ASUS Ranks Number 1 in the Prestigious 2014 Taiwan Global Brands Value Survey

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ASUS has been recognized as the number-one Taiwanese brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards 2014. This year marks the second consecutive year ASUS has won the award as well as the twelfth straight year the company has been in the top-three list of international brands from Taiwan. The brand value is now estimated at US$1.723 billion and has maintained steady growth despite a competitive market.

"We are honored to be recognized as the top brand in the Best Taiwan Global Brand Awards for the second year in a row. 2014 has been an especially remarkable year for ASUS with the launch of ZenFone. ZenFone brings empowering luxury to everyone, and consumers have responded by making it the number-one phone in Taiwan by market share in the third quarter of this year. We will continue with our In Search of Incredible brand promise as we strive to create an effortless and joyful digital life for everyone." - - - ASUS Corporate Vice President S.Y. Hsu.

During 2014, ASUS has continued its tradition of innovation with the launch of several flagship products, including ZenFone, ZenWatch, and EeeBook X205. The ZenFone smartphone series incorporates beautiful design, high-quality materials, and the seamless functionality of ASUS ZenUI to provide an unparalleled mobile experience to users. The new ZenWatch, the first wearable device from ASUS, is an exquisitely crafted watch that pairs seamlessly with ZenFone or other Android smartphones to provide relevant and useful information when it is needed most, and serve as a personal wellness manager. Continuing the concept of the iconic EeePC, EeeBook X205 is an affordable 11.6-inch Windows 8.1 notebook with a full-size keyboard that integrates the latest technology in a compact, lightweight design perfect for consumers who are always on the go.

The Best Taiwan Global Brands Awards is held by the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C and global branding consultancy Interbrand. The awards are seen as a key indicator of the position held by Taiwanese brands in the global market. The awards are given out based on brand value, which include the financial performance of the company, the role the brand plays in the consumer purchase decision, and the competitive strength of the brand.

Where to stay in Baguio, The Residences at Brent: Where the Past Intertwines with the Present

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Baguio is one of the most famous cities in the Philippines as the Summer Capital of the Philippines for the past 99 years.

Baguio offers a world of adventures, especially during the season with a lot of new events and activities that everybody will definitely enjoy. One of my yearly travel activities is going to Baguio's Panagbenga Festival , a Kankana-ey that means "a season of blooming" or "a time for flowering," a major annual festival in Baguio City.

A day isn’t enough in this town, so keep your itinerary open. Burnham Park, Camp John Hay and Mines View Park are places to hang out. Hotels and homestays are a plenty such as log cabin serviced apartments, as you always looking for comfortable place you might want to stay for a while or for good.

Baguio has been a top tourist destination since the 1900’s. Originally the American’s playground, the remnants of its culture and heritage have remained in the many pine trees and beautiful landscapes. Unlike other places in the Philippines, Baguio’s western vibe has remained – from the city’s planning to the recreational activities one can enjoy.

We cannot deny that many still flock to Baguio because of its cool weather, which averages around 8 degrees lower than most parts of the country. It is the best place to sit back and read a book or you can simply catch up on rest and relaxation. For those who are up for an adventure, there are many activities for all ages like biking or the good ‘ol horseback riding.

A visit to Burnham Park is always a fun experience. There are many things to see and do. One can watch or even join football games and Zumba sessions, go biking, rowing in the lake or have a picnic. Going for a walk is another pleasurable experience in Baguio. There is less pollution as there are many gardens and landscaped areas spread around the city.

However, not everyone is a fan of crowds which is quite common because many Baguio locals indulge in the simple and healthy lifestyle. The park for example is situated at the heart of the city which makes it accessible for all. In fact, most public transportation terminals surround it. It serves as a melting pot for those who want to enjoy the outdoors especially during weekends.

The Residences at Brent by Willowtree Development Corporation situated along Brent Road located strategically close to the heart of the city but far enough to breathe the freshness of Baguio. This securedcommunity offers a unique experiencewith access to landscaped gardens, pocket parks and even bike trails. There’s no need to ride a car to go to the park. All you have to do is step out of your home and you have the beauty of nature right at your doorstep.

“We have here something here that captures everything that Filipinos and tourists alike love about Baguio: the cool weather, the serene ambiance, the thrills and the rustic atmosphere. As a Baguio local myself, this premium residence brings back sweet memories of the “old” Baguio intertwined with the contemporary,” said Mr. Ulysses Gaerlan, Willowtree Development Corporation Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. 

With all the advancement of today’s society, Baguio along with The Residences at Brent was able to preserve the past’s loved memories.

And with the soon-to-rise second building, which is aligned with the 7-building Master Development Plan that makes up The Residences at Brent, it only proves that Baguio is an enduring destination that even time cannot break.

It's more fun in the Philippines. It's more fun in Baguio. 

For inquiries on The Residences at Brent or Willowtree Development Corporation call/text 0999-8853715 or 0927-4664442, e-mail at info@theresidencesatbrent.com, or visit the website www.theresidencesatbrent.com.

Enjoying the wonderful world with U

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People always look forward to relax and rest in a something that brings solid support, dreamy comfort and give your body and your mind restful and peaceful sleep every time after the day's schedule.

For so many years, we have been using a genuine Uratex bed foam for my family. We really trust a product which gives us comfort experiences in our lives. We buy Uratex foam because of its durability and its high quality, and ability to support the body giving a truly comfortable sleep.

I remember my childhood days when we will buy things, my parents say 'let's buy 'Uratex', synonymous in meaning bed, mattress, foams, and pillows. That's why up to now with my own family, we trust and buy 'Uratex.' We also buy products, like monoblock chairs, and others at the Uratex branch in Project 7 Quazon City and SM shopping malls.

One of the reasons why we love Uratex foam, a suitable mattress that give us uncompromised sleep at reasonable cost, comfort for life. 

Uratex, one of the most progressive manufacturers in the Philippines today, makers of quality foams and mattresses started in 1968 with Robert Cheng who established Polyfoam Chemical Corporation to produce polyurethane foam and as he realized his dream of producing high-quality foam, he expanded into related businesses to address the growing needs of the automotive, furniture, bedding, footwear, textile, garment and food.

Through the modern technology and by using state-of-the-art equipment, Multiflex RNC Philippines of the RGC Foam Group, makers of the popular Uratex foam, totally revolutionized foam-making not only in the Philippines but also in South East Asia. Being one of the largest foam-makers in the region and with advanced foam manufacturing equipment, let us see how a Uratex foam product is made.

The recently media tour at the Uratex facility in Alabang, Muntinlupa, we visit the areas of Foaming, Curing, Cutting, Research and Development , and also the Showroom.

I Trust U - Uratex  (Uratex Plant Tour) 

The Research & Development laboratory. 

It all starts with the R&D facility of the RGC Foam Group, one of the country’s most advanced in foam-making. Uratex laboratory personnel develop formulations that result to certain types of foam and also conduct tests to ensure that the formulation will meet final product specifications that customers look for.

Uratex Philippines has a Foam Research and Development and Process Engineering Departments that are dedicated in continuous development and acquisition of advance technology, equipment, processes all over the world. The departments ensure that Uratex Foam are of high quality and of world class standard. The company is also making sure that the members of these two departments are updated and in-the-know of the latest advancements in the foam-making industry.

The company only uses the best raw materials from global suppliers such as Bayer, BASF, Shell, Dow, Mitsui. The company has not given in to purchasing cheaper materials from local China companies due to its belief that the China polyurethane raw materials technology has not arrived.

Foaming

The formulation is entered into the foaming machine’s computer system. There, up to 26 streams of different chemicals are doused using computer-controlled metering pumps for precision.

The liquid will turn into cream within seconds and then into solid state within 1.5-2 minutes, and where the solid foam block may be cut between 1 to 60 meters in length.

At the Muntinlupa plant, the foam is cut in 30-meter lengths. This high-tech machinery is complimented by a quality management system and ran by highly-trained personnel. 

Curing area

The 30-meter long blocks are then picked up by an overhead crane and transferred to the curing area. Foam is produced via an exothermic reaction where the center may reach up to 145-165 degrees Celsius within 20-30 minutes. It will not start to cool for another 3-4 hours but will reach room temperature within 24 hours and is “cured”.

Foam block warehouse. This is the storage area for the foam blocks. From there, the plant’s production department will request for a specific type of block with different sizes as per orders coming from customers. These blocks are then moved to the production area where they will be cut according to the desired sizes.

Production area

The foam blocks are cut into the requested size and then “contoured” based on the type of product to be produced, whether a pillow, a mattress, or even a car seat foam. Once cut and contoured, the product goes straight to packaging under strict quality control standards, ready for delivery to the customer.

Uratex foams produced by the company are of high and world-class quality. The companies that produce Uratex foams are ISO 9001 certified companies.

Something to cherish, visiting the Uratex plant tour and seeing how the foams are made. Thank you AMPR and Richard Mamuyac for the opportunity you gave us.

And thank you Uratex. For having unmatched quality and comfort you are giving us all these years, enjoying the wonderful world with Uratex from then up to now, and till forever.  #itrustU, we trust you Uratex !

Uratex Plant is located in Alabang Km. 23 East Service Rd., South Superhighway, Bo. Cupang, Muntinlupa City.

For more information about Uratex, visit www.uratex.com.ph.

Richard Yap with "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin"

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"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" comes out this Christmas as Star Cinema and ViVa Films offering in the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Vice Ganda returns as the reluctant soldier-turned-hero Benjie in the sequel to the 2011 box-office hit "The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin."

We had an exclusive interview with Richard in a blog conference yesterday at the Star Cinema office, ELJ Bldg. Abs-Cbn Compound, Quezon CIty.

Richard said that this is the first time he work with Direk Wenn Deramas. "We've never worked together in a movie so this is my first time with most of the stars. With Direk Wenn you have to be very fast, how he works, you really have to pick up the pace. We already talked about making a movie before but that was shelved because of Be Careful With My Heart that we were supposed to do this year. I wasn't apprehensive because I know they were going to help me."

He was asked how did he work with Bimby? (Kris Aquino's son)

"It was also a nice experience working with Bimby. Bimby is like our baby in the set. He did all the things Direk Wenn told him to do."

"I'm excited! This is going to be the most exciting movie you'll watch this Christmas," he said.

"We'll be flying to Vietnam by the way on Monday to meet the fans there," Richard shared. 

Here''s the Synposis of the the story:

After defeating the terrorists led by Billy Aladdin, the once humble Private BENJAMIN (Vice Ganda) has become the Philippine’s unkabogable soldier and a worldwide sensation. Inevitably, he rises from the ranks and in no time becomes the incredible, unbeatable, and unreachable soldier. To prepare him better, Benjamin is assigned under a new general, WILSON CHUA (Richard Yap). However, Private Benjamin committed a BIG mistake. Benjamin is about to be dismissed from service when Gen. Chua saves him by giving him a mission – to be the private security of a brat kid B2 (Bimby Aquino Yap). As he watches over B2, Benjamin finds himself clashing with MISTY, General Chua’s daughter, and the meddlesome housemaid GUNDINA. However, as he gets to know B2 more, he learns that the B2 is a kid deprived of love from family – something that he has ignored in his quest to be on top again. Will he succeed in his new mission?

Joining Vice Ganda in the movie are Alex Gonzaga, Vandolph Quizon, Nikki Valdez, Kean Cipriano, DJ Durano and Ricky Rivero.

"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" was directed by Wenn Deramas, who was also behind the original, and co-produced with Viva Films.

It will compete against other movies in the main section of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will kick off on Christmas Day.

The other entries are: "Feng Shui," "Shake, Rattle & Roll 14," "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo," "My Big Bossing," "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2," "Magnum Muslim .357," and "English Only, Please."

Biggest recording stars sing for compassion, volunteerism in Red Cross song

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“I Am You,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Joey Reyes with the biggest recording celebrities sing for compassion, volunteerism in a project of the Philippine National Red Cross.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda last year, the country’s biggest recording artists decided to dedicate their time and talent to inspire people to help our kababayans by recording the song “I Am You,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Joey Reyes. This is a project of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Sam Concepcion,Erik Santos, Tippy Dos Santos, Kuh Ledesma, Ebe Dancel, Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola, Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar, Verni Varga, Gloc-9 are just some of the singers who lent their voices in “I Am You.”

The music video of this special song will premiere this Sunday, Dec. 21, on “ASAP.” This is a good reminder to every Filipino to keep a giving heart this Holiday Season.

Currently, the Red Cross has almost helped 600,000 families in Yolanda-stricken areas, built hundreds of thousands of houses and almost 200 classrooms.