Monthly Archives

June 2019

Entertainment

Live A.I.D.S 2019: G NA G SA 33! Is An Event You Shouldn’t Miss

Photo shows from left: Deo Divinagracia, RS Francisco,Kaladkaren Davila and CV Gomez

Get ready for another year and another night of laughter and entertainment with Live A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33!

Coming off from yet another successful event “Live Aids 32: #trendingNOW,” the U.P. SAMASKOM company members are back again for a brand new season of non-stop laughter.

Catch “Live A.I.D.S. (AngIstoryangDinibelopng SAMASKOM): G na G sa 33!” on June 21, 22 and 23 at the Abelardo Hall in UP Diliman.

The 33rd installment of Live A.I.D.S. will serve as a parody of current experiences and will tackle the hottest issues faced by Pinoys today, and trending topics delivered through impressive theatrical numbers infused with comedy. So all audiences can expect another night filled with fun, spectacle, and entertainment they will never forget.

The show will be spearheaded by Deo Divinagracia, a true veteran of the show both in terms of performance and production. He is reportedly looking into mixing both classic and modern methods of direction, stage production, and writing. So audience can expect to create “an even bigger explosion of social commentary and parody combined.”

Director Deo Divinagracia

Live A.I.D.S. (AngIstoryangDinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, is an annual musical-comedy series mounted by UP SAMASKOM. It serves as the longest-running comedy, musical variety show in the country.

It only started as a mere applicants’ batch project back in 1983 has grown to become one of the most awaited events in the Diliman republic and the biggest variety show in the whole country. Each year, the Live A.I.D.S. company has never failed to surpass the previous record number of fans who trooped to its staging venues on all performances.

The show has already garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities such as Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap and the “favorite of MasangPinoy,” Vice Ganda. After all, it is the show which gave rise to the career of comedy stars Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, and KaladKaren.

Social media sensation and active member of the Live A.I.D.S. shows Kaladkaren Davila came to a press event last June 14, 2019  to explain what G na G means in this year’s theme. For her, “G na G” stands for “grateful na grateful” as the organization gave her 10 years of opportunity to showcase her talents in doing live performances.

She continued to thank everyone who’s been supporting their advocacy, revealing that for decades, all proceeds of their stints go to support the UP College of Mass Communication. She also explained how everyone in the organization’s happy in donating their time, effort and talents to the show which served as their training ground to become “a better individual, and not only as a performer.”

Some of the members of Live A.I.D.S. also gave a teaser performance during the press event to excite the audience about what’s going down during the main shows.

The Live A.I.D.S. director also spoke to recall how the organization started without any sponsors to now one of the most popular performing brands in the Philippines.

As home to talented and diverse individuals from all walks of the university who have a passion for creativity and self-expression, Live AIDS has continuously lived on with its magic that fuels it: the collaboration between the members of UP SAMASKOM, student and alumni alike. This camaraderie and the trust that have formed within the “samahan” is what makes the magic of the show happen.

Watch 4 of the Live AIDS main stars as they invite everyone to come see their performances:

The Live A.I.D.S stars with the member of UP SAMASKOM

With Kaladkaren Davila

With RS Francisco

 

June 15, 2019 by
Fashion, Lifestyle

Father’s Day Quick Gift Guide

Every Father’s Day we had a hard time in choosing what to give to our dad or grandpa. Always think, what do I give the first and most important man in my life? Of course you don’t want to give the usual gifts that we see in the malls like wallet, swiss knife, socks, hankies or neckties, but you should get a gift that your dad will surely use more often and wear even beyond Father’s Day. Why not give him a pair of shoes, that he could wear with his favorite activities!

Below is a one-look list of pairs you can give dad (and all the fathers in your life, while you’re at it!):

For the Office

 

Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Plush Washable P5995

Sperry Hampden 1-Eye P5495

Go for the new classics with the iconic boat shoe from Sperry. This Authentic Original Plush pair is way lighter than the previous boat shoe styles from Sperry, but still retains the best of the Authentic Original features. For dads who rock it behind the wheel, try this sleek Sperry Hampden 1-eye pair.

Gift of Gold

Men’s Gold Cup Handcrafted in Maine 1-Eye Camp Moccasin (Php 19,995)

Introducing Sperry Gold Cup’s exclusive release: Handcrafted in Maine.A fresh edition of the brand’s classic moccasin created with all of the Gold Cup quality you’ve come to expect, but with old world tanning techniques. It also takes pride in its one-of-a-kind stitching and the added layer of New England artisanal shoemaking tradition. Plus, enjoy a Sperry’s special father’s day treat for every minimum purchase of P 8, 000. Promo runs until June 30. Terms and conditions apply.

SKECHERS – Relaxed Fit – HARPER-FORDE P4095

For a lighter office-approved pair, wear Skechers’ Harper-Forde. The best loafer to wear for dads who switch their days between the office, the mall, and home.

Street Style

Saucony Originals Jazz Original Black/Yellow/Blue P3590

Skechers D’lites – Php 4095

These days it is not uncommon to find young (and young-at-heart) dads rock the latest shoe trends. Cop the best chunky sneakers for him this father’s day. These kicks are fondly called “dad-sneakers” anyway! Get the Saucony Originals Jazz Original or the SkecherdD’Lites for thick soles that dads can rock!

Everyday Shoe Rotation

Skechers -Hi-Lite Gnirps – Php 4095

PONY Shooter low – Php 2395

Keep a crisp white pair of sneakers on your dad’s daily rotation. The Skechers Hi-Lite Gnirps is classic and stylish enough to pair with most of his outfits. For those a younger and more laidback vibe, gift dad this iconic PONY Shooter in minimalist black/white.

Take him on an Adventure

MERRELL TideriserMoc – blue wing Php 4495

If your father’s day gift involves a trip that will go from roaming cities to crossing a stream or two, wrap up Merrell’s TideriserMoc as a gift! This performance boating shoe features hydrophobic, breathable materials for fast dry out to keep his feet comfy while keeping it casual for the streets. Meanwhile, if the trip involves significant amounts of walking, give him the comfort he deserves with the Number 1 Walking Shoe in the USA, the famous Skechers Go Walk!

Merrell Choprock Sandals – black Php 4495

Skechers Sandals Pelem-Rolento – Php 2995

For dads who prefer open-toed footwear as their daily adventure gear, get them the Merrell Choprock Sandals (it can even cover for light hikes or crossing streams) or the SkechersPelem-Rolento for a stylish boardwalk cruise!

For his fitness needs

Saucony – VERSAFOAM FLARE P3995

Skechers Performance: Go Run Pure Php 4590

The “dad bod” is in but it will not stop some fathers from achieving the fit body.  The 120-year old running brand recently released its newest trainers featuring Versafoam, ideal for workouts and runs. Another fresh shoe drop is Skechers Performance Go Run Pure perfect for dads who run or brisk walk on the weekends.

SPERRY:

Sperry is available at www.sperry.com.ph and in Sperry stores located at Bonifacio High Street, SM Aura, Glorietta 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, Estancia Mall, UP Town Center, Trinoma, Estancia Mall, Festival Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, Sperry SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Lipa, SM Baguio, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Bacolod, SM Lanang, Centrio Mall.

SAUCONY:

Visit the Saucony website at www.saucony.com.phand stores in Glorietta 3 and Trinoma, Runnr stores in ATC and TriNoma, Olympic World ATC, Sports Central Megamall, SM Department Stores in SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM MOA, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Makati, SM Manila, SM Southmall.

MERRELL:

Shop online at www.merrell.com.ph and at concept stores are located at Glorietta 3, TriNoma, SM North EDSA Annex, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Mall, SM Dasmarinas, Marquee Mall , SM Southmall, Harbor Point, SM City Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, LimKetKai Mall, Centrio Mall, and Ayala Center Cebu.

SKECHERS:

Visit skechers.com.ph, like Facebook.com/SkechersPhilippines and on Instagram @SkechersPH. Skechers is available online and at Glorietta 2, Trinoma, SM North Edsa The Annex, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Ayala Malls The 30th, SM East Ortigas, Market! Market!, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Dasmarinas, Robinsons General Trias, SM Lipa, Fairview Terraces, SM Fairview, SM Pampanga, Marquee Mall, SM Clark, Vista Mall Bataan, SM Cabanatuan, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Ayala Malls Legazpi, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Limketkai Mall and Centrio Mall.

 

 

June 14, 2019 by
Entertainment, Lifestyle

Ginebra San Miguel Celebrates a Gin-tastic One Gin Nation 2019

Love for gin is something that the Filipinos share in common with the world.  Now on its 11th year, the Philippines is currently celebrating an extended World Gin Day 2019, turning it into a festivity that will be experienced by the whole nation!

Last June 7, we stood and partied as “One Gin Nation” with the country’s pioneering spirit, Ginebra San Miguel. The big event has been an observance of camaraderie, good food, and awesome spirits. All these and more at this year’s festivities were the things not to be missed.

But it isn’t over yet so TARA, TAGAY NA!

The Birth of The Drinking Legend:  A Look At The Filipino Flavor of GIn

Filipinos love their alcohol and we are in-born fans of festivals.

Celebrations, whether big or small, in metro cities or far-flung barrios, are meant to be enjoyed with spirits. In fact, our drinking culture is so strong that we gave birth to the concept of “tagay.”  Unique to Filipinos, it’s a fun way of drinking gin where one drinks from a common glass and passes it on to be refilled for the next round.

And for 185 years now, Filipinos have been enjoying the distinct taste and quality of Ginebra San Miguel. From its humble beginnings in a small distillery in Manila, to becoming one of the country’s most respected brands, Ginebra San Miguel has solidified itself as being integral to the history and culture of the Philippines, and the story of the Filipino people.

So to kick off the World Gin Day 2019, Ginebra San Miguel has gathered some of the country’s top master mixologists, a highly-acclaimed chef, popular celebrity performers, and a nation of gin lovers in one big celebration. World Gin Day 2019 PH was held at the Seda Vertis North, Quezon City last Friday.

Let the “GIN-tastic Tour Begin

Officially, World Gin Day took place yesterday, June 8, 2019. But we were lucky enough to get a head start on all the festivities prepared by Ginebra San Miguel.

The event started with a thirst-quenching display of awesome bartending skills. The said GSM event staples Master mixologists Enzo Lim, Kalel Demetrio and Icy Mariñaswere there to once again feature new gin-based cocktails that represent the country’s three main island groups.

First up,  Liquido Maestro Kalel Demetrio created the Beautiful With A Heart gin concoction. He made it with his all-time fave ingredients: Kamias juice and Blue Sampaguita spritz.

Meanwhile, Enzo Lim paid tribute to Visayas’ sweet mangoes, creating the Carabao Cocktail.

And finally, for Mindanao, spunky mixologist Icy Mariñas crafted the Shalalala using Mindanao’s Tablea and Durian.

To make the night hotter, Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, along with the actress and GSM Blue endorser, Sue Ramirez as well as the GSM Premium Gin ambassador, comedian/writer Alex Calleja all joined the world-classgin mixing masters in preparing the cocktails.

And to creatively pair with all the bottomless spirits prepared during the event, rockstar chef Rolando Laudicowas once again invited to prepare a sumptuous “pulutan” feast for all guests.

A Gin-credible Night with Gin-Credible People

Of course, no party will be complete without fun people and good music, right? Among the guests who graced the event were famous personalities like Miss Saigon alumnus, Gerald Santos, who also starred in the night’s musical spectacle chronicling the 185 years of Ginebra San Miguel.  The theater-like show was directed by the award-winning Rommel Ramilo.

Guests were also entertained with outstanding performances showcasing Ginebra San Miguel in the different periods of Philippine history. And to add some extra excitement to the program, the brand endorsers surprised the crowd with their special participation in the show.

World Gin Day 2019 All Over The World

Now on its 11th year, World Gin Day was founded by British blogger Neil Houston and is celebrated every 2nd Saturday of June. What started as a day to bring his friends together to drink gin has grown into a worldwide celebration. World Gin Day 2019 events were also held in the UK, Australia and the US.

Here in the Philippines, World Gin Day was first celebrated in 2014 coinciding with the celebration of Ginebra San Miguel’s 180th anniversary. This was highlighted by the launch of a travelling exhibit showcasing the brand’s colorful history and rich heritage.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) is the producer of the world’s no. 1 selling gin Ginebra San Miguel. As well as other quality liquor products including GSM Premium Gin, GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Antonov Vodka, Vino Kulafu, Don Enrique Tequila, Añejo Gold Medium Rum and Primera Light Brandy.

The Ginebra San Miguel Marketing Manager, Ron C. Molina said about the number 1 gin in the Philippines:

“Ginebra San Miguel mirrors the resilience and the never-say-die spirit of the Filipinos. As the pioneering gin in the Philippines, we take pride in its legacy because the story of Ginebra San Miguel is the story of the Filipino people.”

The One Ginebra Nation Tour will now start taking over other cities in the Philippines. All the gin-lovers will be treated to special GSM promos and packages when they visit selected bars nationwide. Check out more details on www.oneginebranation.com. Watch out for the One Ginebra Nation Truck tour near you too for some special treats.

 

June 9, 2019 by
News

HDMF – NHMFC LOAN SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Eduardo D. Del Rosario led the signing of the Loan Sale and Purchase Agreement between Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) President and CEO Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti (3rd from left) and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation President Felixberto U. Bustos Jr. (2nd from right) for the purchase of a portion of HDMF’s socialized housing loan portfolio for NHMFC’s issuance of asset-backed securities.  Also in photo (L-R) are NHA Assistant General Manager Froilan R. Kampitan, SHFC President Arnolfo Ricardo B. Cabling, and HLURB Commissioner Lloyd Christoper A. Lao.

 

June 9, 2019 by
News

Taiwan ushers in the future of ‘smart healthcare’

The Virtual Dissection Table from Taiwan Main Orthopaedic Biotechnology Co. Ltd collects any form of X-ray image and transforms it into a 3D model.

 

Imagine hospital beds so intuitive that they can track both a patient’s vital signs and sleeping patterns? What about robot-assisted surgery when the doctor and patient are miles apart? These scenes may soon be reality as the automation technology is gradually revolutionizing healthcare through to the era of ‘smart healthcare’.

The concept of smart healthcare diverges from traditional approaches to healthcare; instituting intelligent and intuitive systems that improve the quality of patient care. This approach has influenced the gamut of pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and health and wellness products, as they integrate with each other to create a holistic system that is predictive, preventative, personalized, and participatory.

Taiwan and its superior technology is leading the world toward this new frontier. Consistently ranked as the top knowledge economy in Asia, its biomedical sector has been identified as one of the industry pillars for national development. In recent years, the value of Taiwan’s biomedical industry significantly increased to a booming US$16.2 billion. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen considers the country as a forerunner in medical innovation due to three factors: top-tier medical technology, robust supply chains, and a burgeoning biotechnology industry.

Taiwan’s domain leadership has been cemented by effectively fostering a supportive and collaborative ecosystem where academic, private, and public institutions work together to create products that contribute to smart healthcare.

The Wearable Hand Exoskeleton by Rehabotics Medical Technology Corporation helps patients with neuromuscular disorders.

 

Innovation at work

One example of the smart healthcare innovation is the range of products offered by Asus Life, a subsidiary of the Taiwan Excellence Award winner Asustek Computer. The company recently worked with hospitals to offer smart medical care solutions for patients.

OmniCare is a medical Internet-of-Things platform that collects biometric data from various instruments and smart wearable devices. PhenoFinder is a platform that integrates patient medical records at all hospitals and big data analysis.

Zenbo is a smart robot equipped with facial recognition functionality, and AiNurse is a virtual care-giving robot that can communicate with patients via voice or text.

Meanwhile, 2019 Taiwan Excellence awardee Onyx Healthcare Inc. also created medical products that optimize and seamlessly automate hospital processes that are usually done on paper.

The company’s medical tablet MD101 aids nurses as they gather the data of a patient’s vital signs, thus reducing the time spent on each patient, which is usually up to 12 minutes.  Altogether, their products help improve the accuracy and efficiency of over-all patient care in hospitals.

Proudly Made in Taiwan

In recent years, the world has seen Taiwan transition into becoming the global powerhouse it is today. It is a beacon of great, innovative value for countless consumers, boasting cutting-edge products that are proudly made in Taiwan.

Time and again, Taiwan has proven its prowess in life-changing technology. Tackling life’s many spheres – from healthcare, to education and mobility – Taiwan consistently improves our lifestyles, as we revel in its brand of everyday excellence.

To catch more of Taiwan and its amazing innovations, you can check them out at the following dates and events: Taiwan Excellence 3 on 3 Hoop Challenge on June 29-30 at SM Megamall; the IoT Business Platform on July 24-25 at Manila Marriott; the Taiwan Excellence E-Sports Cup on October 4-6 in Metro Manila; and the Taiwan Expo scheduled sometime in November at Davao City.

June 8, 2019 by
News

CMP BALAI BONDS

 

 

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Eduardo D. Del Rosario (center) witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) President Arnolfo Ricardo B. Cabling (2nd from left) and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) President Felixberto U. Bustos Jr. (4th from left)for the issuance ofCommunity Mortgage Program (CMP) BALAI Bonds. Under the MOA, NHMFC shall undertake the project as Program Management Adviser/Advisory Team.  Also in photo as witnesses are SHFC Executive Vice President Junefe G. Payot (1stleft) and NHMFC Executive Vice President Livia Alicia R. Ramos (right).

June 7, 2019 by
Food, Lifestyle

Eden Announces June 4 As Its National Cheese Day

When we ask for our favorite comfort food, we don’t just crave for the familiar taste but as well as the memories and that warm fuzzy feeling that it brings to the table.Comfort food nourishes both the body and soul. It’s rarely the most luxurious or expensive meal one has ever had, but often the simplest.

And what could be a better comfort food than our all-time Pinoy favorites like Caldereta, mechado, salad, pichi-pichi, embotiod, majablanca or the never-dying Filipino-style spaghetti.

What do they have in common?

The creamy deliciousness of a cheese.The cheese that has garnished and revamped these and many other Filipino classics for the past 38 years. The full creamy taste of Eden Cheese! The Filipino meals will never be the same without a cheese on the table.

Food journalist renowned “Adobo Queen” Nancy Reyes Lumen” told about Eden Cheese products:

“Cheese is such a wonderful food that you can’t outgrow it. It is indispensable to our culture and daily lives as Filipinos. Cheese is one of the earliest foods we taste and the delight of it stays on from infancy to adulthood. We have grown up with it and it has been a part of our lives all these years. Cheese is practically a “no-fail” ingredient…you can even burn it and it still tastes good. We love cheese because it blends creaminess into our taste buds. It is comfort food.”

The Philippines’s jewel, Eden started the trend of carton cheeses in the country. It’s a favorite of moms for making dishes creamy and delicious recipes and providing vitamins and minerals including Calcium, Vitamin A and B2 to their families.

And on June 4, Eden Cheese is celebrating its National Cheese Day! It’s yet another time to rediscover the goodness of cheese in a dish.

Earlier this year, Eden has already started its nation-wide campaign of bringing the cheesy goodness of its products to every fiesta in the country. They encourage everyone to choose goodness and came up with the #ChooseGoodness to promote their project.

But what does it mean to #ChooseGoodness?

To choose goodness is to choose an exceptional life by doing our very best every time and in every way. To choose goodness is looking after the smallest details and maintaining quality standards in whatever we do, be it simple or not.

Eden has consistently and successfully showed how its “lusoglakas” nutrients, plus the fact that it’s packed with milk and real cheese are essential to making everyday dishes more special for the family. Thus, the brand is encouraging others to do the same through its #ChooseGoodness campaign.

Anna Sapitan, the category manager for Meals of Mondelez Philippines, the maker of Eden Cheese, mused about the campaign:

“Our brand stands for the belief that we can all do better, and choose to be exceptional.

That is why this year, we are driving this change, and encouraging everyone to #ChooseGoodness with the help of our delicious Eden Cheese.”

Eden will continue to support fiestas over the Philippines, all year-round. Fiesta celebrations are definitely marked in the calendars of Filipinos and as a heritage brand, it will be part of that. It will bring to life its new campaign by setting up booths to sample products, selling limited edition cheese keepers with fiesta designs and giving families a more special dish when they use Eden cheese.

The cheese that you grew up with will continue to deliver more good products. Watch out for the events on June 4 as it brings nostalgic feelings on your meals.

To know more, like Eden on Facebook (www.facebook.com/EdenCheesePH) and follow @edencheeseph on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 1, 2019 by