Lazada.com.ph Celebrates its Third Year Anniversary with a 3-Day Shopping Extravaganza

Lazada Philippines, a part of Lazada Group which operates Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, is celebrating its third anniversary this month with three days of sales from 24 to 26 March.

Lazada Group has seen rapid growth since its launch in March 2012. The company now has over 4,000 employees across the region and has raised approximately EUR 520 million in funding from leading sector specialists and investors including Temasek, Tesco, JP Morgan, Kinnevik and Rocket Internet, among others. 

In December 2014, Lazada Group’s GMV exceeded US$70 million, supported by the success of the month-long Online Revolution campaign which kicks off annually on 11 November. Its sites and mobile applications saw over 40 million unique visitors during the month of December. This performance is testament to the company’s focus on delivering an effortless, secure and reliable one-stop shopping experience for its customers.

Lazada Group’s growth is also a result of its rapid assortment expansion driven by its unique position to provide brands and merchants simple, fast and direct access to approximately 550 million consumers in six countries through one retail channel. The number of sellers on the marketplace platform, which now accounts for approximately 75% of overall sales, crossed 10,000 in December 2014.

Addressing the logistical challenges in the region, Lazada Group is investing heavily to develop its infrastructure. The company now has eight warehouses and a dedicated Lazada Express last mile delivery fleet with 50 hubs covering 80 cities. In addition, Lazada Group has partnered with 60 express transport and courier companies across the region to provide customers with quick and reliable delivery.

“We are delighted to be celebrating our third year of rapid growth this month. Looking ahead, Lazada will continue to focus on increasing its assortment range, expand our logistics infrastructure and payment solutions to further enhance the effortless shopping experience for our customers,” says Inanc Balci, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Philippines.

Lazada.com.ph has been growing in line with the group and received 18 million visits in December 2014. By continuing to focus on developing the marketplace platform to support brands and merchants, the company reached more than 1,600 sellers by the end February 2015, who were supported by 1500 employees.

Following the success of the Online Revolution campaign last 2014 and the Mobile Power Sale last February 2015, consumers can expect more from the upcoming birthday sales from 24 to 26 March. Simply log on to www.lazada.com.ph and on the Lazada Mobile App to get a chance to be part of the biggest birthday extravaganza from Lazada.com.ph.

Are you curious of what to expect during the 3-Day Birthday Shopping Extravaganza? Here are some hints:

3 Days of Flash Deals on exciting products from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM;

Announcement of Discount Vouchers for the Night Shoppers (12:01 AM – 7:59 PM);

Best-selling Items marked at its best prices;

Fun contests and games on the Lazada PH Facebook Fanpage;

Hot discounts and bundles available on the Lazada Mobile App

Inanc Balci added, “We thank our customers for their support and hope they will enjoy the birthday sale promotions as part of Lazada’s anniversary celebration.”

Free microwave at Anson’s from Citi Credit Cards with 0% PayLite

Anson’s is one of the leading premium appliance and electronics store in the Philippines. It offers a wide variety of product categories and brands to cater to almost every appliance and electronics needs, from Video/Audio Entertainment, Household and Kitchen, Information Technology, Mobile Communications, Digital Imaging, to Beauty and Wellness, Home Furnishings and select Hardware Equipment.

Enjoy shopping for home appliances at Anson’s and get a free microwave oven and a free buffet for 1 at Vikings when you pay on 0% installment up to 24 months using your Citi credit card. Simply avail of Citi PayLite for a minimum of P25,000, and get a free weekday buffet for 1 at Vikings. 

For purchases of any featured appliances starting at P50,000, you will be treated to an additional gift — a free microwave oven worth P2,499. These generous offers are good until April 30, 2015 at any Anson’s outlet nationwide.

Redeem your PayLite reward at Anson’s by presenting your valid charge slips and Citi credit card until June 30, 2015.

After claiming your free microwave oven, drop by at any Vikings outlet and surrender your valid charge slips and present your Citi Card to claim your free weekday buffet. If dining with family and friends, they can grab an exclusive 10% discount on their bill when you charge to your Citi Credit Card.

To know more about other perks available to Citi cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/ansons or call the 24-hour CitiPhone Hotline at 995-9999. 

For kids and kids-at-heart, PLDT HOME Telpad bolsters multimedia offers with Disney

PLDT HOME Telpad, the world’s first and only landline, broadband and tablet in one fortifies its multimedia offering through its partnership with one of the world’s largest creators of interactive content, Disney Interactive. This collaboration with Disney allows

PLDT HOME Telpad to further rule over the multimedia space with a doubled subscriber base in 2014. The addition of Disney content to its portfolio followed the recently launched most advanced PLDT HOME Telpad unit, strengthening the portal for a truly connected home.

As the centerpiece of the connected home, the PLDT HOME Telpad will serve as the family’s gateway to the magical world of Disney. Kids of all ages can select from hundreds of interactive content featuring their favorite Disney characters. Parents who read bedtime stories to their kids can also now choose from an extensive selection of interactive e-books.

For new and current PLDT HOME Telpad subscribers, the Disney experience at home will be made extra special with the limited edition Disney-branded Telpad units loaded with Disney themes and a pre-installed Disney widget wherein they can browse and download the multitude of Disney Android games to their units.

“For many kids and kids-at-heart, Disney stories have been a definitive part of our childhood memories, and we look forward to sharing that invaluable experience to our subscribers,” Ariel P. Fermin, PLDT Executive Vice President and Head of Home Business, said.

“It is an honor for us to further solidify our leading Internet and multimedia platforms with a renowned global brand that shares our vision of enriching Filipino homes with family-friendly content.”

Fermin added, “PLDT HOME has always invested heavily in providing compelling multimedia content for our subscribers. The partnership with Disney will surely level up the way we help families forge the strongest connections at home through the Telpad.”

This partnership is part of the expanded multi-year, multi-platform partnership of the PLDT Group with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, through its digital entertainment arm Disney Interactive. PLDT Group provides Disney content to a combined 75 million mobile and broadband subscribers nationwide.

For more information on how to access Disney content at home, visit www.pldthome.com.

Caltex Launches its Proven Techron Technology in a Concentrate Form

From L-R: Lennard Kwek (Manager, Asia Pacific Marketing Chevron Lubricants), Joe Bronfman (Area Business Manager, Lubricants, Philippines & Vietnam), Peter Morris (General Manager, Chevron Philippines), Jude Porras (Fuels Technical Specialist), Jonathan Montales (Lubricants Technical Specialist)

Chevron Philippines announces the launch of its patented Techron Concentrate Plus (TCP) fuel system cleaner in the country.

Caltex’s new Techron Concentrate Plus fuel system cleaner offers motorists the perfect detox solution providing a quick deep-clean for proven performance in just one tankful.

Techron Concentrate Plus is a fuel system cleaner, powered by patented polyetheramine (PEA) formula that is tested and proven to be unbeatable in cleaning the entire fuel system, namely , the carburetors, fuel injections, intake valves, and combustion chambers in just one tankful for all the types of automobile gasoline engines.

For the first time in the Philippines, motorists will now have an additional avenue to enjoy the benefits of Caltex’s patented Techron technology, a scientifically proven formula to clean vehicle engines running on petrol, ensuring optimal performance for motorists, in concentrated bottle form.

TCP is an effective and easy-to-use solution. Through its uniquely designed packaging, motorists are able to conveniently add a bottle of TCP into their vehicle’s empty tank before their next fill up. In just one tankful, it cleans engine deposits and protects the entire fuel system, restores lost power and performance, and helps reduce emissions while maximising fuel economy.

With repeated use, TCP is also able to clean and protect fuel system sensors from sulfuric buildup, which can cause faulty fuel gauge readings over time.

Lennard Kwek, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager, Chevron Lubricants

“Your vehicle engine is prone to accumulating dirt and carbon deposits over time without care. Caltex’s Techron technology is the perfect detox for your car engine. You can now deep-clean your engine -in just one tankful. The launch of TCP  offers our customers more options to enjoy their journey better,” commented Lennard Kwek, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager, Chevron Lubricants.

TCP allows motorists to enjoy the benefits of Techron in a portable bottle, and never have to be without the cleaning power of Techron, even when they are unable to locate a Caltex service station.

Techron Concentrate Plus (TCP) is available at all Caltex service stations at suggested retail price of P450.00.

Caltex’s Techron Technology

Backed by over 30 years of research and development, Caltex has a strong heritage in pioneering the clean proposition for vehicles. Techron contains a unique ingredient, polyetheramine which has been designed to clean fuel system deposits and prevent them from re-forming.

For more information on Techron Technology , visit http://www.techron.com

Brother Philippines announces Trade-In Madness for month of March

Good news to those who missed out on Brother Philippines’ trade-in roadshows last February. The leader in home and business IT peripherals has kicked off another round of its Trade-In Madness roadshows on March 7 to April 1, 2015 in 12 malls nationwide. 

Trade-in those old, working, and non-working printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines of any brand for selected models of new Brother printers at up to 50% off.

“We’re giving what our customers have requested us. It’s a one-of-a-kind deal and we are more than happy to oblige to the demand of our customers to replace their units with brand new Brother printers,” said Brother Philippines president Glenn Hocson.

Brothers’ Trade-In Madness features top-of-the-line Brother Multifunction Centers offered for trade-in for as low as P5,592. 

Customers who are interested may bring in their old machines, accomplish the Trade-In Acknowledgement Form, and present the form to the Brother Authorized Dealer to avail the promo. Participants can trade in a maximum of three units during the promo period.

Watch out for the Brother Philippines Trade-In Madness roadshow at:

• SM OLONGAPO, March 7 - 13
• SM CONSOLACION, March 10 – 16
• SM DAVAO, March 11- 17
• SM MANILA, March 12 – 18
• LEE PLAZA DIPOLOG, March 12 – 18
• POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL CENTER, March 19 – 22
• SM MARIKINA (STATIONERY), March 20 – 22
• MEGACENTER CABANATUAN, March 21 – 27
• SM ILOILO, March 23 – 29
• PACIFIC MALL LEGAZPI, March 25 – 31
• VMALL GREENHILLS, March 26 – April 1
• SM GENERAL SANTOS, March 26 – April 1

For more information on the Brother Philippines Trade-In Madness, see flyers and print ads, visit the Brother Philippines official Facebook page www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside, and follow @BROTHERPhils on Twitter and Instagram.

Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 1586 series of 2015.

Franchisees gather for the 3rd MINISTOP Franchise of the Year Awards

This year’s “Fiestakalye” theme perfectly captured the festive spirit of the 3rd Ministop Franchise of the Year Awards night, held recently at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila. “We’re continuing this tradition of recognizing our franchisees because their commitment helped us to grow the MINISTOP brand and fast-track our expansion nationwide,” said Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President and COO. She added that MINISTOP will soon open its 500th store.

MINISTOP Shell Emerald bagged the much-coveted Franchisee of the Year Award and received a Robinsons gift certificate and an all-expense-paid trip to Japan for four days and three nights, including a tour of Tokyo Disneyland and the Ministop Japan Franchise Exhibit. First to 4th Runners-up were MINISTOP Freeport Mansion, MINISTOP VVR Bldg., MINISTOP Makati Executive Tower IV, and MINISTOP Severina, respectively.

Ministop Shell Emerald is this year’s big winner of the coveted Franchise of the Year Award. Photo shows (from left) Ministop Phils. AVP for Operations & Corporate Planning Shingo Koshikawa, General Manager Roena Sarte, Ministop Shell Emerald Franchisee Joy Fernandez, President & COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, VP for Merchandising& Marketing Faith Gokongwei Lim, and Mitsubishi Corporation New Business Development Department Manager Hiroshi Ito.

New special awards were introduced this year for stores that exhibited exemplary performance through operational excellence. The Rookie of the Year award was given to MINISTOP Patio Madrigal and Best in Service Level was awarded to MINISTOP El Grande, while Best in Customer Service went to MINISTOP Eight Waves. The event, which was hosted by Nikki Gil and capped by the performance of jazz crooner Richard Poon, ended on a high note with the promise of nationwide expansion.

The growing importance of the convenience store industry in the lives of Filipinos has encouraged MINISTOP to expand its reach, targeting a network of 600 stores by yearend. “This commitment to grow the MINISTOP brand underlines our belief in the continued growth of the Philippine economy,” said Gokongwei-Pe.

Ministop Shell Emerald is this year’s big winner of the coveted Franchise of the Year Award. Photo shows (from left) Ministop Phils. AVP for Operations & Corporate Planning Shingo Koshikawa, General Manager Roena Sarte, Ministop Shell Emerald Franchisee Joy Fernandez, President & COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, VP for Merchandising& Marketing Faith Gokongwei Lim, and Mitsubishi Corporation New Business Development Department Manager Hiroshi Ito.

#HabitatYBPhils : Thousands of Youth Culminate to Build a Better Philippines

Brick by brick, click by click; Thousands of Filipino youth will make an impact on the Philippine housing sector this March 21st with Habitat for Humanity’s annual “Habitat Youth Build.”

Now in its fifth year, Habitat for Humanity Philippines is again organizing this major event, pioneered by its Habitat Youth Council, to engage the youth to build and repair homes, drawing attention to the global housing crisis.

“Habitat Youth Build” will be hosted simultaneously in fifteen (15) countries across the Asia-Pacific, and in the following ten (10) Habitat Philippines sites: Mindoro (the main event), Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Navotas City and Quezon City.

With over four (4) million Filipino families lacking access to decent shelter, this campaign aims to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope – by raising funds, mobilizing volunteers and gathering supporters to be catalysts for poverty alleviation.

To take part in “Habitat Youth Build” 2015, please visit www.habitat.com.ph or engage with us via the following (using #HabitatYB and #HabitatYBPhils):

Facebook – www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines 

Instagram –@habitatphils 

Twitter – @habitatphils YouTube – HabitatPhils

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a national office of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 26 years, HFHP has served over 110,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live.

Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

Century Tuna’s newest faces are ABS-olutely ready for summer

Four of the country’s hottest and most promising stars headline the country’s number 1 tuna’s newest campaign where they show off their fit and healthy bodies and share secrets to an ABS-olutely delicious summer.

 James Reid, Elmo Magalona, Jessy Mendiola and  Paulo Avelino

Century Tuna, the country’s number 1 tuna, once again welcomes the hottest season of the year as it presents the country’s hottest and most promising stars as its newest batch of brand ambassadors. 

Making the road to fitness more inspiring and more exciting, the company proudly presents not just one, but four stunning endorsers who represent some of the biggest names in the industry – Paulo Avelino, James Reid, Elmo Magalona and Jessy Mendiola.

“Century Tuna has been known not only for our line of products, but also for our vision of helping our consumers achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle,” says Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food Corporation. “We believe that this powerful advocacy requires only the most influential ambassadors who can inspire others through their sexy bodies and healthy lifestyle. And so this year, we strengthen our campaign through with newest batch of endorsers who have also undergone stunning body transformations,” he added.

Paulo Avelino

Known for his enviable bod, striking features and acting prowess is the Gawad Urian awardee Paulo Avelino. Paulo has been living an active lifestyle for years now to maintain his figure. In fact, the actor is engaged in numerous sports activities like badminton, rock climbing and jogging. “Being tapped as a Century Tuna endorser is overwhelming. Now that I am part of the body transformation campaign, I hope to become an inspiration to those who have often expressed admiration of my physique,” Paulo shared.

James Reid

Meanwhile, Filipino-Australian heartthrob James Reid finds this opportunity to be a sweet reward to his hard work to achieve his now toned figure: “I used to be thin and weak years ago – I even had asthma. But through swimming and gymnastics, and a healthy diet, I’ve become more buffed. I’m definitely proud of the new me.”

Elmo Magalona

Raring to make a name for himself in showbiz, Elmo Magalona ventured into acting, rapping, singing, and hosting. Over time, people also noticed his body’s remarkable transformation. At 20 years old, Elmo has already developed chiseled abs and very muscular arms through a customized workout and disciplined diet. “As the youngest in the bunch, I’d like to let people know that they can – and should – start early in their journey to a healthy body,” he shared.

Jessy Mendiola

The only lady in the batch is the beautiful actress who has captured the hearts of many with her angelic face and sexy body: Jessy Mendiola. Jessy has graced a lot of magazine covers and TV commercials, yet she finds something uniquely exciting about her Century Tuna experience: “I’m excited to show a different side of me: a grown-up Jessy who consciously takes care of her body through proper diet and exercise. Plus it’s always nice to endorse a product I truly love!”

Through the inspiring stories of Century Tuna’s newest faces Paulo, James, Elmo and Jessy, the country’s leading tuna brand aims to help more and more people understand that anybody can bring out the better versions of themselves and be ABS-solutely ready for summer.

The four new endorsers join long-time endorser Anne Curtis in promoting the ABS-solutely delicious Century Tuna as a brand that motivates people to aspire for a healthy body. For all of them, there’s no other tuna!

For more information and fitness tips, visit www.centurytuna.ph.

“Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence” all set on April 22

In the theater, the term ‘Black Box’ refers to a space devoted where daring experiments and new visions are tested through performance. Performers who choose to go and perform in a black box are usually the ones with the most open hearts and sincere desire to hone their talent. 

With the success of Philippine Opera Company’s Young Artists Black Box Series now on its second season, the audience will witness a bolder and braver take on Mozart’s masterpieces in “Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence”, this time in collaboration with RankOne Productions.

Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence — will present excerpts from the seminal operas and oratorios of Mozart integrated with dance, stream of consciousness narrative, and mixed media. All performers - singers, dancers, actors, and musicians - will be integrated with the audience for an all-immersive 360-degree black box theatre experience. Mozart’s music is alternatingly sacred and profane, exploring the perennial conflict between the id, the ego, and the super ego. Ultimately, the programming of the scenes will demonstrate that we can attain a state of classical ‘balance’ and inner peace by exploring the layered dimensions of dark and light. 

As RankOne President/ Executive Creative Director Jon Meer Vera Perez says, the show is, "An exploration of the subversive themes in the seminal operatic works of Mozart; by journeying into the shadow world does one enter into the full grace of Light and Resurrection." The music will be presented in a contemporary setting, with modern and contemporary imagery, to challenge our perceptions of classical music in the 21st century. Mozart’s themes, both the sacred and the profane, are as relevant in 2015 as they were in 1791 when he died, giving us extraordinary insight into how we manage our lives through the choices that we make, and how those actions affect our relationships and the world around us. Ultimately, we only find peace by acknowledging our weaknesses, resolving to learn from our mistakes, and inevitably surrendering to the healing power of forgiveness and eternal Love.

Karla Gutierrez, Philippine Opera Company's Artistic and Managing Director (soprano)

The Young Artists Series provides a professional training ground for young classical singers in the art and craft of stage performance. It gives them the opportunity to integrate singing with stage acting, diction, repertoire, script analysis, dance & movement, and understand better the use of production elements. The goal is to furnish them with a solid foundation on which to build a sustainable performance career. 

“We are very happy and excited to be collaborating with RankOne Productions because we have the same vision and objectives in bringing opera to a different perspective and to attract a wider audience to appreciate classical music especially opera. We were surprised with the result of the YAS concept we didn’t expect it to “evolve” and get “bigger”. Before it just started as a soiree with only 20 people in the hall then we decided to enhance the programs by engaging the artists in more creative work now we have more than a hundred who watches YAS. ”, Says Philippine Opera Company’s Artistic and Managing Director, Karla Gutierrez.

RankOne Productions, a full mixed media production house, is one of the most dynamic players in multimedia productions in the Philippines and internationally. RankOne strives to provide innovative solutions by which a vision can retain its artistic merit while gaining greater commercial value, working tirelessly to provide alternative creative and technical solutions by which their clients can effectively launch their creative ideas into the full power of the digital age. 

Tricia Amper Jimenez

Joseleo Logdat, Grand Prix Winner of the 6th Yokohama International Music Competition in Japan (baritone)

Krissan Manikan, mezzo-soprano

Gabri Dolor Panlilio, soprano

Nomer Son, bass

Jurgen Unterburg,tenor

Antonio Ferrer, tenor

Jon Meer Vera Perez, bass baritone

International artist Stephanie Reese, soprano

Jonathan Wagner, baritone

 Lorraine Lisen, soprano

“Mad About Mozart” stars Karla Gutierrez, Tricia Amper Jimenez, Lorraine Lisen, Joseleo Logdat, Bernadette Mamauag, Krissan Manikan, Gabri Dolor Panlilio, Nomer Son, Jurgen Unterburg with RankOne guest performers Christine Crame, Anton Ferrer, Wesley Pereira, Jon Meer Vera Perez, Stephanie Reese and Jonathan Wagner.

"MAD ABOUT MOZART" will be held on April 22, 7 pm at the Opera Haus (3657 Bautista St. Palanan, Makati).

Directed by award-winning director and writer, Floy Quintos with Jon Meer Vera Perez as Music Director and Photography/Creative Design by Ash Reginald Evasco.

For inquiries call Philippine Opera Company at 822-9609 or 0917-5272880 or follow us on Facebook.

OFW: “Nagpadala lang ako, nagkabahay na ako!” UAE-based OFW wins house and lot with Move It To Win It promo

Manila, Philippines – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) based in United Arab Emirates is the grand winner of LBC’s Move It To Win promo. After a series of weekly and monthly draws, Junaly Deguma, a loyal customer of LBC, is now a proud owner of a house and lot in Avida Village Cerise, in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it when LBC representatives informed me that my sea cargo transaction won me the grand prize,” shared Deguma. A native of Tagum, Davao, Deguma worked as an administrative secretary in a construction firm in UAE, but she will soon start working in Japan. She is also a mother of two children.

​Anne Baylon-Jara, Avida Marketing Manager; Tess Tatco, Avida Marketing Head; De Guma; 

her mother Sherlita L. De Asis.; and Darlene Dollente, Brand Communications Manager, LBC Express Inc.​​

Deguma has been using LBC’s remittance and cargo delivery services since moving abroad in 2009.

“I only trust LBC. My family trusts LBC. They know that whenever I send money or packages, they only have LBC in mind. Now, I feel like years of being a loyal customer finally paid off,” she said.

Moving to a newer, better home

“Nagpadala lang ako, nagkabahay na ako,” she exclaimed when asked how she felt upon learning that she won the unit.

Deguma’s new house is part of a 20-hectare lush residential community in the Nuvali eco-city, a large-scale, master planned development where the promise of redefining live, work, and recreate is made possible in an integrated natural and man-made environment. Avida Village is divided into three different strategically planned house units – Bernice, Cresta, and Phoebe, which gives every family the choice of home they’ve always wanted.

All the spaces are surrounded by sprawling greenery, pocket parks, and open spaces that make living more refreshing. De Guma and her family are also entitled to live the Nuvali lifestyle – sustainable and secure – with amenities they will truly enjoy.

Managed by the Ayala Property Management Corporation, Avida Village Cerise Nuvali is accessible via public transportation and is easy to find. It is near restaurants, shopping outlets, leisure parks, and many other recreational activities. More importantly, it is close to schools, churches, hospitals, commercial centers, and business hubs, which ensures all residents’ needs are within reach.

“We are happy to welcome Ms. Deguma’s family to Nuvali. We hope that they will enjoy everything that Avida Village Cerise has to offer,” said Tess Tatco, Head of Marketing for Avida.

Aside from the Avida house and lot, the LBC Move It To Win It promo also gave away P10,000 weekly, shopping and grocery vouchers, roundtrip tickets to the Philippines, and brand new cars to OFWs who availed of LBC’s TRANSFAST remittance services within the promo period of October 1 to December 15, 2014.

“This is LBC’s way of recognizing the loyalty of our customers. We value them as much as they value the money and the cargo they send their loved ones. We appreciate their trust and we will continue to provide them with quality services that not just move boxes and cash, but also move lives. We invite everyone to just continue sending their remittances and balikbayan boxes through LBC and they can expect more exciting customer deals this year,” said Darlene Dollente, LBC Brand Communication Manager.

Dance this Summer at the Ballet Philippines Dance School

Now on its 46th year, the CCP Summer Dance Workshop is once again paving the way for young dance talents to achieve their dreams to become professional dancers.

Starting on April 7, 2015, dance students from all over the country will flock to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the five week-long summer dance workshop. Esteemed Ballet Philippines current company members and alumni will guide these aspirants in honing their craft. The workshop gives courses in Classical Ballet for all ages, Modern & Contemporary Ballet, Creative Movement, Jazz, and Hip Hop for kids and teens.

The workshop will conclude with two grand performances of a double-bill program: “Flower Festival” back to back with “Wonderland” on May 9 and 10 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).. “Flower Festival” will feature excerpts from Aguste Bournounville’s “Flower Festival at Genzano” along with other dances, while “Wonderland” adds a new kind of groove to the beloved classic, featuring the contemporary, jazz, and hip hop dance classes.

Scholarship auditions for the CCP Summer Dance Workshop will be held on February 28 and March 21, at the CCP Rehearsal Hall. Provincial applicants may also audition on April 7. Scholarships are available for students aged 9 to 13, intermediate & advanced students, and promising males from any dance background.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School also branched out of the CCP premises, offering dance classes at the SM Aura Premiere with faculty from the Ballet Philippines network of dance artists. Aside from the usual children’s classical and modern ballet classes, the school at SM Aura Premier also offers the Ballet Philippines Fitness Program workout, a set of exercises created for women who are looking for new ways to tone and exercise their bodies; Ladies’ Ballet, which is a basic ballet class; Active Stretch, a body shaping, toning, and strengthening program; and Flamenco dance classes.

The Ballet Philippines Dance School (BPDS) is the professional training ground of the country’s most promising young talents in dance. With a unique curriculum that encompasses various dance styles and techniques, the systematized method and approach to instruction takes highly into account children’s anatomy and psyche at various ages and levels so that the training is physically safe, technically effective and artistically enriching for students of all ages.

Connect to the Ballet Philippines Dance School online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ccpdanceschool

www.facebook.com/bpdanceschoolaura

Twitter: @balletph

Instagram: @ccpdanceschool

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

See you at the studio!

Asus presents Zenfone with 2 specs and availability here in Ph

The ASUS Zenfone 2 was much talked about during CES 2015, and speculations about pricing, availability, and what variants will be shipped to different countries ran rampant. The wait is over folks, we have the answers right here.

Tech and smartphone enthusiasts went wild when the Zenfone 2 was released at this year’s CES. Why? Here are the reasons: 

- 64 bit architecture, 

- 4GB RAM

and other features were all mentioned, as well as lower-tiered variants for less. That meant people of different budget ranges can get their hands on the successor to the popular Zenfone 5.

Just recently, the Zenfone 2 launched in Taiwan and with it, information on prices, models, and date of availability were thrown in as well.

There will be four variants of the Zenfone 2 which will be released in Asia and neighboring regions. The ZE500CL is the cheapest and ‘entry-level’ spec, while the ZE550ML takes a step up in the display size, camera, number of active SIMs, and processor departments.

The high-end ZE551ML comes in two variants. The first has a 1.8GHz quad core 64 bit processor and 2GB of RAM while the top of the line variant has a more powerful 2.3GHz quad core 64 bit chip and 4GB RAM. Both have dual SIM capabilities, 5.5 inch 1080p Full HD screens, 13MP back and 5MP front cameras, NFC, and 3,000mAh batteries.

For pricing, the Zenfone 2 starts off at P6,983.49 up to P12,581.47 for the highest-spec’d version. Do note that the Philippine Peso prices are directly converted from their Taiwanese counterparts and is not the final price. Due to taxation and other financial factors, final Philippine prices may be slightly higher.

And finally, a post on the ASUS Zenfone 2 Facebook page announced the local availability of the units. Expect the Zenfone 2 to land on our shores around May/June of this year.

McJim kicks off second season of Dreams Get Real talent search

WILL you be next big star of Original Pilipino Music (OPM)?

After successfully launching the careers of three of the most promising acts today, iconic brand McJim Classic Leather opens doors of opportunity for aspiring stars to become legitimate recording artists in the second season of “Dreams Get Real : The Search for the Next OPM Star. ”

“This year, we aim to make Dreams Get Real talent search even bigger, brighter, and better. We are now offering a full album and music video grant, P100,000 in cash prize, artist marketing support, and a talent management contract to the sole winner!“ said Chris Cahilig, Dreams Get Real project head.

Dreams Get Real. The talent search that launched the careers of three of the most promising OPM acts today is back for another season.

Last year’s triple-tie winners, Fifth Dynamics, JBK and Neo Domingo, are rocking the music scene after recording chart-topping hits and are busy with television guest appearances, and mall and corporate shows across the country. The talents are likewise completing their debut albums produced by award-winning arranger and composer Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio.

Fifth Dynamics. Fast-rising band Fifth Dynamics who released two chart-topping songs “Anyare” and “Pogi Kame” is a product of Dreams Get Real Talent Search last year.

Fifth Dynamics, led by former The Voice of the Philippines contestant Mark Cordovales, is a fast-rising band. After winning the Dreams Get Real talent search, the group has released two chart-topping single titled “Anyare” and “Pogi Kame.”

On the other hand, vocal trio JBK, which is composed of Joshua, Bryan, and Kim, is making everyone’s heart melt. The group’s R&B-infused ballad, “Anong Meron Ka,” gets major airtime on popular radio stations nationwide.

Neo. Dreams Get Real Grand Champion Neo Domingo has released song “Pagbigyan Mo Na,” which is heavily played on different radio stations across the country.

Likewise, Neo Domingo topped national and local charts with his debut single “Pagbigyan Mo Na”. It was likewise named as the Most Wanted Song of 97.1 Barangay LS FM. His follow up single“Kaching-Kaching” featuring Fifth Dynamics is now heavily aired on Metro Manila and provincial radio stations.

This year’s contestants will work with award-winning musical talents and will have a chance to perform at big venues. “They will have a first-hand experience of the entire recording process and will get a chance to perform in shows while they are in the competition,” Cahilig said.

JBK. Vocal trio JBK composed of Joshua, Bryan, and Kim released the hit song “Anong Meron Ka” after winning the Dreams Get Real Talent Search and has been doing shows across the country ever since.

The talent search is open to all unsigned male and female solo artists, aged 15 to 35 years old, with Filipino lineage.

To audition, interested artists need to send a video recording or Youtube link of their performance/s (they may opt to submit a cover or an original song of any genre of their choice) together with the filled-out application form.

An initial pool of twenty contestants will undergo a series of weekly eliminations—starting in July—until only 10 finalists remain in the competition. The finalists will record and film viral videos to be posted on the TV Get Real YouTube channel of McJim Classic Leather, where the Top Six will be chosen from. The remaining six will then battle it out in an epic grand finals night, which will be held on November 15.

“The contestants need to go through an elimination process to reveal who truly has star quality. They will also experience what it’s like to do a professional recording session,” Cahilig explained.

“The local music industry is very hard to penetrate; it’s a highly competitive arena,” Cahilig pointed out. “Dreams Get Real is here to help new artists break into the music scene. We will give them the platform—a ticket to possible stardom.”

Like the official McJim classic leather facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM and get more information on how you can be the next OPM star.

Colorectal cancer: What you need to know

Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable types of gastrointestinal cancer, if found early.

Do you experience diarrhea or constipation that lasts for days, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding? Get yourself screened for bowel cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, it is a malignant tumor that develops in the lining of the large intestine and can spread to nearby organs or to glands called lymph nodes.

“Bowel cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines but it is highly preventable and treatable when diagnosed early. Filipinos should have sufficient information of the disease to know how it can be prevented or managed,” says Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines.

Here are essential facts about bowel cancer:

It can be colon cancer or rectal cancer.

Bowel cancer can start in the colon (colon cancer) or in the rectum, which is the last 12 centimetres of the large intestine (rectal cancer). The difference in location requires different methods of treatments.

It usually starts as polyps.

Most bowel cancer cells start as polyps, which are abnormal growths in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Polyps are not malignant except for one type called adenoma, which becomes cancerous over time and multiplies to form a tumor. 

Its risk increases with age.

Polyps normally appear as people get older and adenoma develops into cancerous cells in about 10 years. This explains why majority of those who are diagnosed with bowel cancer are 50 years old and above. The disease can also develop in younger people although it occurs much less frequently.

It can be triggered by poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle.

“Bad food” and lack of exercise can build up toxins in the colon. Studies link bowel cancer to a diet that’s low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Cigarette smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers, obese people, and those who have sedentary lifestyles are also prone to developing the disease. 

Its crucial symptoms are changes in bowel habit.

Signs of bowel cancer include prolonged diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, rectal bleeding, bloating, and a relentless feeling of moving your bowels even when you’ve just finished doing so. You may also see blood in your stool. Physically, you may experience weakness, fatigue and rapid weight loss.

It is 90 percent curable when diagnosed early.

Bowel cancer may not cause any symptoms during its early stage, which underlines the importance of regular colorectal cancer screenings and tests including colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema (DCBE), Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and stool DNA test. 

Treatments include surgery (removal of polyps before they become cancerous), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy. While no alternative treatment has been proven to cure bowel cancer, certain techniques can help relieve distress from the disease, including yoga, music therapy and relaxation exercises.

The MediCard Lifestyle Center offers endoscopy and other quality medical services. 

Visit its website at http://medicardphils.com for more information.

Creating a Benchmark for Volunteerism and Social Responsibility: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Can volunteer engagement be a prominent part of what your brand stands for? The answer is YES.

Long before corporate social responsibility and volunteerism became a buzzword for brands and corporations, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has already made it an intrinsic mission and company philosophy. 

It’s a commitment that they took on back in 2008, when they started the Give In To Giving, 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf campaign, an initiative designed to share this mission with its loyal customers. 

“It began by taking something that was relevant to customers at the time—the “planner craze,” if you will— and creating something more meaningful that could be an extension of our commitment as a brand to giving back. What spurred out of this intention was a Commemorative Notebook that became a medium for us, and our patrons, to support advocacies in need and share their blessings. It was and continues to be the only journal that encourages more purposeful action towards ones’ social responsibility,” explained Paolo del Rosario, Vice President for Marketing of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Customers were asked to collect 12 stamps and choose from any of the 12 advocacies and organizations that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was supporting. These ranged from women’s groups, to children, animals, the environment, indigenous people or those with disabilities and illnesses. Completing all 12 stamps meant the customer could bring home the commemorative notebook that featured artworks from contemporary Filipino artists and proceeds collected went to each customer’s chosen organization. The original artworks featured in the covers of the Commemorative Notebook were also auctioned and were donated to the charities. 

The entire campaign was such a success that not only was it well received by loyal patrons; it also won numerous awards. 

The following year, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf introduced its follow up with 24 Cups of Goodwill, where proceeds from the campaign were given to its 24 partner organizations. In 2010, for Changing Lives with Every Cup, they shifted their focus on sending scholars to school by partnering with Real Life Foundation and their Adopt-a-Scholar program, where the company was successfully able to send 8 scholars to university. 

In 2012, they continued their efforts with the iBuild campaign, which helped raise sustainable housing solutions for impoverished families. And by 2014, they introduced the Brew Your Best Year campaign, which evolved their efforts into giving back to their loyal patrons by helping them give back to themselves as well. Through this initiative, they hope to help each person in their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves. 

Their efforts through the years prove how a brand can become meaningful in addressing social change. 

“It’s so much more than being well-intentioned; because at the end of the day, taking on social responsibility has to be part of a brand’s DNA,” says del Rosario. 

Is it naïve to expect businesses to take on a responsibility as great as this, the way The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf did? 

Not necessarily. 

Companies today, locally and worldwide, are putting more focus on developing a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility—recognizing how working together can make a real difference in the community, while at the same time opening up opportunities for learning, cooperation and leadership within the organization. 

What makes The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s efforts stand out however, is the sincerity that drives their initiatives, where they have managed to uplift the true essence of what it truly means to care. 

Case-in-point, expanding annual efforts to now cover a full year of advocacies. 

Consistently, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brings people together to participate in various community outreach events. “We place great effort into putting such events together not only for the sole purpose of helping the community, but also to encourage our own Customers and Team Members to spend meaningful time bringing joy to others in an impactful and sincere way,” explains Nella Lomotan, Engagement Marketing for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

These pocket initiatives, held monthly, are part of the Caring Cup series. And whether it’s a simple story telling event in a hospital, a physical fitness session with public school students, a tree planting project, an art workshop for children with disabilities, each event is designed to foster the spirit of volunteerism and giving among its participants. 

In fact, last February 14, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf made sure to create an avenue to give love and receive love as they mounted the “Paint the Town Red this Valentines’ event. Volunteers spent the day of love giving love to children with disabilities at AIME home via a t-shirt painting activity with the intent of giving kids something that they will always remember. 

“The Caring Cup is a way for us to expand and uphold a vision that we have long established for the company, where we hope to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism in our Community. We strongly encourage everyone who wants to be a part of something that impacts the life of others in a meaningful way to visit our stores and sign up for our next events.” ends del Rosario. 

Follow The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s social media pages and subscribe to www.brewyourbestyear.com to stay updated on their Caring Cup events.

Facebook: facebook.com/coffeebeanphilippines

Instagram: instagram.com/cbtlph

Twitter: twitter.com/cbtlph