Philippine FJ Cruisers Club Inc. presents the Pilipinas FJ Summit™ 2017

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On April 29-30, 2017, the Pilipinas FJ Summit™, a grand EB of FJ Cruiser owners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will be held at the Jose Rizal Plaza, Calamba City Hall, Calamba City, right where the 22-ft towering statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero, is located.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro style, mid-size SUV with styling and off road performance reminiscent of the original Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40). 

The "FJ" in the Toyota FJ Cruiser's name refers to the chassis specification code of the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. The classic Land Cruiser was produced worldwide from 1960 until 1984. And like the old FJ40, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has superior off-road capabilities.

The production of the FJ Cruiser has been discontinued in 2014 and only a handful is available in showrooms. If you want one, now is the time to get it. However, excitement and capability live on with adventure-ready Toyota vehicles. In the Philippines, the excitement over these vehicles is very much alive with the upcoming Pilipinas FJ Summit™.

Everyone’s invited to come and participate on the Pilipinas FJ Summit™ Run on April 30. 

The Pilipinas FJ Summit™ is organized by the Philippine FJ Cruisers Club, Inc. It heralds the first of a series of Buhayani Festival Events organized by the City Government of Calamba to commemorate our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The Buhayani is Calamba City’s annual festival celebrating its history and heroes, both historic and contemporary. 

Conquer the Pilipinas FJ Summit™ Challenge. It is a uniquely designed off-road course that was created to test the prowess of the FJ Cruiser and its driver. Feast on 100 or more FJ Cruisers, including yours, that will be displayed on the Summit Day. 

“The main attraction of the Summit will be the convergence of as many FJ Cruisers that can be accommodated in the 4-hectare Summit grounds. If the FJ Cruiser is a reflection of the personality or lifestyle of its owner, be prepared to encounter as many permutations of the FJ Cruiser as there will be Summit Delegates,” shares Philippine FJ Cruisers Club. President, Atty. Numeriano Rodriguez, Jr. 

As an official Summit Delegate, you will have the opportunity to meet and befriend fellow FJ Cruiser owners and enthusiasts from all over the country. It will be a whole day of fun and fellowship that will culminate with a Pilipinas FJ Summit™ party in the evening. Exchange notes with your new FJ friends. Ask questions, technical or otherwise, about their FJ Cruiser, their upgrades and modifications, their experiences about certain brands or parts you have been curious about, plus their off-road experiences. Listen to those who have “been there, done that” about their FJ. Talk and share your own adventures too.

Avail of big Summit discounts from the major suppliers and distributors of the best after-market parts and accessories for your FJ Cruiser. They will be there to make your dreams come true and with big discounts. 

Pilipinas FJ Summit™ 2017 will be a family event. It is open to the public and will have something for everyone, even for non-FJ Cruiser owners. Part of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the various socio-civic projects of the Philippine FJ Cruisers Club. 

For more information, please contact 09178636375, pilipinasfjsummit@gmail.com plus Facebook: FJcruisersPH and Instagram: @fjcruisersph. For inquiries about sponsorship or exhibitor’s booths, you can contact Phil Abad at 09175300818.

Summer sizzles with Robinsons Department Store’s Chasing the Sun promo

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CHASING THE SUN gets more fun this summer as Robinsons Department Store brings all summer essentials under one roof! For every P500 single receipt purchase from participating brands gives a chance to win a Go Pro Hero 5 Black 4K Ultra HD camera.

The rising temperatures experienced throughout the country the past few days can only mean one thing—summer is here! And just as the season changes, a fashionista’s wardrobe needs an upgrade as well.

Robinsons Department Store is here to help fashion-forward Filipinos enjoy the best adventures that summer has to offer by bringing the best brands together under one roof—from swimsuits and casual summer wear, to skincare essentials.

To bring never-ending fun under the sun, Robinsons Department Store has partnered with top fashion and skincare brands for Chasing the Sun, its latest promo where consumers can win one of the 10 Go Pro Hero 5 Black 4K Ultra HD cameras up for grabs.

From March 1 to April 30, every P500 single-receipt purchase of participating Beach Hut, Body Music, Conquest, Island Haze, Nike SNS, Sun Kissed, Vans, or Vaseline products gives the buyer one (1) raffle coupon. In addition, every P500 single-receipt purchase of any participating Angelfish, Hawaiian Sun, Nivea, or Sassa products is equivalent to two (2) raffle entries. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 30, 2017, with the raffle taking place on May 12, 2017.

Whether it’s basking in the waters of Boracay, driving to Tagaytay for the weekend, skydiving in Bantayan Island, snorkeling in Tablas, or just lounging in the city—Robinsons Department Store has the best summer outfits for you. Shop and get a chance to win one of 10 Go Pro Hero 5 Black 4k Ultra HD cameras that will capture every exciting second of your adventure.

There is definitely a lot to love this summer at Robinsons Department Store with its Chasing the Sun promo. 

For more updates on the hottest summer trends, visit www.RobinsonsDepartmentStore.com.ph or like and follow @RobinsonsDepartmentStore on Facebook and Instagram.

LG Electronics partners with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163 for Dengue Hospitalization Pledge campaign

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LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) takes the fight against dengue in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation’s child-care program Bantay Bata 163 for Dengue Hospitalization Pledge campaign, where organizations will issue pledges to cover a certain amount for the treatment of each dengue-afflicted child confined in Bantay Bata 163’s partner hospitals. 

Fifty pledges will be allotted for each of the eight offices of Bantay Bata 163 covering Manila, Laguna, Bicol, Negros, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Northern Mindanao, amounting to a total of 400 pledges nationwide. A tropical disease, Dengue has become one of the leading diseases which tremendously affect Filipinos, especially children, from all walks of life.

The company’s pledges will be supplemented by a customer engagement program where buyers of LG’s Mosquito Away Residential Air Conditioner (RAC) are encouraged to contribute to the campaign. A portion of the proceeds from every purchase of LG’s Mosquito Away RAC from March 15 to May 30, 2017 will go to the campaign. 

LGEPH’s Managing Director Inkwun Heo said, “LG has always believed in putting technology to good use. This is why we came up with innovative products like the LG Mosquito Away RAC to help families protect themselves from the fatal dengue disease.”

Launched in the Philippines early last year, LG’s revolutionary Mosquito Away RAC repels mosquitoes, especially the dengue-causing ones, allowing a healthy, comfortable and mosquito-free haven in homes, schools and establishments. It utilizes a speaker that makes inaudible ultrasound wave at a specific frequency of over 30kH, completely harmless to humans and probably the easiest way to keep mosquitoes away.

Results of tests conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Los Baños Research Professor Dr. Pio Javier showed that the LG Mosquito Away RAC is capable of repelling indigenous mosquitoes, the dengue-causing Aedes aegypti, at a very high success rate of 82.71 percent. Aside from its Mosquito Away feature, RAC operates at low voltage for higher energy-efficiency, and its jet cooling feature results in quick cooling.

To learn more about the LG Mosquito Away RAC, visit www.lg.com/ph, like LG’s official Facebook page “LG Philippines” or follow @LGPhilippines on Twitter or Instagram.

Create your own Epic Experiences with Visa

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Visa cardholders can now create their own unforgettable experiences as the global payments firm launches Epic Experiences by Visa, an ever-expanding universe of exclusive privileges for Visa cardholders.

In its fourth year, Visa’s homegrown privilege platform is broadening its offerings beyond dining to cater to the different interests of cardholders. Over 80 dining, retail and travel partners nationwide have been added to the list of partner merchants this year. Simply present your Visa card at partner establishments to experience Visa’s signature VIP treatment and exclusive offers. Through this program, Visa gives its members the power to tailor-make their own lifestyle experiences: you can try out the most popular restaurants, keep up with the latest trends, and travel to exclusive vacation spots around the country.

Epic Experiences by Visa - Stuart Tomlinson

“Our vision is to give our cardholders an opportunity to curate their unforgettable life moments through Epic Experiences. Our wide range of partnerships and offers will enable our members to enjoy exclusive privileges that can build on their interests and enhance their lives,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

Epic Experiences by Visa - Sugar Factory

Partner establishments and offers

All Visa Credit, Debit, Prepaid and Commercial cards issued locally and abroad are eligible to enjoy the unique perks of Epic Experiences by Visa. 

Use your Visa card at any of the partner establishments to avail of exclusive promos. Offers are available from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please visit www.visa.com.ph

AirAsia launches “Red Talks with Daphne” web series

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“Red Talks with Daphne,” was formally launched today (March 20) by AirAsia, with TV host and producer, Daphne Oseña-Paez.

AirAsia, voted the world's best low cost carrier for eight consecutive years by Skytrax, launched a 6-part web series featuring some of Asia’s best-kept attractions, rich cultural heritage, and inside stories about people and the airline that broke travel norms and made flying possible for everyone across Asia and beyond.

“Red Talks with Daphne,” is hosted by award-winning TV host and producer, Daphne Oseña-Paez. She takes viewers to different places and talks about traveling, flying, helping and inspiring communities.

Philippines AirAsia Brand Manager David Viray said, “AirAsia was established with a dream of making flying affordable and accessible to all and this success story has inspired so many people and communities across the region. The Red Talks team led by Daphne traveled far and beyond to search for places and meet people who share the same dream and story.” 

The Red Talks with Daphne web series:

• Destination: Dream (The Man with the Red Cap). It takes viewers to AirAsia’s massive headquarters in Kuala Lumpur where Daphne and AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes talk about the airline’s humble beginning and the exciting times for air travelers in the future.
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• Destination: Fly is an inside look on what it takes to be an AirAsia cabin crew and how their journeys and training earned them the distinct recognition of being world-class in a highly demanding job and environment.

• Destination: Good (The Silversmiths of Arkomjogja), meanwhile, tells the story of architects and silversmiths in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. This third episode highlights the work of the AirAsia Foundation in keeping these ancient traditions alive. 

• Destination: Unity. It talks about ASEAN as a single market destination and how AirAsia is making it more convenient, more affordable, more fun and more exciting to travel around thousands of islands and the challenges of connecting people, places, and empowering communities.

• Destination: Harmony (The role of business in environmental protection) goes to Palawan. In this fifth episode, Daphne talks about pearl production and delves into the ongoing campaign to protect Palawan’s marine biodiversity through responsible eco-tourism.

• Destination: Freedom (A tribute to travelers from all walks of life), brings viewers to Shanghai, China in a story of adventure, thrill, and excitement. 

Red Talks with Daphne was made possible by the AirAsia Foundation, the AA BIG Loyalty Programme, Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, Flower Island Resort Palawan and Jewelmer. 

AirAsia BIG Loyalty Program makes it even easier and faster to fly. AirAsia’s award-winning loyalty programme, AirAsia BIG Loyalty allows members to earn AirAsia BIG Points to redeem free AirAsia flights, hotel stays and more. With over 100 partners worldwide, there are plenty of ways to earn points. And every month during the member-exclusive Final Call Sale, flights can be redeemed from only 500 BIG Points!

Red Talks with Daphne will premiere on AirAsia Philippines’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/airasiaph on March 25, 2017.

WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano becomes fundraiser for a day

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WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano became a fundraiser for a day! Last March 16, held in Glorietta 4, Makati, this project aimed to spread awareness on pressing environmental issues and introduce the Individual Donor Programme (IDP) to the public.

Everyone can now directly contribute in the ecological-sustainability initiatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines thru participating in the Individual Donor Programme which encourages people to funnel their finances in vital and urgent causes such as conservation.

People can join the IDP through visiting WWF booths in selected malls all over the country or by simply going to the WWF-Philippines website. Each can do a one-time donation of their choice or they can possibly engage in monthly donations which can make them environmental advocates in a more convenient way.

These donations are directed in good use as it can support conservation projects in key sites across the Philippines, promote clean sources of renewable energy, prepare seaborne communities in facing worsening climate change impacts, and educate the youth through environmental education drives.

A long-time diver and certified lover of seas, Luis Manzano champions the organization's Marine Conservation Program that includes initiatives on sustainable fisheries plus food security, community-based ecotourism, and biodiversity conservation.

Founded in 1997, WWF-Philippines spearheads campaigns and solutions to help the country combat the worsening climate change, secure food sources to alleviate poverty, conserve endangered species, secure fresh water sources, and, recently, transform lives by providing sustainable livelihood programs in communities.

As of now it has 13 project sites including Tubbataha Reefs and Cagayancillo in Palawan, Donsol in Sorsogon, Mt. Iglit-Baco Mountain Range in Mindoro, Ipo Watershed in Bulacan and the Hamilo Coast in Batangas. WWF-Philippines also conducts climate studies in 16 key cities around the country.

If you wish to learn more about IDP and other programs of WWF-Philippines you may log on to wwf.org.ph.

From number one foreign bank, Citi now aims to be leading digital bank in the Philippines

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Citi Philippines, the country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products and services.

Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.

Recently, David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products, briefed members of the media said their clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.

“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton. “At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review. With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”

Apply online and get a digitized reward too!

With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card. 

 “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.

Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.

From now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband

Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers

Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon. The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com. 

On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia. During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.

In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include: Booky, an offline restaurant finder; Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app; Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country; and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.

In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017); Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long); Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017); and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).

Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards:

15% off at POBox.ph (until March 31, 2017) and Shipping Cart (for air and shipping fees until July 31) 

12% off at Zalora year long 

10% off at Galleon.ph until July 31 

Island Rose extends 10% off year long 

Banking on a Digital Future

“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton said.

He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago. 

Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.

“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.

Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.

“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.

CALLE BISTRO: Everscapes unveils the latest lifestyle strip at Ever Commonwealth

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(L-R) Engr Ramil Aburquez (Topway Builders Inc), Arch. Gabriel Vitales (DQA Design and Planning Inc), Cynthia T Dizon (Everscapes AVP Controller), Joel T Go (Everscapes President), QC Councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo, Arch. Barnaby Kaw (Topway Builders Inc VP for Operations), Diana T Huang (Everscapes AVP for Corporate Planning), Maura F Guiron (Everscapes Leasing Manager), Ronelo M Alvarez (Asst. Mall Operations Manager for Ever Commonwealth).

Everscapes, a subsidiary group of Ever Gotesco Group of Companies develops Calle Bistro, the latest lifestyle strip in the area that aims to provide ideal and distinct dining options poised to cater family and friends residing just minutes away from Ever Commonwealth mall.

The Groundbreaking ceremony was held last March 17, 2017 headed by Mr Joel T. Go, Ever Malls President with other Ever Malls Executives like Ms Cynthia T. Dizon, AVP Controlle, Mr. Ronelo M. Alvarez, Ever Malls AMOM, Ms Maura F Guiron , Ever Malls Leasing Manager, Ms Diana T. Huang, Ever Malls VP for Corporate Planning and other special guests. The community will soon feel the flavors at Calle Bistro as it soft opens in the last quarter of 2017. 

Calle Bistro: Great Eats this way

A scene of a new stretch of choices; spices that soothe your senses; a sweet gathering for all ages; Great moments deserve great experiences. Indulge to Great Eats, this way to Calle Bistro. 

Ever gives more dining and feast selections as we launch a mid-scale family dining zone that will captivate the heart of North Quezon City. The latest lifestyle strip in the area – Calle Bistro, is a vast panorama of classy food and beverage choices that will soon rise adjacent to the Ever Gotesco Commonwealth Center.

EVER COMMONWEALTH: The community’s second Home.

For 23 years, Ever Commonwealth Center has been a provider of family’s needs. It was part of the long-term vision of the company, which is to develop, conduct, and maintain affordable and accessible commercial shopping centers for the Filipino. 

Ever Commonwealth Center resides in the midst of neighborhood, rightly serving as the community’s second home. With its concept of a comfort venue within minutes from home - family and friends come together for relaxation and recreation. The theme-park, castle-like architectural design evokes the feeling of fun and leisure, a kind of airiness ideal for pleasurable entertainment, shopping and dining experience. ;;p

“The Filipino lifestyles evolve and change. There will be new and exciting things beyond us, our loyal and most faithful neighbors will be offered options where they would pledge their loyalty anew,” says Joel T. Go, Ever Malls President, who continues the legacy of the GO family- who pioneered the first one stop shop concept in the industry. 

With this concept, Everscapes group was formed to make basic essentials and quality services accessible; enhancing the lives of everyone in the community and envision to become a prime mover in community innovation. 

Go also added, “Some give in, but a generous number stays. Why? Because EVER is not just a shopping mall or a structure. We are a landscape of vibrant and growing community - employees and customers – that are engaged to provide great moments together, and to offer something better than ever. EVER is your home.”

Be a Hero with McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys DC Girls and Justice League

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Be ready kids ! Here's an action-packed playtime with McDonald’s new DC Girls and Justice League Happy Meal toys. 

The set features iconic characters from the world-famous superhero franchises, including Superman, Batman, Hawkman, Wonder Woman, and Supergirl. Plus, gear up with exciting accessories like the Hawkman Mask, Wonder Woman Tiara, and Supergirl Headband.

Collect all eight DC Girls/Justice League toys, free with every purchase of a McDonald’s Happy Meal! Customers can choose from a Cheesy Eggdesal or 1-pc Chicken McDo during breakfast hours and 1-pc Chicken McDo, 4pc Chicken McNuggets, Burger McDo or McSpaghetti during regular hours. Happy Meals come with a choice of fries or corn and orange juice for a delicious treat!

Bring out the hero in you or your kids with the latest McDonald’s Happy Meal collection. Share your superhero bonding experience on McDonald’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/McDo.ph, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter and Instagram.

Aiko Melendez In Her Acting Best in Wildflower

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Award winning actress Aiko Melendez now plays as the villain, the politically powerful, cruel character Emilia Ardiente-Torillo in the ABS-CBN revenge drama Wildflower, directed by Onat Diaz, starring Maja Salvador.

Aiko prays that her character, the politically powerful Emilia Ardiente-Torillo, who doesn’t mind committing bloody murder to protect the family reputation, stays on the set.

Aiko Melendez

Aiko who is a mother of two beautiful kids, Andrei and Marthena says, she snaps out of her character the moment the director shouts "cut."

She prays before and after facing the camera? 

“I am Christian, so I always pray, ‘Lord, role lang po ito. Make me effective without sacrificing my real being and attitude,” she says.

And because she knows the lead character is just as good as the villain, Aiko not only gives her all. She loves getting “meaner” by the day.

She also knows that Maja Salvador’s (the lead female protagonist/antagonist Lily Cruz) fans are cursing her on Twitter. 

“As the villain, I’m expecting the worst,” she laughs. And she loves getting meaner by the day. 

That means Aiko is playing her cruel character very well.

Aiko knows her character inside out. What she discovered about Emilia moved her to pity.

Emilia according to Aiko is a victim of circumstances, a woman pushed to the wall because of things beyond her control.

“I understand where her attitude is coming from,” Aiko says.

"I love my Wildflower team." Aiko is all praises for her co-actors. She admires how Maja attacks her role and her dedication to her job.

“Working with her makes me so excited. She’s the best in her generation. Maja delivers, and her acting nuances are great!” gushes Aiko.

She shared to us that they are doing the production, shootings everyday to offer the daily episode of the Wildflower series. 

Wildflower airs right after Minute to Win It on ABS CBN.