STARWORLD REVEALS MAGIC BEHIND BEST CELEBRITY WEDDINGS WITH SHE SAID YES!

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Giving brides-to-be and their grooms an in-depth look at the magic behind the Philippines’ most talked-about weddings is She Said Yes!, which will premiere on September 21 at 10 PM on StarWorld, Asia’s leading female entertainment channel. She Said Yes! features weddings of the country’s biggest celebrities as well as couples who have stopped at nothing to make their special day meaningful and uniquely memorable. The series also introduces the suppliers who made these dream ceremonies possible, allowing other couples to take inspiration for their own weddings.

She Said Yes! inaugurates itself with a bang by featuring one of the biggest weddings in the Philippines in 2015: the union of actress Heart Evangelista Senator Chiz Escudero. On this premiere episode, make-up artist Albert Kurniawan and event stylist Badang Rueda take us behind the scenes of this huge event, while the latter joins event planner Rita Neri, wedding blogger Benz Rana and videographer Jason Magbanua to give a Philippine situationer for the booming wedding industry. Other weddings to be featured in this first season of She Said Yes! include that of Tricia Centenera and Gab Valenciano as well as brides Kitchie Nadal, Nikki Gil and Pauleen Luna.

Viewers not only get to see the making of the country’s most beautiful celebrity weddings, but they also learn about different types of ceremonies—including destination weddings, themed weddings, and those with an offbeat creative slant—and what elements need to come together to make these successful. The top wedding suppliers of the country spill their best-kept secrets on She Said Yes! alongside other features on how brides and grooms should prepare themselves for the Big Day.

Charo Espedido, Head of Marketing and Programming at FOX Networks Group Philippines, said, “The Philippine wedding industry is booming with more suppliers and more ideas than ever, and StarWorld is glad to be providing brides-to-be with an entertaining and informative program that shows what’s available to them for their special day. She Said Yes! will not only inspire couples to dream big for their weddings by featuring those of celebrities, but it will also be a helpful resource for great ideas and stress-free planning, with tips from the country’s top wedding suppliers.” 

Watch She Said Yes! to learn the secrets behind the best weddings in the Philippines of 2015, every Wednesday at 10 PM, starting on September 21, exclusively on StarWorld!

BEST Center opens weekend clinics

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The clinics provide scientific training in basketball and volleyball for young boys and girls

BEST (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training) Center, the award-winning school for basketball and volleyball, will have another series of clinics for aspiring basketball and volleyball players at the Ateneo College Covered Courts and Starmall Alabang.

The highly anticipated classes at the Ateneo College Covered Court will be held every Saturday on September 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Students in Preparatory Level and Levels 1-5 will be joining the basketball clinic while volleyball will be for levels 1 and 2. 

Meanwhile, clinics at Starmall Alabang are held every Sunday on September 18 and 25 and October 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Joining these classes are students belonging to the Preparatory Level and Levels 1-4.

“Sports are vital in the children’s growth and development. Aside from honing their athletic skills and encouraging kids to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, it also helps them learn self-discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance”, remarked Jorge. 

The clinics provide scientific training for young boys and girls of varying skills and age levels which includes the fundamentals on ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting, spiking, serving, blocking, footwork and defensive and offensive moves. 

Since its establishment in 1978 by national coach Nic Jorge, BEST Center continues to produce some of the country’s finest basketball and volleyball players including Chris Tiu, Kiefer Ravena and Princess Gaiser. 

For more information about BEST Center’s classes and tournaments, call the hotlines 411-6260, 3723066 and 372-3065, email bestcentersports@gmail.com or follow its official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-Center-Sports-Inc/66172039922.

Gearing up for this season’s feasts

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When the months in the calendar start to end with “ber”, here in the Philippines, the mood quickly changes into a more festive one, as malls begin to play the old Christmas tunes that everybody loves, decors suddenly become very shiny, and soon enough Christmas items from the groceries pop up in bundles or in baskets. And it wouldn’t be long until parties start to flood company schedules instead of meetings and the much awaited Christmas vacation will just be around the corner.

The season brings a lot of people together— colleagues in the office who are in need of a break, old friends from way, way back, and the extended family that has grown bigger from the past year— and it is always a must that these gatherings are complemented by a big feasts. It is quite easy to ask for a caterer to do all the cooking for everybody, but Christmas is also a time for everyone who are talented in the culinary arts to show off some skill in the kitchen. Potlucks are good as well for the budget and everybody gets to have a share on what is going to be on the table, but cooking for a big crowd is still one tough feat.

Hosting a Christmas party or get-together is all a different challenge all together, especially when it comes to stocking up all the necessary ingredients for the feast. Playing Tetris in the refrigerator trying to fit in everything from meats, fruits, vegetable, and other ingredients could be a daunting task— not to mention getting food spoiled because of leaks and being too cramped together. Fortunately, the world’s leading consumer appliances manufacturer, Midea offers yet another home solution that would ease up the challenges in stocking up on everything that is needed for a feast - after all, its products are meant to be surprisingly friendly at home.

They have an array of refrigerators the suits everyone’s big needs for big space, especially this time of the year. They have a 19.4 cu ft Side by Side Refrigerator that can fit up 20 baskets of groceries, that’s more than enough groceries to feed at least two batches of a hungry crowd in a get-together. With that much space, all of the ingredients are assured to be kept safe and fresh before they go into the hot kitchen. And this refrigerator’s Multi-Airflow feature enables uniform cooling which protects food from sudden changes in temperature, keeping it fresh all throughout.

Its electronic control makes it easy to keep the refrigerator at a desired temperature, while being energy efficient, which cuts down electrical consumption by almost half— making it also cool with the budget too. Most of all, its stainless steel finish gives it a very stylish and elegant look, which could be a conversation starter with the guests at the party.

Midea has a version of this Side by Side Refrigerator which has a Multi-functional Dispenser that gives out ice water, ice cubes, and crushed ice. This makes it easier for everyone to get a cold glass of water or ice for their drinks, while the Home Bar on the refrigerators opposite side could take care of other beverages. Its Super Cooling and Super Freezing functions takes no time to keep ingredients cool and fresh while it churns out ice and chills beverages.

Midea’s 20.1 cu ft French Door Refrigerator on the other hand has more unique features that would definitely make it easier to stock up and keep all of their grocery items fresh in the fridge. It can also fit up to 20 baskets of groceries and cut down electrical consumption by half with its turbo inverter. It has the same Multi-airflow that ensures uniform cooling throughout the refrigerator with High Moisture Retention Technology that maintains an optimum humidity level to keep food fresh for a longer period of time.

Its Dual Cooling System has Smart Sensors that accurately controls the ideal temperature in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, while its Photosynthetic Preservation function uses UV light to promote photosynthesis and removes pesticides from fruits and vegetables, prolonging its lifespan in the fridge. And very much like its Side by Side Refrigerator counterpart, it has a stylish and elegant look with its stainless steel finish.

With all of these big and spacious refrigerators in your kitchen ready to take in everything that will be needed for a one big feast this season, Christmas parties, reunions, and get-togethers will be a lot easier to deal with especially with handling all the preparations for the food. Everyone can enjoy meals with the freshest ingredients thanks to Midea’s solution in keeping all of it fresh and crisp before cooking. And after all of the festivities are done, you can be sure that there will still be some space for leftovers which you can enjoy the next day.

For more information on Midea’s products check out their website at http://midea.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MideaPhilippines.

About Midea

Midea, one of the world's largest manufacturers of appliances, covers a complete range of products from electric kettles, washing machines, microwaves to large commercial air-conditioning systems. Thriving in over 150 countries, Midea has now arrived in the Philippines!

In partnership with Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), Midea's global strength in the appliance industry infused with CIC's Integrity, Excellence and Total Customer Satisfaction give the world class brand a better understanding of the Filipino's needs.

Converse launch Fall/Winter 2016 : The New Counter Climate Collection

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The Fall/Holiday 2016 Collection officially introduced the Converse Counter Climate Shield Footwear and Apparel Collection.

Converse Launching this Fall/Winter 2016, Chuck II Leads Converse Footwear Against the Wet Weather With Canvas, Leather and Rubber

Converse Philippines Executives, Influencers and Celebrity Endorsers

Converse is taking wet weather head-on this season, combining classic sneaker designs with premium weatherized features, with the debut of the Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear Collection. The new collections provide the necessary tools to combat the climate shifts while emphasizing essential weather-beating benefits.

The innovative sneaker collections feature a bold mix of colors and materials including water repellent canvas, rubber and leather, and waterproof neoprene.

Divided into three unique categories: Shield Canvas, Leather and Rubber-- these collections are intended to stand up against the unpredictable inclement weather.

BATTLE THE ELEMENTS: CONVERSE DEBUTS 

THE NEW COUNTER CLIMATE COLLECTION

Each sneaker has been treated to help tackle rainy weather while maintaining comfort and style. The Converse Counter Climate Shield Canvas sneakers have been given a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment, standing guard as the first line of defense against the rain. 

For the holiday season, both new and time-honored styles endure the harsh elements with the Counter Climate Rubber collection. These rubber sneakers are winter-ready with water resistant material and heat retention.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas

Designed for the Chuck Taylor lover who can’t give up their Chucks no matter what the weather, the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas sneaker combines the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sockliner, non-slip padded tongue and micro-suede lining with materials that can also withstand most climate challenges.

Converse has added a water repellent Shield Canvas and a gusseted tongue, as well as removing the medial eyelets to make a durable sneaker that is ready for wet and rainy adventures. The sneakers also feature reflective heel webbing and barrel laces for added visibility in low light environments.

Available colors: Black/Volt, Black/Reflective, White/Lava, Black

Suggested retail price: Php 4,550

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber 

Another iteration of the Chuck II will also be releasing this fall - the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber. By incorporating a transparent rubber overlay on the iconic Chuck II silhouette, this allows for the sneaker to breathe while repelling water and protecting feet from the elements. The sneaker includes all the features and benefits of the Chuck II such as a Lunarlon sockliner and a non-slip padded tongue, while adding a beautifully crafted dimensional canvas for breathability, micro-perforated leather lining for comfort, and a heat reflecting barrier at the footbed for warmth.

Suggested retail price: Php 5,430

Converse Cons One Star Shield Canvas

This season, the Converse Cons Star also receives the Shield Canvas treatment, combining the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sockliner with a lightweight and breathable canvas that can also withstand the rain. Added features include a gusseted tongue and removed medial eyelets allowing the sneaker to tolerate wet environments. Traction rubber has also been incorporated to the outsole, providing additional grip. 

Available colors: Black, White, Obsidian 

Suggested retail price: Php 4,250

Converse Jack Purcell Signature Twill Shield Canvas

The Converse Jack Purcell Signature collection introduces a thicker Shield Canvas with a water repellent finish, and a tri-color reflective heel stay. A mesh lining backing the shield canvas regulates temperatures across a range of climates while still keeping the sneaker breathable. Reflective laces add flare while a gusseted tongue construction will prevent water from seeping into the dual pod Nike Zoom Air insole technology. 

Available colors: Inked, Natural 

Suggested retail price: Php 5,590

Converse Jack Purcell Signature M-Series

This fall, Converse introduces a high top silhouette combined with Counter Climate Shield Canvas. Warm, durable and water-repellent, it delivers all-day, on-the-go comfort. The Shield Canvas complements features like Lunarlon insole cushioning, heat regulating mesh lining and a tri-color reflective heel tab for enhanced visibility in low light.

Available Colors: Hot Cocoa, Black

Suggested retail price: Php 5,430

Converse Essentials

The collection features quality and durable everyday basics for your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Constructed for comfort and fit, the Converse Essentials collection will get softer with time. Each piece includes a natural color fade of fabric with long-term wear, durable stitching, and a managed shrinkage fit that remains the same throughout the lifespan.

The collection includes:

Converse Essentials Tee
Converse Essentials Pullover Hoodie
Converse Essentials Full Zip Hoodie 
Converse Essentials Jogger.

Available Colors: Black. Grey, Obsidian, Egret

Suggested retail price: Ranges from Php 899.75 to Php 3,339.75

The New Converse Counter Climate Collection launch was so great fun and was attended by celebrities! 

The new Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear Collection and Essentials are now available at Converse stores nationwide.

Visit or www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more!

#ConversePHCounterClimate

Protect the THRESHER SHARKS! ! #PHsayYES #WORLDsayYES

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Sharks matter. A critical part of marine ecosystems, Sharks in general are a fascinating and beautiful species. Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years.

Now, marine wildlife and habitats are severely imperiled. Congested with pollution ranging from plastics to derelict fishing gear, the oceans have become a veritable minefield for marine species.

The Philippines is the only country that can boast to having an established pelagic thresher shark dive industry.

Thresher sharks are farmed in some areas for their value as both a recreational sport fish and for commercial products derived from their flesh. 

The presence of thresher sharks has turned Malapascua Island into a major dive tourist attraction, helping the local residents to recover after the devastation that tropical typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) brought to many parts of the country in 2013.

In the province of Cebu, sharks are considered valuable for both their ecological and economic value that the province issued a Resolution protecting all sharks and rays in all its municipalities and established the Philippines’ first shark and ray sanctuary in Daanbantayan. 

Unfortunately, it is not enough as thresher sharks could still be fished, hunted, and traded legally elsewhere. 

However, there is an opportunity coming up that could ensure protection of thresher sharks through the regulation of its international trade. This happens on 24 September to 5 October 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa when all three species of thresher sharks are being proposed to be listed on Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at their Conference of Parties (CoP) 17. 

The Philippines is in a unique position to push for the protection of the thresher sharks as we are the only country that values these sharks for more than just their fins. 

Not supporting the proposal means failing to safeguard Daanbantayan's tourism industry, now contributing to 80% of its economy, that visitors and locals are benefiting from.

The Philippine delegation and other governments attending the 17th CoP of CITES has the option to vote YES or NO to the listing of thresher sharks. 

I believe that we need to let the delegates know that we want our thresher sharks to be protected under CITES, which will automatically protect them in Philippine waters.

If this proposal passes, all trade in thresher sharks would be required to be sustainable – a policy that would go a long way in ensuring their survival for generations to come.

Being part of taking action to save sharks, we have to make sure they are being treated with respect!

We need to save sharks before it is too late. Being a responsible makes a difference to our world. We should make sure marine wildlife not disturbed nor harmed.

You can help make this happen by doing the following:

Sign the petition and vote YES: https://www.change.org/p/philippines-vote-yes-for-threshers

We can make a difference in our country. We can help to save our Earth Sharing our thresher shark posts on social media while using :

 #SaveThresherTala #StoptheThresherHunt  

#PHsayYES #WORLDsayYES