Lally's Reflection

Heads up, runners! Lace up and mark your calendars as Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, brings back Takbo #ParaSaLife 2026, a community fun run designed to promote holistic wellness and active living among Filipinos.  Happening on February 1, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, the event returns after a successful first run that drew thousands of participants from across Metro Manila. Organized by RunRio, the run gains even more momentum this year as it expands beyond Luzon, with a Cebu leg scheduled on March 29, 2026, at Citi de Mare, marking its first stop in the Visayas. Takbo #ParaSaLife is more than a fun run—it is a wellness-driven community event that encourages Filipinos to pursue balance in all aspects of life. Alongside the race, participants can look forward to wellness booths, interactive brand experiences, and educational touchpoints that reinforce Home Credit’s advocacy that financial well-being goes hand in hand w...

Warm smiles and grateful hearts welcomed the SM Besties of Joy donation drive as it reached several communities in Bulacan. SM City Marilao took part in bringing happiness to the community by donating cuddly Besties of Joy to pupils of Day Care Centers in Marilao in collaboration with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).  What began as a simple act of kindness quickly turned into a day of shared hope, where volunteers came together in the spirit of generosity. SM Besties of Joy brought smiles to 764 students at Dr. Guillermo Dela Merced Memorial School, with volunteers from SM City Baliwag leading the distribution. Public school students of Dr. Guillermo Dela Merced Memorial School started the new year with cheer as they received Besties of Joy from SM City Baliwag. Besties of Joy painted smiles across the faces of pupils from Day Care Centers in Marilao, Bulacan. Said distribution was led by employee volunteers from SM City Marilao. SM City Baliwag, represe...

SM Cinema is bringing the extended edition of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” back to cinemas for one weekend only in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpiece. From January 23-25, movie fans can flock to SM Cinema branches to catch the extended version of the movie that will feature an additional 30 minutes of footage not seen in the original 2001 theatrical release, bringing the total runtime to 3 hours and 28 minutes (208 min). This limited engagement will be screened at 40 SM Cinema locations nationwide, ensuring that fans from across the archipelago can join the quest. Participating theaters in Bulacan include: SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao.  Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early via SM Cinema’s website, app, or ticket booths to catch this rare big-screen return to Middle-earth in breathtaking high-definition, available in regular cinemas and SM Directors Club. Whether you’re a movie fan craving the ultimate ...

A Gen Z’s Journey toward a confident lifestyle through bold steps and responsible. Every young Filipino dreams of independence, upgrading their lifestyle, and building a future on their own terms. Yet ambition often comes with responsibilities: rent, bills, and daily expenses can all make it difficult to take that first step toward bigger goals. However, the right support can make all the difference.  For Jake Apayat from Bacolod, a private employee by day and freelancer at night, a single decision at age 21 set him on the path toward his dreams. With flexible financing and responsible borrowing, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, has helped the now 26-year-old Gen Z turn his ambitions into achievable milestones, giving him the confidence to start building the life he aspires to—one smart decision at a time. The first big step Jake’s journey toward the life he always wanted began with a simple but meaningful decision—buying an iPhone 11...

WalterMart Supermarket recently completed its annual Handog Pamasko program, distributing over 9,600 grocery packs across Metro Manila, North Luzon, and South Luzon as part of its season-of-sharing efforts to support communities during the holiday season. Through the Handog Pamasko program, WalterMart works closely with customers to bring the initiative to life, consolidating and distributing grocery packs to partner organizations, community groups, select government agencies, and indigent families nominated by local government units. WalterMart and its employees lead the distribution in coordination with community partners. Each pack includes a Sarap ng Pasko bag with essential food items, helping families prepare a simple, meaningful holiday meal. Launched in 2012, Handog Pamasko is part of WalterMart’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, highlighting its commitment to responsible business practices, strong community partnerships, and people-centered programs. Over the years...

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, is solidifying its position as an industry leader through the production of microdramas with broadcast giant GMA Network. This landmark collaboration is designed to meet the rapidly evolving entertainment consumption habits of modern Filipinos by delivering premium, high-quality narrative content specifically optimized for mobile devices. Leveraging its flagship platform, BingoPlus, DigiPlus has introduced a curated slate of exclusive, short-form vertical dramas, positioning the platform as a comprehensive digital entertainment hub. This initiative marks a significant industry shift, establishing a new standard for Filipino digital content that is both convenient and highly engaging. Mobile-Friendly Dramas Available exclusively on BingoPlus App, the strategic partnership is currently operational with vertical dramas that are meticulously designed for ...

Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, has brought back Mix & Match, giving customers new ways to enjoy its best-tasting favorites in a single meal. Starting at ₱78, diners can pair popular mains and sides, showing how the brand’s Best sa Sarap items are meant to be enjoyed together.   With the return of Mix & Match, Jollibee puts the spotlight back on the taste of its core products while giving customers the freedom to enjoy them their way. By bringing together popular mains and sides in one offering, the brand aims to make it easier for customers to enjoy their Best sa Sarap favorites in combinations they prefer. “Mix & Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It lets everyone enjoy our best-tasting products in a way that feels personal, letting them choose the combinations that make their meal the perfect match.” Under Mix & Match, custo...

This New Year, embracing a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean big, overwhelming changes. Start fresh, build healthier habits, and celebrate every milestone in your fitness journey with SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan. Gear Up for Fitness Start strong on your wellness journey with activewear from Sports Central, Sportshouse and Toby’s Sports. From breathable tops and durable trainers to stylish performance wear, they've got everything to keep you moving with confidence. Remember, the right gear makes every small effort feel like a win. Eat Well and Feel Good Fuel your body with better food choices. Enjoy fresh and satisfying options from Grandma’s Sandwich, where wholesome sandwiches and salads make clean eating simple, delicious, and perfect for life on the go. Celebrate Every Small Victory From buying your first pair of trainers to completing your first 3 km run or choosing a healthier meal, every milestone matters. At SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Cente...

Following the success of its inaugural Takbo Para sa Life run held on February 15, 2025, Home Credit Philippines is set to bring back the event in a bigger way with Takbo Para sa Life 2026, expanding its reach and impact with new locations and partners. Building on the strong turnout and positive response from its first run, Home Credit will stage its second Takbo Para sa Life on February 1, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Grounds, and for the first time, bring the run to the Visayas with a Cebu leg on March 29, 2026. As it grows the initiative, Home Credit is pleased to welcome Security Bank as a partner for Takbo Para sa Life 2026. The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to promoting financial wellness, while also championing overall well-being through physical activity and the strengthening of community connections. Takbo Para sa Life 2026 reinforces Home Credit’s belief that helping Filipinos live better lives goes beyond access to financial so...

Bulakenyos may look forward to yet another exciting retail experience as KKV officially opens its doors at the second level of SM Center Pulilan. Popularly known for its wide selection of affordable lifestyle finds, KKV is the latest addition to the mall’s delightful mix of shopping purveyors. KKV features an extensive line of beauty products, accessories, home finds, stationery, toys, and snacks, all of which cater to evolving lifestyle needs. With its vibrant interiors and convenient store design, KKV invites customers to explore and discover stylish and functional everyday items. With KKV now open, SM Center Pulilan marks another milestone as it continues to make lifestyle and retail offerings more accessible to Bulacan communities, giving shoppers more reasons to visit, explore, and enjoy. 

Foodies in Bulacan have another reason to visit SM City Marilao as Jiang Nan Hotpot finally opens its door to bring in authentic Chinese dishes that blend tradition, comfort, and bold flavors. Conveniently located at the 2nd level, West Wing Expansion, Jiang Nan Hotpot features a menu that highlights rich sauces and carefully prepared soup bases, ranging from light and savory to rich and aromatic. Diners can customize their meals by selecting from a variety of fresh ingredients, including premium meats, vegetables, seafood, and noodles, which are cooked directly at the table.  As SM City Marilao is now full steam ahead as a lifestyle destination, Jiang Nan Hotpot certainly tops the list of comfort food restaurants with its flavorful offerings and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite choice for those seeking quality food and a satisfying dining experience close to home.