Travel

Brand Ambassadors are appointed by Banwa Private Island

Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie have been chosen as Banwa Private Island’s first-ever Brand Ambassadors, the company is thrilled to announce.

Potential guests and business professionals alike will benefit greatly from Ken and Rob’s in-depth knowledge of Banwa Private Island’s exceptional beauty and vulnerable biodiversity. Given that they were present at the beginning of the tropical island’s transformation from a deserted island into the lush garden paradise it is now, both are in a unique position to share firsthand experiences and information.

London-based, Rob Chappelhow first visited the island in 2009 when it was a seldom seen coconut plantation frequented only by Hawksbill Turtles returning to the pristine white sands to lay their eggs. In 2013, Rob became Project Director, overseeing the island’s sustainable development. He says: “By 2019, we were ready to welcome guests to experience Banwa Private Island’s’ concept of informal luxury in a contemporary setting. I am thrilled to bring my experience of its evolution to the Brand Ambassador role. Having watched the native beach forest grow to provide such privacy and tranquility, and witnessed the rejuvenation of the coral reef and the island’s wildlife, it’s an honour to once more be part of the passionate team.”

Ken Beattie, currently based in Taiwan, was also involved in Banwa Private Island’s inception and over recent years has been integral in establishing Aquos Foundation’s CSR programs, reaching out to the local communities to foster positive and sustainable relationships. ‘’There are so many compelling reasons to visit Banwa Private Island including the exceptional personalised service and the numerous land and water-based leisure activities. Having dived every reef in the surrounding Marine Protected Area, I have an intimate understanding of the region’s incredible marine life and the unique experiences available to our guests”, says Ken of his appointment.

The island sanctuary is located in north-eastern Palawan in the Philippines, one of the last remaining areas of natural biodiversity in the world, and it offers beautiful views, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The Aquos Foundation, whose conservation programs maintain, nurture, and safeguard the sensitive ecosystem, marine environment, and local community of Banwa Private Island, will also fly the flag with Rob and Ken. Peter Nilsson, the owner of Banwa Private Island, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rob Chappelhow and Ken Beattie back to the island team. They have a thorough awareness of our distinctive brand of seamless service and sustainable luxury, making them the ideal brand ambassadors for Banwa Private Island.”

Fashion, Lifestyle

These awesome footwear picks are perfect for Women’s Month

In case you didn’t know, March 8 is International Women’s Day. To honor this occasion, we’ve put up a list of shoes that women of all ages and status would find appealing.

Merrell’s Bravada Collection

The Merrell Bravada line of shoes may appear delicate, yet they are just as durable on pavement as they are on trails. The Bravada Backstrap, Bravada Cord Wrap, and Bravada 2 Wrap are essential accessories for active females on the go since they offer a stylish take on the basic outdoor sandal. Up through April 30, purchase any two pairs at any Merrell concept shop and receive a free T-shirt with the Merrell logo. Visit www.merrell.com.ph for the whole collection and more information.

Keds’ New Champion Colors

Keds’ Champion — the very first sneaker for women – now comes in spring-ready colours of Sunny Lime, Light Pink, and Light Blue. The white Champion, made in the distinctive circular vamp oxford style, is a timeless classic that goes with almost anything, and the new vivid hues are no different. Get P500 Discount on a colored Champion pair during this women’s month at any Keds retail location nationwide, including online at www.keds.com.ph.

Sperry’s White Sneakers

Although most people think of Sperry when they think of their iconic boat shoes, did you know that they also make a line of chic and current minimalist sneakers? The most recent designs from Sperry are the ideal fusion of preppy and sporty with understated allusions to its seafaring background (note the barrel knots on the laces). Save P500 off full-priced women’s fashions this March when you spend a minimum of P5000 in a single receipt transaction. This promotion is only accessible at www.sperry.com.ph and retail locations across the country.

Sports

Champions of the 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup are named

In a recent awarding ceremony held in Taguig City, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) officially concluded the 2022 season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Cup.

Ligo Anton of the Toyota North Edsa-Obengers Racing Team was named the overall victor in the Super Sports Class following the completion of three victorious legs of the TGR Vios Cup Circuit Championship. The winners of the Sports and Promotional Classes were Royce Sarmiento of the RMS Cars Racing Team and Jay Lao of the Happy Hotels/OTR Racing Team.

Jules Aquino won the Autocross Challenge’s Advanced Influencer Class trophy, while Miggy Romulo, a rookie, was crowned victorious in the Beginning Influencer Class. Pablo Salapantan won the Beginning Media Class, while Jamil Lacuna was named the overall winner in the Media category for the Advanced Media Class.

TMP held the night to commend and show appreciation to the racers who not only contributed to the success of the 2022 TGR Vios Cup, but also served as ambassadors for TMP and TGR’s goal of promoting motorsports in the country.

“TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup is one of our most celebrated milestones. This would not be possible without you, our racers, and the whole team behind every driver. You gave life to this motorsports program,” TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations Danny Cruz said.

Topping off the night’s celebration, the overall Team Award was handed to the Obengers Racing Team. The team’s collective effort and skills on and off tracks made them the best among all the racing teams.

“We contribute to Philippine motorsports by developing more racers,” Obengers Racing Team Co-Principal  Richie Uy said as he received the award on stage with the rest of the Team Obengers racers.

Below is the complete list of the 2022 season’s podium finishers:

When the 2022 TGR Vios Cup comes to an end, TMP keeps its promise to ignite the country’s rising passion for motorsports through its numerous motorsports activities that demonstrate how it pushes the envelope for better. In addition to Petron and Bridgestone, additional sponsors of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup 2022 included Brembo, Denso, OMP, Tuason Racing, AVT, 3M, ROTA, myTOYOTA Wallet, and Kinto One.

Visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo for more information on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and to stay updated, and follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing PH on Facebook and Instagram.

Lifestyle

The Stoveless Kitchen: Modern Responses to Modern Dilemma

Being in charge of your own place may be both rewarding and difficult at times. Finding the ideal balance between making the most of available space and making it practical for daily living can be a real challenge for anyone living in a modern apartment or condo setup where every square foot is valued at its face value.

This necessity is the reason why multi-purpose and space-saving household goods have become so popular in recent years. Nevertheless, how efficient are them in other areas of the house where we often spend a lot of time preparing and conducting manual labor? Take for instance, our kitchens.

Years ago, a regular kitchen was expected to have several appliances to be truly functional. But modern problems require modern solutions, and so a new wave of kitchen partners that can do multiple jobs started taking over households. Think about it: a few years ago, would you have even imagined that you could survive without a stove?

Now you might say, “This isn’t even possible at present” Well, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is here to prove you wrong. The latest model from the premium lifestyle brand’s best-selling line of kitchen partners, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is a versatile unit that can do almost anything and everything a home cook needs in their kitchen.

The model’s dedicated air frying setting is just the tip of the iceberg of its note-worthy line of features. With ten cooking functions that include grilling, slow cooking, baking, roasting, and even a pizza-cooking feature, you can skip having a stove–and a dozen other appliances in your kitchen. Make your favorite roast or whip up your favorite crunchy fries in minutes with its dual-speed convection feature that raises hot air and sinks cold air to reduce the cooking time by 30 percent.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer also has an Element IQ System that makes it ideal even for a newbie home cook. The technology is a smart algorithm feature that helps create the perfect cooking environment for different cooking techniques. The advanced sensing and temperature control of this model promises even cooking all the time, eliminating guesswork for its users.

In terms of design, the Smart Oven Air Fryer is crafted for ease of use. It comes with a clear and easy-to-understand LCD Display and an interior oven light that automatically turns on at the end of every cooking cycle. Topping these is its sophisticated and sleek aesthetic which makes it so easy to fit in any modern, classy home.

It’s true that the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer satisfies every requirement a savvy homeowner has for kitchen equipment. Regardless of one’s degree of cooking ability, it is stylish, adaptable, and user-friendly and may enhance anyone’s creativity in the kitchen. Whether you have a little kitchen or not, this model is a must-have for everyone looking for a kitchen partner who can accommodate your contemporary needs.

Are you interested in finding out more details about the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer? For more details, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram right away.

Entertainment

To carry out its aim of supporting Filipino sports and other leisure pursuits, BingoPlus promotes the sport golf

In keeping with its promise to support Filipino sporting events and other popular Pinoy activities, BingoPlus, the country’s first and only live-streaming bingo site, now sponsors golf competitions.

BingoPlus has made golf its top priority for the month of February. The brand has been an active sponsor of professional basketball conferences, sports teams, beauty pageants, musical performances, and performers as well as traditional Filipino cultural festivals like the Sinulog in Cebu and MassKara in Bacolod.

BingoPlus is one of the Platinum sponsors of the 51st Golden Tee Invitational Tournament at Manila Golf and Country Club, which took place on February 9. This tournament aims to develop new collaborations. BingoPlus will also be one of the Titanium Sponsors of the Third Zamora Cup Invitational Tournament at the Wack-Wack Golf & Country Club on February 23 as a mark of commitment.

AB Leisure Exponent Inc. President Jasper Vicencio said BingoPlus is really trying its best to fulfill its mission of promoting the country’s different types of leisure activities because it wants to contribute to a society with a good work-life balance.

“The nature of our business is leisure and offering the Filipino ways to live a relaxed, well-balanced life gives us fulfillment in what we do. Golf is about the three C’s of camaraderie, connections, and charity. It is a strategic game as well as a game of skill, accuracy, and concentration that imparts many values. We want to give back to the community by participating in this mental, high-level game that allows us to contribute to charitable causes.”

Vicencio went on to say that BingoPlus is proud to be supporting the two elite golf competitions because it would enable the brand to connect with privileged groups and the causes they want to promote.

“Being part of these prestigious golf tournaments allows our brand to participate in the worthy causes that organizers contribute to. We look forward to further collaborating with them and fellow sponsors to promote the sport and align with their respective business inclinations as well. We see leisure fulfilling a deeper mission for the country. As a leisure company we strongly believe that creating a society of relaxed, happy individuals will ultimately result in a productive citizenry, ” Vicencio concluded.

Lifestyle

Partnering with OWWA and Home Credit to Honor OFWs in Western Visayas

At the OFW Family Day Caravan in Western Visayas, Home Credit Philippines, the top consumer financing firm in the nation, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), paid tribute to the heroes of the modern era: the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Almost 2,000 OFWs and OFW associations from the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental participated in the two-week caravan. The program sought to offer an avenue for the OFWs and their families to reconnect and spend quality time with their loved ones.

Aside from family bonding activities, the caravan also opened conversations on financial literacy and education, addressing the common problems of OFWs spending years working abroad only to come home with little to no savings.

“Our main goal for the caravan was to show appreciation for the Filipino migrant workers. We want to empower them to make informed decisions on how to spend and manage their hard-earned money from working overseas. We at OWWA Region 6 support our OFWs all the way, and we want them to succeed and secure a better life for themselves and their families,” said Rizza Joy Moldes, OWWA Region 6 OIC director.

LINK TO THE OFW FAMILY DAY CARAVAN

Throughout the caravan, Home Credit led the discussions on the basics of budgeting and saving as part of its advocacy program to promote financial literacy across the country. The OFWs were also given knowledge on safe consumer finance options they could explore while protecting themselves and their families from bad debts and financial risks.

“We at Home Credit honor the modern-day heroes of our country. They are an inspiration to many Filipinos as they serve as examples of strength and perseverance. As they strive to make ends meet for their families, we are committed to providing them with the proper knowledge to handle their finances to avoid financial mismanagement and risks. We will continue to support the OFWs and be their trusted ally Para sa Life,” shares Sheila Paul, Home Credit’s chief marketing officer.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number OFWs globally has already reached 1.83 million in 2021, a three percent increase from the number released in 2020. With the growing volume of labor migration from the Philippines, it is expected that OFW remittances will also increase. The data likewise shows that majority of the OFWs are in the age group 30 to 34 years old, followed by 45 years and older, which can be read as parents and other breadwinners going abroad to support their families.

Home Credit is dedicated to offering more Filipinos financial options and knowledge so they can live more comfortably and securely. Wais sa Home and Alagang Home, Home Credit’s two premier CSR and financial literacy initiatives, will keep the company at the forefront of the movement to improve everyone’s lives and promote financial freedom.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)     have properly licensed and overseen the financing firm Home Credit Philippines (BSP). Visit Home Credit Philippines’ website at www.homecredit.ph to find out more about the most recent news.

Entertainment

See the sci-fi-themed music video for “Palibot libot” by Rico Blanco

The music video for Rico Blanco’s current single, “Palibot libot,” released under Sony Music Entertainment, tackles science fiction themes.

The images, directed by Cris Escolano and Rico Blanco himself, tell a tale of humanity in a hopeless miserable world. Model Tuti Pon, robotic character “The Entity,” and actor Rico Blanco all appear in the music video.

Pon claims that she enjoyed portraying the female protagonist and embraced the nuances required to successfully portray her character. “I would do it again if I had the chance. It was definitely a new experience for me.”

Production Designer Justine Arcega-Bumanlag expressed enthusiasm in working with the team and conveying the fantastically imaginative vision of the material. She shares, “For this, Rico Blanco was aiming for a classic-looking music video that stands the test of time. He wanted to veer away from CGIs, so we started building a set that looks like a wreckage from an unknown planet, and using it all throughout the time.”

The character from a series that he filmed in La Union last year served as the inspiration for the song, which examines the ambiguity that exists between friendship and relationship. The narrative of the song, however one-sided, is “anchored precariously on someone’s steadfast loyalty,” and it is blunt about the fact that love is not always synchronized. It has drawbacks, but that is part of its allure.

The song “Palibot libot” will be on Rico Blanco’s upcoming fourth studio album, which Sony Music Entertainment will distribute.

Watch the music video of “Palibot libot” here.

Entertainment

A “reunion” performance and the release of the Tower Sessions Live record are also part of Barbie Almalbis’ 25th anniversary celebrations

With the official release of her Tower Sessions Live CD through Sony Music Entertainment and a reunion event involving her legendary bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle, Filipino singer-songwriter Barbie Almalbis marks a significant milestone in music.

Both events commemorate her 25th anniversary in the Philippine music industry as a lady who effectively mastered Pinoy rock through emotionally stirring composition and uncompromising artistic freedom. It is indeed a wonderful event as we witnessed a great milestone that is full of love and light. She delivered all her songs with a grateful heart and we enjoyed it so well.

The Tower of Doom members Eric and Carlo Perlas produced Barbie Almalbis’ Best Hits live album, which has a fresh arrangement of her classic and contemporary songs. Kyle Cayton recorded the album, while Simon Durias mixed and mastered it. Along with more recent songs like “Days Are Long,” “Silaw,” “Tigre,” and “Kumpas,” the album’s first single, it will also include classics that defined careers, including “Firewoman,” “Torpe,” “Tabing Ilog,” “The Dance,” “Goodnight,” and “Just A Smile.”

“It’s always been a dream of mine to record our songs live, because we’re always rearranging songs as a band, and I think there’s something special that gets captured when the we play live together,” Almalbis shares. “My producers and collaborators did such a great job of making you feel like you’re at the gig. You can feel the power of the kick drum and the bass, and then have guitars blasting in your ear — in a pleasant way, of course.”

Aside from the release of Tower Sessions Live on digital platforms, Barbie Almalbis is set to headline her 25th Anniversary concert at 123 Block, Mandala Park on March 11 (Saturday), from 2pm onwards. Celebrating the impact of her music as a guide to many people’s journey in life, the show will reunite her with former bandmates in Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle.

Aptly titled Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, the mini-music fest will also feature sets by some of the country’s finest acts, including Sandwich, Gab Alipe of Urbandub, Clara Benin, I Belong To The Zoo, Kai del Rio, and Bird.

Reflecting on her career as an artist, Almalbis expressed gratitude to her fans who have been supportive of her endeavors through the years. “I didn’t have so many plans growing up, but always just dreamt of playing music. I’m so grateful that I get to do this and share the experience with others too. I’m always touched by the support of my fans and friends, and really humbled and encouraged by their words and stories about how these songs have also become part of their journey.”

Under Sony Music Entertainment, Barbie Almalbis’ Tower Sessions Live is now accessible on all digital platforms throughout the world.

You may get tickets for her forthcoming performance, Firewoman:25 Years of Barbie Almalbis, on TicketMelon. In collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment, Backspacer Records, JB Music, Nova Health Shop, D&D, Smirnoff Mule, and 123 Block, the event is hosted by GNN Entertainment Productions.

Follow Barbie Almalbis on socials:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Food

Jolly Encourages Home Chefs’ Creativity in the Kitchen to Empower Home Cooks

They say the easiest way to someone’s heart is through the stomach. For many homemakers, especially moms, this is very much true the moment they enter the kitchen. When you take the time and care to prepare something special for the people who matter to you the most, one just experiences an indescribable emotion. Naturally, the same applies if you’re on the receiving end of such a selfless act.

While mothers are true culinary geniuses, there are often moments when creativity may be lacking. Fortunately, Jolly is here to help our home cooks overcome that difficulty. Jolly, the industry leader in packaged fruit and vegetable products, makes it convenient to have access to fresh ingredients right in our pantries. By delivering freshly packaged fruits and veggies right into our pantries, the brand—which was created with the purpose of empowering homemakers and unleashing their creative potential in the kitchen—has continuously made this possible. Jolly is a market leader in its sector and a top choice among home cooks thanks to its convenience and the high caliber of its products.

To prove this, we had some moms take on the challenge of creating something special for their loved ones using some of Jolly’s best-sellers. Stephanie Lontoc of StefTheMomma shared one classic dish that never fails to impress her family—Creamy Beef with Mushrooms made with beef sirloin and her go-to Jolly Mushrooms and Jolly Cream of Mushroom Soup! It’s the perfect dish to make if you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen as it can only take thirty minutes to prep and cook! Watch her quick recipe here to cop it.

(video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnBwgh0J6gL/ )

Dyosa The Momma is another big fan of the tatak Jolly love. For her, she loves how she can still make healthy but also affordable dishes that never fail to be big hits for her family. One of her go-to recipes is Pork Picadillo which is perfect for all types of occasions . The dish is colorful, easy to make, and most of all, delicious and healthy. Go watch her recipe here

(video link: https://www.facebook.com/dyosathemomma/videos/1317862722317855)

For the recipe, she used Jolly Premium Sliced Mushrooms, Jolly Green Peas and Jolly Garbanzos to make sure that the dish is bursting with flavor and nutrition. More than the convenience and easy access to these ingredients, she also loves how Jolly makes everything easier for the budget.

“With a growing family, dapat mas mindful na tayo sa gastos. Kaya hindi dapat mahal ang delicious meals. Konting creativity lang, pwedeng i-level up ang delicious meal. Kapag nabibigay mo ang sarap at sustansya, yan ang Jolly Love.”

Versatility is also something that’s very important in the kitchen. Thankfully, with easy access to fresh ingredients, you will never run out of dishes to try. The Peach Kitchen proves this by creating her version of Ginataang Gulay using Jolly products . She shares, “Isa sa paraan natin ng pagpaparamdam ng pagmamahal natin sa pamilya natin ay ang pagluluto natin para sa kanila. Kaya naman as much as possible gusto natin na masarap at healthy ang hinahanda natin para sa kanila.”

Check out her recipe below: (video link: https://www.facebook.com/PeachKitchen/videos/1812729012435899/ )

Jolly is a brand that was created by a family for families. Since its conception, it knows that when it comes to expressing love, Filipino households use the language of food to make connections and express their emotions. Still the undisputed leading brand of freshly packed fruits, vegetables, and other pantry essentials, it continues to fulfill its promise of empowering home cooks by expanding their creativity in the kitchen through its wide range of products. When you put your heart into every food you make and when you never run out of ideas in the kitchen, #YanAngJollyLove!

Buy online at Ace Market, Lazada, and Shopee or in reputable supermarkets across the country for your favorite Jolly items. For the most recent information on their news and promotions, make sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram profiles.

Fashion

Uniqlo U A Feeling of Ease Spring/Summer Collection Introduce on February 17

The release of the Uniqlo U 2023 Spring/Summer collection will begin on February 17, according to the international clothing shop UNIQLO. The new collection, A Feeling of Ease, was created by UNIQLO R&D in Paris under the direction of Creative Director Christophe Lemaire and focuses on clothing that makes living easier.

A comprehensive collection of flexible basics with frequently unexpected, always carefully studied proportions is created by layering pieces in smooth, matte cotton and invigorating AIRism cotton meeting airy utilitarian outerwear. Understated neutrals, rich blues, and beiges are combined with vibrant splashes of green, orange, yellow, purple, and pink to create a fun yet beautiful color scheme. I really do like their newly launched pieces, since it is comfortable to wear, very fashionable and comes from unique feels every time you wear it. I’m such a fan of this brand for it never feels I’m out of the game as it has ways that caters the needs of all ages and still give you comfortability and fashion. Their summer collection is really perfect for all our needs. We can mix and match with their colorful tees and pair it with our favorite sneakers. I just love their new collection and it is a must have to have yours now.

Womenswear

Women’s clothing is adaptable; stylish, seamless activewear can be worn for both workout and daily activities. Tailoring is gentle and simple. A trendy staple is a matte-finish cotton transparent shirt with patch pockets. The new jeans have a fitted leg and a modest curve to give them a modern look.

Menswear

A full selection of adaptable staples for a chic yet classic style. Wide-cut cotton shorts and seersucker striped tees provide a simple summer silhouette. An innovative outerwear proportion is an enormous utility jacket. The boxy cut has further improved the crew neck 3/4 sleeve T-shirt. With adjustable drawstrings at the hem, parachute pants are simple, practical, and easy to wear.

Accessories

BLOCKTECH hats and jet caps, and a new bucket bag in two sizes marry form and function, while the beloved drawstring shoulder bag returns for another season.

Stylings

Collection

The lineup includes 27 items for women, 23 items for men, and 7 items for accessories

Lineup and Pricing Items

Special Website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/collaboration/uniqlo-u/23ss/

UNIQLO R&D Centers

Uniqlo U is a collection of “Future LifeWear Essentials.” The world-class designers and patternmakers in the Paris design team reimagine everyday clothing using innovative materials and new, contemporary silhouettes. Each season is designed with the highest precision and in pursuit of a simplified, modern wardrobe.

UNIQLO R&D Centers are places for experimentation, spaces to try new ideas, innovate and create. The Paris R&D Center complements other UNIQLO R&D Centers in Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and Los Angeles.

Christophe Lemaire

Christophe Lemaire has been designing his namesake collection since 1991. He has also served as Artistic Director of Lacoste and Artistic Director of women’s ready-to-wear at Hermès. In 2015, he partnered with UNIQLO, resulting in the UNIQLO AND LEMAIRE collaboration collections for Fall/Winter 2015 and Spring/Summer 2016. Christophe Lemaire was appointed Artistic Director of the UNIQLO Paris R&D Center in 2016, where he and his handpicked team of designers create the Uniqlo U collection.