Misstheerious: May 2022

Shopee kicks off the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with “Mas Mura Sa Shopee” deals for Filipino shoppers

Monday, May 30, 2022 9:37 PM

Get ready to check out discounted items and avail thrilling ₱66 and ₱77 deals, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale!

The mid-year is the perfect time to reward ourselves and recharge for what's to come in the second half of 2022. Shopee treats more Filipinos to a memorable mid-year shopping experience at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To kick-off the mid-year sale, shoppers can look forward to “Mas Mura sa Shopee”* deals and enjoy ₱66 deals all day, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily when they add-to-cart and checkout from May 27 to June 8.

Score “mas mura sa Shopee”* deals as low as ₱66 at the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale

As shoppers fill up their Shopee carts with their favorite finds, they can also discover “Mas Mura Sa Shopee”* [It’s cheaper on Shopee] deals with low-priced items that are guaranteed to make their haul worth every peso.

With 6.6 just around the corner, take your pick from the following items at only ₱66 that fit your everyday lifestyle.

Stay warm during cold nights with a stylish button down cardigan. Want to cook with ease? consider this multi cooker hot pot to be your helping hand in the kitchen. Upgrade your storage space with a multifunctional shoe rack organizer, which keeps your favorite pairs neat and orderly.

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothing with this handheld steam iron, which you can use either at home or on your next trip. Improve your gaming experience with these noise cancelling gaming headphones, giving you that high quality sound without sacrificing comfort. Beat the heat when you buy this anti-heat portable clip electric fan, a compact, trendy item that lets you chill comfortably while being on-the-go. Be sure to check out these deals quickly as they’ll be on limited stocks on 6.6.

Shopee launches a new in-app game in time for 6.6

Shopee is giving you more reasons to enjoy the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with the launch of its new in-app game. The game will be available to play on the Shopee app on June 1, where users will be treated with daily prizes including ShopeePay credits, Shopee coins, Shopee vouchers, and the latest must-have gadgets when they play and win!

Here’s a little hint on this fun new game from Shopee: it will be about connecting different letters in order to solve puzzles! To know more about Shopee’s latest game and its official name, you can visit the Shopee Prizes page from May 30-31. You also get the chance to take home an iPhone 12 or an Instax Mini when you correctly guess the name of Shopee’s new game.

Shop with up to 66% cashback and send money for free using ShopeePay

This mid-year celebration is made even more special with ShopeePay, Shopee's integrated mobile wallet that allows you to conveniently pay for your purchases and settle transactions with no hidden fees. With ShopeePay, you can send money to any bank, e-wallet or any Shopee user for free and save more with cashback promos for bills payment, as well as cheap mobile load and data offers.

Here are some ShopeePay offers users can check out during the 6.6 -7.7 Mid-Year Sale:

● From May 29 to June 1, join ShopeePay’s QR Code Giveaway and get the chance to win up to ₱50,000.

● On May 30, get free ₱100 when you send money for the first time using ShopeePay (valid for new users).

● On June 6, get up to 66% cashback when you check out using ShopeePay.

● On June 6, check out “ShopeePay Near Me” to enjoy ₱1 and ₱6 deals from partner merchants ranging from food & beverage outlets, lifestyle brands, and more!

To know more about the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee.

SMDC: Building places Filipinos can call home

Friday, May 20, 2022 2:34 PM

A home, to which one can call their own, is one of the most fundamental human needs for survival. In building one’s family, buying housing or investing in property is often a crucial discussion that takes into consideration price, location, amenities and even the environment as these all impact the way people and families live and grow and how communities thrive in the long-run.

Recently, the many changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Filipinos to reassess the way they live, work and reside. The topic on home ownership and residential space has only become much more prominent as its impact towards one’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing was emphasized when companies shifted to work-from-home setups and schools introduced blended learning. It has become likely that up and coming homeowners are looking for new and affordable housing that responds to the new realities of school and work, as well as a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

For leading real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings, satisfying personal needs and meeting basic survival for the homeowners of today can be done through meaningful and strategic planning and property development.

Over the years, SMDC has been continuously redefining residential spaces to bring accessibility, convenience, function, style and sustainability in the face of evolving trends and lifestyle changes—assuring prospective buyers of the great value that SMDC properties offer.

This means presenting a range of residences located in prime urban and suburban communities, conveniently situated near major road networks and transportation hubs, and designed to reflect SM’s commitment to luxurious urban living. SMDC properties bring commercial retail shops, entertainment venues, banks and leisure facilities closer to residents against a backdrop of lush and walkable spaces. Such open spaces encourage homeowners to dwell outside and take a break from the isolation that has become a norm lately, and allow residents to safely interact with their neighbors. These spaces also provide amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents.

Across the available properties, prospect homeowners are able to choose their housing type to fit their own or their family’s needs and functions with units ranging from studio rooms to deluxe two-bedroom suites. On top of being able to customize their living spaces, state-of-the-art facilities such as 24-hour security and CCTV system, fire alarm system, numerous WIFI-ready zones and standby generator set ensures continuous function and prime livability.

However, SMDC’s promise not only pertains to providing a greater quality of life, but to also have its communities take an integral role in their commitment towards sustainability. SMDC aims to promote many green living practices by designing walkable and transport-friendly developments, introducing energy-saving and eco-friendly green buildings and encouraging effective waste management programs among residents. For the property developer, homes are seen as a legacy for future generations and should be built for sustainability and for ease in future modification.

With developments still ongoing and more projects in the pipeline, SMDC allows homebuyers the opportunity to have the home of their choice. Through its affordable investment and flexible payment options, new families or young millennials will be able to live independently in communities that cater to their specific needs.

With its ability to empathize and understand current housing needs while having the foresight to address evolving requirements, SMDC continues to create sustainable and resilient living spaces for Filipinos to call their own.

8 Cool Things to Do this Summer in Ortigas

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 2:35 PM

Puerto Princesa: Paradise Regained

Friday, May 6, 2022 8:52 PM

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions.

“The tourism industry is the lifeblood of Puerto Princesa, along with agriculture. Almost 15,000 people directly or indirectly benefit from tourism. In varying degrees, most of the recent construction and development projects are related to tourism: hotel-building, parks, cruise-ship ports, street lights, roads and many more. Unfortunately, some of these have been on hold since the onset of the pandemic,” discloses Demetrio “Toto” Alvior Jr., the city tourism officer.

The Royal Connection

Puerto Princesa, the capital of postcard-perfect Palawan, sprawls across 253,982 hectares of captivating coastlines stretched over 106 kilometers. Due to its strategic geographical location, it has sufficient depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor, earning a reputation as a “Princess of Ports,” or in Spanish, “Puerto Princesa.”

There’s no contention that Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s greatest pleasures. A holiday destination universally beloved by travelers, beach-combers and trekkers; a bustling business center with a rural allure; a provincial vibe with modern amenities; and a clean and green city recognized for its lush forests, fresh air and frontier character.

Rising Above Covid-19

The city of Puerto Princesa has been struggling to get to its feet since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. The lack of tourists, which is the main industry, has forced hundreds of tourism-related businesses to close, leaving thousands of tourism workers unemployed.

“The public-health crisis forced them to find alternative sources of income, which was made more difficult because of the restrictions of movement due to several lockdowns,” Mr. Alvior reveals. “One factor of low tourist arrivals is the fluctuating number of Covid cases, which in turn affects the determination of quarantine requirements and national government intervention policies.”

Today, Puerto Princesa is experiencing record lows in terms of economic losses, losing around P5 billion a year for the past two years from potential tourist receipts.

“The City Tourism Department has been strengthening its social media campaigns to encourage local tourists to visit local attractions, in a bid to boost much-needed revenues to the ailing tourism sector,” a cautiously optimistic Mr. Alvior says. “We have one important wish in the City Tourism Department, and that is to prioritize the aids for the Typhoon Odette-affected tourism industry here.”

The goal is to regain the city’s glory as an eco-tourism capital. “Our 2022 goals are full restoration of all the tourist attractions affected by Typhoon Odette such as the completion of the construction of the cruise-ship port and other man-made tourist attractions. There will be wide, extensive and aggressive promotions of Puerto Princesa to the local and international market.”

The Last Frontier

Puerto Princesa has a plethora of tourist spots. But many tourists who visit the city put the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New7Wonders of Nature, on top of their list. As the jump-off point for exploring the world-famous Tubbataha Reef, the city also hosts a fair share of adventurers.

“Since the Covid-19 outbreak, we have never ceased to hope that the future will be better. This year 2022 is no different. And while what we want is a full recovery, we cannot afford to be careless when taking big steps. As we begin to truly understand the gravity of the situation, we also come to realize that our moves must be consistent with the bigger picture such as the national situation,” Mr. Alvior says.

Since February 10, the city has been happily welcoming more visitors once again, hoping that the arrival numbers will soon be back to pre-pandemic levels. In this initiative, the tourism department shares the privilege on with the private sector.

“While the government is the administrator of the State, the private sector is the bloodline. The government and the private sector are two inseparable factors for Puerto Princesa to prosper, and more importantly, to recover,” Mr. Alvior says. “The key to recovery is to enable and support the private sector to keep or resume their business operations. When it comes to the city’s biggest partners, apart from government agencies, it is the collective impact of small-business operations.”

Puerto Princesa may be “The Last Frontier,” but the City Tourism Department is confident that it will always be the first choice of every traveler.

Add to cart now! Get brand new smart phones, home appliances, travel and everyday essentials on unbelievable deals during the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 11:26 PM

Enjoy up to 50% off brand bundle deals, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off vouchers, on top of incredible price markdowns on brand items available this May 5!

Are you ready to score unbelievable brand deals and surprises all throughout the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival? Available all-day this May 5, enjoy 50% off on brand bundles, 10% off vouchers, and sitewide shipping discount vouchers.

Whether you’ll be in the office, working from home, or out for errands, set your alarms throughout the day so you won’t miss the variety of brand deals for every type of product you’re looking for.

Tech lovers who open their app at exactly 12 midnight will be rewarded with big discounts on appliances and gadgets at the Big Midnight Sale. Upgrade your living room set-up with this ACE 32" Slim HD Smart TV, equipped with wireless connectivity for your Netflix nights. Take your daily selfies and capture office adventures better with this Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and its 48mp triple rear camera! Explore healthier home recipes made easy with a PerySmith 8.5L Dual Speed Air Fryer, that can cook food 30% faster without the added calories.

Start your day right with the great deals available at the Big Morning Sale. Get the Deerma CM800 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, perfect for keeping your bedroom spotless. Become a barista at home with the B Coffee Co. White Cup Bundle Pack that will give you that much-needed energy boost before work. If you've been looking to buy a new phone that won't hurt your pocket, realme narzo 50A Prime is a great all-around smartphone that packs a powerful punch with a 50 MP camera and 5000 mAh massive battery.

While you're on your mid-day break, check out the Big Lunchtime Sale for bigger discounts on brand products that support your hobbies, from baking to going on adventures. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, consider this Home Zania Portable 7 Speed Baking Hand Mixer, with its comfortable ergonomic handle, efficient for whisking and mixing for baking and dessert making. While for avid travelers, this Baseus Laptop Sleeve is a perfect companion with its waterproof and scratch-resistant material to ensure your gadgets are protected. Embrace the comfort and vibrance of the iconic Crocs Classic Solarized Clog that you can wear in all your adventures.

Treat yourself after a long day’s work by shopping in the Big Price Drop Sale. Hop on the smartwatch trend with this water-resistant OPPO Band B1 Bluetooth Watch that allows you to monitor your health and track exercise. Buy the Ensure Gold Strawberry 850g Bundle of 2 for your parents’ and grandparents’ nutritional needs. Let the kids enjoy their vacation while wearing the classic Birkenstock Arizona Sandals, made with two straps and adjustable pin buckles.

Enjoy the thrill of last-minute shopping in the Last 3 Hours Sale. Level up your game with this comfortable, multi-functional Amaia Gaming Chair, complete with removable armrest, backrest extension, and pillow. Surprise a loved one with this classy and versatile Casio Gold Stainless Steel Strap Watch, ideal for everyday wear. Stay hydrated with this trendy Hydro Flask 32 oz Cobalt 2.0 Wide Mouth, that you can take with you wherever you go.

Seize the day by shopping all-day in the Shopee 5.5 Brands Festival! Visit https://shopee.ph/m/5-5-opening-sale for more information.

Already feeling the rush? Here are more reasons that will add to your excitement. ShopeePay is giving you a chance to become a millionaire! Join the next run of the ShopeePay Milyonaryo promo from May 6 to 14 and you can win ₱1,000,000 when you send money for free. With ShopeePay, enjoy instant transfers to any bank, e-wallet or Shopee user with no hidden fees. To qualify, simply go to your Shopee App, register via ShopeePay Milyonaryo, and start sending money. During the 5.5 rush, ShopeePay is also giving away free ₱200 when you send money for the first time. Simply register here and send at least P50 to any bank, e-wallet, or Shopee user on May 5. With ShopeePay, you can also look forward to more offers when you buy load and pay bills. Get up to 50% off on load across all networks and up to 100% cashback on your monthly bills from over 60 billers. Activate ShopeePay now for a more rewarding experience.

SM PRIME leads with Green Buildings for Sustainable Cityscapes

9:35 PM

Cities continue to shape the way we live our lives – from shifting to greener lifestyles choices to reducing overall carbon emissions to help save the planet. The successful shift to greener cityscapes begin with the construction of green buildings, providing smart innovations that work with the environment and promote the well-being of the people who use these spaces on a daily basis.

According to a study made by the US Green Building Council, green buildings can reduce carbon emissions by around 40% on average, water consumption by around 30% and waste generation by around 70%. Beyond the environmental benefits, green buildings also help meet social needs by enhancing spaces, protecting human health, empowering differently-abled members of the community to take active participation and ensuring access to basic services at reasonable rates. Economic benefits can be felt as well with green buildings commanding higher rent potentials, encouraging ‘greenovation’ and promoting cultural and recreational activities without harming the environment.

Committed to making every day living better, SM Prime has taken the lead in incorporating sustainability and resiliency in its designs, making each component work together as a fully-integrated city of the future.

“Constructing greener buildings provides holistic solutions not only reducing emissions but also promoting social well-being.” shares Hans T. Sy, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee. “We see this in our developments which drives us to build greener and even retrofit our existing malls to meet green standards.”

Among SM’s developments, a number boast of receiving LEED Gold certification while others are in the process of certification such as the SM Baguio expansion, SM North EDSA BPO offices, SM Megamall Mega Tower and SM Retail Corporation, to name a few.

SM Aura

The iconic SM Aura at the Bonifacio Global City is a mixed-use development that incorporates retail, trade halls and a Grade A office tower. The LEED Gold Certified mall promotes resource efficiency, green mobility and green landscapes.

SM Aura Bicycle Racks

• Green Mobility. Cycling is encouraged with accessible bicycle storage, cyclists’ shower rooms and convenient access to safe lanes to public transit.

SM Aura Premier Park

• Green Landscapes. The SM Aura Premier Park covers over 55% of the building, uses recycled water and provides enough room for plants to grow while protecting the building and people from heat.

SM Aura LEED GOLD Certification

• Resource Efficiency. SM Aura uses 16% less than conventional buildings through a high- performance building envelope that reduces solar heat while allowing sufficient sunlight. Through low flow water sensor and metering faucets, it also reduces 1/3rd of its potable water use. Only low emitting materials were used as paint, adhesive sealants and floor materials.

Conrad Manila

Known as a lifestyle center, Conrad Manila is LEED Gold Certified. The hotel is designed with a dramatically-formed angular structure that houses a stylish 347-room hotel, spa and function space while S Maison is home to a swathe of smaller, more bespoke outlets for brands.

Bicycle racks at the Conrad Manila

• Luxury Means Green Mobility. Boasting of high-end luxury experience, Conrad Manila remains environmentally friend by providing preferred parking slots for low emitting fuel efficient vehicles, car-sharing vehicles and special parking spaces and facilities for cyclists.

• Eco-Friendly Materials. Locally manufactured and recycled materials and products were used whenever possible with more than 80% of the project’s construction waste recycled. Filtration systems maintain a minimum efficiency rating of 90% to eliminate airborne particulates.

Conrad Manila LEED Gold Certification

• Resource Efficiency. Conrad Manila is designed to reduce energy around 12% less than American energy standards. Its water heating system recovers heat from the chiller condensers to produce hot water while its ventilation system recovers the coolness from the exhaust air, returning that into the building. The hotel is outfitted with occupancy sensors, tinted with low emissivity insulated glass to keep heat and noise out,

Going beyond the LEED Certification, SM Engineering and Design Development, the mall's design and construction arm has implemented these sustainable design strategies on the following projects:

SM Baguio Sky Garden

SM Baguio brings outdoor and indoor as one space optimizing natural lighting and ventilation with the Sky Garden. It has a green roof system as well as a provision for an underground water reservoir for storage and reuse of rainwater with a capacity of 4,389 cubic meters.

SM Seaside Cebu

SM Seaside Cebu mall goers can enjoy an extensive green area, center courtyard and roof garden. Constructed with low glass and utilizes EchoStop for noise management, the building is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.

SM Lanang Sky Garden

SM Lanang Premier showcases lush greens, a roof garden and green pavers that encourage filtration and allow stormwater back to the underground soil. It is equipped with a rain water catchment system and a water reservoir with a 546-cubic meter capacity based on 425mm per hour rainfall intensity. It also has a materials recovery facility which receives, segregates and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers.

SM Masinag Holding Tank

SM City Masinag helps communities avoid flood waters through its 15,033 cubic meter water catchment facility. It is designed with green screens to promote vertical plant growth and is constructed with Clerestory windows as a source of natural light.

SM North EDSA Solar Panels

SM North Edsa is one of the pioneers of the use of solar panels. It is also the first to have the Sky Garden and elevated parks.

The Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is uniquely designed with a seawall to avert any damage from potential storm surges or seal level rise. Built on reclaimed land, it used an excavation method providing a greater degree of protection against liquefaction and seismic events. It is also elevated above the required building levels and is equipped with wave return and drainage channel to prevent flooding due to storm surges and high waves.

SM Marikina sits on 246 stilts and is built 20 meters beyond the compliance for safety zone. At 20.5 meters above natural ground level, it serves as a first responder and a place of refuge for the residents of Marikina during times of calamities.

SM Marikina on stilts

Today, real estate investors, both for business and personal use, have grown to prefer spaces that support sustainability agendas of the growing population. Pursuing green building standards support the public’s aspiration for more sustainable communities that are designed for environmental and social well-being. SM Prime believes that it is important for developers to work with communities on addressing climate change and achieving shared aspirations – a greener, more sustainable cityscape for all to enjoy.

“Creating a more sustainable way of life requires a sustainable backdrop that supports the shift. At SM Prime, our passion is to create one that is sustainable and resilient for the life we want for today and the future,” Mr. Sy said.