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Sunday, June 30, 2019

Discover the parts of Taipei you haven’t seen!


Deciding what to do in Taiwan can be tough with so many choices. Weve been there last November and I instantly fell in love with Taipei.

Upon learning of Taiwan visa-free privilege last year, we booked our flight as early as July.   We got the best accomodation booked through travel app. and Klook for our Shifen Jiufen, Maokong Gondola tour.   Just because we love the nightlife and milkteas we decided to stay near the Ximending area. We were just lucky that we booked the hotel 2 months prior to our departure. 

We stayed in the heart of Ximending. Our hotel is just beside H&M, ABC store, KFC, UNIQLO, makeup stalls, food stalls, souvenir shops and of course milk tea shops. We stayed for 6 days and had the best time of our lives exploring Taiwan's tourist attractions. 





If given the chance to do it all again. We will book our flight early next year for the cherry blossoms season.  Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and Taichung (for their famous Rainbow Village) will be on our itinerary.

The good news is that Taiwan extends visa-free privilege to Filipino travellers for another year from August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020, according to the official announcement released by the Ministry of Foreign affairs last July 2, 2019. 





The number of Southeast Asian visitors to Taipei has been on the rise in the recent years. According to a statistics report by the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the number of visitors from the Philippines in 2018 grew 44 percent from 2017, the highest growth among other Southeast Asian countries. To keep the momentum of the success of the Filipino market, Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism continues to promote the city as the best destination in the region.




Filipino YouTube star Mikey Bustos performed the song “Undiscovered Taipei” in a twist of traditional Taiwanese “seven-word tune” opera with rap. The fun and creative performance is set to start a new trend.

Yi-ting Liu, commissioner of Taipei City’s Department of Information and Tourism, says the decision to invite Mikey again was because of the success of his song “My New Crushie, ”, which set a record of a million views in major social networking websites last year.

And as an added initiative to watch the video, Liu said they will be offering free air ticket from the Philippines to Taiwan when the music video reaches over 300,000 views. ” 

This time the Tourism office is encouraging Filipino tourists to visit Taipei again and try something they have never experienced before. 




For Mikey, the most interesting part of shooting the video was the Beitou Hot Spring, “because there is a comfortable spring pool in the room. We also tasted tea served in a whisky glass in a hipster tea bar. “It was a relaxing experience full of surprises. Also, we had a great time filming on Yangmingshan. The flower sea of hydrangea and Xiaoyukeng, a scenic part on the mountain, is absolutely stunning.”

Further, the Department of Information and Tourism gathers an army of Taipei’s popular businesses showcasing Taipei’s authentic and classic dishes.




These include Taipei’s bestselling breakfast shop Zhenfang’s Taiwanese-styled omelet and fresh milk tea combo, Taipei’s spicy hotpot chain Mantanghung’s Sichuan-styled beef dried noodle, Taipei’s must-buy souvenir BRAVO!BEAR mango Shortcake by Taiwan’s leading pastry maker Kuo Yuan Ye, popular Jin Jin Dessert’s honey Citron aiyu jelly and unique sugar and grass jelly and milk, one of Filipino’s favorite tea shops as well as Cha FOR TEA to go’s signature 913 pearl milk tea and honey green tea.




These offers are expected to bring Taiwanese flavors to the event-goers. Catering to the characteristics of the Philippine visitors, online travel experience provider Klook comes up with an exclusive Taipei experience set, including Taipei’s double-decker sightseeing bus and the trendiest hotels as those are highly inquired by many Filipinos.




A new Taipei travel product promotion for FIT travelers has also been announced to the Manila-based media. The promotion is a joint initiative between Taiwan’s top airliner Eva Air and online travel experience agency Klook

For group travelers, Eva Air has collaborated with certain travel agencies to launch a super package that starts at US$127 per person (about NT$4,000), available for sale in the Philippines as of today.




Other giveaways in limited quantities include a co-branded handmade soap gift box between Dachuns Soap and Taipei City or a Taipei travel pass (an exclusive EasyCard or a 4-hour ticket on Taipei’s double-decker sightseeing bus.) This promotion aims to offer Filipino visitors a super value experience from the moment they board the airplane until they fmish the whole journey. 




Commissioner Yi-ting Liu adds, “to furrther develop the Philippine market, the Department of Information and Tourism has organized a business matching session for travel agencies in the same afternoon after the press conference. ” Over 50 local travel agencies meet with Taipei’s hospitality business operators. For the first time, travel industry insider Michael Wu shares his views on the global travel market trend and Taiwan as a MICE destination, in the hope to boost the market of the F ilipino visitors and promote Taipei’s potential as a MICE location. 

Liu also talks about the consumer event at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center on Saturday, June 15. Meet and Greet with Mikey, food samplings, fun games, etc. Plus, the food stations featuring Taipei’ s gourmet dishes and an interactive studio to see Taipei’s landmarks and scenic spots, giving visitors a sneak peek of what to expect in Taipei.

“We welcome all of you to see Mikey Bustos “performance, taste Taipei 29 food take a picture and upload on the web with the hashtag #UndiscoveredTaipei, ” stresses Liu. “Don’t miss out on the chance to join the lucky draw and now is the time to discover the parts of Taipei you haven’t seen! ” 

You might also want to check out these KLOOK Promotions: 

1.    Taipei Travel Online Campaign Deals (Valid June 16‘“ July 30’“, 2019) 1) P150 (US$3) off on all Taipei Activities with a minimum spend of P3000 (US$57) 2) 10% off on Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass 3) 10% off on Taipei 101 Observatory E-ticket 4) 10% off on Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus .
2.   Taipei Travel E-Voucher:  KLOOK EVA AIR (Limited Quantity 3,000, Valid June 14, December 15, 2019) Reserve Taipei & Philippines roundtrip ticket  via Eva Air to get the best deals P250 (US$5) off on all Taipei Activities with a minimum spend of P3000 (US$57). 

3. Consumer Event Deals on June 15th, 2019, Activity Center Glorietta 1, 10% on all Taipei Activities ; Max discount of P400 (US$8) 10% off on Taiwan High Speed Rail. Buy 2 Get 1 Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass. Buy 2 Get 1 Taipei 101 Observatory E-ticket. Buy 2 Get 1 Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus Ticket.

4. Estimated US currency is only mid-market rates and subject to change , which is for informational purposes only. 



Philippine Wacoal Corporation:“Uplifting Women for 30 Years”



If you are a "bag person" then you should check out Zarah Juan in her social media, instagram. I have been a silent fan of her collection for a year now. I chanced upon her account when I saw a pair of cute bat wing mules in my ig feed.  I followed her and discovered that she is also into bags like the Silang Pineapple bag and the latest PUJ clutch bag. The good thing about Zarah Juan's products is that she works with the communities like the hand-embroiderers of the T'boli' tribe from South Cotabato.

Her design process starts with identifying different communities, what they can do, and how they could collaborate with her. She has been teaming up with various tribes to market her products and it has been a success all these years.

Philippine Wacoal Corporation celebrates its 30 years with a theme “Uplifting Women for 30 Years" and Ms Zarah Juan is one of the guest speakers.

Philippine Wacoal Corporation has been a significant part of the daily lives of Filipinas here and across the globe for 30 years now, and one exciting event is set in Manila to celebrate their anniversary rightfully themed “Uplifting Women for 30 Years.” 



Last June 26 at Level 3, SM Makati, Wacoal holds a five-day interactive exhibit where they launched their latest campaign called Wacoal’s Women of the World. Right on the spotlight of the exhibit were the portraits of 30 remarkable women from different fields, as well as their stories of hardwork and success. Some of them lead talks on their personal journey.



This embodies the company’s persistence in helping more and more ladies realize their significance and excellence no matter where they are, no matter what lifestyle they have chosen to live and pursue. 



Part of the campaign’s amazing roster of individuals included sports broadcaster and enthusiast Dyan Castillejo, advocate of renewable energy Ruth Yu Owen, campaigner of strong social responsibility and designer Zarah Juan, and visual artist Celeste Lecaroz

“From the products that we offer, to the advocacies we promote, our brand guarantees that every single Filipina realizes their beauty and worth,” Ann Christine Palisoc, president of Philippine Wacoal Corporation, says.



Such empowering campaign direction highlighting the transition from challenges to achievements - not only mirrors who the company stands for, but how it has also reached its current stature in the Intimate apparel industry. 

“When we started, it was a real struggle with the department stores who expected us to offer discounts. But through constant communication, they began to understand our brand values. The superior quality of the products spoke for themselves and today, the department stores have become valuable business partners with relationships based on trust," shares Palisoc. 

Aside from moving stories and engaging discussions, each day of the interactive exhibit is packed with activities and concepts that showed the company’s value for freedom- freedom to explore, move, and have fun. 

The venue features travel-inspired photobooths that made attendees feel like they have travelled to top international destinations where Wacoal has established its presence. 

Guests were free to pose in front of Eiffel Tower of Paris, New York’s Statue of Liberty, as well as the Cherry Blossoms of Japan right at the exhibit. The setup comes in 30 effect, with real elements like park benches, boats, and even a Sakura tree to mimic that ideal travel photo. 



Event goers also tried the Create Your Own Power Frame for free, allowing them to become the cover model of their own magazine. They have their photo taken, printed on the spot, and afterwards they write their own cover stories related to Women of the World. Other exciting activities include glitter tattoo, tarot card reading, and of course, participants can buy different Wacoal items at the venue. 

Aside from the June 26 to 30 exhibit, the company also held a dinner gala last June 4 to recognize the notable people behind the brand’s success in the country. It also showcased their accomplishments and bigger plans in the following years to come. 

“Our focus is to grow the boutique business and further elevate the brand image by providing more exciting premium product lines and even better customer service. Better customer service means improving one’s total experience, from better facilities offering more comfort and privacy to better communication with our beauty advisers,” says Palisoc. 


One can expect Philippine Wacoal Corporation to continue to offer high quality functional and comfortable products but in addition to this, even more premium products featuring elegance and comfort while consistently enhancing the beauty of the woman’s body. You can also watch out for more exciting new product lines including lingerie, men’s underwear, and more activewear for women. 

For more information about Philippine Wacoal Corporation, like and follow them on Facebook @PhilippineWacoalCorp and lnstagram @wacoalph. 

To know more about the stories of the 32 Women of the world, visit wacoalwomen.com


Saturday, June 29, 2019

Phenom and Team Gilas will represent the country at the Global Finals in Toronto, Canada




Two Philippine Champions emerged victorious at the Red Bull Reign Finals on Saturday, June 29th, 2019, at Kerry Sports Manila in Bonifacio Global City: Men’s Champions Phenom and Women’s Champions Team Gilas Women’s
Both teams advance to the Red Bull Reign Global Finals in Toronto, Canada, this August where they will represent the Philippines against 15 other nations from around the globe. 
Red Bull Reign is a high-endurance, offense-driven 3-on-3 street basketball tournament that brings the best ballers in the world together. Each game is contested under strict rules inspired by FIBA’s (International Basketball Federation) 3-on-3 rules:
·       Teams consist of 3 players (+1 reserve) age 18 and above
·       Games take place back-to-back on opposite halves of the court
·       The first team to score 21 points or the most points in 10 minutes wins the match
In total, fourteen male teams and eight female teams competed this year.


Women’s Red Bull Reign TournamentRed Bull Reign 2019 introduced a standalone tournament exclusively dedicated to women. Teams from countries including Russia, United Kingdom, and the Canada held local tournaments to find representatives for the Global Finals.
This year’s instalment saw several local teams all vying for a spot in the Finals. The opening games took place in the morning and progressed over the course of the day, until only two teams remained: Zamboanga Valientes and Team Gilas Women’s, with the later taking the victory with a final score of 21 – 06.
Team Gilas Women’s is comprised of Jack Daniel Animam, Claire Castro, Janine Pontejos and Afril Bernardino. They are members of the Philippines’ national women’s basketball team, with years of experience under their belt.
We train everyday”, says power forward Animam. “We’ve known each other for so long that our teamwork is top notch. And now, it’s a privilege to represent the Philippines in the World Finals in Toronto!”



Men’s Red Bull Reign Tournament

This year’s men’s tournament began with the Last Chance Qualifier, which saw eight teams from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao compete head-to-head in back-to-back action. Teams Phenom and Philippine Navy, and team J Hoop from Cebu City, crushed the competition to advance to the Semi-Finals together with Team Basilian.
Teams Phenom and Basilan both won their respective games to meet in a thrilling finals showdown. With amazing shooting and tenacity, the Phenom edged its competition to a final score of 22-to-19. As three-time Red Bull Reign Philippine Champions, the Phenom this year consisted of former NCAA and PBA D-League players Shaq Alanes, Junjie Hallare, and Micole Sorela.
“I’m kinda speechless”, says Sorela. “We didn’t expect to win this, especially against our friends from Team Basilan. So we feel great! We wouldn’t have made it here without the help of our coaches or my awesome teammates.”
“Toronto, here we come!” shares Phenom team captain, Bong Pineda, in a statement that echoed Animam’s sentiments. “We’re excited to advance to the World Finals. We’re coming, Toronto!”



Reign 2019
Vince Hizon, Tournament Director of Red Bull Reign, shares his thoughts on this year’s tournament. “The fact that this is a qualifier for a world tournament – that makes it a big deal. Red Bull has done an exceptional job in all the sports they’ve participated in, really uplifting sports through these amazing opportunities. But in basketball, they know how passionate the Filipinos are regarding the game.”
As the 2019 Red Bull Reign Philippine Champions, Phenom and Team Gilas will represent the country at the Global Finals in Toronto, Canada, this coming August!
For more information, please visit: win.gs/redbullreign2019

Friday, June 28, 2019

STING: My Songs Live in Manila!



The Cherrytree Music Company, Live Nation, and Ovation Productions have confirmed that Sting: My Songs will be presented at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on October 2. Tickets go on sale starting Wednesday, July 3rd at www.buytickets.asia and www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Currently on tour throughout Europe, Sting’s My Songs concert is a rollicking, dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout the 18-time Grammy Award winner’s prolific career both with The Police and as a solo artist. Hailed a “masterful performance from start to finish,” fans can expect to hear Englishman In New York, Fields of Gold, Shape of My Heart, Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Message In A Bottle and many more, with Sting accompanied by an electric, rock ensemble.

Members of Sting’s Fan Club will have the opportunity to access exclusive pre-sale tickets July 1st through July 2nd
prior to the general public by visiting www.sting.com.

Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. The band released five studio albums, earned six Grammy Awards and two Brits, and was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. 


As one of the world’s most distinctive solo artists, Sting has received an additional 12 Grammy awards, two Brits, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, four Oscar nominations (including 2017’s nomination for The Empty Chair from Jim: The James Foley Story), a TONY nomination, Billboard Magazine’s Century Award, and MusiCares 2004 Person of the Year.  Also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he has received the Kennedy Center Honors, The American Music Award of Merit, and The Polar Music Prize. Sting has been awarded Honorary Doctorates of Music by the University of Northumbria (1992), Berklee College of Music (1994), University of Newcastle upon Tyne (2006) and Brown University at its 250th Commencement ceremony (2018).

Throughout his illustrious career, Sting has sold close to 100 million albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist.

Following his critically-acclaimed album, 57th & 9th, his first rock/pop collection in over a decade, Sting and reggae star, Shaggy released a collaborative, island-influenced album, entitled 44/876, that draws from the many surprising connections at the heart of their music. With its title referencing their home country codes, 44/876 first and foremost honors the duo’s mutual love for Jamaica: Shaggy’s homeland, and the place where Sting penned such classics as The Police’s Every Breath You Take. Their chart-topping release debuted at #1 in Germany and Top 10 in the UK. It spent over 20 weeks atop Billboard’s Reggae Album chart in the US, earned Gold certifications in Poland and France and received the GRAMMY Award for Best Reggae Album.
On May 24, a new album entitled Sting: My Songs, featuring contemporary interpretations of his most celebrated hits, was released and followed by a European summer tour of the same name. Sting’s My Songs Tour consists of a rollicking, dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs spanning the 18-time Grammy Award winner’s prolific career with The Police and as a solo artist.

Next year, Sting will headline a Las Vegas residency, “My Songs,” set to open at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Friday, May 22, 2020. The show will present a compendium of Sting’s songs with dynamic, visual references to some of his most iconic videos and inspirations. 

He has appeared in more than 15 films, executive produced the critically acclaimed A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, and in 1989 starred in The Threepenny Opera on Broadway.  

His most recent theatre project was the TONY-nominated musical The Last Ship, inspired by his memories of the shipbuilding community of Wallsend in the North East of England where he was born and raised. The show, with music and lyrics by Sting, ran on Broadway in 2014/2015 and completed a critically-acclaimed UK regional theatre tour which ran from March-July 2018. 

Most recently, Sting starred as shipyard foreman Jackie White in the Toronto-based production of The Last Ship at the Princess of Wales Theatre. He will reprise the role for productions in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre (January 14 – February 16, 2020) and in San Francisco at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre (February 20 – March 22, 2020).

Sting’s support for human rights organizations such as the Rainforest Fund, Amnesty International, and Live Aid mirrors his art in its universal outreach.  Along with wife Trudie Styler, Sting founded the Rainforest Fund in 1989 to protect both the world’s rainforests and the indigenous people living there.  Together they have held 18 benefit concerts to raise funds and awareness for our planet’s endangered resources. Since its inception, the Rainforest Fund has expanded to a network of interconnected organizations working in more than 20 countries over three continents. 

Other Sting hits include Desert Rose, If You Love Somebody, Can’t Stand Losing You, Fragile, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Wrap Around Your Finger, Synchronicity, Spirits in The Material World, Demolition Man, King Of Pain, Driven To Tears, De Do Do Do, De Do Da Da, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Russians, Fortress Around Your Finger, Someone To Watch Over Me, and more!

Sting: My Songs Live In Manila is presented by Cherrytree Management, Live Nation, and Ovation Productions.

Tickets available starting July 3 via www.buytickets.asia and www.ticketnet.com.ph. For inquiries, call (02)911-5555 or (02)532-8883. #StingManila2019 #OVATION40 Years Promoting the Biggest Names in Live Entertainment.
  

Join the most exciting backpacking trip with Cebu Pacific Juan for Fun 2019





Dreaming of seeing the Philippines for free? Here is your chance to travel and fulfill your #travelgoals with your buddies in tow with this year's Cebu Pacific Juan For Fun 2019.  If  youre a student 18-24 years-old and a PH resident. 


You can nominate yourself, your classmate, blockmate, BFF or relatives.  All you need to do is submit the photo of your nominee along with his/her inspiring travel story and share what could be the hashtag for their amazing trip via www.juanforfun.ph. Nominations will be accepted until July 7, 2019. 




Cebu Pacific recently launches Juan For Fun 2019 at Glorietta Activity Center last  June 26. The launch was attended by the travel coaches for Juan For Fun 2019: Becoming Filipino’s Kyle ‘Kulas’ Jennermann, travel writer Jude Bacalso, TV host and social media personality Joyce Pring, and celebrity and vlogger Mikael Daez. 


Get ready to whet your passion for travel and adventure as Now on its eighth year, Juan For Fun is the most exciting and rewarding backpacking trip that enables today’s generation of passionate travelers to pursue their interests through traveling.

This year’s Juan For Fun takes on an inspiring route to bring personalized travel experiences to young Filipinos with #MyHashtagTrip. From foodies going on gastronomic adventures, thrill-seekers searching for the next adrenaline-pumping activity, to eco-warriors participating in environmental projects, many young travelers are driven by their hobbies and advocacies when exploring destinations. 

In this all-new Juan for Fun 2019, participants will journey around the Philippines - visiting new places, trying unique activities, and unlocking memorable travel milestones to enrich their personal passions and stories.


“Through Juan for Fun, Cebu Pacific has enabled students to go out of their comfort zones and bring them to local communities where they can gain meaningful first travel experiences. Last year, Juan For Fun participants took home valuable insights on being a responsible traveler. This time, we’re encouraging them to bring out their bucket lists and make life-changing adventures happen,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Distribution.
During the launch of Juan For Fun 2019 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Cebu Pacific gave the public a sneak peek at the trips and thrills that await this year’s winners. Guests and mallgoers were treated to interactive and Instagram-worthy booths such as those that featured must-see local destinations. 

Juan For Fun 2019 winners will participate in an exclusive one-day travel workshop, learn all about immersive travel experiences, and receive mentorship from the coaches.





To join Juan For Fun 2019, nominate any passionate individual aged 18 to 24 years old and residing in the Philippines who you think deserves to go on a free trip to make unforgettable moments happen. You can nominate your classmate, blockmate, BFF or relatives. Self-nominations are also allowed. All you need to do is submit the photo of your nominee along with his/her inspiring travel story and share what could be the hashtag for their amazing trip via www.juanforfun.ph. Nominations will be accepted until July 7, 2019. 





Juan for Fun 2019 will select five individuals with the most compelling stories to bring along two travel buddies on a one-week, all-expense paid trip around the Philippines. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime and join Juan for Fun 2019 #MyHashtagTrip. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Juan for Fun’s official Facebook page (@CebuPacificJFF). 
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"Under a Piaya Moon" and "Last Shift" Triumph at First-Ever Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

“ Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respe...