lifestyle and culture

May 19, 2025

LG Streaming Week returns with exciting deals and endless content to enjoy at home

Over 70 Partners Across 42 Countries Offer Free and Discounted Subscriptions for the Ultimate Home Entertainment Experience Powered by webOS
Following the success of last year’s LG Streaming Week, LG Electronics (LG) is bringing the campaign back with even more to offer. Running from May 19 to June 30, LG Smart TV owners in 42 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia can access a wide range of free and discounted streaming content through partnerships with major content providers.

Eligible devices include LG TVs above UHD released after 2019 (running webOS 4.5 and above), the LG StanbyME or StanbyME Go, as well as UHD and WQHD Smart Monitors. Users can enjoy exclusive deals on the LG Streaming Week app, accessible from the Home Screen, Content Store or Apps.

With the LG webOS Smart TV platform continuing to expand its global user base while offering more enriching content experiences, this year’s campaign returns with a stronger focus on local content and more varied libraries, catering to diverse preferences and interests with the help of over 70 trusted content partners.

For LG Streaming Week 2025, LG Smart TV owners can dive into a new world of entertainment enriched by diverse content from leading streaming companies. From popular series and refined classical music performances to classic films and live sports, there’s plenty to explore from the comfort of home for everyone.
Renowned for premium, award-winning drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, Apple TV+ is offering three months of unlimited access to Apple Originals and more for just ₱99 per month for 3 months. This includes the cultural phenomenon Severance, hit sci-fi favorites like Silo, acclaimed comedies like The Studio, compelling dramas like The Morning Show and Your Friends & Neighbors, and global hit films including The Gorge, The Instigators, Wolfs, The Family Plan and more. Apple TV+ also offers award-winning series for kids and families including Jane and Stillwater, and beloved Peanuts originals.

For classical music lovers and opera enthusiasts, LG Streaming Week is offering three months free access to Deutsche Grammophone’s Stage+, a video and audio streaming service boasting a curated selection of premium concerts, operas and documentaries from around the world. This offer will be available to LG TV owners worldwide.

Mubi, the global streaming service, distributor and production company, is offering LG TV owners complimentary three-month access to the world’s finest films. Mubi creates, curates, acquires and champions visionary films, bringing them to audiences all over the world. Catch the award-winning The Substance, starring Demi Moore, an exclusive Mubi release which became one of the most talked-about, thought-provoking and explosive films of the decade.

Baby Shark World for Kids, developed by The Pinkfong Company, is offering its extensive collection of songs and stories to LG Smart TV owners worldwide for free for one month. The app provides a safe and fun experience where young learners can sing, play and learn along with their favorite characters through engaging educational content.

As part of its ongoing efforts to deliver diverse content, LG is bringing multiple local promotions for audiences of each region, thoughtfully tailored to their language, tastes, and interests.

Fans of Asian entertainment can enjoy special offers from top streaming platforms featuring popular shows and movies from across the region. Viu is offering one month of free Viu Premium, allowing you to enjoy the latest K-dramas and Asian series like Pump Up the Healthy Love and The Haunted Palace with zero ads and early access. iQIYI is giving 30% off a one-year premium plan—available to all subscribers from May 19 to June 30, 2025—featuring top Asian titles like Love in Pavilion and The Best Thing. Meanwhile, Sun NXT offers two months free when you subscribe to its annual premium pack, delivering the best of South Indian entertainment in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

For Filipino viewers, iWantTFC offers a one-month free trial of iWantTFC Monthly Premium. Enjoy ad-free access to Filipino series, movies, news, and reality shows—including the exciting PBB Celebrity Collab All In and the action-packed Incognito and FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

What’s more, Stingray is offering a free month of its engaging karaoke content, providing music enthusiasts with interactive singing experience across a variety of genres.

To ensure more users can enjoy the benefits of LG Streaming Week, LG is offering special promotions on its industry-leading TVs throughout the campaign period. This move will let more customers explore the company’s intuitive, feature-rich webOS which delivers seamless, personalized viewing experiences. Since its launch, the ever-evolving webOS platform has become a cornerstone of LG’s innovation, supported by over 4,000 partners in 180 countries and millions of active users.

For more information on certain LG Streaming Week offers, visit the dedicated page at www.lg.com/ph/lg-streaming-week-2025/. For more details on product promotions, like and follow LG Philippines’ social media accounts (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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May 16, 2025

Hotter Days Ahead: Spend them in Comfort with LG DualCool AI Air Conditioners

Stay cool and comfortable—even on the hottest days—with Soft Air for a gentler breeze, Comfort Humidity Control for balanced indoor air, and AI kW Manager for smart, energy-efficient cooling that supports your well-being
Staying cool isn’t just about comfort anymore—it’s about protecting your health. As temperatures continue to rise, the risks of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, fatigue, and heatstroke become more serious. According to the latest advisory from PAGASA, some areas across the Philippines are expected to face high heat index levels (42°C to 45°C). It’s advisable to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure in the afternoon, and limit outdoor activities to reduce health risks.

In times like these, having a smart, energy-efficient cooling solution becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity—keeping your home safe, your environment cool, and your family protected. LG DualCool AI Air Conditioners make this possible with intelligent features designed to support your comfort, health, and energy savings through the heat.
   
The LG DualCool AI Air Conditioner offers a practical way to stay comfortable indoors without compromising your well-being. It delivers reliable cooling that helps you stay focused, rested, and protected—proving that comfort and wellness can go hand in hand, even during the hottest months. From saving power to managing bills more efficiently, it’s all about smarter, more sustainable comfort. Here’s how LG DualCool’s smart features elevate your quality of life:

1. Smarter Cooling with the AI kW Manager
And with the AI kW Manager, you can set energy usage limits, track consumption in real time, and manage your bills more proactively, all through the LG ThinQ™ App. It’s smarter cooling that helps you stay comfortable without worrying about rising electricity costs.

2. Effortless Comfort with Smart Airflow
With features that adapt to your lifestyle, LG makes creating the right indoor climate easier and more efficient. Once the ideal temperature is reached, the Soft Air feature automatically shifts to a gentler breeze, avoiding harsh bursts of air. The Dual Vane system distributes airflow faster and farther, providing cooling that adjusts to your needs whether you're working, relaxing, or winding down for the day.

3. Maximize Comfort, Minimize Energy Use
To help reduce unnecessary energy use, Comfort Humidity Control maintains optimal air balance, while Window Open Detection recognizes when the indoor temperature rises due to warmer air entering from outdoors, and adjusts performance accordingly to shift to energy-saving mode. These intuitive features ensure consistent comfort while helping you save energy in smarter ways.

4. Easy Maintenance for a Healthier Home
The LG DualCool AI also simplifies maintenance with features that keep the unit fresh and efficient. Auto Clean+ activates after use, blowing air to remove moisture and drying the heat exchanger for up to 20 minutes. It adjusts to either dry faster or operate more quietly based on your preference. Its Freeze Cleaning mode makes it easy to clean the hard-to-reach areas by using thawed ice to wash away pollutants, reducing harmful bacteria and maintaining better air quality.
As temperatures rise, keeping cool becomes essential—not just for comfort, but for your overall well-being. LG’s smart innovations bring ease, rest, and balance throughout the season and reminds us that Life’s Good when your home supports your health, even in the most intense summer weather.

Life's about more than having the latest technology; it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. To learn more, visit www.lg.com/ph and like and follow LG Philippines’ social media accounts (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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Side Show: The Musical Announces Full Company

After mounting critically-acclaimed productions of Little Shop of Horrors: A Bloodthirsty Musical Comedy and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective continues its 2025 season with SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL this July 2025.
Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.

Featuring a stellar mix of Philippine theater’s veterans and rising stars, the show is set to captivate audiences with a brand new staging of the original 1997 version of SIDE SHOW.

THE HILTON TWINS
Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are powerhouse pairs Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley.
Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila
The award-winning and global artist, Tanya Manalang stars as Violet Hilton in Side Show. She played Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’ (West End, London) and originated the role of Joy in ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’ She is a Best Actress winner (Aliw, GEMS), and has starred in ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘The King and I,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ ‘tick, tick… Boom!,’ ‘All Out of Love,’ and more.

A proud alumna of UP Diliman’s Theatre Arts program, Marynor Madamesila stars alongside Tanya as Daisy Hilton. She is a singer, mover, and multimedia actor. Some of her recent credits include: ‘Walang Aray,’ ‘Sandosenang Sapatos,’ ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ and 'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.’ Marynor is a Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award nominee for Best Lead Actress. On screen, Marynor has appeared in ‘Pamilya Ko,’ ‘Love in 40 Days,’ ‘Oh, Mando!’ and ‘Beauty and the Boss.’
Molly Langley and Krystal Kane
Molly Langley takes the stage as Violet Hilton in Side Show. Trained at Performers College in the UK, Molly’s theater credits include ‘Spring Awakening,’ ‘The Wild Party,’ and most recently ‘RENT’ as Mimi. She is a seasoned international performer with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines. She was recently part of the sixth season of the singing competition ‘The Clash’ where she made it to the final Top 6.

Krystal Kane stars alongside Molly as Daisy Hilton. Krystal has been doing professional theater since she was 10 years old. Her previous productions include ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘Spring Awakening,’ and ‘Once On This Island.’ In 2019, Krystal was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Musical at the first Philippine Leaf Awards, as well as Best Actress in a Musical Show by Broadwayworld Philippines. Krystal also served as the costumes stylist for The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Lungs,’ ‘Every Brilliant Thing,’ ‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay,’ and ‘Tiny Beautiful Things.

THE BOSS
Stepping into the role of The Boss is comedian, host, and TV and film actor Jon Santos. Last seen on stage in The Sandbox Collective’s sold-out runs of ‘Bawat Bonggang Bagay.’ Jon was also seen in productions such as ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Rak of Aegis,’ ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,’ ‘Bituing Walang Ningning,’ and ‘Ako si Josephine.’ Outside of theater, Jon is one of the mainstay judges of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.
Jon Santos as The Boss

TERRY CONNOR
Alternating in the role of the press agent and Daisy’s love interest, Terry Conor, are theater leading men Reb Atadero and CJ Navato.
Reb Atadero and CJ Navato
Reb Atadero is an award-winning actor, singer, host, voice actor, director, and content creator. He is Gawad Buhay Awardee for his portrayal of Michael in ‘tick, tick… Boom!’ and has received nominations for his performances in ‘The Graduate,’ ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,’ ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Lungs,’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Beyond the stage, Reb is known for his online educational content, popularizing the catchphrase “BOOM! Now You Know!”, which has since expanded into his very own podcast, ‘BOOM! Now We Know!,’ streaming on Spotify.

With over 20 years in the industry, CJ Navato has captured the hearts of many on the big screen, TV, and now including theater. He rose to fame as a mainstay in ABS-CBN’s ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ and has since appeared in various shows like ‘Luv U,’ ‘Doc Ricky,’ ‘Pedia,’ and ‘Dirty Linen.’ He was last seen on stage in ‘Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical,’ ‘One More Chance The Musical,’ and ‘Charot!’.

BUDDY FOSTER
Sharing the role of the aspiring musician and Violet’s love interest, Buddy Foster, are leading men, Vien King and Tim Pavino.
Vien King and Tim Pavino
Marking a versatile and influential decade in the arts, Vien King has earned the title Best Actor (Gawad Buhay, LEAF Awards) for ‘Passion.’ He starred in ‘Rama Hari,’ ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!,’ and most recently in ‘Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical.’ He also appeared in MMFF hits, ‘Partners in Crime’ and ‘Love at First Stream.’ Vien has performed internationally with Disney in Concert, and now tours Asia with The Jet Theaters.

Tim Pavino is a BroadwayWorld Awardee and a two-time Aliw Awards winner. Tim’s theater experiences include ‘Miong,’ ‘The Great Christmas Cookie Bake-off,’ ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,’ ‘Matilda,’ and ‘Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.’ He has also performed with prestigious orchestras such as the BYU Chamber Orchestra, ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, Auburn Symphony Orchestra, and the Manila Symphony Orchestra, and appeared on The Voice of the Philippines under Team Lea Salonga.

JAKE
Theater mainstays Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas alternate in the role of Jake.
Marvin Ong and Joshua Cabiladas
Singer-songwriter Marvin Ong earned a Gawad Buhay Award for his performance in ‘Sweeney Todd.’ He also received a citation for his role in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.’ Marvin also played key roles in different productions such as ‘The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ ‘Si Juan Tamad, ang Diyablo, at ang Limang Milyong Boto,’ ‘The Sound of Music,' and ‘Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang.’ As a singer, Marvin has released two albums under Viva Records, the first of which earned him a certified gold record status and an Aliw Award nomination.

Joshua Cabiladas is an acclaimed Filipino actor, singer, and improviser with over a decade of experience in theater, film, and music. He was most recently seen in ‘Delia D.,’ as well as in ‘Jepoy and the Magic Circle,’ ‘Lam-Ang,’ ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ ‘Himala: Isang Musikal,’ among others. He reprised his role in the film adaptation of ‘Isang Himala,’ and had notable performances in ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3,’ ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap,’ ‘Kapatiran,’ ‘Ploy,’ ‘Florante at Laura,’ and ‘Bula sa Langit.’

THE ENSEMBLE
Completing the company are the ensemble members who are set to take the stage as the sideshow curiosities. The Sandbox Collective is delighted to introduce the incredible ensemble comprised of: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.
Ensemble
SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL will be directed by The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team will be Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel as photographer.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL opens on July 26, 2025 and will run until August 16, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets and Show Buying information will be released at a later date. #SideShowMNL

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit their website www.thesandboxco.com and social media platforms: Facebook Instagram Tiktok
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May 14, 2025

Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel Flourishes with Manuel Baldemor's ‘Flowers of May’

The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel proudly presents Flowers of May, a vibrant and uplifting exhibition by acclaimed Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. The exhibit pays homage to the beloved Flores de Mayo festival, a time-honored celebration of beauty, devotion, and renewal.

Following the contemplative tone of his recent Kuwaresma series, Baldemor now shifts to a more joyful expression of spirit and color. In Flowers of May, Baldemor breathes life into the season’s blooms through his distinctive visual style, capturing the richness of Philippine flora, serving as both subject and metaphor.

Flowers of May
Flowers of May at the Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

“One can achieve tranquility by recognizing themselves as part of nature and finding their core or soul. Flowers are a perfect example as they represent peace and love. They have their own language of diplomacy that speaks straight to our hearts,” shared Baldemor.

The exhibit invites guests to experience joy and serenity, reflecting the essence of Flores de Mayo. Through this collection, Baldemor offers a visual journey that connects viewers to both cultural heritage and the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Flores de Mayo is on display at the Art Gallery until May 31, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

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STREAMLINED II: The National Artist ARTURO LUZ EXHIBITION all set to open on June 3 at the Art Center, SM Megamall

"Streamlined II" highlights the enduring legacy of National Artist Arturo Luz.

Renaissance Art Gallery proudly presents the second iteration of “Streamlined: The Art of National Artist Arturo Luz” at the Art Center, SM Megamall. Curated by artist-critic Cid Reyes, the “Streamlined II” exhibition showcases Luz's rich and enduring legacy, highlighting his unwavering commitment to impeccable design and disciplined use of color. 

In 1951, distinguished art  and literary critic Recaredo Demetillo noted, “I must draw attention to the work of Arturo Rogerio Luz. His forms are alive and distinguished; he understands abstraction and austerity, the sense of space and balance.  He distorts with intuitive rightness and grace. In other words, he is a real artist.” 
"Palitana White Temples," Acrylic on Canvas
At just 17 years old, Luz, declared National Artist in 1997, was already exploring painting and  was drawn to form's simplicity and essential nature. 

His first work was a portrait of his mother, the renowned interior designer Rosario Dimayuga Luz. As a figurative painter, Luz was inspired by Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, known for his spare and elongated forms. 
This influence led Luz to develop his own vocabulary of shapes using plastic lines. He also drew significant inspiration from Swiss artist Paul Klee,  who famously described line as “taking a dot for a walk.” This inspiration culminated in Luz's linear depictions of cyclists, musicians, and carnival performers, including acrobats and jugglers,  as well as still lifes featuring boxes, Oriental ceramics, jars, bowls, and shells. 

By limiting his choice of subjects, Luz could delve into the elegance of visual simplicity, precision, and spatial balance. 
"Forms of Amusement," Acrylic on Canvas
"Performers," Acrylic on Canvas
"Performers," Acrylic on Canvas
He began to favor non-traditional materials such as burlap and laminated plywood, and at one point even used broken tiles to create a mosaic for a church altar floor. 

Eventually, Luz transitioned to pure abstraction through collage, which compelled him to create compositions without representational subjects. This allowed him to focus on the planar qualities of form and surface and the visual tension that arises from achieving a perfectly balanced composition. 

In the early 1980s, Luz expanded his subject by traveling throughout Asia and India. His experiences during this pilgrimage inspired many works that featured imaginary landscapes filled with temples, palaces, fortifications, and battlements — all transformed into linear symphonies of monochromatic tones accented by earthy colors like chrome yellow, dark mustard, cardinal red, burnt sienna, bronze, and brown. 

Arturo Luz also demonstrated his administrative skills in the 1980s by managing his eponymous Luz Gallery,  the Museum of Philippine Art, the Metropolitan Museum, and the Design Center of the Philippines. 

Of paramount significance is Luz's transformation of the native artistic sensibility from festive and flamboyant to restrained and dispassionate. 

A limited edition monograph with design and layout by Dopy Doplon and photography by Wig Tysmans will be available to accompany  the exhibit. 

“Streamlined II” runs from June 3 until June 16 at the Art Center, SM Megamall, 4/F Bldg. A at the corner of EDSA and Julia Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.
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May 11, 2025

T̶h̶u̶n̶d̶e̶r̶b̶o̶l̶t̶s̶ The New Avengers movie review

I started my title with a spoiler since Thunderbolts has already been in theaters for more than two weeks. I didn’t watch Captain America: Brave New World, but that wasn’t a problem—Thunderbolts works well on its own. You don’t need to know everything that happened before to enjoy it. The movie introduces the characters clearly and tells its own story.

Florence Pugh (Yelena/Black Widow) brings a lot of heart to the film. She’s joined by a fun and interesting team: Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), and David Harbour (Red Guardian). Their teamwork feels natural, and their jokes and funny moments add charm to the movie. A new character, Bob (Sentry), played by Lewis Pullman, is introduced in a cool way. His story becomes important as the group learns more about him.

Hannah John-Kamen, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell, David Harbour, Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan

Aside from the action and laughs, the movie also talks about serious issues like mental health. It shows how people who are struggling or feel like outsiders can still help each other and grow stronger together. Thunderbolts is more than just another superhero film—it’s also about healing, friendship, and finding support in unexpected places. And make sure to stay until the post-credits scene—it teases something big and exciting that could kick off a fantastic new chapter in the Marvel universe.

Thunderbolts (aka The New Avengers) is still showing in cinemas, from Marvel Studios.

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May 10, 2025

Spoil Mom with Gift Finds and Feast Spots at SM Malls in the East this Mother’s Day

This Mother’s Day, go all out in showing Mom how much she means to you! Whether she’s your best friend, your biggest cheerleader, or your go-to shopping buddy, there’s no better place to celebrate her than at SM Malls in the East—SM Malls in the East—SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Taytay, and SM Center Angono.

Start with a sweet snap at the MOM Photo Spot
Capture the moment with heartwarming photos at the specially curated MOM Photo Spots in each mall. Moms and kids of any age strike a pose and share smiles under pink and floral-themed photo spots that make memories last a lifetime.
Dainty photo spot for amazing moms at SM Malls in the East
Treat her to well-deserved pampering
After all the love she’s given, Mom deserves a little self-care. Indulge her with a relaxing massage, facial, or salon makeover from wellness and beauty shops. It’s the perfect way to help her unwind and glow on her special day.
Book a skin pampering date with mom at SkinStation at SM City Taytay
Find fashionable gift picks she'll love.
Whether she’s into timeless elegance or modern style, shop for chic clothing, trendy accessories, or stylish watches she’ll treasure. With exclusive Mother's Day deals in fashion, it’s easy to find something that fits her taste perfectly.
Comfy and stylish fits for mom at SM City East Ortigas, Taytay, Marikina, Masinag and San Mateo
Elegant timepieces for everyday wear or special occasions from The SM Store at SM City Marikina, Masinag, Taytay, San Mateo and East Ortigas. 
Feast with the fam at her favorite food stops.
Round out the day with a delicious meal at Mom’s favorite restaurant. From comfort food classics to international cuisine, SM Malls in the East offer dining spots fit for every kind of foodie mom. Don’t forget to surprise her with a sweet treat or a celebratory cake! Celebrate the queen of your heart this Mother's Day at SM Malls in the East.
Rich and flavorful truffle pasta to share with the family from The Taste of Czaczacza at SM City Masinag
Beautiful cakes for beautiful moms from Hearts and Bells at SM City Marikina
Snap it, spoil her, and share the love—#MothersDayAtSM. Visit your nearest SM Mall in the East and make Mom’s day extra memorable!
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