fitness game.


The Heart Skips low hurdles at the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp improves leg power and agility, speeds up metabolism, and improves blood circulation to the heart.
Clad in their exercise gear, they all trooped to Solenad 1 in Nuvali, Laguna, last Saturday, November 11, some as early as 6 a.m., for Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp—a fun-filled holistic fitness program designed to improve one’s overall body strength and conditioning. 

Their singular goal: to jump-start a heart-healthy lifestyle and be physically fit at any age.

The Elastic Heart fitness band at the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp aims to improve total body functional strength, build lean muscle mass, and push the heart to pump needed blood to function well.

Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp participants at Nuvali get to know their fitness status through the Golden Fiesta Karada Scan machines before warming up for various workout exercises and activities.
The Heart Waves battle ropes at the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp helps increase overall strength and total body conditioning and improves mobility and stability.
The sunny weather matched the high spirits of participants—some with their families or groups of friends in tow—as they kicked off the weekend on a high note. 

The organizers couldn’t have felt more gratified as Golden Fiesta successfully held the first leg of its Heart Healthy Camp. The free-admission fitness camp, after all, was warmly received by scores of fitness enthusiasts who quickly filled up the Solenad 1-Flex Lot and got the new fitness regimen going.

Nutritionist-dietician Fia Batua conducts “Heart Talk” and explains the benefits of using the heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Camp participants readily tried out an assortment of workout routines and activities that were categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advance levels that matched their varying fitness requirements.
Families bond over fun-filled workout activities during the kickoff leg of the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp at Nuvali last Nov. 11. 

Each station was manned by professional coaches and trainers to ensure that everyone was carrying out the exercises properly and safely. The workout activities included Pumps! Plyometric Box Jumps; Heart Skips! Low Hurdles; Heart Beats! Agility Ladders; Elastic Heart! Fitness Band; Heart Swing! Kettle Bells; and Heart Waves! Battle Ropes.

Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp participants at Nuvali try out the Heart Swing kettle bells, which improve the overall functional power and keep the heart rate elevated.

The morning was likewise made livelier by a Zumba session led by top Zumba and yoga instructor Karen Buenvenida.

 Zumba and yoga instructor Karen Buenvenida leads the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp participants in a Zumba session to jump-start the morning.
The camp participants might have worked up quite an appetite after all the activities that they eagerly watched a live cooking demo—of recipes using heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil—conducted by Pinoy celebrity chef Jose Sarasola. 

Sarasola showed the audience how to prepare simple, heart-healthy meals like Golden Fiesta Lettuce Salad with Guyabano Vinaigrette, Golden Fiesta Bangus Back Fillet and Adobo Kangkong Duo, and Golden Fiesta Japanese Chicken Katsu in Curry Sauce.

Celebrity chef and fitness buff Jose Sarasola holds a live cooking demo and food sampling of homey and hearty comfort meals made using the heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil.

The cooking demo was followed by a food sampling, of course.

“To be healthy, you have to eat healthy, and part of that lifestyle is choosing the right kind of oil. There’s a misconception that all oils are unhealthy—that’s not the case with the heart-healthy and versatile Golden Fiesta Canola Oil, which is not only good for frying but also for making sauces and salad dressings. It does not take rocket science to learn and make healthy meals at home,” Sarasola said.
Celebrity chef Jose Sarasola uses quality NutriAsia products like Locally Blended Juice Drink Guyabano flavor and Golden Fiesta Canola Oil in preparing heart-healthy meals like the Golden Fiesta Lettuce Salad with Guyabano Vinaigrette. 

“To reach the goal that you want in life, you have to really work hard for it. And when it comes to achieving that healthy lifestyle and physically fit body, Golden Fiesta Canola Oil is there to aid you,” he added.

Golden Fiesta Canola Oil is a rich source of cholesterol-reducing phytosterols, an all-natural plant extract that can reduce your body’s cholesterol level by as much as 15 percent. Scientific studies and trials show that consumption of two grams of phytosterols per day has the potential of diminishing one’s risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Participants were encouraged to learn more health tips by engaging in “Heart Talks,” which was conducted by licensed nutritionist-nietician and fitness specialist Fia Batua.

“We Filipinos can’t say no to fried food, but the good news is Golden Fiesta is promoting simple changes that we can do on a daily basis to improve our overall health. We urge everyone to start these simple lifestyle changes in your kitchen,” Batua said.

“Canola oil is one of the best and most nutritious oils in the market—it’s even healthier and cheaper than olive oil,” she added. “Canola oil is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are very good for the heart. You can use it for baking, frying, and as dressing.” 

Celebrity chef Jose Sarasola poses for a group photo with Golden Fiesta and NutriAsia executives and fitness coaches during the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp kickoff at Nuvali.

According to Carl Constantino, category marketing manager at NutriAsia, the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp is the brand’s way of reaching out to Filipino consumers and encouraging them to be more mindful of their food choices and to maintain an active lifestyle despite tight schedules.

“We are very happy that residents of Laguna and nearby areas took this opportunity to learn and enjoy new fitness techniques from fitness experts and enthusiasts—all for free,” Constantino enthused.

Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp participants are all smiles as they pose for group photos at Solenad 1, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last Nov. 11.
Members of Pinoy boyband 1:43 take the time off their schedule to learn and enjoy new fitness regimen as they grace the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp at Nuvali last Nov. 11.

Even kids and teens did not miss the chance to learn new fitness techniques during the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp at Nuvali last Nov. 11. 

“Today, our camp participants brought home some useful tips from nutrition and fitness experts and learned how to cook their favorite fried dishes—plus new recipes that they can try at home—using heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil.”

After the Nuvali leg, the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp will proceed to Track 30th at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig onNovember 26 (Sunday) and to Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City on December 3 (Sunday).

The Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp is coming soon to a venue near you, so make sure to check out Golden Fiesta’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenFiestaPH/ https://www.facebook.com/GoldenFiestaPH/ for updates on upcoming legs.



Golden Fiesta by NutriAsia, the country’s number one cooking oil brand, is available in leading supermarkets nationwide. NutriAsia is a powerhouse of beloved, timeless, and iconic Filipino food brands, including Datu Puti, UFC, Silver Swan, Papa, Jufran, Mafran Mang Tomas, and Golden Fiesta.

TYLER THE CREATOR x CONVERSE SECOND GOLF LE FLEUR* COLLABORATION

Several years ago, Tyler the Creator had a vision to launch a line of sneakers to go with his Golf Le Fleur* brand. Converse and Tyler talked about joining creative forces to create unique ideas of ownership and identity and everyone thought it was a good idea. From there, the Golf Le Fleur* collection was born.

Together, Converse and Tyler celebrate freedom of expression and choice through collaborative design made for the street.

Building on the energy and excitement of a successful partnership this past Summer, which celebrated the heritage of culture and sport in the Converse One Star silhouette, Tyler brings his imaginative design, aesthetic and bold spirit to create something entirely new with the Golf Le Fleur* collection.


Tyler, the Creator and Converse unveil the new collection with Tyler’s signature flower design in Kasina, Seoul South Korea’s largest street wear concept shop. 

Tyler’s Golf Le Fleur* signature sneaker is a bold interpretation of the One Star silhouette. 





Incorporating the classic premium suede upper rendered in his unique flower design, it transforms the One Star silhouette into something never before seen. The outsole features Golf Le Fleur* graphics with exaggerated eye stays, comfort collar and tongue, heel counter overlay and Ortholite sock liner for cushioning.

It is available in three colorways: jolly green, solar power and vanilla.

The new Golf Le Fleur* collection is exclusively available at Commonwealth, SM Aura for Php 5,990.00.

For more of Golf Le Fleur* collection, follow www.facebook.com/Converse.PH and @ConversePH on instagram. 

Visit www.converse.com.ph for more Converse designs and styles.