QUICK BITES, CONTI’S DELIGHTS AT SM BULACAN MALLS

An OG has arrived at SM Bulacan malls, and we’re totally here for it. Presenting the Conti’s Take Out Nooks, now serving freshly baked cakes and awesome goodies at SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.

Shoppers may now conveniently take-home breads, pies, pastries, cookies, frozen ready-to-eat dishes, and, of course, iconic cakes as Conti’s Take Out Nooks finally open at the ground level of SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.

Whether it’s a celebration, a gift, or just a little ‘pick-me-up’ kind of moment, know that Conti’s is just a few steps away to sweeten the day.  For food alerts and promos, check out https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag and https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan.

     

Sweet Spots to Sleigh Your Holiday Cravings at SM

Just in time for the most festive season of the year, SM Center Sangandaan, SM City Grand Central, and SM City Valenzuela welcome a trio of dessert destinations ready to sweeten every holiday stopover. Whether you are gift-hunting, grocery-running, or simply soaking up the Christmas rush, these new openings promise delicious detours perfect for the season.

At SM Center Sangandaan, Althea’s Bakeshop and Goodies brings homegrown warmth to the mall’s holiday bustle. Althea’s fuses local flavors with international twists in their breads, cakes, and pastries. Pair your pick with their refreshing coffee creations or the authentic taste of Taiwan milk tea, and you’ve got the perfect treat for chilly December strolls.

Over at SM City Grand Central, Dairy Queen arrives as a crowd-pleasing classic. With more than 70 years of sweet success, DQ continues to delight with its signature soft-serve creations: iconic sundaes crowned with hot fudge, the beloved DQ® sandwich, chocolate-dipped cones, decadent tin cakes like the Strawberry Cashew Cheesecake, and festive DQ cakes that instantly elevate any gathering. For an extra holiday kick, the Double Cocoa Fudge Frappe blends soft-serve comfort with coffee warmth that makes good fuel for gift shopping marathons.

At SM City Valenzuela, Pretzels and Cinnamon introduces a cozy new craving to the metro. Founded under Zullo Coffee Corporation, this newcomer champions the charm of soft, golden-baked pretzels that are made premium yet accessible. Their instant standout? The Ube Cream Cheese Sticks: warm pretzel sticks filled with rich, velvety ube cream cheese and finished with a delicate ube glaze. It’s a comforting, indulgent nod to Filipino flavor that is perfect for snacking while hopping between holiday sales.

So, whether you’re planning merienda with friends, rewarding yourself after errands, or searching for new flavors to enjoy with family, these dessert hubs bring festive cheer in every bite. Celebrate the season with something sweet. After all, Christmas at SM is all about magical moments worth savoring.

Allianz PNB Life Champions Single Moms with MaPanatag Initiative

Manila, Philippines – Allianz PNB Life, one of the leading life insurers in the Philippines, has launched MaPanatag, a socially inclusive initiative designed to address the unique needs and everyday challenges of single mothers. With an estimated 15 million single parents in the country, 95% of whom are women, Allianz recognizes the importance of supporting this community to help ease their daily burdens and secure a brighter tomorrow.

“MaPanatag” represents the peace of mind and assurance that Allianz aims to bring to single moms as they balance their responsibilities and nurture their families.

“The MaPanatag proposition is a testament to the care and support we want to extend to single moms,” said Joe Gross, President and CEO of Allianz PNB Life.

The inspiration behind MaPanatag began with a heartfelt conversation Joe had with a single mom from Allianz. During their exchange, she shared her worries about her child’s future—something that deeply resonated with him, as he himself was raised by a single mother.

“Single moms often carry the weight of the world on their shoulders,” Gross said. “Through MaPanatag, we want them to know they don’t have to face their fears alone. With Allianz by their side, they can be assured that their children will always be cared for.”

To ensure authenticity and relevance, the initiative’s development was led by three single moms from Allianz PNB Life. Their insights, along with the stories of Mombassadors from both PNB and Allianz, shaped the initiative to truly reflect the realities of single motherhood.

“MaPanatag was made by single moms, for single moms. It’s one of Allianz’s fastest-curated propositions—built to address real needs while ensuring accessibility and accuracy,” added Gross.

The Mombassadors from Allianz PNB Life include Apple Isidro, who shared her story of strength and perseverance; Heidi Larosa, whose journey is anchored on faith despite hardship; and Janella Reyes, who found victory through trials. Representing PNB are Rosemary Fernandez, who spoke about finding grace, strength, and love; Angel Galut, whose story reflects courage and resilience; and Aira Carmelo, who became stronger at every turn of her journey. 

Holistic Support for Single Moms

The MaPanatag initiative provides comprehensive support for single moms through three (3) core benefits:

1. eAZy Health – A renewable life and health protection plan covering critical illness, accidental death, disability, dismemberment, and total and permanent disability—giving moms peace of mind in case of unforeseen circumstances. It can be availed for as low as P970 per month. 

2. HerBox – A curated set of exclusive benefits for single moms, including a dedicated wellness benefit of ₱2,000 in the first year and ₱1,000 annually from Years 2–5, plus discounts and perks from partner clinics, pharmacies, wellness services, and mom-and-baby essentials.

3. Opportunity to Earn – Access to join the Allianz distribution team, allowing single moms to gain additional income to support their families.

Through these benefits, Allianz PNB Life reinforces its commitment to being a true partner to mothers raising their families singlehandedly.

“Single moms go above and beyond to provide for their families—but they shouldn’t have to face tomorrow’s uncertainties alone,” Gross emphasized. “MaPanatag is our way of helping them live strong today, with the assurance that tomorrow is secure.”

A Commitment to Inclusive Protection and Sustainability

MaPanatag underscores Allianz’s commitment to inclusive protection—ensuring that no mother feels she must carry the world’s weight alone.

“Sustainability has always been part of Allianz PNB Life’s journey,” Gross said. “MaPanatag aligns perfectly with our goal of building resilient and inclusive communities. That’s why we’re channeling our resources to make it more accessible and impactful, reaching as many single moms as possible.”

The partnership with PNB will play a crucial role in making MaPanatag available nationwide through PNB’s extensive network of branches.

Ultimately, MaPanatag reflects Allianz’s belief that no mom should ever feel alone in her journey—and that every act of love she makes for her children should be supported, celebrated, and remembered.

For more information about MaPanatag and Allianz eAZy Health, visit www.allianzpnblife.ph, drop by a PNB branch near you, or follow Allianz PNB Life on Facebook and Instagram.