Shenzhen, China – Huawei TrustInTech Summit 2021 was held online on Thursday, with the theme of “Global Collaboration for Shared Value.”
Leaders from across the globe attended the event, including Neil Bush, Chairman of the George H.W. Bush Foundation for US-China Relations, Pascal Lamy, Former Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), William Nordhaus, Winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Economics, H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Economic Community, Derrick Pitts, NASA Solar System Ambassador, and Hou Jinlong, Senior Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei Digital Power.
Wiiliam Nordhaus
Pascal Lamy
Neil Bush
Hou Jinlong
Attendees discussed challenges we are facing in the global economy, environmental protection, livelihoods, technology innovation, and many other key areas, and called for concerted efforts from countries and industries to address these challenges.
Humanity has entered an era in which interests, fates, and futures are all closely intertwined. A whole-of-society approach is necessary to address the common threats and challenges facing the global community. Pascal Lamy pointed out that “We need to mitigate de-globalization, in order to avoid making this world a worse place.”
Satvinder Singh, in his speech, spoke highly of the important role of the private sector like Huawei in advancing inclusive and sustainable economic recovery in ASEAN and beyond. He also shared ASEAN’s development achievements and expressed willingness to cooperate across numerous areas, including economy and trade, transportation and materials, digital transformation, high-performance computing, and climate change.
Satvinder Singh called upon all sides to take action. “We should seize this opportunity to make our societal and economic recovery truly transformative by investing in solutions to the crisis that address social, environmental, and economic transitions needed by our society and the planet,” said the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community.
Seeking common ground while setting aside differences and building trust is the way forward. Industry digitalization, particularly regarding technological innovation in areas like green power, will present new opportunities to all sectors worldwide and make the world a better place. Today, fighting climate change is a mission that is shared worldwide, with many countries having announced low-carbon pledges.
William Nordhaus said that governments should increase investment in low-carbon technologies and research. Hou Jinlong remarked, “Over the next 30 to 40 years, we will continue to see intelligence and low carbon gain traction. Going intelligent requires digital technologies, while decreasing our carbon footprint requires power electronics technologies. As these trends progress, the global energy industry will change from resource-dependent to technology-driven.”
Hou also expressed Huawei Digital Power’s commitment to integrating digital and power electronics technologies, developing clean power, and enabling energy digitalization. “By pursuing innovations in clean power generation, energy digitalization, transportation electrification, green ICT infrastructure, and integrated smart energy, we are working with global customers and partners to build low-carbon homes, factories, campuses, villages, and cities. This will support the shift from a low-carbon world to a zero-carbon world,” he said.
As of September 30, 2021, Huawei Digital Power has helped customers generate 443.5 billion kWh of green power and save 13.6 billion kWh of electricity. This is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 210 million tons and planting 290 million trees. In the Philippines, Huawei has worked together with big developers and local partners to build utility, Commercial &Industrial and residential Solar Power plants in the country.
Huawei Philippines also participanted the CEPSI 2021, which organized by the Association of Electricity Supply Industry of East Asia and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP) – the largest organization of power and industry companies in the region, shared thoughts and actions to promote sustainability and social inclusiveness in the region’s electricity industry.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with Huawei Philippines, successfully hosted six Emerging Technologies Workshops for government employees this year.
More than 700 government employees from the DICT and various agencies participated in the webinars. The six workshops on emerging technologies were held from June to November, covering topics like 5G, Digital Economy, AI & Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity.
Assistant Secretary Alvin Navarro expressed gratitude to the DICT team and Huawei Philippines for making these workshops possible. The last Emerging Technology Workshop for this year discussed the “Global Cyber Security Challenges and Governance Standards Introduction.”
According to Mr. Alvin Navarro, “Cybersecurity breaches affect us directly as individuals, as organizations, as a nation, and as a global community. Our personal accounts are hacked, and we can lose our identity and privacy. More than ever, understanding cyber threats and risks should be one of our priorities. And necessarily, the imperatives of cybersecurity should lead us to adopt and adhere to government standards. ”
At the end of the speech, Mr. Alvin Navarro mentioned that he is confident that the participants will leave the workshops with a better understanding of what needs to be done towards a digitally secure world.
Daniel Guo, Vice President of Huawei Philippines, congratulated and expressed gratitude to DICT for mounting a very successful training series. He emphasized that Huawei aspires to deliver digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully connected and intelligent world, and is contributing to the local ICT talent development in the Philippines.
As part of the culminating activity, DICT presented a certificate of appreciation to Huawei Philippines and commended the Huawei team for successfully hosting the event and sharing their technical knowledge and use cases in Asia and around the world. The certificate was presented by Atty. Emily Manuel on behalf of DICT.
About Huawei
Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.
Huawei’s end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.
At Huawei, innovation puts the customer first. We invest heavily in fundamental research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have nearly 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.
Talesof Illuminahas officially arrived in the Philippines and has opened its doors to the public recently. Mystified to give kids, tweens, teenagers, and even adults a whole new encounter, this enchanting world offers both opulentand dazzlingmagical-themed experiences where everyone would go crazy about it. Tales of Illumina is a 45,000 square feet themed park that offers original stories inspired in our very own chambers of Philippine mythology.
Prepare to be amazed at over 36 world-class installationsthat will make you feel that you have visited another dimension. You will get to meet a lot of creatures as you go for an adventure in exploring the magical and whimsical world of Tales of Illumina. Then, get ready to be mesmerized as you get to engage in our multi-sensory interactive spots inside this enchanting world.
Imagine the unimaginable—come across a talking tree, soar with an enchanted bird, and even narrate your own legendary love story. Be among the giant flowers, and unleash your creativity in music and art with our whimsical paths. The Tales of Illumina is a wall-to-wall illuminated attraction that will keep you guessing what’s next to come.
Not only will your social accounts be fed with good and amazing photos and stories, but so will your eyes and heart! Enjoy every minute of your journey as you pass through different realms that hold different parts of your fantasy. Anyone who seeks adventure and can’t wait to feast their eyes for something different – prepare to be mesmerized and captivated— the Tales of Illumina will surely keep your phones and cameras busy!
Get ready to discover a new and exciting world in Tales of Illumina!
ISeeMagic– As you enter, a light will be there to start your life.
Netherland – A peaceful meadow guarded by a century-old hulking tree named Dalakit whose messages are metaphorical. He will talk to you like what he did with Hiraya and, he will awaken your mind for his clues.
Naked Forest – A naked forest, mesmerizingly beautiful, that swayed Hiraya to walk more towards the inner core of the village. It enthralled her to keep on walking and discovering a play of life that she couldn’t understand.
Foresta – A forest of life in which the path you are taking speaks about the beauty of nature. It will make you feel like you are in a garden of a different world.
The Gaunt – Bump into earth creatures that only our third eye can see and walk through the town of mysticism and magic without a fret.
Cavern of the Untold – A cave of stories that will surely make your secrets and untold stories safe.
Land of Zephyr – Allow your boredom to wander around as your eyes twinkle because this land will stupefy your feelings.
Land of Zephyr
Chamber of Dreams – Dreams, and imagination might be far from reality. But in this chamber, we are one step away from making it happen!
Kaleidoscope– One’s persona will always reflect on the surface and once it kaleidoscopically blends into the mirrors, watch how people can view you from their perspective.
Mystic Bird – A bird so enigmatically gigantic that one cannot help but be awed, make sure you don’t stare for so long! When this mystical bird sings it will put you in a deep sleep and only time can tell when you will go back to life.
Cloud Dancers – Puffs of white magic in acres of blue, you will surely get the hang of sky canvas that creates different hues.
Moon Magic – Let the spells of the land bedazzle you with the playful colorful lights of Moon Magic.
LaLuna– We all wished to sit down on a moon and be as dramatic as we can be. Well, be in high and sit like you own the rest of the world in our La Luna!
Colors of Emoticons – Get your emotions ready since it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you are comfortable sharing it! Allow this one corner to overflow with Colors of Emoticons.
Glow It – Don’t be too dark, allow everything to glow on your way using your magic hands.
Jellyfish Alley – The real world is in a much darker and deeper place than this and allowing yourself to move with the rhythm of jellyfish makes it feel as if it is nothing.
Foliage – As the season changes, leaves also change their colors. Witness how the foliage transform in colors as the seasons differs.
Well of Eternal Wishes – Hope never dies in this place as you are given a chance of eternal wishing in this whimsical well.
Path of Honnalee – In this path, you’ll be able to understand: dominance, ambition, authority, dignity, and capacity. These traits will help you live your own rules, be unafraid of challenges, and always be willing to take risks.
Icy Forest – As you move on to this area, you will be welcomed with a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never know what awaits you.
Magic Lamps – These magical lamps will light up your path to your imaginative world.
PluiedeFleur– It’s raining blooms! This garden of fresh and fantabulous flowers had been planted and taken care of by the magical spirits of Illumina.
EnchantingFortress– This fortress is built to make sure you will not suffice to the world of influence. Your thoughts and imaginations will always be safe with us.
Hiraya – Hiraya holds the heart of the Tales. Her blow illuminates every dark dungeon in this magical wonderland. Her gentle smile beacons to all the kingdom. Climb her hand and let her enchanting story captivate your heart.
Hiraya
Fantasia – Dragons? Haven’t you seen any dragons? Well in Fantasia, they are just roaming around.
PendulousPods– A place in this enchanting world that will surely make us realize that there are creatures that are truly bigger than us.
Whimsical Path – Appreciate each art performed to the tune of nature’s music. This whimsical will not just allow you to dance, jump, leap, and move, but will take you to your next magical journey.
Whimsical Path
Albania – Two love stories that happened on a battlefield where trust is important and character is built. Experience these scenes and be swayed with the characters.
Ignite the Colors – Unleash your creativity by making patterns, remember a small spark can ignite colors.
Rocking Bows – There’s always a child in us that will be awakened as you play in this vibrant colorful room of bows.
HouseofDreamers– Let your dreams flow. Big, or small we have all sizes and colors to catch your dreams.
Veil of Glory – Magnificence is what the veil of glory offers. As you walk through this space, a burst of colors splendidly awaits you.
Queen’s Hall – Feel like a true queen as you pass these glamorous halls.
Spectrum – There is an undeniable effect of enchantment that can create a powerful lesson for you! This mysticism will leave you breathless and excited as you go on more adventures.
PearlsofJoy– Remember you are like a pearl. It occurs spontaneously in the wild but is extremely rare.
MagicGoo– Craft your special spell using our magical spices in this enchanting potion room.
It’s Christmastime once more. This means it’s also the season of giving! It has been said that we usually love the giver more than the gift. If you’re looking for presents to give to your loved ones, friends, godchildren, and others, don’t look any further as we have gathered here some of the best gift ideas for the Yuletide Season – ranging from top-of-the-line phones, flip devices, box collection, to beauty and skincare must-haves, personal care, and gift sets for everyone on your Christmas list. Share the spirit of giving!
Nokia phones: Gifts to love, trust and keep this holiday season
Nokiaphonefans are up for early Christmas treats as HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announces promotions for ten Nokia phones that Filipinos can love, trust, and keep for the holidays and beyond.
Until December 31, users who are fully vaccinated can get Php100 off the following Nokia phones. They simply need to present their valid vaccination card with complete doses, to all authorized Nokia phones resellers – physical stores, kiosks, and shop-in-shop nationwide.
Nokia 5.4, Nokia C1, Nokia C10, Nokia C30, Nokia G10, and Nokia G50 comes with either a Nokia sling bag, hoodie, or umbrella
On top of the Php100 price off, customers can also get additional discounts and freebies on the following Nokia phones:
The Nokia 2.4 receives a 24 percent discount now for only Php 5,290 from its original price of Php 6,990 and comes bundled with a free TWSi12
The Nokia 3.4 gets 21 percent off, now for Php 6,290 from Php 7,990 plus a Yoobao M2 Speaker freebie
The Nokia 1.4 and Nokia C20 are up for grabs with 6 percent and 4 percent discounts respectively and both come with a free umbrella.
Sancho Chak, HMD Global General Manager for the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand, HMD Global:“Every year, we hope to give Filipinos merrier holidays by being consistent in rolling out cheerful treats and discounts on Nokia phones. We believe that reliable technology that customers can love, trust and keep should be made accessible for gifting to oneself and their loved ones, especially during the season of giving.”
For further information, see www.hmdglobal.com.
From style to function: the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is SAMSUNG’s best flip phone to date!
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G remains to be unmatched when it comes to the new and exciting features introduced this year. Apart from showcasing a foldable form, it is the only flip device in Galaxy to achieve an IPx8 water-resistance rating.
With its compact form, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is designed to fit perfectly in the hand, not like the usual phones with a bulky build. Its various color options and large Cover Screen enable users to express their individuality, while features like Flex Mode and Multi-Active Window take multitasking to the next level.
Samsung went to great lengths to refine the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G’s form. The result is a design that not only looks soft but feels smooth as well. The front, back, and sides have all been meticulously polished.
The compact form of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G allows users to carry the device in any pocket or small bag. It is half the size of a smartphone when folded, so it can perfectly fit in the palm, too.
Various color options and accessories that are suited to users’ unique tastes add to the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G’s external charm. With Green, Lavender, Cream, and Phantom Black, users have plenty of options to choose from. For those who enjoy decorating their phones, Samsung recommends taking a look at the device’s accessory lineup. Users can decorate their phones with a clear case, including a ring phone grip, a strap case, and various palettes, in a way that’s cute yet distinct.
Unbox the fun with Miniso Blind Box Collection
Japanese lifestyle retailer Miniso creates a new way of unboxing surprises for more fun and exciting shopping experience with its latest BLIND BOX Collection.
The idea of Blind Box packaging is a trend wherein the unwrapping moment brings layered experiences such as happiness, excitement, and fun. This is aligned with Miniso’s belief that “Life is for fun”, and both kids and adults will enjoy opening these limited Miniso Blind Boxes.
What’s inside these boxes? Collections of princesses and villains from Disney, Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears, Budding Pop, and Icarer Family that echo the youth’s passion and hobby for 2D pop culture, and model toy play that are at affordable prices.
Give yourself and your loved ones a gift of beauty from SM. With things opening up as Christmas approaches, it’s a good time to look good and feel great with gift sets from SM Beauty.
Luxe brands like Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder lead the way with their spectacular selections; while iconic MAC has a new dazzling lipstick collection, Benefit delights us with a beauty box and Nars’s fashion-forward gift set that will enhance your holiday look.
You’ll double the drama with Bobbi Brown’s smokey eye mascara, and make heads turn with Make Up Forever’s holiday collection. Vice Cosmetics has sweet treats with names like Kookie Dough and Peppermint for the lips, while Pretty Secret unlocks the key to great brow-works for the blushing diva.
Give your skin some TLC with Clinique’s Merry Moisture Set and Olay’s serums and moisturizers for younger-looking skin.
All these and other personal care products like fragrances, hair care, vitamins, supplements, and more are available at SM Beauty located at The SM Stores in most SM Supermalls nationwide.
Just in time for Christmas, SM Beauty also has exclusive gifts for all SMAC members- a free bear or luggage for a minimum purchase of P10,000 single receipt, available in select SM stores. Keep shopping because you can get more points for selected items all season!
You can also enjoy an exciting but worry-free shopping experience with our online shopping platforms; shop with SM Beauty Personal Shoppers and discover more products when you check out the SM Catalog https://thesmstorecatalog.com/collections/beauty-and-health. You can also buy your beauty gifts through Shop SM, our Viber community, Messenger, and the SM Store’s Call to Deliver service by calling #143SM or #14376.
Shopee Beauty’s Luxury Beauty Gift Guide
Gift shopping for the skincare enthusiast can get tricky. After all, skincare is very personal. Beauty regimens aren’t one size fits all, and each routine is unique and tailor-fit to one’s skin type.
So what do you get your skincare-savvy loved ones this Christmas? To make gift shopping easier, narrow it down to your recipient’s skin concerns. Are they determined to keep wrinkles at bay? Or are they perhaps dealing with pesky acne?
Treat them to products they’ll love incorporating into their daily skincare routines—and since it’s Christmas, get them decadent, splurge-worthy products they wouldn’t otherwise buy for themselves! Check out Shopee Beauty’s Luxury Beauty Gift Guide for every skin type. Get discounts up to 70% off on your purchases and enjoy free shipping with a minimum spend of ₱499.
For tired skin that needs a brightening boost, get products containing ingredients such as niacinamide and Vitamin C. The Cetaphil Brightening Set’s clinically proven formula gently works to restore an even, luminous complexion. To target dullness and uneven skin tone, get the Skin Inc Holiday Spirit Set, which includes an exfoliating peel and serum. Lastly, Nuwhite Whitening Vitamin C combines vitamin C, zinc, and collagen to brighten the skin, while also boosting the immune system.
Shopee Beauty Christmas Gift Guide Skin Brightening
These tried-and-tested anti-aging products are formulated with hydrating ingredients that’ll keep your loved ones looking fresh and young! L’Oreal Paris Hyaluronic Acid Cream is made with hyaluronic acid to deeply penetrate the skin and offer long-lasting hydration. If they want plump, firm skin and visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles, go for Olay Regenerist Moisturizer. Add in The History Of Whoo Anti-Aging Essence as well, which will soothe and repair dry skin with its rich yet non-greasy formula.
For those who struggle with occasional unwanted breakouts, acne treatments would make great stocking stuffers. Without stripping the skin of moisture, Kiehl’s Face Wash lifts away impurities, dirt, and oil which can clog pores. Kiehl’s Dark Spot Solution attacks deep-set spots while also promoting blood circulation. Another great option is the Clinique Dark Spot Corrector, which contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and antioxidants to combat discoloration.
Now that chilly days are here, it’s important to keep the skin moisturized. The limited-edition Laneige Moisture Essence Set’s lightweight formula will keep the skin fresh and hydrated throughout the day. For damaged complexions, Innisfree Probiotics Cream, formulated with fermented probiotics, can help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. Or get the NUXE Moisturising Cream, made with plant milk and seaweed extract for long-lasting hydration up to 48 hours.
Exclusive Branded Gift Sets at Shopee’s Holi-deals Gift Guide
Gift sets allow us to give our loved ones meaningful presents with multiple products that revolve around their interests, making it feel more special and well-thought-out.
Whether they’re into gadgets, skincare, fitness, or food, Shopee has gift sets that cater to everyone on your Christmas list. These items are available at amazing prices until December 15! For branded gift sets that won’t break the bank, check out Shopee’s Holi-deals Gift Guide:
Your WFH colleagues will put the Goojodoq iPad Case, Keyboard, & Mouse to good use. The waterproof and shockproof leather case protects devices from bumps and falls, while the bluetooth keyboard and mouse make it easier to type and multitask.
Remind all your outdoorsy pals to stay safe on the road with LUEASPY Mountain Bike Helmet. The padded design enhances comfort and sweat wickings, and its large front air inlet improves airflow and keeps the head cool. This helmet, which also comes with matching sunglasses and a protective scarf, is available for only less than ₱1,000.
This Bio-Science Holy Grail Mini Set makes the perfect gift for skincare newbies looking to build their daily routine. These products, especially formulated for Asian skin, are infused with nourishing ingredients such as Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to lend a healthy glow and combat premature aging.
Give the gift of a radiant glow with this Maxi-Peel Exfoliant Fluid Set. This exfoliant penetrates every layer of the skin, helping to eliminate pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes, minus the redness and peeling.
Anyone on your Christmas list would love this jam-packed hamper! RFM Christmas Gift Box contains goodies for noche buena and more, with spaghetti, tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, milk, and champorado mix for just ₱320.
The Face Republic Colors of Bloom set is a must-have for fresh and natural everyday makeup. Makeup lovers can complete their look with the BB cream, sun tint, lip tint, makeup remover, and compact mirror.
For the foodie who misses traveling, put a creative spin on the classic Christmas basket with this Grocery Package and treat them to flavors from all over the world! This Christmas Grocery Package offers a spread of Indonesian, Indian, and Thai flavors such as mi goreng, kecap manis, tandoori tikka, and kaang kiew wan.
This stunning Opal Dinner Set and Dish Rack is the perfect gift for home decor enthusiasts and newlyweds moving to their starter home. These thin and lightweight plates, made of tempered opal glass, are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Their decorative patterns make them perfect for intimate holiday celebrations or dinner dates.
Fitness buffs can keep themselves toned with Progress Training Set. This all-in-one multifunctional 40kg set can be used in four different ways, depending on your workout and target muscle group: dumbbell, barbell, kettlebell, and push-up stand.
Big Bad Wolf Books is back in the Philippines, and this time, the Wolf is here to stay as the World’s Biggest Book Sale has officially launched its online flagship store on LazMall by Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph/shop/big-bad-wolf-books/). Those who missed out on grabbing discounted bestsellers during the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale in June this year can now look forward to getting hold of the Wolf’s picks with the holiday season fast-approaching.
Through this partnership with Lazada, Big Bad Wolf Books continues to strive and spearhead its mission to spread the joy and inculcate the habit of reading. Bookworms can now shop for books 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a seamless online experience and faster nationwide shipping that delivers books safely and directly to their homes.
Featuring books across all genres, the Big Bad Wolf Books’ Online Flagship Store on Lazada will give book lovers the chance to stock up on the books they have been eyeing for the longest time and to discover new titles to collect and give to their loved ones. With an exciting selection of fiction, classics, thriller, romance and young adult novels as well as an assortment of children’s books including activity books, pop-up books, and coloring books, the online store gives options that will make the perfect gift this season.
Shop Big Bad Wolf Books this 12.12. Grand Christmas Sale on Lazada
The virtual shelves of Big Bad Wolf Books’ online flagship store are now open, with books at the same affordable prices that fans have come to know through Big Bad Wolf Books’ past sales in the country.
As the 12.12 Grand Christmas Sale nears, Big Bad Wolf Books has prepared exclusive special offers and deals for your book haul, including:
Flash Sale Takeovers between 4PM – 8PM
Limited-time Crazy Brand Mega Offers with further discounts on books throughout the day
A LazFeed Giveaway featuring a prize worth PHP3,500 to be given away on December 15, 2021
Save PHP50 off for every PHP500 spent with the Lazada Bonus Discount
Spend a minimum of PHP199 and be entitled to PHP50 off Shipping rate
Get ready to fill your cart and don’t forget to check out on 12.12! Follow Big Bad Wolf Books’ official social media pages on Facebook at facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines and on Instagram at instagram.com/bbwbooksph for more information and updates on the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and to make the spirit of the season even brighter, we made a round up of festive offerings from some of the best hotels in the metro to fill your hearts with the warmth and joy the season brings. These will guide you to the many ways you can celebrate the holidays at home, with friends, and office get-togethers even in the time of the pandemic.
Dine under the stars at Al Fresco by Palm Grove
Century Park Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Manila, has been duly awarded the Certificate of Accommodation to Operate as Staycation (CAOS) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bureau of Quarantine. With this recent development, the hotel has prepared a host of exciting F & B offers that walk-in and staycation guests can appreciate.
A unique Unlimited Samgyeopsal experience awaits you at Al Fresco by Palm Grove for only P669 net! Grill those meats, drink & dine under the stars and just relish the relaxing poolside ambience.
Al Fresco by Palm Grove is open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00PM to 11:00PM. Under the guidelines for staycation hotels, you must be fully-vaccinated (at least 2 weeks after your second dose) or have taken your RT-PCR test 48 hours prior to your visit. This applies to minors as well.
Slots are limited so be sure to make your reservation at 8528-8888 local 2500 or 0956-5232880. Please be on time as reservations are subject to a 15-minute holding period. Dine-in time per table is two hours maximum. For other terms and conditions, please visit www.centurypark.com
A Festive Journey at Holiday Inn and Suites Makati
Holiday Inn and Suites Makati delight in giving you an exciting Holiday season that is bursting with enticing Christmas goodies and offer you a wonderful and relaxing stay with hearty Christmas dishes prepared for you.
The Christmas Platters which serve ten (10) persons is a perfect meal as people gather in this most festive time of the year. If you want to indulge in a complete meal for a group, the Christmas Bento is a good choice prepared in delightful bento boxes for a quick and easy meal that will surely satisfy cravings anytime of the day.
The holiday Shopcation is a perfect time to delight yourself with the holiday spree as you stay and shop in Makati’s premiere shopping malls. The Holiday Season package is for as low as Php 4,800 nett per night plus a chance to win an overnight stay in other IHG properties. Book now! For reservations, call + 632 79090888 or email hism.reservations@ihg.com.
Throw a perfect festive event that will bring holiday cheer to your attendees. An all-inclusive package awaits you as you celebrate any special events like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or baptismal. Contact our events team at +63 917 5337340 or email hism.events@ihg.com.
For Christmas orders and inquiries, please call Flavors at +63 2 75068132 or Viber +63 917 5968897.
Take home holiday happiness from Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
To celebrate this joyous season, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is offering an assortment of delectable creations lovingly prepared by the hotel’s kitchen team headed by Executive Chef Tristan Galang.
These Yuletide sweets, treats, and savory meals are great for gifting and even better for indulging at home during your holiday lunches and dinners with family and friends. For your Christmas and New Year’s feasts, serve up a platter of Salmon en Croute good for 3 to 4 persons and priced at PhP 2,680. It comes with potatoes au gratin and warm broccoli salad and is packed in a self-heating Hotbox so you can warm it up with ease before serving.
RHO_Holly Jolly Bundle
For your traditional Christmas ham, Richmonde offers its perfectly cured Canadian Bacon with sidings of oatmeal loaf and herbed butter. Buy it vacuum packed with all its flavors and seasonings sealed in, for only PhP 1,830, good for 5 persons.
Planning a plated dinner affair at home? Impress your guests with Richmonde’s special Bento Hotbox specials for individual meals that are filling, tasty, and hassle-free with zero preparation needed. Choose between the Low and Slow Brisket (PhP 1,150) and Pistachio-crusted Salmon and “Buro” Risotto (PhP 1,250) for your meat- and seafood-loving party guests.
Make the holidays brighter and yummier as you savor and share Richmonde’s tasty and decadent baked goodies like Red Velvet Brownies, Rum Cake made with Zabana Rum, Sans Rival Cake, Cruffin, Cream Cheese & Chives Bun, and Floss Roll.
Also available are Richmonde’s signature year-round hits: the Richmonde Ensaymada which comes in four variants—plain, ube, and the limited edition holiday flavors of salted egg, and quezo de bola—and two sizes—the oversized regular and minis which come in boxes of 4 and 9 pieces; the Richmonde Chocolate Cake; Banana Walnut Bread; Cranberry Babka; and Salted Swirl.
RHO_Bento Box
Those extra dear to you will surely love the specially curated Christmas Crates of Happiness that consist of an assortment of Richmonde’s freshly baked breads and homemade spreads packed in a wooden crate. With two sizes to choose from, you can have an impressive and scrumptious gift set that easily fits your budget.
Santa’s Box of Cheer (PhP 1,980) is big and brimming with six types of breads—Richmonde ensaymada, pretzel loaf, cranberry babka, salted swirl bread, pistachio cream cheese bread, and cruffin—plus 30g jars of mango & orange jam, bacon jam, and herbed butter. The Holly Jolly Bundle (PhP 1,380) contains pretzel bread, a baguette, and two mini ensaymadas, with the same three jars of jam and butter.
For hassle-free purchases, all holiday goodies are available for pickup and delivery until January 9, 2022, with advance orders and prepayment. Lead times vary per item and bulk orders may be arranged.
Bring home holiday cheer from Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
As we usher in the holidays, expect glad tidings with fun feasts and delightful bites from the kitchen of Eastwood Café+Bar headed by Executive Chef Victor Barangan.
Tried and tested and simply yummy, Richmonde’s signature pastries are all-time bestsellers for a reason. Soft, oversized, and ultra cheesy, the hotel’s classic plain ensaymada (PhP 185) will go perfectly with a hot chocolate drink or a steaming cup of brewed coffee on a cool Christmas morning. Of you want more to share, mini ensaymadas in boxes of 6 pcs (PhP 255) and 12 pcs (PhP 455) are also available.
For the perfect dessert, the moist and fudgy Richmonde Chocolate Cake has just the right amount of sweetness, with a texture that stays smooth and velvety even after refrigeration. It comes in two sizes—4” at PhP 215 and 8” at PhP 755.
The moist and fluffy banana bread of Eastwood Richmonde has always been a favorite go-to snack. This Christmas it has two new yummy flavors—the rich Choco Walnut Banana Bread (PhP 295) and the healthy Blueberry Banana Chia Bread (PhP 495).
Craving for something K-inspired, perhaps? The Savory Cream Cheese Garlic Bread (PhP 265) is Richmonde’s answer to the popular bread bun recipe of Korea and is great for sharing. Need a boost of Christmas energy to get you through the holiday hustle and bustle? Get Santa’s Little Helpers (PhP 535/box), a set of assorted cookies to give you a boxful of delightful sugar rush.
The set includes four pieces each of the chocolatey Double Trouble Cookies, the chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies, the Charcoreo cookie sandwich, and two pieces of Homemade “Twix” Bars. Because it tastes as good as it looks, make the Hazelnut Cookie Butter Christmas Cake (PhP 1,325) the centerpiece of your holiday feasts. This moist chocolate cake with hazelnut ganache frosting and delicate chocolate toppings may be too pretty to eat, but it will definitely be worth it.
ERH_Holiday Goodies Collection
If you wish you share the joy of sweet and savory bites this season, simply order Eastwood Richmonde’s Holiday Hamper of Goodies (PhP 1,600) which contains an awesome array of curated freshly baked treats, paired with coffee and cocoa, and packed conveniently in a chic black box.
What’s Christmas without ham? Preparation is easy with Eastwood Café+Bar’s holiday hams so don’t forget to add it to your order list. Choose between the 1.6kg Muscovado Cured Ham (PhP 1,450) that’s bursting with salty-sweet flavors, and the 1.3kg Chicken Ham (PhP 1,100) for the calorie-conscious.
ERH_Chicken Ham
All Holiday Goodies of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel are available for pickup and delivery within Metro Manila until January 10, 2022. A minimum lead time of 48 hours is required. For orders and inquiries, call +632 8570 7777 or +63 917 821 0333.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, closes the year with its annual 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, the most joyful year-end celebration in the region. 12.12 is set to bring a smile to users as they shop from the widest variety of products to reward themselves and their loved ones during the happiest time of the year. Through the 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, shoppers can also spread the holiday cheer to their favorite local businesses, with 2 times more items sold by local businesses this year.
Users can look forward to a delightful celebration throughout the festive season. In the past year, Shopee has brought fun to users with exciting giveaways and exclusive content, recording over 13 billion engagements and views across its social media channels. This 12.12, users can expect even more entertainment and engagement with a brand-new commercial featuring international superstar Jackie Chan and performances by popular K-Pop group Tomorrow X Together. To get into the Pinoy family spirit of the holidays, Shopee also welcomes first-ever celebrity father-and-daughter brand ambassadors, Dingdong and Zia Dantes.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “Every 12.12, Shopee comes together with our users to celebrate the milestones and achievements over the past year. This year, we would like to show our appreciation to all our users for letting us be part of their daily lives. Many more users are now using digital services, and local businesses are increasingly embracing the shift online. We are glad to have been able to adapt to their evolving needs this past year and we will continue to help more people benefit from the digital economy as we head into a new year. We look forward to celebrating the year-end with all our users as we bring smiles to one another this holiday season.”
Celebrating the happiest time of the year with the best deals
As shoppers hunt for the best gifts, Shopee is thrilled to bring users the most exciting deals this 12.12. These include:
The best promotions: Shoppers can enjoy the best deals for all their gifting needs with deals such as free shipping with no minimum spend, ₱1 Deals, and 10% off daily.
Big discounts:They can also get discounts up to 90% off on the biggest Shopee Mall brands:
Celebrating the holidays with entertainment for the whole family
Users can also expect non-stop entertainment from today until the big finale on December 12. Highlights include:
Fun-filled 12.12 TV Special: Filipinos can tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this December 12, 10:30pm, to catch Tomorrow X Together, Korea’s hottest rising boy group, grace the stage with a very special performance. Celebrities such as Michael V, Ysabel Ortega, Kate Valdez, Rayver Cruz, Julie Ann Jose, and Andrea Torres will also join host Willie Revillame for a fun and star-studded evening.
Entertaining content from Shopee’s newest brand ambassadors: Fans can catchDingdong and Zia’s festive new TV commercial, which features the beloved Pinoy Christmas tradition bunutan ng pera, on local TV networks and on Shopee’s official Facebook and YouTube Users can also check out Shopee’s YouTube and Tiktok accounts for heartwarming videos featuring Dingdong and Zia, wherein they recreate social media challenges, go shopping on Shopee, and more.
Exciting games and contests: Users can win voucher giveaways by joining Dingdong- and Zia-themed games and contests on Shopee’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. From December 1-12, users can win a total of ₱12,000,000 in prizesfrom their favorite local celebrities, including Dingdong and Zia, by playing Shopee Celebrity Pamasko on the app. Users simply have to tap on the angpao to win a prize from the celebrity of the day.
Celebrating local businesses and culture
Local businesses represent a significant part of local culture and as the need for digitalization increases, Shopee is committed to supporting these sellers and helping them thrive:
Shopee Celebrates Local: Shopee launches ‘Shopee Celebrates Local,’ a special contest to share and promote beloved local sellers. Users can read their stories on the #TatakPinoypage and on Shopee’s social media channels, and vote for their favorites until December 5. Winning sellers stand to win prizes they can use for their businesses, while users stand to win Shopee vouchers. Through the Tatak Pinoy page, users can also enjoy exclusive deals when supporting these sellers.
Celebrating wider communities
Through 12.12, Shopee will continue to uplift local communities through its platform. In the spirit of Christmas, Shopee launches the Frontliner Holiday Package to show gratitude for local heroes. Starting December 10, frontliners can avail of this package, which includes vouchers they can use for their holiday celebrations.
Casa San Pablo gives you a laid-back and hometown feel far from the harried and stressful city life. It makes you appreciate nature, art, and simple things like reading a book.
Living in a place where one feels relaxed and safe is one of the best feelings ever. Since the time we moved to the South, it posed a great advantage to our health. Rural areas are usually far from the smog and pollution of urban areas, offering clean, fresh air and plenty of open green spaces. Being in the fresh air outdoors is not only of advantage for physical health but also mental health. Moreover, living in Sta. Rosa Laguna offers a quick getaway or weekend staycation to nearby and interesting destinations.
It was one long weekend when we were looking for a place to go to – not too far but will be enjoyable and relaxing for me and my family. It was unanimous for us to go somewhere nearby.
Top of my mind was Casa San Pablo based on the articles and reviews I’ve read about the place. The quaint and cozy place is located in San Pablo City Laguna, just an hour’s drive from where we reside. It’s a bed and breakfast offering rooms in a rustic style with an outdoor pool and restaurant owned by a couple, Boots and An Alcantara.
Casa San Pablo was tucked inside a big compound surrounded by nature, a couple of villas, an artsy and a homey environment. It gives you a laid-back and hometown feel far from the harried and stressful city life.
Since we were just walk-in guests, we first inquired from the receptionist for room availability. Then they ushered us to some rooms available for that day. It was a delight to see that each room has been adorned with different art pieces and mementos of the owners; with each story to tell.
Family ties: The three of us
We also toured around the place and stayed in the dining area for our snacks. We love the food served home-cooked style.
Our weekend staycation gave us an opportunity to bond as a family – free from any distractions – only pure peace and be in touch with nature.
At Casa San Pablo, it makes you appreciate nature, art, and simple things like reading a book. It is a charming place in an idyllic setting.
“Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed
This Holiday Season is a great time to go to the Gingerbread House located at Barangay Palumlum in Alfonso, Cavite, Philippines (a few kilometers away from Tagaytay). Since its opening two years ago, GBH has become an all-year-round family destination. It’s a perfect tourist spot for kids and kids-at-heart. With a very affordable entrance fee of Ph150.00 pesos per head, it’s definitely an awesome treat for the entire family!
The Gingerbread House will give you that fairytale book setting. The jungle-like drive to Gingerbread House provides an actual feel of a Hansel and Gretel journey. In the story, two children, Hansel and Gretel get lost in the woods. They come upon a house made of gingerbread covered in frosting and candy. Unfortunately, it’s the house of the wicked witch. She befriends the kids, fattens them up, and tries to eat them.
As for us, how did we end up at The Gingerbread House? It was Christmas Day when we all decided to visit the place and to experience its snowfall. It was our family bonding moments, apart from being near Lebajo ArtFarm, where we spent our Christmas vacation.
What to see?
Upon paying the entrance fees, guests will be greeted by a dream board and Well of Dreams, where visitors (especially kids) can write down their goals and then make a wish.
The main attraction is the snow-like theme of Gingerbread house giving you a white Christmas feels! It has a kiddie theme background and colorful Christmas decorations that are good for photo-ops.
Inside the house is a snack place on the first floor. It serves mini cakes, brownies, muffins, chocolates, and a corner filled with confection. An actual Gingerbread House can be ordered and even rice meals. One of the attractive spots inside the resto is the reception area where you can find the giant Teddy Bear lying on the sofa. It looks so cute and huggable!
The play area for the kids is located on the second floor with a veranda overlooking the greenery surrounding the area.
There are other attractions to explore like the Gingerbread field, Christmas Kubo, Mini-Forest Trail that is similar to the path ventured by Hansel and Gretel going to the Gingerbread house, the colorful Candy Village, dining al fresco areas, quaint cottage-style rooms, swing area, inflatable Christmas corner, and other instagrammable spots.
The Christmas Kubo, offering Filipino delicacies like bibingka, etc.
There’s also a museum, where you’ll see a wonderful miniature of Christmas and Candy Village. And feel at home in their family living room area. It makes a good backdrop for your family photo souvenir.
One happy family – with Nikulas and Beatrice
There’s also a souvenir shop for your last-minute shopping before leaving the place. Just like in my previous travels, I always bring home some ref magnets as mementos of my sojourn.
The Gingerbread House was definitely worth creating fun and special moments with every member of the family.
Today, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, attended a virtual executive meeting with Mr. Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies. Gen Prayut expressed appreciation for Huawei’s continued support of Thailand’s digital transformation and post-pandemic recovery, and his eagerness to further strengthen cooperation with Huawei to promote the Thailand 4.0 strategy and digital talent cultivation.
During the virtual meeting, Gen Prayut and Mr. Ren exchanged views on how to consolidate digital competitiveness and build a strong foundation for ICT talent in Thailand.
Gen Prayut also stressed the important role that advanced ICT technologies and digital innovation would play in supporting Thailand’s economic resilience and sustainability, stating that “Huawei has provided profound contributions to Thailand’s fight against the pandemic and digital transformation. I am deeply impressed by Huawei history and dedication culture. In the future, Thailand is eager to cooperating with Huawei in various areas, including digital economy, 5G smart hospital, cloud and computing, digital power, smart logistics and data center.”
Mr. Ren expressed his gratitude for Thai government’s trust in Huawei and congratulated Thailand on its achievements in 5G rollout. He emphasized that “Huawei and Thailand have been working together to build a strong digital infrastructure foundation. In the future, we look forward to accelerating the integration of digital technologies in Thailand’s key industries, especially in port and airport scenarios.”
“We have a strong belief in Thailand’s successful digital transformation and talent development. Our local team will work closely with Thai customers and partners to serve the country’s social and economic development with technology solutions,” Ren said.
Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies.
Towards Thailand’s digital blueprint to becoming the ASEAN digital hub, Huawei and Thailand have been closely cooperating in two key areas.
First, in line with the Thailand 4.0 strategy, Huawei has worked with its customers to accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation and ICT infrastructure innovation. Through the adoption of 5G, Cloud, and AI, Huawei and its industry partners are enabling Thailand’s key sectors and creating exciting opportunities across multiple areas, including healthcare, education, transportation, e-government, and smart city, to bolster Thailand’s long-term socioeconomic development and digital ecosystem.
Among these actions, smart port and airports are important potential cooperation areas for Huawei and Thailand. Mr. Ren introduced the company’s best practices in Smart Port and Smart Airport Solutions in China, which builds automation capabilities based on all factors — people, vehicles, goods, enterprises, and places — to help build safe, efficient, and intelligent world-class ports and airports.
Second, Gen Prayut and Mr. Ren also highlighted a commitment to cultivating upskilled and digital talent in Thailand. In order to drive Thailand’s digital transformation and long-term development, both men stressed that the public and private sector must work together to build an open, shared ICT talent ecosystem that benefits all.
H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Aiming to cultivate Thailand’s local ICT talent and digital workforce, Huawei established the Huawei ASEAN Academy (Thailand) in 2019, which has trained over 41,000 ICT professionals and provided training to 1,300 small and medium-sized enterprises. Huawei has also signed MOUs with more than 20 Thai universities. With a digital world fast approaching, Huawei is determined to ensure that no one is left behind through digital inclusion initiatives that enhance the digital knowledge and employment prospects of vulnerable groups.
In March 2021, Huawei Thailand has been chosen for the Special Prime Minister Award as the “Digital International Corporation of the Year”. The award recognizes Huawei for its valuable support and outstanding contributions to Thai society and its efforts to support digital transformation. It is the only company to receive this award.
Featured photos: Virtual Executive Meeting (From left): H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha; Right: Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies
