Isla Lipana & Co. extends Philippine Gems voting to September 25

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Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of PwC, has extended the voting period for Philippine Gems, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, until September 25.

Launched in June of this year, www.philippinegems.com is a campaign to determine the country’s top ten new tourist destinations.

The campaign has drawn nearly 40,000 votes so far with online voting to identify 10 Philippine Gems out of the 25 shortlisted travel destinations.

“By extending the voting period, we are providing every opportunity available to promote our country to our citizens and to the rest of the world,” said the new Isla Lipana & Co. Chairman, Atty. Alex Cabrera. “We are grateful to everyone who supports this project and we hope that we are able to increase awareness and appreciation of the beauty our country.”

“To add to this, local tourism offices and local government have been rallying and inviting their constituents to vote and support their sites. This positive effect we have been getting has inspired us to extend it to give more time for other sites to also rally their supporters,” Cabrera added.

The Philippine Gems aims to showcase the many other magnificent natural wonders that the Philippines has to offer from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

This project of Isla Lipana & Co. is in cooperation with the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (PTB) of the Department of Tourism (DOT) , and the University of the Philippines-Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT). Aside from PTB/DOT and UP-AIT, other members of the screening committee were representatives from FleishmanHillard Manila, Management Association of the Philippines, travel blogger James Betia and media personalities Love Añover, Jing Lejano and Jose Javier Reyes.

For more information about the Philippine Gems and to cast your votes now visit www.philippinegems.com.

Acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra remains grateful for blessings

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I always remember "Little Miss Philippines",  "Aiza Kabisote, daughter of Enteng Kabisote in Okey Ka Fairy Ko!", "Wake Up Little Susie", "Pagdating ng Panahon", "Acoustic Artist of the Year", "Sessionistas", "Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa".

History becomes Cariza Yamson Seguerra, well known as Aiza Seguerra singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress. She remains to be the most successful child star story in local entertainment scene.

Her 26-year-old career started when she joined a nationwide TV contest when she was 4 years old, After she becomes Eat Bulaga!'s Little Miss Philippines 1987, child star starring in several movies and TV shows.

She began pursuing a career in music; singing and playing the guitar. Her single Pagdating ng Panahon became a major hit in 2001. She was voted Best Female Recording Artist in Awit's Award. Her song "Pagdating ng Panahon" won for Best Pop Recording, Best Produced Record of the Year and also for the "Song of the Year award! This  enabled her to start a music career.  She has dabbled in acting for TV and movies, recording, composition, stage musicals, and concerts. 

Acoustic sensation Aiza Seguerra became the biggest child star and eventually one of the most respected performers in the country.

Last September 10, we had the very fun day, birthday press conference held at Sir Boy’s Food Republique, Panay Avenue, Quezon City.

This September 28 at the Araneta Coliseum, Aiza, who is also celebrating her 30th birthday, is all set to unleash her power in Power of Two opposite Charice. It must be remembered that Aiza had a sold-out show same time last year at the Big Dome for her 25th year in showbiz billed Bente Singko.

Power of Two, produced by Wilbros Live and E-TALent Events, also celebrates 30 years, and gives fans a preview of bigger things to come in her 26th year in showbiz.

Aiza expressed gratitude for the public’s continued support in her major undertakings, may it be on TV, musical theater, concert stage or recording.

On television, the former child star continues to shine on the number one morning series ABS-CBN’s Be Careful with My Heart as the supportive Kute.

Aiza’s mettle as an actor was again highlighted in her participation in two musicals – as the charming Genie in the kid-friendly Aladdin and as the fearless Regina in Rock of Ages. Both musicals were produced by Atlantis Productions.

She also lent her beautiful voice to the Grand Prize-winning entry of Joven Tan in the ABS-CBN/Star Records’ 2013 Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs – Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa.

She also supported the hit musical Katy by recording her version of Minsan Ang Minahal Ay Ako. On the concert stage, Aiza proved that he is one artist respected by her fellow musicians. She shared the stage with Noel Cabangon in a two-night successful concert billed Tambayan Hits. She also was blessed with an endorsement deal this year- St. Augustine School of Nursing.

This September, she once again teams up with Charice to complete Power of Two. It must be remembered that Charice expressed her desire to work with Aiza in a concert, and the latter obliged, so the concert became a reality.

In between these engagements, Aiza toured the world to share her gift of music to Filipinos. She has done shows in, among others, US, UAE and Australia.

Her 25th year may be a big triumph for Aiza, but there seems to be no stopping her from achieving more in her career. She will be part of two MMFF entries – MZET/OctoArts’My Little Bossing with Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Bimby, and Ryzza Mae, and Be Careful With My Heart The Movie.

Power of Two will also commence the Unbreakable Tour, which will go local and international venues. For tickets to Power of Two, contact (02) 911-5555.

Aiza is being managed by E-TALent Management and Entertainment headed by Annabelle Regalado- Borja. For bookings and inquiries, call (0917) 589 6284.

"Sandwich Fifteen" concert on September 14 !

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One of the most prolific rock bands in the country, Sandwich is celebrating 15th Anniversary with a concert titled "Sandwich Fifteen" on September 14 to be held at 19 East Bar & Grill in Sucat, Paranaque City.

Also playing that night, the Radio Active Sago Project, one of the band's contemporaries.

To mark their anniversary, the band is getting ready to perform a set filled with old and new songs, hit singles and obscure favorites as well. Me and my friends also witness their preparations last night when we have an intimate media conference held at Polyeast Records office. Luckily, we had the time to meet them in a fun and casual moments. 

Sandwich is a Filipino Experimental rock band that was formed in 1998 by Raimund Marasigan and Diego Castillo. And from that time, Sandwich has released seven albums, including their latest album entitled Fat Salt & Flame under Polyeast Records.

(stylized as < S >andwich in earlier releases)

Sandwich Members

• Raimund Marasigan - lead vocals, keyboards , rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1998-2005)
• Myrene Academia - bass, backing vocals 
• Mong Alcaraz - lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards 
• Diego Castillo - rhythm guitar, backing vocals 
• Mike Dizon - drums 

Sandwich band had a chance to travel and share their music to different countries. They participated in the Hongkong Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival, Malaysia's Future Music Festival and the Hollywood Bowl with Apl de Ap of the Black Eyed Peas in Los Angeles, USA.

"Sandwich Fifteen" has been presented by Smart Bro and Soupstar Entertainment in cooperation with Polyeast Records. Special thanks to MYX, Inksurge, Team Manila and 19 East Bar & Grill.

Follow @SMARTPromos on twitter and answer Smart's trivia questions with the hashtag #SmartBroSandwichfor a chance to win tickets to Sandwich's 15th Anniversary concert!

Tckets will be available at the gate for only P350.00 Show starts promply at 9:00 pm.

Visit the Facebook for more updates: <S>andwich

Athletes on Their Mark for the Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon

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The Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon was officially launched last Monday in a press conference at the Hotel Dusit Thani, Makati City by Sunrise Event Inc. CEO and President Wilfred Uytengsu.

Safeguard will gather local and international pros as well as age-groupers for the first ever Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon this  October 16.

Athletes know the importance of maintaining a proper regimen to enhance performance. They rely on state-of-the-art gear that delivers speed, proper nutrition that guarantees endurance, and a training program that increases their strength. But when it comes to hygiene, one important aspect is often overlooked: the skin, which is actually our first line of defense when it comes to germs.

There’s no body part quite as tortured as the human skin. Every day, it has to endure all the visible and microscopic dirt and grime from all the different elements around us. But it’s the triathletes who put their skins through the most abuse: as they splash, pedal, and stride, they expose their skins to a harsh mix of sun, chlorine or salt water, and dirt. These, along with excessive sweat and friction from gear, can take its toll on the skin – and it can lead to skin diseases and illness.

Safeguard Active 5i50 Triathlon – a world-class and intimate race that will surely put those skins to the test. The course takes place in Subic, which promises a challenging yet controlled environment for both experts and beginners. The event will be composed of a 1.5KM swim at Kamana Resort [Swim Venue], a 40KM bike course along the rolling hills of Subic [Bike Venue], and will culminate with a 10KM run at a new route along the shady forest [Run Venue]. The entire course is set against the backdrop of Subic Bay’s breathtaking scenery, which promises a unique race for participants and an exclusive enjoyable experience for their families who will come to support.

In partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc., the agency behind the highly successful Ironman 70.3 and Iron Kids, this leg is part of the 5150 triathlon series, the world’s largest international Olympic race series in the world. It is also the first non-drafting international race series of its kind, offering a competitive platform for professional and age group athletes.

Safeguard keeps up with those who love the game by leveling up to their demands. The brand has been keeping family skin healthy for more than 75 years, using a mix of unbeatable germ protection and fresh, cleansing elements to care for Filipino skin. It has been every household’s partner for preventing disease and pursuing an active, worry-free life. For the 5150 race, Safeguard aims to showcase its new line Safeguard Active, a product specifically targeted for athletes’ extreme needs.

Safeguard Active boasts of a higher level of anti-bacterial ingredient, which inhibits the growth and re-growth of odor-causing germs for hours. It comes in both soap and body wash form, and its fresh scent can last all day and withstand both sweat and water. It’s the perfect protection booster for the body’s first line of defense.

For battle-tested athletes who aim to beat their personal records, the Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon is a perfect chance to bring the 2013 race season to an iconic finish. Meanwhile, neophyte racers will be thrilled to participate in their first Olympic-level distance triathlon event.

It’s a day that promises exhilarating challenges for the adrenaline-hungry, coupled with unbeatable Safeguard protection to ensure a fresh, unhampered finish. No matter what kind of athlete you are, it’s time to get your skin in the game. 

Master Chefs 2013: From Barangay Cooking Idols to Talented Master Chefs

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Chef Hasset Go - Master Chefs 2013 Ambassador 

Master Chefs 2013 Barangay Cooking Challenge’s launch last September 5, 2013 marked the start of cooking competitions to be held in all 37 SM Hypermarkets nationwide.

Pinoys appreciate a wide variety of cuisines. Though they are loyal to local cooking, they are still open to new and different flavors. Just take a look at traditional Filipino cuisine and the vastness of the menu proves it. The long list of delicious food is a product of Pinoy creativity and ingenuity when it comes to food. 

Firecracker Beef  by Chef Paulo Sia

They continuously modify and incorporate new techniques and recipes to further enrich traditional Filipino cooking. It just shows that Filipinos definitely know what they want to eat.

Chef Kris Alcedo

In this Master Chefs event held at SM Hypermart Cubao, Quezon City, Chef Kris Alcedo prepared Chicken Nuggets Cheezee and Barbecue Rumaki.

Chicken Nuggets Chezee and Barbecue Rumaki by Chef Kris Alcedo

Great Filipino cooking is not just found in restaurants and hotels but also in residences, carinderias, and eateries where people regularly eat.

On its 7^th year, Master Chefs pays tribute to the culinary prowess of the barangay, Master Chefs highlights the everyday excellence displayed by carinderias, canteens, food stalls, and home kitchens in making exquisite dishes. These places produce exactly what Pinoys crave for simply because these cooks desire to eat the same masterpieces they create.

And because they have truly captured Filipino taste, the barangay chefs are this year’s focus.

I was invited by friend Jonel Uy to witness Master Chefs 2013 Barangay Cooking Challenge’s launch last Saturday September 5, 2013 that marked the start of cooking competitions in all 37 SM Hypermarkets nationwide. The Barangay Cooking Idol introduces something new. It is a competition open not only to anyone who cook well, they should have other talents too. Those who aspire to become Master Chefs must incorporate a routine that wows the crowd. They could sing, dance, act, anything amazing is welcome. At the end of it all, Master Chefs 2013 will introduce a new breed of super chefs that are not only exemplary cooks but also talented individuals.

Master Chefs 2013 will also reinvent the Pinoy’s all-time favorites; adobo, sinigang, pochero, kare-kare, chopsuey, Caldereta, menudo, pinakbet, and in the process, discover new ways of cooking the Master Brands.

Master Chefs will creatively put new twists in the food products people have learned to enjoy like Nestle All-Purpose Cream, Maggi Magic Sarap and Maggi Savor, CDO Funtastyk, Idol Cheesedog, Bibbo Hotdog, and Ulamburger, Bounty Fresh Gourmet Chicken and Nuggets, Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Stuffed Nuggets and Chicken Drummets, and Unilever Knorr Soups and ready mixes.

Chef Paulo Sia

Master Chefs 2013 was launched at SM Hypermarket Cubao and was hosted by none other than Papa Dan of 97.1 Barangay LS and Monica Verallo of Unang Hirit. The Master brands and their reputable chefs Chef Paolo Sia, Chef Kris Alcedo, and, Master Chefs 2013 ambassador, Chef Hasset Go were there and showed more exciting ways of mixing up their signature products.

And for a little more flavour for the crowd, games with cool prizes were played by the audience. Of course, the event would not be complete without great tasting food.

It was truly a culinary event highlighting the barangay’s cooking talents; a food fest no Filipino can ever say no to.