It’s 100 Days ‘til Christmas and it’s all about caring and giving at SM Supermalls

The past years have always had us counting down to the most wonderful time of the year when the ‘ber’ months roll in; Christmas carols fill the air, dazzling tree lights dot the streets, shopping for gifts becomes a sport, and everyone else goes on a diet to make way for Christmas feasts.

This year may not be as festive as previous years, but it will most certainly be more meaningful. SM showed us the most uplifting way to best celebrate the season with “100 Days of Caring”; featuring 100 days of spreading love, thoughtfulness, and care for one another and for the communities surrounding our favorite SM malls. The virtual event showcasing the pledges happened last Thursday, Sept 16, 2021 over FB Live and WatchSM on YouTube.

“100 days of Caring”. To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM pledged to donate to over 10,000 beneficiaries, namely communities in need, hardworking SM employees, medical frontliners and dedicated delivery partners, among others. Some of the beneficiaries and their partner malls are as follows: 

• SM North EDSA is giving 100 pairs of World Balance rubber shoes to seniors from Graces Home for the Elderly in Quezon City.
• SM Megamall, The Podium, and SM Center Pasig chose delivery partners who will be recipients of 100 raincoats and rain boots.
• From SM Mall of Asia, 100 sets of care packages like face masks, face shields, Ensure milk, vitamins, supplements, and more, will be handed over to senior citizens within the community.
• SM Southmall chose SOS Children’s Villages as to receive various story and educational books.
• Metro Manila and Rizal malls chose several orphanages, namely: Associacion De Damas Filipinas, Bahay Aruga, White Cross Orphanage, and The Little Children’s Home to receive 100 toys and essential goods each, especially prepared by SM City Manila, SM City San Lazaro, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Taytay and SM Center Angono.
• In North Luzon, 100 Aeta families from Zambales and Tarlac will be given grocery packs by SM City Olongapo Downtown, SM City Olongapo Central, and SM City Tarlac; fishermen in Pangasinan will be handed with fishing supplies by SM City Rosales, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM Center Dagupan; while select tricycle and jeepney drivers in Bulacan will be given 100 pairs of shoes by SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.
• SM City Bacoor will give 100 brail books to the Deaf & Blind Foundation Philippines.
• In the Visayas, SM City Cebu will bring smiles to kids of Kythe Foundation with 100 toys; while SM City Iloilo will give 100 25kg sacks of rice to healthcare and peace & order frontliners. SM City Puerto Princesa on the other hand, will have 100 grocery bags to displaced tourism personnel.
• SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier will be handing out 100 farming tools to local farmers; while SM City Butuan will be giving 100 Fiesta Food Packs to Por Cristo Foundation, Inc.

‘Gift’ for your mental health. Aside from our physical health being at risk during a pandemic, our mental health is also affected due to the stress and anxiety these times bring. And since SM believes in the value of taking care of our mental health, Dr Gia Sison, MD DPCOM gave a  ‘Call to Share’ talk during the virtual launch. Dr Gia Sison is a mental health advocate and co-founder of PH Leader Livestrong Foundation. Her talk centered on how to cope during this stressful time and still find hope in a better tomorrow.

100 voices that care. If there’s one thing that binds us all Filipinos together, it’s our passion and love for music. While we may not be allowed to have big gatherings this year, SM entertained the audience with the performance of the 3 Divas – Rahda, Frenchie and Bituin Escalante; later on joined by 100 artists, singers, and SM employees and stakeholders who came together to sing during the virtual launch on Sept 16.

We may be in the middle of a pandemic, times may be tough, and many of us may be physically apart, but let’s not forget what this season truly means. To view the event, go to WatchSM on YouTube.

For more information, bookmark www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Blued hosts new platform for gay talents with “Super Idol”

This September, the gay social networking and dating app Blued is launching “ Super Idol ” a talent competition to showcase LGBTQ+ talents from around the globe.

“The year 2021 is shaping up to be a promising year for LGBTQ+ talents despite limitations set by the pandemic. Recently, famous drag personalities announced the premiere of two drag shows in the Philippines,” said Liam Lu, Head of Blued International. “This time, Blued is proud to host a new platform for even more gay talents with ‘Super Idol’.”

Blued is the world’s first LGBTQ+ app to introduce a live streaming feature in 2016. It also introduced Voice Chat Rooms and Quick Chat—functions for live audio conversations and video call speed dating, respectively.

Recently, the app launched its global #LiveYourPride campaign in celebration of this year’s Pride Month. Additionally, Blued Philippines celebrated gays of all shapes and stories through “Living My Gay Life,” a local campaign which featured notable personalities such as viral content creators Sassa Gurl and Pipay Kipay, along with filmmaker and HIV advocate Wanggo Gallaga.

Set to be hosted on the Blued app, “Super Idol” is an upcoming talent competition open to all its 60 million plus users worldwide. The grand winner, as well as active audiences, both stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to $22,000.

To join, aspiring contestants must post their entries on their social media, tag the official Blued account, and have prior access to Blued Live. Auditions run from September 6 to 8, 2021.

Among all registered hopefuls, 30 will be selected to perform a series of tasks in the semifinal round. From there, the top five contestants will compete for the title of Blued’s first “Super Idol.”

Actor and comedian Awra Briguela is also set to appear as a guest judge in the final round.

“Filipinos are known to be a pageant and talent show-loving people. This is evident in their active participation in both local and international competitions,” said Lu. “With ‘Super Idol,’ we hope that the next big Filipino LGBTQ+ talent will be able to showcase their unique brand of star power and charisma on a larger, global stage.”

From the colorful gay pageants of small barrios to the anticipated “Drag Cartel” shows of popular bars, LGBTQ+ talents have long been carving their own niche in the local scene. With the boom of more competitions like this both on television and online, Blued is also out to create and redefine its own safe space for talented Filipino gays—even in the time of the pandemic.

Those interested to join “Super Idol” may see the full mechanics here.

Calling all batang 90s: Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster just released a new flavor!

Remember Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster? Yes, that delicious and iconic ring-shaped potato snack continues to capture the hearts of Filipinos. Many Pinoys who fell in love with these cheesy playful rings will be thrilled to find out about its quirky new look and exciting new flavor -- barbecue!

Roller Coaster Barbecue comes in two sizes--solo pack for snack times by yourself, and buddy pack, which is perfect for sharing. Let the balanced sweet, savory, and smokey barbecue taste tickle your taste buds. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with your fave refreshing drink.

Universal Robina Corporation, the maker of Roller Coaster and other famous Jack 'n Jill snacks, released a barbecue variant to delight snack-loving Pinoys. What better way to surprise them than with a flavor that Filipinos especially love, which is why URC chose to make this new delicious creation.

Good call, yes? 

The classic Roller Coaster Cheddar Cheese also debuted its brand-new look that screams “Keep the Fun Rolling!” If you haven’t seen it yet, perhaps now is the time to grab a bag of these yummy chips and have yourself a playfully fun snack experience!

Jack ‘n Jill Roller Coaster snacks are available in Shopee, all leading supermarkets nationwide, and in select grocery apps. To know more, you may follow @RollerCoasterPH on Facebook.

This new meaty creation from Taco Bell is calling out to your beef-loving soul

 

What’s your go-to protein when dining at Taco Bell? Maybe you prefer the Mexican-style beef options. Maybe you are more for the equally tasty chicken-based dishes. Or maybe you love to chow down on some garnishing of juicy pork from time to time. But don’t go picking your ultimate fave meat just yet, because Taco Bell has cooked up something new that will surely shake things up for you, fellow meat lover!

Get ready for Taco Bell’s new Beef Carnitas protein option! Savor the taste of slow-cooked chunks of beef made all the more delicious by a delectable blend of tangy garlic sauce and a bit of sweetness, amping up the meatiness and bringing a new world of flavor to many of your Taco Bell favorites!

You can have your pick between two fan-favorite options, Quesadillas and Burritos. Enjoy Beef Carnitas nestled between layers of gooey melted three cheese blend and all wrapped up in a deliciously toasted flour tortilla with Taco Bell’s Beef Carnitas Quesadilla. You can also have this new protein option in your Burrito, made with a hearty bedding of rice, veggies, and the new Beef Carnitas! That’s more than just chunks of beef, that’s greatness in every bite!

Satisfy your cravings for a Mexican-inspired meal with Taco Bell! Prices start at just ₱159, and you can add ₱70 for Nacho Sprinkles and a 16oz soda to go with your meal.

If you’re looking for a meal to satisfy even the biggest craving, there are also two new Big Bell Box options to choose from featuring the new Beef Carnitas!

First is the Beef Carnitas Burrito Big Bell Box, which comes with 1 Beef Carnitas Burrito, 1 Crunchy Taco, a serving each of Nacho Sprinkles and Cinnamon Twists, and 16-oz soda, starting at P299. You can also go for the Beef Carnitas Quesadilla Big Bell Box, which comes
with 1 Beef Carnitas Quesadilla, a serving each of Fiesta Potatoes, Nacho Sprinkles, and Cinnamon Twists, and 16-oz soda, starting at P369.

This promo lasts only from August 24 to October 18, 2021, so don’t miss out on your chance to try this special offer from Taco Bell.

Head to the nearest Taco Bell restaurant to discover the wonderfully meaty Taco Bell Beef Carnitas Burrito and Quesadilla today. You may also call 8911-1111 to place your order and have it delivered to your doorstep. You can also enjoy these brand-new offerings with just a few taps on your smart device, as Taco Bell is available in GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Pick.A.Roo.

For more information about the promo as well as other deals and offers, like and follow Taco Bell on Facebook and Instagram.