Oyster Fragrance

Perfume is probably the easiest gift you can give to a love one. You have to make sure though that the perfume you give is classy, elegant and luxurious.

Try scent by Oyster Fragrance. Oysters is available in London and Manila. You may contact Chastine Isidro for orders at 09495037358



My Big Bossing

My Big Bossing is the biggest-budget entry in the MMFF race, and boasts of the collaboration of three of the country’s biggest film production outfits: Octoarts Films, M-Zet TV Production and APT Entertainment.

 

Three of the country’s biggest directors helm three different stories within the movie  - Tony Y. Reyes, Marlon N. Rivera and Bb. Joyce Bernal.

 

“My Big Bossing” will be in theaters starting Christmas Day, Dec. 25.



  

The Best of the Best

The old saying, "the hair is the crowning glory", is very much true. Having dull and unruly hair is one of the worst dilemma any woman can have. I know because I'm one of those women, who believes that old adage.

 

Yesterday, at Empire Salon, located at Intercon Hotel in Makati, I've got a wonderful time having my hair done by the best of the best in the business district. Chas Isidro isn't just an ordinary  hairdresser, he is the Top Stylist & Chief Make-up Artist of Empire Salon. He studied at Vidal Sasoon in San Francisco, California and at Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in London, United Kingdom. . He is one of the most sought after hair and make-up artist by big stars and socialites in the metro.



 

Empire Salon is not your ordinary salon, it is the best of the best salon in the country. Empire Salon Manila opened in 2013 only, but their full-service is a favorite among showbiz and fashion circle. Book an appointment before heading to posh Empire Salon. 

 



 

Chas in London





 

Chas doing the make-up of iconic Ms. Cherry Gil

 

Chas fixing my brows

 

 

EMPIRE SALON

GF/ Intercontinental Hotel

 Concessionaires Area Makati City

7937000 | 8439372 | 8233863

 09258163498

info@empiresalonph.com

Music + Arts + Dance = MAD Fest 2014

This year, JACK TV’s MAD Fest brings to our shores one of the liveliest art festivals with international singing sensation Kimbra headlining a host of performing artists in a festival of music, art and dance.

Every voice comes with a certain memory and a kind of madness. Kimbra’s voice invites anyone who hears her with the strength of her hooks and her melodies which come to you with the most unpredictable forms of versatility: from jazz-inspired tunes to catchy electropop quirks. With a presence like hers, Kimbra’s songs beg to be listened to without even trying.

 

Across the world, Kimbra is well-known for her songs “Settle Down”, “Two Way Street”, ”Cameo Lover”, “90’s Music”, and “Miracle”

With a wide range of influences from Prince to soul songstress Minnie Riperton, to such icons as Björk and Jeff Buckley, her style comes across as something uniquely her own. Kimbra’s affinity with music began with early performances in public at 10 years old, singing at the Waikato Times Gold Cup race back in 2000.

Inevitably, Kimbra scored a record contract from an Australian record label and from there, she’s gone everywhere, awarded with accolades such as Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (Grammy 2013) for her feature on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know”. To top that off, Kimbra is the only New Zealand-born singer to ever win a Grammy in history.

 



 
Kimbra headlines JACK TV’s MADFest 2014 with DJ Ace Ramos and MC Pao, Katsy Lee, Deuce Manila, Motherbass, Toni B.; top bands Sandwich, Urbandub, Kjwan, Autotelic, B.P Valenzuela, Chocolate Grass, Sinyma, Flying Ipis, Cheats, and Imago. With Art Installations by Leeroy New, Imagine Nation Studio, Secret Studio and Jagnus Design Studio. Dance Performances by Team Vibe.  Catch the madness at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Block 12 on December 5, 2014, from 4PM to 4AM.

Tickets available at SM Tickets outlets and online at www.smtickets.com. Call 470-2222 for ticket inquiries. Tickets also available at Ticketnet outlets and online at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph/

Line Up of Local Artists:

B. P. Valenzuela is a 19 year old electronic musician with analog sensibilities. She eschews laptops for intimacy, instead arming herself with electronic friends: drum machines, analog synthesizers, loop stations and samplers ––– having all of them subtly interweave into the sometimes quiet, sometimes dancy, organic and ambient solo-elements that make it a unique experience live, and was introduced to audiences and airwaves with her self-produced debut EP: be/ep.

CHEATS

Cheats is a seven-piece indie-rock band from Manila, Philippines. A collective of couch potatoes, they’re strung together by a love for video games, melodrama and rock anthems. With influences that range from LCD Soundsystem to Radiohead and the Spice Girls, Cheats sets out to create sweet melodies with a bitter aftertaste.

In short, they want to make people dance all night before crying on the ride home. Cheats, represented by LockedDown Entertainment, is currently recording their first album with Ely Buendia as producer.

Kate Torralba
Kate Torralba is the Philippines' answer to the pianist-singer-songwriter genre; she just happens to be an accomplished fashion designer in her home country. This former piano prodigy impresses with her songwriting flair, humor and charisma onstage. With her trademark visual & musical style, KT is eye + ear candy. If you love Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Bjørk, Sia, chances are you will be charmed by the Philippines' Petite Piano Princess.

Autotelic
Autotelic is a Filipino pop band based. Formed in 2012, the band is made up of Neil Tin, Josh Villena, Gep Macadaeg, Timothy “Pabs” Vargas, and Kai Honasan. They recently released their debut self-titled full-length album.

SINYMA
S I N Y M A (pronounced as “cinema”) is electronica-funk-electro-nusoul-disco-future garage all rolled into one. Watch the beats flicker as producers-dj-remixers Madz Abubakar a.k.a Abdel Aziz and Silverfilter take their distinct sound onstage with performing artist, chanteuse-songwriter Jessica Connelly. SINYMA is best known for their LIVE performances and their signature improvisation and versatility, leading them to be prized collaborators by fellow artists. 

Flying Ipis
Starting as a group of high school friends who formed a band for kicks. The ladies had so much fun that they decided to get serious with their music. They jammed more regularly, gradually building up a repertoire of original songs.

Nowadays, it can be argued that women in rock are no longer a novelty, but at the rate Flying Ipis is, well, flying, this band is set to rise above the swarm, so to speak. These ladies have proven that they can rock as well, if not better, than their peers, regardless of gender.

Toni B.
Antoinette Bernal Brillantes, other wise known as Toni B., is a new rising star who is eager to take the entire nation by surprise with her bubbly personality and her huge voice. Although she is a proud pinay, at her young age she has already lived in 5 different countries such as Sudan, Russia, Thailand, the USA and now back in the Philippines where she is more than ready to take us all on this unique journey with her.

Kjwan
Comprised of Marc Abaya (vocals), Kelley Mangahas (bass), Boogie Romero (guitar), Eo Marcos (drums), and Enrique de Dios' (keys), the members' interplay is lauded as a defiant compound of theatrical intensity and melodic assault to be reckoned with. Kjwan's influence, despite former lineup and label changes, grows larger as ever, making them a hot commodity and one of this generation's respected rock acts.

Urbandub
A Philippine-based band proudly waving the banner of their hometown Cebu, Urbandub is growing to be a titan, a superpower of the Pinoy independent rock movement. Local or International, they’re jet-set to stir up waves, raising the level for today’s modern angst. Listen up and try their songs for size. Their craft could only get better. The band is composed of Gabby Alipe (vocals, guitar), John Dinopol (guitar, vocals), Lalay (bass, vocals), Carl Napoles (drummer).

MotherBasss
Founded in 2012, Motherbasss is a DJ-and-drummer duo comprised of DJ Nix Damn P (@nixdamnp) and Macky Brillantes of Stick Figgas (@hoytuska).

 
Ace Ramos w/ MC Pao
Ace Ramos has emerged as one of the most renowned DJs in the Philippines. He sets himself apart from the rest by creating his own style. He does mash ups and mixes hip hop, rnb, elektro rock, chart-topping hits, and upcoming tracks. He always keeps each set fresh and he will definitely keep the party crowd on the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning.

MC Pao is one of the veteran, and most acclaimed club emcees in the Philippines today. Starting off as a heavy party goer and a hardcore fan of rap and hip hop music, he became familiar with the Manila club scene and the essentials of a great party.

Deuce Manila
DEUCE Manila is Kat DJ & Patty Tiu - The First Female DJ Duo in the Philippines. Ranging from genres of the new generation, they use their unique back-to-back/dual deck skills to give the scene a different kind of kick.

Katsy Lee
Katsy Lee has loved electronic dance music for as long as she could proclaim her passion for a genre. She recalls sitting still and wide-eyed as she heard The Chemical Brothers’ “Hey Boy Hey Girl” on MTV at age ten. Dance music – heady, impassioned and inspiring - led her down paths that would never go the same way again. She sought to express her love for music in dance and in writing, blogging about albums and publishing poetry inspired by dance music.

IMAGO
Imago is a Filipino rock band composed of Mayumi Gomez (vocals), Myrene "Maps" Academia (bass), Tim Cacho (guitars), Zach Lucero (guitars), Mervin Panganiban (drums) known for songs such as Akap, Anino, Ewan, Taralets and Sundo.

<S>andwich
Sandwich (stylized as "<S>andwich" in earlier releases) is a Filipino alternative rock band from Philippines. The band consisted of lead vocalist Raimund Marasigan, Guitarists Diego Castillo and Mong Alcaraz, bassist Myrene Academia and drummer Mike Dizon. The band released 7 albums Grip Stand Throw (1999), 4-Track Mind (2000), Thanks To The Moon's Gravitational Pull (2003), Five on the Floor (2006), <S> Marks the Spot (2008), Contra Tiempo (2010) and Fat Salt & Flame (2013)

Chocolate Grass
Chocolate Grass is the product of sonic alchemy performed by August Wahh, Chiko Hernandez, Niki Cabardo, Allan Malabanan, and Luis Gutierrez.
Soul music, for and from the spirit: Interweaved earth rhythms with the melodies of the wind, and rumble of the thunder. Whispers from dreams that bear stories of death and rebirth. Linked by ubiquitous love and light: Our music-- with no beginning or end. Coming at you from The Philippine Islands.
 
Richard & Kooky Tuason
Artist siblings Kooky and Richard Tuason, will combine a set of poetry and musical performance at MAD Fest. A spoken word performance set to live sound art, the duo combines a hybrid of poetry and musical performance with Richard playing his work Ensemblage, a musical sculpture which sounds like an orchestra, and Kooky speaking soulful rhythms with her poetry.

Jagnus Design Studio
Jagnus Design Studio is a young architecture and design firm composed of Sonny Suñga and Arnold Austria as Principal Architects. Their collected works ranges from residential projects, commercial centers, retail spaces, sports, interior architecture, furniture design and object d’art.

Leeroy New
Leeroy New is a sculptor, artist, and designer whose practice is an attempt to overlap and intersect with the different forms of visual arts including film, theater and fashion. He regularly seeks the occasion to present his work whenever, however, and wherever he feels like or is allowed to in the hopes of ‘affecting’, more rather than less.

Secret Studio

Imagine Nation Studio
Imagine Nation Design Studios (INS) is a group composed of different professional artists, creating sculptures and other forms of 3d art. They believe that art should not be express solely through canvass but instead should also be interpreted through three-dimensional representations.

Team Vibe
A world class group of dancers out to showcase the Filipino brand of talent, raising the standard of excellence in dance entertainment industry. Team Vibe exist to showcase the Filipino talent to the world, bridge cultural barrier. 

DAISO JAPAN

For FUN shopping experience, check out DAISO JAPAN's range of products that are a treasure trove of affordable items starting at P88!

 

DAISO JAPAN is the  authorized Philippine retailer of Daiso Industries Co. Ltd. – Japan’s No. 1 supplier of living ware goods, more popularly known as their 100 yen stores.

 



 

They carry products that range from household goods to hobby materials, kawaii stationery and office supplies, pet accessories, plastic storage and organizers, beauty and fashion apparel, and more.

 

 

 



 

They now carry authentic Disney items that feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse designs. Get your Disney fix in the form of cute wallets, bags, insoles and more.

 

Have a Meri Kurisumasu with Daiso Japan because you’re sure to find l items that may suit any category and personality this Kris Kringle season!

Find DAISO JAPAN in the following stores:

 

Robinsons Galleria   Robinsons Place Las Pinas
Robinsons Place Manila   TriNoma
Market!Market!   Ayala Center Cebu
Robinsons Metro East   Robinsons Place Malolos
Robinsons Magnolia   Robinsons Place Butuan
Pavillion Mall   Robinsons Abreeza Mall Davao
Robinsons Place Calasiao  Robinsons Place Tacloban 
The District Mall Imus   Robinsons Place Roxas
Robinsons Place Malabon   Robinsons Place Isabela
Robinsons Place Palawan   Glorietta 3
Robinsons Place Bacolod   Robinsons Place Antipolo
EMA Town Center Meycauayan   il CENTRO Mall (Sta. Lucia Mall)
Robinsons Centrio   Robinsons Place Las Piñas
Robinsons Place CDO   Robinsons Supermarket- The District Dasmariñas
Robinsons Place Iloilo    

 

Stay tuned soon to open stores:

Araneta Center Cubao (Farmers)

Robinsons Place Imus

Lucky Chinatown

  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaisoJapanPH

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaisoJapanPH

Instagram: http://instagram.com/daisophilippines


Bohol Fair

Bohol is moving to become the must-go destination in the Philippines as it launches   new and exciting tourist destinations with rock bottom prices for airfares, hotels and resorts during a travel fair to be held in Glorietta Mall on Dec. 8-10.

 

Bohol provincial governor Edgar Chatto said the province will also formally launch its new branding “Behold...BOHOL,” which positions the province as a destination that exudes a sense of awe in every visitor.

 



 

The three-day event is the first time ever that tourism sector in Bohol comes together in a massive campaign to entice tourists to visit. It is part of the Bohol Tourism Action Plan developed through the collaboration of the United States Agency for International Development through its Advancing Philippine Competitiveness Project (USAID-COMPETE), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the United Nations-World Tourism Organization (UN-WTO), and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) as well as local tourism stakeholders.

 

Meanwhile, the new branding “Behold...BOHOL” was developed with the help of CNN’s branding expert Anita Mendiratta.  Bohol is the first province that benefited from an outreach program of CNN.

 

AirAsia, the leading budget airline in the Asian region, is the exclusive airline partner for the campaign and will offer seat sale.  The airline that has been awarded the Skytrax’s World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for six consecutive years is also committed to offer year-round low fares for flights between Manila - Tagbilaran (Bohol) and Manila – Cebu.

 

At least 50% discount in accommodation, tours and other travel essentials in Bohol will be offered during the three-day travel fair.  Boholano products will likewise be on sale.

 

The travel fair will open in a grand program featuring the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. The chorale group will have a nightly concert during the three-day event.

 

Bohol province is dubbed as the eco-cultural tourism capital with its fascinating  Chocolate Hills, pristine and white sand beaches in Panglao and  Anda.  It is also home to the well-loved Tarsier, considered the smallest and oldest primate in the world.

 

“We want to develop Bohol as the tourism superpower and a top holiday destination in the Philippines,” said Bohol governor Edgar Chatto.

 

He said the launch of the 'Behold... BOHOL'  aims to promote the province as a complete tourist destination because every town has a unique tourist attraction to offer to visitors.

 

Aside from the iconic destinations, the province is surrounded by caves, tranquil rivers, fascinating water falls, marine sanctuaries, mangroves and diving sites.

 

Chatto said Bohol is now promoting the powdery white sand beaches of Anda, as the next tourist destination.  Road and infrastructure access to Anda are underway through the convergence program of Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that seeks to connect airports to tourist destinations. 

 

Anda is a must visit in Bohol for its  unique and  wider coastlines making it a perfect destination both for relaxing walk on the beach or water sports activities.

 

The town is also home to the Lamanok Mystical Island and is fast becoming a popular destinations. Lamanok can be reached within a two-hour drive from the capital, Tagbilaran. The island has a rich lush mangrove protecting the community from flooding, pollution and water surge. It hosts some mystical caves where ancient Boholanons bury their loved ones in jars.

 

Governor Chatto said Bohol is also home to Asia's largest mangrove forest called Banacon located north of the municipality of Getafe. It has a total of 425 hectares with only 15 hectares dry land and the rest are extensive mangrove plantation.

 

In a press statement, the Governor credited the strong support and cooperation of  tourism stakeholders in Bohol in promoting the new tourist destinations of the province.

 

“ The strong partnership between the local government and the private tourism stakeholders, a well equipped manpower with innate hospitality as well as the rich natural, cultural and historical attractions of Bohol are the three main factors why we are confident to become a tourism superpower,” said Chatto.

 

AirAsia, the Filipino Low Cost Carrier is fully supporting the ‘Behold...BOHOL’  campaign by offering its lowest possible rates for tourists visiting Bohol.

AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline flies three times daily to Bohol.

Golden Ticket Events Held Successful Hunger Games Block Screening

Golden Ticket Events an up and coming event's company recently held its successful Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 block screening and bloggers night.
 

Prior to the jam packed movie screening at the SM Megamall Cinema 4, Golden Ticket hosted a fun filled blogger's night at Rack's Megamall. Rack's served everyone a sumptuous dinner consisting of their best selling ribs and sides. Over dinner, Jeanil Alcantara Rack's Operations Manager updated everyone on Rack's new branch in Timog Quezon City.

 

Following this, Food Panda Philippines  CEO Mauro Cocchieri presented an overview about the company and its app. Food Panda is an online food ordering site which has an app that can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play, and the Window's Phone Store. The Food Panda app allows users to choose from hundreds of food merchants. The app determines the users location and shows them a wide variety of choices to satisfy their every craving. Capping the bloggers night was a raffle from Torch, Bioessence, and Great Image who along with Regroe gave away freebies to the bloggers. 

 

Following the blogging event, everyone proceeded to Cinema 4 to join the throngs of movie goers who came to the screening. Each movie goer got popcorn and a bottle of Aquabest as they filed in to watch one of the year's most awaited movies. Attendees of the screening had a good time with the program which included awesome raffle prizes from Torch, Bioessence, ToppCock, Cadbury, Mary Kay, Jelly Nelly, Regroe, and MX3.

 

Making the event possible are Golden Ticket's sponsors; Food Panda, Great Image, Mary Kay, Alveo, Aquabest, Evee, Skinlyn, Regroe, Pregroe, Torch, Bioessence, Chooga, El Lobo 2 in 1, Tea Kingdom, Cadbury, Bubbatealicious, Huang Shang Developent Corporation, Victoria Towers, Amada, Topp Cock, and Jelly Nelly. Golden Ticket was also assisted by its media partners; ANC, ASTIG.PH, Business Mirror, Cook Magazine, and View Magazine.


Teriyaki Boy's New Look

Makati City – From Tokyo-inspired ramen houses to energetic izakayas, Japanese restaurants in the Philippines are flourishing. For Teriyaki Boy, this culinary revolution brings a new challenge—reinvention.  

 

The popular Japanese casual dining restaurant has always been known for authentic yet affordable Japanese cuisine, and this is now reflected in its new logo and restaurant interiors.

From sushi to soba, the eclectic world of Japanese food can be quite intimidating to some Filipinos because it fuses art with taste—leading them to believe that it is expensive. In contrast, Teriyaki Boy’s new theme goes against this notion, as it welcomes them to a place that delivers an authentic Japanese-cuisine experience for an affordable price.

 



 

 

Under the ownership of Max’s Group Inc. (MGI), Teriyaki Boy is focused on going back to the basics of the brand—the very same elements that made it a compelling restaurant when it was first launched thirteen years ago.

 

The process drew insights from Brian Tiu—the original founder and owner of Teriyaki Boy, who has been working closely with Max’s to oversee the brand’s development.

The Max’s Group values brand authorship, so it simply realigned Tiu’s original vision with where Teriyaki Boy is today. In doing so, the brand can focus on what it does best—affordable and authentic Japanese.

 

Through hard work and collaboration, Max’s Group has taken the Teriyaki Boy dining experience to the next level. From look to feel, its new theme is unmistakably Japanese.  

 

Dining in modern Japan

The minute you enter Teriyaki Boy’s store in Glorietta, you’ll notice a difference.

For one, the logo now features the icon of a boy with a headband in a shape that is reminiscent of the elegant forms of Japanese calligraphy. For another, wood has been seamlessly integrated to the restaurant’s interior, creating an ambiance that wakes the appetite.

 

Wood is a prominent element in Japanese design, and it is now present in different sections of the restaurant. Stones have likewise been added to the dining area to contribute to its Japanese-inspired theme, as these objects symbolize stability in the country’s culture. Finally, Japanese artworks and murals complement the store’s new design palate.

 

Teriyaki Boy’s flagship store in Glorietta is the first to sport the brand’s new design scheme, which will eventually be cascaded to its 35 outlets—including stores in Katipunan, Greenhills, and Fairview Terraces.

 

Previous ownership also rebranded a few years back, but the latest look of Teriyaki Boy marks a totally different campaign under the steadfast guidance of the Max’s Group.

 

Chicken Teriyaki: Still one of the best

The restaurant has not strayed from the original recipe of its signature chicken teriyaki, which is still considered as one of the best in town. This delectable dish is grilled to perfection and topped with a savory sauce that is distinctly Teriyaki Boy.

 

Moreover, this classic has only gotten better with age, as the Max’s Group continues to go through great lengths in upgrading the products and service platforms to build an even better dining experience.

 

With the emergence of many Japanese specialty restaurants, however, it is vital for Teriyaki Boy to differentiate itself in a fiercely competitive segment. With the concept of affordable and authentic Japanese deeply embedded in the brand’s character, it also places particular emphasis in variety.

 

In a big group, for instance, some like ramen while others crave for katsu. But they don’t have to dine in different places, because they can find both these dishes and more at Teriyaki Boy.

For the Max’s Group, the best way to move the brand forward is to remain loyal to its roots—the original inspirations that made it one of the most coveted Japanese restaurants in the country.

About Max’s Group Inc.

The Max’s Group Inc. (PSE: MAXS) traces its heritage to the beginning of Max’s Restaurant in 1945, which was founded by Maximo Gimenez. Today, Max’s Group is the biggest brand in the Philippines’ casual dining segment.

Its family of restaurants includes Max’s Restaurant, Max’s Corner Bakery, Pancake House, Dencio’s, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Kabisera ng Dencio’s, Sizzlin’ Steak, Le Coeur De France, and Maple. The company also locally operates international food brands, like Krispy Kreme and Jamba Juice.

 



Philippine SME Business Expo 2014

With the ASEAN integration just around the corner,the country’s largest business-2-business trade show, conference and networking event for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the Philippine SME Business Expo 2014 - “ Boost Your Business”, held its Press Conference on November 18, 2014 at the Lucia Ristorante of Hotel Celeste, Makati City. Now on its 2nd year, Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) continues to boost small businesses to become BIG and will opens its gate on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 10AM, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex Pasay City. This 3-day event also serves as a gateway for Filipino companies that like to enter the ASEAN market and vice versa. Over 200 local and international companies are exhibiting and 20,000 people are expected to visit PHILSME 2014 to network and collaborate.

 

 

The Press Conference was attended by 30 people from the major newspapers, television and online contributors, as well as by known personalities from the business community, like Henry Ong, President of the Young Entrepreneur Society Philippines (YES) and host of the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Philippines; Ria Lu, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock & Load; Earl Valencia, Founder of IdeaSpace Foundation; Arianne Kader, Regional Operations Manager, of Marketplace of ZALORA Group; Rajan Uttamchandani, Chairman and CEO of Esquire Financing Inc.; Norman Adriano, Secretary General of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP); Engr. Romelen Tresvalles, Head of Planning Unit of the Department of Science & Technology (National Capital Region); Chris Raeuber and Nils Walle of the Combined Logistics Networks.

 

From November 21-23, visitors will be able to network with over 200 exhibitors from 18 business sectors ranging from direct selling, technology and innovation, agricultural business, fast food and restaurant concepts, beverage and confectionery, to general merchandise and retail, hotels, salons, spas and gyms, malls, office furniture, machineries and supplies, bar, cafe and coffee shops.

 

“We aim to put together under one roof SME business owners, senior level executives, professionals, government agencies, trade associations from the Philippines and the ASEAN region to collaborate in order to boost businesses and the Philippine economy at large. The ASEAN economic community will become the 7th largest economy in the world with a combined consumer market of over 600 million people and we will do everything we can to help small businesses to get access to this market and become globally competitive,” said David Abrenilla, Founder and Managing Director of Philippine SME Business Expo and CEO of MEDIACOM SOLUTIONS, INC.

Philippine SME Business Expo will provide information on the latest innovations.

You're Not You Movie

Kate is a suave, successful classical pianist just diagnosed with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrigs Disease). Bec is a brash college student and would-be rock singer who canbarely  keep her  wildly  chaotic  affairs,  romantic  and otherwise,  together.  Yet,  when Bectakes a job assisting Kate, Kate sees something special in the way Bec takes care of her. Kateand Bec find each other’s  strength through their weaknesses. You&#039;re Not You explores howtwo  strangers  can  bring  out  the  best  in  each  other  even  in  the  midst  of  trials  andtribulations.  This movie also gives face to the much talked about ALS and will definitelymake people more compassionate with victim of the said disease.Initial release: October 10, 2014 (USA)Director: George C. WolfeRunning time: 103 minutess`Producer: Hilary SwankGenre: DramaHilary Swank, Emmy Rossum and Josh Duhamel

 



 

WHAT IS ALS?Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or  Lou Gehrig's disease, and rarely Charcot disease—isa neurodegenerative  disorderwith  various  causes.  The  term motor  neurone  disease (MND)  issometimes used interchangeably with ALS while others use it to refer to a group of similar conditionsthat  include ALS.   ALS is  characterised by  muscle spasticity,  rapidly  progressive weakness dueto muscle wasting. This results in difficulty speaking, swalllowing, and breathing. The disease usually starts around the age of 60, except in cases that are directly  inherited when the usual age of onset isaround 50.

 

About 5 to 10% of cases are directly inherited from a person's parents.  ALS is the most common of the five types of motor neuron disease.The average survival from onset to death is three to four years.   Only 4% survive longer than 10years, although rare cases survive 50 years or more. Most die from respiratory failure. In much ofthe world rates of ALS are unknown.  In Europe the disease affects about 2.2 people per 100,000per  year. In  the  United  States,  more  than  5,600  are  diagnosed  every  year,  and  up  to  30,000Americans are currently affected. ALS is responsible for 2 deaths per 100,000 people per year.Descriptions  of  the disease date back  to at  least  1824 by Charles  Bell. In  1869 the connectionbetween  the  symptoms and the  underlying  neurological  problems were  first  described by Jean-Martin Charcot who in 1874 began using the term amyotrophic lateral  sclerosis.   It  became wellknown in the United States when it affected a famous baseball player by the name of Lou Gehrig, and later when the ice bucket challenge became popular in 2014.
Source: Wikepedia

 

Who is Lou Gehrig?

 

Baseball player1. Henry Louis or Lou; Gehrig was an American baseball first basemanwho played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees.  Usingnumber 4 as his mark, Lou plays First baseman and pinch hitter2. Born: June 19, 1903, Yorkville, New York City, New York, United States3. Died: June  2,  1941, Riverdale,  New  York  City,  New  York,  United  States andburied in Kensico Cemetery, New York.4. Spouse: Eleanor Gehrig (m. 1933–1941)

Pancake House Lipa

My interest in joining Pancake House Lipa visit is simple: I grew up eating at Pancake House.  I’ve probably eaten in most, if not all, branches. Now, my kids are into Pancake House as well. They love spaghetti, blueberry pancake, creamy soup, chicken, etcetera, etcetera.

 

I was also excited to see how well they change the interiors of the place. Well, I kind of missed the movie posters that used to hang on the walls. But then again, the way they revamped the place is a mixture of fine details. The common color orange is still there, with a touch of home here and there.

 



 

With food, I need not elaborate for I love food that speaks Pancake House.

Here's what I had at the event:

 



Shrimp and mango salad 

Steak

Kalamansi Juice

Pancake House Lipa
Mataas na Lupa, Ayala Highway, Lipa City, Batangas

PARTNERSHIP FORGED TO FIGHT ROP

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO), Apl.de.Ap Foundation International, and WesternUnion.com team-up to reduce the number of blind babies resulting from “Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ROP) in the Philippines. ROP is an eye disease that strikes at least 10% of all premature births in the country. It is potentially blinding but preventable with timely screening and management. During the launch, the three organizations commit to develop information and promotion activities through PAO’s “Silip Bulilit” nationwide advocacy program and Apl.de.Ap Foundation International’s “Campaign for Filipino Children” initiative. These programs help create awareness of the importance of vision screening in children, especially among premature babies. The group will also work to generate resources for ROP screening training and services.

 

Photo shows (L-R) Vision Center Children’s Hospital director, Dr. Thomas C. Lee; Apl.de.Ap Foundation International executive director, Sonia Delen, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International founder, Apl de Ap; PAO president, Dr. Harvey Uy; PAO-ROP Working Group chairman, Dr. Pearl Tamesis-Villalon; and Vitreo-Retina Society of the Philippines president, Dr. Milagros Arroyo.

Philippine Academy of Opthalmology and Silip Bulilit

(Press Release)

 

The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) join in observing World Prematurity Day through the roll-out of their nationwide advocacy campaign, “Silip Bulilit”.  The program aims to help reduce the number of blind babies resulting from “Retinopathy of Prematurity” (ROP), a condition that robs premature babies of their vision.

 

World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17 each year since 2011 to raise awareness of preterm babies and the concerns of premature babies and their families worldwide.  According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in ten of all babies born worldwide.

 

“ROP is an eye disease that occurs in premature infants,” explains Dr. Havey Uy, president of PAO.  “It is potentially blinding, but preventable with timely screening and management.” 

Not all premature babies will develop ROP. However, a few can deteriorate into the late visually debilitating stages of ROP and will need treatment.

 

Infants at risk should be referred by the neonatologist and/or pediatrician to ophthalmologist for screening and proper treatment or surgery depending on the ROP stage and situation of the eye.

 

Statistics show that 50,000 infants worldwide are blinded by ROP every year.  In the Philippines, ROP strikes at least 10% of all premature births and causes irreversible blindness if untreated.

 

“The key is early detection,” stresses Dr. Uy.  “We recommend that babies born less than 35 weeks and with birth weight less than 2000 grams should undergo ROP screening.”

 

As such, PAO recently launched “Silip Bulilit” to help create awareness of ROP and encourage families, health professionals, hospitals, parent groups, and other groups involved in preterm birth and childcare to seek professional assistance from ophthalmologist for sight-saving intervention.

 

“Since ROP screening is not included in the newborn screening program of the government, we hope ‘Silip Bulilit’ will fill in the gap to ensure the total well-being of every Filipino child.” said Dr. Uy.

 

“Silip Bulilit” is in partnership with Filipino-American rapper, Apl de Ap, best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas.  Through his Campaign for Filipino Children, Apl.de.Ap Foundation International  and WesternUnion.com, a strong collaboration will be forged to develop information and promotion programs that will help create awareness of the importance of vision screening in children especially among premature babies and generate resources for ROP screening.


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Gabay Guro (2G)

PLDT Gabay Guro (2G) brought by PLDT Smart Foundation (PSF) and PLDT Managers' Club Inc. had a successful and biggest-ever tribute to teachers as it celebrates National Teachers’ Month in this year’s Grand Gathering event last October 5 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Over 20,000 teachers from different parts of the country attended this spectacular celebration for free which highlighted by a throwback concert featuring popular celebrities, including Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Derek Ramsey, Jonalyn Viray, Dulce, Rachel Alejandro, Manilyn Reynes, Jessa, Dingdong Avanzado, Iya Villania, Alice Dixson, and many more.

 

2G has been supporting teachers and students who would like to take up the teaching profession for seven years now. All of 2G efforts are aligned with its six pillars, which are: Teachers’ Training that presents new modules on Emotional Intelligence and IT Literacy and Sustainability; Housing and Educational Facilities; Livelihood Programs; Broadbanding and Computerization of Schools; and Teachers’ Tribute, highlighted by the 2G Grand Gathering.

The Grand Gathering this year also featured the biggest raffle draws, with substantial major prizes that include a house and lot from Camella Homes, a brand new HAIMA car from Laus Group of Companies, an APE Piaggo three-wing van from Auto Italia, 10 PLDT Home Cyberya Internet Café setups, Retailer Phone Kits and Sims from Smart and Sun, and cash prizes.

Among the other raffle prizes are laptops from PLDT HOME Bro, laptop and tablet in-one from Microsoft, electric fan with oven toaster package from Fujidenzo, gift packs from various sponsors, myPad3 from myPhone, Cignal prepaid kits, quad core polaroid platinum tablets from PLDT HOME Telpad, Samsung tab 7, a trip for two to Hongkong, tricycle from Honda Philippines Inc., and a motorcycle from PR Savings Bank.

So far, 2G has awarded around 1,000 scholarship grants to aspiring teachers. It has enabled more than 300 scholars to graduate from its 40 partner schools nationwide. Five of the 2G scholars have continued their quest for higher learning and received Master’s Degree scholarships from the Philippine Women’s University.

In June this year, 2G and PLDT Hong Kong launched a scholarship program for Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) children and dependents. They also sponsored 110 OFW teacher-candidates in their review and venue fees for the Licensure Examination for teachers.

2G and its partners have also donated some 28 classrooms to various public schools in the country, especially those that are located in the calamity-ravaged areas. It was the first organization to build permanent structures in the form of sturdy classrooms after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that devastated Bohol in 2013. It was likewise one of the first responders in the rehabilitation of typhoon-damaged Leyte.