SM Supermalls ushers in the holidays with a Filipino Christmas

SM Supermalls began the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season at SM Aura with “Ilaw at Ligaya” a modern Filipino spectacle featuring a Pinoy-themed fashion show set to Pinoy carols and beats by Pinoypela, ROFG and Prestige Band.

Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr.

“Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin naming kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” Tan shared.

From eco-friendly ornaments incorporating rattan, raffia, abaca and buri that adorn the tree and mall décor, to the glittering curtain of LED lights that brighten the halls, this year’s holiday display at SM Aura is especially meaningful and unique. Taking center stage is the mall’s 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms of capiz, and traditional bamboo parols. A stunning 3-foot capiz shell star to represent the Star of Bethlehem sits atop the tree bringing light, hope, and joy to mall goers this festive season.

The highlight of the night featured mall tenants Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints, and Zarah Juan in a fashion runway show directed by Runway Productions’ Joey Espino which delighted the audience with its mix of Pinoy streetwear and formal pieces worn with whimsy and fun accessories.

SM Supermalls will continue to launch its much-awaited Christmas centerpieces all over the country, from this week towards the end of October and early November, with uniquely designed and themed trees and holiday installations that promise to delight kids of all ages in each of SM’s 84 malls.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ Christmas launches in your communities and the exciting events that await you and your families this Christmas, visit www.smsupermalls.com or visit @SMSupermalls on social media.

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Alice Reyes Dance Philippines presents CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS

After the success of RAMA, HARI, Alice Reyes Dance Philippines presents CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS. A mixed bill featuring four choreographies that confront current issues in society.

Running from October 20-21 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, the program is top-billed by CARMEN, another masterpiece by National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes. Springing off from Propsper Merimeé’s 1845 novella of the same title, Reyes takes a unique perspective telling the narrative from the point of view of Don Jose, “His story is a grim account of “Low” life, pungent and raw... a tale of a man who has lost everything, his rank, his livelihood and now his life because of an uncontrollable infatuation with a woman,” Reyes said.

The woman of Jose’s infatuation was none other than our titular Carmen, a Gypsy-Spanish woman whose persona could be defined as a feminist, a term and issue that had been present as early as the 1800s. Reyes describes her version of Carmen as “a woman fully aware of her feminine nature. She is not a prostitute but is an ideal type of the genuinely emancipated woman - free, sovereign, and mistress of all her decisions. She would rather die than live with a man she no longer loves and respects.” In typical Romanticist form, the drama and the passion make for a riveting dance creation.

Macel Dofitas

Shifting from their comedic turn as the evil duo, Ravana and Soorpanakha, in Alice Reyes, RAMA, HARI, this year’s staging of Reyes’ CARMEN will have Richardson Yadao as the conflicted Don Jose and Macel Dofitas as the fiery Carmen.

Edna Vida who originated the titular role in Reyes’ CARMEN commented on the pair, “All through the years I’ve been hoping that Alice herself would restage Carmen, but I kept telling her that the lead must be Macel Dofitas. It’s her that I see as Carmen in talent, presence, and physique… and, Richardson Yadao must be her Don Jose, because he can certainly work the muscle of deep pathos. They are a fantastic pair on stage.”

Edna Vida

The “other spirits” are comprised of three choreographic works by the country's top Filipino choreographers:

Alden Lugnasin echoes synchronized swimming movements in his piece, SWIMMING THE ILOG PASIG. It is a provocative social and environmental commentary recalling the relationship between the people and the once rippling clear waters of the River Pasig which have now become a dumping site for trash. Lugnasin’s piece utilizes his unique style of movement and storytelling, as he costumes the dancers in the popular 80s brand of swimwear, Speedo.

Swimming the Ilog Pasig

Ronelson Yadao, Artistic Director of ARDP essays the importance of interdependency of two individuals in his work, TWO.

Lester Reguindin’s NOW draws inspiration from young environment activist, Greta Thurnberg, and her bold speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, where she challenges the powers that be to make a change for the sake of her generation. The piece which was originally choreographed for film transitions to a stage adaptation.

Lester Reguindin's NOW

CARMEN AND OTHER SPIRITS is presented by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program (PASP), with the generous support of Samsung Performing Arts Theater and Birch Tree Adult Boost. It features dance trainees from Guang Ming College, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, and other independent performers.

SHOW SCHEDULE:
October 20, 2023 | Friday | 7:30 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater
October 21, 2023 | Saturday | 4:00 PM | Samsung Performing Arts Theater

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Get Your Wallets Ready: Up to 70% OFF on foodpanda's October Groceries Day!

Foodies, mark your calendars! foodpanda, your go-to online food and grocery platform, is back with its much-awaited Groceries Day sale from October 20 to 22, 2023. As the ultimate shopping event of the season, Groceries Day is packed with thumb-stopping deals that will make both first-time shoppers and loyal app users keep coming back for more.

"Every quarter, we look forward to Groceries Day – it's our special way of rewarding our loyal shoppers. By teaming up with top brands and providing irresistible deals, we aim to make grocery shopping not just convenient but also budget-friendly," shares Danielle Eleazar, Head of Marketing at foodpanda Philippines.

This time around, shoppers can bag groceries at discounts reaching up to 70%. Plus, there's an extra treat – an additional P300 off using the code: GROCERDAY. With an array of popular brands joining the sale, including Nivea, PepsiCo, URC, and Johnson & Johnson, there's something for everyone. Be it skincare products from Nivea or refreshing beverages from PepsiCo, the Groceries Day offers the best of the best.

"Our vision with Groceries Day is twofold. Firstly, we want to introduce the seamless and budget-friendly shopping experience of foodpanda to new users. And secondly, we want to embed a habit of quarterly bulk-shopping among our regulars. After all, who doesn't love big savings?" emphasizes Eleazar.

“Every Groceries Day is more than just a sale; it’s an event, a celebration of smart shopping. In the age of instant gratification, we bring you an instant solution to your grocery woes. No long queues, no crowded aisles, just pure shopping bliss from the comfort of your home," Eleazar further adds.

Whether you're a savvy shopper, a busy parent, or someone looking for great deals, the Groceries Day sale is tailored for all. So, buckle up and get ready to fill your carts with a wide variety of quality products at unbeatable prices.

Download the foodpanda app now and order your groceries from October 20-22, 2023 to enjoy the exciting offers and exclusive discounts from this ultimate grocery shopping spree. Don't miss out!
For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube.

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