Miyerkules, Nobyembre 25, 2020

CREATIVE CHRISTMAS TREE CENTERPIECES BRING JOY TO SM SHOPPERS

SM City Clark’s Parul Kapampangan centerpiece is a tribute to Pampanga’s lantern-making industry. The dazzling 45- foot tree with 1,680 bulbs and spinning lights is proudly designed and assembled by Kapampangan parol makers

It is said that Filipinos began decorating their homes with Christmas trees in the early 1900s, as influenced by our American colonizers.  Earlier, however, Dr. Jose Rizal, our National Hero, introduced and brought the idea about the Christmas tree in his letter to his eldest sister when he was in Berlin in November 1886. He simply described how Christmas is celebrated in Germany and Spain, and how a forest pine tree decorated with glitter, lights, candies, and fruit is placed inside the house where everyone celebrates Christmas around it.

S Maison’s elegant 35-foot blush pink tree is beautifully curated with sparkling gold and silver elements in snowflakes, Christmas balls, and angels’ lamps. The tree is also accented by blush pink mini Christmas trees, and reminders made of silver leatherette and metal frame in gold finish.

Christmas is in bloom at SM Aura Premier with its centerpiece signifying the first blossoms of spring as a symbol of hope. Designed in pastel and spring colors, the tree blooms with giant flowers and filled with crystalized Christmas balls in bronze, silver, and white.  The tree lights up with fan-shaped LED lights, and is accented by 2 giant reindeer beautifully dressed up with floral horns.

SM Southmall’s Southtacular Carnival Christmas features a 34-foot tree, life-size bears, and a gigantic Ferris wheel! Carnival snacks like cotton candy and popcorn and a myriad of colorful neon lights celebrate the spirit of the season.

Since that time, the Christmas tree has found its place in many Filipino homes. Beyond the display and the ornaments, it has conveyed a message of love, unity, and joy in every member of the family.

Inspired by the beautiful heritage houses around the city, SM City Iloilo’s 40-foot tree is born out of love for everything Ilonggo. The indigenous fabric from local communities – hablon, jusi, piña, abaca, and rattan are wrapped around this regal centerpiece, a symbol of the city’s solid foundation rooted in its rich history and noble tradition. 

It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas at SM City North EDSA with a towering 40-foot Christmas tree glittering in wine red tinsel and covered with shimmering gold ornaments.  Playful artisan sculpted reindeer surrounding the tree awaken the child in us that cherish and rekindle the warmth and joy this season brings.

With its Holiday Blossoms theme, The Podium’s 40-foot tree is adorned by giant red and gold lotus leaves, Christmas balls, and lanterns. It is surrounded by reindeer with intricate antlers.

The iconic Christmas tree has also found its way as a creative centerpiece in SM’s malls with artistic renditions in modern and traditional themes.  Some like the Christmas in Bloom at SM Aura Premier, and the Southacular Carnival Christmas at SM Southmall, highlight blooms and fair images, respectively, instead of ornaments.
 
SM City Baguio’s Winter Wonderland spectacle features a 35-foot tree with snow-capped pine cones, sparkling snowflakes, and glimmering garlands surrounded by adorable polar bears. Built by the artistry of local craftsmen, it celebrates Baguio as the cradle of creative culture and traditions.

Everything is Mega and Bright in SM Megamall’s dazzling Christmas tree with bright lights and sparkling ornaments.  The gold and fuchsia palette is carried on to the giant Santa Chair with stars upholstered in pink satin, and a telephone booth accented with stars and pink fairy lights.

Embellished with crystals and twinkling lights, SM Lanang Premier’s 57-foot Christmas tree glows in classic Christmas colors of red, white, and gold. This festive holiday centerpiece symbolizes and overflow of hope and cheer, inspiring shoppers to give joy and celebrate life amid challenging times.

Others highlight the work of artisans in the regions – the lantern makers of Pampanga in SM City Clark’s Parul Kapampangan and indigenous fabrics from local communities – hablon, jusi, piña, abaca, and rattan – at SM City Iloilo.

Get a glimpse of Christmas Mornings in the Orient with SM Seaside City Cebu’s 45-foot tree with red and gold peony flower embellishments, and stately crane birds at the side.

SM City Sucat’s A Magical Christmas Tale centerpiece features a 20-foot castle themed Christmas tree, which glows with pages from a storybook, and has well-loved fairy tale characters on each side.

More than just beautiful centerpieces, these have become symbols of hope, love, and joy during these most challenging times. These have become focal points where we can reconnect with our traditional celebrations, and join the Filipino community in hoping for safer, brighter, and merrier times.

Sasha Sloan teams up with Charlie Puth on the new version of “Is It Just Me?”

“I only sing on songs I didn’t write, when I wish I wrote them. And this is one I really wish I wrote.” ~Sasha Sloan

Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan delights fans by releasing a new version of her celebrated track “Is It Just Me?” feat. Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist Charlie Puth. After eagle-eyed fans spotted the two artists connecting on social media, Sloan confirmed the news that Puth has joined her on the incredibly catchy and poignantly irreverent track that showcases the pop songstress’ candid and witty observations and brilliantly sharp and relatable lyrics. Listen HERE


Puth expressed his excitement in teaming up with Sasha on the remix of her viral lo-fi bop.


The original version of “Is It Just Me?” was featured on The New York Times Playlist column and is just one of the many critically heralded tracks on Sloan’s recently released debut album, Only Child. Idolator gave the album a 5/5 rating saying the 10-song set is “extraordinary.” LADYGUNN declared Sasha “the real deal” and American Songwriter called her a “…prolific pop writer…” Sasha performed “Lie” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on September 24th. Watch HERE.

To Buy/Listen “Is It Just Me?” feat. Charlie Puth:
 
To Buy/Listen/Stream Only Child:

Follow Sasha Sloan:





About Sasha Sloan
After emerging in 2017 and appearing on a handful of high-profile collaborations, 25-year-old singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan released her debut single “Ready Yet.” Since then, she has established herself as a true wordsmith, an artist’s artist, who crafts potent melodies filled with poignant lyrics. As a songwriter, Sasha has amassed over 3.5 billion streams by penning hits for some of today’s biggest artists.

In 2018 Sasha released her first two EPs, Sad Girl and Loser. Her track “Normal” has been heralded by Billboard as a “catchy introvert anthem.”  These emotionally-rich, left-of-center pop releases lead to her late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2019 with a performance of “Older.” That year, Sasha completed her first North American and European headline tours (sold out) and released her 3rd and final EP Self Portrait, which had her single “Dancing With Your Ghost” as Idolator’s 6th “75 Best Pop Songs Of 2019.”

She also recently scored a #1 on the Dance Chart for “I’ll Wait,” her collaboration with Kygo. Sloan’s critically acclaimed debut album Only Child is available now. 

 

About Charlie Puth
At only 28 years old, Puth has proven to be one of industry’s most consistent hitmakers and sought-after collaborators – joining forces with the likes of John Legend, Katy Perry, Sir Elton John, and more. Puth has amassed eight multi-platinum singles, four GRAMMY nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, a Critic’s Choice Award, and a Golden Globe nomination. His 2018 GRAMMY-nominated LP, Voicenotes, was RIAA certified gold only four days after its release and has logged over 3.4 billion streams worldwide.

This year, Puth teamed up with multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer, blackbear, for a new song, “Hard On Yourself,” which seamlessly fuses funk, pop, and R&B sensibilities. “Hard On Yourself” follows Puth’s 2020 summer smash, “Girlfriend,” which has garnered more than 33 million worldwide streams with the companion music video boasting over 11 million views. Puth’s 2020 collaboration with Gabby Barrett on their “I Hope” Remix earned him his fourth top 10 track on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 1 on the Billboard “Adult Pop Songs Chart.” 

World Children’s Day: Emirates spotlights the work of its Foundation partners in improving the welfare of children around the world

“In the 18 years since its establishment, the Foundation has been helping to channel the generous donations of our passengers and employees towards projects focused on improving the welfare of children in need. The Foundation currently supports 19 projects in 12 countries around the world, and we would love to do more. Children are our world’s collective hope for the future, and they deserve every dignity and opportunity.” ~Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation
World Children’s Day

On World Children’s Day, the Emirates Airline Foundation and its NGO partners share their hopes for improving the welfare of disadvantaged children around the world, and speak on projects that provide children with safe shelter, basic necessities such as food and medical services, and access to opportunities through education and skills training.

World Children’s Day

Some of the organizations and projects supported by the Foundation include: the Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines which helps provide housing and protection for 42 marginalized children; the Little Prince Nursery and School in Kenya provides nursery and primary education for over 400 underprivileged children from the Kibera slums; and the Italian NGO Emergenza Sorrisi which sent medical volunteers to perform life-changing plastic surgeries for over 100 children last year. In South Africa, Singakwenza, which works to build sustainable early childhood programs in economically disadvantaged communities, trained over 1,400 parents, caregivers, and educators last year; and in India, IMMPACT provides education through community-based learning centers to 3,000 girls each year who come from underprivileged families mostly in rural areas that have little or no access to schools.

World Children’s Day
World Children’s Day

World Children’s Day

Watch their video message here.

The Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-profit charity organization, made up of volunteer employees and friends of the Emirates Group, and managed under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

Through partnerships with NGOs and community groups, the Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children, regardless of geographical, political, or religious boundaries. The projects supported by the Foundation are located primarily at Emirates’ destinations, where the airline’s employee volunteers can participate and oversee their management.

To donate, and for more information on the Foundation and its projects visit www.emiratesairlinefoundation.org


CSMC Nurses’ Week: 553 Reasons to Celebrate Amidst the Pandemic

CSMC Nurses’ Week

The last week of October marks one of the most significant annual celebrations in Philippine healthcare: The National Nurses’ Week. Cardinal Santos Medical Center has been one of the hospitals which really made it a point to celebrate and honor the work done by our nurses amid a global pandemic. While the past months had been very challenging for all of us, there were a lot of stories of nursing experiences wherein perseverance, resilience and teamwork really shined forth. This year’s Cardinal Santos Medical Center Nurses’ Week, with the theme, “Covid Ka Lang, Nurses Kami: Celebrating Nurses Week Through the Voice of Our Modern-Day Superheroes” was made to be a special week dedicated to honor and appreciate the contributions of the modern-day superheroes who relentlessly devoted themselves in serving and caring for their patients.

The different committees formed, led by the overall chairman, Mr. Moises Edd Gangano, team leader of Nursing Research, Innovation and Patient Safety, conceptualized various fun-filled activities where nurses and allied healthcare staff can participate and engage in. The week-long activity commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist as an offering of thanksgiving. Other activities included a webinar that dealt with stress and coping strategies during and after the pandemic, with Dr. Nicolo Anonuevo as a guest speaker; there was also a photo contest, animal flow exercise, and Zumba sessions. A Dance Challenge and Mobile Legend Tournament were also conducted. All these activities have provided an avenue for our nursing and allied health staff to pause and savor the moment of togetherness proving that there is still room for fun and relaxation amid this crisis.

CSMC Nurses’ Week

Another remarkable activity was the ribbon-cutting ceremony of A Walk with Florence which was held last October 27, 2020, together with our very supportive President and CEO Mr. Raul C. Pagdanganan; SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy; VP and HR Division Head, Ms. Maria Louzel Diaz and the Nursing Director, Ms. Leona Paula Macalintal. A Walk with Florence was a unique way of bringing the nursing leaders closer to the staff as they go around to personally greet and make them feel special. Nurses from all areas were also provided with food and refreshments to indulge in during the lunch gastro feast. Other activities which also thrilled and exhilarated our dear nurses were the 5-Day Daily Quiz and Nurses’ Win na Win. As we round out this annual salute to nurses, three CSMC superheroes were given recognition for their invaluable contributions during the covid-19 pandemic.

CSMC Nurses’ Week

Lastly, the most awaited event of the CSMC Nurses’ Week was the very first virtual pageant of Mr. and Ms. Nightingale 2020. Twelve lovely and stunning candidates joined the pageant. The crowns for Mr. and Ms. Nightingale 2020 were awarded to the Department of Nursing Education, Advocacy and Patient Experience (NEAPE) and the cluster of Intensive and Intermediate Care respectively. Mr. and Ms. Nightingale 1st runner-up were the candidates from Ancillary Division and NEAPE respectively. The cluster of OB-Gyne and Pediatric Care both garnered the place of 2nd runner-up.

 Amid this time of vulnerability brought by the pandemic, the CSMC Nursing Division with the unwavering support of the management and the President and CEO Mr. Raul C. Pagdanganan, was able to organize these exciting activities for the celebration of Filipino Nurses’ Week. It was indeed a testament that the hospital and its Management were one with the nurses in these trying times and provided a means to make this event memorable just to honor and appreciate their hard work and timeless contributions in the healthcare industry. CSMC is indeed very committed not only in serving the people entrusted to their care but also in boosting the confidence and morale of their nursing staff.

According to the World Health Organization, 2020 is deemed as the ‘Year of the Nurse”. Thus, the 553 Caring Cardinal Nurses will continue to raise the bar of nursing service and provide compassionate care in the face of adversity.

 



 

ABOUT CARDINAL SANTOS MEDICAL CENTER
Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is a 269-bed private tertiary hospital located in West Greenhills, San Juan City. The hospital is known for its pioneering and world-class services in the fields of Neurosurgery, Oncology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Cardiology, and Minimally Invasive Surgery. CSMC boasts of some of the most respected medical professionals today with expertise in a variety of specialties, ensuring that patients can access the healthcare that they need and deserve. With a commitment to clinical excellence and a dedication to compassionate care, CSMC is one of the most sought-after medical institutions in the country today.


UE Jam Sessions pay it forward with a music video of Gloc-9 and Jenny Legaspi’s inspirational anthem

"I’m really proud of the 158 students who participated and made this project possible. Their cumulative efforts have produced an inspiring and powerful visual filled with passion and love for the country. I’m happy of the outcome.” ~Tommy Tanchanco, Executive Producer
UE Jam Sessions

UE Jam Sessions has finally debuted the music video of “Lalaban Tayo (The Renewal of Honors), featuring one of the most prominent Filipino rap icons, Gloc-9. Initially premiered on Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer, the video has been making rounds on YouTube since last night, November 22 at exactly 7pm.

UE Jam Sessions

Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences during the pandemic, UE-student dancers appeared throughout the music video with their unique interpretation of the material.

Even Gloc-9 himself shared appreciation for the organization through his Facebook post of the audio track with the caption, "Salamat sa UE Jam Sessions for this collaboration."

UE Jam Sessions

The MV of “Lalaban Tayo” (The Renewal of Honors) is helmed by Cher Manulit, a 3rd-year student from UE.

Check out the music video here.


AMAZING GIFTS OF KNOWLEDGE FROM TOY KINGDOM

Totguard's ergonomic adjustable study table and chair for your kids’ comfortable home schooling. Available at Toy Kingdom.
 
This Christmas, give your kids gifts that will enhance their learning in the new normal with gifts of knowledge from Toy Kingdom.
Ergonomic study table for your kids’ online classes. Available at Toy Kingdom.

Ergonomic adjustable study chairs are definitely a must-have for your kids’ everyday homeschooling.

Make homeschooling and online classes more interesting and comfortable for your kids with these amazing homeschooling essentials: ergonomic study tables, chairs, headphones, and android tablets.
Video games are more fun and exciting with this new Nintendo Switch from Toy Kingdom.
Huawei’s Android tablet is compact and handy perfect for virtual classes.

During their spare time at home, kids will surely love to play with the newest video games using Nintendo Switch or they can also go for a quick stroll around your backyard with Ninebot’s kick scooter.

These JBL Headphones have an active noise canceling feature, wireless Bluetooth streaming, 12 hour- battery life and lightweight foldable design perfect for all-day use.

Stay fit and fab with this Samsung galaxy smartwatch. Available at Toy Kingdom.

Christmas this year may not be the same as before but nevertheless, bring cheer and keep your Christmas spirits high! All these and more are available at www.toykingdom.ph and inside Toy Kingdom stores located in most SM Supermalls nationwide.


HANDOG PAMASKO FROM WALTERMART

Ongoing from November 16 – 30, you can join and pass the love this Christmas thru WalterMart's Handog Pamasko program. You can donate one gift pack with your transaction purchases at Online WalterMart Delivery's platform www.waltermartdelivery.com with a minimum of 2,000 groceries and WalterMart Supermarket's (in-store) Php150 “PaskoLove” basket at the store's check out counters.

Christmas is just around the corner and WalterMart is set to pass the love to chosen frontliners recipients of the community – medical frontliners, teachers, farmers, and police with its “Handog Pamasko” program which runs from November 16 – 30, 2020.

For Filipinos, Christmas is that time to reconnect with their loved ones and celebrate endless reasons to be thankful even in these trying times. This is where WalterMart stays committed to its promise of being the friendly community hero by sharing the love #WMPaskoLove to frontline heroes this Christmas thru WalterMart gift baskets and providing an easy, fun , and safe shopping experience to customers. Check out the #WMPaskoLovevideo at https://fb.watch/1O60uL3YSb/.

WalterMart Supermarket passing the love to policeman this Christmas thru a gift pack from Handog Pamasko program.

WalterMart brings holiday cheer and love to dedicated teachers this holiday season with its Handog Pamasko gift pack.

WalterMart shares the love this Christmas to medical frontliners with Handog Pamasko gift pack.

WalterMart not only supports local farmers in selling their homegrown products at farmgate prices but also shares love this Christmas with a Handog Pamasko gift pack.

You too can pass the love by joining WalterMart's Handog Pamasko program. Customers can donate one gift basket to recipients thru their Online WalterMart Delivery's transaction order with a minimum purchase of 2,000 groceries from www.waltermartdelivery.com or In-Store WalterMart Supermarket's purchase of “Php150 PaskoLove Basket” which is available at the store's check out counters.

You can donate and join the WalterMart's Handog Pamasko with your purchase of this Php 150 PaskoLove Basket which is available at the store's check-out counters from November 16-30, 2020.


Watch out for WalterMart's Pasasalamat Sale on November 27 – 30, 2020.

For more updates, visit our facebook page @WaltermartSupermarket, @WalterMartMallofficial and @WDepartmentStore. Or check our website at www.waltermart.com.ph


Jason Derulo teams up with Nuka on future pop smash “Love Not War”

Jason Derulo x Nuka

After topping the charts and going viral in the Philippines and the rest of the world with the infectious bop “Savage Love,” global superstar Jason Derulo returns with another future smash. The multi-platinum pop artist joins forces with Nuka on brand new single Love Not War (The Tampa Beat),—out now on Robots + Humans/Columbia Records. The hypnotic siren-infused instrumental finds Jason Derulo in his element, singing over tropical beats and summery, pulsating rhythms.

With a staggering 40 million followers across TikTok, Derulo is the biggest musician across the platform. The undeniably catchy yet enigmatic instrumental from 19-year-old New Caledonian producer Nuka captured the attention of many and amassed over 200 billion impressions worldwide.
Derulo being a big fan of the viral sensation sifted through the videos and across the internet, sought after the creator. Regardless of the miles that separated the two artists, the power of music brought the two artists together to create the new hit “Love Not War (The Tampa Beat).”


“Love Not War (The Tampa Beat)” follows on from a string of anthemic singles released by Derulo over the past year, with “Savage Love” being his fifth UK #1 with over 550 million global streams and the latter “Take You Dancing” amassing over 205 million global streams and counting.
Watch Love Not War (The Tampa Beat) HERE.

Linggo, Nobyembre 15, 2020

DEVELOPING STORY: SM, through its OPTE program, gives relief support to Typhoon Ulysses victims

"At SM, we will continue to reach out to as many communities as we can and help them bounce back. We urge everyone to join us as we extend a helping hand to those who are greatly affected by this calamity.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President
Cagayan needs help. SM Foundation and Philippine National Red Cross launch a donation drive to help the victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan
 
SM Foundation and Philippine National Red Cross launch a donation drive to help the victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan. SM Supermalls and SM Foundation, through its Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, provides immediate relief assistance to residents affected by Typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan and other affected areas.

SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown donated two truckloads of bottled water which were received by Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano and Vice Mayor Bienvenido De Guzman. The donations were brought to Cathedral Gym and East Central Elementary School which served as evacuation centers for flood-stricken residents. Hot meals were also distributed to some 300 residents.



This effort forms part of Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), a social good program of SM Foundation in collaboration with SM Supermalls and SM Markets to address the needs of communities during calamities and crises.

To those who wish to send help, SM through Philippine National Red Cross is only accepting cash donation. No in-kind donations will be accepted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Donations can be deposited to the following BDO account:
Account name: Philippine National Red Cross
Peso savings: 00-453-0190938
Dollar savings: 10-453-003948
Swift code: BNORPHMM

For more updates and announcements, visit www.smsupermalls.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


Biyernes, Nobyembre 6, 2020

Herbalife Nutrition Commemorates the Inaugural Year of “Nutrition for Zero Hunger”, the Initiative to End World Hunger


Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE:HLF), a premier global nutrition company, is commemorating the first year of its Nutrition for Zero Hunger initiative. Nutrition for Zero Hunger is a global program that is aligned with the second United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal, which seeks to end hunger in all its forms by 2030 and to achieve food security and improved nutrition.
“Herbalife Nutrition’s Nutrition for Zero Hunger initiative has been helpful in alleviating hunger, but we have a long way to go in building a world where everyone has access to quality food. Eradicating hunger will take the combined efforts of governments, non-profits, and corporations working together and we will continue working with all interested parties to ensure everyone has access to nutrition.” ~Alan Hoffman, Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Herbalife Nutrition
In support of Herbalife Nutrition nonprofit partners’ critical programs and education campaigns, Nutrition for Zero Hunger to date has:
  1. Made available nearly 700,000 nutritious meals to children and families.
  2. Delivered more than 500,000 servings of donated products and 3,500 pounds of food to families in need
  3. Provided 47,000 women with breastfeeding and nutrition education for healthy child development
  4. Provided 40,000 children with essential dietary supplements to reduce nutrient deficiency and support healthy child development


The global pandemic is fueling food insecurity and according to a recent report from the United Nations, an additional 132 million people are likely to face food insecurity by the end of 2020. Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to provide at-risk populations with access to healthy, nutritious food.

Globally, more than 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to enough, nutritious food. The global population continues to grow, with the need for food expected to increase accordingly. Through the Nutrition for Zero Hunger initiative, Herbalife Nutrition is working with partners to provide resources, meals, and education to help feed those in need. 


In its first year, the initiative announced partnerships with global nonprofit partners who are recognized for their impact in addressing world hunger, including Feed the Children, The Hunger Project, Chrysalis, National Hispanic Council on Aging, and the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. Through these partnerships, Herbalife Nutrition is working to help take hunger to zero by providing good nutrition and educational resources to communities in need.