Monthly Archives

November 2023

Entertainment

Eldar the Wizard’s “An Enchanted Christmas Story” offers magic and yuletide cheer for the holidays

The first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, Enchanted Kingdom (EK), is bringing a touch of magic to the holidays with An Enchanted Christmas Story. The festivities kick off on Sunday, November 26, with the lighting of the Christmas tree and the debut of EK’s Giant Parol.

Renowned Pampanga lantern maker Eric Bondoc Quiwa was commissioned by EK to create the 22-foot parol that will be placed at the Agila Grounds. This and the 100 parols dotted throughout the park will serve as the focal point of the holiday celebrations at the theme park. In order to create the largest parol in the nation to date, Quiwa will share this vibrant and colorful tradition.

Furthermore, the Spaceport will host a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony including EK and Firefly Lighting CeleBrights moments for everyone to enjoy.

According to EK President and Chairman Mario Mamon, EK is committed to showcase the Filipino Christmas tradition of parols and local decorations to bring nostalgia during the holiday season. “It is no doubt that Christmas is the most festive and magical time of the year in the Philippines. As a proud Filipino company, EK is the ideal place where Filipino families can create more magical experiences and reminisce about their most enchanted Christmas stories,” Mr. Mamon further explained.

With their Christmas productions, which include the plays Christmas At The Kingdom (EK Story) and Brooklyn Diaries: Oh Paskong Maligaya (OPM), EK also plans to highlight their in-house talent. In celebration of the most delightful time of the year, Eldar the Wizard, the Royal Family, and other fictional characters will dance and prance through Enchanted Kingdom as part of Eldar’s Christmas Parade. At EK’s bandstand, guests will be serenaded with Christmas songs by P-pop group SMS and EK’s very own vocal groups, Victoria’s Way and The Kingsmen.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ and EK’s official social media profiles @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and Tiktok and @ek_philippines on Twitter and Instagram for more details on this celebration and other upcoming events.

Entertainment

Denise Julia releases Sweet Nothings Chapter 1—her debut album

The R&B newcomer celebrates love “in all its beautiful complexities”

Denise Julia, a multi-talented recording artist, is influencing the direction of Filipino R&B with her first mini-album, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1), which will be available this Friday, November 17, 2023, through Sony Music Entertainment.

The hitmaker’s seven-track album, which is tucked between easy elegance and coolness, explores the highs and lows of romantic commitment in the age of endless screen time and short attention spans. Denise Julia expresses her mind with knowledge beyond her years, imparting the information as though it were part of her own joy, sadness, and experience. Her delicate voice flutters gently above sonic flourishes.

“This album isn’t just a bunch of songs; it’s like a journey through all the different parts of love—from the exciting beginnings to the tough endings, and finally, to those sweet, lingering moments,” the NVMD artist reveals in a statement. “Sweet Nothings is like looking back at my own experiences and the stories from others that touched me. It’s like a musical trip exploring the different sides of love.”

Denise Julia masterfully combines R&B sensibilities with a contemporary blend of jazzy soundscapes, hip-hop beats, and sultry instrumentation to explore the various aspects of love, including its rough edges, meaty center, and reassuringly sweet spots. These aspects make love an experience worth exploring. “Every song talks about a different part of this feeling we all know,” says the up-and-coming music icon.

Denise Julia’s new album features production from her constant and trusted collaborators, including Joel Tracks, a prolific producer based in Nigeria; J.Greg and Duaneinsane, who played pivotal roles in bringing her vision to life; and Neo Cruz, who is responsible for making “Butterflies” a sultry number with signature smooth melodies.

Norwegian-Filipina artist and multi-instrumentalist HILLARI and acclaimed alt-R&B experimentalist Jason Dhakal also join Denise Julia on “Roster” and “Bum 2 Me,” respectively, adding an interesting dimension to the album’s delicately sparse but genuinely sophisticated sound.

There’s also the inescapable crossover hit “B.A.D.,” featuring acclaimed rapper P-Lo, whose style and flow complement Julia’s incredible vocal chops. To date, the catchy R&B jam has racked up more than 2 million streams on Spotify since its release, peaking at No. 66 and still going strong.

“Working alongside these musical geniuses was a transformative experience, offering me invaluable insights and learnings,” the R&B sensation shares. ‘Their expertise and creativity elevated the project to new heights, and I am truly grateful for the collaborative synergy that shaped the outcome.”

The album’s focus track, “Lackin’,” serves as another highlight: an airy lullaby that was inspired by one of her dreams. Denise Julia told her producers about how the dream felt like a “ghost in her mind” and that she had to immediately write the track over that ringing, familiar melody.

She adds, “I remember the pressure and excitement during the studio session, especially in the intro. This track stands out as one of my best-written pieces, capturing the raw emotion of a relationship where one person was lacking, yet I expressed the belief that the tables would turn and they’d crave my presence in return.”

Check out the Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1) track list:

  1. B.A.D. (Feat. P-Lo)
  2. Lackin’
  3. Sugar n’ Spice
  4. bum 2 me (Feat. Jason Dhakal)
  5. Roster (Feat. Hillari)
  6. butterflies
  7. butterflies (2 a.m. Version)

Album cover art:

Denise Julia’s debut mini album, Sweet Nothings (Chapter 1) is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

Special thanks to Denise Julia’s manager, John Vincent Salcedo and Carissa King, the creative director for all visuals assigned to the project.

Learn more about our creators and labels here.

Entertainment

On the sorrowful anthem “Please Lang,” SOS reconciles love and grief

The new track serves as the third offering from their upcoming EP, ‘It Was A Moment,’ due early next year

SOS, a Filipino indie rock quintet, explores the effects of broken relationships and romantic breakups in their new song, “Please Lang,” released via Careless Music.

“Please Lang” is an emotive anthem that explores the weight of unsolved disputes and the silent, frequently unrecognized suffering they cause. It is the third song off their planned five-track EP, It Was A Moment, which is scheduled for release in early 2024.

Singer Roberto Seña claims that the guitar-driven track demonstrates the band’s introspective songwriting, which is present in most of their songs.

“It’s a sad song that focuses on what happened rather than what could have been. It’s also just good fun, really—being able to laugh or have a sense of humor while experiencing inevitable heartbreak. Eventually, the song takes a darker turn as the song settles; things come to an end, and we just have to accept it.”

Over the course of two days, Seña wrote most of the lyrics during one of their jam sessions at Bavarian Records Studio in La Union, while guitarist Andrew Panopio helped with the second half of the song. The song was produced and arranged by the members of the band, resulting in a punchy but subdued release with ‘80s pop and ’90s alt rock influences worn proudly on its sleeves.

Drummer King Puentespina shares, “I think we were slated to finish arranging another song that day, and during our lunch break, I opened a new project file wanting to jam something out. I remember laying in the chords, progression, and drums and it started morphing. I asked Andrew to go for the groove; Ram was on the keys, and everyone in the room could feel it. It just slowly brought itself together. Seña and Anjo came into the studio after one of their lunch breaks or meetings or something, and they all got excited. I remember stepping out for a meeting and dinner. I came back, and they had all the words down. It was insanely fun.”

The second single, “Please Lang,” features newcomer Ram Alonzo on keyboards. He also plays a major role in the studio, helping with mixing and mastering the song. He remembers being enthralled with the delicate melody and how the story of love and sorrow struck a profound chord with him personally.

Ram acknowledges, “I felt like it was really personal working on this song.” It was kind of hard to listen to while we were composing it because I was going through something similar to what the song is about. Masakit siya (it’s painful).” 

PRE-LISTEN TO “PLEASE LANG” (PLEASE DON’T SHARE)P

CONNECT WITH SOS ONLINE 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify 

SOS  is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @sosbandforever.

Food, Lifestyle

Building stronger communities: Coca-Cola’s initiatives to support Filipinos in places where water is limited

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People are feeling the effects of global warming in the Philippines and other parts of the world due to variations in water, such as floods, droughts, and rising ocean temperatures. These alterations have a negative impact on rural communities and pose difficulties for the production of food.

The Coca-Cola Company, which is present in more than 200 nations and territories, is aware of its obligation to save regional water supplies and assist those who reside in areas where there is a shortage of water. Coca-Cola prioritizes the areas around its manufacturing facilities, the cities where its goods are marketed, and the rural farms where it procures and cultivates its components.

The corporation also funds programs to purify and recycle water when it may be used to make beverages using less water. Restoring the amount of water needed to manufacture its products to communities and nature is the aim. The company also prioritizes sophisticated water management procedures and the preservation of biodiversity and the natural world.

Through improved irrigation efficiency and decreased water contamination, water stewardship initiatives run by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines (CCFPI) are helping farmers in the Philippines secure water for their crops.

Watershed projects supported by the CCFPI promote nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland and meadow restoration, invasive species removal, and check dam construction. These projects highlight the importance of sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices, as they aim to boost farmers’ productivity and empower communities to build resilience against climate change. 
 

Moreover, local water programs and partnerships supported by the CCFPI have empowered hundreds of communities to access clean water by facilitating the development and installation of ramp pump technology in remote areas, addressing the persistent challenge of limited electricity and water access in households. Watch a video highlighting these efforts here: 
 

Coca-Cola Water Stewardship

All these efforts align with The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Water Security Strategy, which focuses on:  

  • Operations: Striving to achieve 100% circular water use across 175 facilities identified as leadership locations.  
  • Watershed: Partnering with like-minded organizations to enhance the health of 60 critical watersheds.  
  • Communities: Aiming to return a cumulative total of 2 trillion liters of water to nature and communities globally between 2021 and 2030.  

Follow Coca-Cola Philippines on social media at @CocaColaPhilippines on Facebook and @cocacolaph on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram, or go to www.coca-cola.com.ph for additional information on the company’s sustainability activities.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Explore Home Credit’s Selection of the Best Smart TVs for the Holidays

Elevate your entertainment now to enjoy a 0% interest offer this festive time of the year!

Many people are getting ready to upgrade their home entertainment systems in order to make their holidays even more memorable as Christmas approaches. And let’s be honest—the majority of Filipinos adore excellent entertainment! A new television that they can use to watch their favorite telenovela, stream online content, or even connect to their karaoke set is usually on their holiday wish list.

Recognizing this, Home Credit, the #1 consumer loan firm in the nation, is committed to making home entertainment upgrades a reality by providing a range of best-selling TV brands. Additionally, Home Credit strengthens the offer by offering 0% interest offer on a range of installment plans for up to 18 months, assisting clients in meeting their holiday spending targets with reasonably priced TV loans.

Here are some top-selling TV models to consider for your ideal Christmas home entertainment improvements.

Elevate entertainment with Samsung’s Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV 55”

Immerse in a captivating cinematic experience with Samsung’s Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV 55″. This remarkable 55-inch television boasts a dazzling 4K HDR display that will breathe life into the best movies, sports events, and games. With its sleek Titan Gray design, versatile connectivity options, and immersive audio system, it’s the ultimate addition to one’s home entertainment setup.

The Samsung Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV 55″ comes equipped with a Tizen Smart TV operating system, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, HDMI and USB ports, and a user-friendly remote control. Its crystal-clear resolution of 3840 x 2160p ensures breathtaking picture quality.

Immerse in crystal-clear viewing with LG’s 4K Ultra Smart TV 43”

LG’s 4K Ultra Smart TV 43″ is the gateway to an unparalleled viewing experience. With its sleek and slim black design, this television adds an elegant touch to users’ living space. The 4K Ultra HD display format, boasting a pixel resolution of 3840 x 2160p, guarantees stunning picture quality, whether one’s enjoying their favorite series, movies, or even live concert streaming.

Connectivity is a breeze with options like Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, RF In, Bluetooth, and Optical Digital audio out. With its user-friendly webOS 23 operating system, navigation becomes effortless. Featuring a 43-inch diagonal screen, this TV brings entertainment to life with vibrant visuals. It’s perfect for transforming one’s home into an entertainment hub, delivering clarity and detail that will leave them amazed.

Experience cinema at home with TCL’s 43″ 4K HDR Dolby Vision Android Hands-Free TV

Enhance the home entertainment experience with TCL’s 43″ 4K HDR Dolby Vision Android Hands-Free TV. Featuring the latest version of Google TV, this television comes with essential upgrades in speed and security, providing a seamless and protected viewing experience. With access to over 7,000 apps and a vast library of 700,000+ shows and movies, everything one loves to watch is now in one place, offering a pure, distraction-free TV experience.

TCL’s TV is designed with precision in mind, featuring a millimeter-thin stylish trim that delivers a broader and wider sense of entertainment. It’s not just about style as the integrated build protects against moisture and dust, ensuring durability. The innovative rear pyramid design adds an extra layer of protection.

With Certified Google TV, Wi-Fi connectivity, DTS-HD Decoding, and multiple input and output options, this 43-inch 4K UHD TV from TCL provides a sophisticated yet user-friendly package for your entertainment needs. Whether for streaming favorite shows, gaming, or simply watching the news, TCL’s TV ensures enjoyment in style and top-notch performance.

Level up your viewing experience with Devant’s Full HD Smart TV

Perfect for an entertainment hub transformation Devant’s Full HD Smart TV offers users a sleek design and impressive features, that sets this television as the centerpiece of their home entertainment setup.

Devant’s Full HD Smart TV is not just any TV as it’s designed to offer an exceptional viewing experience. Running on the Vidaa U operating system, it provides seamless navigation and a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, LAN, and Bluetooth. With a 43-inch diagonal screen and a Full HD display format featuring a pixel resolution of 1920x1080p, it ensures breathtaking picture quality. The dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 adds depth to your visuals, making content come to life.

Whether for streaming, gaming, or simply enjoying one’s favorite programs, Devant’s Full HD Smart TV is here to enhance viewing experience.

With these best-selling, high-quality TVs, updating your home entertainment sets this holiday season is easier than ever. And with Home Credit’s 0% interest offer on a range of installment plans for up to 18 months, it’s possible to fulfill the holiday resolution of getting the greatest TV for their needs.

Go to www.homecredit.ph, the official website of Home Credit Philippines, to learn more about the most recent happenings. Its official FacebookInstagram, and TikTok    pages are also open for following. Additionally, customers are urged to check out what’s new at Shopping Mall Philippines and learn more about the most recent promotions by downloading the My Home Credit App from Google Play.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have granted Home Credit Philippines the necessary licenses and oversight.

Lifestyle, News

At the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards and the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal, Rex Education wins prizes

Rex Education was honored at the 45th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) and the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal.

Every year in October, the Quezon Gawad Parangal is a component of the local government’s celebration of the creation of the city. At the 2023 awards ceremony, people and organizations that demonstrated excellence in the domains of social service, business and entrepreneurship, law and justice, environment and sanitation, and science and technology were honored.

Rex Education was one of the fifteen people and organizations honored at the esteemed event this year. On October 25, the 21st Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal was held at the PETA Theater Center.

The award was given to REX for its noteworthy commitment to teaching the public via literature by a selection panel consisting of department heads from Quezon City, past recipients of the prize, and well-respected individuals from other industries. Additionally, the local government highlighted REX’s innovative contributions to the educational publishing sector, especially through Rex Book Store, Inc. (RBSI).

Learning materials covering early childhood education, basic education, high school, tertiary education, law, and post-collegiate materials are among RBSI’s contributions to education publication. RBSI is proud of its wide network, which consists of 24 branches spread throughout Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. This just serves to reinforce REX’s goal of preparing each child for lifelong learning. It is a pleasure and an honor to be the preferred study partner for Filipino students and to be acknowledged by the communities REX serves.

At the 45th CMMA, REX’s published works received recognition as well. Every year, the CMMA honors people and groups that create content for print, radio, and social media that upholds moral principles. Virtual winners were pre-announced by the CMMA on October 27.

With the magazine “Backpack,” REX and Catechetical Media Network (CMN-Asia, Inc.) won Best Children’s Magazine; in the Best Youth Magazine category, REX and CMN-Asia’s “Crossroads” took first place.

Allan Alejo Jr.’s “Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin (Marketing Our Local Products),” which was released by REX and CMN-Asia, won the Best Editorial Cartoon award. Felix C. Alcantara’s “Si Nelia, Si Marta, at Si Maria,” which was released by REX and CMN-Asia, won an award for Best Comic Story.

These citations increase REX’s motivation and commitment to creating high-quality educational resources that can encourage morality and spirituality in Filipino youth. REX consistently aims to support the whole growth of the learner—one who is engaged, safe, healthy, supported, challenged, and values-driven.

With these honors, REX is still motivated to keep becoming better and aiming for greatness—for the sake of the bata, mamamayan, and bayan.

Beauty

#NextChapter: Pasig Finally with the Opening of the Tenth Clinic

The group was led by Ms. Krystal Tecson-Garalde, CEO of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center, in a somber little ceremony to launch the company’s tenth clinic.

On November 7, the third floor Armal Plaza Building, C. Raymundo, Pasig, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by the management team of DS, clinic staff, and a few brand ambassadors.

The COO of DS, Ms. Vivien Tecson-Cadivida, formally welcomed each guest. We are delighted to have you join us today, and we appreciate you being a part of our journey. “We are starting our Next Chapter today,” Tecson-Cadivida exclaimed with joy.

She also mentioned that although change can be unsettling at times, it’s a necessary aspect of life that we should always welcome.

Owner, campaign/project manager, and brand CMO Mr. Kenneth Tecson graced the occasion and spoke to everyone with sincerity.

“Self-love is at the heart of this latest chapter, and we genuinely believe that each person is unique in their own way. At Dear Self, we aim to give you the confidence to appreciate the amazing person that you are and to embrace your beauty from the inside out,” Mr. Tecson remarked.

Conversely, the event featured the faces of Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center. Showtime Amina, Boomboom Neri, and Showtime Grace were all glad to have joined the expanding Dear Self Family.

“Sobrang happy ko na part ako ng Dear Self, dahil I had another family to rely on. Sobrang tinutulungan nila ako dito, especially to build my personality, para mas maayos akongm akaharap sa mga tao. The best dito sa Dear Self, they know what they are doing, at seryoso sila sa ginagawa nila, thank you so much and more power!,” BoomBoom Neri of It’s Showtime said when asked about her message to the brand. In addition, everyone who attended the little party was welcome to partake in the festive dinner and get a personal look at the Dear Self Pasig services. Everyone was treated to a facial and drip party, along with the clinic’s newest addition—a massage chair from Gintell Philippines.

“With Dear Self’s newfound home, we promise to be true to our goal—making each one feel that we all deserve to be loved so we don’t need to feel that we are noone,” Ms. Tecson-Garalde ended the event.

Welcome to the Next Chapter

Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center has proven once again that strong business goals, anchored with the management’s heart toward its people and clients despite all shortcomings and obstacles, can bring continuous success – a silver lining!

We will expect more clinics to open this last quarter of the year. The construction of the Dasmarinas Cavite branch is now in full swing while the Kapitolyo branch will be furnished soon.

“Looking forward to continuing our service, to deliver and to make the best- better, because we always need to elevate our standard, kahit tingin natin nasa best na tayo, we still need to find where to improve. Hangga’t andito ang Dear Self, we can always expect the best quality of service for everyone,” Mr. Christian Tecson, DS’ CFO said in his inspiring message.

Visit Dear Self Aesthetic and Wellness Center 10 branches today! Check out these pages to know more: Website: https://dearselfaesthetic.center/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dearselfaestheticandwellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearselfaesthetic/

Food

Mandaluyong is excited about the Comandante Cup Championship in the Philippines in 2023!

The eagerly awaited 2023 Philippines Comandante Cup will be held at Henry & Sons, which promises to be exciting for fans of coffee and brewing. This weekend’s event, which will take place at The Giving Cafe in Mandaluyong, seems to be a celebration of accuracy, taste, and friendship in the coffee industry.

Coffee enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event because of the skill and enthusiasm of Henry & Sons, who are well-known for their dedication to improving the coffee experience in collaboration with Comandante.

“The heart of the competition lies in its community-oriented approach. While the competition is fierce, the emphasis is on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Participants from all walks of life are encouraged to join, regardless of their skill level or experience, and share the joys of brewing and tasting exceptional coffee,” shared Michael Harris Conlin, 2019 Philippine National Barista Champion and President and CEO of Henry & Sons.

One unique aspect that sets the Comandante Championship apart is its commitment to promoting healthy competition and the joy of participating. Rather than glorifying winning, the championship celebrates the craft of coffee brewing. It’s a reminder that coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a shared passion that brings people together.

The competition consists of three rounds. In each round, competitors will be assessed by four sensory judges. They must prepare and serve a single beverage for the judges within eight minutes, without giving a presentation. Competitors can only use the coffee beans and water provided by the organizers.

During the competition, competitors can make multiple beverages, but only the one served to the judges will be judged. Competitors will compete in groups of five, and judges will select the best beverage by pointing a finger. The competitor with the best coffee, as chosen by the sensory judges, advances to the next round. Alternatively, simplified Brewers Cup score sheets may be used for the semi-finals or finals.

In the first round, competitors must use a specified pour-over brewing method chosen by the organizers, ensuring all competitors use the same brewing device. In the semi-final, competitors are required to use a full-immersion brewing method via Aeropress. In the final round, competitors have the choice of using either pour-over or immersion methods.

This year’s Comandante Cup is shaping up to be an extraordinary global spectacle, boasting a record-breaking roster of 60 competitors. It’s not just the largest competition of its kind—it’s a vibrant mosaic of passionate coffee lovers.

From the hobbyist home brewers who craft each cup with personal flair to the seasoned professionals whose techniques are as precise as they are inventive, the range of talent is as diverse as it is impressive. Each participant brings a unique story and a shared love for coffee, converging in this grand event to push the boundaries of brewing excellence.

The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans fills the air as the contestants get ready for the challenge. Here, ability blends with enthusiasm and good fortune, and each pour, press, and brew has the potential to produce the next Philippine Comandante Cup Champion.

The 2023 Philippine Comandante Cup is a celebration honoring the diverse fabric of coffee culture in the Philippines that unites us all, not just a competition. It’s the heart-pounding center of love for coffee and fellowship.

Go to www.henryandsons.ph and www.thevault.ph for additional details.

Lifestyle, News

Every year, Hotel Lucky Chinatown lights a Christmas tree to symbolize hope

During its yearly Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hotel Lucky Chinatown (HLC) brightened the hearts of its respected guests, customers, families, and friends during the busy holiday season. The message conveyed was one of hope, which goes beyond festive cheer.

The celebration, which took place on November 8, 2023, in the hotel’s Main Lobby, was enhanced by the attendance of students from the Philippine Institute for the Deaf (PID), which is HLC’s official partner. Honoring his city with love and support, Hon. Chairwoman Marissa Alejandro of Barangay 293 and Vice Mayor Yul Servo’s representative, Mr. Archie Dema-ala, were present to lend their distinguished presence to the occasion.

The glowing lights and the exquisitely decorated tree weren’t the only things that added to the evening’s grandeur and spectacle. The ceremonial lighting of the “Tree of Hope” represents the community’s radiating oneness and hope, which promotes harmony and coziness.

“Christmas is not a season for me, it’s a feeling,” says Jeremy Russell Go, Hotel General Manager. “In a world where hope is more vital than ever, our ceremony symbolizes a collective wish for brighter days and shared joy.”

As part of their sustainability partnership with the Philippine Institute for the Deaf this Christmas, HLC provided nearly 300 kg of used bar soap from the hotel operations for PID’s “Soap for Hope” campaign, an initiative that helps reduce hotel waste by turning used soap into something useful.

Back to the event’s highlight, this year’s tree adorned with dazzling lights, red and gold ornaments, and a star atop the tree, took center stage, exuding an ethereal glow that captivated the onlookers.

Each ornament stood not only as a magnificent design but as a metaphorical representation, with the red decors reflecting warmth, comfort, and the love shared among family and friends during the festive season, and the gold blings bringing light, wealth, and the presence of God.

Without a festive treat from its host, this magnificent occasion would fall short of its expectations. The Cafe dé Chinatown provided a great meal for the attendees. Using regional fruit, HLC’s culinary heroes worked their magic to create Sampaguita Shortcake, which features tastes exclusive to the Megaworld brand.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hotel Lucky Chinatown served as more than just an extravagant show of celebration; it was a symbolic act that brought people together in the spirit of the season by serving as a reminder that, even among the twinkling lights, there is a beacon of hope.

Please visit  www.hotelluckychinatown.com/ for additional details.

Lifestyle, News

SBA recognized as a 2023 Outstanding Stakeholder by BSP


In Photo (Left to Right): BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., Sterling Bank of Asia’s Executive Vice President Clayton T. Lee together with Senior Vice President Luisito S. Mayor and BSP Deputy Governor for Regional Operations and Advocacy Sector Bernadette Romulo–Puyat during the Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremonies held on 27 October 2023 at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Head Office, Manila.

An annual ceremony known as the Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony honors the significant contributions made by financial industry stakeholders. Financial institutions who have exhibited outstanding support for the BSP’s mandates—which include price stability, financial stability, and secure and effective payment and settlement systems—are the recipients of the awards. In order to guarantee that more individuals have access to financial services, the ceremony also recognizes BSP’s leading financial inclusion advocacy.

“We are humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Clayton Lee, Executive President and Treasurer of Sterling Bank of Asia. “This award affirms our unwavering commitment and relentless efforts to support the mandates of BSP, ” Lee added.

“We at Sterling Bank of Asia remain dedicated to providing top-notch service to our customers and upholding our support to BSP mandates,” said Cecilio Paul San Pedro, President and CEO of Sterling Bank of Asia.

For more information, visit https://www.sterlingbankasia.com/.