Century Park Hotel Celebrates a Chic and Fabulous Christmas! Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Held

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Century Park Hotel (CPH), one of Manila’s finest hotels in Manila, recently held their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the hotel’s Atrium Lounge.

Century Park Hotel owners Dr. Lucio Tan and wife Carmen Tan led the lighting ceremony of the 30-ft. Christmas tree to the delight of hotel employees, guests, and media friends.

This year, the hotel is showcasing Modern Chinoiserie, a fusion of Eastern and Western elegance that perfectly balances symmetry and style, combining modern and traditional artistry. Pink and blue ornaments infused with gold trimmings were accentuated with Chinese designs, lending a unique Christmas vibe to the hotel. It is also a fitting homage to the hotel’s Chinese roots.

Carolers from the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. sang Christmas carols to the guests, making the event more festive.

Dr. Lucio Tan and family pose with the Miss Earth 2019 winners during Century Park Hotel's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

The event was made more memorable with the presence of newly-crowned queens, Miss Earth 2019 Nellys Pimentel from Puerto Rico, Miss Earth Fire 2019 Alisa Manyonok from Belarus and Miss Earth Water 2019 Klára Vavrušková from Czech Republic.

(L-R) CPH Director for Sales Nel Chua, GM Anthony Tan and Director for Mktg and Corp Comm Myla Cammayo together with Miss Earth 2019 Winners

Dr. Lucio Tan and Ms. Carmen Tan enjoying the Tree Lighting with their daughters  Vivian and Irene (L-R)

Carolers from Children's Hope Foundation entertain the guests during Century Park Hotel's Annual Tree Lighting event

Ms. Irene Tan of Century Park Hotel welcomes the Miss Earth 2019 winners during the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

As the event marks the countdown to Noche Buena, Deli Snack also launched its elegant selection of Christmas Hampers starting from P2,780 net which includes delectable delis, sublime breads, jams and satisfying wines.

Avoid the Holiday rush, place your Christmas orders at (632) 8528-5855 to 56 or email foodbev@centurypark.com.ph two days or 48 hours prior to your preferred pick-up date at the hotel.

“Our theme this year is about striking a balance between being modern and traditional. This truly reflects the Century Park Hotel spirit since we have been in the industry for more than 40 years yet we keep innovating to embrace the ever changing times. It has been a memorable 2019 and all credit is due to our employees, clients, friends and media partners. We thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for making us your home away from home,” said CPH General Manager Anthony Tan.

LBC Powers SMEs with Innovative Business Solutions

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Mercato Centrale wins SME of the Year at the 10thAsia CEO Awards

The Philippine entrepreneurial scene is growing, with many business-minded individuals seeking to sell their products and services through online tools or by participating in high touch-point events to reach a wider market. With its bigger portfolio of services, LBC is reaching out to the proprietors of these Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), powered by its innovative business solutions and its legacy of reliability within its nationwide network of services.

LBC has always been a partner for the Filipino enterprise, providing them scalable tools such as COP/COD, Warehousing, and other logistics solutions that are custom-fit for their needs as they grow their business and achieve their dreams. 

Since the company has always been about moving passions and businesses forward, it continuously seeks to promote excellence among the country’s SMEs. LBC Express recently sponsored the SME Company of the Year category of the Asia CEO Awards, which is open to any profit-making independent company employing between 10 to 500 employees that have achieved important success. 

This year, Mercato Centrale was chosen as the Asia CEO Awards SME Company of the Year from among other nominees that included Ask Lex PH Academy, BoteCentral, Go Virtual Assistants, Innoveterra Properties, Sante Barley, and Sprout Solutions. 

RJ Ledesma, Mercato Centrale co-founder says that they are honored with the recognition of their mission to help grow the Philippine food scene and empower more Filipino food entrepreneurs. The company has had to pivot within its nine years, to reach a higher goal, he shares. More than a food market, it has grown to become an incubator for food businesses. They have since started to engineer an ecosystem designed to help small food entrepreneurs grow their business with assistance in the more technical aspects such as microfinance, marketing, or logistics and e-commerce. “We are happy to grow with them through partners such as LBC that have personalized solutions for small vendors, and these are logistics solutions that are ideal for this scale.” 

Mercato Centrale, Ledesma says, is a business model that helps other businesses grow. “We hope that with this award, we can have more vendors come on board, so we can help more people to grow their business ideas and become the next big success story.” Their next big step is to set up food halls in malls and mixed-use properties as their way of offering more food businesses a place to sell their products. 

LBC’s Chief Marketing Officer, Javier C. Mantecon says that being a part of the Asia CEO Awards, through its SME Company of the Year is a way for the company to reach and inspire more Filipino entrepreneurs. The goal is to partner with them through the reliable and scalable services of the logistics company. 

“Our participation for this annual event is one of the many ways to stay in touch with entrepreneurs inside and outside of our country, no matter how big or small they are,” adds LBC’s President, Miguel Angel A. Camahort. “We would like to congratulate all of the winners and the nominees for this event. We believe that everyone who was part of the 10th Asia CEO Awards is moving the Philippine economy forward.”

With a growing network of over 6,400 locations, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world, and it has expanded, digitized, and scaled its services to support SMEs, as a partner that is present at every step of the way.

For those who are interested to become food entrepreneurs and be part of Mercato Centrale, send a private message at https://www.facebook.com/mercatocentrale

Philips Hue lights up the way to smart homes in the Philippines

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Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting is now officially distributing the Philips Hue lineup in the Philippines. 

Philips Hue, the personal smart lighting system that allows people to control their lights in their homes or from anywhere in the world using a smart device.

Filipinos can now experience light in a whole new way through intuitive technologies combined with high-quality LED lighting. Choosing from a spectrum of more than 16 million colors, Philips Hue lets you personalize your home lighting experience with custom settings and program timers to and create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. 

Philips Hue lets you create the perfect ambiance at home with your scenes and routines—all throughout your day. Here are just a few ways how:

Kickstart your day. Philips Hue lights can serve as your gentle wake-up call in the morning by automatically increasing brightness to ease you into the day.

Command at your fingertips. Don’t worry about leaving your lights turned on. You can control your Philips Hue lights from anywhere, just with the app. 

Let your lights welcome you home. Set your lights to welcome you home after a long day out by enabling the geofencing feature on the Philips Hue app. You can also set the right mood with light scenes like a Tropical Twilight or Tokyo Lights or add a customized scene to your liking.

Sit back and chill. Set up a truly immersive entertainment experience by syncing your lights with music, videos, and games with Philips Hue. You can also easily communicate through voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, and Apple HomeKit, and even synchronize the smart lights with Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. 

Set to snooze. Tell your go-to smart assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, “Good night,” and your lights will automatically dim to prepare you for a comfortable sleep.

The Philips Hue system can do all of these and more through the Hue White and Color Ambiance (WACA) range. The system provides an entire spectrum of 16 million colors, that can be adjusted to fit any moment of the day– whether it’s a quiet personal moment or a get together with loved ones.

The Hue Starter Kit includes three Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs and a bridge, that allows you to add up to 50 Philips Hue light bulbs, and up to 12 switches and other accessories through the Philips Hue app. 

“The future belongs to connected living, with smart homes being a key driver today. We at Signify endeavor to deliver a human-centric approach to our innovations and Philips Hue is a perfect example as it can be the first step to turn any home into a smart home, creating never-before experiences with lighting that can be customized around your lifestyle. Filipinos are known to be quick-adopters of technology, and we are excited to introduce the cutting-edge Philips Hue system to help usher in an emerging technological trend – the rise of smart homes,” said Jagan Srinivasan, country leader of Signify Philippines.

Aside from Alexa and Google Assistant, Philips Hue is also known to have the most extensive compatibility with other smart-home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Samsung Smartthings, Microsoft Cortana, Bosch, and Logitech. The new Philips Hue range also features dual Bluetooth connectivity and Zigbee technology for an expanded smart lighting experience.

Get Philips Hue in select PowerMac, Switch, iStore, Nifty, Urban Gadgets, Infomax Glorietta, Abenson Global City and online at the Philips Lighting Official store on Lazada.

Price List Starter Kits as follows:

- Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit – 10,390 PHP

- Philips Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit – 7,490 PHP

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Bulbs:

- Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Logo – 2,990 PHP

- Philips Hue White Ambiance Bulb – 1,790 PHP

Controls:

- Philips Hue bridge – Php 3,690 (better to get bundles)

- Philips Hue Wireless dimmer switch – Php 1,290

- Philips Hue Motion sensor – Php 2,690

DOT leads bayanihan movement to “Save Our Spots”

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Driven by a vision towards sustainability, the Department of Tourism (DOT) launches a bayanihan movement called “Save Our Spots (SOS)” to instill a culture of responsible tourism and to involve more people to act for the welfare of our domestic tourism industry.

“This movement calls for each individual to do their part in acting as a responsible tourist and encouraging the same behavior towards their peers,” DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said. “Sustainable tourism as a whole may seem like an ambitious venture but every small contribution will go a long way to collectively benefit the country’s tourism status, precious destinations, and valued lives.”

SOS is part of DOT’s overarching campaign for sustainability, called “More Fun Forever”, which aims to inspire tourists, businesses and local communities to have a long-term view on tourism by protecting destinations and our natural resources. The campaign seeks to impart sustainable tourism concepts by providing a more holistic view of the tourism industry to all stakeholders. This includes (1) the local community, by providing livelihood opportunities from tourism development, (2) the businesses, by making sure they adhere to environmental and quality standards while tapping the products and services of the local community, and (3) the tourists, by ensuring that they enjoy our tourism destinations responsibly.

The “Save Our Spots” movement supports the 3rd concept, with its primary goal being to educate tourists on how to be better travelers. The DOT will rollout various multimedia materials that will be showcased in strategic travel touchpoints such as airports, seaports, vessels, and tourist accommodations to name a few. The department will also inculcate these when training front-liners and tour operators with the objective of developing a habit to take care of the country’s tourist destinations.

Benefiting tourist spots and Filipinos

By positively acting on these issues now, the country will be able to sustain its tourism growth for years to come and become a strong economic contributor to the total growth of the country. In 2018, tourism revenue was up by 14.3% from previous year and contributed 12.7% to the country’s GDP. Tourism has also provided income and livelihood to thousands of Filipinos.

The Philippines is blessed with world-renowned natural wonders such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, and Vigan, named as some of the best tourist destinations in the world by numerous travel publications. These tourist spots have always been recognized for their beautiful beaches, interesting island activities, cultural heritage, and people, which are primary reasons why both local and foreign tourists keep coming back to the Philippines and explore more places in the country’s 7,641 islands.

CNN recently recognized Vigan, as one of the most picturesque towns in Asia. Boracay is, once again, back in the top spot as Asia’s Best Island for 2019, according to Condé Nast Traveler (CNT) while Cebu and Palawan have taken second and fourth place, respectively.

The Philippines ranked 8th on the 20 Most Favorite Countries in the World of the CNT Readers’ Choice Awards, where the Philippines earned a 90.63 score among the 600,000 readers of the New York-based travel magazine. Palawan won second place for Travel+Leisure’s “15 Best Islands in the World” for the year in 2019.

The Philippines was also hailed as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination by the prestigious 2019 World Travel Awards (WTA). DOT was also awarded Asia’s Leading Tourism Board by WTA for the significant increase in tourist arrivals for the Philippines in 2018.

“Our tourist spots carry with them our pride and heritage,” Sec. Puyat emphasized. “This moment calls for decisive action from all sectors involved to protect our destinations and ensure that the fun lasts forever.”

Tourism also positively impacts the lives and communities of locals and nearby residents. Based on a commissioned study, locals expressed that making their areas popular attracts more economic opportunities, boosts business profitability, and provides income for the local government.

Embarking on a sustainable tourism mindset

DOT Sec. Puyat calls for all stakeholders to strengthen their mindset towards sustainable tourism. “We are now living in a time where we are more empowered to create better tourism choices for ourselves and our communities and inspire others to care more for our tourist destinations.”

According to the Tourism Secretary, the SOS campaign does not require the grandest of gestures—small, communal and continuous actions will go a long way. “We can start with simple deeds, such as using reusable tumblers instead of single-use plastics; respecting the local culture; throwing your wastes properly and, if somebody fails to do so, initiating to pick them up; advocating for local products; or just planning your next trip to be a responsible tourist wherever you go,” she encouraged.

The DOT also calls for the help of the local government, the private sector, and the people—both tourists and local residents, as sustainable tourism entails the unified efforts of all stakeholders.

“There’s a lot of work to be done to inculcate that sustainable tourism is our way to go,” Sec. Puyat further stressed. “We hope that the SOS movement or this bayanihan project will ensure that our seas remain clean and thriving with marine life, our mountains and forests stay green and flourishing, and our cultural heritage continues to live on. By doing so, we continue to increase tourist arrivals, and enhance income-generating opportunities for Filipinos.”

Watch the Save Our Spots launch video here, like the Department of Tourism on Facebook, and follow @tourism_phl on Instagram for more information and updates.

Video posted on the Department of Tourism’s Facebook and YouTube pages:

Facebook: 
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3148177675209083&id=197186436974903

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai2dFX7qybE

A Uniquely Pinoy Christmas with new Dishes at Max's Restaurant

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When it comes to the holidays, no one celebrates it better than Pinoys. In fact, we are known to have the longest Christmas season in the world kicking off in the -ber months when the fun starts and the countdown begins. 

As Christmas day is fast approaching, Max’s Restaurant offers the Philippines sumptuous new treats that will truly ignite your festive spirits—the new Nilagang Pasko and Bibingka Cheesecake!

Uniquely Filipino traditions are very much alive especially during Christmastime as Pinoysstart organizing reunions with families and friends as early as September. This year, make the festivities twice as merry, vibrant, and colorful with the new Nilagang Pasko, Max’s own take on the well-loved pochero dish. Dig into a tender trio of beef bulalo, cured meat, and chicken submerged in a rich annatto oil-infused broth with potatoes, pechay, squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, and saba banana. Partnered with eggplant salsa, this dish will certainly light up your Christmas dinners.

Come together and reminisce the good times with the people who matter in your life,because Nilagang Pasko is also available for sharing with the Holiday Classics Supreme Bundle—a jubilant spread consisting of one (1) hearty bowl of Nilagang Pasko, one (1) regular whole Sarap-To-The Bones® Fried Chicken, a choice of one (1) Pancit, Chopsuey, or Lumpiang Shanghai, one (1) Large Plain Rice, five (5) glasses of iced tea, soft drinks, or sago’t gulaman, and five (5) regular Buko Pandans. This feast for five can be yours for just PHP1,799.

With Simbang Gabi just around the corner and the year almost ending, cap off every get-together with Bibingka Cheesecake, Max’s Corner Bakery’s unique take on the classicFilipino Christmas staple. For only PHP249, this extraordinary kakanin and cheesecake concoction is a marriage of soft, fluffly vanilla chiffon and smooth and silky cheesecake, generously topped with salted egg slices. Wrapped in aromatic banana leaves, the Bibingka Cheesecake is definitely a nostalgic yet ultra-modern treat for you and your loved ones. Max’s Corner Bakery also has its heavenly Caramel Fudge Cake available for only PHP687, which is an incredibly moist and fudgy chocolate cake elevated with luxurious caramel icing and piped chocolate fudge.

“For Filipinos, Christmas time means reuniting with friends, families, and loved ones from all over the world and catching up on what a wonderful year it has been,” says Max’s Restaurant & Max’s Corner Bakery Marketing Director Mark De Joya.

 “As a brand that has always championed both the culinary and cultural heritage of the Philippines, we take it as our highest duty to ensure that this tradition stays as valuable and meaningful to every generation. These new Christmas offerings are our small way of giving Filipinos of all kinds a means to come together and reconnect over great food.”

Indeed, Max’s newest dishes and treats especially made for the Christmas season will have diners come running to their nearest store despite the holiday rush!

From November 4, 2019 till January 3, 2020, the new Nilagang Pasko and Holiday Classics Supreme Bundle is available in all Max’s Restaurant branches nationwide, and BibingkaCheesecake and Caramel Fudge Cake in all Luzon stores only. 

Visit http://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant for more information.