Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Delicious Culinary Adventure at SM Supermalls.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a gastronomic adventure at SM Supermalls from January 18 to January 31! Embark on a journey through flavors highlighting only the best Chinese restaurants and their must-try dishes to make your festivities even more special. Not sure where to eat out? Here are some delectable spots to celebrate the festivities:

Paradise Dynasty

SM Aura, SM Podium, S Maison

Known for the world’s first 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao, Paradise Dynasty is a must-visit for dumpling lovers. Each soup dumpling has a unique flavor, from black truffle to ginseng, szechuan to crab roe, making every bite a delightful surprise. Don’t miss their signature La Mian noodles and the mouthwatering Charcoal Custard Lava Bun for dessert!

Sichu Malatang

SM Mall of Asia, SM Podium

Dive into the numbing and deliciously fiery world of authentic Malatang hotpot, a Chinese classic perfect for chilly weather. Sichu Malatang lets you customize your bowl with your favorite ingredients and spice level. Tatler recognized it as one of the best hotpot spots in Metro Manila, so it’s a must-try for hotpot enthusiasts.

Honolulu Café

SM Aura

Step into Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene at Honolulu Café. Their signature egg tart is a flaky, creamy masterpiece you won’t forget. Pair it with their BBQ pork buns, curry fish balls, or a comforting bowl of Hong Kong style noodle soup with fried egg.

Lugang Café

SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM City Davao

Lugang Café offers the finest in traditional Taiwanese cuisine. Indulge in their Three-Cup Chicken, Beef Noodle Soup, and a variety of dumplings that burst with authentic Taiwanese flavors. The classic taste of their Cantonese Iced Milk Tea is the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Tong Yang

Multiple SM Locations

For those who love variety, Tong Yang’s unlimited hotpot and grill is the place to be. With an extensive selection of fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables, you can create endless combinations to satisfy your cravings. Pair it with a selection of dipping sauces for a truly customized experience.

Tim Ho Wan

SM Seaside City Cebu, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia

Treat yourself to Tim Ho Wan’s iconic Baked BBQ Pork Buns. These sweet-savory buns are a crowd favorite and a must-try for any foodie. Other notable dishes include their flavorful Pork Dumplings with Shrimp and their lightly fried Beancurd Skin Roll.

Modern Shang

S Maison, SM BF Parañaque, SM City Clark, SM Mall of Asia, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Sta. Mesa

Modern Shang delivers elevated Chinese classics with a twist. Their Crispy Fried Noodles and Deep-Fried Squid with Spicy Salt and Pepper are showstoppers that will have you coming back for more. Don’t forget to try their savory Deep-Fried Chicken, which pairs perfectly with their signature fried rice.

Din Tai Fung

SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall

Home to the world’s most famous Xiao Long Bao, Din Tai Fung is a must-visit destination for a Lucky Feast! Watch as these delicate soup dumplings are made fresh before your eyes and savor their signature pork Xiao Long Bao. Pair your meal with their Shrimp and Pork Wontons with House Special Spicy Sauce and Mango Sago with Pomelo for a complete dining experience.

Don’t miss this flavorful celebration of Chinese cuisine during the Year of the Snake festivities at SM Supermalls. Download the SM Malls Online app for dining deals galore!

From Modern Shanghai to Hap Chan, SM Malls Online will ensure that you enjoy the best meals and deals this Chinese New Year.

Pru Life UK welcomes every future & every new year with PRU Love!

With a strengthened commitment to providing better financial protection for every Filipino, Pru Life UK celebrates the start of the Year of the Wood Dragon. Over 200 Pru Life UK leaders, agents, clients, and employees joined and wished everyone PRU Love during the festivities held at the heart of its Escolta branch in Binondo Manila.

PRU Life UK ushers in good luck through its annual traditional Lion Dance
at its China Jade office located in the historic street of Escolta.

The leading insurer maintains its top position in New Business Annual Premium Equivalent & total Premium Income from Variable Life Insurance products according to the Insurance Commission’s Life Insurance Sector Quarterly Statistics for Q3 2023. Read the recent NBAPEreport.

Pru Life UK’s products are made accessible through its over 42,000 digitally-empowered agency workforce and like-minded partners.

Leading life insurer PRU Life UK kicks off the Year of the Wood Dragon in the bustling streets of Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.

The Company recently launched PRULove for Life – an affordable, limited-pay, whole-life participating plan for as low as Php 87 per day* with lifetime coverage up to age 100 and flexible payment terms of 5, 10, 15, or 20 years to pay. To know more about PRULove for Life, talk to your Pru Life UK agent today or visit Pru Life UK's website.

Pru Life UK is also committed to driving up financial awareness, literacy, and inclusion in the country by leading industry discussions and programs for the community. Its PRUBabies campaign seeks to protect 175,000 newborns with free insurance coverage against select infectious diseases such as Dengue, Typhoid, Measles, and Malaria.

*Payment amount calculated for a 10-year plan for a 20-year-old customer

Seoul Searching | What To Do in Seoul During Seollal.

Happy Lunar New Year!
Today marks the first day of the Seollal holiday in South Korea - a three-day event to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Seollal holiday starts on the day before the Lunar New Year, and ends on the day after it. This year, the actual day of Seollal falls on a Tuesday, February 5; and with the weekend before it, Koreans get an extra two days to enjoy the Lunar New Year festivities.

One of the most important holidays in Korea, Seollal not only marks the passage into a new year, but also gives families the time and opportunity to bond, pay respect to their ancestors, and enjoy a bountiful meal. Majority of the business establishments in Korea are closed during this time (it's a national holiday, after all), but tourist attractions and destinations remain open to the public, hosting various events and cultural activities.

If you're in Korea for the Seollal holiday, here's a list of things to do and places to visit to make the most out of your Lunar New Year trip:

Join a Temple Stay Program.
In a Temple Stay Program, participants can experience Korean culture and immerse oneself in daily monastic life. To celebrate Seollal, various temples across the country will host special temple stays and offer Seollal-related activities such as playing traditional Korean games, commemorative rites for ancestors, and New Year's bow to the Buddha after the Buddhist service.

Bongeunsa Temple in Gangnam and Jogyesa Temple in Jongno are some of the temples in Seoul that host Temple Stay Programs.

Customary visit to Bongeunsa Temple whenever we're in Seoul.

Visit a Hanok/Folk Village.

A great way to learn more about Korean culture and experience how Koreans traditionally celebrate Seollal is by visiting a folk village or a hanok village.

The Korean Folk Village in Yongin welcomes the Lunar New Year with traditional activities such as jisinbalgi (praying for abundance through music), daljiptaeugi (sheaf burning/traditional campfire), eating tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup), and fortune-telling. Kids can also experience fun activities such as making kites, playing with tops, and even ice sledding when they visit the Korean Folk Village during this time of the year.

Meanwhile, the Namsangol Hanok Village is all set for the Year of the Pig, with a 6-meter inflatable pig standing tall (more like sitting, actually) in the cultural plaza. Musical performances, cultural plays, traditional games, and food festivals are all part of Namsangol Hanok Village's Seollal celebration.

Photo credit: Namsangol Hanok Village Facebook page

Explore the Grand Palaces of Seoul.

If you're a fan of Korean dramas, no trip to South Korea would be complete without visiting any (or all) of the royal palaces in Seoul. There are five of them in total - Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung, and all of them are located in central Seoul. 

Exploring the palaces is a great way to get to know the metropolis, learn about Korean history, and appreciate historical architecture. During the Seollal holiday, admission to the royal palaces will be free of charge. Visitors will also have the chance to participate in traditional rituals such as tea ceremonies, bowing before elders, and receiving saebaetdon (New Year's gift). Traditional games such as yutnori (traditional board game) jegichagi (hacky sack), and tuho (darts) are also included in this year's Seollal activities.

From L-R: Unhyeongung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace.

Visit a museum.

Seoul is home to a plethora of museums and galleries, which feature everything from South Korea's rich and eventful history to its present status, at the helm of innovation and technology. Some of the note-worthy, must-visit museums are the National Museum of Korea, the Seoul Museum of History, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the War Memorial of Korea. 

The National Museum of Korea in Yongsan is currently hosting a special exhibition to commemorate the 1100th founding anniversary of Goryeo, the kingdom established by King Taejo. On display are paintings, celadons, sculptures, and craftworks dating back to as early as 918.

National Museum of Korea.

Also located in Yongsan is the War Memorial of Korea, a museum/national monument dedicated to Koreans and non-Koreans who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. The museum houses more than 30,000 artifacts displayed in the indoor exhibition hall and at the outdoor exhibition area. Admission is free, and the War Memorial will be open throughout the Seollal holiday.

War Memorial of Korea.

On the other hand, the National Folk Museum of Korea will be hosting the 'Seol Grand Festival' for the Year of the Pig. The festival will kick-off on the day after Seollal with special musical performances, fortune-telling sessions, and traditional games. Arts and craft activities, food sampling, and fun activities for the kids are also included in the program. If you're born in the Year of the Pig, you'll even have a chance to receive a bokjumeoni (fortune pouch) as a New Year's gift.

Seoul Museum of History.

If calligraphy is your thing, head over to the Seoul Museum of History in Jongno for a special calligraphy event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn some calligraphy basics and write postcards as souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. Kids will also be treated to an afternoon of fun and games as they learn about Seollal traditions. 

One of the displays at the Seoul Museum of History.

Have fun at amusement parks. 

South Korea also has an impressive selection of theme parks, with Everland, Lotte World, and Seoul Land topping the list. All three theme parks are open all-year-round, and they offer special promos in celebration of the New Year.

Lotte World, for instance, has a special discount exclusive for foreigners. By simply presenting their passport or ARC (alien registration card), foreigners can get as much as 50% discount on passes to Lotte World.

Lotte World Adventure.

Aside from amusement parks, tourist attractions such as the COEX Aquarium, N Seoul Tower, and Seoullo 7017 will be open during the Seollal holiday period.

Sae-hae bok mani badeuseyo! 

May you receive many blessings this year, and hope you enjoy your Seollal holiday in South Korea!

Tupperware Brands for a Happy New Me!

Xin nian kuaile! Sae hae bok mani baduseyo! Happy Lunar New Year, everyone!
Today is a special holiday here in the Philippines, and the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your family - go on a road trip perhaps, or take the kids to somewhere fun.

We were supposed to hie off to Playa Laiya today for some much-needed Vitamin Sea, but Mum wasn't feeling too well when she woke up this morning so we had to cancel our beach trip at the last minute. The kids were slightly disappointed that they couldn't go for a swim, but Mum managed to cheer them up by ordering pizza (lol). As for me, I'm using this extra time to catch up on my work backlog and take product photos for the blog.

Several days ago, I received this blogger mail from Tupperware Brands Philippines. It's the 'Happy New Me' package - a selection of beauty, skincare products, and fragrances developed to care for and indulge your skin and senses. Coming home to this wonderful gift after a harrowing, five-day stay at the hospital definitely made me smile - a happy new me, indeed!

Happy New Me package. Thank you, Tupperware Brands Philippines!

Included in this lovely bundle are the following products:

VitaClear Oil Control Facial Deep Cleanser and VitaClear Oil Control Facial Deep Cleanser for Men.

White Result Glutathione Hand & Body Lotion.

Possibilities Hand & Body Lotion.

Fruity Blooms in Frangipani & Brown Sugar.

Colorfull Summer Treats Lip Balm in Cool Peppermint and Cool Strawberry.

Colorfull Pink Glow Cheek Magix Cream.

A Little Romance Fragrance Rollette.

Colorfull Satin Lipstick in Midnight (left) and Fierce Red (right).

I love the cute and colorful packaging of the makeup items. They're the most eye-catching products in the bundle, and my favorite products in the bunch. Expect an extensive review of each item  - complete with swatches and all - in the coming days.

I also love how most of the products come in travel-friendly sizes. If you're a long-time follower of this blog and my social media pages, then you probably know that we travel quite often and that I never travel without my beauty and skin care essentials in tow. Looks like these products will be doing a bit of traveling very soon, especially the Vita Clear Facial Deep Cleanser for Men. I'll bring it along for my husband to try.

Yue, on the other hand, has called dibs on the Cool Peppermint Lip Balm. His perennially parched lips has made him an avid fan and regular user of lip balms, and he was thrilled at the sight of a new lip balm in his all-time favorite 'flavor', peppermint. The lip balm has now found a new home in the side pocket of his school bag, haha!

Many thanks to Tupperware Brands Philippines for sending products that I can share with my family!

Thank you, TWB! :)

Get to know more about Tupperware Brands and their products by following their social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TupperBrandsph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tupperwarebrandsph/

Improve your luck, or make your own.

My Mum has this penchant for zodiac signs, psychic readings, and feng shui ornaments for as long as I can remember. So imagine her joy when she received a Laughing Buddha figurine on her 50th birthday. It was a gift from my parents-in-law, and the figurine looked something like this.

Happy Buddha.

One of the most popular symbols in feng shui, the Buddha has always been associated with abundance and prosperity. Feng shui experts often suggest having a Buddha inside your home - be it a small figurine or a three-feet statue. Having one, so the experts say, entails money, success, and good luck.

This Laughing Buddha, however, not only attracts wealth, it also ensures the owner happiness and peace in his or her life. Legend has it that the Buddha is most pleased when he sees people transforming their problems into happiness. It is said that the Buddha enjoys scooping up all the unhappiness, problems, and worries of human beings and stuffing them all inside his big bag.

Here you see the Buddha holding an inglot with his left hand, while carrying gold coins, another symbol of wealth, with his right. The Dragon Tortoise, which the Buddha is riding on, also symbolizes wealth and prosperity. This legendary symbol combines the powers and attributes of the dragon and the tortoise - two of the four spiritually endowed creatures of Chinese symbolism.

It sure would be nice if we can acquire all the good luck that these ornaments bring. Of course, we shouldn't rely on them alone. You know what they say, luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get.

Happy Lunar New Year!

새해 복 많이 받으세요!!! 

Saehae bok manhi baduseyo!!!

Gong xi fa cai! Xin nian kuai le!

Happy Lunar New Year!

New Year Greetings and Love from Lee Jun Ki!

With his comeback drawing near, Lee Jun Ki made his presence felt by posting his New Year greetings on his homepage. "Receive a lot of luck in the New Year" was the message he wrote in 24 different languages. But instead of using his recent picture, he attached this instead:

Photo credit: start006

Little Jun Ki wearing the traditional Hanbok! His charm was imminent even at an early age.

And as if his this was not enough to run giddy shivers down my spine, I came across this video that made my shriek in delight.





I couldn't stop smiling after seeing this. Thank goodness my husband is not around, haha! This giddiness would make him turn green, but of course he wouldn't admit he's jealous over a Hallyu star, lol.
Be still my heart, it will not be long now. February 16 is barely a month away. 
Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! Same goes for you, my kkonminam! :)