Baskin-Robbins is now scooping in Glorietta 5

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Baskin-Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, opened its 5th store at the Ground Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Center, Makati.

“We want to bring the happiness that comes with every scoop of Baskin-Robbins to as many people as possible. As we open our new store in Glorietta 5, more ice cream lovers can enjoy our delicious, world-famous ice cream and frozen treats,” said Michael Dargani, IceDream, Inc. president. 

Under its exclusive licensee in the Philippines, IceDream Inc., the new Baskin-Robbins branch is the brand’s 2nd store in Makati, with the first branch currently located in Greenbelt 5. The newly-opened store features the brand’s latest shop design highlighting its popular pink and blue colors in a bright and modern style. Large format graphics of mouthwatering shots of ice cream adorn the walls with a particularly eye catching shot of an ice cream cone with several scoops piled up high in a variety of attractive and appetizing colors. Prominently situated at the entrance of Glorietta 5 mall, the store can’t be missed from the street level making it easy for passers by to grab a scoop, beverage, fresh pack or cake with ease and convenience. 

Baskin-Robbins Glorietta 5 offers its famous selection of 31 unique ice cream flavors including Jamoca Almond Fudge, Strawberry Cheesecake and Mint Chocolate Chip alongside seasonal favorites such as Movie Theatre Popcorn, Chocolate Trilogy and one of the brand’s original flavors when it first opened in 1945 – Old Fashioned Butter Pecan. There is also a new limited edition flavor, Candy Carnival that has kids lining up to experience popping candy in their ice cream! 

Apart from Baskin-Robbins’ signature 31 ice cream flavors, the new Glorietta 5 ice cream shop also serves a delicious range of frozen delights including ice cream cakes, milkshakes, and sundaes. 

Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 in Glendale, California by Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins, ice cream enthusiasts and brothers-in-law, whose passion inspired what is now the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. As of 2013, Baskin-Robbins has 7,300 shops in nearly 50 countries, with the U.S. having the largest number with 2,500 ice cream stores. Today, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, serving over 300 million customers each year worldwide.

Baskin-Robbins’ Glorietta 5 opens to the public from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. from Friday to Saturday. 

For more details about Baskin-Robbins, visit their website www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts.

Antipolo Home in the Heart of the City

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Antipolo, traditionally known as the Pilgrimage City of the Philippines, popular among contemplatives wishing to retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manila.

Its locally grown mangoes and cashews are popular among tourists, as well as suman – a local delicacy made out of glutinous rice. The Hinulugang Taktak National Park, which was once a popular summer get-away is being restored to become again one of the city's primary attractions.

I joined last weekend the Vista Land Site Appreciation Tour in Antipolo, Rizal. 

Antipolo lies on part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, putting it at a significantly higher altitude than Manila.

This makes Antipolo a good place from which to view the metropolis. Its higher elevation than that of Metro Manila affords it a scenic view of the metropolis, especially at night. 

Antipolo City has become quite famous among tourists and expatriates, and has also become a preferred residential choice among artist types.

VISTA LAND, is dedicated to uplift the quality of living in the Philippines through its mid-market and high-end brands. Backed by its 30 year track record in housing, Vista Land delivers themed communities with the world-class Filipino in mind. CROWN ASIA is the largest and most successful real estate developer in the upper middle income segment.

Designing quality homes that make the perfect nesting place for the well-traveled.

Crown Asia boasts of Flagship Projects in Key Progressive Areas - Marina Heights in Sucat Ponticelli in Daang Hari Cita Italia in Bacoor, Cavite Caribe and Amalfi at The Islands, Cavite Augustine Grove at Dasmarinas, Cavite La Marea at San Pedro Valenza at Sta. Rosa Fortezza at Cabuyao, Laguna Maia Alta, Antipolo Mille Luce, Antipolo Cottonwoods, Antipolo.

All of these Themed Communities are already self-sustaining and is part of a bigger Masterplan that gives it a premium. Boasts of a total land area covering over 580 hectares.

Mille Luce – Follow your Heart into a New Home

Meaning “A Thousand Lights” in Italian, Mille Luce is located atop the verdant hills of Antipolo, where one can have a breathtaking view of the city lights once the sun sleeps.In Mille Luce, the stark night sky is a vibrant canopy of stars that form a beautiful foil for the Italian homes of this community. Verdant foliage beautiful frame each home, giving it a soothing contrast.

Mille Luce offers the privilege of luxurious living that’s right within your means. Choose among its exquisite model homes – the Portia, Sophia, Dione, Umbriel, and Europa, all Italian-inspired to add to the romantic feel of living atop the hills, and at night, amidst the gorgeous city lights.

Maia Alta – Life is Best Lived in the Safety of Your Family’s Embrace

Living in Maia Alta would still make one feel far away from all the hustle and bustle in the metro. Being located on the breathtaking hills of Antipolo, the homes in Maia Alta complement the peace and quiet one gets from being surrounded by nature, exuding charm and elegance in their exquisite Italian design. Maia Alta, located in the picturesque Antipolo City, is only 45 minutes or an hour away from the business and commercial districts of Ortigas and Makati.

As opposed to the frenzied and fast-paced living in the metro, experience the relaxed and laid-back kind of life in your very own abode inside the peaceful community of Maia Alta, where the air is clean and fresh, the wind cool and invigorating, and the atmosphere tranquil and inspiring.

Your Home in the Heart of the City.

The name “Cottonwoods” inspires imaginings of vast fields covered in cotton shrubs swaying gently in the breeze amid a crystal blue sky.

Come home to your American-inspired suburban sanctuary in Antipolo City, a remarkable place so close to Metro Manila but where you can enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of nature.

The homes at Cottonwoods have a gentle quality to them, an attractiveness that never goes out of style.

Serenely beautiful homes that embody the Good Life. The clutter and noise of life in the metropolis can sometimes overcome you but come home to your abode at Cottonwoods and feel instantly refreshed and centered.

Here are significant details of Mille Luce, Cottonwoods and Maia. 

• Mille Luce, Cottonwoods and Maia, are only 45 minutes or an hour away from the business and commercial districts of Ortigas and Makati.

• It is easily accessible with the help of access roads and continuously available transportation.

• Top educational institutions like UP, Ateneo, Assumption Antipolo and Miriam College are just nearby

• Popular malls such as Robinson’s Metro East, Sta. Lucia Mall and SM Masinag are just short rides away.

• The projects are also surrounded by top golf courses like the Valley Golf and Country Club, East Ridge and Forest Hills, making it a haven for golf lovers.

• ACCESSIBILITY - 24-hr. availability of public transportation; near the metro, NO toll fees and NO long distance calls

• SECURITY & SAFETY - each phase has their own guard post and roving security -FLOOD FREE as it is approx. 200 meters above sea level

• CONVENIENCE/ PROXIMITY -proximity to basic necessities like malls, market, churches, hospitals and schools. Less than an hour away from CBDs in Q.C., Pasig (via Ortigas Ext.) and Taguig (via C-6)

• FLEXIBILITY OF DESIGN -a wide variety of Italian and American themed houses are available for buyers to choose from

• PICTURESQUE VIEW, CLEANER AIR & COOLER TEMPERATURE -

Antipolo boast of its overlooking view of the city, cooler temperature and cleaner air because of the presence of trees and a lot of nature inspired parks

For more information and updates email me at enjoyingwonderfulworld@gmail.com

More About VISTA LAND: THE HOUSING CZAR

Undoubtedly the Philippines’ largest homebuilder. Solid track record for over 30 years with over 250,000 homes built nationwide.

Vista Land caters to all income segments and has a stronghold in the OFW market through its international marketing arm, Vista Land International.

Covers all income segments, with the most complete residential product range.

VISTA LAND: NATIONWIDEST REACH. Present in 21 provinces, 48 cities and municipalities around the country.

Cancer cases expected to rise among Filipinos

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Cancer, regarded as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, can also be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated at the earliest time possible.

To improve and transform cancer care and management here in the Philippines, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) will launch the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) this July 23, 2015. ACI was created with the aim of providing modern services and advancing the rate of world-class scientific solutions, research and treatment for cancer patients.

Cancer is affecting more and more Filipinos everyday. Here in the country at least 98,200 patients are diagnosed with this affliction every year. Of this number, over 59,000 individuals eventually die because of the disease, according to the Philippine Cancer Society.

From L-R: Asian Hospital and Medical Center - Asian Cancer Institute (AHMC-ACI) Team Leads --- Surgical Oncologist Dr. Karl Morales; PR & Communications Head Mr. Noli Garcia; Senior Manager for Corporate Communications Ms. Pinky Demaisip; Coordinator for Conquer C Center Dr. Johanna Cañal; President & CEO Mr. Andres Licaros, Jr.; Clinical Director Dr. Corazon Ngelangel; Occupational Medicine Specialist Dr. Rumalie Corvera; Senior Manager Clinical Operations Ms. Judy Tonolete; Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Manager Dr. Nelsen Guanzon; Corporate Affairs Director Ms. Hennesy Lou Miranda.

This number is still expected to rise dramatically as the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that cancer diagnosis will rise by 70 percent in the next two decades. This translates to more deaths related to cancer in the coming years.

What is more alarming is that the WHO says that over 60% of the world’s total new cases come from the continents of Africa, South America, and Asia, home of some of the world’s poorest populations. Patients from these geographic locations also account for 70 percent of the global deaths because of cancer.

Here in the Philippines, WHO estimates that 28,700 males and 27,900 females died of cancer last year. For men, lung cancer (24.3%), liver cancer (14.7%), and colorectal cancer (12.8%) were the deadliest. While breast cancer (27.7%), colorectal cancer (10.4%), and lung cancer (9.9%) are the most fatal types of cancer. In Asia, the Philippines has the highest case of breast cancer according to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology.

Several factors can also heighten the chances of getting cancer. These include, tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity. Cigarette smoking is the most dangerous of these risk factors and accounts for about 20 percent of the total cancer deaths worldwide. But if one leads a healthy lifestyle, WHO says that cancer deaths can be lessened by 30 percent.

Cancer and mortality can also be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated at the earliest time possible. The most common types of cancer such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, and prostate can be cured when detected early and treated according to globally-accepted best practices.

Changing the way we tackle cancer through integrated and multidisciplinary care.

To improve and transform cancer care and management here in the Philippines, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) will launch the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) this July 23, 2015. ACI was created with the aim of providing modern services and advancing the rate of world-class scientific solutions, research and treatment for cancer patients.

“It is an integrated and multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care….given that all the disciplines and the services are housed in Tower Two of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. In this center we’re putting everything together in one place. It’s from preventive oncology to end-of-life care,” Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, Director of ACI said.

This multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care is the most important facet of ACI. From day one of consultation with ACI, a team of experts coming from different fields sit and discuss every patient’s case, saving the patient from skipping from one doctor to another to make sure that their diagnosis is correct. This novel approach is also advantageous because all possible modes of treatment are laid out to a patient.

Apart from its mission to improve the way we treat and manage cancer, ACI also provides compassionate care to every cancer patient and a healing environment that comforts and heals the body as well as the spirit. The patient is assisted in every way possible with support groups, psychosocial support, and even spiritual advice. These are offered to both the patients and their family members.

“For multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care, you’re not only talking to one doctor with one specialty but you are talking to many doctors with different specialties who need to be caring for you. Cancer is multi-faceted in its treatment. You need surgery, you need drugs, you need support. So everything should be there at first diagnosis,” Ngelangel said.

ACI boasts of four different but integrated centers of excellence. These are the Emmanuel Center which provides screening, diagnosis, and surgical care to patients with different malignancies; Conquer C Center mainly includes oncologists with specialized expertise in radiation therapy, nuclear oncology and interventional oncology; Chrys Center 1 provides Medical-Hematology-Pediatric oncology services, the area of cancer dedicated to treating adult and pediatric patients, by using medications taken by mouth, injection, or infusion, including internal medicine and pediatric medicine interventions; and Chrys Center 2 which is dedicated to providing the highest quality Integrative, Supportive and Palliative Care Services.

Dr. Ngelangel said that these centers house everything that may be needed by the patient. This facility will be home to unparalleled medical expertise coming from some of the best medical professionals in the country. This is further enhanced with the promise of compassionate care for every cancer patient and their family. Because as Ngelangel puts it, “in cancer you often comfort and you sometimes really cure. That’s how oncology is, that’s how cancer management is.”

ABOUT THE ASIAN HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER

Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) is a tertiary hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for health care organizations.

AHMC is a part of the Metro Pacific Hospital Group, the largest private hospital group in the Philippines managed by the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the local unit of the First Pacific Group headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Opened on May 11, 2002, the hospital with 289-bed capacity stands on a 17,250-square meter campus, carefully planned and specially designed to provide a healing environment, care and comfort, and ensure the safety of the patients, guests, and staff. There are also over 900 expert doctors from the different specialties who have been trained in top institutions worldwide and more than 300 nurses whose specializations include hemodialysis for patients requiring routine and intensive care; diagnostic procedures for breast lesions; supportive home care, pain management, and palliative medicine; cardiovascular surgery; and intensive care for cardiovascular and neurosurgical patients. Asian Hospital also has over 1,000 highly skilled employees and staff who provide high quality and compassionate patient care.

ABOUT THE ASIAN CANCER INSTITUTE

The Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) is a one-stop, integrated, multi-disciplinary cancer prevention and management facility. It provides state-of-the-art, innovative, and evidence-based treatment by a group of expert medical and allied cancer specialists. The facility has four 4 Centers that offer easy access to screening and diagnostic procedures as well as individualized yet comprehensive cancer therapy and management. It focuses on compassionate care where every patient is totally cared for in a healing environment that comforts and heals the body as well as the spirit.

DepEd urges family engagement in disaster preparedness

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In its continuing efforts to ensure safety and readiness of learners and teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) held a joint workshop on earthquake preparedness, highlighting the importance of school preparedness and family involvement in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts.

"We strongly believe that disaster preparedness should be anchored on family preparedness not just individual readiness. We want families to imagine scenarios and prepare with their communities,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Laguda in a statement. 

DepEd has issued DO 27, s. 2015 promoting family earthquake preparedness through school activities. The activities involve the following: (a) learners answering a series of questions highlighting family preparedness in the form of a homework to be done with their families; (b) all advisory teachers are expected to discuss the results and cull out the learnings appropriate for their respective communities; and (c) principals are required to discuss the summary of their findings with the parents-teachers associations and barangay officials for consideration in the school and community preparedness planning.

Laguda said, “Families should engage and should prepare for emergencies, such as a major earthquake.”

DO 27, s. 2015 supports previous DepEd orders on school-based preparedness measures such as the conduct of drills, identification of risks, among others.

“DepEd will also be meeting with public school principals from NCR and surrounding provinces affected by the Valley Fault System in the coming week to ensure that this is fully complied with,” Laguda added.

DepEd is coordinating with local government units and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prepare for the July 30 Metro Manila earthquake drill. “We already issued a memorandum requiring teachers and students to participate in the metro-wide earthquake drill on July 30,” Laguda added.

PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum, Jr. emphasized the importance of imagination in disaster preparedness, saying, 

“We need to imagine these different hazards and what can happen to us. In your school or classroom building, you need to imagine your environment after the earthquake.”

COCOPEA Executive Director Rene San Andres underscored the importance of sharing the best practices among schools to further strengthen each institution’s programs for school safety. In this light, Miriam College presented their “Think Safe” program for DRRM to address the different natural and human-induced risks in their school.

“We hope that everyone continues to seek the right information and to act appropriately and proactively to increase the level of preparedness not just for earthquakes but for other risks as well,” Laguda said.

Over 180 participants from different private schools, with some coming from as far as Baguio City, attended the joint workshop on earthquake preparedness.

Lenovo Yoga 300 and Lenovo Yoga 500- Advanced Yoga, Lenovo Z51 and Lenovo ideapad 100

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Lenovo officialy released the Lenovo Yoga 500, Lenovo Yoga 300 and presented to the media and guests last June 30 held at the Discovery Primea, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. 

Known for their versatility, functionality, and innovative design, the Lenovo Yoga 500 and Lenovo Yoga 300 redefine the essential laptop with a unique 360° hinge that allows the touch screen to rotate full circle and adapt to all computing needs.

Lenovo shows how to flex one’s way to productivity with Lenovo Yoga 500 and Lenovo Yoga 300.

They also announced the two other next-generation consumer laptops, after making headlines in the US and other Asian countries.  Lenovo Z51 and Lenovo ideapad 100 for discerning Filipino millenials . 

The Lenovo Z51 is the ultimate multimedia workstation for music and video lovers, while Lenovo ideapad 100 delivers style, mobility, and efficiency for today’s on-the-go millennials.

“Lenovo is committed to innovating great PCs that are beautifully-crafted as much as they are feature-packed. Our latest consumer lineup, which includes Lenovo Yoga 500, Lenovo Yoga 300, Lenovo Z51, and Lenovo ideapad 100, offers a delicate balance between style, portability, and performance, giving Filipino millennials the productivity boost they need to complete day-to-day tasks,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines. 

Lenovo Yoga 300 and Lenovo Yoga 500- Advanced Yoga moves for non-traditional computing 

Lenovo Yoga 500 and Lenovo Yoga 300 offer a breath of fresh air for consumers bored with conventional laptop designs. Their 360o hinge design gives users the flexibility to do more with apps that adapt to suit each mode, whether they are watching the latest hit drama in Tent mode, viewing family photos in Stand mode, reading a novel in Tablet mode, or working on documents in Laptop mode. 

Media experiences are further enriched by the 11-inch Lenovo Yoga 300 and 14 or 15-inch Lenovo Yoga 500’s FHD (for Lenovo Yoga 500)/ HD (for Lenovo Yoga 300) 10-point multi-touch display, stereo speakers, and Dolby Home Theatre software. These deliver compelling audio and visual performances for enjoying any kind of multimedia content, bringing movies, videos, music and images to life. Offering a full Windows 8.1 computing experience, the convertibles also offer superb processing power and storage capacity, with up to Intel® Pentium N3540 processor and 500GB storage for the Lenovo Yoga 300, and up to 5th generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors and up to 1TB storage for Lenovo Yoga 500. These allow users to handle daily tasks with virtually zero lag and are powerful enough to support photo and home movie editing. Lenovo Yoga 300 comes in black, while Lenovo Yoga 500 is available in two color options—Black and Red-- to best match users’ personality and style

The new 15-inch Lenovo Z51 laptop is both a home-entertainment center and a powerful workstation. 

Featuring a stunning FHD display, AMD Radeon graphics and immersive Dolby DS 1.0 Home Theater Surround Sound for crisp sound and sharp visuals, the Lenovo Z51 is ideal for streaming videos, downloading music and gaming. It also comes with advanced 802.11 a/c WiFi technology for up to three times the Internet speed of regular laptops for faster web surfing, streaming and downloading content. Engineered for productivity, it is powered by up to the latest Intel CoreTM i7 processor with up to 1 TB of storage. It comes in ebony black and chalk white. 

Packed with the most essential features for surfing the web, creating content and managing lists, the Lenovo ideapad 100 is far from being an ordinary entry-level laptop. It features up to Intel® BayTrail-M N3540 processor, up to 500 GB HDD storage and integrated Intel Graphics, giving users a fast processor, ample storage and solid display. The new Lenovo ideapad 100 runs up to 4 hours without plugging in so users can work, browse online, watch videos and do more with minimal interruption. Measuring at just 20.2 mm for the 14-inch and 22.6 mm for the 15-inch laptop, the thin and sleek Lenovo ideapad 100 ups the standard in entry level laptops, with its classic ebony black finish. 

Pricing for Lenovo Yoga 300, Lenovo Yoga 500, Lenovo Z51, and Lenovo ideapad 100 starts at Php22,995, Php28,495, Php42,995, and Php14,495 respectively. All products are available in Lenovo Exclusive Stores and Lenovo resellers nationwide. 

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Lenovo is a $46 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode YOGA brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Motorola brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com. 

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Animax Asia to air Charlotte on the same day as Japan

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An original anime production by prolific writer Jun Maeda is premiering first and exclusively on Animax – Asia’s first 24-hour Japanese anime channel.

Reunion of the visual novel maestros

Renowned Japanese visual studio Key has come together with Progressive Animation (P.A.) Works for Charlotte, which will air on the same day as its Japan telecast on Animax Asia, in July. Boasting local subtitles including English, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin and Thai, the anime was written by Key’s co-founder Jun Maeda, who is also contributing to the musical score. The anime will also feature character designs by fellow Key colleague Na-Ge. The two had worked with the same producers on popular 2010 anime Angel Beats! and together, the dream team promises to conjure up the same magic in Charlotte. 

Charlotte, rumoured to have been based on Maeda’s own early life, is set in an alternate world where a few children come into unusual superpowers upon puberty. One of the colouful characters is Jōjirō Takajyō, who can move so fast he appears to be teleporting. There’s also student singer Yusa Nishimori, who can communicate with the dead. The children are enrolled into Houshinomi Academy, which has its own student council for guiding those who encounter problems with their newfound abilities. 

The protagonist? Yū Otosaka, an ill-mannered first-year transfer who uses his ability to possess another person’s body for five seconds in order to cheat in his exams. When Yū meets school council president Nao Tomori, the fate of these extraordinary children begins to unravel. Will the youthful duo be strong enough to fight their destiny? 

Charlotte premieres on 4 July 2015, airing every Saturday night at 12.30am with an encore the next day at 8pm, first and exclusively on Animax Asia.

Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 07.

About Animax Asia

Launched on 1 January 2004, Animax is Asia’s first channel brand specializing in Japanese animation – anime. Animax offers a wide variety of anime programs from across the most popular genres including action, romance, horror, supernatural, sci-fi, comedy and slice-of-life.

Animax is home to some of the biggest anime titles in the world that enjoy great following across the region. In addition, the channel created TV history in April 2009 by becoming the world’s first regional broadcaster to air an anime series at the same time as Japan and followed that with six other simulcast anime series. Currently reaching 40 million viewers in 46 million homes across 17 markets in Asia, Animax aims to offer anime programming for everyone.

Beyond television screens, Animax also actively engages its audiences at local events, including its signature Animax Carnival that has rolled out in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. See www.animax-asia.com for more.

Marian Rivera - Dantes, Beautiful at her Most Natural

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Primetime Queen Marian Rivera comes back, more beautiful than ever, in Shokubutsu Hana Shampoo’s new TVC.

Now Mrs. Marian Rivera Dantes, the pregnant 30-year-old was beaming with natural glow in the recent Hana Press Conference held at Makati Diamond Residences, Legaspi, Makati CIty, where she renewed her ties with the hair care brand that advocates natural beauty, an easy feat for the actress whose beauty supersedes any artificial modification or filters.

Marian Rivera renewing /signing contract with Shokubutso Hana during the press conference , July 25, 2015 , Makati Diamond Residences. (Photo: http://instagram.com/msmyrnz)

When it comes to Marian, the entire entertainment industry knows that what you see is what you get. There is no filter to how she communicates with every person she meets.

Her actions unguarded, you can expect her to always act her natural self. And with her hair cared for by Hana Shampoo, she remains effortlessly beautiful as she goes about her daily life.

A decade since she first appeared on TV, the Spanish-Filipina beauty remains to be among the most in demand actresses in the country – talk about standing the test of time. With millions of very passionate fans all over the country, her influence has helped propel the brand in the past year.

Without a doubt, Marian is the epitome of natural beauty. Her mix of fierceness and sincerity shine through her passion for every project she makes, making her and Hana the perfect fit.

Hana Shampoo, which entered the country in 2013, believes that hair is most beautiful in its natural form. Free from unnecessary layers and artificial filters, Hana brings hair to life by adding vitality and nutrition to your hair, using 100% natural cleansing ingredients.

Hana Shampoo for hair that is full of life and naturally beautiful.

MasterCard Powers Android Pay, bringing mobile payments to android device owners

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Cardholders can securely pay in-store and within Android apps

Google recently unveiled Android Pay, which will enable MasterCard credit, debit, prepaid and small business cardholders to use their Android phones for everyday purchases in-store and within Android apps. This news provides MasterCard cardholders with even more options for paying on the go using their choice of mobile device.

The ubiquity of mobile phones is changing the way consumers pay. According to a recent Federal Reserve report, 39 percent of all mobile payment users with smartphones have made a point-of-sale payment demonstrating the increased demand for simple and secure ways to make device-based payments. MasterCard built the foundation for secure mobile transactions, having introduced contactless payments more than a decade ago and delivering a complementary digital enablement platform in 2013 that is driving today’s mobile payment solutions. 

MasterCard contactless is accepted at more than three million merchants in 68 countries around the world, and our MasterCard Digital Enablement Service enables Android Pay to deliver a simple and secure payment experience so that consumers can use their cards when, where and how they want.

Starting this summer, owners of eligible Android devices will be able to use their MasterCard credit, debit, prepaid and small business cards directly through Android Pay. For consumers and merchants alike, every purchase made with a tokenized MasterCard credit, debit, prepaid or small business card will offer the same security, benefits and guarantees as any MasterCard transaction.And because Android Pay never shares the actual card number with merchants, consumers are provided with an extra layer of security.

“Mobile payments are here, and are now an essential part of the core value proposition for new devices,” said Ed McLaughlin, Chief Emerging Payments Officer, MasterCard. “With the MasterCard Digital Enablement Service (MDES) and Android Pay, we can now use secure tokens to easily enable payments from a consumer’s connected device. This news extends consumer choice and drives further ubiquity of payments on devices.” 

“Mobile payments is big a priority for Google, so we've been working with major networks like MasterCard to help provide a seamless experience across a wide range of phones and stores. Android Pay will offer people further simplicity, security and choice when paying for things with their Android phones,” said Pali Bhat, Director, Product Management, Google.

Android Pay will be made available for U.S. Android users (running KitKat or higher) in the upcoming months. Contactless payments are currently accepted at major U.S. stores, restaurants, transit providers, fuel and convenience stores who will now also accept MasterCard transactions made using Android Pay. To find a listing of contactless-enabled merchant locations, download the MasterCard Nearby app or go to www.mastercard.com/contactless.

To tweet this news, copy and paste: NEWS: #MasterCard Powers Android Pay http://news.mstr.cd/1Hy9Vj1

Solane invites moms to take Cuisinera Challenge

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Solane, a leading brand of cooking gas, invites moms to take the exciting Cuisinera Challenge: 2015 Mommy Edition! Be part of the challenge that proves great Filipino family food is not solely found in restaurants offered by chefs but is authentically found at home.

Happening this July, Cuisinera Challenge is a cook-off where contestants are tasked to prepare an original recipe that can be prepared in 30 minutes. Serving as the program adviser is Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Filipino food promoter, culinary researcher and food journalist. 

The winner will take home P30,000, a one-year supply of Solane LPG and eight 11-kg Solane refill gift certificates. The second and third place winner will be awarded P10,000 and P5,000 respectively. The remaining final participants will receive a Solane gift pack: Solane USBs, branded aprons and collectible mugs.

Solane’s Cuisinera Challenge is open to a Filipina mommy (22-50 years old) who lives in Metro Manila and Greater Manila Area: Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. She shouldn’t have credentials in professional cooking and is not practicing chef duties in any establishment. 

To join, interested parties must send an original 30-minute recipe with the name of the dish, ingredients (in metric measure), procedure, photos of the dish with at least three angles of perspective, a short description, why they chose to do the dish, and from whom did they learn to cook the dish on short bond paper. On a separate page, contestants should include a short biography along with their name, a recent photo and contact details. 

The criteria for judging are recipe logic and correctness (40%), quality of answers in the essay questions and mandatory information (30%), quality of photos (20%), and completeness of documents or requirements (10%).

Mail your entries in a short brown envelope labeled “Cuisinera Challenge 2015” to Isla LPG Corporation, 14/F Citibank Center, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City from June 10, 2015 to July 13, 2015.

Twenty entries will be picked for the cook-off round on July 31, 2015 at an event venue to be announced soon.

For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph or text +63918 887 5555.

Bosch achieves double-digit growth in the Philippines

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(L-R) Bosch Philippines Automotive  Aftermarket Country Sales Manager Paolo Duarte, Bosch Philippines Managing  Director Andrew Powell, Bosch Philippines Power Tools Country Sales Director  William Go

The Philippines is Bosch’s fastest growing market in Southeast Asia

Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, closed its 2014 fiscal year with USD 42.5 million (32 million euros)* in consolidated sales in the Philippines. Compared to the year before, the company achieved a double-digit growth of more than 45 percent, making the Philippines the fastest growing market for Bosch in Southeast Asia. 

The strong growth is based on the successful performance of the company’s power tools and automotive businesses, along with significant contributions from its security systems business which formally established local operations in 2014. As of April 2015, Bosch had increased its workforce in the Philippines to nearly 400 associates.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our office in Manila, Bosch remains strongly committed to the Philippine market through continued product and service diversification, employment growth, compelling social and sustainability programs, trainings, and partnerships,” said Andrew Powell, managing director of Bosch in the Philippines. 

“For 2015, we expect further sales growth in the country based on an increased demand for our innovative products ‘invented for life’,” Powell added. Recognized as the Philippines’ most competitive city and dubbed by the United Nations as one of nine ‘Emerging Cities of Tomorrow’, Cagayan de Oro is earmarked as the third Bosch business hub location outside of Metro Manila, set to open before the end of the year.

(R-L) Bosch Philippines Automotive Aftermarket Country Sales Manager Paolo Duarte, Bosch Philippines Managing Director Andrew Powell, Bosch Philippines Power Tools Country Sales Director William Go

The up-and-coming city provides easy access to a large concentration of markets in Northern Mindanao, including mining and energy. In 2013, Bosch expanded its operations into Visayas and Mindanao with the opening of its Cebu and Davao business hubs respectively.

Positive development across all business sectors

Buoyed by robust investments in the property development market, Bosch´s Consumer Goods business sector achieved its eighth consecutive year of double-digit growth in the Philippines. To tap on the country’s growing DIY market, a new line of rotary tools was introduced in 2014 under the Dremel brand.

The Mobility Solutions business sector, formerly known as Automotive Technology, experienced a double-digit sales increase in the Philippines compared to the year before. The sector expanded its distribution network and broadened its product portfolio in the country to include gasoline systems components and batteries. In addition, the number of Bosch Car Service and Diesel Centers has been increased to a total of 40 workshops over the course of the year.

(R-L) Bosch Philippines Automotive Aftermarket Country Sales Manager Paolo Duarte, Bosch Philippines Managing Director Andrew Powell, Bosch Philippines Power Tools Country Sales Director William Go

The Energy and Building Technology business sector encountered an encouraging 2014, with its Security Systems division securing notable projects within its first year of local operations. Dubbed as the world’s largest indoor arena, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan boasts of 28 hangs of line array speakers and 56 passive loudspeaker systems – which makes it one of the division’s largest projects to date. The Security Systems division also installed 2,000 public address and background music speakers in the City of Dreams, a prime hotel and entertainment development project in the heart of the nation’s capital. Both projects utilized solutions under the Electro-Voice pro-audio equipment brand.

In 2015, the Industrial Technology business sector will commence local operations of its Drive and Control division. Specializing in linear motion for industrial applications, the division will begin making its line of machinery available to the Philippine market under the Bosch Rexroth brand.

Rebuilding the community

Bosch embarked on Tindog Pilipinas, a rebuilding program for Typhoon Yolanda- stricken communities. The program included the construction of an elementary school and a library in Daanbantayan, Cebu, which were completed in late 2014. At the beginning of June 2015, Bosch Philippines inaugurated a computer laboratory for Alang-Alang Agro-Industrial School, and a math and science center for Alang-Alang National High School, under its Tindog Pilipinas initiative. An industrial center for Tanauan II Central School in Leyte will be completed and turned over in early July. Furthermore, Bosch will be working closely with the schools to develop learning modules suitable for K-12 applications in the coming months.

2014 also saw the completion of Bosch’s Paint The Town Red project, through which Bosch constructed basketball courts for underserved barangays nationwide, turning over the 56th court in Yolanda-stricken Tacloban City.

Bosch Group business outlook for 2015

The Bosch Group expects global sales to grow within an exchange rate-adjusted range of 3 to 5 percent in 2015. Speaking at the company’s recent annual press conference in Germany, the Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner said: “Our economic and technological strength in established business fields is enabling us to tap into new market segments.” Web-enabled products and internet-based services are one of the focal points of the company’s future business. “We are driving connectivity forward in all our business sectors and playing an active role in shaping it,” Denner added. In 2014, Bosch launched many new products and connected solutions, including software solutions for smart heating systems and buildings as well as for connected industry and connected mobility. With the complete acquisitions of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH and Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH, Bosch has strengthened its position in the fields of smart homes and automated driving.

In Asia Pacific, Bosch grew its sales 17 percent (19 percent after adjusting for exchange-rate effects) in 2014, to USD 14.3 billion (13 billion euros). At just under 27 percent of total sales revenue, the region’s share of sales reached a new high. Sales growth was especially strong in China, rising a nominal 27 percent to USD 7 billion (6.4 billion euros). The company achieved a year on year sales growth of around seven percent in Southeast Asia by generating USD 893 million (672 million).

Robert Bosch Inc. 

28th Floor Fort Legend Towers, 3rd Avenue

corner 31st Street, Fort Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig City, Philippines

E-mail Kristina.Reyes@ph.bosch.com

Phone +63 2 8703837

Fax +63 2 8703805

Corporate Communications, www.bosch.com.ph www.bosch-press.com

Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo Movie ‘The Breakup Playlist’ is Rated PG

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“The Breakup Playlist” directed by Dan Villegas, has received a Parental Guidance (PG) rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The announcement came two days before the grand opening of the movie featuring box office royalties Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual in their first team-up together.

This romantic drama ‘The Breakup Playlist’ with Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo is a film centering on two musicians, Trixie David (Sarah) and Gino Avila (Piolo), whose journey is chronicled through the songs they wrote, sang, and listened to in the process.

Paano Ba Ang Magmahal (The Breakup Playlist Official Music Video)

Synopsis: 

What if you have a dream and that dream leads you to love? In Dan Villegas’ “The Breakup Playlist,” Trixie David (Sarah Geronimo), a law student (by her parent’s – especially her mother’s – choice) and hopeful musician, catches the attention of popular rock star Gino Avila (Piolo Pascual) during a music camp and invites her to be part of his band. Trixie and Gino’s connection through music soon develops into something more, and they fall in love, will the man inspire her to pursue her true dreams and capture her heart. However, personal issues and ambition challenge Trixie and Gino’s love for each other. Will they be able to hold on to their love forever? Or will it, just like any song, end eventually?

“The Breakup Playlist” also stars Cris Villonco, Teddy Corpuz, Jet Pangan, Badji Mortiz, Maris Racal, Diego Loyzaga, Dennis Padilla, Rio Locsin, and Anna Luna, and features appearances by real-life musicians and producers.

Opening nationwide this July 1, "The Breakup Playlist" is directed by Dan Villegas and produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films.

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K to 12 Program wins support from LGUs, parents, teachers

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Support from the local government units (LGUs) and General Parents-Teachers Associations (GPTAs) continues to pour out as the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the full implementation of the K to 12 Program.

“The K to 12 Program will remove the disadvantages for our graduates and professionals who compete in the global market. In connection, K to 12 opens the door for the recognition of our graduates and professionals under the European Standard known as the Bologna Process and the Washington Accord for the United States,” said John Marvin Nieto, Acting Presiding Officer of the City Council of Manila, in a statement.

The City Council of Manila also reiterated that the previous 10-year basic education program was congested and insufficient, causing Filipino learners to lag behind compared to their counterparts overseas. The council also acknowledged adequacy of the additional two (2) years in high school, taking into consideration that all of the countries in the world had implemented the K to 12 Program long before, except for Djibouti and Angola.

Moreover, the General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) from the Division of Mandaluyong pledged their support to the K to 12 Program by committing to provide career guidance to the learners, initiating school-based interventions complementary to the schools’ academic enhancement of children and educating their co-parents on the fruits of K to 12. More importantly, parents of Mandaluyong pledged to ensure that their children will advance to Senior High School after Grade 10.

Supporters believe that the new K to 12 curriculum is designed to allow students to acquire 21st century skills that will gain them access to a wide array of opportunities, should they choose to be employed, become a young entrepreneur or enter college.

OPPO Super Sale this July

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Premium freebies and major discounts on the Joy Plus, and other models for the whole month 

We’re bringing another nationwide promo to all our Ofans! Following the three day Super Sale of the Neo 5, we are now offering the OPPO Joy Plus for just P3,990, down from its original price of P4,990, for the whole month of July.

Real joy, at the palm of your hand 

The Joy Plus is a great entry-level unit that builds on the previous Joy model. But don’t let its delicate appearance fool you, as this modest-looking phone is loaded with quality features: a 4-inch screen, 3 megapixel camera, dual SIM slots, 4GB of internal storage, 1.3 GHz quad-core CPU, and 1GB of RAM. The phone also comes with the ColorOS 2.0 as well as the critically acclaimed Pure Image 2.0+ software, which allows you use of Double Exposure. 

With its affordable price, the phone delivers both value and dependability in a compact package. Available in white and matte-gray, being in touch with everyone has never been easier. 

The fun goes on 

Over the past year, we have released a number of units from our arsenal ranging from the entry-level up to the high end.

Apart from the Joy Plus, we’re also offering some of our earlier models at discounted prices. Included in this special promo is the Find 7a which will cost a whopping P5,000 less from its original SRP at P16,990. 

The Find 7a will definitely be a good buy for that price considering the heavy features this former flagship carries. The Find 7a boasts a 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, 5.5” display, 2 GB RAM, VOOC Rapid Charge, 13 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera. 

The Mirror 3 is also up for grabs for just P9,990. The unit runs on 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, has 1 GB RAM, and is compatible with 4G LTE. It also features the Smart remote technology 2.0 and fast charging.

Last but not the least, OPPO’s offering the Neo 3 for just P5,990. It runs on 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM, features the gesture panel, and is OTG compatible. This unit’s been one of our hot sellers in the previous year. 

Premium gifts to top it all off 

To top it all off, aside from the discounted prices, we’re also offering premium gifts to those who will avail of our promo. This is applicable to any of the units on sale. 

See you this July at your nearest OPPO store, Ofans!