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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“WONKA” to be released December 6, an early Christmas treat for Philippine fans

Step into a world of pure imagination, and get ready for an early Christmas present!

The release date for the much-anticipated “Wonka,” starring Timothée Chalamet as the beloved chocolate-maker, has been moved up to December 6 (formerly January 2024 yet) in international markets, including the Philippines. Thus, Filipino fans will be among the first to watch the film, which will be released locally one week ahead of the U.S. Watch the new trailer here:

Based on the extraordinary character at the center of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. “Wonka” is an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

Directed by Paul King, with a screenplay he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby. Produced by David Heyman, Alexandra Derbyshire and Luke Kelly.

Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane (“The Day Shall Come”), Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key (“The Prom,” “Schmigadoon”), Paterson Joseph (“Vigil,” “Noughts + Crosses”), Matt Lucas (“Paddington,” “Little Britain”), Mathew Baynton (“The Wrong Mans,” “Ghosts”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” the “Paddington” films, “Spencer”), Rowan Atkinson (the “Johnny English” and “Mr. Bean” films, “Love Actually”), Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey”), with Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”). The film also stars Natasha Rothwell (“White Lotus,” “Insecure”), Rich Fulcher (“Marriage Story,” “Disenchantment”), Rakhee Thakrar (“Sex Education,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”), Tom Davis (“Paddington 2,” “King Gary”) and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (“Paddington 2,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Mary Poppins Returns”).

In cinemas December 6, “Wonka” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

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Experience super-sized fun at SM’s 65th Anniversary this October

It’s October and it only means one thing at SM-SuperMonth!

Suit up for some super-sized deals, treats, and fun as SM celebrates its 65th anniversary. Check out the month-long festivities filled with spectacular activities, immersive attractions, and unforgettable experiences that will leave you thrilled and excited.

SM lights up the sky with Super Blue Illumination

Signaling the start of SM’s 65th celebration, key malls and iconic landmarks will bathe in a brilliant shade of blue starting October 1. A sight to behold and an event to watch out for, the Super Blue Illumination is a captivating display of dazzling lights that signify SM’s enduring legacy and commitment to bringing fun, awesome, and memorable malling experiences for over six decades.

SM Mall of Asia

SM Megamall and Tower 2

SM Seaside Cebu

SM North EDSA

It’s a shopper’s paradise with Super Buy 1 Get 1 Deals

October isn’t complete without a month-long parade of super-sized deals and promos at SM Deals! Expect Buy 1 Get 1 Deals from your favorite dining, shopping and entertainment brands, extravagant discounts, exclusive bundles, and exciting freebies you can swipe to redeem in-store when you download and register on the SM Malls online app. And with a diverse range of brands and product offerings at SM, surely there's something for everyone in everyone’s shopping paradise.

Indulge yourself with Super Treats

Fun and frenzied October awaits as SM unleashes its Super Treats! On October 15, indulge the movie buff in you as SM Cinema offers a Php 65 movie ticket deal and a Php 65 caramel popcorn combo. It’s truly a match made in cinema heaven!

From October 1 to 30, knock down pins all you want as SM Game Park and SM Bowling offer Php 65 off on unlimited bowling for one hour. For the skating aficionados, SM Skating will also be slashing off Php 65 on the all-day pass.

And for the thrill seekers, you are in for a super treat! Have a whole day of wonder and excitement with a Php 65 entrance fee at Skyranch Tagaytay for all Mondays of October until 12 noon.

Create core memories at the Super Play Spots

Gather your squad and have fun at the Super Play Spots. With well-lit, Instagrammable areas, you'll have the perfect backdrop for your Super Month memories. These Super Play Spots promise hours of entertainment whether you're a social media maven or simply looking for a fun day out. Check out the Super Play Spots at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM City Dasmariñas, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Cagayan Downtown Premier, SM Lanang, SM City Clark, SM City Marikina, and SM City Iloilo.

Drive away in style at the Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA

From October 1 to November 30, eleven lucky shoppers can get a chance to drive away in style at SM’s Super Raffle Giveaway with VISA. All you need to do is to shop for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 2,000 via tap to pay using your VISA card at participating SM Retail Stores in 75 SM Malls nationwide.

Get a chance to win one of the six (6) brand-new Hyundai Stargazers and one of the five (5) brand-new Hyundai Cretas. These brand-new Hyundai cars will really make your daily commute a super experience so shop till you drop and maybe drive away with a new set of wheels!

SM’s Super Month promises to be a 65th-anniversary celebration like no other. Don't miss out on the super-sized deals, indulgent treats, and the chance to win big. Mark your calendars and get ready for a super malling experience at your favorite SM mall.

To stay updated for everything SUPER this October, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.

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LG Amplifies 'Life's Good' Message with Inspiring Brand Film to Champion Optimism

Directed by Award-Winning Director, Motivational Brand Film

Encourages Viewers to Embrace Path of Optimism

LG Electronics (LG) today highlighted its Life’s Good message by introducing a new brand film. Part of the ongoing global brand campaign, the film beautifully communicates the true meaning of LG’s Life’s Good philosophy and shares the company’s powerful message of the importance of being optimistic.

Launched in August 2023, the Life’s Good campaign aims to inspire people to face challenges with an optimistic attitude during difficult times, as well as highlight the enduring nature of LG’s brand philosophy and values, which the company has consistently upheld throughout its entire history.

The newly introduced 90-second film centers on a middle-aged man who chooses optimism in his personal journey, allowing him to overcome obstacles and accomplish something that no one would have believed him capable of. At the outset, the protagonist has a look of apprehension as he struggles to ride a longboard down a suburban street. However, as the film progresses, he becomes more determined and begins to glide gracefully over the asphalt, wearing a happy, confident smile on his face.

The underlying message of this heartwarming story is that there’s an optimist inside everyone; it’s merely a matter of deciding to embrace it. Using a longboard as a metaphor for life, the film suggests that any goal or dream is attainable if one is brave and optimistic enough to push through their perceived limitations to get there.

LG’s brand film was crafted by a group of experienced creatives headed by Emmy Award-winning director, Nicolai Fuglsig, whose simple, charming storytelling so powerfully illustrates what can happen when one elects to walk the path of optimism.

“LG came to me with the idea of sharing the meaning of its Life’s Good philosophy through the lens of choosing optimism, and I was immediately drawn to the project,” said Nicolai Fuglsig. “I love the story of an unexpected hero venturing out of his comfort zone and using optimism to overcome challenges. Personally, I feel it’s a powerful reminder not to get bogged down by negativity and to live life to the fullest.”

As LG transforms its business, it is changing the way it communicates with customers and stakeholders through its recent brand reinvention, ensuring the values and philosophy of Life’s Good are delivered at every touchpoint across the customer experience. Thus far, the campaign has graced some of the most iconic landmarks in various cities around the world, including Dubai, London, New York and Seoul.

“Life’s Good represents our unwavering commitment to making people’s lives better though innovation,” said Jeongseok (JS) Lee, senior vice president and head of LG’s Global Marketing Center. “In line with our future vision to become a smart life solution company, we will communicate with various customers at every touch point in more dynamic and youthful way.”

“With our global campaign, we aim to convey our message of Life’s Good, inspiring and encouraging customers to take life with an optimistic attitude,” said Kim Hyo-eun, vice president of LG’s Global Marketing Center. “We hope that our brand film can uplift customers and create a meaningful influence on their lives.”

The brand film can be viewed on the LG Global Youtube channel.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG’s four companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions – combined for global revenue of over KRW 80 trillion in 2022. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.lg.com/ph for products and services or follow their social media channels (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube.

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Leonie Agri Corp. Opens Its Doors to the International Market

LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and manufacturing plant in the Philippines
welcomes DENR international delegates

Leonie Agri Corp. (LAC), a subsidiary of one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines PascualLab, takes a step into the international market via the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2023 ASEAN Conference on Medicinal Forest Trees tour held last September 7, 2023.   

Opening the Doors to an International Market 

LAC, the first and largest organic-certified farm and plant in the Philippines, recently welcomed 80 delegates of the ERDB from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, at its 42-hectare home in Nueva Ecija. As part of their three-day itinerary, the delegates from the business, academe, and public sector, were given the tour of the newly refurbished LAC.  

According to ERDB OIC-Assistant Director Forester (For) Conrado B. Marquez: “We have carefully chosen LAC as the ideal location for the conference tour. LAC is a renowned agriceutical company and the tour provided invaluable insights to every individual regarding the importance and utilization of medicinal plants, as well as the various forest tree species. This immersive experience further enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the potential benefits that these natural resources hold for society."

 

Leonie Agri Corp. 

LAC recently renovated its farm and manufacturing plant, to further its parent company’s mission of providing quality health and wellness products and services, with highlight on its combination of organic- based farming methods and produce as well as its pharmaceutical-grade processes and products. Along with its farm and plant improvements comes the widening of its product and service portfolio.  

Home of Ascof Lagundi and WellGreens plus C-Lium Fibre  

Home of the first Lagundi cough relief in the market, Ascof Lagundi² and the first commercially available Sinta food supplements, WellGreens Sinta, LAC is also home to premium and organic-certified raw materials including Sambong (Blumea Camphor) and Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa). It also mostly manufactures C-Lium Fibre³, the leading psyllium fiber brand in the Philippines while another food supplement, PureGreens Malunggay is in the pipeline.   

Government-recognized  

LAC, certified by the Department of Agriculture for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and by the Islamic Da’Wah Council of the Philippines for Halal, produces premium organic raw materials to meet the various toll needs of clients.  

Industry-compliant  

Also certified by Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), LAC offers reliable toll manufacturing services such as: Sachet filling, Blistering, Dehydration, Milling, Encapsulation, Packaging, Spray drying, Extraction, Essential oil extraction, and Sterilization.  

Antonio C. Causing, LAC President and CEO affirms: “We share with DENR, the same passion for sustainability, and their vision of a nation enjoying and sustaining its natural resources and a clean and healthy environment. LAC for one, adheres to these sustainable practices and quality standards.”  

Originally servicing clients in Southeast Asia, LAC is gearing up to explore more markets in Asia and the rest of the world in the coming years. 

Corporate Social Responsibility 

While LAC’s vision remains aligned with its parent company PascualLab’s vision for Strong, Healthy

Families and its focus on market expansion, the Filipino-owned agriceutical firm continues to draw from its core – a passion for CSR. LAC is a socially responsible organization that employs sustainable methods. It also supports community development and the livelihood of local farmers. It partners with the local communities not only of Nueva Ecija, but also of Aurora and Bulacan in Luzon, Philippines to train farmers with the processes and standards of organic farming, providing them opportunities to improve the quality and increase the quantities of their crops, through earth-friendly methods, while earning a sustainable living as agripreneurs.

Beyond this, LAC reaches out to sectors in need and survivors of natural calamities. 

Leonie Agri Corporation – continuously evolving to provide purposeful health solutions to its current and emerging markets. 

For more information, visit http://www.leonieagricorp.com/.

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