Monday, September 29, 2025

Tanduay's Embasssy Whisky: A Quiet Kind of Chill



A Quiet Kind of Chill

Having your closest confidantes by your side on calm evenings with soft music and perfectly dimmed lights has a certain allure.  No hurry, just pleasant emotions.  It's the type of energy that the appropriate spirit fits into, not loudly, but as if it were supposed to.  One company in particular, Embassy Whisky, has made an appearance throughout those times.

A quiet favorite among people who appreciate good taste without the loudness, this Tanduay beverage is smooth enough to drink neat and also great to blend in a cocktail without losing its identity.  A well-crafted pour that feels like it is a part of the evening rather than its focal point, without any extravagance or glitz.
 

Crafted with Whiskies Aged and Distilled in Scotland

Embassy is the type of whisky that you notice because it meshes so well with your rhythm, not because it calls for attention.  You can relax with just one drink.  It begins with a mildly smoky scent that is loaded with notes of wood, ripe banana, and faint peat.  Malt, oak, banana, and subtle hints of honey and vanilla are among the characteristics that emerge on the palate along with a smooth, well-balanced, and light sweet body.

“Embassy Whisky is made by blending neutral grain spirit with whisky that is distilled and aged in Scotland, bottling it at 65 Proof to achieve that light and easy-to-drink profile. The whisky blended into Embassy is made only from malt whiskies matured for at least three years in oak casks to preserve their oak-influenced character and subtle peat notes that root it in Scotch tradition. You can sip it neat to appreciate its sweet malt, banana, and vanilla notes, or try it on the rocks to mellow the sweetness and bring out more of the woody and mild peat tones. Because of its lighter body and 32.5% ABV, it also works well as a mixing whisky by pairing it with soda water or cola. For those new to whisky, starting with a simple highball (whisky and soda with ice and a citrus juice) would be an ideal way to enjoy Embassy without overwhelming the palate.” ~Janno Gironella, head of Tanduay’s Research & Development


With its relatively light body, sweet and fruity notes, and lower alcohol content at 32.5% alcohol by volume or ABV (standard ABV for whiskies is 40%), it caters to those that want an easy-drinking spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed and those who are trying whisky for the first time.


A Tribute to the Quiet Strength of the Filipino
 
The kind of chill that Embassy Whisky brings is something Filipinos embody. It’s the calm confidence that comes from overcoming daily challenges, of steadfastly putting in the hard work despite the obstacles along the way, and celebrating the small wins in the company of the most genuine circle of friends.



“Embassy Whisky is crafted with the hardworking Filipino in mind — a tribute to the people who carry the weight of everyday life with quiet strength. It reflects the spirit of the Philippines: resilient, grounded, and always finding time to share moments of ease. It brings a sense of comfort and belonging. It is a whisky that welcomes you at the end of the day and makes simple moments feel more deserved.” ~Gem Leonard Boy, Brand Manager at Tanduay

Embassy Whisky is a product of Tanduay Distillers, Inc. It is available in stores nationwide and online through www.shots.ph, and its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

COLAB Cafe Unveils Exciting New Menu and Cafe Essentials Line



The COLAB Tea Coffee, a daring blend of the delicate scent of jasmine tea and the robust notes of Sagada Arabica beans, is the menu star.

Fans of matcha will adore the new and improved Matcha Latte, the cool Jasmine Matcha Cloud Tea, and the colorful Sun-kissed Matcha Latte, a tropical twist that blends silky matcha with mango and peach jam.




The highlight of the launch are the Smoothies featuring fun, flavor-packed blends:
  • Backlog Smoothie – Strawberry-Mango Jam with Jasmine Tea base, tea jelly, and COLAB Cream
  • Deadline Smoothie – Peach-Mango Jam with Jasmine Tea base, tea jelly, and COLAB Cream
  • Overtime Smoothie – Grape-Pineapple Jam with Jasmine Tea base, tea jelly, and COLAB Cream




COLAB Cafe also proudly presents its Cafe Essentials range, which includes the COLAB Fruit Jam Series (strawberry, peach, mango, grape, and pineapple) and COLAB Pure Matcha Powder. These products are ideal for individuals who wish to replicate the COLAB experience in their homes.
“This menu is our way of celebrating creativity and collaboration through flavor. We wanted to craft drinks and essentials that feel playful yet refined—something uniquely COLAB.” ~Ms. Koko Tamura, Chief Operations Officers and Co-Founder of COLAB Cafe





Guests can try the new menu by visiting COLAB Café at the 2/F The Vantage at Kapitolyo, West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City or conveniently order through GrabFood by searching “COLAB Cafe - West Capitol” (https://tinyurl.com/3thtdppd


For updates and more information, follow @colabcafeph on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok.











About COLAB Cafe
COLAB Cafe is a creative hub and specialty café located in West Capitol, Pasig. Inspired by collaboration and innovation, COLAB Cafe continues to offer thoughtfully crafted drinks and café essentials that bring people together over coffee, tea, and good conversations.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

DigiPlus strengthens player protection with surety bond for BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone



The nation's leading provider of digital entertainment, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which also owns BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, today announced a historic alliance with Philippine First Insurance Co.  Inc. (PhilFirst), the first domestic insurance provider in the nation.  Together, they have established the first-ever surety bond program for online gamers in the Philippines, therefore raising the bar for player protection.  The program is instantly effective.




As long as their eKYC (electronic Know-Your-Customer) information is current and they continue to play within the platform's rules, gamers will have greater peace of mind each time they log in.  They now enjoy BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone knowing their wallets and balances are even more protected, whether they are casual gamers or devoted fans celebrating a significant win.

This program provides eligible athletes with an additional financial safety net.  Without requiring clients to buy an additional policy, the surety bond protects player balances up to ₱1 million per player.

“DigiPlus is proud to be the first in the industry to roll out this level of consumer protection. We are committed to putting our players first. With this surety bond, they can play confidently on BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, knowing that their funds are safeguarded.” ~Eusebio H. Tanco, DigiPlus Chairman

DigiPlus' dedication to dependable customer service and protection is reinforced by this most recent action, which adds the surety bond to its 130+ physical BingoPlus locations countrywide and round-the-clock customer support—both of which are already dependable and convenient for players.

By adding the surety bond, DigiPlus is further elevating industry standards by providing its clients with a more robust assurance of trust, security, and peace of mind in addition to entertaining and cutting-edge gaming options.















About DigiPlus Interactive Corp.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

About PhilFirst
PhilFirst Insurance is the first Filipino domestic insurance company in the Philippines, offering a wide array of non-life insurance coverage to individuals and corporations.

Established in 1906, PhilFirst provides insurance services for homes, motor vehicles, personal accidents, travel, liability, marine, engineering, and bonds. The Company is dedicated to delivering excellent and personalized service to ensure customer satisfaction while addressing the needs of its partners, brokers, agents, and stakeholders.

We maintain a team of highly competent and motivated employees who adhere to our corporate values of excellence, integrity, creativity, innovation, and social responsibility.

At PhilFirst, we’re proud to bring our 119 years of insurance expertise into the digital entertainment space through this groundbreaking partnership with DigiPlus. Protecting the hard-earned funds of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone players reflects our promise to keep evolving with the market while staying true to our core mission: giving Filipinos peace of mind so they can fully enjoy life’s opportunities. This surety bond is more than a product – it’s proof that PhilFirst is ready to safeguard customers wherever innovation takes them.


Thursday, September 18, 2025

Joyful Finds to Jumpstart Christmas at SM Center Sangandaan



As the holiday season approaches, it's always a good idea to lighten the atmosphere with happy discoveries to bring out the best in each of us.  Here are a few of the deals that can be found at SM Center Sangandaan that are excellent for giving or just making you smile.


Practical Stationeries at Miniso


Get some high-quality, reasonably priced stationery from Miniso in SM Center Sangandaan and give the gift of thoughtfulness.  For classic Christmas treasures, Miniso is the place to go. They have everything from strong ballpoint pens to 2-way colored pens and pocket notebooks, among many other items.


Portable Appliances at SM Appliance Center


There's always something so charming about small but useful things.  Portable appliances that are ideal for small spaces or as presents for friends who recently moved into a new home may be found at SM Appliance Center.  Portable rice cookers, fancy-colored tiny electric fans, and flat irons without the bulk are some examples.


Upbeat Accessories from Broadway Gems

During the holidays, delicate accessories are essential for unique outfits.  You can rely on Broadway Gems in SM Center Sangandaan to provide stylish female accents appropriate for all the events and celebrations you will be attending this holiday season.


Customized Gift Ideas from Anything Creation


A thoughtfully considered individual present is the best.  At Anything Creation, their amazing line of vegan leather goods, including purses, wallets, keychains, and bags, emphasizes creativity.  Additionally, the store provides personalization options, guaranteeing that every aspect of your purchases is lovingly created.


Give in to your heart’s desires this holiday season. Jumpstart Christmas with joyful finds from SM Center Sangandaan. For updates and sneak peeks, visit https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Over 3,200 Career Opportunities Offered at Job Fair in SM City Grand Central Ahead of the Holidays

Jobseekers explored career opportunities at the recent Job Fair in SM City Grand Central, participated by 40 companies. Out of the 854 applicants, at least 101 job seekers were Hired-On-The-Spot. 


To help job seekers find employment, SM City Grand Central, in partnership with PESO Caloocan and DOLE Camanava, recently organized a job fair in time for the holidays. The event connected job seekers with employers who were eager to hire more people before the Christmas rush.


A thick crowd of applicants filled the 5th level of SM City Grand Central during the recent Job Fair, generating a total of 3,217 job openings across various sectors.


3,217 employment opportunities in a variety of sectors were created by the event, which took place on the fifth floor of the mall.  Employers from manufacturing, construction, retail, BPO, and hospitality were among the 40 companies who attended the job fair.

The event created 3,217 employment vacancies in a variety of sectors and was held on the fifth floor of the mall.  Among the 40 companies who attended the employment fair were employers from manufacturing, construction, retail, BPO, and hospitality.


An interviewer carefully discusses in detail the job openings and qualifications they look for in applicants at the Job Fair held in time for the holiday season in SM City Grand Central. 

An applicant sits for an interview during the Job Fair in SM City Grand Central. 


A combined total of 40 companies participated in the Job Fair at SM City Grand Central, offering various positions across Camanava, including SM Supermalls career opportunities. 


A number of initiatives, including the job fair at SM City Grand Central, are designed to boost the local economy by providing businesses with the staff they need to prosper during the holiday season and assisting individuals in finding employment.  The occasion emphasized the mall's contribution to job creation and community economic resiliency as businesses prepare for the busiest season.

Friday, September 12, 2025

SM Prime Launches Manual for a Waste-Free Future



The SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) campaign for a Waste-Free Future and its Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC model aims to make segregation simple, easy, and actionable. 

In the recent Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025), SM Prime launched the SM Waste Free Future Manual – a playbook that encourages individuals and communities to learn about RDC and building better segregation habits. 


Small steps, big impact 

In the Philippines, the country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste daily and an annual 2.7 million tons of plastic waste. A figure that will rise with urbanization and poor waste disposal practices. 

Inspired by the SM Green Movement’s strong call to action to make sustainability part of everyday life, SM Waste Free Future invites everyone to become part of the solution. 

The three categories, RDC, make sorting waste an empowering exercise by focusing on the word “able” meaning having the power, skill, or the opportunity “to do”.  The manual’s easy, practical, and inspiring read hopes to encourage readers to do just that –championing segregation systems and proper waste disposal. 





Photo caption: Limited number of copies have been printed in support of SM Prime’s sustainability efforts. A digital copy of the manual will be made available for download.

It also features innovative reuse programs of SM Prime’s business units that keep materials in circulation and out of landfills. When done at scale, each contribution can inspire others to follow, creating a ripple effect.  


Learn, practice, champion

Done with great reflection during its incubation stages, SM Waste Free Future presented a rethink of waste segregation habits and systems built over time.

“We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management solutions. This project is not specific to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives.” ~Hans “Chico” Sy, SM Engineering Design and Development President during the 2024 World Environment Day

Today, the campaign is deeply encouraged by institutions and agencies that strongly advocate developmental goals. 

“Proper waste segregation is an entry point toward a circular economy – one that goes beyond waste management to design out waste, keep materials in circulation, and regenerate natural systems. A waste-free future requires shared action from government, business, and communities. May this manual be a catalyst for deeper collaboration, innovation, and circular solutions that support national priorities and the global Sustainable Development Agenda – building systems across sectors that prevent waste, recover valuable resources, and protect our environment for generations to come.” ~Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Photo caption: Together for a waste-free future, SM Prime sustainability champions at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025. 


All together now

Together, we are stronger than we realize. 

To solve a mounting problem requires all hands on deck. SM Prime firmly believes that together, we can create a sustainable, waste-free future.  




















About SM Green Movement:
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the e, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

SM Supermalls and PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Join Forces to Promote Public Awareness on Cybersecurity



SM Supermalls and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) have formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held today at the SM Supermalls Headquarters Boardroom in MOA Square, Pasay City.




The partnership highlights SM Supermalls’ commitment to championing public safety and security by supporting the PNP-ACG’s efforts to raise awareness on cybercrime prevention. Under the agreement, SM Supermalls and SM Cinemas will provide free airtime for the PNP’s educational and awareness campaigns, playing their video advertisements across Cinema and LED screens in malls nationwide. These campaigns are designed to inform the public about the risks of cybercrime, promote responsible digital practices, and encourage proactive community involvement in ensuring online safety.




The PNP-ACG, the national law enforcement unit mandated to prevent and combat cybercrime, emphasized the importance of public engagement in maintaining peace, order, and security in both digital and physical spaces. The MOA signing marks a strengthened collaboration between government and the private sector to safeguard Filipinos against online threats.



“SM Supermalls is more than just a hub for shopping, leisure, and community gatherings. We are also a partner in ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos who visit our malls and live their lives online. This partnership with the PNP-ACG is an extension of our mission to provide a secure environment both offline and online.” ~Engr. Junias M. Eusebio, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls



This initiative forms part of SM’s broader advocacies in supporting government services, protecting public welfare, and building a safer and more informed community.
















About SM Supermalls Government Services
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving with You, SM Supermalls marks a new era of strengthening its commitment to public service by building on its greatest asset: its connection with the Filipino people. Through the Government Service Express (GSE), SM brings essential government services closer to communities by hosting key agencies in one-stop hubs across select malls nationwide. From ID applications and business registrations to permits and renewals, SM redefines the public service experience—making it safer, more convenient, and more inclusive. By building strong partnerships with government institutions, SM grows its social capital and empowers every Juan to access the services they need with dignity and ease.

Taste the thrill at SM Supermalls’ Food Fest this September



For Filipinos, food is an experience. It is the laughter shared over steaming bowls of soup, the thrill of discovering bold flavors, and the joy of chasing the latest food craze. This September, SM Supermalls turns up the heat with the Food Fest at SM—a month-long celebration of flavors, fun, and unforgettable moments!

With this year’s unbeatable dining deals and fresh food discoveries to vibrant markets, giant foodie installations, live music, regional cuisines, and even a paw-ty for pets, Food Fest at SM definitely serves up something for everyone to savor and celebrate.


Get first dibs on the best dining deals

From exclusive SMO Swipe Deals to group dining offers from your favorite restaurants, the SM Food Fest promises scrumptious promos that you and your barkada will not want to miss. Whether you are indulging in your comfort food favorites or discovering bold new tastes, a deal is waiting for you!





Discover new food trends at the Food Market

Craving the next big thing in food? Head to the Food Market where MSMEs and food tenants bring exciting new concepts to life. Get a taste of tomorrow’s food craze today with viral street eats and artisanal specialties you can only find here! 







Snap, share, and savor at the Foodie Snaps Village

Feast your eyes as much as your taste buds! The Foodie Snaps Village features larger-than-life food installations perfect for your next Instagram post. Strike a pose, snap a picture, and make your food fest moments unforgettable.


Groove and grub at Eats and Beats

Good food tastes even better with good music. Catch live busking performances from local artists and students at Eats and Beats while you enjoy your favorite meals. It is dining with a soundtrack you will love.





Explore regional flavors at Eats Local Fest

Journey across the Philippines without leaving the mall. Eats Local Fest celebrates the country’s finest regional cuisines, curated by renowned chefs and presented in awe-inspiring, large-scale displays. Every dish is a story waiting to be savored.


Treat your furbabies at the Big Bites Pawty

Food Fest is not just for humans because your pets are part of the fun too! Bring your furbabies to the Big Bites Pawty where they can enjoy a pet buffet and discover paw-some treats from pet food sellers.





Do not miss the biggest food celebration of the year!



This month, make every mall visit a feast of flavors, sights, and sounds. Food Fest at SM is your ticket to thrilling tastes, Insta-worthy moments, and unforgettable bonding experiences. So mark your calendars, bring your loved ones (and pets!), and join us at SM Supermalls from September 1 to 30 for a food celebration like no other!


Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media to know more and stay updated.

SM Supermalls and CSC Celebrate 125 Years of Philippine Civil Service with Job Fairs that Champion Public Service Careers



SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), continues to champion employment opportunities for Filipinos as it rolls out a series of Job Fairs nationwide this September.


The initiative forms part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), which highlights the enduring legacy of public service every September. Job seekers will gain access to job opportunities in national government agencies, local government units, government-owned and controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges. These job fairs offer job seekers the unique opportunity to find their purpose in public service.





Beyond Employment: Building a Nation of Servants

These job fairs go beyond recruitment. They highlight the critical role of civil service in nation-building, inspiring Filipinos to pursue careers that directly impact communities and transform lives.



“SM is honored to celebrate 125 years of Philippine Civil Service by opening our malls as venues where Filipinos can discover not just jobs, but meaningful careers in public service. By working hand-in-hand with CSC and our government partners, we continue to support an empowered citizenry and sustainable nation-building.” ~Steven Tan, SM Supermalls President

A Legacy of Service, A Future of Opportunities

The Civil Service Anniversary Job Fairs reaffirmed SM Supermalls’ role as a trusted partner of the government—helping agencies source their talents, empowering jobseekers to find stable and impactful careers, and bringing essential services closer to communities.





Through its #SMJobFair campaign, SM Supermalls remains committed to making opportunities in both the private and public sector accessible, convenient, and inclusive—transforming malls into gateways where ordinary Filipinos can build extraordinary futures.
















About SM Supermalls Job Fairs 
Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls nationwide—marks a new era of connecting communities and redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Through accessible job fairs across its malls, SM bridges job seekers with employers, creates livelihood opportunities, and empowers Filipinos—driving inclusive economic growth and workforce development nationwide.