The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the joy of gift-giving! We all know that finding the perfect presents for everyone on your list can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, especially with busy schedules and long to-do lists. That’s where SM Beauty’ So MUCH Gifting pop-up steps in to transform your holiday shopping into a delightful adventure! Launched on November 14, 2024 at SM Beauty Makati, the So Much Gifting pop-up offers an incredible selection of carefully curated gift sets and beauty essentials, making it easy to find the ideal gift for every special person in your life—whether it’s mom, dad, siblings, friends, or your beloved grandparents.The special pop-up also offers free engraving services for a minimum purchase of P500 for SMAC members during select dates to make gift giving more special. Exclusive to SM Makati, customers can also enjoy a free handheld SM Beauty mirror for a minimum purchase of P1,500, also exclusive to SMAC members.

Like a fable come to life, AlBarakah, the new go-to name in authentic halal food in the country, was recently launched in the Philippines with an exotic Arabian Nights-themed celebration at Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Center. Dubbed “An Arabian Nights Feast,” the glitzy event had guests decked out in their finest traditional Muslim attire as they sampled AlBarakah’s stellar offerings.

In celebration of World Toilet Day, Albatross, the leading name in air care in the Philippines, is taking action to support better sanitation for Filipinos. Recognizing that proper sanitation is a human right, Albatross is committed to fostering clean, safe toilet facilities nationwide.

Since its initiation in 2013 by the United Nations, World Toilet Day has inspired leaders worldwide to advance the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ensuring adequate and equitable sanitation for all. Yet, the numbers tell a stark story. Today, 3.6 billion people globally still lack proper sanitation, 20 million people don’t have access to basic sanitary facilities, and 8 million Filipinos practice open defecation,  with this practice of unsafe sanitation that can harm health and pollute the environment. Proper sanitation facilities are essential to protect both dignity and public health.

(from left) Rommel Taan, Supply Chain Head, Janna dela Cruz, Brand Manager, Maya Leander, Marketing Head, Neogin Evangelista, President & General Manager and Mr Tiburcio Aplacador, School Head, Parang High School

Every June, we celebrate the importance of blood donation and take into account the simple and selfless act of the community’s involvement in saving lives. Last Blood Donor’s Month, M Lhuillier, a well-known financial service company here in the Philippines showed their support to the Philippine Red Cross by participating in their Mobile Blood Donation event that was held at Ayala Mall Harbor Point Activity Center in the Subic Bay Freeport. 

The M Lhuillier team along with participants from Bataan and Zambales, gathered at the venue as early as 10am. The mobile donation drive drew in a diverse crowd, including organizations, institutions, and walk-ins, all eager to make a difference.

The donation process was thoroughly done, making sure that every donor was carefully screened and registered for a safe experience. At the end of this day, the Philippine Red Cross was able to collect 18 units of blood that is equivalent to 8,100 milliliters. It truly showed the community’s steadfast dedication in helping those in need. 

To give recognition to the exceptional contributions, the National Blood Services of the Philippine Red Cross held an award ceremony in the afternoon and M Lhuillier received the prestigious “Scroll of Honor” for their unwavering support of Red Cross’ humanitarian initiatives.

Award presented by Anne Gordon, Director of the Philippine Red Cross and Bryan Patrick Gordon, President of the Olongapo Chapter.

With the theme “Dugo’y Ipamahagi, Maraming Buhay Ang Sukli” (Share Blood, Save Many Lives), the M Lhuillier team emphasizes the importance of blood donation and their participation reaffirms their dedication of giving back to the community.

This collaboration between M Lhuillier and the Philippine Red Cross has shown a meaningful impact. By supporting initiatives like this, they not only strengthen its commitment to social responsibility but also inspire others to join the mission of saving lives through blood donation. 

Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) invites parents, kids and the general public to the exciting  “MI Kids Can! #4GreenPH: Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market.”  The event will be held on December 1 from 10AM to 6 PM at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center.  Admission is free.  It is being held in partnership with Ayala Malls and UP Town Center.

MIIS encourages its students to be youth entrepreneurs at an early age, honing their skills and talents for sustainable causes. The school was awarded the Go Negosyo Youth Entrepreneurship Award, a testament to their commitment to implementing entrepreneurship in the education of the next generation. Over the past 28 years, the MI Kids Can! Bazaars have encouraged the youth to support reforestation and greening initiatives, indigent children and communities, and promote sustainability.

From its original site in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, MIIS is set to move soon into its “School of the Future” campus in Parklinks with state-of-the-art facilities.

To know more about MIIS and the MI Kids Can! Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market, follow MIIS’ official Facebook Page and Instagram account or contact marketing@mischool.edu.ph . 

In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Kristine, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, formally distributed ₱37 million in financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine. In the wake of 148 confirmed casualties nationwide, at least ₱250,000 was committed to each bereaved family, as a symbol of compassion and support for their journey to recovery. The initiative started with 39 bereaved families during a turnover ceremony on November 10, at Talisay New Municipal Grounds in Batangas and will continue in several parts of the country. This pledge will continue to support affected families in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The first-ever MANIFESTival event, which took place on October 19, 2024 at The Blue Leaf, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, brought together heart-centered leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for a day filled with inspiration, purposeful connection, and practical strategies to align attendees with their greatest potential.

Led by renowned life coach, Kimilu, MANIFESTival offered a carefully curated mix of immersive workshops, interactive activities, inspiring talks, and surprise activities designed to set participants on their path to personal growth, clarify their life purpose, awaken their sense of mission, and help them build deep connections with a community of like-minded people. The event catered to individuals looking for concrete strategies to bring positive change into their lives.

The key highlights of the event included the exclusive launch of Manifest Stories Volume 2, which features real-life accounts of individuals who have successfully tapped into the power of manifestation, and the SacredSpace® Holders Batch 8 Graduation.

In its constant pursuit to foster community, 7-Eleven has mastered collaborating with popular brands that can stir excitement among its customers. This month, 7-Eleven goers can jump on another awesome adventure as a legendary partnership is making noise in regions far and wide: that between the convenience store giant and one of the most beloved media franchises in the world, Pokémon.

evian®, the bottled natural spring water straight from the French Alps, recently unveiled its exciting sports limited-edition designs. The evian® Sports Limited Edition bottles feature three sports – golf, sailing, and tennis.

The skincare community had a reason to celebrate last night as Aveeno unveiled its latest innovation, the Calm + Restore Facial Care line. The launch event, held at Khozy Lounge and followed by a vibrant social gathering at Papillon, was a testament to Aveeno’s ongoing commitment to sensitive skin care. Adding a special touch was the debut of Sofia Andres as the brand’s new ambassador, marking a significant milestone for both the product line and the brand.

It’s time that your sensitive skin receives only the best from oat science. Aveeno, celebrated for its trusted body care products, now brings its oat-powered expertise to facial care. Introducing the Aveeno Calm + Restore collection- This new facial care line seeks to nourish and address sensitive skin issues with Aveeno’s commitment to scientific research with powerful ingredients found in nature. 

Puregold’s Thanksgiving Concert proved to be the music event of the year, setting a tough act to follow. In a grand celebration of Original Pinoy Music (OPM), the remarkable Panalo stories behind wonderful talents, and Puregold’s many years of making victories happen, the retail giant recently hosted the spectacular Nasa Atin Ang Panalo concert at the Araneta Coliseum. Held on July 12, 2024, this musical extravaganza, which fans eagerly waited for in the past few months, showcased some of the finest and most loved artists of today’s OPM scene, working together to create beautiful music. 

Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day. It sets the mood for how you start your mornings and essentially becomes your fuel to kickstart your tasks, may it be in school, at the office, at home, or anywhere you’re meant to be for the day. Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), considers this as a vital part of one’s twenty-four hour period, especially here in the Philippines, as it launches its first easy-to-make breakfast that takes less than a minute to prepare! This is the perfect companion for those on-the-go, and also for those who want a hassle free quick breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutritional value and that savory flavor. 

Food becomes even more enjoyable and meaningful when it’s prepared with compassion and support for others. This is the aim of Kenny Rogers Roasters as it held its third Farmvocacy Program. Rooted on its message, “Eat Healthy, Help Greatly,” the program fosters a farm-to-table approach where every purchase of Kenny Rogers Roasters’ selected menu item provides support to local farmers.

In solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month, BingoPlus Foundation—the social development arm of digital entertainment company Digiplus Interactive—has partnered with Love Yourself PH—a volunteer-run organization that provides free HIV and STI testing, counselling, treatment, and support—to further raise awareness about HIV and empower more people to check their health status. 

Best Buddies Philippines (BBP) and Banana Peel showcased a special celebration of fashion, friendship and inclusion when it mounted the highly-successful “Slide Together Embrace Inclusion” at Robinsons Magnolia on May 18.

In the Philippines, rainy season is flu season. As PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration) officially declared the start of the wet season in the country, the Department of Health (DOH), on the other hand, is monitoring cases of influenza-like illnesses, as it may increase during this period. 

Sunnier days are upon us, which means summer season is here, and for Filipinos it is one of the best times to tick off their travel bucket list or simply spend quality time with their loved ones. The Philippines is gifted with thousand of islands--a variety of spots to cool down during the dry season. Thanks to its geographical features, our country can enjoy stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters, caves and other rock formations, unspoiled mountain ranges, and many more sites that both locals and foreigners can enjoy.

Watsons Philippines proudly celebrated the amazing success of its first-ever Mom & Baby Fair, held from May 6 to 12, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium. This week-long event was a joyful mix of informative talks, exciting activities, big discounts and exclusive deals, bringing immense joy and value to families and solidifying Watsons as the go-to place for all mom and baby needs.

Dive into a world of flavor at the newest Chicha San Chen branch at the ground floor of VMall, Greenhills! Every sip of Chicha San Chen’s signature teas tells a story. Each cup is crafted with care and steeped in tradition.

Immerse yourself in the world of premium tea with six exquisite tea bases: The refreshing Green Tea, the robust Black Tea, the aromatic Dong Ding Oolong Tea, the floral Osmanthus Oolong Tea, the spicy-sweet Cassia Black Tea, and the delicately smooth High Mountain Pouchong Tea.