What does it truly mean to be a modern-day Pilipina? This International Women’s day, Avon shines the spotlight on the multifaceted Filipino women—celebrating their unique looks, experiences, stories, and achievements.
In their latest campaign, Avon wants to help society unlearn the limiting labels that Philippine culture has imposed on Filipino women to let them unleash their full potential.
Watch Athlete, Rasta Gutierrez, Artist, Soleil Ignacio, Transwoman Advocate, Coleen Abarrientos, Avon Representative, Jeanine Cruz, and Ms. Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach redefine the standards of what it means to be a Talagang Pilipina in the video below.
Join in the cause to create better futures for Filipinas with Avon. Every time you buy an Avon product, you are helping a female entrepreneur thrive, creating a better world for women. Visit avonshop.ph to know more about Avon’s causes.
The much-awaited graduation season is here and vivo wants to make graduating students feel much more appreciated through a special promo made just for them.
To reward fans who are about to attain an unforgettable and fulfilling life milestone, vivo is giving away huge discounts and special offers on its reliable and premium Y Series line – vivo Y35, vivo Y22s, vivo Y16 and vivo Y02. Aside from lower price tags, a lot of exciting freebies such as TWS Voguards, 2-in-1 clock speakers, premium tumblers, and more are also up for grabs with every purchase.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a new vivo smartphone just in time for graduation! Promo will run from March 19 to 25 on vivo’s official e-store website.
Below are all the participating vivo smartphone models for this sale promo:
Celebrate your milestone with a vivo smartphone
Every moment during your commencement ceremony should be captured and kept – from the graduation march until the tassels of the graduation caps are moved from left to right. That’s why having a smartphone with enough storage capacity to store all these memories comes in handy. The vivo Y16 with 4GB+1GB Extended RAM and 4GB+128GB internal storage is the perfect device to immortalize all priceless memories on your graduation day.
On the other hand, you can keep the celebration going throughout the day using the vivo Y35 with a long-lasting 5000mAh battery power. Thanks to its 44W FastCharge technology, there’s no need to halt the fun for too long so you can continue video calling friends and family from abroad or reply to congratulatory messages in a flash!
If you’re keen to have a more affordable device with the same outstanding performance, there’s also the slim yet powerful vivo Y02 with a 5000mAh battery and capable of 10W FastCharge.
Celebrations don’t end after the graduation program so taking photos during the after-party from day ‘til night is a must. Use the 50MP Super Night Camera of the vivo Y22s to ensure the quality of your shots even during sundown. This camera feature will capture all your heartfelt interactions with your proud family members in clear, vivid detail. With the vivo Y22s, you can max out the night and relive your success with no worries about having poor-quality shots.
Whether you are a graduate or you have a loved one graduating soon, enjoy the gift of a functional yet affordable smartphone that will let you celebrate and capture your wonderful Commencement Day memories and more. Visit vivo’s official e-store website and add these vivo smartphones to your cart now!
Global technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR X8a in the Philippines. As the latest addition to HONOR’s X Series line-up, the HONOR X8a is a reliable all-rounder, featuring an eye-catching design, a large display offering superb visual quality, and robust photographic capabilities, all available at an affordable price point. The HONOR X8a will be available in the country at Php 10,990 with FREE HONOR Gift Earbuds worth Php 1,590 when you buy during pre-order from March 14 to 24, 2023.
“Our newest phone is perfect for the style conscious shoppers. The new HONOR X8a offers a very elegant edgeless display that is really nice to grip. To top it, its ultra-clear 100 MP camera captures DSLR-like photos which is great if you are into photography. All these and more for only Php 10,990,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.
Immersive Display Technology, Packed in a Stylish Device
A delight to carry around, the HONOR X8a is slim and lightweight, measuring just 7.48mm and 179g, making daily tasks a breeze while on the go. The device’s clean flat-edge design and smooth shimmering coating on the back panel gives the HONOR X8a a chic look while delivering a secure and comfortable grip, offering the perfect balance between form and function.
The HONOR X8a allows users to view and enjoy content on a large screen thanks to its 6.7-inch HONOR FullView Display with a superior screen-to-body ratio of 93.6%. Equipped with HONOR Display Color Calibration technology which tunes color temperature frame by frame, the HONOR X8a further elevates users’ viewing experience with true-to-life colors. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, the device is also packed with low blue light technology to reduce harmful blue light, ideal for those who spend long hours for visual entertainment use. Featuring a screen refresh rate of up to 90Hz, the HONOR X8a can display more frames per second for smoother visuals to meet users’ daily use.
Powerful Camera System Delivers Stunning Shots, Everytime
The HONOR X8a boasts a 100MP triple rear camera system, the highest megapixel count ever on the X Series. Comprising a 100MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide & Depth Camera and a Macro Camera, the HONOR X8a can capture high-definition images in vivid clarity, even when shooting complex scenes. The HONOR X8a also features a 16MP Front Camera to ensure users can capture spectacular, high-definition selfies.
Paired with industry level artificial intelligence (AI) technology which optimizes images, the HONOR X8a enables users to take striking clear photos with greater ease in over 20 scenarios.
Advanced Hardware and Software Solutions for a Smooth User Experience
The HONOR X8a is equipped with a 4500mAh battery to support a full day of uninterrupted use. On a single charge, the HONOR X8a delivers up to 13 hours of music streaming, 13.5 hours of video playback, 11 hours of short clip browsing, or 16 hours of social media exploring, keeping users online and entertained at all times.
In addition, the device runs on the Android 12-based Magic UI 6.1, which offers a whole host of smart features including HONOR Share for speedy file transfers across devices, helping users to boost productivity.
Pricing and Availability
Designed for fashion-forward trendsetters, the HONOR X8a is available in three stunning colors: all-new Cyan Lake, dazzling Titanium Silver, and classic Midnight Black. From March 14 to 24, the HONOR X8a willbe available for pre-order for only Php 10,990 with FREE HONOR Earbuds worth Php 1,590 via all HONOR kiosks and partner online stores – Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop.
HONOR fans can also avail the HONOR X8a via Home Credit for as low as Php 1,332 per month and on a 0% interest installment payment.
On the lookout for a guilt-free yet delicious meal for the Lenten Season? You should definitely try Chowking’s Sweet & Sour Fish! This delicious dish features crispy battered fish smothered in their signature, rich sweet and sour sauce, offering the perfect blend of flavors without any guilt.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on the chance to try this Lenten offering. Head to your nearest Chowking store and get to savor their Sweet & Sour Fish Rice Meal, Sweet & Sour Fish Lauriat, Sweet & Sour Fish Group Platter.
Prices range from Php 150 to Php 368. Available in all Chowking stores nationwide. You can also order through the Chowking APP, www.chowkingdelivery.com, GrabFood or foodpanda for added convenience.
With the goal to bring world cinema and make critically-acclaimed titles even more accessible to Filipino audiences, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has licensed the rights to four new titles from Belgium, Austria, Cambodia, and United Kingdom.
Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun” (2022) tells the story of Sophie as she reflects on the joy and melancholy of a holiday she took with her father 20 years earlier. The film took home the French Touch Prize of the Critics’ Week Jury at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival.
Another Cannes-winning title FDCP acquired is Marie Kreutzer’s “Corsage” (2022) which depicts the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, told on a fictional account. The film won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Section’s Best Performance Award for Vicky Krieps’ portrayal of Empress Elizabeth. It also had its PH premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival.
Davy Chou’s “Return to Seoul” follows the life of a 25-year-old French woman as she returns to her birthplace, South Korea, after being adopted to a French family. She then decides to track down her biological parents but her journey takes a surprising turn. Chou’s film won international acclaim in various film festivals like Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Athens International Film Festival, and Belfast Film Festival among others. Likewise, it also had its PH Premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival and bagged the Jury Prize award.
Finally, 75th Cannes International Film Festival Grand Prix Prize Winner “Close” (2022) directed by Lukas Dhont depicts the lives of 13-year-olds Leo and Remi as they slowly drift apart after their relationship is questioned by their schoolmates. Dhont’s film also got the nod of the Academy Awards when it got nominated for the Best International Feature category.
More than its aim to encourage audiences to return to the cinemas, FDCP, through its Audience Development Program, aims to further expose moviegoers to titles that would help them expand their horizons.
The screening of these films will be held in select theatres nationwide and the FDCP’s very own Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Nabunturan, Davao, Iloilo, and Negros.
Follow us on social media to stay updated in our screening schedules.
Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, bagged a Silver Anvil under the Public Relations Tool – Social Media category at the 58th Anvil Awards held recently at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, Pasay.
The recognition was for Mang Inasal’s Mother’s Day Digital Marketing and PR campaign titled #MomsRuleAtMangInasal that utilized Facebook as its primary tool in generating awareness and engagements for its week-long dine-in promo in May 2022. The campaign engaged social media users by creating diverse content, such as hosting a virtual Mother’s Day Conference, and running a dine-in photo challenge that drove customers to stores to celebrate the season.
Conferred annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, the Anvil is a symbol of excellence in public relations in the country. The Anvil Awards recognize outstanding public relations tools, programs, and practitioners discerned by select PR professionals and assessed by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.
In 2022, Mang Inasal was also honored by the Marketing Excellence Awards-Philippines with a Silver Award – Excellence in Viral Marketing for the brand’s “16 Cups Challenge.” Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media!
Indulge in your favorite dishes as Bistro Delivers joins the nationwide celebration of Women’s Month by offering a 30% OFF promotion plus FREE delivery with a minimum spend requirement of P1,500. Just use promo code WOMENROCK at checkout. The offer is valid from March 17 to 19, so hurry and treat yourself and the special women in your life!
Bistro Delivers
Treat the women who hold a special place in your heart to their favorite dishes. With 18 Bistro Group restaurant brands to choose from, the Bistro Delivers app and website has something for everyone. From mouth-watering pastas, burgers, ribs and wings to sushi, dim sum, paellas and everything else in between. The choices are wide, there’s everything to satisfy diverse tastes and preferences.
Ordering on the Bistro Delivers app and website is quick and easy! It only takes 4 simple steps, and soon, your favorites will be delivered right to your doorstep. Download now http://onelink.to/25zuvt and check out http://bistrodelivers.com.ph. Celebrate Women’s Month in style with Bistro Delivers!
We Filipinos have a rich storehouse of cultural touchstones — from art and literature, to everything pop and the very games we played with our childhood friends. Forget about going online, streaming, Steaming, or being zombified to a computer screen or tablet. Our games ruled: all we needed were our friends, our imaginative minds, and a few props here and there: a piece of chalk (piko), some marbles (jolen), slippers and cans from the trash bin (tumbang preso), or plain old arms, fingers, feet (patintero, luksong-baka, agawan-base). A full moon helps now and then — especially for those intense games of taguan. The games — simple, fun, original — were ritualistic and, well, interactive in the offline sense. They taught us kids about the value of teamwork, cooperation, camaraderie, friendship and thinking fast on our feet.
Thus, the members of an art group called Alpas would like to reminisce about those old Pinoy games and our innate sense of play in an exhibition billed as “Taym Pers!,” on view until March 31 at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo.
Kariling by Len Makiramdam
According to the exhibition statement, “Taym Pers!” is all about looking back, taking a breather, reevaluating what we hold dear in the chaos, the maddening gyre of our existence.
“‘Taym pers!’ is the colloquial phrase used by kids that translates to ‘Time first!’ — which means to stop, pause, or take a break while in the middle of a game. Our theme was inspired by the concept of rest and taking a break in the middle of our chaotic and busy lives which we can learn from children’s play. A happy child is the perfect epitome of innocence and pure joy. Children reflect pure hearts and minds that have not yet been hardened by the world’s madness.”
The members of Alpas remember how valuable it was to take part in these communal activities. “Playing games is not only about having fun, developing social skills, problem-solving, and being competitive. It teaches us to increase our creativity and imagination, promote camaraderie, maintain customs, values, and traditions, foster a sense of belongingness, develop patience in taking turns — but most of all, to learn how to follow rules, play fair, accept defeat, and thrive in order to win.”
Grownups then did not think life lessons were rife in games where you hurl your slipper into a discarded can of sardines, but those participatory games fostered — a very valuable act in the current state of solipsism that the world is in — participation. For the kids of yore, those neighborhood games turned out to be a microcosm of the game of life looming ahead.
And the members of Alpas have found an ideal venue to mount their show which conveys a simple yet meaningful message.
“Ito ang kauna-unahang physical exhibit ng Alpas dahil twice pa lamang kaming nakapag-show at puro online exhibitions lang sila,” says an Alpas member. “Napili namin ang ARTablado dahil ito yung alam naming espasyo na nagbibigay na mga pagkakataong makapagtanghal ang mga katulad naming artist group na nag-uumpisa pa lamang. Kaya lubos ang paming pasasalamat sa ARTablado sa pagbibigay pagkakataong i-showcase ang aming naisip na pagtatanghal.”
ARTablado gives artists from all walks of life a platform to showcase their art, which otherwise would be ignored by other, more mainstream galleries. The space not only aims to discover fresh talent but also encourages these artists to explore new strategies, new methods, new ways of expressing themselves and presenting their ideas in the field of visual arts. Thus, ARTablado becomes a playground for articulation with the means of color and composition.
Malaya Muli by Jun TuplanoTeks by Jami Samson
Now, ARTablado has become a literal playground as the members of Alpas hold activities in the exhibition area such as sungka, piko, etc. They even punctuated the paintings on view with old Pinoy toys — teks, pogs, and trumpo, among others. Were these games put up so viewers can wax nostalgic, so that they can remember how it was to be innocent once more, to harken to simple times before everything descended into pure madness and mayhem. Maybe. But if we take a breather, gather our thoughts, steel ourselves and rally our friends… we can surely win this thing or, at least, compete, give it our all, and with our heads held high.
According to Alpas: “Life is but a big game-field where we have battles to fight. Whatever challenges we may encounter in our daily lives, always remember that in order to win, we must learn how to pause and say, ‘Taym pers!’ and then thrive again.”
Everyone’s most formative memories have to do with learning to write in script. The satisfaction of looking at your immaculate, handwritten notes is something everyone can relate to even today, in the advent of technology that has taken us away from the simple act of writing with pen and paper.
Even if you can’t write that well, the sight of other people’s neatly spaced writing can still take your breath away. Here are some people whose handwriting can inspire you to pick up the pen and practice your way into becoming the scribe of your dreams.
Other than being an award-winning advertising creative, Leigh Reyes is an avid pen collector. “The thrill of acquisition does fade, and in its place the joy of discovering newness in what one already owns glows more brightly,” she writes on her website (https://leighreyes.com).
On Instagram (@leighpod) you can find evidence of her handwriting prowess, where she posts photos of handwritten notes, and gamely answers questions about all things pens and writing.
At the Manila Pen Show, she will give a workshop on 2:00 PM, March 18, titled “Mad Scientist,” and will moderate March 19’s 3:45 PM panel featuring fountain pen collectors.
Imma Frias started her calligrapher journey in 2013, and since 2014 has been an instructor at calligraphy, and penmanship from 2016. “Calligraphy is something that is therapeutic… once you get the hang of it, it’s actually soothing,” she told The Lasallian a few years back.
Take a look at her Instagram (@dyosaimma) to see her deeply satisfying works of handwritten art. At the Manila Pen Show on March 18, she will lead a Handwriting Hangout at 10:30 AM, and at 2:15 PM on March 19, host Modern Calligraphy with Flex Pens.
On Lorraine Castaneda’s Instagram (@calligraphyspot), she calls herself a “Purveyor of calligraphy appreciation, teacher of beautiful writing, and a stay-at-home time traveler.” All those things are true: her beautiful handwriting would not look any different from a passionate love letter written in the 1800s.
On March 18, 3:00 PM Castaneda will be heading a talk on Fountain Pens for Kids of All Ages, proving it is never too early to start enjoying the art of handwriting.
If you thought fountain pens could only be used by those who write in elaborate script, you haven’t seen Clement Dionglay’s Instagram (@clemdionglay). Here, she shows neatly written words in print, along with an impressive collection of pens.
Another enthusiast who likes to write in print, Pao Alfonso’s Instagram account (@the.serial.doodler) showcases her thoughts on the world of pens. “Nib preferences really do change over time. I started out preferring fine nibs, then fell in love with medium and stub nibs. Now I’ve come full circle and prefer fine nibs again.”
Pao’s drawings, accompanied by her writing, work as mini food reviews of places she’s enjoyed.
Toni Santos’ feed (@toniscalligraphy) features her calligraphy, with thoughtful handwritten quotes and song lyrics that offer inspiration and occasionally humor. Other than being a pen collector, she also collects notebooks.
On March 19, she will be heading a talk about Fountain Pens for Kids 7-12.
The Manila Pen Show takes place on March 18 to 19 from 8:00AM to 6:00PM at the 5th floor of Holiday Inn and Suites in Makati. A portion of the proceeds will go to Save the Children Philippines and their Life-Changer for Children program. For a full list of exhibitors and speakers, schedules, and general updates, please check @manilapenshow and #manilapenshow2023.
In a bid to promote safer and more accessible roads in the country, SM Cares and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently launched their joint “Share the Road” campaign that aims to educate road transport stakeholders on the importance of sharing the road. The launch was held last March 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
Among the key individuals who attended the event were DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista, DOTr Usec. for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Operations Engr. Bien Mateo. Representatives from various active transport groups were also present, including transport advocacy group Move as One Coalition’s co-convener Dr. Robbie Siy.
The “Share the Road” campaign is an information, education, and communication campaign that seeks to promote a culture of sharing the road among Filipinos, regardless of their preferred mode of transport, through a change in mindset. It is centered on a video that communicates road sharing guidelines and road safety tips in a way that’s fun and easy to understand, narrated by no other than Kim Atienza.
“From respecting road rules, to understanding that everyone has the same rights as us, there are a number of things that we need to remember so we can enable a culture of sharing the road,” said Tan.
“We need every Filipino to adopt and accept the mindset that every cyclist, every pedestrian, has an equal share on the road,” said Usec. Pastor. “More importantly, we need private sector partners like SM to help us expand our horizon, to help us make people understand what we’re trying to achieve. The culture should change now.”
“This event shall reaffirm the Department’s partnership with SM to intensify and strengthen our information and education campaign for the benefit and empowerment of active transport users across the country,” said Sec. Bautista.
Near the end of the event, SM and DOTr led by their representatives recited a Pledge of Commitment to reaffirm the partnership and vowed to continue pushing for enhanced and wider coverage in promoting the active transport agenda, and for activities that will enable more educated and disciplined road users.
Through the joint initiative, SM Cares supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being” and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
Other initiatives in line with promoting road safety are dedicated bike lanes in key SM Malls, expanded parking areas for bikes, 24-hour vending machine stations where riders can purchase tools and refreshments, and service repair stations that bikers can use free of charge, as well as continuous information, education, and communication campaigns focused on road safety and motorist etiquette.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the creation of bike-friendly SM Malls, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, and Senior Citizens.
