by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 17, 2018 | Lifestyle
SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families with the online and on-ground celebration of “National Thank You Week” this November 19 to 25.
“On the second year of our partnership with McDonald’s, we continue to underscore the uniqueness of the emotional bond of Filipinos, especially when our customers make memories and redefine thanksgiving celebrations in our malls,” shares Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.
On digital, SM and McDonald’s encourage families to share their thank you moments and get chance to win P5,000 SM shopping money by simply taking a photo using the #NationalThankYouWeek Photo App that can be accessed via smsupermalls.com from Nov. 19 to 25. Meanwhile, as a simple way to say thank you to customers, all McDonald’s stores located in 48 SM malls nationwide will give a free Vanilla Sundae Cone for every purchase of a Happy Meal from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day itself (November 22) till Sunday, November 25.
A culminating activity is also in stored for families on the last day of the week-long celebration (November 25). Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to experience SM Supermalls and McDonald’s Thank You Town where everyone can enjoy an array of fun activities and fun technology games.
SM Supermalls and McDonald’s level up the Thanksgiving tradition among Filipino families.
At the Thank You Town, SM shoppers can also sign up for McDonald’s Stripes Run, avail discounts in booking McCelebrations, and get amazing deals at the Toy Bazaar.
On top of the exclusive McDonald’s treats, the Thanksgiving experience of SM shoppers will be made more meaningful with a Thanksgiving Blessing at select SM malls on November 18 or 22 plus special dining offers at SM Foodcourt and other participating restaurants from November 19 to 25.
SM Supermalls is the sole Philippine finalist in this year’s World Retail Awards, held last April 19 in Madrid, Spain. SM’s “National Thank You Day,” an integrated live brand experience campaign in partnership with McDonald’s Philippines, made it as a finalist in the ‘Best Customer Experience Initiative – Mall Owners’ category.
For more information, check out www.smsupermalls.com, and its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @smsupermalls.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 16, 2018 | Video reviews
Crimes of Grindelwald (pronounced grin-del-vald) is the latest installment in JK Rowling’s wizarding world. It continues where Fantastic Beasts (that appeared in 2016) left off. As many reviewers can tell you, it is difficult to write a review without spoilers but I will do my best to make as little spoilers as I can. 😀
The story begins with the audience seeing Grindelwald (played by Johnny Depp) imprisoned within the Ministry of Magic is America. We learn that he has been there for several months and is to be transferred to the London Ministry of Magic. We then get to witness his eventual escape which establishes the conflict in the story.
The story then shifts to Newt Scamander (the hero of our story, played by Eddie Redmayne) in the Ministry of Magic in London. It is here we are also introduced to two new characters to the story: Lita LeStrange and Theseus Scamander (he’s a hugger), Newt’s brother. These two new characters play an important part in the story.
Theseus Scamander, Lita LeStrange, and Newt Scamander; photo credit to eonline.com
We are also reunited with characters from the first Fantastic Beasts movie. Keep in mind that Fantastic Beasts was set in New York and, therefore, the primary characters are American.
Before watching the movie my daughter and I were speculating if George’s presence in this movie means his memory will be erased every time. And Queenie is not an Auror so how does she and George get involved in this installment of the story?
Tina (American auror), Newt, George (American muggle), and Queenie (American witch) photo from vitalthrills.com
We also discover that Credence is still alive and that he meets Nagini (who appeared in the Harry Potter series) in her human form. At the end of Fantastic Beasts, it was implied that Credence died, that his special ability as on Obscurial. I was glad to know for sure there was more to his story than that.
Nagini (played by Claudia Kim) and Credence (played by Ezra Miller) photo from eonline.com
Nagini’s participation in the story is more of a supporting role while Credence served as the person the story revolves around.
By the way, before this movie, I didn’t know that Nagini was a person, not a regular large snake! We only learned this in this movie (not a spoiler) which makes me think that she remained a snake much as Peter Pettigrew remained a rat (called Scabbers by the Weasley family) to hide in plain sight. Or maybe she got stuck in that form? I guess we will find out eventually.
In the story, Credence is on a quest to find out who he was. The importance of his character in the story is hinted at several times but does not fully reveal itself until you reach the end of the movie. We know he is a powerful wizard because he was an Obscurial (this was mentioned in Fantastic Beasts 1), so we presume he came from a powerful wizarding family, but which one? What is your guess?
What are the story plots of The Crimes of Grindelwald
Credence searches for his identity
- Who is he?
- Where did he come from?
- How did he end up being adopted and raised in America by that wicked woman?
Grindelwald’s mission and/or motivation
- Why is he such a big baddie in the stories?
- What did he really do?
- How is able to get so many followers?
- Why does he kill indiscriminately?
Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald
- Since Albus Dumbledore is supposedly the only one who can defeat Grindelwald why doesn’t he just do it?
- Where Dumbledore and Grindelwald involved in some way?
Newt’s involvement
- Does he work for Dumbledore?
- Is he very powerful magically or is he powerful because of all the knowledge he has?
- Why does he have a travel ban?
- How does he end up working with
My thoughts as I watched the movie
New creatures, yey! Some lovable, some scary, and some are both. We’ve met some of them in the original movie series (Harry Potter).
Niffler
Old creatures, we loved from the first movie. I have to give Niffler a special mention because … well, he is just so darned cute! He’s an incorrigible thief (reminds me of Tasselhoff Burfoot) but it is hard to take offense since he does not do it out of malice. Tee hee, and the babies, aww, the babies!
Johnny Depp as Grindelwald – Reading other reviews online, some loved it and some hated it. I don’t care what anyone else says, I think he did great! The way he flicks his wand you’d think he’d been doing it all his life. 🙂
Jude Law as Dumbledore, perfect! I thought he nailed the part. I also thought it was good to see Professor Dumbledore in his youth. He displayed the gentleness, the sense of humor, and the power we have come to expect from watching and reading Harry Potter.
Possible spoilers:
- Lita LeStrange is engaged to Theseus, but why do I get the feeling that it is Newt she is in love with?
- When faced with a Bogart:
- Lita’s greatest fear is a white sheet? Is it a ghost?
- Newt’s greatest fear is inanimate?
The cast of Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Fantastic Beasts 2: The Crimes of Gridelwald is fast-paced and exciting and, at times, can leave the audience breathless. It is a must-watch for Potterheads everywhere and family-movie kids of all ages can enjoy.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 15, 2018 | Health and Wellness
Over 25% of the world’s seafarers show signs of depression, according to the International Maritime Charity Sailor’s Society (IMCSS). Stress, harassment, bullying, fatigue, loneliness, and isolation from family can easily impact their mental health, which makes seafaring the second-most at risk profession worldwide when it comes to suicide.
To shine light on the issue, Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation, in partnership with SM Global Pinoy, the Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), and International Seafarers Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), held the “Kumusta, Kabaro?” Day at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
“Kumusta, Kabaro?” is a comprehensive mental health program launched by GOLD Foundation to raise awareness of the maritime community and the general public about the struggles seafarers face during their repeated departures from home.
With the theme “The Seafarer Community for Global Mental Wellness,” the project aims to deliver hope and to promote mental wellness among Filipino Seafarers. The event was also held in celebration of World Mental Health Day and was attended by over 500 members from the maritime industry and their families.
“Ang issue ng mental health ay kailangan nating pag-tuunan. Hindi na ‘to isang bagay na kailangan natin i-deny,” (The issue on mental health needs attention and we can no longer ignore this) said Marissa Oca, chair of the Gregorio Oca Leadership & Development (GOLD) Foundation.
Atty. Noli Partido, AMOSUP Legal Department head, also pointed out that the issue on mental health is something we need to look at closely. “We need to act on the issue and come up with preventive and relevant steps to take care of our seafarers’ mental health,” Partido said.
The event consisted of various talks and inspirational messages from different maritime groups, the Department of Health (DOH), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Psychotrauma Clinic. It also included Zumba exercises and other wellness activities.
“SM believes that the seafarers’ mental health is a serious concern that we need to focus on. We fully support the maritime industry’s advocacy in raising awareness about the issue,” said SM Global Pinoy program director Glenn Ang.
SM Global Pinoy is the program of SM Prime Holdings that supports the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families. It aims to give back and honor OFWs and their families through exclusive services, perks and privileges in its 31 SM Global Pinoy Centers nationwide.
To know more about SM Global Pinoy, you may visit www.smglobalpinoy.com or www.facebook.com/smgpc. You may also e-mail in**@***********oy.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 15, 2018 | Lifestyle
Liza Soberano boldly takes on the TechnoMarine “What’s in the Box” challenge, which has become a viral sensation! Watch as Liza, wearing her favorite TechnoMarine watch—the perfect companion for both work and play — faces creepy and other unusual items without fear or hesitation. Click on the link to watch the videos that are taking social media by storm!
TechnoMarine timepieces encourage a change of attitude with their infusion of a carefree coastal resort spirit and water-inspired elements. A bright mix of colors and premium components lets urban souls dream of international destinations while sporting watches from innovative designers who are enthusiastic about every concept.
TechnoMarine can be found in Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, TriNoma, and Uptown Mall.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 14, 2018 | Events
Filinvest City, the premier lifestyle destination in the Metro South, spreads holiday cheer with “Christmas Comes Alive,” its extraordinary holiday celebration this 2018.
With “Christmas Comes Alive,” Filinvest City residents and employees, as well as guests from other parts of the metro, can catch a line-up of exciting activities and entertainment starting November 17, 7 p.m., at Spectrum Linear Park.
Taking this year’s festivities up a notch are weekend performances from local favorites:
Indie electro-pop artist BP Valenzuela on November 17
Solo folk project I Belong to the Zoo on November 24
Indie rock band December Avenue on December 1
Pop band Autotelic on December 8
Singer and rapper Quest on December 15
Rock legend Rivermaya on December 22
Indie folk band The Ransom Collective on December 29
Goers will also be treated to a special performance by rising DJ Wicked Adobo. Ending each performance on a high note is a grand fireworks display.
Also keeping the holiday mood extra-festive is Filinvest City’s Christmas Wonderland, which will allow city dwellers to experience the Christmas of their dreams with one-of-a-kind outdoor installations at the Spectrum Linear Park.
Open to everyone, near or far, are four themed sections:
- the 40-foot “Christmas Tree” in bright blues, reds, and yellows, featuring a giant holiday staple,
- the “Once Upon A Christmas Dream” that has life-sized Christmas displays,
- the “Aboard the Christmas Train” that will take you on a trip down memory lane with colorful lights and holiday music, and
- the “Up, Up, and Away” that lets you enjoy a large hot air balloon display, evoking a feeling of wonder and utmost excitement.
This Christmas spectacle can be enjoyed starting November 16 until December 31 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
What’s more, friends and families can bond over good food offered at the weekend bazaar.
This holiday season, Christmas truly comes alive at Filinvest City! For more information on its holiday activities and events, visit www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL.
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