Pop Into the Holiday Spirit with SM B-Pop Bears of Joy

Tweet

The SM Bears of Joy charity project aims to encourage generosity and spread holiday cheer to children in need this Christmas.

SM Cares, together with SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom, returns with their annual Christmas charity project, the SM Bears of Joy.

This year, SM debuts their very first B-POP (short for Bear Pop) group, the Bear Pop Squad. This new group of idols captures the hearts of fans with the relatable stories they share, mirroring their fans’ daily experiences.

The Bear Pop Squad aims to inspire the same sense of community displayed by pop fandoms as mallgoers join in sharing a bear to a child in need for every purchase

Meet BIN, the group’s groovy dancer, who also enjoys nature hikes with his friends and volunteering at coastal clean-ups in his spare time

EYA’s strong personality comes out in her rap verses, but deep down, she’s an angel who loves to bike, enjoys payday sales, and has a heart for dogs (even if she’s allergic to them)

The squad’s maknae, ACE, is a vocal powerhouse, who makes friends with people both in and out the industry, and loves to volunteer at children’s hospitals

RINA is the group’s beloved leader, always ready to lend a hand to help those in need and a Grandma’s girl who always takes on the household chores

This collection features four brand-new designs that draw inspiration from the K-POP and P-POP community, and highlights the unity and togetherness in fan culture when it comes to celebrating shared interests.

SM’s Bear Pop Squad hopes to encourage customers and mallgoers to celebrate both the love of friendship and community as displayed by pop fandoms, and share that with children in need this Christmas season.

Buy one bear and donate another for only 250 pesos! The Bear Pop Squad will be available starting November 15 until December 25, 2023 in select SM Supermalls and Toy Kingdom branches, and can also be purchased through SM Online and Toy Kingdom Online Stores.

Exploring Manila: The Best Activities Near The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate

Tweet

The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate is not only an internationally managed serviced residence but also the perfect destination for all types of travelers seeking an unforgettable getaway experience in Manila. From family-friendly attractions to captivating historical sites and culinary delights, the property’s close proximity to countless leisure locations offers something convenient for everyone. Get ready to explore the best of Manila with these top recommendations:

Immerse Yourself in Manila’s Rich Heritage

History buffs staying at The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate can delve into the fascinating past of Manila by visiting renowned historical sites and museums. Step into the National Museum of Natural History and embark on a journey through the country's rich biodiversity. Marvel at the impressive displays of flora and fauna, learn about the geological wonders and gain a deeper understanding of the natural treasures of the Philippines.

For people enthralled by the past, Intramuros unveils a captivating journey into the rich heritage of the Philippines. Immerse yourself in the storied walls and cobblestone streets that bear witness to centuries of historical significance. Delve into the echoes of triumph and behold the transformative moments that have shaped the nation's history within the walls of this historic district.

Experience a touch of spiritual history at Our Lady of Remedies Parish, also known as Malate Church. This architectural gem stands as a testament to Manila's religious heritage. Marvel at the intricate design and craftsmanship of the church, and feel a sense of tranquility as you step inside this spiritual sanctuary.

Embark on a Foodie’s Ultimate Gastronomic Adventure

Foodies at The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate are in for a treat. Indulge your taste buds with a nostalgic culinary journey at Café Adriatico, where traditional Filipino dishes and comfort food take center stage. From delicious adobo to sumptuous kare-kare, savor the flavors that evoke a sense of home and heritage.

Experience the vibrant ambiance and flavors of traditional Filipino cuisine at Bistro Remedios. This renowned restaurant offers a menu inspired by classic Filipino recipes, prepared with the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Delight in signature dishes such as crispy pata, sinigang na salmon, and kare-kare, and let your taste buds revel in the rich and authentic flavors.

Holy Grill is a fusion of Filipino and Latin American flavors, offering a unique and exciting gastronomic experience. Feast on mouthwatering dishes that blend both cuisines' bold and savory flavors, such as lechon sisig, adobo tacos, and beef salpicao. Let your taste buds take a delightful journey across cultures.

Create Memories with Family That Lasts a Lifetime

Families visiting The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate can embark on a wild adventure at the nearby Manila Zoo. Immerse yourselves in the vibrant world of wildlife as you encounter various species up close. From the Philippine Deer (Cervus Marianus), the Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis Holospilus), all the way to the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus Mindorensis), the zoo provides a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Experience thrilling rides and non-stop excitement at Star City amusement park. With a wide array of attractions, including exhilarating roller coasters, interactive shows, and carnival games, Star City guarantees an unforgettable day of laughter and fun for visitors of all ages.

Dive into the wonders of the sea at Manila Ocean Park. Discover the mysteries of the deep as you walk through the mesmerizing Oceanarium, where you can marvel at vibrant marine life and even have the opportunity to interact with some of the creatures. Take advantage of the exciting performances at the marine-themed park and catch the enchanting Symphony Evening Show.

For a perfect day by the waterfront, head to the iconic Manila Yacht Club. Enjoy the picturesque views of the bay, feel the gentle sea breeze, and create unforgettable family moments. Engage in water activities, take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, or simply relax and enjoy quality time together in this serene setting.

After a day of exploring Manila's exciting attractions, guests can retreat to The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate and indulge in its exceptional amenities. Take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, maintain fitness routines at the fully-equipped Fitness Centre, host memorable events at the stylish Function Room, or unwind and enjoy the breathtaking view of Manila Bay at the Sky Lounge.

"We take great pride in providing our guests with a comfortable and memorable stay at The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate," said Joyce Pascual-Agsaway, Residence Manager of The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate. "With our prime location and a wide range of attractions nearby, guests can experience the best of Manila while enjoying the convenience and excellent amenities our serviced residence offers."

Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories in the heart of Manila. Book your stay at The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate today and embark on a remarkable adventure via this link. For updates and inquiries, visit The Suites at Torre Lorenzo Malate’s official website.

Frequent travelers can also get a rewarding experience with the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) program. ASR members can earn reward points to enjoy the lowest rates and get access to exclusive discounts and perks. Learn more about the program via this link.

Petron Treats Unveils Fresh Look and Fresher Delights: A New Era of Convenience

Tweet

Industry leader Petron Corporation is sprucing up its Treats Stores to offer motorists a new era of convenience. Kicking off the rollout of the refreshed Petron Treats outlets, major stops will be opening their renovated stores within the next few weeks. These include Treats Tagaytay (Petron Tagaytay Kaybagal), Treats PEC 1 (Petron NLEX NB Marilao), Treats PEC 2 (Petron NLEX SB Bocaue), and Treats PEC3 (Petron SLEX San Pedro)

The new Petron Treats stores are expected to delight customers from all walks of life, with their fresh and vibrant vibe. For tired and weary travelers looking for a welcome break, these new stores are sure to boost everyone’s spirits with more exciting offerings, including fresh-baked bread and aromatic coffee.

A Bright and Clean Transformation

The first thing you’ll notice when stepping into the new and improved Petron Treats is the transformation of the store’s ambiance. It now radiates a welcoming brightness that uplifts your spirits from the moment you enter. A brightly lit haven with clean lines, well-organized shelves, and a modern interior, the store offers an inviting space for the whole family to enjoy.

The Fun Vibe of Petron Treats

The fun vibe at Petron Treats isn’t just a concept; it’s a real and tangible experience for customers. The store’s new look is complemented by vibrant signage, eye-catching displays, and splashes of color that enliven the atmosphere. Inside, you’ll be treated to Petron’s exclusive Spotify playlist of happy pop tunes guaranteed to elevate everyone’s overall pleasure index. Feel like shaking off those cramped muscles? Stretch out and jive to the happy tunes!

Freshly-Baked Bread: A New Sensation

The best part about Petron Treats is its range of breads, all freshly baked in-store. You don’t have to settle for pre-packaged snacks. You can relish the aroma of freshly baked bread as you explore your options, from warm and fluffy pan de sal, to filling hotdog rolls to yummy cheesy ensaymada, and other baked goodies. For sure, the Petron Treats bakery section will be a hot spot for customers seeking a quick and delicious snack.

Coffee Corner: Brewing Happiness

To complement the freshly baked bread selection, Petron Treats is also introducing its Signature Coffee Blends so can enjoy a steaming cup of your favorite brew. Whether it’s Cafe Americano, a frothy cappuccino, a velvety latte, or a hot chocolate, the coffee corner can help you unwind and recharge in a cozy environment.

A Sense of Community

Petron Treats isn’t just your ordinary service station convenience store or pit stop. With its relaunch, it is also focused on building a sense of community, especially for loyal Petron customers. Watch out for games, special treats, and promotional offers with the opening of the new Petron Treats outlets.

Having served the needs of Filipino motorists for 90 years, industry leader Petron Corporation is keenly attuned to their changing needs and is constantly innovating and improving its products and services to offer its customers a world-class experience. Upgrading the Petron Treats Store transforms it into a place that goes beyond convenience. With a bright and clean look, a fun vibe, freshly baked bread, and quality coffee, it’s set to become a place where people go not just for necessities but for moments of joy and connection. Experience this exciting transformation for yourself by visiting the new Petron Treats store on your next road trip!

Catch the grand re-opening of the Petron Treats stores on the following dates:

· Petron Treats Tagaytay Kaybagal – November 8

· Petron Treats PEC 1 (Petron NLEX NB Marilao) – November 15

· Petron Treats PEC 2 (Petron NLEX SB Bocaue) – November 22

· Petron Treats PEC3 (Petron SLEX San Pedro) – December

Barbie Almalbis releases new synth-pop single “Wicked Heart”

Tweet

The award-winning singer-songwriter finds herself reflecting on misguided actions based on emotions

Photo credit: Nina Sandejas

Multi-awarded singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis wraps up her tremendous year in music with the release of “Wicked Heart,” her new single under 12 Stone Records and Sony Music Entertainment.

Barbie’s new song reflects on the repercussions of making rash decisions out of emotion. According to Barbie, “Wicked Heart” also presents the rhetoric that while our desires and emotions are a beautiful part of who we are and how we experience life, there must be something “truer” than the heart.

The Dahilan artist recalls a personal experience in the past involving a misguided action that she regretted doing.

“I was thinking about how following your heart can lead to trouble sometimes,” the Filipino alt-rock icon explains. “I want to follow my heart, but it’s always changing its mind. It’s definitely something I’ve personally been through, but it also takes inspiration from the verse in Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Written and produced by Barbie Almalbis herself, with Jorel Corpus and Jett Galindo on mixing and mastering duties, respectively, “Wicked Heart” hits the high mark with its refreshing mix of ‘80s influences and pastel synths. Delivering a whopper of a pop anthem, Barbie initially penned the track on a “guitalele” to harness a different dimension and vibe.

Barbie reveals, “Writing on a new, different instrument makes the process feel exciting and fresh sometimes. As the song progressed, I realized I didn’t hear much guitar in it, so I asked my bandmate Nikko Rivera to fill the whole thing with keys and synth parts, and he sent me like 10 layers of things. I just added a little bit of guitar later on, so that I’ll have something to do when we play it live. Karel played bass on it, and Jonard played the drums.”

Barbie Almalbis recently celebrated her 25th year in the music scene with a concert chronicling her career as one of the most influential figures in Pinoy alternative rock. She also recently released her debut solo record, Parade, on vinyl for the first time. To date, Almalbis is working on new songs and collaborations for future releases.

“Wicked Heart” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Philippine stint at Tourism Expo Japan 2023 reaches PHP297 million in sales

Tweet

Osaka, Japan – The Philippines’ participation at Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2023 garnered impressive negotiated sales leads amounting to around PHP297,833,650.00 during its four-day run on 26-29 October 2023 at INTEX Osaka, Japan.

Through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) Osaka, the country’s delegation at TEJ sustained its strong presence in Japan's largest and most prestigious travel event, while also offering a platform for Philippine travel and tour suppliers to connect with Japanese counterparts and engage with stakeholders and consumers from around the world.

“Our commitment to participate annually in Tourism Expo Japan shows how much the Philippines values our partnership with the Japan travel trade industry. The remarkable number of negotiated sales leads in this year’s participation demonstrates our promotional efforts coming to life and evinces the developments we have being doing to grow Japan as one of the leading source markets of the Philippines,” said TPB Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer, Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

Organized by the Japan Travel and Tourism Association (JTTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the event drew over 148,000 visitors and was participated by 70 countries/regions including the Philippines, and 1,275 companies and organizations.

With the theme “Open the Door to the Future”, the expo featured the future of Japan's diverse tourism offerings in the aftermath of the pandemic. The event started with business-to-business meetings to strengthen partnerships among tourism industry practitioners. The expo site formally opened on October 28, allowing visitors to explore and experience tourism products from various suppliers.

The Philippine booth presented Cebu, Palawan, Batangas, Bohol, Boracay, and Manila's culture, adventure, wellness, and gastronomy offerings.

The country’s delegation consisted of 10 stakeholders namely, Attic Tours Phils., Inc., Bohol Beach Club, Cebu Pacific Air, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours. Hotel 101 Group, Philippine Airlines Inc., Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, and The Manila Hotel. Kaulayaw Coffee and Destileria Limtuaco Inc. were also present at the Philippine pavilion to showcase the country's coffee and liquor.