SM Share Movement goes to Nasugbu, Batangas The SM Store spreads holiday cheer with new school building, toys

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Smiles as bright as Christmas lights, and laughter that invigorated like Christmas carols—these filled the grounds of the Looc Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas as The SM Store gave the students there an early Christmas present that is #SoMagical. Staying true to its commitment of bringing joy to communities where it is present, SM recently turned over its 100th school building donation, and The SM Store distributed toys to children. 

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Students of Looc Elementary School celebrate after receiving their new toy from the SM Store’s Share a Toy program.

It was only October 16, but it felt like Christmas morning. The students and teachers of Looc Elementary School could not contain their excitement as they took part in a morning of fun and games, a day before the official unveiling of the two-story, four-classroom new school building. 

Christmas came early

Situated in front of the school’s sprawling grounds that offer the students an unobstructed view of nearby mountains is a covered court. On that day, employee volunteers from The SM Store Batangas, The SM Store Lipa and Savemore Nasugbu worked like Santa’s helpers to transform it into a festive spot, complete with balloons and party tables and chairs. 

SM employee volunteers happily welcome the kids to the Share A Toy activity. 

Christmas comes early for the students of LoocElementary School as an employee volunteer from The SM Store hands out gifts to them. 

Students from Kinder to Grade 2 eagerly lined up, thrilled to witness a lively program and party with their friends and their newfound ates and kuyas. They were treated to fun performances from a magician, clowns, a balloon-twisting artist and a bubble artist. They also had their faces painted with flowers, butterflies, and superheroes. At the end of the program, they were given cuddly plush toys from The SM Store’s Toy Department, clothes from its Children’s Wear section and grocery items from Savemore. Christmas came early for these kids. It was a new and unforgettable experience for the children of Looc, whose families are engaged in farming or are working at nearby resorts. 

Mikko, one of the students of Looc Elementary School, shared how he loved the gift and enjoyed the festivities, which was a rare treat in their school.

“Masaya po ako sa natanggap ko na regalo. Masaya at magandadin ang program kanina, nagpafacepaint pa nga po ako. Minsanlang po kasi may ganito dito sa amin. (I am happy with the gift that I received. I really enjoyed the program. I even had my face painted. It’s not often that we get to enjoy celebrations like this),” Mikko said. 

Dr. Luciana Tulagan, Principal of Looc Elementary, said that this event didn’t just bring joy to the kids but also taught them the value of sharing.

Employee volunteers of The SM Store prepare the plush toys for the gift-giving activity. 

The kids cheerfully cuddle their new plush toys. 

“Malaki pong kaligayahan ang naibigay ng SM dito sa mgamag-aaral ng Looc Elementary School. Dahil sa Share A Toy ngThe SM Store, maimumulat namin sa mga bata na dapat hindilang tuwing Pasko ang pagbibigayan, kungdi lagi. (The SM Store brought great happiness to the students of LoocElementary School. Because of Share a Toy, we can educate the children that sharing happens not only during Christmas, but there are everyday opportunities to do it.) 

#SoMagical Christmas

Christmas cheer fills the air as an employee volunteer of The SM Store and the children of Looc Elementary School smile for the camera after the Share a Toy activity. 

Truly, the spirit of Christmas is in sharing. This Holiday season, The SM Store continues to nurture just that through its Share A Toy campaign. 

“SM values creating a positive impact in the communities where we are present. We are really grateful that SM gave us the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful event and the chance to share the spirit of Christmas through the gift of toys with the kids of Looc Elementary School. This is a memorable experience that we’ll treasure,” said Shelamie Marasigan, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Lipa.

The SM Store is encouraging its generous shoppers to give back and make a kid’s Christmas #SoMagical by donating a new or pre-loved toy at the Share A Toy booth in all The SM Store branches nationwide. For every toy donated, the shopper will get a P50 discount voucher. The campaign runs from November 15, 2019 until December 31, 2019, with toys to be donated to beneficiaries of the SM Foundation.

Magicians captivate the students of LoocElementary School with their bubble show and other tricks. 

These toy donations are a simple but meaningful gift for kids. More than just play items, toys are beneficial to a child’s development according to studies. Toys can help increase their learning retention, stimulate their creativity and imagination, enhance their senses, spur their emotional and social development, and help in developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Share A Toy is just one of the ways The SM Store inspires a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among its shoppers. Early this year, it conducted its Share Shoes program and Donate A Book campaign. Since its launch in 2015, The SM Share Movement has already collected more than 1.3 million items which include shoes, school supplies, clothes, toys, disaster kits and hygiene kits, which have been distributed across different parts of the country. 

For more updates about the Share Movement and ways you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

Disney's Frozen 2 at SM City North EDSA’s Magical Holiday celebration

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Let it snow! Go North this Christmas with SM City North EDSA’s Magical Holiday celebration launch at The Block Atrium. Families and friends can explore a winter wonderland accentuated by a 45-ft. Snowflake Christmas Tree from November 8, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

"Year after year, we at SM Supermalls work tirelessly to bring Christmas experiences that awe and inspire our shoppers to create unforgettable moments at SM. This year, we bring the magic of ice and snow to life through a fun-filled Christmas experience a Magical Holiday at SM City North EDSA to light up the holiday season for our shoppers," said SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan.

Gracing the launch is the country’s very own queen, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, complemented by magical performances from singer Marynor Madamesila and Ballet Manila.

One of the highlights of the celebration are activities celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s “Frozen 2”. Kids and families are given the opportunity to meet and greet Elsa and Anna on November 29, 30, and December 1 at The Block Atrium. Frozen 2 merchandise will also be available at The Block Atrium to complete that magical shopping experience. Shoppers can look forward to a magical ballet featuring Ballet Manila on December 14 and 21 at The Block.

Shoppers can catch other holiday activities at SM City North EDSA, including a Magical Science Show on November 10 and December 14, Santa Meet and Greet on December 8, 15, 22 to 25, Christmas Carols by National University Chorale on December 15, all at The Block. Light up your holidays with the Firework Show on November 8, December 14, 21 and 28 and Skygarden Live: Christmas Series concert on December 6, 13, 20 and 27 at the Skygarden.

#GoNorthThisChristmas with your family and friends for a magical holiday celebration and #SparklingSMallidays at SM City North EDSA. For more updates, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM City North EDSA at Facebook @smnedsa, Twitter @smnorthedsa, and Instagram @smnorthedsa.

Bose Professional Partnership with Versatech International Inc as Official Distributor for Philippines

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Bose Professional is in partnership with Versatech International Incorporated as its official distribution partner for the Philippine region with the goal of qualitative expansion within the Southeast Asian market.

For more than 40 years, Bose Professional has reinforced its presence as an undisputed market leader in developing innovative loudspeakers, electronics, and software to meet the needs of demanding professional audio applications. 

The Bose - Versatech partnership announcement at the press conference held on November 7 with (From left to right) Mr. Chengyi Neo, KASEAN Territory Manager, Bose:  Jessa Camille Dasas, Vice President for Marketing, Versatech International: Mr. Stephen Yu, Executive Vice President, Versatech International: Mr. Christian Liebenberg, Regional Manager, Bose: Catherine Rebecca Chua, General Manager, Versatech International

“The Philippines market has for many years, been strategically important for Bose Professional. When considering the very impressive and consistent year on year GDP growth of over 6% per annum, our strategy is to grow our business rapidly by significantly expanding our local customer base,” shares Mr. Christian Liebenberg of Bose Professional. In order to achieve our ambitious goals, we have recently appointed Versatech as our official Distribution partner in the Philippines to support us through this growth journey” he continued.

Versatech International Incorporated (Versatech) is an ICT solution-based distribution and marketing company that has built long-standing partnerships with renowned global brands for the distribution of information and communication technology products in the Philippines.

A strong network of 2,000 resellers in the market affords Versatech with unprecedented access to key primary markets, including retail, education, transportation, hospitality, house of worship, enterprise, and government. The company’s unique ecosystem, coupled with their exceptional ability to generate demand in primary markets by utilizing relationship strategies and comprehensive digital marketing, has allowed Versatech to consistently deliver value to all key stakeholders.\

Mr. Stephen Yu - Executive Vice President, Versatech – asserts, “Versatech is proud to partner with Bose Professional. This partnership fits in line with our overarching direction to complete our company’s premier audio video distribution portfolio. Moreover, we have noticed a sizable market demand for enterprise audio and have the perfect blend of resources and capabilities for Bose to leverage in order to significantly improve its Philippine market share." 

The total demand for loudspeakers in the Philippines in 2019 is estimated at 163,200 units, with the market forecasting a promising average yearly growth of 20%. Versatech is primed to leverage this market trend and tap into the potential of the region's thriving AV segment, as it represents the entire portfolio of Bose Professional products within the country.

Mr. Liebenberg concluded, saying “The current range of products within their portfolio complements those from Bose Professional and therefore makes Versatech an obvious choice. As such, we look forward to many years of collaboration and successful business together.”

For more information, visit pro.bose.com. 

World Vision launches response to Mindanao quake

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Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision launches its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan. 

“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children“, says World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte.

In the morning of October 16, magnitude 6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, Nov 5), the series of earthquakes affected about 188,583 persons or 37,716 families in Regions XI and XII. Over 28,070 persons are currently taking shelter in 32 evacuation camps. Meanwhile, there are 1,493 more families being served outside of the evacuation centers.

“They are in a state of shock and as per report Cotabato is going to be more susceptible to aftershocks in the coming days. We are appealing to our partners and fellow Filipinos for support so that we can respond to the immediate needs of displaced children and their families. We can do more together”, added Fuerte.

A total of 1,075 schools were damaged, including about 26 totally damaged. According to the Department of Education, more than 3 million students are affected due to suspension of classes. Today, child-friendly spaces will be set up to provide psychosocial support to help children cope from the calamity, while temporary learning spaces will also be provided in coordination with the affected schools. 

Complementing the government’s massive emergency operations in the province, World Vision complements and provides non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), emergency shelter kit (tarp and rope) among others. 

Through the generous support of donors, World Vision aims to initially help 1,000 families or 5,000 individuals.

To know more about World Visions work and how to help our fellow people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake, please visit https://wvph.co/DonateforCotabato. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information and updates, you may follow /worldvisionphon Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

BRIA Homes to conquer Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao: A Grand Buyers’ Day on November 16 and 17

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Mark the dates: November 16 and 17, 2019. It’s when BRIA Homes, the fastest growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, rolls out its welcome mat to prospective homeowners in a Grand Open House that will happen simultaneously in all its 50 projects across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

BRIA Homes rides on its momentum as it continues to expand in new territories, still aligned with its vision of providing affordable and well-designed homes for ordinary Filipinos. 

On those two consecutive days, starting at 8 a.m., Filipino families and individuals will have a glimpse of the joy and convenience of living in BRIA communities. They can check out BRIA Homes’ economic housing model units: Bettina, a two-storey townhouse, and Alecza, a single firewall bungalow—and inquire about its other house and lot packages and condominium unitsthat come in various sizes, flexible spaces, and modern designs. 

Aspiring homeowners will see how BRIA Homes’ recreational amenities and eco-friendly spaces make for a wholesome, family-friendly community, and how BRIA ensures the residents’ safety and security with facilities like perimeter fences, guarded entrance and exits, and 24/7 CCTV coverage. 

To date, BRIA Homes has more than 50 projects in progressive town and cities as it addresses the dearth of mass housing in the country. Already, BRIA Homes has helped legions of ordinary Filipino families to achieve their dreams of owning a home in various communities nationwide.

During the Grand Open House, BRIA’s competent and courteous staff will gladly show visitors that all BRIA communities are located near key destinations such as hospitals, schools, shopping establishments, and business districts—and have access to major roads and highways and modes of public transportation, as well. 

For all the aforementioned benefits of being a BRIA homeowner, BRIA Homes takes pride in its affordable and flexible payment options, thanks to its winning formula: Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = A Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino. It’s a vision that BRIA Homes consistently adheres to: addressing the nation’s mass housing backlog through superior-quality and easy-on-the-pocket units and homes. 

Because of this winning formula: Affordability (Mura) + Quality (Dekalidad) = a Beautiful BRIA Home for Every Filipino, BRIA has made it possible for Filipino families and individuals to purchase a home for as low as Php 1,897 per month through convenient payment schemes such as bank-financing and Pag-IBIG funding.

All set to go to BRIA’s Grand Open House? Attractive promos and incentives await you at the event. Prospective buyers who make reservations on Nov. 16 and 17 will be entitled to the following perks: free application fees for electricity and water connections; waiving ofHomeowners’ Association (HOA) membership fees; and waiving of bank charges for bank-financing payment mode. But wait, there’s more! Get up to 50k worth of cash discount and additional gift checks upon move in for bank-financed housing loans.

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN BRIA Holdings, Inc., considered the third largest real estate company in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P250B. The fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, BRIA Homes is primed to bring affordable house-and-lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into Bria’s homes. 

To know more about BRIA Homes, call (0966) 277 5944, like “Bria Official” on Facebook, and follow “@TheBriaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram.