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Alviera’s Northern Floats Festival in Pampanga|Experience the Magic of Christmas!

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to elevate your Christmas celebrations to new heights. Ayala Land Alviera has just unwrapped a splendid gift for all adventure seekers and festive souls—the inaugural Northern Floats Festival. Get ready for a four-week extravaganza that promises to brighten the skies of Porac, Pampanga, with a kaleidoscope of colors and the spirit of Christmas. Last Wednesday, November 22, 2023, my team, together with other media and special guests were given a preview of what’s in store for the festival with a walkthrough and hands-on experience of the game booths, food stalls, LED night kite display, and an official lighting ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Hon. Mayor Jing Capil and Alviera Estate Project Development Head Melanie Eugenio-Trivino, along with esteemed guests and local officials. Mayor Capil expressed gratitude for Alviera’s transformative impact on tourism, citing the festival as another exciting addition to Porac’s festive calendar. Eugenio-Trivino shared the vision behind Alviera, emphasizing the creation of a community space for unforgettable adventures. Attendees were treated to a preview of the festival, exploring game booths, food stalls, a captivating LED night kite display, and an official lighting ceremony—a tantalizing taste of the magic that awaits festival-goers. A Christmas Wonderland Unveiled The Northern Floats Festival officially commenced on November 25, 2023, with an enchanting ceremony that saw the skies of Porac aglow with festive lights. At the heart of the festival are larger-than-life floats featuring Alviera’s own Christmas characters, each with its unique charm. Alvie, Sandy, Christoff, Sparkles, Fin, and the Jingle Belles set the stage for a carnival-themed celebration filled with live music, diverse food offerings, and activities that cater to all ages. Alviera’s collaboration with the Kite Association of the Philippines introduces a breathtaking spectacle—the first-ever giant LED night kites in the country. Beyond the festival grounds, adventure beckons. Special access to SandBox, a premier outdoor activity center, offers thrilling experiences, from roller coaster-style zip lines to challenging climbing walls and high ropes courses. Meanwhile, the exclusive Alviera Country Club provides a haven for sports and leisure enthusiasts amidst the scenic beauty of Porac. Ticket Tiers to Suit Every Adventurer Alviera makes sure everyone can join the fun by offering different ticket options to fit various preferences and budgets: For those seeking the epitome of the festival experience, the Alvie package at P725/head includes all Fin package perks, plus a one-day Alviera Country Club guest pass with complimentary food and drinks. It’s an invitation to indulge in the festivities without limits. Grab your tickets now on the Tickelo Website and get ready for a celebration like no other! This holiday season, let Alviera’s Northern Floats Festival be the canvas for your most enchanting Christmas adventure. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, create lasting memories, and discover the magic that awaits in the heart of Porac, Pampanga. Get ready for a celebration like no other—where joy knows no bounds, and Christmas dreams come true! Other Things To Do at Alviera’s Northern Floats Festival Besides the giant floats, there’s SandBox, an outdoor play area with cool stuff like a roller coaster zip line, walls to climb, and a high ropes course. It’s not just a play area; it’s a place where you can have lots of fun and make memories exploring the outdoors. If you prefer something quieter and just for a few people, Alviera also has the Country Club. It’s like a secret hideaway with things to do like playing tennis or swimming in the pool. And if you’re into yummy food, the Country Club has local treats to try. So, whether you’re into exciting adventures or a relaxed time with good food, Alviera has a bit of everything for you. It’s like two different worlds in one cool place! Where is Alviera Located? Just a few hours from Metro Manila, Alviera is strategically located and is easily accessible via major expressway networks, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). This joint development by Ayala Land Inc. and Leonio Land Holdings Inc. is an integrated mixed-use estate surrounded by the scenic terrain of Porac, Pampanga.

Get Ready for an Epic Adventure with 7-Eleven’s EsCUPades Promo!

The world is gradually opening up, and the joy of travel is making a comeback. In line with this, 7-Eleven Philippines is unleashing an awesome new promo that will send lucky customers on an incredible journey to some of the coolest cities in the world! With the EsCUPades promo, you could be jetting off to Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, or Singapore with your favorite people by your side. So, let’s dive into the deets and find out how you can be a part of this epic adventure! Embark on a Dream Getaway Picture this: You, along with four of your loved ones, cruising through the streets of Paris, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Seoul, strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo, indulging in the mouthwatering delicacies of Bangkok, or exploring the dazzling sights of Singapore. Sounds amazing, right? Well, thanks to 7-Eleven’s EsCUPades promo, this dream could become a reality! Participation Details Getting a shot at this mind-blowing opportunity is super easy. Just head over to your nearest 7-Eleven store and grab a medium-sized City Cafe or a large Gulp drink with a cup that proudly displays your desired destination. Once you’ve got your hands on that lucky cup, you’re all set to earn e-raffle entries and increase your chances of winning! There are two ways to earn those precious entries: simply scan the QR code on the cup and provide your personal details on the promo website, or use the CLiQQ app during your transaction to score two e-raffle entries. It couldn’t be more convenient! Hold on tight because 7-Eleven has a surprise in store for the winner of the most popular destination! Along with the breathtaking trip, the lucky winner will also receive a whopping P200,000 pocket money. That’s right, you’ll have a fat stack of cash to splurge on souvenirs, indulge in delicious treats, or even extend your adventure. It’s like hitting the jackpot! Get ready to be blown away because 7-Eleven Philippines is calling the EsCUPades promo one of their biggest and most exciting promotions to date. They want you to go all out, collecting as many e-raffle entries as possible during the promo period, which runs from May 31 to July 25, 2023. It’s time to rally your squad, gather your luckiest charms, and make sure you don’t miss out on this epic opportunity! Time to Explore the World So, are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure with your favorite people by your side? Don’t let this chance slip through your fingers! Swing by your nearest 7-Eleven store, grab a City Cafe or Gulp drink and start earning your entry to this mind-blowing escapade. For all the juicy details and to stay in the loop with the latest updates, head over to the official promo website at www.711escupades.com or www.7-eleven.com.ph.

Making New Travel Memories with Singapore Airlines

Remember the thrill and excitement you feel when planning for a spontaneous weekend getaway or an adventure-filled grand vacation — the sights to see, places to go, unique eats to enjoy, and whatnot? You count down the days till your bags are packed and passports ready as you march to the airport, hold your precious boarding pass that will render your dream holiday a reality. Gone are the days of dreaming and reminiscing as you can now rediscover the world and enjoy quarantine-free travel with the relaxed safety protocols in place to Singapore and more. It’s the perfect time to go on that much-deserved trip with amazing places to choose from, such as Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, and London. Seeking somewhere close to you? It’s your chance to revisit Singapore’s scenic attractions and relive the passion and energy of the lion city. Explore new food spots at Ghim Moh Market or at Food Centres, be amongst nature in Sister’s Islands, or grab bargains in the many stores along Orchard Road; Feel the Hollywood vibe in the mountains of Santa Monica with its famous sign or take a photo-spree of the picture-perfect sights in Beverly Hills, all situated in the beautiful city of Los Angeles; Tag the kids along and explore different museums rich in history and culture, watch the latest Broadway musicals, and revel in the sight of the famous billboards in New York City’s Times Square; Or you can visit London and listen to the chimes of Big Ben, walk across Tower Bridge, try to catch a glimpse of the royals at Buckingham Palace, and go on a chill tour on the River Thames. Singapore Airlines (SIA) invites you to experience all these and more when you fly with them to these destinations and other exciting destinations all over Asia, the USA, Australia, and Europe. An elevated travel experience awaits Fly with Singapore Airlines from various points from the Philippines, as SIA now operates daily connecting flights from Singapore to Davao and Cebu. This is on top of the four daily flights from Manila, offering greater connectivity and consistency in products and services across the SIA Group’s premium network. You can also look forward to SIA’s award-winning suite of in-flight offerings. From flavourful culinary creations to the warm hospitality from SIA’s cabin crew, enjoy a world-class experience on board SIA. Experience safe and seamless travel From check-in up to your arrival, you can count on the airline’s enhanced safety measures, recognised with a ‘Diamond’ rating in the APEX Health and Safety Audit3 and 5-star rating in the Skytrax Covid-19 Airline Safety Audit. Upon boarding, a complimentary SIA care kit is given to all customers which includes a face mask, antibacterial wipes and disinfectant surface wipes. Before the flight, download the SingaporeAir mobile app to access KrisWorld and an e-Library for your inflight entertainment and explore more features for a contactless journey. The app also offers a digital menu via which you can place your meal order, as well as personalized updates for every passenger. Every aircraft in the SIA Group fleet is equipped with HEPA filters which remove more than 99.9% of the microbes in the air. Cabin air is refreshed every 2-3 minutes throughout the flight and common surfaces are disinfected regularly. Customers with tickets issued on or before 31 May 2022 can also delight in the convenience of complimentary rebooking4, regardless of fare type. With the ability to adjust your plans along the way to best suit your travel needs, you can set your mind at ease when you choose to fly with SIA. Fully-vaccinated travelers on all SIA flights will enjoy quarantine-free entry into Singapore, without the need for any on-arrival test or quarantine requirements1. Travelers, regardless of vaccination status, are also allowed to transit through Singapore on almost all SIA and Scoot flights as long as they meet the entry requirements of their final destination2. Following the simplified travel protocols, the SIA Group opens up the entire SIA and Scoot network to all eligible customers, operating from 97 destinations in 34 countries to Singapore. Visit singaporeair.com or inquire with your travel agent to start your journey to rediscovering the world and make new travel memories with SIA.

Where to Eat in San Juan, La Union

San Juan, La Union is one of the premier surfing destinations in the Philippines because the waves here can go as high as 6 feet during peak season. Whether you’re a surfer or not, San Juan is a great place to travel! It’s easy to go here, and you can experience a lot of things, even on a short trip – learn how to surf, watch the sunset at the beach, visit nearby towns, or you can just eat all day! Aside from being one of the best surfing spots, San Juan has vast arrays of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and other instagrammable food stalls that serve good food. I made a list here of the food places where you can eat if you’re going on a trip to San Juan anytime soon. All of these are located near the beach, and they are accessible along the highway. Most of them are just walking distance from many of the hotels and surf resorts, so there’s no reason for you not to try these! Kabsat La Union Kabsat is a tropical modern style restaurant that has a beautiful sea view. Kabsat offers elevated and comforting local dishes from breakfast to dinner, served in generous portions – ideal for families and large groups. They also cater to travelers craving a hearty post-surf meal or happy hour drinkers looking for pica-pica to pair with their favorite drink.  Serving of food takes a long time, but I personally do not mind because of the great view! Tagpuan If you are craving for Filipino food combo, you can satisfy your cravings at Tagpuan sa San Juan or simply known as Tagpuan. This eatery in San Juan is famous for its comforting Filipino dishes at very reasonable prices. They serve rice bowls topped with our favorites like tapa, pares, bagnet, and chicken adobo flakes. Mad Monkeys Just beside Tagpuan, there’s a burger joint that serves mouthwatering burgers! Not just burgers, they also serve onion rings, fries, and drinks. The place is an open area and has limited tables. Olas Banditos (CLOSED) They said that good and authentic Mexican food and surfing make a good pair. Located on the right side of the road, you will see this Mexican Taqueria that has a huge skull mural. Olas Banditos is co-owned by Luke Landrigan, a pro-surfer. I must say, this is a place to be if you’re craving Mexican food! They serve freshly made tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadilla, fries, and churros to go with your post-surf beer, margarita, or mojito. The place is genuinely instagrammable with all the festive colors and patterns from the murals to the tables and chairs. Beach Bum Food Park Beach Bum is a Food Park that has food stalls that serve different specialties. There are sizzlings, Japanese food, Italian, and a lot more! This is also a good option if you are looking for a place to drink. Also Read: 7 Best Places to Eat in Sagada, Mountain Province My favorite here is the Sizzters Sizzlers. They have a wide variety of homemade sizzlers, from a single plate to sharing! The price of their sizzlers ranges from 180 PHP to 250 PHP with unlimited java rice! Makai Bowls A trip to La Union will not be completed without a healthy fruit smoothie bowl made with different types of fresh fruit and homemade granola. Makai also has chia bowls, fruit shakes, pressed juices, and popsicles. They moved from their corner at Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel to their own space at the Great Northwest Travel Stop & Viewing Deck. El Union Coffee What’s life without coffee? Also located in the great northwest, there’s a famous coffee shop that serves pretty good coffee with excellent service. El Union is definitely one of my favorite food places in San Juan, La Union! The area is just very chill and humble. Its laid-back ambiance encourages every visitor to make a good conversation over a cup of good coffee and desserts. These are just a few of the food places that you can try. Just walk around the area, and you’ll find great places where you can eat! I’m looking forward to trying more restaurants on my next visit!  

Empowering Palawan’s Farmers and Fisherfolk: BDO Network Bank’s Financial Education Initiative

November 28, 2023 in Finance
In a stride towards economic empowerment, BDO Network Bank (BDONB) has taken a pioneering step in Palawan, Philippines, by conducting financial education training sessions for farmers and fishermen in Barangay Ipilan, Brooke’s Point. With the newly opened branch in the area, BDONB is committed to serving individuals and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with tailored financial solutions to meet their unique needs. The financial education initiatives spearheaded by BDONB, the community banking arm of BDO Unibank, aim to raise awareness among Palawan’s farmers and fisherfolk about the crucial importance of saving for the future. By imparting essential knowledge...
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Alviera’s Northern Floats Festival in Pampanga|Experience the Magic of Christmas!

November 26, 2023 in Events, Pampanga, Philippines, Travel
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to elevate your Christmas celebrations to new heights. Ayala Land Alviera has just unwrapped a splendid gift for all adventure seekers and festive souls—the inaugural Northern Floats Festival. Get ready for a four-week extravaganza that promises to brighten the skies of Porac, Pampanga, with a kaleidoscope of colors and the spirit of Christmas. Last Wednesday, November 22, 2023, my team, together with other media and special guests were given a preview of what’s in store for the festival with a walkthrough and hands-on experience of the game booths, food stalls, LED night...
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BDO enhances sustainability commitment through tree planting

November 25, 2023 in Lifestyle
In a powerful move towards environmental conservation, BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) has joined forces with ABS CBN Foundation’s “Bantay Kalikasan” to fortify its commitment to sustainability. This collaboration marks a significant step for BDO, a leading bank in the Philippines, as it endeavors to play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the country’s environment. For over two decades, “Bantay Kalikasan” has stood as the largest media-led environmental organization in the Philippines, tirelessly addressing pressing environmental issues. BDO’s partnership with this influential foundation reflects the bank’s dedication to being a force for positive change in the community. At the...
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Scotch Whiskey in Paradise: The Philippines’ Rising Affection for this Golden Spirit

November 23, 2023 in Lifestyle
The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. But in recent years, a new trend has been sweeping the nation – the growing adoration for Scotch whiskey. This golden spirit, with its rich history and complex flavors, has captivated the hearts of Filipinos, becoming a symbol of sophistication and refined taste. Let’s take a closer look at the allure of Scotch whiskey brands and explore the unique relationship it has forged with the people of the Philippines. What is the Allure of Scotch Whiskey? Scotch whiskey has an undeniable charm that has transcended borders...
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BDO Pay: Your Ultimate E-Wallet for Seamless Transactions and Exciting Rewards

November 21, 2023 in Finance, Lifestyle
In a world where convenience is key, BDO Pay emerges as the must-have e-wallet app, redefining the way you pay. Packed with indispensable features, BDO Pay offers a seamless and efficient solution for all your financial transactions, making it the essential companion for your everyday life. Seamless Integration of Cards for Effortless Transactions BDO Pay simplifies the payment process by allowing clients to seamlessly link all their existing BDO credit and debit cards. This means you have the flexibility to choose from which account to send money or pay for purchases and bills, providing comprehensive options with unparalleled ease....
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