Property Expo Philippines 2014 Launched at SMX MOA

Tweet

The Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 - “Your Property World”, the country’s largest real estate expo for residential and commercial properties, was officially launched at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City last Friday, December 5, 2014.

The expo features 88 residential and commercial property developments in the country from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as innovative and reliable real estate product and service providers.

Known personalities from the property world attended the opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies. Gracing the event was Chris Wells, Consultant-International Residential Sales of Colliers International, who gave an overview of the Philippine Property Report. Wells shared reasons for investing in the Philippines, as well as top places to invest a property.

Present also during the ceremony were Alejandro S. Mañalac, Chairman of the National Real Estate Association; Engr. Jefferson S. Bongat, President of LandCris Somerset Dev’t Corp.; Princess Hasmin Solis, representative of LANDCO Pacific Corporation; Naoki Fuji, CEO of Capitarise; Christianne Romero, Sales Manager of Rockwell Land; Gabriel V. Dominguez of Green Circle; Jacqueline Van Den Ende, Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines; and actress-singer Isabelle de Leon.3 

The expo will run from December 5-7, 2014, Friday to Sunday at Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, where visitors will be able to connect with over 88 exhibitors, ranging from residential and commercial properties, retail properties, hotels & resorts, gastronomy and catering equipment, infrastructure supplies, real estate IT solution, construction project and management control, real estate consultancy, facility management service, real estate marketing, finance and insurance, architecture and design firms, real estate education and training, financial services and house and office accessories.

Highlight of the opening ceremony was the Best Property Brand Awards, a recognition of outstanding innovative brands in the property industry and acknowledgement of supporting organizations for their contribution in boosting the growth of the rising property sector in the country. Included in the roster of awardees are: Alveo Land (Best Developer), A2A Property Developer (Best International Developer), Double Dragon (Best Commercial Developer), Ayala Land Premier (Best Luxury Condo Developer), Bristol at Parkway Place (Filinvest) (Best High-end Residential Condo Developer) Crown Asia (Best Housing Developer), Profriends (Best Mid-range Housing Developer), SM Development Corporation (SMDC) (Best Affordable Condo Developer), Mundo Builders (Best Architecture & Design Planner), Balai Isabel (Best Landscape Architectural Design Firm), The Fundamental Kitchen by Berghoff (Best Gastronomy Equipment), and Lamudi Philippines (Best Online Real Estate Platform).

“ With the fast growth of the real estate industry in the country, our goal as the organizer of the Property Expo Philippines is to provide consumers with a unique experience to gather valuable information about the market and its products and services in a professional environment and at the same time be able to select and make purchases all in one place.” says David Abrenilla, CEO of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc. and Founder and Managing Director of the Property Expo Philippines.

Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 will provide information on the latest innovations, industry trends in the form of seminars, workshops, company presentations, forums and activities that will give consumers a unique overview of the Philippine property market. One of the highlights of the event is the Philippine Property Conference on the first and second day of the expo that will discuss intensive topics in the property market. Major topics that will be discussed during the conference are tips on saving your investment and property; feng shui tips for selling or buying a property; tips on becoming a successful real estate investor; smart tools on how to market your property online; and secrets on how to become a real estate sales champ.

Organized by MEDIACOM Solutions Inc., a specialized trade marketing, business community building company and a professional exhibition and convention organizer in the Philippines; together with Lamudi Philippines, the fastest growing real estate platform in the Philippines and official event partner, Property Expo Philippines (PEP) is a great venue to explore, learn and invest from all the types of property, real estate services and latest home and office innovations and designs.

Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremony (In the photo, L-R) Chris Wells, Consultant-International Residential Sales of Colliers International; Divina Dizon, Marketing Officer of Double Dragon; Dr. Cheryl Duran, Senior Interior Designer of Mundo Builders; Jacqueline Van Den Ende, Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines; Christian Raeuber, Director of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc.; David Abrenilla, CEO of MEDIACOM Solutions Inc. and Founder & Managing Director of Property Expo Philippines; John Alexander Kerr, CEO of A2A Property Developers; Audrey Arugay, Senior Manager of PROFRIENDS; and Ross Mendoza, Marketing Officer of SM Development Corporation.

The three-day real estate expo is sponsored by MUNDO Builders, SMDC, Profriends, Double Dragon, 2GO Express and supported by the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines, Home Guaranty Corporation, Philippine Association of Realty Appraisers and the Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investment.

To visit the Property Expo Philippines from December 5-7, 2014 at Hall 2 of SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, register for FREE at www.propertyexpo.ph. Connect via Facebook: at www.facebook.com/PropertyExpoPH and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PropertyExpoPH.

Best Property Awardees at the Property Expo Philippines (PEP) 2014 

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream takes adventure to new lengths with magical moments from Disney’s newest fairytales and timeless classics

Tweet

On its 24th year in the Philippines, Disney on Ice continues to enchant Filipino audiences with its newest ice spectacle, Dare to Dream.

Disney’s most beloved princesses—Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella and Princesss Tiana hit the ice and take viewers on a magical, inspiring journey.

Feld Entertainment’s newest Disney On Ice production is a celebration of royal proportions featuring Tangled, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Princess and the Frog and Cinderella

The much-awaited Disney on Ice season is back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 25 to January 4! 

This year, Pinoys are invited to join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they follow four of Disney’s most inspirational princesses on their adventures to fulfill their dreams in Feld Entertainment’s newest ice spectacular, Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream. Combining the contemporary stories of two modern-day princesses, Rapunzel and Tiana, with the classic elegance of Cinderella and Snow White, Dare to Dream whisks audiences away on exciting journeys where dreams really do come true.

Audiences begin their magical, musical voyage in New Orleans celebrating the story of The Princess and the Frog with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, and then escape into the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The trip continues to Cinderella’s kingdom in her search for true love and follows Rapunzel as she discovers the world beyond her tower on her quest to see the floating lanterns. The Disney Princesses then come together for the first time on ice during the finale, to welcome Rapunzel into their royal court in the ultimate princess experience.

“There’s something within each of the stories of Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that speaks to women and girls and families around the world,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “Each of these princesses is searching for what truly makes them happy. And I think that’s very reflective of what audiences are like today.”

“This show is different from anything we’ve ever done, and we’re excitedabout all the exhilarating aspects we’ve included in this production,” says Producer Juliette Feld. “This is the first time Rapunzel is featured on the ice with her tremendous amount of hair. And new this year, the Princess who started it all, Snow White, will be joining the show with the Seven Dwarfs, bringing more magic than ever before.”

Disney’s Tangled

In adapting Tangled to the ice for the first time, Director Patty Vincent was challenged with how to convey all of Rapunzel’s hair without interfering with the skating. During the segment, 2,000 feet of silk representing Rapunzel’s magical, golden tresses winds throughout the rafters of the arena and drapes down to the ice for use in a heart-stopping aerial act never before seen in a Disney On Iceproduction. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider escape the tower, flying 25 feet up in the air and performing daring acrobatics. 

“The performers trained for six weeks just to build their upper body strength, because skaters use very different muscles when ice skating,” says Vincent. “It works perfectly on the ice because they don’t have to run; they just skate, and they’re lifted into the air and begin a gorgeous athletic act.”

Under the direction of Choreographer Cindy Stuart and Aerial Trainer Anna Kaminnik, the performers mastered the blend of ice and aerial choreography in which Rapunzel and Flynn fly above the arena floor and slowly descend to the ice in a fluid motion, creating a feeling of constant movement.

Stuart was able to contrast the beauty of the aerial act by showcasing the athleticism of the skaters when Rapunzel and Flynnstop at the Snuggly Duckling tavernon their way to see the lanterns.During this energetic sequence, the pub thugs break into a rowdy show tune medley, and the scene turns into a trick section with performers doing cartwheels, handstands, jumps and leaps on the ice and the props.

The adventurous nature of Rapunzel’s story allowed Costume Designer Ivan Ingermann to incorporate unusual fabrics and silhouettes into his costumes. Rapunzel’s world is mainly full of rich colors and textures and romantic silhouettes.However, during the Snuggly Duckling segment, Ingermann designed costumes for the pub thugs using faux fur and faux leather, materials not normally seen in an ice show. 

Another distinctive design element ofDare to Dream is the revolving set, an idea conceived by Scenic Designer Stan Meyer. By designing a rotating piecethat transforms to specifically fit each of the unique settings of the stories, Meyer was able to create one major centerpiece with four entirely different environments. When the set morphs into Rapunzel’s forest, a paneled backdrop of pastel flora and butterflies opens and a majestic tower slowly emerges, rising from the ice as golden hair falls from the window. 

Lighting Designer Peter Morse incorporated these same pastels and royal colors by surrounding the audience in rich shades of purple, a prominent color in Rapunzel’s world. When Rapunzel and Flynn Rider finally reach the end of their journey, the entire arena goes dark as a single lantern slowly floats up into the air, and suddenly, lanterns illuminate the sky above the audience.

“When we create Disney On Ice, what we’re hoping to do, aside from bringing families together and telling great stories, is create memorable moments,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “In the Tangledsequence, there is one moment that is absolutely unforgettable. At every show, one special child is picked to launch the first lantern. All you see is the one lantern that goes up, and as soon as it reaches the top, all the other lanterns light up the arena. It’s breathtaking.”

Walt Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

In contrast to the colorful and playful world of Rapunzel, to set the mood for the story of Snow White, the lighting had to take on a darker and more mysterious quality. As the story begins, the lighting dims and a thin layer of fog fills the ice. Soon a flash of light and dark shadows appear signaling the arrival of the Evil Queen.

When it comes time for Snow White to flee into the magical forest for protection from the Queen, Morse focused on the use of black lights to highlight her frantic pace. As she finallyescapes the forest and arrives at the door of the Dwarf’s cottage, the ice is bathed in rich golden colors, signaling the calm after the storm and her newfound safety.

Being the Princess who started it all, the costume design for Snow White is a classic silhouette that will be easily recognizable by audiences young and old. The traditional yellow and blue dress was made for swift, yet graceful, movement on the ice, twirling and flowing as Snow Whiteglides through her world.

Audiences will also be delighted to see all Seven Dwarfs make an appearance in Dare to Dream, each outfit as uniqueas the Dwarf wearing it.

Walt Disney’s Cinderella

As the story shifts to the romantic tale of Cinderella, a glittering purple and blue castle stands majestically in the background with a white and gold grand butterfly staircase framing the clock tower. Cinderella is joined by ball attendants regally dressed in bright, colorful gowns sparkling with the help of sequins and glitter. Below the castle, glisteningstars and swirls of soft blues and pinks fill the ice when Cinderella skates to classic songs such as “So This is Love” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” 

In addition to the pair skating and elegant ice dancing showcased in Dare to Dream, Cinderella features synchronized skatingby a team of 20 performers portraying the palace guards searching for the owner of the glass slipper. More than half the cast performs this fast-paced and complex precision number, creating lines, formations and constantly moving patterns on the ice. 

Light-heartedelements throughout the segment provide a contrast from the romanticism and precision of many of the scenes. Cinderella’s mice friends make an appearance singing and dancing while they make her a dressfor the ball. Cinderella’s stepsisters are on hand as well,amusing the audience with their comical antics.

Lighting plays an important role in telling Cinderella’s story, and a key component of the lighting design is the ability to feature the skaters themselves. “We have to light the whole scene to keep it bright and beautiful,” says Morse, “while also highlighting the characters.”

With a swish of her magic wand, a flash of light and those three little words, the Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella beforethe ball. From a cloud of smoke, a sparkling carriage emerges, drawn by four white horses and glistening like a crystal ball in the darkness, creating a magical moment as Cinderella rides toward the castle. Later, as Prince Charming and the Duke ponder the identity of the beautiful girl from the ball, the ice is dark, save for the moonlight streaming through tall windows on either side of the ice and forming a dark hallway between them, an illusion created by gobos and spotlights.

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog

Popular color palettes and designs from the Harlem Renaissance became a major source of inspiration for The Princess and the Frog. When Dare to Dream opens in New Orleans, vibrant orange and golden yellow light fills the arena, matching the bright colors of the costumes inspired by the period. Set against a French Quarter backdrop painted in rich reds, purples and greens, flappers and banjo players revel on a balcony while page boys and other townsfolk dance on the ice below, creating a multilayered street party.The opening number, “When the Saints go Marching In,” combines jazz-influenced choreography and the Charleston to create a vivid and energetic street scene. 

Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream seamlessly merges the classic with the new, maintaining the timelessness of some of the most cherished stories of all time, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, while also incorporating popular songs and unforgettable scenes from Disney’s newest fairytales, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog. From the lighting and scenery to the music, choreography and costumes, each element of Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream magically combines to create a memorable show for the entire family. 

To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911 55 55 for inquiries.

Karylle scores gold for ‘K’

Tweet

Karylle, Filipino singer, actress, TV host, dancer, writer, and blogger, received a Gold Record Award for her latest album “K” on December 4, during the live episode of “It’s Showtime.” PolyEast Records’ Managing Director Jesmon Chua presented the award.

The album includes the hit singles “Sa ‘Yo Na Lang Ako,” “Kiss You,” “Kapiling Kita,” among others.

“K” celebrates a number of firsts for Karylle – joining a contest and collaborating with a cousin-rapper.

“I’ve never ever joined a contest before, but it was worth it because I got to sing a beautiful song – Lara Maigue’s ‘Sa ‘yo Na Lang Ako,’ which everyone loves,” expresses K. “I am also thrilled big time that I got to collaborate with one of my favorite rappers – my cousin Dash Calzado.”

The singer-actress also thanks Kiko Salazar for turning an unfinished “Kiss You” to complete song, and for contributing “Kapiling Kita.”

Karylle adds, “This album is extra special because of a million reasons. It was a reunion with my first two producers Ito Rapadas, who produced ‘Sa’Yo Nalang Ako’ and DJ MOD, who remixed ‘Bad Boys.’”

Karylle also expressed gratitude towards friend and co-host Jhong Hilario for choreographing “Kiss You,” which was performed by her “It’s Showtime” family, including its hosts, staff, Dumbo, XB GenSan and Showtime dancers, for the music video.

The album also fulfilled Karylle’s dream of recording something for the kids as “K” includes her version of “My Own Little Corner,” a song from the musical “Cinderella,” which Karylle topbilled last year for Resorts World Manila.

Karylle feels so happy and thankful for many blessings. “I am so thankful for all the love and support. Many thanks to everyone who watched our shows with my band Reasons once or twice or even more times! I’ve never sold so many CDs in my life!” gushes Karylle.

Asked what her fans can expect in the future, she shared that she is currently working on a number of new songs with Alvin Cornista, whom Karylle met years ago when she celebrated her birthday with Nyko Maca + Playground. Karylle and Alvin collaborated on previous singles like “OMG,” “Running,” and “Bad Boys.”

Epson To Construct New Printer and Projector Plant in the Philippines

Tweet

Seiko Epson Corporation (SEC) recently announced it will invest 12.3 billion yen in manufacturing subsidiary Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc. (EPPI) to construct a new plant for increasing inkjet printer and 3LCD projector production volumes. 

The state-of-the-art facilities will be constructed inside the existing site by the early part of 2017, with operations slated to begin in the spring of that year.

Epson plans to install a mega solar power generation system with a capacity of approximately 3,000 kWh on the roof of the new plant. 

This system will reduce overall daytime electricity consumption at Epson Precision (Philippines) by half.

As it implements its mid-range business plan, Epson has determined that its current inkjet printer and projector manufacturing facilities in China, Indonesia and the Philippines are insufficient to meet expected demand. In inkjet printers, the company is forecasting the need to significantly boost production capacity for its core high-capacity ink tank models, which are currently experiencing rapid growth, and also for office inkjets, which are beginning to make steady inroads into the market. Epson also sees the need to increase projector production as it expands its lineup.

This expansion is proof that Epson is becoming the brand of choice as we strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations. Our genuine ink tank system printers, for example, have become tremendously popular in the Philippines by providing the lowest running cost against any printer in the market that uses genuine inks,” said Toshimitsu Tanaka, President/Country Manager of Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC).

With growing demand for projectors used in business and education, expanding commercial applications, and increasing penetration in emerging economies, Epson forecasts its growth will surpass that of the market.

Epson plans to increase the workforce of Epson Precision (Philippines) to approximately 20,000 from the current 12,500* to respond to the planned increase in production.

The construction of this plant will have no material impact on Epson's business results for the fiscal year ending March 2015.

Outline of new plant

Subject of investment	Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc.
Address	Lima Technology Center, Lipa City, Batangas, 4217, Philippines
Investment amount	Approx. 12.3 billion yen by FY2016
Products manufactured	Inkjet printers, projectors, smart glasses
Planned start of operations	Spring 2017
Plant area	Approx. 100,000 m2

Outline of Epson Precision (Philippines)

Company name	Epson Precision (Philippines) Inc
Address	Lima Technology Center, Lipa City,Batangas, 4217, Philippines
President	Kazuyuki Amano
Established	December 27, 1994
No. of employees	Approx. 12,500 (as of November 2014)
Land area	Approx. 230,000 m2
Plant area	Approx. 85,000 m2

“Epson’s investment in the Philippines is a testament to the great synergy of Japanese engineering and Filipino skill. It is our pleasure to work harmoniously with the Filipino people as well as provide world-class, high precision Epson products that can help enhance Filipino enterprise,” added Tanaka.

* Future production and workforce estimates are subject to change according to circumstances.

Ruffles Bags’ grand fans day for Kathryn Bernardo trends worldwide

Tweet

Kathryn Bernardo, the young Kapamilya actress has proven her star power all over again! 

Kathryn's grand fans day held last November 23 at SM North EDSA Sky Dome, was the 4th worldwide trending topic and ranked 3rd in the Philippine setting, with 41 thousand tweets.

What makes it even more amazing is that at least 1,400 people flocked to the venue at the same time viewers were glued to their TV sets for the Pacquiao-Algieri boxing match.

“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful like our Queen!” Kathryn’s fans, the KathAsianiatics, tweeted.

Another fan, Margarette (@bernxarxokathhh) said, “Super saya kahapon! Sulit talaga!”

Kathryn was all smiles, greeting her fans, performing two songs and even giving away trendy Ruffles bags to lucky recipients.

The event ended the Ruffles Bags promo – where shoppers get three free admission tickets to the Grand Fans’ Day for every minimum P600 purchase of the product -- with a big bang. Its success has inspired Ruffles Bags to plan more activities for their idol Kathryn and her fans.