Women’s Day: Empowering treats for International Women’s Month

MANILA, Philippines — From childbearing to holding key leadership roles, women play a very important part in society.

Thus, today, International Women’s Day, and this March, International Women’s Month, celebrate every woman and womanhood with treats that speak of appreciation and self-love.

Adidas Sportswear introduces new looks to its Z.N.E. line

Channeling total comfort with a clean aesthetic, adidas Sportswear extends its Z.N.E. offering with fresh colorways for SS24. Helping the wearer feel in the moment with its distraction-free design, the new collection leans into the performance-first silhouette whilst elevating timeless style and fit.

Blended with adidas’ AeroReady technology to help the wearer feel dry and comfortable for longer, as well as winter-ready AeroReady Warm fabric for a smooth finish, optimum comfort and warmth feeling, each piece is also made in part with recycled materials. 

Leaning into a minimalistic design code, the full zip jacket offers a slack fit with its drop shoulder build and baggy drawstring hood. While showcasing toned down branding, the hoodie boasts a panel effect finish through the boxy-style seaming and zip accents.

Complemented by regular fit pants for added form, the bottoms keep it fuss-free with invisible seaming and concealed pockets. Featuring an elastic waistband and ribbed ankle cuffs, the pants also offer control over required fit to support total feeling of comfort.

The pullover style hoodie, complete with batwing arms, boasts a boxy, oversized aesthetic to aid ease of layering and all-round comfort. Keeping it cozy, the coordinated set is built with strong double-knit fabric and offers a high neck hooded collar for added warmth.

Featuring a discrete kangaroo pocket, subtle seaming and minimal color block branding, the fit keeps it simple for a relaxed look and feel. With ribbed cuff finishes for added structure, the loose-fitting pants also bring functionality to the fore through their deep side pockets.

Swarovski Spring/Summer 2024 collection

Swarovski Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert has taken her cues from the myriad forms inhabiting the aquatic world and the underwater gardens that are home to its extraordinary flora and fauna to create beautiful new designs.

Shining silhouettes showcase mixed cuts and multi-faceting pieces that capture the light like the sun shimmering on the surface of the sea. Abstract interpretations of sea creatures take shape through domed coins suggesting sea urchins, and beautifully crafted designs ripple like waves.

Figurative motifs include starfish and seahorses, while the geometric beauty of seashells is captured in a range of different styles. Swarovski’s joyful extravagance is infused throughout the Spring/Summer 2024 Collection. Light-catching crystals and expert faceting lend themselves beautifully to depicting the motion and motifs of the sea. Signature families continue to develop and evolve, including Lucent, Millenia, Dextera, Hyperbola, and Idyllia.

Each new piece harmoniously interacts with its family, resulting in a smooth interplay that introduces melodious ebbs and flows to the marine symphony.

In the Philippines, Swarovski is available in Rustan’s Alabang, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu. It is also available through boutiques owned and operated by Stores Specialists, Inc. located in Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Newport Mall, TriNoma Mall, Power Plant Mall, and SM Mall of Asia. 

Gochujang makes Shake Shack comeback 

Shake Shack brings back the hit Gochujang Chicken sandwich, Chicken Bites, and Fries, now available for a limited time in all Manila Shacks and at shakeshack.ph.
Inspired by Seoul’s vibrant fried chicken scene, the limited-time Gochujang Chicken (P370) features a gochujang-glazed crispy chicken breast topped with toasted sesame seeds that sits over a white kimchi slaw.

Gochujang is a flavor-packed, go-to ingredient in Korean cooking, made with red chili peppers, sticky rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The result? A red fermented paste that is kind of spicy and sweet, packed with umami flavor, and used as an anchor in all kinds of stews, marinades, sauces, and more. 

To complement the gochujang, finely chop garlic and ginger are mixed into the glaze as well. Bringing it all together is the white kimchi slaw, a tribute to the white daikon radishes often served alongside fried chicken and other dishes in Seoul, which cuts through the rich flavors of the chicken. Kimchi is a staple of Korean cuisine made from salted, seasoned, and fermented veggies (for Shake Shack, it includes Napa cabbage, daikon radish, and green onion).

Completing the K-food experience are the Gochujang Chicken Bites and Fries. Exchange fave K-drama lines with your chinggu over a side of the Gochujang Chicken Bites, which are crispy, whole white meat pieces of chicken or the Gochujang Fries, crispy crinkle cut fries, served with spicy-sweet Gochujang mayo sauce. Make it a match made in K-drama heaven with drinks like the ShackMeister Ale or a refreshing Calamansi Limeade, or its much-loved Shakes for a sweet ending.

Follow @shakeshackph on socials for updates on exciting Shack Meets activities from a K-Pop dance party to a Korean language lesson. What got you on the Hallyu wave? Share your K-inspired story and you may just win a prize from the Shack. Skip the line and order ahead at shakeshack.ph. Specialty Food Retailers, Inc. (SFRI) is the exclusive franchise holder of Shake Shack in the Philippines. SFRI is a member of the SSI Group.

McDonald’s launches new Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich

McDonald’s is making waves with their exciting launch of a “sea-licious” treat — the new and limited-time offer Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich. This crispy catch features a crispy and golden brown fish patty paired with melty cheese, tangy tartar sauce and soft, toasty buns for an unmatched seafood experience.

Head to your nearest McDonald’s and enjoy the perfect blend of the much-loved fish patty, cheese, tartar sauce and soft buns. The Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich is McDonald’s latest offering to elevate the fast-food experience, showcasing a harmonious blend of crispy textures and savory seafood flavors that will leave taste buds craving for more. 

Available for a limited time only, the Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich paired with the peach and lychee flavors of the ice-cold Sprite X PeaChee Fruit Fizz and McDonald’s World Famous Fries promises a tasty journey that will surely delight everyone seeking a delicious seafood option.

And if the sea-licious Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich leaves you wanting something more extra, McDonald’s has got you! Explore an extra layer of the crowd favorite fish patty and indulgence with the Double Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich. Make sure to grab the new and limited-time offer Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich and Double Crispy Fish Fillet Sandwich via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and McDelivery.

Limited-edition Cream-O Brownie Soft Cookies

There’s a new snack in town that might just rock the world of chocolate lovers: the new and limited-edition Cream-O Brownie Soft Cookies, which lets you experience the best of both worlds as it combines two popular snack formats in one scrumptious bite. It’s both a soft, chewy cookie and a rich, fudgy brownie. As an amazing bonus, there’s even chocolate cream surprise once you take a bite. This treat definitely delivers when it comes to chocolate. From the deep, cookie-brownie base to the choco cream filling, it’s a chocolate lover’s (or “Cream-Oholic’s”) dream come true.  

Forget crumbly cookies and dry brownies. Cream-O Brownie Soft Cookies are all about that delectable and smooth texture. They areflavor bombs, with each blissful bite into that soft and chewy cookie. Cream-O Brownie Soft Cookies aren’t just a snack; they can be a great partner to make your me-time moments more “choco-happy.” Get them online via URC shops or shop it at Robinsons Supermarkets, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Easymart, Shopwise, The Marketplace, Puregold, SM Supermarket, and Uncle John’s.

Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O is a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), maker of well-loved Pinoy snack and beverage products such as C2 Cool and Clean, Great Taste Coffee, Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Nova, Maxx, Cloud 9, Magic Crackers, and many others.

Serenitea launches new summer cooler

Serenitea, the trailblazing brand synonymous with the teashop culture in the Philippines, proudly announces the launch of its newest innovation, the Serenitea Cloud Coconut Collection. Renowned for its trendsetting ethos and commitment to redefining beverage experiences, Serenitea continues to  captivate taste buds with this exciting addition to its menu.

Aptly named Cloud Coconut by Serenitea, this collection, which is the first of its kind in the Philippines, promises to revolutionize the way people consume and savor coconut juice. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each drink features coconut juice infused with tender coconut slivers, delicately crowned with an innovative cloud foam layer made from milk and froth. Blending the cloud foam with the locally sourced coconut juice creates a harmonious fusion of milky, comforting, and refreshing flavors, offering a guilt-free indulgence perfect for the summer season.

Distinguished by its lighter taste compared to conventional coffee foam tops, the Serenitea Cloud Coconut Collection boasts of three delightful toppings to choose from: matcha, taro, and cacao. 

Customers can personalize their experience with customizable sugar levels to suit individual preferences. Available exclusively at all Serenitea branches nationwide and through third-party delivery app partners such as Grab and Food Panda starting March 15, the Cloud Coconut Collection offers medium-sized servings at accessible prices: Matcha Cloud Coconut (P 149), Cacao Cloud Coconut (P140), and Taro Cloud Coconut (P140).

Serenitea stands as a pioneer in the Philippine teashop scene, revolutionizing tea preparation through innovative techniques, including the use of espresso machines with customizable options. With over 70 branches nationwide, Serenitea continues to set the standard for exceptional tea experiences.

Give the gift of ‘ginhawa’ with Generika Drugstore’s MEDPadala

In the Philippines, where families are often separated by distance, sending gifts has always been one of the ways to express love and care. This is true for many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), separated from their families in the Philippines. Similarly, this sentiment extends to individuals who choose to work away from their hometown, whether relocating to Manila from their province and vice versa, creating distance away from their loved ones.

Meeting the challenge of selecting a gift that seamlessly combines thoughtfulness and practicality has been simplified with Generika Drugstore’s MEDPadala, an electronic gift certificate (e-GC) designed for the purchase of medicines and other essential medical supplies within the Generika Drugstore network.

With MEDPadala, Filipinos now have the power to send the gift of ginhawa to their families who are miles away. This can be sent as a gift whether birthdays, holidays, or a simple yet profound expression to say “I care about you.”  

Generika Drugstore’s commitment to affordability ensures that your MEDPadala goes a long way, allowing you to make a significant impact on your loved ones’ health without breaking the bank. The savings of up to 85% on Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements versus their branded counterparts mean that even a modest amount can provide a substantial supply of healthcare essentials.

Buying or sending MEDPadala can also be done with these three simple steps:

• Buy the MEDPadala e-GC at any Generika Drugstore branch or visit medpadala.com.ph. 
• Send the MEDPadala code and PIN via SMS or email.
• Present the code and PIN to any Generika Drugstore branch to purchase medicines or medical supplies. 

Let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them by sending them a MEDPadala. For more information, visit medpadala.com.ph

Your skin but better with Spotlight Cosmetics’ new Serum Cushion

The new “hero” in complexion cosmetics: Spotlight Serum Cushion Foundation is your ultimate makeup choice for foundation, skin care and sun protection in one.

Infused with high tech ingredients, be ready to drench your skin with nourishing skin actives while delivering buildable light-to-medium coverage. Its lightweight serum-enriched formula also helps reveal a dewy skin-like finish.

What makes the formula so special? Its powerful hydrators will definitely achieve that healthier, young looking skin appearance every time you apply the cushion foundation as makeup.

Apart from 4x hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and sunflower oil, it also contains clinically-proven anti-aging ingredients to help smoothen and firm skin, like Vitamin E, cholesterol and Phospholipids. For its SPF 50+ PA+++ protection, it utilizes mineral sunscreen filters, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

A first of its kind, Spotlight Serum Cushion Foundation takes a “skin-first” approach, a true synergy of an effective moisturizer and high SPF-rating sunscreen, with foundation makeup. The Spotlight Serum Cushion Foundation (P895) comes in three shades: Dewy Ivory, Dewy Beige, and Dewy Almond.

Spotlight Cosmetics is available online in its flagship Lazada, Tiktok and Shopee stores, and in physical stores, exclusively available in SM Beauty Dept Store and Watsons outlets nationwide.

Must-haves from Ever Bilena’s 41st anniversary sale

To celebrate their groundbreaking 41st anniversary, beauty brand Ever Bilena is throwing a beauty bash with deals ending in 41. 

Upgrade your brush game with the Ever Bilena Eco-Brushes (powder, blusher and foundation) for only P141 (originally P250). 

Get Chanyeol’s pick, the EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm, for only P141 (originally P245). This K-idol favorite tinted lip balm hydrates and tints your lips in four shades – Latte, Naked, Toast of New York, and Bloom. Dive into the world of K-beauty with the K-Beauty Matte Lipstick. Wear it as is with its one-swipe pigment, or diffuse as desired for that Korean-inspired look. 

Offers run only this March throughout Ever Bilena’s anniversary month online at Shopee, Tiktok and Lazada stores, and in physical stores nationwide in Watsons, SM Beauty Department Store, SM Supermarkets, Savemore, SM Hypermarket, Alfamart, Robinsons Department Store & Supermarkets, Puregold Supermarket and Minimarts, Gaisano Group of stores, Ace Center Point, Alturas Chain, Budgetwise, Davao Central Warehouse, Ever Supermarket, Fishermall Department Store and Supermarket, LCC Department Store & Supermarket, NCCC Department Store and Supermarket, Prince Retail, Rose Pharmacy, Southstar Drug, Super 8, The
Marketplace, and KCC Shopping Center.

All-out fun with Human Nature’s sunny must-haves

Free yourself from worries and let your sun-kissed spirit glow with genuinely natural care. According to PAG-ASA, 2024 is expected to be the warmest year recorded. This makes it all the more important for you to choose a skin-caring companion that’s safe, natural, and effective.

Go all out this summer with genuinely natural care from Human Nature.

SafeProtect SPF30 PA++++ Sunscreen is a natural, reef-safe sunscreen that’s free from harmful chemicals, making it good for your skin and sea life. This sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two coral-damaging ingredients that are banned in beach-paradise destinations like ours such as Hawaii, Palau, and Thailand. There’s also SafeProtect for Babies and Kids, a sunscreen that’s especially formulated for kids, which provides their delicate skin some extra care so they’re not left out of the summer fun.

Keep yourself cool and clean with Human Nature’s Cooling Body Cleanser and complete your cool down routine with the Cooling Lotion. Pamper yourself after a hot day with Volcanic Cooling Body Scrub, then wind down with Cooling Leg and Body Cream. 

Fight hair dryness and frizz with natural hair care essentials Hair Revival Coco Mask, Smoothing and Nourishing Hair Serum, Hyaluronic Face Mist and Conditioning Hair Mist. Armor yourself against bug bites with citronella-infused Skin Shield Oil. Spritz on some Cool Burst Spray Sanitizer to keep your hands germ-free and hydrated. 

Keep your baggage light, spill-poof, and plastic bottle-free by opting for bars. Freshen up your face with our Balancing Face Bar. Wash away dirt and dust with Cleansing Bar and Moisturizing Shampoo Bar. 

Embrace your radiant journey with Dewha 

Dewha Skincare, a trailblazer in the beauty industry, is thrilled to unveil its refreshed identity. With a renewed focus on radiance and a commitment to harnessing the power of skincare-infused makeup, Dewha introduces its revamped website along with its range of multi-action skincare and hybrid makeup products designed to blur the line between skincare and cosmetics.

In a world where modern skinimalists seek efficient yet effective beauty solutions, Dewha Skincare, a brand established in 2020 and based in Singapore, recognizes the evolving needs of beauty enthusiasts. Its multi-action skincare and hybrid makeup offer a streamlined approach to beauty rituals, offering multiple benefits in each product.

For those seeking luminous, healthy-looking skin, glow-focused skincare has become a cornerstone of beauty routines. The label’s glow formula goes beyond traditional skincare, providing a comprehensive solution that addresses various skin concerns while enhancing natural radiance.

By infusing its products with skincare ingredients known for their nourishing properties, the brand ensures that every application is a step towards healthier, more radiant skin. At the heart of Dewha’s philosophy lies the belief that skincare should do more than just enhance appearance—it should also promote skin health. The label bridges the distinction between skincare and makeup by mixing powerful skincare elements into its makeup formulas, providing solutions that nourish and enhance the skin.

As a brand espousing the skin-first mindset, the skincare-cosmetic hybrid brand understands that beauty is as diverse as our individuality. Regardless of your skin concern or type, it offers solutions designed to have a multi-action approach which addresses a variety of skincare needs to ultimately achieve that radiant glow you desire.
 
Discover the brand’s curated bundles – the coveted Baby Glow Bundle, a multi-action duo set that includes the Intense Hydrating Essence Masks which combines a harmonious blend of skin-loving ingredients with  award-winning Microcurrent Facial Technology to generate tiny electrical currents for better absorption of the ingredients and enable rejuvenation. Also included is the Gold Intense Anti-Aging Daily Serum, formulated to help you unlock your natural glow. It is enriched with 99.99% pure gold and effectively defends against aging, lifts loose skin, smooths fine lines and repairs damaged skin cells.
 
Choosing skincare-infused makeup offers a double benefit, as it not only enhances your appearance but also nourishes and cares for your skin. Attain a flawless appearance while also nurturing the health and vibrancy of your skin with makeup bases, like Perfect Glow CC Cushion. It utilizes ultralight and breathable air film technology, which effectively seals in moisture for a luxurious 16-hour wear, perfect for the Philippine weather. It leaves a silky smooth glass-skin finish that seamlessly melds into the skin, resulting in a my-skin-but-better appearance. Its remarkable adhesion properties ensure waterproof and sweatproof wearability. Also, not only does it effectively camouflage skin imperfections, but it also shields the skin from the damaging UV rays with SPF30/PA+++ while providing essential hydration through moisturizing skincare components.
 
Start your journey to glowing skin and explore a wide range of premium glow-focused skincare products at www.dewha.co, as well as on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

The ‘Dragon Warrior’ is back with a new female ally

In “Kung Fu Panda 4,” Po, the “Dragon Warrior” (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. 
“When Po steps into the shoes of Spiritual Leader, you get to see his whole internal struggle,” stated Black, who himself steps back into Po’s shoes almost a decade after the third film. “He has the Staff of Wisdom, but he’s scratching his head wondering if he knows anything about wisdom at all. This chapter is like Po’s mid-kung fu-life crisis. More wisdom, fewer dumplings, but the same lovable Po.”

It’s the same lovable Po but in an entirely new adventure. “The Kung Fu Panda world continually evolves and expands,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn said. “Of all the journeys Po has been on, this story is his most emotional and exciting. As Po faces new challenges and characters like Zhen [played by Awkwafina], and the most menacing opponent the Valley of Peace has ever seen in The Chameleon, this film takes him, and in turn the audience, on a fantastical new adventure.”

Ensuring the continued success of this monumental franchise required the expertise of a director deeply immersed in its essence. Enter Mike Mitchell, a seasoned director with an impressive repertoire that includes iconic franchises “Shrek” and “Trolls,” and contributions to all the previous “Kung Fu Panda” films. 

“My goal in any franchise, especially my favorites, is to remind everyone of what made the first film great,” Mitchell said. “’Kung Fu Panda’ has a timeless quality, and we wanted to emphasize that. We wanted to infuse even more action, pushing boundaries with new camera techniques not explored in animation before. Think of cool GoPro-style action, typically seen in live-action films. We aimed to bring that dynamic energy into the animated world, and what better canvas than a ‘Kung Fu Panda’ film? Our aim was to create the biggest and best installment of this franchise, with a grander scale, more humor and the best action yet.”

A lot of that action is thanks to all the trouble caused by this installment’s formidable new villain Chameleon, voiced by Oscar winner Viola Davis, who attributes the franchise’s enduring popularity to its characters being reluctant heroes. 

“I think that sparks something in all of us,” Davis said. “Po doesn’t necessarily look like a warrior, but it sparks the imagination and allows the viewer to envision what they can become. It feels great to be part of this group now. I’ve always wanted to do an animated movie, and with this film, I felt like the right character and the right group of people found me, and I’m just happy to be in their company.”

For Awkwafina (voice of Zhen), another newcomer to the franchise, joining the “Kung Fu Panda” family holds personal significance. “It means a lot to me because this isn’t just an animated franchise, it’s a beloved world that’s resonated with audiences for so many years. And being able to contribute to a film that pays homage to the beauty of Chinese culture adds an extra layer of personal significance.”

A must-watch for the entire family, “Kung Fu Panda 4,” also featuring the voices of Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan and distributed by Universal Pictures International, is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

Ayala Malls Cinemas presents women empowerment film ‘Poor Things’

Ayala Malls Cinemas aims to bring top-tier, award-winning films within reach of every “cinephile.” 

Ayala Malls Zing Plus members get extra perks as they can score double Zing points on movie tickets. By using their Zing-linked credit card or GCash for purchases at Ayala Malls Cinemas or Sureseats.com, patrons can double their Zing points, with a minimum spend of P600. This promotion is valid until June 30.

Leading the charge is the theatrical premiere of Searchlight Pictures’ “Poor Things” in Greenbelt 3. 

“Poor Things” won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Emma Stone at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. It also picked up 11 Academy Award nominations, and a Golden Lion win at the 80th Venice International Film Festival. 

With positive reviews from film critics like the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review, “Poor Things” is from filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone. It tells the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn.

Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.