Securing your family legacy

AXA Philippines’ Asset Master provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

Your family is living a comfortable life with all their needs and wants within their reach. But what will happen if the provider of the family suddenly passes away? How can you make sure your loved ones will continue to live a good life even when you are not around?

AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, ensures your family will go on living well with Asset Master. Designed as an insurance-investment plan, Asset Master allows you to build a diversified investment portfolio of local and global investments and provides a wealth transfer solution to help secure the lifestyle your family deserves for generations to come.

Moira Dela Torre with Downy Parfum launch new song “Yakap” to encourage Filipinos to #Spread100Hugs

Find out the heart-warming story behind Moira’s first-ever Christmas song

To welcome the holidays, Moira Dela Torre released her first-ever original Christmas song entitled, Yakap, inspired by Downy Premium Parfum’s #Spread100Hugs campaign as it embodies that heartwarming Filipino Christmas spirit with its touching lyrics and enchanting melody.

UNIQLO Special Holiday Offers from December 13 to December 19

UNIQLO treats its shoppers with weekly limited offers this holiday season. For the month of December, customers can enjoy special promotions on their favorite LifeWear pieces.

Make the Christmas season merrier by giving the gift of UNIQLO’s LifeWear. The collection offers a wide range of items—from essentials to collaborations with pop culture phenomena and classic labels to express one’s individuality. Shoppers can find the best present for themselves or their loved ones, to fit anyone's personality.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFERS (from December 13 to December 19) Shoppers can enjoy deals from different items each week including:

Asia’s songbird shares her three best-kept secrets for modern parents!

Ariel brand ambassador Regine Velasquez-Alcasid talks about her parenting journey

Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, may have so many awards and recognitions to her name, but that doesn’t spare her from the challenges that ordinary parents face.

As a first-time mom, Regine’s toughest challenge is something that many mothers can relate to – balancing work and taking care of the family. “The toughest challenge I faced as a first-time mom is being able to balance my time between my work and taking care of Nate. I literally had to reduce my workload so I could give my full attention to our child and in keeping our household intact in terms of day to day errands, doing chores, laundry, and more! I’m sure most parents would relate to this” she shares.

By far, it’s been a learning journey for Regine, who was recently named as Ariel Philippines’ brand ambassadress, but the challenges have enriched her life both as a mother and as a professional. She discovered that parenting is one of life’s greatest joys, providing wonderful moments to be savored.

Regine shares three insights for other moms who know the joys and challenges of having a career while raising a family at the same time.

5 Best Christmas Gifts for Gamers

Giving gifts for gamers has never been more difficult this 2019. New games and consoles have gone and emerged into the spotlight and with more and more Filipinos now playing mobile games, gifts attributed to the gaming experience are one of the most in-demand gifts this Christmas.

From creative accessories to the best options in terms of price, top-up website Codashop shares five (5) best gift ideas you can give to the gamers in your life this Christmas:

For healthy eating individuals, there’s ProSource and NUCO products

ProSource Virgin Coconut Oil, healthy alternative oil for cooking and baking.

If you’ve noticed a significant change in food trends over the past decade, thank a millennial. Comprising of over 50% of the local workforce, millennials now make the largest age demographic in the Philippines. Thus, the interests and preferences of these young tastemakers can greatly influence what can be found in restaurants and other retail establishments across the country.

With more from this age group getting into the trend of a conscientious lifestyle, the popularity of healthful eating habits can be the push towards the golden days of coconuts. Known as the ‘Tree of Life’, the coconut is well on its way towards a renaissance with more millennials taking a liking to the magical fruit. In fact, according to Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Romulo Arancon, the Philippines could potentially earn $450 million a year, given that the Philippines produces 15 billion nuts annually.

Shop online and pay using only your mobile number with ‘Pay with PayMaya’!

Faster and more secure way to pay online plus get better than cash rewards

Whether it’s ordering food, buying the latest makeup craze, or availing of government services, it’s now faster, easier, and more secure than ever to shop online as PayMaya introduces 'Pay with PayMaya', its latest feature that allows you to pay with just your mobile number.

By clicking on the Pay with PayMaya button in the checkout page of partner merchants, online shoppers no longer need to memorize and type in long and complex credit or debit card numbers, because all they have to do is log in to their PayMaya account by entering their mobile numbers upon checkout.

Through this new feature, paying for anything online becomes quicker, more convenient, and safer, because every transaction done using Pay with PayMaya needs to be verified by a One-Time PIN (OTP) sent to your mobile number. This ensures that only you have access to this unique and awesome new feature for your PayMaya account.

#GiftVivoThisChristmas with up to 56% discounts at Lazada, Shopee 12.12 sale

Two of the most exciting and much anticipated Christmas sales are happening on December 12 and Vivo is giving smartphone lovers one big reason to skip the crowded malls and head right into the country’s biggest online stores.

For its #GiftVivoThisChristmas offer, the brand is offering as much as 56% discount on selected Vivo smartphones at Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year-End Sale and Shopee’s 12.12 Big Christmas Sale.

Enjoy up to 55% discount on Blackwater products at Lazada 12.12

Blackwater, Ever Bilena Cosmetics’ personal grooming line, is all set to give awesome gift options for the Holidays as it takes part in Lazada's Grand Year-end Sale.

On December 12, all Lazada users will be treated to up to 55% off on selected Blackwater products. To avail of this offer simply sign up or log in to Lazada and purchase your desired item within the promo period of its 12.12 sale.

Cozy co-living spaces soon to rise in Filinvest City

(L-R) Architects Juan Seriña, Jr. and Raymond Hernandez of H1 Architecture and Design; Daphne Sanchez, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. VP, Project Development and Marketing; Catherine Ilagan, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. president and COO; Winnifredo Lim,  Filinvest Land, Inc. SVP, chief technical planning officer; Eliseo Aurellado, Metro Stonerich vice chairman & COO; and Fernando Villanueva, International Trading Corp. manager

Filinvest has taken another step in responding to demands of co-living spaces with The Crib – a three-tower development along Corporate Woods Avenue that offers affordable yet comfortable and secure residence for students and employees, particularly those studying and working within the vicinity of Filinvest City.

The first to rise is The Crib’s Tower A, an 11-storey building that offers a fun, hip alternative to old-style dormitories with full amenities to support and complement the busy, active lifestyles of millennials. It is designed for people who are just starting to live independently and looking for a second home that is customizable to suit their preferences, but without sacrificing their personal enjoyment and needs.

Christmas shopping? Get the best deals during the 12.12 sale with your PayMaya!

Basta holiday shopping, don’t pay cash, PayMaya!

Giving is always better than receiving, especially during the holiday season. As you complete your gift list for family and friends this upcoming 12.12 sale, take your shopping game to the next level and receive more perks and rewards when you give more to your loved ones with the help of PayMaya. 

This 12.12, take advantage of multiple cashback on top of the already awesome deals offered by your favorite brands both online and in-stores when you shop using your trusted payment buddy, PayMaya. 

There are so many sweet deals to help you make the most of your Christmas shopping. To start off, you can enjoy a 1%, 10%, or 100% cashback when you spend at least P500 online or in stores using your PayMaya physical or virtual card. On top of that, you can also get an additional P150 cashback* when you rack up an accumulated spend of P5,000. 

SOGO Home & Office Center Installment Madness this December 13 - 15!

SOGO Home & Office Center Installment Madness 

Dec 13-15, 2019

Up to 24 mos. | 0% interest

SOGO Home and Office Center is a primary destination for shoppers who seek quality furniture at affordable prices. Since it’s Christmas, step into any of their 15 branches to enjoy their upcoming INSTALLMENT MADNESS! Grab up to 24 mos. installment 0% interest with a minimum purchase of P12,000 on all major credit cards! PLUS Buy Now Pay 2020 on all major credit cards. Visit SOGO Home & Office Center from December 13-15.

Celebrate 12.12 with UNIQLO’s Limited Offers

UNIQLO celebrates 12.12 with limited offers from December 6 to December 12. Customers can enjoy special deals on the wide variety of LifeWear pieces just in time for the Holiday season.

This year, make the Christmas season merrier by giving the gift of UNIQLO’s LifeWear. The collection offers a wide range of items—from essentials to collaborations with pop culture phenomena and classic brands to express one’s individuality. Shoppers can find the best present for themselves or their loved ones, to fit anyone's personality.

12.12 OFFERS (from December 6 to December 12)

Gatorade fuels the next generation of PBA stars at the 2019 PBA Gatorade Draft Combine

Now that the annual yearly collegiate tournaments have all wrapped up, it’s time for university stars to take the next step towards building their own legacies in Philippine basketball as the 2019 PBA Gatorade Draft gears up, with the Draft Combine that happened last December 5 and 6 at the Gatorade Hoops Center.

Get the first glimpse of the future of Philippine basketball and witness the country’s top rookie prospects test their mettle and leave it all on the court in a series of physical and sports performance tests that will measure their abilities and skill sets. These tests will be administered by professionals from the PBA, Kineticore Philippines and the UP Diliman College of Human Kinetics, as well as a mini-league, all of which will make up the two-day Draft Combine.

Next Chapter in “Ghostbusters” Saga Reveals First Official Trailer

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes Columbia Pictures’ Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe.

Check out the film’s official trailer #1 below and watch Ghostbusters: Afterlife in Philippine cinemas soon.

Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin stars in their first digital movie “Wild Little Love”

Sam and Jake in “Wild Little Love”

Poor boy meets rich girl, and together they fall in love and beat the odds. It’s a familiar trope we have seen again and again, but can’t seem to get enough of. After all, who doesn’t love a great romance story?

In the iWant original movie “Wild Little Love,” “Kadenang Ginto” co-stars Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin or SethDrea star in their first digital movie as a love team. Here, they play spoiled Sam and playboy Jake, who are paired together by fate as they try transcend the bounds of their socio-economic classes.

If you’re craving to watch stories of wildly different people proving their love for each other, here are modern love stories with a Cinderella twist you can watch on iWant:

12.12 Sale Alert – Get travel deals and discounts during Klook’s one-day only sale!

December is truly the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the month to look forward to all the holiday reunions, the season of gift giving with your loved ones, and the time to go on that well-deserved Christmas trip. December 12 is a date you can add to the long list of things to look forward to this month because Klook, a world-leading travel activities booking platform, is holding a 24-hour only sale!

Klook is giving away up to P5 million worth of discounts and up to 50% off on your travel bookings, exclusively on 12.12. Whether you want to make your upcoming Christmas trip more special or plan ahead for next year’s vacation, you can enjoy round the clock deals that are perfect for your next holiday!

PLDT, Smart provide communication aid for Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ victims

Residents line up at a libreng tawag and charging station in Barangay Rizaliana, Mauban, Quezon. More than 13,000 families evacuated their homes as Typhoon Tisoy caused damage to infrastructure and power lines in the province

Recognizing the urgent need for communication in times of calamities, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) have deployed emergency mobile and connectivity services for communities hit by Typhoon “Tisoy” and the floods in Cagayan and Isabela provinces.

A few days after the typhoon, Smart offered free 300 MB data to subscribers in the affected areas to help them get immediate updates and reach out to their loved ones here in the Philippines and abroad. The free 300 MB data package was valid for two days and given to Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers in Masbate, Quezon, Surigao del Norte, and other areas heavily affected by Tisoy.

A connected Galaxy for a well-rounded lifestyle

Today’s Filipinos live a multi-faceted lifestyle. Apart from excelling in their careers, they want to pursue their passions and still have time to focus on health and wellness. For this generation called the New Work Tribe, they choose to flow between their career and life, often taking on a job that gives them freedom and control.

With Samsung’s latest lineup of tablets and wearables, the company has created an ecosystem that allows the New Work Tribe to seamlessly connect their devices to accomplish more by doing less.

Spotify Wrapped 2019 Revealed: December Avenue is Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist in the Philippines, First Local Act to Top the List

December Avenue

Today Spotify, the world’s most popular global audio streaming subscription service, is officially revealing “Wrapped.” This annual end of year campaign announces the leading artists, albums, songs, playlists, and podcasts that defined how 248 million people around the world listened to and discovered music and podcasts in 2019. 

Spotify can reveal that December Avenue is the Philippines’ most streamed artist this year. This is the first time an artist from the Philippines has taken the top spot on Spotify’s annual Wrapped Most Streamed Artist list. Rounding out a huge year for December Avenue, the band recently appeared on the first Asia-made Spotify Holiday Single, ‘A Perfect Christmas’ alongside Jose Mari Chan and other OPM stars.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Bring love and joy this Christmas through Hallmark x 7-Eleven’s holiday collaboration

The air is chilly, the mood is merry, and the lights are out and sparkling. What a joy it is to have the holidays upon us once again. This is the time to give back and share the love and blessings we have received this year, as it is what the true spirit of Christmas is.

Youth leaders present disaster resilience programs in Top Leaders Forum 2019

For the first time in 8 years, youth leaders from all over the country participated at the 2019 Top Leaders Forum (TLF) as part of the Young Leaders for Resilience Program (YLRP).

The newly launched program was the brainchild of Mr. Hans Sy, ARISE International Board Member, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Co-Chair of the National Resilience Council (NRC). YLRP was initiated to encourage youth involvement in climate and disaster resilience in the Philippines. The program was jointly designed as a competition by IBM Philippines, National University (NU), and the Asia Pacific College (APC) and the National Resilience Council. 

Experience a boosted holiday with the SAMSUNG Galaxy A-series!

Filipinos are known for celebrating one of the longest—if not the longest—Christmas seasons in the world. Even as early as September, Pinoys are already hanging holiday decorations, playing Christmas carols, and looking for gifts for their loved ones. Since this is one of the most joyous times of the year, there are many moments that are shared with others and stored as precious memories. This is especially true for members of Generation Z, who are the most active online.

Samsung wants Generation Z to enjoy the holidays even more with the latest models in the Galaxy A-series. The Galaxy A50s, A30s, A20s, and A10s are all built for this “Era of Live” that the Gen Z are flourishing in. The devices are equipped with upgraded features for these young online creators, allowing them to have better content for their loved ones.

Vivo launches fashionable S1 Pro that suits every style

“Preppy”, “Hipster”, “Gamer”, “Laid Back”—today’s generation have continuously been embracing a plethora of styles. People from all ages and different walks of life can frequently be seen breaking barriers and deviating tradition to express themselves in their own unique ways.

Catering to this inception of numerous styles fashioned by different people under the same atmosphere, Vivo, the leading global technology company, recently launched the stylish S1 Pro at the Conrad Hotel, Manila.

The event, graced by Vivo Philippines executives, product distributors, and media partners, featured a lavish and colourful venue with two interactive zones that called for guests to explore their style.

Enriching the tourism industry through knowledge-sharing

L-R: Arnold Gonzales, TPB DCOO; San Jeet, DOT market representative for India; Marie Venus Tan, TPB COO; Carlos Mori Rodriguez, EON Stakeholders Relations Group chief innovation officer; and Mohd Akil Bin Mohd Yusof, MATTA deputy president

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, recently gathered industry stakeholders, tour operators, hotels and resorts, and members of the academe for a one-day discussion on the latest trends in tourism marketing and strategies on how to provide mature and emerging markets an optimal experience to make them stay longer and spend more.

The seminar, themed “Philippine Tourism: Trailblazing Responsible Travel and Inclusive Growth,” is part of this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the biggest travel trade event in the country with over 200 local sellers and 200 international buyers participating.  

World Vision ambassadors Marc Nelson, JJ Dolor visit quake-hit Cotabato

TV personality Marc Nelson and Lion King musical’s child actor JJ Dolor, both World Vision ambassadors spent a day in Makilala, Cotabato to visit quake-affected children and their families.

“Going around the town of Makilala, we’ve seen schools that were severely damaged by the earthquake. In the village where we distributed relief items, we came across temporary shelters with little pieces of tarpaulins that can only last for few months especially in this weather,” shares Nelson who is a staunch World Vision advocate on disaster risk reduction.

A revamped landmark in the South

Residents and visitors have a lot to look forward to as Brentville International Community begins its initial phase of redevelopment with a revamped entryway to mark a more prestigious and exclusive community in the South.

A project by Prestige by Filinvest, Brentville’s new marker, the first of many improvements, aims to enhance the neighborhood feel, elevating its status to being a more vibrant community.

Define your style with the trendy Vivo S1 Pro

Gone are the days when styles were black and white—when choosing a style equated to a long-term commitment to live and breathe that chosen lifestyle. Today, finding one’s style is a constant flux. Monday could be business-fashionday, Tuesday can be chill-joggers-shirt day, while Wednesday could be a throwback-90s-style day. However you decide to go about with your style, you need a phone that can match any get-up in your state of “style exploration”.

With its sleek and unique design, the Vivo S1 Pro is the perfect phone for you to define your style. Its bold and lavish Knight Black and Fancy White colorways matches any “OOTD” you wear wherever you choose to wear it.

Five Ways to Wisely Spend your 13th Month Pay

It’s that time of the year again where people get their bonuses and go all-out with their purchases. While this might be the perfect time to tick off items from your wish list, it's also important to prioritize your spending on those purchases which can benefit you in the long run. We list down below recommendations on how to spend your 13th-month pay wisely:

Daebak! Spotify Reveals the Top K-Pop Artists and Tracks of 2019

BTS is the most streamed K-Pop artist globally and in the Philippines

Thanks to its trademark earworm melodies, distinctive choreography and slick production values, K-Pop has truly become a worldwide phenomenon that has captured the hearts of its adoring fans in synchronised perfection. Today, Spotify reveals its Global K-Pop Top Lists reflecting how 248 million people around the world listened to and discovered K-Pop music in 2019.

Spotify’s data shows that record-breaking Korean boyband BTS is the most streamed K-Pop artist in 2019 with over 3 billion streams globally this year alone. Making yet another feat, this year’s most streamed K-Pop song is the boys’ hit track “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)”, amassing more than 300 million streams on Spotify in 2019. In fact, in less than a year, “Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey)” has set a new record, becoming the most streamed BTS track on Spotify. To date, the band has amassed more than 5 billion streams on Spotify from fans all around the globe.

Typhoon Kammuri affects 14 million children; World Vision stands ready to support

Typhoon Kammuri made its first landfall in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon at around 11PM on December 2.

Kammuri intensified just before it hit the landmass with a maximum sustained winds of 165km/h near its center and 230km/h gustiness.

"I wasn't able to sleep well last night not because the strong winds and rain bothered me but because I was worried about the families in evacuation centers and their deserted homes made of light wooden materials," shares Rey Montimor, World Vision Program Manager of Albay and Sorsogon.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

100 prizes await Home Credit’s customers for its ChristmaSagana raffle promo

What’s better than getting a Christmas gift? Being surprised with another one, of course! This holiday season, Home Credit is playing Santa with its ChristmaSagana Raffle which will shower a total of 100 gifts throughout its run.

The annual holiday promo from the leading in-store installment provider is exclusive for its customers who will sign new loans in their partner stores from November 3, 2019 to January 31, 2020. Customers only need to purchase, download the MyHomeCredit App for Android, and register to qualify for the raffle. Just go to Google PlayStore to install the app and register there to join.

Carousell PH partners with Go Negosyo

Carousell Philippines, the country’s leading classifieds platform, recently partnered with Go Negosyo for its participation in “Sign Up! Angat Lahat Sa Digital” mobile app summit and expo. This year’s summit aims to gather mobile app platforms that help micro-entrepreneurs become self-earning in the digital economy. 

A bearer of joy

Luz Calamayan (center) during the gift-giving of the SM Bears of Joy in

Patad Elementary School, Sarat, Ilocos Norte.

In many places in the Philippines, one will see underprivileged families in need of help for various aspects of their lives. Needless to say, most children from these families have to help make ends meet, hence they often prioritize the most basic necessities or utilities, over toys or other experiences.

Having witnessed the dire situation many families are facing, Lucena Ulep Calamayan, known to many as Luz, made it her lifetime advocacy to help alleviate the plight of those who are in most need of help. A community-based program volunteer coordinator of a non-profit organization, Luz began her volunteer work back in 1998 when she was still a government employee.

Miss Silka Philippines 2019 Beauty Pageant kicks off with Message of Self-Care

The search for the most beautiful and empowered Filipinas is now over!

Now on its 12th year, the Miss Silka Philippines 2019 beauty pageant, one of the most-awaited beauty pageants in the country, serves as an avenue to celebrate diversity among Filipina women by providing regional and cultural representation nationally.

Twenty-six candidates each representing different provinces who have won their respective regional titles, vied for the title of Miss Silka Philippines 2019.