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Friday, March 30, 2018

Emirates celebrates Easter with inflight and on-ground special offerings



Emirates is about to make Easter more special for travellers coming home from Dubai to the Philippines from March 30 to April 2, offering a range of special treats that will be available across all classes, both on board Emirates’ airport lounges.




From March 30 to April 2, travellers across all three classes, from tourists to overseas Filipino workers returning home, can look forward to Emirates’ special hot cross buns—handmade using the airline’s signature recipe with spiced dough and orange peel, sultanas and currants—to be served onboard.




Various Easter-themed desserts will also be served to all customers, including white chocolate eggs in Economy Class. Business Class customers can look forward to Emirates’ hot breakfast offerings, including its signature hot cross buns and desserts with Easter themed decorations, as well as the airline’s exquisite afternoon tea offers. The seasonal menus will be available together with the regionally inspired cuisine served on all Emirates flights.



On Easter Sunday itself, festivities will kick off in Emirates lounges at the Dubai International Airport and in most of the Emirates lounges around the world. Customers in all seven lounges in Dubai will be able to enjoy hot cross buns, chocolate hazelnut Easter cake, Easter delight with mango mousse and almond florentine, carrot cake and Easter eggs in a basket.


In addition to these delectable treats, travellers can also access more than 3,500 channels of on-demand entertainment with iCE, Emirates’ award-winning entertainment system. This includes over 700 movies from around the world, and continuously growing to offer more choices.

For those coming home from Dubai during the Easter break, they can enjoy new family friendly movies like Paddington 2, Wonder, and Justice League. Blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, The Greatest Showman, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, will become available by April.

The Easter celebrations on board and on the ground are part of Emirates’ commitment enhance the customer experience with unique and seasonal offerings.



Thursday, March 29, 2018

Women Redefined: The 3rd Belle de Jour Women’s Summit



Nearly 500 participants gathered for the 3rd Women’s Summit recently organized by Viviamo! Inc., the company behind Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner. With the theme “Women Redefined”, this year’s event aimed to equip millennials with encouraging messages from strong female role models who are redefining the society’s standards for women.


Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Singer, TV host and Alopecia Areata advocate Abby Asistio, airine pilot Blu Bingoy; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. 


“Our society has constantly bombarded today’s women - especially the millennials - with unrealistic standards regarding beauty and career, making it hard for them to find themselves and lead an authentic life. Through the Women’s Summit, Viviamo! Inc. hopes to empower them as they pursue fulfillment while being true to their identity,” shared BDJ founder Darlyn Ty-Nilo.
At the summit, guests were treated to inspiring talks and fun activities at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. The day began with a keynote speech by Ty-Nilo, who talked about the importance of claiming one’s success.

“To own up to your success is not a form of bragging, rather a means to realize that all the sweat and tears that you put into your job are making a difference,” she said, adding, “Women should learn to acknowledge their achievements so that they can inspire others to reach for their dreams.”

Meanwhile, Rachel de Villa, co-founder and chief technology officer of Cropital, opened the first plenary session entitled Resilient Females, which focused on overcoming one’s circumstances and maximizing one’s blessings. De Villa shared that she has always considered herself a problem solver, so she developed Cropital when she found the opportunity to help Filipino farmers access financial support. Through Cropital, anyone can provide farmers with funds for proper equipment and training from agriculture experts.

For her part, PinoyAkoBlog.com owner Jover Laurio continues to publish critical articles on the country’s political situation, despite the relentless cyberbullying and death threats. Laurio has drawn flak for being outspoken in her fight against fake news.



At the second plenary dubbed Courageous Females, resource speakers talked about living their authentic selves and defying expectations regarding women’s roles in the society. Blu Pingoy, for instance, courageously pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, a job usually taken on by males. With her persistence, Pingoy became one of the first few female commercial pilots in the country.



Meanwhile, singer-songwriter and alopecia areata awareness advocate Abby Asistio did not allow the society’s standards to define her. As someone who suffered from alopecia or hair loss at an early age, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and get over their insecurities. “Even if society says kailangan long hair para maging girly ka, eh hindi ako long-haired eh. Dapat manggaling sa sarili ko na, okay lang kahit hindi long hair, maganda pa ako with short hair. Just be open to embracing your own uniqueness.”

Aside from promoting resilience and courage, the summit also stressed the value of paving one’s path and sustaining success in the third plenary session called Resourceful Females, featuring businesswomen Audrey Tangonan and Kathleen Yu.

Starting a business is risky, but Sinaya Cup founder Audrey Tangonan persevered because she believed that her idea can genuinely improve people’s lives. Now, her menstrual cup business has attained massive success locally and internationally.

Kathleen Yu, owner of Manila-based tech start-up Rumarocket Inc., also shared the moving story of her business. From the initial failures, Kathleen resolved to learn from mistakes and bounce back. “As long as I was alive, I could always change and grow and learn and become different,” she said.

These speakers’ thoughts echo the women’s advocacy of Belle De Jour, which has always aimed to empower modern Filipina women by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and self-appreciation. As Ty-Nilo explains, “We hope to help build a world where women are bound not by societal expectations, but by their vision of who they really want to be.”

The 3rd BDJ Women’s Summit was co-presented by Chinoy TV, Lipault and Sun Life Financial. Major sponsors include Food Panda, Modess, Wacoal, GCash, Style Genie, Biore, Caronia, Celeteque, Cinnabon, Fitness Gourmet, Jergens, Jollibee, Kipling, Liese, MegRhythm, Parisian Shoes and Bags, Serenitea, Zenutrients, Features and Shades, and Award Extremes Inc. 
Ace Water Spa, Chef Tony, Frankie’s, Goldilocks, and McDonald’s provided loot bags and raffle prizes, while Adobo Magazine, Rappler, and When in Manila served as media partners.

Fern launches self-titled debut E.P. "Fern"







The 17 year-old singer-songwriter-producer having only been active on the scene for a few months has already garnered multiple achievements. His first single ‘Into You,’ debuted and stayed at #1 on the Spotify Philippines Top 50 Viral Chart for one week, and has garnered over 1.5 million plays on Spotify. ‘Into You,’ along with his latest single ‘Wanna Dance With You’ have both been included by Spotify in playlists in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

On top of this, Fern. has been featured on Scout Magazine’s 'Teens Under 18 To Watch Out For In 2018,’ and has already been given opportunities to collaborate with young OPM artists such as Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose, TALA, and Claudia Barretto.

Heavily inspired by the beats of the ‘80s, along with a handful of sonic influences from artists such as The 1975, LANY, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean, the EP features songs that perfectly encapsulate the euphoric experiences of youth, love, and heartbreak that will definitely resonate with everyone looking for songs to chill and groove along to.

In addition, an EP Launch Party was held at Early Night?, BGC last March 26, 2018 to much success, with the attendance of both fans and media alike.

Fern.’s self-titled debut EP, featuring his singles ‘Into You,’ ‘Are You Mine,’ and ‘Wanna Dance With You,’ along with three new tracks, is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon.

Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ferntan_ and on Facebook at facebook.com/fernperiod

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

SM Skating MOA to host Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia, April 3-8




The Philippines will host the 2018 Challenge Cup of Asia from April 3-8, 2018 at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is the first time that the country will sponsor the annual international ice hockey tournament that is sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).


“We are very proud and excited to host, for the first time, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia which has been held in different countries since it was founded in 2008,” said Chris Sy, Federation of Ice Hockey Philippines president.


The 2018 Challenge Cup also marks the first time that the Philippines will compete in the men’s top division of the annual tournament among some of the best ice hockey teams in the region.


The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.


Riding on the momentum of its gold medal victory in the first-ever ice hockey event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team, backed by the SM Group, hopes to make a podium finish in the 5-nation Challenge Cup of Asia as it plays against Thailand on April 3, Kuwait on April 5, Mongolia on April 6, and Singapore on April 8. All games of the Philippine team are scheduled at 7PM.



Other Challenge Cup of Asia games will feature Singapore vs Mongolia on April 3 (3:30PM), Mongolia vs Kuwait on April 4 (7PM), Thailand vs Singapore on April 5 (3:3PM), Mongolia vs Thailand on April 7 (3:30PM), Kuwait vs Singapore on April 7 (7PM), and Kuwait vs Thailand on Aril 8 (3:30PM).



During the Challenge Cup, the Olympic-size ice skating rink at the SM Skating Mall of Asia will be the battleground of the competing ice hockey teams. It is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes, locker rooms, and a 200-seater stands located around the rink.



“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to host the first official IIHF event in the country. This shows how the Philippines can truly be at par with its Asian neighbors not only in terms of the quality of its sports programs and athletes, but also in the quality of its sports facilities,” said Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., the only company in the Philippines to carry Olympic size ice rinks.





The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.



Marvel Studios has begun principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on its newest film, “Captain Marvel.”




Marvel Studios has begun principal photography in Los Angeles, California, on its newest film, “Captain Marvel.” The production is shooting in and around the greater Los Angeles area, which will also serve as the production base for the film. The production will also shoot on location in Fresno, California, as well as locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and New Orleans.


Set for release in the United States on March 8, 2019, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is directed by the writing/directing team of Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, whose credits include “Mississippi Grind” and “Half Nelson.” An all-star collective of accomplished writers penned the screenplay, including Meg LeFauve (“Inside Out,” “The Good Dinosaur”), Nicole Perlman (upcoming “First Man,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Tomb Raider,” upcoming “Sherlock Holmes 3”), Liz Flahive & Carly Mensch (“Glow”), and Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck.


The film stars Academy Award winner Brie Larson (“Room,” “Kong: Skull Island”), Samuel L. Jackson (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “The Hateful Eight”), Ben Mendelsohn (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Ready Player One”), Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lee Pace (“The Book of Henry,” Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Lashana Lynch (“Brotherhood,” “Fast Girls”), Gemma Chan (“Humans,” “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), Algenis Perez Soto (“Sambá,” “Sugar”), Rune Temte (“Eddie The Eagle,” “The Last Kingdom”), McKenna Grace (“I, Tonya,” “Gifted”), with Clark Gregg (“Live by Night,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”), and Jude Law (“Spy,” “The Grand Budapest Hotel”).


The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.  Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


Kevin Feige is the producer of Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel.” Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patty Whitcher and Stan Lee are executive producers, with Lars Winther serving as co-producer/first assistant director and David Grant serving as co-producer.


Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s creative team includes director of photography Ben Davis (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,” Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange,”), Oscar- nominated production designer Andy Nicholson (“Gravity,” “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), costume designer Sanja Hays (“The Fate of the Furious,” “Star Trek: Beyond”), editors Elliot Graham (“Steve Jobs,” “Molly’s Game,”) and Debbie Berman (Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”), two-time Oscar nominee, visual effects supervisor Christopher Townsend (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”), stunt coordinator Jim Churchman (Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” and “Ant-Man” ) and six-time Oscar nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudick (Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Black Panther”).


Based on the Marvel comic character first appearing in 1968, “Captain Marvel” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and, most recently, “Black Panther.”


With the release of “Black Panther” in February, Marvel Studios continued its unprecedented success. At the time of release, the film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with $202 million and is on track to the become the highest grossing superhero film at the domestic box office. The film has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide to date. “Black Panther” propelled the Marvel brand’s #1 domestic box-office opening streak to a record-breaking 19 consecutive films.


Get ready to unlock exciting experiences at the 2nd Cream-O Flix Fest


Enjoy another unforgettable unique bonding experience with family and friends as Jack ‘n Jill Cream-O gathers everyone for its second year of Cream-O Flix Fest.


This year, Cream-O Flix Fest is bringing a fresh and new creative outdoor cinema experience as it invites Cream-Oholics to an arcade-themed entertainment park. Prepare to “Unlock the Irresistible” as Cream-O celebrates everyone’s shared love for watching movies, playing games, and eating their favorite chocolate cookies at the Central Park, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) By the Bay in Pasay City on April 7, 2018 from 3pm onwards. This exciting event is free and open to the public.



Experience an entertaining “afternoon ‘til evening” movie marathon with a lineup of blockbuster flicks that Cream-O has prepared. Sit back and have fun with the Lego Batman Movie; be amazed with X-Men Days of Future Past and enjoy an action packed adventure with Spiderman Homecoming.
























Everyone is invited to bring out their creative side at the Cream-Ofied Creations booth where Cream-Oholics can jazz-up their well-loved cookies in four easy steps: (1) choose, (2) dip, (3) sprinkle and (4) drizzle. First they can choose their favorite Cream-O variant (Vanilla, Choco Fudge, Deluxe, Crinkles, Chocolate Chip, Cookies ‘n Cream and Choco ‘n Berries) and dip it in rich chocolate (milk, dark or white), peanut butter or whipped cream. They can add extra color, texture and flavor to their creations with a wide variety of toppings, and even drizzle on some delicious chocolate, caramel or strawberry syrup. What do you get? Your very own Cream-Ofied Cookies!



For the arcade geeks, there are enjoyable game booths like the Cream-O Warp Pipes, Claw the Cream-O, and Cream-O Movie Combo Trivia Game.



Live music performances and exciting raffle prizes await Cream-Oholics at the event.


Mark your calendars and get ready to spread happiness at the Cream-O Flix Fest! Get the latest from Cream-O on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at /creamoholicsph. Official hashtags: #HappinessofCreamOholics #CreamOFlixFest2018



Monday, March 26, 2018

FREIA, the new luxury beach condo development at Hamilo Coast offers premium seaside living




We might all be living in congested cities but believe it or not, it's human nature to seek out bodies of water.


Our ideal vacation involves going to the beach or finding solace in hidden rivers, waterfalls and natural springs, and nothing makes small children happier than the chance to splash through puddles.



Besides happiness and relaxation studies show that being near the beach could also lead to better health. Living near the coast may be associated with better health because the seaside environment reduces stress. And people who took trips to the coast experienced more feelings of calmness and relaxation than those who visited urban parks or the countryside.



So I’m pretty sure if given the chance, we’d all be choosing to live somewhere near the beach. Imaging hearing the sound of the waves from your balcony before you sleep and being greeted by sea breeze and the beautiful sunrise every single day.



I’ve always dreamed of owning a vacation house or a place by the sea because its like being on a permanent vacation.



That is the feeling I get every time I visit Pico De Loro Cove


Located just three hours away from Manila in Nasugbu  Batangas, Pico De Loro presents a most tempting escape especially now that summer has officially begun. Imagine walking along the pristine beach along Santelmo Cove before taking a quick dip either in the sea or maybe just spend the entire day lazing around the pool area while the kids enjoy a refreshing swim.



I first visited Pico de Loro last year for an event, and I can’t forget the gorgeous lagoon view from our hotel room. This time around, however, I got to explore even more of the facilities and activities you can do at Pico.


I got an invite for an overnight stay at Pico de Loro, Nasugbu Batangas last March 14.

We left Makati at around 8am together with blogger friend Martin of MartinJohnAndrade.com  and SM/Hamilo Coast executives.

It did take us around 2 hours to reach the venue where we were greeted by Pico de Loro/SM Freia executives who joined us for late breakfast.

The breakfast buffet is more than satisfying..My favorite was the danggit, fried rice, omelette and congee.




I shared my  room with Martin at Rm 621. The room is spacious and has the best lagoon and pool view.






Afterwards we joined the mini presscon for  FREIA, the new luxury beach condo development at Hamilo Coast.




SM Prime’s Hamilo Coast's FREIA, its new luxury beach condominium development in Pico de Loro Cove, where future residents can indulge in the spectacular panorama of sea and verdant mountains.

Unit ownership at FREIA also comes with membership at the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, giving homeowners a chance to enjoy a variety of recreational and sports facilities in Hamilo Coast.



The average unit costs php13M, FREIA groundbreaking is within this year and will be finished on 2021. To avail the unit you must be a member of Pico de Loro.

Right after the presscon, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch at Sun Coral Cafe






After our lunch, we proceeded to their  bowling and billiards recreation room with bar.





 They also have a gym so you wouldn’t miss your daily workout, a basketball court as well as a tennis area and a couple of amazing infinity pools you’d never want to get out of.



And the best part is that everything you need, is just a short walk away around Pico Sands Hotel. We also explore  sideskirts of Pico de Loro Cove.






Now if you want to spend more time outside, Pico De Loro offers guided tours to Santelmo cove for boating and trekking.









Since all those activities will make you hungry, its also a good thing that the food at the Pico Sands Hotel is delicious. We were treated to a candlelight dinner. With my favorite dish bulaloso, chicken and a grilled big fish.










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Premier beach resort living has always been the ultimate dream of urban dwellers who want to seek refuge from the harried pace of city life. There is no more idyllic setting than one that offers a breathtaking view of the sea and a pristine environment that inspires frolicking on the beach under the sun.



With this vision in mind, SM Prime’s Hamilo Coast presents FREIA, its new luxury beach condominium development in Pico de Loro Cove, where future residents can indulge in the spectacular panorama of sea and verdant mountains.

FREIA indeed provides the best vantage points looking out to the picturesque West Philippine Sea and the Pico de Loro mountains. Its prime location makes it just a five-minute stroll away from the Pico Beach, which boasts of 1.5 kilometers of white sand and clear blue waters.



Offering premium seaside living to its discerning clientele, FREIA will have in its roster 223 superior condominium units that include spacious 2-bedroom flats and 3-bedroom penthouses. Ranging in size from 67 to 392 square meters, these resort-type condo residences are designed with sustainable green living in mind and exude a contemporary tropical vibe enhanced by its masterfully designed architecture by Broadway Malyan and GF & Partners.



Common areas of the condominium such as the lobby was interior designed by Budji+Royal with cutting-edge local and international design concepts and high-quality fixtures giving residents a total luxury beach resort experience.

FREIA’s residents will have exclusive access to its upscale, resort-style amenities, among which is an outdoor pool, lounge deck, function rooms, and lush pocket gardens.




Supporting Hamilo Coast’s commitment to responsible stewardship of nature and the seaside community’s natural topographies,

FREIA at Pico de Loro Cove also takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural ventilation and daylighting, photovoltaic roofing, and an efficient waste management system will ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community.

Beach resort living can now become an everyday lifestyle option, with Hamilo Coast’s careful integration of residential, resort, leisure, commercial and institutional land uses. Potential homeowners may thus consider FREIA as a luxury retirement home and not just a weekend getaway.



With naturally stunning views and amenity features that are a cut above the rest, Freia is indeed one of the most coveted premium beach condo developments in the country.


Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas. Hamilo Coast is now approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com

"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...