7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

     The holiday season is the busiest time of the year; you’re likely running around to find the right Christmas presents, heading to overcrowded grocery stores to make your holiday feasts, and working long hours to make sure you have the budget to use. Take a moment to breathe and consider the reason for the season. If you’d like ways to give back, peruse this compilation of ideas and be the difference in others’ lives this year.

7 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

1. Tip With a Smile

     You likely have regular services taken care of, like hair, nails, or gardeners. Make sure you let these people know just how much you appreciate their care by tipping generously during the holiday season. Those who work during the holiday season are missing out on time with their family and friends, so make their efforts worth it by giving a tip that will bring some joy into their busy days.

2. Participate in a Toy Drive

     There are many children who go without gifts during the holiday season, and you can make a huge difference in their lives by donating a few toys. A few dollars from your pocket in exchange for a lifelong happy memory for a deserving child? I think that’s a fair investment.

3. Foster a Pet for the Holidays

     Fostering a pet might not have been the first charitable act to come to mind, but it’s a worthy way to spend your energy and time during Christmas season. Animal shelters and rescues are usually short-staffed during the holidays, and you can take a bit of the burden off by opening your home to a needy pup or cat. This also frees up room for any other animal who may need shelter during the cold winter months. You can help socialize the animal as well, making it more likely for them to be adopted later on. You never know, you might just fall in love with the animal and adopt it into your family!

4. A Hospital Delivery

     Spending the holidays in the hospital is an exhausting and miserable experience. Give them something that they likely wouldn’t otherwise receive by heading over to your local children’s hospital with a cookie arrangement to bring smiles to the faces of the kids and their families. You can drop it off with the nurses or go around yourself with the delivery. Everyone will appreciate the sweet treat and the festive thoughts, and you’ll feel amazing being able to give back to your community. 

5. Cards for Soldiers

     Troops spend huge amounts of time away from their families, and many of them miss out on celebrating the holidays with those that mean the most to them Help them get through their holiday season away with heartfelt cards to thank them for all they do. If you have kids, this is a great way to get them involved and teach them a lesson about the spirit of generosity this holiday season. You can send along small care packages with items they might be missing from home, and spread cheer to those that sacrifice so much for the good of everyone else. You can send along your items through Red Cross or Operationwearehere.com to make sure deserving soldiers receive your gift.

6. Donate Warm Clothing

     The weather is getting colder, and with talk that this could be one of the wettest winters in recent history, warm, protective clothing is a must. If you have any old coats lying around, or if you have items your kids have grown out of, consider donating them to a homeless shelter. There are many who sadly will be on the streets during this holiday season without the right protection from inclement weather. You can change a life with a jacket, so simple and so true. If you don’t have any old items lying around that you can part with, consider purchasing one and making the difference in someone’s life this Christmas.

7. Random Acts of Kindness

     If you’re a Starbucks fanatic, the next time you’re in the drive thru pay for the order of the person in line behind you. Throw some quarters in a parking meter that’s about to expire. Shovel a neighbor’s driveway after a big snowstorm. Small things like this can make the biggest difference in someone’s day, which is especially important for those who have a hard time during the holidays. With any luck, your generosity will make an impression and see them repeating the behavior throughout their day. Paying it forward never felt so good.

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel

     Whenever I go to events, I always make sure that I bring all the essentials in my bag. I'm used to carrying big shoulder or tote bags where all my things are packed. I have the basics inside my bag- planner, umbrella, makeup kit, wallet, coin purse, mobile phones, and identification cards. These things are important to me especially my mobile phones and identification cards. I know some of you will suggest to bring only a few from my list above because there will be instances where an unfortunate event can happen any time.

     I always ride the mrt going to events and I'm aware that those unfortunately events may arise any time like losing my belongings from snatchers and thieves. Since all the things that I use for work (blogging) are inside my bag, I also need to protect them from the forces of evil. The solution to my fear of losing the things that's important to me is to invest in a bag that's strong, durable, and cannot be destroyed easily by using sharp objects. Enter Pacsafe, the brand that will protect your precious belongings not just while on vacation but each time you step out of the house, with Pacsafe’s innovative range of bags and travel accessories that are also perfect for everyday use. More information about the brand below. 

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel 

     Best known as every global traveler’s best mate in smart travel, Pacsafe’s heritage has always been anchored in delivering innovative travel products that makes use of unique award-winning, anti-theft technology.

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel 

These are the reason why you should invest in Pacsafe bags and travel gear:

• Pacasafe core values is ‘no one deserves to get ripped off’ 
• Pacsafe continues to evolve both through its technology and designs. 
• Not only are Pacsafe products engineered and tested to thwart thieves and stand up to the rigors of travel, but they’re also simple and stylish enough for everyday use. 
• Whether you’re traveling to and from work, hanging out with your friends or catching some rays at the sandy beach, there’s always a Pacsafe product for everyone and every situation.
• At the heart of every Pacsafe® product is one clear purpose - to help travellers outsmart thieves. By helping to keep their gear secure, we give them the confidence and peace of mind to do more and enjoy more.
• Not only are our products engineered and tested to thwart thieves and stand up to the rigors of travel, they're simple and stylish enough for everyday use. Making Pacsafe bags unquestionably the right choice from the best in anti-theft.

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel
Carrysafe® slashguard strap
Flexible, lightweight, stainless steel wire is integrated into our adjustable Carrysafe®straps making it invisible to the eye, yet very effective at helping to prevent bag slashers from slicing through and running off with your gear.

     The brand’s extensive lineup of products ranges from RFID wallets and organizers, body wallets and belts, backpack and bag protectors, packable bags, straps and extenders, RFID body wallets and belts, locks and cables, portable safes, backpacks, sling bags, travel backpacks, laptop and tablet bags, duffels, shoulder and cross body, handbags and totes, wheeled duffels and so much more. 

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel
eXomesh® slashguards
Bag slashers target outside fabric panels of bags (front, bottom or side), which cause valuables to fall out and into the palm of their hands. Our lightweight slashguards are built into (and concealed) in the most vulnerable areas of the bag, helping to protect your gear from a quick slash-and-run theft. Our eXomesh® protection in our luggage extends the full length of the bag helping to protect your gear from opportunistic theft or if it's snagged in transit.

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel
These wallets have RFIDsafe™ blocking pockets & material
Most passports and credit cards contain a RFID micro-chip, which contains all your personal, sensitive information. Identity thieves are able to access this information from up to 10ft away with the help of an RFID reader. Our award-winning RFIDsafe™ blocking material helps to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands by blocking out virtually all transmissions between 10 MHz - 3 GHz, which covers the radio frequency used in most e-passports and credit cards.

     And because the 'laglag bala' incident at NAIA became the problem of all travelers recently-foreign or nationals are thinking of ways on protecting their luggage and travel bags. Good thing that Pacsafe has bags that is dubbed as 'anti-laglag bala.' If you love travelling but worrying about the safety of your travel gears, you should visit their store now and check the bag models you see below. 

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel
Smart zipper security
Zipper pullers can be attached to discreet security hooks or placed under and through a secure tab to help prevent pickpockets reaching into your bag.
Turn & lock security hooks
These small smart devices pack a whole lot of intelligence. The hook unfastens so that you can attach your bag to a secure fixture. What's more, the smart hook has a special turning mechanism which actually locks the hook in place making it harder for a bag snatcher to make an easy getaway.

     During the blog con, Pacsafe's marketing manager Mr Eros Enriquez introduced to us the models of Pacsafe bag that is perfect for your travel needs. He also demonstrated to us how safe those important belongings will be inside a Pacsafe bag. He also gave us first dibs on the new collection that will be launched early next year. The bag that I'm wearing on the first photo above is one of the bags in their newest collection. 

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel 

Pacsafe for a Smart and Safe Travel 

     Pacsafe sees itself as every traveler’s best mate or buddy as they promise to have everyone covered so they can get the most out of every journey. Thank you so much Pacsafe for having me and for sharing tips on how to be a smart traveler everyday. Those tips will surely help me face my fear of pick pockets, snatchers, and thieves. And yes, it is important to invest in Pacsafe bags because it's always better be safe than sorry.

     Visit PACSAFE at Rustans Department Store, Duty Free Fiesta Mall, Fashionrack Designers Outlet, Wellworth Dept. Store, The SM Department Store, Robinsons Department Store, ROX, The Travel Club, Bratpack, Urbanize, The Landmark, The Metro Dept. Store, Tripologie, Boston Sports Lifestyle , Go Shop, Lee Super Plaza, I studio, Islands and More, NAIA Terminal 3, Lazada, and Flight 001. 

For more information and the latest promos from Pacsafe,

visit their website: http://www.pacsafe.com/

Like them on Facebook: PacsafePH

Follow them on Twitter: @PacsafePH

Follow them on Instagram: @pacsafeph

Good Times!~

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch

     Errands day will be a boring day NO MORE because there is something that will make your eyes, fingers, and mind busy while waiting especially if you are processing government documents, paying your bills, having your mani and pedi and if long queues drains out your patience. Since all of us already have smart phones where we can download mobile apps, there is one mobile app that your smartphones should not miss- mobile games app :) You don't need to be an expert or a true-blooded gamer because playing games in your smart phones will now be more exciting and rewarding with the launch of Xeleb games. 

     Xeleb is the Philippines first mobile games company focused on the celebrity games opportunity. A collaboration between Xurpas, the largest listed consumer technology company in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines biggest stars: Anne Curtis, Isabelle Daza, Kim Atienza and Erwan Heussaff. Last month, another big celebrity joined the Xeleb games Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo now has a new way of connecting with her fans through her first mobile game—“Sarah G Popsters.” Highlights of the launch below :)

Xeleb Sarah G Posters Mobile Game Launch

     The game is developed in partnership with Xeleb Inc., the Philippines’ first celebrity mobile games company. According to Raymond Racaza, CEO of Xeleb this game called Sarah G Popsters will let Sarah G fans follow her on concert and Popsters unlock new Sarah songs as they level-up. This game reminds me of a famous pre-installed game in computers and mobile phones but this one is different because you get rewards if you achieve a high score. “Sarah is the biggest popstar in the Philippines. We’re absolutely excited to launch her game,” says Racaza.

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch

Raymond Racaza, CEO of Xeleb

     With the game, Xeleb continues its aggressive roll-out of celebrity games. In five months, the Company has already launched five games: Anne Galing with Anne Curtis, Adventures of Kuya Kim with Kim Atienza,Trip Ni Belle with Isabelle Daza, and Market Master with Erwan Heussaff. Isabelle Daza who also graced the event, is one of the proud co-owners of Xeleb. She welcomed Sarah Geronimo in the Xeleb family that night.

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch
Sarah Geronimo

     Sarah G made an awesome performance that night singing one her songs and a rendition of Baby Boy by Beyonce. I'm not a Sarah G fan, but after seeing her perform in some of the events that I've been to methinks that I like her now. 

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch

     She introduced her Xeleb game which is called Sarah G Popsters. It's a bubble popping game. You will sing along with Sarah Geronimo as you pop the bubbles of the same color. As you progress in the game, you will unlock different stages and make high scores as you reach the challenging levels.

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch

     Mobile games have driven the growth of Xurpas, Xeleb’s parent company, this year. In its Q3 disclosure, Xurpas already reported revenues surpassing the half a billion peso mark year-to-date. Mobile games represent Xurpas’ largest and fastest growing business. Congratulations Xeleb, Xurpas, and Sarah Geronimo for a successful launch. I'm sure that popsters can't get enough of the game. I'll download this game to my phone and let's see if I'll make it to the challenging levels.

Xeleb Sarah G Popsters Mobile Game Launch

Sarah G Popsters is available for download on Google Play

To know more about Xeleb,

visit their website: http://www.xeleb.com/

Like them on Facebook: Xeleb

Follow them on Twitter: @xelebgames

Follow them on Instagram: @xelebgames

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My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore Press Con

     I presume you've seen the teaser trailer of the much-awaited movie of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza- “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!" while watching Eat Bulaga. The most sought after loveteam of the year is now taking their kilig moments a higher notch, this time in a movie together with two of the country's box office hit makers- the king and the queen of comedy, Vic Sotto and Ai Ai Delas Alas.

     I was invited to the press con of “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” last December 2 at Annabel's Restaurant in Quezon City. I wasn't able to attend the event but based on the photos of the press con and what my co-bloggers told me, the afternoon was filled of excitement, laughter, and kilig moments as Alden Richards, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, and Vic Sotto shared their experiences while taping the movie. More details about the movie and the synopsis below. 

My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore Press Con

     What happens when the country’s comedy giants - the undisputed Philippine box-office king of comedy Vic Sotto and box-office queen Ai-Ai delas Alas, join forces with the newest record-breaking, phenomenal loveteam Aldub in one groundbreaking movie during the holiday season?

     No doubt, “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!,” starring Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai Delas Alas and the phenomenal loveteam Aldub of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, is going to make a killing at the box-office and set higher heights in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) History.

My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore Press Con

     Expect waves of high-spirited excitement, heartwarming romance, wholesome fun, and excellent Filipino values, to take the holiday season’s finest film festival by storm. Vic and Ai-Ai spearhead the fun topsy-turvy of characters as they are featured side by side Alden and Maine in the movie written by Jose Javier Reyes and Bibeth Orteza and directed by Jose Javier Reyes.

     This early, festival observers are already predicting a surefire box-office reign for “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” which is jointly-offered by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Television Productions, Inc., APT Entertainment, GMA Films and Meda Production. While the country is being swept away by the record-breaking loveteam of Alden Richards and Maine “Yayadub” Mendoza, MMFF is poised to be another territory for conquest by the Aldub phenomenon. This is the duo’s most exciting film debut.

My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore Press Con
Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza

     “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” also features Joey de Leon, the “Eat Bulaga” lolas Paolo Ballesteros, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola, and Ryzza Mae Dizon, in special appearances.

     Vic Sotto plays the role of Vito who finds himself at odds and in a bitter professional rivalry with Cora, played by Ai-Ai. The two are both in the business of mounting special events and productions and have both made a successful name in the same profession. The conflict happens when their respective wards – Anna (played by Maine) daughter of Vito, gets romantically entangled with Cora’s beloved nephew Dondi (played by Alden). As expected, the “parents” actively reject the budding romantic involvement between the star-crossed lovers and willingly struck an unexpected truce to prevent this romance from happening.

     The plot thickens when the unexpected alliance of the Vito and Cora starts blooming into something else. Now, it’s the turn of the youngsters to feel disconcerted with the idea of having their folks enter into a different relationship zone. Now it was the turn of Dondi and Anna to react to the situation. They did not like the idea of his auntie and her father falling in love with each other. Now it was the younger generation vehemently reacting to this new romance.

     So where will all this end? What are the possible solutions and resolutions to bring closure and new beginnings to these young, exciting lovers? Catch the excitement, the love, the fun and romance when “My Bebe Love: Kilig Pa More!” starts showing on Christmas Day at the MMFF.

     I'm sure that Aldub nation is excited to watch Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza on the big screen this Christmas so be sure to go early at cinemas to get your tickets. I have a feeling that cinemas will be jampacked on the first day of showing as I've seen how aldub fans go on full support for their idols. Congratulations in advance to Vic Sotto, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Direk Joey Reyes, and the casts of My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore!

Will My Bebe Love #KiligPaMore set a new record in MMFF? Share your thoughts below :)

Good Times!~

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book Drive

     I'm proud to say that Kenzo loves sharing his old toys with the less fortunate children. Whenever we go out and see them in the streets, he always tell me that he will keep his old toys and give it to them next time we go back to the place where we saw them. Aside from this, Kenzo also donated some of his stuff toys last Christmas in Jollibee's Maaga ang Pasko toy and book drive. I presume you've seen a big box containing toys and books inside the Jollibee stores. This is their way of giving back to the less fortunate children. 

     Making every Christmas brighter and more joyful for over two decades, Jollibee celebrated the launch of Maaga ang Pasko, now on its 21st year. This 2015, the country’s longest-running annual toy and book drive is continuing its mission to inspire more kindhearted Filipinos to donate gifts and spread the early Christmas cheer to less fortunate kids. 

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book Drive
Jolly Toy Scout volunteers pitched in to make the toys and books clean and good as new in the ‪#‎MaagaAngPasko‬ clean-up drive! You too can help make kids happy this Christmas, just drop your toy and book donations in any Jollibee store nationwide.

     Spearheading the donation drive as lead Jolly Toy Scouts are child actor Marco Masa, The Voice Kids Philippines Season 1 grand winner Lyca Gairanod and finalist Darlene Vibares, and Goin’ Bulilit kids Angelo Alayon, JM Gacayan, and Belle Mariano. The new batch of Jolly Toy Scouts hope to inspire other kids like them to share their pre-loved toys and books to make other kids happy.

     During the various campaign launches held nationwide, these kids led by example by donating their own toys and books. Eleven-year-old Darlene gave away a coloring storybook that her beloved grandfather gave to her. “I learned how to read through this book,” she said. “I hope whoever receives it enjoys the stories as much as I did.” Like Darlene, JM also donated a gift for budding bookworms. “My wish is that like me, another child gets to benefit from reading this book.” 

     A teddy bear that is dear to her heart was 10-year-old Lyca’s contribution. “It’s important to me because it was given by a fan. I always have this doll beside me when I sleep at night because it’s one of my favorites,” the young singing champion said. 

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book Drive

Jolly Toy Scout Lyca Gairanod gives her bear one last hug before donating it to the Maaga Ang Pasko toy and book drive.

     For Marco, it was a cherished toy plane that his older brother gave to him. “I really love this toy but I want to make other kids happy this Christmas, so I am donating it,” he said.

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book Drive

Marco Masa adds his name to the Maaga Ang Pasko commitment wall – a promise to share joy this Christmas season by donating his beloved toy.

     Angelo decided to give something for other kids like him who like toy automobiles. “This car and train were given by my daddy when I was four years old. To whoever receives them, merry Christmas!”

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book DriveJolly Toy Scout Angelo Alayon commits to sharing the Christmas joy with his fellow kids by giving his toys and books.

     Belle donated a ball that she treasures. “I won this in an arcade game for my little brother,” she said. “He has grown bigger now and is interested in other toys, so I thought other younger kids would appreciate it more.”

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book DriveJolly Toy Scout Belle Mariano gladly donates two stuffed toys, a book, and a ball for other kids to enjoy this Christmas.

     The Jolly Toy Scouts were joined by Jollibee Kids Club (JKC) members from Jollibee branches in Tanza, Cavite, Walter Mart in North EDSA, Guiguinto Highway in Bulacan, Ayala Cebu, Gaisano Tibungco in Davao, and Amang Rodriguez in Pasig City, who all shared their pre-loved toys and books to the Maaga ang Pasko campaign.

Jollibee's 21st Maaga ang Pasko Toy and Book DriveJollibee and JM Gacayan poses with other Jolly Toy Scouts from Jollibee Guiguinto Highway in Bulacan.

     Apart from leading the donations, the Jolly Toy Scouts also delighted kids and kids-at-heart with their performances of favorite Christmas carols. They even performed a special number with everyone’s favorite friend – Jollibee—putting the audience in a festive holiday mood. What’s more, the stars pledged to help make the holiday season more meaningful, leading the JKC members in putting their names in the commitment wall to help inspire other kids and kids-at-heart to follow suit. 

     “For us Filipinos, Christmas is not only a time to celebrate, but also a time to share and be a blessing to our fellowmen,” said Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and Jollibee Philippines Marketing head Francis Flores. “We are always thankful for the incredible support that Maaga ang Pasko receives from Filipinos for the past two decades. This year, we are counting on our Jolly Toy Scouts to once again help us spread Christmas joy to more kids in need.”

     Give the gift of a jollier Christmas and be a part of the 21st Maaga ang Pasko. Interested parties may also drop off their pre-loved toys and books in the donation boxes found in Jollibee stores nationwide.