The new year signifies a new cycle of opportunities and prosperity for most people. It’s a time to both manifest and be resolute with actions to better one’s outlook and outcome in life. The best way to herald this is a festive ritual that would bless the mind, body, soul, and spirit.
F1 Hotel Manila celebrates the new lunar year with a bountiful Chinese New Year lunch buffet at F All–Day Dining for Php 2,188 net per person on January 22, 2022.
A traditional Lion Dance performance will ignite the festivities accompanied by the beating symphony of drums, gongs, and cymbals. As the lion snakes its way through the crowd, it brings about harmony, prosperity, and fortune, and the noise is also believed to ward off evil entities.
This can all be enjoyed as guests indulge in the Chinese New Year lunch buffet, which will be meticulously prepared by F1 Hotel Manila’s culinary team and will feature special Chinese dishes including the following: Yee Sang, a prosperity salad that symbolizes abundance and vigor, which is tossed for good luck; DongPo Pork Knuckle, pan-fried braised pork flavored with secret Chinese spices; Duck Wrap pancakes with hoisin sauce; Suckling Pig and Tang Yuan, sweet glutinous rice balls with a hint of ginger, which may remind diners of local guinataan but with a twist.
A legendary Money Tree will stand in the foyer of the F All-Day Dining restaurant, which brings good chi or “energy” and is believed to bring wealth and prosperity to anyone who touches it.
For inquiries and table reservations, please call 7908-7888 or visit our website at www.f1hotelmanila.com.
A round-up of holiday treats to make your celebrations merry and delightfully unforgettable. Indulge in these establishments’ many special Yuletide deals – ranging from superb accommodation, buffet feast, and a year-end party to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Awesome holiday experience at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
Richmonde offers value-for-money holiday room rates for bookings until January 14, 2023 (except December 24 & 31), starting at PhP 3,600 nett (room only) and PhP 4,200 nett (with breakfast for two) for stays from Sunday to Thursday; and PhP 3,800 nett (room only) and PhP 4,400 nett (with breakfast for two) for Friday and Saturday stays.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, you can celebrate with a comfortable and convenient city staycation complete with sumptuous buffets and fun activities. Invite family and friends to Richmonde Café on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to bond over the dazzling Noche Buena and Media Noche feasts. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet is priced at PhP 1,595 nett and will be served from 6 pm to 10 pm.
RHO’s Deluxe twin room.
Give 2023 a hearty welcome with the generous gourmet indulgences at the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet and glitzy cocktails at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at the hotel lobby. The dinner buffet is priced at PhP 1,880 nett per person while tickets to the countdown bash are priced at PhP 1,280 nett each, inclusive of three drinks, a cocktail buffet, party favors, a glass of sparkling wine at the countdown, and live band performance. To make it a total celebration to remember, New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet and Countdown Bundle is available at a special discounted rate of just PhP 2,550 nett.
For inquiries, table reservations, and countdown ticket purchases, call (632) 8638-7777, SMS or Viber (63) 917 534 4352, email fbsup@richmondeortigas.com, or message @Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on Facebook and Instagram.
Festive buffets at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
Have a wonderful time with an array of awesome room offers for your holiday break. On December 24 & 25, 2022, rates start at PhP 7,500 nett and come with a delightful breakfast buffet for two. To include a filling Noche Buena buffet good for two at Eastwood Café+Bar, book the Christmas Eve Room Package, valid only on December 24, which starts at PhP 10,500 nett, inclusive also of a special breakfast buffet for two.
Eastwood is the place to be on December 31st and you can have a stylish welcome to 2023 with the New Year’s Eve Room Packagesat rates starting at PhP 9,600 nett inclusive of brunch buffet for two, and PhP 12,600 nett for a night of revelry with two tickets to the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party and buffet brunch for two.
ERH Christmas Eve Buffet.
Indulge in fabulous banquets to celebrate the season and make your table reservation now to delight in the mouthwatering dishes specially prepared by Executive Chef Victor Barangan and his talented kitchen team. On Christmas Eve, feast your eyes, ears, and palate on the special spread highlighted by lechon roast, pork muscovado ham, beef short plate, Swedish meatballs with truffles, baked scallops, savory bonbons, and so much more, with live cello music in the background, at a rate of PhP 1,999 nett that comes with bottomless iced tea, coffee or tea, and a glass of red or white wine. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet is served from 6pm to 9pm on December 24th.
Bid 2022 adieu with a fun blast from the past at the Rockin’ Retro New Year’s Eve Countdown Party happening at the hotel lobby from 9pm to 12mn on December 31st. For only Php1,799 nett, revel in flowing drinks and a filling international-themed cocktail buffet.
For inquiries and bookings, call (632) 8570 7777 / (63) 917 531 6867 or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For table reservations, call (63) 917 821 0333 or send a message via Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s official Facebook page.
Happy homecoming at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
Have a happy homecoming or relaxing staycation at Richmonde and enjoy the most spacious rooms in the city with its splendid amenities and friendly service. Book from December 16, 2022 to January 26, 2023 at rates starting at PhP 5,700 nett (room only) and PhP 6,200 nett (room with breakfast buffet for two).
On December 24 and 31, have a Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve stay for as low as PhP 6,000 nett (room only) and PhP 6,500 nett (room with breakfast buffet for two) with all the above-mentioned perks.
The Granary’s Holiday luxe buffets Roast Turkey
This year’s festive feasts at The Granary are extra delectable with an impressive spread of holiday dishes the whole family will surely love! The Holiday Luxe Dinner Buffets happening on December 24, 25 & 31, 2022 and January 1, 2023, overflow with flavorful gourmet fare lovingly prepared by Executive Chef Ariel Castañeda and his kitchen team.
For those long-awaited family reunions and much-anticipated face-to-face parties, Richmonde has Holiday Banquet Packages to let you safely gather as you revel in style. Rates start at PhP 59,000 nett for thirty (30) persons, and include a delectable lunch or dinner buffet with a round of drinks; coffee and tea; five (5) bottles of wine; four (4) pool passes each good for two persons; a gift certificate for an overnight stay for two persons in a Deluxe room with breakfast buffet; plus discount vouchers for room accommodations and food & beverage orders.
For inquiries, reservations, bookings and orders, call +63 33 328 7888 or contact stay@richmondeiloilo.com for room accommodations; +63 917 563 3973 / sales@richmondeiloilo.com for banquet bookings; and +63 917 563 3558 to order holiday goodies. Bookings and order of goodies may also be made online at Richmonde’s official website, www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.
Holiday offerings at Crowne Plaza Seven Corners and Xin Tian Di Restaurant
Rediscover the warmth and joy brought by this Yuletide season as you dine at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Bask into the sumptuous feast from its season’s selections with your loved ones and friends.
In celebration of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at Seven Corners, they will be highlighting the following dishes: The signature Ribeye Steak, savory Roasted Turkey with Bread Stuffing, festive Holiday Ham and our succulent Salmon Wellington. You can enjoy these astounding dishes only at Php 3,300 nett per person.
Xin Tian Di has prepared a special set menu for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve that will surely complete your holiday celebrations. For as low as Php 1,888++ per person, you can enjoy authentic and luxurious Chinese flavors personally crafted by their in-house Chinese Executive Chef.
As we welcome the year 2023, celebrate Media Noche at Seven Corners Restaurant for a special rate of Php 2,500 nett per person. For inquiries, contact us at (02) 87900 3100, or email fandb.reservations@ihg.com.
Let us fill our hearts with gratitude for the past year and toast for good luck and prosperity in 2023!
It’s December, and the Christmas spirit is in the air. The culture of gift-giving is more than just the price tags and fancy presents – it’s about the comfort and memory that comes with the gift. Giving your loved ones the perfect gift or treat is more tricky than it looks, but with this list of holiday treats, people will surely enjoy the Christmas season with a smile and a grateful heart!
Great food, great time
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas is ready to spice up your holiday season with its own special menu, crafted by the renowned Executive Chef Tristan Galang. Presenting a mix of delectable goodies and sumptuous dishes, Richmonde hotel showcases its Special Hotbox Platters which includes Salmon en Croute, Cottage Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, and Potatoes au Gratin.
RHO Holly Jolly Yummy Goodies.
If you’re craving for something sweet to display at your holiday feast, Richmonde has the most delectable baked goodies that would brighten your family’s day! Starting with their Signature Moist Chocolate Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and Red Velvet Cheesecake, your dining table will surely be filled with gorgeous smiles and happy stomachs! They also offer these fresh bread—Banana Walnut Bread, Creamy Spinach Baguette, Cranberry Babka, and Coffee Bun. You can also partner them with the affordable Richmonde Herbed Butter and Bacon Jam spreads.
They also offer Filipino favorites Plain Ensaymada and Ube Ensaymada, given a holiday twist with these new flavors, Pork Floss Ensaymada and Alcapone Ensaymada. They are also available in Mini-Ensaymadas in boxes of 4 pcs and 9 pcs.
If you want just the perfect gift this Christmas, you can choose from Richmonde’s Christmas Hampers! The Box of Freshly Baked Bliss and the Hamper of Holiday Happiness. What’s great is, they can also be purchased in bulk!
Eastwood Richmonde is also all geared up with its baked specials. They cooked up a twist in their Richmonde Christmas Cookies, with Sea Salt Double Chocolate, Oatmeal Craisin, and Santa’s Pantry flavors. They also parade their unique chocolate bars, with different flavors such as White Chocolate and Ube Marshmallow, Dark Chocolate with Dilis, and Milk Chocolate with Roasted Cashews and Candied Pili.
ERH Holiday Goodies 2022.
For those looking for Christmas staples, Eastwood Richmonde offers Christmas Tiramisu, alongside loaves with flavors like Banana Chocolate Chip, Walnut Bread, Chocolate Pistachio Babka, Kesong Puti, Tomato; Basil Focaccia, and Brioche. They also have the center of attention: delectable hams. Richmonde offers 1.5kg Muscovado Ham, 1.2kg Chicken Ham, and the 300g Sliced Muscovado Ham.
Moreover, they also have Christmas hampers such as the Sweet and Savory Christmas Bundle, as well as the Baked Yuletide Bunch. These tasty goodies will surely brighten up your holiday menu!
Best clothes to keep you warm
The Fall/Winter 2022 Collection of UNIQLO’s LifeWear features a lineup of wardrobe staples that will surely keep you stylish this holiday season!
UNIQLO Holiday gift items.
Armed with its new HEATTECH technology, UNIQLO’s clothes will keep you warm, without the expense of bulking up in clothes. Moreover, it converts body moisture into heat, making you feel cozy and comfortable. Not bad for people seeking the snow and cold this season!
Electrifying music to keep you hyped
If you’re looking for the next band to stan, Globe and 88risimg got your back! The 2022 Head in the Clouds Music and Arts Festival is coming to Manila for the first time on December 9 and 10 at the SM Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. Featuring renowned singers such as Joji, Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rich Brian, and eaJ, it is set to take Manila by storm.
Courtesy of Globe, you can avail two-day General Admission ticket for only P6,888 from its original price of P12,888. Just purchase your tickets at SM tickets with the special code GLOBEPASS to avail of the promo! Get it now and live your musical fantasy this holiday season!
Keep in touch with new high-tech phones
This season, Nokia is big on gift-giving as they introduce new models, such as the Nokia X30 and the Nokia C10.
Nokia Mobile Christmas Raffle Promo.
The Nokia X30 is presented to be the most eco-friendly smartphone, partnered with three years of warranty 3 and 3 OS upgrades. Nokia C10, on the other hand, is just a gift for the first-time smartphone user. It is the perfect entry-level phone for anyone who wants to be techy and at the same time, master the ropes of smartphones!
With all these gifts and treats in mind, your loved ones will surely feel lucky to receive these presents. There is nothing better than a well-thought-out gift – and this list might just be your key to a great Christmas. Happy shopping!
Whether he’s picking us up from school, making us laugh with his jokes, or secretly treating us behind Mama’s back, we can always count on Papa, Dada, Pa, Dad to be there for us.
As a way of saying “Pa, Salamat” to all fathers and father figures this Father’s Day weekend, Globe At Home launches various activities and promos to watch out for so that families can express their appreciation and love for our very own haligi ng tahanan.
“PA, Salamat” Treats until June 30!
Just by purchasing a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi or availing of any Globe At Home Plan in select retailers nationwide, surprise Dads with free treats such as cakes, gas vouchers, and even a car wash!
Meanwhile, select current Globe At Home customers who download the Globe At Home app may celebrate Father’s Day with gift vouchers from Foodpanda, PureGo, HealthNow, and Viber.
Apart from that, Globe At Home Postpaid customers can gift their tech-savvy dads with a Huawei Vision S monitor. How? Until July 7, customers can earn raffle entries by:
Updating Globe At Home contact details by July 4, 2021 to earn (1) raffle ticket;
Upgrading current Globe At Home plans to a higher plan OR buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn (3) raffle tickets;
Upgrading current Globe at home plan AND buying any Globe At Home add-on device to earn six (6) raffle tickets
PA, Let’s hang out via Viber Chat Party on June 18
Each dad’s journey to fatherhood differs from one another and it’s fun to discover the amazing stories of one dad to another. Hear it from Globe At Home ambassadors themselves! Dad of three, Drew Arellano, and first-time father, Slater Young will share their small and big dad wins at home, wise parenting do’s and don’ts, as well as cool and useful gadgets for dads through the Globe At Home Viber community on June 18.
PA, Tag Kita on Social Media until June 30!
Stay tuned to the Globe At Home Facebook page for daily social media challenges with #PaSalamat giveaways for Globe At Home Prepaid and Postpaid customers for a chance to win Samsung Smart Things worth Php 19,000. Be ready with throwback photos or favorite photos with dad, legendary dad jokes or memorable lines, as well as valuable life lessons from dad. Stay tuned to Globe At Home’s Facebook page for more information.
Even if families today can’t celebrate like before, Globe At Home makes it possible to still own the world at home and have them say #PaSalamat to today’s awesome dads and father figures in our lives.
Follow Globe At Home’s Facebook page and subscribe to the Globe At Home Viber community. For more ways on how to say #PaSalamat this Father’s Day weekend, bookmark this page: https://glbe.co/PaSalamat.
Celebrity fathers Ogie Alcasid, Ariel Rivera, and Cesar Montano are, no doubt, happy with how their respective careers have turned out, but they all agree they experienced far greater joy when they became parents. Needless to say, fatherhood has put meaning to their lives.
Let’s get to know their thoughts on fatherhood and child-rearing experiences.
Ogie Alcasid: “I found my place in the greater scheme of things”
“I found my place in the greater scheme of things,” uttered Ogie from a previous interview. Ogie is a doting and very supportive dad to three children (two girls, Leila and Sarah from his first marriage with former beauty queen Michelle Van Eimeren; and one son Nathaniel James with wife Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid).
Ogie with his children. Courtesy: Ogie Alcasid on Instagram
Ogie is enjoying his role as a father to the fullest. “Every moment that I’m with my children is important for me,” he shared. He became more of a child, too, “because when you’re already a parent you have to play with your kids. At the same time, you can’t take things for granted.”
He advises parents to have time for their family. “Even if it only takes two to three hours a day, make it a point to play and talk to your kids if you don’t want them to grow up not knowing you,” Ogie said.
Ariel Rivera: “The love for a parent to a child is unconditional love”
“There are no words to express my feelings when I became a father,” intimated Ariel from an earlier interview. “Now, I realized that your love for a son is very different from the love you have for your wife and mother.”
Ariel with his wife Gelli and children Joaquin and Julio. Courtesy: Jose Ariel Rivera FB page
With their two sons around, Joaquin and Julio (who are now attending schools in Canada), Ariel and his wife Gelli de Belen have become closer and stronger through times. The couple opted not to have a nanny when their children were still younger. “We didn’t get a nanny because I want to follow what my parents have done for us. My parents raised the five of us in Canada without a yaya. If they were able to do it with five kids, why can’t we do it? Kayang-kaya naman. Ang pinoy kasi gusto natin parati tayong komportable.”
The lesson he learned from child-rearing is the love of a parent to a child. “You’ll never know until you have one,” he said, “It’s unconditional love.”
The earnest balladeer has attained more depth and maturity in his musical career and personal life.
Cesar Montano: “Teach them the value of hard work and money”
Actor, film producer, and director Cesar Montano admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. “Kasi ngayon hindi na panahon ng lecture nang lecture sa bata. The children will not always listen to you, but for sure they will imitate you. ‘Yon ang paniniwala ko,” he explained from a previous interview.
As a parent, he has experienced the worst. But one thing he learned from it is “life should go on no matter what happened. Everyone learns from the lessons of life.” Needless to say, he has developed a broader perspective in life. “Lahat naman ng ito ginagawa ko para sa kanila. Mapalaki ko sila ng maganda at magkaroon ng magandang buhay.”
Cesar has admitted that he’s a very lenient parent. Courtesy: Cesar Montano FB page
One thing he learned from child-rearing, and which he inherited from his late dad, Genovevo, is to make life a little difficult for your children. “Hindi dapat bigay hilig. Hindi kailangan ng lahat ng pangangailangan nila ibibigay mo. Teach them the value of hard work and money.”
Life in Sta. Ana, he said, was the best time of his childhood days. His favorite hangout in Sta. Ana is Plaza Hugo, where he would always play basketball with his peers.
Did he imagine that he’ll become a popular star someday? “Ay, oo. Noong nagtitinda ako ng ice cream sabi ko siguro magiging sikat ako. Hawak ko ang bibingka, sabi ko ‘Cesar Montano ako paglaki,’” he guffawed. “Hindi ko akalaing maiisip ko ‘yon.”
Cesar is proud of his roots. “Siyempre. Dahil hindi ka magiging ganito ngayon, kung hindi ka magiging proud sa pinagdaanan mo. To be able to spend your life in your own way is a success in itself,” he ended.
(Based on the published feature article in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
Featured photos: Courtesy of Jose Ariel Rivera FB page, Ogie Alcasid FB page, and Cesar Montano FB page
After a long day at work and family time at home, Dad craves to have his own special space where he can recharge, rethink, relax and be himself. He longs for a quiet retreat where he can plunk down on a sofa, chill out with a drink, and unwind.
This me-time, after all, can make him a better husband and father which will eventually benefit the whole family. After all, what is more, pleasant than a man who is relaxed, happy, and stress-free?
This Father’s Day, help Dad create this special space – others call it a man cave – with a little help from Our Home.
Hallie Bar Set in white and wood finish.
There are cozy recliners where he can sit, recline, and relax. Bar tables, chairs, and other bar essentials complete the fun. If he must work at home, there are writing desks as well as ergonomic chairs to bring comfort to the WFH corner.
Lounge in style with this sleek and supple black leather Lexus Sofa.
Visit Our Home stores nationwide at select SM Supermalls for more Father’s Day gift ideas. Customers who prefer to shop online can expect the same great shopping experience through www.ourhome.ph. In addition, Our Home has introduced Contactless Shopping Options for customers who prefer to stay in their homes. Customers can Call & Deliver – call 0917 8315260, pay online, and have their items delivered. They can Shop Live where a personal shopper takes them on a virtual tour of the store via video call. Curbside Pickup is also available.
**Shop in-store, online, or contactless with our Call & Deliver (0917)8315260, Shop Live, and Curbside Pickup services. Free interior design advice and affordable bespoke services are available.
Mother’s Day is a special time of year when you get to celebrate the first person you always turn to for pieces of advice, your superhero, confidant, best friend, and biggest supporter! On her special day tell her how much she means to you. Here are some gift ideas you can surprise her with on May 9.
Omo! White for that Korean-like, glowing skin
OMO! White is the first skincare brand in the Philippines that offers customized skincare to your specific skin type. In Korean slang, the term “OMO!” means “Oh my goodness!” After trying out their alcohol-free soap and toner, wait and see, and you’ll definitely scream “OMO!” while looking at your Korean-like, glowing skin.
You can choose from their list of products to suit your mom’s skin type:
(1) WonderClear Toner is now AcneClear Toner (for Oily and Acne-Prone skin), is an alcohol-free toner for oily and acne-prone skin. Scientifically mixed with powerful ingredients such as Glycolic acid, Niacinamide, and Lactic acid, that can help improve your skin’s appearance;
(2) HyperCleanse Toner is now IntenseCleanse Toner (for Normal to Combination skin), is an alcohol-free toner that gives maximum hydration with a quick swipe. Scientifically mixed with powerful ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Allantoin, and Alpha Arbutin, soften and re-energize your skin. A must-have step to any skincare regimen, this toner mildly exfoliates to achieve that radiant and unforgettable White Glow;
(3) UltraLight Toner is now Ooh-la-Light Toner (for Normal skin), is a fast-absorbent lightweight formula that gives maximum hydration and mildly exfoliates to give you youthful, glowing skin. It is supercharged with Glutathione, Lactic Acid, and Alpha Arbutin.
There’s nothing like ending a stressful day cleaning your skin and feeling fresh and radiant after. Let your mom try Omo! products and experience having Korean-like, glowing, and radiant skin.
SweetBlooms Rose Candy Pastillas
Surprise your mom with the most unique gifts that will make her feel appreciated and loved by giving her SweetBlooms Rose Candy Pastillas.
SweetBlooms are perfect gift ideas for Mom’s Day! These edible flower pastillas are made of quality and fresh ingredients, affordable, presentable, a yummy treat, and blooming with candy pastillas. Choose from an array of product choices you can find on their FB page. Visit the link: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetblooms.
Say it with #SweetBlooms. Share the bloom in all seasons! To order, contact: 09175073997, 09175139300, (02) 83520051, (02) 75020497.
SM Home essential items
With most members of the family spending more time at home, keeping it clean and bright is a challenge for Mom. Surprise her with exciting innovations from SM Home that will make her home-works a breeze and give her more time for herself.
This May, get discounts and online coupons on select home essential items and furniture from SM Home. Shop for your mom and place your order online through the SM Store’s Call to Deliver (#143SM) and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow SM Home at the SM Store on Instagram or visit thesmstore.com website.
Eufy HomeVac H11 is a mini vacuum that offers practical solutions to your home’s cleaning needs.Save time from washing the dishes and keep your dinnerware germ-free with Hanabishi Dishwasher with UV Sterilizer.
Top picks from Hanabishi’s practical gift ideas are quality and affordable home products for busy homemakers, such as the following:
