'A COMPLETE SUCCESS’; Face-to-face Dinagyang exceeded expectations

January 25, 2023



 Patawaran and Chef Tibong Jardeleza,Jr. 
  Hala Bira! Lifestyle columnist Tessa Prieto, TV Personality Tim Yap and broadcaster Karen Davila at the Dinagyang Exhibit with SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.

The special guests were seen enjoying the Ilomination night at SM City Iloilo with Mayor Jerry Treñas, SM’s SVP for Operations Bien Mateo, Talent Manager Jojie Dingcong, Youtube celebrity Small Laude,veteran broadcaster Karen Davila, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, philanthropist and influencer Tessa Prieto, eventologist Tim Yap, Manila Bulletin’s Arnel



ILOILO City – With thousands of domestic and foreign visitors packing various festival activities, Dinagyang’s return to the city’s streets exceeded expectations, according to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

A “complete success” was how he described the festival’s return to a face-to-face celebration after two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“Everyone wanted a strong comeback…It was a complete success and this showed that Dinagyang and our Sto. Niño are beyond politics,” added Treñas.

Conversation over Batchoy with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, lifestyle columnist and philanthropist Tessa Prieto, TV personality Tim Yap, veteran broadcaster Karen Davila, Manila Bulletin’s Arnel Patawaran and renowned Iloilo Chef, Rafael "Tibong" Jardeleza Jr. 

Dinagyang Festival is known far and wide for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect Ilonggo ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry.
Treñas congratulated the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), major co-presentor of Dinagyang 2023, the participating tribes and corporate sponsors, among others.

“I acknowledge all our sponsors from the private sector for their significant contributions in the success of Dinagyang. Of course, sa inyo tanan, mga pinalangga ko nga Ilonggo. Ang tanan nga ini bangud sa inyo kag para man sa inyo. Your strong support in all our activities played a meaningful role in the overall success of the festival,” said Treñas.

(From left to right) House Speaker Martin Romualdez, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas during the Dinagyang Dance Competition at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.


Darren Espanto wowed the audience with his song and dance performances



Youtube star Small Laude with Talent Manager Jojie Dingcong enjoying a bowl of Batchoy at SM City Iloilo



The festival’s top sponsor was SM City Iloilo; it also served as venue for many Dinagyang activities, including the first-ever Dinagyang Ilomination on Jan.21, Batchoy Festival, festival costumes exhibit, and concert of various performing artists including Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, among others.
A number of celebrities, prominent government officials and foreign dignitaries also came over, including First Lady Liza Marcos, YouTube sensation Small Laude, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, lifestyle columnist and philanthropist Tessa Prieto Valdez, television presenter and entrepreneur Tim Yap, former senator Franklin Drilon, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, among others. They were warmly welcomed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. 


Several dignitaries form foreign embassies attended the festivities as well: Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Raduta Dana Matache with Mr. Constantin Matache ; Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Agus Widjojo and his wife, Mme. Ranny Agus Widjojo; Royal Thai Ambassador to the Philippines HE Tull Traisorat; Royal Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines HE Christian Halaas Lyster; Hungary Ambassador to the Philippines HE Titanilla Toth; Embassy of Polland Ambassador to the Philippines HE Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz ; Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Ms. P.G.P. Kaushalya; Consul General of Japan in Cebu Hideki Yamaji; and Embassy of the United States in the Philippines Chief Consuls Kristofer Graf and Leo Balantac.







Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country.

Two of the many foreign dignitaries who graced the festival were full of praises.

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Nanyang brings "Singapore in Manila!"

January 21, 2023



Nanyang, literally known as the “Southern Ocean,” refers to the warm and fertile region of South China, otherwise known as “Southeast Asia.”

Nanyang is the perfect epitome of a fusion of the contemporary and nostalgic experience. One of its signatures, Nanyang Kopi, is rooted all the way back from the 60s and 70s. Recreating the typical breakfast scenario – the combination of a cup of Nanyang Kopi and a freshly toasted bread – with a modern twist. Nanyang will open its doors set in a present- time backdrop to accommodate both the old and young generations.


So is it true that Nanyang has brought "Singapore in Manila?" 

Hmmm... I'd like to believe so. :) Why? Oh well, after my dining experience at Nanyang (Level 2, Glorietta 2, Makati City), I can really attest to that and I find their  Singaporean food very authentic and a must try for everyone! 


Being a coffee-lover, I tried their Iced Kopi Melaka ... 

Iced Kopi Melaka Php120

Black coffee with condensed milk, which is a thick and sweetened milk

If you're not into so much of having too much sweetnesd in your beverages, need not worry my dearies, 'coz there's always "crushed ice" to rescue us! Hahaha yep! I did it and still even enjoyed and achieved the level of sugar that I desire. Love the blend though, a real brewed one! 


Prawn Noodle Soup Php268 

The broth is so rich! By just merely looking at this food porn, you'll be quick to judge how exciting and flavorful this dish was. And yes, that's absolutely correct! I can still imagine myself indulging into its prawns that had added sweetness to it's broth and those fish cakes--- super love it! Am I in Singapore? :)) 


Homemade Nasi Lemak Php248

The term"Nasi Lemak" (Malay) means 'rich rice'. The ‘rich’ refers not to wealth, but the coconut cream that makes it oh-so sinfully scrumptious.

This hearty meal  is a perfect mix of flavours: aromatic rice infused with coconut milk and pandan or sometimes banana leaves, eaten with deep-fried fish or chicken, otah (grilled fish paste, fried ikan bilis (local anchovies) and peanuts, eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal (spicy chilli paste).

Are you asking if I enjoyed it?! Well, I devoured myself into it! Just don't forget to miix all the ingredients with the rice or you may also put aside the chicken slices then you're all set! Truly, an Asian delight at its best! Hello?! 


Traditional Nonya Kaya Toast Php70
and Thick Toast Php Php70 

Kaya Toast is a classic Singaporean breakfast, especially when served alongside a cup of kopi and two soft-boiled eggs. 

What makes it very popular even until now? 

There is good reason for the sustained popularity of such a simple sandwich: the sweet, pandan flavours of kaya (coconut jam), salty pat of butter, and mouthfeel of white bread make quite an irresistible combination.

So one must really try Singapore's staple toast for breakfast to authenticate your Nanyang dining experience! 


Other Nanyang's Singaporean treats: 

Milo Dinosaur Php120


Curry Chicken (with rice or toast) Php248


Hainanese Chicken Rice Php268


Laksa (Prawn) Php268


Hainanese Fried Chicken Rice Php268




After all these gastrocnemius experience in Nanyang, I was swayed by the oozing flavors and spices of the Singaporean cuisine and savouring some of Asia's best treats too! Nanyang has truly brought "Singapore in Manila!" 

Please do watch my Nanyang Ph's 
Iinstagram REELS here


I am also very thankful that aside from these Nanyang Ph's branches...


...they are now open and serving at the Level 2 of Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City!!! Hooray! 


Nanyang Ph Level 2, Glorietta 2, Palm Drive, Makati City 

Looking forward for more of Nanyang Ph's food experience and Good luck to its expansion!!! 



Facebook: Nanyang Philippines 
Instagram: NanyangPh
TikTok: nanyangph






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Jollibee Opens First Store in Orlando, Florida: Marks Jollibee’s first-ever dual lane drive-thru in the U.S.

January 21, 2023



A SUNNY, JOLLY DAY IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA. Jollibee North America opens the year with its first-ever store in Orlando, Florida. It is also the brand’s first-ever dual drive-thru lane in the country, reflecting Jollibee’s commitment to innovation and improving customer experience.
FLORIDA, USA. 20 January 2023 – Homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee officially opened its first restaurant in Orlando, Florida on January 18—its first U.S. opening for the year and first-ever dual drive-thru lane store in the U.S. Known for its sunny climate and theme parks, Jollibee’s Orlando, Florida branch is primely situated at 11891 East Colonial Drive and is the brand’s 62nd store in the U.S.

“The strong reception of our Jollibee Orlando, Florida opening shows robust demand for our products in the U.S. market, especially with our growing American consumer base,” shared Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group President and CEO. “We are grateful for the continued support of our valued customers in the U.S., and we are committed to introducing more innovations such as the dual-lane drive-thru to further elevate their Jollibee experience."
Hundreds of hungry Floridians enjoyed the convenience of the dual drive-thru service as they picked up their Jollibee favorites, including the bestselling Chickenjoy fried chicken; Chicken Sandwich, and Peach Mango Pie. Similar to its Times Square location, Jollibee Orlando, Florida serves a new variety of sides and salads catered to the local taste, including Baked Cheddar Mac ‘n Cheese, Mandarin Orange Crispy Chicken Salad, and Biscuits.

Jollibee Orlando, Florida is the chain’s first-ever dual lane drive-thru store.


“We are ready to serve up the most delicious fried chicken here in Orlando, Florida,” said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee North America. “From the minute you walk through our doors–or line up at our dual lane drive-thru–to your very last bite, we are determined to make every experience at Jollibee Orlando a joyful one for our guests.”

Late last year, International food authority Eater.com named Jollibee as “the best chain fried chicken in America” after its bestselling Chickenjoy bested 14 global brands in four rounds of contests.

Jollibee is set to expand in more North America locations in 2023, with the goal to grow to 500 stores in the next 5-7 years. To know more about Jollibee U.S.’ upcoming store openings and other updates, follow @jollibeeus on Facebook, @jollibeeus on Instagram, and @jollibeeusa on TikTok. For more information on the Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.


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Hop your way to luck this 2023 at SM Supermalls!

January 21, 2023



This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide!

From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy.


Share good luck over good food at SM
Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants. 


Have a stroll at the Lucky Park
Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals.


Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance
Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!


Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert!
When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you.

Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls:
 
● January 14, 2PM - SM City Olongapo Central
● January 15, 2PM - SM City San Lazaro
● January 19, 2PM - SM City Fairview
● January 20, 2PM - SM City Dasmariñas
● January 20, 5PM - SM City Sta. Rosa
● January 2 1, 2PM - SM Megamall
● January 21, 5PM - SM City North EDSA
● January 22, 2PM - SM City Bacoor
● January 22, 5PM - SM Mall of Asia 































Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game

Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.


As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall!

For more updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.



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