6 reasons to spend Christmas and New Year in Boracay

Boracay, with its pristine beaches and fun activities, is the perfect place to spend time with your loved ones this Christmas and New Year. Hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Boracay is the place whether you want to relax by the beach, taste scrumptious food or experience exhilarating activities.

Here are six reasons why you need to spend Christmas and New Year in Boracay:

Bask in the sun at the beach. What’s the perfect way to spend the Christmas and New Year in Boracay than bask in the sunshine? Whether you want to sunbathe, play volleyball or Frisbee, or just lounge around in a beach bed, Boracay is the place to be.

Go on thrilling adventures. Are you a thrill seeker? Get your dose of adrenaline with Boracay’s exciting activities like parasailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, cliff diving or reverse bungee jumping.

Nuvali celebrates Christmas with its first lights and sounds show and many more!

This holiday season, Nuvali transforms into a first-of-its-kind holiday destination with the launch of “Magical Field of Lights,” the first lights and sounds show in Ayala Land’s largest sustainable estate.

Ongoing until January 8, 2017, Nuvali’s grass fields light up like an enchanted field of tulips dancing to two 5-minute medleys enjoyable for the whole family. The show will run every 30 minutes from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily. Aside from the show, the field also features a variety of attractions such as the 50-meter long light tunnel, Christmas trees, and dandelion light installation. It will also be complemented with a Christmas fair that showcases traditional Filipino Christmas treats such as bibingka and puto bumbong. A variety of local goods perfect for gift-giving will also be available.

Welcome relief for OFWs coming home for the Holidays

OFWs have long enjoyed travel tax exemption privileges under Section 2 of PD 1183, due to their significant contribution to our national economy. During the previous Holiday season though, and in Holiday Seasons past, those who wished to take advantage of their travel tax exemption had to obtain a certificate from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), for which there was a fee. This Holiday Season will be the first in which OFWs will no longer need to pay for and obtain a separate Travel Tax Exemption Certificate.

When leaving the country for their country of employment after this year’s holiday season. OFWs can be exempted automatically from travel taxes in one of two ways: If they were hired through the POEA, the Overseas Employment Certificate issued by the POEA will serve as the Travel Tax Exemption Certificate. For those hired directly by companies abroad, a Certificate of Employment issued by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate in the place of work or an Employment Contract authenticated by the Philippine Embassy / Consulate.

AirAsia spreads the spirit of gratitude this holiday season - #ThankYou Christmas Campaign launched

Nothing captures the spirit of the holiday season better than the saying “tis better to give than to receive.” That is why this Christmas, AirAsia Philippines is launching its #ThankYou Christmas Campaign, filling the air with the spirit of gratitude and the promise of continued and improved service to Filipino travellers.

The #ThankYou Christmas Campaign video of AirAsia highlights a year of memorable journeys and AirAsia’s gratitude to have spent this time with its loyal passengers. This video will be shared on cinema screens, AirAsia Philippines social media accounts and Facebook advertisements starting from the first week of December up to the first week of January. Video can also be viewed on AirAsia Philippines Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/airasiaph/videos/1303075976418943/.

The Amazing Transformation of IL Terrazzo

On November 24 2016, a lifestyle center located at Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Madririan, Quezon City was filled with guests and attendees. Everyone was amazed by the grand transformation of the new IL Terrazzo. The transformation was led and organized by the Property Manager, Ms. Michelle Pe together with her marketing partner, Mr. Anton Magpantay 'from ArtisteSpace Inc. The event was successful in revealing the newfangled look of IL Terrazzo as well as introducing its current management. 

Travel Tax payment now easy and hassle free

Standing in line is something that nobody likes, which is why TIEZA, the government arm tasked with the collection and allocation of travel taxes that once had to be settled either at a TIEZA office or at a dedicated queue at the airport, has now rolled out the Travel Tax Online Payment System. No more falling in line at the airport just to pay your travel taxes, now all you need is to follow this simple procedure:

1. Go to the TIEZA website at TIEZA.gov.ph

2. From the TIEZA home page click on “click here” at the Philippine Travel Tax Payment System screen:

OR

If the Philippine Travel Tax Payment System is not the screen displayed on the TIEZA home page, click The Travel Tax Tab, and Select “Pay Travel Tax”

3. Click on “Don’t have an account? Click Here” (assuming you are a first timer).

Registration:

4. Fill out the member registration form.

5. When done filling out the registration form, click “ok” to confirm information or “Cancel” to change information.

6. Open the email address you provided and confirm your registration via the confirmation link that TIEZA will send you. If the email does not appear right away, wait a few seconds to a minute and refresh your browser. Should the confirmation email never arrived, there is will be a confirmation link to click on the TIEZA site.

Travel Tax Payment:

7. Once confirmed, click “Click Here to fill up Travel Tax Payment Form!” to bring up Travel Tax Payment Form.

8. Fill up Travel Tax Payment form and click “Confirm Application”

9. The online payment form will appear, fill up Online Payment for and click “confirm payment”

10. Your travel tax payment transactions will appear on the next screen under “Recent Travel Tax Application”, when a transaction has been fully completed, a “Print”

button will appear next to it. Wait for the button to read “Print” and click the print button. This may take a few minutes. Refresh your browser every 10 seconds until the print button appears.

11. From the final screen you will be able to print your Travel Tax Payment Receipt. Print the receipt, and bring the printout with you to the airport on the day of your flight, to be presented with your other travel documents

For more information, call the TIEZA office at (02) 551 – 9533 for more information.

Questions Answered About The New Alviera Go Play!

1. What is Alviera Go Play?

Alviera is hosting the perfect event for families, friends and even work colleagues to cap off their summer. We’re inviting everyone on Saturday, June 11, to join us for Alviera Go Play, the world’s first game show-inspired playground.

We’ve set up a play area in Alviera in Porac, Pampanga that takes cues from popular TV shows like Takeshi’s Castle, Wipeout and Gladiators. Here, fun is taken to a whole new level with bouncy inflatables, foam, relay games, mental challenges and a bunch of wacky games you can enjoy with your friends. It will be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Alviera Go Play features world’s first game show-inspired playground

Alviera, the township development rising in Porac, Pampanga plays host to the first game show-styled playground in the world. Experience outdoor fun and wacky games inspired by hit TV shows like Takeshi’s Castle, Wipeout, and Gladiators in a one-day summer festival.

Alviera Go Play takes off on Saturday, June 11 at SandBox, a full day of lively games, mental and physical challenges, foamy frolic, bouncy inflatables, prizes, food and music.

Take part in the craziness of Human Foosball, keep singing through Wacky Karaoke, run in sumo suits through Sumo Relay, play Agawan Base dressed in a zorb ball, or manage three lay-ups with binoculars on in Binocular Basketball. Try to kick a goal without wobbling, but only after spinning yourself silly in Dizzy Penalty Kick. There’s Buzzingo, Extreme Jack & Poy, Brain Games, Photo Mission and more. Over a dozen simultaneous games and activities will keep you, family and friends entertained throughout the day.

The best of Taiwan comes to Manila

Under the theme “Let’s Home Party!” the “Wow! Taiwan Selects Pop-up Store” debuted in the Philippines to support Taiwanese manufacturers in exporting products to the country while giving Filipinos a fresh impression of Taiwan. The Philippines is only the store’s first stop in the ASEAN region this 2016.

Authorized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) ran the week-long exhibition from May 23 to 29 at the Glorietta Mall to showcase products that appealed especially to younger consumers.

“We’ve studied the Philippine market for years, and have seen that the youth made up most of the population,” said Josh Kang, Director of the Department of Global Marketing & Consulting Division of Marketing Research, Wow! Taiwan Selects. “We were convinced about the strong market potential of the country, and that’s why we decided on a store theme that grabs the attention of young Filipinos.”

Welcome to The Armory, the newest bar to excite the party scene up north!

Along the far-off Congressional Avenue Extension in Quezon City are some commercially successful food establishments fast making the strip the next go-to dining area up north. For those sick and tired of the traffic and congestion common in the Fort, Makati, Ortigas, Greenhills, and even Tomas Morato, Quezon City areas, Congressional provides a more convenient and understated alternative. There are Brewing Point Neighborhood Café, Chimes Square, and Box Park, among other cool, new joints in the area.

MUNI Market brings mindful living to Nuvali on May 21

On its 5th year, MUNI Market continues to spread its message of “mindful living” to folks living in the metropolis and beyond through a festive market affair at the Solenad Activity Park, Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Cause-driven entrepreneurs will be showcasing their healthy, local, and eco-friendly fares including food, as well as home and fashion items, alongside educational workshops, demos, and live musical performances.

“Muni” is derived from the word “muni-muni” which in Filipino means to think, ponder, muse, or reflect. Through the MUNI Market, the Muni community of like-minded merchants eager to share their knowledge of “mindful lifestyle options” hopes to inspire people to become aware of their impact as consumers and the simple ways one can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Bonbon Festival - Celebrate Art, Environment and Community!

Now on it's second year, Bonbon Festival is back to celebrate Arts, Environment and Community in a one of a kind one-day event which will be participated by young professionals, students, different artists in Batangas Province, and invited guests from other places.

Bonbon Festival is the first eco-green festival in the province which aims to support and sustain the environment by using arts and culture as one of the tools for preservation and development. The festival will be at Sitio Tagbakin, Brgy. Halang Lipa City, Batangas this coming May 21, 2016 from 6am onwards!

Nuvali’s latest summer attraction is “Camp N”, a premier outdoor adventure and team-building hub

Within the heart of Nuvali lies “Camp N”, touted to be the eco-city’s premier outdoor adventure and team-building facility that serves as an incubation for self-discovery through obstacles and challenges testing one’s physical limits, mental abilities, and even character and values. Located just south of Manila, Camp N is convenient for bonding among coworkers, families, and friends looking for active fun this summer season.

“We designed Camp N in such a way that outdoor play and self-discovery are integrated seamlessly so people can enjoy bonding while being surrounded by nature. Camp N’s philosophy— expressed through providing people outdoor amenities where one can commune, learn, grow, and interact socially— jive perfectly with the sustainable philosophy of Nuvali being an eco-community,” said John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.

Carmen Brias bares her Filipino soul in balikbayan exhibit, “In A New Light”

Spain and the Philippines are bound together in art through Carmen Brias’s comeback exhibit titled “In A New Light” showing at the Altro Mondo gallery in Greenbelt 5, Makati City on March 3. “In A New Light” will feature the Madrileña’s latest works in painting and sculpture, and focuses on the intimate relationship between the two countries from the artist’s unique perspective.

Brias was born in Manila and lived here until her teenage years before her family moved to Madrid, where her mother, distinguished portraitist and Presidential Medal of Merit for Art and Culture Awardee Betsy Westendorp founded a painting school.

“As an artist, my soul is Filipino. Most of the inspiration for my art comes from my childhood in Manila,” said Brias.

“Being close to nature and the animal world growing up, I became sensitive to nature’s vibrations, of what is “unseen”, as in The Little Prince, “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” I feel that the Philippines is placed strategically in a certain part of the world where energy vibrates in a different way; everything is always moving.”

Profil Holidays Celebrates 25 Years Of Service Around The World

For the last 25 years, Profil Holidays had helped thousands of Filipinos explore more than 100 countries in five continents, giving them a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable experiences.

From an earnest dream that started in a single 20-square foot room at the height of the Gulf War, and fueled by the dream to provide Filipinos services that set the benchmark in the travel and leisure industry, Profil Holidays had since given Filipinos a chance to see the world through enriched experiences made possible by travel.

Philippines hosts ATF 2016

The Philippines played host to 10 ASEAN member nations for the biggest regional event in the travel industry – Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016. The forum, which gathered all the member countries’ tourism sector representatives, showcased the ASEAN region as a prime tourist destination.

Joining the annual event were the tourism representatives of the 10 member nations including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. With the theme ‘One Community for Sustainability’, ATF 2016 aimed to project ASEAN as a beautiful and versatile single destination that will attract more tourists and strengthen ties among the various sectors of the ASEAN tourism industry.

Shop at SM, enjoy a Red Carpet family experience at Hong Kong Disneyland!

120 lucky SM Supermalls shoppers will be flown to Hong Kong for an unforgettable trip with the families at Hong Kong Disneyland

From February 12 to March 13, SM will be giving 30 lucky SM patrons a unique and memorable Disney experience joining Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other Disney friends for Hong Kong Disneyland 10th anniversary celebration!

Shoppers are invited to visit SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa and SM Seaside City Cebu beginning February 4 to get a glimpse of the resort’s magical 10th anniversary celebration. Patrons are welcomed to shop at any SM Mall to get a chance at winning a holiday trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, creating magical and memorable moments for their family. Winners will receive round-trip airfare (economy class), 3-day-2night hotel accommodation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and 2-day Hong Kong Disneyland park tickets --- all for an entire family of four (4) persons.

The Biggest Lights and Music Show is Back at the SM Mall of Asia

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is back for its 7th year at the SM Mall of Asia and it is an even bigger and better show than ever! Twelve countries will display their awe- inspiring fireworks performances in a shower of lights amid a symphony of sounds.

This year’s much-awaited pyrotechnics event will be held every Saturday, 7:30 pm at the Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia. Starting on February 13, with the Philippine Platinum Fireworks team showcasing their skills together with LusoPirotecnia from Portugal. On February 20, it will be ParenteFireworks from Italy against Pyrotex Fireworkx LTD from United Kingdom, while the Atlas Pyrovision from USA and Royal Firework from the Netherlands show off their skyline expertise on February 27.

Experience The Special Celebration of Chinese New Year At Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel

Herald the Lunar Year with joyous celebrations, traditional festive goodies and sumptuous feasts at Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel, set to take place on February 7, 2016, 6:00 pm to 12:00 mn.

To celebrate the year of the Fire Monkey, Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel has prepared an array of traditional Chinese activities. The celebration will kick off with a Lion Dance and Taoist Blessing to bring good luck to the whole Filipino and Chinese community. There will also be snippets of Feng Shui forecasts and predictions for the upcoming year. 

In addition, the hotel will also host its first ever Search for Little Emperor and Empress of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel. The contest is open to all children around the country from age 5-9 years old, who will compete in Chinese New Year costume, talent showdown and question and answer portion. The winners will be the face of Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel’s print and online advertisements.