Better Banking Rewards with Security Bank

 

Had a lovely morning at Shangrila Mall's atrium yesterday as Security Bank had all their people celebrate in "Ready, Set, Redeem!" which is a launch for their #BetterBankingRewards platform as part of their credit card perks. I think it's special because they really have designed it in a way where cardholders would be able to earn points easier, use their points with flexibility and enjoy the rewards conveniently instead of just being stagnantly there. With appealing promos and partner merchants as huge as the Mastercard network, you'll get to see and feel how rewarding it is to have one.

 

At the Shangrila Mall, they had different stations to exchange points into miles with different airline companies (You can exchange your existing rewards points from Security Bank to the preferred airline and buy the needed tickets you want. For international or domestic flights, partner airlines are accessible on the app), taught folks to also use it for hotel stays, had us watch Will Dasovich spend it like actual money to change his wardrobe, styled for a flight he's having in the afternoon. It was like using the points as convenient as cash. The #BetterBankingRewards is accessible through the Security Bank app or the website. Simply register and redeem rewards in over 100+ partner brands listed there. Whether you enjoy a day in a spa, flying, shopping, they've got lots of options for you to enjoy without spending a dime, just your points of course!

 

Rahul Rasal EVP and Retail Head of Security Bank says "Welcome to our partners, to Mastercard and Security Bank family. How many are married? Not Married? Do you believe in happy wife, happy life? A resounding Yes, but happy husband doesn't matter. I went on a vacation once, but had to call my bank to increase my limit, the kind person said it's okay, we can redeem your points to get you a room upgrade. That's when I felt the importance of rewards, you can do this on flights and hotels, and in a lot of merchants. We hope you too get a rewarding experience with Security Bank."

This doesn't only apply here, but internationally (so use your points and exchange them with other loyalty points smart!). You can also monitor your points spending in the same place. This convenience makes it a #BetterBankingRewards experience so if you apply for a Security Bank Credit Card today, you get to earn points like a pro. No wonder they've won awards for it! Head on to securitybank.com to know more.

A Glimpse of the iStudio Plus Store in Shangri-la Plaza Mall

It's been only a few months and change has definitely happened with the brand of iStudio Plus. After being a Premium Apple Reseller for years, they now carry MORE brands under their belt. What this means for consumers is OPTIONS, that in this day and age of different smartphone brands and accessories, you've got iStudio Plus stores you can go to.

After covering the iStudio Plus iPhone 16 event a couple weeks ago, they have opened up a brand new store over at the 3rd Floor of Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. We were able to get first dibs on some of the brands that they carry including top fan manufacturer Jisulife, smartphone manufacturer Samsung, and the really fun Divoom, a brand that has lots of bags, speakers, microphones, LED and accessories. iStudio plus also has their own branded products, which I love every bit of.

They carry Philips products, but I fancied this huge 30,000mAh power bank. It's small but compared to other brands, this has more capacity.

This is one of the things that are iStudio branded, they've got a lot! But what I dig about this brick is the two outputs. I don't have to wait for one device to charge and can do it at the same time!

A big surprise was this JBL Wind 3S portable bluetooth speaker, you can attach this to bikes when you're outdoors. Enjoy the fun of music even in the midst of your workout. There's more where this came from!

Being a Premium Apple Reseller, they carry Apple products like this Apple TV 4K. It's got really good audio and video quality. With it, you can Facetime people while you're in the living room. It also has access to Apple original shows and films!

Because it's hot in the Philippines, iStudio Plus carries Jisulife products. Different from the usual wireless rechargeable fans in the market, this is much stronger and lasts quite a long time. This is why it's the top selling brand of portable fans in the country, and in the world.

I'm a sucker for really good bluetooth speakers. Divoom has these. This is the Divoom Spark Pop Bluetooth Speaker, a kind of small portable speaker which they carry in store. Don't be fooled by how small it is because it sound so loud and crisp in real life. Imagine the things you can do with this while you're traveling to other countries or domestically. You don't have to be bored at all!

This is just the tip of the iceberg, during the event, they also told us that they're planning to open/revamp a few more stores within the year. They are also targeting even more before 2030. It's going to be more convenient shopping for phones, audio, video devices and accessories because they made it all in one place, at iStudio Plus!

I'd like to take this bit to thank the folks at iStudio Plus for letting us see what's about to happen at their store in Shangri-la Plaza Mall. From the looks of it, it's amazing!

HOLIDAZE A Shang Fashion Show

You've been here and seen the difference with different malls in the country, the lifestyle fits you and if there's something that you want to do when you're at the Shangri-la Mall, that's shopping. The choices for fashion is endless, and what better way to showcase that but with HOLIDAZE, a Shang Fashion Show. Set at the mall's Grand Atrium, they brought out the best of the best clothing, shoes, fashion items from some of the best brands they carry inside Rustans for example, I could talk about it lengthily but I'd rather show you the ware. 

The holidays are indeed for the whole family and to start off, they got kids to model for the brands they have. If you like Adora, Joe Fresh, Debenhams, Old Navy, Porsche Design, Paul & Shark, Repetto, British India, Stradivarius, Zara, Gap, Marks and Spencer, Arrow, K & Company, Daniel Hechter, Anne Klein, Van Laack, Brooks Brothers, Mico Boutique, Styled, The Park and others, you're in for a treat because the divided collections into two shows and we've covered the 7PM event. Feast your eyes on these!

(Oh yes you're going to see the whole show! Enjoy!)

New Hobby for Titos/Titas of Manila: SUISEKI

Just got off the SUISEKI event at the posh Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Shaw Boulevard this afternoon. For those who don't know, there is a large community dedicated to natural stones oftenly called SUISEKI (named after Empress Suiko) who got Chinese Scholar rocks displayed in a wooden base. These rocks are special, usually formed during a long period of time and must depict a special object or shape, like landscape, animals and sculptures. It's not modified at all. The lady above is Ms. Fely Gupit, founder of the Natural Stones Society of the Philippines. The jolly lady welcomed us all and told us the story of Suiseki culture in the Philippines and according to organizations, the country is only on it's infancy because we only started in the early 2000's, but knows how huge our natural resources are. That's our edge over other countries who do this too.

During the occasion, we were also treated with passionate bamboo flute music courtesy of that viral grandpa who played in his spare time at LRT Stations in Manila. There was a guy and young kid who performed with him who were equally talented.

This is Suiseki

People who must have been on the sidelines have been looking at it funny but if you look at them up close, you would know why people have been appreciating these rocks for hundreds of years because just like fashion, it's in the details. 

These are volcanic rocks, formed like small hills and mountains while the other looked like a sinkhole.

This is called Circline, very stunning to see as it looked like a real sculpture but it's only made by the ravages of wind, water, and natural soil erosion. 

This one is called a "Seal", as it mimics the actual sea animal. I'm sure you can all see the resemblance no?

This one looks like a sculpture that looks like it was inspired by "Madonna and Child". The organization called Natural Stones Society of the Philippines has been doing these exhibits in different places and museums to bring awareness of the art, which can be a good hobby for Titos and Titas of Manila. 

This is one of the most fascinating pieces I've seen on display because if you look at it, it's got tons of flower patterns that are intricately arranged on the stone's face. If my hunch is correct, this is a former coral and I'm sure the Philippines has got a ton of these since we are an archipelago.

Some pieces hail from Nueva Ecija and with the multitude of caves there, I bet some of these pieces have history involved. It looks like there's a ton of stories involved in picking up stones like these.

This is entitled "Mountains" which I figure is more because it looks like the ULURU mountain in Australia or just like certain mountains in the Philippines. I think I get why scholars have gotten interest in these things and get inspiration when they study. 

Tanay Rizal is also a source of these interesting stones. Mind you I've seen several things like these that cost thousands of pesos, no joke!

Bat Cave, as the name suggests this looks like a bat in flight. Several stones on display actually look like other animals, like turtles, birds, mammals, and you don't even have to imagine.

This one is textured, one which we often call "Batong Buhay" in local lingo. This is interesting because people would just brush this off, put it on a pedestal and it looks like a million bucks.

For those who are interested to actually make this a serious hobby, Titos/Titas of Manila are encouraged to contact Ms. Felicidad Gupit, founder of the Natural Stones Society of the Philippines. If you would like to join the club, just call 5717818. After three days they will have a new set of stones on display so I hope you could get to see it before July 26. This is part of Shangri-la Plaza's month long celebration of everything Japanese. There are small shops, a lot of displays, kimonos and retail stores that show their wares so buy them all if you're in the mood for shopping. They have events every week so if you're in the mood for fun and luxurious retail therapy, Shangri-la Plaza has them all! Visit http://www.shangrila-plaza.com/ for more details!

Converse x Inquirer Face Off OOTD

I was really excited about this show and just one word of runway or CONVERSE means I'm there! Courtesy of our friends from the well loved street wear brand, we got a seat somewhere in the crowd and played comfy. Took my DSLR for a run again and tried to shoot even from afar, so I really apologize for the heads on the shots... as it was really packed there and we can't do anything about that. Converse just came out with really good Gum Soles and reflective ones a couple of months back, but this was more of a showcase on what they can do in movies, fashion shows with whatever the models would wear. From long gowns, to funky headdresses, from sleek to puffy dresses, they still rock the look because Converse can fit anywhere. 

As partners of the program, FOSSIL (the watch brand) also showcased their latest designs and got a few models to wear them. I think I saw Ms. Sutton who wore yellow somewhere there. It was a pretty cool thing to start the event off.

The show was hosted by social butterfly Tessa Prieto Valdes and Vince Velasco. No there's no generation gap, but Ms. Tessa wanted to wear 5 inch Converse heels if there was time. They were fun! They also started to give away the best dressed awards before the continuation of the runway show. Benjamin Alvez and sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose got the title, quite fit to get that.

Then the runway show opened with Jodily Pendre, who missed Asia's Next Top model by a hairline.

Hey that's Luke Jickain!

I think this guy is an actor from ABSCBN, I'm sorry I forgot his name as of this writing. :(

Show stopper, this is Andre Chang.

She got slapped on TV, but she's here!

This one is cute, they came out from other ends of the stage and when the guy came in, he held her hand.

This one is JAPA NICE.

I haven't interviewed this lady yet, I was told she is Lauren Reid. You guessed it.

Gorgeous Klea Pineda, a GMA artist.

This would look good on me :)

Then Cary Santiago had us gasp at her masterpiece, all three of them!

Even Tessa Prieto felt it was good.

Then suddenly, there she was. 6th Place Miss Universe Maxene Medina.

Now I too am loving my own pair of Chucks and got the Gum Sole variety in Blue. Formal, casual, or just about any day, a good pair of CONVERSE should always be in your mind. You know you want to do it, what is it that's stopping you?

Hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did!

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