I think and as I remembered almost every occasions you'll find people browsing through the pile of greetings cards in one of the stands in every bookstore or even the department store. Looking for some greetings that will match to what we want to say to our special someone.

Now that almost every greetings are digitally created and delivered easily I find it less attachment. I still like the physical thing with the appreciation part.

Hallmark one of the leading provider of greeting cards, and of which has been part of our every celebration and of course spreading the most precious messages of love and cheer, most specially brought smiles even through the darkest times of their lives shares some good news.


For 23 years, Filstar Distributors Corporation (FDC), the country’s exclusive licensee of Hallmark USA together with the Leukemic Indigents Fund Endowment (L.I.F.E.) Foundation created a charitable project called “Hallmark for L.I.F.E.” to help alleviate the condition of indigent children with Leukemia.


Every year, Hallmark collaborates with top local artists in creating special limited edition L.I.F.E. products such as greeting cards, gift wrappers, bags, and other giftable items where a portion from the sales of these products go straight to the foundation.

L-R Jose Martin Ramos Licauco, Management Trainee, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Katrina M. Yatco, Business Co - Chair, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Gabriel A. Felix, Treasurer, LIFE Foundation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation

This holiday season, FDC will donate to the Foundation a portion from the sales of all Christmas products of Hallmark including the 2018 L.I.F.E. Christmas card collection

Hallmark for L.I.F.E. sparks hope back into the lives of less fortunate children and helps them in their fight against leukemia. Since its inception in 1995, this charitable project has eased the burden of families experiencing the ordeal of both disease and poverty. L-R Carmela Gozon, Corporate Secretary, LIFE Foundation, Winfred Huang, President, LIFE Foundation, Mia Christina Licauco Alindogan, Vice President, Filstar Distributors Corporation, Nanette M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President - Sales, Filstar Distributors Corporation


To formally launch Hallmark for L.I.F.E, an event was held last October 31 at the Ayala Malls 30th Cinema 1. It was attended by the Hallmark for L.I.F.E team and some of the kids of the foundation. Through this, the people behind Hallmark and L.I.F.E. Foundation hope to help uplift the spirits of the kids, put a smile on their faces, and give them the encouragement and support that they need.

Christmas is a time for families and loved ones to come together and celebrate the holidays. This season, may we be reminded of the spirit of giving—that even in the littlest ways, we make a conscious effort to support good causes. Because to someone, a gift is just a gift, and a greeting card is simply that, but to someone else, your purchase gives them more: hope, joy, and the best present you could possibly give, another chance at life.

Telling a story of about what's new and amazing with one of the  Philippine’s leading digital services provider, PLDT Inc. and its mobile arm Smart Communications are ushering in a new wave of innovative products & services that aim to unlock amazing experiences for Filipinos whether they are in the comfort of their home or on the go.

PLDT and Smart presented their latest products at a powerhouse event aptly themed ‘Unlock the Future’ and graced by executives, endorsers, celebrities, and partners in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Over the past years, we’ve been hard at work to future-proof our network and beef up our digital content and product partners. We’re delighted to present our most exciting services that are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of Filipinos,” said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., PLDT and Smart SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head.

“Backed by our fastest networks, these innovative solutions will elevate the way our customers enjoy digital devices, services, and content. As we get ready to close 2018 and prepare for a new year ahead, we will continue our groundbreaking work to help empower Filipinos to enjoy an amazing life,” said Andrew L. Santos, PLDT-Smart FVP and Consumer Marketing Head.

Unlocking an amazing life for Filipinos
To establish even stronger connections at home, PLDT has introduced the new PLDT Home Fibr Google Wifi Plans, which feature a whole home wifi network system that puts an end to dead spots and ensures strong and Fibr-fast connection in every corner of your home.

New PLDT Home customers can now subscribe to Google Wifi Plan 3799, which comes with an unlimited 50Mbps connection, three Google Wifi points, and free service assistance from the Home Geek Squad. On the other hand, existing PLDT Home Fibr customers can simply avail of Google Wifi units as an add-on for Php799 per month for a set of three.

PLDT is also unlocking a new entertainment experience at home with the upcoming launch of the new PLDT Home TVolution Lite that is powered by Roku®. The new service features a plug-and-play device that allows customers to easily and effortlessly watch trending videos on YouTube; their favorite HD channels from Cignal; Top Hollywood, Asian and local movies and TV series from iflix; critically-acclaimed Netflix originals and films, and hundreds of free streaming channels on their TV.

Following their support for the much celebrated Esports and Gaming Summit 2018 and the recently concluded ‘Road to the Nationals,’ which awarded the country’s top DOTA 2 and Tekken 7 players, PLDT and Smart also affirmed their commitment to deliver the best gaming experience for Filipino gamers powered by PLDT Home Fibr, the fastest Fibr connection for lag-free gaming at home, and Smart LTE, the fastest LTE network for gaming on-the-go.

Unlocking bigger and more rewarding experiences
On the other hand, buoyed by the massive success of its Free YouTube campaign, which more than doubled the daily active YouTube users on its network and drove over 13 times more data usage traffic from customers, Smart has stepped up to unlock total entertainment with Video Every Day. A new promo that comes with all of Smart’s GigaSurf data packages, Video Every Day provides customers with up to 1 hour of Video access daily for YouTube, iflix, iWant TV, Cignal Play and NBA League Pass - for as long as their GigaSurf subscription is valid. Smart customers can now register to GigaSurf with Video Every Day by simply dialing *121# or via the mySmart app.

Apart from these services, Smart has also announced game-changing partnerships with popular smartphone manufacturers Oppo, Samsung, and Starmobile to encourage more Filipinos to upgrade to LTE-capable handsets that come with special discounts and freebies.

Among these special LTE-capable handsets are the OPPO A71 Smart LTE phone kit, which is now available for Php5,998 (from the original SRP of Php6,990); the Samsung J2 Core Smart LTE Phone Kit priced at Php4,990 (from Php5,990); and Starmobile Play Click TNT LTE phone kit, which is very affordable at Php2,998 (from Php3,490).

To offer a much bigger digital experience, Smart also continues to strengthen its portfolio of the latest flagship devices with the data-packed GigaX Plans, which feature separate data allocations for streaming videos, as well as enjoying apps and surfing websites.

Smart offers the newly launched Huawei Mate 20 with the GigaX Plans at Php2199 per month, and the Huawei Mate 20 Pro at Php2,599 per month.

Smart also makes it easier for customers to get hold of the latest iPhones, starting with the iPhone XS at Php3,299 per month, and the iPhone XS Max at Php3,599 per month. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is also available with the Smart GigaX Plans.

Finally, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Smart announced its biggest anniversary e-raffle promo in the company’s history, which gives customers a chance to win data packages, MVP Rewards points, LTE smartphones every month, leading up to the grand raffle on February 25, 2019 in which one lucky subscriber will win Php25 million cash! To join, subscribers need only to register to select data promos and add-ons.

Twin awards for the country’s fastest network
Earlier this year, PLDT and Smart were cited for being the country’s fastest fixed and mobile networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.

Just recently, independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal also cited Smart for providing its customers the best video experience in the country. The UK-based firm has published an independent analysis of the customer experience for video services by telecom carriers in Asia, showing that Smart garnered a video experience score of 42.2, well ahead of competition in the Philippines and well above the national average.

OpenSignal also recognized Smart earlier this year for having the country’s fastest LTE network, awarding the company with four citations including best in 4G LTE download speed; best in overall download speed; best 4G latency performance; and best 3G latency performance in its March 2018 report.

It's the F thing and I'm sure we've got a lot of things in mind when we say the F word but for this new TV show, which is a partnership of A4 Telemedia and Marketing Services, Inc and People's Television network (PTV 4), the FTalk. The new TV Show highlights the stories of empowered women talking about family, favorites, fun things and a whole lot of F.

FTalk is a 30-minute program that will features different women who plays important roles in the society. The show will focus on their careers, achievements, lifestyle, and their ability to balance responsibilities at work and at home. The show will invite female leaders in different fields of work to discuss their stories on how they were able to achieve the position they have today.

It's host, Ms. Maite, Defensor, a businesswoman and former Quezon City congresswoman will be taking the show into a level of getting entertained but at the same time learned things from their guests. The first story will be her story.

The show airs every Saturday, starting November 10, 7:30AM to 8:00AM on People's Television Network or PTV 4. Aside from the TV broadcast they will be also broadcasting to live stream media on their Facebook page, Instagram, and Youtube channel.

FTalk is presented by the following sponsors, ELM Kapihan and Winery, Courbe Facial and Body Specialist. Smartron and PAGCOR.

It's clear as water that I remember what my past boss from previous job always remind me "Security and Safety". No matter what is your work or line of work always put into consideration the two words "safety and security" or "security and safety", either way they are both important, most especially in the construction business. By the way my past boss or bosses are retired generals and officers of the Philippine Army and Marines, so imagine that.

That's why whenever I'm looking for equipment or products that I'll be using for my household I always take into consideration the two word safety and security.



Just few hours ago, I was able to visit the Philconstruct Trade Fair that is happening at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Take note that because of the large number of exhibitors and participating companies they are having two venues to showcase different products of the industry, one in SMX and the other one is in World Trade Center. This only means that the trade show are getting bigger every year.

So what does Philconstruct do? Well Philconstruct Trade Show features different products and companies that are into Building Construction Material, Equipment and Sanitary ware Industry. The trade show runs from November 8 to 11.


To give more input about Philconstruct, here's what they say about it. It is recognized as the biggest construction show in the country, is credited for having helped define the landscape of building and construction in the country for over two decades by creating a space for manufacturers to showcase industry-related items such as building materials and components, construction equipment and materials, building accessories, construction accessories, and essentials, interior design materials, exterior design products, and construction machinery.

One of its biggest exhibitor, Taiwan Excellence, features different new and patented products for different uses that comes with the word safety. Yes their products are created to promote safety and security. Taiwan Excellence is just one of its exhibitors that brings a selection of brands that have been recognized as some of the best that the country has to offer. Taiwan Excellence is an organization that reviews and recognizes all Taiwanese products and grants awards to products that are found to be exceptionally superior.

This year’s Philconstruct expo, Taiwan Excellence will not only be exhibiting their most elite brands on site, but they will also be hosting seminar discussing the strengths and benefits of their featured brands and also accommodates inquiries about their products. Aside from its strengths they will also share how safe the products in securing ones life.

Take note that some of these products are not yet in the market and are willing to find partners in manufacturing and distributing the technology. Imagine that these products are shared to the local household scene and Filipinos can benefit from it. Excellent product, user friendly, safe, and secure.


Each one of the companies present in showcasing their products are proud recipient of the Taiwan Excellence Award, bestowed upon them for outstanding performance in four aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing.

Some brands showcase their innovation in creating sustainable solutions, such as Caesar Sanitary Ware. This brand carries the hydropower sensor faucet as its showpiece, a faucet whose mechanical detector runs completely on hydropower. Other than consuming no electrical energy, the faucet requires no external power source, and thus no wiring, making for effortless installation. The corrosion and tarnish-resistant chrome finish makes it a lovely addition to any bathroom, marrying form and function.

Another energy saver is Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd., having created a more energy efficient ventilation fan/filter. The fan is also designed for safety, being fireproof and waterproof. It features magnetic buttons and a lateral suction design, and gives users an energy savings of roughly 60%. Definitely not bad for this little powerhouse that promises an ultra-high air flow 250m³/h.

For work platforms of exceptional stability and safety on all types of construction sites, the company Chiao Teng Hsin Enterprise Co., Ltd. has made a ladder accessory called Aluminum Telescopic Steady Support. A structure comprised of four frameworks, it uses a multifunctional joint ladder structure and has hidden-style stainless steel shrapnel. Like every good tool, it works well with existing structures, and can be installed on other, less secure ladders. While installed, each step can hold a load of 150kg, and its anti-slip rubber feet allows the ladder to be safe and stable in a variety of work sites.

Ferro-Carbon Enterprise Co., Ltd. (FECA) brings several innovative storage solutions to the table, perfect for smaller spaces and maximizing any area. FECA products promise durability and style, and with their patented industrial vacuum technology suction cups, bring an end to the era of drilling and hammering into your walls to install storage. Each unit, such as the Samurai Wall Shelf Set, the Samurai 10" Magnetic bar, and the Samurai Storage Bag can be attached to rough surfaces, are durable and reusable, and are stable in temperatures of -10 ̊C to 70 ̊Cͦ.

Security is the name of the game with Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd’s featured proximity lock. A lock that features four-in-one access methods: fingerprint, proximity card, password, and physical key, it eliminates the chance of users locking themselves out of their homes and offices while ensuring the security of their space. The lock eliminates excessively complicated procedures, ensuring that it locks quickly to safeguard from exterior threats while allowing for easy escape from the interior. To make things even simpler, it also has a voice guide feature for programming and operation.

Xing Tai Guang Co., Lld. Sheds a lot of light on the subject of illuminating interior and exterior spaces with its XTGL Optical CMH Luminaire. With a power factor (PF) of ballast higher than 95% and a light output ratio (LOR) higher than 85%, it gives a luminous efficacy of luminaire higher than 85 lm/w.

Lei Yueh Enterprise Co., Ltd., believing that you should be able to see what’s inside your cabinets and small spaces without heavily impacting your electric consumption rate, presents the LED Mini Star, an ultra-slim and lightweight light source that only uses 3.26 watts per fixture.

One of the products that catch my attention is the products from e-Formula. One is their Energy Management System that is highly reliable and saves up energy of up to 40% or even more. Imagine saving a lot from your electric consumptions. Much more for big companies, which only means more production but lesser expense. During the interview they did shared that Telstra is the current client that uses the system.

Another product from them is their seismometer, an innovation in early detection. It detects and measures faster less disruptive P waves from seismic activity, and sends an alert before the more damaging S wave arrives. This definitely provides the safety and security for every building.


Cabinets and shelving systems that are poorly built are a safety hazard at worst and a nuisance at best. Addressing this problem is a Silent Self-Closing Ball Bearing Slide by King Slide Works Co., Ltd., which ensures that the home or office of the future has storage spaces that are not just whisper-quiet, but also secure and smart. Cabinets with the slide are self-closing, and the soundless speed down mechanism helps drawers close quietly by themselves, an effective improvement in living spaces that also prevent accidents caused by drawers left open.


Taroko Door & Window Technologies, Inc. offers up the Intuitive Detachable Pleated Screen, a screen system for both windows and doors that feature a dual function: keeping harsh light out during the day and keeping insects out at night while letting air freely circulate. Although highly mechanical, the screen is easily removed from wherever it’s installed for cleaning. Another perk is that it’s durable, boasting a minimum usage cycle of 100,000 times.

About Taiwan Excellence Awards

The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1992. Recognized by 102 countries as a symbol of outstanding quality, it is awarded every year to eligible candidates who undergo a rigorous and stringent selection system that covers four major aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing. Products that have been selected for the Taiwan Excellence Awards have been deemed to have Innovative Value and are chosen to serve as examples of the domestic industries to be promoted by the government in the international market in an effort to shape the creative image for Taiwanese businesses.
About TAITRA

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Another great musical production, the Waitress, hitting its international premiere in Manila at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City this coming November 9, 2018. The show, which continues to perform for sold-out audiences on Broadway and across the USA, is also set to debut at London's West End in 2019 and in Australia in 2020.

This musical production is based on the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and it features music and lyrics from 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"); and a book by Jessie Nelson. The show made history by having Broadway's first all-female creative team.



Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna who, despite the mundanity of her life, finds comfort and reckoning in the simple magic of baking. With the help of her two friends Dawn and Becky, she dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and musters the courage to change her life for the better.

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One of the award winning international musical theatre star Joanna Ampil leads the show as Jenna. Some of her West End musical performances are Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played as Candida in the recent film Ang Larawan has won her numerous Best Actress Awards locally. Jenna will be her first role back in the local theatre scene after her stint as Grizabella in the international tour of Cats.

Another character in the musical is Becky, the sassy waitress and lovable friend of Jenna, which will be played by Bituin Escalante. One of the influential figure in OPM, Bituin has also made rounds in the theatre scene since 1999 and she said during our interview with her that before singing it was theater. She has starred in numerous Tony-winning shows in roles such as Joanne in Rent, Effie White in Dreamgirls, and Asaka in Once on this Island. Her recent performance as Aling Saling in Himala: The Musical has earned her critical acclaimed.

Maronne Cruz completes the trio characters in Waitress as plays the role of the neurotic and eccentric character of Dawn. Maronne is no stranger to musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions including Jeannie in Hair, Gabbi in Sa Wakas, Josephine in Ako Si Josephine, and Stepsister Joy in Cinderella.  She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet and, most recently, performed in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Joe's Pie Diner would not be complete without the men of the show and joining the ladies are Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Nino Alejandro as Ogie, George Schulze as Earl, Dean Rosen as Cal, and Steven Conde as Joe.

Waitress also features Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Emeline Celis Guinid, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as.

It is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, Choreographed by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, Lighting Design by Aaron Porter, Musical Direction by Farley Ascuncion, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Josh Millican, Hair and Make-up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Coaching  by Manman Angsico.

The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.