PETRON LAKBAY ALALAY ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU

Celebrated every 1st of November, Undas or All Saints’ Day is an enduring Filipino tradition where families honor the memory of their departed loved ones by visiting their final resting place. 

As in the past three decades, Petron will once again ensure that motorists going to memorial parks or traveling to their hometowns will have “the best biyahe” through Petron Lakbay Alalay during the Undas weekend. 

As they make their stop at designated Petron stations on major highways, motorists can experience a variety of services that will make their journeys safer and more enjoyable. Petron employee volunteers will offer a BLOWBAG Safety Check covering Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air (tire pressure), and Gas. Free parking and traffic assistance is available for a smooth and hassle free stop. 

Motorists can also be a road safety advocate by joining the stickering campaign. to appreciate the importance of using seatbelts and the dangers of drunk driving, they can also try out the seatbelt simulator and fatal vision goggles. 

Safety checks by automobile partners, free medical assistance, and a 15-minute massage can also be availed for free at Lakbay Alalay tents located at the parking lot of the stations. Food and lifestyle partners also offer product sampling and other fun activities. Underscoring Petron’s commitment to total customer service, clean and accessible rest rooms will also be ready for customers at all times. 

To serve the motorists traveling out of Metro Manila, there will be Petron Lakbay Alalay activations on Wednesday, October 31 from 12NN to 8PM at the following Petron service stations: 

· North Luzon: PEC1 NLEX, Marilao Bulacan; Parkville Km 42 Plaridel, Bulacan; Lakeshore NLEX, Mexico, Pampanga; and TPLEX Km 134 Northbound, Pura, Tarlac. 

· South Luzon: PEC 3 SLEX, San Pedro, Laguna; PNCC Km 44 SLEX, Silangan, Cavite; and Star Tollways, Malvar, Batangas. 

On Thursday, November 1, from 7AM to 4PM, Petron Lakbay Alalay will also be present at the F. Ignacio Station on Dr. A. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque, to provide assistance to those visiting major memorial parks in the area. 

Assisting homebound motorists on Sunday, November 4, the Petron Lakbay Alalay teams will be at the following stations from 12NN to 8PM: 

· North Luzon: PEC 2 NLEX, Bocaue, Bulacan and TPLEX Km 134 Southbound, Pura, Tarlac. 

· South Luzon: Star Toll, Lipa City, Batangas and MATES, SLEX Km 44, Silangan, Cavite. 

STARBUCKS WELCOMING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH MAGIC AND JOY

Every year, we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with our own unique traditions that complete our holiday experience – singing carols and playing Christmas tunes, decorating our homes with the brightest lights and the biggest trees, just to name a few. These traditions spent with loved ones become our most cherished memories and heighten our anticipation for the season. 

At Starbucks, welcoming the season with delicious beverages that deliver the holiday cheer in each sip has become the tradition. But beyond these cozy cups, it brews something even more heartwarming. This year at Starbucks, the blend is the magic - it’s where all the things we love about the season come together to make our Christmas experiences extra special. 

Starbucks hosted a grand Christmas launch with a magical blend of nostalgic traditions, merry activities, and festive food at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Two giant nutcrackers stood at the lighted entrance of the enchanting Christmas world and as guests stepped into the village, they were welcomed by a massive Christmas tree made with Red Cups and adorable Starbucks Bearista Bears, as well as a Starbucks Express train that circled around the Christmas village. 

Guests further exploring the village discovered that it was brimming with exciting stations including a charming gingerbread house where they tasted the latest Starbucks offerings and saw the newest Christmas merchandise on display. There was also a larger-than-life Red Cup installation where guests scribbled their pledges to spread cheer and goodwill for the holidays. To capture their magical holiday memories, there was a cool Snow Globe 360º photo booth that had a magical virtual snow effect. 

Cheer and laughter were in the air as guests participated in the fun games at the venue such as the ‘Starbucks Christmas Traditions’ game where they matched life-size Starbucks planner stickers and the ‘Snowy Cranberry’ game where they tossed toppings on the giant Snowy Cranberry Drinks. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional caroling which was held at the ‘Christ-Must Carol’ game station. Guests even got a chance to see Santa himself inside his cozy home and shared their Christmas wishes through his Mailbox. 

Sips of Cheer 

In the spirit of Christmas traditions, Starbucks is serving up delightful beverages for the season such as returning favorites; Toffee Nut Crunch Latte and Peppermint Mocha. Customers can enjoy comforting sips of sweet and buttery toffee nut flavors with the Toffee Nut Crunch Latte or delight in the festive chocolate and peppermint flavors of the Peppermint Mocha. All Starbucks Christmas beverages will be available in hot, iced and blended format. 

Starbucks is also introducing their newest holiday treat - the Snowy Cranberry White Mocha, a delectable blend of roasty espresso, velvety steamed milk, toasty white chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and cranberry sugar sprinkles. 

For those looking to brew the familiar Christmas flavors from their homes, Starbucks is bringing back the Starbucks Christmas Blend and Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast. The Christmas Blend has expertly roasted and blended aged Sumatra beans and lively Latin American coffees that make for a sweet cup balanced with its cedary spiced layers while the Christmas Blend Espresso Roast is customized for espresso with a deeper sweetness and a hearty spiciness. 

Festive Eats 

Start your days merry with treats that go perfectly with the Starbucks holiday beverages, like the light and fluffy Almond Matcha Doughnut with its white chocolate matcha glaze and almond slivers, the soft Choco Peanut Butter Bun filled topped with crushed roasted peanuts and a chocolate and peanut butter drizzle, and the buttery and flaky Baked Cheese Tart with a cream cheese filling and a sugar glaze drizzle. Another breakfast delight for those on the go is the rich and creamy Cereal Milk Pudding topped with cereal flakes which comes in mini cups. 

Those looking for meatier pairings can delight in the mouth-watering Mexican-style Chicken Fajita Roll which makes a special return this year, the Cranberry Pistachio Turkey Flatbread loaded with chicken, turkey sausage, spinach and cheese, and the Baked Burrito filled with savory Mexican flavor rice. 

In this season of family reunions and Christmas parties, Starbucks offers delectable treats for sharing at gatherings. Chocolate-loving guests will enjoy returning favorites like the seventeen-layer Chocolate Crepe Cake with Belgian chocolate cream filling and the moist Chocolate Toffee Nut Loaf along with new offerings like the Chocolate Oat Cheesecake made with layers of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and vanilla white cheesecake on a chocolate oat crust and Christmas Barks with a combination of dark, milk and white chocolate barks with cranberries, strawberries and pistachio. Another sumptuous dessert is the chiffon-light Vanilla Blueberry Cake finished with milky cream frosting and blueberry cookie crumble. Customers can also share some holiday cookies like the Choco Chip Overload Cookies with milk and dark chocolate chunks and chips and decadent Chocolate Cracked Cookies covered in confectioner’s sugar. 

Starbucks Cards 

Gift giving is made easy with the Starbucks Holiday Gift Card Collection, a series of cards depicting lovely Christmas moments to spread the joy of the festive season. These cards are the Snowman card, the Holiday Tree card, and the Maligayang Pasko card for a P300 activation. 

This Christmas, the blend is the magic at Starbucks - a blend of cheerful music, décor and service to inspire moments of connection, a blend of styles, cultures and traditions to bring the common joy of the season, and a blend of espresso, flavor, care and attention in each cup to deliver a holiday moment just for you. 

HIV AWARENESS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Only 15 percent of young adults aged 15 to 24 years old have knowledge about HIV prevention, a UNAIDS Philippines study showed. The lack of an extensive sex education in the curriculum is seen as a contributing factor—directly or indirectly—to the country’s high HIV growth rate.

Discussions on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV have always been done in extremes – either it is too technical and clinical or it is peppered with myths and falsehoods – creating a large disconnect with young adults, the audience who matter the most.

“We believe that education is the best way to prevent HIV, especially among the young adults. If they are equipped with the right knowledge about HIV and its potential risks to their health, we believe that they stand a chance in protecting themselves against the chronic disease,” said (Karol Canlas) Durex Philippines (Brand Manager).

In September, Durex Philippines took the playful and quirky approach to bringing HIV awareness to mind with the launch of its “Always Come Prepared” campaign. Led by the radio trio of Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick, the campaign aims to make the conversation on the threats and dangers of the disease lighter and easier to understand for the general public. 

To pique the interests of young adults on the campaign, Durex also presented a unique visual of a toy soldier using the condom as a parachute.

Condoms are still the only known effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. With its latest campaign, Durex Philippines aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to take active precautionary measures against HIV.

MY MAGICAL MOMENT AT BELLE DE JOUR (BDJ) POWER PLANNER 2019 LAUNCH

Last Saturday October 20, I had a chance to attend the first day of the 2-Day event of Viviamo! Inc., the makers of Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner. Yearly they have a special event for every Bella (members of the community/BDJ planner owners) and this year a magical launch was initiated last October 20-21, 2018 at the Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons.

With the theme of  ‘Make Today Magical’, BDJ takes us Bellas to a whimsical journey — the two day celebration was jampacked with various activities, workshops, and talks that help and transformed lives in every way.

As early as 10AM, Bellas started to gathered and registered to have their own event package kits. From Gold, Silver and Basic, in which have loads of amazing perks while discovering magic. 

One of my chosen activities is the calligraphy lesson which was facilitated by Ms.Leah Ang of Calligraphy Love MNL. I learn how the basic brush, blends and shadows etc. using and with the guidance of Ms. Leah. We spelled the theme of the event, I found it difficult at first, but with determination and focus, I am proud to finished it with flying colors (literally)...We took home also a calligraphy pen that we used at the workshop. Thanks much for that!

Serious Play workshop helps us to visualized and design using Lego, this workshop was facilitated by Ms. Ina Bacud of Life Builds. We were group by five and every building or figure that we made, we also shared each others life. I realized things in my life in this workshop and I am happy to shared my plans and visions with other people, especially with my co-Bellas.

While waiting for my next workshop, I have a chance to listen also to the talks of Ms. Meryl Hilda about "Making A Difference" and Ms. Nina Terol about Dream Dare Do". I am very lucky to hear words from them, a very inspiring women of today.

I got a chance also to mingled with other Bellas and catch up with each other, made a new friend as well at different activities and was thought how to pose for an OOTD hehe...

My last registered activity for that day is the DIY Session Home Remedies which was facilitated by ZeNutrients. We made room scent, hot oil, massage oil and make-up remover. I am very happy to learn those things and to refresh the chemist in me hehe..

My moments at the BDJ Power Planner 2019 launch was so magical, I learned so many things, not only about the new things that I can do but also the things that I can make to have a life more magical. 

Thank you so much BDJ Power Planner team for making Bellas life more meaningful and well planned from the start. 

By the way, please watch out for my next blog post about the BDJ Power Planner 2019 itself...from the designs, new contents and augmented reality feature. YES! you've heard it right...are you excited?!!

SIKAT PINOY NATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, OCTOBER 25 TO 28, 2018

Responding to popular public demand, the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) and the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, with support from Senator Loren Legarda, is mounting the 2nd Edition of the 2018 Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair from October 25 to 28, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. More than 30,000 visitors attended the 1st Edition of the Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair last June 2018, giving massive exposure to exhibitors.

Here are some things you can look forward to at this four-day celebration of our traditional crafts, cultural heritage, and creative talent:

Special Settings

Hand-woven Textile Showcase and Applications. A special setting to promote and popularize the different hand-woven textiles from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with fashion lines applications.

Slow Fashion themed set-up by the Design Center of the Philippines. Slow fashion is a movement that advocates principles of good quality, clean environment, and fairness for both consumers and producers. Developing a garment with a cultural and emotional connection is also pertinent to the purpose behind slow fashion, a principle that can be directly linked to local and indigenous Philippine textiles.

School of Living Traditions (SLTs). A flagship project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), an SLT is a community-managed and non-formal learning center where cultural masters transmit their knowledge of arts, crafts, and practices to the next generation. Twelve Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) and Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation Inc.  bring you local products, co-created with Design Center of the Philippines, to appeal to your sense and style, deepening your pride of place and people. Find value in the work-of-hands through cultural community stories that take you back to the origins of art and its makers.

Hibla’t Habi. Philippine Fiber Display, Processing and Abaca Hand-weaving Demonstration by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and Loom Weaving Demonstration by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI).

Balat Kayo! A DIY Leathercrafts Workshop by HHS Leather Goods Enterprises. Make your own leather products with the help of differently-abled workers from Handcrafted by Harl’s. Founded by Harley Dave Beltran, this social enterprise provides gainful employment to persons with disabilities.

Kapetirya (Philippine Coffee Pavilion). A coffee pavilion will offer choice coffee and local blends from all over the country to acquaint you with the distinct taste and flavor of coffee beans from the regions.

Free Daily Program

To promote Filipino arts and crafts as well as encourage creative entrepreneurship, the 2018 Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair – 2nd Edition will have a daily program of free lectures, workshops and demonstrations.

On Friday, October 26, the focus will be on MSME Development with presentations from various government agencies, such as: the DTI Shred Services Facility, DTI SB Corporation’s Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PHILFIDA), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), Department of Social Welfare - Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Design Center Philippines (DCP), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on licensing and copyright. Professor Eric Zerrudo will also give a talk on Fair Trade, while Luna Trip will close the day with a performance.

For Saturday, October 27, the program will consist of Business Lectures from renowned experts. Professor Felipe De Leon, Jr. will discuss Marketing the Filipino Way, Professor Edwin Suson will talk about Entrepreneurship 101, while Ideaspace will share their Business Development and Acceleration Program. Capping off the day will be a Balagtasan or Spoken Word Marathan featuring Talentadong Pinoy Grand Champion and Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Finalist Prinsipe Makata and his group of makata-tawanan talents.

The Performing Arts will be the centerpiece of the program for Sunday, October 28, with a talk and film showing from the Film Development Council of the Philippines, a cultural dance presentation from a School of Living Tradition in Bulacan, and a mini-concert by popular artists Kitchie Nadal, Poppert Bernadas, and Frenchie Dy.

These activities are open to the public and are free of charge.

Products from All 17 Regions

The 2018 Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair - 2nd Edition is once again national in scope, with exhibitors coming from all 17 regions including ARMM.  These include 250 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) manufacturers of heritage products such as hand-woven textiles, fashion accessories, home furnishings, and heirloom food.

The four-day retail and order-taking event is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) and the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, with support from Senator Loren Legarda. Many of the 250 featured MSMEs are beneficiaries of Senator Legarda’s various developmental projects aimed at preserving Philippine culture and traditions. Fair hours are from 10:00AM to 9:00PM daily. Admission is free.

For more information, please contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion by addressing your email to bdtp@dti.gov.ph or call phone numbers +632 751.3223 and 751.3228. Please follow SikatPinoyFairs on Facebook and other social media for regular updates.

PETRON COLLECTIBLES : LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR

The holiday season comes early to toy car collectors with the addition of the Lamborghini Aventador S to the Petron Toy Car Collection, available from October 18 to November 4 at participating Petron stations nationwide.

With a raging bull as its logo, Lamborghini names its cars after famous fighting bulls, and in keeping with this tradition, the Aventador was a bull that fought in October 1993 at the Zaragoza arena in Spain. It was recognized with a Trofeo de la Peña La Madroñera for its outstanding courage.

The Lamborghini Aventador S was officially unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. It has a 6.5-li V12 engine that produces 740PS at 8,400rpm and 690Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. It has four-wheel steering, permanent for-wheel drive, carbon ceramic brakes, and a dynamic suspension with four modes—sport, street, track, and individual.

The Petron Lamborghini Aventador S Toy Car Collection is scaled at 1:32 and is about 6-inches long. It is offered in four colors—gold, blue, orange, and black.. Made of high-quality die cast metal, these toy cars are also perfect gifts for car lovers of all shapes and sizes.

Getting the Petron Lamborghini Aventador toy car is uncomplicated, and also very affordable. Every single or accumulated purchase worth Php 500 of Petron fuels (Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Advance, Petron Turbo Diesel, Petron Diesel Max) and Petron engine oils (Petron Blaze Racing, Petron HTP, Petron Ultron, Petron Rev X, Petron Sprint 4T) entitles the customer to buy one Lamborghini Aventador toy car for only Php 250.

You can avail of the promo only at the participating station where you purchased the Petron fuel or engine oil. To avail, simply present the receipt of the participating products to the pump attendant. Every Php 500 can be used to redeem one toy car for Php 250. The receipt will be marked “redeemed” and any excess amount in the receipt will be voided and not valid for a next redemption. Cash and credit transactions, as well as bulk, P.O. and wholesale transactions are qualified to participate in this promo.

Only receipts from the promo period can be used to redeem the Petron Lamborghini Aventador Toy Car Collection. For the list of participating Petron stations, visit www.petron.com.

SAKUHA PARK WITH ALEX GONZAGA AT MARKET! MARKET!

Block & White Sakuha Park is now open at Market! Market! Taguig City. Today the opening of the 2-day park display was graced by the brand endorser Alex Gonzaga. Visitors have a chance experience  Sakura tree in an instant photo shoot, also they have a perks for product discounts and freebies.

Get that PAK na PAK photos at the Block & White Sakuha Park of course with your pinkish fair skin using Block & White's newest variant: Sakura White. It has the benefits of whitening and sun protection in one. Achived that 2-in-1 lotion glow with Block & White's Sakura White with SPF 20 PA++.

SAKUHA PARK RULES:
Shoppers ages 18 and up will be allowed to participate.
Should minors want to join, they should be accompanied by an adult and they should sign a waiver prior their entry.

SUN LTE NETWORK UPGRADES IN CEBU

Sun subscribers in Cebu can look forward to improved mobile connectivity as leading telecom and digital service provider PLDT expands Long Term Evolution (LTE) support for its Sun brand across the Visayas’ foremost urban hub.

To date, more than 80% of cell sites across Cebu now have LTE. In addition to network upgrades in Metro Cebu, LTE is also available in the rest of Cebu province, including key tourism areas like Oslob, Moalboal, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Toledo City, Bogo City and Carmen, allowing tourists and residents alike to share photos and videos of their experiences using Sun LTE.

Expanded LTE capacity is also available in areas in Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Minglanilla and Talisay, while the service has also been rolled out in Badian, Balamban, Barili, Catmon, Madridejos, Sibonga, and Tabuelan.

“Strong connectivity will enable our customers in Cebu to better share to the world their passion for Cebuano food, culture and history, as well as showcase the best of Cebuano hospitality and tourism,” said Smart vice president for Prepaid Marketing Carlo Endaya. “Sun’s newly upgraded network all over Cebu allows its customers to instantly share their stories, as they go about their day,” he added.

World-class internet

These network upgrades are part of PLDT’s thrust to provide world-class internet service to Filipinos in Cebu and in other parts of the country.

Internal tests showed speeds ranging from 10Mbps to 50Mbps have been reached using a Sun LTE SIM and an LTE smartphone in key areas around Cebu. 

“Apart from this improved network, the quality of the mobile internet experience is also dependent on the device used,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and engineering. “This is why we encourage our Sun customers in Cebu to upgrade their SIMs to LTE and use LTE-capable phones.”

“With Sun LTE, our customers in Cebu can enjoy better mobile experience, which they can use to stay connected with their family through video calls and photo sharing, discover new things on YouTube, or access important online services,” Tamayo added.

He added that in areas where improved LTE networks have been put in place, small business owners and retailers have also reported an increase in earnings, boosted by improved mobile internet connectivity in their area.

LTE is the best technology to help bring fast, affordable and reliable mobile internet services to as many customers as possible. It is also quickly upgradable to LTE-A, which can provide even greater capacity and speeds to users with capable smartphones.

 Level Up to Sun LTE in Cebu

To best take advantage of the newly upgraded LTE networks in Cebu, Sun subscribers are encouraged to upgrade their current 3G SIM to an LTE SIM and to avail themselves of Sun’s new data promos, such as the Sulit Surf Plus 20, which offers 300 MB of open access data with unlimited tri-net calls and unlimited all-net texts valid for 2 days, and Sulit Surf Plus 249, which includes 2GB of open access data with unlimited tri-net calls, 60 minutes free calls to other networks and unlimited all-net texts valid for 30 days. Discounted Sun LTE phones will also be available soon.

PLDT’s ramped up LTE rollout is part of a broader effort to improve the overall quality of service available to millions of Smart, TNT and Sun subscribers. This network expansion effort also includes the integration of the Smart and Sun mobile networks, which enabled Smart to install more new base stations for 2G, 3G, and LTE technologies to better serve the subscribers of both brands.

As of end-June, Smart has equipped over 3,900 base stations across the country with LTE, not only to expand LTE coverage but also to lay the ground for LTE-A, which can provide even greater capacity and speeds to users with LTE-compatible smartphones. This puts the total count of LTE base stations at over 12,600.

Underpinning PLDT’s integrated fixed and mobile network roll-out was the expansion of PLDT’s fiber optic transmission and distribution network. PLDT’s 204,000-kilometer fiber network, the most extensive in the country, also supports its mobile network by providing high-capacity fiber connections for LTE base stations.

Fastest network

As a result of integrated network transformation efforts, PLDT and Smart were also recently cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.

Ookla said Smart achieved a Speed ScoreTM of 14.98, with average download speeds of 17.25 Mbps and average upload speeds of 7.65 Mbps, based on 2,118,464 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest® on LTE-capable devices in the Philippines for Q1-Q2.

On the other hand, PLDT achieved a Speed ScoreTM of 17.31, with average download speeds of 22.84 Mbps and average upload speeds of 23.45 Mbps. The fixed network award is based on 29,076,090 user-initiated Speedtest nationwide for the same period.

Smart also continues to lead in terms of LTE download speeds according to the latest Mobile Networks Update by independent mobile analytics firm OpenSignal. The report, which covered the months of May to July this year, showed Smart LTE download speeds nationwide at 13.09 Mbps (vs 7.34 Mbps). It also led across all areas, including in Mindanao, where it posted an average download speed of 12.23 Mbps.

Smart is on track to fulfilling its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to cover 90% of the country’s cities and municipalities with 3G/LTE coverage by the end of this year.

PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation which is estimated to amount to US$ 5 billion from 2016 to 2020, with capital expenditures expected to reach P58 billion this year.

BDJ 2019 MAGICAL LAUNCH WEEKEND OCTOBER 20-21, 2018

Viviamo! Inc., makers of Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner, makes this year magical with the launch of its newest products on October 20-21, 2018 at the Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons.

Going by the theme ‘Make Today Magical’, BDJ takes you to a whimsical journey at the launch weekend—a two day jampacked celebration filled with various activities, workshops, and talks that will help bellas transform their lives for the year ahead. 

“We believe that the magic starts from within, says founder and president of Viviamo! Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty. ”Our 2019 theme ‘Make Today Magical” reinforces the concept of paradigm shift-- the magic in changing the way you think, how you perceive things, and how it can powerfully change the way you live,” she adds.

To make this possible, BDJ organizes a full experience that will help uncover your own magic and live life to the fullest. Get your inspirational boost and strive to achieve your goals with Passion/Purpose talks from various women, travel and entrepreneurial organizations. Unlock your creativity with fun skills workshops— Play, explore, and try out calligraphy methods including Basic Brush Calligraphy, Calligraphy Blends and Shadows, and Calligraphy with Backgrounds and Wreaths Calligraphy with Leah Ang of Calligraphy Love MNL; or master the skill of creating double-tap worthy Instagram photos with content creator Kenneth Amparo.

Visualize and design your best year yet with Serious Play workshops—Life Builds session with Lego instructor and life coach Ina Bacud, or Vision board-making with expert and coach Trixie Esguerra. What’s more, Make Today Magical also gives you access to team sharing and mentoring sessions on life and business with successful women entrepreneur and the brainchild of BDJ Power Planner Darlyn Sandra Ty, mental health advocate Dr. Gia Sison, MD., and the woman behind the famous Witty Will Save the World Co. journals and notebooks Chinggay Nuque. An exclusive one-on-one coaching session with a Gallup-certified strengths coach is also included in the launch weekend perks.  Apart from these, event-goers also get to take home a wide array of BDJ products, a Make Today Magical kit with over Php5,000 worth of items, DIY beauty workshops, and goodies from several craft and brand partners.

To experience these amazing perks, buy the launch tickets that give you access to different levels of magic:

Basic ticket – priced at Php500 includes a planner of your choice (BDJ Classic, BDJ

Limited Edition, Navi Journal, EIP, or Focus and a Calendar Pad), passion/purpose talks, access to craft booths, glitter tattoo, and glambooth

Silver ticket – priced at Php1,000 includes everything above, plus, Calligraphy workshop with Leah Ang or IG Photography with Kenneth Amparo, boomie booth, and Gratitude jar design activity

Gold ticket– priced at Php4,000 includes all of the inclusions of the basic and silver ticket, plus a choice of either Life Builds with Ina Bacud or Vision Board Party with Trixie Esguerra, Tarot reading, Canvas Bag Stamp Station with Alessa Lanot, CoachMe Session with a Gallup-certified Strengths coach, MentorMe Session with Life/Business mentors, DIY session (cake decorating, DIY home remedies or makeup workshop), a scoop of Baskin-Robbins, goodies from craft partners, and a Make Today Magical kit.

For the coming year, believe that the magic lies within you, and that you have the power to turn your goals into reality with Belle de Jour Power Planner. Buy your tickets for the BDJ Launch Weekend and get your products at all leading bookstores nationwide and on their official website at ilovebdj.com.

RED HOT OCTOBER AT ORTIGAS MALLS

It’s a red hot October as Ortigas Malls lines up a host of activities at its malls around the metropolis, promising fun and excitement for people of all passions and persuasions. With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, Ortigas Malls is pulling all the stops to ensure that its lifestyle destinations — Greenhills, Tiendesitas, and Estancia — offer  not just the best shopping finds, but also offer activities that resonate with people’s lifestyles.

Get some advance Halloween fun for the whole family with The Great Halloween Show, which kicks off for afternoon shows on October 28, offering a spectacle of magic shows, acrobat exhibitions, and musical performers.

An exciting costume contest for kids will also be happening on October 28 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. To register, customers must present a minimum single or accumulated receipt worth P3,000 from all Ortigas Malls from October 25 - 28 to get one entry pass. Shop and enter your kids to get fun prizes from partner retailers for the spooky season!

Tiendesitas

What’s not to love about Pinoy tunes? Tiendesitas, Manila’s one-stop-shop for all and any local goods, recognizes this by holding the 13th annual OPM High every Saturday at the second level of the Food Village. Enjoy the Filipino complexity of music with Sandwich on October 20; and UDD on October 27, while feasting on the mouth-watering gastronomic delights offered by the many food concessionaires.

Estancia

Estancia has quickly become a prime lifestyle destination, transforming the southern boundary of the Ortigas with its shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings such as its indoor giant jenga, Xrink, and Connect4.

The Belle de Jour Power Planner will also having its 2019 launch with various activities attendees can do. Learn fun skills with Kenneth Amparo as he teaches Instagram photography, brush calligraphy with Leah Ang, making DIY beauty products with Zenutrients, as well as DIY stamps Sqooid. True to its mission to mobilize women in the modern world, goal-setting workshops and coaching will also be held such as Lego Serious Play by Life Builds and a Vision Board Party by Positivitrix.

Shopping, of course, is what Estancia offers best. Shop to your heart’s content at the Weekend Market, offering an astonishing selection of baked goods, artisanal items, knick knacks and other gift items from well-curated stalls. The Weekend Market will delight you every weekend till December.

STARBUCKS RESERVE BRINGS THE PERFECT COFFEE AND ICE CREAM PAIRING

Opposites make perfect combinations and this holds true for the unique pairing of ice cream and coffee. Both are well-loved: Coffee has always been seen as a comforting, warm drink while ice cream is known as an indulgent, cool dessert. But when these two ingredients are put together, it’s like fate, the results are bound to be something wonderful. 

Delightful fusions are now making their way to select Starbucks Reserve® stores, as the global coffee brand now offers its first ice cream and coffee pairings.

The new exciting and delectable coffee with ice cream lineup is part of Starbucks continuous efforts to further elevate the coffee experience for their customers, thoughtfully crafting beverages that amaze with every sip.

The roster of coffee-based ice cream beverages includes the Classic Affogato, the House Affogato, the Cold Brew and the Nitro Cold Brew Float, and the Cold Brew Malt. 

Starbucks provides a premium coffee experience, transporting its customers to the cafes of Italy with a staple dessert – the Classic Affogato which is made with two shots of Reserve® espresso poured over vanilla ice cream. The simplicity of pouring hot espresso over cold ice cream not only offers a rich creaminess at first taste, but exposes the nuanced flavors unique to each espresso.

A sweeter and more indulgent variation of the Classic Affogato is the House Affogato that includes a drizzling of rich, caramelly Demerara syrup and a dusting of cinnamon which adds a subtle aromatic spice to the dessert. 

There is also the Cold Brew Float for those looking for a little something extra for their mid-afternoon coffee run - a smooth and bold cold brew topped with a thick dollop of vanilla ice cream. Customers can also try the Nitro Cold Brew Float which is made with nitrogen-infused cold brew for a creamier finish.

Finally, there is the Cold Brew Malt, a drink that pays homage to the old-school malt milkshake but with a special coffee twist. This ultra-creamy drink is spindle-blended with cold brew coffee, vanilla ice cream, and malted milk.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these dreamy, creamy delights at Starbucks Reserve® Westgate Alabang in Muntinlupa and Starbucks Reserve® Three E-com in Pasay.

HOME CREDIT PHILIPPINES' TRADE TO UPGRADE EXCITING TREAT

One beloved tradition that most of us love come the holiday season is exchanging gifts. Nothing says Christmas more than receiving one in exchange of a present you’ve given, but what if you actually get to choose the gift you get back? 

This is exactly what Home Credit Philippines’ (HCPH) Trade to Upgrade is currently offering—being your very own monito or monita! This latest treat from the in-store loan provider lets you swap your old phone to any Home Credit store and use it as a downpayment for a new gadget. It’s perfect for those who want to treat themselves this Christmas without spending too much.

This trade-in elevates HCPH’s services which cater to Filipinos who are looking for friendly and fast in-store financing options. To avail the Trade to Upgrade, a customer simply has to visit a Home Credit store offering this treat, present two (2) IDs, and wait for 10 minutes for the result of their application. If approved, Home Credit’s friendly sales associates will evaluate the value of your mobile phone and use it as your downpayment for a new model.

Trade to Upgrade can cover a financed amount of P 3,000 to 60,000 for nine to twelve months and you can also opt to add cash to the value of the mobile phone you want to swap. Check out the list below for other details about this great offering:

1. You can swap all brands and models of mobile phones.

2. You can still swap your phone even if it is damaged given that it is working and is an original model.

3. You can only use one unit per transaction.

4. Phone accessories are not included in the assessment of your unit’s value.

5. You can add cash if the assessed value of your mobile phone is lower than the minimum downpayment amount.



If you want to know more about the offering, don’t hesitate to visit any Home Credit store and ask our friendly sales associates! Here are the stores where you can apply for Trade to Upgrade:

• OPPO - Fairview Terraces Mall

• Vivo - Fairview Terraces Mall

• Fone Style - Robinsons Antipolo

• New Cellway - SM Manila

• Asus - SM Valenzuela

• Fone Style - Ayala Malls Feliz

• Asus - Ayala Malls Feliz

• Fone Style - SM Masinag

• Zenfone - Glorietta

• Fone Style - Glorietta

• New Cellway - SM Southmall

• Infinity Store - SM Taytay

• Fone Style - SM Muntinlupa

• Fone Style - SM Mall of Asia

• Fone Style - SM Sta. Mesa

• Fone Style - SM San Mateo

• Fonestyle - SM Sucat

• Fone Style - Robinsons Forum

• Fone Style - SM North EDSA

• Fone Style - SM Marikina

• OPPO - SM Marikina

• Fone Style - SM Las Pinas

• OPPO - SM East Ortigas

• Fone Style - SM East Ortigas

• Fone Style - SM San Lazaro

• Fone Style - SM Cubao

• New Cellway - SM Fairview

• Sony - SM Fairview

• Fone Style - SM Fairview

• Fone Style - SM Bicutan

RAWR AWARDS 2018 ALL SET AT LE REVE POOL PARTY VENUE AND EVENTS PLACE

LionHearTV.net brings back #RAWRAwards2018 on November 14, Wednesday, 6pm at Le Rêve Pool Party Venue and Events Place. The annual award-giving body is backed up by the Filipino blogging community, particularly the entertainment blogs spearheaded by the aforementioned site.

A total of 25 awards are at stake in this year’s RAWR Awards. Dubbed as a spectacle of entertainment celebrities; apart from a 250-strong support from the new media practitioners (bloggers) across the country, PR groups are all in support as well as the respective fans of the listed nominees.

The awards are grouped under three major categories—Lion, Cub and Pride.

See list of categories and the corresponding nominees:

CUB

· Bibo Award

The award clearly indicates being active or maybe the brightest child star the public has come to endear with. The recipient of the award has this innocence that can be described as ‘breath of fresh air’; he or she has shown dedication at work despite his or her young age.


Nominees are Xia Vigor (The Kids Choice), Baeby Baste (Eat Bulaga), Chunsa Jung (Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids Edition), Elia Ilano (Sana Dalawa Ang Puso), Leanne Bautista (The Cure), Yuan Francisco (Victor Magtanggol), Justin James Quilantang (Playhouse) and Sofia Pablo (Onanay).

· Favorite Bida

Bida means the lead—it can refer to either the star on a television show or in a film. The Favorite Bida of is someone who gave a remarkable performance. Though being a protagonist back then are the victims and who allow the antagonist to just abuse him or her; today, the Bida knows how to fight and still earn the sympathy of the audience.

Nominees are Coco Martin (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano), Kathryn Bernardo (La Luna Sangre), Enrique Gil (Bagani), Alden Richards (Victor Magtanggol), Barbie Forteza (Inday Will Always Love You), Erich Gonzales (The Blood Sisters), Marian Rivera (Super Ma’am), and Bianca Umali (Kambal Karibal).

· Favorite Kontrabida

Any Bida will not be as effective and convincing if his or her kontrabida fails to deliver. The said award is given to the antagonist who made the audience hate them because of the guts and he or she can steal the spotlight from the lead if given the chance. With many bankable artists turn into the villains they are now, one can only be hailed as the Ultimate Kontrabida.

Nominees are Kyline Alcantara (Kambal Karibal), Gladys Reyes (Inday Will Always Love You), Jhong Hilario (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano), Ryan Eigenmann (Bagani), Richard Gutierrez (La Luna Sangre), Katrina Halili (The Stepdaughters), John Estrada (Victor Magtanggol), and Gabby Eigenmann (Contessa).

· Beshie ng Taon

In any story, he or she is the sidekick, the supporter who cheers for the Bida. Oftentimes, he or she is overlooked and taken for granted, but because of his or her contribution to tell and complete a story—he or she gives the lead a special support system and because of that—he or she deserves that recognition, too.

Nominees are Zaijan Jaranilla (Bagani), Pauline Mendoza (Kambal Karibal), Joross Gamboa (La Luna Sangre), Super Tekla (Inday Will Always Love You), Darren Espanto (The How’s of Us), Dion Ignacio (Victor Magtanggol), Karla, MC, Lassy, Wacky Kiray (Gandarrapido), and Mark Neumann (I Love You Hater).

· The Great Comeback

Stars are born, but not all are able to have that longevity in the industry. Seldom for those who shunned away from the limelight are given another chance to shine; there are a few or one who is able to reclaim his or her status as a celebrity. The said star may have been missed truly by his or her fans or the public as a whole and still able to score a smashing comeback.

Nominees are JM de Guzman, Kristine Hermosa, Manolo Pedrosa, Aga Muhlach, Kylie Padilla, Jolo Revilla, Maricel Soriano and Mark Anthony Fernandez.

· Movie ng Taon

From September 2017 to September this year, movies have created abuzz not just because of its topnotch performance, its storytelling but it has somehow caught the attention both the moviegoers and the critics. Every year, the local and international film industry offer materials that created such a stir and even break box-office records as well.

Nominees are The Hows of Us, Miss Granny, Sid & Aya, Liway, Signal Rock, Buy Bust, Never Not Love You, and Loving in Tandem.

· Bet na Bet na Teleserye

Each year, the quality of our TV shows or series have become more competitive, innovative and impressive. Plots get deeper or crazier and the artists become better. Truly, these shows are testaments of how great Filipino artistry is.

Nominees are FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Inday Will Always Love You, The Blood Sisters, The Good Son, La Luna Sangre, Bagani, Ika-6 Na Utos, and Kambal Karibal

· Hugot Song of the Year

Songs reflect the heart and the soul of an artist and it affect the listeners. This is a song that made the public define a particular emotion—it can be joy, sorrow or pain. That song is something that most people have that LSS or last song syndrome or can be an anthem for the whole year round.

Nominees are Tagpuan by Moira dela Torre (Kasal), Nadarang by Shanti Dope, Di na Muli by Janine Tenoso (Sid & Aya), Isa Pang Araw by Sarah Geronimo (Miss Granny), Sana by Marion Aunor (Never Not Love You), Mundo by IV of Spades, Lumang Tugtugin by Inigo Pascual, and Right There by James Reid

· Pak na Pak na Comedian

Most people say that doing drama or action or engaging in a sexy act is difficult to attain, however, making people laugh is even a hard task. Laughter is one of the best medicines there is and someone has to have that timing and the knack of throwing the right jokes and still enjoy the humor.

Nominees are Vice Ganda, Angelica Panganiban, Michael V., Super Tekla, Vhong Navarro, Paolo Ballesteros, Maine Mendoza and Karla Estrada.

· Favorite Newbie

Spotlighting the freshest face[s] or maybe those who just ventured into the entertainment circuit is one of the most exciting parts in this award-body. He or she has impressed the public or the eyes of scrutinizing critics. Though new, the star has made a good mark and was given that stamp of approval and predicted to have a promising future in the industry.

Nominees are Jacque 'Ate Girl' Gonzaga, Janine Berdin, Juliana Parizcova Segovia, Charlie Dizon, Donny Pangilinan, Shanti Dope, Angelina Cruz, and Pauline Mendoza.

LION

· Love Team of the Year

This is presented to the tandem that is most-loved by our dear LionhearTV Cubs. It is a pair that has captivated the hearts of many. Not only do they make their fans believe in love, but they also set a good example for their followers and to the younger generation as well. They are two individuals that people can look up to on-and-off cam.

Nominees are JoshLia, KathNiel, LizQuen, JaDine, MayWard, DerBie, DonKiss, and JuanBie tandems.

· Actor of the Year

The recognition is given to an outstanding male star. He stood out from the rest of nominees for the said category. He has shown versatility and impressive performance for his craft; set a standard. He effectively portrayed the role or the character assigned to him and has affected a great audience, as well.

Nominees are Coco Martin (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano), Joshua Garcia (The Good Son), Dingdong Dantes (Sid & Aya), Alden Richards (Ala-Ala), Daniel Padilla (The How’s Of Us), Christian Bables (Signal Rock), JM de Guzman (PHR Presents Araw-Gabi), and Paulo Avelino (Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral).

· Actress of the Year

This is to salute the exceptional performance of an actress. She broke all the norms. She is a woman of both substance and talent, her character has empowered the female populace. The award spotlights how the female artist has debunked the double standards of Filipino on women and has proven that women can take big roles, too.

Nominees are Sunshine Dizon (Ika-6 Na Utos), Glaiza de Castro (Liway), Aiai Delas Alas (School Service), Bela Padilla (St. Gallen), Sarah Geronimo (Miss Granny), Anne Curtis (Buybust), Erich Gonzales (The Blood Sisters), and Kathryn Bernardo (The Hows of Us).

· Favorite Performer

The award is for the artist who nailed both singing and dancing as well. He or she is a true ‘performer’ all-through-and-through and has owned the stage; outdone the strong competition he or she had to face. The award signifies versatility.


Nominees are Sarah Geronimo (This 15 Me), Jona (PRIMA Jona), Morissette Amon (Morissette is Made), Anne Curtis (Anne Kulit), Maja Salvador (Maja on Stage), Alden Richards (Adrenaline Rush), Martin Nievera-Ogie Alcasid-Regine Velasquez-Erik Santos (#PAMORE), and KZ Tandingan (SUPREME).

· Favorite TV host

The Favorite TV Host is the face of the any show that any audience get to enjoy watching whether on a weekday or on a weekend basis. Some might say that this is the easiest job in the industry, but one cannot make the viewers crave for more without the gab for words and the confidence to carry a show. With his or her charm and commendable skills, this host is truly a topnotch.

Nominees are Boy Abunda (Tonight With Boy Abunda), Vice Ganda (Gandang Gabi Vice), Karla Estrada-Melai Cantiveros-Jolina Magdangal (Magandang Buhay), Willie Revillame (Wowowin), JoWaPao (Eat Bulaga – Sugod Bahay), Eugene Domingo (Celebrity Bluff), Robi Domingo-Kim Chiu (Star Hunt), and Luis Manzano (I Can See Your Voice).

· Favorite Radio DJ

He is the person and the favorite voice on the radio waves. Despite the fact that they can only be heard, but some radio stations have already managed to combine audio-visual altogether like broadcasting on TV or on the Net—his or her intended audience can now see how he or she does his or her job. But that voice does not remain a voice but it has a great responsibility to create an impact as well.

Nominees are Papa Jackson (Energy FM 106.7), DJ Jhai Ho (MOR 101.9), Papa Dudut (Barangay LS 97.1), Nicole Hyala-Chris Tsuper (Love Radio 90.7), DJ Chacha (MOR 101.9), Slick Rick-Toni Tony-Sam YG (Magic 89.9), Papa Obet (Barangay LS 97.1), and Kuya Chico (Energy FM 106.7).

· News Personality of the Year (Female and Male)

The chosen news personality female and male has done a great job in the field of journalism. He or she has weathered through all the issues thrown at him or her. Apart from that, he or she has showcased the passion and that brand of dedication and determination to deliver newsworthy and noteworthy stories to the public.

Nominees for Female are Jessica Soho, Bernadette Sembrano, Vicky Morales, Kara David, Mel Tiangco, Korina Sanchez, Karen Davila, and Gretchen Fullido.

Nominees for Male are Noli de Castro, Atom Araullo, Ted Failon, Jeff Canoy, Migs Bustos, Julius Babao, Mike Enriquez, and Ivan Mayrina.

· Digital Influencer of the Year

He or she mirrors the image of being the most sought-after online influencer as of today. With the rise of digital content creators, the competition immediately became tighter; but there’s only one who emerged and gained the trust of the Netizens. He or she plays a big role in advancing and being a responsible online user via social media platforms.

Nominees are Lloyd Cadena, Alex Gonzaga, Ethel Booba, Kimpoy Feliciano, Alodia Gosiengfiao, JaMill, Wil Dasovich, and Ranz Kyle-Niana.

· Breakthrough Artist of the Year

Not necessarily a newcomer, but he or she is an artist, a personality that rocked the entertainment scene with such a sterling performance and perhaps an achievement that impressed many. It is a matter of leaving a great impact for the Filipino audience to see what he or she can still offer, positively.

Tony Labrusca, Kyline Alcantara, Joao Constancia, Devon Seron, Pia Wurtzbach, Nash Aguas, Gwen Zamora, and Therese Malvar.

· Favorite Group

Aside from individual awards, this category recognizes the best group in the entertainment circuit has. There may be people who shine individually, but surely there is joy to watch a group that does such feat equally.

Nominees are Hashtags, 4th Impact, TOP, MNL 48, JBK One Up, BoybandPH, and Ex Battalion.

· The Advocate

The award recognizes the celebrity whose advocacy has made a difference in the community. That the efforts he or she has put in are not just mere publicity, but all for the good of humanity and leave and impart the people with that sense of humility and unity to support a particular cause.

Nominees are Angel Locsin (Red Cross), MayWard (ELM Tree Foundation), Anne Curtis (UNICEF), Catriona Gray (Young Focus), Alden Richards (Habitat) Kathryn Bernardo (Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation Philippines), Pia Wurtzbach (UN AIDS), and Dingdong Dantes (YES Pinoy).

PRIDE

· Fan Club of the Year

Fans are the most precious people, celebrities could have. They are the real reason why a star is born and continue to make it big because of their support. They devote time and effort for their idols, but only the responsible ones last.

Nominees are Popsters, Darrenatics, KathNiel, MayWard, JaDine, LizQuen, Kapuso Brigade, and DonKiss.

· TV Station of the Year

The way to success is steep, even the roads going there is rough and bumpy at times. Competitions between stations will forever be fierce; each one trying to outwit, outdone any efforts or initiatives for the ratings’ sake. But at the end of the day, only the one who succeeded in impressing the public with an outstanding branding, quality of output, good public relations and even better service do matter the most.

Nominees are ABS-CBN, PTV4, TV5, GMA Network, CNN Philippines, UNTV, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, and GMA News TV.

· Radio Station of the Year

Even if the digital platform may have somehow overtaken the radio, still the industry refuses to bend but continue to innovate and strive to put up a good fight and be updated or still stay significant over the years. Nothing beats the spontaneity of listening to the radio. Whether inside the office or at the comfort of your own room or even driving or even walking, radio is still and will always stay as a good companion.

Nominees are MOR 101.9, Love Radio 90.7, YES FM, DWRX Monster Radio 93.1 5, DZMM 630, Barangay LS 97.1, DZBB, and News FM 92.3.

The award seeks to recognize local talents in the entertainment industry, build stronger ties with relevant and like-minded partners, and utilize this as a venue to express LionHearTV.net’s gratitude to everyone who supported the site since its first time to go online.
#RAWRawards2018 would not be made possible without the support of its partners—PLDT Smart and Le Rêve as well as special thanks to the following Lalamove Philippines, Home Credit Philippines, Brother Philippines, CAT PR, Voyager Innovations, CID Communication, Jollibee, Mode Devi, Starbucks Philippines, Akrotiri, Copperazo, Fuentes Manila, and DOJO PR.

To vote for the nominees in their respective categories, log on to lionheartv.net/rawrawards2018. Voting is ongoing and will end on November 4, 11:59PM.