Alex Lichaytoo Receives Order of the Star of Italy

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Bacchus International co-founder Alex Lichaytoo, was recently knighted by the Italian government with a Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Order of the Star of Italy) last March 16 in recognition for his contributions in bridging Philippine and Italian culture. 

Mr. Lichaytoo was surprised by Italian ambassador to the Philippines Giorgio Gulielmino who presented Lichaytoo with his award.

Alex Lichaytoo and his brother Clifford established Bacchus International, Inc in 1995 with the goal of bringing premium wines to the country. Over the years, Bacchus became a household name in the Philippines for its excellent collection, which prompted the brothers to expand their business to introduce the best Italian food products to the Philippine market. Bacchus International then brought Lavazza coffee, De Cecco pasta, Venchi chocolates, and Caputo 00 Pizza flour among others to our shores.

Bacchus International has continued to expand to now become a forefront showroom of high-quality food from Italy. Alex, in particular, has worked tirelessly to establish significant collaborations with renowned chefs such as Chef Margarita Fores – herself a newly-knighted Filipino from the Italian government.

Alex has also regularly visit the regions of Piedmont and Parma to look at various Italian food products that would expand the average Filipino’s palate.

It is this incomparable yearning to provide quality Italian food to every Filipino that has made Alex Lichaytoo a distinguished and respected figure in the food industry.

Vivo V15 Pro helps you shoot professional-grade looking images

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Mobile photography is no longer limited to food shots and selfies. These days, even professional photographers rely heavily on their smartphones when capturing images that evoke a lot of emotions. A photo is a great way to communicate a message or even just to update loved ones of a recent trip.

It may seem such a waste when an extraordinary location is not properly photographed. It's almost an injustice if the colors of a beautiful garden are either too bright or overexposed.

One doesn't have to break the bank to get professional-grade images. 

The Vivo V15 Pro's 48MP Triple Rear Camera addresses photography issues such as exposure, lowlight conditions, and sharpness, among others. The camera’s AI (artificial intelligence) component elevates mobile photography experience to the next level with its 12MP standard + 8MP super wide-angle + 5MP depth-sensing camera setup.

With its 48 Million Quad Pixel Sensor, the Vivo V15 Pro offers photography enthusiasts more than just stunning photos. It is almost certain that the photograph will have a crispier and more natural-looking image compared to those taken with lower megapixel.

In travel photography, landscape photos are a must. No portfolio is complete without a shot of the horizon or breathtaking flower fields. Mobile photographers can rely on Vivo V15 Pro's 8MP AI Super Wide-Angle Camera to do the job. Users don't have to change lenses depending on the need of the shot. Just press on the feature and it's ready to immortalize an image. The AI Super Wide-Angle Camera can expand up to 120 degrees, capturing more people and fuller landscape shots.

The 5MP Depth Depth-Sensing Camera will add more drama and effects on the captured image. 

To deliver high-quality 12MP images, the Vivo V15 Pro's main rear camera has a 4-in-1 pixel technology. It means that one large pixel is combined with four pixels so that even in low light or even dark conditions, the images will still come out better. 

With its Professional Mode feature, the Vivo V15 Pro can pretty much do the work of DSLR cameras. 

Users who want to learn photography can practice by enabling the smartphone's Pro Mode capabilities. Adjust the aperture when taking a photo in dark or confined spaces such as hotels or function rooms. Test how the shutter speed works by adjusting it when taking a photograph of a race or moving vehicles. One can also play with the Manual Feature when taking photos of a city skyline — at night. 

However, there is Vivo V15 Pro's AI Super Night Mode that can take multiple photos at different exposures. The finished product is a stunning combination of these shots. Night scenes are difficult to shoot, but through this feature, anyone can achieve a clear and beautiful night scene.

This enables images taken with the Vivo V15 Pro to be used in other platforms and not only for social media posts.

Still, for Instagrammers who like sharing their photographs to family and friends and feel limited by the available editing features, the Vivo V15 Pro's Editing Features can help them achieve just the right amount of brightness, contrast, or even saturation in their images. 

Limited time offer

Those who want to get the Vivo V15 Pro for its AI camera technology are in for a treat as Vivo is also giving away a set of exclusive perks for those who make advance orders of its latest flagship smartphone.

Customers who pre-order the V15 Pro online until April 11 can score a JBL Clip 3 portable Bluetooth speaker, an extended 6 months phone warranty and can also avail of a screen protection warranty, wherein they will only need to pay P500 to have their damaged or broken screens replaced within 6 months from receiving their pre-ordered units. To pre-order the Vivo V15 Pro today, visit https://vivoglobal.ph/v15preorder/.

The V15 Pro will be available in the local market starting April 12. Vivo will offer the smartphone at 0% interest, thru 6-9 months installment payments using major credit cards and Home Credit, at all participating stores nationwide.

Mang Inasal successfully holds National Halo-Halo Sarap Day with surprise store visits by celebrity endorsers Angel Locsin and Empoy Marquez

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Mang Inasal, the leading Pinoy fast-food restaurant that serves the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, successfully celebrated the third National Halo-Halo Sarap Day (NHHSD) with its customers who got to enjoy the creamiest Pinoy halo-halo at P20 off in all Mang Inasal stores nationwide.

Delighting customers with their surprise store visits were the “General’s Daughter” star Angel Locsin who went to the Mang Inasal Circuit Makati store and comedian Empoy Marquez who went to SM Fairview and SM Novaliches stores during the NHHSD.

Starring in the latest Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo TV commercial aired on the same day as the NHHSD, Angel told customers at the Circuit store that she is really a member of “Samahang Simot,” or those diners who really finish their halo-halo up to the last drop.

“Narito po kami ngayon ng Mang Inasal para magpasalamat sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta sa Pinoy Halo-Halo. Alam naman po ninyo na talagang paborito ko ang Pinoy Halo-Halo dahil ito ang da best sa creaminess. Espesyal ang gatas nito dahil ito ay ginawa lang para sa Mang Inasal (We are here today to thank you for your endless support for Pinoy Halo-Halo. You know that it is really my favorite because it is the creamiest. It is made from special milk made exclusively for Mang Inasal),” she said.

One of the customers who came to celebrate was a balikbayan from Malaysia, Susan Casteral, who came with her son. She always eats at Mang Inasal every time she goes back to the Philippines. She said that she loves eating the Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo because it has the right amount of sweetness and the creaminess that stands out.

Josephine Quiatchon, who came with her friend, is a senior citizen who loves Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo. She finds it really delicious because it has the creamiest milk and generous serving of ingredients.

“Kahit senior na at sipunin na, tuwing summer kumakain talaga ako lagi ng halo-halo(Even if I’m already a senior citizen and would always have colds, I still make it a point to eat halo-halo during summer),” she jovially shared.

Katrina Nagidao, who came with her daughter, even won a prize in one of the NHHSD raffle draws at the Mang Inasal-SM Novaliches store. She said that she and her daughter always eat at Mang Inasal since her daughter loves its Chicken Inasal, while she craves for its creamiest Pinoy Halo-Halo.

Mang Inasal Brand Manager Schubert Quilinquin said that the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day was celebrated in over 500 stores nationwide as Mang Inasal’s way of showing its appreciation to its customers who contributed to making its Pinoy Halo-Halo a well-loved dessert or merienda (snack).

“We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day this year. We hope to celebrate with all of you again next year, as we prepare more surprises for you at our stores,” he said.

The importance of family togetherness as told by the Muhlach family in newest Jollibee Chickenjoy commercial

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Sharing a meal with the people you love the most is an incomparable feeling—especially for the Muhlach family.

In their latest Jollibee commercial, the celebrity family once again reveals a side that many Filipino families can relate to. We see Aga, Charlene, and their twins Andres and Atasha sharing a bucket of their favorite Chickenjoy while talking about their day and what truly matters for them: the love of family.

This newest commercial strengthens the brand’s message of family togetherness, with quality bonding time made even more special with the crispylicious, juicylicious, walang kasing sarap Chickenjoy.

Jumping off from previous ads highlighting Aga and Charlene’s sentiments as loving parents, this commercial captures a heartfelt moment in the Muhlachs’ dinner meal, each member sharing why it’s best when they’re all together as a family.

“They make me feel like everything will be okay,” says Andres in the commercial. His twin sister Atasha agrees: “In our family, we support each other.”

“We are all familiar with the deep love and care that Filipino parents feel for their children,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP and Marketing Head for Flagship Category. “Having the children appreciate and live out the lessons their parents imparted on them, like Andres and Atasha do, is such a refreshing and equally heartfelt take to this much-beloved series of commercials.”

The best gift for family

For Charlene, the best gift for her family is not necessarily expensive—or even material.

“The best gift that we, as parents, really give our children is quality time,” shared the actress-host. “Like in each milestone in their lives, we make sure to be there all the time!”

Even as teenagers with their own busy lives, Andres and Atasha still love hanging out with their parents; the result of their relatively “normal”, tight-knit upbringing.

“Whenever we spend time together, there’s never a dull moment. We always enjoy each other’s company, even if it’s just being in the same room for hours just talking,” Atasha shared. Their favorite family moments are usually derived from simple conversations enjoyed over delicious food, especially the best-tasting Chickenjoy.

A true-blue Jollibee family

Aga has been part of the Jollibee family, with endorsements and advocacy projects for the country’s number one fast-food brand since 1991. Having his wife and children join him for family-centered commercials brought special joy to the actor.

“The time we spent together in the shoot was precious also. Being together the whole day doesn’t feel like working,” Aga said.

“But it’s also nice because at least the kids get to see what we have been doing, and now they’re part of it,” agreed Charlene.

“For me honestly, this opportunity is special because not everyone can say they can experience this moment. Not everyone can say that they have done a commercial with their whole family! And it’s enjoyable because we’re all together, just bonding in every way,” added Andres.

“What makes the Chickenjoy commercials with the Muhlach family work is that they truly embody the value of togetherness that we want to support and promote,” said Capati. “If you see them working together, joking around and having fun, you’ll see that the warmth and closeness they exude on-cam is genuine—and the love that they have for Chickenjoy is genuine, too!”

Like the Muhlachs, give the best to your family and make bonding moments more special with the best-tasting Chickenjoy. Indulge in the crispylicious, juicylicious goodness while basking in the love of family. Prices start at PHP 75.00*.

For more information on Jollibee’s products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

*Prices may vary across locations.

Bayambang Pangasinan bags the Guinness World Records for the tallest bamboo statue

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The Guinness World Records officially announced Bayambang Pangasinan has the world's tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) during the unveiling of the 50.23-meter statue of this town’s patron saint, Vincent Ferrer last April 5.

Guinness World Records 

Swapnil Dangarikar, Guinness World Records adjudicator

Guinness World Records adjudicator, Swapnil Dangarikar, made the formal announcement as part of the town’s celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the Saint  Vincent Ferrer Parish (1619-2019) and 600th death anniversary (1419-2019) of the patron saint of builders.

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Bannering the theme “Bayang Pinagtibay ng Pananampalataya at Pagkakaisa Laban sa Kahirapan,” the municipality of Bayambang in Pangasinan celebrates Pista’y Baley from April 1 to 8, 2019.

Currently the holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest barbecue grill that it garnered in April 2014, Bayambang successfully acquired another Guinness record, this time for the world’s tallest bamboo sculpture (supported) of a religious figure.

Pista’y Baley, the Pangasinan term for pistang bayan or town fiesta, is one of the grandest and most revered celebrations of Bayambang in the third district of the vote-rich province of Pangasinan. It is the annual moment when the people of all 77 barangays of the town come together in witness and a salient part of a series of revelries where their unity and camaraderie are manifested.

Year after year, Pista’y Baley attracts hordes of visitors from all over the country. Family members of Bayambangueños from other provinces and foreign and local tourists visit Bayambang to enjoy the merriment that only Pista’y Baley offers.

Epic accolade to Bayambang’s overseer and guardian

Saint Vincent Ferrer has been a beacon of faith in Bayambang for hundreds of years, and his presence has been incessantly felt by Bayambangueños through the Saint Vincent Ferrer Parish Church. He remains to be a symbol of devotion for the people of Bayambang, and the influence that he has had on the local culture is undeniable.

Many devotees of St. Vincent Ferrer believe that it is their revered patron who perpetually saves them from the onslaught of natural calamities. Historical archives have it that near Palma of Majorca, St. Vincent Ferrer stilled a storm in order to preach from a wharf. At Beziers he stopped a flood. And Bayambang, which he oversees as the patron saint, was saved on several occasions from natural calamities.

This is why the church, with the assistance of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao, his wife, Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose-Quiambao, and several private firms, is spearheading the construction of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park in the heart of the town of Bayambang which is politically subdivided into 77 barangays, 11 of which are urban barangays and 66 are rural barangays.

The groundbreaking ceremony held on June 20, 2018 marked the beginning of a bigger and better future for the town. 

Saint Vincent Ferrer’s 50.23-meter monument was erected in Barangay Bani as a testament to the Bayambangueños’ never-ending love for and gratitude to the patron saint of builders.

The park will serve as a place of serenity, not just for Bayambangueños, but for anyone seeking spiritual help and guidance.

Colossal Structure

Standing at 50.23 meters high, this monumental structure made of steel and engineered bamboo currently holds the Guinness World Record for the Tallest Bamboo Sculpture (Supported) of Saint Vincent Ferrer, making it a valuable tourist spot in Pangasinan and Northern Luzon.

Tourists and visitors will look up in astonishment as they gaze upon the height of the image as a symbol of the Bayambangueños’ faith and devotion to the patron saint of builders.

Prayer Park with chapel, fountains, candle-lighting area and business stalls

The current parish priest of St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Rev. Fr. Allen O. Romero, said that the land from God is being developed to become “a beautiful place where people can go and have peace of mind, where pilgrims from different places can visit, and where people can pray and meditate and venerate our patron.”

A chapel will be situated just beside the statue to serve as a place of meditation where devotees can find peace and serenity during their visit. The chapel is added to the master plan because, despite the expected influx of tourists, there needs to be a solemn spot where they can pray and reflect.

At the center of the rotunda will be a fountain, a calming presence to welcome visitors to the Prayer Park. The water element is added to the park because of the weight of its importance to Catholicism. For Catholics, water is a symbol for purification and cleansing. This is why Catholics dip their fingers in holy water before attending a holy mass and why water is poured over a baby’s head during baptism. This element adds to the overall solemnity and tranquility of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park.

Like any other religious spaces, an area where devotees can light candles is important to have. At the Saint Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park, the candle-lighting area is situated just at the back of the 50.23-meter high structure. It will be a spot where devotees can pray for the illumination of their minds and souls, and as the light from the candle keeps glowing, the faith of the devotees keeps on burning.

Situated near the chapel and candle-lighting area are the stalls that will be erected to provide a venue where devotees can buy their food, candles, or souvenirs.

Because the park is expected to attract many tourists from all around the Philippinesand even the world, Bayambangueños would like to showcase what else the town has to offer by marketing the different delicacies and products that are proudly made in Bayambang.

Aside from marketing the prides of the town, this will also give the locals a great source of revenue, which is one of the major goals of the project.