Bring home a new and exciting mamon treat your kids can’t resist! White Choco Almond Mamon blends white choco goodness with crunchy almonds!

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Bringing home food for everybody is one of the most enjoyable activity of everyone - family, friends and for gifts. Bringing home “pasalubong” for our kids have always been part of our culture. Whether there is an occasion or not, seeing our loved ones’ eyes light up brings warmth to our hearts and makes a stressful day seem worth it, especially, if the treat you bring home is joyfully appreciated by the people receiving it.

While there are many things that you can bring home as “pasalubong,” a new and delightfully different treat never fails to surprise your family, especially if it is from Red Ribbon, one of the most loved bakeshop chains in the country.

This time, Red Ribbon introduces another exciting and indulgent treat with the latest addition to its mamon staples—the new Red Ribbon White Choco Almond Mamon.

Red Ribbon’s While Choco Almond Mamon perfectly blends soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth white chiffon, creamy white chocolate and crunchy almond bits for a combination that is both heavenly and indulgent. It’s a sweet treat that kids and grown ups cannot resist!

“We, at Red Ribbon, are always finding ways to give our customers new treats that they will enjoy and love. The new mamon variant promises a new exciting experience,” said Ned Bandojo, head of marketing of Red Ribbon. “The right combination of white chocolate and almonds make this a treat that will turn even the simplest moments into a sweeter and more memorable experience.”

The new White Choco Almond Mamon joins Red Ribbon’s other mamon flavors like the Butter Mamon, Cheesy Mamon, Caramel Mamon, Creamy Mamon, Mocha Mamon, Cookies and Cream Mamon, and Ube Mamon. Like the other much-loved mamons, the White Choco Almond Mamon is sure to make a perfect pasalubong and pambaon treat.

Customers can now enjoy the new mamon for only PhP24 a piece. However, if they buy the five-piece bundle pack, they can get it for only PhP99.00, saving up to PhP21.00! 

The White Choco Almond Mamon is available in all Red Ribbon stores nationwide starting February 28, 2017.

As one of the fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country, Red Ribbon is dedicated to making everyday moments more special by bringing new, exciting, and delicious cakes, breads, and pastries. 

To know more about Red Ribbon’s many delights, visit www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph.

Epson Named Among Top 100 Global Innovators for Sixth Consecutive Year

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TOKYO, Japan, February 28, 2017 - Seiko Epson Corporation was listed among the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators announced by Philadelphia-based Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters. Epson has been named to the list every year since its inception in 2011. 

Hirofumi Hino from Clarivate Analytics’ office in Japan presented Toshiya Takahata, executive officer and general administrative manager of Epson’s Intellectual Property Division, with a trophy to commemorate the occasion.

Takahata (right) accepting the trophy from Hirofumi Hino of Clarivate Analytics

Reasons for selection (cited by Clarivate Analytics)

The Top 100 Global Innovators methodology analyzes patents across four main criteria (volume, success, globalization, and influence). Epson has been selected for the list largely in recognition of its success rate, a metric that indicates the ratio of patents granted to the number of applications filed.

Intellectual property at Epson

Epson files about 4,000 patent applications a year. It holds and maintains about 50,000 patents globally and is working with patent agencies in 20 countries or more at any given time. In the patent rankings for the 2015 fiscal year, Epson ranked 7th in Japan for the number of patents awarded, 16th in the United States, and 15th in China (among foreign companies). Epson possesses world-class IP capabilities and is an industry leader in patent quantity and quality in product categories such as inkjet printers and projectors. 

Comments from Toshiya Takahata, executive officer and general administrative manager of Epson’s Intellectual Property Division

“I am extremely pleased and proud that Epson has once again been honored with inclusion on the Top 100 Global Innovators list. Epson’s business strategies and intellectual property strategies are closely linked under the Epson 25 Corporate Vision. The acquisition of high-quality patents that contribute to our business is a high priority for us. I think Clarivate Analytics was able to see and appreciate what we have been doing, and that’s why we again made the Top 100 Global Innovators list. Intellectual property expands the potential of Epson’s current businesses as well as our future businesses. The Intellectual Property Division will continue to work closely with research and development departments to achieve Epson’s aim of becoming a truly indispensable company by creating products and services that help to make the world a better place.”

Top 100 Global Innovators

Clarivate Analytics analyzes intellectual property and patent trends based on proprietary data to determine the world’s most innovative corporations and institutions. The analysis covers four main criteria: volume, success, globalization, and influence. Begun in 2011, the Top 100 Global Innovators report is now in its sixth year.

( #lifegoals ) How millennials are affording the life they want today

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Travel is now an escape, a reward, and a passion for all, and millennials are embracing this newfound love with a gutsy attitude and an effective strategy to boot. 

Smart travelers Adrian Cailao, JJ Se and Aia Tabal share their secrets on how to travel freely, sign up for graduate school, and pursue multiple dreams today. 

Get started on your #lifegoals

"I usually travel with a group of friends. We plan ahead, about a year in advance. We look for airline seat sales. We read blogs on budget traveling and we have a pool for travel fund," Adrian expertly explains. 

Certified millennial traveler Adrian enjoys quick escapes while working on his life goals.

Listing traveling under his core interests, this 29-year-old has explored much of the archipelago, experiencing the Philippines' most beautiful for self-discovery and relaxation.

His colleague JJ agrees with him. He says travel is a great means to expand his range of experiences. "I've seen the hanging coffins in Sagada, experienced the culinary heritage of Central Luzon, and explored the underground river of Palawan. I also went on my first solo flight abroad to Malaysia and Singapore last year."

JJ, however, is the first to say that dreams don’t just fall into one’s lap. When he isn’t out posting his adventures on Instagram, this traveler is busy shuttling between his work in Alabang and UP Diliman for his graduate classes. He explains, “I live in the south so I have to go back again, go home to get rest, and repeat the routine the following day.” 

Another achievement unlocked. Aia adds Norway to places she has visited. 

Fortunately, he has a colleague like Aia, who he can look up to. Newly-graduated from Ateneo Business School, the MBA-Regis degree holder is now looking for a fresh set of adventures. “I plan to enroll in baking or cooking classes. For travel goals, I am planning my next trip to Australia and Maldives. My sister and I went to Norway just a few months back. Now, we’re drafting our shared travel list,” Aia excitedly adds. 

No one would have guessed that this career-driven millennial is also a wanderlust and has explored much of the Philippines and popular Asian destinations like China, Korea, and Japan.

Win your own success with this millennial secret

Millennials do not wait for a “break” to excel, achieve, and experience the world. Adrian, JJ and Aia exemplified this, when they decided to invest in the life that they want. Their Insular Life policies have helped them outline their adventures, without sacrificing their personal milestones. 

JJ allots time to enjoy Philippine marvels like the San Juanico Bridge. 

JJ explains, “Honestly, I didn’t understand the importance of life insurance before. To me, it was something that ‘adults’ should get, in case something bad or unexpected happens to them. I didn’t know it as a tool that can help me fund my goals.” 

Adrian reveals that, at his age, he already has two years’ worth of financial tracking records. He uses them to strategize on his spending and investments. "If a travel would not fit the budget, I have to say 'no'. I've learned to focus on my goals and now I am building up my insurance policies and investment profits to fund my next travel goals in Europe and America.”

For Aia, saving up for goals is just a matter of developing the right habits. She says, “I compute my expected cash inflow for the year, deduct expenses including my premiums for Insular Life’s Wealth Secure, and then plan out my trips. If budget permits, I also do top-ups for my Wealth Builder policy, because I’m planning to withdraw some of it for my future international trips.”

Follow these thrill seekers and enjoy living in the moment, not just for the moment. Start your own Magandang Araw with Insular Life and plan ahead to secure a fulfilling, financially-free and exhilarating Magandang Bukas. 

Visit www.insularlife.com.ph/ to know how you can start achieving your #adulting goals.

Vincent Soberano's action horror thriller film "Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids" stars Sarah Chang

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"Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids" is an action-packed fantasy/martial arts film by director Vincent Soberano. 

Vincent Soberano

One exclusive interview with Director Vincent Soberano, a real martial art expert and eight times Muay Thai world Champion shared to us that his main motivation in doing the action thriller film Blood Hunters is to promote Filipino martial arts in Filipino movies to the international audiences. This sets the stage of a new era of Filipino action films penetrating the international market. " They’ve used Filipino martial arts in blockbuster action films like John Wick, Jason Bourne, Frankenstein and other films, no one knows its Filipino because its always portrayed by Hollywood stars. I think it's time to change it. A cultural, martial arts, fantasy action film is always a great combination if done right. This is the perfect blend that we want to achieve."

We also meet "Blood Hunters" lead female star Sarah Chang, American Born Chinese action actress and Wushu Practioner, Sarah Chang, five-time USA National Wushu Team member.

Growing up influenced in martial arts from childhood and having trained with the likes of those familiar with action star Jet Li. Sarah now is candidate for Mulan movie. Excitingly, Sarah shared that an independent trailer for The Rise of Mulan show her in the title role.

She said that in the Blood Hunters movie, her character as Gabriela, "never gives up on conquering the pain, conquering yourself. Gabriela never gives up, Vince (Soberano's character) will never give up on his dream. Blood Hunters will conquer the world." 

Sarah said that the film will promote and showcase different kinds of martial arts from all over the world.

“And what it is to work with all different cultures in the world. Like martial arts is its own community, we all speak martial arts,” said Sarah.

"Blood Hunters" combines bone-crunching martial arts action with mysterious and mythical characters from ancient Filipino folklore. A secret organization hires ruthless mercenaries to hunt down the queen of aswang, an underworld species. Their goal: to extract her blood, which has the capability of bringing humans back from the dead and transforming them into aswang creatures.

The 1st Filipino International Action-Fantasy-Martial Arts Movie "Blood Hunters" is set to show the world that Asian actors for Asian roles is the new Hollywood.

Be your own ‘iconic’: five ways to re-master your Levi’s

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We all have at least one old pair of Levi’s jeans that will always be our favorite. For this reason, the timeless brand suggests a clever way to reuse these well-loved pairs and make them even better: re-mastering. This technique inspires us to experiment with Levi’s jeans and personalize these to suit our individual styles. After all, the Levi’s brand has always been about authenticity and originality—and Levi’s pieces are perfect canvasses for self-expression. 

Here, Levi’s very own master tailors share tips and tricks on how to make your Levi’s as original as you are, so you can be your own ‘iconic’. 

• Taper your jeans. If you want a skinnier look for your Levi’s jeans or need to keep your cuffs out for a reason, you can taper its legs. 

Here’s how to do it: first, pin your leg taper and rip out the ankle hems. Trace a line along your pins, and sew this line—this will be the new inseam. Rip out the old inseam; iron your new inseam flat; and sew the ankle hems.

• Get the destructed look. Distressed jeans are all the rage right now—a trend almost as ageless as the Levi’s brand. If you’re thinking of giving your Levi’s jeans an update, distressing is one way to go. 

Try this: With a pen, mark the spot in your jeans where you’d like to distress. Line your denim with a cardboard and cut through the jeans using a dull knife. Do this repeatedly until you achieve the desired effect. Finally, use a razor for a more frayed look. 

• Make cut-offs. Tired of your old pair of Levi’s but have trouble letting it go? Shorten it!

First, choose your desired length. Next, mark this line before making the chop. Then, distress your piece and wash to wrap up the look. Ta-dah, you now have a pair of Levi’s cropped jeans or distressed denim shorts! 

• Add panels to your Levi’s. Give your old Levi’s a touch of rock-and-roll by adding black leather panels. Levi’s master tailors share how-to’s:

First, mark where you want to place your panels, then trace lines on these. Proceed with measuring and marking your black leather fabric, then cut panels to the right size. 

Next, rip out the outside seams within the marks you made. Pin and sew the panels in place. Finally, flip your Levi’s jeans inside out and sew the outside seam closed. 

• Patch it up. Have your favorite Levi’s jeans acquired holes from wear and tear? Patch up holes—and other tears and tatters—with these easy steps:

Get your desired fabric for patching up, and cut this to the right size—just slightly larger than the hole. Pin the fabric in place, and hand-stitch around the hole. Again, use a sharp razor for additional fraying. 

If you’re doubtful about your tailoring skills, Levi’s still got your back. From time to time, Levi’s sets up tailor shops in various Levi’s outlets and stores and brings master tailors who personalize Levi’s pieces for customers and celebrities. 

Watch for the next Levi’s Tailor Shop and have your Levi’s jeans customized, too. 

ABOUT THE LEVI’S®BRAND

The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans has become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world—capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal styles. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com.