Tatak Digitista's 11 in 2011

FEATURISTIC:

This is no year end report.  I'm not a journalist to do that.  :)  This is just a look back at the things that defined 2011 for Tatak Digitista and foydi as a digital media enthusiast.  At around this time, in 2010, I crafted my personal battle cry for 2011, which is "Get Even in 2011".  So, in no chronological order, let me share with you the 11 things that shaped this blog and the blogger behind it.  :)  Here's Tatak Digitista's 11 in 2011:

1 - Potato On The Go

I started movie blogging in 2010 via Tatak Digitista's Potato On The Go page, but that's just on my own.  In 2011, major studios in the Philippines have started inviting me in press screenings and premiere nights such as Harry Potter 7 Part 2, Thor, Green Lantern, Water for Elephants, King's Speech, Transformers 3, Captain America and Pirates of the Caribbean, to name a few.  And with that, Potato On The Go has become one of the busiest sections in my blog.  I was able to post updates and reviews regularly.  To add, the section has expanded to including more posts on television, theater, music and even the Internet!  Thank you to 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., Solar Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Disney Pixar, Resorts World Manila, OctoArts Films, BusinessWorld Online, Publicity Asia, AXN, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, Magnavision, Tony Molina, Mae Vecina, Sionee Lagman, Jay Gonzales, Wilsong Chieng, Lulu Chua, Romy Berona, Sundy Teng, Azrael Coladilla, Maiko Castro, Melai Entuna, Ruth de la Cruz and Neil Rara.

And in 2012, I promise to have bigger and much better Potato On the Go Page!  :)

at the premiere of Cowboys and Aliens in IMAX SM North Edsa

at the press screening of Mission Impossible, Ghost Protocol in IMAX SM MOA.

2. - Bayanihan Republic

While Potato On The Go became the most active page in 2011, Bayanihan Republic did not take a back seat.  It may be fewer than POTG but it still contained many very comprehensive posts such as the Last Pastillas Wrapper Maker of Bulacan, Pulilan Carabao Festival, Pampanga River Cruise, The New Luneta, Davao's Philippine Eagle and Juan Luna Walk, among others. Special thanks to Nanay Luz Ocampo, Melo Villareal, Christian Narito, Jenny Manongdo, Luneta Administration, GSIS Museo ng Sining, Arvin Ello, Professor Xiao Chua, and my cousins Jelly and Jessa Pendon.

And in 2012, I also promise to keep the fire burning the the Bayanihan Republic Section.

Starting point of the Pampanga River Cruise

Baybay Ilog, Bye Bye Basura project paving the way for the Pampanga River Cruise

3. - Action & Event-ure

Coverage of events also made Tatak Digitista very busy, may it be on food, apparel, entertainment, leisure and advocacy.  Of course, my principle remains the same, I cover events during my availability, causes that I agree with, and brands that are not in conflict with my work.  Tatak Digitista would like to thank Orange Magazine TV, AstroVision, Empanada Nation, Denise Calnea, Urban Athletics, Pony, Clavel, Gabriel Diaz, Universal Records, Cornerstone, Nana Nadal Public Relations, Ruth Floresca, WWF Philippines, Monsee's, QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, Josephine Bonsol, Arpee Lazaro, World Food Programme, Flow Galindez, Enchanted Kingdom, World Vision, Seattle's Best, Jun Godornes, Billie Abata, Crustasia, Xchosa Deniega, and SM Supermalls.

Bloggies at Enchanted Kingdom's 16th Anniversary Celebration

4. - The TaDi Pose

The TaDi Pose has been launched this year and Tatak Digitista has been blessed with a lot of celebrities who are accommodating, fun and game to do the challenge.  :)  Thank you to Gary Valenciano, Angel Locsin, Phil Younghusband, Neil Etheridge, Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Misagh Bahadoran and the rest of the Team Azkals, American Idol winner Simon McCreery, Thia Megia, Christian Buatista, Sponge Cola, Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon, Karylle, Eugene Domingo, Ramon Bautista, House Majority Floor Leader Erin Tanada, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo, among others.  They are about 100 so it will be hard for me to name all of them.  :) 

As a next step, watch out for the Bloggers Edition coming very soon!  :)

American Idol winner Simon McCreery's TaDi Pose!  :)

Super Couple Judy Ann & Ryan Completes The TaDi Pose - Celebrity Edition's First 100!

FOYDI'S CATCH:

Before the year ends, let me present the two celebrities who completed the First 100 of the TaDi Pose Celebrity edition!  They are:

Young Superstar Judy Ann Santos for Tatak Digitista

Ryan Agoncillo for Tatak Digitista

Super Couple Ryan and Judy Ann's version of the TaDi Pose!  :)

Now that the First 100 of the Celebrity Edition has already been completed, watch out for the upcoming surprises in 2012!  First of which is the Bloggers Edition, and the first set is already done.  And who are they?  You'll know them very soon!  Watch out!  :)

Mastery of the Middle Class as A Strong Selling Point -- MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

In a film festival that looks like more of a movie carnival, having been able to watch a movie with sense packed with entertainment is a rare treasure found.  And this is what I experienced as I watched MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA, OctoArts Films' official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Fesrtival.

MY HOUSE HUSBAND: IKAW NA is what you call dramedy film which talks about a married couple Rod (Ryan Agoncillo) and Mia (Judy Ann Santos) who shifted roles when current economic reality hit their family. Rod becomes the care taker of the house and kids while Mia becomes the bread winner. Eugene Domingo plays the role of Aida, the couple's neighbor who developed a strong friendship with Rod which made Mia jealous at one point. Along the way, situations and challenges haunt the couple that test the strength of their relationship.

My verdict, MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA's mastery of the middle class is its strongest selling point!  This is a Jose Javier Reyes trademark  that  we have seen in his past movies like May Minamahal, Kung Ako Na Lang Sana, Kasal Kasali Kasalo and Sakal Sakali Saklolo, among others.  Direk Joey was able to tell the story of Rod and Mia plus Aida in a realistic manner where many Filipinos can relate to.  The situations on company mergers (and how it affects the working class), demotions, resignations, house budget, household responsibilities, and the sensitivity of a working wife and a househusband were well narrated and displayed.  Many will shed tears and laugh at themselves as they see the movie.  MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA is a reflection of a modern and real Filipino family and it tells us that in marriage, there's no man or woman role, they are partners, whatever the functions may be, in raising and upholding their family. 

'But although it's life like, the movie is injected with humor through witty dialogues, animated facial expressions and hilarious situations.  That's why watching MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA made me look like a crazy man.  In one scene, I will burst in laughter and in the next, I will hold my breath to hold the emotion.  And MY HOUSEHUSBAND'S well mixed drama and comedy is its next selling point.

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS Character Posters Finally Unveiled!

 POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

We were all hooked with superhero movies such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor.  And since fans ask for more, the Marvel brought these heroes together in one giant epic superhero film -- "MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS"!  Considered to be one of the most awaited movies of 2012, "MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS" will further stir up the world's excitement as it reveals the character posters of each of the superheroes featured in the film!

Witness for yourself the awesome look of “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Captain America

Thor

Iron Man

Bruce Banners (The Incredible Hulk)

Black Widow

Hawk Eye

Loki

Nick Fury

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in Philippine theaters on May 2012.

Experience the magic of THE LION KING anew, this time in 3D!

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

The first time I saw Disney's THE LION KING was in 1994.  I watched it together with my father and mom.  It was actually a treat from my father as I made it to the Dean's List then during my first semester as a freshman.  'But I didn't know it will be the last movie I'll watch in theater together with my dad.  And with that, THE LION KING is memorable to me not only with its enriching lessons in life and fascinating animation, music and characters, but its sentimental value to our lives.

THE LION KING is essentially a love story between a father and son.  Movie Producer Don Hahn said, “It’s about that moment in life when you realize that your father is going to pass on to you his wisdom and knowledge. The Circle of Life. Someday we all become adults. The baton will be passed on to us and we’re going to have to grow up.” 

An original story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters and award-winning music set the stage for “The Lion King,” a Disney classic that follows the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba’s exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa.

Bid for our Nature, Bid for our Future -- The WWF Greener at 50 Online Auction

ACTION & EVENT-URE:

We, humans, are Earth's stewards.  If you don't believe or agree with me, then check the Holy Bible.  I know it will back me up.  :)  There are many things happening in our environment, many of which we don't understand and pose threat to our daily lives and survival.  So I guess, whenever there's a chance for us to do something for our environment, let's grab that opportunity.  WWF, the largest conservation organization in the world, reminds us that we only have one living planet to rely on, and it's really best and wise for us to do our share.

at Apo Reef

 
As WWF celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, the new battle cry is "Green is the New Gold"!  And with that, WWF in the Philippines recently launched the "Greener at 50 fundraising online auction" at One Café Events Place, One Corporate Avenue, Ortigas Center. Hosted by WWF Philippines Ambassador Rovilson Fernandez, the event launched the Greener at 50 fundraising online auction, in partnership with E-bay Philippines, for the benefit of WWF-Philippines’ environmental sustainability projects all over the country.

Judy Ann and Ryan Ready to Collide Against the Giants of MMFF 2011

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

This year's Metro Manila Film Festival is a season of collaboration of hit franchise and previously competing movies and stars.  There are Enteng ng Ina Mo of Vic Sotto and Aiai de las Alas, Panday 2 of Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Shake Rattle and Roll and Segunda Mano of Kris Aquino and Dingdong Dantes, among others.  'But MMFF's favorite pair Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo for their movie MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA are not taking this sitting down.

Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos doing the TaDi Pose!  :)

"Bilib kami sa istorya namin.  It's simple and it's real life.  Iyon lang ang pinakapambato namin, walang effects, walang cartoons," Judy Ann explained in a blogcon held at the NAPA Restaurant & Bar in Scout Borromeo, Quezon City.

From the success of their past two movies Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo, Judy Ann and Ryan both admitted that there's pressure on them. Judy Ann said, "Oo e, hindi nawawala yung pressure. Pag may entry ka, labanan ng pelikula, labanan ng effects, labanan ng istorya, labanan ng actingan, lahat nandyan. Lalo na sa end namin, two years ang pagitan ng pagtatrabaho namin together. And syempre nagbakasyon ako when I got pregnanrt. Iniisip pa nung mga tao na ito yung kasunog ng KKK at SSS, hindi, iba itong movie na'to.  Magkakasama lang kaming tatlo (Jose Javier Reyes as the director) sa naunang dalawa. Malawak yung narrating nun unang dalawa, sana mapantanayan, kung hindi man maungusan. O sana maibalik lang naming sa producer yung nailabas nila."

Ryan added, "Talking about pressure and awards,. we are not at that stage e. Right now, the pressure, for us is to come up with a good product just like with our past two movies which are very good products. They did very well. They were underdogs. This time around, there are expectations, may pressure, pero ang maganda, underdog kami ulit. kasi ang higante, uso ngayon sa MMFF e yung nagcocombine, yung dating magkakalaban, pinagcocombine. Ito, my God, how can you hope to beat a franchise put together like Panday, Enteng and Ang Tanging Ina.  Sa'min the pressure is to come up with a good product.  Pag napanood na naming na maganda ang product, the next question is sana kumita ang producer natin. Syempre ayaw naman naming sumama ang loob nila dahil pangit ang box office. Next is yung awards, sana makatsamba. Judy ann did a very unexcpected thing when she won best actress beating dramas with a comedy. Saki yung award, my main job is a host, kung makastamba, okay.  Pero I think I leave that to Judy Ann, Eugene and Joey because they are the multi awarded ones when it comes to cinema."

Starring real life couple Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA speaks a volume of success in so many aspects already.  Joining the fray is undisputed comedy actress Eugene Domingo.  All three premiere talents join outstanding chemistry with director par excellence Jose Javier Reyes.

Three Girls Battle for the Big Break on PROTÉGÉ Grand Finals

POTATO ON THE GO (TV):

We never run out of reality singing search programs.  It's either there are too many talented Filipinos or this type of show is really a hit among us.  Well, even the before the arrival of Reality TV, Pinoys are already followers of singing contests, not just on TV but on across all barangays in the country!  :) 

GMA was among the firsts to introduce reality singing search programs but for a while it took a back seat in this genre.  'But a few months back, it returned to the competition via PROTÉGÉ: The Battle for the Big Break.

PROTÉGÉ tapped 10 professional singers in the Philippines  to look for their respective proteges and become mentors to them.  A province was assigned to each singer.  From three proteges per mentor, one remained to be his or her talent.  And the final 10 stayed in a quarter where they prepared to compete for weekly live performances.  Each week, one protege and mentor gets eliminated. 

After weeks of live performances and nerve-wracking elimination nights, Krizza Neri of Cagayan de Oro (mentored by Aiza Seguerra, Lirah Bermudez of Iloilo (mentored by Janno Gibbs) and Lovely Embuscado of Davao (mentored by Jaya) are now headed for the Grand Finals of GMA’s hit reality singing search, PROTÉGÉ!

Following the elimination of Jensen Teñoso of Batangas (mentored by Claire de la Fuente) and Nomer Limatog, Jr. of Cebu (mentored by Rachel Ann Go and Arnel Pineda), the competition is now down to the Top 3 finalists who will compete to clinch the much coveted prizes in the program’s finale on December 18 to be held at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia.

More and More Celebrities are Doing the TaDi Pose!

FOYDI'S CATCH:

The year is almost over but more and more celebrities are agreeing to do the TaDi Pose!  :D  And for this month, here are the fun personalities to watch out for!

Bamboo for Tatak Digitista

Karylle for Tatak Digitista

Karylle currrently co-stars with Christian Bautista in the hit Asian series "THE KITCHEN MUSICAL".

The Ultimate Action Film of 2011 -- MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, GHOST PROTOCOL Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

When I was a kid and watching the TV hits then (oh my another generation revelation hehe) like The A Team, McGayver, Knight Rider, my dad shared with me that there's another series that he liked in the 70s, which he would also love me to see.  And that show is Mission Impossible.  Unfortunately though, at that time (80s okay? hehe), Mission Impossible was not being run or rerun anymore.  All I saw were clips (and the fab theme music) when it's being mentioned in interviews / segments.  So when the Mission Impossible franchise starring Tom Cruise hit the big screen a few years back, that's it, I just got hooked up up to this time.  And now, the said movie is now on its fourth entitled Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Directed by Brad Bird, the movie stars Tom Cruise (who is also the producer), Ving Rhames, Vladimir Mashkov, Jeremy Renner, Josh Holloway, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Anil Kapoor and Samuli Edelmann.  MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL still tells the story of IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team of extra ordinary agents who is up to stop a nuclear warfare between countries.  'But it was not an easy task.  As they carry out their mission, they were suspected to be part of a terrorist plot.  And with no plan, no back-up and no choice they ought to carry out their mission facing a lot of twists, complications, secrets and danger.

From start to finish, all I can say is MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL is one awesome movie!!!  It's solid, it's magnanimous, it rocks big time!    We were in awe in many of the scenes, I won't name them one by one to avoid spoiler but let me just cite one example, okay two examples hehe -- the scene at the building in Dubai and at the mansion in India!  They are spectacular!  We hold our breath and keep still on our seats as suspense intensifies, stunts go wild and view pulls us away!  It's just the ultimate action film of 2011!  Pardon me with the superlatives, that's just how I liked the movie. 

Tom Cruise co-stars talk about MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

As holiday approaches, the whole world can't help but get excited with the sequel to the successful Mission Impossible franchise led by Tom Cruise, this time entitled as MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL.

Equally excited are Tom Cruise's co-stars in the movie Academy award winner Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton.   Renner plays the enigmatic agent William Brandt while Patton plays the badass field agent Jane Carter.

The character William Brandt had immediate appeal to Renner. “Brandt is an analyst, a seemingly tight-wound desk guy who is smart as a whip, and that’s his job. He’s not very emotional about things. Then, you slowly start to see the revealing of who he really is – particularly through seeing this physical skill set you would not expect out of a tight, blue shirt-wearing analyst. He doesn’t really want to be part of the team, but circumstances force him to join the group,” says Renner.

The character Jane Carter on the other hand is driven by something besides to complete the mission, revenge.  Patton said, "Jane is as fierce as the boys, if not fierce - she's someone to contend with."

Meet and Greet with Alvin and the Chipmunks slated this December

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Well loved characters Alvin and the Chipmunks and the Chipettes will soon be back on the big screen with an all-new adventure that takes them back to the forest in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.”  Having gone domesticated, famous, pampered and civilized – the chipmunks are relearning the ways of the wild while Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is on a quest to find them.

While its commercial run is still due next year,  fans, kids and kids at heart will have the chance to meet these dazzling characters this December as 20th Century Fox gleefully joins the holiday merriment in malls with the chipmunks characters – Alvin, Theodore and Simon. Currently touring in SM malls, the mascots will next be seen in SM Clark and SM Pampanga (Dec. 11), SM Bacoor (Dec. 14), SM Southmall (Dec. 15), SM Calamba and SM San Pablo (Dec. 16), SM Dasmarinas & SM Molino (Dec. 17), SM Manila (Dec. 18), SM Muntinlupa and SM Sta. Rosa (Dec. 19), SM Taytay (Dec. 20), SM Fairview (Dec. 21), SM Masinag (Dec. 22), SM Batangas and SM Lipa (Dec. 23).

The latest Alvin film “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” brings more adventure, music and mayhem as Alvin and the troupe run amok in a luxury cruise liner that brings them to a deserted island where they survive on their own instincts and tricks.

Eugene Domingo plays mistress in Octoarts Film's MY HOUSEHUSBAND: IKAW NA

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

When we hear the name Eugene Domingo, I bet most of us will have smiles on our faces and even small laughter, reminding us of the wacky characters in her movies that we have seen.  There's no doubt, Eugene Domingo, the comedienne, the actress, has come a long way!  Ever since she rocked the nation with Kimi Dora and impressed the critics with Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Eugene is up for more!

'But unlike other lead actors, Eugene does not mind doing support roles even right now when she's it at the prime of her career. Eugene explained, "Ang training ko kasi theater, and in theater we work in a company.  Sometimes ikaw ang lead, sometimes chorus, sometimes you market the play, sometimes, you're the stage manager... that's my training.  Pagdating sa pelikula basta gusto ko yung pelikula, I agree with the director's vision, gusto ko yung character na binigay mo, fresh, cameo man yan, support, lead, I don't care.  Kung may potential sa box office, I don't care as long as I like it."

And with that mindset, Eugene is more than ready and willing to be part of good projects like this upcoming offering of Octoarts Film MY HOUSE HUSBAND: IKAW NA which is also the outfit's official entry to the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival.

MY HOUSE HUSBAND: IKAW NA is what you call dramedy film which talks about a married couple Rod (Ryan Agoncillo) and Mia (Judy Ann Santos) who shifted roles when current economic reality hit their family.  Rod becomes the care taker of the house and kids while Mia becomes the bread winner.  Eugene Domingo plays the role of Aida, the couple's neighbor who developed a strong friendship with Rod which made Mia jealous at one point.  Along the way, situations and challenges haunt the couple that test the strength of their relationship.

A Very Much Deserved Second Chance -- NEW YEAR'S EVE Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO:

We are fascinated with all-star cast movies.  There's a long list in our movie shelves.  Unfortunately though, there's only a few which are able to transform the stellar casting to an acting ensemble and excellent movie.  I was not quite impressed previously with Gary Marshall's Valentine's Day but this time, he nailed it big time with NEW YEAR'S EVE!

NEW YEAR'S EVE is a movie created for this holiday season that narrates the lives of the people from different walks of life  and how they are intertwined and changed by the most magical place in the world (New York City) during the most dazzling night of the year.  It stars Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Hector Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Til Schweiger, Hilary Swank, Sofia Vergara

At first, I wished that NEW YEAR'S EVE turns out to be good as it talks about one of the happiest occasions in the world.  The trailer and the song hooked me and I really hoped that I would have a good time with the movie.  'But it's more than what I expected!  More than it being entertaining, the film is refreshing, enlightening and inspiring.  It's too much to say that it's life changing, but actually, I think, it is possible.

And the Winner in Tatak Digitista's BREAKING DAWN Promo Contest Is...

BLOGCAST ALERT:

A few weeks back, a promo contest was started here for the blog post Philippine Gala Premiere of BREAKING DAWN Part 1 to happen on November 17.

It took a while for me to choose a winner but  oh well, as what the cliche says, it's better late than never.  Hehe. 

And now, let me introduce to you the winner for that contest!  She's no other than... Ms. Maan Pamaran!  She will receive a Twilight cloth bag and poster! 

Here's her winning comment: "Can't wait to see this next installment of the Twilight saga! Sappy romance flicks were never my thing, but this movie's gripping premise -- and the fact that Jacob is so darn cute that it almost wants to make me go Cougar on him, much to the chagrin of my husband -- is enough to make me want to finish Bella's story right up to the very end. Thanks for the heads up, Ferdie"

Congrats Maan!   You just won a Twilight cloth bag and poster!  Please e-mail your address to digitista@gmail.com. 

The North Pole Christmas Experience in SM City North EDSA

 ACTION & EVENT-URE:

Christmas season starts up many wonderful things.  The Christmas breeze brings in the cool weather everyone loves.  Streets and houses are dressed up with fascinating Christmas lights and fabulous decors.  Carols begin to rule the airwaves anew.  Bonuses start to come and eventually shopping becomes a nationwide festival!  :)

Come Christmas time, let's admit it, we always ran out of time.  I don't know if it we are really into Christmas rush or we really become extra busy when this season arrives.  And with that, it's inevitable that we are smart enough time to maximize our very limited time.  Let's say for example we do shopping, we somehow hope that everything else that needs to be done can be in the same place. 

The bear inside Santa's toy shop

Recently, SM City North EDSA invited me to witness the special thing they did in the mall that the whole family will enjoy!  It's something that can let us do the shopping spree and at the same time give our family, especially  the kids, that special Christmas treat!

Upholding the value of the NORTH, SM City North EDSA introduced the Northpole Christmas which recreates Santa’s life in his home North Pole, the place where Christmas keeps on burning, despite the cold weather :). It is where kids and kids-at-heart unite to experience the joy and wonders of Santa’s snowy village where dreams come to life and wishes come true!