Luck in love feast

Indulge in the magic of togetherness as SM Malls host the Luck in Love Feast. This event will bring people together over special food and dining deals because what better way to celebrate Love Month and Chinese New Year than over a delicious meal?

Luck and love fair

SM malls will be transformed into a sea of red and lucky charms, creating a unique atmosphere that you won’t want to miss. From traditional trinkets to modern interpretations, discover the perfect token for your special someone in these bazaars.

Spot Love at the Lucky Dragon

Capture Instagrammable and TikTok-worthy moments with SM’s enchanting dragon installations adorned with hearts that make a perfect backdrop to share your love story with the world.

As February also marks the Chinese New Year, welcome prosperity and success at SM with these special activities:

• Lucky Forecast: Explore the mysteries of the future with our Lucky Forecast showcasing Chinese zodiac predictions. Uncover what the stars have in store for your love life as you step into the year of the Dragon.
• Lucky Dance: Be mesmerized by the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dancers parading through the mall, bringing good luck and positive energy to all. Join in the festivities and dance your way into a prosperous year ahead.
• Fireworks Display: Prepare to be dazzled by a fireworks display in select SM malls, lighting up the night sky and adding an extra touch of enchantment to your celebrations.
• Free Feng Shui Consultation: Curious about what the future holds? Participate in a free Feng Shui consultation in select malls. Register via the SM Malls Online app to unlock insights into the energy flow of your space and make positive changes for the year ahead.

But of course, what’s February without some Valentine’s Day festivities? SM Supermalls will be sprinkling the love dust all over with these activities:

• Love Thrills: Embark on a variety of bonding activities tailored for every couple. From movie dates and ice skating to Game Park and Sky Ranch adventures, find the perfect thrill to elevate your love story.
• Love Playlist: Enjoy couple serenades and performances that will fill the air with romance, turning your shopping experience into a musical love affair.
• Pets-in-Love: Even our furry friends deserve a chance at love! Super Pets Club members can participate in a Twinning Costume Contest, pet blessings, and more. Share the love with your pets and celebrate their unique charm.

February at SM Supermalls is not just a month but an experience – a journey through love, luck, and laughter. See what’s in store for you this month and unlock the fortune of love together and make this February one to remember. Gather your loved ones and don’t miss the Luck in Love festivities at your favorite SM mall!

Stay in the loop about all things SM. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

PRESS RELEASE

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Under this exciting partnership, qualified Smart Prepaid subscribers will receive a P2,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card, while qualified Smart Postpaid and Smart Infinity subscribers will receive a P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Rewards, UnionBank Miles+, or UnionBank Reserve Credit Card.

Eligible subscribers can make the most of this exclusive Welcome Gift as they shop at their favorite stores or their go-to online shopping apps and e-commerce platforms. Smart subscribers can learn more about the perfect UnionBank Credit Card that suits their lifestyle at https://smart.com.ph/Pages/ubwelcomegift.

How to redeem your exclusive Welcome Gift from Smart and UnionBank

Smart Prepaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P2,000 Welcome Gift by linking their UnionBank Rewards Credit Card to GigaPay on the Smart App, and then purchasing PowerAll 99 on the Smart App.

On the other hand, Smart Postpaid subscribers with a new UnionBank Rewards Credit Card may receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift by simply enrolling their Smart Postpaid account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website.

Aside from this exclusive Welcome Gift, UnionBank Rewards cardholders may also enjoy No Annual Fees Forever with an accumulated spend worth P20,000 within 60 days of card approval.

UnionBank Miles+ and UnionBank Reserve for Smart Infinity members

Meanwhile, Smart Infinity members on Plan 3500 may get their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website. UnionBank Miles+ Credit Card also gives users a chance to redeem a Welcome Gift of 30,000 never-expiring miles with an accumulated spend of P40,000 within 60 days of card approval.

In addition, Smart Infinity members on Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 may also receive their P5,000 Welcome Gift with their new UnionBank Reserve Credit Card by simply enrolling their Smart Infinity account to the Auto Bills Payment on UnionBank’s website. Application to UnionBank Reserve Credit Card is by invite only and Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members are automatically eligible to apply.

On top of this Welcome Gift, UnionBank Reserve cardholders may also redeem as much as P18,000 worth of eGift from Giftaway merchants with an accumulated spend of P40,000 within 60 days of card approval.

This exclusive promo will run until February 29, 2024.

Smart’s collaboration with UnionBank is part of its thrust to bring exclusive rewards and epic lifestyle treats to the fingertips of subscribers on top of empowering them with the best mobile network experience possible. Learn more about the latest treat from Smart and UnionBank at https://smart.com.ph/Pages/ubwelcomegift. – Rappler.com

PRESS RELEASE

The award-winning Jameson Distillery on Tour has set up shop at the 9th Avenue Bonifacio High Street Activity Center until December 23 only. The pop-up will be open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, with live OPM acts performing live on Fridays and Saturdays.

The best part? Admission to the whole tour and Christmas village is free! Just bring your friends, come to the pop-up, and register. Pro tip: Visit early to beat the lines and get your ticket, since slots are limited! Now, here’s everything you can experience at this year’s setup.

The award-winning interactive tour

The main event is the multi-sensory Jameson Distillery tour and whiskey tasting session that has captivated audiences from Dublin to New York to South Africa, and now again, Manila. 

You will join groups of 14 in a special room with an audio-visual setup and special sensory tables. While the guides talk about the history of Jameson and the process of making Irish whiskey their way, you can see, hear, feel, and even smell along with the story thanks to the sensory tables.

After the experience, you’ll be led to another room where you can enjoy an informative whiskey-tasting session. Once it’s over, Jameson won’t let you leave empty-handed – you’ll get a Jameson kit, which includes a customizable tote bag. Don’t forget to claim your free serving of a refreshing Jameson Ginger & Lime!

Giant Jameson games and barrels

Once you’ve racked up all your culture points at the tour, you can keep your gang’s fun going with Jameson’s giant game sets. Play giant Jenga and giant Four in a Row, or keep it classic and play some good old Jameson foosball.

Not in a competitive spirit? Jameson barrels are also scattered around the center of the village that you can doodle on with colorful markers.

Bottle, merch promos, and more

Jameson bottles will be sold onsite with special deals and engraving services. You can also shop the exclusive Dickies x Jameson clothing merch, which isn’t available anywhere else in the Philippines but the pop-up. If you’re in a full-on shopping mood, there will also be a vinyl shop in the village.

To close out the list, here’s a couple more experiences you can get! Visitors can get a free serving of Jameson x Kurimu Ice Cream if they post a photo online with #JamesonDistilleryManila and the @jamesonph tag. Then, if you want to enjoy your ice cream and drinks while singing along to OPM bops, mark these dates to watch these live acts:

• December 22 – Young Cocoa and Sky Dominique
• December 23 – Sunkissed Lola and Steph Moreno 

With all of these fun (and free!) activities, the Jameson Distillery on Tour experience is a definite must-have in your Christmas itinerary. Visit the pop-up in BGC until December 23 only! – Rappler.com

Watch the action live and see which teams will reign supreme and bring home the glory. A combined prize pool of $200,000 is also at stake for the two tournaments. The Dota 2 and VALORANT winners will each take home $65,000. Second-place winners will get $20,000, while third and fourth-place winners will receive $7,500.

“The Predator League is a premier esports tournament in APAC and is the home ground of up-and-coming esports talents. We are very excited as this is the Philippines’ first time hosting the event offline,” said Sue Ong Lim, general manager at Acer Philippines.

The two-day event will be filled with live-action gaming, meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors, and performances by top Filipino artists.

Hang out with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and Alodia Gosiengfiao. Acer ambassadors SB19 and Sarah Geronimo will lead the roster of talents on Day one, along with Urbandub, Al James, Ylona Garcia, UPeepz, and Felip. For Day two, KZ Tandingan, Sandwich, Franco, Spongecola, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Daloy Dance Company, Josh Cullen, and Pablo will add excitement to the esports action.

“The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals is unlike any esports tournament the community has seen. It will be a showcase of world-class gaming, music, entertainment, and community, much like a festival, with many exciting activities and awesome surprises that everyone will surely enjoy,” said Princess Laosantos, senior marketing manager at Acer Philippines.

Tickets are now available through SM Ticket booths or online at https://www.smtickets.com/tickets/AsiaPacificPredatorLeague.

For more information and updates about Predator League, visit www.facebookcom/PredatorGamingPhilippines or the official website www.predator-league.com. – Rappler.com

PRESS RELEASE

Set against the backdrop of SM Aura’s exquisite Filipiniana-themed Christmas centerpiece, the runway showcased the impeccable technique and artistry of Samson and Mobo, as well as the range and versatility of the Philippine terno. Samson’s collection showcased masterful minimalism and tailored, architectural forms, while Mobo’s was a celebration of draping, unabated maximalism, color, and folk aesthetics.

But more than a fashion spectacle, Paskong TernoCon served as a platform for inclusivity, making the best of Philippine design more accessible to a wider audience. 

“The event epitomizes SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing Filipino culture and artistry, and provides a platform to bring this closer to more people through our malls,” said SM Supermalls’ president Steven Tan. “The exquisite designs by Lesley Mobo and Joey Samson beautifully represent our rich cultural traditions and Filipino creativity, and SM is honored to have been part of this trailblazing project.”

Paskong TernoCon’s glittering front rows comprised some of the biggest names from Philippine fashion, film, culture, business, and society – who all came out to support and celebrate Pinoy culture and fashion.

Gracing the occasion were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Investments Corporation chairperson Tessie Sy-Coson, Bench founder Ben Chan, CCP vice-chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo, and SM Supermalls’ president Steven Tan. 

Likewise, the runway featured actors Janine Gutierrez and David Licauco, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, model-photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol, and Michelle Dee in her first public appearance after the Miss Universe pageant.

Paskong TernoCon 2023 is a celebration of the Filipino spirit, artistry, and creativity that define the country’s vibrant culture. The event was also made possible by collaborators of the two featured designers. For Joey Samson: Lakat for the footwear and Unang Panahon for the jewelry. For Lesley Mobo: Ash & Muff and Harold & Harry for the earrings, and Adante Leyesa for the bags.

Watch the video highlights here.

To know more about the exciting events at SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media. – Rappler.com

PRESS RELEASE

This holiday season, 7-Eleven patrons can join Wish Upon a Cup 2023 running until January 16, 2024! The promo lets you choose what pamasko you can receive by getting the corresponding cup size of any City Café, Prima,  or GULP drink. Check out the prizes per drink size below:

Small cup (Three winners for each item)

• Airpods Max 
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Macbook Air M2 
• iPad 9th Gen
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Nintendo Switch OLED
• PlayStation®5 
• DJI Air 3 drone

Medium cup (One winner for each item)

• Yamaha NMAX motorbike
• Xiaomi Electric Scooter
• Kawasaki Bajaj Dominar 400 motorbike

Large cup (One winner)

• A Barcelona trip for four

To get a raffle entry, just buy your City Café, Prima, or GULP drink in the holiday cup size of your choice. Then, you can scan the QR code on the cup, leading to a microsite where you can finish the registration of your one raffle entry. 

Shoutout to the CLiQQ app users: You can get two raffle entries per cup just by having your CLiQQ barcode scanned upon payment! Not a CLiQQ user yet? You can download the app and register for free to keep getting 7-Eleven perks all year long.

Now that’s an easy and refreshing way to get your pamasko – no Christmas caroling required. So, are you ready to celebrate the season of giving with 7-Eleven? Grab your friends and family and Wish Upon a Cup with your fave 7-Eleven beverages today. 

Visit http://711wishuponacup.com/ or http://www.7-eleven.com.ph/ for more details. Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on X/Twitter for more information. – Rappler.com

Dive into a world of excitement, connection, and unforgettable nights at the Chivas Regal XclusiVe pop-up bar. You can find it in Forbes Town, BGC, and it’s open from 5 pm to 12 mn daily until January 7, 2024. To give you a taste, here’s the lowdown on all things XclusiVe.

Sip in style

When you enter the pop-up, take Chivas’ personality test to get your matching cocktail – on the house. Now that’s a vibe check.

Keep those drinks flowing with the Chivas Hi-ball tap and pop-up-exclusive menu of cocktails. Are you more of a straight shooter? Elevate your night with a neat glass of 15-year-old Chivas Regal XV or their exquisite 18-year-old variant.

Bring the celebration home

Want to start an unforgettable night anywhere? Chivas Regal XV bottles are available for purchase onsite, which you can personalize to make your deal sweeter.

For true blue fans of Chivas or just plain good streetwear, the Chivas Regal x Supply Syndrome clothing line is also available at discounted prices at the pop-up after being sold out online.

Party with live acts

To supply you with tasty tracks of hip-hop and R&B all night long, Chivas XclusiVe collaborated with music production collective Mango Room Studios for a lineup of live DJs on deck from Fridays to Saturdays. 

Every month, Chivas is also featuring an XclusiVe live act to make your night even more memorable. To set the tone, R&B singer Denise Julia performed at the launch, including her hit song “B.A.D.” for the first time live.

Watch out for their next main act and mark these dates on your calendar:

• December 15 – Holi-Yay Kickoff
• January 5 – Wrap Up Party

Don’t want to miss out on nights of passionate memories with Chivas? Follow their socials on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on more XclusiVe details. – Rappler.com

Starting this November, we’re making you the happiest by bringing back the digital tradition you’ve been looking forward to all year long – and it’s gonna be the biggest AR experience you’ll play so far (hint: it comes with rewards!).

Scan the surprises

First things first, what is the SM Christmas Village? Created in 2021, the digital experience was once packaged as an online game-turned-metaverse. It won numerous awards as the country’s first mobile brand rewards app with thousands of unique registrations per year.

For 2023, the SM Christmas Village is an all-new magical experience you can try inside SM Supermalls thanks to AR technology! This means that it’s now easier to access it by just scanning a QR code and roaming around the Christmas Village zones (more on these later). Yay!

Win prizes

Get rewarded when you explore the SM Christmas Village because lots of prizes are up for grabs – P500k worth of gift certificates from SM Supermalls and our partner brands, to be exact. We can already imagine all the presents we can buy for our loved ones (and ourselves, because we deserve them, too)!

Be the happiest

Excited to join the fun at the SM Christmas Village? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Choose the mall near you to begin your SM Christmas Village adventure.
2. Look for signages in select Christmas Village zones inside SM Supermalls. Using your mobile device, scan the QR codes integrated into them and create your SM Christmas Village account by registering your name and mobile number.
3. Explore zones to unveil exciting surprises in hidden gift boxes.
4. Collect as many coins as you can by tapping the gift boxes. Each gift box contains e-coins which you can use to have access to exclusive vouchers. The coins you’ve accumulated can be viewed on your virtual Christmas wallet and the full list of participating brands can be found at the lower right side of your screen.
5. Exchange your coins and redeem your vouchers by presenting a screenshot of the voucher with a reference code and a valid government-issued ID to a mall admin. You can receive your prizes from Monday to Saturday (except holidays), 10 am to 4 pm only. 
6. Share your SM Christmas Village experience on social media with the hashtag #SMChristmasVillage2023!

*Vouchers are non-transferable, non-refundable, and non-convertible to cash. Voucher per unique code is limited to one-time use only.

The SM Christmas Village is set to run from November 15 to December 31, 2023 (so make sure to explore the zones ASAP!) while coin redemption is until January 31, 2024. May all coins be collected and vouchers be redeemed, and may you have the #HappiestChristmasAtSM, everyone!

Stay updated on the holiday season at SM Supermalls when you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. – Rappler.com

GMG Productions in association with GWB Entertainment, has announced that Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s globally acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Miss Saigon is coming to Manila for the first time this March 2024. Dedicated to bringing top-tier musical entertainment to Manila, GMG Productions has once again partnered with UnionBank to fan the flames of theatrical passion and give its customers exclusive access as the official presenting sponsor and pre-sale partner of Miss Saigon Philippines.

Get the best seats before they’re gone as UnionBank will be holding a ticket pre-sale event exclusively for UnionBank credit and debit cardholders. From October 23 to 27, 2023, UnionBank card holders can enjoy the exclusive booking period and a 10% discount on their ticket purchase by using the first six digits of their card as a promo code. There will also be another chance for UnionBank cardholders to get their hands on tickets, with the extended pre-sale from October 28 to November 3. 2023.  Tickets open to the public on November 6, 2023. 

Miss Saigon is a retelling of Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, moving the story to 1970s Vietnam, where Kim, a young Vietnamese woman, falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris during the final days of the Vietnam War. The story follows Kim as she embarks on her three-year journey to reunite, all while carrying a secret. 

Filipino artists such as Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson, Joanna Ampil, Jon Jon Briones, Rachelle Ann Go, Isay Alvarez-Seña, Leo Valdez, Aicelle Santos, and Red Concepcion have all been a part of the classic stage production over the years, along with countless other homegrown talents who have showcased the incredible depth of talent within the Filipino community. 

Miss Saigon lands in the Philippines on March 23, 2024, at The Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City.

Apply for a UnionBank credit card today for exclusive access to future events and promos! To learn more, visit www.unionbankph.com/cards/credit-card/ and check out the pre-sale FAQs here. – Rappler.com

PRESS RELEASE

The new logo features a new custom typeface and a can silhouette that represents Pepsi’s accessibility to all types of consumers. But the real star of this new look is the blue and black “pulse” that symbolizes the vibrant spirit that Pepsi wants to spread among Filipinos. 

“The refreshed visual identity introduces elements that resonate with the youth, embodying the essence of the global Gen Z community,” said Ray Philip Pine, marketing director, PepsiCo Philippines Beverages. “It’s a pulse that beats in sync with the rhythm of Filipino culture and the drive to stand out.”

A new era calls for a grand celebration

To usher in this new era in the Philippines, Pepsi gathered those who dare to be bold and different – in line with their new tagline “Mas Masarap Maiba” –  for a fun night of good food, interactive games, and electrifying music at the Pepsi Pulse 2023: Be Part of a New Era last October 8 at the MOA Concert Grounds.
Those who accepted Pepsi’s challenge to be different showed up in their bold and authentic styles. They showed off their signature poses and rocked trendy dance moves in the interactive photo and video booths. They poured their heart and soul out as they wrote their messages on the “Mas Masarap Maiba” freedom wall.

They also boldly took the stage to battle each other out during the exciting games and a head-to-head talent showdown. 

As the night deepened, the Pepsi Pulse attendees got to sing and dance the night away with Ace Banzuelo who performed his hit songs like “Muli” and Mayonnaise who rocked the concert grounds with some of their new and iconic songs and of course, the crowd-favorite “Jopay.”

Before the most awaited headliner took the stage, the main event of the night was finally unveiled: the bold and pulsing new look of Pepsi. The new era of the iconic brand in the Philippines has officially begun. 

Pepsi Pulse 2023 was capped by no other than SB19, a groundbreaking P-Pop group that embodies what it means to be bold, different, and authentic. SB19 joins Pepsi as they both welcome a new era together. 

Just like Pepsi’s new look, SB19 brought the vibrant spirit out of all the A’TIN and Pepsi fam who waited for hours, braving the heat and pouring rain to catch the iconic P-Pop group. The wait was worth it as they sang and danced to their hits Gento, I Want You, Liham, and Crimzone.

It was truly a night of following our own pulse, getting a taste of bold flavors, and creating unforgettable moments with the new Pepsi. – Rappler.com