Back Where it Began: Big Bad Wolf Book Completes 2024 Tour with Return to Cagayan de Oro

Manila, Philippines – Big Bad Wolf Books comes full circle as the world’s biggest book sale returns to Cagayan de Oro to wrap up the year with one last amazing book sale for the year. Big Bad Wolf Books’ grand epilogue is set to take place at the 5th floor of SM CDO Downtown beginning December 6 to 16, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

After several book extravaganzas all over the Philippines, Big Bad Wolf Books circles back to where the year’s excitement started. This is a special moment as it presents the Kagay-anons an excellent opportunity to reflect on their reading journey, reminiscing their first book sale experience and seeing how far they’ve come as readers. Big Bad Wolf Books’ return is more than just a book sale event. It’s a celebration of a year filled with awesome adventures and epic stories. 

Being the first stop of the tour, Cagayan de Oro raised the bar high for Big Bad Wolf Books’ 2024 journey. As the year comes to a close, Big Bad Wolf Books promises a perfect finale by giving Kagay-anons the ultimate book lover’s paradise. 

 

Present at the opening day, Big Bad Wolf Books Project Director Ley Almeda expressed her excitement for the final book sale of the year. “We’re absolutely thrilled to begin and end the year with an awesome event here in Cagayan de Oro!” She shared, “When we first came here last February, we were welcomed with so much enthusiasm. It’s truly remarkable to see that not even a year after, the book sale has attracted another great crowd.”

Big Bad Wolf Books’ Regional Head Bernard Lee was also at the event to welcome the Kagay-anon crowd. He remarked, “We’re ecstatic to see the people of Cagayan de Oro so passionate for books.” Commenting on Big Bad Wolf Books’ 1M New Reader Mission, he said, “WIth the overwhelming support we’re receiving, there’s no doubt that we’re closing the year with an incredible number of people falling in love with reading.”

 

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale offers over 2 million books at unbelievably affordable prices. From the latest releases to classic bestsellers, titles from every genre imaginable are yours to grab at the book sale. Plus, with prices up to 95% off and going as low as P20, it’s a great time to update your collection of reads and also cross off those last-minute gift shopping lists without straining your wallet.

To further lighten up the load on your year-end book shopping, Metrobank is also back with its exclusive promo. Credit cardholders can enjoy a 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000. With such a fantastic deal, attendees can fill their shelves with literary treasures. 

Completing the quest to 1M New Readers, Big Bad Wolf Books continues to invite people to come discover reads that will inspire a love for reading at the final book sale of 2024. Staying true to its mission to improve literacy in the Philippines, Big Bad Wolf Books brings the Red Readerhood Program along to Cagayan de Oro. Through this initiative, Big Bad Wolf Books aims to share the gift of reading to communities which have limited access to quality reading materials. By checking out books for donation at designated counters at the book sale, attendees can be a part of this meaningful initiative. Donated books will be handed over to DSWD, which will then disseminate them to children, schools, and other communities in underprivileged areas to give them the opportunity to discover the transformative power of reading.

 

Kagay-anons, don’t miss the chance to end the year with wonderful reads, amazing deals, and unbeatable discounts. Get your “happy ever after” with Big Bad Wolf Books and head over now to the book sale. Follow Big Bad Wolf Books’ social media pages to stay updated! 

 

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)  

Saying Hello To 2022 (or quite perhaps 2020 Part 2)

Good morning from my end, and much apologies for the dreadfully punny, cheesy title. What were you expecting, a heartfelt letter on how I would experience post-New Year enlightenment and yammer on about how it will be a blessed 2022? Oh, sweetie.

Here you see an obligatory picture where I seem to dramatically contemplate on wherever the currents lead me in this journey of life, as the wind sweeps past my legs and brings with it the bitter tang of sea salt and unforseen circumstances to arrive my way. Why I even stuck it there, I have no idea. But go ahead and enjoy the view while you still have the time, because 2023 is closing in quicker than I thought and it is a matter of time before we realize that one day, we will be nothing more than dried husks clawing for the sweet nectar of halcyon memories that can never return.

On that somewhat cheerful note, Happy New Year (I guess)!

Temporary Hiatus Cut!

I guess I'm back from the dead, huh.

Apologies for the long hiatus. For the sake of this blog's existence, I'll just leave something I made in here (since the video is too large to upload):

https://twitter.com/JacquesDeBillyB/status/1311664302466629634.

3rd Ayala Centrio Art Tents to Showcase Filipino Global Talents, Raise Funds for Tent City

February is National Arts Month and in keeping with tradition of being the home of the local arts and creative community, Ayala Centrio will again host “Art Tents” from February 7 to 12, 2020 at the Activity Center.

Art Tents is a 5-day affair whereby Ayala Centrio turns its grounds into spaces for painters, animators, designers, poets, writers, performers and visual artists to share their work and expertise and where mall-goers indulge in various artistic experiences. 

Now on its 3rd run, the event this year will also take a major leap as it will not only showcase the unique craft of well-experienced, global artists but will also aim to raise funds for a tent city. 

“What started as a community project has now certainly evolved into a colorful, safe and exciting avenue that everyone looks forward to and learns from every year. Ayala Centrio takes tremendous pride in this synergy that we have with the community,” shared Ayala Centrio Mall General Manager Hammer Roa. 

The resource speakers for the art talks are the following: 

Unchalee Anantawat – Born in Bangkok, she studied animation in Melbourne. In 2012, she and her friend Thomas Menard opened “Speedy Grandma,” an independent-run space that aims to support local and international artists and give them an alternative to the Thai contemporary art scene. She also opened “Poop Press,” an independent publisher that aims to energize the self-publishing culture in her native Thailand. 

Leeroy New – Born in General Santos and now based in Manila, multidisciplinary artist Leeroy has worked on immersive and psychedelic installations in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Japan, Sydney, Thailand, Taipei, Singapore and Melbourne. His work intersects with different creative industries including installation, sculpture, fashion, production design, costuming and performance. He was a recipient of the Asian Cultural Council residency in New York in 2015 and was part of the Singapore Biennale 2008. 

Anjo Bolarda – An artist, muralist, graphic designer, illustrator and cultural worker. His works have been exhibited in several local and international venues. He will also be creating a mural at the Centrio Garden. 

Karl Adrian Aguro – Based in Cagayan de Oro, this graphic designer runs Uncurated Studio, a one-man graphic design studio founded in 2017. He won the championship during BluPrint Magazine’s 6th Design competition under the graphic design category in 2016. His works have also been published in BranD (Hong Kong) and IndieType (China).

Chingkee Te-Motoomull – The woman behind homegrown milk tea shop, Chingkeetea. She is part of a community that knows how to appreciate the value of art, the people behind it and the role it plays in the business setting. Currently, she is running 5 branches of her milk tea shop. 

Chris Gomez – A mentor accredited by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship under Product Development, Chris was a finalist in the Habi Kadayawan 2019 Fashion Accessories Design Competition (Professional Category). A multidisciplinary creative and advocate for sustainable design, he creates relevant works that push his philosophy of solving problems without sacrificing good design. 

Ivan Macarambon – An award-winning artist, Ivan uses a wide range of materials, techniques and styles, He makes murals, assemblages, 3D objects, installation art, sound art and digital art. He was a finalist in the Lethbridge 20000 Small Scale Art Award in Brisbane and the ANL Mission to Seafarers Maritime Art Award in Melbourne, Australia’s national still life painting award. He also served as representative of his region in the Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts from 2004 to 2007. 

Zola Gonzalez-Macarambon – Currently studying at Monash University (Australia) and working towards a PHD in Film, Media and Communications, she is a teacher and writer from Cagayan de Oro. Her poetry has been published in Tingog Nanay (2017, University of San Agustin), Best of Dagmay 2 (2016, Ateneo de Davao University), Yes, Poetry, Misfit Magazine, The Literary Yard, Zombie Logic Review, among others. Her work was also featured in Peril’s Asian-Australian Arts and Culture, 10th anniversary Asians To Watch Out For issue. Patrick Gabutina – The person behind Tinabuan Arts and Crafts. 

Patrick has more than 34 years combined experience in a multi-faceted career that has connected the arts, public service (in capacities as elected official, government employee and consultant and education. He earned an MA in Government Management from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. 

During the 5-day event, there will be booth workshops, maker’s market, film marathon, indie music, public art and live mural painting. 

Ayala Centrio also partnered with the Ayala Foundation in rebuilding a tent community in Kidapawan. 

In addition, eco tote bags will also be made available from February 7 to March 31, 2020. Designed by Melissa Abuga-a, a Kagay-anon visual artist and a participant of Art Tents as well, each eco tote bag will be sold for Php 180, the proceeds of which will be added to the donation to Kidapawan. 

Among the exhibitors and workshop resources this year include Lei and Lyle, NAGMAC, Hands At Work, Indie CDO, CDO Film Society, Bowerbird, Anjo Bolardo, Write Script, D Vision, Oro Arts Guild, Bam Garibay, Artsada and Dan + Deva.

Happy 2020!!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Sharing to you what I've made lately. I made me and my family a chibi version as our family picture. If you can't find me, whale, I'm the one wearing black shirt with a white headphone. Since I'm the artist, I had the privilege of altering myself, eheheheh....

Below is the original pic. Just need to make some changes coz you will not definitely recognize me if I go with this one ✌

CDOBloggers' Christmas Party 2019

Hey Guys! Miss me? Sorry, I've been missing for some months. Forgive my inexcusable absence but going to a new school has taken a lot of tool in me. I know it's not an excuse but I have no other excuse.. if you get what I mean. 

Finally, it's Christmas vacation and now I have some time to blog (apart from extending my sleeping hours then spend the rest of the day doodling in my sketch pad). 

This afternoon, I was finally able to join CDOBloggers' Christmas Party along with my mom. Honestly, I was a bit awkward coz I've been M-I-A in a lot of events in this great Organization for the past months. So, I was a bit guilty --- but excited, too. My mom just helped me create my PayMaya account and I was hoping to win some games to get some, you know, PayMaya credits! (and I did! yay!). It was also a bit odd on my part being the youngest in this org coz they decided that we come in our 50's attire. Well, mom and I went for those (badass or bratty?) girls in the 50's called The Forgotten 1950's Girl Gang (ha. ha.). See our pic below. But I think we just look casual...🤔

The party took place at the Mezzanine room at the 2nd floor of The VIP Hotel. I only have few pics in our party so I guess I'd rather share with you the food that was served that day.

Lechon

Pancit

Pinakbet

Bulalo soup 😋

And how lovely are these? You may think these are cupcakes but they are actually soap. Got one for myself and it smells like perfume :-) 

Cyberlegends Taking E-Sports by Storm at SM CDO Downtown Premier

Welcome to Mobile Legends!

Cyberzone the leader in tech and innovation in the country is also now taking the E-sports by storm with its latest tournament, CYBERLEGENDS. 

“With the fast growth of the gaming community, we aim to take it a notch higher as we offer Filipino e-gamers and fans an extraordinary experience through live tournaments and exclusive access to the latest in tech in select SM malls,” said SM Supermalls Senior Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin.

Cyberzone’s Cyberlegends is the first of the three big gaming tournaments for this year and it’s powered by Smart/PLDT & Samsung.  Mobile Legends enthusiasts, amateurs and pro gamers can win P300,000.00 of total cash prizes at stake and freebies from Cyberzone brand partners. 

Cyberlegends will happen at SM CDO Downtown Premier on May 25, on the 29th of June at SM Seaside City Cebu, at SM Pampanga on July 14 and finally at SM North Edsa of the 24th of August.

You have slain an enemy!

No matter what your tech interest is, whether it be gaming, virtual reality, tech upgrades, cosplay, photography, music, or other hobbies – there will be something for you at Cyberzone. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com.

CDOBloggers' First GMM at Seven Seas

CDOBloggers had its first general membership meeting last May 11, 2019 at none other than Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort, and as usual...I was one of the last ones to arrive 👏👏.

Where is Waldo?

Supposedly, we would have been there in time for the speech, the highlight of the event and perhaps the food, so technically it was my fault that we were late due to a hitch in my schedule. And supposedly—I have to be honest here—I, a first-timer, wouldn’t have high expectations for the waterpark after having to deal with many twists and turns in the road.

Now Playing: Welcome To The Late Parade

No surprises—it surprised me (the irony of the sentence, lol). The first thing that greeted me once we were granted access to the premises was the cool mist sprayed everywhere to give a certain beachside effect to it, and that was already it (kudos to their creativity!). Next was...again, the food. Granted, it was reserved for the event, but damn—the salad, the beef, the iced tea and the pumpkin soup won the grand prize. Looking back on it, I regret being too anxious about the waterpark’s time-limited features, because I lacked the time to properly appreciate how good the food was.

Be my guest!

I don’t regret trying out the rides themselves, though—or more accurately, at least a fraction of the waterpark experience. Being an open hydrophobic, it was quite silly of me to freak out at first at the Mighty Maui River, but soon enough it grew on me like a drug. Unfortunately, it closes by five PM, and I am fairly certain I mentioned my severe lack of punctuality for this event.

But on the upside, Buccaneer Bay largely compensated for the fun I missed. Or, per say, as much fun as a self-proclaimed shut-in can have, because it mostly involved laying down on the “coast”, randomly “sitting” or “standing” around at about two feet below the surface, or bobbing around like an oversized toddler in a (my English has begun to diminish, my apologies) salbabida. And like every other ride, it is under a time limit of until six. Bl0@dy h*11...

There's Waldo!

For a first-timer such as I myself, I’d say that the waterpark adventure back there was worth every second. And if you ask me, I’m willing go back there one day and ditch a bit of my hydrophobia for more of the experience. Maybe I’d be lucky enough to try out more of the pumpkin soup... c(*w*c )

Fare thee well, hombres!

Kagayan Food Tour 2018: Part II

Lord Thanatos is back again, my dear readers (If I have one, er, uhm, hope so...), and as of now I'm just missing out on almost all of the pictorials in exchange for the butt-caressing comfort of...the couch. (Okay, that sounded dumb.)

The past few hours have been hectic and frustrating. I'll just get straight to the point, so let's all pretend that the road rage and extreme in-vehicle swearing never happened, alright? Good. Buckle your seat belts, kiddies...

(Note: Had to hold off the little journal-writing project for a while due to some inconveniences and a six-week interval regarding the examinations. And perhaps a disastrously lazy Christmas vacation. Thanks for considering :D)

Due to some mad parking-lot traffic, I went inside Seda ahead of my mom (and can you believe she just drop me off and let me ride the elevator by myself?!) in order to get the memo. Take note that when I say memo, I mean I would just look right over where there is the most attention and try to glue them in my mind and hopefully not be like a goldfish. Ah, such is the life of an unreliable blogger... As for my mom, she almost turned crazy for not being able to make it on time. So much for traffic and madness.
 

Before you get worried about me, I was met by my blogger aunt when I arrived at the 4th floor of Seda Hotel just in time for the program to start. The opening ceremony was spectacularly stellar, really, but I was mostly entranced by the soundtrack (thanks, Ready Player One!), the smell of food, the appearance of Miss Cagayan and the animation projected on the wall (yes, I have such an eye for detail...XD). But the spotlight goes to the choir group for their amazingly synchronized performance of classic Christmas carols. 

Since we were told to wear something blue, I wore my denim dress. But I never thought it would be quite formal. Luckily, I'm just a teenager who could easily get away with any formalities. It was actually a cocktail party so expect that the food served were - finger foods. I was bit hesitant to get some drinks, afraid that I might get the hard one and went home with mom drunk...geez, that would be terrifying.

At least I got the memo right. Me in denim.

Anyhoo, lemme share with you some pics of the foods that night. I guess you could tell people were starving based on the pictures.

Told yah people were starving

What's left of barbecue or kebob

...AND THAT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING! >:D

So, after we had a bit of a dinner in Seda (sadly, I was still starving by the time we got to the car), we went to our next venue, Superstar KTV bar. Yes, I know what you are thinking. "But Chloe, you're supposed to be a minor!" Everyone knows I could be easily kicked out by the bouncer, but since Micah Izabel (treasure of my heart♥) and I were accompanied by legal adult guardians and blogging privileges, we got lucky. Very, VERY lucky...and I am not talking about the dancing ladies that I never noticed. Because, in a separate place and a separate time, I have to give the award to their food.

You have to admit, for a place I never really expected to go to (and never expected to be allowed to go to), they served the best dinner. That, or perhaps I was just starving. Nachos drowned in cheese, fried chicken, fries, cocktails (I'm still a minor, so I don't know), and the ambrosia of the gods--kinilaw. Lord, it was the best dinner you would ever have if you could tolerate loud karaoke, pounding vibrations on the floor, and the fact that your age depends on it. The Superstar KTV staff were kind enough to let us stay as long as we want, but due to other matters to attend to, some of us kids (specifically, two of us only) had to go home. Kinda sad, since I still didn't finish my coke yet but well, we can't always get what we want.

Spicy chicken with fries & Nachos (partly cropped in the pic)

Kinilaw - best kinilaw ever!

 As a whole, those two food tour days really did give me a bit of an experience. At least, as much experience a kid halfway becoming a hermit can have. I was able to relieve my tongue of fresh new tastes that don't involve the same takeout meals from everyday, and I gained some insight to the bountiful resources (oh, yeahhhh!!!) that Cagayan de Oro provides its inhabitants and visitors. Hopefully, I and my fellow bloggers would have another foodie experience again...and maybe, just maybe, go back to that same friggin' bar. XD

Kagayan Food Tour 2018: Part I

My mom and I arrived at 4:34 pm at Pane e Dolci. We were told to go to the second floor and it was a bit quiet since a group of bloggers were still at another venue...and I just gained a fear of wooden floors. Ho, boy. Maybe I was just tensed or excited coz it was the first food tour that I ever attended.

How did I get here?

At 4:41 pm, a party of bloggers arrived riding the colorful Odyssey van. Looking down, I recognized Tita Ruby and few others.

4:45 pm Ensaymada was served on our table and I was tempted to eat but hesitant to do so coz nobody's eating it yet...oh, bloggers... they were too busy taking pictures on the snacks, and the place. 

Later,the bottle was served on our table and I thought it was wine...but it was actually water. Quite disappointed that it wasn't... but why should I? I'm still 15 years old (contradicting my statement, am I?)

4:51 pm, Oh-la-la, my prayers were answered! Itadakimasu!

At 4:55 pm, a promotional video was shown, it was cute and catchy. And while we ate our snacks, Sir Mark Antony Lacuesta, business partner of the chef further explained to us about their business, what they offer and what are their bestsellers. His barista also showed us how to make coffee. They said they can even tweak the flavor to whatever we want in order to have our preferred taste...sounds interesting.

They said the best age for coffee is 7-12 days. As the coffee ages, they adjust the grinding of coffee from coarse to...*insert blender noise*...it just interrupted my bad hearing.

At 5:15 pm my coffee was served. Whoah, it looks s-e-x-y! However, it tasted so bitter I had to add more sugar until it became too sweet to drink. Dang, what have I done?

I wasn't able to keep track of the time anymore because it started raining hard. We left Pane e Dolci very much grateful for the accommodation and for giving us a box of their famous Sylvannas.

Our next and last stop that day was at Boy Zugba. Despite the heavy downpour of the rain, we were able to reach our destination at dinnertime. I got suddenly famished seeing all the food the staff prepared on the table. 

But bloggers being bloggers, we have to do our duties first -- taking pictures of the glorious food! I could only imagine how these foods would soon go down to my esophagus and to the depths of my intestine. Er, that sounds unappetizing.

When we finally settled down and enjoyed our meal, Boy Zugba staff suddenly stopped serving to do some dance number. But I was too busy eating and enjoying the sumptuous food that I don't recall what music was played and how they stopped dancing. Blame it on the good food. I went home full and satisfied. Never thought Food Tour could be this fun.

That's all folks!

Cebu Pacific Blogging Event 2018

Last September 17, 2018, the very distinguished CDOBloggers were invited by Cebu Pacific held at Giuseppe Restaurant. Whale, I was very glad to be part of it (*red blush on my cheek*). We were brought through an orientation about saving the environment from the terrors of plastic and how it affects our environment. They also had fun trivia games and our group won--YAY!--thanks to that genius blogger since I didn't have a single clue of what's the correct answer to the questions being asked.  

I'm not sure exactly, because as always, I always join events as long as they have food (*horrified gasps* *cue paper cups thrown at my face*). Okay, okay...sorry.

So, yeah, we got freebies (thank you) consisting of a small stuffed Sebby (is that how I spell the name or is it Ceby or Cebie or *horrifically explosive lobotomy*) ohmygods  IT'S CEB (gasp of revelation...thanks Google).

Before the program's over, Cebu Pacific gave us a set of metal straws in the name of Mother Nature and a little phone-lock-thingy.

Thanks for the educational orientation, Cebu Pacific. And perhaps the freebie tickets. (Hopefully I'd get one myself next time...kukukukuku~)

YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD WEIRDO, BACK AT YOUR SERVICE

I HAVE RETURNED FROM THE DEAD! THIS PLANE OF REALITY CANNOT ESCAPE ME NOW! *evil laughter*

 

Correction: I cannot escape this plane of reality. WE cannot escape this friggin' plane of reality. Admit it.

 

So...I'm back, guys. And so far, I haven't even posted (as much as started) all the things I've planned to write down. I haven't posted the Wonder Woman movie  (sorry) or even Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War and every single action movie for the year 2017-2018 (forgive me, bloggers, for I have sinned). Not even Crazy Rich Asians (please don't kill me). I haven't even written down my whole year as a ninth-grader, for Cthulu's sake! *deranged, frustrated Gerard-Butler-screaming*

 

I take back that previous statement. I don't even want to talk--err, write about my Junior year. And on a completely unrelated note, I suggest you read Lovecraft. Going back to the subject...

 

It's been a long time since I actually wrote down something that peaked at my interest, and almost everything interests me that now my brain is jumbled into Azathoth-looking fizzy bits (okay, enough description). I'm horrendously busy these days but at least I got my mum to thank for saving my sorry, writer's-blocked butt several times. There's school, there are new responsibilities I've never heard of but earned anyway in that same school, and...social life.

 

'What?!' You would exclaim, wondering how the alignment of the stars gone wrong and why Fate has decided to direct her scorn upon this innocent (pffft) dimension of reality. 'Chloe Orteza and social life? Those do not belong on the same sentence!'

 

Yeah, I know. I, the Cagayanon introvert of all Cagayanon introverts, made great friends. But yes, I laid off my blogging career--if it's a legit career at all--for my (very much skewed) priorities. The unfortunate part of that is my English just started slowly dwindling and I will NOT give you the write to blame me, because you can blame the new environment I'm in. Okay, that sounded a little harsh. Expect some wrong grammar, rushed sentences, a load of sarcasm and completely unrelated notes and references. All of them, courtesy of me--a lazy and halfway depressed kid who wastes time on games, food and depression episodes and still has no idea what all the good boys and girls would like to have for their 2AM read-ups. Assuming I have any late-night readers at all...so if you would like to make any corrections to my grammar, let me know.

 

It's the year 2018, and honestly? I'm glad to be back here: staring at a glaring white screen writing about my reflections on life (and more ads) while listening to Coldplay and A7X. And reflecting on life. Such is the life of Chloe Alexandra Orteza.

 

 

MARLA ELISE

I'm pretty sure I've told you that I'll blog about my CCS months one way or another, right? Okay, here we go!

You see the girl in the drawing? That's my friend Marla--a perky, outgoing, friendly girl whose 80 percent of her personality is pretty much opposite of mine. But otherwise, we're really great friends ever since...(cue the DO NOT ASK neon sign). Honestly, she's a friggin' bright and happy spot in this CCS life. And she's...I should stop gushing. Geez.

So just earlier during the summer, I decided to make her a drawing--my first full-colored drawing--because usually I only do that for a select few people, so ya better feel honored if this tsundere named Chloe Alexandra likes you...in platonic terms such as this amazing human being named Marla Elise (hides behind an Aegis). I should draw more people, seriously, but I'm horrendously lazy.

Who should I draw next, huh...?



Share The Love this Christmas Season with exclusive treats from PayMaya

It’s a great time to be a PayMaya account holder this Christmas season with lots of discounts, rebates, and freebies coming your way. Use your PayMaya to shop and complete your holiday gift list so you can share the love to family and friends during this season of giving.

“Christmas is a season of giving, and we’re happy to help our customers share the love over the holidays with PayMaya. This is our way of thanking our customers in helping us achieve a very fruitful year as the leader in digital payments in the Philippines,” said Paolo Azzola, PayMaya Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director.

Spreading the Christmas cheer to all is also made easier with exclusive discounts to PayMaya account holders when they shop at Lazada and Zalora. Users can enjoy an additional 20% discount when they shop at Lazada until December 15 by using the code PYMYDEC.

Meanwhile, fashionistas looking to complete their holiday outfits can look forward to a 20% discount this month when they shop at ZALORA, simply by entering the code PAYMAYAHOLIDAY upon checkout. The discount rises to as much as 25% during Zalora’s Online Fever sale event on December 12 to 15 with the code PAYMAYAFEVER25.

These discounts are on top of the already deep discounts being offered by Lazada and Zalora this December.

Get as much as P1,250 on referrals with PayMaya in Facebok Messenger 

With PayMaya, it’s easy to let your friends and loved ones know that you care about them. And with PayMaya in Facebook Messenger, both of you can feel the love as well!

Simply sign up or link your existing PayMaya account in Facebook Messenger and refer friends to sign up too and you will both get P50 in your PayMaya accounts.

To do this, all you have to do is share the promo link that you will receive from PayMaya in Messenger to up to 25 friends with Android devices to start earning the referral bonus. Subscribers of all mobile network in the Philippines may sign up until December 19 and get the bonus amount, which will be credited to their accounts in 2 to 3 business days.

“All of these privileges highlight that paying with your PayMaya is now better than simply paying with cash. Using their PayMaya accounts, shopping online and in-store, sending money to others, and purchasing load or paying bills is easier than ever. We can’t wait to share even more exciting things and experiences exclusive to PayMaya account holders that we have in store for the coming months,” shared Raymund Villanueva, Issuing Head at PayMaya.

Getting a PayMaya account is easy and instant. Just download the PayMaya app via iOS or Android and register.

A million ways to #ShareTheLove

With PayMaya, there are a million ways to share the love to your friends and family because all PayMaya app registrations, physical card activations, and purchases worth at least P1,000 from today until December 23 will earn raffle entries for PayMaya’s #MerryMillionaire promo.

Users stand a chance to win P10,000 in the weekly draw and a whopping P1 million tax-free in the grand draw, which will give them even more reasons to spread the love to others this holiday season.

And to make it even more convenient to load your account, PayMaya has further expanded its long list of loading partners to include all branches of Cebuana Lhuillier and ExpressPay, as well as the online banking platforms of RCBC and Metrobank.

This is on top of the more than 15,000 top-up facilities already available nationwide such as Robinsons Department Store Business Centers, SM Business Services, TouchPay kiosks, 7-Eleven, Palawan Pawnshops, Shopwise, Wellcome, 2Go outlets, Petron stations along NLEX, and Smart Padala centers down to sari-sari stores in grassroots communities, and Unionbank ATMs.

PayMaya Philippines, the country’s pioneer and leader in cashless payments, is the digital financial services arm of PLDT’s Voyager Innovations. To know more about its products and services, visit www.paymaya.com.

Hey Sugar! Shares Insider Waxing Tips to Kagay-anons as it Opens its Newest Branch in Centrio Mall

Get set for your smoothest skin ever as Hey Sugar's expert aestheticians share important waxing tips as it opens its newest branch in Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro.

You've taken the time to make sure you only go to experts, made sure they only use the best, highest quality, all-organic natural ingredients, might as well take the time to learn about what it takes to care for our post-waxed skin.

Here are a few insider secrets straight from the aestheticians of the go-to destination for all-natural, sugar waxing - Hey Sugar!

• Skip the lotion on the day of your appointment. For best results, we'll need clean, dry skin.
• Stop shaving at least two weeks before your appointment. Hair needs to be long enough to lie flat on your skin. Those who shave typically have hair grow back uneven, which makes removing hair using wax difficult.
• Give your skin some breathing time after you wax. Your skin will be exposed and sensitive.
• Avoid the sun after a wax. So don't schedule your appointment on the day before you leave for the beach.
• In general, avoid exposure to extreme heat, including saunas, steam rooms and hot showers. Go for old water post waxing.
• Don't wear tight clothing after an appointment, particularly synthetic lycra you usually wear as workout clothes, which also means this is your best excuse to skip the gym.
• Begin exfoliating a couple of days after waxing to make sure that you prevent ingrown hairs.

If you have any questions, just ask your Hey Sugar! aesthetician. They'll be mor than happy to answer any concerns that you may have.

You can trust that Hey Sugar will make your waxing experience healthier and more comfortable because they only use 100% naturally hypoallergenic sugar wax that minimizes side effects such as allergic reactions and chemical irritations caused by traditional wax. With this, you'll get a gentler but no less effective way to keep your skin smooth and hair-free.

Drop by Hey Sugar! located at the 2nd level of Centrio Mall and expect a clean and inviting waxing haven and leave it all to the hand of expert aestheticians trained to deliver the best sugar waxing services.

Happy Brows Opens Its Doors in the 'City of Golden Friendship'

In case you haven't heard the latest in 'brow news', the newest brow salon which seems to be the answer to every girl's beauty dilemma is finally here in Cagayan de Oro! Happy Brows brightens up everyone's day with the opening of its second branch in Centrio Mall this November 15, 2017.

If you think you've watched enough YouTube video on how to do your brows but still feel unsatisfied, now is the time to raise the matter and leave it to the brow experts. It's time to get in shape-your perfect eyebrow shape! Warm smiles will greet you as you enter and in no time, 'Happy Brows' friendly team of expert brow technicians will walk you through the path to your soon perfect brows. They offer professional consultation to determine the best and most ideal brow shape according to your unique facial features. After this enlightening step, brow shaping takes place skillfully and meticulously. Prepare to get coz in a brow salon because Happy Brow's interiors will definitely make you giddy inside.

What sets Happy Brows apart from all other brow salons in the country is that they are the only one who delivers professionally done, perfect brows every time and on top of that, you get a free eyebrow make-up to complete your look. For those with trust issues, their Money-back Guarantee would sit well with you.

With Happy Brows, you're confident to walk out looking extra and ready to win the compliments from your family and friends. Close friends will ask about how your day was and how your brows went from zero to hero and you would enthusiastically share because Happy Brows is something that you don't keep as a a secret; Happy Brows is something you can't wait to burst out to every friend because real friends look out for each other's brows.

Aside from excellent brow services, Happy Brows also offers lash perming, lash extensions and hair removal services for a total beauty treat!

Ready for a brow-makeover? Visit Happy Brows at the 2nd level of Centrio Mall now and be the first to tell your friends about it! Follow them on Facebook at /HappyBrowsPH for the latest updates and exciting promotions.

Jeon Jungkook Portrait

(This is a work in progress artwork. Finished copy is already with the owner.)

A friend asked me to draw a portrait of Jeon Jungkook of BTS and this the closest I could make. I hope I didn't disappoint her (and K-pop fans as well) but she seems happy with it.This is one of the things I've been busy doing during our semestral break. I still have pending drawings, though, but hope I could find time to finish them. Oh well.

It’s National Pampering Day at Nailaholics on October 17! (PR)

The long wait will finally be over tomorrow as Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa welcomes you once again tomorrow, October 17, 2017, for another real pampering treat at the celebration of the National Pampering Day. 

Relieve your stress and make sure to drop by at any Nailaholics branch nearest you from 10 AM to 1 PM to get a free pampering service of your choice. You may choose to get a soothing manicure, relaxing foot massage or a calming foot spa. 

And best of all, by simply participating in this year’s National Pampering Day, you will be able to support the cause of your chosen organization. You can extend your help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City by supporting World Vision, help protect our country’s rich but threatened marine and coastal resources when you support Save Philippine Seas or support The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in preventing animal cruelty. 

“With all the preparations we’ve made, we are very excited to welcome everyone tomorrow and make them feel that they deserve real pampering” said Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa. 

This is a once a year treat only from the number one pampering destination in the Philippines – Nailaholics. See you all tomorrow and Happy National Pampering Day! 

Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and Instagram @_nailaholics.

Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa Celebrates the 2nd Year of National Pampering Day

When it comes to pampering on a national scale, Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa holds the only spot. After introducing the celebration of the National Pampering Day last year, Nailaholics is back at it again this 2017 with an amplified nationwide celebration of relaxation that everyone is looking forward to this October 17.

The National Pampering Day got off to a good start last year where Nailaholics offered free manicure service and a stress relieving hand massage from 10 AM to 12 NN on all their branches nationwide. This year, everyone will be treated to a free service of their choice: a soothing manicure, calming foot spa or a relaxing foot massage.

“We Filipinos are very hardworking in any given aspect of our lives and a nation of energetic and industrious people best deserves real pampering once in a while. This year, as Nailaholics celebrates the 2nd National Pampering Day, we go deeper and dedicate this to everyone and remind them to take it slow, take it easy, zone out and relax for a while.” said Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

“With last year’s success of the National Pampering Day, we are back this year with a bigger and much more enjoyable day of pampering. In partnership with the number one salon brand and most beloved nail lacquer brand in the world, O.P.I., National Pampering Day 2017 will accommodate more guests with the extension of pampering time until 1PM. Also, the best thing about this year’s National Pampering Day is that it will be in support to World Vision, The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and Save Philippine Seas” added Amaro.

So save the date and get ready to park away any thoughts of work because the only responsibility you have is to loosen up. Wind down and head down to any Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa branch on October 17, 2017 (Tuesday) from 10 AM to 1 PM and get yourself a free relaxing manicure, foot spa or foot massage. 

Let Nailaholics’ skilled nail technicians take care of you for a little while and walk out of this Hamptons-inspired nail salon feeling refreshed and ready to bring it on again. Grab this once a year treat only at the country’s top destination for relaxation and real pampering. 

Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and Instagram @_nailaholics.