We are Christmas – Robinsons Department Store brings the holiday season to life!

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As the most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, Robinsons Department Store is decking its halls with the finest trinkets, trappings, and trimmings all certainly made to make this Christmas season bright as it delivers on its holiday statement, “We are Christmas.” 

Holiday collections curated by award-winning Filipino designer, Ito Kish

The spirit of Christmas comes alive with each touch of color, pattern, glitter, and glamour, set to transform your home into the warmest, most welcoming nook this holiday season with one of the country's most globally-recognized designers, Ito Kish. The designer once hailed as Best Designer for Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design at the 2017 A' Design Award & Competition at Como, Italy, lends his magic to Robinsons Department Store’s Home Section as the brand’s Creative Director. 

Inspired by the modern minimalism of the Orient, Ito Kish’s Cool Life collection, exclusive to Robinsons Department Store, celebrates a more contemporary take to Christmas entertaining. Refreshing touches of blue and white with mesmerizing design elements and prints that symbolize water are found in ceramic décor and houseware items. Water, a key Asian motif that is the embodiment of life’s purity and simplicity, is echoed throughout the Cool Life collection pieces, adding a truly elegant touch that makes Christmas comforts every bit cooler. 

With Scandinavian design that highlights simplicity, utility and beauty as inspiration, Ito Kish’s Icelandic Collection, another exclusive to Robinsons Department Store, turn to the Nordic traditions of ‘hygge’, which celebrates warmth, comfort, and joy at home, especially during the winter months. Characterized by clean lines, chic color ways, and clever functionality, the Icelandic collection presents ceramic vases that make for perfect showcases for holiday floral arrangements, foliage, and other accents that bring your living space to more festive life. Its warm, yellow and gray palette is sure to brighten up the family’s holiday mood. 

Due to their timeless design and functionality, these specially-selected, Kish-approved decorative pieces are sure to find a cozy spot in every home even when the holidays are long over. 

Christmas traditions for your home décor 

Adding a touch of tradition to home décor brings back fondest memories. Designer Ito Kish turns the spotlight on the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens. Ribbons and balls in these shades are still a no-fail favorite, while a staple in every holiday home are the evergreen flourishes that make the holiday vibe more lush and lively. 

Fulfill the childish wonders of Christmas by filling your nook with wooden and plush toys of polar bears, penguins, and everyone’s beloved Santa Claus. Turn up the comfort and joy in your holiday living space with festive throw pillows and blankets that simply invite the whole family to bond, while gatherings around the dining table become a trendy affair with stylish table settings. 

Dazzling holidays filled with glitter and gold

Robinsons Department Store also offers an array of glittery ornaments, throw pillows, bejeweled baubles, and crystal Christmas trees that are sure to add a dose of glamour to your festivities. Bring in lush greenery with pre-arranged topiaries, add glitz with metallic floral fillers, and let homes be even brighter with a novel selection of LED fairy lights.

This yuletide season, Robinsons Department Store invites everyone to create a Christmas that is all their own, with designer-approved statement pieces, traditional and trendsetting accents, and warm and wonderful home accessories that certainly make your memorable family celebrations the real star of the season.

Visit a Robinsons Department Store branch near you to check out the specially-curated collections and festive holiday decor. Check out our Facebook page Facebook.com/RobinsonsDepartme ntStore and our Instagram page @RobinsonsHomeLiving for more home ideas and updates!

OPPO is the first mobile brand to accept GCash Scan to Pay in PH

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Customers can now avail OPPO smartphones via Scan to Pay from GCash

OPPO, Philippines’ top 2 international smartphone brand, in partnership with GCash, the country’s leading mobile wallet service, pioneers the first QR payment method for a mobile brand.

Through the new scan-to-pay feature of the GCash App, customers can now purchase any OPPO product by simply scanning a GCash QR code at selected OPPO Concept Stores for faster, more convenient, and secure transactions.

OPPO continuously uplifts the brand touchpoints to customers through innovative store experience such as adding GCash scan to pay as a preferred payment method for seamless transaction.  Customers can now also experience perks such as cashbacks, discounts, and more exclusive GCash offers.

“We are glad that OPPO is now part of GCash’s growing number of partners for its scan-to-pay payment option. With the growing digitization of financial services in the Philippines, our customers will be able to experience innovation through our phones and our unique store experience,” said Eason de Guzman, OPPO Philippines’ Public Relations Manager.

GCash aims to make digital payments via smartphones seamless and hassle-free to help customers minimize the risk of theft, keep track of their expenses, and save them from the long queues at the payment counter.

“We are happy that OPPO shares our vision of cashless payments in the Philippines.  We look forward to nurturing this partnership and reaching out to more OPPO customers in the future,” said Albert Tinio, President and CEO of GCash.

GCash Scan to Pay is initially available in 30 OPPO Concept stores nationwide. 

Visit https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ for the store list and for future updates. 

Kris Aquino, Bimby give three-part exclusive tour of PLDT Home Fibr-powered home

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PLDT Home Ambassador and Queen of all Media Kris Aquino gave her viewers a treat this Christmas season through an exclusive corner-to-corner tour of her new, PLDT Home Fibr-powered home in Quezon City.

In a three-part video series, Kris, along with her son Bimby, took viewers through the entire house, sharing numerous anecdotes and family memories all the way through. Each corner not only tells a story, but is made better with their seamless Internet connection through PLDT Home Fibr. Virtually every room has a Roku-powered TV, with a Youtube and iFlix subscription tailorfit to the family’s entertainment needs. Kris' team also works freely around the house, with wifi available in every spot.

To watch more of Kris Aquino's Home Tour:

Part 1 - http://bit.ly/2C2TXG6

Part 2 - http://bit.ly/2BJJYpX

Part 3 - http://bit.ly/2zrIOJB

Comfort + Joy for a truly Perfect Pair! ! Introducing Jollibee’s Chicken Noodle Soup—the best comfort soup paired with your favorite Chickenjoy

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A piping-hot bowl of soup is truly a delight on cold, gray days or whenever you’re in need of filling pick-me-up. There’s nothing better than the classic chicken noodle soup for a dose of warm comfort, especially when paired with an all-time favorite meal like the Jollibee Chickenjoy!

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food brand, is bringing comfort and joy together in the newestChickenjoy P99 Perfect Pair with the all-new Chicken Noodle Soup!

A deliciously complete way to enjoy your favorite crispylicious, juicylicious, fried chicken, the Chickenjoy P99 Perfect Pairs offer a satisfying dining experience by pairing a one-piece Chickenjoy meal and regular drink with your choice of the perfect side: Jolly Crispy Fries, Mini Sundae, Creamy Macaroni Soup, Mashed Potato, or Buttered Corn—and all for just P99.00*!

Adding to the variety of sides is the all-new Chicken Noodle Soup, fit for Chickenjoy fans who seek variety, packs the perfect combination of comforting, savory goodness of real chicken meat and broth with the texture of al dente noodles and vegetables.

“As our days grow colder this holiday season, there’s nothing more perfect to warm us up than a classic Chicken Noodle Soup,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee Marketing Director. “And there’s no better way to enjoy this ultimate comfort food than pairing it with the crispylicious, juicylicious, Chickenjoy!”

Savor the joyful and comforting warmth of your new favorite Perfect Pair! 

The Chicken Noodle Soup will be available as a complement to P99 Perfect Pairs in all Jollibee stores in Metro Manila starting December 28, 2017, and nationwide in February 1, 2018. Jollibee customers can also order Chicken Noodle Soup as a solo item for P30 or as an add-on to any value meal for P29.

For more information on the latest Jollibee products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook or follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

* Prices may vary across different locations

Vivo opened its newest service center at SM City North EDSA

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Vivo opened its newest service center last December 15, 2017 at the SM City North EDSA. 

Vivo opened its newest service center last December 15 at the SM City North EDSA. Vivo, which was first introduced in the Philippines in March 2016 has proven itself to be one of the fastest phone brands to gain popularity in the country with now 1.1 million Filipino users. In less than two years, 

Vivo is able to establish itself as the Philippines’ third top smartphone brand with 11 service centers around the country in total with 10 more center expected to open in 2018.

This marks the 11th service center of the company, with 10 more coming in 2018. The center takes care of owners after-sales concerns. It also lets potential buyers try first hand different Vivosmartphones.

Here’s a list of Vivo service centers in the Philippines.

Vivo V7+ Philippines

The Vivo V7+ is the company’s current flagship in the Philippines. Priced at Php17,990, the handset features a 5.99-inch HD IPS all-screen display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and an 84.4 percent screen-to-body ratio. It is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

Cameras

Vivo V7+ boasts an industry leading 24MP selfie camera equipped with an f/2.0 lens, and comes with a LED flash called Moonlight Glow, Face Beauty 7.0, and a Portrait Mode which blurs the background. The 16MP rear camera has an f2.0 lens with phase detection autofocus and an LED flash. It has a large 1/3-inch sensor and 1080p video recording.

The Vivo V7+ is now available in stores with a retail price of Php17,990. It is also available on Vivo’s official store in Lazada. 

• Vivo V7+ Specs:
• 5.99-inch HD IPS LCD 18:9 FullView Display (1440 x 720; 269 ppi)
• 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 Processor
• Adreno 506 Graphics Unit
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB Storage +microSD up to 256GB
• 16MP Rear Camera w/ f2.0, PDAF, LED Flash
• 24MP Selfie Camera w/ f2.0
• Dual Nano SIM
• LTE 4G
• Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth v4.2
• GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS
• FM Radio
• Face ID, Fingerprint Scanner (Rear Mounted)
• AK4376A Hi Fidelity Audio Chip
• 3,225 mAh Non-removable Battery
• Dimension: 6.14 x 2.98 x 0.30 in; 160 g
• Colors: Champagne Gold, Matte Black

Virtualahan: Breaking down employment barriers for PWDs

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Finding a sustainable source of income is one of the biggest challenge that People with Disabilities (PWD) face on daily basis. People with medical, mental and physical limitations are not just battling for their condition but enduring the inequality in the workplace primarily because of discrimination.

Virtualahan, a social enterprise based in Davao City is changing the system using a business model that upskills, employs, and empowers people with disabilities to become productive members of society. 

(From L-R): Kickstart Ventures President Minette Navarrete; Globe Telecom Head of Innovation Mikey Garrovillo; Virtualahan co-founders Ryan Gersava, Rose Gersava- Villamor, Elsie Losala-Gersava, Josh Gersava; and Ashoka Philippines Chairman Rico Gonzalez. Virtualahan is one of the five winners of Globe Future Makers Program.

“We equip people with skills and the right mindset so they can start working online as remote employees for digital businesses around the world. We have taken advantage of the power of the internet and the growing outsourcing industry to fulfil our mission which is to promote inclusive and sustainable employment, decent and productive work for all in a workplace that treats everyone as an equal,” said Ryan Gersava, Virtualahan Founder. 

Virtualahan was recently declared as one of the winners of Globe Future Makers Program, the social innovation program of Globe Telecom held in cooperation with the Singtel Group of Companies to help enable emerging social innovators create a positive impact on society with the help of technology.

“We see a lot of potential in Virtualahan in solving the need for gainful employment of PWDs and those with medical conditions who often face discrimination. We believe that innovations like this one plays a key role in making wide scale impact to help drive social development in the Philippines,” said Chelle Gray, Director for Globe Citizenship.

“With the technology support and mentorship of the Globe Future Makers program this will help us deal with our challenges in delivering our services, optimizing the tech aspect, improving our e-learning platform, even cut other practices to save on costs by using different tools and expansion to help those with no access to the Internet,” declared Gersava.

Gersava, a Licensed Medical Technologist, put up Virtualahan when he was denied of employment due to a medical condition despite having high qualifications. With the help of two siblings, Josh an IT professional and Rose, a registered nurse, they set up Virtualahan which is a play on “virtual” and“ eskwelahan,” a Filipino term for school. The social enterprise is a 100% virtual company which keeps their operations lean and highly functional. It is a very innovative and highly scalable model that uses technology to deliver positive impact.

Virtualahan recruits, screens, and qualifies candidates to undergo an intensive six weeks’ skills and capacity building program that allows unemployed PWD to become self-earning and dependable members of the family and the community.

Successful graduates are then provided with employment support through direct hiring, referrals, and online job preparation. They are employed as virtual assistants, customer service representatives, transcriptionists, data managers, among others.

“The work from home model is the best strategy that we found to help people with mobility issues to earn a decent income. We create structure, accountability, management and the opportunities for advancement and set these people to deliver maximum value. In the process, we are building a support network that meets in person and online to nurture confidence, teamwork, and social equality among our members, “added Ryan.

For the past two years, Virtualahan served 127 beneficiaries from 20 different cities across the country. It has also represented the Philippines in major international competitions like the ASEAN Impact Challenge in Singapore, has spoken to international conference like the Social Enterprise World Forum in Hong Kong, was accepted in prestigious fellowships like The DO School in Germany, The Global Good Fund in USA, and represented the country at The Youth Assembly at The United Nations in New York.

Winning the Globe My Future Makers is an important milestone for Virtualahan in expanding its advocacy to more areas in the country and eventually to the world.

DREAM JOB ALERT! 7-ELEVEN is willing to pay someone to eat food !

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Your favorite kapitbahay, 7-Eleven, has a job vacancy that needs to be filled immediately! It might sound surreal, but this is definitely not a drill, 7-Eleven offers you your dream job where you get paid by simply eating free food!

7-Eleven is searching for someone to host a “Mukbang” video series for them. The show will feature 7-Eleven products such as Slurpee, Big Bite, and other treats from partner brands like Selecta Ice Cream. If you’ve been living under a rock, Mukbang is an online trend where a host films himself/herself while consuming large quantities of food.

Just like any other conventional job, hopeful applicants need to possess certain requirements to be considered for the position. For starters, the application is exclusively for all 7-Eleven customers that have the CLiQQ app installed on their mobile devices. Second, and more importantly, applicants need to have a big appetite and a unique way of eating that can attract and entice audiences or in Filipino, nakakatakam kumain. And to make the application process more interesting, 7-Eleven sets no age limit so anyone can apply!

Eating free food in front of a camera is not a real job unless you get paid for it, so 7-Eleven also prepared a competitive compensation package for the chosen Master Eater. For a duration of 7 weeks and 11 days, the luckiest applicant will earn 711 pesos per day! Not bad just for eating food, right? And to make it more exciting, the Master Eater would get a bonus of 711,000 pesos if he/she gets 2,000,000 Filipinos to download the CLIQQ app during his/her tenure as the Master Eater.

7-Eleven is showing people how much points they waste when they don’t use their CLiQQ app, which is why they’re presenting CLiQQ Tapoints. CLiQQ Tapoints is all about making 7-Eleven customers aware of what items they can redeem with the CLiQQ points they earn with every purchase.

Aside from turning your dream job into reality, CLiQQ Tapoints also aims to spread awareness regarding the huge number of food wasted by consumers because of their inability to redeem their rewards through the CLiQQ app. The amount of food that 7-Eleven will serve to the CLiQQ Tapoints Master Eater is dependent on the number of unredeemed points in a specific store that the team will visit during the duration of the campaign.

This will serve as a visual representation of how much food 7-Eleven customers are missing out on. For example, one store in Gagalangin, Tondo has an average of 1,228 unclaimed CLiQQ reward points per day, that is equal to 32 pieces of Big Bite wasted daily. Hopefully, this will encourage the public to redeem their rewards or else, the CLiQQ Tapoints Master Eater will do his job.

So, if you are willing to take on the challenge and be part of this one of a kind campaign, auditions for the CLiQQ Tapoints Master Food Eater are scheduled on January 6, 2018, Saturday 9am to 12nn at WYD Productions, 402 Greenbelt Mansion, 106 Perea Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. Applicants are expected to bring at least one valid ID, CLiQQ app on their phones, and one big appetite! 

For more details, please visit the official Facebook page of 7-Eleven at www.facebook.com/711philippines.

GCash scan to pay rolls out in transport industry

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GCash is expanding its scan to pay feature in the transport industry through a partnership with Emotors, Inc. Emotors, Inc. is the operator of Zum e-Series which provides e-shuttle service for tenants and employees of the W Group, Globe Telecom, and Mynt.

Globe Telecom President and CEO Ernest Cu trying GCash scan to pay for Emotors e-shuttle service.  EMI CEO Elizabeth Lee holds the GCash QR sticker while Mynt President and CEO Anthony Thomas (right) and W Group CEO Francis Wee (2nd from left) look on.

"This is just the beginning of our foray into the transport sector.  Wherever cash is used, we want to offer a quick and hassle-free alternative,” said Ernest Cu, chief executive officer of Globe Telecom.  Globe, together with Ant Financial and Ayala Corp., owns Mynt, the financial technology company which operates GCash mobile wallet service.

Globe Telecom's collaboration with Emotors, Inc. is hinged on three factors: innovative technology, clean and sustainable electric transport, and the demand for services that avoid commuting pain points. 

Emotors, Inc. is a hundred-percent Filipino-owned social enterprise committed to environmental sustainability through the Zum e-Series, an electric tricycle that can seat six passengers. Compared to traditional vehicles, the electric tricycle is quiet, economical, and emits a lower carbon footprint.

Through the service, commuters can enjoy cashless payments by scanning the QR code provided by the pilots. GCash’s scan to pay feature is the only mode of payment available.

The Zum e-Series offers point-to-point transport from the WCC Building to Market! Market! and vice versa.

To use the scan to pay feature, customers must simply download or update the GCash app on their smartphone, tap or point the phone’s camera at the QR code, and input the amount to be paid.

Customers can load their GCash wallet in any of the 12,000 GCash partner outlets nationwide, including Globe Stores, SM Business Centers, Robinsons Business Centers, Puregold branches, 7-Eleven Barcode Cash In, TouchPay kiosks, and many more.

GCash aims to make cashless payments the preferred choice of payment as it eliminates the hassle of bringing money and waiting for change. Merchants don’t need to pay for expensive equipment and will only need a QR sticker linked to a GCash wallet.

To date, GCash has partnered with top establishments like Ayala Malls, Robinsons Department Stores, SM Stores, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Ministop, Mercato Centrale, among others. GCash will soon roll out to the parking segment with a partnership with Megaworld’s Uptown Mall.

Learn more about GCash by visiting www.gcash.com and following them on their social media channels: www.facebook.com/gca shofficial,www.twitter.com/gca shofficial, and www.instagram.com/gcashoff icial.

Winners of the MMFF 2017 Gabi ng Parangal, "Ang Larawan" won Best Picture

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"Ang Larawan" won Best Picture at this year's Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal on Wednesday, December 27 held at the Kia Theatre.

Derek Ramsay won the Best Actor award for the movie All of You, while Joana Ampil won the Best Actress for the movie Ang Larawan.

Paul Soriano won Best Director for the movie Siargao.

Here are the winners from Wednesday's Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 awards night: 

Best Picture - ANG LARAWAN

2nd Best Picture - SIARGAO

3rd Best Picture - ALL OF YOU

Best Actress - Joana Ampil, Ang Larawan

Best Actor - Derek Ramsey, All of You

Best Supporting Actress - Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Siargao

Best Supporting Actor - Edgar Allan Guzman, Deadma Walking

Best Director - Paul Soriano, Siargao

Special Jury Prize - Nick Joaquin, Ang Larawan

People's Choice Award - The Revenger Squad

Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award - Ang Larawan

FPJ Memorial Award - Ang Panday

Children's Choice - Ang Panday

Best Child Performance - Baste, Meant to Beh

Best Screenplay - All of You

Best Cinematography - Siargao

Best Editing - Siargao

Best Production Design - Ang Larawan

Best Musical Score - Ang Larawan

Best Visual Effects - Ang Panday

Best Original Theme Song - Siargao

Best Sound - Siargao

Best Float - Deadma Walking

Best Short Film - "Anong Nangyari kay Nicanor Dante"

People's Choice Award (Short Films) - "Noel"

Star of the Night (Female) - Erich Gonzales

Star of the Night (Male) - Derek Ramsay

Bicol Isarog and Globe myBusiness team up to give holiday travellers a wonderful Christmas surprise

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December 17 was a wonderful day of presents and surprises for travelers journeying from Naga to Manila for the holidays as Bicol Isarog and Globe myBusiness collaborated to give passengers a Christmas they would never forget. 

Passengers of a Bicol Isarog bus from Naga were gifted with items they wished for such as flat-screen television, laptop computer, mobile phone, camera, and Christmas basket, among others, as soon as they alighted from their 12-hour journey to Manila.

Jose Marco del Pilar, Executive Vice President and owner of Bicol Isarog, said they wanted to give back to their passengers, thanking them for their consistent support which helped the company grow and flourish. Bicol Isarog is focused on giving great experience to their riders who often spend a lot of hours on the road traveling.

“A wonderful Christmas for us is bringing something new. Our passengers are the lifeblood of the company so we surveyed and surprised them with gifts and presents that they want for Christmas. We have so many blessings and we want to share these with them,” said del Pilar as he promised that Bicol Isarog will continue to give passengers first class service and comfortable travels to and from the Bicol region.

He also noted that working with Globe myBusiness was important in making the surprise possible. “Globe myBusiness is very engaged and I am happy to say that they have really helped us in more ways than one.” Globe myBusiness assisted Bicol Isarog in meeting their business objectives, both in operations and marketing their services to the customers for better travel experience.

According to del Pilar, Globe myBusiness’ team is proactive in approaching Bicol Isarog to formulate strategies to better serve their customers. “They really gave us very innovative business solutions so our bus company can connect to a computerized system and link ticketing systems nationwide. We have ticketing systems in Manila, Bicol, Masbate, Catanduanes, and the Visayas connected through our WiFi, our Internet, and phone lines.”

“Most of our air conditioned buses also have Globe WiFi. By providing that connectivity to passengers, we give them first-class service. We also have AdBlast service from Globe myBusiness when we need to send out information to our customers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Derrick Heng, Senior Adviser for Globe myBusiness, said that their work with Bicol Isarog was in line with the company’s mission to help businesses flourish by helping entrepreneurs provide great customer experience to their clients.

“Bicol Isarog always wanted to give superior service to their customers so we provide them with connectivity and solutions that will help their passengers enjoy the trip better,” he said.

Heng also noted that the plan to welcome Bicol Isarog’s passengers with presents as they arrive at the terminal is a wonderful opportunity to show how both companies care. “Christmas is the time to rejoice. To create a wonderful experience, simple gestures matter. A simple gesture of giving a present is a way to thank customers for their loyalty that will definitely put a smile on their face,” he said.

Christmas is a special time for Filipinos to spend memorable moments with their loved ones. Globe myBusiness helps make this happen through their partnerships with businesses like Bicol Isarog which have, time and again, given friends and families an opportunity to be together especially during the Yuletide Season. 

Discover more about Globe myBusiness and how it can help your business deliver a wonderful experience for your customers and their families at http://mybusiness.globe.com.ph .

Chef Anton Amoncio in "Let It Snow": An Early Christmas in Canada

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Chef Anton, together with other world-renown chefs, whipped up appetizing recipes using Canada beef.

It was an early Christmas gift for celebrity chef Anton Amoncio who is still in high spirits after participating in “Let it Snow,” a chef exchange program by the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence held in Calgary, Canada. This is the first time that a Filipino chef was featured in the exchange. His trip was made possible through the Culinary Exchange program of the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence and in partnership with Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. 

The week-long event is in celebration of Canada 150, which is the 150th founding anniversary of Canada. Three events happened at different Canadian luxury resorts, highlighting the seasons of Canada: at the Fairmont Banff Springs in early summer, Fairmont Royal York Toronto in harvest season, and Chateau Lake Louise for winter. Chef Anton’s visit to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the finale of Canada Beef’s Canada 150 celebrations this year. 

Chateau Lake Louise is a luxury outdoor travel experience located in one of the most beautiful sceneries that Canada has to offer.

Chef Anton rubbed elbows with some of the culinary experts including Chef Marty Carpenter, president of the Canadian Beef Grading Agency, and Abe Van Melle, the Technical Manager for the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence. Interesting topics about Canada were discussed over dinner at the Chop Steakhouse and Bar. 

According to Chef Marty, Canada beef is classified by its flavor, which comes from the predominant use of barley in their cattle feed. Combined with the almost vineyard-like culture of their cattle industry, this puts Canada beef in a league of the world’s premier beef products.

Chef Anton also joined in the briefing activities scheduled for “Let it Snow” and toured the kitchen at the head office of the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence. Chef Marty brought the entourage for lunch to the Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant at Fish Creek Park where Chef Anton had the opportunity to meet Jean-Francois Fortin, the Executive Chef of the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Michael McLean, who works with the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

Chef Anton had his share of the limelight when he presented his own recipes using the best quality Canada beef: Beef Morcon Sliders, Bistek on Green Onion Blinis, and Beef Shortribs Sinigang in Green Mango. He proved once more that Filipino chefs are at par when it comes to culinary artistry. The warm acceptance that Chef Anton experienced in his trip to Canada was enough to melt even the biting cold of winter. 

Chef Anton Amoncio is a talent of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

Globe expands Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to 15 regions nationwide

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Globe Telecom, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is expanding the Global Filipino Schools (GFS) program to realize presence in 15 regions nationwide.

The GFS program is a long-term and modern approach to education that allows 21st century learning methods to be introduced and implemented in public schools nationwide.

Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones (center) is all smiles following a report made by Globe Telecom, represented by Globe Director for Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Maricel Gray (2nd from left) on the telecommunication provider’s commitment to bring all 17 regions in the country under its Global Filipino School program. They are joined, from left, by Globe Manager for Citizenship Miguel Bermudo, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali and DepEd Director Margarita Ballesteros. 

Around 60 schools were added to the program this year, bringing to 142 schools the total number under its fold. The program now covers 15 out of 17 regions around the country. This was revealed during the presentation and turnover ceremony conducted recently between Globe and DepEd.

Globe has committed in bringing the program to all 17 regions in the Philippines by the year 2020. From current indications, though, that target may be achieved as early as next year.

“Education is one area where Globe continues to focus its strength and capabilities in order to help build a more digitally savvy generation of both teachers and learners. Soon enough, more teachers and learners will benefit from Globe Telecom’s advocacy of a digital-centric lifestyle for everyone, which we believe is the catalyst for growth and nation building,” said Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto. 

For her part, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, in her keynote speech, lauded supporters of the public education sector. “If you are truly seeking truth, if you are truly seeking life, if you are truly seeking the meaning of Christmas, find it among the children whom you are serving,” she said.

Under the GFS program, every school beneficiary will serve as a training hub for teachers in the DepEd Division the school belongs to. The school is also equipped with the knowledge and skills to facilitate workshops regarding 21st century learning skills, and the integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the classroom.

The schools also receive free internet connectivity that teachers and students can use, free ICT equipment support such as projectors, tablets, pocket WiFi dongles, Virtual Reality (VR) goggles, plus teacher training on Digital Literacy, Digital Responsibility, ICT integration in the classroom, and 21st century teaching concepts and methodologies.

To assess its success upon its implementation, a study released by Taylor Nelson Sofres in 2015 showed the GFS program helped improve digital skills among teachers and students (specifically on usage of mobile technology and computer software), enabled 21st century learning outcomes that involve creativity, communication, collaboration and creativity, increased student engagement in classroom activities, and helped enhance school culture through readiness in ICT integration.

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF BRITISH ROYALTY - Even the Queen’s family is subject to rules

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Power, fame, and glamour—we, the commoners, can only dream of living the life of the most esteemed family in the United Kingdom. Possessing a regal title, however, comes with the obligation to follow certain codes of conduct.

Of course, there have been instances when royals have deviated from such guidelines, like wearing fur, eating shellfish, or being touched by non-royals—all of which are prohibited. Nevertheless, anyone who fancies marrying someone from the British crown family must learn these protocols as part of proper decorum.

Recent history can testify that marriage into royalty isn’t impossible, like Prince William’s wedding with Princess Catherine (née Middleton) and Prince Harry’s current engagement with American actress Meghan Markle.

For those who believe they have what it takes to become royalty through marriage, we list below some rules of etiquette to which the Queen’s family must adhere.

Bows and Curtsies

Greetings need not be complicated. In formal events, ladies greet with a little curtsy: one foot behind the other followed by a quick bob at the knee and a slight bow of the head. Gents only have to bow briefly from the neck. Deep curtsies and long pauses, however, show great respect especially when meeting the Queen.

Sitting Posture

Modesty is expected at all times even while sitting. Royal women shouldn’t cross their legs at the knee. Instead, they must keep their knees and ankles together, though they may cross their legs at the ankle for comfort. The “duchess slant” as popularized by Princess Catherine is another acceptable pose with the knees slanted to one side. In these three, hands must be linked and resting on one knee.

Holding a Teacup

No gentleman or lady deserves a royal title without knowing how to lift a cup correctly during tea time. The thumb and index fingers must hold the handle at the top while the middle finger goes to the bottom for support. Sipping must also be done on the same spot to keep the rim free off too many lipstick stains.

Dining Etiquette

Using silverware with the royals might seem daunting at first. For the basics, hold the knife with the right hand and the fork with the left. As for the fork, the tines must always face down, and should never be used to stab the food. Rather, food is balanced on the back of the fork when brought to the mouth.

Order of Precedence

Those wonderful royal weddings where everyone is neatly organized from the procession to the seating arrangement would not have been possible if not for a strict adherence to a specific order. At the head of the procession is the reigning monarch, followed by the entourage determined by order of birth, marriage, status of nobility, and other rules.

These and other rules have been passed down for generations in the history of British sovereignty. For a glimpse of these laws and customs, catch Reign every Tuesday at 9:00PM on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, SKYondemand, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

Follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/RTLCBSEntertainment/, @RTLCBSEntertain on Twitter, and @RTLCBSEntertainment on Instagram for more updates.

*On 01 January 2018, RTL CBS Entertainment will be renamed Blue Ant Entertainment.  Social media accounts will also change to Blue Ant Entertainment on Facebook, @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram, and @BlueAntEnt on Twitter.

Blue Ant Entertainment 

The general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. It features shows aired same day from the U.S. or U.K. including competitions Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. It is also home to some of the biggest award shows in the world. Aired ‘LIVE’, these include The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

Witness the IMPOSSIBLE: World’s Greatest Magic Show this season #SeeToBelieve #ImpossibleMNL

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Exciting. Thrilling. Amazing! The stage is set for the biggest magical spectacle this Holiday season as IMPOSSIBLE: World’s Greatest Magic Show finally arrives in Manila. Opening on Christmas Day, December 25^th to January 3^rd at the Araneta Coliseum, Filipinos will finally be able to see the much-awaited magical show live on stage.

Fresh from its record-breaking success in London’s West End, IMPOSSIBLE has been hailed by critics as “the Hottest Act in Town” (Daily Mail) for giving “variety, illusion and magic a brilliant, fresh spin” (The Stage). The Guardian describes IMPOSSIBLE as “a fiesta of trickery and illusion,” and "an absolute blast from start to finish!" says Hollywood News.

IMPOSSIBLE features six of the world’s most mind-blowing magical acts, fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance that reinvents the biggest illusions in history.

“We were overwhelmed by the welcome that London audiences showed IMPOSSIBLE last year and hot on the heels of our success in different parts of the world. We are delighted to be bringing our spectacular World Tour now to Manila.” says Jamie Hendry (Producer).

IMPOSSIBLE features Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, Explosive Street Magician Magical Bones, Mind-Blowing Mind-Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Master of Magic Ali Cook, and Comic Daredevil Bello Nock.

Video Commercial: https://youtu.be/E_XOAQc9ltA

Ben Hart and Magical Bones made the news headlines recently as they left Filipino audiences stunned with their up-close magic and sleight of hand tricks during their promo tour in Manila to announce the show.

“Wilbros Live is thrilled to bring the world’s greatest magic show IMPOSSIBLE to Manila. This is a must-see live spectacular for the whole family this coming holiday season,” adds executive producer Winston Llamas of Wilbros Live.

Don’t miss the much-awaited show. You have to See To Believe the IMPOSSIBLE!

Tickets at affordable prices – starting at P160. For ticket reservations, visit TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more information.

#SeeToBelieve #ImpossibleMNL

Celebrate Paskong Pilipino with Mang Inasal

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Filipinos are passionate about the Christmas season – it is the best time for gift-giving, merry-making, and dining in the company of loved ones. One thing that Pinoys look forward to in celebrating Paskong Pilipino is the noche buena and media noche where households get together to indulge over a grand feast of traditional and well-loved Filipino dishes.

For most families, it is a wonderful opportunity to bond in the kitchen, with each member contributing their favorite dishes to the noche buena and media noche spread. But not all households have the luxury of time to prepare the meals. So they resort to the next best thing: either to dine out or to buy cooked food. 

Luckily, Mang Inasal offers families a delightful menu of great-tasting local comfort food to make their noche buena feast truly special.

Those who are rushing home from work on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve can still provide a dinner for the family by visiting Mang Inasal and taking home servings of its juicy Chicken Inasal meal. They can also grab an additional Palabok Party Pan filled with its flavorful sauce combined with seasonings of shrimp, egg slices, chicharon bits, pork chunks, and spring onions.

Organizers of small gatherings with relatives or school buddies, especially those with balikbayans who have missed Filipino food, can hold them in any Mang Inasal store for the kaing Pinoy experience. The nuot sa ihaw sarap of the grilled chicken inasal, eaten with their choice condiments and unlimited rice, will surely bring back fond memories.

People who need to work through Christmas or New Year holidays can delight in Mang Inasal fiesta meals to celebrate with their officemates. Take a break and enjoy an order of Fiesta Inasal Meal that is packed with one-piece chicken inasal with rice, one-piece lumpiang togue, and a hearty serving of delicious palabok to experience home-cooked meal even while staying in the office.

Another Christmas tradition is watching movies in the local film festival that forms part of the itinerary of barkadas as they catch up with each other. Dissecting the film and sharing hugot moments are best done while enjoying Mang Inasal paborito meals and unlimited rice. Everyone can pick their choice of ulam from the tasty pork barbecue, sizzling pork or bangus sisig, and specially-marinated chicken inasal – pecho or paa. They can even indulge in a Christmas merienda with the cool, creamy Pinoy Halo-Halo and sweet leche flan.

With its savory food offerings that capture the distinct Filipino taste, Mang Inasal gives families an authentic eating experience, making the Paskong Pilipino salu-salo more memorable. 

About Mang Inasal 

Mang Inasal is the number one Pinoy barbecue brand that is known for its authentic fusion of traditional Pinoy cuisine with a fast-food concept. 

Today, Mang Inasal leads the market with its strong portfolio of Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Halo-Halo, and Palabok. Currently, the company has over 450 stores nationwide to cater to the growing love of Filipinos for the brand. 

The brand has also received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding Quick Service Restaurant and Most Outstanding Chicken Inasal restaurant from the 2010 Dangal ng Bayan Awards, and the Outstanding Filipino Franchise Award from the 2015 Franchise Excellence Awards.