MasterCard introduces Bali to the global Priceless Cities program

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Experience Bali like never before, reimagined with Priceless Bali

A host of complimentary benefits await MasterCard cardholders at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through ministry of villas.

MasterCard today announced the inclusion of Bali into the global Priceless Cities program, on the heels of the Priceless Japan launch just a month ago in July. Bali is the second city in Southeast Asia to be part of Priceless Cities, three years after the launch of Priceless Singapore in 2012.

Under the Priceless Bali program, both visitors and residents alike can look forward to specially-designed activities that are packaged to give privileged access and unique experiences to cardholders. By curating one-of-a-kind experiences for cardholders, MasterCard seeks to continuously connect consumers to their passions in new and exciting ways. 

Based on MasterCard's research, consumers around the world are broadly passionate in the areas of: Stay, Eat, Play, and Shop.

Priceless Bali opens up access to novel experiences for cardholders, such as the opportunity to take to the skies on a private helicopter ride for an aerial view of the famed Uluwatu Temple that sits atop a 70-metre tall limestone cliff facing the open ocean. Or to do a guided culinary adventure on the Bali Food Safari to mystery restaurants that surprise with exquisite cuisines. 

Those with an eye for design could choose to spend an afternoon with internationally acclaimed French artist Pascal Morabito and even stay at his luxurious 12-bedroom villa, used as a private gallery for his works. Food lovers are invited to indulge in a private Balinese feast prepared exclusively for them in their villa, while being entertained by a traditional Balinese dance performance. Alternatively there is a whole host of complimentary benefits including yoga classes, private massages, surf lessons, horse riding and more, when booking at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through Ministry of Villas. 

The introduction of Priceless Bali marks an extension and evolution of MasterCard’s existing “Destination Bali” program that has been running for the last five years, during which cardholders have enjoyed access to a wide range of over 200 benefits and privileges available locally. 

“The Priceless Cities platform has seen strong traction throughout the world – in just five years, it has been launched in over 35 markets and counting. We find consumers are always keen to try new things or re-experience the familiar in a novel way. So bringing Bali into the Priceless Cities program was a natural step, given the strong travel demand we’re seeing for this beautiful island, particularly for the Australia, China, Malaysia and Singapore travel corridors,” said Deborah Goldingham, Head of Marketing, South East Asia, MasterCard.

MasterCard research shows that Bali ranks as one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia. 

“According to MasterCard’s Asia Pacific Destinations Index, this year Bali is expected to welcome over 7 million visitors who will spend US$11 billion and Priceless Bali will definitely strengthen the island’s appeal as a coveted getaway destination as we uncover hidden gems and allow visitors to re-experience Bali in surprising and unexpected ways,” Ms. Goldingham added. 

Tweet: #MasterCard launches #PricelessBali, the second #Priceless city in #SoutheastAsia http://news.mstr.cd/1Pyr95G

Get a 10% discount on Bali Hai Cruise packages with your MasterCard. 

Get exclusive privileges such as discounts, style consultants and door-to-door transport when you avail Travelshopa’s personalized shopping tour using your MasterCard. 

Enjoy a complimentary transportation to and from your villa and a dessert or signature cocktail at the Happy Chappy Chinese Restaurant when booked at Ministry of Villas with your MasterCard. 

Filipinos in Europe Get Ready for ASAP 20 Live in London

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"ASAP20 in London" is set to be as stellar with its line-up of more than 40 of the most respected recording artists, the most awarded performers and the most exciting showbiz personalities from the Philippines.

It was in April this year when new ABS-CBN Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Kai V. Rodriguez announced that for the first time ever, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) in Europe would unfold a four-pillar event series as a tribute to and in celebration of Galing ng Filipino (Greatness of the Filipino) in the region.

The series of TFC summer events kicked off with TFC Summer Caravan 2015 held in various cities and countries, followed by the the launch of TFC  theMovies in theaters and the two-day 31st Barrio Fiesta sa London. Throughout June and July, the TFC EMEA team left a trail of merry festivities that acknowledged Filipino heritage, culture and achievements in the new societies that they live in.

“We’ve come a long way and our last pillar event this year celebrates that in grandiose fashion,” said Rodriguez. “The history of the journey of Filipinos in Europe will mark the day when thousands of our heroic Filipino nurses, caregivers, nannies, hotel and restaurant workers, entertainers and other professionals congregate on September 6, 2015 to take part in a showcase of world-class Filipino talent via the Philippines’ longest-running, top-rating live musical variety show, ASAP 20 Live in London, at the British historic venue of The SSE Arena Wembley.”

The SSE Arena Wembley, erstwhile called the Empire Pool when it was built for the 1934 British Empire Games before it adopted its current name in 2014, has played host to musical legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, ABBA, U2, The Cure, George Michael, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Madonna, Britney Spears and Beyonce. This indoor arena sits beside the Wembley Stadium, which is the largest stadium in United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe. The SSE Arena Wembley is the country’s second largest indoor arena. 

A venue and event of such prominence deserve no less than a top-notch celebrity roster. Confirmed to be part of ASAP 20 Live in Londonare: Aiza Seguerra, Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto, Arci Munoz, Ariel Rivera, Bamboo, Coco Martin, Dawn Zulueta, Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Jake Cuenca, James Reid, Janella Salvador, Jed Madela, Jessy Mendiola, John Prats, Julia Barretto, KC Concepcion, KZ Tandingan, Lani Misalucha, Liza Soberano, Luis Manzano, Maja Salvador, Martin Nievera, Nadine Lustre, Paulo Avelino, Piolo Pascual, Rayver Cruz, Richard Gomez, Richard Poon, Robi Domingo, Sam Milby, Shaina Magdayao, Vina Morales, Xian Lim, Yeng Constantino, Zsa Zsa Padilla plus more surprise celebrities and guests!

“Our huge and impactful event journey this year in Europe has drawn thousands of Filipinos together to represent with pride, joy and confidence. With our September 6 show, TFC joins ASAP as it takes its 20th anniversary celebration to a level that rivals the best that the global entertainment industry has to offer. This says without apologies that we Filipinos have arrived in Europe, what we are and offer are world-class, and that we have the numbers, the skills and the power to make a difference in European society,”Rodriguez said. “We believe in ourselves, we are proud of our ‘galing’ and we will let it shine wherever we are.”

For more information on ASAP 20 Live in London and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.asap20inlondon.com

Leon Gallery pays tribute to Romulo Olazo

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For artist Romulo Olazo, who has been known for mastering the art of abstract, it’s been a life well-lived, full of colors. And this September, his signature masterpieces are exclusively included in the magnificent roster of artworks and objet d'art to be auctioned at Leon Gallery.

Permutation Series No. 6' by Romulo Olazo

Olazo’s signature Diaphanous series, which he had worked on for more than 30 years, take center stage at the Magnificent Auction 2015. By now, they are considered as some of the most canonical works in contemporary Philippine art, featuring veritable visions of light achieved though freehand and gestural painting methods, as well as templates and patterns.

From the Diaphonous 230, where he projects a theatrical and operatic presence, to Diaphanous 285, a 1981 work which shows a sweeping dynamic verve that appeals to the viewer. The great contrast between the fragility and the dark background is also shown in this particular work through warm tones of orange, perfectly layered to present surprising structural directions. 

This signature abstraction, which is often monochromatic and looks like touching images from a film negative, is also presented in Diaphanous signed and dated 1977. In this work, the color is reserved to cool monochrome greens to achieve ethereal effects.

Olazo’s recorded artworks spiked in number during the late ‘70s, and this is the period when he released the Mini-Diaphanous paintings. At the Leon Gallery auction, four Mini Diaphonous paintings can be found, which “echo nature, makes pictographs” by transforming abstraction into a deep expression, according to Ray Albano in 1978.

But aside from the Diaphonous series, the Magnificent Auction 2015 also draws light to Olazo’s Permutations, with Permutation Series No. 86 signed and dated 1994. From this, one can see a kind of cubist image formed by the overlapping pages showing through their irregular gaps. 

Happening on September 12, 2015, 2 PM, these Olazo masterpieces are set to be auctioned along with the National Artist Juan Luna’s untitled work, featuring a comely European lady in full figure, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Boti Garapa!” circa 1946 and Fernando Zobel’s “Sin Titulo” to name a few. But the main highlight is Benedicto Cabrera’s largest “Sabel” to be auctioned in the history, a portrait of a real life vagabond who used to roam around Bambang district in Sampaloc where the artist grew up.

“It has always been our commitment to uplift Filipino talent, culture and history through the arts; and it is with great pride that the works of these renowned artists have found home at Leon Gallery. Through this, we pay tribute to their notable legacy and skills, like Romulo Olazo,” said Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

Visit Leon Gallery located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/.

Wind-powered Guimaras to sustain energy for 48,000 households

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In an effort to give greater emphasis on the use of more sustainable energy sources in the Philippines, Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation, through its subsidiary Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC), completed a 54-megawatt wind farm in the Visayan province of Guimaras. 

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm, named after the town in which it is located, is projected to generate over 120 GWh of electricity annually, which can sustain the energy demands of 48,000 households.

“The Visayas is currently experiencing a surge in infrastructure and economic progress, which will eventually lead to higher energy demands,” TAREC reps said. “The wind farm is more than capable of answering this demand. It will be a key contributor in producing renewable energy in the region,” TAREC continued.

Aside from the energy that it yields, TAREC representatives also envision the project to become a tourist attraction in the area. “The wind turbines emanate a sense of majesty and architectural beauty that will makes it a perfect photo backdrop for visitors,” TAREC said.

The project was built prioritizing reliability, efficiency and durability. Key components of the facility -the ring main units for the wind turbine generators, the vacuum circuit breakers for the main switchgear and the protection relays for the protection panels of the substations, along with the training to operate these systems were part of the end-to-end solution provided by Schneider Electric. These components were designed and installed to protect the wind farm from many system faults, ensuring reliable production all-year round. 

TAREC expressed confidence in their choice of design and components as Schneider Electric’s products and services are known to be one of the most reliable in the world. Schneider’s years of experience in the industry made them the brand of choice for most energy projects, especially renewable energy facilities such as wind farms.

“We look forward to the advancements this infrastructure will bring to Guimaras. So far, we’re happy that we have used advanced solutions from Schneider Electric to power this wind farm,” stated TAREC. 

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm consists of 27 wind turbines, each generating 2 MW of energy. The project is expected to contribute to the global effort of reducing greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere estimated at 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide over a 20-year project lifespan.

For more information on the services and components used in the San Lorenzo Wind Farm, please visit http://www.schneider-electric.com.ph.

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management and automation with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Non-residential & Residential Buildings, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Utilities & Infrastructure and Data Centers & Networks. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 170,000 employees achieved revenues of 25 billion euros in 2014, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

Let's travel and say 'arigatou' to peace with Tagaytay Highlands’ Katsura community

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An exclusive mountain resort community offering a sophisticated lifestyle with its world class amenities, themed residential communities, luxurious and innovative condominiums, and its classic log cabin homes - Tagaytay Highlands.

The frenzied metropolitan life can be remedied by a quick getaway to Tagaytay. Barely a two-hour smooth ride away, the coveted spot's accessibility makes it a frequent destination for casual getaways and even better - for a luxurious escapade. Who would not get allured by the image of vast greenery and the figurative caress of fresh air?

Each development within the property offers an unparalleled sense of privacy and comfort, providing homeowners the ultimate weekend getaway destination.

Those who are adherent with the Japanese culture will be enthralled with Katsura, the Japanese-themed residential community stretched across 14 hectares of rolling terrain. One can now be pampered and revel in the stretched space of God-made wonders incorporated with man-made sanctuaries.

Katsura’s best kept secret is Yume, a secluded enclave in an already exclusive community.

Katsura values the forgotten essence of life - redirecting people to elegance of simplicity with its traditional and contemporary Japanese homes. It promises a sophisticated experience through beautiful manifestations of imagery. For one, mountains are represented through its steep-angled roofs. And to complement the vista, well-kept Japanese gardens sprawl the area which emit a more traditional atmosphere.

Set within the community to give a more authentic oriental ambiance are “KOENs” which are small parks or pocket gardens. In Japan, KOENs are symbolic of tradition and inner peace. The hues of green and yellow plants help you relax and be one with your inner self. Each park has unique elements that exhibit harmony and balance, representing the Japanese arts and culture. Two of the gardens are surrounded by white striped bamboos and have a torii gate that opens to wide steps leading to a pavilion, creating an imperial feel. While one of the gardens has a pond and a wooden deck where you can admire the beauty of serenity. There is also a rock garden where pebbles are scattered and boulders are essentially placed for design and convenience. The other gardens have benches and walkways that are perfect for afternoon strolls.

Katsura’s best kept secret is Yume, a secluded enclave in an already exclusive community. Overlooking Katsura, it offers a wonderful view of the Taal Lake. One can grasp more intimacy through its premier location and security.

Yume means "dream" in Japanese and true enough, it is artistic, still, and luxurious in nature. 

The abode serves dual purpose - as a union and as a function. Guests will be captivated by its sophisticated interiors and the majestic outdoors surrounding it. 

Katsura values the forgotten essence of life - redirecting people to elegance of simplicity with its traditional and contemporary Japanese homes.

Yume lies in a three-hectare of lush land that extends the vital peace embodied by Katsura. Imagine experiencing the Japanese way of life without the hassle of travelling far.

Aside from the community’s exclusive amenities, homeowners may also enjoy the different Club facilities such as the country’s first cable car and Swiss funicular train, ATV rides, horseback riding ring, swimming pools with Jacuzzis, different sports facilities at the Sports Center, and Tagaytay Highlands’ very own zoo, the Animal Farm.

Upon purchase, proprietary shares to Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club will also be granted to homeowners.

Katsura is a Japanese-themed residential community stretched across 14 hectares of rolling terrain.

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Nestled along the highest elevations of Tagaytay lies a premier leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury. Where stunning nature views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation. Where golf and country clubs, a selection of restaurants, world-class amenities, and a variety of premium residential communities reshape your idea of a weekend getaway.

For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com or call (632) 5052422 and (63917) 5150158.