Lee Min Ho's fun meet at Kyochon Grand Launch

Kyochon, the Korean restaurant that introduced Filipinos to Chicken like they’ve never had before, now brings fans an experience they’ve never had before!

If there’s one culture, we Filipinos have embraced the most in the last few years, it has to be Korean. From television dramas, pop music and KPop idols, Filipinos have become totally crazy about anything from South Korea.

So it came as no surprise that when KyoChon, Korea’s leading chicken restaurant chain finally opened its doors, Filipinos were more than excited to line up and finally taste Korea’s best fried chicken.

Kyochon started the entire Korean fried chicken craze in the region when it began serving its signature chicken dishes in 1991. It has since gone worldwide with almost 1000 branches in the US, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

Light and Hearty recipe
Unlike ordinary fried chicken, Korean-style fried chicken is fried twice making the skin crunchier and less greasy. Kyochon’s thin batter and double frying method also remove excess oil, offers a clean and light taste.

The secret of crispy but moist chicken is Kyochon’s 20-year know-how, and Kyochon’s oil is exclusively for deep-frying. For the best taste, Kyochon sticks to the standard recipe on manual at clean kitchens.

“Double-frying and piece-by-piece sauce-coating are time-consuming, but these are necessary processes for our hearty nutritious chicken,” says Chanky Tiangco, Marketing Manager of KyoChon Philippines.

 “This distinguishes us from other fast-food restaurants. Because we value quality ingredients and customers’ health, we only serve honest, healthy chicken and use all natural ingredients,” she added.

According to her, you wont find any frozen chicken in their kitchen, and it will be cooked only after you order. In addition, KyoChon only uses domestically grown, natural ingredients and their chicken contains the lowest amount of sodium among the industry, by naturally aged meat without curing.

Which KyoChon Chicken are you?
Kyochon’s menu came to perfection through the combination of good ingredients grown by the wind, sunlight and soil, state-of-the-art facilities and their specialists’ endless research and passion.

Kyochon is proud of the best, unrivaled taste, made from all natural ingredients.
The Kyochon Chicken comes in four (4) variant series – Original (Kyochon series), Honey (Honey series), Spicy (Red series), and the Soonsal series.

The Original series is light and slightly salty with the crunchy and crispy chicken coated in Kyochon’s exclusive soy garlic glaze.

Sweet and sticky, but never runny, the Honey Series is marinated for 24 hours in a special seasoning, the then fried to perfection and coated with natural honey sauce.

Some like it hot, and for them there’s the KyoChon Red Series. Glazed with the original hot sauce made from Korea’s hottest red chili peppers, this one is recommended only for the brave ones.

Looking for something that is truly unique? Try the KyoChon Soonsal series--boneless chicken breast strips coated in special rice batter it comes with a choice of 3 dipping sauces. You can order it in soy Soonsal, Soonsal Rice Bowl, and for a truly healthy meal there’s Soonsal Salad.

Besides its trademark chicken, KyoChon also serves Green Salad with Grilled Chicken (with the Choice of Blueberry or Orange Dressing) side dishes like Wedge Potato, Pickled Radish and rice cake soup and an assortment of drinks like the Kyochon Special Cold Tea, Plum Sparkling Tea, Yuza Sparkling Tea, as well as barley, corn, and green tea that goes well with any meal.

Keeping a promise
Kyochon lives by its three promises: "First, we won’t make fast food. Second, we only use natural ingredients and third, we only make healthy chicken with honesty,” says Tiangco.

“But now its time to fulfill a fourth promise we made last year—and that is to let fans of KyoChon meet one of KyoChon’s biggest fan—Lee Min Ho!”

For the past several months, KyoChon held a promo that gives fans a chance to meet the Korean Superstar in person. Thousands of fans joined the contest posting their pictures on Facebook hoping for the chance to be part of Lee Min Ho’s Fun Meet which will be held during the grand opening of its KyoChon’s newest branch at the Greenhills Theater Mall on February 24, 2015.

Lee Minho’s break-through success came in 2009 with the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers as Gu Jun-pyo. The role won him several awards, including the Best New Actor award in the category of television at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards and made him a household name in the Philippines. He further cemented his status as the leading-man with the success City Hunter and The Heirs, which garnered him another nomination for Most Popular Actor at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. He visited the Philippines twice, first to promote a local clothing brand and for an Asian Tour to promote his first album.

Minho nabbed his first movie lead role as an impoverished orphan-turned-mobster in the film “Gangnam 1970,” (Gangnam Blues) a noir action film depicting the tumultuous history of real estate development behind Seoul‘s now most famous district.

KyoChon has branches located at the Greenhills Theatre Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center; Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building B, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City; Sm City Fairview Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Quezon City, Ground Level,; and soon at the Eastwood Citywalk, Eastwood City.

CARMUDI SECURES $25M IN NEW FUNDING FOR ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA

Rocket Internet backed online car classified player to become No.1 in emerging markets

Carmudi, a leading car classified site backed by Rocket Internet, has raised $25 million to strengthen its operations in Asia and Latin America. Investors include Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG), a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo, Holtzbrinck Ventures, a leading consumer internet investor, Tengelmann Ventures, a division of international multi-sector retailer Tengelmann Group, and a private investor.

Launched in October 2013, Carmudi has rapidly scaled up to 20 countries, seven of which are in Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) and one in Latin America (Mexico). The platform is known to provide the most innovative and fastest way to buy and sell cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

The announcement of this funding comes at a time when the company is experiencing a remarkable growth of over 50 per cent in all its markets and has authentic listings of over 300,000 vehicles for its users globally.

Carmudi Co-Founder and Global Managing Director Stefan Haubold said: “This funding will be crucial in boosting our operations in Asia and Latin America. Our goal is to be the No.1 car classified platform in all our markets. There are over 300 million active internet users that we are aiming to tap into in these markets. We want to make sure that we bring them the best experience of car shopping on their laptops and mobile phones.”

The new round of investment goes to show the support and confidence investors have in Carmudi’s business model. Koen Thijssen, co-CEO of APACIG stated, “We invest in companies where we see high potential for growth and expansion. We are sure that Carmudi will be able to conquer its markets very soon." As the internet penetration is likely to reach 44 per cent by 2018 in in Asia Pacific region alone (excluding China and India), Carmudi’s strategic timing could not have been better. Having the first-mover advantage is certainly helping Carmudi become a household name as it continues to reap the rewards from a growing middle class and influx of foreign spending in emerging markets. In fact, it is already reaching over a million users per month through its website and mobile app.

With its new features, Carmudi is making the selling and buying process much simpler for experts and novices alike who are new to the Internet.

Asia's Got Talent is set to premiere on AXN on March 12

AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.05pm (JKT, BKK). The series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Officially launching “Asia’s Got Talent” today is the series’ esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. The judges met with 500 members of the media, sponsors and partners for the first time at the “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

From thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia, the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing and breath-taking performances. Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.



Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Prizes worth up to US$100,000 are at stake, along with the opportunity for the winner to return and perform at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.



Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode and concluding with the results show. In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

The inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Anggun, Rock Icon
Anggun started singing at seven and by 12 released her first Indonesian studio album, ‘Dunia Aku Punya’, with hit single ‘Mimpi’ recognized as one of the ‘150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine. A series of singles and albums followed to make Anggun the biggest Indonesian rock star of the 90s.
Her international breakthrough came in 1997 with ‘Snow on the Sahara’ which was released in 33 countries worldwide, topped music charts in Italy and Indonesia, and made the top 20 in Finland, France, Japan, Spain and the US. Following that, Anggun released five more studio albums, and released songs that featured in Danish movie, ‘Open Hearts, and the Hollywood box office hit, Transporter 2. Anggun is a recipient of the ‘Chevalier des Arts et Lettres’ from the French government. She is also a judge on “X Factor Indonesia” and “Indonesia’s Got Talent” TV series.

David Foster, Music Producer
David Foster discovered and launched some of the greatest music careers including Michael Bublé, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. He has created hit songs and award-winning platinum and gold albums for Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ‘N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan; propelled classical singers like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into mainstream popularity, as well as created soundtracks for hit films like ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Urban Cowboy’ and ‘St Elmo’s Fire’. In 2008 and 2011, David performed and hosted his very own, star-studded ‘Foster & Friends’ concerts in Las Vegas to celebrate the music from his career and toured Asia annually from 2010-2012. David has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and is the chairman of Verve Music Group.

Melanie C., Pop Icon
Melanie was part of the iconic five-member Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed ‘Sporty Spice’. Following that, as a solo artist, Melanie sold more than 12 million records from six albums that she released. She has the second most No.1 singles in the United Kingdom and is the only female to top the charts as part of a quintet, a quartet, a duo and a solo artist. Melanie also performed the role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End musical ‘Blood Brothers’ for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ at the Laurence Olivier Awards. In 2012, Melanie co-starred in the musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and also judged the preceding talent search series ‘Superstar’ to select the lead actor for the said musical.

Van Ness Wu, Actor/Singer
Van ness Wu was born in California where he took classes in performing arts, acting and languages in Hollywood before moving to Taiwan at 21 to build his career. His breakthrough came with his lead role in the wildly popular hit idol drama ‘Meteor Garden’ and its sequels. Van ness and his co-actors of the series formed the pop idol group F4 – now known as JVKV – and released three studio albums. Turning his attention to his solo career, Van ness released his debut solo album in 2002 and followed that with six other solo studio albums up to 2013, as well as singles, collaborating with musicians including Kanye West, Beyonce, Wang Lee Hom, Gangta and Coco Lee. He also acted in many other TV series, including ‘Autumn Concerto’, ‘Material Queen’ and ‘Peach Girl’, as well as movies such as ‘Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon’ and ‘Kung Fu Chefs’.

About the hosts
Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

Philippines-based TV personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez reunite on AXN as hosts of the inaugural season of the talent search series “Asia’s Got Talent”. The pair of friends burst onto the scene in 2007 on AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia,” where the best friends held pole position for a record length of the race, from the second to the eighth episodes, ultimately reclaimed the lead during the penultimate episode. From there, they hosted “The Duke,” AXN’s original talk and lifestyle magazine show that profiled some of the most successful men in the region.
Both continued to build their respective careers. Nelson hosted ABS-CBN’s “Sports Unlimited,” and appeared with Fernandez in QTV 11’s “Dare Duo.” Fernandez, who has served as an editor of Maxim men’s magazine in the Philippines, currently hosts his weekly countdown show “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.

"Healthy Happy Kids" for Electrolux Design Lab 2015 Competition

Electrolux, a global leader in home appliances, announced this year’s theme for its prestigious global design competition, Design Lab. On its 13th year, Electrolux Design Lab is looking for innovative ideas under the theme Healthy Happy Kids. Receiving over 1,700 submissions from over 60 countries every year, Electrolux doubled the cash prize to €10,000 or nearly P540,000 and a six-month paid internship at Electrolux.

Lars Erikson, Senior Vice President for Design at Electrolux and Head of the Design Lab Jury, launched this year’s competition. “Electrolux Design Lab is an exciting competition that drives innovation, spurs creativity and gives us a look into the future of home appliances. It also allows us to connect and collaborate with young, talented designers from around the world who want to make a difference.”



This 2015, children are at the heart of Design Lab with the theme "Healthy Happy Kids.” “Electrolux is looking for new solutions and bold ideas that will help improve the everyday lives of families with kids,” said Erikson.


“Last year, we have proven our place in the global arena when UP Diliman’s Anna Abjelina made it to the top 70. This only shows that Filipino design students have what it takes to compete globally and be recognized by the world,” explains Andrea Pionilla, Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. “This year, we look forward to receiving more fresh ideas from more design students. We are very hopeful that another Filipino will rank high or even win this prestigious competition.”



Prizes doubled in 2015


Over the years, Electrolux Design Lab has given jobs and business opportunities to a good number of its former contestants. This 2015, Electrolux will give even more to the brightest design students. First prize in this year’s competition are €10,000 or nearly P540,000 and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design center. The second placer will win €6,000 or almost P325,000 while the third placer will get €4,000 or nearly P215,000. Lastly, this year’s People’s Choice Award recipient will be awarded €2,000 or roughly P100,000.


Online competition leading to global recognition


Design Lab seeks ideas for products, accessories, consumables and services for three home appliance categories: Food Preparation, Fabric Care and Air Purification. To join, participants should submit the following: (1) a brief of their concept; (2) a visual sketch illustrating their concept; and (3) a description of the consumer benefits of their idea. Submission of entries is from March 4 to April 8, 2015. More about the competition and brief can be found at electroluxdesignlab.com.

The best entries will be published on the Design Lab website and promoted in social networking sites. This will offer the students an opportunity to be acknowledged by a global audience. The contest will be conducted in stages to encourage engagement between the students and Electrolux. Participants will build their concepts throughout the competition. They will be required to post and share new content and write a development blog that will chronicle their progress. Most importantly, they will receive feedback from experts from Electrolux as they further develop their ideas. The winner of the Design Lab will be chosen by a jury of world renowned professionals by the end of 2015.



Learn more about Design Lab in Electrolux social media channels:
Design Lab web site:electroluxdesignlab.com
Electrolux Facebook page: facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook
Twitter & Instagram: @ElectroluxPh
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/electrolux-design-lab
Pinterest: pinterest.com/electrolux

Everything is still awesome for another sequel of "The Lego Movie"

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the “Master Builders” of the first blockbuster hit,
are writing and will produce the sequel together with Dan Lin and Roy Lee.

Director Rob Schrab (TV’s “Community,” “The Mindy Project”) will mark his feature directorial debut overseeing construction on “The LEGO Movie Sequel,” the eagerly awaited follow-up to the worldwide sensation “The LEGO Movie.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.


Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who wrote and directed “The LEGO Movie,” are writing the new feature based on a story by Lord, Miller, Jared Stern and Michelle Morgan. In addition, Lord and Miller will serve as producers, alongside returning producers Dan Lin and Roy Lee.

Silverman stated, “‘The LEGO Movie’ captivated critics and audiences on a global scale with its irresistible blend of humor, imagination and fun. Warner Bros. is excited to build our relationship with The LEGO Group with this new adventure, and we join them in welcoming the multi-talented Rob Schrab to the LEGO family as he takes the helm of ‘The LEGO Movie Sequel.’”

In a joint statement, Lord and Miller said, “We are so excited to collaborate with Rob. He is a comedy genius, a visual savant, and we have been stalking him for years. No one works harder than Rob, and his aesthetic, combined with his sense of humor, bring a strong, unique, thoughtful, and passionately nerdy voice to this project. People who know him are slapping their foreheads today and saying, ‘Of course!’”

Schrab has recently directed episodes of such hit series as “Community,” “The Mindy Project” and “Parks and Recreation.” He also wrote, directed and executive produced “The Sarah Silverman Program,” for which he gained a WGA Award nomination. He previously earned a 2007 Annie Award nomination for Best Writing in an Animated Feature Production, for the Oscar-nominated comedy “Monster House.” In addition, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, and received an additional nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special for his work on the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

“The LEGO Movie Sequel” is another piece of the Studio’s growing LEGO film franchise, also including the upcoming “Ninjago,” slated for a September 22, 2016, release in the Philippines, and an as-yet-untitled BatmanTM LEGO feature, due out in May 2017.

Goldilocks Brings Cake Decorating to Center Stage

Reach for your frosting spatulas and hold on to your piping tubes, because this March, Goldilocks’s Intercollegiate Cake Decorating Challenge (ICDC) is whipping up a storm. In a field of the culinary arts that requires creativity, imagination, and a steady, delicate touch, which of our country’s future pastry masters has the ability to — as they say —take the cake?

In just a few weeks’ time, the best culinary students from all over the country will be going head to head in a live cake decorating competition held by Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop. This is the 9th ICDC since 2006, and this year Goldilocks is turning up the heat in the kitchen. To separate the wheat from the chaff, these teams of cake decorating competitors will be given a theme to build their masterpieces around — and a time limit within which to create them on the spot, to keep things interesting. “The nature of this exciting mechanic will ensure that only the best of these young hopefuls with the skills to excel under pressure will emerge victorious,” noted Goldilocks Marketing Director Cherry Caluya. “The learning curve has progressed steadily each year, and I can’t wait to see the brilliant creations that the students have in store for the judges this time,” she further added.

The team whose cake towers above the rest for its sheer creative and aesthetic genius will take home a Baking Showcase worth P250,000 for their school and P20,000 worth of Goldilocks gift certificates for their own use, as well as the honor of being the best amateur cake decorators in the country. “Apart from a strong sense of school pride, winning the ICDC is a testament to hard work and diligence. In a manner of speaking, the trophy is simply the icing on top of the cake,” Caluya enthused.

Spectators who wish to witness this contest of cake mastery and culinary ingenuity in the Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia can also indulge in a bit of cake-based creativity themselves. Goldilocks will be holding a Cake Decorating Workshop and a Cake Decorating Booth in the area, as well as an exhibit of the past winning ICDC entries.

The 9th Goldilocks Intercollegiate Cake Decorating Challenge will be held on March 7 at the SM Mall of Asia, from 10AM to 6PM. It is co-sponsored by Rich’s Products and Avoset Pour N Whip Cream, the premier choice for pastry toppings

“Music of March” at Casino Filipino

Patrons and guests of Casino Filipino (CF) will be treated this month to free entertainment shows featuring some of the country’s best performers.

Among the artists who will perform in the different CF venues this March are soul diva Jaya, Asia’s romantic balladeer Christian Bautista, singer-actress-host Karylle and promising diva KZ Tandingan. 

To add variety and fun to its monthly entertainment line-up, Casino Filipino will also have shows featuring some of the country’s best comedians like master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno, Pokwang, K Brosas and Pooh.  

Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment said their monthly theme ‘Music of March’ is a special prelude to summer. “We always associate summer with fun. That is what we want to exactly give to our patrons who will visit our different CF venues through the special shows that we have lined up for the month,” he said.

Quintana likewise cited that featuring great talents in its gaming venues is a testament to Casino Filipino’s commitment to offer its guests nothing but the best entertainment. “Because they are important to us, our goal is to always give them an entertainment experience like no other,” he added.

K Brosas and Pooh will kick-off the entertainment offerings for March with their show in CF Malate on March 5. Meanwhile, Christian Bautista and Karylle will serenade CF Pavilion guests on March 6. Soul diva Jaya will perform in Ronquillo Satellite on March 6. On March 7, master impersonator and comedian Willie Nepomuceno will entertain the guests of CF Tagaytay.

Other performers who will add excitement to Casino Filipino’s entertainment offerings are sexy stars Yam Concepcion and Meg Imperial on March 11 (Pavilion); comedy actress Pokwang on March 12 (Angeles); singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra on March 13 (Cebu); stand-up comedian Le Chaz with AJ Tamiza and the Mistresses Mia, Angel and Mariko on March 13 (Malabon Satellite); and KZ Tandingan on March 13 (Tagum Satellite).

All shows start at 9:00 p.m. For more details, call the PAGCOR Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046 or (02) 526-0337 loc. 2401 to 2403 or visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/pagcorartists, www.twitter.com/casinofilipino.

GrabCar: Reserve a Ride, Book an experience, Arrive in Style.

Let's face it, you'd rather endure the long queues, elbow your way in and get squeezed like sardines in a can inside the MRT than risk your life inside a taxi cab.

With all those stories of bad taxi experiences (especially from women), riding a cab especially during night time and the wee hours of the morning is like looking for trouble.

But that was before Pinoys got introduced to GrabTaxi, Southeast Asia’s leading transportation technology app. Thanks to GrabTaxi, you don't have to worry about homicidal and disrespectful drivers, or picking up a fight with the other commuters for the first taxi that passes by.

Now, GrabTaxi takes the concept further as it recently introduced, GrabCar and its new premium line - GrabCar+ The event was held at A Space Manila last Wednesday, February 18, 2015 with the new line boasting of chauffeur-style transportation service with luxury car options.

“We thank our loyal customers for making GrabCar a hit over the past year. We have been getting good feedback on the professionalism of our drivers, as well as the cleanliness of our fleet. We have also been getting requests for more luxury car models that our customers can use when going to special events or important meetings. This is where we got the idea to launch GrabCar+," GrabTaxi Philippines assistant general manager Natasha Bautista said.

Some of the most requested models include Fortuner, Montero, Camry, Hummer, and Tucson, all of which are available for GrabCar+ customers.

GrabCar+, just like GrabCar, aims to complement its taxi service by giving customers more options to travel safely, conveniently, and in style. GrabCar+ is closely coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the LTFRB Memorandum Circular for Transportation Network Companies (TNC).

To book one of the luxury cars, just download the GrabTaxi app from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), and Blackberry World, and then click on the GrabCar+ option. The app detects your current location and shows you how many GrabCar+ drivers are in the vicinity. As soon as you input your destination, the app tells you the estimated fare. You also have the option to pay with cash or go cashless (credit or debit cards).

At your confirmation, the app contacts nearby drivers and sees their responses in real time. When a
driver confirms, the app shows you the driver's name and photo, and waiting time. An in-app button also allows you to call your driver.

GrabCar is a car-booking app that revolutionizes the way you move by sending a private vehicle along your way at the tap of a button! A brainchild of GrabTaxi, Southeast Asia’s leading transportation technology app, GrabCar is your new favorite ride in the metro. GrabCar takes you where you want to go in chauffeur-style service.

GrabTaxi exists to solve a real problem. We match taxi drivers with passengers by optimising the latest smartphone technology and multiple data-points. This makes us popular because passengers are able to book a taxi easily and conveniently when they need it most while the drivers don‘t waste time waiting for customers. Our three pillars -safety, certainty and speed— are our guiding principles to help solve the problem. We love our customers, which is why we never delete any negative feedback on our social media channels. The feedback keeps us on our toes and makes sure we are continuously improving.

The joy of riding the Honda Click 125i

The New Honda Click 125i was launched to the public last February 21 at Trinoma Activity Center, the Honda Scooter which everyone anticipates for its New Generation Intelligent 125cc global engine with cutting edge technological features developed simultaneously with other Honda-dominated-scooter countries like Thailand and Indonesia. With the traffic in Metro Manila, its but convenient to own a Honda Click 125i  to get to your destination on time.

The Honda Scooter revolution continuous from the unique concept of Honda Zoomer-X which is the 1st scooter of its kind to Honda CLICK 125i which is another Philippines’ 1st scooter of its kind never seen before in Philippine market. This model will surely capture the hearts of every Filipino customer not only for the young generation but for the young at heart as well.

“The Click 125i is our answer to customers who are looking for Environmental friendly Super Sports Scooter with superior specification, unbeatable features and “futuristic” design. Fortunately for Philippine scooter market, we are not going to wait for the future, but the future will be now with the introduction of the New Click 125i eSP”, says Elie Salamangkit Jr. – New Model & Accessory Development Manager of Honda Philippines.

Yasushi Okamoto, President and GM Honda Phils, Inc.

The Click 125i presents an aggressive and sporty design with a sleek and innovative look based on the image of the new engine featuring cutting-edge technology and an exhilarating ride, while projecting a “slim & sharp” futuristic image”.

PGM-FI, a technology pioneered by Honda since the introduction of Honda CX500Turbo in 1982, the 1st in the world Fuel Injected Motorcycle is also used in this model. However, the innovation is not focused on the Fuel injection of this scooter. Every aspect that was developed in the Click 125i is Honda’s effort in providing products that delivers better benefits and exceeds customer expectations.

Shinji Nakayama AVP Production Control

Hideo Nishinaga Honda AVP for Sales and Marketing

Delfin De Guzman Honda VP Business Admin

Honda’s dedication to provide the Joy of riding a motorcycle is clearly demonstrated in the use of the revolutionary HONDA SMART TECHNOLOGY. The Click 125i brings future technology to the present with cut-away innovations never seen before in the local motorcycle history such as Enhance Smart Power (eSP), Idling Stop System (ISS) and trendsetter Combined Brake System (CBS).

Angelia Ong Host of the event

Dennis Restor  Honda MC Sales Luzon, Yasushi Okamoto  Honda Pres  and GM, Hideo Nishinaga  Honda AVP  Sales and Mktg and  Elie Salamangkit Jr  New Model Planning & Accessory Dev Mgr
While it does not have a “sixth sense” and cannot predict your thoughts or where you want to go, the Click 125i, has its own version of eSP and knows what riders want from their scooters.

Honda’s eSP or Enhanced Smart Power is an advance engine technology that combines high power and high fuel efficiency with a quiet start and smooth eco-friendly engine. eSP technology is able to maximize the efficient combustion and minimize friction to reduce the risk of waste, and to optimize the energy out. eSP technology is integrated with the Unique Honda ACG starter that is able to start the engine jolt free and with a more refined sound, as well as the basis for the application of advanced feature Idling Stop System (ISS). The benefit of Honda Smart Technology is further optimized with the advent of technology Combi-Brake System (CBS) which balances braking the rear wheels and front optimally.

The Honda ACG starter is exclusively developed for comfortable frequent operation of the idling Stop System. The engine is started via the same AC generator used to generate electricity and charge the battery while riding. This eliminates the need for a conventional starter motor, thus there are no reduction gears and gear meshing noises… just smooth, quiet starts.

The PGM-FI built-in Liquid cooled engine boasts of 8.40 kW (11.4PS) @8500 RPM maximum power and 11.16 N.m @6500 RPM maximum torque and delivers class leading fuel efficiency of 64.3 km/liter at 50kph or 58.9KM/liter under ECE R40 testing method *<Actual fuel consumption may be higher or lower depending on drivers habit and actual driving condition>.

The Idling Stop System (ISS) of the Click 125i is one of the reasons for its fuel efficiency. Compared to the conventional engine which continuously consumes fuel once the engine is started, ISS eliminates wasteful fuel consumption by automatically switching the engine off after 3 seconds in traffic lights and other brief stops; and when you have to move all you have to do is just to twist the throttle to Start up and Go in less than a second.

In addition, the New Honda Click 125i eSP also features dependable Honda Safety and Security features like standard automatic Side Stand Switch where the engine does not start up when in the down position, and Brake Lock easily operated to prevent the motor jump when started or remains in the idle state when stopped on a hill. Bigger tubeless tires for better traction and more secure feeling and comfort compared to other brands. Another excellent feature is the ever reliable safety magnetic key (Magnetic Key Shutter) which effectively prevents theft and push-button seat opener. The New Honda Click 125i eSP also has the largest luggage capacity in its class at 18 liters which is capable of storing a Full-face helmet.

Image of this Futuristic Super Sport Scooter is complemented by its Trendsetter LCD Meter Panel and class leading Dual Keen Eyes LED Headlight projecting a commanding “Night-Face-Image”. The LED headlight provides a better advantage for the rider through 80% higher light intensity, 80% more efficient power consumption, and longer lifetime.

Finally, the Adoption of a wide range of low-friction technologies and Excellent Combustion Efficiency of this engine ensures Click 125i’s better fuel efficiency and better total all-around performance.

With the latest technology and appearance, the All New Honda Click 125i is offered at a reasonable price of SRP PhP 87,900.00 and available in 3 premium colors, Pearl Horizon White, Asteroid Black Metallic and Candy Rosy Red with Honda Genuine Accessories in selected Honda 3S shops.

Now, the future is here… the New Click 125i driven by the Power of Dreams…
For more information, visit www.hondaph.com

Gretchen Barretto and Arnold Reyes bagged top awards at the 13th Gawad Tanglaw

Gretchen Barretto and Arnold Reyes received top honors at the recent 13th Gawad TANGLAW Awards (Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw). Gawad Tanglaw is an organization composed of members from the academe.

Gretchen won the Best Supporting Actress award for her brilliant performance in the movie The Trial where she plays a psychologist who convinces her lawyer husband to help a mentally-challenged student accused of raping his teacher.

Arnold bagged the President’s Jury Award for Excellence (Theatre Television and Film). He is known in showbiz circles as the ultimate actor having displayed his acting skills in numerous stage plays, television shows, and movies (both indie and mainstream).

Gretchen and Arnold are both Backroom artists. For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com. Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

Will Team Caramel or Team Hazelnut win the Starbucks Macchiato Monday online poll?

From February 24 to March 5, 2015, Starbucks Philippines will run an online poll (through starbuckspromotions.ph) to ask their Facebook fans which of the two (2) featured Macchiato beverages is their favorite. Starbucks Philippines Facebook fans can vote on what team they’re on: Team Caramel or Team Hazelnut.

The winning Starbucks Macchiato beverage will be announced on March 6, 2015 via Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page and thru the Daily Offerings Board in Starbucks stores. The winning Macchiato beverage will be celebrated with a special Macchiato Buy One, Get One event, Macchiato Monday, on March 9, 2015 in all Starbucks stores nationwide.

The Macchiato Buy One, Get One event is valid only for the winning Macchiato beverage (hot and iced, of any size) and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Beverage star will be given for the purchased beverage when paid using the Starbucks Card.

Promotion will run in all Starbucks stores nationwide.

This summer dont just get fit #GetSpeedoFit 2015

Speedo unveiled its Spring/Summer 2015 collection in a fashion show last February 18, 2015 at the  Glorietta Activity Center. Models paraded in their best summer essentials wearing Speedo's trunks, colorful tankinis, floral one pieces and 2 pieces. My personal favorite is The Speedo Sculpture Collection which was inspired by the theme Magnify, which draws on microscopic views and uses classic graphics, bold colors, and bright prints in colorful capsules. The choices are endless but one can never leave home for summer without the number one swimwear Speedo.  Akiko Thomson-Guevara Speedo’s Swim Fitness Ambassador joined the finale runway together with his family.

Speedo,  offers a full line of swimwear and accessories for swimmers of all types and ages. Speedo combines fashion and function to enable everyone to make the most of their time in and around the water.

Featuring a new high stretch fabric exclusive to Speedo, the Xtra Life LYCRA, each suit from the collection lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional swimwear. The result is a softer, lighter, and smoother suit with the same great shaping power to enhance feminine curves in a way that looks and feels natural.

Fitness buffs will delight with the improved technique enhancing swimwear included in the Swim Fitness collection. Both the Pinnacle Kickback and Pinnacle V Jammer have been updated to include more compression panels, making the suits feel tighter. The panels help swimmers engage the core muscles, thus minimizing drag and energy for a more efficient swim and makes maintaining a horizontal streamlined position in the water easier.

Speedo has updated its Fastskin LZR Racer Elite 2 suit with increased water repellency but still retaining its highly compressive and lightweight qualities which provides all over compression and core stabilization to help maintain a strong body position in the water.
The new female silhouettes now feature comfort straps, allowing maximum shoulder rotation without any loss in suit compression.

World Record Ryan Lochte wearing Speedo Fastskin Lzr Racer 

Speedo’s Play & Fun collection offers beach lovers a great selection of flattering and feminine styles.

Inspired by the theme Reactive, the Competitive Training collection took inspiration from the look of chemical and biological reactions, amplified by contrasting colors for maximum impact.

Both the adult and junior styles now uses an improved comfort thread and are made using Speedo’s exclusive Endurance+ and Endurance10 fabrics which feature increased chlorine resistance, superior softness, and a longer lasting fit.

A new and improved range of Speedo goggles are introduced for 2015 which boasts of the revolutionary Speedo Biofuse and IQfit technologies. The Aquapulse Max 2 has been updated to provide a more secure and accurate fit while the Futura Biofuse now features a smoother seal and frame for even better comfort. Plus, the Speedo Fastskin Elite Mirror goggles are now available in bright colors.

The First Pacific Leadership Academy invites you to The Musicality of Faith

In this day and age of extreme work quantification, where your every move can be tabulated and distilled as a neat column of numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s very easy to lose yourself to the mind-numbing monotony of the daily grind. In the race to make the top of the Fortune 500 list, many companies strip the workplace down to the basics, reducing their employees to worker drones who clock in and out with nothing to distinguish one from the other but the rate of their deliverables.
But there’s a better way to do run a business without sacrificing your employees’ individuality and happiness at the altar of workplace efficiency.

On February 27, the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), the preferred leadership company of the MVP Group, has invited several thought leaders to discuss how the merging of spirituality and music in the workplace can create an environment that is both uplifting and effective.

In FPLA’s first Executive Talk of the year 2015, titled “The Musicality of Faith,”several of the country’s leading personalities in religion and the music industry gather to talk about how to better invigorate a workplace. Included among the guest speakers are Fr. Benildus Maramba, Jim Paredes, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, and the KoroI lustrado singers. For an afternoon of religious insight (and the odd musical performance or two), this esteemed group of luminaries in music and religion will lead the in-depth conversation regarding humanistic values that music and spirituality can lend to a business establishment.

Joey Ayala

Jim Paredes

Many studies have been launched to uncover just how music significantly increases workplace efficiency. Whether this is due to the music’s tendency to brighten up a dreary mood or tothe psychological effects of some hidden musical undercurrent is still up for debate, but the fact remains that music has proven itself to be an invaluable tool for an efficient—and happy—work environment.

In the interests of optimizing the workplace, music’s function as “a powerful gateway to connect us to our spiritual nature,” as described by Grammy-nominated songwriter and social entrepreneur Frank Fitzpatrick described, opens up avenues to further improve the spiritual front. According to author and educator Corinne McLaughlin, there are numerous benefits one can reap from an ethical and spiritual workplace, such as “increased productivity and profitability, as well as employee retention, customer loyalty, and brand reputation.”

Thus, the need for “The Musicality of Faith,” where the Executive Talks guest speakers, who are each powerful influencers in their own right, will discuss just what music and spirituality can bring to the conference table, and how it can help resolve real life situations that arise at the office. FPLA’s Executive Talks, historically well-attended by professionals from a wide range of industries, promise a lively discussion about the power and spirituality of music.

This Executive Talk is scheduled for 2:00-5:00pm on February 27. It will be held within the First Pacific Leadership Academy, on Km. 27 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal. To reserve tickets or to learn more about the Executive Talks, call 696-3051 or visit http://www.fpacademy.net/etalks.

The New Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel helps you achieve the minimal look

Every Filipina wants to achieve a clear, smoother and fairer skin. I, for one is on the lookout for one amazing product that has all the qualification but is easy on the budget. Pond's, the number one face care brand in the Philippines recently launched the New Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel last February 17 at R Space Events, Makati. Agoo Benzon, Ponds Beauty expert graced the event and let us sample the Ponds pearl cleansing gel.

Tis the season for the minimal look, its summer out there already and almost every girls want to achieve the bare look, Love that there's one beauty product that help you prepped that up.  

This season, Pond’s introduces a breakthrough to add to your beauty regimen, the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel. It is the first whitening facial wash in gel formulation that cleanses your skin, making it whiter and fresher, without drying it. Gel skincare products are lighter in texture and generally have milder ingredients allowing its essential properties to dissolve faster and more effectively into the skin.

Pond’s launched their latest innovation with a Beauty Trends Talk, led by resident beauty expert Agoo Bengzon. She shared the latest beauty trends this season, namely the bare minimum or no makeup look, which is all about having great skin; the multi-taskers, or products that save you time and effort; and gels, which is present in many beauty products now. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel is this season’s beauty must, as it latches onto all these trends,” she shared. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel does not only clean, but it also keeps dry areas hydrated, leaving you ready to bare your fresh face.”

Pond’s has always taken the lead when it comes to tried, tested, and true solutions in skincare. With the growing demand for products that address specific skin types and provide solutions for varied beauty concerns, it is but natural for the number one face care brand in the Philippines to extensively study and develop new formulations and formats for its skincare products, whilst latching on to the latest beauty musts.


The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel allows for better absorption of its Pearl Essence, which is known and tested for noticeable skin whitening. With its oxygenated formulation, it cleanses and refreshes while locking in moisture, making skin softer and more supple. Also, it is perfect for sensitive skin as it has milder ingredients compared to drying, whitening soaps.

“We saw how successful our launch for Pond’s Dewy Rose Gel was last year, so we decided to complete the whitening gel regimen in skincare,” said Jules Gollayan, Pond’s Senior Brand Manager. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel stands out from regular whitening soaps because while it removes the dirt from your skin, it does not drag your skin’s moisture with it. It leaves your skin fresh and supple after washing.”


Using gel cleansers is perfect for sensitive skin, making the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel the answer for women with specific skin types. With its lightweight formulation, it delivers hydration for those with oily or combination skin, and will not cause breakouts or clogged pores.


Pond’s Beauty Council members also shared their personal experiences using the latest from the Pond’s Institute. “What I loved about the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel l was that after using it for several nights, it didn’t leave behind a rough texture that regular facial soaps normally do. Instead, my skin felt very smooth and clean,” said fashion blogger Laureen Uy.

“I don’t have to worry about piling on heavy makeup anymore. Taking a perfect, effortlessly pretty selfie is as easy as washing my face with the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel,” says photographer and blogger Tricia Gosingtian.  Meanwhile, fashion and beauty blogger Patricia Prieto also testified to the product’s effectiveness, saying, “My skin always feels fresh and youthful now. It really lets my skin breathe!”

Be one of the first to try the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel by logging on to Zalora on February 20. The first 100 shoppers will get the latest innovation from Pond’s shipped to them for free.  The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel will be available nationwide in all leading department stores, drugstores, supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores this March.