Shopkins, Hatchimals Come to Life at SM Supermalls Everyday is Playday Launch

Shopkins, Hatchimals Come to Life at SM Supermalls Everyday is Playday Launch

Friday, April 13

Kids had a fun afternoon at SM North Edsa at the launch of Everyday is Playday with Shopkins, Hatchimals, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The toys came to life and they danced to the delight of the little ones.

Summer is for kids and SM wants the kids to spend their vacation having fun and make all the SM Supermalls a venue for everything play. More than twenty global brands will be launching their latest toy collections in SM City North Edsa. More than 60 characters and brands such as Spongebob, Shimmer and Shine, Beyblade Hasbro Gaming, and Shopkins will tour all the 18 malls in a series of exciting shows and meet and greet sessions.

The 2018 Everyday is Playday campaign is much bigger and stronger compared to previous years with the growing partnership with Sony Playstation, that will bring fun and exciting technology to those who loves video games. Fujifim Instax will make parents capture the best and fun memories of the kids and the kids at heart. 

PayMaya and Globe G-Cash will offer 30% rebate to their loyal customers who want to avail their favorite toys through mobile payment.

Shimmer and Shine, Beyblade, and Hasbro Gaming

The launch of the new Shimmer and Shine toy collection will be on May 5-6 at the Block Atrium of SM City North Edsa. This top rating Nickelodeon show is about a twin genies-in-training who grants wishes to their human friend Leah. It highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and overcoming obstacles. It's a show that little girls will never want to miss.

Kids getting ready to Just Dance

Beyblade will be having a huge comeback on August 31 to September 2 at The Annex Activity Area of SM North Edsa. After the success of Beyblade Championship Tournament in SM City North Edsa early this year, the winner will be sent to Japan this April to compete in the Asian Championship. The winner of this leg will then be sent to Paris, France to compete in the World Beyblade Competition.

Hasbro Gaming will have activations from April to October at SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City San Jose Del Monte, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Bicutan, and SM City BF Paranaque. Hasbro will engage families and friends through toys and games. You will get to play with the very first life-sized Monopoly, Jenga, Pie Face, Connect and Twister.

The Nutty Scientists will excite the little geniuses during the roadshow all around SM Metro Manila malls. The kids will be active participants on the hands-on activities during the show.

In partnership with SM Cares, Everyday is Playday will be bringing the DSWD partner charities and organizations including SOS Children's Villages Philippines to the series of shows and events at SM Supermalls. 

Watch out for more exciting toy launches and events this year. Make sure you follow  the SM Supermalls official facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/smsupermalls/

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Marikina Scholars of LOreal Philippines Beauty for a Better Life

Marikina Scholars of LOreal Philippines Beauty for a Better Life

Tuesday, April 3

L'Oreal Foundation has chosen Barangay Sto. Nino in Marikina City as one of the priority community to empower women by launching last April 2017 the L'Oreal's Beauty for a Better Life. The program has trained 62 individuals who underwent daily classroom sessions in the barangay hall for three months. They were taught different hairdressing skills such as blow drying, hair coloring, hair cutting, and hair treatments application under the tutelage of L'Oreal Philippines trainers. They were also given a one week internship in L'Oreal's partner salons across Metro Manila.

April 3, 2018 marks a new chapter in the life of the scholars. L'Oreal Philippines celebrated one year of changing the life of the beneficiaries from Sto. Nino held at the Renaissance Convention Center in Marikina. 

Today was also the graduation of the 22 beneficiaries who are part of the third batch of scholars. Ms. Carmela Valencia, L'Oreal Philippines Corporate Communication Manager, said in her opening speech "We believe in the power of beauty to change lives, and Beauty for a Better Life expands the definition of beauty by using it as a way to provide skills and livelihood opportunities to those most in need. A renewed sense of self-confidence, dignity and motivation are fundamental changes that we see in our graduates and it is our hope and vision that Beauty for a Better Life empowers these women to gain a better quality of life."

Turnover Ceremony 

The program has brought so many opportunities for the beneficiaries of Barangay Sto Nino. For the next cycle, the same opportunities will be made available for the qualified residents of Barangay Jesus dela Pena. 

Present during the turnover ceremony were Barangay Sto Nino Chairman Rizaldy Josef and Barangay Dela Pena Chairman Ariel Lazaro. 

Beauty for a Better Life is an advocacy program of L'Oreal Foundation and is deployed in 27 countries. One of the key programs is to empower women in situations of social and economic stability by training them for careers in the beauty sector.

L'Oreal Philippines has been doing an annual "Bigay Daan" program from 2009 to 2012 in Pasig. It has been relaunched in 2017 under a new name, Beauty for a Better Life. For its first run, L'Oreal Philippines partnered with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and focused on training women within one barangay to allow growth within the community.

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Celebrate Easter with Gary Valenciano at Bonifacio High Street

Celebrate Easter with Gary Valenciano at Bonifacio High Street

Thursday, March 29

Bonifacio Global City, in partnership with Church Simplified, will once again bring to the public ‘Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross,’ which is a series of interactive art installations of the Passion of Christ.

Running on its tenth year, ‘Walkway’ will be held along the stretch of Bonifacio High Street (from the Fully Booked block all the way to the One BHS Park) beginning March 25 to April 1, from 11am to 11pm.

On Easter Sunday, cute baby dinos will take over the BHS Activity Center for ‘Easter Dinoland’. Dress up your kids in their most adorable dino costume and let them go on an adventure by joining in an egg hunt to earn special treats! They can also have their pictures taken with (or inside) a large Dino egg, or get creative by doing some colorful wall art. Expect tons of games and goodies, too, plus a film viewing of Jurassic World, and a whole lot more!

To join these activities, just present a single or accumulated purchase receipt of P2,000 from any BHS establishment (including Bonifacio High Street Cinemas, One Parkade, and Two Parkade) and redeem one (1) ‘Easter Dinoland’ loot basket. Promo runs from March 23 to April 1. Click here for the full mechanics. (Per DTI-FTEB Permit Number 4769 Series of 2018)

‘Easter Dinoland’ is brought to us by The Mind Museum, Crayola, LEGO, Hobbes & Landes, Bambu, La Provence, Golden Duck, Jamba Juice, Global Leaders International School, BrainLight Learning Center, Coleman, and Magnavision.

Capping off the Easter celebration is a special concert of multi-awarded singer/songwriter Gary Valenciano who will bring to us a soulful rendition of inspirational Christian music. Hip-hop/R&B singer, Quest and young indie artist, Clara Benin are also set to open the show. Listen and be moved by these powerful performances at the Globe Iconic BHS Amphitheatre starting 6PM. Invite your friends, and the whole family, too, as admission to this event is free!

Visit BGC’s official Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph and https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet for more details.

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SM Skating MOA Hosts Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia

SM Skating MOA Hosts Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia

Tuesday, March 27

The 2018 Challenge Cup of Asia is happening on April 3-8, 2018 at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is the first time that the Philippines  will sponsor the annual international ice hockey tournament that is sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). 

“We are very proud and excited to host, for the first time, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia which has been held in different countries since it was founded in 2008,” said Chris Sy, Federation of Ice Hockey Philippines president.

The 2018 Challenge Cup also marks the first time that the Philippines will compete in the men’s top division of the annual tournament among some of the best ice hockey teams in the region.

Riding on the momentum of its gold medal victory in the first-ever ice hockey event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team, backed by the SM Group, hopes to make a podium finish in the 5-nation Challenge Cup of Asia as it plays against Thailand on April 3, Kuwait on April 5, Mongolia on April 6, and Singapore on April 8. All games of the Philippine team are scheduled at 7PM.

Other Challenge Cup of Asia games will feature Singapore vs Mongolia on April 3 (3:30PM), Mongolia vs Kuwait on April 4 (7PM), Thailand vs Singapore on April 5 (3:3PM), Mongolia vs Thailand on April 7 (3:30PM), Kuwait vs Singapore on April 7 (7PM), and Kuwait vs Thailand on Aril 8 (3:30PM).

During the Challenge Cup, the Olympic-size ice skating rink at the SM Skating Mall of Asia will be the battleground of the competing ice hockey teams. It is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes, locker rooms, and a 200-seater stands located around the rink.

“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to host the first official IIHF event in the country. This shows how the Philippines can truly be at par with its Asian neighbors not only in terms of the quality of its sports programs and athletes, but also in the quality of its sports facilities,” said Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., the only company in the Philippines to carry Olympic size ice rinks.

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.

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How To Have A Restful Sleep

How To Have A Restful Sleep

Saturday, March 10

I don't have a healthy sleeping habit. My lifestyle makes it difficult for me to go to bed early and enjoy a restful eight hours sleep every day. Getting the recommended hours of sleep is something most of us take for granted. We just try to make up for the hours during the weekend. 

Did you know that the Philippines ranked 5th in the world as the country with the worst sleepers? 50 millions of Filipinos suffer from sleep deprivation. A Filipino gets an average of only 6 hours and 22 minutes of sleep. 

Here are some tips and tricks on how to have a restful sleep:

1. Watch what you eat before bedtime

Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages six hours before bedtime. Alcohol can also disrupt your sleep. Also, most of us Filipinos eat heavier in the evening. Taking heavy meals two hours before bedtime can keep you up. You might also suffer from indigestion discomfort. 

2. Re-calibrate your circadian rhythm

Circadian rhythm refers to a person's internal body clock that regulated the 24-hour cycle of biological processes. Circadian rhythm disorder happens when there is a mismatch on the internal body clock due to the continuous disruption of sleep patterns. People who have jet lag, graveyard work shift, and night owls usually suffer from this disorder.

In order to re-calibrate your circadian rhythm, it will help if you expose yourself to sunlight in the morning and avoid bright lights in the evening.

3. Avoid oversleeping in the afternoon (note to self!)

A nap time of not more than 45 minutes is ideal. I am guilty of taking 3-4 hours of nap time in the afternoon to make up for the hours of sleep I didn't have during the night because I can't sleep. And the cycle goes on and on..

I realized during the Uratex World Sleep Day event that this is one of the reasons why I can't sleep at night. I usually take a nap around 2 in the afternoon and wake up at 5 or 6. 

4. Evaluate your room

How do you feel every time you enter your room? Does it have a relaxing vibe? Do you have unnecessary clutter? Creating a comfortable sleeping environment helps in having a restful sleep. Make sure that your room is well-ventilated and the lights are conducive for sleeping. You can use blackout curtains or eye cover, ear plugs if it's noisy, and essential oils that induces sleep.

5. Use your bed only for sleep and sex

While it is very important that you have a comfortable mattress and pillows, it is also very important that you use your bed only for two activities: sleeping and having sex. Bringing your laptop and working on your bed will only associate the activity to stress and anxiety. Do your work on the desk or the other room. If you have a television in your bedroom, have a comfortable couch where you can stay and enjoy.

On March 16, The Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) comprised of physicians and sleep doctors, and the World Sleep Society, an association of sleep specialists focused on advancing sleep health worldwide by encouraging education and promoting sleep-focused research, in partnership with Uratex, The Sleep Specialist, the leading manufacturer of innovative sleep solutions, come together for World Sleep Day. It is an annual event that celebrates sleep importance and tackles issues to promote prevention and management of sleep disorder.

How was your sleep last night? It's about time you consider having a restful sleep every night.

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3rd Philippine Engineering Students Congress

3rd Philippine Engineering Students Congress

Friday, March 9

The 3rd Philippine Engineering Students Congress has once again brought together the graduating engineering students from all over Luzon and the companies looking for fresh graduates to join their workforce. The Congress was hosted by Jobstreet.com and in partnership with the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) held at the Quezon City campus. 

Jobstreet.com is the largest job site in the country and has helped thousands of candidates land their dream job. Country Manager Philip Gioca said that engineering-related professions are among the top 10 most advertised and most in-demand specializations year-on-year for both local and overseas jobs posted on Jobstreet.com. 

Philip Gioca, Jobstreet.com Country Manager

The program opened with a welcome remarks from Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz, President of TIP.  Speakers from Schneider Electric, Sunfish Energy, and Department of Energy were invited to share insights about what goes into the minds of the companies. Also present were Padilla Review Center President Engineer Perfecto Padilla Jr. and TIP pride Charles Julius Oloquino who ranked number 4 at the November 2017 board examination for Civil Engineer.

Aside from the topics discussions in the morning, there was a Personality Development Session by Mary Kay, a Quiz Bee Competition, and Project Presentation of TIP students.

Career exhibit  formally opened at the congregating area mid morning. There were 30 companies who joined the event, including Coca-Cola FEMSA, Department of Energy (DOE), Filinvest Land Inc., Ginebra San Miguel, Meralco, Uratex Foam, AMMEX I-Support Corporation, and Emerson Electric. 

Companies provided talks about the future that awaits engineering graduates, and showcased career paths that they could take.

The Congress has been held annually since 2016 to inspire graduating students in preparing them for the career journey ahead.

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Jollibee supports Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018

Jollibee supports Ad Summit Pilipinas 2018

Tuesday, March 6

The biennial Ad Summit Pilipinas has Jollibee, the country’s leading fast-food chain and one of the nation’s biggest advertisers, as its major sponsor for 2018. Themed "DIY Your ROI," this year's gathering of 3,000 advertising and marketing practitioners will be held from March 7 to 10 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center. The Ad Summit takes a closer look at the various impacts of one's creative work, and urges creatives to take a look at how advertising and marketing can be used to create not only financial, but social impact as well.

Photo shows (from left) 4As chairman Bong Pacia, Jollibee Philippines Assistant Vice President for Brand Communications, PR and Digital Marketing Arline Adeva, Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis Flores, and ASP 2018 chairman Norman Agatep during the recently held MOA signing at the Jollibee headquarters.

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SM Little Stars 2018 Gives Away over 9.5 Million Pesos Worth of Prizes

SM Little Stars 2018 Gives Away over 9.5 Million Pesos Worth of Prizes

Thursday, March 1

SM Little Stars is celebrating 12 years of discovering talented Filipino kids and 2018 is another exciting year. SM Supermalls is giving away over 9.5 million pesos worth of prizes. These prizes include 2 brand new Chevrolet Trax, trips to China for 2, college scholarships from the National University, and P200,000 worth of cash and SM gift certificates.

SM Little Stars 2018 was launched at the Event Center of SM Megamall last February 28. Gracing the media launch are SM Little Stars achievers who are now making big names including 2014 Girl Grand Winner Fil-Korean Chun Sa Angella Jung, 2014 SM Little Stars Boy Grand Winner JC Gumacal, SM Little Stars 2017 Girl Grand Winner and representative of the Philippines in the 2018 Championships of Performing Arts - Vocal Solo competition in California Gaea Mischa Salipot, and Esang De Torres, one of the most successful alumni of SM Little Stars.

Esang de Torres has been performing on screen and on stage. She became a household name when she auditioned for The Voice Kids Season 2 and joined Team Lea where she became one of the four finalists. On stage, she played the role of Little Cosette in Les Miserables Asian Tour and the lead actress Matilda for Matilda the Musical.

I asked Ms. Grace Magno, VP for Advertising, SM Supermalls how the competition has changed over the years and she said that SM Little Stars 2018 is not only limited to singing and dancing. If your kid has a talent in playing a musical instrument, gymnastics, or any kind of performing arts, SM Little Stars is their platform to share those talents, enhance their personalities, and develop their confidence.

The kids will also have the chance to be guided by celebrity mentors and a series of workshops. The celebrity judges and mentors are beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, top singing recording artist Sam Concepcion, celebrated dance master Mickey Perz, and John Arcilla, multi-talented actor well-known for portraying the critically-acclaimed movie Heneral Luna.

It's your kids time to shine! The competition is open to boys and girls between 4 to 7 years old during the date of the preliminary screening schedule. Audition begins April 7 in participating SM Malls nationwide.

 For more details visit www.smlittlestars.com.ph

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Rizal Artists Honored at the Rizal Art Festival

Rizal Artists Honored at the Rizal Art Festival

Monday, February 26

Rizal takes pride on being the home of Carlos "Botong"Francisco, National artist for the visual arts. Arts classes are offered in Angono and the famous Pinto Art Museum is located in Antipolo. In celebration of the 10th year of Rizal Art Festival, SM City Taytay hosts a Digital Art Exhibit showcasing the art works of 10 Rizal artists.

Mr. Nemesio "Nemi"Miranda Jr. was one of the ten artists honored on the opening day of the exhibit. Nemi Miranda, a Fine Arts graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, has already launched 50 solo exhibits in different parts of the world. He is the founder of the Angono Ateliers Association. He built the Nemiranda Arthouse, an Art Center for Visual Art in 1989.

Leo Meneses, pride of Pililla, Rizal and another UST Fine Arts graduate, has his paintings on digital display at the Bridgeway of SM Taytay. He calls his painting "pallet-knife" style. His artworks exudes a realistic feel. 

Spend an hour for art appreciation and who knows, you might awaken the artist in you. The Art on Digital Exhibit is at the Bridgeway of SM Taytay from February 25 to March 11, 2018. 

Here's something cool. Make sure you download the Zappar app to enjoy the augmented reality at the exhibit. This one is from the shirt I got at the event.

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Philippines International Furniture Show 2018

Philippines International Furniture Show 2018

The longest running furniture show in the Philippines is showcasing over 200 of the country's best furniture designers and manufacturers on March 8-10, 2018 at SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay. The Philippines International Furniture Show 2018 (PIFS) is one of Southeast Asia's premier trade fairs, offering an extensive range of furniture products, accessories, and decor.

PIFS will bring light to one of the most respected hardwood artists and furniture designer in the country.  Osmundo Esguerra, a self-made furniture maker, has made a name for himself by having a distinct style and approach in handling indigenous wood. His crafts reflect his natural creativity and ingenuity, celebrating the true Filipino craftsmanship. In commemoration of his artistry, PIFS will be doing a special tribute to showcase a number of pieces by Esguerra during the show.

Returning exhibitors who will feature their latest creations at the show include Aerostone Inc., Azcor, Betis Crafts Inc., Calfurn Manufacturing Phils., Cancio Contract Furniture, Carpetworld Manufacturing Corporation, CMC Lighting De Arte Inc., Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corporation, E. Murio Inc., Fashion Interiors Furniture Philippines Inc., Feliix Inc., Filipino Creazione De Mano, Inc., Furniture Doctor Trading, Hacienda Crafts Company, Inc., Home Mavericks, Inc., JB Woodcraft, Inc., Spring Artisanal Furnishings (Liza Tazewell Designs), Mehitabel Inc., Multiflex RNC Philippines Inc., Nature's Legacy Eximport, Inc., Obra Cebuana, Inc., Ohmm Furniture Mfg. Inc., Pacific Traders & Manufacturing Corporation, Philiana Design, South Sea Veneer Corporation, Stonesets International, Testex Swiss Textile Ltd., Tumandok Crafts Industries, Venzon Lighting Manufacturing, Vito Selma, Weave Manila, Inc., and Wood Classics Enterprise.

Visitors are encouraged to register online at www.pifs.ph to receive a free 1-day pass.

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Edmark Launches Be Young Campaign

Edmark Launches Be Young Campaign

Monday, February 19

Edmark Philippines has recently launched its first Be Young Campaign open to all male and female distributors 18 years old and above who have been taking Edmark's Bio-Elixir Soya Drink for at least one month. Nationwide candidates were showcased simultaneously last February 17, 2018. The candidates from the national capital region were presented to the media at the Quezon City head office.

Nidz Villegas, a Mathematics teacher, was one of the candidates who stood out. Aside from landing the 2nd spot in terms of Facebook likes, she had wowed the crowd with her wit, confidence, and beautiful skin.

Bio-ELIXIR is made from high quality soy protein extracts, whey protein and specific free-form amino acids such as L-arginine and L-ornithine. Since this is a 100% natural product, it is safe to consume and has zero side effects.

Benefits of drinking Bio-ELIXIR

• increases muscle mass
• fat loss without dieting
• higher energy level
• mood elevation
• enhanced sexual performance
• greater cardiac output
• better kidney function
• superior immune system
• lowers blood pressure
• improves cholesterol profile
• stronger bones
• faster wound healing
• hair re-growth
• younger skin
• eliminates cellulites
• sharper vision
• increases memory
• improves sleep

Turn your biological clock back by up to 20 years with Bio-ELIXIR. To learn more about the product and the Be Young Campaign. follow https://www.facebook.com/edmark.philippines/

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year Weekend at BGC

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year Weekend at BGC

Tuesday, February 13

There are so many reasons why #ILoveBHS. Most of my staycations are spent at BGC and though I love just feeling lazy during my weekend stays, there's something exciting for February that will definitely make me stay outdoor. 

Feel the kilig and find fortune only in Bonifacio Global City as a jam-packed weekend awaits BGCitizens and visitors in celebration of February’s two biggest events.

Rising in the middle of Bonifacio High Street is a giant fairytale book with a sweet reminder that Happily Ever After exists. Take a selfie with your loved one (or ones!) and show the world why yours is one of “The Greatest Love Stories of All Time.” Upload your photo on Facebook or Instagram with #iloveBHS, and tag Bonifacio High Street (@bonifaciohighstreet) for a chance to win the ultimate dinner date from BGC.

As a special treat, BGC is hosting a Valentine’s concert featuring the best of OPM on February 17 (Saturday) at 7PM. Happening at the Globe Iconic BHS Amphitheater, Ensemble: A Valentine Concert will showcase a powerhouse line up with some of today’s hottest indie and mainstream music artists. Catch Ebe Dancel, Bullet Dumas, Clara Benin, Johnoy Danao, and Reese Lansangan along with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet as they serenade with timeless OPM hits.

To get tickets, go to the BHS Concierge and just present single or accumulated receipts worth P2,000 from Bonifacio High Street merchants dated February 9 to 17, 2018. View full mechanics here.

Welcoming the Year of the Dog

Welcome the Year of the Dog in true Chinese fashion as BGC dresses up to bring Chinatown right at the heart of Bonifacio High Street.

Experience the rich culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations as BGC fills the entire weekend from February 16-18 with a showcase of its food, music, and art guaranteed to delight the whole family. Expect to savor traditional Chinese fare, dance for good fortune, see cultural performances, and try your hand at guzheng (zither)-playing, calligraphy, and paper-cutting. If you wish, you can also take a peek at your future by joining the palm reading, tarot reading, and fortune telling events.

Save the dates BGCitizens! The Valentine’s and Chinese New Year’s festivities are celebrated in partnership with Globe Live, Chinatown TV, JBL, Katipunan Weekend Market, and the Ateneo Confucius Institute. For more information, visit BGC’s official Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/bonifacioglobalcityph and https://www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet.​

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