I SUITES HOTEL FINALLY OPENS ITS DOORS IN CUBAO

Chic, modern, and no-frills. These are the qualities of the new iSuites Hotel, a 33-room, 5-story boutique hotel located on Imperial St. in Cubao.
But if it were up to its chief executive officer, Mikaela Singson Mendoza, she would rather use the description: “personalized and original.”

 

In the original blueprint, the hotel building was initially constructed as an apartment. At the time, the idea of a business that would bring in monthly income sounded more appealing and lucrative to Mikaela’s family.

 

It was Mikaela’s mom, Sheila Singson, who thought of converting the apartment building into a hotel. “My mom thought that I would be a right fit for this job,” narrates Mika. “I am studying Hotel and Restaurant Management at Treston International College. My dream was to be an F&B director of a big hotel. Never thought that I would be actually opening up a hotel of my own.”

 

That sudden change of plans, consequently, brought forth big changes in the design and layout of the building.
“That’s why it took us three or four years to finish the whole thing because this was supposed to be an apartment. We had to knock down walls, re-do the floor layout, and other stuff,” Mikaela says.
Deciding what theme to apply to the hotel interiors came easy. Mika and her mom just took a cue from the building’s location.

 

 

“This hotel is located on Imperial St. When you say Imperial, parang it sounds Japanese. So we thought of using Imperial Suites, but since there’s already an Imperial Suites in Quezon City, we just thought of using iSuites, and as we were building the hotel we unearthed bullets” explains Mikaela.

 iSuites, still according to Mikaela, sounds younger, fresher, and up-to-date. Mikaela says that this is really how they want their hotel to be perceived by the public: a vibrant, modern hotel that knows the real needs of travelers.

 

“We just made the ‘i’ in the logo look more Asian, Oriental or Japanese, so that people when they see the logo, they would immediately think that the hotel is Asian-inspired,” she adds.

In keeping with the Japanese theme, Mika decided to assign certain terms that are associated with the Japanese culture to the hotel rooms instead of numbers.

 

“We didn’t use numbers. We call our rooms Kimono, Mikado, Sakura, Zen, Taka, Geisha, Shinden, Haiku, Emeperor, Shogun, Sake, and Geta,” explains Mikaela.

 

The Kimono rooms, the simplest of all the room types, have a double-sized bed, a false veranda and LCD TV with HD channels. Rates for this room start from P1,500. Mikaela says the Kimono room is for the no-frills type of guests, who just want a good bed to sleep in.

“It’s really simple. But of course, we wanted it to look good,” she adds. “Our rooms are personalized, they’re really designed with the needs of the guests in mind,” she says.

Guests staying in premium rooms (Sakura, Zen, Taka, Geisha, Shinden, Haiku, Emeperor, Shogun, Sake, and Geta) and the Mikado room, have safety boxes where they can keep their valuables.

The Geta rooms and Sake rooms, whose rates start from P4, 900, are actually two-level units. They are equipped with their own living room, kitchenette, dining, mini bar, HD TV, double-sized beds and single beds and toilet and bathrooms.

All rooms come with free Wi-Fi access and with complimentary breakfast meals at the hotel’s restaurant, Tatami. At Tatami, guests can partake of Japanese food fare and other Asian dishes.

 

“On weekdays, we have a lunch buffet serving home-cooked dishes, priced around P60 to P90 per dish. So it’s very affordable,” says Mika. “We also want to tap the officeworkers, because we’re very near the Araneta center, where there are lots of banks, call centers, and other offices.”

 

Good old Vigan favourites have also found their way into the Tatami menu. Mika, who hails from Ilocos Sur, says that the restaurant also offers bagnet, Vigan longganisa, and pakbet. “It’s nice when you have these dishes. There’s variety!” adds Mika.

iSuites also offers extended stays and long-term monthly rental accommodations. Rooms for this type of rental come with their own electric meters, so guests can monitor and take charge of their expenses on utilities.

“What’s good about it is that guests can enjoy the same in-room services: housekeeping, cleaning, and all. We clean your room, we replenish your towels, we make your bed. So it’s like you’re living in a serviced apartment,” adds Mikaela. “Plus, we have huge discounts if they choose to stay longer than six months. After their sixth month, we’d give them a discount of up to forty percent.” Discount starts on the first month.

But the best selling point of iSuites, still according to Mika, is not seen. It is felt.
Mikaela believes that it’s their personalized service that would set them apart.
“I want everything to be personalized. I am very hands-on. Even if I am still studying, I would take care of the little details. I would teach the housekeeping, the front office, tell my staff what to do and how to do things right,” says Mika.
“That’s how we really want it. Personalized service.”

 

For inquiries, bookings, and reservations, call 376 4750 or visit www.isuites.com.ph.

Snoopy's Street Fair and New Store - The Beagle Place

Snoopy was born from the world’s famous comic strip, Peanuts that debuted on October 2, 1950 and made famous by creative genius Charles Schulz. It has already appeared in over 2,600 countries. Snoopy began his life in the strip as a fairly conventional dog, but eventually evolved into perhaps the strip's most dynamic and coolest dog any owner could have. Lucky Charlie Brown, eh?

 

 

Over the years Snoopy has been a global phenomenon and has even penetrated the world of high fashion. Surely, you could never go out of style with Snoopy! After all designers and major brands worldwide have done breathtaking collaborations with this Cool Joe. Prestigious Japanese brands like Uniqlo and Mercibeaucoup also incorporated Snoopy into their recent collections. We bet your bottom dollar they know a thing or two about style.

 

 

Snoopy’s Street Fair was packed with lots of fun activities last November 24 at the New Glorietta Activity Center. Booths like face painting, Woodstock’s Art Corner, Lemonade, Cotton Cany, Balloon Pop and others brought more excitement to the event.

 

 

The highlight of the event was the opening of The Beagle Place at the 3rd level of Glorietta 1 with Gladys Reyes as the guest.

It’s More Fun with Philip

TV5’s Aksyon TV adds color to your viewing experience with its all-new lifestyle magazine and talk show called “It’s More fun with Philip”- hosted by media meister Philip K. Abadicio. Airing every Sunday from 10 to 10:30 pm starting this December, the show will tackle the latest lifestyle news—be it dining, travel, fashion, wellbeing, fitness, beauty, arts and anything and everything that makes you feel good about life. Entertainment bits will also be injected into the show as it will also get a glimpse of the vibrant and controversial lives of the most-talked-about personalities in the scene today, through in-depth, out-of-the-box interviews with our host.This 30-minute show is poised tobe funny, exhaustive, and honest as Philip engages the audience in an informative and entertaining way with his freshest gimmicks weekly. Viewers will have the option to interact with Philip directly through the use of popular social media platforms such as Youtube, Facebook and Twitter.

 

The show has four segments, each with a short-and-sweet time frame respectively. Bago Ang Lahat will showcase the newest dining options, chill spots, fitness forays and fab finds in the metro where you’d want to be seen, as well as the hippest trends in fashion, dining, wellness, travel, beauty, fitness, arts that will keep you on-the-know of what’s hot and not.While the Anyare? segment is the news-like portion of the show, wherein tidbits of hot topics are taken in a lighter manner, as the hosts will have the freedom to discuss and express their comments and ideas without being all serious and boring. This part right here is flexible in terms of the creativity and entertainment gimmicks that the hosts might present related to any topic being discussed per episode.Eto’ng Ganap! will feature the latest events and coolest happenings in the country– from the most jumpin’ and packin’ parties in the city, to the hottest product launches. Pa-Talk will highlight the one-on-one interviews with sought-after celebrities from all sorts of industries—the movers and shakers in the Philippines in all sorts of interesting ways!

 

The show’s leading host, Philip Abadicio, has been in the media business for quite some time now. Beginning with as a contributing lifestyle writer at The Manila Times and later on, for Mega and Sense & Style magazines. Through his PR firm, RPA & Communicate, Philip has learned the ins and outs of the industry which has also allowed him to rub elbows with the nation’s top showbiz, business and media personalities. He is currently the editor-in-chief of the country’s online lifestyle source, StyleRPA.com.

 

By walking and talking the lifestyle beat for many years, Philip K. Abadicio brings an effortless familiarity, friendly atmosphere and outspokenness into each of his interviews. Such qualities will be witnessed in his new TV show, as he will keep you in-the-know on the must-knows in the lifestyle and entertainment scenes. This TV show is poised to give you a whole new range of television experience with its hip lifestyle news bits and entertainment segments.

 

Joining him in his lifestyle journey is his loyal yaya, played by Aleera Montalla. Yaya Fanie is a gorgeous bombshell and completely overqualified for her job. But her long-time showbiz ambition motivates her to be Philip’s yaya in the hopes of catapulting herself to fame and fortune. Aleera Montalla first had her piece of showbiz when she played the lead role in the award-winning movie Yanggaw in 2009. Her portrayal of the role of Amor gave this lass her first Best Supporting Actress Award from Gawad Urian that year, a huge feat for a newbie. Also one of Philip’s minions is Driver Aris played by the charming Anton Nolasco. Offering his witty yet funny side comments, the driver keeps the mood light and cool, yet a little intriguing with his downplayed sex appeal. Anton Nolasco is an indie film and theatre actor who has made a name for himself with his acting talent and gorgeous physique.

 

It’s More Fun With Philip is directed by Dan B. Dalida. It will debut this December 2012 on Aksyon TV (Channel 41 on free TV, Channel 78 on Destiny Cable, Channel 59 or Sky Cable and Channel 1 on Cignal. Set to provide more fun, information and entertainment to your TV viewing experience, get ready to travel Metro Manila and other parts of the country with style, as media maven Philip Abadicio, his Yaya Fanie and Driver Aris teach you that you can celebrate and live a good, happy and stylish lifestyle whatever status, situations and circumstances you have right now.

Kipling and World Vision: Creating a Brighter Christmas for a Brighter Tomorrow

This season of giving, Belgian bag brand Kipling joins forces with World Vision to bring “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow,” a program that aims to provide additional funds for the education of children under the care of the world renowned Christian development and advocacy organization.

 

 

 

According to the Benjamin Go, President of Greyhound Marketing Corporation, exclusive distributor of Kipling in the Philippines, the partnership is a timely effort to spread the fun and happiness that’s instilled in every Kipling bag. “There is no greater joy this Christmas than knowing we have brought smiles to others, especially children. Through “A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow” program, we can make not only the holidays, but also the future, brighter for the children of World Vision.”

 

 

 

 “We are very delighted to have this partnership with Kipling, which is known globally for bringing fun and joy through its fashionable bags. Were happy that this time, Kipling has decided to reach out and bring the same kind of goodwill to ensure the education of children sponsored by World Vision,” says National Resource Development Associate Director Jun Godornes.

 

 

 Joining Kipling and World Vision in celebrating the launch of this meaningful endeavor are some of the country’s biggest celebrities who are also extending their support to the program. These include Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kylie Padilla and Jessica Connelly.

 

 

 

Fashionable ladies on-the-go can also share in giving children a brighter tomorrow by shopping for a cause.  For every Kipling bag or luggage purchased from December 1 to 31, 2012, Kipling will donate Php 500 to World Vision.

 

 

 

For its Holiday Collection, Kipling offers sporty and glam bags called Basic Elevated. These perfect everyday adventure companions come in stylish quilted exteriors, patent details, stunning linings, and 3 Christmas-themed colors red, white and black.

 

 

 

The Basic Elevated Collection includes New Elise that has a tablet-ready interior and can be worn 3 ways; Teagan S, a travel-savvy trolley with 2 compartments that are accessible from the topside; Weekend bag that can accommodate all your travel tidbits with its expandable bottom; and Creativity X a totally essential-ready cross-over bag.

 

 

 

“Kipling’s Holiday Collection is a line eagerly awaited by our loyal customers, but this time, we’d like to enjoin them to share the blessings of the season by participating in this program. This is because with every purchase of any Kipling bag, our customers get to enjoy cutting-edge designs and fashion- forward pieces as well as help build a brighter tomorrow for the less privileged children,” adds Millet Antonio, brand manager of Kipling in the Philippines.

 Also helping raise awareness about Kipling’s A Brighter Christmas For A Brighter Tomorrow With World Vision program are our ad agency The Sven Group and talent agency Vidanes Marketing.

 

 

 

Kipling is available online at zalora.com.ph and at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA The Block, SM Megamall, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, Robinsons Place Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Landmark Makati, Landmark TriNoma and soon-to-open Centrio Mall in Cagayan De Oro.  To know more, visit Kipling Philippines on Facebook and get to find out more exciting news and promos from the lovable monkey.

 

(PRESS RELEASE)

Havaianas Pays it Forward with Design a Smile 2 for the Benefit of Operation Smile

 

When was the last time you made someone else smile? That is the question Havaianas asks you as it launches the Havaianas Design a Smile 2, a flip-flops design contest for the benefit of Operation Smile Philippines.

First launched in 2010, Havaianas Design a Smile gives children the chance to show their artistic talents by designing the next Havaianas Smile pair – a special design which will be produced into an actual Havaianas pair, with a percentage of the sales to be donated to Operation Smile Philippines, a non-profit organization which provides life-changing surgeries to children with cleft lips and cleft palates. The initial run generated more than 2,000 entries and raised more than PHP 100,000 from donations alone during this period.

“Havaianas believes that summer is a state of mind and can be lived every day of the year whenever you adopt a happy and carefree attitude,“ shares Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. “And nowhere else is that more evident than in children. With Havaianas Design a Smile, we hope to generate funds and awareness to support Operation Smile in our shared mission to spread smiles all over the world.”

This November to January, Havaianas Design a Smile 2 is back, with the theme “Paying it Forward: Kids Helping Kids.” Beginning November 24th, artistically inclined kids can join Havaianas Design a Smile by submitting their designs illustrating their answer to the question “What will you do to make other people smile?” at partner events nationwide, beginning with the Bonifacio Global City Passion Fest at Bonifacio High Street from November 23 to 25, and at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent from November 24 to 25. Winners will receive exciting prizes from Havaianas, Bobble, Pininho, Hobbes and Landes, McDonald’s, and Sony. The grand prize winner will also have his or her design produced as part of the Havaianas 2014 Collection as the Havaianas Smile pair, with a percentage of the sales from which will help fund the operations of Operation Smile.

Leg Love Fashion Show

For decades now, Manila Bay Hosiery Mills Inc. (MBHMI), makers of Leg Love by City Lady and Elements by Gold Toe has continuously evolved its design spectrum to meet the demands of the Philippine hosiery market.  A few seasons ago it has launched a series of designer socks and stockings to further strengthen its position as the market leader in fashion hosiery in the country.  This season, MBHMI is once again showcasing four diverse designers that will add flavour  to the Philippine fashion palette.

 

The winner of this year’s Mega Young Designers - Renan Pacson is making waves in the fashion industry with his love of street style and interesting mix of materials.  This season he has created his first collection for Leg Love I Love Hue . The UP Diliman alumnus was inspired by the feeling of being young, which he wanted to celebrate with bursts of colours.  Renan took his collection to a new plane by taking his inspiration from three different patterns that evoke his youth. By combining pressed fossilized flowers, melted crayons and confetti his collection is a myriad of fresh new patterns and colours.  The celebration of Hue-th is truly a Renan Pacson signature. 

Multi awarded Pablo Cabahug is back for his second season as the featured designer of City Lady’s Leg Love Designer Series.  Departing from his well-received Pintados collection, he wanted to evoke more emotion than geometric patterns this season.  The Central St. Martins educated designer drew inspiration from the emotions of a black widow.  His patterns became bolder and stronger which has become his new aesthetic.  The collection gives a new twist to women who command power and are strong willed and does not compromise when it comes to fashion.  Pablo Cabahug encapsulates wearable emotion with his collection for Leg Love Designer Series. 

Author, Host, Make-up artist, and Uber Model, Bianca Valerio continues to reinvent herself in the field of beauty and fashion.  Inspired by the glitz and glamour of her world, her collection this season is all that and more.  The use of rhinestones and crystals lends the wearer the illusion of a longer leg and little surprises that titillates the eyes with sparkles. Leg Love Couture line is directed to the fun and sophisticated woman that doesn’t mind being a little adventurous with her fashion.  Little curiosities like an arabesque pattern on the ankle add the right spice to the woman that wears Leg Love Couture.  

Self-confessed sock hoarder Ferdi Salvador is back with his second installation for Elements by Gold Toe.  Travel has become a big factor in his design process which he uses to translate the street preps of London, the conservative but fun “suits” of Hong Kong, and the colorful palette of Barcelona’s laid back fashion culture. But more than that he is inspired by his sock loving friends like Martin Wisniewski, Enrique Lopez, Enrique Yupangco, Siggy Manglapus, and David Celdran to mention a few that are leaders in their industry but are not afraid to be fashionable and add that fun twist with their - SOCKS.  From subtle polka dots to mondrianesque patterns, Elements by Ferdi Salvador gives you another season of wearable fun and fashion that is forward.      

Leg Love by City Lady and Elements by GOLDTOE are available at SM Accessories and other leading department stores nationwide and online at www.leglove.net  and  www.elementsbygoldtoe.com.

(Press Release)

Do The YMCA

The Village People’s iconic stature has created very influential impact on pop cultures all over the world.  If you put together images of a police officer, a construction worker, a big biker, a soldier, a native American, and a cowboy, nothing ever comes to mind but The Village People.  From Halloween to retro and disco-themed parties, chances are you’ll find a gang dressed up as The Village People.

The Village People dishes out hit after hit after hit.  “Go West”,  “In the Navy”, Milkshake”, “I Am What I Am”, and “Can’t Stop The Music”, are just  some of their biggest hits that shook the world and triggered as a disco revolution, hailing them as ‘Kings of Disco’.  They ruled over the 70s until some parts of the 80s.  Their careers mellowed down at the onset of the new wave era.  Yet, their influence on music, pop culture, live performances have never waned.  They’ve continued touring the world, guesting in television shows, and some members pursuing solo projects.  The Village People’s characters, looks, may find traces or references of Village People characters in the video game Grand Theft Auto, tv shows like The Muppets, The Simpsons, Married With Children, That 70s Show, and movies like Wayne’s World.  As if these were not enough, their albums, especially those Greatest Hits and Best Of compilations, are still raking in sales.. Thus, it comes no surprise that they have sold over 100 million records (and still counting) worldwide.  Their Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, which was awarded to them in September 2008, is indeed well-deserved.

The Village People live at the SMX Convention Center on November 17, 8:30 pm is brought to us by Red Stone Media Productions, in cooperation with Jinga Juice, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Esquire Financing Inc., Talk TV, 2^nd Avenue, Jack TV and Media Partners :  The Philippine STAR Business World, Business Mirror,  People’s  Journal, Mellow 94.7, Barangay LS 97.1, 101.1 YES FM, Pinas FM 95.5 and Barangay LS 97.1.  Buy your tickets now at any TicketWorld and SM ticket outlets.

 THE VILLAGE PEOPLE…. THEY JUST CAN’T STOP MUSIC…..  

(Press Release)

 

Aroma Chakra Healing Body Massage and Indian Massage

BlueWater Day Spa has a new massage treatment called the Aroma Chakra Healing Body Massage and Indian Head Massage with the help of world-renowned trainor Ranjeet Kour, The new treatment is finally in the Philippines and hopes to address the country’s wellness industry. Chakra Massage is scanning the major seven Chakra’s of the body and then massaging the body and chakras by using the aroma synergy blend by using and laying of the seven crystals chakra stones.  It’s a healing massage which helps to balance the major chakras of the body and synergy blend helps the mind to relax.

 

 

The Indian Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage is focused on tension area of head, neck and shoulder and is based on the first four chakras of the body to release physical and mental tension.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “WHEEL” There are hundreds of Chakra’s located on our body. But we focus on major seven chakra of the body.  Chakra Healing has been practised since ancient times in Ayurveda and Yoga meditations. When our chakras are blocked then the energy cannot flow through the body which may cause blockages and in turn can cause diseases in the body.

If you notice the Chakra’s are located on the same area of our body which is the location for our 7 major endocrine glands of our body.  In ancient times we did not know the endocrine glands but the healers were aware of these specific areas of the body that are so important to human body that blockages can cause certain conditions. 

 

 

So Chakra Meditations Chakra healing therapies has been practised since ancient times in India and now is widely practised around the world.

The Body has many Chakras, but Chakra Healing Therapy is mainly concerned with the major seven chakras of the body.  Each of these chakras are found next to the hormonal gland of our body. They push vital force energy (also called Chi, Qi and or Prana) through the body to ensure vitality.

Chakra massage is important for everyone to have as it will balance the chakras of the body, and energy called Prana can flow through easily around our body as in general will help the body to heal itself.  We will sleep better,   Can cope with stress and have positive feelings within the body. Experience Chakra massage only at BlueWater Dya Spa.

Blue Water Day Spa has 5 branches within Metro Manila:  Ortigas- Greenhills, Makati, Capitol Hills, Eastwood City and Tomas Morato. And one in Cotabato City. Visit their website at  www.bluewaterdayspa.com

 

(PRESS RELEASE)

Norton 360 Multi-Device

Norton by Symantec released to media last October 18 the latest version of its award winning-core security core security products, Norton Internet Security and Norton Anti-Virus which are compatible with Windows 8 and engineered to be safer, optimized for speed and performance, and simpler to use.

Benefits:

1. Safer for Social Networking Protection as it defends consumers from attacks and scams \such as likejacking, malicious messages, posts and notices on social networks.

2.  Anti-scam capabilities warns users of potentially risky sites that are new or do not have an established reputation within the Norton user community, enabling users to keep personal information such as bank account or login data secure. 

3.  Enhanced Network Defenses to keep consumers from constantly evolving web-based attacks, the latest releases feature stronger networking defenses including a new intelligent Firewall and broader uses of insight information, which now tracks IP address reputation in addition to file, URL and domain reputation.

4.  Faster Startup and shutdown
5.  Maximized battery power
6.  More efficient support for digital media files
7.  Touch screen-friendly
8.  Version-less
9.  Robot-less

Pricing for Norton 360 Multi-Device will be available in November 2012.

Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe

Impress a friend, a love one or a client by bringing them at Mesclun Restaurant and Café where a mixture of great food is served daily. Buffet breakfast daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 am. Lunch and dinner are served a la carte.

Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe is  located  at the 2nd floor of Tower 1 of Linden Suites in Ortigas.

 For inquiries and reservations, call +632 638-7878 loc. 8207 or email info@kuhnkitchen.com.



Photo Source: Linden Suites

Chef’s Noodle holds special photo shoot featuring the Semerad twins and Down to Mars

Having recently opened its first branch in the country, Chef’s Noodle is now excited to present another fun event for its fans which features two of its latest endorsers, the Semerad twins as well as the country’s first inter-pop music group, Down to Mars.

 

 

 

Photo Credits: OCCASIONS OF JOY

  

Sponsoring a special photo shoot featuring hardcourt hotties Anthony and David Semerad and fast-rising inter-pop group Down to Mars, Chef’s Noodle has exclusively invited bloggers for this unique event wherein Doc Marlon Pecjo is the featured photographer. The master lensman who has done countless editorial and advertising projects, did the Semerad twins and Down to Mars’ photo shoot last Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Elite Studio, 3rd floor, A. Venue Mall, in Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Being two of the most popular hardcourt celebrities right now, the Semerad twins make for exciting additions to Chef’s Noodle’s lineup of celebrity endorsers as well as the presence of the country’s first inter-pop group, Down to Mars, who, with their varied musical backgrounds and artistic influences have created a unique type of music that has created a buzz especially among the youth.

Already endorsed by celebrity chef Choi In Sun and model/host Grace Lee, Chef’s Noodle is the latest Korean franchise to have entered the local food industry and is already making a name for itself through its fast casual style, mouthwatering menu, and affordable price points.

Having already set up shop in University Mall along Taft Avenue, Chef’s Noodle offers a smorgasbord of Korean dishes that are sure to entice not just fans of K-pop and Korean cuisine in general, but anyone who can appreciate good food.

Treat your tummies and enjoy the true taste of Korea with these Chef’s Noodle specialties like the bibimbap (traditional Korean steamed rice with seasoned vegetables, beef, and egg), bulgogi leek jun (deep fried bacon sliced beef with leeks mixed with eggs and seasoned vegetables), the restaurant’s signature dish, Chef’s Noodle (Korean fresh noodles with beef and anchovy broth topped with leeks, bean sprouts, fried tofu, spring onion, red pepper, egg roll and bulgogi), bulgogi leek kimbap (seaweed rice rolls with beef and leeks), curry dupbap (or Curry Donburi Warm rice topped with beef curry and seasoned vegetables), and many more! With prices set at P95 and up, sampling the Chef’s Noodle menu is sure to fit any budget.

Bring your friends and loved ones along and get to enjoy a delightful dining experience from one of Korea’s most popular restaurant chains!

Visit Chef’s Noodle’s branches at the 2nd floor of University Mall, Taft Avenue, Manila and at the ground floor of Atlanta Center, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan. Call for Express Delivery: Manila - 7089520 / 4050129 San Juan - 2340266 / 2340840. For more on Chef's Noodle check out http://chefsnoodlephils.com

 

Hong Kong Roast

Hong Kong Roast is another great tasting Chinese Restaurant to try,  located at 7467-C Bagtikan St., San Antonio Vill. Makati City, Metro Manila. 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Occasions of Joy

EvoLife

Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, M.D., head of the CSMC Cancer Institute, M.D. explained that the immune system of cancer patients becomes more compromised when they become depressed. “The psychological scars caused by the physical manifestations of treatment, like rashes, skin discoloration, blackened nails and falling hair erode patients’ self-esteem and the will to fight. But psychological well-being is crucial to a successful treatment. If cancer patients feel low and miserable, their response to treatment is greatly affected. So if the side effects of treatment do not bother the patient, their treatment regimen becomes more tolerable, if not welcome. Products like Evolife can help make patients commit to their treatment regimen and achieve the ultimate cure. These innovative products can prove crucial in licking the Big C.”

 

 

Alleviating the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment

With the growing census of cancer incidence in the country, there is real concern in providing supportive care not only during treatment but more so when the treatment side effects start manifesting.

For cancer patients, managing the side effects is as important as addressing the cancer itself. According to doctors, side effects can compromise treatment and even recovery. According to Dr. Maria Luisa Abesamis-Tiambeng, M.D., head of the CSMC Cancer Institute, M.D.  “The psychological scars caused by the physical manifestations of treatment, like rashes, skin discoloration, blackened nails and falling hair erode patients’ self-esteem and the will to fight. But psychological well-being is crucial to a successful treatment. If cancer patients feel low and miserable, their response to treatment is greatly affected. So if the side effects of treatment do not bother the patient, their treatment regimen becomes more tolerable, if not welcome. Products like Evolife can help make patients commit to their treatment regimen and achieve the ultimate cure. These innovative products can prove crucial in licking the Big C.”

 

Evolife products consist of skin care products (EvoSkin Gel Cream and Evolife Hydrating Skin Cleanser which provide a unique hydrating solution for skin side effects of cancer therapy such as cracks, dryness and a burning sensation), oral care products (EvoMucy mouthwash and spray for mouth sores, EvoLip for chapped or sensitive lips, EvoDry mouth spray to combat mouth and throat dryness and EvoDonto toothpaste for sensitive and irritated gums), a scalp care product (EvoCapil hydrating hair spray that calms the scalp and rejuvenates hair follicles to encourage hair re-growth), a hygiene product (EvoDeo Deodorant Spray, an alcolohol-free deodorant spray for hypersensitive skin controls hot flashes and excessive sweating) and nail care products (EvoNail which helps revitalize darkened, yellow, brittle or cracked nails and restores them to their natural state).

Cancer patient, Tina, who underwent  chemotherapy and radiotherapy, experienced mouth sores and burning sensations on her skin. “The mouth sores were too painful to eat anything so I lost a lot of weight. After my doctor recommended EvoMucy mouth wash the sores disappeared in 3 days for good.This helped me regain my energy as I went through with my treatment. I also used EvoSkin Gel Cream and EvoNail. After using it for a few days, the burning sensation went away and my nails did not blacken at all, unlike other patients undergoing treatment.”

This new product line will complement the existing cancer treatment regimen being offered by Unilab  and will provide a wholistic supportive care program for cancer patients.

In a concerted effort to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Point of Care Solutions Inc. (PCSI) in partnership with United Laboratories recently introduced Evolife products to the Philippines.

 

PCSI is the exclusive distributor of Evolife’s full range of cancer-support care products that treat the cutaneous and cutaneous-mucuos side effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Evolife products are the result of years of research and development by a dedicated team of dermatologists, oncologists, and scientists based in France. Evolife Products contain a unique blend of natural minerals that provide premium hydration and protection for patients undergoing cancer treatment. They are the first and only products of their kind that are effective, uniquely designed with the needs of cancer patients in mind, and they are well tested,” says oncologist J.F. Chanez in “The Neurogenic Component of Cutaneous Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapy – New Solutions”, European Oncology Journal, Vol 6:1, 28-30.

Evolife products contain a unique blend of natural minerals that provide premium hydration and protection for cancer-stricken patients and improve their daily lives so they feel normal instead of ailing.They are the first and only products of their kind that are effective, uniquely designed with the needs of cancer patients in mind, and they are well tested,” says oncologist J.F. Chanez in “The Neurogenic Component of Cutaneous Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapy – New Solutions”, European Oncology Journal, Vol 6:1, 28-30.

 

Press Release

Be Alert This Dengue Season

Dengue is and has always been a big problem in the Philippines. Yet, after 60 years since the first outbreak, there is still no known cure. In fact, the virus might even be getting worse. Today, a new species of Dengue mosquito exists. Aedes albopictus is known to bite during nighttime, while the original mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is known to only bite during the day.

Both mosquitoes are native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. They like to live close to humans because they are attracted to the chemical compounds human beings emit. Thus, it comes as no surprise that they breed and lay eggs in places near or inside homes, particularly in areas with stagnant water. The mosquitoes’ constant contact with bacteria makes them prime vehicles for transferring diseases like Dengue into humans.

The bite of the Aedes Dengue mosquito can cause symptoms like fever, rashes, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, body pain, bleeding, and even death. With now two species of dangerous mosquitoes on the loose, it is more important than ever to be on alert when protecting loved ones from this deadly disease. But without a cure, the best defense against Dengue is prevention.

Stanhome World, the No. 1 Direct-Selling Home Care Company in the European Union, shares surefire ways to avoid getting Dengue during this rainy season:

1.    Eliminate the mosquitoes’ breeding places.

The Department of Health says Dengue cases abound in suburban communities where junk shops, vulcanizing shops, tires on tops of roofs, backyard piggeries, and underdeveloped subdivisions become natural breeding grounds for mosquitoes.  Stop them from breeding by discarding all forms of stagnant water from jars, bottles, drums, auto tires, flower/plant pots, trash cans, coconut husks and other materials that collect rain or run-off water. Also, check the gutter and canals in your home and clean them thrice a week to remove water deposits.

 2.    Don’t give mosquitoes access to your home.

Prevent mosquitoes from coming inside the house by adding screens to your windows and doors. Better yet, safeguard your home with Citronella. This substance has a scent that is known to effectively repel mosquitoes and other insects, keeping them from coming near. STANHOME Banish Citronella is an Odor Neutralizer which keeps out mosquitoes while taking away the bad odors from inside and outside your home. If you want the indoors to be both protected and fresh-smelling, use STANHOME Stan-wick Citronella, a Home Deodorizer that emits a clean and fresh Citronella scent that welcomes your guests and rejects the pests.

3.    Protect yourself

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to attack in the daytime, so it is important to keep your body protected when you leave the house. Wear light-colored, long sleeved shirts or jackets, socks, long pants, and other garments that will cover your skin. If you can’t avoid using shorts or short-sleeved tops, rub insect repellent all over your exposed skin. STANHOME Insect Repellent Gel creates a protective barrier on the skin, repelling insects and mosquitoes for at least 7.5 hours. It’s dermatologically-tested, and is safe enough to be applied on one’s face.

With all this information in mind, you can be secure that you and your family are protected from the perils of Dengue. Put them into practice, and you’re sure to enjoy a worry-free, dengue-free life.

For more information about Banish Citronella, Stan-Wick Citronella and Insect Repellent Gel, follow STANHOME WORLD on Twitter (@StanhomeWorldPH), be a fan on Facebook (facebook.com/StanhomeWorldPhilippines), or call/text 091-STANHOME (09178264663). You can also get these effective anti-dengue products from Stanhome World Independent Supervisors (SIS) or at Stanhome World Service Centers in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Butuan City and Kidapawan.

Globe Telecom will donate P1 million to UNICEF Philippines

Globe Telecom, in partnership with UNICEF Philippines, will donate P1 million to UNICEF’s Maternal and Newborn Health program as part of its My Rewards, My Globe campaign.

A corporate social responsibility partner of UNICEF since September 2011, Globe Telecom through UNICEF and partners, embarked on the rCHITS initiative, which stands for ‘Real-time Monitoring of Key Maternal and Child Health Indicators through the use of the Community Health Information Tracking System’. rCHITS is a computerization project aimed at achieving a more effective and efficient system of managing health information on children and women, particularly those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“The funding support from Globe will go towards expanding the rCHITS program to reach more provinces in the coming year. Through this program, we are able to gather and consolidate real-time data on mother and child health indicators and help the local government make informed and well-planned decisions on health issues in their provinces,” said  Tomoo Hozumi, Country Representative, UNICEF Philippines.
 
Originally conceived as an advocacy tool in support of community-based injury prevention, the project evolved into a computer-based system targeted primarily at serving community health centers. In 2011, rCHITS expanded through the collaboration of UNICEF, University of the Philippines National Telehealth Center (NThC) and Globe to develop a system specifically designed to monitor and obtain key maternal and child health indicators in selected municipalities towards achievement of Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which is reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health.

“Accessibility—whether to improve education or health—is one of our major thrusts and we fully support UNICEF and the National Telehealth Center in their initiatives to improve integrating local health information. We hope, through the support of Globe Telecom, we are able to empower the decision makers of local government units to enjoy on-demand information on health and other relevant programs to reach an informed decision through the rCHITS program. We hope to help bridge disparities in access to health care,” said Roberto Nazal, Corporate Social Responsibility Head of Globe Telecom.

            “We are happy to partner with UNICEF Philippines in promoting one of their advocacies and supporting it via our My Rewards, My Globe campaign. With rewards now at 50% off, our subscribers can now redeem more rewards for themselves and for their loved ones. For a more rewarding experience, Globe is making a donation to UNICEF Philippines to benefit mothers and newborns, inspiring more subscribers to redeem more rewards because of this worthy cause,” adds Jay Beltran, Globe’s Head of Customer Lifecycle Management.

 

(PRESS RELEASE)

Online Revolution: Flawless Enters New Era with Digital Efforts

Just a month before it celebrates its 11^th anniversary, the country’s preferred clinic for face, body and medical services, Flawless, marks several milestones as it formally launches its new digital face and voice.

 

Whether we like it or not, the Philippines has evolved to become one of the world’s biggest online communities. Ranking 8^th among countries with the biggest number of Facebook users worldwide, the Philippines is also the 10^th biggest Twitter nation with over 9.5 million active users. A great feat considering that only 30% of Filipinos have access to the Internet, these numbers served as the basis for Flawless’ most recent digital efforts. 

Flaunt
Last April 2012, Flawless launched an online magazine on issuu.com to replace the brand’s monthly newsletter. Aptly named “Flaunt,” the digital publication is intended to be Flawless’ signature online editorial habitat.

“We launched Flaunt mainly to better get our message across an array of audiences,” shares Rubby Sy, CEO of Flawless. “The problem with newsletters is that only a number of people get to read them and they’re forgettable and lack impact. If you’re not part of our mailing list, the chance of you receiving monthly content from us is close to zero. Likewise, if you do, by chance, receive emails from us, there’s a big possibility that you’ll skip opening what we sent. Launching a digital magazine is the wisest way around these challenges. Not only are we now able to send out our messages across a wider market, we also do so using a platform that evokes the
   kind of lifestyle we promote—fun and dynamic  
   yet sensible.”

Much like the brand it represents, Flaunt was founded on the premise of making beauty accessible to everyone. From beauty tips courtesy of Flawless’ acclaimed roster of Skin Professionals to stories of human interest, the publication aims to improve the quality of life people have by giving them the tools they need to achieve the most beautiful expression of themselves.

“In more ways than one, Flaunt is an extension of Flawless. This is why my team and myself strive really hard to incorporate as much of ourselves into our content. The Internet offers unprecedented opportunities for readers to engage with ideas and stories beyond those seen in traditional publications. Traditionally, companies have used their websites for sales and marketing. We believe they should also use their websites to publish," Sy adds.

New and Improved Digital Domain


With more and more companies enhancing their digital presence, Flawless has also implemented new improvements in its website to extend its products and services to more netizens.

“This is the first time that we’ll be updating our website since launching it 2 years ago,” shares Flawless’ Business Manager, Drew Donovan-Mendoza. “After 11 successful years in the business, we thought it’s only proper we do something to improve the experience our customers get when they visit our site. It’s a very personal change; kind of like refurbishing your home. You don’t just want to improve the aesthetic aspects of the space, you also want to make it functional and most importantly, you want it to reflect your personality.”

Adding more value to its revamped look, the new website serves as a goldmine of information for beauty and wellness aficionados. It hosts Flawless’ full line of first-rate products and services including its revolutionary four-way slimming and body sculpting program, Shape & Sculpt. A separate section is dedicated to highlighting the brand’s franchise program.

 

“What do people need? This was the first thing we wanted to address when we were designing the new site. We want it to be a reflection of what we stand for. More than just serving as a platform for us to be able to reach a wider audience, we want the new site to serve as a portal where people can go and schedule consultations, look for solutions to their skin problems, make purchases—we want something that people can  use and go to for their own benefit,” shares Donovan-Mendoza.

 

Flawless’ Marketing Manager, Patricia Mendoza adds, "In revamping our website, our main focus was not about our preference on design and features but more about improving the overall online experience of current and potential patients. The website design, navigation and sections were mapped out to reflect the mindset of someone looking for information on a certain product or service and ready to make a purchase decision. We want to make it easy and convenient for our patients to look for what they want may it be product information, how a particular service is done, nearest clinic location, inquire about franchising or simply to book an appointment with the clinic." 

“One of the main highlights of the site is the e-commerce. This was borne out of a number of requests from Filipinos abroad to make our products available for shipping to other countries. I’m personally very proud of this feature because it takes us one step closer to realizing this,” ends Donovan-Mendoza.

A New Voice
In its efforts to better connect with its target market, Flawless recently revamped the way the brand interacts with the rest of the online community.

One of the biggest innovations that really made a huge impact in the lives of netizens all over the world is the rise of social networking sites. Allowing people to stay connected, share information, play all sorts of games and expand their networks, these portals quickly found a way to fit in the daily lives of people regardless of their social and economic status. Realizing the unlimited potential social networking sites possess in terms of customer engagement, companies were quick to find creative ways to use the medium.

“Now more than ever, companies are able to extend their reaches. As time goes by, companies are getting cleverer in terms of building their brand’s reputation online. It’s a very tricky process because one wrong move can break you. However, if done properly, the rewards are well worth it,” shares Pat Mendoza, Marketing Manager of Flawless.

Known for introducing ground-breaking aesthetic concepts to Filipinos, Flawless makes another first as it revamps the brand’s communication tone in an effort to “speak the language” of its market. 

“Language and communications are two very dynamic subjects. We’ve been observing online trends since last year and one thing we found out is that people respond better to brands who speak the way they do,” adds Mendoza.

Veering away from the usual corporate-sounding tone that most companies use, Flawless, as seen in their Twitter and Facebook accounts, now uses a more humble and personal voice to interact with their audience. “Pal’s talk really works for us. More than anything, it’s able to break this long-standing connotation people have that we are a high-end brand. This is something that’s never been done here in the country and something we really want to encourage others to do. Depending on the nature of the product and service you’re offering, you can customize a tone that fits your brand. Just remember to still keep it professional,” Mendoza ends.

(PRESS RELEASE)