Cowrie Grill, the distinguished steakhouse that once graced the historic walls of The Manila Hotel and now finds its home at Promenade Greenhills, is celebrating a decade of culinary excellence. With a rich history that traces the journey of steak to the Philippines, Cowrie Grill has become a symbol of fine dining, attracting discerning connoisseurs for the past ten years.

The SM Mall of Asia Music Hall hosted the 21st-anniversary party of CHILD Haus, a special place created by 'Mader' Ricky Reyes to give hope to kids with cancer. Over the years, the Sy family has been a big supporter of this place. In the beginning, it was Henry 'Tatang' Sy, Sr., and in recent years, Hans Sy, the Chairman of the Executive Committee at SM Prime Holdings Inc., has carried on the tradition started by his father.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy (center) celebrate the institution's 21st anniversary with the CHILD Haus beneficiaries.

 
At the forefront of the event were Mr. Sy and 'Mader' Ricky, and they invited several people and businesses who have supported CHILD Haus over the years. Many kids who have found a home at CHILD Haus were also there. The media covered the event, acknowledging the significant impact places like CHILD Haus have on children and their parents, often being their much-needed support.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes

 
SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy

During the event, they showcased three stories from CHILD Haus, featuring Aya, Laura, and Jessa in video clips. These videos were all about spreading hope and showing the life-saving efforts of the organization. Even the most experienced photographers in the press couldn't hold back tears, and it was truly amazing to see their emotional reactions. This shows just how deeply these stories touched everyone in the audience.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, and three inspiring CHILD Haus children, Aya, Laura, and Jessa.

After ‘Mader’ Ricky's heartwarming welcome, Mr. Sy himself took the stage to present plaques of appreciation to the many friends of CHILD Haus whose generous donations have made the organization's life-saving work possible.

CHILD Haus founder 'Mader' Ricky Reyes and SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy award plaques of appreciation to the generous friends of CHILD Haus whose contributions have enabled the organization's life-saving mission.

Those suffering from cancer and ‘adopted’ are provided food and shelter. There are presently two CHILD Haus locations - one in Manila, near the Philippine General Hospital, and one in Quezon City. Until the children are declared cancer-free and/or have completed their treatments and medical procedures, one child and one parent are allowed to live at CHILD Haus. If it’s an infant, both parents can stay.

A longtime supporter and regular visitor to CHILD Haus, Karylle, led the children in a rousing song composed by Karylle’s husband, Yael Yuzon. Then ‘Mader’ Ricky’s daughter sang a rendition of Florante’s ‘Handog’ that had been reworded to fit the sentiments of the children at CHILD Haus. These were two songs that the children had learnt and practiced as a “thank you” to the many guests who have helped make the ‘haus’ a reality.

Singer Karylle leads the CHILD Haus children in an uplifting song.

 

In the end, both ‘Mader’ Ricky and Mr. Sy acknowledged the significance of this event, which commemorates 21 years of compassion, fortitude, and the spirit of giving and sharing.

To know more about inspiring stories and events at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

 

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), the maker of the world's number one selling gin, geared up to commemorate World Gin Day (WGD) with "cool, clear, and versatile way of celebration. The festivities will unfold with a media launch on June 8 at The Westin Manila in Ortigas, followed by a series of events throughout June that will underscore the significance of this month as World Gin Month.

The World Gin Day (WGD), a worldwide event held on the second Saturday of June, is led in the Philippines by GSMI, the organization responsible for introducing the initial WGD festivities to the Asia Pacific region in 2014. In that particular year, GSMI commemorated the 180th anniversary of its flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel. Presently, enthusiasts of gin eagerly anticipate GSMI's month-long series of events, not only honoring the enduring impact of gin on our drinking customs but also acknowledging its significance in festivities, fiestas, gatherings, and even our daily accomplishments. 

“We join gin enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating World Gin Day. As pioneers of this event in our country, we aspire to ignite the spirit of greater appreciation for more Filipinos to know gin’s outstanding qualities, as it is a drink that is ‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile,’” says GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina.

‘Cool, Clear, and Versatile’

This June 8, GSMI once again reinforces that “Gin Is In,” highlighting gin’s “Cool, Clear, and Versatile” qualities that elevate it from the rest.

Gin has been around since the 17th century, and remains popular to this day, especially in Europe, and of course, the Philippines. It is loved by many, and its popularity can be attributed to its taste—the flavor of Juniper and a variety of botanicals—allowing gin to exude that classic yet “Cool” vibe.

The gin’s “Clear,” pure quality is derived from a rigorous distillation process that brings out its best flavor. Since it is unpretentious – with nothing to hide – it is a drink known for its “Versatility,” as it can be enjoyed straight or mixed with other ingredients in a cocktail.

In a new campaign supporting the appreciation for Gin, GSMI features three exciting and authentic personalities who perfectly embody these unique characteristics of gin. 

Gin Is Cool.

The actor and model Zanjoe Marudo likes the cool and refreshing gin experience to punctuate the day. For him, being cool is more than style and moves; it is being calm, too. “Alam niyo kung anong totoong COOL sakin? Yung pagiging kalmado ko (You know what’s truly cool for me? It is my being calm),” says Zanjoe. His choice of gin is popular to this day – Ginebra San Miguel, which has been his favorite since his days growing up in Batangas.

Gin Is Clear.

Basel Manadil’s choice is GSM Premium Gin, a distilled gin made with natural ingredients and fine botanicals. Popularly known as “The Hungry Syrian,” the Syrian-born Filipino vlogger’s viral posts have made him a clear favorite among millions of netizens. As he would say, “always be CLEAR with your intentions no matter where you go. Because everything you do, can make an impact to others.”

Gin is Versatile.

Actress comedian Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol likes her gin to be versatile, a drink she can enjoy in many ways. This love for versatility in drinks is something that she also carries in life. The fact that this comedian was able to transform herself into a serious pageant contender truly is outstanding and admirable. Herlene has won over Filipinos with her charming wit, down-to-earth personality, and of course, her remarkable versatility. “In life, dapat VERSATILE (In life, one should be versatile). If you are good at one thing, you can also be good at anything! Stay true while learning many things.” 

The three of them – Zanjoe, Basel, and Herlene – will not only grace the WGD celebration but will also be present at various events of GSMI during “Gin Is In” celebrations starting in June.

“We are proud to say that they truly embody the best qualities of gin: Zanjoe is ‘Cool like Gin Is In.’ Basel is ‘Clear like Gin Is In,’ and Herlene is ‘Versatile like Gin Is In,’” Molina added. 

GSM Bar Academy graduates ‘mix’ back

One of the highlights of the WGD event is the presence of three mixologists who are scholar-graduates of the Ginebra San Miguel Bar Academy, a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that gives Filipinos a chance to change their lives through education – training students in bartending, flairtending, and basic entrepreneurship.

With the goal of producing globally-competitive and job-ready graduates, while elevating the quality of the bartending profession in the process, the GSM Bar Academy is proud to say that it has produced an astounding 100% immediate employability for all its graduates in 2022.

During WGD, three graduates of the GSM Bar Academy – Jhyrus Denver A. Domingo, Angela Felarca, and JP Peñaflor – who are all employed in top bars in Metro Manila, will showcase their mixology skills in a friendly competition with the theme, “Gin Is In, ” which will feature the world’s most popular and bestselling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other brands, GSM Blue and GSM Premium Distilled Gin.

The success of the GSM Bar Academy in transforming the lives not only of the students but also of their families and the community has not gone unnoticed. In fact, the program will be a recipient of the prestigious International CSR Excellence Award, to be formally awarded on June 16 in London, UK. 

‘Gin Is In’ Nationwide

Part of the WGD celebration will be the launch of the second season of G-MIX Nation Online Series, hosted by Luis Manzano, which will be shown for the first time and will feature new cocktail recipes. Alongside is the Home Bar Kit that features Ginebra products and tools for mixing different kinds of cocktails, which is sold online and at select supermarkets.

To ensure gin enthusiasts across the country can partake in the “Gin Is In” festivity, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. will also host mini events in around 50 bars nationwide, including those in Pampanga, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro. These bar activations will offer consumers exclusive promotions, raffle giveaways, and outlet merchandising, providing an opportunity for everyone to immerse themselves in the celebration.

To sustain the momentum of the “Gin Is In,” there will be various activities in hundreds on-premise outlets from July to December. Participating outlets will receive exclusive benefits, special “Gin Is In” stubs for consumers to support their patronage. 

GSMI's World Gin Day celebration is just the beginning of a series of exciting events, allowing enthusiasts to declare their love and support for the vibrant local gin culture. In the country, gin is synonymous with Ginebra San Miguel. It is the country’s pioneering gin and the oldest consumer brand still in the market, but still remains cool, clear and versatile, a timeless classic yet still in tune with the times.

Each bottle of Ginebra San Miguel undergoes a stringent production process to ensure optimal quality. As a testament to the strength of its brand name, variants such as GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, have been introduced to cater to different market segments. Just launched last year, its 1834 Premium Distilled Gin has now become a sought-after drink among those with sophisticated taste, as they are enamored with its infusion of classic juniper berries and unique Philippine botanicals such as Sampaguita and Calamansi. 

GSMI is the producer of Ginebra San Miguel, the world’s largest-selling gin, according to leading global drinks journal, Drinks International. GSMI’s other quality distilled spirits include GSM Blue Light Gin, GSM Blue Mojito, GSM Blue Margarita, GSM Blue Gin Pomelo, GSM Premium Gin, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin, Antonov Vodka, Añejo Gold Rum, Primera Light Brandy, the Philippines’ no. 1 Chinese wine Vino Kulafu and the newly launched G&T Ultralight Spirit Drink.

 

Is it just me, or did you notice it too?

From the two Proclamations released by the Official Gazette of the Malacañang Palace, there's one holiday missing. Not really sure if it was intentionally opted out of the proclamation, but of course, we all know there's a reason why. So, have you figured it out?

Well, if you're always on the look for legal holidays and special non-working days every year (take note that it is only in the Philippines), then I'm guessing that you have seen what is missing already.

So, here's the list of the legal holidays and special non-working days in 2023.

January 1, 2023      - New Year's Day (Sunday)
January 2, 2023      - Special Non-Working Day (Monday)
February 25, 2023  - EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary
April 6, 2023          - Maundy Thursday
April 7, 2023          - Good Friday
April 8, 2023          - Black Saturday
April 10, 2023        - Araw ng Kagitingan (Monday)
May 1, 2023           - Labor Day (Monday)
June 12, 2023         - Independence Day (Monday)
August 21, 2023     - Ninoy Aquino Death Anniversary (Monday)
August 28, 2023     - National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)
November 1, 2023  - All Saints' Day (Wednesday)
November 2, 2023  - Special Non-Working Day (Thursday)
November 13, 2023- Eidul Fitr (Monday)
November 27, 2023- Bonifacio Day (Monday)
December 8, 2023   - Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Friday)
December 11, 2023 - Eidul Adha (Monday)
December 25, 2023 - Christmas Day (Monday)
December 30, 2023 - Rizal Day (Saturday)
December 31, 2023 - Last Day of the Year (Special Non-Working Day) (Sunday)

If you want to be sure of the dates you can always refer to the Official Gazette of the Philippine Government. Below are links to the two (2) Proclamations.

Proclamation No. 42
Proclamation No. 90

So, what's missing?

Asia’s Phoenix Morissette is finally releasing her official recording of “Shine” on Friday (May 21) in celebration of the song’s silver anniversary this year.

The timely release is a re-introduction of “Shine’s” original lyrics composed by multi-awarded songwriter Trina Belamide who has joined forces with Star Music to reproduce the well-loved composition originally sang by Ima Castro and later rendered by Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

ABS-CBN Music creative director and OPM hitmaker Jonathan Manalo has teamed up with Filipino-American musical director Troy Laureta to give “Shine” a fresh gospel waltz vibe while retaining its overall feel.

Morissette’s own version happens after years of singing the OPM tune live on numerous occasions here and abroad. The Kapamilya artist’s YouTube performance video of “Shine” on the Wish Bus has garnered over 7.9 million views and has figured in numerous reaction videos of vocal coaches from different countries who were blown away by her rendition.

“Shine” was originally a Metropop entry first recorded by Ima and performed live by Sweet Plantado during the 1996 Metropop Song Festival held at the Araneta Coliseum where it won second place.

In 2004, the Asia’s Songbird recorded the song for a product commercial and has since then become part of her various shows’ repertoire.

Check out Morissette’s official version of “Shine,” which will be out on music streaming services starting Friday (May 21). The song’s music video will be out on May 30 (Sunday) on Morissette's YouTube channel with a TV launch on "ASAP Natin 'To" on the same day.

For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

A year of growth and success gave one of today’s BPO Company a reason to celebrate their first year with a bang. An Australia-based company, OOSM Solutions operating in the Philippines, shared their vision of further expansions and other plans in the coming years during the media briefing conducted at one of the events place in San Juan City.

Young and full of potential, this company aims to make a significant change in the Philippines through their programs created for their employees and potential talents.
The BPO company is presently positioned in the country’s premier financial district, Makati City and this new company has made an impact not only to their employees but also to their clients.
“Our passion, commitment, professionalism and dedication are among the reasons that catapulted us toward success during our first year, and we are looking forward to accomplish more with the proper training, skills and expertise that are necessary to get the job done,” explains Linda Salud-Margon, Chief Executive Officer of OOSM Solutions.

OOSM Solutions was established to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Australia and New Zealand to achieve growth and maintain their business by offering tailor-fitted services targeted to meet clients’ rigorous demands. Its mission as a BPO company is to deliver stakeholder value through its BPO packages that ensure consistency, confidentiality and excellence.

“OOSM lives by its core values of delivering quality service at all times while assuring confidentiality and promising cost efficiency, which truly delighted our clients not only in Australia and New Zealand but also in other parts of the world,” adds Salud-Margon.

OOSM Solutions offers the following services, Back Office and Secretarial Services, Transcription, Accounting and Bookkeeping, Digital Marketing and Graphic Design, Customer Support and other high-value offerings such as Architectural Consultancy and Research and Studies.

During the media briefing, Salud-Margon announced its planned expansion in the country.

• Cavite Expansion, which will have its next facility and is expected to be operational by 2018. 
• Palawan Expansion
• and more

It is expected to open the Cavite facility by 2018 and fully operational.


“We are excited at the prospect of expanding further our operations in the Philippines, given the success we experienced during our first year. We will definitely look forward to opening more sites here,” emphasized by Salud-Margon.
OOSM Solutions
BPO Company
1291 GT Building, Unit 4A, 4th floor, Batangas Street corner Uruguay Street, Barangay San Isidro, Makati City
Website : www.oosmsolutions.com

Though I have been visiting Binondo since I was a child I have never been to this place at Chinese New Year's Eve. This was my first time to be here and witnessed how busy the oldest Chinatown in the world. I was honored that Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel invited bloggers and gave an opportunity to witnessed the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Chinatown. I think it is one of the lucky places to spend Chinese New Year.

A festive occasion  as every Chinese community welcomes the Lunar Year with a joyous celebrations. In line with this event Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel herald the Lunar Year with traditional festive goodies and sumptuous feasts which is set to take place on February 7, 2016, 6:00 pm to 12:00 mn.

To celebrate the year of the Fire Monkey, Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel has prepared an array of traditional Chinese activities. The celebration will kick off with a Lion Dance and Taoist Blessing to bring good luck to the whole Filipino and Chinese community. There will also be snippets of Feng Shui forecasts and predictions for the upcoming year.

For the love of clean hands and feet nails, we all need to get clean. For the ladies it's heaven for them to be pampered once in a while and for the guys, well there are some who love to have their hands and feet nails be cleaned. So ideally women aren't just the ones who needs pampering, men too. That's why Nails.Glow on its 6th anniversary celebration is expanding its market reach and to help them with that Nails.Glow got their very first celebrity endorser, Liza Soberano.

Ellen’s Skin Aesthetic Center Celebrates Its 35 Years of Skin Care The story of Ellen’s Skin Aesthetic Center isn’t a secret as most of the people who knows Ellen’s, her story is just like any success stories, the only secret perhaps is that Ellen’s value her customer very much that they always go back for the services and it’s a living proof as Ellen’s Skin Aesthetic Center celebrates its 35 years in the skin care industry.

Last June 14, the brand that started in Avenida as a beauty parlor way back in 1979, marks the celebration of its emerald anniversary. To best celebrate its 35th year anniversary, loyal clientele, friends and bloggers were invited to a night of celebration which happened at the 55 Events Place, 55 Scout Rallos Street, Quezon City.

One of the biggest leap of a company is moving forward after their first year and for Leverage Works they have indeed made a big leap as they make their steps straight to the top.  Celebrating their 2nd Year Anniversary, Leverage Works Philippines dubbed their celebration "2 the Top" which was held last February 1, 2014 at Teatrino, Promenage Greenhills, San Juan City.

What makes Filipino Christmas is different is how we celebrate and the happiest place to be on Christmas day is at home.  Kwento Ni Toto assure that we Pinoys celebrate Christmas the longest and the biggest.   Christmas is always gregariously festive.   Christmas is one of those magical moment to share treasured moments with the most important people in our lives.

As most of the corporate world celebrates Christmas, Max's held its Christmas celebration with the bloggers at one of their branches in Glorietta.  I was happy that I was there to witness one of the important surprises of Max's.  We all know that Max's always make sure that their customers get the best of the what Max's can offer.

The Global Handwashing Day reminds us of keeping ourselves to be clean and healthy.  Making the habit of handwashing keeps us away from sickness and other diseases.  

Last mid of October, Unilever Philippines lead the celebration of the Global Handwashing Day here in the Philippines.   Themed as "Pledge Hands to Save Lives" they had the kick off at Aurora Quezon Elementary School in San Andres, Manila.  Joining the celebration was students and teachers of the said school together with some dignitaries like Manila Councilor Roland Valeriano and celebrities like Unilever soap endorser Vicky Morales and reigning Bb. Pilipinas – Universe Arielle Arida who pledge their hands to save lives.  This is Unilever Philippines' way of continuing their commitment to help improve a billion better lives worldwide by 2020, and ultimately uplifting the lives of Filipinos everyday.

The Voice finalist Morissette Amon added cheer and joyful music to  the 19th Maaga ang Pasko launch at SM Marikina

The spirit of giving and sharing is never more evident for Filipino families than during the Christmas season. Wherever they are in the world, the Filipinos’ generosity shines brightest during this time of the year. Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko, the country’s biggest and longest running toy and book donation drive in the country, lets families around the globe take part in an annual tradition of spreading smiles and cheer for less fortunate kids this Christmas with the launch of the 19th year of the campaign.

The Coca Cola Concert ng Bayan will be held today, March 23, 2012 at 3 PM at the SM Mall Of Asia Concert Grounds.  There will be performances from Sarah Geronimo, Somedaydream and Gary Valencia.  Also, most of your favorite local bands and artists will be there to perform as well like Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc 9, Sandwich, 6Cyclemind, Sponge Cola, Chicosci, Cally Lily, Ebe Dancel, Rico Blanco, Never the Strangers, Itchyworms, Wolfgang and Pupil.

So if you're in for the concert just head on at the SM MOA Concert Grounds and celebrate with Coca Cola 's Concert ng Bayan!

When in high school until college I was a member of our church choir and singing in a cantata are one of my favorites.  Not a very good singer but I can say I could at least follow the notes and hit it right.  So, knowing this cantata will be restage by DLSU I was hoping that I could watch it performed by great artist.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata is a story about the Lasallian mission in Southeast Asia, it is said to be a crucial event in its history.  It was February 12, 1945, American forces bombarded the City of Manila that forced a group of Japanese soldiers to enter De La Salle College campus on Taft Avenue.   People who lived there were attacked, twenty-four men, women, and children, and 16 La Salle brothers died in that massacre.  Perhaps only few people knows about it.

This is the result of war, they turn human into monsters but also forges heroes out of its flames. This story is shared and told to honor their memory, their service to humanity, and to remember them eternally.

This cantata is created by Gabby Fernandez and directed by Peque Gallaga, it is one of the highlights of the centennial celebration of De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines. Vicente Garcia Groyon wrote the libretto and Von de Guzman composed the music.

A Fire in the Soul: A Cantata will have two performances only: February 26 (Sunday - Matinee) at 3pm and February 27 (Monday - Gala Night) at 8pm. Both shows will be held at Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium at the 7th Floor of Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall of DLSU.

The cast includes Michael de Mesa (Br. Egbert), Franco Laurel (Br. Antonius), Al Gatmaitan (Br. Mutwald), Jonel Mojica (Br. Friedbert), Miguel Castro (Br. Arkadius), Floyd Tena (Br. Athanasius), and Naomi Sison (Alma Mater).

Also, joining them are Onyl Torres (Japanese Captain), Nazer Salcedo (Japanese Soldier 1), Gary Fabricante (Japanese Soldier 2), and John Gilbert Arceo (Japanese Soldier 3).

Narrators are Jaime Fabregas, Ricky Gallaga, Conchita Castillo, Dado Jose, Tanya Lopez, and Louie Zabaljauregi.










Aside from known actors and actresses different La Salle singing groups were also featured in this cantata.  They are De La Salle Inner Soul, De La Salle-Zobel Chorale, La Salle Centennial Orchestra, La Salle Centennial Chorus. Some kids of La Salle-Greenhills are also part of the show.

Joining the Production and the Artistic Team are Mio Infante (Production Design), Dong Calingacion (Technical and Lighting Director), GA Fallarme (Projection Design), Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC (Executive Producer), and Lore Reyes (Line Producer).

For the matinee performance on February 26, 2012 (3pm), regular tickets are at P200, while student rates are at P100. For the gala show on February 27, 2012 (8pm), orchestra seats are priced at P500 (regular)/ P250 (students) and balcony seats at P250 (regular)/ P200 (students).

For more information, please call the DLSU Centennial Office at (632) 524-4611 local 290 or email perla.garcia@dlsu.edu.ph.

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