Making reunions REAL again this Holiday Season

Tweet

Filipinos are all about family. The mandatory family reunion happens not just once or twice a year, but every chance possible. From Birthdays to graduations all the way to the grand Christmas reunion, family gatherings are always filled with food, catching up, and loads of wholesome family fun.

Lately, we’ve seen many changes in traditional family dynamics — from a simple meal to dance numbers by the grandkids. Families are reaching out to friends and relatives abroad through technology. While technology can be used to connect people, it can also become a wall between family members.

How many times have you walked into a room and you are ignored by everyone hooked on their gadgets? This is the reality that has become the new norm. The simple act of truly connecting has become a valuable commodity that needs to be safeguarded by everyone in the family.

This Holiday season, a brand has decided to take action to advocate for real connections. It’s not asking you to completely give up your created social media life but to at least save the dining table from it — to keep shared family moments Real again.

El Real is a pasta brand that plans to espouse this habit of safeguarding the dining moment from gadget distraction. As a beloved family brand, El Real will position itself as the champion for Real Family moments. The brand focuses on a typical family where we see the journey from the time the kids are growing to present time in order to dramatize the big shift in the way things are. The absence of technology encourages real bonding between siblings and their mother while in the present, gadgets have isolated each one from the intended bonding that should happen during the family reunion.

This advocacy is a good positioning for the brand El Real as it puts purpose to a very familiar product: pasta and sauce. Spaghetti and Macaroni being a staple in most Filipino gathering, can remind us that there is so much for us to share with everyone and that each enjoyable moment is an opportunity to create real moments. The plan is to launch the advocacy campaign this holiday season by using the traditional Christmas reunion but eventually to progress to other family bonding moments. Here we are faced with an opportunity to create new traditions, which will reflect each family’s desire to have a more real meaningful connection that’s free from any distractions.

This is just the beginning for El Real in its pursuit to make real relevance to Filipino families. Let’s start creating Real Moments with El Real.

Make REAL moments this Holiday Season.

#REALunion #Realmoments

For more details, like and Follow El Real’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/iloveelreal/

Click the link to watch the videos: 

https://www.facebook.com/iloveelreal/posts/2100433859995752

 https://www.facebook.com/iloveelreal/videos/2280899115524105/.

Discovery Group Hotels & Resorts a member of TripAdvisor's "Most Excellent" large hotel chain

Tweet

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, has earned the prestigious distinction of being named the number one “Most Excellent” large hotel chain in the world by TripAdvisor. For its first-ever “Most Excellent” awards, TripAdvisor selected the winners based on which brands have the highest percentage of Certificate of Excellence recipients globally for 2018. With 532 distinctive properties within its global brand portfolio boasting this prominent seal, Preferred Hotels & Resorts made the top of the list in the “large hotel chains” category (>500 hotels). 

Discovery Primea, Discovery Shores Boracay and Discovery Suites are all a part of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts portfolio, in the L.V.X, Lifestyle and Connect Collections respectively. All three were among the 532 member hotels receiving the prominent TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence seal in 2018, which brought Preferred Hotels & Resorts to the top of the list in the “large hotel chains” category (>500 hotels). 

“Being a part of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts is already an accomplishment in itself,” says Jun Parreño, Discovery World Corporation president. “This recognition by the TripAdvisor community, and the 2018 Certificate of Excellence seal, strengthens our world-class standing of The Discovery Leisure Company, Inc. properties. Our guests can continue to experience the luxury and award-winning service that Discovery properties are known for.” 

“This ‘Most Excellent’ award is testament to the dedication of our incredible member hotels that continuously inspire travelers by delivering genuine and memorable hospitality experiences in a way that only independent hotels can,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition by the TripAdvisor community, and look forward to connecting even more travelers to the unique story that each of our hotels has to share.” 

The Preferred Hotels and Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 700 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 85 countries. Properties that are part of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts brand assure discerning travelers that only the highest standards, unparalleled service, and a singular luxury hospitality experience is to be expected in the property they are staying in -- qualities that Discovery Primea, Discovery Shores Boracay and Discovery Suites are known for.

To learn more about TripAdvisor's "Most Excellent" awards and its methodology and to review the complete rankings, visit TripAdvisor's press room. 

To browse all of the independent hotel experiences available within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio, visit www.PreferredHotels.com.

Lights, Camera, Party at SM Cinema’s Event Cinema

Tweet

Have you ever imagined having an exclusive event at the cinema with your movie of choice playing? 

Look no further as SM Cinema brings you Event Cinema, a venue for special parties that make unforgettable moments come to life.

Event Cinema is located at SM Mall of Asia. It is equipped with a 4D theatre and holds a 45-seating capacity. From kiddie parties to corporate junctions, there’s a special package for any private function here. 

Have a particular theme in mind? No worries, as Event Cinema allows customized packages to fit every party need. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the party as Event Cinema takes care of every need including food, invitations, loot bags and decors. 

Book your events through www.smcinema.com/Home/eventcinema. You may also buy tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com, or get the SM Cinema app to book your ticket and skip the line. 

Download the SM Cinema app now through the App store and Google Play. Stay tuned to /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more information.

Experience a breakthrough in digital entertainment experience at home with Globe Streamwatch Xtreme

Tweet

Globe launches the world’s first all-in-one home entertainment device for only P2999 

Introducing a global innovation in home Internet and entertainment technology, Globe Telecom launches Globe Streamwatch Xtreme - the world’s first all-in-one device with fast home internet, free local TV channels, and Internet TV with 1M videos, shows, and movies. 

Globe Streamwatch Xtreme has internet connection that is 2x faster, 2X stronger, 2x wider coverage than pocket wifi device. Since this is prepaid, you also have no monthly bill and it’s reloadable. Plus, you can watch clear live local free TV channels without eating into your load. It is also a Set Top Box which gives you the power to select and stream from a variety of online content like Youtube and Facebook videos and many more that everyone in the family can enjoy. 

“Content streaming and viewing are now one of the core activities of Filipino households. These are now how families spend quality time with one another at home,” says Martha Sazon, SVP and Head of Broadband Business at Globe Telecom. “Globe Streamwatch Xtreme is specifically designed to satisfy the Filipino customers’ cravings for the best and latest in international and local content in a more accessible, user-friendly and affordable way.” 

Multiple devices can be connected to the Globe Streamwatch Xtreme at the same time for the whole family. What’s more, Globe Streamwach Xtreme is also videoke-ready with two built-in microphone outlets for those who enjoy the signature Filipino home past time. 

Globe Streamwatch Xtreme is available in select Globe stores located in Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal and regional centers, Cebu and Davao for an introductory price of P2999 (that’s P2000 off from the standard retail price of P4,999) starting December 15, 2018. With this new all-in-one device, Globe At Home Prepaid strengthens its commitment to providing the Filipino customer with the best that the international and local entertainment has to offer. 

Mang Inasal: where ‘solb’ eaters feast

Tweet

Mang Inasal turns 15 today. Since it opened its first store in Iloilo in 2003, this quick service restaurant has grown from a local must-visit store to the favorite hangout of ‘solb’ eaters throughout the country.

Mang Inasal’s 500th store, which opened in June 2018, showcases the latest design that considers customer convenience, production efficiency, and an aesthetic sense that gives a provincial, homey grillery vibe.

‘Solb’ eaters are those who go for delicious, satisfying Chicken Inasal, without qualms of eating it with their bare hands and usually with unli rice, doused with their favorite mix of chicken oil, soy sauce, vinegar, calamansi and chili.

“Seeing solb eaters feast in a Mang Inasal store is such a heartwarming sight!” said Mang Inasal Strategic Business Unit Head Jojo P. Subido. “It validates all the hard work we have put into running a restaurant whose menu carries superior tasting food and whose crew go the extra mile in delighting the customers.”

Proud of its evolution

Looking back at how the business has evolved, Mang Inasal takes pride in becoming the leading grilled chicken based on occasion and value shares in Metro Manila’s branded eat out category, a claim supported by a recent Kantar study.

“We are, indeed, very happy to note that Mang Inasal was able to reach this position,” Subido said. “We could not have done it without the support of all our valuable stakeholders – from franchisees and employees to our suppliers and customers.

“We cannot thank you enough for all your support through the years. With our continued partnership, we look forward to more milestones to achieve, both here and abroad,” Subido said.

Among the businesses under the Jollibee Foods Corporation, Mang Inasal is one of those who have grown significantly.

Team spirit and customer focus

“Teamwork drove such growth, the same spirit that enabled the Company to overcome the usual challenges confronting startups,” Subido shared.

“We painstakingly established a customer-centric mindset across our organization that prompted everyone to strictly comply with standards of food quality, workplace safety, and responsive service,” Subido said.

By setting in place an organization that provided strong manufacturing, restaurant services, and research and development support, Mang Inasal was likewise able to continually develop the consistent superior quality and taste of its flagship products -- Chicken Inasal and Pinoy Halo-Halo -- and elevate the customers' experience with the Brand.

Sustained business partnership

Mang Inasal also helped strengthen the capabilities of its partner Franchisees – who comprise 95 percent of the Company’s network of stores which this year, crossed the 500 mark. Apart from close coordination and monitoring, Mang Inasal saw to it that the Franchisees enjoy effective marketing, quality management and operational support.

In 2015 and 2017, respectively, Mang Inasal was recognized as the Outstanding Filipino Franchise in the Food Large Scale Category by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Franchise Association. Such feat earned for Mang Inasal a Hall of Fame distinction from the same award-giving organizations.

Perhaps the most tangible accomplishment of Mang Inasal is the improvement of its Brand image.

While it retained the same logo throughout the last 15 years to facilitate Brand recognition and recall, Mang Inasal did not leave any stone unturned in establishing solid positioning for its flagship and core products.

The irresistible claims of the “2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap” Chicken Inasal, the “So Creamy, So Sarap” Pinoy Halo-Halo, and the “Sizzling, Meaty Sarap” Pork Sisig further enticed the market not only to try these products, but to keep on coming back for more.

Strong brand image

Another factor, of course, has been the ‘unlimited rice’ offering that the customers have come to associate with dining at Mang Inasal. 

Supported by deliberate, sustained, and integrated on-ground activations that engaged customers all throughout the archipelago, as well as the online promotions that captured the attention of Millennials and Generation Z netizens, Mang Inasal has become a leading player in the branded eat out category.

“We are happy to note that Mang Inasal is slowly getting to where it aspires to be: a strong national icon,” Subido said. “We still have so much to do but the formidable team spirit we share with our various stakeholders will see us through as we intend to stay in the market for the long haul!”

Mang Inasal intends to further expand its network and hit 1000 stores within the next five years, while maintaining a predominantly franchised mix. Also afoot are plans to enter the international market.

How You Can Choose the Right Condo for Yourself

Tweet

Do you realize that choosing the right condo can be a challenging task? A lot of people find it daunting but you will not know how complicated it is until you are already trying to look for the right one. You can consider the physical aspect of the condo. The condo has to be attractive according to your standards. Beyond that, you need to look into the other characteristics that can make the condo amazing. You can check out santa monica ca condos for sale.

You may plan to invest in a condo or a house depending on your location. There may be venice canals houses for sale. There are various houses that come with their own characteristics that you will like as well. There are some things that you have to consider before you can effectively choose the place that you will call home.

● You would like to consider your budget. The home that you are going to invest on should be within your financial capacity. If you do not do this, then this can become problematic in the long run.

● It is also a good idea if you could check the developer of the property that you want to purchase. There are some properties that are more popular than others. There are also some that are more trusted because they have created more properties over the past few years. The reputation of the developer will always matter so you know that you will not be duped.

● Consider the security of the property. The location of the property is one of the things that will determine just how secure it is going to be. There are some condominium units that are also more secure as compared to others because of the security features available. If you are picking a condominium, you ought to find one that has easy to find fire exits.

● Get to know the possible neighbors that you are going to have. This is one of the deciding factors that will let you know how you comfortable you will be when you stay in a condominium.

There are different properties that you can find where you may choose to live. Finding the right property will make you feel at ease. You can contact the realtors in Brentwood to help you in finding the right places to choose from.

"One Great Love" This Holiday Season

Tweet

This Holiday Season, experience one inspiring love story with One Great Love, Regal Entertainment Inc.'s Christmas offering, which is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2018. 

One Great Love is a dream-come-ture movie project for Dennis Trillo, and JC de Vera, who both wanted to work with Kim Chiu.

Kim plays the role of Zyra, a woman believes that love will complete her and will bring her joy.

"Katulad ng maraming babae gusto lang siyang mahalin ng taong mahal nya at nahihirapan sya maglet go," Kim added.

JC is Carl, Zyra's one great love. But because of his turbulent past, Carl unintentinally keeps hurting the woman he loves.

While Dennis plays Ian, Zyra's dependable friend, who eventually falls in love with her. 

Direk Erik admires the dedications of Kim, JC, and Dennis.

"Chemistry between the actors of OGL came easy because they are all genuinely sincere actors. Walang mga arte and true to their crafy. And I can tell that they all love their work! Walang 'divaness' factor silang lahat. Usually, doon lang naman talaga lumalabas ang awkwardness, pag may mga feeling sa artista. I am so lucky that I worked with professional actors,' related Direk Erik

Direk Erik also admitted that Kim was nervous because it was her first time to her love scene.

"Like what I said, if an actor is sincere and is passionate about the craft, it doesn't become a challenge. We're very professional. But of course, you hear Kim shriek after the scene because she is already anticipating what her hans will think!" Said Direk Erik.

Kim added, "ayokong ipromote itong pelikula na to na as puro love scene lang, dito sa pelikula tinackle namin ang lahat when it comes to love. Kung pano ka magmahal, ibibigay mo ang lahat. Pag napanood mo ung buong pelikula, masasabi mong kailangan pala siya, maiintindihan mong mabuti yung movie pag nakita mo yung element na yun. 

According to the director of the movie, Direk Eric Quizon, "Sa movie, hindi kami puro humugot dito. Humuhugot kami emosyons pero hindi kami gumagamit ng hugot lines. Maganda yung storya ng pelikula, yun ang pinagmamalaki ko."

"This is a different kind of love story with all the twists, kilig, hugot, and puso."

One Great Love will introduce to us a number of characters, to which at least one of them we could relate to. Are you the type to cling to someone you love no matter what? Or Are you willing to let it go for someone you love? All these questions and some answers you can find in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Fest entry 'One Great Love'.

Directed by Enrico S. Quizon, One Great Love  starring Dennis Trillo, JC De Vera and Kim Chiu with Eric Quizon, Miles Ocampo, Marlo Mortel, Niña Dolino. 

ONE GREAT LOVE opens in cinemas on December 25th, Christmas Day, an Official Entry to the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival.

For more updates, follow Regal Entertainment Inc on Facebook and Youtube, @RegalFilms on Twitter, @RegalFilms50 on Instagram.

Shawarma Shack renews endorsement contract of Kathniel

Tweet

The fast rising brand in the shawarma industry, Shawarma Shack, has renewed the endorsement contracts of the country's most popular and phenomenal loveteam, Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. 

Present during the contract signing were Shawarma Shack owners, Walther Buenavista and Patty Collantes.

 "We continue to believe in the strong influence of Kathniel in promoting our product, that is why we never had second thoughts in renewing their endorsement contract with us, says Walther in the contract signing event held at Revolver Studio, where the newest Katnniel Shawarma Shack television commercial was filmed under the direction of Mark Meily.

"Since we acquired Daniel and Kathryn as our endorsers, our franchisees have doubled, even tripled and in 2019, we are bound to open more branches nationwide.

Indeed, we have grown so fast with Kathniel as our partners," Patty says.

"This is the most delicious shawarma in town and we are happy to endorse Shawarma

Shack. Mura na, buy one take one pa, and most of all, proudly Pinoy product pa," both Daniel and Kathryn say.

About  SHAWARMA SHACK

SHAWARMA SHACK is the home of the best value-for-money shawarma offering in the country.

This irresistible proposition of buy-one-take-one with competitive pricing generates strong demand, long lines and healthy revenue streams for the company and franchisees. The business started in 2015 as a simple food cart concept which grew from one store to more than 300 stores nationwide in just a period of three years.

Due to increasing demand, the company started its franchising business in 2017 and now has 300 business partners who benefit from the craze brought about by the Shawarma Shack. The company is committed to providing quality products and services to all its customers and make its buy-one-take-one concept last forever.

HUMBLE BEGINNING

SHAWARMA SHACK started as a small shawarma food cart in the night market of Divisoria, Manila. It's palatable shawarma products combined with its buy-one-take-one offering easily made it famous to Filipinos from all walks of life.

The brains behind this concept, which is unprecedented in the industry are Mr. Walther Uzi Buenavista (President and CEO) and Mrs. Patricia Buenavista (Vice President), who aim to delight customers with their affordable Filipino-Mediterranean cuisine.

PRODUCTS

Shawarma Wrap Beef or chicken Shawarma served wrapped in warm pita bread with cucumber, tomato, onion and three sauces of customer's choice.

Shawarma Rice - Beef or chicken Shawarma served with rice, cucumber, tomato, onion and three sauces of customer's choice.

Kebab - Grilled kebab marinated in special spices served with pita bread or rice, grilled tomato and onion, and three sauces of customer's choice

Chicken Tikka - Chicken marinated in turmeric and special Mediterranean spices served with pita bread or rice, grilled tomato and onion, and three sauces of customers choice

Keema - Pure ground beef with special spices and green peas, served with a pair of pita bread or rice, and three sauces of customer's choice

Boneless Chicken Beryani - Boneless chicken barbecue marinated in special Mediterranean served with rice, grilled tomato and onion, and three sauces of customer's choice.

Lamb Chops -  Grilled lamb chops marinated in special Mediterranean spices, served with rice, grilled tomato and onion, and three sauces of custoner's choice

Shawarma Over Fries - Beef or chicken Shawarma served over fries with three sauces of customer's choice.

Thousands of Angkas riders and bikers join Unity Ride to decry gov't descrimimation

Tweet

Thousand of Angkas riders, joined a massive Unity Ride this Sunday as they decry the LTFRB's continued drive to shut down their operations permanently. 

To air their grievances on the double plate issue and motortaxi oppression, 8 thousand riders, almost half of them are from Angkas and 2,000 bikers from different motorcycle clubs in Metro Manila and nearby provinces drove to  and from Kalayaan Shrine on EDSA, heading northward towards Centris near Quezon Avenue, then making a U-turn to head back to the Kalayaan Shrine. 

The Angkas riders have been airing their frustration over not being able to serve the commuters and earn a living, in the light of a recent Supreme Court Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) junking a previous RTC injunction that prevented the LTFRB from apprehending Angkas riders. 

Many Metro Manila commuters said in the social media that  Angkas service has been a valuable help with their transportation woes.

Motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas complies and follow the SC TRO 

"Angkas  will and continue to comply with the Supreme Court TRO, " ANGKAS said during the press conference held on Sunday, December 16, 2018, with Romeo Maglungsod, Chairman of Solid Manila Riders Club, Robert Balano, Manila Riders Officer,  George Royeca, Angkas Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs,  David Medrana, Angkas Operations Head, Rod Cruz,  Arangkada,  Ryan Rilera, Taguig Spartan.  

Angkas official, clarified that they are not in defiance of the SC TRO, despite their frustration over its issuance. 

"We are will and continue to comply with the Supreme Court TRO" Angkas Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs George Royeca clarified. 

"As such, we will not prevent the LTFRB from apprehending our bikers and have instructed them to comply with the authorities should they be apprehended and always be courteous and respectful of the officers." 

Royeca also revealed that Angkas officials have been reaching out to DOTR and LTFRB for an open dialogue with them to find solutions for the Filipino riding public. 

"Using various media channels, the LTFRB has made clear its intent to crack down on Angkas bikers, citing a very narrow interpretation of the law. Yet we have on various occasions presented the LTFRB with different options to move forward together," Royeca noted. "We have always believed that regulation, not prohibition, is key," he added. 

Because of the apprehensions initiated by the LTFRB, many of the Angkas bikers are scared of going out and taking rides from commuters. "This has put around 25,000 0f our rider-partners out of a decent livelihood, and during the holiday season, too, when their families need their income the most," David Medrana, Angkas Operations Head, stressed. 

"It is also unfortunate that the Supreme Court issued the TRO at a time when hundreds of thousands of commuters need the Angkas service to beat the worsening holiday traffic," Medrana rued. 

Angkas rider-partner Romeo Maglungsod, Chairman of Solid Manila Riders Club, denounced the harassment of the LTFRB and decried his sudden loss of livelihood. "Napakasakit po ng nangyari sa amin. Sa isang iglap, bigla na lang kaming nawalan ng hanapbuhay," Maglungsod said. 

"Hindi man lang kami nabigyan ng abiso. Biglang-bigla. Kung kelan magpa-Pasko, saka pa kami natanggalan ng disenteng kabuhayan. Ang saklap naman ng aginaldo ng LTFRB," Maglungsod added. 

"The LTFRB has been claiming that they are doing this because of safety reasons," Medrana also noted. "But, we are proud to say that Angkas has a safety record of 99.997%—considering all our rider-partners and all their trips. This is much higher than the safety record of all non-Angkas motorcycle riders in the country and proves how serious we are in our commitment to the safety of our riders and their passengers," he revealed.