Gift Guide Through Happiness, make it Happen with TCL!

Dreams became reality. That's what makes this holiday season so magical. A time to celebrate, connect, give, and fulfill all of our desires with the people we care about. With a range of cutting-edge and fashionable products that are intended to make your ideal celebrations a reality, TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and one of the top two TV brands in the world, is here to help you do just that. 

TCL has the ideal present to make every part of your life happier, whether you're a movie buff, an avid gamer, or a stay-at-home mom remodeling your house for the season.

TCL is providing their ultimate holiday gift guide to make your holiday celebrations unforgettable, so you better be on the lookout and not frown!

Make the Visual Magic Season

A cozy movie night with loved ones is the epitome of "holiday vibes." Your best chance to enjoy a movie in your living room is with TCL's C655 QLED TV. With its buttery-smooth 144Hz VRR, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and stunning Dolby Vision visuals, this TV makes your favorite movies and TV series come to life like never before.  

The TCL C755 TV is a dream come true for gamers who are passionate and devoted to gaming. It is designed for optimal performance with features like Game Master 2.0, a sophisticated AiPQ Processor 3.0, and local dimming zones. This TV ensures that there is never a game over thanks to its stunning graphics and fluid gameplay. 

Speaking of stunning, if you want a posh viewing experience, TCL offers an 8K resolution. The TCL 115'' X955 max premium QD-Mini LED TV is the titan of mini LED screens, bringing stunning color into your home this holiday season. It's a one-time big deal. Meet the TCL X9 Series, a super big, top-notch picture quality. 

Give yourself or a special someone the best of both worlds this season by combining creativity and affordability with luxury.  Your home's minimalist decor may surprise you with its aesthetic appeal. For example, the TCL NXTFRAME TV is a work of art rather than merely a screen. When not in use, this TV's incredibly thin 27.9mm profile and AI Art Mode turn it into a gallery of breathtaking images. For people who value design just as much as technology, it's the ideal combination of style and functionality.

Stay Cool and Cozy All Season Long

With TCL's air conditioners, you can make sure that every holiday gathering has a cozy and airy atmosphere. With its Gentle Breeze mode and Two-Way Fresh Air System, the The TCL FreshIn 2.0 Air Conditioner makes sure every visitor is at ease and content. In the meantime, your home will be clean, breathable, and cool thanks to the CoolPro/UV Connect+'s potent cooling and air purification system.

TCL keeps your space perfectly comfortable whether you're hosting a boisterous hard party or a low-key evening dinner, allowing you to enjoy the season and concentrate on what really matters.

Keep your Holiday Feast Fresh

Food is the main focus of the holidays—a lot of it!  It's time to get a large refrigerator so that every bite remains tasty and fresh! With its large 521L storage capacity and T-Fresh 99.99% sterilization, the incredibly roomy TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator is ideal for storing all of your holiday groceries and leftovers. 

Here is the TCL AAT Inverter+ (TRF-296INV/N), which offers compact convenience with an AAT coating and Twin Eco-Inverter Plus technology for energy-efficient cooling if your kitchen is smaller. TCL's refrigerators have everything you need to host a holiday party with ease, from chilled drinks to desserts that are perfectly preserved.

The holiday season undoubtedly brings with it a great deal of happiness, stains, and laundry! This chore can be made quick and simple with TCL's washing machines.

The TCL Front Load Combo+ (TWF105-C20), with its Direct Drive Motor and Heat Sterilization for thorough yet gentle cleaning, comes to the rescue. If you would rather, you can choose a TCL Top Load Direct Drive+ (TWA100-P70), which uses a DD Inverter Motor for efficiency and Drum Clean Technology to deliver a strong wash. You can now bid adieu to stains that won't go away and welcome clean, new clothes that are ready for any holiday.

Making your ideal vacation a reality is simple. The innovative products in TCL's gift guide aren't just functional; they also aim to create experiences that foster interpersonal relationships. What is on your wish list for TCL, then? Now is the time to do it!

For more updates on TCL appliances, visit https://www.tcl.com/ph/en. 

McDonald's and VYBE by BPI Use a Delightful "Holiday Treats" Promotion to Spread Holiday Joy

McDonald's Philippines and VYBE by BPI are collaborating this holiday season to introduce the "Holiday Treats" promotion, which will make festivities even more delightful. Customers nationwide can enjoy a complimentary New Tiramisu or New Hazelnut McFlurry with every qualifying transaction made through the VYBE app between December 11 and December 31, 2024. Fans of McDonald's have the ideal excuse to indulge themselves and take full advantage of the festivities this season thanks to this exciting offer.

Using the convenience of smartphones, VYBE, which is quickly becoming the preferred digital payment platform among Filipinos, streamlines the way consumers shop, eat, and make payments. Users can use the VYBE e-wallet to pay cashlessly at any QR Ph store, take advantage of special offers like Holiday Treats, and get rewards for each purchase. For people who want to simplify their holiday dining and shopping, it's the ideal partner.

Customers can get their free McFlurry at any McDonald's restaurant in the country, whether they are dining in, ordering takeout, or using the drive-thru, as long as they spend at least PHP 300 on a single receipt. They only have to use the VYBE app to make the payment in order to be eligible. Customers only need to show proof of their VYBE transaction to claim their New Tiramisu McFlurry or New Hazelnut McFlurry at the cashier or take-out counter after the transaction is complete.

Regardless of the number of transactions in a day, each VYBE-registered mobile number is eligible to receive one complimentary McFlurry; however, a minimum single-receipt transaction requirement of PHP 300 must be fulfilled. facilitating the enjoyment of a daily holiday treat throughout the promotional period. Following their qualifying purchase, customers are urged to immediately grab their McFlurries. With these delectable, limited-edition flavors, McDonald's has you covered whether you're craving the rich flavor of tiramisu or the nutty goodness of hazelnut.

“We are thrilled to partner with McDonald’s to encourage Filipinos to embrace a more rewarding lifestyle by transitioning to digital platforms for their financial transactions. This collaboration is an easy and fun way for consumers to incorporate VYBE in their holiday spending while enjoying their favorite McFlurries this holiday season.” ~Eric Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships and Ecosystems at BPI

There's no better way to treat yourself or your loved ones this Christmas than with McDonald's and BPI VYBE's Holiday Treats promo, which runs through the end of December and offers a delightful way to celebrate the season with the convenience of mobile payments and a free McFlurry on the line.

To enjoy this special feature and other offers, download the BPI VYBE app today on Google Play or Apple Store.

Holiday Gift Wraps at SM

Giving gifts is a treasured custom, and the way you wrap them can make a big impact. However, it can be difficult to find the time to perfect each package during the holiday rush. With a delightful selection of gift bags and accessories from SM Stationery, SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela have you covered this season.

There is a wrapping option for every gift, ranging from eco-friendly Christmas totes to festive kraft bags with metallic accents. Do you want to look stylish but keep it simple? For smaller treasures or gourmet treats, try using elegant white paper bags or bleach kraft bags with holiday tags. Their selection of wine gift bags guarantees that your bottles are ready for a party, which is ideal for wine enthusiasts.

Use ribbons or gift tags to add some individuality and make each package a work of art. Additionally, giving is made even more considerate and environmentally friendly with Christmas goodie bags and totes.

The National Book Store at SM Center Sangandaan provides a large selection of gifts that are suitable for every person on your list if you're looking for thoughtful and adaptable options. You can find thoughtful presents that demonstrate your concern, ranging from planners and books to crafting supplies.

Get these essentials for gift-giving at SM Stationery or stop by your preferred SM Malls in Valenzuela, Sangandaan, and Grand Central. Make every gift memorable and enjoy your holidays in style with SM!

Erwan Heussaff brings the perfect blend of tradition and taste to their Noche Buena with Marby Super Loaf

It's time to organize your Noche Buena feast as Christmas approaches! With family favorites like Marby Super Loaf, you can add a new and creative twist to your holiday "handa" while preserving treasured customs.

Chef Erwan Heussaff has some creative ideas for making your holiday spread even more festive this season. Erwan has developed his own take on the traditional Pinoy dish of humba toast in collaboration with Marby Super Loaf. This modern take will definitely make your Noche Buena celebration more memorable.

The flavors of the traditional Filipino meat dish are elevated to a whole new level in Erwan's humba toast. Picture succulent pork belly cooked in a flavorful mixture of pineapple, vinegar, and soy sauce, enhanced by peppercorns, banana blossoms, and bay leaves. The flavorful sauce is mixed with the tender pork shreds to make a thick, gooey jam. Then, two pieces of deep-fried Marby Super Loaf are liberally covered with this flavorful jam.

The result? An unforgettable Christmas dish that blends tradition with innovation. Curious to learn more? Watch Erwan Heussaff’s reel as he walks you through his humba toast recipe.

WATCH: Erwan’s Humba Toast Recipe featuring Marby Super Loaf

Erwan’s masterpiece is a perfect example of how Marby Super Loaf can transform traditional festive dishes into something truly extraordinary.

Marby Super Loaf has been a beloved mainstay in Filipino homes for nearly 50 years. Marby has continuously produced bread that appeals to Filipino families' tastes while remaining loyal to its origins. Made locally, Marby Super Loaf is gratifyingly "siksik," nourishing, and delectably familiar. It's more than just bread; it's a memento of innumerable meals and times spent with loved ones. It is the ideal accompaniment to any meal because each delicately textured slice captures the coziness and artistry of Filipino heritage.

This holiday season, discover new ways to celebrate while honoring age-old Filipino customs that unite us. To make your Noche Buena genuinely memorable, stock up on Marby Super Loaf for your Christmas festivities. You can make a holiday spread that is both inventive and comforting with Erwan Heussaff's humba toast recipe and Marby Super Loaf. It's the ideal way to celebrate the holidays.

Make something special for the holidays! Switch to Marby with its superior quality and value for money, and savor the authentic taste of Filipino tradition with every slice. Available in all stores nationwide, Shopee, and Lazada.

Stay up to date for product offers and promotions, visit Marby Philippines on Facebook and @marbyofficialpage on Instagram.

Established 1976, Marby Food Ventures is a pioneering company in the Filipino baking industry, wholly made and owned by Filipinos, for the Filipino. Truly Para sa Bayan. Since the 70s, the company has provided baked products viewed as the benchmark of quality by the bakery industry, and affordable and accessible to the average household, turning the Marby name into a household name all over the country.

SM Enables Seniors in the Digital Age through #SeniorDigizen Campaign

The half-day program ensured the presence of our dedicated staff in assisting a senior citizen with tech questions, ensuring everyone wouldn’t feel discouraged from learning. 

In order to create a secure and welcoming online community for senior citizens, the SM Group, through SM Development Corporation (SMDC), recently partnered with Globe to implement the #SeniorDigizen program in its residential properties.  By giving senior citizens the skills and information they need to safely navigate the internet, the program supports SMDC's mission to safeguard locals and foster a strong sense of community.

Free, customized learning sessions on subjects like cybersecurity, fintech apps like GCash, and telehealth services like KonsultaMD are available through the #SeniorDigizen. The elderly residents of Quezon City's Grass Residences, who are frequently the targets of internet scams, benefited from the pilot program. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reports that digital fraud frequently targets senior citizens, with losses of about PHP 155 million in 2023.

“The SeniorDigizen program is part of our ongoing commitment to empowering our senior residents with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently navigate the digital world. Our goal is to create an immediate impact within these communities, and as we continue to grow the initiative, we plan to reach out to our neighboring communities by hosting similar events for them.” ~Jessica Bianca ‘Jica’ T. Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SM Prime and SMDC

Because of its sizable senior population, Grass Residences was selected as the pilot site. The program was a welcome opportunity for residents like 76-year-old participant Connie Cailles. One Grass Residences resident, Ms. Cailles, recalled how thrilled she was to see the program in one of the notices in the elevator of their building. After finishing the lessons, she mentioned how beneficial the program and staff were in helping her and other seniors, as opposed to family members who occasionally lost patience when trying to teach her how to use her phone's features and necessary apps. 

“Okay po na nakatutok sila sa amin. Lalo na kasi pasensyoso’t pasensyosa sila. Kasi usually kapag mga kamag-anak ko—mga alam mo na—parang naoobligado sila. Kapag sa mga ganitong programa, pakiramdam ko naii-spoil tuloy kami.” ~Connie Cailles, a 76-year-old Participant

(It’s nice that the staff are patient with us seniors. Usually, when it’s my relatives—you know how it is—they feel obligated. But in programs like this, it feels like we’re being spoiled.)

In order to create an atmosphere where seniors could learn without worrying about criticism or discouragement, the half-day program made sure that every participant received practical help. By inviting more people from other communities to participate, SMDC intends to grow the initiative.

“This activity had the highest attendance of seniors here at Grass. Although some are still adjusting, I see them really trying. Thanks to SMDC and Globe, I think more attendees will join after this.” ~Elbert Mozo, Treasurer of the Grass Residences Board of Trustees

The senior community at SMDC’s Grass Residences in Quezon City eagerly participates during their Senior Digizen Learning Session. 

SM’s support to the senior citizen community 

The SM group has taken the lead in projects that help and encourage its senior citizen community. The organization supports community and environmental initiatives through SM Cares, a division of SM Foundation and the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. 

Among its initiatives is the Emergency Preparedness Forum for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), an annual forum that provides emergency preparedness skills to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and PWDs, to help them protect themselves and their loved ones. More than 7,417 people have been successfully trained by the program since it began in 2015.  

In addition, the Walk for Life parade is an event to honor seniors during the celebration of Elderly Filipino Week.

Seniors also benefit from the health and wellness centers, which is in keeping with the SM Foundation's goal of making targeted social investments in livelihood, healthcare, and education to help underprivileged Filipinos improve their lives. 

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

Mondelēz International Receives Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal

Mondelēz International in the Philippines celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey as it has been conferred the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal by the PCX Markets. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, particularly its adherence to the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law and ongoing efforts to manage plastic waste within the snacking industry.

Businesses that take meaningful, quantifiable steps to reduce plastic waste are given the Plastic Cleanup Partner label. In order to support a circular economy, Mondelēz International is participating in this project as part of a larger sustainability plan that aims to reduce packaging waste, improve recycling systems, and evolve packaging designs. PCX Markets is a plastic credit marketplace that works with businesses that gather and repurpose post-consumer plastic waste in an open, sustainable, and socially conscious manner.

“Achieving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal is an important milestone for us. This seal is a powerful message to our stakeholders, consumers, and partners that we are actively working to ensure that plastic waste is diverted from nature and the landfill. It is a symbol of our dedication to our Sustainable Snacking Strategy,’ ensuring that the right snack is delivered in the right way. We believe compliance with the EPR Law is not just about meeting requirements; it’s about leading by example and advocating for others to follow. At Mondelēz International, we are committed to reducing plastic packaging, evolving our materials to use recycled content, and improving waste management systems in countries where we operate. That is why for every kilo of post-consumer plastic packaging we introduce to the market; we ensure the equivalent amount is collected and diverted from nature here in the Philippines.” ~Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines

In addition to receiving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal, Mondelēz International also discussed its ongoing efforts to support the EPR Law. The company is committed to complying with the law’s guidelines and actively participates in initiatives to make packaging materials more circular and less wasteful. This commitment goes beyond the 40% collection and diversion requirement of the EPR Law this 2024. 

As part of a larger plastic sustainability plan, the company is dedicated to removing plastic pollution from the environment. Globally, Mondelēz International aims to ensure 98% or more of its packaging is designed for recyclability, and to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by 2025.

By continuing to collect and divert all of its post-consumer plastic packaging, Mondelēz International hopes to establish sustainability as a fundamental component of its business practices and support a circular economy in which plastic is valued as a resource rather than ending up as waste. 

The company's commitment to diverting plastic pollution from the environment is part of a larger plastic sustainability strategy. Mondelēz International aims to recycle 98% of its packaging and reduce its use of virgin plastic by 2025.

Mondelēz International aims to collect and divert all post-consumer plastic packaging, prioritizing sustainability and contributing to a circular economy where plastic is valued as a resource rather than waste. 

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home

Breaking records, McDonald's Stripes Run 2024 raises ₱1 million for Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers

On December 1, 2024, the eagerly awaited McDonald's Stripes Run 2024 came to an unprecedented close at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. With an incredible 11,000 participants, the 13th edition of this family fun run saw the highest attendance in its history.

The McDonald's Stripes Run has been a celebration of fitness, friendship, and family since its inception in 2010. By raising ₱1 million for the Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, which offer secure and caring environments for kids in underprivileged areas, this year's event carried on its tradition of supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

McDonald's Philippines credits a robust digital outreach strategy and ongoing innovation for the event's record-breaking attendance.

"The McDonald’s Stripes Run has built a loyal following over the years, but we’ve also worked hard to keep it fresh and exciting. This year, we leveraged social media, engaged with schools and fitness groups, and partnered with pet communities to create a truly inclusive event. The inclusion of the Fur Stripes category reflects McDonald’s broader commitment to creating feel-good moments. It’s a way to make the event more inclusive, family-friendly, and meaningful, while celebrating the special bond between humans and their pets. The long-term goal of Bahay Bulilit is to give every child access to quality early learning opportunities, regardless of their background. By participating in the Stripes Run, families are not only strengthening their bonds but also contributing to this important cause.” ~Adi Timbol-Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and Vice President of RMHC Philippines

The Fur Stripes category, which enables runners to run with their furry friends, is one of the event's most well-received additions. This year, 500 fur babies joined in the fun, filling the category to capacity. In order to promote inclusivity and acknowledge pets as a vital component of family bonding, McDonald's created this special category.

The Agoncillo Family (Ryan, Judy Ann, and Luna), KaladKaren, Angeline Quinto, Ysabel Ortega, Barbie Forteza, and David Licauco were among the well-known celebrities who attended, which increased the excitement. Their presence boosted the crowd's energy levels and demonstrated how appealing the event is to a wide range of age groups.

More Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers will be established across the country with the money raised from the Stripes Run. While their parents are at work, these centers offer secure environments for kids to grow, learn, and play.