Jam with the Kapuso Stars in SM Davao for their Christmas Concert on December 2, 2011

Christmas sweeps the heart of Davao with the Kapuso festive spirit as GMA Network brings close to the Davaoenos their favorite stars to share the good tidings and cheer through the 3rd leg of the Kapuso Christmas Concert series on Friday, December 2.

After the success of its first leg held in Iloilo City last November 5, the concert series tagged "Jammin' sa KapuSONG Pasko" also made its stop at Naga City.

At 4:00pm, getting into the limelight to spread holiday cheers at SM City Davao Event Center are Time of My Life cast members Mark Herras and Ryza Cenon, Bubble Gang’s Sam Pinto, Party Pilipinas' Heart Evangelista and Jaya, and Lovely of Protégé.

After Davao, the Kapuso Network will also jam with the Cebuanos on Dec. 10 at SM City Cebu; and with the Pangasinenses on Dec. 17.

Celebrate your favourite season at your favourite mall—SM City Davao!

Watch "It's Christmas: The Musical" at SM Davao City on December 11, 2011

After bringing Christmas treats like the Nutcracker with Prima Ballerina Lisa Macuja, Celebrate Joy with Mascara Productions and A Joyful Company with The Company in the past years, SM City Davao now brings a unique and very enjoyable musical which children of all ages will surely love.

“It’s Christmas: The Musical” unfolds a unique story of a little girl who finds herself at the mall. And while she opts to stop and rest on a bench, she falls asleep and awakens to an empty mall. Startled by a talking mannequin, her adventure begins while meeting characters along the way. Until a mean spirited elf steals away all the fun, which makes everyone work out a secret, to change his ill ways and make him happy. Then, the girl wakes up only to find out all is but a dream…or is it?

Being presented by Theatre Down South with the artistic direction of veteran actor Michael Williams, the musical promises to warm everyone’s hearts.

Celebrate your favourite season at your favourite mall, SM City Davao! Catch TDS’ Its Christmas! The Musical live at the Event Centre, December 11.

YouTube Sensation Maria Aragon to Sing SM Christmas ChriSMs Bop

In time for the merriest season of the year, SM Supermalls chose International YouTube sensation Maria Aragon to sing the SM Supermalls’ official holiday tune, SM Christmas ChriSMs Bop, to make the Christmas celebration extra special for its shoppers and loyal patrons.

Aragon rose to fame after she posted a video of her own rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” on YouTube. She was then invited by Ellen DeGeneres to perform the song at her show. And eventually was invited by Lady Gaga herself to perform at her Monster Ball Tour leg in Toronto. Maria Aragon was also given the opportunity to perform for dignitaries including Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their 2011 royal tour of Canada.

Aside from her stint as the SM Christmas voice, Aragon is also in the country to promote her self-titled album. Last July, the YouTube star signed a contract for a record deal with Star Records.

Like SM Supermalls, Aragon is delighted to be part of the Christmas season in the Philippines.

Get a load of your favourite things and experience a blissful holiday shopping experience at everyone’s favourite mall, SM City Davao!

Saint Joseph the Worker Parish - The First Fully Air Conditioned Church in Davao City

Saint Joseph is minutes away from our village. Saint Joseph the Worker Parish is located in Sasa, Davao City. If you want to go there you can just take a public vehicle (Jeepney). You wont have a problem asking directions on Jeepney drivers or taxi driver because the church is well known.

It is well known of course, because its the first church here in Davao City to be fully air-conditioned. The place is pack with people like I said since it has a air-condition unit the place is cool.

I consider Saint Joseph as one of the nice churches here in Davao. Why? It's a nice church since it's (again fully air-conditioned) it's not located in the busy streets of downtown area. Although if you take a jeep. You have to take a 2 minute walk to get there (main road to the church).

Schedules of Service

Daily Masses

Monday to Friday at 6:00 am and 5:15 pm

First Friday Mass is at 5:15 pm

Saturday 6:00 am and 5:30 pm

Sunday Masses

6:00 am, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm and 5:15 pm

Children s Mass is at 2:30 pm

Baptism

Registration - Tuesday and Thursday

(8:00 am - 12:00 noon; 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Interview - Saturday

Celebration of the Sacrament - Sunday at 10 am

Weddings

interviews - Saturday

(8:00 am - 12:00 noon; 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Pre-Cana-Seminar-Every 1st Saturday and Sunday of the month

Amansibado Wedding - Every last Thursday of the Month at 2:00 pm

Community Wedding - Every Saturday at 6:00 am

Individual Wedding - Wednesday to Saturday

Confessions

Saturday and Sunday 4:00 pm

Sick Call/Blessings

Anytime upon priest's availability

Office Hours

Tuesday to Sunday

(8:00 am - 12 noon; 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

Monday no Office

Telephone Number 235-1101 or 234-6176

My brother had his wedding in this church last year it cost him 15,000 pesos ($375) fully air-conditioned, if you don't want to use the air-condition units and settle for the electric fans it will only cost you 3,600 pesos ($90).

Here are some photos of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish.

Preparing For our Company Party

Yesterday we have no work since it's Halloween. So my office mates called me up asking for my help in preparing the prizes and games for our upcoming party for our organization. We were decorating walls, wrapping prizes and also preparing for parlor games.

We have prepared plenty of games for our party this coming Friday from Paper Dance, Trip to Jerusalem and more. We were like kids in that room laughing, cracking jokes and even playing the games we have prepared. Then some of my office mate decided to do a Tomato Dance - the one where in you put a tomato on your forehead and holding it together with your partners forehead while dancing. Then suddenly they just started throwing tomatoes at each other and at our office mate, it's a Food Fight!!! We started grabbing some of the tomatoes and joined the fray. It was fun, hmm we already have fun before the party started hahahahaha.

Oh what a day, we finished all the preparations and headed back home and going back to being adults again. It's fun being young at heart for once in a while.

Celebrate Spooky Halloween at SM Davao on October 30-31, 2011

Enjoy the coolest tricks and most exciting treats at SM City Davao! Have the thrill of your life with spooky Halloween events.

On October 30(Sunday), join the regions’ first concept fun run Twilight Run 4 AM at Open Parking C. Spooky run your way to fitness. Come running in costume and win exciting prizes! Registration is open until October 29 at the SM Event Centre.

The Mindanao Cosplay Summit 2011 also kicks off on Sunday with its Elimination Round at the mall’s Event Centre, mall hours. Plus, dress up your dogs and join the HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs in Costume parade happening at 2 PM. Best dressed dog will faBOOlous prizes!

Go trick-or-treating around the mall in the most thrilling Trick-or-Treat event in this side of the city! Put on your scariest, cutest and most creative costume, hop on your broomstick and get exciting surprises 10 AM-12 NN from participating mall tenants. At 2 PM, join SM’s grandest scare-tastic party and win tons of prizes! Join the costume contest and show it off in the mall parade! Registration is on-going at the mall’s Event Centre.

SM Foundation Opens Scholarship Application in Davao City

In its goal to provide education opportunities to graduating high school students, the SM Foundation College Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for school year 2012-2013.

Now on its 18th year, SM Foundation’s flagship project is open to all 4th year public high school students from the National Capital Region, Batangas, Pampanga, Benguet, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Rizal, Cavite, Tarlac, Laguna, Zambales, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Davao, Misamis Oriental and General Santos.

Interested applicants must have a weighted average of at least 88% in the second or third grading period in their senior year. Moreover, the applicant’s family must have a total household income that does not exceed P150,000.

Application forms are available at the Mall Administration Office, Second Floor, SM City Davao.

Interested parties may call 297.6998 local 121 for inquiries.

6th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge (PSSC) at SM Mall Davao City on Oct 25, 2011

The Mathematics Trainers’ Guild (MTG) Philippines, in coordination with SM Supermalls will be holding the 6th Philippine Sudoku Super Challenge (PSSC).

The project aims to promote the number of puzzle to the youth for the purpose of developing their reasoning ability; enhance the mental and critical skills of the students so that they can solve life’s problems effectively; and offer an alternative to spending enjoyable, educational and productive past time.

Sudoku enthusiasts are invited to join any of the three categories: Sudoku Whiz Kid for elementary level; Sudoku Wizard for high school level and Sudoku Grandmaster for college level and professionals. Registration is free.

Davao regional eliminations will be held at the Event Centre of SM City Davao on October 25.

The top three winners in every category shall receive Certificates of High Distinction and are qualified for the National Finals which will be held in SM North EDSA on January 28, 2012.

For Davao, interested parties may call Mrs Lucy Puro of Davao Central High School at 227.2051.

Downloading of entry form and other information may be obtained from www.pinoysudoku.ph

Kapuso Stars Yna, Andrea and La Diva will Visit Davao City

An exciting evening awaits fans of Yna Assistio, Andrea Torres and the La Diva at the GMA Kapuso Night set on the first day of SM Davao’s 3 Day Sale, October 14 at the Event Centre.

Yna Assistio is the daughter of Nadya Montenegro and is rumoured to be dating young actor Mark Herras. ON the other hand, the lovely TV host Andrea Torres who recently signed an exclusive contract with GMA Network has played roles both for TV and the movies.

To complete the Kapuso Night, multi-awarded pop girl band La Diva is set to wow its Davao audience with performances featuring songs from their self-titled album. The group is composed of Jonalyn Viray, Maricris Garcia and Aicelle Santos.

SM 3 Day Sale runs October 14-16. SMAC Sale 2-hour special happens on Friday from 10 AM to 12 NN and offers additional discounts at SM Department Store, Ace Hardware, Surplus Shop, Levi’s and Toy Kingdom.

Kiss your rainy season blues away with fun time and great shopping experience at SM City Davao, where we all come together.

Mall hours are extended to 12 MN on Friday-Saturday (October 14-15) and up until 10 PM on Sunday (October 16).

Witness Ballet Philippine's Faces of Eve in Davao City

On October 9, SM City Davao once again treats its shoppers to a red carpet event at the Event Centre.

Running its 42^nd Ballet Season: Faces of Eve, Ballet Philippines offers to its Davao audience excerpts from their full-length performances. Faces of Eve is a celebration of the different roles that women play in society.

The Davao run will include excerpts from:

Inamorata is a mixed bill gala where the company’s vast and diverse repertoire that includes immortal classics and fresh contemporary works are showcased. They will perform contemporary piece "Nanay," the comedic love pas de deux "Harlequinade," and the classical showstopper, "Flames of Paris."

The Sleeping Beauty is the most classical of classical ballets. Ballet Philippines’ holiday offering will take audiences to a magnificent world of princesses, fairies, and the power of true love’s kiss.

Crisostomo Ibarra is the 2010 Gawad Buhay awards winner for Outstanding Dance production. It shows the journey of Rizal's protagonist from aristocratic idealist to revolutionary pragmatist.

Bring along the whole family and enjoy world class performing arts live on Sunday, 4 PM at SM City Davao—where we all come together!

Admission is free.

Durian Season in Davao City

The season for fruit harvest usually starts in the month of August to October here in Davao City. But last August, there have been few fruits yet. During the end of September, we started seeing durian sold in the sidewalk of streets. Now, you can see lots of durian literally everywhere in Davao City. This is a sign that production is high and so, prices are also plunging. Durian eaters take advantage of this peak season because prices are low plus the fact that there are a lot of durians to choose from. There are also various varieties like the native variety, arancillo, chanee, cob, montong and others.

Me and hubby are durian eaters and our little girls loves it too. We bought several kilos and stored the durian meat in the fridge. The price per kilo this time ranges from 30-50 depending on the variety.

SM Davao Celebrates World Teacher's Day on October 5th

World Teacher's Day is celebrated across the world on October 5th. It is intended to be a special day for the appreciation of teachers.

Joining the Department of Education and the rest of the World, SM City Davao recognizes the great tasks of teachers in educating and molding future and responsible citizens.

From October 1 to 5, students are encouraged to express their gratitude to their mentor's at SM's Wall of Greetings located at the mall's ground floor. Also, they may strike a pose at the SM's Teacher's Day Photo Booth!

To top it all, teachers can get special freebies and discounts from participating stores at SM Davao - Onesimus, Dencio's Kamayan, Shapes, Speedo, Ganeco, Kamiseta, Rocky's Barbershop, PT Coco, Gingersnaps, Rusty Lopez, SM Supermarket, SM Department Store, Prestige, Karimadon and Nike Athletic Club.

Shop, dine and have fun! Celebrate Teacher's Day at SM City Davao - where we all come together!

Cool Cardigans

Knit picks. Red and blue knitted cardigans from Surplus.


Lightweight hooded cardigan worn over a gray collared shirt and khaki pants.

This red zipped cardigan is worn with a white sleeveless top with a cowl neckline and khaki pants. A two toned scarf completes the look.This red zipped cardigan is worn with a white sleeveless top with a cowl neckline and khaki pants. A two toned scarf completes the look.

Pretty and preppie. A pink three- button cardigan for her and a gray V-neck cardigan for him.

It is said that the cardigan, the classic button down sweater, which is very much associated with preppies, was named after James Brudenell, the 7^th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander. During the Crimean War, Brudenell and his officers wore a “sweater coat” that inspired the cardigan.

By the 1900s, the V-neck “letter” cardigan was a hit in campus fashion. The look was smart but casual and generally styled with loafers, slacks, and white shirts. The legendary French designer Coco Chanel later gave it glam in the 1920s with her unstructured, collarless braid trimmed cardigan jacket

Cardigans have evolved since then and have become one of the most functional and versatile pieces in fashion. Its lightweight material makes it handy, it can be worn dressed up or dressed down, and its styles fit and flatter all body types.

And with lightweight cardigans ruling today’s runways – Christopher Kane’s bright neon cardigans, Zac Posen’s fancy cardigans in black and rich hues, Alberta Ferreti’s boho chic and ladylike versions, L’Wren Scott’s mix of fabrics, layering, colors, and eye-catching embellishments – can Surplus the store where you can get fashion for less be far behind?

With Surplus’s new cardigan collection, the art of layering will keep us cool in the cold season. There are classic button down cardies, sophisticated shawl collar versions, cool cropped styles, all-time favorite argyles, and trendy zip ups and hoodies.

And here’s another cool offer from Surplus – rechargeable flashlights for only P129.75 or 3 for P100 until December 31, 2011.

The Cardigan Collection is available at Surplus stores located at most SM Supermalls. Surplus is also in Facebook – simply search and visit Surplus Shop in Facebook.

Beautiful Wedding Gowns Worn by Davao's Elite

I have seen this exhibit of beautiful wedding gowns made by famous Filipino designers in the event center at SM during the Kadayawan. I love looking at the display of gowns and it makes me remember my very own wedding. Although my gown was just simple and not pricey:).

Sharing to you some photos:






Happy weekend friends:)

Treat for Grannies

Every day is Grandparent’s Day this week at SM City Davao. Paying tribute to the hip and cool grandparents, SM City Davao is hosting a weeklong celebration for your favourite grannies!

On September 4, the celebration kicks off with a fun and exciting Line Dancing at the Event Centre. Lolos and lolas also get a chance to win prizes during the activity.

From September 5 to 11, capture those bonding moments at the mall with lolo and lola at the “I Love Lolo and Lola” Photo Area.

Find great deals and bargains with unique articles from SM Davao’s Grandparent’s day Flea Market which is open for business on September 9 to 11.

Lola loves the kitchen? Take her to the Cooking with Sunnex free cooking demo at the SM Foodcourt on September 11. Cap the Sunday afternoon with a trip down memory lane with Grandpa at the Bloomfields Mall show at 4 PM featuring tunes from yesteryears.

Give lolo and lola an experience they will never forget. Surprise them a trip to the mall where we all come together—SM City Davao!

Rock and Roll With The Bloomfields at SM Davao 2011

The Bloomfields will be at SM Davao this September 11, 2011. The Bloomfields established itself with a repertoire with hits of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. As they recreate the rock music of the 60's and 70's their signature fresh and bubbly music, they are sure to leave their audience with amusement and a feeling of positive vibes.

The Bloomfields is composed of Rocky Collado, Lakan Hila, Louie Poco and Dino Pascual. The group have recently released their 2nd album, "Hit The Ground Running", featuring all 10 original compositions available in all SM Stores Nationwide.

The band, being composed of young charismatic men, advocated for the improvement of the quality of life of those with speech and hearing impairments - their very own special audience who appreciates their music in s special ways.

Catch the music of Bloomfields live at SM Davao Event Centre on September 11, Sunday, 4PM.

Electronic Vehicle Free Ride

During the Kadayawan week, I have seen a number of e-vehicles roaming around the downtown area of Davao City. This vehicles offer a free ride to passengers within downtown area.

These vehicles fascinate me because unlike usual vehicles that run on fossil fuel, they run through charging electricity and they are environmentally friendly.

Ecobags to Take Care Mother Earth at SM

Mutya ng Dabaw beauties Vanessa Chan and Samantha De Leon at the SM Davao Ecobag launch

“It is my great appreciation not just as a leader of the youth but also as an advocate for fighting the adverse effects of climate change and protection of the forests that SM launches its 3^rd edition of its Ecobags,” SK Federation President Jashera Gonzales tells audience.

Davao Doctors College students at the SM 3^rd edition Ecobag launch

3^rd Ecobag Launch. In the photo (L-R) are City Environment and Natural Resources Office’s Dolly Remojo, DENR-EMB’s Soc Mallare, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Napoleon Paje, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Jashera Gonzales and SM Davao Brand Manager Fred Lasmarias.

Last August24, marked another milestone for SM and its Environmental Program, as over 40 SM Malls nationwide simultaneously launched the 3^rd edition of the SM Eco Bag, inspired by the UN theme the International Year of the Forest.

The project is part of the Environmental Program under SM Cares, which stems from SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans T. Sy.

“SM is no longer simply a business, we act as a catalyst for environmentalism and nation building, and are deeply aware of the privilege and responsibility that comes with serving 3 million customers daily,” SM Davao Brand Manager says.

SM has worked with the DENR, DOE, PBE, Dep Ed, The World Bank, WWF, ASEAN, and the Earth Day Network, among others. This year, SM signs an MOU with the United Nations Development Program.

“Through advocating re-usable bags, we can literally be involved in the environmental movement by reducing waste, promoting recycling, and minimizing plastic use,” SM Davao Mall Manager Lynette Lopez adds.

At the Davao launch, the occasion was graced by CENRO staff Dolly Remojo, DENR EMB’s Soc Mallare, SK Federation President Jashera Gonzales and DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Napoleon Paje.

The SM Eco Bags are now available at P35 and Eco Sando Bags at P10.

Dish Garden Designs at the 2nd Flora Mindanao at SM Davao

Last weekend, I went to SM Davao to look for the items on sale since it's Kadayawan festival. Lots of goodies were on sale ranging from 30-50% discount like bags, belts, blouses, kids wear and a lot of others. When I entered the mall, I was really awed by the beautiful display of dish garden designs at the entrance. I then checked the main entrance and there I saw the display of the 3 dish garden designs that emerged as the winner. They are very beautiful, elegant and I was literally wowed by them.

Here are photos of the winners:

A dish garden is an arrangement of plants placed inside dishware. The dishware used in dish gardens may be everyday items such as cereal bowls or coffee mugs or they may be ornamental pieces.

Popular plants for dish gardens include pretty greenery such as ivy and fern as well as flowering plants with bright collared blooms. A European style dish garden is often filled with flowers such as gerberas, azaleas and begonias.

Last Kadayawan Festival, SM City Davao’s second Flora Mindanaw Dish Garden Competition wowed not only floriculture and horticulture enthusiasts but landscape artists and regular shoppers as well.

“They are like a miniature landscapes… very pleasing to the eyes!” a random shopper shares.

Out of the 19 entries, masterpieces by Anonio A. Tiu (1^st Place), Emiliana Cordero (2^nd Place) and James Zimmerman (3^rd) bagged the prizes for the said competition.

Other participating artists were Deagelia Suarez, May Martinez-Hilotilia, Erlinda Martinez, Rose Tamparong, Jackie Llavore, Jocelyn Albances, Mary Joy Albances-Cervantes, Noel Aton, Ilora Chua, Noel Noel, Bienvenido Haro, Rurisima Zimmerman, Silva Alegria, Christopher Rios and Merlyn B. Bureros.

“This competition aims to showcase not only the rare plant collections of the Davao horticulture industry but the skills and creativity among our hobbyists and professional artists as well,” SM Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez claims.

The dish gardens were placed on display at the mall’s entrances from August 15 to 21.

Some photos of those displayed at the entrance...


Have a great weekend friends