KIX’s R U Tough Enough? Crowns Reynald Talosig as the Toughest Pinoy

KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment, announced today the winner of R U Tough Enough? (RUTE), the nationwide search for the Philippines’ Toughest. Reyn “The Daring Dreamer” Talosig, a 34-year old poet and musician from Quezon City, defeated nine other contestants at the final showdown held at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall and walked away with the coveted title of the “Toughest Pinoy” and a grand prize of Php 250,000.00.

The response to RUTE has been overwhelming considering it is the first time to be conducted in the Philippines. Coupled with reality star and actor Daniel Matsunaga as the ambassador, RUTE 2015 has generated over three hundred applications.. Only ten finalists with the physical, mental and emotional strength to take on the final showdown were selected to compete.

Gerry's Ups The Ante On Dining With New Look

Filipino favorite Gerry’s Grill has upped the ante in casual dining not only because of its rapid expansion but how it’s reinventing the experience, donning two new looks that are worth dining for.

Just last week, the popular restaurant opened back-to-back outlets at the Ground floor, Mega Strip B of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong and Aseana along Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City with an entirely different ambiance guests would surely enjoy – and talk about. 

“We have set a new standard to ensure that we provide customers not only the best Filipino dishes but fast, efficient service and a cozy ambiance. We want diners to have that experience of being in a restaurant where they will feel relaxed, and comfortable,” said Francis Villaluz, Gerry’s Senior Marketing Manager.

"It’s important that guests feast not only with what they eat but with what they see inside the restaurant," he added. That’s the principle behind the two restaurants' new looks.

At Gerry’s Megamall, the main wall of the dining area is decked with foliage, which is installed with a fully automated water system to nourish them.  “The lighting is calibrated in a way that it has the same effect as sunlight. Nothing could be more refreshing,” explains Villaluz.

Meantime, the 250-seater Aseana branch sports an updated version of Old Manila surrounded by balconies, as well as, huge windows of varying designs. Chairs are a mix and match design which is a first for us  “We want guests to feel that they are enjoying their favorite Gerry’s dishes with family and friends in a huge patio,” Gerry’s senior marketing chief said. 

“Remember the old joke about a guest wanting to take out “ambiance” so that they can slash the total bill? We're the same Gerry’s where you can enjoy your favorite comfort food – Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, Grilled Pusit, and many others. We’ve put a premium on ambiance but our prices remain the same. We are very affordable,” explains Villaluz.

Gerry’s currently has 71 branches nationwide. It has two branches in the US and Singapore, and soon to be two in Qatar as well.  

Gerry’s Group of Companies has expanded its brand concepts – Gerry’s Plus, Ramen Sora, Sweet Chili, and Kusina ng Gerry’s. Yakitori Binchotan is set to be launched next month in Cebu.

For more information please log on to www.gerrysgrill.com.  Follow us on FB: gerrysgrill.com.ph   Instagram: @gerrysrestaurant. Or call 332-1111.

I Got A Diana Stalder Star Treatment!

I have been to many face and skin centers and Diana Stalder is one of my most trusted brands in taking care of my skin. Even before blogging for events, I've been using their products because of their effectiveness. And being introduced to their skin centers gave me a clearer view of what they offer more beyond just skin and face care.

With the opening of their new branches that also introduced new innovations such as the Ideal Protein diet, a weight-loss program that has been proven to provide results for weight management. Also they introduced the DS Cafe, which offers healthy options and alternatives to regular food variants. They also upgraded their stores with the latest equipment as well as renovated rooms that gives customers that ambiance of better service.

Global phenomenon One Direction pop-up store “1D World” opens in the Philippines!

Just in time for the most awaited two-night concert in 2015, Music Management International (MMI) Live unveils the Philippine debut of the 1D WORLD pop-up store at the 5th Level, Mega Fashion Hall of the SM Megamall on December 20, 2014.

Originally, opening of 1D World store was scheduled on Dec 16 but due to persistent 1D Filipino fans request to open on a weekend, unveiling will happen on Dec. 20, Saturday from 11:00 am onwards.

The 1D World pop-up stores have opened in cities all over the world, offering everything fans of Louis, Niall, Liam, Zayn and Harry could ever want. The store will carry all kinds of imported One Direction merchandise such as T-shirts, posters, phone cases, caps, calendars, life-size cardboard stand-ups of all band members and other exciting exclusive products.

Diana Stalder Opens New Branch in Megamall

Known for their beauty products and services, Diana Stalder continues to grow with their service centers and celebrity endorsers. Notable celebrities who proudly testifies the brand are Kapuso protegé Ruru Madrid, celebrity mom Dimples Romana and hunk Sam Milby.

The new branch of Diana Stalder houses a number of enclosed yet cozy room for treatments, a relaxing lobby and the DS Cafe which serves healthy and hearty dishes that integrates balanced nutrition with great skin.

#FILApinas 2014: Meet and Greet at Megamall

FILA Philippines family continues to grow with more fans, stores, and now endorsers. They first had Borgy Mantoc, Georgina Wilson and Tim Yap. Then they supported and got the Philippine Rugby Team of more known as The Philippine Volcanoes when they were able to qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia on 2013. And this year, in celebration of the only athlete for the winter Olympics in Sochi Russia, Michael Martinez, now joins the roster as the new endorser of the global brand FILA.

Take Your Step To Success at the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and the Entrepreneur Success Summit this June 27-29

The ENTREPRENEUR AND FRANCHISE EXPO 2014 with the tagline, “Your Step to Success!”, is set to be held on June 27-29, 2014 at the MegatradeHall, 5th Floor, Mega B Building, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Empowering over 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from various business sectors, the 3-day event features innovate and fast growing businesses, from food, education, retailing, real estate, travel, automobiles, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and  financing that visitors can explore from. The expo will also provide seminars on how to build a successful business, from funding, hiring, to finding the perfect business for you, making it the perfect market place for aspiring entrepreneurs and future franchises.

“Over 99% percent of registered businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs according to the DTI, but they combined only contribute to 30% of the National GDP. With the ASEAN integration happening in 2015 new competition is coming in, our vision as the expo organizer is to strengthen local businesses and provide a platform for them to showcase their innovative products and services. We also provide assistance for business owners and executives to network amongst other professionals and stakeholders in order to open opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own business and for local businesses to grow regional” says MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS INC. President and Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo Founder and Managing Director, David Abrenilla.

TOYCON 2014: The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention

The Philippine TOYCON: The Biggest Pop Culture Event in the Philippines celebrates its 13th year.

What's bigger than dinosaurs? Giant robots. What's bigger than giant robots? Godzilla. What's bigger than Godzilla? Freakin' outer space! Where a bunch of aliens are busy guarding the galaxy.

There's nothing that can compare with bigness. But sometimes, even the thought of "bigness" is an understatement when you find something that can contain all these things and add in a huge dose of fun and thrills. Prepare for the biggest one yet! It's time for TOYCON 2014!!

The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention, or TOYCON as it's more widely-known, is Asia's biggest and longest running convention for collectibles, toys, anime, comics, cosplay, gaming and anything and everything related to hobbies and collections. The convention has been ongoing since 2002 so it is now on its 13th year of thrilling fans and aficionados alike. It is, simply put, the biggest pop culture event in the country.

This year's TOYCON will highlight the 75th Anniversary of DC Comics caped Crusader, Batman with a huge Batman display area, a life size Batpod, a kids' activity area and a gallery of art and collectibles of the Dark Knight Detective.

Also catch the Samurai X fever as Warner Brothers previews the Rurouni Kenshin live-action film trilogy Parts II and III with a display of original costumes from the sensational Japanese hit movie.

Get ready to be blown into space with Marvel's latest epic movie, The Guardians of the Galaxy with awesome displays, sneak peeks at the movie's behind-the-scenes, special fan activities, and the Marvel roster of superstar artists.

The TOYCON also gives you the biggest gathering of toy collections with the following prominent toy exhibits -- The G.I. Joe 50th Anniversary exhibit, Philippine Lego users Group exhibit, the Coca-Cola Collectibles exhibit, One Sixth Republic and Pinoy Sixth Scale collectors exhibit and the awesome Toycon Gallery exhibit area which showcases the best of the local toy group community.

The TOYCON also features the biggest in Cosplay with the Philippine Finals of the World Cosplay Summit happening at the event and TOYCON's own Cosplay Universe unleashes a barrage of individual and group cosplayers led by Asia's Cosplay queen, Alodia Gosiengfiao.

Gaming takes center stage also at the TOYCON with the biggest game companies, like Level-Up, War Gaming, Cherry Credits and Uplink releasing their top games.

And off course, TOYCON would not be complete without the biggest exhibitor floor of all pop culture merchandise in terms of apparel, collectibles and memorabilia, graphic novels and comics, cosplay paraphernalia, and toys, toys, TOYS!

The Philippine TOYCON 2014 will be held on June 20-22, 2014 at the SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2 and 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

This is co-presented by Collectibles Unlimited and the SM Megatrade Halls, and sponsored by Maxi Collector, Toy Kingdom, Toy Empire, Warner Brothers Pictures and Pacific Licensing. With special thanks to Big Boys Toy Store, Great Toys, Arigatoys, Authority Hoodie, Otaku Asia, War Gaming, Uplink, Level-Up, Cubizone, Canon, Level-Up, Cherry Credits, CIIT, Loctite, and Resorts World Manila. With media partners, ABS-CBN, Flip Geeks, Reimaru Files, WheninManila.com, Chalk Magazine, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Star and 99.5 PLAY FM. Also supported by Anime Alliance and World Cosplay Summit.

Tickets are now on sale at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com)

For more information on schedule of activities and event details please visit:

www.toyconph.com

www.facebook.com/toyconph

13th Philippine TOYCON

June 20-21-22, 2014

Megatrade Halls 1-2-3, SM Megamall

Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

10am-9pm

Ticket price: PHP 130 per day

Buy your tickets in advance via SM Tickets.

visit: https://www.smtickets.com/event/details?event_id=2485

For press and media coverage

email us at toyconph@gmail.com

Know "What Does It Take To Be A Fashion Icon" on March 4

Celebrating the life of the iconic fashion personality Diana Vreeland (September 29, 1903– August 22, 1989), noted columnist and editor in the field of fashion, will be the spotlight of a special fashion forum “ WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A FASHION ICON" to be held at the IMAX Theater in SM Megamall this March 4. 

Diana Vreeland worked for the fashion magazines Harper's Bazaar and Vogue and as a special consultant at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was named to the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1964. This year, her life will also be remembered with "Full Gallop" starring Cherie Gil as Diana Vreeland.

SM 3 Day Sale This October!

We know you've all been waiting for it so we're giving it to you! 

Another 3 Day Sale 3 Way Save is coming your way! 
Visit The SM Store Megamall, Bacoor, Bicutan, Novaliches, Baguio, Marilao, Batangas, Naga, Davao & Delgado* on October 18, 19 & 20 to get awesome deals on your favorite items! Share & tell your friends! See you there!

Join The SM Store online community Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

Mega Pinoy Pride Showcases World Renowned Filipinos

This June 12, Independence Day a special exhibit opens to the public showing a gallery of world-famous Filipinos who gave pride and glory to the country.

In celebration of Independence Day, SM Megamall and Mega Magazine (Mega Publishing Group) have set up the exhibit MEGA PINOY PRIDE featuring people like American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez, NBA Coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat, Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods, and the list goes on with:

ART IS A BANG: RenaiXance – A Decade of Renaissance Art Gallery

Renaissance Art Gallery's celebrated their 10th year anniversary with an exhibit called “ RenaiXance – A Decade of Renaissance Art Gallery ” was unveiled on June 5, 2013 at the Art Center located at the 4/F SM Megamall Bldg. A, Ortigas Center.

Invited as special guests of honor were National Artists Napoleon Abueva, Arturo Luz, Ben Cabrera, Abdulmari Imao and other respected names in the field of arts. 

The exhibit  features more than 50 of the country’s foremost names in the field of visual arts (figurative and abstract), sculpture and photography.

Seeing a lot of artists in one venue makes it a very interesting sight for art lovers and newbies like me which looks up to Pinoy artists for their works that range from the contemporary to the bizarre which plays with one's imagination. 

We went around to see the artworks and I can say that I am a fan of sculptures and photography, works of National Artist Abdulmari Imao and photos of Jim Paredes are works you should not miss when you visit the exhibit.

SM 3 Day Sale This May!

Calling everyone in the MEGAMALL • HARRISON • NOVALICHES • BACOOR • BAGUIO • BATANGAS • SAN FERNANDO • NAGA • DAVAO • CONSOLACION • DELGADO areas!

Huge discounts and fabulous prizes await you at The SM Store 3-DAY SALE - May 3, 4 and 5, 2013!

*May 2, 3 and 4 (Delgado only)

Celebrate April 16 with Foursquare Day Philippines!

Love Foursquare? Then let's all do a big swarm this April 16, 2013 for the Foursquare Day Philippines that will happen at the Atrium of SM Megamall!

Foursquare, a location-based social networking site for mobile devices where users “check-in” at places through smartphones, text message or apps, is coming up with a special holiday for Foursquare aficionados – the much-anticipated #4SqDay!

#4sqDay is all about community: reaching out to people through establishing business or personal relationships via social networking. #4sqDay or Foursquare Day is celebrated as a way of acknowledging the impact Foursquare has made in the lives of its users. With Foursquare, distance and differences are conquered, taking social networking to a whole new level.

Get Ready For December 2012 TOYCON!

The 7th Christmas Toy Fair with the 2nd Philippine Die cast and Custom Car Show or more commonly known as TOYCON will be on Dec. 14-15-16, 2012 at the SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall.

http://www.facebook.com/toyconph

Here are some details of 7th Christmas Toyfair and 2nd Philippine Diecast and custom car show.

Entrance is only P60, tickets can be bought at the gate during event days. 3 day pass is not available.

Christmas Cosplay parade will be on Dec 15 (Saturday), Registration starts at 10am, Assembly at 1pm, parade will start at 2pm at Atrium ground floor. Special prize will be given to the best Christmas

cosplay theme character.

Check Out SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale, August 17 to 19, 2012.

SM Megamall’s Mega Food Sale is back! Now bigger and better, we bring you the ULTIMATE FOOD TRIP on August 17 to 19, 2012! With over 100 dining establishments on sale, get ready for nonstop dining discounts and promos, huge price offs & delicious offers – Buy 1 Take 1s, Eat all you cans, free appetizers, free desserts, free drinks, and many more! And here’s the icing on the cake: Get a chance to win an all-expense paid food trip to exciting destinations like Hongkong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam! We will also be having a Foodie Fair with SM Supermarket & the Lifestyle Network at the Event Center. This is One Mega Food Trip that can’t be missed!

Here are just some of the many offers you can enjoy, available only at the SM Megamall Mega Food Sale:

MUSIC LYF: The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!

16 year old Filipino-Mexican sweetheart Jessica Sanchez has long won the world by capturing the hearts of many with her brilliant singing style and over the top performance during the eleventh season of the reality television singing competition, American Idol.

This Sunday, July 29, be ready to get your hearts captured again by the American Idol songstress as MCA Music and Astroplus invite you to “The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!” --- An exciting event where fans all over the metro will get the rare chance to bond with their idol through a LIVE SKYPE SESSION from 10:00 am onwards at the SM Megamall Event Center (former ice skating rink). Fun games, exclusive Jessica Sanchez signed items and a guest performance by Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina await those who will attend the party.     

iButterfly Catch Up at SM Megamall

I'm getting hooked on the the new app that goes well with my lifestyle. As a mall lover, I would spend more time strolling around malls than at home. Though not really for shopping but recreation and sight seeing, its a perfect place where I can also use my smart phones.  When SM Supermalls released the SM iButterfly, an Augmented Reality Application on your IOS and Android mobile devices last May 5, 2012 at select SM Supermalls, I got into the habit of collecting butterflies. It is also available in  SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM Southmall, SM City Baguio, SM City Davao and SM City Cebu as they simultaneously launched the iButterflies.  Catching iButterflies at SM Supermalls is a fun and entertaining mobile information and couponing experience when you are at an SM Mall. 


After the SM North EDSA launch, there was another Catch Up iButterfly event that happened at SM Megamall hosted by Tim Yap with the special participation of Internet stars Petra Mahalimuyak and Bogart The Explorer. Exciting prizes were given away with the public that have the iButterfly app gave them the chance o catch ibutterflies and discounts!

Misa De Gallo Diaries - Day 2 - SIMPLICITY

First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10

Psalm: Psalm 72:1-4, 7-8, 17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17



Simbang Gabi may seem to be an easy task of going to church for 9 consecutive days and hopefully your wish will be granted. But the essence of the novena masses are far more than the hot bibingka and puto bungbong. The celebration is indeed agreat anticipation of the arrival of Jesus as a human being and was the best gift the world it ever had. Today's Misa De Gallo theme is SIMPLICITY.

A Shining, shimmering Christmas at THE 6TH CHRISTMAS TOYFAIR and the 1st PHILIPPINE DIE-CAST AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Deck the halls with the most awesome array of toys, rare items and collectibles and get a peek at the world of collecting die-cast cars and vehicles, as Collectibles Unlimited, the SM Megatrade Halls and Die Cast Philippines (DCPH) brings you the 6^TH CHRISTMAS TOYFAIR and the 1^st PHILIPPINE DIE-CAST AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW.

The Toyfair features a huge exhibitors’ floor of around a hundred of the country’s top toy merchants selling the most sought-after toy lines from Hasbro, Mattel, Sideshow, Hot Toys, McFarlane and NECA, and pop-culture collectibles from movie, sci-fi and anime properties.  

The main event is highlighted by a Christmas toy drive for the benefit of cancer-stricken kids of the National Children’s Hospital.  There will also be a Christmas Cosplay Parade around the SM Megamall and in the event venue.  There will also be a collectibles auction and other segments featuring the country’s toy collecting clubs like Pinoy Toy Kolektor, Toy Soldier 1:18, Flip Geeks and more.