Enjoying Wonderful World

May 5, 2014

James Hardie dominates first Architects' Choice Awards

James Hardie, a world leader in building materials, dominates first Architects' Choice Awards. James Hardie has proven its excellence once again when it bagged four awards from the first-ever Architects’ Choice Awards 2014, organized by BCI Asia last March 27 at the Marriott Hotel.

Its flagship brand, HardieFlex, was adjudged the Architects' Choice for the Cement Boards product category. James Hardie also received awards for being the leading brand in "Design and Innovation", "Performance" and "Customer Service" in the Philippine design and building industry.

Left to right: Dean Borg, Country Manager, BCI Asia Philippines Inc.; Karina Arellano, Sales Consultant, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Deb Gutierrez, Market Development Officer, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Arlene Apple Patricio, Philippines Manager, Cross Media Division, BCI Asia Philippines, Inc.

Receiving the awards for James Hardie were Product Marketing Assistant Manager Rome Lopez, Sales Manager Romy Silawan, Sales Consultant Karina Arellano and Market Development Officer Deb Gutierrez.

"We are very happy and honored to have received four awards," says Lopez. "These awards serve as a true testament of our insatiable drive to develop innovative building materials that will help Filipinos to live without compromise."

The winners garnered the most number of votes based on a survey conducted by BCI Asia across a broad spectrum of architects and planners including the top 10 architectural firms in the Philippines.

Through the survey, respondents were able to cast their votes for the best in each product category, and declare their brand of choice when it comes to Design and Innovation, Sustainability, Performance, and Customer Service.

Aside from the 20 product category awards (segmented under Wall & Ceiling Lining, Mechanical & Electrical Fittings, Bathroom Products, Interior Furnishings & Appliances, Interior Finishing, Floor Coverings, and Enclosure Fit outs) that were given out, there were four Feature Awards of which James Hardie won three.

“We extend our sincerest thanks to the architects who have voted for us,” says Gutierrez. “We are grateful for their trust and we will strive continuously to remain deserving of their patronage.”

The leading worldwide manufacturer of fiber cement products, James Hardie has operations in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. Core markets include North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

In 1998, it built its manufacturing plant in the Philippines in Cabuyao, Laguna which now serves local and international demands. To date, James Hardie remains as one of the biggest Australian investments in the country.

For 125 years, James Hardie, through the HardieFlex brand, has produced durable, versatile and strong products that offer a real alternative to traditional building materials. Today, the company employs more than 2,500 employees and has a turnover in excess of Euro 1 billion.

James Hardie prides itself with its aggressive investment in research and development that allows it to continuously expand its product offering and improve the quality of its fiber cement technology and solutions.

Left to right: Arlene Apple Patricio, Philippines Manager, Cross Media Division, BCI Asia Philippines, Inc.; Karina Arellano, Sales Consultant, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Rome Lopez, Product Marketing Assistant Manager, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Dean Borg, Country Manager, BCI Asia Philippines Inc.

Left to right: Ruben Cueto, VP Marketing, Boysen; Karina Arellano, Sales Consultant, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Romy Silawan, Sales Manager, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Rome Lopez, Product Marketing Assistant Manager, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Dean Borg, Country Manager, BCI Asia Philippines Inc.

Left to Right: Arlene Apple Patricio, Philippines Manager, Cross Media Division, BCI Asia Philippines, Inc.; Romy Silawan, Sales Manager, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Karina Arellano, Sales Consultant, James Hardie Philippines, Inc.; Dean Borg, Country Manager, BCI Asia Philippines Inc.

Five Foreign airlines moving to NAIA 3 in Aug

Five foreign airlines are scheduled to transfer their operations to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 3 (NAIA3) in August, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said.

This is upon the completion of the ongoing P1.9 billion retrofitting and rehabilitation project. DOTC undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said foreign airlines expected to move to NAIA3 in August include Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, KLM, and Delta Airlines.

With the transfer of five foreign airlines, he said the number of foreign airlines operating in NAIA3 would increase to six as All Nippon Airways (ANA) is already operating in the terminal.

“They (airlines) have to do a lot of things such as construction of lounges and offices. I think they will transfer around August,” he stressed.

Lotilla revealed that the P1.9 billion rehabilitation of NAIA3 being undertaken by the Takenaka Corp. of Japan is already 62 percent complete.

The project is expected to be completed in July ahead of the August schedule, as he said.

The rehabilitation works at NAIA3 include baggage handling, flight information displays, computer terminals, gate coordination, and fire protection systems, among others to allow a faster and more pleasant experience for passengers flying in and out of Manila.

The objective of the rehabilitation of both NAIA1 and NAIA3 is to bring NAIA1 back to its design capacity of around four to 4.5 million from the current eight million.

“We will be reducing the number of users of NAIA1 from the present eight million so it will now be back to its rated capacity of 4.5 million,” Lotilla said.

He added that the P1.3 billion rehabilitation of NAIA1 being undertaken by construction giant DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) is expected to be completed as scheduled in January next year in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Based on latest data from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the number of domestic and international passengers increased 3.1 percent to 32.865 million last year from 31.877 million in 2012.

The number of arriving and departing domestic passengers at NAIA slipped slightly to 17.689 million from 17.738 million due to several flight cancellations due to weather disturbances led by Super Typhoon Yolanda that battered provinces in the Visayas last Nov. 8.

On the other hand, international passenger traffic reached 15.176 million last year or 7.3 percent higher compared to 14.14 million in 2012 as the number of international flights increased 9.9 percent to 87,629 from 79,685.

Wall St. Cheat Sheet, a United States financial media company, has ranked NAIA eighth among the 10 Worst Airports in the World, citing overcapacity issues in terminals 1 and 3.

According to the report posted online, the 10 worst airports are known for their “smelly bathrooms, long lines and rude staff.” It described NAIA’s terminals 1 and 3 as “particularly crammed.”

The DOTC is looking at putting into operation a new international airport by 2027 with the joint development of NAIA in Manila and the Clark International Airport in Pampanga as a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) showed that the number of passengers in Greater Capital Region would hit 106.7 million by 2040 from 31.88 million in 2012.

May 4, 2014

"In Pursuit of a Dream" by Al Gatmaitan, set on May 13 and 23

"In Pursuit of a Dream" is by Al Gatmaitan, one of the country’s topnotch tenors was quietly working on a dream project to further hone his craft as a theater actor.

Every artist have dreams to pursue, but it is how one conquers those dreams that make a difference.

Embarking on a major decision to widen Al Gatmaitan’s horizons, and to further advance his studies, he passed a rigorous audition process and was selected to be part of the New York University Steinhardt School for Music and Performing Arts Professions this coming June.

But before he takes a bite of the Big Apple, catch AL GATMAITAN: IN PURSUIT OF A DREAM – a special fund raising concert presented by The Philippine Opera Company and Grupo Reposo, in collaboration with LRI Design Plaza set on May 14 and 23, 2014. With Karl Estudillo, collaborative pianist, directed by Will Fredo.

The concert on May 14, 2014 (7:30 p.m.), will be at The Opera Haus located at 3657 Bautista Street, Brgy. Palanan, Makati. Special guest artists include: TV, film and stage actress Ms. Ayen Munji-Laurel, Sopranos Karla Gutierrez, Gabri Panlilio, and Janine Santos; Tenor Nazer Salcedo, Baritone Lawrence Jatayna and Mezzo Soprano Clarissa Ocampo.

The concert on May 23, 2014 (7:30 p.m.), will be at LRI Design Plaza located at 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Brgy. Bel Air II, Makati. Special guest artists include: Soprano Gabri Panlilio, Mezzo Soprano Clarissa Ocampo, Soprano and stage actress Tricia Amper-Jimenez, Film, Tv and stage actress Liza Dino, Singer and songwriter Aiza Seguerra, and World renowned concert pianist Raul Sunico.

AL GATMAITAN has trained at the UP College of Music Major in Voice and experiences in acting from various theatre groups such as Dulaang UP, UP Playwrights, Trumpets, Spazio Teatro and Teatro Calabria in Italy and PETA(Philippine Educational Theatre Association) where he started his career, honed him to be what he is today.

His three years of stay in Italy for language studies, bonded with rigid vocal and acting training from highly renowned masters of the arts in full bright scholarships proved that these people believe in what he can do. He has been part of several telenovelas in ABS-CBN, appeared for the highly-acclaimed movie musicale, Emir, and the Mistress for Star Cinema. His first major film under HUBO Productions, In Nomine Matris (In The Name of The Mother) was part of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2012 under the New Wave Category.

In theatre productions, AL played the Tenor for Philippine Opera Company's Master Class and he has been part of the successful runs of Ang Bagong Harana under the direction of Mr. Floy Quintos. He covered as Roger Davis for Nine Works Theatrical Production of Rent, he collaborated with Tanghalang Pilipino for Banaag at Sikat (under Ms. Jose Estrella) and Noli Me Tangere 2011 (under Mr. Audie Gemora) where he was nominated as Best Male Featured in a Musicale for PhilStage's Gawad Buhay Awards. And he has been nominated twice in Aliw Awards for Best New Male Classical Performer and Best Actor in a Musicale. Last 2013, he played Kuya Boy for Bit by Bit's production "Maxie the Musicale."

A diverse repertoire of songs such as: “EMPIRE STATE OF MIND” (from Alicia Keys – “The Element of Freedom" by Janet Sewell, Angela Hunte, Shawn Carter, Sylvia Robinson, Burt Keyes, Alicia Keys and Alexander Shuckburgh); UNA FURTIVA LAGRIMA (from L’Elisir d’amore (Gaetano Donizetti); LAMENTO DI FEDERICO ("È la solita storia del pastore" from L’Arlesiana by Francesco Cilea); WHEELS OF A DREAM (from "Ragtime" Wheels of A Dream by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens); ALL I ASK OF YOU (from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber); NASAAN KA IROG (Nicanor Abelardo, Arranged by Ryan Cayabyab); ANG PAG-IBIG MO (Leopoldo Silos); I BELIEVE (Words and Music by Eric Levi), and much more will be performed.

Ticket price is Php 1,000.00.

For inquiries, please call telephone numbers 8229609, 0917-8072223 and 0917-5224183.

May 3, 2014

Mother’s Day Special at Solaire

Celebrate Mothers with special ways always. Being a mother pays nothing, it is a 24 hour a day role that carries on demanding love and attention for a whole lifetime. Just one day a year: Mother’s Day, isn’t enough to thank the woman whose love we can always rely on.

Gladly to know, that this time, Solaire has thought of the best for the special women in our lives.

From the special discounted rates in the ultimate family staycation to the exquisite set menus in our fine dining establishments, we’ve made sure that this will be one unforgettable Mother’s Day.

Choose from discounted room packages and dinner set menu.

Bring the entire family this ‘Mother’s Day weekend’ and stay in one of our luxurious suites with discounted rates. Under the Summer Family Getaway packages, our rooms go as low as PhP6,000++ for Deluxe Room Cityview and PhP7,000++ for the Deluxe Room Bayview. The special rates are also available in Grand Deluxe Cityview (PhP8,000++), Grand Deluxe Bayview (PhP9,000++) and 2-Bay Suite (PhP12,000).

Our amazing staycation packages come with an impeccable buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids age 6 years and below. For kids who are 7 to 12 years old, we offer a 50% dining discount. Your stay also includes a free use of the swimming pool and the fitness center. To test your luck, the package comes with PhP500 worth of gaming credits.

Finestra Pasta Carbonara

If you opt to celebrate mom’s special day with a lavish dinner, we have prepared delectable set menus in Fresh, Yakumi, Finestra, Red Lantern and Strip.

Everyone in the family can enjoy our mini pizza creation of the day (Roasted Branzino in potato crust, Versuvio tomatoes, white wine and Gamberoni), Pasta Carbonara in rich and creamy sauce with pancetta bacon, Limon Cello lemon and Chicken Parmigiano at our Italian restaurant Finestra.

Red Lantern's Steamed sliced fish with tofu in black bean sauce

For the lovers of Japanese cuisine, meanwhile, we offer a special menu that includes Gyuniku Tataki (Seared beef strip loin with onion dressing and micro herbs), Yakumi Sushi and sashimi sampler, Lobster mini soup, Ebi tempura, Chilean Seabass teriyaki and Steamed Japanese style egg custard with foie gras.

Yakumi Chawanmushi

Red Lantern also offers a sumptuous set menu for those who prefer Chinese dishes. The family can feast on Hand rolled Beijing duck, Pumpkin soup with seafood and white fungus, Deep fried crispy shrimps with sweet mayonnaise, Wok fried prime beef black pepper sauce, Steamed sliced fish with Tofu in black bean sauce, the seasons best vegetables with oyster sauce, and Braised noodles with spring onions and ginger sesame oil.

Strip Seared Tuna

Steak house Strip also offers a Mother’s Day menu consisting of Green Pea sphere and crisp ham; Tomato salad dried olive oil and goat’s cheese; Foie gras crumble mousse with candied fruit and nut; Seared tuna blood orange sponge, watermelon and labuyo chili crust; Pork belly beer braised and tomato relish; Smoked Angus beef and Caramel Sand torch banana.

All of our set menus are priced at PhP1,900 and all come with the Solaire Mother’s Day creation, the Caramel cheesecake with red berries and white chocolate silk. If you want to go all – out however, our buffet outlet Fresh is ready with Lechon (Charcoal grilled suckling pig), Roasted prime rib of ‘Gold Label’ prime beef, Brioche baked whole salmon Coulibiac, seafood delights and a long list of desserts which include tarts, cupcakes, cookies, parfaits, doughnuts, puddings and cakes.

May it be the ultimate staycation or a gastronomic adventure in one of our first-class restaurants, Mother’s Day at Solaire is definitely a great bonding opportunity for the entire family.

Come celebrate this special occasion with your family and start your day with some pampering at the Solaire Spa, enjoy our special buffet offerings at Fresh, relish our exclusive set menus at the signature restaurants, continue the celebration in any of our suites and savour the perfect view of the sunset with your family.

Take advantage of this special offer!

For reservations please call (+632) 888.8888 and use the promo code: MOTHER

MANHID. The Pinoy Superhero Auditions on May 10 and June 13

Ballet Philippines with Tanghalang Pilipino invites you to be part of MANHID, our 45th season ender performance slated for February 20 to March 8, 2015 at the CCP Main Theater.

MANHID. The Pinoy Superhero Musical. A Musical by Kanakan Balintagos, Vincent de Jesus, Carina Evangelista and the Eraserheads. This was first staged by UP TROPA in 1991.