Countdown to Christmas | 100 Days of Joy at SM Supermalls.

SM Supermalls is ringing in the holiday spirit with its 100 Days of Joy countdown, spreading cheer and generosity all over the Philippines. Every day from September 16 to December 25, SM will be giving back to the shoppers and communities that have made the malls a joyful place all year round.

With 86 malls nationwide, SM is proud to serve as community hubs and the setting of countless memories, cultural celebrations, and everyday delights. Every day until Christmas, SM will be sharing a video showcasing how each mall has found new ways to make the merriest season of all shine even brighter for their local communities.

The Bears are Back

As with the previous years, SM will still continue its beloved Bears of Joy initiative. This time, however, the bears come with a more cuddly, fluffy look! The mechanics remain the same, though - for every bear purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading warmth and comfort to those craving the magic of Christmas. And for this year, SM is introducing Hug-A-Mood, a collection of huggable expressions that reflect the wide range of emotions children experience.

Countdown to Christmas

Starting September 16, SM will spread joy nationwide through a series of heartwarming surprises and festive activities. Shoppers can expect to be greeted by enchanting light projections across its malls, each displaying a cheerful “100 Days to Christmas” greeting alongside vibrant decorations. This dazzling display will set the tone for the holiday excitement, signaling that the season of joy has officially begun.

As we countdown to Christmas, SM calls on everyone to embrace their communities and spread the joy of the season. Whether through the Bears of Joy initiative, nominating communities for special recognition, or simply enjoying the holiday atmosphere at SM malls, there are countless ways to share the Christmas spirit.

Let’s make this Christmas season the most meaningful one yet by embracing the communities that make our families and lives so much bigger. Let the countdown begin!

Best Ways to Ease Your Baby's Teething Symptoms.

As a parent, you will do whatever you can to ease your baby's discomfort, such as giving her organic gripe water for stomach discomfort. Once teeth begin to come through, which typically begins around the age of six months, your baby will more than likely exhibit discomfort, which is not fun for her or you. The good news is that teething symptoms do not last forever, and there are things that you can do to help minimize and ease the symptoms so that your baby is more comfortable.

What Are Teething Symptoms?

There is a good chance that your bathroom cabinet is stocked with a wide variety of baby wellness products so that you can quickly attend to symptoms or issues as soon as they arise. To prepare for teething, it is a good idea to be able to recognize the symptoms so you can take prompt action at the first signs. 

The first thing to understand is where and when the first teeth come in. The first teeth to appear are typically the bottom two front teeth, followed by the top two front teeth. This usually occurs between four and seven months, but it varies from one baby to another. Babies typically have a full set of teeth - 20 in total - by the age of 3.

Photo credit: Babycare Journals.

The most common symptoms and signs of emerging teeth include:

• Tender or sore gums
• Excessive drooling, which may result in a rash
• Crankiness and fussiness
• Chewing on a wide variety of objects
• Small increase in temperature
• Pulling their ear
• Rubbing their cheek
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits 

Although it is not fun as a parent to watch your baby in discomfort, know that it will not last for too long.

Easing Baby's Teething Pain

While your baby is dealing with teething discomfort, there are things you can do to ease the symptoms. There are numerous teething crackers available that are hard and give your baby something to chew on. Make sure they are unsweetened, however.

Cold tends to help minimize discomfort and swelling. You can wet a washcloth with cold water or put a pacifier in the fridge for a little bit. There are also teething rings and toys you can place in the fridge. You can also place them in the freezer for a quick cool down, but do not freeze them completely. Make sure to choose ones made with non-toxic ingredients. 

Applying a pressure against the gums helps minimize pain and discomfort, which is why teething toys help. You can also massage the gums with your finger, which your baby may also choose to chew on.

Although there are over the counter teething medication, you should avoid these. Some of them contain benzocaine, which should not be given to children under 2. Plus, they have not been shown to be effective. Instead, try something natural such as Wellements teething oil. It is made with organic ingredients and is free from allergens and preservatives, which helps soothe your baby's gums, and you can feel confident in the quality of the product.

Don’t miss out on McDonald’s Barbie or Hot Wheels Limited Edition Tumbler Free with every Happy Meal Collector’s Set!

The iconic toys loved by children all over the world are back again at McDonald’s, and this time, they come with an even greater deal! The Barbie or Hot Wheels Happy Meal Collector’s Set lets you get your money’s worth with four delicious meals, four Barbie or Hot Wheels toys of your choice, and a FREE limited-edition tumbler starting at PHP 399!

With the Happy Meal Collectors’ Set, it is easier and faster to complete all Barbie or Hot Wheels designs! You can also opt to mix and match the toys that would go with your four meals and FREE tumbler. It’s perfect not just for kids, but also for young-at-heart fans of Barbie and Hot Wheels who have love for and interest in fashion and cars.

McDonald's Happy Meal Barbie toy collectibles.

Spark imagination and creative thinking with Barbie, whose various roles and careers empower children to celebrate their limitless potential. The Barbie Happy Meal features different roles.

Also making a comeback at McDonald’s is the #1 selling toy in the world for four years! Hot Wheels Happy Meal includes the Gazella-R Jump, Twin Mill Hoop, Bone Speeder Track Switcher, and Blitzspeeder Blast-off Gate—a fast-action toy line with cool track systems that kids will truly enjoy. Watch your children unleash their thinking and problem-solving skills every time they open their Hot Wheels Happy Meal toys. You can even help them create their own amazing courses and stunts for a fun bonding experience!

McDonald's Happy Meal Hot Wheels toy collectibles.

Don’t miss the chance to score a great deal and bring happiness to your little one today! Order a Barbie or Hot Wheels Happy Meal or a Collector’s Set— available during breakfast and regular hours via McDelivery, Drive Thru and Take Out! For more information, follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook to stay up to date on all McDo announcements.

McDonald’s Brings Fun and Mischief with the New Minions 2 Happy Meal!

From the hit Despicable Me franchise, the world’s favorite little yellow trouble makers are back with more mischief as they arrive in the nearest McDonald’s store near you! 

The new Minions 2 Happy Meal is now out! :)

Adding in to the fun of the family’s holiday celebrations, McDonald’s introduces its newest set of collectibles with the Minions 2 Happy Meal. These much-anticipated toys will come in 15 new designs, with their quirky yellow charm making it hard for anyone to resist. But the fun doesn’t stop there— each Minion comes with a rare Golden Minion version, making this collection all the more special. To add to the excitement each Minion toy comes in a mystery ball capsule for that surprise unboxing moment, making the hunt for each design all more thrilling! 

Get a chance to find and take home the rare Golden Minion!

Every purchase of the Minions 2 Happy Meal also lets you spread the happiness to others! Through the Happy Meal Buy 1 Share 1 Program, McDonald’s matches your purchase with a book or toy to be donated to another child from partner beneficiaries in areas affected by the recent typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The program runs until December 31 so don’t miss the chance to make someone’s holiday a bit brighter.

What are you waiting for? Happiness awaits when you take home these yellow creatures. Head on to the nearest McDonald’s store to get your Minions 2 Happy Meal via Dine-in, Take Out, or Drive Thru, or order via McDelivery starting December 18.

For more information, follow McDonald’s Philippines official Facebook at fb.com/McDo.ph, Twitter at twitter.com/McDo_PH, Instagram at instagram.com/mcdo_ph, join the McDo PH Viber Community, as well as the following link for store updates: https://www.mcdonalds.com.ph/store-locator 

 

Miniso Opens in SM San Pablo!

After months of eager anticipation, an unexpected change in schedule, and a few more weeks of waiting... Miniso SM San Pablo is finally open!

The first lady of San Pablo City, as well as Miniso VIPs, gracing this momentous occasion.

The Japanese fast fashion brand, which has gained global popularity for its wide range of household and consumer goods, has found a new home in SM San Pablo. And together with my friends, we trooped to the mall today to witness the opening ceremonies, and of course, do a bit of shopping.

We Bare Bears at Miniso!

Attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies isn't exactly my style, but I was willing to make an exception for Miniso. I've developed quite an interest for the brand after its breakthrough appearance in the hit 2016 Korean drama Goblin, where the lead characters Kim Shin and Ji Eun Tak were seen shopping at the Miniso store in Lotte World Mall. But what solidified me as a huge Miniso fan was their collaboration collection with one of our favorite animated shows, We Bare Bears. 

We Bare Bears plushies, Php 399 each.

These adorable bears were the main reason why I wanted to be at Miniso today as soon as the store opened. I wanted to get my hand on these plushies as early as possible, because from what I've heard, these items sell like hotcakes! True enough, almost everyone headed straight for the bear stack as soon as the ribbon was cut and the store was declared officially open.

Here are some of the We Bare Bears items that you can find at Miniso SM Pablo.

We Bare Bears water bottles, Php 179.

We Bare Bears neck pillow, Php 229.

We Bare Bears facial tissues, Php 149 per pack.

We Bare Bears tote bag, Php 229.

We Bare Bears steam mask, Php 179 per box.

Aside from these three adorable bears, Miniso also has Pink Panther and Moomin products, all licensed by MGM and Moomin Characters Ltd., respectively.

Pink Panther plushies, Php 299 - Php 499.

Pink Panther key ring, Php 179.

Moomin hand mirror, Php 179. 

Pink Panther notebooks, Php 179.

Pink Panther makeup palette, 299.

Moomin power bank, Php 799 - Php 999.

Other interesting finds at Miniso include these makeup brushes, perfumes and body mists, makeup, and toys. They also have arts and crafts supplies, computer peripherals, and even kitchen tools! 

Beauty brushes starting at Php 179.

Perfumes and body mists starting at Php 99.

Makeup items starting at Php 99.

Toys starting at Php 149.

If one-stop shopping and affordable prices are your thing, then swing by Miniso this weekend and check out their wide array of products. Their San Pablo branch, which happens to be their first in Laguna and the 59th store in the country, is located at the second floor of SM San Pablo right across Kidzoona.

And before I end this post, allow me to share with you my Miniso haul. I got all three bears, yay!

My Miniso haul!
We Bare Bears plushies (Php 399 each), We Bare Bears Children's Towel (Php 179, pack of two),
We Bare Bears Steam Eye Mask (Php 179 pack of five), Pink Panther Makeup Palette (Php 299),
Screen Cleaning Kit (Php 99),
TOTAL: Php 1953.

Seoul Searching | Children's Day at Lotte World Mall.

Children's Day may have long been over, but this will always be Yue's favorite Korean holiday. After all, he has been part of this occasion for two years running.

In Korea and Japan, Children's Day is celebrated every 5th of May. Parents often give presents to their children, as well as spend quality time with them. More often than not, the children are taken on excursions to zoos, museums, parks, and other venues with kid-friendly entertainment.

Last year, I took Yue to Seoul Forest, where he fed deer by hand, went bird-watching, and enjoyed the beauty of nature as we strolled around. This year, we chose to go to the Lotte World Mall because we heard there'd be lots of fun activities on Children's Day. And true enough, there was already a great buzz happening when we arrived at the place. Kids were crowding around the mascots that made a surprise appearance at the Lotte Department Store!

Miniso mascot, and the Miniso pop-up store at the first floor.

Dokkaebi!

Snorkmaiden!

Playful Moomintroll!

The house-cleaning hamster, Ebichu!

More Children's Day photos after the jump!

Seoul Searching | BrickLive Centre in Starfield COEX Mall!

After our memorable star-spotting experience at the Red Carpet Ceremony of the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards, Yue and I headed to the Central Plaza of COEX Mall for a bit of window shopping. As we made our way to the adjacent Live Plaza where most of the shoe brands are located, we came across a new establishment that made Yue's heart skip a beat.

BrickLive at Starfield, COEX Mall!

It's the BrickLive Centre, an interactive experiential space for Lego fans. Not to be confused with the BTS-inspired cafe in Thailand, BrickLive was initially launched as an exhibition at the Korea International Exhibit Center (KINTEX) in Ilsan. The month-long event was well-received by the Lego-loving fans in South Korea, which led to the opening of a permanent space in Starfield COEX Mall. 

Someone can't contain his excitement!

The BrickLive Centre opened its doors to the public in early March and features five zones - the Play Zone where kids (and even kids-at-heart) can play to their hearts' content;

Ca't rub the smile off his face, haha!

Find Yue! :)

Busy day at the Play Zone!

the Education Zone, which offers art and cooking classes for a fee as part of the BrickLive Curriculum; 

Class in session.

the Gallery, where you can marvel at awesome Lego structures;

Some of the displays can be touched. :)

Photo ops are most welcome.

It's been awhile, Gandalf!

Mario and Luigi and the rest of the crew.

Totoro!

the Merchandise Zone, where you can purchase Lego sets and official BrickLive merchandise; 

Lego Minifigures on display.

One of mt favorite Korean movies of all time.

and the Cafe, which serves cute and colorful Lego-themed desserts and pastries.

Lego Minifigure cookies.

Macarons. 

Cupcakes.

Mini cakes.

Chocolates. 

And more cupcakes!

The Cafe has a nice and cozy ambiance - perfect for parents to sit back and relax while their kids are in class at the adjacent Education Zone, or have a cup of coffee as their kids play with the racetrack and brick pits at the nearby Play Zone. 

Adults chillin' at the BrickLive Cafe.

I sat on one corner with this macaron as Yue joined the other kids at the architecture building table. I let him play for an hour or so, and he had a blast building with bricks of all shapes and sizes. We could have stayed longer, if only I did not have dinner duties (ergo, shopping for ingredients + cooking dinner) that night.

Brickhead? :)

We'll definitely visit this place again on our next Seoul Searching trip. Hopefully, the Minecraft build zone will be open by then. I reckon Yue can spend an entire day at BrickLive Centre and never get tired of it! :)

BrickLive Centre

Live Plaza
Starfield COEX Mall

Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Apgujeong-ro

+82 2-551-1760