Recharge for the holiday rush with Bo’s Coffee at the SM Store, Araneta City

The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity – a hectic dance of shopping for gifts, preparing festive feasts, and organizing family gatherings. For moms, the month of October can be especially demanding as we juggle the demands of everyday life with the added pressure of holiday preparations. Amidst the chaos, a moment to pause and recharge is invaluable. Fortunately, there is a delightful treat that can infuse new energy into our holiday errands, and we don’t even have to go far from our shopping grounds, as Bo’s Coffee opened its first-ever branch at the SM Store in Araneta City.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

Bo’s Coffee: A Blend of Culture and Coffee

Bo’s Coffee is more than just a coffeehouse chain; it’s a celebration of Philippine coffee and culture built on its promise of being “your homegrown brew.” Established in 1996 by founder Steve Benitez in Cebu City, this coffee haven is deeply rooted in Filipino tradition and the love for local coffee beans.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

The name ‘Bo’ is inspired by an Italian-American roaster named Bo, whom Steve met during his early coffee exploration. Bo’s Coffee proudly sources coffee beans from various regions in the Philippines, including Sagada, Mountain Province, Mount Kitanglad in Bukidnon, Mount Matutum in Tupi, South Cotabato, and Mount Apo.

Notably, Bo’s Coffee takes pride in collaborating with local brands, embodying a Bayanihan Mentality by giving a voice to social enterprises and leaving a legacy of positive change within communities.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

First Branch in SM Store

Bo’s Coffee at the SM Store in Araneta City offers a unique experience, thanks to its convenient location within the department store. It’s a cozy nook where weary shoppers, including busy moms and even dads waiting for their family members, can take a break and rejuvenate.

As a special treat for SM Store shoppers, presenting the receipt stub with Bo’s Coffee promo offer and using the SM Advantage Card unlocks the Brews & Chews Bundle – a delightful pairing of Hot or Iced Caffe Americano and any Craft Cookie for just Php149.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

Various Snacking Options

The Brews & Chews Bundle isn’t the only tempting option available. Bo’s Coffee offers a variety of delightful snacks, each carefully crafted to cater to different tastes.

For those craving a touch of sweetness, the White Chocolate Mocha is a perfect choice, encapsulating the flavors of the season in a cup.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

If you’re looking for something more indulgent, the Chocolate Waffle is a must-try, boasting a decadent flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

For those on the move, the Bagel and Cream Cheese option provides a quick yet satisfying snack to keep you going through your shopping spree.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

When the holiday chaos feels overwhelming, a cup of coffee and a delicious treat can be just the remedy you need to recharge and face the hustle and bustle with renewed energy.

Bo’s Coffee at the SM Store in Araneta City welcomes all busy moms and shoppers to savor these delightful offerings and take a moment to relax amidst the whirlwind of holiday errands.

Bo’s Coffee x SMAC
Bo’s Coffee x SMAC

Discover more about Bo’s Coffee and stay updated on its latest offerings by visiting their website and following it on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: Menu items were served at no charge in exchange for honest feedback and to facilitate this feature story.

Home Buddies Bazaar: Your Ticket to Budget-Friendly Home Style

In the bustling world of home enthusiasts, the renowned Filipino group, Home Buddies, is poised to mark its third anniversary with a remarkable event. Aptly named the Home Buddies Bazaar, this grand celebration on October 1, 2023 from 11am to 10pm at Ayala Mallls Manila Bay Activity Center showcases the best in home improvement, décor, and design from over 30 passionate local merchants.

A Fusion of Style and Savings

At the heart of Home Buddies Bazaar lies a dedication to budget-friendly shopping without compromising on style. The event offers a thoughtfully curated selection of furniture essentials, household treasures, and decorative pieces, all embodying the community’s mantra of affordable elegance.

Mayora’s Vision: A Boundless Celebration

Founder Frances Lim Cabatuando, lovingly known as ‘Mayora’ by the devoted HB community, shares her excitement about this extraordinary event. “It’s the first independent event that we’re doing, so we have no limits,” she exclaims. The bazaar is set to host esteemed brands like Tough Mama, PLDT Home, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay as co-presenters, along with prominent home professional organizations like United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) offering free home consultations for eager attendees.

Unleashing the Home Enthusiast’s Dreams

The Home Buddies Bazaar brings to life Pinterest-inspired concepts through specialized booths and shops. More than 30 home and living merchants will gather, promising to ignite the inner budol (an endearing Filipino term for irresistible purchases) in every visitor. This event also marks the inaugural “grand eyeball” of the growing online community, boasting over 3.2 million followers on Facebook to date.

A Day of Extravaganza

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City on October 1, 2023, this one-day event promises an immersive experience. Beyond the extensive array of home improvement merchants and booths, attendees can enjoy on-stage segments, engaging games, thrilling activities, and soul-stirring performances. Alt-rock icons Barbie Almalbis and Sandwich will headline the event, joined by promising newcomers I See Bees, New York Heights, Raven and the Papis, and Sofia Carpizo.

The Force Behind the Bazaar

Home Buddies Bazaar is co-presented by PLDT Home, Tough Mama, and Ayala Malls, and is graciously supported by esteemed partners including GNN Entertainment Productions, the 210.ph, MStudio, NYMA, UAP, and PICE. Special thanks extend to sponsors like FWD, Davies Paints, Tinybuds, Samgyupsalamat, Omni Electrical and Lighting, CW Home Depot, 3D Appliances, Bostik, and other generous brand buddies.

Your Invitation Awaits!

Hosted by Eryka Lucas, Kevin Montillano, Coco Cordero, and Frances Cabatuando, this event promises a day of revelry and discovery. Admission is free! Stay updated on all the excitement by following the Home Buddies page or joining their vibrant group on Facebook. Save the date, because Home Buddies Bazaar is where style meets savings, and home dreams come alive!

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by dit26978 on Freepik

Red Horse Beer a rising star in the inaugural Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Southeast Asian Brands report

The Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Southeast Asian Brands report has just been released, and there’s exciting news for the Philippines – San Miguel Brewery’s Red Horse has been ranked among the most powerful brands in the entire region! This prestigious ranking covers six Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, tech lover, or retail connoisseur, this report has something for everyone looking to explore the best brands that Southeast Asia has to offer.

A Powerful Lineup of Brands

Southeast Asia boasts an impressive lineup of brands across various industries. Financial Services and Telecom Providers dominate the list, making up two-thirds of all the brands in the region. Notably, Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia (BCA) takes the crown as the most powerful brand. Telecom Providers are also well-represented, with nine brands securing their place on the list, followed closely by Retail and Travel Services.

But what sets Red Horse apart from the competition? Not only does it proudly represent the Philippines as the only local brand in the top 30, but it also stands out as the top beer brand in the country. Cheers to that!

Demand Power: Connecting with Local Consumers

One of the critical factors driving the success of Southeast Asian brands is their unmatched Demand Power. This measure, developed by Kantar BrandZ, evaluates a brand’s ability to connect with consumers and influence their purchasing decisions. Among all the markets with a Kantar BrandZ ranking, Southeast Asian brands have proven to be the most adept at sparking consumer interest and loyalty.

Katie McClintock, Managing Director of Southeast Asia at Kantar, attributes the region’s leading brands’ success to their adaptability and responsiveness to ever-changing consumer needs. With such a diverse and rapidly growing market, the Top 30 brands have mastered the art of staying relevant. If they can extend their local strengths to other Asian and global markets, the potential for significant growth is enormous.

The Power of Purpose in the Philippines

In the Philippines, top brands have mastered the art of delivering brand purpose effectively. This approach has cultivated deep trust and emotional connections with consumers. Soumya Saklani, Managing Director of the Philippines at Kantar, emphasizes that beyond traditional trust built on expertise, Philippine brands now prioritize making positive changes and improving the world in ways that resonate with consumers.

As we emerge from the pandemic, consumers’ newly acquired habits are here to stay. Thus, it’s essential for brands to seamlessly integrate into their daily lives and anticipate their needs. Despite the challenging economic landscape, consumers are willing to pay for brands that lead the way in meeting their expectations.

Trending Insights from the Top 30 Brands

The Kantar BrandZ report reveals several fascinating trends among Southeast Asia’s most valuable brands:

  • Trust Matters: Southeast Asia’s brands are the second most trusted in the world, and Indomie leads the pack in the Top 30, delighting consumers with familiar tastes loved for generations.
  • Relevance is Key: Brands perceived as fitting well into everyday life enjoy almost double the Demand Power compared to their less relevant peers. Malaysia’s Grab platform shines as the most relevant, offering a comprehensive range of services that cater to daily needs.
  • Sustainability as a Driver: Consumers are increasingly expecting businesses to take a leading role in addressing environmental and social issues. Brands with outstanding sustainability credentials have a significant advantage in the market.

Discovering Southeast Asia’s Finest Brands

The inaugural Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Southeast Asian Brands ranking provides a comprehensive analysis of the region’s most powerful brands. The report delves deep into brand value, financial performance, and consumer perceptions. If you’re curious to explore the brands shaping Southeast Asia’s future, the full report is now available at Kantar’s website.

About Kantar BrandZ and Kantar

Kantar BrandZ is the gold standard when it comes to assessing brand value and the impact brands have on business performance. Utilizing financial data and extensive brand equity research, Kantar’s annual global and local brand valuation rankings provide invaluable insights to business leaders worldwide. With interviews from a whopping 4.2 million consumers and data from 21,000 brands across 54 markets, BrandZ empowers businesses to build stronger connections with their audience. To learn more about Kantar BrandZ, visit their website here.

Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business, a trusted partner to top companies worldwide. By combining meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with advanced analytics, Kantar uncovers the intricacies of how people think and act. Armed with this knowledge, they help clients shape effective marketing strategies that lead to a successful future. For more about Kantar, click here.

So, fellow travelers, embrace the power of brands and embark on unforgettable journeys with Red Horse and the other remarkable Southeast Asian brands that have captivated the hearts of consumers across the region! Cheers to a world of experiences waiting to be discovered!

Details provided in a recent press release.