Nissan launched the virtual-to-pro racing competition: The first GT Academy in the Philippines

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The first GT Academy in the Philippines was launched as Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI), the newest participant of the virtual-to-pro racing competition.

GT Academy gained prominence since its inception in 2008. Now on its seventh installment, this globally played competition sees an expansion in the form of the new GT Academy Asia, in which Philippines will be pitting against other Asian countries including Japan in the battle to become the GT Academy Champion. 

Antonio Zara, President and Managing Director of Nissan Philippines, Inc. shared that the GT Academy offers an exciting opportunity to all Filipinos of all legal ages to experience this highly rewarding competition.

Antonio Zara, President and Managing Director of Nissan Philippines, Inc.

"With the launch of GT Academy in the Philippines, we at Nissan offer an exciting opportunity for Filipinos to emerge as a breakthrough talent in the racing world," Zara said.

With GT Academy, any player who can prove their driving skills in the world of video games can compete in a real racetrack.

The GT Academy International Champion 2014 Ricardo Sanchez 

The GT Academy International Champion 2014 Ricardo Sanchez flew in all the way from UK to attend the launch. After winning last year's competition, Ricardo's racing career took off after he joined Nissan's elite motor sport team, the NISMO, to run the coveted tracks of the prestigious Dubai 24-Hour race in January 2015.

The Shift from Gamer to Racer

GT Academy takes skilled Gran Turismo 6 players and turns them into professional racers in five stages.

First Gear: The Recruitment (April - June) : 

Thousands of hopefuls will be narrowed down to the top 20 gamers to be determined by time trials taking place behind the wheel of GT pods during live racing events. 

Second Gear: National Finals (July)

The National Finals will determine top 6 Filipino players who will go to the next round and go bumper-to-bumper with the best Gran Turismo drivers in Asia. 

Third Gear: The Race Camp Week (August)

Players will be tested on their strength, stamina, mental agility and driving skills against Asia's best at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.

Fourth Gear: Driver Development Program

The emerging GT Academy Champion in Asia will join other GT Academy winners in a rigorous training under the wing of professional coaches and racers at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.

Fifth Gear: Graduation

After passing the Driver Development Program, graduates will receive their International C License, allowing them to compete in a prestigious racing event anywhere in the world.

"We are looking forward to discovering even more new stars in 2015. Anyone in the Philippines who thinks they have what it takes should give GT Academy a go. Not everyone can win, but the experience is hugely rewarding at every stage of the competition.” said GTA Global’s Managing Director Laurence Wiltshire.

For the schedule of live events and updates on the GT Academy Philippines, please visit www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website at www.nissan.ph.

Photos by Arts Travel Magazine

About Nissan Philippines, Inc.

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is the sole national sales company of Nissan in the Philippines which started its operations in 2014. NPI is responsible for strengthening brand, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market. 

Nissan ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with after-sales service among new vehicle owners according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2014 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) Study. 

White Event: An Online Auction for a Cause, with World Vision and Zonrox GentleClean

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World Vision, in partnership with Zonrox GentleClean, today announced the launch of White Event - a much awaited online auction of white personal items of celebrities and fashion icons to the public.

Last Thursday, March 26, the official unveiling of the White Event online auction website www.whiteevent.ph, held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, supports the collaboration’s educational development efforts in Malabon City.

Jun Godornes, National Resource Development Director of World Vision 

Jun Godornes, National Resource Development Director of World Vision expressed that, “Last year, with the help of our celebrity ambassadors, we were able to achieve our fundraising initiatives, and carry our various relief efforts, particularly in the typhoon-hit areas of Visayas.”

“This 2015 marks the start of a clean slate and fresh beginning with our partners in Green Cross, Inc., makers of Zonrox GentleClean. We have invited our generous celebrity friends to share their white, pre-loved pieces of clothing and be part of a unique way of brightening our children’s future,” Godornes added.

Celebrities Celeste Legaspi, Tessie Tomas and Jasmine Curtis Smith shared their items to the  White Event: An Online Auction for a CauseWorld Vision and Zonrox GentleClean 

“I want to share my item (white pants) because the proceeds from this donation can help children. Also, we know that when we let go of something important, something better comes along,” Aljur Abrenica, one of the donors and World Vision Ambassador, shares his thoughts on one of the items he is donating for the online auction.

Another donor and World Vision ambassador, Julie Anne San Jose, speaks on why she wants to be part of the White Event, “I want to share this item because a jacket symbolizes comfort. By giving this jacket, it’s as if I am giving them (fans and beneficiaries) comfort as well, like I’m hugging them.”

ALL ROADS LEAD TO CATMON

The White Event aims to rehabilitate select classrooms at the Catmon Integrated School in Malabon City in time for the resumption of classes this coming June. Generated funds will be able to sponsor the manpower and materials needed for the proposed repair of at least 12 classrooms.

Nicole Postrado, Brand Manager of Zonrox GentleClean, expressed the brand’s excitement on this joint effort, saying, “Zonrox fully supports World Vision on this noble endeavor. The White Event is such a unique way of sharing and giving back to communities such as Catmon.”

“The auction gives celebrities and ordinary people a chance to share their comfort for the benefit of others. Through the White Event, everyone can participate in helping provide the youth of Catmon Integrated School a clean and hopeful beginning this coming school year,” she added.

EASY ONLINE ACCESS

Fans can go online and bid on their favorite celebrities’ white garments by logging on to www.whiteevent.ph until May 8, 2015.

Here, fans can browse through celebrity items that are up for grabs. Fans are allowed to bid as many times to as many items as they would like. Similar to other online auctions, the highest bidder wins and will be contacted by representatives from the White Event for payment confirmation and delivery details.

The auction is an equally benefiting opportunity that gives everyone a unique chance to take home a piece of their favorite star’s cherished item while helping build a brighter future for the children of Catmon Integrated School. 

World Vision and Zonrox GentleClean are calling the public to share the comfort by joining this mission of providing a more conducive learning experience for the children of Catmon. 

A simple white garment can help change lives forever. 

For more information, log on to www.whiteevent.ph. Like the Facebook pages of World Vision Philippines and Zonrox Philippines for regular updates on the White Event. 

World Vision

World Vision is an international Christian humanitarian, relief, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. 

In keeping with its vision statement: "Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness; our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so," World Vision seeks to assist children with education, life skills, good nutrition, and opportunities for them to reach their highest potential, regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Now already 58 years in the Philippines, World Vision assists more than 100,000 poor children with their families and communities nationwide, with nearly 70,000 sponsors locally and internationally.

Zonrox GentleClean

Zonrox GentleClean is a gentle bleach for whites that is gentler on fabrics and milder on hands. It is part of the Zonrox Bleach portfolio which is manufactured by Green Cross Inc., the same makers of Green Cross Alcohol. Zonrox GentleClean, highlights the importance of caring not just for laundry, but also for community development. Apart from the White Event, Zonrox also implements Linizkwela, a school clean-up activity, which is held nationwide together with the help of school representatives and parents, before the start of each school year. 

Caltex gives Robinsons Rewards Card members more fuel discounts and shopping savings; Jessy Mendiola is now the Robinsons Rewards Card Brand Ambassador

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In many women's lives, shopping is a hobby and a must for many. It's like through shopping, somehow we found a new focus and our moods get uplifted. When we're up, we shop. When we're down, we shop even more.

Here's a new for all of us, not just shopaholics, for moms and dads, and all - Shop, enjoy and be rewarded!

Robinsons Rewards Card (RRC) members will enjoy earning more points not only when they shop at their favorite Robinsons stores but also when they fuel up at Caltex. RRC members can now use their points to redeem P1 discount for every one liter fuel purchase at participating Caltex stations nationwide. Every five liter gas up earns a point which means that the more customers fuel up at Caltex and shop at Robinsons, the more points for fuel and shopping savings.

Ms. Robina Gokongwei-Pe, President and COO, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.; Jessy Mendiola, Robinsons Rewards Card Brand Ambassador and Mr. Peter Morris, Country Chairman, Chevron Philippines Inc.

Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, teamed up with Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), the second largest multi-format retailer in the Philippines, to create a unique offer that allows customers to quickly and continually add value to their purchases by getting a variety of fuel and shopping rewards through their RRC.

Because of this loyalty program partnership, motorists now have more reasons to choose Caltex. Customers can save more on fuel costs when they purchase Caltex with Techron plus the five benefits of maximized power, improved fuel economy, lower emission, smoother drive and reliable performance.

In addition to fuel savings, RRC members will also enjoy big discounts in their shopping and grocery purchases as points earned at participating Caltex stations can be redeemed at any of 1,180 Robinsons stores nationwide which include Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Selections, Robinsons Easymart, Robinsons Appliances, Handyman, True Value, AM Builders’ Depot, Toys “R” Us, Daiso Japan, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Burton Menswear, Warehouse, River Island, Shana, G2000, Shiseido and Benefit.

Customers can avail of this benefit by signing up for RRC membership at any Robinsons stores for P150 only.

CPI values the patronage of its customers by giving them access to top loyalty programs in the market. Last year, CPI partnered with Jollibee Food Corporation’s Happyplus program which continues to grow in memberships. Happyplus will run alongside the Robinsons Rewards Card loyalty program and customers can choose which of the rewards program they want to use.

“Caltex has been in the Philippines for over 75 years. Throughout this time, the Caltex brand has remained relevant to Filipino motorists because we are able to support their changing lifestyles and needs. This partnership allows us to uniquely reward thousands of motorists and shoppers for their loyalty to Caltex and Robinsons. We are truly proud of this long-term relationship with Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.” said Peter Morris, Chevron Philippines Inc., Country Chairman and General Manager for Philippine products.

Robina Gokongwei-Pe, president and COO of RRHI. said “We at Robinsons Retail are always looking for new ways to delight our customers and give them a better customer experience. That is why we are very happy to partner with Chevron Philippines Inc.’s, Caltex service stations to expand the acceptance of Robinsons Rewards beyond stores operated by Robinsons. This will be a welcome development to over 800,000 members of the Robinsons Rewards Card. With more than 700 Caltex service stations nationwide, we are very honored to have Chevron Philippines as our first external partner for Robinsons Rewards.”

Caltex – Robinsons Rewards Card Program Mechanics

1. All valid Robinsons Rewards Card (with 16 digit numbers and gold magstripe) shall be accepted in participating Caltex service stations for the Caltex-Robinsons Rewards Loyalty Program (“Program”). 

2. Caltex gasoline and diesel purchases via cash, credit card, debit card, StarCash or StarCard can earn and redeem Robinsons Rewards Points. 

3. The Robinsons Rewards Card can be used for a maximum of two (2) fuel purchases per day. The Robinsons Rewards Card cannot be used with any other existing loyalty partnership or program involving Caltex. 

4. For a complete list of participating Caltex service stations, visit http://www.caltex.com/ph/. 

5. Points earned at participating Caltex service stations may also be redeemed at participating Robinsons Stores nationwide, visit https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonsRewardsCard for a complete list of participating stores. 

6. Points earning and redemption shall be as follows: 

A. Points Earning

a. Cardholders shall earn one (1) Robinsons Rewards Point for every five (5) liters eligible fuel purchase, up to a maximum of 60 liters per purchase.

b. Cardholders shall earn applicable Points for purchases of up to 500 liters per month.

B. Points Redemption

a. A minimum balance of 50 Points is required before a cardholder may begin to redeem points. Cardholders may redeem less than 50 Points per fuel purchase.

b. Cardholders can redeem one (1) Point for every liter of fuel purchased. Each Point redeemed entitles the Cardholder to a Php1.00 discount per liter.

c. The Cardholder can redeem a maximum of 60 Points per fuel purchase.

d. Any fuel purchased in excess of Points redemption shall be eligible to earn Points.

Example 1:

• 20.5 liters of fuel purchased with an available balance of 100 Points
• Cardholder is entitled to a Php20.50 discount by redeeming 20.50 Points
• New balance after deducting Points redeemed shall be 79.50 Points.

Example 2:

• 55 liters of fuel purchased with an available balance of 50 Points
• Cardholder is entitled to a Php50 discount by redeeming 50 Points
• Fuel purchase of 5 liters (in excess of Points redemption) shall earn 1 Point.
• New balance after deducting Points redeemed and adding Point earned shall be 1 point.

For more details regarding the new loyalty program, visit http://www.caltex.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/RobinsonsRewardsCard.

For natural results and a youthful look, Merz Presents Naturally Ageless With Radiesse

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Feeling young, inside and out. Feeling young forever. It starts from taking care of your skin, a change of lifestyle, hydration and a healthy diet. Many people don't want to grow old, don't want to see much of the wrinkles and lines on the faces. There are some going crazy trying to look 10 years younger. . . 

Aging, the process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated.

There are effective ways to boost your mental and physical well-being that will help you age gracefully and remain fit in. Prolonging the vitality of your skin, your hair, and your body will make you feel more confident and youthful.

Trying to look forever young is like trying to defy gravity. You have to go against the sagging of the skin, the sinking of the cheeks and the widening of the chin lines. 

Many people want to avoid surgery and that is understandable but fall in the trap of minor procedures that does not improve them and get disappointed because they spent all that money with no improvement.

Angel Jacob , host of the "Merz presents Naturally Ageless , with Radiesse" event
held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel, March 27, 2015

The Aging Process

Aging skin loses natural support structures that keep skin supple and youthful. As the years go by, collagen and elastin diminish within the skin, and this can result in wrinkles and creases.

Merz Aesthetics

Merz Aesthetics, one of the leaders in aesthetics and consumer health. I was invited to see the real meaning of aging and defying age.

Merz has a product called Radiesse that has got long term collagen stimulation. It's the filler, a gel like component in this product that naturally blends with the collagen of the face to add volume. It looks natural, and its effects are long term. 

RADIESSE

Radiesse is an excellent option for correcting pre-jowl sulcus, the empty areas in front of the jowls. This restores a young straight, well-defined jaw line. It can also be used to restore the fullness in hollow cheeks, that can occur with aging.

Dr. Teresita Ferraris from UERMMC, shared that the key is prevention. It starts from taking care of your skin, a healthy diet and a change of lifestyle. With the option and with Radiesse, the process also of looking good makes one feel good. It has to come from inside, it's our nature to actually do it. From applying make up, getting things done through surgery and aesthetics.

RADIESSE is a wrinkle filler used to plump the skin. RADIESSE is injected through a small needle and placed under the skin. Immediately, this filler works to add volume under the skin and over time, the benefits of RADIESSE continue by naturally stimulating your body’s own natural collagen. The natural results have been shown to last a year or more in many patients, making the treatment results both immediate and long lasting.

Lift and Contour with Radiesse for natural results and a youthful look.

Let us say goodbye to the burden of aging, and look forward to younger looking years ahead. Live better. Feel Better, Look Better.

Important: For full safety information, please visit www.Radiesse.com or call Merz Aesthetics Customer Service at 866-862-1211.

Most popular neighborhoods in Metro Manila

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Global real estate portal Lamudi ranks Metro Manila’s most popular residential enclaves.

Looking for a vibrant neighborhood for your first-home investment or planning for a weekender city escapade? It is time to rediscover the most happening communities in Metro Manila: from the busy Makati central business district to the food-frenzied and laid-back street of Maginhawa, global real estate portal Lamudi has ranked the five most popular enclaves in Metro Manila to help you find your lifestyle-centric future home.

Makati Central Business District

A mixed-used, fully developed enclave where towering condos, myriad dining options, and the trendiest commercial centers are all in one place. Work, dine and cap off the night in a trendy bar without driving, as all of your needs and more are just a few steps away.

BF Homes, Sucat, Parañaque City

Considered one of the gateways to the south with good access to three cities— Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa—BF Homes currently has one of the trendiest food scenes anywhere in Metro Manila. Numerous establishments, specialty shops, and exciting eateries dot its streets, securing a unique and complete lifestyle for its laid-back residents.

San Juan

Located at the heart of Metro Manila and accessible from Quezon City, Makati, and Manila, this small city is considered a thriving residential and leisure spot in the metro. Exclusive residential villages, a wide array of shops for everyday convenience, and plenty of delectable Chinese restaurants to boot make San Juan one of the most liveable cities in Metro Manila.

UP Village, Quezon City

UP Village’s Maginhawa Street is enjoying immense popularity nowadays because of its many restaurants. Residents living close to this community need not go far to sample Middle Eastern, Thai, or even Vietnamese cuisine. A certified neighborhood hangout, UP Village has come a long way from being a quiet residential enclave to a booming leisure spot.

Loyola Heights, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

This quiet residential enclave is surrounded by Quezon City’s top schools such as UP Diliman, Ateneo de Manila, and Miriam College, yet it also has plenty of restaurants, especially the areas along Katipunan Avenue, making it a trendy place to dine out. This community is best for parents who prefer to live right beside their children's learning places.

ABOUT LAMUDI 

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 900,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. For more information, please visit http://www.lamudi.com.ph

Visit Lamudi Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.