February 15, 2018

Okada Manila's Child’s PLAY - ‘Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young



“PLAY stands for Purposeful Learning and Activities for the Young.’

It is Okada Manila’s family- friendly indoor fun facility where child’s play is elevated to an engaging and enriching experience,” says Ivaylo Ivanov, Vice President for Hotel Operations.

PLAY, Okada Manila's highly innovative and incredibly exciting kids' play and games facilities was unveiled last Saturday, Feb. 10.

We all know that creative, sporty, exploring activities provide a positive outlet for children (and adults) to express their emotions, and this starts at a very young age. 

When inspired learning is all fun and games and will set the children up as a creative thinker in all walks of life.


Parents are often told that the best way to help their kids learn is by allowing their little warriors to explore and experience things first hand through play. Learning starts from the moment kids are born, so it’s very important for parents to be able to provide them with tools and platforms that will allow them to unleash their potential.

Play is one, if not the most effective way for children to learn more about themselves and the world around them.1 It is through play that kids start building a sense of self-worth and where they begin to learn the ability to concentrate and let their imaginations run free. Drawing, doodling, or even playing with dough or dolls, for example, encourage children to become more creative and express themselves more freely. Letting them build their own structures through blocks, shapes, and puzzles, on the other hand, help them organize things and develop their sense of logic.

 Allowing them to interact with other kids through free play help them polish their social and motor skills while also improving their strength and immunity.



These are just a few of the things inspired learning through fun and games can do to children. Interestingly, this is also the very same approach Okada Manila is taking as it promotes the holistic development of kids of all ages with the opening of the latest inclusive and multi- functional entertainment and leisure facility within their expansive location: PLAY at Okada Manila.


Inspired approach to creative learning

Just when you thought you’ve seen and experienced basically everything that established play spaces in the metro can offer, along comes a new “play arena” that promises a lot more for your children than just a fun-filled playday.

Kids, toddlers can move around the cushioned play space, they all have great fun as they slide down mini and giant chutes, conquer padded obstacle courses, put basketballs through a hoop, play pretend grocery shopping with other kids their age, and sing and dance to their hearts delight at PLAY, Okada Manila’s latest play space and multi- functional learning arena.

PLAY at Okada Manila goes beyond with a full line of dedicated learning programs aimed at enhancing the holistic development of children.

PLAY’s management team is led by certified expert coaches and licensed teachers trained to provide guests the highest standard of care and fun learning.

The facility offers dedicated learning programs designed to address the developmental needs of children, which include:

(1) Colors and Creations, An arts and crafts program designed to develop creativity and imagination by improving the use of fine motor skills through detailing, color coordination and artistic impression plus work behavior like sitting tolerance, focus and concentration;

(2) Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, a program aimed at enhancing the child’s development as they explore the world around them. This also includes sessions for caregivers to stay updated and improve their communication, child-minding and domestic engineering skills, as well as one-on-one sessions for specific academic tutorial (e.g., math, science, and reading) and special needs therapy (i.e., occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy);

(3) Music and Movement, which help harness and showcase the natural talent of kids through group sessions focused on dance, music, and the performing arts; and

(4) Life Skills, where kids are trained on classes that focus on practical matters, such as social graces, good housekeeping, creative writing skills, anti-bullying, natural remedies, aromatherapy, and personal nutrition.



PLAY is an All-out fun for kids, tweenies, and teens

“We know for a fact that allowing children to play, explore, and interact with other children, either in a free or structured manner, rewards them with a lot more beyond just a few moments of fun,” adds Vikki Aquino, Director of Spa, Fitness and Recreation. “That’s basically the idea we had for PLAY. We want to have a space where they can learn, grow, and understand more of the world around them, all while they are having fun and simply being the kids that they are.”

PLAY is designed to become a multi-functional platform that addresses the recreation and learning needs of kids aged 1-16 years old. PLAY boasts of eight (8) purpose-built play areas that will reward kids with the fun and adventure they crave for, no matter what age they are in.

At Okada Manila, there's :


  • Wizard’s Den, an interactive video game space where kids use gestures to defeat mythical creatures;
  • Mini Steps & Mini Me, a dedicated play and learning space for children aged 0-3 years old;
  • Little Town, which allows children hands-on play in a banking, postal, school, grocery and home environment to gain valuable learning and practical experience of every day grown-up life;
  • Little Park, a two-level playground and maze where toddlers can spend their limitless energy and explore their physical strength;
  • Sports Zone, an active zone with artificial grass court for sports games;
  • Janguru, a multi-level playground and maze for kids over 110 centimeters
  • The Stage, where kids can unleash their inner performer and cultivate their singing, dancing, acting, and public speaking skills;
  • My Party Place, a gaming and events space that can host birthday parties, corporate events, team-building activities, or any special occasion.




The facility, which can be accessed via the Coral Wing lobby of Okada Manila, can accommodate up to 300 guests at a given time. It will also have several other features, like child-friendly comfort rooms, an emergency response team composed of first-aid qualified PLAY coaches and marshals, a snack bar, a kiddie gift shop, and over 30 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure that kids will have all the fun they want within a convenient, safe, and secure environment.

Every child grows and develops at a pace that’s uniquely their own. See them fulfill early life milestones while they slide down giant chutes, conquer padded obstacle courses, put basketballs through a hoop, play pretend grocery shopping with other kids their age, and sing and dance to their hearts delight at PLAY, Okada Manila’s latest play space and multi- functional learning arena.

PLAY is at Coral Wing lobby of Okada Manila., open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday and from 10a.m. to 12 midnight, Friday and Saturday. 

Visit Okada Manila’s official website at http://www.okadamanila.com and take the first big step towards enjoying purposeful learning and activities for your young warriors at PLAY.

February 14, 2018

Bric’s Bellagio Collection: The Harmony of Fashion and Function

The most sophisticated travellers set their eyes on the most luxurious destinations and covet only the most premium experiences and amenities: a relaxing cruise in St. Tropez, a ski trip in Zermatt, Switzerland or a weekend beach trip in the Bahamas. 

When it comes to their preferred travel luggage, the most privileged clienteles demand timeless beauty that stands out, and dependable durability that supports their jet setting lifestyle. 

Italian heritage brand Bric’s captures the perfect balance between breathtaking fashion elegance and reliable functionality with its core collection, Bellagio.



The vintage-looking Bellagio collection recalls classic travel bags and the tradition of elegant travel trunks, whose merit is the perfect recovery of such flavors in an item of groundbreaking functionality, strength, and lightness.

Bellagio is recognized by its vaguely squared shape with a somewhat retro allure, enhanced by leather details, like the straps that characterize the front frame and cover the corners.



Each piece from the collection oozes with functional style. The compact luggage’s exterior is made of high-performance polycarbonate trolleys in four sizes – light, convenient, strong, functional and handy. Smooth Japanese wheels, a convenient and ultra-light tow, a new TSA lock, leather-coated handles are just a few of the structural pluses of this line.

In order to satisfy the need for neatness, comfort and lightness, the interior’s structure has a soft lining with herringbone pattern; both compartments are closed with a zipper and hook respectively to allow perfect arrangement of items and clothes which ensures maximum storage options.



Meanwhile, a hook for the garment bag is provided, but the latter was intentionally not included to avoid too much weight in case this option is not desired by the client. A sleek and small hot-printed leather pocket is also included which bears the Bric’s name and recalls the company’s experience in travel items: Italian travel bags and fine leather goods since 1952.

Leather is used abundantly to enhance the precious craft manufacture of this product, also shown by the leather’s grain and by the exposed stitching in contrasting yarns. There are different colors available, all with tan leather trimmings: cream, blue, black and olive green. New colors: shiny red and shiny grey.



Ultimately, Bellagio simply embodies the harmony of fashion and function in its elegant range of trolleys characterized by utter functionality, deliberately designed and created as “cross-products” of Bric’s in that the selected colors allow matching with other Bric’s travel lines: Life for olive green and red, Magellano for black, and Firenze for cream. 

These lines, in fact, offer a variety of carry-ons and semi-stiff trolleys in the same hues to perfectly match with Bellagio and thus create sets that fit all types of journeys and transfers and respond to various needs of modern travelers.


The collection is available in SM Aura Premier, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Ayala Center Cebu. Bric’s luxury luggage is distributed in the Philippines by Beawmont Distributions Inc. 

For more details about Bric's Bellagio collection, visit www.facebook.com/bricsphilippines.


Netizens pick Batanes as the next Cebu Pacific destination - Cebu Pacific to launch Batanes route on March 25

Batanes— with its dramatic scenery, crashing waves and idyllic landscape—is on most travelers’ bucket lists. It’s also the newest Cebu Pacific destination! 

Cebu Pacific will start flying between Manila and Basco, Batanes on March 25, 2018—just in time for the summer travel season.

One of the most scenic spots in Batanes, Chamantad Cove and Tiñan Viewpoint leaves tourists in awe of its stunning view of the ocean from up the hills. 



Batanes emerged as the most requested destination among netizens on social media in a crowdsourcing campaign Cebu Pacific launched last year, aside from being ready for commercial aviation and tourism. Using the hashtag #CEBFlyMeTo, netizens were asked which destinations in the Philippines they would want Cebu Pacific to fly next. Other popular choices among netizens included Daet (Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan) and Siquijor. All top picks were then assessed in terms of readiness for commercial flights, with criteria that included airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.

With Cebu Pacific’s new flights to Batanes, tourists can now enjoy the breathtaking scene of the province’s white sands and clear blue waters. 

“Our new flight to Basco is in keeping with our commitment to connect more of the Philippines and make air travel safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled for everyjuan. What makes this route more special is that netizens were actively engaged in the selection of our new destination—our customers were part of the process,” said Alexander Lao, Cebgo President and CEO.


Cebu Pacific, through subsidiary Cebgo, will fly once daily between Manila and Basco, Batanes beginning March 25 until October 27, 2018. The flight departs from the NAIA Terminal 4 in Manila at 6:20am, with the return trip from Basco, Batanes departing at 9:15am.

CEB will hold an introductory all-in seat sale for flights from Manila to Basco from February 12 to 13, 2018, or until seats last. For those who plan to travel from March 25 to May 31, 2018, the summer peak season, the special introductory fare is at PHP2,699. For travelers who plan to visit Batanes from June 1 to October 27, 2018, the all-in introductory seat sale fare is at PHP2,399. The year-round fare from Manila to Basco is as low as PHP4,241, all-in. 

Travelers can also visit Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge, the former residence of international artist Pacita Abad, and look at her beautiful artworks or book a cozy accommodation.
CEB flies to 37 domestic and 25 international destinations. The carrier operates out of seven hubs in the Philippines: Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo and Iloilo. CEB has several brand-new aircraft set to be delivered over the coming months. From 2018 to 2022, CEB expects delivery of seven brand-new Airbus A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo, and eight ATR 72-600 aircraft.




About Cebu Air Inc. (PSE: CEB)

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. CEB currently offers flights to 37 domestic and 25 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the US.

Its 60-strong fleet—one of the youngest in the world— is comprised of 36 Airbus A320, 8 Airbus A330, 8 ATR 72-500, and 8 ATR 72-600. Between 2017 and 2022, CEB expects delivery of seven more brand-new Airbus A321ceo, 32 Airbus A321neo, and eight ATR 72-600.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632) 7020-888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/cebupacificair) pages.

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.


Microsoft and Gawad Kalinga leave no one behind

Barangay Walang Iwanan gearing to end poverty for 5M Filipinos

The Philippines is a country undergoing rapid transformation as it navigates the 4th industrial revolution. Today, digital technologies are transforming the lives of many Filipinos in regions across the country. 

(L to R) Jose Luis Oquinena, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga, Irwin Lee, CEO of Rustans Supercenters Inc., Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft PH, Mayor Joan Lorenzano-Aquende of Castilla, Sorsogon, Tony del Rosario, Gawad Kalinga Trustee, Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, President, HARI Foundation, Inc. Cong. Karlo Nograles, Chairman, 2018 Budget & Committee, Fr. Ben Nebres S.J., Former President of ADMU
As the country moves forward, we mustn’t forget that approximately 21.6% of the Philippine population still live below the poverty line and have limited access to much needed resources.

Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director of Microsoft Philippines reiterated their commitment to serving the underserved. “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Through advances in technology like cloud computing and IOT, we enable people and organizations to reach those that the market may not be able to reach.” 

Through partnerships with several organizations, Microsoft continues to transform industries through four key pillars: engaging users, empowering employees, optimizing operations, and transforming institutions. 

In the recent Social Business Summit 2018 in Angat, Bulacan, Gawad Kalinga (GK) launched “Barangay Walang Iwanan” (BWI), an enabling and empowering technology-based platform and ecosystem developed in partnership with Microsoft to help end poverty.

“There was a need to harness technology for effective and cost-efficient communication, timely reporting, data consolidation and storage, transparency, accountability, and sustainability,” said Bayaborda.

GK works on the frontlines of disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines. One of the applications of the BWI platform is during disasters when GK’s global network of volunteers is mobilized to bring help where it’s needed the most. Important information on the local population such as household composition, income, and livelihood provide GK with insights for better-informed and quicker decision-making. 

In addition, GK helps members of the community get back on their feet by linking them to sustainable livelihoods via BWI. Through data gathered on the ground, BWI can shorten supply chains -- from manpower to food resources -- effectively cutting the middle layers and increasing profit at the lowest level.

“Barangay Walang Iwanan is a testament to GK’s mission of ending poverty, as well as Microsoft’s commitment to empowering everyone. We’ve been working with GK for more than 9 years now, and this ambitious project is a product of that strong relationship,” added Bayaborda.

Microsoft has a long history of supporting GK on technology and programs that aim to equip all youth to be future ready. Projects such as Raising Social Innovators, WeSpeakCode, and Innovate have provided underserved Filipino youth with access to digital skills which will be critical for their future. 

Through BWI, GK and Microsoft hope to create a culture of caring within the community and to build solidarity by connecting resources where they are needed so that no one is left behind. 

“BWI is a great step forward to ending poverty in the Philippines. Microsoft will continue to work with GK towards this mission of inclusion. Through technology, data can be used to drive value, development, and economics transition to more communities across the Philippines and ensure that nobody gets left behind, walang iwanan,” added Bayaborda.

To learn more about how Microsoft Philanthropies is advancing a future for everyone, visit www.microsoft.com/philanthropies.

Play Arena of Valor and win an OPPO F5 This Long-Weekend

Thrilling 5v5 Multiplayer Online Battle Arena enjoyed best with the OPPO full screen family phones

OPPO Philippines teamed up with Arena of Valor, the fastest growing 5v5 multiplayer online battle arena in the Philippines, for something exciting this long weekend. From February 16-18, 2018, Arena of Valor will be having a special Lunar Year offer by giving red packets for every 5v5 Grand Battle or Ranked game which contains in-game items and the rare OPPO F5 Red! 

Each day, players may acquire up to 2 red packets which could contain 8 Hero Shards, 8 Skin Shards or the grand prize - the OPPO F5 Red! Players are encouraged to play over the long weekend for a chance to win one out of the five OPPO F5 Red smartphones to be given away! 

Experience seamless gaming with OPPO smartphones featuring its game acceleration, stop unwanted notification feature, and effortless boost system, best for playing games like Arena of Valor. Get to enjoy games in the best way you can with the latest 2.5GHz Octa-Core processor on the OPPO F5 series and A83, and its 18:9 Full Screen Display.

For more information, customers may visit https://www.oppo.com/ph/. They can also follow OPPO on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/ for the store list and latest updates. Arena of Valor is available on Google Play store for download.

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