Holiday Snacks from URC!

Christmas is just around the corner and the folks from URC (Universal Robina Corporation) knows exactly why snacking should be a big part of it. From family reunions to friends catching up, a drink or two is essential, and so is a bowl of Jack N Jill snacks. 

Unbeknownst to a lot of people, you can actually jazz it up and make it a bit gourmet if you please. They recommended a few recipes you can try at the comforts of your own home!

Piattos Nachos 

3-4 packs of regular sized Piattos Cheese (my preferred flavor but you can choose Nacho Pizza instead)

2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or quickmelt)

1 Jar of Salsa

Optional: Sauteed Ground Beef, Pork, beans (boiled til soft), Jalapeños, Black Olives, Onions, Sour Cream, more tomatoes. You can just put chips on a bowl, put cheese and melt it, then put salsa and other components. Serve immediately!

Cream-O Cake

For the sweet tooth, you can do a lot of things with your favorite cookie brand Cream-O. Grab 10 packs of it, separate the cookies from the cream, ground it up and mix it with 1 and a half cup of milk. Layer it alternately with the cream, steam it for 5 minutes (though I prefer mine frozen) add the remaining layers later on. Add a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or just eat it straight out of the container. Enjoy!

Without cooking skills, you can make a lot of things with these products, and yes, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make it work. All of these are available in your local grocer or supermarket. You can also get it from your food and grocery apps, it's all about making your what you want to happen. All from our friends at URC! 

Epic Celebration at #AcerAtingPasko with Kings SB19 and Ladies from G22

We had so much fun at the #AcerAtingPasko event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall a few days ago. Thousands of fans, media partners and onlookers took time out to celebrate Christmas with the PPOP Kings SB19 and the fabulous and talented ladies of G22. Before the festivities, we were treated to Christmas songs by world class UP Madrigal Singers. 

At the event, they first showcased their newest products and announced their offers during the holidays including Php 5,000 off on premium Acer products (select models on laptops and projectors) and up to Php 10,000 worth of appliance center EGC's when you purchase select products from their stores this season. For the fine print, please visit their social channels and see announcements for these. But from what I gathered it's all about the 2024 AI PC's they have specifically the Swift Go 14 AI and the CoPilot+ PC that it has in the system. It's going to make life easier especially if you're more of a creative or using them for office functions. The new laptop has better battery life than its previous models. That alone is something so good to see on the holiday sale.

 

Anyway, Bullets and A'Tins then had the time of their life when SB19 and G22 performed on stage and did several of their worldwide hits, no doubt, we could feel the screams from the same floor we were in and the bleachers. It was deafening, and we're not surprised. They were ultra talented, good looking and knew it was time to treat their fans with their music! (make sure you follow @kumagcow on TikTok because we've got their performances there!).

Meanwhile, one of the most exciting part of the show was when SB19 and G22 exchanged gifts. Here's how it went!

See why we had fun that day?! Make sure you follow Acer because there's more of this happening soon!

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts Introduces 4 Keys To Ortigas Business District

Ortigas has always been a place for business, and has thrived over the years. Change has always been happening in it, and the tourism, travel and hotel industry is part of that. Recently, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts showcased what you need to be here, not just for business, but bond with friends and family with 4 of their unique properties.

The Westin Manila just opened in March this year. Theirs is a property that is centered on wellness, and if you are up to it, staycations are highly encouraged. The holidays (and their Paskonstelasyon celebrations) are also going to be fun as they've got the Green and Bright theme executed in their offers. They have Holiday feasts for Lunch and Dinner, the famous Westin Holiday High Tea, several Holiday Hampers filled with Organic Food and sweet treats. They also have boutique pastries you can take home in your own home celebrations, plus their signature Rudolph The Reindeer Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake which you can only get at the Westin Manila, or a mini version if you are cutting back on sweets. I love the ambiance there, with 303 rooms, function rooms and a ballroom, you would certainly love to stay there for the holidays. Soon to open are restaurants including a rooftop bar with a Spanish twist. Their GM Alexander Dietzsch would welcome you there!

Maybe this huge Sisig would convince you. GO stay at Ortigas' iconic hotels!

 

Their other property called GO Hotels and GO Hotels Plus have several offers for the holidays including 40% off on their various locations. They also have the new RHR Gift Card available in different denominations so you can give it to your friends and family as gifts too. With GO 24/7, you can check in anytime and check out of the hotel for a whole 24 hours after. You can also book in advanced via GO365, they also have people available online to answer your questions, now that's convenient!

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If you've gone into a conference, meeting or stay in the Ortigas district, chances are, you've probably done them in Crowne Plaza or Holiday Inn. These icons have lots to offer especially during the holidays. Crowne Plaza's UNBOX activities plan to combine business and leisure. If you book a room with them, it might come with a special gift where you could get discounts in Xin Tian Di, 7 Corners Restaurant, more discounts on future stays, or even free ones on your next dates (which they raffle off). Go stay with them and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria during the New Year's eve as both hotels have a Countdown Party at special rates, with more surprises up their sleeves.

Pretty good showing over at Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, which I hope I'd get to personally stay at soon. Now you're informed.

Art De Noel and New Year Shindig at Sofitel Manila

Christmas at Sofitel Manila certainly is an event to experience. With their upcoming Art De Noel 2023, the management, staff and guests of the hotel will be able to help once again the Virlanie Foundation. The organization helps disadvantaged children and families in the Philippines for years now and Sofitel Manila has been a constant partner in making sure their mission stays accomplished every year. The decor in the hotel has changed quite a lot over the years, and this year, they've got a few trains on display right at the entrance and floating right beside the huge Christmas Tree displayed at the center of Spiral, one of the world's best buffet. 

This year, they want to also put importance on reuniting families. Aside from that, they're yearly New Year celebrations will be held at the Sofitel Grand Ballroom and Harbor Garden Tent, with an event called SHINDIG, showcasing dance across eras, with some of the brightest stars of the 80's, 90's, 2000's and the present. Let's just say it involves Juan Miguel Salvador (who played the 80's hits so good that evening!), DJ Tom Taus, Joshua Zamora and Jon Supan, The InnerVoices, and your boy Darren Espanto headlining the show. Tickets will be available starting November 30 so if you've got plans to celebrate New Year's eve without the fuzz, this might be your best bet. They also have an early bird rate, so go call +632-85735557 for it. 

Here's a glimpse of what will happen at Sofitel Manila, I'm telling you, it's super fun! I had the urge of dancing even with strangers during the launch a few days ago.

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As you can see, Sofitel Manila's SPIRAL, LE BAR and Cocos will also be serving food during these dates. Reserve a table through their website, social channels or their number posted above. Take a bite of the Holiday Logs, Cheese, Foie Gras, seafood, pasta on the cheese wheel, and tons of desserts. They will also have a fireworks display, Art de Noel Light Show, good rates for stay, the Sofitel Bears (to help Virlanie Foundation too!), live music entertainment while you dine the best food at SPIRAL.

We got to experience part of that last week, and I'm sure the actual dates will be even bigger. You definitely shouldn't miss this, only at Sofitel Manila!

Time to Enjoy the Shakey's Christmas Collection

It's almost Christmas and yes, even Shakey's has something up their sleeves. Take a look at Shakey's Christmas Collection, a  well curated holiday spread that you can only get from the one who serves fun, and also pizza.

First off is the Frosty Peppermint Milkshake. It's a sweet and minty beverage you would love to have with the pizzas you doused with hot sauce. They also have the Truffle Chicken Holiday Pasta, highly addictive, a mix of white sauce, chicken breast fillet and truffle oil (which you can get solo or to share), either way it's good! For your pizza, take a look at Merry Pepperoni Holiday Pizza. It's got pepperoni slices, cheddar, mozzarella, feta and parmesan cheese. They also drizzled honey and sprinkled it with fresh chopped basil, how can you not love that!

For dessert, they also offer Santa's Strawberry Cheesecake Pizza. This one has cheesecake spread, lines of strawberry syrup and luscious cherry in the center. 

Thing is, this will only be available for a limited time. Best for holiday celebrations at home, the office or just about anywhere you can carry it. Have it for dine-in, take-out or delivery,  make these part of your festivities this 2023. Only at Shakey's! 

Some Good Deals from SHOPEE this "11.11 Mega Pamasko Sale"

It's already 11.11 season and yes, that means a lot of brands are dishing out the best deals they can give Filipinos during this time of the year. So I did the best thing and compiled a few of them here, in hopes of getting you a bit of an advantage when you're buying stuff for your brother, boyfriend, husband or loved one. Think of this as an early holiday gift where you get to save by buying early, sounds good no?!

Spectacles from EO aka Executive Optical

They offer various services in their branches, but is now available online via Shopee. On 11.11 Shopee Mega Pamasko Sale, they'll be offering branded frames, contact lenses, solutions, at a fraction of the orignal cost. From glasses to anti rad, they've got you covered. I heard they'll do 90 percent off on some of it, imagine those Php 1,599 frames will become Php 159, crazy right?

You can get them here

EO Glasses for Men and Women


Trainer Jackets from PUMA

That cat really exudes sport and having one of these would surely be a good deal when they take out a couple thousand pesos off the orignal price. They use dryCELL cloth tech so it wouldn't be too hot when you workout, and you won't perspire as much.

Get that jacket here

Jackets from PUMA

Running Shoes from Adidas

I own a pair and from the it usually cost around 5K on regular days, but now you can get them for Php 2,250, how can you say no to that.

Get it here

Shoes from Adidas

Smart TV from Coocaa

If you want a 43 inch screen for your room or karaoke session, get the Smart TV from Coocaa for around Php 9,399, pretty cheap but lasts, heck I've had other brands that I got from here and it lasted years.

Get the Coocaa here

https://shope.ee/9KHJcueOnA

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

They're getting you 35 percent off the actual price of this handset, if you're looking for a phone with a good camera and a little muscle for gaming, get it here!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12

https://shope.ee/LMUvV1qWm

https://shope.ee/LMUvV1qWmhttps://shope.ee/LMUvV1qWmhttps://shope.ee/LMUvV1qWm

 Some mighty POCO Phones for Gaming

If you're into gaming, POCO has mean smartphones that can do the job. What's even better is that they're doing over 44 percent discount on their handsets, pretty cool to have that for those who prefer this brand on the holidays. Get the POCO M5s, POCO X5 5G or POCO X5 Pro 5G. If you prefer the flagship ones get the POCO F5 or the POCO F5 Pro. It's got big storage, more than enough hardware to run those graphics you love on moba games.

You can get the POCO phones here

POCO Phones

 

HONOR Does Buy 1 Get 1 on 11.11

The folks from HONOR seriously wants you to get you VALUE for MONEY which means they're going to do price drops and FREE JBL Speakers just on this date. Watch out for the promo on their channels and the Shopee account. They are not JOKING.

 

You can get the HONOR phones/tablets or books here

Honor Magic Book

 

I've witnessed the recent creators night that Shopee did, here's a glimpse of it on video, please enjoy!

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Since it's 11.11, I'm sure you've got lots of things on your cart that you once wished you could get, this will surely be the best time to get it. Make sure you check the price before and after that date just to make sure, I've seen really good stuff in the app. Go check them out today!

Don't say I didn't tell you about it!

Winning Customers This Mega Holiday with GCash

Spent the evening at the GCash Insider event in BGC as they bare news about this supposed MEGA HOLIDAY happening in the Philippines. They also shared information about how to win customers at the most competitive days since everybody's having their own mega sales season.  It's timely and apt for Pinoys since we do start the holidays quite early, a cultural phenomenon that even Mariah Carey understood.

The number 1 finance app in the country GCash knows how important this is not just for their consumer base but for the countless businesses that are also on the platform. They have pioneered a lot of things in the past and this time, services have changed tremendously because of the demands of the economy pre and post pandemic. Connecting to consumers have evolved and it is critical to reach your target consumers which is why they have personalized the experience year on year. 

The rise of e-commerce channels , tons of promos and discounts means you need to make your brand stand out. It needs clearer communication and better strategies. 

GCash B2B Marketing Head on New Businesses Katrina Ronquillo says "Christmas is extraordinary in the Philippines and to note, we celebrate it as early as September. We also see consumer spending, movement, brand spending increase both online and offline. People are excited about it, even if it means going through traffic everywhere. You need to know your customer, and we know how mega it's going to be this season."

Carlos Bauza the Innovations and AdTech head for GCash says "The past few days we scoured the internet and found some of the most weird items are being highly reviewed online. From flavored soda, haunted items, a jail cell for phones. Value, Volume and Users increased and people value safety in transactions when it comes to digital transactions. Some segments are not as natural, some people buy things online, some don't. Mostly it's the convenience that makes them buy. Despite the massive growth of online, almost half still do offline purchases because of security and value of the product. Consumer spending also has grown in both, and it has to be in targeted driven channels that we need to be in so we can drive sales. GCash Voucher Ads can get your products where your customers are."

Sarah Venturina Chief Data Officer of Gcash adds "I've been working 24 years in this data industry, that's 1999. We have little information of our customers, but these days we have a lot and it's not just age and gender. At GCash, we try to understand our customers with our shopaholic segments. From GDP, employment, and income growth, we have seen this increase over the years especially for the shopaholics... most of which are also doing transactions on GCash. These are across different segments. And it's not just women. We need to support their passions, invest in cross selling, revisit typical consumer data. At GCash we have over 50 different affinities, and we did it today in this room. 90 percent of you are shopaholics, luxury shoppers are 21 percent, 76 percent are Salon Lovers, these are your GCash personalities."

Claude Gomez of Insights Analytics and Globe Synergies says "We are in sales and marketing so we look at the data points especially the money that goes in and out of wallets. Lending penetration has also grown, 9x in the past 3 years. It's because it is a convenient and is expected to increase in December. This is a lot of retail, more of wants rather than needs during this time. Much of the purchases are gadgets, and by targeting your customers to get personalized offers, it will be more effective with GCash Hyper AI Ads (beta). It maximizes campaign revenue and optimize learning about your customers. This doesn't just drive growth to GCash products but partner brands as well."

These are just some of the things GCash does and if you want to win customers through mega mobility, affinities and spenders, choose the e-wallet and tech company that does these all. They have Mega Shopper Booster, Shopper Pulse Push, Cross Shopper Trigger and Merry GCash packages you can avail if you're interested and plan to do big things this 11.11, 12.12 and Christmas season.

Top Holiday Destinations: Tagaytay Highlands

Christmas in the Philippines start at "BER" months, which means months that end with BER (September to December). It is dubbed as the longest Christmas celebration in the world and we do often take this time to be with friends, family, and loved ones. Destinations such as Tagaytay Highlands are often on top of the list because of the cool climate, serene and beautiful landscape where guests, residents would enjoy the countryside without going too far from the metropolis via a short ride away down south.

It has changed a lot over the years as new exclusive residential homes and units have been put up as vantage points to Taal Volcano and lake area, and Laguna-Mount Makiling side, you'll end up crazy trying to look at the nice views from one side and the other. They also have recently put up Christmas decors, lights, ornaments as the holidays come closer, making this a very inviting place to be in especially this December. Tagaytay Highlands will also be holding a Christmas Party for the young ones come December 17. It will be held at the Sports Center Hall so make sure you get them all dressed for the occasion.

Aside from that, there will be a Christmas Bazaar on the Highlands Golf Parking area from December 27 to 31 to make sure those aguinaldos and shopping money be spent without leaving the sweet enclave. The Sports Center Hall will also get converted for the New Years Eve countdown on the 31st, so schedule appropriately during the holidays.

For those who prefer a more holy retreat, Chapel events will happen from November 27th til the end of the year, so make sure you check schedules appropriately on site or their social channels. You can also take the trip there for the annual "Simbang Gabi" which starts from December 15th to the 23rd. The holiday mass will also be celebrated on Christmas eve and the day itself, plus on New Year's day. It's certainly a dreamy place to be in during Christmas time so if you're in the mood for a move, consider Tagaytay Highlands to be on your list if you would like a change of pace and destination during the holidays. The award winning developer Highlands Prime Inc. is a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings. It's safe and made of dreams, so if you're interested go check out Tagaytay Highlands on FB, IG and their site tagaytayhighlands.com today!

Shopee Philippines 11.11-12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Shopee's going to give you the biggest sale this 11.11 + 12.12 and you can't stop them from ending 2021 in your favorite holiday mood. Aside from super big discounts, vouchers,free shipping and one peso deals, there's a lot more to celebrate with the leading shopping app in the country.

Shopee Director for Operations Martin Yu bade good news that Sellers and Brands in the platform has surged over 60% this year and also, 1 in 3 shoppers in the app are new users which means new people are joining. This was something they observed during the 9.9 Super Brands Festival Event last September.

This coming 11.11 there will be really big selections in products, deals from the sellers themselves and Shopee too. Add to that, Shopee's treating you to fun and entertainment because Shopee knows how important Christmas is to the Filipinos. Shopee is also continuing their Seller schools so they could take advantage of Shopee's platform and increase transactions, further their growth especially MSME's who want to expand their businesses online.

 

Shopee hosted brands will also have exclusive deals with leading brands like Xiaomi, POCO, realme, Samsung, Nokia, Vivo, DJI, PerySmith, Deerma, Coocaa Home and Bata Philippines. They will also have other promos with partner official stores coincided with their use of Shopeepay. This includes brands like Puregold, National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Power Mac Center, The Generics Pharmacy, Family Mart, Lawson, Olympic Village, Shoe Salon, Potato Corner, Mary Grace, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Siomai House, and Fruitas Group of Companies which they can do offline by purchasing deals on the app. They will also have gift guides for those who haven't thought of what to give their loved ones and guide them what to purchase. There will be deals on different days this November, midnight mall exclusives, and a finale performance by KPOP phenomenon NCT127 this November 11 at 9:30PM on GMA. Local celebrities will also be there like Rocco Nacino, Klea Pineda, Andre Paras, and Gil Cuerva. They will also get a chance to win prizes and surprises worth Php 12 Million, 2 new house and lots and a brand new car which will be picked during the event. Go check out the nitty gritty details on shopee.ph/m/christmas-sale and make sure you download the Shopee app on Google Play and the App Store.

Oh and yes, thank you so much for gracing the event kind Sir Jose Mari Chan. You made it more special!

Heattech for this Season: UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Holiday Collection

 

This is the first Uniqlo and JW Anderson Holiday Collection and by the looks of it, it really depicts a cozy countryside British cottage which is the theme they were going for. The relaxed more fall winter colors is just fancy and nice for those long walk in the woods, with your wife and kids in tow, looking good at these garments. JW Anderson and Uniqlo has been doing this since 2017 and certainly, the London based designer has made this a good start so people would have it at a massive scale, because Uniqlo can dress you up easy. With their Heat Tech Technology, those cold holiday nights in Manila or your airconditioned room can be taken cared of. Just get a hot cup of cocoa and it's a done deal!

Keep your hands, feet and head warm. These pieces are available online via the Uniqlo app so go download it today. I actually have been shopping in that app and get my deliveries the next day, no joke!

It's really nice! 

Beko Announces Fun Holiday Promo

The pandemic has brought upon us a lot of hardships, being away from family and friends, difficulty to do work, and an economy that is struggling. Although we're experiencing a lot these days, we still have that hope that the Christmas season in the Philippines will still prosper. It's a grand time to reconnect, no matter how we do it, as it is a good holiday to find reason to come together and show love just like we used to. May it be online, from a distance, thinking about our very own safety while still remembering the reason for the season and our own family.

Beko Pilipinas feels a little bit generous this season and what good way to show their support to Filipinos but by giving them a chance to send gifts to their loved ones, sounds nice eh? They call it “Beko Sends Love This Christmas” wherein Beko stands to give away several of their appliances to lucky patrons every Friday from November 6 up until January 4, 2021. This includes a Grand Prize of Php 120,000 worth of appliances that would be a dream for those who would win it. This includes a refrigerator, a washing machine, a cooker, a dryer and a range hood for your home.

 

This is Beko's way of celebrating with the Filipino family. If you choose to join, you would to purchase appliances worth Php 10,000 and up in a single receipt from October 31st to December 31. This can be only done on select partner stores like SM Appliances, All Home, Ansons, Robinsons, Great World, Asian Home, Manila Imperial, Savers, shopping app Lazada and Household Appliances Trading to name a few. If you get Php 10,000 to Php 19,000 worth of appliances, you get one raffle ticket. If you purchase more from Php 20,000 - Php 39,999, you get two raffle tickets. If you purchase Php 40,000-Php 59,999, then you get three. If you purchase Php 60,000 and above, you get 4 raffle tickets for it. You simply must register your purchases via www.bekopromos.ph, then nominate your loved one so they could be one of the 37 lucky winners weekly and have a chance to win the grand prize which will be known in January. Minor prizes include Beko Vacuum cleaners while the grand prize can be chosen from the Beko 50cm freestanding cooker, Beko 8KG automatic topload washing machine or a 7.1 cu.ft. Beko Refrigerator. It will be drawn on January 4, 2021 and will involve the grand prize of an appliance showcase containing a Beko 15.5cu.ft Refrigerator, a Beko 7kg Inverter Frontload Washing Machine, a Beko 7KG dryer, a Beko 60cm hood and a Beko 60cm freestanding cooker.

To know more about the actual promo, make sure you visit the Beko Philippines’ official Facebook page seen at facebook.com/bekoph because it's all there!

SHOPWISE Does Holiday Deliveries Through Honestbee

I know you’re all busy, events left and right, office work about to wrap up, reunions, meetings and family time must be the cause. Although I too am excited for this because this news is worthy to share. If you’ve been struggling to juggle your schedules, I have the best solution for you. It’s called HONESTBEE, an app you can download on Google Play and the App Store today.

I fondly remember all my trips to Shopwise because my Mom and Dad usually wait for me there while having their favorite Mongolian Bowls inside the store, it’s their favorite spot and I knew they were going to have a great time grocery shopping there because they’ve got a lot of exclusive brands, the necessities and more. It’s a little sad because we couldn’t go there anymore because we had to entertain relatives coming from overseas and the traffic is really bad. Honestbee came into my life a little over a month and a half ago. Honestly, was skeptic because I knew there was delivery and concierge chargers on top of what you buy from them, but come to think about it, I spend almost the same if not even higher for Grab or Parking Fees plus severe back pains when lifting heavy groceries. I always worry about that because I couldn’t let my Mom lift things and I’m the only strong one who could do that in my home these days, so imagine my surprise when they even waived off my delivery fees because I usually shop a lot in Shopwise.

According to Ms. Crystal Gonzalez the Managing Director of honestbee Philippines “We want to deliver to our promise of more choices for our customers when it comes to online grocery shopping. We know how important it is for people who are looking for more affordable options. This is why we now have Shopwise on our App.”

Ms. Anna Barrozo the Marketing Director of Shopwise says “We try to find solutions to provide our customers the most convenient ways to shop. Our partnership with honestbee allows us to give them access to affordable and quality goods.”

Shopwise also has imported products so you get a taste of brands such as Papa Alfredo, Sunharvest, SnapMax, Southdale Farm, French Cellar wines, Wine Makers Reserve and Red Peak of which some are exclusive only in Shopwise. 

Now I don’t have to run around like a headless chicken when scouring for ingredients of my holiday menu. I can order in advanced and schedule the delivery on the app without the need to spend for hundreds of pesos for transportation, or the effort to squeeze through the hell we call Manila traffic. 

Thanks Honestbee! I should have trusted you a long time ago!

KUMAGCOW 

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