“Throwback Thursday’ on April 27 at the Big Dome

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An interesting mix of soft rock and R&B classics shall take music fans on a nostalgic trip back to the ‘80s as three noted foreign acts get together in a retro concert in April that will showcase some of the era’s best in popular music.

For the first time ever, singer-songwriter El DeBarge, disco diva and vocalist Sybil and band Kalapana from Hawaii will appear on the same stage on April 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City to perform their greatest hits that have endeared to millions of Filipinos.

Ovation Productions is presenting the three foreign artists together in what is dubbed “Throwback Thursday” as it’s summer offering. Also featured is popular Pinoy band Passage.

Known for his signature falsetto, El DeBarge was the focal point and lead singer of the American family group DeBarge from the early to mid-‘80s. The group’s hits include “Time Will Reveal, “Stay With Me,” “All This Love”, “Rhythm of the Night”, “Starlight Express”, and “Who’s Holding Donna Now”, among others.

After leaving the group in 1985, he launched his solo career the following year with a self-titled debut album that contained the Number Three hit, “Who’s Johnny?,” which was featured in the film, “Short Circuit.”

Sybil Anita Lynch, known simply to music fans as Sybil, on the other hand, attained success as an R&B pop singer and songwriter during the mid-80s until the mid-90s. 

Recognized as an excellent vocalist and one of the finest among disco divas, the American artist from New Jersey began recording in 1986 with the release of her debut single, “Falling in Love,” which reached the Top 30 on the R&B and Dance charts, and which opened the door to her successful career through the release of her debut album, “Let Yourself Go.” a year later.

She scored huge crossover hits in the Philippines with her song “Make It Easy On Me” and her cover versions of Dionne Warwick’s “Don’t Make Me Over” in 1989 and “Walk On By” in 1990.

She attained her most successful hit in the United Kingdom with a cover of |The Love I Lost,” which peaked at No.3, while its follow up, “When I’m Good and Ready,” peaked at No. 5.

In 1997, Sybil released her greatest hits album, followed later that year by her last album to-date, “Still A Friend.”

The contemporary Hawaiian group, Kalapana, which is now on its 44th year in the music and entertainment industry, gained fame for its pop and soft rock music that have made its songs, such as “Night Bird”, “Naturally” and “The Hurt,” enduring island classics. 

Kalapana made a successful breakthrough in the international touring circuit when it performed with the LA-based fusion band Hiroshima, played at the grand opening of Hard Rock Café in Honolulu and performed in two-sold out shows in the Philippines with an attendance of 10,000 each night.

It also did extensive tours in Japan, US West Coast, Tahiti, Samoa, Guam, Saipan and other Pacific islands.

Its successful tour in Japan with Michael Paulo of Al Jarreau’s band and Tris Imboden (drummer for Chicago) boosted Kalapana’s popularity in that country, where it has one of its largest fan bases since the 1970s, and landed it a five-album deal with Pony Canyon Records.

In 2011, Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Achievement Award. \The recipients were Malani Bilyyeu, Mackey Feary (posthumously, John (DJ) Pratt, Kirk Thompson, Alvin Fejarang, Michael Paulo, Randy Aloya, Gaylord Holomalia and Kenji Sano.

Kalapana was last seen in the Philippines in 2012 when it had a three-night, three-city concert tour with folk rock band America produced by Ovation Productions. -- #

“ThrowbackThursday’ on April 27 at Smart Araneta Coliseum” is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets prices are P4500, 4000, 3500, 2500, 1500, 1500, 750 are available online at www.ticketnet.com.ph or call (02)9115555. The show will also be staged at the SMX Convention Center in Davao the next day April 28 as “Flashback Friday”.

When farmers comes first: A choice of giving back to the farmers of Bicol

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For every one farmer in the world, there are 19 in the developing world. In a survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2012, 12.09 million people work in agriculture. This amount figures to about 1/3 of the country’s total employment. However, even with all the people in that sector, the contribution of agriculture to the economy only makes up a mere 11%.

In Bicol, agriculture makes up 30% of the region’s GDRP and about 44% of the total population are employed in this sector. According to the Bicol Regional Development Plan of 2011-2016, most of the families in agriculture belong to poor and vulnerable sectors, most of whom are unable to complete their schooling due to lack of funds or access to quality education.

In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released a position paper on the role of agriculture in developing countries. They emphasized that agricultural productivity is key to poverty alleviation. More than just food security, agriculture can also contribute to economic development through increased export earnings. In light of this, national focus has shifted to the margins—policy makers, government, and non-government agencies alike have begun pumping support for our local farmers through irrigation programs, modernization projects, and supporting local entrepreneurs and cooperatives.

Cooperatives for socio-economic development

The Philippine Agricultural setting is mostly small farm holders after the land reform. So it is very important to organize the farmers to cooperatives and association for economy of scale in production and pricing.

Cooperatives play a crucial role in reducing poverty as well as pave the way for rural development. Through cooperatives, farmers who previously lacked access to the necessary resources are now able to access new technologies through government support from Dept. of Agriculture , Dept. of Trade & Industry and Dept. of Science & Technology.

Pili farmers of Bicol—once the poorest of the poor—are now able to augment their income through their cooperative with farmers from different provinces, harvesting and processing what we know now as Pili oil.

Pili oil is extracted from the pili fruit. it is only in the Philippines that the pili is commercially grown and processed. The nuts themselves have been found to contain 70% oil—akin to the Macadamia. The oil from other parts of the fruit itself is rich in Vitamin A and Tocopherol (Vitamin E), otherwise known as natural anti-aging components.

A beautiful partnership

Some farmers group from Sorsogon & Camarines Sur are already partners with PILI Beauty—an all-natural line of personal care products enhanced with pili and elemi oil. Through their harvest of pili oil, the farmers now receive a new source of income and through this, they can send their children to school & upgrade their standard of living.

The farmers are also taught zero waste management consciousness, making use of every part of the pili nut and pulp. This means less stress on the environment as well as reduced pollution in production.

PILI Beauty does not just want to provide short term livelihood solutions for these farmers, but to ultimately uplift the quality of life for those who belong to this sector. 

“Our goal is a long term relationship with these farmers that will help upgrade their standards of living,” said PILI Beauty’s visionary Founder Rose Tan.

At par if not better than Argan and Olive oil, PILI Beauty after extraneous research & creative innovation envision our very own Pili oil comparable to world class beauty product both local and international market. More than the beauty benefits the pili oil can provide championing a local product ,we are pumping life into the backbones of our society & leaving it better than we started it.

Bring home a new and exciting mamon treat your kids can’t resist! White Choco Almond Mamon blends white choco goodness with crunchy almonds!

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Bringing home food for everybody is one of the most enjoyable activity of everyone - family, friends and for gifts. Bringing home “pasalubong” for our kids have always been part of our culture. Whether there is an occasion or not, seeing our loved ones’ eyes light up brings warmth to our hearts and makes a stressful day seem worth it, especially, if the treat you bring home is joyfully appreciated by the people receiving it.

While there are many things that you can bring home as “pasalubong,” a new and delightfully different treat never fails to surprise your family, especially if it is from Red Ribbon, one of the most loved bakeshop chains in the country.

This time, Red Ribbon introduces another exciting and indulgent treat with the latest addition to its mamon staples—the new Red Ribbon White Choco Almond Mamon.

Red Ribbon’s While Choco Almond Mamon perfectly blends soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth white chiffon, creamy white chocolate and crunchy almond bits for a combination that is both heavenly and indulgent. It’s a sweet treat that kids and grown ups cannot resist!

“We, at Red Ribbon, are always finding ways to give our customers new treats that they will enjoy and love. The new mamon variant promises a new exciting experience,” said Ned Bandojo, head of marketing of Red Ribbon. “The right combination of white chocolate and almonds make this a treat that will turn even the simplest moments into a sweeter and more memorable experience.”

The new White Choco Almond Mamon joins Red Ribbon’s other mamon flavors like the Butter Mamon, Cheesy Mamon, Caramel Mamon, Creamy Mamon, Mocha Mamon, Cookies and Cream Mamon, and Ube Mamon. Like the other much-loved mamons, the White Choco Almond Mamon is sure to make a perfect pasalubong and pambaon treat.

Customers can now enjoy the new mamon for only PhP24 a piece. However, if they buy the five-piece bundle pack, they can get it for only PhP99.00, saving up to PhP21.00! 

The White Choco Almond Mamon is available in all Red Ribbon stores nationwide starting February 28, 2017.

As one of the fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country, Red Ribbon is dedicated to making everyday moments more special by bringing new, exciting, and delicious cakes, breads, and pastries. 

To know more about Red Ribbon’s many delights, visit www.redribbonbakeshop.com.ph.

Epson Named Among Top 100 Global Innovators for Sixth Consecutive Year

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TOKYO, Japan, February 28, 2017 - Seiko Epson Corporation was listed among the 2016 Top 100 Global Innovators announced by Philadelphia-based Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters. Epson has been named to the list every year since its inception in 2011. 

Hirofumi Hino from Clarivate Analytics’ office in Japan presented Toshiya Takahata, executive officer and general administrative manager of Epson’s Intellectual Property Division, with a trophy to commemorate the occasion.

Takahata (right) accepting the trophy from Hirofumi Hino of Clarivate Analytics

Reasons for selection (cited by Clarivate Analytics)

The Top 100 Global Innovators methodology analyzes patents across four main criteria (volume, success, globalization, and influence). Epson has been selected for the list largely in recognition of its success rate, a metric that indicates the ratio of patents granted to the number of applications filed.

Intellectual property at Epson

Epson files about 4,000 patent applications a year. It holds and maintains about 50,000 patents globally and is working with patent agencies in 20 countries or more at any given time. In the patent rankings for the 2015 fiscal year, Epson ranked 7th in Japan for the number of patents awarded, 16th in the United States, and 15th in China (among foreign companies). Epson possesses world-class IP capabilities and is an industry leader in patent quantity and quality in product categories such as inkjet printers and projectors. 

Comments from Toshiya Takahata, executive officer and general administrative manager of Epson’s Intellectual Property Division

“I am extremely pleased and proud that Epson has once again been honored with inclusion on the Top 100 Global Innovators list. Epson’s business strategies and intellectual property strategies are closely linked under the Epson 25 Corporate Vision. The acquisition of high-quality patents that contribute to our business is a high priority for us. I think Clarivate Analytics was able to see and appreciate what we have been doing, and that’s why we again made the Top 100 Global Innovators list. Intellectual property expands the potential of Epson’s current businesses as well as our future businesses. The Intellectual Property Division will continue to work closely with research and development departments to achieve Epson’s aim of becoming a truly indispensable company by creating products and services that help to make the world a better place.”

Top 100 Global Innovators

Clarivate Analytics analyzes intellectual property and patent trends based on proprietary data to determine the world’s most innovative corporations and institutions. The analysis covers four main criteria: volume, success, globalization, and influence. Begun in 2011, the Top 100 Global Innovators report is now in its sixth year.

( #lifegoals ) How millennials are affording the life they want today

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Travel is now an escape, a reward, and a passion for all, and millennials are embracing this newfound love with a gutsy attitude and an effective strategy to boot. 

Smart travelers Adrian Cailao, JJ Se and Aia Tabal share their secrets on how to travel freely, sign up for graduate school, and pursue multiple dreams today. 

Get started on your #lifegoals

"I usually travel with a group of friends. We plan ahead, about a year in advance. We look for airline seat sales. We read blogs on budget traveling and we have a pool for travel fund," Adrian expertly explains. 

Certified millennial traveler Adrian enjoys quick escapes while working on his life goals.

Listing traveling under his core interests, this 29-year-old has explored much of the archipelago, experiencing the Philippines' most beautiful for self-discovery and relaxation.

His colleague JJ agrees with him. He says travel is a great means to expand his range of experiences. "I've seen the hanging coffins in Sagada, experienced the culinary heritage of Central Luzon, and explored the underground river of Palawan. I also went on my first solo flight abroad to Malaysia and Singapore last year."

JJ, however, is the first to say that dreams don’t just fall into one’s lap. When he isn’t out posting his adventures on Instagram, this traveler is busy shuttling between his work in Alabang and UP Diliman for his graduate classes. He explains, “I live in the south so I have to go back again, go home to get rest, and repeat the routine the following day.” 

Another achievement unlocked. Aia adds Norway to places she has visited. 

Fortunately, he has a colleague like Aia, who he can look up to. Newly-graduated from Ateneo Business School, the MBA-Regis degree holder is now looking for a fresh set of adventures. “I plan to enroll in baking or cooking classes. For travel goals, I am planning my next trip to Australia and Maldives. My sister and I went to Norway just a few months back. Now, we’re drafting our shared travel list,” Aia excitedly adds. 

No one would have guessed that this career-driven millennial is also a wanderlust and has explored much of the Philippines and popular Asian destinations like China, Korea, and Japan.

Win your own success with this millennial secret

Millennials do not wait for a “break” to excel, achieve, and experience the world. Adrian, JJ and Aia exemplified this, when they decided to invest in the life that they want. Their Insular Life policies have helped them outline their adventures, without sacrificing their personal milestones. 

JJ allots time to enjoy Philippine marvels like the San Juanico Bridge. 

JJ explains, “Honestly, I didn’t understand the importance of life insurance before. To me, it was something that ‘adults’ should get, in case something bad or unexpected happens to them. I didn’t know it as a tool that can help me fund my goals.” 

Adrian reveals that, at his age, he already has two years’ worth of financial tracking records. He uses them to strategize on his spending and investments. "If a travel would not fit the budget, I have to say 'no'. I've learned to focus on my goals and now I am building up my insurance policies and investment profits to fund my next travel goals in Europe and America.”

For Aia, saving up for goals is just a matter of developing the right habits. She says, “I compute my expected cash inflow for the year, deduct expenses including my premiums for Insular Life’s Wealth Secure, and then plan out my trips. If budget permits, I also do top-ups for my Wealth Builder policy, because I’m planning to withdraw some of it for my future international trips.”

Follow these thrill seekers and enjoy living in the moment, not just for the moment. Start your own Magandang Araw with Insular Life and plan ahead to secure a fulfilling, financially-free and exhilarating Magandang Bukas. 

Visit www.insularlife.com.ph/ to know how you can start achieving your #adulting goals.