Red Bull Cliff Diving Champions Embark on Diving Safari in South Africa

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MANILA, Philippines – On the lead up to the upcoming Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series – Season 11 kick-off in El Nido, Palawan, World Series Champions Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) and Gary Hunt (GBR) have embarked on a cliff diving safari in South Africa.

The record-breaking duo, Iffland and Hunt, scouted a number of locations that included majestic cataract falls and what is regarded as the greenest canyon on Earth at the Drakensberg escarpment in eastern Mpumalanga, South Africa. Iffland and Hunt found themselves particularly taken by Bourke’s Luck Potholes as an untouched diving spot.

“It was just incredible,” says 3-time Women’s World Series Champion, Rhiannan Iffland. “To come here, to experience the culture, to go on a safari and to dive at this mind-blowing location, it’s something special and it’s really something that I’m going to remember.”

South Africa’s Mpumalanga province is decorated with numerous waterfalls that include the Lisbon and Berlin Falls. The glorious sight of the jade-coloured water basins and cylindrical rock sculptures in Bourke’s Luck Potholes inspired cliff diving’s most decorated athletes to execute free-falls of up to 27m at speeds in excess of 85km/h before the season opener in the Philippines.

“The first high dives of the year are always a little bit nerve-racking,” shares Gary Hunt. “I have enough experience now to not be in a situation where my legs are shaking so much. In previous years it's been really tough, but I am much more confident in myself.”

Although 7-time champion Hunt is the one to catch, the ‘brilliant Brit’ knows it’s all up for grabs this season in the Men’s World Series. “My goal is to keep the title. It was a very close race last year and it was a shaky start so I would love to get off to a very strong start and stamp my foot down on this year’s title.”

For laid-back Rhiannan Iffland, the goal is to be more consistent and build bigger dives all through the season, while enjoying every adventure that comes along the way.

“Each new location is exciting, and it makes cliff diving feel brand new,” says Iffland. “That’s something I really love, to come out into exotic places like this and just explore and really challenge myself as a diver.”

The safari through South Africa was everything Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt needed in order to recharge their senses for the World Series’ 11th season. From diving into the fresh, jade waters of Bourke’s Luck Potholes to tossing coins over their shoulders into the canyon to leave bad luck behind, the champions are more than ready to kick-off the 2019 World Series in El Nido, Palawan!

Where to Watch Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Catch the live broadcast from El Nido on Red Bull TV, Facebook and Youtube on April 13th, 2019. Viewers in the Philippines may also watch the full event, along with the remaining six stops of the 2019 World Series, on S+A and iWant Sports (iwant.ph), 5PLUS and 5plus.com.ph, FOX Sports, FOX Sports GO, FOX+ app, online at http://www.foxsports.ph and on iFlix VOD service.

Visit and follow the World Series on Facebook (win.gs/cliffdivingelnido), Instagram (@redbullcliffdiving) and Twitter (@cliffdiving).

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to our athletes by vitalizing body and mind - supporting their professional career and helping them achieve milestones within their sport.

About Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Since 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has provided a platform for aesthetic free-falls and dives of ever growing complexity, spotlighting the sport’s finest athletes as well as the most promising talents and in 2014 it introduced a Women’s World Series. In its 11th season, the sport's best athletes will once again leap, twist and somersault from breath-taking heights with no protection, except their concentration, skill and physical control during seven demanding competitions around the world. 

For more info, visit http://www.redbullcliffdiving.com and check www.redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com for more editorial content. #RedBullCliffDiving

Celebrates a Decade of World's Best! #WeAreAllChampions AirAsia

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LONDON, 18 July 2018 – AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the tenth year in a row.

AirAsia won the accolade at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held yesterday at The Langham, London.

Ms. Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach with (R-L) , Director of Flight Operations Gomer Monreal First Officer Khristine Boniel, Capt. Kintanar, flanked by Cabin Crew

Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Aviation Industry’, the Skytrax Awards are the global benchmark of airline excellence with over surveyed worldwide by more than 105 nationalities, measuring standards across 49 key performance indicators of an airline’s frontline products and services.

AirAsia co-founder, Executive Chairman of AirAsia Group Berhad and Group CEO of AirAsia X Datuk Kamarudin Meranun accepted the award in London together with AirAsia’s long-serving Allstars from across the region.

The four selected Allstars were Acting Head of Ground Operations Ahmad Bin Ismail from Malaysia (17 years of service), Assistant Cabin Crew Manager Robert Anthony Gutierrez from the Philippines (7 years of service), Head of ICT Pipat Khunprakan from Thailand, AirAsia’s first staff in Thailand (15 years of service) and Assistant Flight Dispatch Manager Koji Kaneko who dispatched AirAsia Japan’s very first flight (4 years of service).

(Third from right standing) AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, (Sixth from right standing) Founder of AirAsia Dato Pahamin Ab Rajab, AirAsia CEOs and Cabin Crew.

Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said, “I’m honored to celebrate our record-breaking tenth win today with our Allstars who have been with us on this journey since the early days. This moment feels surreal. I remember the ecstatic feeling of being named the world’s best low-cost airline for the very first time ten years ago. I would have never imagined we would remain the world’s best for a decade. Thank you for your tremendous love and support. We will continue to champion low fares and hopefully transform many more lives in the process.”

AirAsia X was also presented World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Cabin for the sixth consecutive year. Chairwoman of AirAsia X Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz accepted the award for AirAsia X.

Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz said, “Any success and achievement by the AirAsia Group and AirAsia X Group is a direct contribution and value add of every Allstar. As such, it is important that levels of competency, efficiency, and performance be continuously enhanced and upgraded so that the companies will be able to maintain their world-class status in the highly competitive regional and global aviation industry. Everyone must strive to be an asset to the AirAsia Group and AirAsia X Group. Congratulations everyone!”

AirAsia also took home Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline, received by Deputy Group CEO (Airline Business) Bo Lingam who joined AirAsia in 2001 as a Ground Operations Manager.

Bo Lingam said, “In my seventeen years at AirAsia, I have witnessed how AirAsia has realised the dreams of more than half a billion people, especially in Asean. We have connected people and places, we have created jobs across the region, we have enabled small businesses to grow, and we have contributed to tourism in Asean and beyond. Knowing we have made a difference makes all the battles worth fighting.”

In true One AirAsia spirit, the win was celebrated across the group in AirAsia offices in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Bangalore and Nagoya, with a special live interactive show broadcasted on AirAsia’s Facebook page.

AirAsia also brings the celebration to major hub airports, namely KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2), Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok from 17 - 22 July, with boarding pass-enabled photobooths and a chance of winning tickets to their dream AirAsia destination.

As part of the celebration, AirAsia will be offering unbelievably low fares on 23 - 29 July on www.airasia.com and AirAsia mobile app. Guests also stand a chance to win one year of free flights* by participating in our #WeAreAllChampions social media contest. For more information, visit our Instagram (instagram.com/airasia) and Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia). *Terms & conditions apply

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach joined the #WeAreAllChampions celebration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Filipina beauty queen and global model celebrity flew in to Malaysia at 7:10 AM today via AirAsia flight from Manila with pilot in command AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador. (see photo)

"Pia exudes confidence and is never afraid to express her opinion. I am honored to be her pilot when she flew in from Manila to Kuala Lumpur via AirAsia flight this morning, and very proud that a Filipina, our queen, who possess both beauty and brain, is joining our celebration," Comendador said.

#ChampionPh : Robi Domingo hosts “Tapatan” with Queen of Philippine Cinema Miss Susan Roces

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Champion event  host celebrity Robi Domingo asked the media and guests "What exactly does “tapat” mean? "

This was the question posted by Champion Detergent in a “Tapatan with Ms. Susan Roces” held last August 18, 2015 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

People said it means "Loyal", "Sincere" or "Honest", one answered "Committment". Although people define it differently, what holds true across these definitions is that the intent always remains pure and honest – and this transcends both individuals and generations.

Just as “tapat” has been relevant before, it remains relevant even today and especially among today’s youth. And it is this value of katapatan that is shared strongly between Champion Detergent and its long-time brand endorser, Ms. Susan Roces.

The icon, veteran actress, the undisputed Queen of Philippine Cinema, Ms. Susan Roces, who was the perfect speaker for the event, talked about her own views on “katapatan” and how important it is in today’s modern world, especially with the younger generation.

And there was no better person to talk about this topic than veteran actress Ms. Susan Roces known for always delivering top rate performances and setting the standard upon which young actresses today are measured. 

Her new Champion TV commercial, which was also launched on the same day, asked the question, “Ang katapatan, mahalaga pa rin ba sa kabataan?” By the end of the 30-seconder, we are assured that “katapatan” remains a core value in the Filipino youth. The younger generation still finds it important to be true to one’s self, fight every battle fair and square, and do the best in every job even when nobody’s looking.

We are also assured that “katapatan” remains “uso” and relevant despite the influences of the modern age. In fact, manifestations of “tapat” manage to resurface time and again among millenials -- in their conversations and in social media. Reaffirming Champion’s belief that “tapat” truly is enduring across generations.

With the tagline, “Tapat po sa inyo,” Champion Detergent hopes to inspire every Filipino to perform every task with honesty and integrity. In the same way that the brand is constantly motivated by its belief in doing the right thing, thereby enabling Filipinas to have cleaner homes and better lives via products with uncompromised quality that they deserve.

Indeed, a Tapatan with the generous and inspirational Susan Roces was a tremendous event that truly upheld Champion Detergent’s principles, further proving what we Filipinos already know about the brand – “Tapat po sa inyo.”

For more information visit the Champion Detergent website at http://championclean.com.ph

McDonald’s CDO Crew Wins Global Award in Voice of McDonald’s Season 5

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Rocky Rosabal, McDonald’s CDO crew wins Global 1st Runner-Up Award in Voice of McDonald’s Season 5 finals held recently during McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Orlando, Florida last May 1. 

With the song "Faithfully",  young talent from Cagayan de Oro, Rocky Rosabal, won in The Voice of McDonald’s Season 5, a global singing competition exclusively for over 1.8 million McDonald’s employees all around the world.

Rocky shared his feeling and stories to the media guests during the homecoming celebration at the Greenbelt McDonald’s in Makati City last Friday, May 9, 2014.

Rocky never imagined his humble job as a crew member would lead him to sing before thousands of people in an international singing competition. 

Behind the kitchen, from holding cooking wares and mops at McDonald’s CDO Divisoria branch,hides a budding international singing competition winner.

“Before, I performed at acoustic bars in CDO but most of the time, there were no customers. No one usually watched me,” Rocky said. “(But) with 15,000 people watching me that night, ibang iba yung feeling,” he recalled.

The McDonald’s CDO crew member made McDonald’s Philippines and his hometown proud with his heartfelt performance of “Faithfully”, popularized by the band Journey, in front of a crowd of more than 15,000 strong.

Aside from being first runner up, Rocky was also hailed as ‘Fan Favorite’ in a public online voting contest, winning him a cash prize of USD5,000.

Voice of McDonald’s is arguably the largest global singing competition of its kind. Fifty-eight thousand McDonald's crew and managers entered local competitions in 63 countries this season, which culminated in a grand competition judged by music industry heavy weights David Foster, Ken Hertz and Skylar Grey.

McDonald’s Philippines CEO and President Kenneth Yang said, “A large part of McDonald’s success is attributed to our people. Our crew members and managers work tirelessly to provide the best service to millions of Filipinos, thus we are dedicated in investing heavily on their training and offering them opportunities to help them grow as individuals.” 

“The entire McDonald’s Philippines system congratulates Rocky for his success in the competition and once again showing the world how hardworking, driven and talented our local crew is. Voice of McDonald’s is truly a great way to set the spotlight on the people who make McDonald’s magic happen every day in our restaurants”, Yang added

Other countries represented during the Finals were Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Norway, Ukraine, Israel, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada and Australia. 

The Road to the Global Finals

Rocky describes his Voice of McDonald’s experience as “life-changing,” from his regional audition in Davao City to the star-studded grand finals in Florida.

During the local Voice of McDonald’s search, Rocky emerged from a pool of 500 restaurant crew and managers to make it to the top 12 finalists to become the Philippines’ Voice of McDonalds Local Grand Winner. The Local Finals was held at the SMX Convention Centre and aired in ABS CBN and Studio 23. 

Classical singer Lucila Ospitia from Colombia was this season’s grand winner, while Ashlae Nelms from Illinois, USA and Patrick Reis from Switzerland won third and fourth place respectively.

Rocky admits that a lot of preparation and practice was done for the regional competition. After undergoing extensive training from prominent voice and performance coaches to working with professional music arrangers, his efforts were met with a spot in the Grand Finals.

Global Company, Golden Opportunities

Voice of McDonald’s global finalists win a once-in-a-lifetime experience through travel and interaction with McDonald’s employees from all over the world, as well as prizes that not only further fuel their passion for their craft but aid them financially as well. 

McDonald’s continues and will remain committed to developing their people through training opportunities and unique employee engagement programs—solidifying why McDonald’s is a fun and great place to work.

McDonald's Philippines have always supported the competition and strongly encourage their employees to join because that is a great way to recognize their talents and reward their hard work.

For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph.