Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (collaborators on Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.
The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. The film is co-produced by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and released worldwide by Universal Pictures.
There are many ways to bring back the magic this holiday season – from honoring traditions in new ways, spending quality time with the people we hold dear to us, and even extending the Christmas cheer to the ones who need it most.
This year, GCash brings back the magic to Christmas for the Lolos, Lolas and the whole family we missed through the short film ‘Akap’, reuniting the start tandem of Writer-Director Antoinette Jadaone, better known as Direk Tonet, and leading man, and new GCash member, Joshua Garcia.
Dedicated to all the elderly who have no family left, confined in homes or living very far away from their loved ones, the film hopes to remind us that while we celebrate the gift of togetherness with our very own family, we could also share the magic of Christmas with every Lolo and Lola who don’t have families to celebrate Christmas with.
As GCash shares in its short film, bringing magic back to the holiday doesn’t end with shopping for or sending gifts to our loved ones.
Through its Scan to Donate initiative, GCash encourages Filipinos to extend their Christmas celebration to the elderly beneficiaries of three non-profit and non-government organizations in the country so they could also feel love and magic this holiday season.
Caritas Manila
Established in 1953 by Manila Archbishop Rufino Cardinal Santo, Caritas Manila was first known as the social welfare program Catholic Charities. With its four core programs, the non-profit organization now serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
Caritas Manila leads programs for the elderly in different parishes in Metro Manila such as the Damayan Feeding Program, and the donation of Caritas LIGTAS COVID-19 kit and Caritas Manna food bag.
Coalition of Services of the Elderly
The Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE) works with older persons to strengthen their organizations, partnership building, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1989, COSE has organized 850 Older Persons Organizations in 21 provinces and cities across the country.
Aside from community organizing, COSE leads advocacies to protect the older people as one of the most at-risk and vulnerable sector, makes studies and advocates for new policies on healthy aging, implements an inclusive community-based Disaster Risk Reduction program for the elderly, and operates a residential care facility for abandoned older women located in San Jose, Del Monte, Bulacan.
Anawim Lay Missions
Starting as a small facility for poor and abandoned elderly people founded by Catholic lay preacher Bo Sanchez in 1996, Anawim Lay Missions has provided a home and sanctuary to the poor and abandoned elderly who have nowhere else to go.
Anawim provides services for the care and rehabilitation, home life, spiritual life and counseling of rejected and abandoned elders.
To support the programs and advocacies of these organizations for their elderly residents, GCash users may donate to them directly by scanning the QR code below:
By spreading cheer to your loved ones and to those in need, having a meaningful and magical Christmas celebration is possible with GCash. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Register and get verified today, and discover how you can have a Merry GCash celebration!
Jollibee is making the holiday season sweeter with the return of their Choco Mallow Pieand their new dessert, the Choco Crumble Sundae.
The Jollibee Choco Mallow Pie is back with its signature crispy, golden brown pie crust that bursts with a combo of rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow filling in every bite! The snackable treat is also available in 3 Pies To-Go and 6 Pies To-Go for bigger groups and cravings.
Meanwhile, the new Jollibee Choco Crumble Sundae made with KitKat offers a generous heap of KitKat Bits, Kitkat Spread, rich chocolate syrup, and crunchy chocolate coating on top of a creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream.
“What’s a holiday celebration without dessert or a sweet snack that every member of the family can indulge in? With the Choco Mallow Pie and Choco Crumble Sundae, we hope to provide customers with a truly enjoyable Christmas treats to complete every gathering. After 2 or so years, we’re finally able to get together with family and friends, so it’s time to indulge and give in to our sweet cravings for that all-out Christmas celebration,” said Pam Reyes, AVP for Marketing of Jollibee, in a statement.
Jollibee’s Choco Mallow Pie and Choco Crumble Sundae with KitKat are available for a limited time only. The Choco Mallow Pie is available for P49 while the Choco Crumble Sundae is priced at P55 (Prices vary). Visit www.jollibee.com.ph to find Jollibee stores near you. You can also order via delivery through the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, and #87000. You may also order via Drive-Thru and Take Out.
Footage and stills are now available from the star-studded World Premiere of 20th Century Studios’ ”Avatar: The Way of Water” held in London’s Leicester Square earlier this evening. Attendees included cast members Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Joel David Moore, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Jack Champion,Brendan Cowell,Bailey Bass,director/producer/writer/editor James Cameron and producer Jon Landau. The film opens in Philippine cinemas on Wednesday, December 14, best seen in 3D, 4D, and IMAX formats. Tickets are now on sale. Check showtimes available here.
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet. Screenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. Story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.
The holiday season is upon us once again and everyone is more than excited to be spending Christmas with friends and family they had not seen face-to-face in years. The pandemic changed how people worked and studied, but also how families celebrated holidays and special occasions.
While some of us ‘grown-ups’ may have gotten used to the e-certificates and gadgets we give and receive, kids are sure to be eager to get their hands on some toys they can play with the old-fashioned way. The doors of toy stores have finally opened, and Ban Kee Trading, a leading toy distributor in the Philippines for over 36 years now, is ready for kids of all ages to unwrap their new favorite toy this Christmas.
Here are the top 12 toys of Christmas 2022, brought to you by Ban Kee Trading:
For kids aged 2 years and up
Blue’s Clues & You Barking Large Plush
We’ve all asked Santa for a puppy at one point in our lives so why not beat your little one to it with the gift of Blue from Blue’s Clues! They’ll love snuggling up to Blue and having her beside them as you all watch their favorite show together.
Available at Php 1,399.00 suggested retail price (SRP).
2. Leapfrog 100 Things That Go™
Get those little gears turning with the 100 Things That Go™ interactive book! Teach your toddler all about the different modes of transportation around them by hearing words, sounds, and bite-sized facts with every flip of a page.
Available at Php 2,699.00 SRP.
For kids aged 3 years and up
3. Tomica Cargo Jumbo
Take your child’s imagination to new heights with the Tomica Cargo Jumbo. Load up the aircraft with other vehicles and small toys and spend hours of fun playing pilot together.
Available at Php 1,499.00 SRP.
4. L.O.L. Surprise All-Star Sports S7 in PDQ
Ready? Okay! Give the gift of cheer this Christmas with the LOL Surprise All-Star Moves Series 7 Doll. Each capsule opens up to a surprise character with their own unique set of moves and personalities.
Available at Php 1,099.00 each SRP.
5. Road Rats R/C 2.4G Earth Movers
Dig up some fun with your kids and this remote-controlled excavator truck! The Road Rats R/C 2.4G Earth Movers Excavator is fully functional and ready to dig and shove its way around your child’s play area.
Available at Php 1,899.00 SRP.
6. Deluxe Vanity Playset with Music & Lights
Glam up with your little superstar and their very own vanity set. With flashing lights and a selection of music to choose from, playing dress-up will never get boring and their imagination is sure to run wild with endless possibilities.
Available at Php 1,599.00 SRP.
For kids aged 5 years and up
7. LEGO Classic 90 Years of Play
Bond with your kids over the LEGO Classic 90 Years of Play building set and memories from your own childhood this Christmas. Unplug and disconnect from the digital world through some creative play with your kids and this classic playtime staple.
Available at Php 2,500.00 SRP.
8. DigiBirds – Interactive Singing Birds With Cage
Take a break from the Christmas carols and have your child sing along to these interactive tabletop birds instead! The DigiBirds Interactive Singing Birds can sing up to 20 songs and feature an assortment of bright and colorful designs to choose from.
Available at Php 999.00 SRP.
9. B-187 Beyblade Starter New V
Everyone loves a Beyblade and your kids are sure to love them too! From solo challenges to mini-tournaments at home, the B-187 Beyblade Starter New V is the perfect gift to kickstart your child’s new collection.
Available at Php 1,399.00 SRP.
For kids aged 7 years and up
10. X-Shot Skins Flux 2 Pk (8 Darts)
The perfect gift for siblings, get ready to watch your kids duel it out with the X-Shot Skins Flux. With two different skin options in each set, kids can match their blaster with their personality to up their confidence while in battle.
Available at Php 899.00 SRP.
11. LEGO Technic Monster Jam El Toro Loco
This realistic miniature El Toro Loco is sure to excite your monster truck-loving kiddos. Designed to look exactly like the iconic truck from Monster Jam, the LEGO Technic Monster Jam El Toro Loco packs a lot of features you and your kids can discover while at play.
Available at Php 1,000.00 SRP.
12. BUZZBEE Air Warriors – Double Shot
Spend some time outdoors while shooting it out with your kids and the BUZZBEE Air Warriors – Double Shot. Launch darts up to 55 feet away and enjoy hours of active fun with this blaster.
Available at Php 1,199.00 SRP.
Ban Kee Trading offers a variety of toys to match each and every child’s unique interests. Encourage hands-on discovery and play you can’t get from gadgets with these toys and ramp up the fun this holiday season. Add these items to your Christmas shopping cart and get ready for tons of holiday fun with your little ones!
All toys featured are available at all leading toy stores nationwide and online on Toy Town, and each toy’s respective flagship stores on Shopee and Lazada.
The Yuletide season is upon us once again, and New World Makati Hotel celebrates while giving back to the community through “A Season that Sustains”. From a 25-foot Christmas tree adorned with compostable wood, abaca rope, and paper ornaments, to room packages that come with upcycled coffee capsules as take-home tree décor and supports feeding programs for undernourished children, as well as a charity dinner for the benefit of children with cancer, coming together means having thoughtful and enjoyable experiences that sustain both the environment and the community in this season of giving.
A Christmas Tree with Sustainable Decor
As you enter the lobby, a 25-foot tree and bright, festive décor warmly greets guests while embellished with recyclable and sustainable ornaments made of wood, abaca rope, and paper, enhanced with sparkling lights and garlands, indeed making you feel that the holiday spirit is truly here.
A Season of Stays Holiday Giveaway
True to the spirit of giving back to not only the community but also to guests, every room stay from December until January 1 is equal to one raffle entry to the A Season of Stays Holiday Giveaway raffle. Among the exciting prizes up for grabs are two-night accommodations with breakfast for two in: a Deluxe room at Rosewood Hotel Bangkok with roundtrip airfare, a Garden Pool Villa at Rosewood Hotel Phu Quoc, an Executive room at Rosewood Hotel Phnom Penh, and a Superior Ocean View room at New World Hoiana Hotel.
Stays and dining experiences at New World Makati Hotel are also being raffled off, such as overnight stays with breakfast for two in a Director’s Suite and Residence Club room, as well as all-you-can-eat lunch or dinner at Jasmine restaurant for four and at Café 1228 for two.
Christmas and New Year Room Packages
Mother and son enjoying Christmas lights
Spending the holidays here for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day includes a customized tree ornament made from used coffee capsules by NVC Foundation. Proceeds from each ornament benefited the foundation’s feeding program for undernourished children from all over the Philippines. On December 24 and 25, a Christmas activity and play area will be at the ballroom from 2 to 6pm with inflatable games, a kiddie salon, and a cupcake and cookie decorating class. Those staying for New Year’s Eve also get a 10% discount to the countdown party at the ballroom.
Festive Stays Throughout the Season
It’s likewise never to early or late to book a memorable holiday stay, as festive room packages from December 1 to January 8 excluding Christmas and New Year include experiences for families, couples, and friends alike. Families can spend quality time in a cozy room with buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids, sharing Christmas-themed cakesicles for four with a jug of milk or juice and a TimeZone Powercard worth PHP500 to be used at the Greenbelt arcade right across the hotel. Friends are treated to buffet breakfast for three, three Christmas cocktails at The Lounge, and three movie tickets to the Greenbelt cinema. As for couples, their room package includes buffet breakfast for two, a holiday cake with a bottle of sparkling wine, evening cocktails at the 24 th floor Living Room, and a special offer voucher from two Greenbelt boutiques.
A Charity Dinner for Kythe Foundation
A charity dinner on December 7 at the Glasshouse indulges diners to an exclusive six-course degustation menu with wine pairing courtesy of Executive Chef Giovanni Sias which includes Pumpkin truffle steamed ravioli, Housemade smoked duck prosciutto with porcini mushroom panna cotta and port jelly reduction, Chestnut cappuccino soup with mushroom muffin, Sous vide lamb loin in parsley crust, Rustï leeks potatoes cake with ube and pumpkin cream, asparagus tips, and balsamic vinegar sauce, Campari and lemon sorbet, Norwegian salmon fillet with edamame beans, vegetable chess board, black and white champagne sauce concluded by dessert, The Saffron Bomb. Proceeds will benefit the Kythe Foundation, whose programs care for children undergoing cancer treatment. The menu is priced at PHP5,000 nett per guest.
More dining experiences as well as gifting options complete the festive activities at the hotel, from hearty Christmas and New Year dinners at the Café 1228 buffet restaurant, to special set menus at the premium Chinese outlet, Jasmine, and gift-worthy sweets and treats at The Shop.
All of New World Makati Hotel’s enticing offers this holiday season can be viewed through the digital brochure: https://bit.ly/NW2022FestiveBrochure. For more information and online reservations, guests can call (63 2) 8-811-6888, e-mail manila@newworldhotels.com, or visit https://manila.newworldhotels.com/en/promotions/. They can also follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest news and offers.
Filipino families have different ways of enjoying Noche Buena during Christmas. Some usually have their go-to dishes, including recipes that were passed down from moms and lolas.
One staple in Noche Buena spreads are pasta dishes, like macaroni salad and sweet Filipino spaghetti. While you have favorite recipes na nakasanayan, you can try something new to make your pasta dishes extra special for Christmas this year. To do this, make sure that you have quality ingredients, like El Real Pasta, to whip up a delicious dish that your loved ones will enjoy.
The possibilities with pasta or “pastabilities” are endless, so here are some recipes you can do for your Christmas spread:
Creamy Bistek Tagalog Pasta
Incorporate the flavors of the Filipino-favorite ulam Bistek Tagalog to your pasta dish, but with a creamy twist. The beef will be marinated in soy sauce, calamansi, and garlic for 30 minutes before pan-frying and simmering it in marinade. Complete the savory sauce with all-purpose cream and let it simmer for a couple minutes or until thick. Mix in the al dente El Real Flat Spaghetti, and top it with onion rings, chopped spring onions, and parmesan cheese.
See the full Creamy Bistek Tagalog Pasta recipe here.
Sushi Bake
This popular merienda can also become a hit during Noche Buena. Recreate a sushi bake by switching up the rice with El Real Elbow Macaroni. Just mix the macaroni with homemade aburi sauce and top it off with shredded crab sticks, diced mangoes, and ebiko flakes. Bake it in an oven for 10 minutes, and voila, you have a pasta-fied sushi bake in time for Noche Buena.
Did you know that you can add lechon to your pasta dish? The Lechon Paksiw Pasta uses El Real Flat Spaghetti with shredded lechon meat, lechon sauce, all-purpose cream, and various vegetables for the sauce. This savory pasta dish may not be your usual recipe, but the tasty lechon paksiw flavor of the pasta will surely impress guests. It’s also a great way to use up leftover lechon from previous gatherings and incorporate the ingredient to your Noche Buena meal.
Make your El Real Spaghetti fancy by turning it into Pasta Valenciana. This Spanish paella-inspired dish is made with tomato paste, onion, and garlic for the sauce, and chicken and carrots for the toppings. It requires you to place the pasta in the sauce while it’s simmering in a saucepan until the bottom is toasted. Assemble the Pasta Valenciana and serve for a hearty Noche Buena meal.
For dessert, you can make an elevated version of the classic macaroni salad using walnuts and cashews. After prepping and cooking the El Real Elbow Macaroni and fruit cocktail, mix them in a bowl with Kremdensada until they’re well-incorporated. Top it off with cheese, walnuts, and cashews for an added saltiness and crunchiness. This will be the perfect ending for your Noche Buena.
See the full Nutty Rainbow Salad Delight recipe here. Make Christmas more special and memorable with El Real Pasta. Find more inspiration and discover more creative pasta recipes for your Noche Buena needs over at the Real Pastabilities website www.realpastabilities.com.
This Christmas, Filipino films are put front and center once more in cinemas with the latest entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival!
Comprised of eight films, this year’s MMFF entries were picked based on artistic excellence, commercial appeal, Filipino cultural values, and global appeal, with different genres ranging from comedy to horror to romance. Check out the eight MMFF movies that will arrive in cinemas nationwide starting December 25.
Directed by Mikhail Red Starring Nadine Lustre, Louise Delos Reyes, McCoy De Leon, and Jeffrey Hidalgo.
This upcoming horror movie follows the story of Lyra whose job is to review online content to make sure that the most graphic and disturbing content will be deleted from online platforms. While Lyra seems unfazed by the videos she sees every day, she secretly hides a deep trauma donning an apathetic face while doing her job.
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina Starring Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi
This upcoming comedy movie tells the story of two exes whose paths crossed once again, but when they get involved in a crime, the duo must find a way out of their dilemma together.
Directed by Coco Martin Starring Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria
Trisha, who had spent two decades in the US, comes home to the Philippines to try to move on from a recent breakup. Here, she stumbles upon a quirky boyfriend-for-hire business and signs a contract to spend a few days with a charming guy named Gibo, who promises to help heal her heart.
Directed by Joel Lamangan Starring Dimples Romana, Sean de Guzman, Jake Cuenca, and Tiffany Grey
A lawyer takes in the son of his former client after surviving a massacre. Soon, the complicated relationships between the family members would lead to the revelation of shocking secrets and harbored feelings.
ZALORA Philippines introduces the ‘Z-Train’, ZALORA’s highly anticipated mobile pop-up concept, where ZALORA brings exciting fashion finds and other fun fringe activities to key locations. The Z-Train makes its first stop at the Uptown Mall Curbside Corner, located at 9th Avenue corner 11th Drive in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, from December 2-15, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Nowadays, trends come as fast as they go and with ZALORA’s roster of the best fashion and lifestyle brands, it’s a guarantee that there’s a fitting find for every kind of personal taste. As we open ourselves to the world once again, ZALORA’s Z-Train takes you through a journey of style rediscovery.
The Z-Train is a play on themes of urban scapes and city lines, while showing off its flair for street aesthetic. With its sleek black exterior, it definitely shows ZALORA’s DNA when you enter.
Hosting a selection of the best fashion haul from ZALORA’s top brands—the Z-Train takes you on a fun fashion ride, as customers get up to 30% off from the much loved swoosh brand Nike and leading apparel brand Trendyol.
In partnership with GCash, Z-Train’s official payment partner, customers can also get P500 cashback when they enjoy a cashless checkout using GGives.
Z-Train Exclusives:
Nike Dunk Daily Giveaway
Don’t miss out on a chance to win your own elusive Nike Dunk pair when you shop at the Z-Train. Not only do you enjoy fashion steals up to 30% off, every ZALORA order at the Z-Train earns you an entry for a chance to win in the pop-up’s Nike Dunk Daily Giveaways.
12.12 Drops
In partnership with GCash, Z-Train’s official payment partner, customers can also get an exclusive P500 cashback when they choose to pay later using GGives
Pro tip: Shop at the Z-Train on December 12, during the ZALORA 12.12 Christmas Sale kick off, using their special 12.12 Nike Dunk Codes and enjoy 30% off a minimum spend of P5,000 for a guaranteed slot to purchase your own Nike Dunks!
#Z-Train
Starting December 2, make sure to visit and check out the Z-Train as ZALORA is also giving away fourteen Nike Dunk pairs where one winner will win daily by simply posting a photo of you on the Z-Train, tagging @zaloraph, and using the hashtag #ZTrain. One post equals one entry, so post the Z-Train on your Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more chances of winning.
You better mark your calendar as ZALORA calls everyone aboard the Z-Train—where fashion finds and other surprises await! Visit www.zalora.com.ph/ztrain for more information and updates on the upcoming stops of the Z-Train that you surely won’t want to miss.
Our skin is the body’s largest and most visible organ. It serves to protect everything, trapping moisture in while keeping allergens, irritants, and pollutants out. Having sensitive skin is natural, but it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Many don’t realize that sensitive skin isn’t a skin type, but rather a skin state, may it be dry skin, hormonal skin, sunburned, red, or eczema prone – it’s all sensitive. So, paying attention to your skin, learning about skincare, and adopting good habits can prevent skin flare-ups and lead to a lifetime of healthier skin.
November is National Healthy Skin Month, making it a great time to give your skin that extra care it needs. It is also a good reminder for everyone to know more about the products they use to manage their sensitive skin. Aveeno® has once again unlocked the power of oats with its science-based formulation that appeals to a wide range of people with sensitive to eczema-prone skin. These are people who are looking for a better solution to relieve them from their skin conditions. “We know that sensitive skin is real and can have a tremendous impact on one’s quality of life. Aveeno®’s commitment is to care for people with sensitive skin—dry, itchy, and eczematic by combining scientific research with the strong power of oats. As a leader in skin science, Aveeno® has everyday solutions made with effective formulations proven to soothe, help heal and protect dry, sensitive skin.” says, senior marketing manager for skin health franchise Nica Rollan.
Aveeno® is also recommended by dermatologists as our products are thoughtfully formulated for sensitive skin, free of parabens, phthalates, and dyes. Johnson and Johnson research and development scientist for skin health, Chernis Low, shared “We are mindful of our consumers’ concern, and seek to address their needs by unlocking the power of natural ingredients in our science-backed solutions.”
Through the years, Aveeno® has innovated solutions for different levels of skin needs and sensitivities all with the power of oats. Aveeno®’s Daily Moisture is for people with normal/ sensitive skin. Its key ingredient is prebiotic colloidal oats which helps prevent daily skin sensitivity and dryness by locking in moisture. For those experiencing dry to sensitive skin, Aveeno® Skin Relief helps restore moisture loss, soothes, and relieves dryness. It also provides long-lasting protection with its triple oat complex and natural colloidal oats. Aveeno® also offers a specialized line for eczema-prone skin by combining triple oats and ceramides in Aveeno® Dermexa. Aveeno® Dermexa provides immediate comfort, prevents flare-ups, and the recurrence of extreme dryness.
Aveeno®’s new and improved line of products continues to build on its heritage of care by continuously researching ingredients on nature’s soothing and healing properties to help provide care for all skin, even the most sensitive. The new Aveeno® now has +50% more oat extract in prebiotic triple oat complex for immediate relief from your dry and itchy skin in as fast as 60 seconds.
Don’t let your sensitive skin stop you from the things you need to do, you can get your favorite a Aveeno®’s products in Watsons or on the official Johnson and Johnson Lazada and Shopee pages. For more information on Aveeno® visit their website at www.aveeno.com.ph and follow Aveeno® on their social media pages @AveenoPH.
