Forty Binibinis heat up the Big Dome with annual runway show

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The loveliest women from all over the country rocked the runway at the Binibining Pilipinas 2014 Fashion Show,  National Costume & JAG Casual Wears & Jeans Fashion Show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 6.

Audiences hotly anticipated who would follow the fabulous footsteps of Shamcey’s “Tsunami Walk,” Janine’s “Cobra Walk,” Ariella Arida’s “Ariba Walk,” and Johanna’s Salagubang distinctive strut, as the moving mannequins sashayed their way into Philippines in the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants.

It was a fashion extravaganza like no other, with a display of elegance and grace that is required of all the 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2014 candidates.

The 40 beautiful hopefuls each made their debut in their chosen cultural dresses for the National Costume competition, then thereafter showed off their fierce walk and strutted down the Big Dome’s catwalk clad in sexy JAG jeans and accessories from the Binibini collection.

The Fashion Show is only one of the many exciting activities on the lead up to the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on March 30.

The ladies will be launching their Swimsuit Photo Exhibit at the Gateway Cinema Lobby on March 15 and will be holding the much-awaited Parade of Beauties around the Araneta Center on March 22.

The 40 candidates will also take part in various charitable missions and outreach programs under Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc and its partners.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2014 pageant is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, PLDT Home, Jag Jeans, Avon, Megaworld Properties, Manhattan Garden City, Titan Watches, Pizza Hut, Sofitel Hotel, David’s Salon, J.A.C Motors, Picture City, Gold’s Gym, Dale Carnegie Training, Charter Ping An, Entrepreneur School of Asia and Raymond Saldana Photography.

The Binibining Pilipinas 2014 fashion show opens its doors to the public, and pageant aficionados can fan girl over their favored bets and purchase tickets, priced Php 110 for Patron A, Php 90 for Patron B, and Php 60 for Box.

To purchase tickets, visit Ticketnet Online www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for inquiries.

Photos: Arts Travel & Music Magazine

Own a smartphone for only one peso? Get it at all Allphones stores now!

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LENOVO A296i.jpeg

When you enter a mobile phone store, what do you think could you buy there for one peso? Well, believe it or not, when you go to an Allphones store you can buy a high-tech Lenovo A296i for only one peso! This is possible if you avail of the Globe MySuper Plan 599 SIM Only package. This exclusive deal is available from March 7 to 16 only.

Enjoy unlimited calls and texts, internet surfing, and post on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook as much as you want—using a features-packed Lenovo A269i android smartphone that you can get for just one peso! This unbelievable deal is exactly what you’ll get when you go to an Allphones store and apply for a postpaid Globe MySuper Plan UNLI 599 SIM Only subscription. Don’t wait too long because this deal is exclusively available at Allphones stores from March 7 to 16 only!

“Allphones offers customers the best deals and the widest range of choices for mobile phone—while at the same time giving them a futuristic, fun, and convenient retail experience.  Our latest offering, where an applicant can get a Lenovo A269i smartphone for only one peso, really takes the cake,” said Maureen Laus-Gallant, Allphones Philippines Marketing Head.

To apply for the postpaid Globe MySuper Plan UNLI 599 SIM Only subscription, all you have to do is to go to any Allphones store, present a valid ID, and choose the combos you want to be included in your postpaid plan. There are three combos to choose from: a) Super Duo which provides unlimited calls to landlines and to Globe and TM mobile phones; b) Unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM numbers; and c) Unlimited texts to all networks.

Allphones stores are offering a sweet deal from March 7 to 16: postpaid applicants get unlimited calls, texts, social media, and mobile Internet through the Globe MySuper Plan 599 SIM Only package; it gets even better as the plan includes a high-tech Lenovo A296i smartphone that applicants can own for only one peso.

After choosing your preferred combo, you can then avail of your handset Lenovo A269i smartphone for only one peso. There’s another added benefit to getting a Globe MySuper Plan UNLI 599 SIM Only: there is no lock-in period for the postpaid contract.  Take note, however, that three months’ advance on the monthly P599 service fee is required to complete the postpaid application.

Globe MySuper Plan UNLI 599 SIM Only applicants will enjoy the quick, convenient, hassle-free, and high-tech account processing system of Allphones.  The applicant is also freed from the hassle of filling-out several documents—this is because the processing of the postpaid application is done electronically through an iPad.

“First-time Allphones postpaid account applicants get a thrill out of processing their applications using our digital process. The data they input through this process will be safe and secure. We have in place military grade security protocols that safeguard customer information,” said Laus-Gallant.

With such sweet, affordable, and exclusive deals, it’s no wonder that Filipino mobile phone users have responded enthusiastically to Allphones.  In just a matter of months, Allphones has been able to establish 49 stores across the country—all thanks to their customers’ support.  “We are happy to give our customers a new level of excitement and convenience in their mobile phone retail experience. We are thankful that they have responded so positively to that,” said Laus-Gallant.

For more information about the Globe MySuper Plan UNLI 599 SIM Only deal and about the other deal offered at Allphones stores, go to www.allphones.com.ph or visit the Allphones store nearest you. The list of Allphones stores and their locations are in the Allphones Web site.

DOT Unveils New Award to Celebrate Tourism Excellence

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From left to right: Ms. Maria Cristina Go, SVP of BPI, Dir. Luz Amponin of TESDA, Usec Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, Mr. Patrick Cabusay, Marketing Officer of MyPhone, Lorenzo Formoso, COO Duty Free, Antonio D. Kalaw, Pres. Development Academy of the Phils.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is launching a new set of awards for individuals who have demonstrated strong and deep commitment to the country’s tourism through excellent customer service and investment in tourism development efforts. 

Dubbed as DOT’S TOURISM STAR PHILIPPINES, the awards are divided into two (2) categories: 

 (i) tourism front-liners and individuals who embody the true Filipino brand of warm hospitality, of going the extra mile in the service of tourists; and, 

(ii) local chief executives (LCE), a mayor or a governor, whose projects contribute positively to the tourism industry.

The individuals’ category is open to all Filipinos who have direct or indirect contact with tourists and who may belong to one of the following:

(a) travel agencies and tour operators; 

(b) tour guides; 

(c) tourist transport (tour buses, taxis, kalesas, etc); 

(d) accommodation establishments; and 

(e) individual service providers that may include entrepreneurs, government employees, policemen and others who do not fall under any of the mentioned sectors. 

An individual nominee must exhibit Filipino quality values of hospitality; flexibility, adaptability and creativity; honesty; professionalism; and promptness.

A potential Tourism Star from the local chief executive (LCE/ mayors or governors) category, on the other hand, must have “led”, “headed”, “contributed”, or “facilitated” tourism movement in their community, tourism income, and jobs creation. Nominees must not only be backed up by a list of tourism-related accomplishments, but also a proof of support to DOT regulatory and development functions such as preparation of local tourism office budget and work plan, enactment of local ordinances on mandatory accreditation and collection of tourism statistics, among others. The LCE Star nominees will be judged according to institutional, promotions, planning and product development, regulatory, investments, centerpiece projects, support to DOT advocacies and best practices in tourism.

The local government community of the LCE Tourism Star shall receive a maximum of PhP1-M worth of funding for a community-based tourism project proposed by the awardee (may be in the form of a training, a livelihood project, or a product development or enhancement initiative), a bronze marker to be placed conspicuously in his jurisdiction, free participation/ booth space in a market-matched international travel fair, display of the DOT Tourism STAR logo in the LGU’s website, and a trophy to be awarded by no less than President Benigno Aquino III.

Other prizes for the awardees will be given by the program sponsors Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), MyPhone, Duty Free Philippines (DFP), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin said this award is one way of recognizing the valuable contributions made by the people from the tourism industry and local government units alike. “The Tourism Star Philippines celebrates the excellence and dedication exemplified by these industry people in driving the country’s tourism forward,” she added.

The DOT Tourism Star Philippines is also linked to the Department’s branding campaign It’s More Fun in the Philippines!. The Tourism chief is also giving out the Secretary’s Award, a token and a special recognition chosen by the department head for individuals, associations or institutions that made remarkable contribution in any field which support Philippine Tourism.

“The awards program is in honor of the tremendous contribution of many Filipinos in what is now the fastest growing industry in the country, a priority sector that is able to drive inclusive economic growth, one that is worth PhP571.3 billion in the nation’s GDP. It brings to the fore the core strength of our tourism campaign, the Filipino brand of warm hospitality and our commitment to service and outstanding visitor experience” Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. shared.

The program will also mark a significant milestone in the DOT, as it fully implements the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) which leverages on public-private sector partnerships to improve competitiveness of tourism facilities and services, capacitate local government units, ensure sustainable tourism development and initiate focused marketing and promotions.

“Hopefully, the DOT’s Tourism Star Philippines would not only engage more individuals and local chief executives alike to take more proactive roles in our efforts of raising competitiveness in tourism, but also in instilling in every Filipino the culture of tourism. The success or failure of tourism largely depends on how people will respond to the call of nation-building. And that the power is in the peoples’ hand. We are, therefore, counting on their continued dedication and commitment to our bid towards achieving 10 million international arrivals and most importantly generating seven million jobs by 2016,” the tourism chief added.

The deadline for submission of nominations is on May 31 of every year. The first awarding ceremony will be held in September 2014, in time for the Tourism Week celebration. President Benigno Aquino III will be conferring the award to the recipients.

DOT Region 11 Launches The Big Davao FUN Sale

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The Department of Tourism - Davao Regional Office (DOT-XI) launches The Big Davao Fun Sale, bringing together seven of Davao City’s biggest shopping centers in what is touted as the country’s first citywide shopping festival scheduled on 14 March – 16 April 2014.

The four-week long sale will offer best-value deals with as much as 80% discount on the widest range of products: from dining, local crafts, fruits, and flowers (14 March - 16 April); health and beauty (16-13 March); electronics and gadgets (24-30 March); home and travel (31 March - 6 April); to fashion and active lifestyle (7-16 April).

]The Big Davao Fun Sale will also feature a food festival organized by the Restaurants Association of Davao Inc. where all its 100 restaurant brand members ranging from home-grown and independent restaurants to franchised businesses are expected to join. Shoppers will also have a chance to win raffle prizes such as iPhone 5 units, all-expense paid trip, and cash prizes worth up to P100,000.

“It did not take long for all seven malls to join forces and partner with the DOT in positioning Davao City as a shopping destination in the country. When the country’s largest malls started opening up in the city over the last two years, competition became steep that Dabaweños, close to two million of them, may not suffice to sustain the malls’ viability.This reality in Davao’s retail industry of late caught the attention of all these mall executives to formally organize the Retail Association of Davao and partner with us in conceptualizing The Big Davao Fun Saleto attract foreign tourists and shoppers outside of Davao,” according to DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr.

The Big Davao Fun Sale, coinciding with the Araw ng Dabaw (Foundation Day of Davao) in March, is projected to increase arrivals to the city by 15% from the 100,000 visitors recorded in March to April last year.

Davao City’s famous all-black Mabuhay Taxi, which carried the tourism campaign for the region in 2012, has once again partnered with the DOT – Davao Region in promoting the shopping festival by dressing up its fleet of 150 units. The Abreeza Mall, NCCC Mall of Davao, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao, GMall of Toril, and Robinsons are all gearing up with their unique offers and promotions for a total shopping experience.

Cebu Pacific Air also partnered with the Retail Association of Davao for the Big Davao Fun Sale giving a huge number of seat sales from all Cebu Pacific points to Davao, now including Bacolod twice a week, for the travel period from March to April 2014. Silk Air, on the other hand, is the global partner for the shopping festival.

“Shopping, or retail tourism, is one of the country’s tourism products being promoted by the DOT aggressively. With the increasing global attention given to the Philippines now as a tourist destination, we can anticipate more tourists to visit our country for their shopping holiday. The Big Davao Fun Sale in March is precisely the perfect time to experience four weeks of shopping spree and enjoy great premium deals that all seven malls in the City of Davao will offer. What makes it more fun is that it coincides with the Araw ng Dabaw celebration, which highlights the culture, ingenuity, and warmth of the Dabaweños. It’s going to be a thrilling experience. So, get ready to shop ‘til you drop,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said.

For more details of the Big Davao Fun Sale, please visit www.facebook.com/TheBigDavaoFunSale, email the organizers at dotr11@gmail.com / organiczar@gmail.com, or contact Joyce at 0928-9718988 / 0933-6030003 / 221 0070.

Tough Love : Touching moment with Joy, a touch of Olay

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A super fun activity I enjoyed last March 5 at the Blue Leaf- Silk Pavilion in Taguig, with a beautiful and true fun celebrity. The trials of housework are highlighted and refreshed through Tough Love, an event that placed Mariel Rodriguez and members of the media in “tough” household situations, but with the aid of Joy with a Touch of Olay, a new dishwashing variant of P&G Joy.

Mariel and members of the media undergo four different household challenges, including chopping vegetables, squeezing lemons, opening bottles and cans through manual tools, and dishwashing.

Chopping Vegetables

Squeezing lemons

Opening bottles and cans

Dishwashing

All of these challenges simulated the experiences women feel whenever they do household chores.

These stations were also time-pressured to mirror the multi-tasking lives of modern women every day.

Joy with a Touch of Olay helps maintain skin’s moisture, making it all set for “touching moments” as we really feel we wave the softest hands even with the toughest jobs at home - dishwashing, ironing, doing the laundry and cleaning the house. Imagine doing all these things every single day, on top of your demanding career.

This is really - tough love. As we celebrate women’s month, lives and experiences of women are given more importance and thought. This includes the challenges of women everywhere when it comes to doing household chores.

Dishwashing can be a draining task. Just imagine coming home from a tiring day at work, seeing piles of plates on the sink, and getting your hands wrinkled and dry from cleaning the dishes. Joy with a Touch of Olay is especially formulated to help maintain the skin’s moisture while retaining the superior grease-fighting power of all Joy variants. It locks in moisture to create moments of pampering as one does chores. 

“Joy with Olay strives to take care of women. It is formulated with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps repair the skin and nourishes the hands by locking in the skin’s moisture. Joy with Olay does not dry the hands, making them “touching moment” ready,” says P&G Brand Communications Leader Anna Legarda.

Every dedicated and hardworking woman will appreciate even the littlest things that will comfort and pamper her. It helps even more to have a product that will indulge her even while she performs household chores daily.

Feel the difference that Joy with a Touch of Olay makes in your dishwashing routine.

As seen in Tough Love, housework will never be the same again because of Joy with a Touch of Olay. Women can do all the tough jobs, but still be “touching-moment ready”.

Enjoy washing everyone ! This is tough love!

Click Here for more photos.