Being away from loved ones regularly can be difficult, which is why the holidays have become such an important season to reunite families. But these days, traveling back home to provinces and far-flung areas can be extra tiresome with the heavy traffic, long commuting lines, and hectic holiday rush. This can take a toll on Filipinos mentally and emotionally, especially when all they’re
thinking about is going home to celebrate the most joyful time of the year with the most important people in their lives.


This Christmas, Jollibee helps Filipinos go home to their families with a little more love—and a lot of joy. Holiday commuters in select provincial bus routes received a special surprise from Jollibee on their way home. Hundreds of free Chickenjoy buckets and Jollibee gift certificates were distributed to the lucky commuters, perfect for sharing with the families that eagerly awaited them at home.

Passengers were all smiles, some even in tears! “Ito po, pagsasalubong namin sa mga apo,” one of them said, holding on to the Chickenjoy bucket in gratitude. Another expressed joy being able to see the Jollibee mascot live: “Masaya po talaga na nakita namin sa personal si Jollibee. Nagyon lang po namin nakita si Jollibee.”


“We wanted to make the ride home of the hardworking Filipinos extra special with a little surprise from Jollibee, especially with all the Christmas rush and anticipation to get home to spend time with their families,” Jollibee Philippines’ Marketing AVP for Bestsellers Category Cathleen Capati said. “As a family- centric brand, we do believe that being with family amid busy schedules and other separation factors is the most precious and meaningful way to spend the festive holidays—along with everyone’s favorite Chickenjoy!”

Share this video to encourage the joy of bonding with family and loved ones over the holidays. Celebrate this Christmas season with the country’s #1 fried chicken, available through dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru in all Jollibee stores nationwide and like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

As a year-end treat this 2019, SM Malls in Baliwag and Pulilan painted smile across the faces of at least 105 children from Bethlehem House of Bread, one of the oldest orphanage in the province situated in Baliuag, Bulacan



Dubbed as “ChriSMiles” volunteers from SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan chose to spend some quality time with less fortunate children, by sharing with them little gifts and fun entertainment.




‘Each year, we always look forward in finding means to celebrate “ChriSMiles” one of the projects in SM that let us pay forward all the blessings that we receive all thought the year. This time, we are extending cheers to the ones who matter most, the children of Bethlehem House of Bread,” says SM City Baliwag Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino.



Children of Bethlehem House of Bread had a meaningful holiday as they received toys, school supplies, food, footwear, cleaning materials and ‘SM Bears of Joy’ from SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.

Employees also had their share of priceless moments with kids as they accompany them to a breakfast treat and served as their playmates for a day in various parlor games.




ChriSMiles is a yearly volunteerism activity of SM Supermalls that aims to make more children smile especially this holiday season. The event is a nationwide employee volunteerism program that brings joy to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall. The initiative started in 2012 that also encourages all SM employees to be more appreciative of their individual blessings by sharing and caring.

SM City Baliwag continue to dazzle Bulacan as the mall recently transformed into a marvelous ice gallery for a day. Dubbed as the Glittering Ice Fest, the event is a first and only ice attraction in the province consisting of indoor live ice carving show, unique exhibit of ice sculptures as tall as 5-feet and experiential snow activities and installations to bring families a Holiday to remember.

Glittering Ice Fest brings into show the exceptional talents of local ice carvers extraordinaire from Paete, Laguna, as the event displayed live ice carving demonstrations, while snow as added element gave spectators a thrill of excitement, making them feel a lot like winter carnivals abroad.

Children are stunned gazing at life-size snowflakes ice sculpture, one of the attractions at Glittering Ice Fest in SM City Baliwag. Other works of art found at the one-day event are snowman, elf, reindeers and other symbols of the Holidays.

Shoppers young and old are stunned as blocks of ice were turned into magnificent works of art to form classic Holiday symbols such as Santa Clause, reindeer, snowman and other spectacular monuments only seen in movies.




Hues of light bring life to ice sculptures, making them glitter in frost, while giving emphasis to their unique patterns and intricate details.







Winter wonderland came true for little ones at Glittering Ice Fest where kids fulfilled their dream of building a snowman during the snow art workshop.




It feels like a few steps away from any other country’s winter festival as experiential ice sculptures as tall as 4-feet like eskimo, reindeer face and angel wings are installed for fun photo ops great for capturing rare snow encounter. The unique installations allowed shoppers to step-into-the-scene for a memorable experience.




The Glittering Ice Fest is among the unique attractions aligned for celebrating the Holidays in SM City Baliwag. The magic continues as the mall remains festive with special performances, activities and light shows featuring spectacular fireworks display to illuminate the sky on December 29, eight o’clock in the evening at the parking area of SM City Baliwag.

Give gifts your loved ones will value for years to come.

It is the season for gift-giving, but finding the best present for your loved ones can be tough, especially if you have been giving them gifts for every special occasion every year.




You can narrow your choices by picking something meaningful that will last for a long time and is more precious than material things. Give your loved ones gifts that keep on giving.




Here are some ideas for presents that your loved ones will value for years:




Gym or fitness class membership. Gifts that ensure good health have a lasting benefit. Choose a gym membership, a fitness class, or any activity to get the body moving and sweating. Staying active can help in weight loss and in reducing the risks of heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, and other life-threatening illnesses.







Education. Education is a lifetime gift and the knowledge one gains is something that can never be taken away. You can pay for your loved ones’ tuition if they are interested in taking short courses in cooking, dance, music, and the like.




Ornamental plants. You can also choose a gift that will keep growing, give back health benefits, and is also a beautiful addition to any home: an ornamental plant. You can also take it one step further and bond together over planting a tree.




Insurance. Make sure that your family will continue to enjoy the lifestyle they deserve even when the unexpected happens. With an insurance-investment plan like Asset Master, a premium product from AXA Philippines for the discerning investor, you can build a diversified portfolio of local and global investments. It offers a wealth transfer solution for you and your family so you can seamlessly transfer your estate when the time comes. It also serves as keyman insurance that helps preserve your business legacy for generations to come.




“For your loved ones, the gift of insurance coverage is the ultimate expression of your love and care, providing them support through life’s difficulties and securing their future,” says Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer.






Travel. Create new memories with your loved ones and broaden your horizons as you learn about different cultures and people. Ensure that your trip is enjoyable and stress-free with AXA Smart Traveller. This travel insurance product offers a wide range of benefits, including 24-hour medical assistance, personal accident coverage, protection of personal belongings, and even refunds for travel inconvenience.




This holiday season, give your loved ones something they will value for years to come. To know more, talk to an AXA agent today or visit www.axa.com.ph.

James Down, Director for Operations of iQor Philippines, led the recent celebration of the expansion of the Davao Call Center and the launch of the new center in Davao Park District.

iQor Continues to Bring Jobs Closer to Home as it Expands its Call Centers in Davao, Philippines

Tech-Enabled BPO company is rapidly recruiting across Davao to meet growing client demand

iQor, a managed services provider of customer engagement and technology-enabled BPO solutions, announced today the expansion of its Davao call center, as well as the launch of a new center in the Davao Park District.

“iQor is looking forward to growing in the City of Davao,” said Senior Vice President Operations for iQor Philippines, Rod Hoddinott. “The City is an ideal region thanks to its highly proficient workforce and educated talent pool. It will remain one of our fastest growing regions as we work with clients to solve complex problems across a variety of channels.”




The new expansions in Davao are part of iQor’s 2019 growth trajectory that will bring in over 5,000 new jobs across the Philippines by the end of the year. Expanding by 70,000 square feet across the two locations, iQor has modernized its current center with a new recruiting space and expanded breakroom and game area. The newly-built center houses 1,200 call center seats and another state-of-the-art recruiting center. iQor considers Davao’s local government and community exceptional partners and has plans for further expansion in 2020.

To meet client demand, iQor has been actively recruiting over 2,000 new employees across Davao and will continue to recruit through the end of the year.

“We’re on a mission to bring jobs close to home across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” said Senior Vice President Operations for iQor Philippines, Saurabh Bhaskar. “Our Davao employees enjoy effortless commutes and access to a variety of amenities within walking distance of our contact centers.”

iQor was recently nominated at the 2019 Asia CEO Awards for Diversity Company of the Year and was recognized for its commitment to the Philippines business community and job creation through its first place award for Best Company of the Year Outside National Capital Region at the 2018 International ICT Awards.




iQor operates in multiple locations throughout Dasmariñas, Davao, Iloilo, Talisay, Bacolod, Santa Rosa, Fairview, Metro Manila, and Clark.

To learn more about growing your career at iQor, please visit:

Rebisco Products

It’s the time of the year when families get together and share in the warmth of each other’s presence.

As Christmas in the Philippines also means indulging in delicious and satisfying feasts with loved ones, there’s no better way to spread holiday cheer at parties and gatherings than with everyone’s favorite snacks and treats from Rebisco, now a part of Filipinos’ lives for more than 55 years.

“No matter how simple or grand the Christmas feast is at your home, there’s always space for the family’s favorite Rebisco snacks,” said Lulu dela Peña, Rebisco’s Marketing Communications Head. “We’re proud of having been an important part of the nation’s celebrations for generations now.”



It's a yummier holiday because Rebisco’s got something for everyone!




Serve an assortment of candies and sweets for the kids to enjoy
Whether you’re young or old, there’s a Rebisco product for every member of the family this Christmas!

Start off the holiday parties with the right snacks! Prepare the sweets platter for the kids -- and kids at heart—that’s full of familiar flavors everyone grew up with; serve candies and sweets such as Lipps, Vita Cubes, Judge candies and gums, Chubby chewy candy, Krimstix cream paste, Superstix wafer sticks, as well as the Mister Yema, Mister Keso, Mister Melon, and Mister Buco candies.




Munch on a bowl of Happy Peanuts and Ding Dong
Anyone looking for crunchy and savory finger food they can munch as the night goes on can get the addictive Happy Peanuts and Ding Dong as they wait for the clock to strike midnight. Spice up snacking with something that’s sweet, sour, and spicy all at the same time with Dolce Tamarind Balls. For the more health-conscious relatives, there’s always Jeanne and Jamie’s guilt-free snacks, such as whole thins, water crackers, or digestives.

There’s also a snack for those who want to stick to their all-time favorites, like Rebisco Sandwich and Hansel Sandwich. There are also Rebisco Crackers and Hansel Crackers that guests can pair with some warm coffee or tea; or you can also relax with the rich chocolate filling of small treats like Choco Mucho Cookies and Wafertime Rich Cream.

For those who can indulge a little more, sweeter snacks are available for them to enjoy, like satisfying Choco Mucho chocolate bars, Doowee Donuts, or the comforting goodness of Mrs. Goodman Choco Oatmeal.




Whoopie Cake Tower
How about serving a cupcake tower centerpiece full of Rebisco’s yummy cupcakes like Topps Sarap, and Whoopie marshmallow cakes that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age.

The holidays are also a great time to do movie marathons and sleepovers with family and friends. That’s when you break out the chips and curls nobody will be able to stop munching. There’s Funky, a potato snack that comes in various flavors; the crunchy, cheesy, and spicy corn snack Kruffs in Cheesy Jalapeno or Sour Cream and Chives; the nacho-crispy goodness of Tostas, which has both smoky BBQ and savory cheese flavors in one pack.

No Christmas gathering, whether it’s Noche Buena or any party in general, is complete without spaghetti. Try the new Bueno pasta from Rebisco to make sure that everyone gets to enjoy the finest spaghetti dishes on the most enchanted evening of the year.

A Christmas meal is not complete without a delicious dessert. A moist Fudgee Barr is best served as it is or as part of a cake or ice cream recipe. If you’re going the ice cream route, it’s best to use Creamline ice cream with all its wonderful flavors and variants, such as lollies and cups for kids and bigger tubs for the whole family!

Lastly, when you’re looking for a meaningful gift to give your loved ones, there’s no better present than the Rebisco special designer tin can, which assorts the different Rebisco snacks in a beautiful special edition can that features heartwarming family-themed artworks by five amazing Filipino visual artists including three student artists from the only art-based school in Angono City, Rizal. This collection will definitely make someone happy this holiday season—not only will they be bringing home valuable works of art, you’ll also have done your part in promoting Angono, the art capital of the Philippines.

Stock your pantries now with these great Rebisco treats in time for your Christmas celebrations!



Looking toward tomorrow

In the near future, Rebisco is seeing new ways to bring delight to the Filipino family through a more diverse range of snacks and meals that are best enjoyed when shared.

“We want to express our gratitude to generations of Filipinos who have always loved our products and the people who have worked tirelessly to help us achieve milestone after milestone throughout the decades,” dela Peña added. “Rebisco has, and will continue, to make deliciously delightful moments possible with snacks and meals Filipinos will love and love to share, every day.”

For more information on other Rebisco products for holiday feasts, visit rebisco.com.ph and follow Rebisco’s social media accounts, Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RebiscoSnackademy/) and Instagram (@rebiscoph).

After a long, stressful week at work, there’s nothing like using that hard-earned time to kick back and enjoy the best in life. For people who live and work in North Makati (NOMA), Assembly Grounds at The Rise offers a bunch of ways to chill and relax, enjoying the best food and pampering treatments. 

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, achieves another record-breaking performance with 80 million items sold at its Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Over 80 million visits were recorded in 24 hours as users from across the region shopped from millions of deals on December 12.

Martin Yu, Associate Director at Shopee Philippines said, “The strong results from our 12.12 Big Christmas Sale shows that people from all walks of life trust Shopee to deliver the best online shopping experience. Year after year, we continue to see more users from both big and small cities buying and selling a wide variety of items. Shopee has become the go-to, everyday shopping app for everyone in the region, and we are committed to making e- commerce simple and accessible for all.”E-commerce is fast becoming a daily norm in users’ lives


Shopee is fast becoming the go-to online shopping platform for users in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. According to iPrice’s Q3 2019 e-commerce report, Shopee is the most visited e-commerce website on desktop and mobile web across the region. It is also the top-ranking app in the Shopping category by average monthly active users across Southeast Asia.

Users are also increasingly relying on Shopee to purchase their everyday products. Daily essentials such as power banks, wet wipes, and makeup foundation emerged as some of the top-selling products in the Philippines on December 12. In addition, users are becoming more resourceful in obtaining information before making a purchase. A total of 180,000 hours were clocked across Shopee Live streams over the entire event period, as users engaged with their favorite brands and sellers in real-time to get information on the latest hot-selling products.

Across the region on December 12:
● The total number of diapers sold on December 12 can last a baby for 12,002 years
● The total number of smartphones sold can cover 3 football fields
Success of Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale signals growing trust and participation in
online shopping.

The success of the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale also showcases increasing confidence in online shopping in the region. Users outside capital cities are also increasingly going online to sell or buy products they previously never had access to. In the Philippines, areas such as South Luzon and North Luzon experienced the highest shopping activity. Some of the top- selling local products include makeup pouches, iPhone cases, and stainless metal straw sets. Yu closed, “The Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale marks the end of an outstanding 2019. We have achieved so much in the past year but what stands out the most is the unwavering support we’ve received from our users, sellers, brands, and partners. As we look ahead to 2020, we will continuously elevate the Shopee experience and unlock the full potential of e-commerce for all.”

Manage your expenses like a pro this holiday season by taking advantage of exclusive deals and perks


By now everyone is deep into the holidays. And the season of giving can only mean one thing: with all the presents to give, parties to attend, and getaways to make, there will be a lot of spending coming your way.


But that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear all those expenses you’ll be making this Christmas! This is the best time to take advantage of all the deals, sales, promos, and perks that are available the whole season.



Here are a few tips you can use:


1.Set a spending limit

If you are really on a budget, then it’s important to set a spending limit. It’s better to acknowledge that you have got a hard limit to be mindful of, instead of having to deal with overspending when Christmas is over. Plus, it will force you to be more creative when it’s time to shop.


2.Make a list

Take the cue from Santa – he makes a list and checks it twice! Keeping a list will help you remember what you need to buy and the budget that you need to stick to.


3.Use the right credit card

Mastering the art of Christmas shopping will depend on your tool of choice. Have you considered getting the right credit card that lets you spend exactly the way that you need to?


For example, using an EastWest credit card to shop for the latest in gadgets, fashion, appliances, and more can get you 0% interest on installment for up to 24 months at Abenson, The SM Store, Power Mac Center, Rustan’s, and in over 2,000 participating outlets nationwide. That means you can get everything you need to get in your Christmas shopping without worry!


4.Find sales and discounts

Everyone is going to buy a lot this Christmas, so you can expect a lot of sales, everywhere! Take time to find the right holiday sales to get the things (and experiences) you want and need, at the best prices.


If you are looking to take a much-deserved holiday getaway, EastWest credit cards are ideal for booking and paying (partner hotels, resorts, restaurants, and more!), as they come with exclusive perks, discounts, and savings.


5.Give more

Christmas is all about giving, so you might want to spend less on the things you want for yourself and instead focus on giving gifts to people around you. If you can give something that doesn’t need to be purchased, that’s even better.


Give a loved one the freedom to spend with an EastWest supplementary credit card, to get free cash credits on your own principal card. Not only have you given them more financial freedom, but you get rewards along the way too!



Don’t miss out on everything you can enjoy this Christmas with your EastWest credit card. To learn more about all the promos and perks available this holiday season, visit https://www.ewbanker.com/Cards/CreditCardPromotions. Happy holidays!

It’s that time of the year again! Christmas is right around the corner and you are probably knee- deep in holiday festivities. With the hustle and bustle of work and Christmas parties, do you really have time to shop for gifts at the mall?

Don’t worry, Shopee’s got you covered! Shop millions of products with the click of a button and
have them delivered straight to your home.

Here are 10 last-minute Christmas gift ideas you can get on Shopee for under ₱500:
1. Scented Candles - starting at ₱99


Candles are perfect for setting the mood for a cozy night indoors and also add a touch of elegance to any home. With a variety of scents to choose from, you’ll definitely find the right one for that special someone.

We recommend the Candle-Lite Company 3-Wick Candle CREAMY VANILLA SWIRL on Shopee

2. Coffee Maker - starting at ₱399

We all know someone who can’t function without coffee, so you can never go wrong with giving your loved ones a coffee maker to help start their mornings right.

We recommend the French Press Coffee Maker on Shopee
3. Tumblers - starting at ₱100

Keep beverages hot or cold for hours with a sturdy tumbler. This is a great gift that will not only lessen single-use plastics, but will remind your friends to drink more every day.

We recommend the Stainless steel Tumbler on Shopee

4. Reusable Straws - starting at ₱109


Switching to reusable straws has become an easy first step to becoming more sustainable. Save the turtles by giving someone a reusable straw that comes in different materials like bamboo, silicone, glass, or stainless steel.

We recommend the Eco Strawz Reusable Stainless Steel Drinking Straw Set on Shopee

5. Portable speakers - starting at ₱140

At the beach with friends and need something to liven up the mood? Blast your favorite tunes wherever you are with portable speakers. This is not only a useful gift, but is definitely a party staple that everyone should have.

We recommend the Original Charge G2 Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker on Shopee

6. Diffuser - starting at ₱250


Let your friends live their best tita or tito life with a diffuser. Get them hooked on this therapeutic device that can help ease illnesses and stress when paired with the perfect essential oils.

We recommend the 500ml 7 LED Color Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser on Shopee

7. Barbecue Grill/Pan - starting at ₱340

Want to satisfy your samgyupsal cravings, but don’t want to leave the comforts of home?
A barbeque grill or pan is ideal to have Korean barbeque wherever you are, even at your Noche Buena.

We recommend the Portable Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill on Shopee

8. Animated Socks - starting at ₱40

Everybody knows someone who loves to express themselves. Give those friends and loved ones cute and quirky socks - the best way to low-key represent what they love.

We recommend the Cartoon Animals Cotton Low Socks on Shopee
9. Electric Lunch Box - starting at ₱249

They say food is the way to a person’s heart. So why not be a little extra and give someone a self-heating lunch box to bring to work or school?

We recommend the Electric Heating Lunch Box on Shopee
10. Board Games or Card Games - starting at ₱299


Need a new way to spend time with your family or barkada? Board games are enjoyable for both kids and adults! Gather your whole family or group of friends together and have some healthy competition with these games.

We recommend the Exploding Kittens on Shopee

Have a stress-free shopping experience with these 10 great Christmas gift ideas. We understand the struggle to think of the perfect gift for someone, but Shopee Philippines has millions of products to choose from, across various categories.

Let Shopee make your Christmas shopping easier by helping you avoid long lines at the mall, while availing of discounts, promos, and free shipping. Merry Christmas and enjoy your last-minute shopping!

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

After years of lackluster finishes in the Southeast Asian Games, Philippine volleyball showed resurgence this year with strong performances and podium finishes all throughout against the rest of the region’s powerhouses.

Congratulations to the men’s indoor volleyball team, led by captain John Vic de Guzman, which ended the tournament powerfully with a silver finish, breaking a drought of almost 15 years. The
men’s team last earned the bronze in the 2005 SEA Games also in Manila, making this achievement particularly more impressive!


Congratulations are also due to the beach volleyball teams, which both earned the bronze in their maiden outing! Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton defeated Singapore to secure the bronze, while Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dzi Gervacio, and Dij Rodriguez of the women’s
team locked it down after big wins against the Singapore women’s team.

The women’s indoor volleyball team fell shy of a podium finish this year. Their play, hard work, and heart do not go unnoticed, however, as they also deserve congratulations and thanks for giving it all they’ve got.


Rebisco would like to thank all of the players of the Philippine indoor and beach volleyball teams for representing the country with pride and honor, and all the hard work they’ve put in fighting hard in the SEA Games. We are proud of you, and we will always support you!

For more info and updates, don’t forget to follow Rebisco Pilipinas social media pages:
https://www.facebook.com/RebiscoSambansa/ on Facebook, and @rebiscosambansa on
Twitter and Instagram.

Keep calm, stay road-safe, and get protected while on a drive.

To those who love driving and going on long, spontaneous road trips, the open road, heavy with symbolism and full of promise, is an escape. The journey—highways stretching out before you, windows down, speakers up, wind in your hair—is often as rewarding as the destination. And you’ll feel that excitement, whether it be the thrill of a new adventure, like the classic Batangas road trip to cross a big item—in this case, diving—off your bucket list or the joy (only parents can relate to!) of driving your kids to their first day at a big school—fulfilling their dream and yours or that sense of accomplishment of finally setting up that Alabang office .

But while weekend travelers, adventure junkies, and daily commuters have maybe perfected the road trip and weaving in and out of traffic, not everyone has their road safety skills down to a T. Are you making the necessary precautions when behind the wheel? Do you drive with focus at all times? Are you insured? Regardless if you’re cruising down the highway or rushing to the airport to catch a flight or trapped in a traffic gridlock on the way to work, safety must and always should be you’re top priority.

Here are some tips to get you to your destination safely:
1. Wear your seatbelt at all times
Whether you’re the driver or passenger, whether you’re riding a private car, a PUV van, or taxi, whether you’re driving to a nearby store or going on a road trip, you must buckle up. Every time. It seems so elementary, and you’ve probably read this a hundred times, but seatbelts save lives. And… not wearing a seatbelt is against the law, in case you don’t know.

2. Get insurance for yourself, not just your car
Here in the Philippines, people buy insurance for their cars but not for themselves. If it’s necessary to insure your car, what more your life and your family’s future? On top of being a safe and careful driver, you need to protect yourself from accidents, too. Road safety begins with the protection of life. Life insurance protects you and your family—whether it be on the road or on the curbside. Just like a car insurance, life insurance provides a cash benefit, right when you or your family need it the most.
Just in time for the holidays, FWD Life PH (FWD), part of pan-Asian insurer FWD Group, is providing accident insurance with Php500,000 coverage to the first 500 registrants. To sign up, go to bit.ly/SignUpForInsurance. Special offer is only until Dec. 11, 2019.

This is to celebrate FWD’s fifth anniversary as well as its recent history-making partnership with MCX Tollway, Inc., which elevates the expressway as a symbol of the nation’s “road to progress.” Used by more than one million cars a month, the FWD-MCX has shortened what was once a 20-minute drive from Daang Hari road to SLEX to only a three-minute journey.

3. Observe speed limits
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies speeding as one of the main problems that contribute to the risk of crash-related injuries in roads. Local government units have enacted their own speed limits depending on the road and traffic conditions in their areas. On the other hand, speed limits for private cars in expressways here in the Philippines is from 80 to 100 kph.

4. Put your phone on silent mode and use hands-free accessories
It’s almost second nature to check our phones, especially when we hear it ring. But taking your eyes off the road for five seconds can already put your life and the lives of others in danger. So put your phone on silent mode if the notifications are too tempting or distracting. If you need your phone to navigate, get a hands-free mount so you can hear directions and see the map in your peripheral vision.

5. Stay alert
It’s vital to stay alert while driving. Focus your senses on visual and auditory cues on the road—from horns and sirens to road signs and signals. Never wear headphones while driving or anything that will block your hearing. If you need to drive with the music on, just let it play inside the car.

6. Don’t drink and drive
If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won’t drink. Or spend the night getting sober before you drive.

7. Pull over!
You dropped something you needed under your car seats. You have an emergency call you need to take. Your pet on the backseat is acting up. Your baby is bawling. If there’s something going on that’s more important that you need to attend to, stop driving. Find a safe and proper spot to pull over and park in order to address the situation. If you’re having car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

Want to know more about FWD-MCX? Visit bit.ly/FWDMCX.
Sign up and be one of the 500 to get accident insurance. Go to bit.ly/SignUpForInsurance.

There’s no better time to show off sartorial sensibilities than the last stretch of the year when travels to cooler countries are booked and gatherings fill the calendar. Get ready for this season of merriment by stealing the looks at Shangri-La Plaza’s Sparkle: Holiday Collection 2019. The two-day runway show introduces trends that make every traveler and partygoer a head turner.

The first day of Sparkle is filled with outfits with a jetsetter in mind. The muse loves getting away from the tropical heat to experience the crisp, cool air of autumn or the icy glow of winter.




Look sharp without compromising comfort by packing loose tailoring—ankle-length coats and comfy slacks—into the luggage. It’s the look that keeps any holidaymaker warm without the unnecessary puff.

Tropical colors are making it into cooler territories this season. The fashionistas are getting inspired by the endless summer in the tropics by picking turtlenecks, midi dresses, and boots in vibrant hues, dreamy pastels, and bold patterns for their holiday travels.

Shades of fall and winter are never going out of style. Blend in with locals and the autumn backdrop by adding pink and orange or rust and merlot to the luggage. Vacationing at the Alps or Niseko? Pack outfits in white, silver, and blue for a look that’s effortlessly magical.






Choose statement sweaters featuring logos or slogans to inject some personality to the F/W must-have that streetwear fans can easily pair with the stuff in their closet.

Last but not the least, travelers are reminded to pack metallics, glitter, and faux fur in their luggage for any last-minute party invites wherever they’re headed.






Sparkle’s second day is all about being the life of the party. From reunions to New Year’s Eve, choose outfits that will never make one underdressed.

Take a page from history and get inspired by the 80s nightclub ensemble. Incorporate glitter and exaggerated shoulder pads to an outfit to bring out that 80s glam girl!





It may be a summer staple, but denims are still all the rage this season. But for a party-ready outfit, go head-to-toe denim that gives a nod to Britney Spears’s iconic VMAs dress.

Tuxedo is also having a couture renaissance this year, taking different shapes like exaggerated sleeve detailing and sculpted shoulders rendered in metallic finishes—perfect for ringing in the new year.






Stay warm while still looking runway-ready by mixing and matching clothes in various textures and prints. It’s a style for bravehearts who want to make an impression right away.

Shang also shares trends specifically for men to add some variety to their wardrobe and refresh their looks for the season.

Get on board with the skin suit trend by ditching the roll neck sweater or the collared shirt and just cover up with the suit jacket pronto. Those who want to look polished can never go wrong with preppy clothes for that boy-next-door vibe.

Who says grandma prints are only for women? Men can also borrow grandma’s style and work those prairie chic prints and patterns translated into menswear.

For those who’d rather stick to the basics, pick a monochromatic outfit in neutrals like beige, off white, or gray that exude quiet confidence. These colors can easily break the monotony of blacks expected at galas and formal events this season.



Shop for all the travel wear essentials at Anne Klein, Armani Exchange, Bayo, CK Jeans, CLN, Debenhams, Gap, Great Kids, Joe Fresh, Just G, Marks & Spencer, Old Navy, Onitsuka Tiger, Periwinkle, Pink Manila, RAF by Plains & Prints, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rustan’s, Samsonite, Steve Madden, Styled, The Flower Collection, and True Religion.

Brace for the party season by getting holiday looks from CLN, Debenhams, Details, Evernew, John Herrera, K & Company, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Mico, Plains & Prints, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rustan’s, Samsonite, Sky Castle, Steve Madden, Stradivarius, Styled, T.M. Lewin, Unica, Viceversa, Weave, and Zara.

#FeelTheShangVibe and make every ensemble this season a joy to put together and show off.

For inquiries, call 8-370-2597 or 98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial