Lifestyle

Barefoot Wines Prompts Kindness Among Every Juan in New Campaign

There’s a new wine in town and it comes not just with a crisp feel and delightful aroma, but also with a launch that pushes some kind of advocacy.

In a press launch held at the Gourmet Gypsy Art Café last week, Barefoot Wines started a social media movement advocating kindness and positive change. In a campaign they called Barefoot ARK (ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS), the company aims to promote and motivate people to perform small acts of kindness wherever they are. And to inspire the whole nation, they encourage people to post and share any acts of kindness they happen to witness on Barefoot ARK’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.

It’s true indeed, in a time and space where we hear about crimes, watch calamities, experience indifferences, a little act of kindness is all we need to bring back our faith in humanity. And Barefoot Wines is reminding us all about it in their social media campaign.

Barefoot ARK Press Briefing

The wine company believes that to make a difference, we should start by doing little deeds of kindness. Whenever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity to help and be kind. After all, we are made kind by being kind. And later, all these little generosities will add up and change the chaotic world we are currently living in.

To prompt people to share their experiences of kindness, Barefoot also started a monthly search for ARK of the Month winner where they’ll choose what they think is the most touching deed among the entries posted on their social media pages. Of course, there will prizes given to the selected heroes of the month.

Barefoot Playbook

Barefoot Wines is a specialty wine brand from California known for its distinctly fun personality, and for pioneering worthy-cause marketing. It uses its values and advocacies to create America’s Most Beloved No.1 wine brand. Brought to the Philippines by Emperador Distillers, Inc. and exclusively distributed by S&R Membership Shopping, Barefoot Wines brings its tradition of worthy causes to our country, starting the Barefoot ARK movement.

To find out more about Barefoot Wines, like and follow Barefoot Wines Philippines/@barefootwinesph on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

September 4, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Eye Mo Challenges Youth In Eye Care Awareness Month Campaign 2019

Eye Care Awareness Month is commemorated from 21 September to 18 October to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness.

Seventy-five percent of all cases of blindness is avoidable either through prevention or through treatment – which is why is important to get your eyes tested at least once per year.

Symptoms of eye conditions can include:

vision loss
altered eye movements
eye pain
visual field loss
bulging eye.

Countries are already starting to promote the importance of eye and vision care by participating in some or all of the observances listed by the World Council of Optometry. Different campaigns are actually spread throughout the year to attend to different issues that affect the eye.

In the Philippines, we are only in our 3rd year of holding an eye care campaign and we do it on a different timing. Spearheaded by the leading eye drop brand Eye Mo, the nationwide campaign highlights the company’s strong commitment to spreading eye care awareness by combating the five signs of eye irritation, namely, sore, itchy, red, watery, and dry eyes.

This year, they ran the campaign for the whole month of August, they appropriately dubbed #EyeCan – Join #myREDvolution. This is actually a continuation of their original campaign launched in 2017 which they called “Eyes Mo, Care Mo.”

Their 2019 stint aimed to challenge the so-called millenials in the society to be aware of their social responsibility in spreading awareness on eye care. In line with this goal, Eye Mo appointed the youth to actively participate in their series of activities which included lectures, arts, charity environment, and health events. This goes in symphony with Eye Mo’s advocacy for proper eye education and eye care, which are crucial to a person’s overall health.

Eye Mo Philippines’ Marketing Head, Earl Jayona, shared about the new challenge:

“We launched the first eye care awareness campaign in 2017 to educate people on the importance of healthy eyesight. Every year, we want to build on what we have achieved, so that we can reach out to more people and educate them on proper eye care. This year, we are spreading the advocacy further by taking it to communities, through a series of CSR initiatives that can help push the message forward and inspire millennials to promote social awareness and positive change.”

Also a part of the program is the launch of NECAM which serves as a team to make rounds on Ph schools via concert tours, using music to spread awareness on eye care. A short documentary film will also be launched featuring five outstanding millennials who have contributed positively to society. Of course, the stories are geared towards inspiring all other youths to contribute to changing the nation for the better.

Giving away free Eye Mo products that people can use is still a part of this year’s campaign. Free eye check-ups are also being given to help address the neglected signs of possible eye diseases.

#EyeCan – Join myREDvolution won’t be short of doing community services too. This is to eliminate all the eyesores in the community through clean up drives. Tree planting will also be done at the Baseco Compound with the support of government and non-government organizations. The company urged numerous communities through school orgs and SK groups to push the activities as well as painting the towns with murals to beautify communities in the Philippines.

Finally, Eye Mo is partnering with TV5’s AlagangKapatid Foundation on a feeding program.

Photo shows from left: Ms. Liza Po, Senior Manager for Finance; Mr. Edwin Palacios, General Manager of IMS Asia Philippines; and Earl Jayona, Marketing Manager for OTC, Personal Care and Healthcare.

For more information, please visit www.eyemoph.com or check out @EyeMoPH on Facebook.

September 3, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Fashion, Lifestyle

KEDS EMPOWERS WOMEN IN NEW CAMPAIGN FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

Photo shows from left: Reese Lansangan, Gabriela Pangilinan and Abbey Sy.

This month of August saw Women’s Equality Day and Keds is kicking off its Ladies Unite campaign featuring fearless women who found their deserved spot in their respective industries. But this annual celebration won’t be complete without its collection dedicated for this special occasion.

Keds has been around for more than 100 years now and since its launch, it has placed women first. Its shoe collections are mainly crafted to give women comfortable footwear they can use to run the world. It’s indeed a shoe for the empowered women. And I, myself, got tons of pairs of Keds shoes.

Keds has launched its extended Ladies First Since 1916 platform. The brand has been supporting and offering stylish shoe options to women since its inception, hence the name of the program. This lifelong campaign is both a celebration of women’s ambition and of the brand’s longevity.

Some amazing women have been Keds fans through the years too, like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Yoko Ono, and Marilyn Monroe. But locally, we have a couple who are worth it to be recognized too. And this week as we celebrated Women’s Equality Day, Keds hosted a brunch where it introduced this year’s most amazing Pinays including singer-songwriter and designer Reese Lansangan, artist Abbey Sy, and theatre actress Gabriela Pangilinan.

This year, Keds aims to unite all ladies to go for their goals as professionals. As you know, ladies are no longer caged in the idea that they should be stuck at home doing the laundry and dishes. We too, have talents and we are intelligent. We deserve to take the limelight too.

During the event, our group was able to exchange stories with the beautiful Abbey Sy. And coming from me, who’s also an independent career woman, I’d say that she has a lot of admirable traits can truly uplift women from the younger generation. Abbey rose to popularity for her skills on Calligraphy. She talked about going to different countries where she picked up inspirations for her art. And this DLSU alumnus is just grateful that people in her niche praise her craft.

Abbey Sy wears the Keds Double Decker Empower
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/259636830724913/posts/2488255714529669/

Also present at the event was Reese Lansangan who’s a new darling in the OPM world. She released songs like “Grammar Nazi”, “Exploration No. 5,” and her latest single “An Opportunity to go to the Moon” which garnered over a million views on Youtube.

Reese Lansangan wears the Keds Double Decker Empower
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/259636830724913/posts/2488272537861320/

The third woman has a name that clearly defines her fighting spirit – Gabriela Pangilinan. And it’s not just her name. All of her roles in her theater acts depict stories of real woman. She starred in “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” and was part of the other shows like “Sideshow and Beautiful”, and “The Carole King Musical.” This was how Gab became a darling of the stage.

Gabriela Pangilinan wears the Keds Double Decker Empower
Video link: https://www.facebook.com/259636830724913/posts/2488254914529749/

These ladies wear their Keds sneakers with pride. There’s a new shoe that was released to show love to all women and these 3 trailblazers are wearing it. It’s called the Keds Double Decker Empower.

Abbey Sy wears the Keds Ace Leather, Reese Lansangan wears the Keds Double Decker Empower, and Gab Pangilinan wears the Keds Champion in Red

Boasting a black theme with printed “Empower” all over its face, this slip-on Keds pair is something you should add to your collection.

It’s comfy and it’s light. It’s perfect for all women who are on the go every day and every night.

A woman deserves a pair of good shoe to take her to her spot to success and this is it. Priced at P3095, the Double Deck Empower shoes are now up for grabs.

This pair joins the all-time favorite Ace Leather which wears different heel color. Its polished face adds to its appeal and is perfect for just about any outfit from Dresses to shorts, pants or leggings. A little bit pricier at P3995, but not for a career woman with an empire that can provide for her little luxuries.

But let’s not forget the classic shoe that started it all. The champion sneaker is a pair that every woman should have. For over a century, it has been around and many famous female celebrities have been wearing this same pair.

The white canvas on rubber sole has been an instant hit when it was released in 1916. It has been the iconic footwear of women who wanted to do more and become more. It’s soft on the inside but sturdy on the outside. The Champion Canvas Red worth P2795 and also available in yellow.

For more of the Keds, visit keds.com.ph and Keds stores located at Glorietta 3, U.P. Town Center, SM North Edsa – The Block, SM Megamall, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Festival Alabang, SM City Baguio, Robinsons Ilocos, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, Gaisano Mall Davao, and Centrio Cagayan De Oro. Terms and conditions apply.

August 30, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Entertainment

COKE STUDIO BRINGS ITS 3rd SEASON MUSIC FESTIVAL

Every time Coke launches their Studio Season I am very excited to attend and always looking forward for this event. Last August 23 launches with the Coke Studio Music Festival that commenced the Coke Studio Season at the Circuit Makati with their host from the Summer Concert Ylona Garcia and Justin Quirino.

This year it’s their Homecoming to Teen Love. Teen in general today is a lot more vocal and expressive with what they’re going through or what’s on their minds. Whether it be a kilig moment with crush, heartbreak, getting recognized in school, or a cause they strongly support, teens of these days can teach us a thing or two about having no holds barred.

Coke Studio Season 3 artists, welcomed the rainy season with rush of water and stream of feelings ranging from love, freedom, independence, and moving forward. They moved to the groove with IñigoPascual, Ron Henley, Al James, Lola Amour, This Band, and Miss Sarah Geronimo while Janine Teñoso, Clara Benin, Bea Lorenzo, Silent Sanctuary, Brisom, St. Wolf, Just Hush, UDD, and Morisette serenaded us with their solo performances. Here are some video’s that I would like to share during the event:

Surprise numbers were Coke Studio Seasons 1 and 2 alums Ben & Ben, December Avenue, and IV of Spades.

Coke Studio aims to celebrate our feelings and make it known that no one can dictate the validity of our feelings. That we used to be shy about sharing what we feel, no matter what it is, to people around us even the ones we trust.

Just when their thought 2019 is going too fast and time is running out for them, Coke Studio came to the rescue with its 3rd Season and made us realize to celebrate every single thing no matter how little they are, look out for the possibilities that learning from triumphs and slumps can give them, and keep in touch with the feels of people around them.

Catch them every Saturday starting September 14, at 10am on ABS-CBN.

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

August 27, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle

SKECHERS, MERRELL, AND SAUCONY ARE IN AUGUST SALE!

Great news for shoe lovers! For the whole month of August, Merrell and Saucony will be giving a special treat to its customers with up to 70% OFF on select shoes! Meanwhile, Skechers fans can cop their new shoes with up to 50% OFF! Now you have 6 days more to catch up!

All these sales are NATIONWIDE and available online at the brands’ websites:

SKECHERS – Fans who love the brands’ wide collection of the most comfortable and stylish footwear can cop their next pair. Want to shop at the comfort of your own home? Simply visit skechers.com.ph, too! Not sure what to get? Worry not as Skechers have shoes ideal for walking, running, everyday styling, and more! Shoes for kids are available as well so you can take the whole family shopping this month. All shoes on sale are designed with advanced comfort technology and a broad range of stylish designs so there’s a perfect pair for everyone! Head to the nearest Skechers concept store and treat yourself, the barkada, and the entire family to comfortable, stylish footwear with this great bargain! Check your nearest store at www.skechers.com.ph/stores. Visit Skechers concept stores located at Glorietta 2, Trinoma, SM North Edsa – The Annex, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Gateway Mall, Ayala Malls The 30th, SM East Ortigas, Ayala Malls Feliz, Market Market, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, Lucky Chinatown, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Dasmarinas, Robinsons Gen Trias , SM Lipa, Fairview Terraces, SM Fairview, SM Marilao, SM Pampanga, Marquee Mall, SM Clark, Vista Mall Bataan, SM Cabanatuan, Robinsons Place Ilocos, Ayala Malls Legazpi, SM Legazpi, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, SM Iloilo, SM Davao, Limketkai Mall, Centrio Mall.

To learn more about Skechers, visit www.skechers.com.ph, www.facebook.com/SkechersPH and follow @SkechersPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Merrell – sets a great case of wanderlust and invites you to kick off the second half of the year in top-notch shoe tech and style. The sale is on-going in all Merrell concept stores at leading department stores, and even online at merrell.com.ph! Whether you’re looking for shoes or sandals perfect for rainy days, or gearing up for your next travel adventure, keep your getaway safe and in-style with Merrell footwear. No matter where you are in the country, you can get the chance to score great shoes with the jaw-dropping discounts. Merrell 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. You can also grab these deals when you shop online at www.merrell.com.ph!

Follow Merrell on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines and on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH, to get the latest updates on new drops and releases.

SAUCONY – 120-Year old performance and lifestyle footwear brand and everyone can cop their newest pair of award-winning Saucony shoes for a GREAT DEAL. This is the best chance to add a new pair of running shoes or casual footwear to wear every day. As a treat to fans as well as beginner and pro fitness enthusiasts. Plus, you may also shop at the comfort of your own home by simply visiting saucony.com.ph. Looking for your next running or gym shoes? Or just on the hunt for your next casual hangout pair? Whether you’re new to the fitness grind, a pro, or just want to get stylish kicks laced with innovative technology, check out Saucony’s great collection of shoes with a heritage and get them with the best discount.

Drop by the Saucony stores in in Glorietta 3 and Trinoma, Saucony stands in department stores, or online at www.saucony.com.ph.

Don’t miss all this great deals!!!

August 26, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food

Oreo Launches New Formats for Pinoys to Love The Cookie In More Ways

Oreo Portfolio

The classic cookie can’t be beat, yet still, it’s adding more flavors and formats to its variety every year! And just this August, Oreo announced the coming of its Oreo Chocolate Coated and Oreo Wafer Roll to the supermarkets.

It was a delightful day to be at the launch event of my favorite cookie. All of my childhood memories with this special snack delicacy swirled back to my mind as soon as I got my hands on the new products. Decades already passed when I go to elementary with Oreo for my recess, but I still can’t resist indulging in to this cookie, whether I’m sipping my coffee or cold milk.

They are delicious, crispy, and crunchy. It is a cookie like no other with rich vanilla cream.

Ask anyone from anywhere in the world what their favorite cookie is, and I bet 8 out of ten will tell you it’s Oreo!

Since 1912, Oreo has had a simple recipe for success: two chocolate cookies with one layer of crème. The world has changed quite a bit since Oreo debuted over 100 years ago, and now the brand must change, too. That’s why the folks behind everyone’s most enduring cookie are constantly releasing different colored and flavored Oreo cookies and crèmes on supermarket shelves.

But Oreo has been very playful with the formats it launches. Now, to keep people more excited of taking their snack, Oreo and Mondelez Philippines, the maker of the brand, released two new formats with Oreo Chocolate Coated and Oreo Wafer Roll – and it’s no less delicious than its predecessors. It’s a real winner in taste!

Mondelez Philippines Marketing Manager Criselle Villafuerte, who believes their purpose is to empower people to snack right, said during the event about the 2 new varieties:

“People are looking for more exciting snacking experiences they can share with their friends or even their online followers. Consumers are also always on-the-go, travelling or commuting, and they need snacks for these moments in their lives, too. As a global leader in snacks, we aim to offer the right snack for these right moments in consumers’ lives.”

Oreo’s brand manager Kristine Enriquez was also present and shared about the products:

“Oreo Chocolate Coated combines two globally-loved things: Oreo cookies and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate. All in one delicious cookie bite. It’s a great dessert or an indulgence late at night when you want to relax or be in the moment. The Oreo Wafer Roll is Oreo like you’ve never had before. It’s a thin and crispy wafer roll that comes in two flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacking or a light treat after a meal.”

In the past years, the world has been seeing different varieties of Oreo with so many flavors too. Watermelon, birthday cake, carrot, gingerbread, pumpkin, cinnamon bun, red velvet, marshmallow krispy, limeade, lemon, berry milkshake, chocolate chip cookie, mint, chocolate enrobed, and Oreo ice cream – there’s so much that the cookie brand has brought to delight the world.

Oreo released a lemon sandwich cookie back in the 1920s, but the company’s modern-day obsession with new flavors truly began in 2012, when it celebrated a 100-year anniversary by launching Birthday Cake Oreo (chocolate sandwich cookies with birthday cake-flavored creme). It was such a hit that it was launched as a permanent item. Like any savvy brand, Oreo took this as a sign that the market was ready for more of the same. So expect more exciting formats of our favorite cookie in the coming years.

Mondelez Philippines Biscuits Marketing Team (from left): Ramon Gabriel De Leon, HOST Justin Quirino, Igi Natanauan, Criselle Villafuerte, Nicole Rodriguez, Kristine Enriquez, Lubna Nassif and Elmo Baylon.

For more infomation visit mondelez website: www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

August 23, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Lifestyle

An Overview Of The MSIG Travel Insurance (TravelEasy)

Traveling in flight delays, baggage or money loss, accidents, and illnesses are common predictions experienced by travelers. Pack a travel insurance that really has your back and explore the world with greater peace of mind. MSIG travel insurance is one of the most popular brand insurance in Singapore. MSIG features tiers of travel insurance plans in each category to meet different levels of coverage for all types of travel destinations and travel duration.

TravelEasy has the choices that best suits your travel needs.

Plan Type	Cancellation	Medical Coverage (Overseas)	Bags/Belongings
Standard	$5,000	$250,000	$3,000
Elite	$10,000	$500,000	$5,000
Premier	$15,000	$1,000,000	$7,500
Pre-Ex Standard	$ 5,000	$75,000	$3,000
Pre-Ex Elite	$10,000	$100,000	$5,000
Pre-Ex Premier	$15,000	$150,000	$7,500

Key features

Comprehensive cover with over 50 benefits
Adventurous activities cover now includes dog sledding, tobagganing, sledging and ice-skating
Increased limits for Terrorism Cover

Plan highlights

Maternity-related Overseas Medical Expenses Covers medical expenses incurred overseas due to pregnancy-related illnesses such as nausea and giddiness.

Replacement of Traveller
Pays for the charges incurred for change of traveller should the insured person suffer from serious injury, illness, death or that of their family member or travel companion 30 days prior to their trip.

Emergency Medical Evacuation
Increased cover from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for the Standard Plan

Insolvency of Licensed Travel Operator
List of travel operators expanded to include travel agencies registered with the Singapore Tourism Board (includes NATAS registered travel agencies).

Delayed Departure
Pays for additional administrative and travel expenses incurred to book alternative transport to the same destination should there be delays to the public transport due to strike, riot, civil commotion, poor weather conditions, natural disasters, breakdown of public transport or closure of airport.

Standard Plan is a free package for individuals who are budget conscious or who already have other personal insurance. However, the Standard Plan excludes some benefits:

Maternity Medical Expenses Overseas
Overseas ICU Hospitalization Daily Benefit
Wedding Clothing and Accessories
Fraudulent Use of Credit Card
Credit Card Outstanding Balance
Legal Expenses for Wrongful Arrest or Detention, etc.

Elite and Premier Plan caters to travelers who wants a wider range and those who travel for specific purposes such as a bridal shoot or sporting activities.

TraveEasy Pre-Ex Plan is tailored to the unique needs of travelers with pre-existing conditions. It also offers pre-existing coverage of medical conditions for competitive premiums and is stocked with various peace benefits that individual travelers may find.

Leisure Activities and Covered

The important thing to note is that the cheapest Standard Plan is limited in scope if you are planning anything other than a normal city flight. It does not cover most outdoor activities.

The higher-tier plans cover a whole slew of outdoor activities, including those commonly listed here:

Outdoor activity	Covered by MSIG
Hot air balloon	Elite & Premier only
Scuba diving	Elite & Premier only (up to 30m)
Skiing and other ice/snow sports	Elite & Premier only
Hiking or trekking	Elite & Premier only (up to 3,000m)
Mountaineering or outdoor rock climbing	Elite & Premier only (up to 3,000m)
Marathons or other competitions	Elite & Premier only (marathon up to 42.195km)
Jet skiing	Elite & Premier only
White water rafting	Elite & Premier only (up to Grade 3)
Skydiving and Bungee Jumping	Elite & Premier only
Paragliding, hang gliding or parachuting	Elite & Premier only

Promotion

Although MSIG’s listed prices of travel insurance plans may seem daunting at first glance, there is usually a promotion to keep their prices competitive, such as the current 50% discount on travel plans is now 60% discounts for Pre-existing medical conditions cover and regular MSIG’s plans and 20% off Annual plans. This offer ends on August 16, 2019.

As long as the continuation is 60%, I would say it’s worth buying travel insurance from MSIG. Price is competitive against different travel insurance plans here in Singapore.

If you would like to learn more about the MSIG Travel insurance plan in more detail, you may refer to the insurer’s official documentation.

Policy Wording Document Read Now

Policy Brochure Read Now

MSIG travel insurance is extremely affordable after a generous promotional discount. Also find the list of MSIG Travel Insurance . If you would like to compare MSIG’s Travel Insurance Plans to other plans on the market, you can go to Insurance Market, to pick the best travel insurance policies in Singapore that is right for you.

Insurance Market is a market place where we are serious about insurance and where professional parties come together to transact insurance only in the best and most responsible manner. Insurance Market offers a wide range of general insurance products (such as travel insurance, maid insurance, pet insurance and more) online and life insurance through personal advice from our qualified brokers.

August 22, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food, News

Jollibee Foods Corporation Announces Leadership Changes in Smashburger

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) today announces leadership changes in Smashburger, a business it has fully acquired last December 2018, in its aim to successfully grow a meaningful business in North America

Carl Bachmann, who brings in three decades of experience in managing restaurant chains such as Bertucci’s and Ruby Tuesday resulting to increased revenues and efficiencies, has been named President of Smashburger. Carl joined Smashburger two and half years ago and started out as VP for Operations for the East and then was appointed Chief Operating Officerby August 2017.As its COO, Carl was able to effect improvements in the stores that resulted in record highs in terms of food quality and speed of service, including 80% on guest experience scores. With a strong track record as a successful restaurant executive and entrepreneur, Carl is well-positioned to take on his new role.

Scott Johnson,a seasoned and multi-awarded marketing professional, has joined Smashburger this August 2019 as Vice President and Head of Marketing of Smashburger. Scott comes with over 20 years of experience in restaurants such as Arby’s, Outback Steakhouse, Bravo Restaurant Group, and most recently BurgerFi– where his experience included delivering on industry leading sales growth and business turnarounds.

Charlie Sayre, who joined Smashburger in July 2016 is now appointed as Vice President and Head of Finance of Smashburger. Prior to joining Smashburger, Charlie has worked as financial and investment analyst for different companies and played a crucial role in the international go-to-market strategies of World Wrestling Entertainment and the mergers and acquisitions valuation of Mooreland Partners. As Head of Finance, Charlie Sayre is responsible for ensuring the brand’s sustainable profit model in the years to come.

The Smashburger leadership team and other JFC brands in the NA market will be guided under the leadership of Rowel Vijandre, President and Country Business Group Head of JFC North America. Rowel was previously President of Chowking, one of the biggest restaurant chains of JFC. Chowkingdelivered double digit growth for the past 3 years and its highest sales value and market share making it the fastest growing brand in the Philippines overtaking KFC. Prior to JFC, Rowel led FMCG companies such as Johnson & Johnson Vietnam, tripling its business in 3 years and making it the fastest growing FMCG company in Vietnam. He then turned around L’Oreal Philippines from double digit negative to double digit positive sales on top of re-engineering its cost structure achieving sustainable profit gain coming from profit loss.

“The synergy of homegrown and external talentsat the helm of Smashburger with proven track records, in conjunction with integrating synergies across the JFC Group of Companies will power up the organization and enable it to achieve its business goals,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Chief Executive Officer of JFC. “We are very excited to see Smashburger reach its full potential with this new leadership team now steering the company.”

“With the leadership and industry experience of Carl, Scott and Charlie, and the rest of the team working together we are confident that Smashburger will move closer towards achieving its goal of becoming the #1 Fast Casual Better Burger Brand in North America,”added Rowel Vijandre, JFC Country Business Group Head for North America.

“With these leadership changes, I am very confident in the success of Smashburger, and likewise with the long-term success and profitability of our business in North America.” said Tony Tan Caktiong, Chairman and Founder of JFC.

Jollibee Foods Corporation is one of the largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies in the world, with 14 brands and over 4500 stores across 21 countries. JFC has turned several acquired businesses into stronger, more profitable and faster growing market leaders. These include Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich and Red Ribbon in the Philippines, Highlands Coffee in Vietnam, and Yonghe King& Hong Zhuang Yuan in China. They are the key drivers of JFC’s sales and profit growth now and in the years ahead.

August 21, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

News

NBA PHILIPPINES ALL-STAR HAROLD ALARCON NAMED BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERS ASIA 2019

The fourth and final day of Basketball without Borders (BWB) Asia 2019in Tokyo, Japan concluded in thrilling fashion as the 64 campers from 18 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific competed in playoffs and championship games, a 3-point contest, and a pair of All-Star games, which featured Batang Gilas forward Joshua Rafael Lazaro, Jr. NBA Philippines All-Stars Harold Alarcon and Florence Jil Talas.

The camp got underway in the morning with playoffs games to determine the championship games matchup. On the girls side, the New York Liberty and the Los Angeles Sparks faced off in the championship game, with the Liberty (coached by former WNBA player Ashley Battle) coming away with a 33 – 18 win. The boys championship game then followed, with the Orlando Magic, coached on the sidelines by current NBA assistant coach Pat Delany, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 22 – 16.

Upon the conclusion of the championship games, the boys and girls competed in the 3-point competition finals. Mustafa Rashed from Bahrain was crowned the boys 3-point champion, while Japan’s MiyuOgita came out on top on the girls side. Finally, the two boys and two girls All-Star teams were announced. The West All-Stars pulled out a win for the girls (29 – 23), while the East All-Stars emerged victorious on the boys side with a 42 – 37 win that saw Alarcon emerge as the Boys All-Star Game MVP.

The 11th BWB Asia camp wrapped up with the Awards Ceremony. Junseok Yeo (South Korea) was named Boys MVP, while Georgia Woolley from Australia was crowned as MVP on the girls side.

The following is a complete list of All-Star rosters and awards winners:

Girls All-Star Team:

East – SiyaDeodhar (India), AikaHirashita (Japan), Jayzelee Waihi (New Zealand), Georgia Woolley (Australia), Ruby-Belle Macdonald (Australia), Jiyeong Moon (South Korea), JazzmyneKailahi-Fulu (New Zealand)

West – Florence Jil Talas (Philippines), Maho Hayashi (Japan), Emilia Shearer (New Zealand), Harsimran Kaur (India), MiyuOgita (Japan), Isabelle Morgan (Australia), Emily Sewell (Australia)

Boys All-Star Team:

East – Mustafa Rashed (Bahrain), Atsuya Ogawa (Japan), Harold Alarcon (Philippines), Clifton Bush III (New Zealand), Alexander Frederick Zanbaka (Lebanon), Kyutae Lee (South Korea), Daniel Rogers (Australia), Amaan Sandhu (India)

West – Hendrick Xavi Yonga (Indonesia), Kaine Roberts (Japan), Enkhiin-Od “Michael” Sharavjamts (Mongolia), Joshua Rafael Lazaro (Philippines), Patrick Ryan (Australia), Haomiao Sun (China), Jun Seok Yeo (South Korea), Lewis Rowe (Australia)

List of Awards:

Boys Grit Award: Kaine Roberts (Japan)
Girls Grit Award: Emilia Shearer (New Zealand)
Boys 3-Point Champion: Mustafa Rashed (Bahrain)
Girls 3-Point Champion: MiyuOgita (Japan)
Boys All-Star Game MVP: Harold Alarcon (Philippines)
Girls All-Star Game MVP: Maho Hayashi (Japan)
Boys Camp MVP: Junseok Yeo (South Korea)
Girls Camp MVP: Georgia Woolley (Australia)

August 20, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

Food, News

Jollibee Opens First Store in Alberta, Canada to a Massive Crowd, Days-Long Camp-Outs

Jollibee Edmonton

Popular fast-food chain Jollibee opened its first store in Canada’s Alberta province on Friday morning, August 16,to the excitement of thousands of fans who lined up as early as three days in advance to get a first taste.Prior to the restaurant’s front doors openingat 7 AM, approximately 500 customers were already inline, ready with an array of #ItsOurTurn signs to show their enthusiasm for the home of the famous Chickenjoy finally arriving in their province.

Twenty-six-year-old Jordan Haworth, the first customer to fall in line, waited for a record three days before the store opened to the public – and he had never even tried Jollibee before! Haworth shared, “When I first set up camp outside Jollibee with my mat and fold-out chair, a few people approached me and asked if what I was doing was real or a stunt. I shared with them that I was inspired by my mom who travelled to the Philippines years ago and used to rave about Jollibee when she came home. My mom joined me as the second person in line and it was such a special feeling to be able to experience this with her. When the doors opened and I bit into my first piece of ‘Chickenjoy’, I totally understood what all of the hype was about.”

Jollibee fans traveled from as far as Nova Scotia, a nine-hour flight to Edmonton, to get a taste of the brand’s world-famous Chickenjoy, which is delicately hand-breaded to be crispylicious on the outside, with a secret marinade that makes it juicylicious on the inside. Additional fan-favorite items on opening day included Jolly Spaghetti, with its signature sweet-style sauce loaded with chunky slices of savory ham and hotdog, and Peach Mango Pie made with real Philippine mangoes enveloped with a flaky golden-brown crust.

Maribeth Dela Cruz

“We are thrilled to have arrived in Alberta and are humbled by the enthusiasm we’ve felt from the local community. Alberta has watched as we’ve opened stores in Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area over the past few years and the people here can finally say, ‘It’s Our Turn!”, said Maribeth Dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) North America Philippine Brands.

The new Edmonton location marks Jollibee’s 5th location in Canada as the chain pursues its goal to grow to 100 stores in the countryin 5 years. The brand plans to open its next store in Calgary by this September, making it the second store to open in the Alberta province.

Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Foods Corporation’s 14 brands. JFC is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies with more than 4,500 stores in 21 countries.

August 19, 2019 by Vic Vic Bautista

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