Lock & Lock CookPlus and Glassware line is the best way to cook, serve and store

From the kitchen to the table: Lock and Lock introduces its newest cookware and glassware line

Who will ever forget that cute Lock & Lock airtight plastic containers, I used to carry that airtight leakproof plastic see thru "baunan" everyday when I worked the night shift at a BPO Company. It stand the test of time, and it has been my favorite container ever since I owned one. I use it to store my favorite dried fruits, fresh fruits, rice and longganisa meal, dessert, spaghetti, etc.. It always has a place in our kitchen for food storage.

 Lock & Lock recently launched its own cookware and glassware lines last August 29, 2014 at Museum Cafe, Greenbelt Makati. “Lock & Lock has been known as a brand that offers high-quality food containers that the Filipino family can use. Now, we introduce the CookPlus line and the Lock & Lock Glass line that offers Filipinos a safe, convenient, and healthy way to prepare and  present their food,” shared Rafael Chua, President of Lock & Lock Philippines.

The CookPlus and Glass line offers a wide variety of products suited to different cooking and presentation needs. Aside from this, all the products are made of top class materials that promise durability, corrosion-resistance, constant brilliance, and long lasting non-stick coating for its cookware.

 Chef Kalel Chan, the boyish looking Corporate chef of Raintree Restaurants,  the one responsible for the scrumptious delicacies behind M Cafe and Chelsea,  made a live demo of cooking Pad Thai using the Lock & Lock cookware line which is made of high quality ceramic that makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requires less oil needed for cooking.

Chef Kalel Chan's delicious meal "Pad Thai"  cooked and prepared in half a time using the Lock & Lock non-stick cookware.

Chef Kalel Chan gamely posed for a picture after the cooking demo

The CookPlus line is perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) free, which is a man-made chemical not naturally present in the environment. Most non-stick cookware have this chemical for better cooking quality. However, PFOA is transferred from the cookware to food, which puts people’s health at risk. Lock & Lock’s CookPlus line has found an innovative way to remove this chemical from its products while still providing its users quality cooking experience.

I was a part of the "Lock & Lock cooking challenge" wherein we prepared a breakfast meal of pancake, eggs and bacon, complete with plate presentation.  I cooked beside Ruth dela Cruz, also a blogger, who emerged as the lucky winner. I was surprised that the cookware non-stick fry pan that I used was heat-resistant. I know I have to buy one, its one fry pan that each and one of us should own, if you are a working mother. or is always in a hurry, its time to get the CookPlus line.  Ruth and I went home with the newly launch Lock & Lock Boroseal airtight glass container.

My pancake with eggs and bacon

Aside from being PFOA free, the cookware line is made of high quality ceramic which makes it easier for the product to conduct heat. This allows food to cook at a shorter amount of time and requiring less oil needed for cooking.

The Lock & Lock Glass line on the other hand is made from borosilicate glass. This makes the product durable and able to withstand varying temperatures, allowing us the convenience to easily transfer food from the freezer to the oven and straight on the dining table, without having to transfer containers.

“Lock & Lock’s movement to go beyond containers and offering quality cookware and glassware is our response in recognizing the other food-related needs of Filipinos. Through our products, we not just offer products that are of high quality, but products that can make the cooking and eating experience a more convenient, healthy, and safe event for the Filipino family,” shared Chua.

Nippon Paint encourages Filipino design students to join the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2014

When I heard about father and son tandem Architects Lor and Ed Calma, I cant help but admire and remember some of their finest works like the Mind Museum and College of Saint Benilde, and many architectural forms under their mayhem.

Now Asia's No. 1 coatings Nippon Paint manufacturer launches regional platform that pushes Filipino design students to ‘Re:Think. Re:Create. Our Community, Our Home.’last August 27, 2014 at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Filipino architecture and interior design students have their chance to become another Calma in the future by joining Nippon, the Asia's No 1 coating paint, NPYDA.

For the first time,  stand a chance to win the prestigious Nippon Paint Young Designer Award (NPYDA), a recognition that aims to inspire students across 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region to apply creativity and innovation in improving their communities.

Working with such reputable professional societies such as Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), Council of Interior Design Educator (CIDE), United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), and Council of Deans and Heads in Architecture Schools in the Philippines (CODHASP), the NPYDA expects to see a big pool of talent from schools nationwide.

“Nippon Paint has a long-standing belief that the ability to break convention and boundaries is found in the minds of the young, the new generation who will be the designers and builders of the future,” said Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint Malaysia Group. “Young talent is a valuable resource, one that needs to be nurtured and developed so that all of society can benefit. By giving them the opportunity to be acknowledged by their peers as well as industry professionals, we hope to give them a head-start in their chosen profession.”

Using this year’s theme ‘Re:Think. Re:Create Our Community, Our Home.’ as their guiding principle, participating students are challenged like never before to further push the boundaries for future living by creating a township that is community-centric and sustainable, providing a high quality of life for both young and old, from every walk of life.  This year’s theme is an extension of Nippon Paint’s business philosophy of helping cultivate young talent by driving them to new standards of excellence and providing them greater visibility and exposure not only in the Philippines but throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The NPYDA has two categories — architecture and interior design, both open to students who are at least on their third year from schools affiliated with the United Architects of the Philippines and the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. Each participant is given a fixed area size to Re:Think Re:Create their ideal future living space by showing their knowledge on how colour and design can benefit the community.

Criteria for judging are Green Design Elements (30%), Colour Elements (30%), Planning & Design (30%), and Design Statement, plus Site Planning in architecture category (10%). Deadline of submission of entries is on October 31, 2014

The Gold Awardee will win P50,000 cash prize, a 6-month internship at Lor Calma & Partners plus a fully-paid trip to Japan for the Japan Learning Program, an exclusive workshop crafted specially for winners featuring internationally renowned speakers in the fields of architecture and interior design. Here, winners will be coached by world-class experts, a priceless, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The internship with renowned architect Ed Calma shows that the NYPDA is not just about ideas on paper but also a rare chance to get real world industry experience.

The winner’s professor/adviser will also get P10,000 cash prize while his or her academic institution will receive P10,000 cash prize and P10,000-worth of paint voucher.

The Silver Awardee will receive P30,000 cash prize and a plaque. Eight finalists will get P10,000 each. Special awards will also be given out to Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation with P5,000 cash prize each.

The Gold winner per category from the Philippines will be attending the cross country learning program in Osaka, Japan in March 2015 with other winners from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, China, Japan, and Hong Kong.

First launched in 2008, the NPYDA has grown in stature over the years and is now a well-recognized regional platform among students in Asia Pacific, with 10 countries joining. From a mere 87 entries during its first year, the competition had generated a mind-blowing total of 2,033 entries in 2013 and is expected to garner even more this year.

For more information about Nippon Paint and the Young Designer Award 2014, please log on to www.youngdesigneraward.ph

Paracetamol Calpol helps fight against Dengue

When I was still working at a tertiary hospital in Manila, one of my colleagues was admitted for Dengue Type 3, she was black and blue and unconscious for 2 days with an on and off fever. We thought were going to lose her. She got blood transfusion, Paracetamol every 4 hours, and the doctor had her platelet count checked every 4 hours or so.  I remember her mother praying,  gave spongebath and stayed throughout the confinement. I could still picture her in that hospital bed, skin scaled to ashen gray, with blue nail beds, blue lips,  2 IVs were hooked and unconscious. We prayed for her recovery, after days, and bags of blood, her platelet went to normal,  She was released from hospital, after her condition became stable with a 37 temperature. We became aware of dengue and its complications and we dont want that dreaded disease to happen to any of our family members.

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. Especially now that the rainy season is upon us.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joined forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” and Barangay Caravan  last August 29, 2014 at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Dr, Sally Gatchalian, Secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, told the media of what to do in cases of dengue. self protection measures were observed. If there is a persistent fever of two days duration, one should seek medical attention. Have lots of fluid intake. Take Calpol paracetamol for kids and Panadol tablet for adults. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these drugs may trigger bleeding.  Say no to indiscriminate fogging. If one had contacted dengue, there is always a possibility of second episode. Take extra precautions of second episode, as this will be the worst especially when patient vomitted blood, according to Dr. Gatchalian.  Always have Paracetamol like Calpol for kids and Panadol for adults at the comfort of your house.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever.

Calpol, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

 “While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”



The DOH enagaged with selected barangays in  facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/CalpolPH .

Lenovo Multi-Mode Devices to Satisfy the Wired Travelers’ Wanderlust

Frequent travellers are all too familiar with the pain points of travelling with technology, from bulky laptops posing inconvenience during security checks to gadgets being the cause of excess baggage weight. Fortunately for today’s jet-setters, personal technology leader Lenovo has developed a slew of handy multi-mode devices that enable them to stay connected and remain productive wherever they are.

"Lenovo’s latest touch-optimized multi-mode devices including the Flex 2, Yoga 2 Pro and Yoga Tablet  have the right mix of portability and productivity to keep travelers connected, organized, and entertained while on the go.  Defying norms and breaking the mold in traditional design, these devices address today’s wired wanderers’ irks like tray-table constraints, outlet outage, and limited connectivity, crystallizing Lenovo’s commitment to innovation in the PC Plus era,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

Flex 2: Convenience and productivity embodied in a dual-mode machine
Featuring a comfortable keyboard and a stylish one-piece multi-touch touchpad with optional cool metal palmrest, the Flex 2 dual-mode laptop gives travellers touch-centric functionality and attention-grabbing 300° rotational capability, to keep them productive wherever they are. For killing time during arduous train journeys and plane rides, travellers can flip the keyboard by 300° to transition into Stand mode to view movies and riveting digital content in a whole new way. With the Flex 2’s HD widescreen display, NVIDIA GeForce graphics, and Dolby Advanced Audio v2 technology, travellers get to enjoy a rich entertainment experience when playing games, listening to music, and watching movies. They can also count on the  Flex 2’s optional dual array digital microphone for truer to life calls when using the 720p HD webcam to video chat with their friends and relatives back home.

Yoga 2 Pro: 360 degree rotation and multi-touch screen for extreme mobility

Unbelievably thinner and lighter than  before at 15.5 mm thin and 1.39 kg, the extra mobile Yoga 2 Pro multi-mode ultrabook gives a new meaning to “travelling light”, as users can enjoy four modes- laptop, tablet, stand, and tent- in one nifty package,  sparing them the hassle of bringing several devices along to their vacation. Its 350-nit screen featuring IPS 178° wide angle viewing allows travellers to enjoy visual clarity and exceptional screen resolution from any line of sight, for a better movie and multimedia experience. With the Yoga 2 Pro’s motion control and voice control, travellers can easily navigate through a wide range of applications, so they get to multi-task even when they are on the go.

Yoga Tablet: Built to last for the long haul with 18-hour battery life

Equipped with 18 hours of battery life, an ergonomic handle, and a built-in adjustable kick-stand, the Yoga Tablet makes travelling seem effortless. From giving loved ones back home a glimpse of the sights they encounter in real time via its high-definition 8MP rear camera and catching the perfect viewing angle in their passenger seat with its hold, tilt, and stand modes, to reading e-books comfortably with automatic Smart Display, which adjusts screen brightness to ambient light conditions, and enjoying good music with Dolby® Audio speakers’ excellent sound quality,  the Yoga Tablet covers travellers’ diverse requirements in a portable form factor that they can easily slip into their travel duffel bags. Aside from lasting for 18 hours, the Yoga Tablet’s battery can also double up as a power bank that allows users to recharge their phones without having to rely on power outlets.

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Moms took their day off from Breeze 1 Laba Day

Breeze removes 1 million stains in 1 wash on its first-ever 1 Laba Day

When Im doing my grocery, Im having a hard time choosing detergent powdered soap, I admit I am still looking for that one detergent brand that can remove stains fast, has an after perfume smell, and could let me do other tasks as well.  Thats when I discovered the revolutionary detergent Breeze one month ago from an event, it came as a gift. From that time, I made a switch because it has all the factors that Im looking for in a detergent.

Hardworking moms across the Philippines took a day off from doing the laundry and enjoy the fun games and exciting surprises that Breeze prepared for the heroes of the home. Moms took their much deserved day off and joined celebrity Sige moms Gladys Reyes, Tin Tin Bersola Babao and Dimples Romana at Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City last August 28, 2014. Leading detergent brand Breeze showcased its revolutionary stain-removing power with 1 Laba Day, washing one million clothes in a laundry event held simultaneously in barangays nationwide including  Pangasinan, Batangas, Cebu and Davao.

Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, LG, Whirlpool and White Westinghouse, took care of washing the clothes. Mommies enjoyed the raffles, games and treats from Breeze.

“Through 1 Laba Day, we want to reach out to moms across the country thank them for being heroes who always put the needs of their families first,” said Mara Banson, Breeze brand manager.  “For sure, they can always rely on Breeze as their dependable partner in taking care of their loved ones.”

Boasting of a revolutionary formulation, Breeze with ActivBleach empowers mommies everywhere to take on their endless tasks, removing even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Safe for both white and colored clothes, Breeze has a four-enzyme technology that removes more types of stains and a patented whitening technology that delivers visible whiteness in just one wash.

Breeze with ActivBleach is also the first and only detergent brand with melamine perfume encapsulation technology that blooms in wash and bursts in wear, making sure that clothes keep smelling clean and fresh even when worn. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment.

Take on millions of stains in just one wash with Breeze with ActivBleach. Like the official Breeze Facebook page www.facebook.com/breezephilippines or follow @BreezePH on Twitter and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, LG, and Whirlpool washing machine.

Taters on its " Le Grand 20" Anniversary Festival

One of the country’s favorite snack joints will be celebrating “Le Grand 20”, an anniversary festival of grand proportions. The celebration includes store promos throughout the anniversary season, the anniversary festival event on August 28 at Trinoma activity center and a mall tour nationwide.

Taters founder Annie Tanchanco with Taters crew

Customers are given a ticket for every Php20 of a purchase which can be used to claim prizes such as gift certificates, merchandise items and free snacks via the Le Grand Treats promo.

The main event  features a fair filled with fun games, Taters snacks and drinks, photo booths and other fun activities. The festival also features a world class carnival show mixed with modern opera singing to cap off the anniversary.

To further strengthen its brand presence, a nationwide mall tour will be set in motion from the months of September to November. The Le Grand Booth will feature an augmented reality snack game people can enjoy. Free snacks will also be served.

From Humble Beginnings

Taters’ twentieth year anniversary serves as a tribute to the entrepreneurial drive of the Filipino. Founded in 1994 by Annie Tanchanco, the first Taters stall was located in a cramped mall space measuring only 8.5 sq. m. “The store initially carried three products – popcorn, peanuts AND fries. At that time, there were no other branded food outlets in the cinemas, only the generic popcorn concessionaires. Taters became the first branded entertainment snack store,” explains Tanchanco.

A Taters favorite is its House Fryes

Taters has since then included other snack items that has defined its innovative approach to the snack industry. A wide selection of toppings and dips that go great with any order, premium New York Beef Hotdogs, and healthy choices such as Tofu chips and tuna mushroom sandwiches have raised the bar for entertainment snacking in the Philippines.

Tireless hours and sleepless nights have allowed Taters to become the premiere entertainment food provider it is today. With 22 outlets across the country, it is still the only branded entertainment snack food establishment in the Philippines today and is further expanding its reach to other possibilities beyond cinema snacks.

*Le Grand Treats promo runs until September 15, 2014. For more information promo visit https://www.facebook.com/taters.snackleague

Taters also has healthy offerings such as the Churkey Burger

The Perfect Burger is finally out at Teddy's Bigger Burgers

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers was launched last August 23, 2014 at Greenbelt 3, Makati, but before that, there was a bloggers's invite on August 20, and I was lucky enough to get inside and  met the Hawaii-based founders Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula. The owners flew from Hawaii with their kitchen crew, to serve the media the best of what Teddy's has been cooking back in their hometown.  The restaurant's interior has a homey retro feel from chairs to tables to posters. Its like you are eating from your parents place. It feels like home. The place could cater to 100 persons, inside and outside the venue.

The host told  to make our order at the counter, anything our heart's desire. Then, if we like to have an upgrade we are free to do so. Since the aroma of juicy beef has been emanating from the kitchen, I have nothing on my mind but a piece of their burger.

I lined up and order for Kailua burger, because the owner Ted Tsakiris suggested that I could try that for a first timer together with the peanut butter shake. The best combination in the house.  Its been 3 months since my last milkshake, I gave my peanut butter shake 2 thumbs up for the texture, taste and cup size.  My order was served and it was "drooled" worthy.

Kailua Burger with fries

My Peanut Butter shake

The first time I took a bite of my Kailua burger, its lip smacking, melt in the mouth taste just blew me away, maybe its the Teriyaki sauce that made it special, or the 100% juicy, burger premium beef patty,  or the potato bun that enveloped the patty and sauces, or the peanut butter shake. I couldnt distinguish, but this is by far the best burger that I have tasted, hands down. I agree with the owner that this is the Ferrari of burgers, quoting that other burgers only come close as Toyota.

Ted Tsakiris, co-founder of Teddy’s USA, clues us in on Teddy’s secret of success.

“Teddy’s is built from the burger, borne out of a passion for burgers. With gourmet burger restaurants on the rise across the metro, and Filipino foodies clamoring for burgers that go beyond fastfood, we’re looking forward to giving the Filipinos a taste of Teddy’s and what makes it a cut above the rest,’’Tsakiris says.

Ted Tsakiris and my choice of burger

Teddy's Bigger Burgers co-founder Rich Stula and staff

Since its inception in 1998, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers has opened in 11 locations in Hawaii, and recently on US mainland in Washington and Iowa, with stores soon to open in California and Texas. The Philippines marks Teddy’s 2nd international location, following Japan.


Tsakiris believes it is their patty that makes customers come back for more. “If you have a good quality patty, you don’t really need expensive extras like foiegras or truffle oil on your burger,” he states.

“We use a formula of 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This is ideal for burgers because it does not need extenders but retains its shape. Most of all, it makes for a juicy patty,” adds Habawel.

The patties have zero preservatives and are not injected with flavors. And because the patty is charbroiled, extra fat drips down instead of the patty swimming in grease.

Burger sizes also set Teddy’s apart, with “Big,” “Bigger,” and “Biggest” patties.
“Size definitely matters at Teddy’s,” Habawel notes. “Our burgers are bigger than the average burger. We start at 5 oz (Big) – that’s already a 1/3 pounder – and go on to 7 oz (Bigger) and 9 oz (Biggest) for our Original single patties, and our Monster Doubles (double patty sandwiches) go up to 10 oz, 14 oz, and 18 oz.”

Teddy’s Original Burgers are topped with a signature ‘Special Sauce,’ the burger joint’s own sweet and tangy creation.

“It’s not your usual thousand island dressing. The sauce is yellow, but it doesn’t have any mustard; it is actually an aioli that goes perfectly with our burgers,” Habawel explains. “The recipe, of course, is a company secret.”

Teddy’s Teri Burger, meanwhile, is basted with a sweet teriyaki sauce – a traditional recipe made from scratch -- while the Western Burger is topped with barbecue sauce.

All sandwiches come with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions, but diners have the option to customize their burgers with a variety of toppings, including bacon, blue cheese, jalapeños, onion rings, and pastrami, among others.

Because all burgers are made to order, customers can also opt to reduce or remove seasoning, and use lettuce instead of bread as buns.

POTATO BUN 

The crowning glory of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers is the potato bun, specially made for Teddy’s. This aspect proved to be quite challenging for the Philippine team.

“Bread has a short shelf life, so we had to source this locally,” Habawel recalls.”Getting the bun right is important to Ted and Rich, so it took us 30 trials – I had to keep sending the buns to them in the US until they approved it.”

Golden in color, the potato buns are soft and delicate in texture, with a slightly sweet note that brings out the savory, smoky flavor of the burger.

SIDES AND MILKSHAKES 

To complement the burgers, Teddy’s sides include extra crispy fries and tots with a variety of sauces (cheese and garlic butter), and beer-battered onion rings.
Teddy’s is also known for super thick milk shakes, in flavours such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, peanut butter, rootbeer, dreamsicle or pineapple.
 “Our shakes are 90% ice cream and 10% milk. Unlike other shakes that are watered down with ice, our shakes have a very rich taste,” assures Habawel.

LOCAL TWIST 

While the core of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers menu is the original menu from Hawaii, there are some additions that have been made specifically for the Philippine market.

“We have the Tiki Wings, and Chicken Tenders,” states Habawel. “We also have the Loco Moco, a famous drive-in food in Hawaii, which is basically a burger patty served top of rice with gravy and fried egg.”

Because of the locations for Teddy’s in the Philippines, the burger joint will soon be serving alcoholic beverages.

“Hawaii doesn’t have alcoholic drinks on their menu, but since we’re opening in malls with restaurants that offer alcoholic beverages, we’ll be offering both imported and local beers as well as some cocktails that were crafted specifically for Teddy’s,” adds Habawel.

From now until September 3, 2014, mall patrons at the Greenbelt Mall also have the chance to win a free burger from Teddy’s by taking a burger selfie with either the Teddy’s Bigger Burgers store board up or Teddy’s Bigger Burger standees around the mall. Participants must upload their photos on Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #teddysburgersph. The first 100 entries will win a free 5oz Teddy’s Original Burger.

For complete promo mechanics, and more information about Teddy’s Bigger Burgers PH, visit the official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TeddysBurgersPH).

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GUVERA Music Streaming App Now in the Philippines!

Music streaming service Guvera is now available in the Philippines offering users free, unlimited access to music from local and international artists. Guvera’s award-winning application is available for both iOS and Android devices, as well as on the web at http://www.guvera.com

Michael Wallis-Brown, Chief Commercial Officer Guvera Global, President and Managing Director Guvera Asia, said, “Guvera is ushering in a new era of music streaming by offering people an unparalleled music experience that’s simple and effortless – all they have to do is hit play. Our free service is like radio, but even better as it’s curated by our in-house music experts. Our goal is to keep our users immersed and engaged with new content, playlists and tracks on the platform.”

Users can search and discover music on Guvera, as well as manage and share their own playlists. It also has integrated social features that allow users to follow friends and celebrities and access their playlists.

Currently offering users millions of tracks, Guvera’s music catalogue is continuing to be populated with the best tracks from local and international artists. Wallis-Brown said, “We are always focused on supporting the local artists and industry while bringing the Guvera experience to life in new and exciting ways for our users.”

Guvera Play is a free, ad-supported service that offers users the best expert-curated access to music with no costs or subscription fees on all devices, including tablets and smartphones. A unique feature of the service provides users with the ability to tailor a music experience based on their current mood, activity or preferences by searching for music using hashtags. Users also have the option to subscribe to Guvera’s premium, on-demand service called Guvera Platinum, which starts from as low as P149 per month.

In addition, Guvera has a worldwide partnership with Lenovo, which sees Guvera’s service pre-installed onto Lenovo mobile devices.

“In our drive to provide consumers with the best mobile experience, Lenovo is always looking out for innovative services to complement our complete range of smartphones and tablets. Guvera’s digital music service brings a whole new dimension of on-the-go digital content to our mobile device users,” said JD Howard, vice president, Worldwide Business Development, Lenovo Mobile Business Group.

Guvera is also available in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the U.S.

A LIFE-OR-DEATH CHOICE IN “IF I STAY”

Mia Hall thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate, in New Line Cinema's romantic drama “If I Stay.”

Directed by R.J. Cutler, “If I Stay” is a film adaptation of the New York Times best-selling novel by Gayle Forman.

Chloe Grace Moretz (“Carrie,” the upcoming “The Equalizer”) plays Mia whose life has always been infused with a rich soundtrack, because music has always been a priority in her house. Mia’s father was the drummer in a punk band before he became a teacher. Her mother carted Mia along to his gigs as a toddler and reveres women like Blondie’s Deborah Harry. Mia’s little brother, Teddy, who is already pretty good at drums himself, idolizes Iggy Pop.

But Mia wants to play the cello at Juilliard. And her heroes are Yo-Yo Ma and Beethoven.

“Mia’s parents embraced the punk ethos of living in the moment and the messiness of life and that’s just not who Mia is—she is a girl who needs order,” explains director R.J. Cutler. “She craves structure and form and it’s one of the reasons she was so attracted to the cello and why the moment she met her first cello she connected with it.”

Cutler had always wanted to work with Moretz and was thrilled when she came on board.
Moretz describes Mia as “very shy and sweet. She’s a regular girl, just living her life, figuring it out step by step like everybody else, faced with normal things like being insecure, wondering if she’ll get into the school she wants to get into. Unlike everyone else, however, she just happens to feel more comfortable with her cello than with people.”

Cutler says of his lead, “Chloë carried so much of the film and always came to work with such a positive attitude. When you have a star that brings it every day, everyone else brings it, too, and it makes a big difference. I was impressed by her professionalism and how she delivered at that level.”

How Mia’s story was told intrigued Moretz even more: in flashbacks, as Mia weighs her life and relationships. “The structure was such an interesting way to frame this character. It required going through such a range of events and emotions at different times in her life. It was nice exploring those dimensions.”

Cutler remarks, “Although Mia’s family and friends are unaware of her presence, Chloë was able to evoke a tangible connection with the other characters in a way that was truly remarkable.”

Being present but unseen was one challenge for the actress. She admits the mere physical aspect of portraying an accomplished cellist was another, particularly since Moretz had never played any instrument before in her life.

Moretz spent time studying classically trained cellists to prepare for the role. She relates, “There is something so raw and beautiful about a cello because cellists literally sing through their instruments. You can hear them breathing with each bow stroke, and every time they put their finger on a new note a new part of their body moves.”

She noticed many of the cellists she met were introverted—until they began to play.
“It was fascinating to watch them transform before my eyes. They become so animated and so passionate through this instrument. And that helped me with Mia, because Mia speaks through her cello,” says Moretz.
Cutler notes, “One of the things Chloë did so beautifully was capturing the essence of what it means to already be a virtuoso cellist at the age of 17. Her performance is persuasive and conveys that love of music. She really channeled the great cellists she studied.”

The director arranged for lessons with a cello instructor via Skype and in person during the busy months before Moretz would start “If I Stay.” He also wanted Moretz to have access to a cello—no matter where she was in the world.

And Moretz was all over the world. “I’d come to these new locations and there’d always be this instrument lurking around, following me. From Leipzig, Germany to the middle of Louisiana, the hotel staff would give me a strange look and say, ‘Ma’am, there’s a cello for you downstairs,’” Moretz laughs. “But actually living with it constantly made a difference since, for cellists, it really is an extension of their body.”

Opening across the Philippines on September 3, 2014, “If I Stay” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.