Franchisees gather for the 3rd MINISTOP Franchise of the Year Awards

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This year’s “Fiestakalye” theme perfectly captured the festive spirit of the 3rd Ministop Franchise of the Year Awards night, held recently at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila. “We’re continuing this tradition of recognizing our franchisees because their commitment helped us to grow the MINISTOP brand and fast-track our expansion nationwide,” said Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President and COO. She added that MINISTOP will soon open its 500th store.

MINISTOP Shell Emerald bagged the much-coveted Franchisee of the Year Award and received a Robinsons gift certificate and an all-expense-paid trip to Japan for four days and three nights, including a tour of Tokyo Disneyland and the Ministop Japan Franchise Exhibit. First to 4th Runners-up were MINISTOP Freeport Mansion, MINISTOP VVR Bldg., MINISTOP Makati Executive Tower IV, and MINISTOP Severina, respectively.

Ministop Shell Emerald is this year’s big winner of the coveted Franchise of the Year Award. Photo shows (from left) Ministop Phils. AVP for Operations & Corporate Planning Shingo Koshikawa, General Manager Roena Sarte, Ministop Shell Emerald Franchisee Joy Fernandez, President & COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, VP for Merchandising& Marketing Faith Gokongwei Lim, and Mitsubishi Corporation New Business Development Department Manager Hiroshi Ito.

New special awards were introduced this year for stores that exhibited exemplary performance through operational excellence. The Rookie of the Year award was given to MINISTOP Patio Madrigal and Best in Service Level was awarded to MINISTOP El Grande, while Best in Customer Service went to MINISTOP Eight Waves. The event, which was hosted by Nikki Gil and capped by the performance of jazz crooner Richard Poon, ended on a high note with the promise of nationwide expansion.

The growing importance of the convenience store industry in the lives of Filipinos has encouraged MINISTOP to expand its reach, targeting a network of 600 stores by yearend. “This commitment to grow the MINISTOP brand underlines our belief in the continued growth of the Philippine economy,” said Gokongwei-Pe.

Ministop Shell Emerald is this year’s big winner of the coveted Franchise of the Year Award. Photo shows (from left) Ministop Phils. AVP for Operations & Corporate Planning Shingo Koshikawa, General Manager Roena Sarte, Ministop Shell Emerald Franchisee Joy Fernandez, President & COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, VP for Merchandising& Marketing Faith Gokongwei Lim, and Mitsubishi Corporation New Business Development Department Manager Hiroshi Ito.

#HabitatYBPhils : Thousands of Youth Culminate to Build a Better Philippines

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Brick by brick, click by click; Thousands of Filipino youth will make an impact on the Philippine housing sector this March 21st with Habitat for Humanity’s annual “Habitat Youth Build.”

Now in its fifth year, Habitat for Humanity Philippines is again organizing this major event, pioneered by its Habitat Youth Council, to engage the youth to build and repair homes, drawing attention to the global housing crisis.

“Habitat Youth Build” will be hosted simultaneously in fifteen (15) countries across the Asia-Pacific, and in the following ten (10) Habitat Philippines sites: Mindoro (the main event), Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Navotas City and Quezon City.

With over four (4) million Filipino families lacking access to decent shelter, this campaign aims to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope – by raising funds, mobilizing volunteers and gathering supporters to be catalysts for poverty alleviation.

To take part in “Habitat Youth Build” 2015, please visit www.habitat.com.ph or engage with us via the following (using #HabitatYB and #HabitatYBPhils):

Facebook – www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines 

Instagram –@habitatphils 

Twitter – @habitatphils YouTube – HabitatPhils

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) is a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes. We bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFHP is a national office of Habitat for Humanity International based in Georgia, USA. For 26 years, HFHP has served over 110,000 families throughout the country. HFHP envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live.

Visit www.habitat.org.ph or www.facebook.com/habitatphilippines for more details.

Century Tuna’s newest faces are ABS-olutely ready for summer

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Four of the country’s hottest and most promising stars headline the country’s number 1 tuna’s newest campaign where they show off their fit and healthy bodies and share secrets to an ABS-olutely delicious summer.

 James Reid, Elmo Magalona, Jessy Mendiola and  Paulo Avelino

Century Tuna, the country’s number 1 tuna, once again welcomes the hottest season of the year as it presents the country’s hottest and most promising stars as its newest batch of brand ambassadors. 

Making the road to fitness more inspiring and more exciting, the company proudly presents not just one, but four stunning endorsers who represent some of the biggest names in the industry – Paulo Avelino, James Reid, Elmo Magalona and Jessy Mendiola.

“Century Tuna has been known not only for our line of products, but also for our vision of helping our consumers achieve a healthier and happier lifestyle,” says Greg Banzon, general manager of Century Pacific Food Corporation. “We believe that this powerful advocacy requires only the most influential ambassadors who can inspire others through their sexy bodies and healthy lifestyle. And so this year, we strengthen our campaign through with newest batch of endorsers who have also undergone stunning body transformations,” he added.

Paulo Avelino

Known for his enviable bod, striking features and acting prowess is the Gawad Urian awardee Paulo Avelino. Paulo has been living an active lifestyle for years now to maintain his figure. In fact, the actor is engaged in numerous sports activities like badminton, rock climbing and jogging. “Being tapped as a Century Tuna endorser is overwhelming. Now that I am part of the body transformation campaign, I hope to become an inspiration to those who have often expressed admiration of my physique,” Paulo shared.

James Reid

Meanwhile, Filipino-Australian heartthrob James Reid finds this opportunity to be a sweet reward to his hard work to achieve his now toned figure: “I used to be thin and weak years ago – I even had asthma. But through swimming and gymnastics, and a healthy diet, I’ve become more buffed. I’m definitely proud of the new me.”

Elmo Magalona

Raring to make a name for himself in showbiz, Elmo Magalona ventured into acting, rapping, singing, and hosting. Over time, people also noticed his body’s remarkable transformation. At 20 years old, Elmo has already developed chiseled abs and very muscular arms through a customized workout and disciplined diet. “As the youngest in the bunch, I’d like to let people know that they can – and should – start early in their journey to a healthy body,” he shared.

Jessy Mendiola

The only lady in the batch is the beautiful actress who has captured the hearts of many with her angelic face and sexy body: Jessy Mendiola. Jessy has graced a lot of magazine covers and TV commercials, yet she finds something uniquely exciting about her Century Tuna experience: “I’m excited to show a different side of me: a grown-up Jessy who consciously takes care of her body through proper diet and exercise. Plus it’s always nice to endorse a product I truly love!”

Through the inspiring stories of Century Tuna’s newest faces Paulo, James, Elmo and Jessy, the country’s leading tuna brand aims to help more and more people understand that anybody can bring out the better versions of themselves and be ABS-solutely ready for summer.

The four new endorsers join long-time endorser Anne Curtis in promoting the ABS-solutely delicious Century Tuna as a brand that motivates people to aspire for a healthy body. For all of them, there’s no other tuna!

For more information and fitness tips, visit www.centurytuna.ph.

“Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence” all set on April 22

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In the theater, the term ‘Black Box’ refers to a space devoted where daring experiments and new visions are tested through performance. Performers who choose to go and perform in a black box are usually the ones with the most open hearts and sincere desire to hone their talent. 

With the success of Philippine Opera Company’s Young Artists Black Box Series now on its second season, the audience will witness a bolder and braver take on Mozart’s masterpieces in “Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence”, this time in collaboration with RankOne Productions.

Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence — will present excerpts from the seminal operas and oratorios of Mozart integrated with dance, stream of consciousness narrative, and mixed media. All performers - singers, dancers, actors, and musicians - will be integrated with the audience for an all-immersive 360-degree black box theatre experience. Mozart’s music is alternatingly sacred and profane, exploring the perennial conflict between the id, the ego, and the super ego. Ultimately, the programming of the scenes will demonstrate that we can attain a state of classical ‘balance’ and inner peace by exploring the layered dimensions of dark and light. 

As RankOne President/ Executive Creative Director Jon Meer Vera Perez says, the show is, "An exploration of the subversive themes in the seminal operatic works of Mozart; by journeying into the shadow world does one enter into the full grace of Light and Resurrection." The music will be presented in a contemporary setting, with modern and contemporary imagery, to challenge our perceptions of classical music in the 21st century. Mozart’s themes, both the sacred and the profane, are as relevant in 2015 as they were in 1791 when he died, giving us extraordinary insight into how we manage our lives through the choices that we make, and how those actions affect our relationships and the world around us. Ultimately, we only find peace by acknowledging our weaknesses, resolving to learn from our mistakes, and inevitably surrendering to the healing power of forgiveness and eternal Love.

Karla Gutierrez, Philippine Opera Company's Artistic and Managing Director (soprano)

The Young Artists Series provides a professional training ground for young classical singers in the art and craft of stage performance. It gives them the opportunity to integrate singing with stage acting, diction, repertoire, script analysis, dance & movement, and understand better the use of production elements. The goal is to furnish them with a solid foundation on which to build a sustainable performance career. 

“We are very happy and excited to be collaborating with RankOne Productions because we have the same vision and objectives in bringing opera to a different perspective and to attract a wider audience to appreciate classical music especially opera. We were surprised with the result of the YAS concept we didn’t expect it to “evolve” and get “bigger”. Before it just started as a soiree with only 20 people in the hall then we decided to enhance the programs by engaging the artists in more creative work now we have more than a hundred who watches YAS. ”, Says Philippine Opera Company’s Artistic and Managing Director, Karla Gutierrez.

RankOne Productions, a full mixed media production house, is one of the most dynamic players in multimedia productions in the Philippines and internationally. RankOne strives to provide innovative solutions by which a vision can retain its artistic merit while gaining greater commercial value, working tirelessly to provide alternative creative and technical solutions by which their clients can effectively launch their creative ideas into the full power of the digital age. 

Tricia Amper Jimenez

Joseleo Logdat, Grand Prix Winner of the 6th Yokohama International Music Competition in Japan (baritone)

Krissan Manikan, mezzo-soprano

Gabri Dolor Panlilio, soprano

Nomer Son, bass

Jurgen Unterburg,tenor

Antonio Ferrer, tenor

Jon Meer Vera Perez, bass baritone

International artist Stephanie Reese, soprano

Jonathan Wagner, baritone

 Lorraine Lisen, soprano

“Mad About Mozart” stars Karla Gutierrez, Tricia Amper Jimenez, Lorraine Lisen, Joseleo Logdat, Bernadette Mamauag, Krissan Manikan, Gabri Dolor Panlilio, Nomer Son, Jurgen Unterburg with RankOne guest performers Christine Crame, Anton Ferrer, Wesley Pereira, Jon Meer Vera Perez, Stephanie Reese and Jonathan Wagner.

"MAD ABOUT MOZART" will be held on April 22, 7 pm at the Opera Haus (3657 Bautista St. Palanan, Makati).

Directed by award-winning director and writer, Floy Quintos with Jon Meer Vera Perez as Music Director and Photography/Creative Design by Ash Reginald Evasco.

For inquiries call Philippine Opera Company at 822-9609 or 0917-5272880 or follow us on Facebook.

OFW: “Nagpadala lang ako, nagkabahay na ako!” UAE-based OFW wins house and lot with Move It To Win It promo

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Manila, Philippines – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) based in United Arab Emirates is the grand winner of LBC’s Move It To Win promo. After a series of weekly and monthly draws, Junaly Deguma, a loyal customer of LBC, is now a proud owner of a house and lot in Avida Village Cerise, in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it when LBC representatives informed me that my sea cargo transaction won me the grand prize,” shared Deguma. A native of Tagum, Davao, Deguma worked as an administrative secretary in a construction firm in UAE, but she will soon start working in Japan. She is also a mother of two children.

​Anne Baylon-Jara, Avida Marketing Manager; Tess Tatco, Avida Marketing Head; De Guma; 

her mother Sherlita L. De Asis.; and Darlene Dollente, Brand Communications Manager, LBC Express Inc.​​

Deguma has been using LBC’s remittance and cargo delivery services since moving abroad in 2009.

“I only trust LBC. My family trusts LBC. They know that whenever I send money or packages, they only have LBC in mind. Now, I feel like years of being a loyal customer finally paid off,” she said.

Moving to a newer, better home

“Nagpadala lang ako, nagkabahay na ako,” she exclaimed when asked how she felt upon learning that she won the unit.

Deguma’s new house is part of a 20-hectare lush residential community in the Nuvali eco-city, a large-scale, master planned development where the promise of redefining live, work, and recreate is made possible in an integrated natural and man-made environment. Avida Village is divided into three different strategically planned house units – Bernice, Cresta, and Phoebe, which gives every family the choice of home they’ve always wanted.

All the spaces are surrounded by sprawling greenery, pocket parks, and open spaces that make living more refreshing. De Guma and her family are also entitled to live the Nuvali lifestyle – sustainable and secure – with amenities they will truly enjoy.

Managed by the Ayala Property Management Corporation, Avida Village Cerise Nuvali is accessible via public transportation and is easy to find. It is near restaurants, shopping outlets, leisure parks, and many other recreational activities. More importantly, it is close to schools, churches, hospitals, commercial centers, and business hubs, which ensures all residents’ needs are within reach.

“We are happy to welcome Ms. Deguma’s family to Nuvali. We hope that they will enjoy everything that Avida Village Cerise has to offer,” said Tess Tatco, Head of Marketing for Avida.

Aside from the Avida house and lot, the LBC Move It To Win It promo also gave away P10,000 weekly, shopping and grocery vouchers, roundtrip tickets to the Philippines, and brand new cars to OFWs who availed of LBC’s TRANSFAST remittance services within the promo period of October 1 to December 15, 2014.

“This is LBC’s way of recognizing the loyalty of our customers. We value them as much as they value the money and the cargo they send their loved ones. We appreciate their trust and we will continue to provide them with quality services that not just move boxes and cash, but also move lives. We invite everyone to just continue sending their remittances and balikbayan boxes through LBC and they can expect more exciting customer deals this year,” said Darlene Dollente, LBC Brand Communication Manager.