Star Cruises celebrates the return homeport of Superstar Virgo in Manila beginning March 5 - New itineraries will feature Okinawa, Japan and Keelung, Taiwan

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Manila, Philippines – January 2018 – Star Cruises, “The Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia”, today celebrated the upcoming return homeport deployment of SuperStar Virgo where she will take guests on summertime itineraries to Naha and Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan and Keelung, Taiwan beginning on 5 March.

On hand to help celebrate at the event were representatives from the Department of Tourism along with model and social media sensation LA Aguinaldo, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, Philippine Basketball Association Legends led by Alvin Patrimonio, DJs Patty Tiu and Tom Taus, up-and-coming singer, Daryl Ong, business partners, media and executives from Star Cruises and Genting Cruise Lines.

“Star Cruises is looking forward to returning to homeport in Manila especially after the fantastic support of our Filipino guests during last summer’s debut of the Jewels of the South China Seas itinerary,” said Mr Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises. 

“We are also proud to continue to support the Philippines’ tourism industry with the first-ever homeport deployment of an international cruise ship in Manila, providing more tantalizing options for the booming Philippines outbound tourism industry and developing the fly/cruise market for the country.” 

A pioneer in the Asian cruise industry, Star Cruises continually strives to deliver specially-curated, quality itineraries to appeal to a broad range of guests. SuperStar Virgo new summer cruises from Manila will provide a scenic journey to the popular tourist hotspots of Naha and Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan and the vibrant port city of Keelung, Taiwan with easy access to Taipei.

Perfect for the summer holidays, SuperStar Virgo’s 5-Night cruise will allow Filipinos to embark on a new adventure with #NoVisaRequired!

To introduce another layer to this exciting summer vacation option, Andrea Manzano, Assistant Vice President for Sales and Marketing for Star Cruises announced an exciting opportunity for discerning travelers fit to serve their all-inclusive holiday vacation needs with themed cruises.

With key sailing dates during SuperStar Virgo’s 3-month deployment in Manila, Filipino cruisers are able to enjoy different kinds of experiences during these unique cruise sailings:

The Greatest Hits Cruise with The Boyfriends and VST & Co. 

Experience a blast from the past, as SuperStar Virgo launches her 2018 deployment with a throwback treat on the March 5 sailing. Headlined by members of the 70’s top Filipino bands The Boyfriends and VST & Co., guests can expect to sail smoothly as they serenade and croon their hits onboard this special concert cruise. 

The PBA Legends High Seas Tour 

This March 30 Holy Week sailing will feature top Philippine Basketball Association legends: “The Captain” Alvin Patrimonio, “The Tower of Power” Benjie Paras, “The Flying A” Johnny Abarrientos, and “Defense Minister” Jerry Codinera as they join this sports cruise offering basketball clinics for kids and a Legends basketball showcase.

Labor Day Party Cruise

Celebrate the Labor Day Weekend a different way as SuperStar Virgo offers an alternative way to celebrate summer through the Labor Day Party Cruise this April 29! Sailing with two of the top Filipino club DJs, Patty Tiu of Deuce and Tom Taus, Labor Day Party Cruise gives the young and old alike to let their hair down and party the nights away on SuperStar Virgo. 

Mother’s Day Cruise

Mothers are in for a treat, as SuperStar Virgo allows them to the queens of the high seas during the Mother’s Day Cruise on the May 9 sailing. Fun and amazing variety of engaging activities are available onboard for moms and their offspring meant to make their travel an unforgettable one. On top of all these special activities, mothers will also be serenaded by one of the country’s up-and-coming singers, Daryl Ong.

Pororo At Sea!

Bring your kids aboard SuperStar Virgo this May, as Pororo the Little Penguin brings his friends along for a cruise on the high seas! With two shows every May sailing, our Junior Cruisers not only get a chance to explore the wonders of cruising around Asia, they can also get to watch Pororo and his adventures onboard SuperStar Virgo.

SuperStar Virgo in Manila 2018: 05 March to 29 May 2018

	Day	Destination	Arrival	Departure
6D5N Summer Getaway 2018 Departures: MAR 05, 10, 15, 20, & 25 (LOW) MAR 30 (MID) APR 04 & 09 (MID) MAY 09, 14, 19, & 24 (MID)	Day 1	Manila		17:00
	Day 2	Cruising Day	-	-
	Day 3	Naha, Japan	11:00 (12:00)	20:00 (21:00)
	Day 4	Keelung, Taiwan	12:00	21:00
	Day 5	Cruising Day	-	-
	Day 6	Manila	08:00	-

( ) local time indicated in brackets

	Day	Destination	Arrival	Departure
6D5N Summer Getaway 2018 Departures: APR 14, 19, 24, & 29 (MID) MAY 04 & 29 (MID)	Day 1	Manila		17:00
	Day 2	Cruising Day	-	-
	Day 3	Ishigaki, Japan	08:00 (09:00)	18:00 (19:00)
	Day 4	Keelung, Taiwan	12:00	21:00
	Day 5	Cruising Day	-	-
	Day 6	Manila	08:00	-

( ) local time indicated in brackets

Naha

The capital city of Okinawa Prefecture and the political, economic, educational, culinary and transport hub of the Ryukyu Islands, Naha is renowned for its mild sub-tropical climate and sights and attractions where tourists can shop and dine at Kokusai Dori, the main shopping and entertainment street, or visit the many temples and shrines that dot the area.

Ishigaki

Famed for its natural beauty, Ishigaki boasts unspoiled beaches, coral reefs in dazzlingly clear waters, palm tree forests, pineapple plantations and tropical vistas that many believe to be “the most beautiful place in Japan.”

Keelung

Located along the rugged northeast coast, the port city of Keelung is also the centre of Northern Taiwan’s fishing industry. From its Taiwanese aboriginal origins to periods of Spanish, Dutch, Qing Dynasty and Japanese rule, Keelung is steeped in rich history.

In addition to enticing ports of call, guests on board SuperStar Virgo can look forward to setting sail in style and luxury with an all-encompassing cruise voyage comprising of deluxe accommodations, sumptuous inclusive meals daily, spectacular entertainment, a range of recreational facilities to pamper or invigorate and much more – all part of Star Cruises’ promise to deliver exceptional cruise experiences highlighted by its signature, heartfelt Asian hospitality.

About Star Cruises

Star Cruises is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong, a leading global leisure, entertainment and hospitality corporation. A pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry, Star Cruises has been operating its fleet since 1993, taking on the bold initiative to grow the region as an international cruise destination with a fleet of six vessels including SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Libra, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Aquarius, Star Pisces and The Taipan. To further evolve the brand, Star Cruises also announced an order for two innovative, 5,000 lower berth ‘Global Class’ vessels to be delivered in 2020 and 2021.

Star Cruises' commitment in offering best-in-class services and facilities is reflected in a host of recognitions and accolades received over the years. These include being inducted into the prestigious Travel Trade Gazette's "Travel Hall of Fame" for a tenth year in 2017 in recognition of winning "Best Cruise Operator in the Asia-Pacific" for 10 consecutive years. Star Cruises was also recently voted "Asia's Leading Cruise Line" at the World Travel Awards for a sixth year in a row in 2017.

About Superstar Virgo

The 13-storey SuperStar Virgo is equipped with 935 cabins, including sea-view cabins and balcony suites. Offering a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment choices, her facilities embrace Chinese, international and Japanese restaurants, an alfresco bar, foot reflexology salon and spa, gym, steam and sauna rooms, hairdressing salon, two-level theatre, duty-free shops, a 100-metre mega water slide, outdoor swimming pool, mini golf course, karaoke room, children's activity centre and more. A calendar of themed entertainment constantly refreshes the onboard fun and excitement, ensuring every voyage is a brand new enjoyable experience.

Why it’s awesome to have WiFi at home! - Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi is your most affordable option for reliable connectivity at home

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Many families in the Philippines rely on the internet, whether to stay connected on social media, do research, or watch and stream videos online. While it has become an important part of the household, many still don’t want to invest in a long-term internet connection due to budget constraints.

For those who want to experience fast and reliable broadband connection without the monthly commitment and contract lock-up, Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi may just be your best option with its strong connection, no monthly fees, hassle-free installation, and affordable loading options. It allows you to stay connected at home with prices you can afford.

Here are three reasons why you should get your own prepaid Home WiFi for the whole family:

  

1. No monthly commitments

For only P1,999, you can purchase the Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi device and enjoy 50 percent stronger WiFi vs MyFi without having to worry about installation to monthly fees. All devices also come with free 10GB of data and so they can catch your favorite TV series and hit movies, surf the web, and more.

2. Globe At Home’s most affordable 1GB ever!

Once you’ve plugged in your Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, you can connect to the Internet by subscribing to surf promos like HomeSURF15 for 1GB of data for just P15! Add it on to your GoSURF50 load good for 3 days!

For heavier users, other HomeSURF promos are also available such as 10GB for P349 valid for 10 days or 15GB for P599 valid for 30 days. HomeSURF promos are exclusively available on the Globe At Home App which you can download on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

3. Loading convenience right at your fingertips

Completing the seamless connected experience is the convenience of the Globe At Home App. With data monitoring and top-up features, you can manage, track and boost your account. The app is free to download and quick to set-up by just entering the mobile number assigned to your device.

To learn more about Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi, visit broadband.globe.com.ph/prepaid-home- wifi.html or visit shop.globe.com.ph/broadband#go-prepaid to purchase.

New flavors from Villa Del Conte chocolates

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Villa Del Conte, creator of luscious, artisanal chocolates from Padova, Italy, welcomes the New Year with four tempting new flavors. Indulge in crunchy almonds covered with 70% dark chocolate or explore the luscious taste of extra dark chocolate pralines that comes in three different fillings: caramel coffee cream and wafers. You may also want to try chopped torrone or pear-flavored cream and cereals. 

Start the new year with sweetness and delight with these delicious new flavors, which are available at Villa Del Conte stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-La Mall, Resorts World Manila, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia or contact 893-2575. 

To know about Villa Del Conte and its other tempting chocolate creations, follow Villa Del Conte on Facebook @VillaDelContePh, Twitter @villadelconte, and Instagram account @VillaDelContePh, or visit http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com.

How Mang Inasal satisfies Filipino eating quirks

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There is no denying that the Filipino’s have an undying love for food. Our fiesta-driven culture is full of celebrations marked by the partaking of food. In fact, Filipinos have made it a point to find almost every reason to eat.

Interestingly, food-loving Pinoys have developed quirky eating habits -– from their generous use of condiments to their shameless use of hands during boodle fights.

Mang Inasal, the home of the 2-in-1 sa laki, nuot sa ihaw sarap chicken inasal, has not only captured the taste of Pinoy comfort foods. It has also encouraged a dining experience where everyone is comfortable to show their eating habits, making for a true sarap ng kaing Pinoy moment with loved ones.

Here are some special quirks that describe Filipino food lovers:

Rice is staple

What will truly make a meal satisfying for Filipinos is if they pair their ulam or viand with a cup or two of rice. AtMang Inasal, everyone can satisfy their craving for chicken inasal that comes with unlimited rice. Delight in thenuot sa ihaw sarap of the grilled chicken without worrying about running out of rice.

Kamayan practice

One way to feast on a Mang Inasal salu-salo is by going utensils-free! Kamayan is a common practice where food is eaten by scooping just the right amount of rice in one hand and getting your ulam with the other. Since Mang Inasal promises Pinoy-style eating, Filipinos can savor more their chicken inasal pecho and paa by using bare hands.

Not without condiments

Most Pinoys love to drizzle their food with condiments to further enhance the flavors. And what most Filipinos like about dining at Mang Inasal is that each table has a rack of soy sauce, vinegar, and chicken oil which they can use for their sawsawan for the chicken inasal. Patrons know that the best way to enjoy chicken inasal is by eating it with rice mixed with chicken oil.

Merienda time

Many Filipinos eat five times a day because of merienda in the morning and in the afternoon – the time they usually take a break at school, work, or home to indulge in their favourite snack. Pinoys can drop by Mang Inasalto get their merienda fix from classic favorites such as the creamy Pinoy Halo-Halo, sweet leche flan, and flavorful palabok.

Salu-salo everyday

Filipinos are festive people - they always find reason to celebrate over a feast of well-loved dishes anytime, anywhere. They can have a fill of Mang Inasal Fiesta Inasal meal -- the perfect combination of one-piece chickeninasal, one-piece lumpiang togue, and a generous side serving of palabok. Or to make the day special for everyone, families can have salu-salo over the Palabok Party Pan paired with pork BBQ. 

Indeed, at Mang Inasal, Filipinos can delight in a wide array of great-tasting traditional food, bringing out their distinct quirks to enjoy a real Pinoy-style eating experience.

Pista ng Chicken Inasal

Meanwhile, as a special treat for its customers, Mang Inasal will hold a one-day Pista ng Chicken Inasal on Friday, Jan. 26 in all its stores nationwide.

This whole day event is Mang Inasal’s way of celebrating the Pinoys’ love for Chicken Inasal.

Everyone can enjoy P10 discounts on all Paborito Chicken Value Meals for dine-in, take out, and delivery.

So spread the word and encourage your relatives and friends to go to any Mang Inasal branch on Jan.26 and enjoy a fun-filled and satisfying salu-salo at the Pista ng Chicken Inasal.

About Mang Inasal

Mang Inasal is the number one Pinoy barbecue brand that is known for its authentic fusion of traditional Pinoy cuisine with a fast-food concept.

Today, Mang Inasal leads the market with its strong portfolio of Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Halo-Halo, and Palabok. Currently, the company has over 450 stores nationwide to cater to the growing love of Filipinos for the brand.

The brand has also received numerous awards including the Most Outstanding Quick Service Restaurant and Most Outstanding Chicken Inasal restaurant from the 2010 Dangal ng Bayan Awards, and the Outstanding Filipino Franchise Award from the 2015 Franchise Excellence Awards.

Shopee empowers youths to help boost the Philippines’ e-commerce industry

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Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partnered with the University of the Philippines Business League to co-present the recent 2018 National Youth Business Convention (NYBC), as part of Shopee’s commitment to empowering youths in the Philippines. The 3-day business convention held from 11 to 13 January was themed ‘Ignite Innovation. Change the Nation’, and saw over a thousand student delegates from the Philippines and across Asia Pacific gather for a series of activities and talks by various industry leaders.

The younger generation has been identified as key drivers of the Philippines’ digital economy, signalling a strong need to groom the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs in booming digital industries, and in particular, e-commerce.

“In the Philippines, we see an increasing number of younger people turning to e-commerce to start their businesses. Shopee is committed to helping young budding entrepreneurs in the Philippines take the first step towards building their own businesses by providing them the necessary operational, knowledge, skills and financial support,” said Terence Pang, Shopee’s Chief Operating Officer.

In line with efforts to encourage more youths to participate in the Philippines’ growing digital economy, Shopee hosted a 1-day case competition for students during the event, which required participants to develop a strategy to solve real-world challenges in the e-commerce landscape. In preparation for the case, the student delegates had the opportunity to interact with Shopee employees to help them better understand the various aspects of the business. The winning team, made up of 6 student delegates from top universities across the region was awarded a 3-month paid internship opportunity with Shopee Philippines, after having impressed the judges with their business knowledge and skills..

In addition, Shopee sponsored three deserving student delegates to attend the convention. The three Shopee scholars, Chelsea Agnes Haley Go from University of San Carlos in Cebu, Inad Elizabeth Lee from University of Southern Mindanao, and Ma Sheena Joshiel Olgado from De La Salle University joined 50 other delegates to participate in the case competition and a Shopee office tour.

“The e-commerce industry is booming in the Philippines and across the region, and we are pleased to see so many young Filipinos excited to be a part of it. We look forward to supporting more youth events in the future, and hope to see more Filipinos pursuing a career in e-commerce,” closed Pang.’’

Shopee is available for free download on Google Play and App Store.

To learn more about Shopee, please visit www.shopee.ph.