Lotus Biscoff, truly a first class experience

When speculoos hit Manila last year, there was an overwhelmed demand for the cookie butter spread. Almost everyone craved for that rich smooth butter taste. Until I discovered the Lotus Biscoff at Healthy Options, it was the creamiest delicious spread I have tasted aside from its competitor. Now, the famous "in-flight treat" Lotus Biscoff's caramelized biscuit  has arrived in Manila from Europe, it is best to pair the soft delicious biscuit to your coffee,  be it espresso or latte.

 Fly Ace Corporation distributed Lotus Biscoff’s caramelized biscuits in Manila. The launch was held  last November 19, 2014 at Society Lounge Makati. Ms. Daphne Osena hosted the event with executives from Belgium headed by Mr. Bart Bauwens and Fly Ace Corporation President Mr. Lucio Cochangco Jr.,  Known as “The In-Flight Treat” with more than 90 million Biscoff Cookies consumed last year in the U.S. alone, Lotus Biscoff finally lands in Manila all the way from Europe, offering a truly first class experience.

Take a bite of the deliciously crunchy Lotus Biscoff caramelized biscuits and we know what you’ll be craving for next – a sip of hot, freshly-brewed coffee. There’s no other way to enjoy your cup than with a bite of this original Belgian specialty.Since 1932, Biscoff cookies have been Europe’s coffee break favorite.  It is baked in the small Belgium town of Lembeke, in the same location where its founders, the Boone brothers, opened their first bakery. Once the cookies were packed, the brothers would drive around town in their trademark red truck to deliver these prized treats. Eight decades later and the recipe still remains. It was in the 1950s when Lotus introduced pairing these cookies with coffee, which then became a routine in Belgian hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. Soon, Lotus Biscoff became “Europe’s Favorite Cookie with Coffee.”

And then, in 1985, Europe’s favorite cookie with coffee became America’s favorite cookie with air travel. Lotus Biscoff introduced Biscoff cookies as an in-flight treat through the exhausting, intense experience of long flights, multiple connections, or simply just being away from loved ones. It became a welcome mid-flight break that reminded fliers of the comforts of home and help them relax. Lotus is still offered in Delta Air Lines (US), Brussels Airlines (Belgium), Middle East Airlines (Lebanon) and El Al (Israel).

The unique taste comes from the sugar’s caramelization during the baking process. A hint of cinnamon and other spices add that special twist to Lotus Biscoff. If these crunchy biscuits do not satisfy your craving, then you wouldn’t be able to resist Lotus Biscoff spread. The sweet, creamy, European spread is an alternative to nut butters and chocolate spreads. It is the only spread made with original Biscoff cookies. Have it straight from the jar, lather it on toast, mix it with fruit slices, or add it as a secret ingredient to your favorite recipes. Both the cookies and the spread are made with no artificial color or preservatives, 0 grams trans-fat per serving and zero cholesterol. It has no nuts and is completely non-GMO.Lotus Biscoff cookies and spreads arejust the perfect treat for the timeout that you deserve.

Manila’s truly first class experience is set at the red and posh Society Lounge in Makati. Airline counters manned by attendants greet the guests for check-in. Overflowing coffee will be served by Allegro Beverage Corporation. Renowned French Chef Patrice of Society Lounge serves a delicious array of dishes infused with Biscoff biscuits and spreads. Another highlight of the event is the Biscoff Creations which will showcase Tiny Kitchen’s Vicky Veloso’s interpretation of the Lotus Biscoff biscuits and spread including Mini Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls, Mini Biscoff Cupcakes, and Crazy Biscoff Parfait. And finally, setting the mood to this first class experience is gorgeous Daphne OsenaPaez as host.


In Manila, Lotus Biscoff is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation. For more than 40 years, Fly Ace Corporation has been bringing to Filipino homes well-loved brands such as Old Orchard, Welch’s, Mott’s, Crumpy, Franzia, and Concha Y Toro among others, and house brands such as Jolly, Dona Elena, Al Dente, and Jolly Cow. Lotus Biscoff will soon make its way to supermarkets, restaurants, and specialty stores, for everyone to discover the unique taste of Biscoff. Choose from the following Lotus Biscoff products: Lotus Biscoff Original Caramelized Biscuit in 125g, 250g, 1.875kg, 156g, 124g, 500g and Lotus Biscoff Original Caramelized Biscuit TwinpackInnerbox 20x25g. Lotus Biscoff Spread Smooth 400g and Crunchy 380g will also be available in the Philippine market.

Now, sit back and enjoy the journey. There is no stress on this flight. Instead, a truly first class experience! Learn more about Lotus Biscoff at http://www.biscoff.com/.

Crate and Barrell enters the Philippine market

From beautiful glassware, dinnerware, table linens,  throwpillows, bedsheets, tables, chairs, imagine all the things you need to fill up your lovely abode. Crate and Barrel has it.

The leading Home Furnishings Brand SM Retail is pleased to have another international home furnishings retailer Crate and Barrel to the Philippines. Crate and Barrel was launched last November 20, 2014 at SM Mega Fashion Hall through SM Retailer subsidiary HMS Development.The ribbon cutting ceremony was headed by SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans Sy  and his mother Felicidad Sy.

 “In collaboration with our esteemed franchise partner, SM Retail Group, we are bringing in the best of Crate and Barrel and creating an exciting new retail synergy in Manila.” says Crate and Barrel Interim CEO Adrian Mitchell.

Crate and Barrel opened its doors in 1962 as a family business started by Gordon and Carole Segal in Chicago, Illinois.  The couple was inspired by the simple, well-designed, affordable products they had purchased on their honeymoon in Europe.  The Segals decided to open a home furnishings store, calling it ‘Crate and Barrel’ after the shipping crates and barrels, which brought their inventory and became their first store fixtures. Working directly with European ateliers and factories to import their products, Crate and Barrel was among the first retailers to make modern tabletop and kitchenwares affordable to American consumers.

 Today, Crate and Barrel is an international, multi-channel family of brands, known for exclusive housewares and furniture designs, excellent value and superb customer service.  Owned by the Otto Group of Hamburg, Germany, since 1998, the company operates stores in most major North American markets as well as international franchise locations in Dubai, Singapore and Mexico.

SM Retail, the leading retail group in the Philippines, has over fifty years of experience in the industry.  Its retail operations include a chain of department stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets strategically located in key cities in the Philippines.  It also has a chain of specialty store formats that serve niche markets focusing on a wide selection of merchandise for each category like appliance stores, home stores, and toy superstores.  Beginning with a franchise with ACE Hardware and a joint venture with Watsons, SM’s retail group has also entered into partnerships with global retailers.  These include Forever 21, Uniqlo, Suiteblanco, and Uno de 50.  SM Retail is part of SM Investments Corporation, one of the country’s largest conglomerates, which also has core businesses in mall operations, banking, property, and hotels, and conventions.

Starmobile unveils Starmobile KNIGHT X and UP Snap

 Starmobile unveils two of the most innovative smartphones ever launched by a local brand: the Starmobile KNIGHT X and the Starmobile UP Snap last November 20 at Makati Shangri-la, Rizal Ballroom. Starmobile's  newest ambassador, the Boys Night Out comprised of Sam YG (Sam Gogna), Tony Toni (Tony Bueno) and Slick Rick (Eric Virata). Boys Night Out is a perfect fit for Starmobile—a brand committed to providing satisfaction and happiness to Filipinos by offering the strongest line-up of mobile devices at the best value possible.

Boys Night Out

KNIGHT X, the 5.5-inch Full HD  features the latest Super Octa Core processor coupled with 3GB of RAM. It is the most advances Pinoy Android phone in existence.

This powerful combo puts it at par with premium offerings from international brands making it perfect for playing the latest games and for heavy tasks such as Full HD video editing.

“The KNIGHT X is the next step for us in our mission to deliver high-quality, yet still competitively-priced devices to Filipinos,” said Starmobile Vice Chairman and Head of Product Development Michael Chen. “This is truly a smartphone that is inspired by and is made for the next generation Pinoy,” he added.

In terms of connectivity, the KNIGHT X sports multi-mode 4G LTE that can work across 15 frequencies around the globe. And when paired with a largest-in-class 3350mAh battery (40% larger in terms of capacity compared to its competitors) then this certified ‘world phone’ can connect to the latest data and voice services for hours on end.

Photo enthusiasts,meanwhile will love the 13 Megapixel Sony Exmor RS IMX135 sensor with a 5-piece lens that delivers vibrant and natural colors for crisp and lifelike images.

Finally, Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities and WiFi AC also come standard in the KNIGHT X. These two wireless technologies ensure that this groundbreaking device is ready for the Internet of things.

Starmobile UP Snap
Great Photos in a Snap!

The snap-happy Android smartphone,  UP Snap— is the first Pinoy smartphone with an 8MP UltraPixel camera.

UltraPixel cameras feature light sensors, which have larger-than-average pixels. Because of their size the large pixels absorb more light, thus resulting in less noise, more detail, and crisper colors.

Image quality is further improved with the help of the f2.0 wide aperture lens, which allows more light to reach the UltraPixel sensor.

“Filipinos are fond of taking photos and the UP Snap is just the phone for them,” said Chen. “This is Starmobile’s best mid-range camera phone to date and we are thrilled to be the first to offer UltraPixel technology,” he added.



New Names, New Thinking

Starmobile also introduced a new naming convention for their entire range of products.

Featurephones will now be called UNO, which, Chen says is the one phone Filipinos need for calling and texting. For tablets, the brand will maintain the existing ENGAGE name.

Entry-level smartphones will be called PLAY, after Starmobile’s best-selling Android smartphone. PLAYs offer a fun and hassle-free experience for first time smartphone users.

One level higher is JUMP, which will feature devices designed to jumpstart its users diverse lifestyles.

“Whether they like watching movies, taking photos, or travelling all day, JUMP will be their awesome sidekick at an affordable price,” Chen said.

For those looking for more advanced features, Starmobile offers the value-packed UP series.

Lastly, for those who want nothing but the best, the KNIGHT offers uncompromised performance at an unbeatable price point.

According to Chen the new names will help consumers choose which Starmobile products fit their needs the best.

For the latest news from Starmobile, check out www.starmobile.com.ph, or follow Happy Man by Starmobile on Facebook and @happymanPH on Twitter & Instagram.

The serious truth about COPD

I lost my grandfather to COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease when I was in high school. It was painful to see him go as he draw his last breath. That was his final goodbye, after pronouncing him dead three times for the same diagnosis. We wailed and cried for the first three failed pronouncements. So when the final goodbye went through, we ran out of tears. We prayed and recited a rosary instead. He smokes 4 sticks a day, drinks alcohol everyday when he was in his 40s. It was a lesson learned, I vowed I will never touch a stick of cigarette ever. I drink, occasionally though.

World COPD Day was observed last November 19, 2014 at the Isabela, Makati Shangri-la. Their guest speaker was Eric Quizon, who recounted the times with his beloved demise father-actor Dolphy who suffered from COPD.

COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the 21st century. The Global Burden of Disease Study by the World Health Organization projected that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020.(1)

In the Philippines, it ranks as the 7th leading cause of death with a prevalence rate of 13.8% in Manila.(2,3) Despite the high incidence of COPD in the Philippines, only 2% of the cases are diagnosed by doctors in contrast to the overall prevalence. (4)The cause of this under-diagnosis and under-treatment is probably due to lack of public health awareness of COPD in our country.

COPD is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lungs. Cigarette smoking continues to be identified as the most commonly encountered risk factor, accounting for 80-90% of cases. (6,7) Other risk factors that should be taken into account include air pollution,  exposure to certain dust, chemicals in the workplace, indoor air pollution from biomass cooking (i.e. firewood/charcoal), and heating in poorly ventilated dwellings. Only a few cases of COPD are caused by genetic condition.

A clinical diagnosis should be considered in any person 40 years old and above who has risk factors such as exposure to noxious particles or gases.  A COPD patient may not feel anything at the start and develop cough and sputum production during the mid to late stage of the disease.  Thus, high index of suspicion is needed for any person with risk factors. Spirometry is needed to make a confident diagnosis of COPD. It is one of the diagnostic tools that is often underutilized in the Philippines.  A person with risk factors and symptoms should ask his/her doctor about spirometry testing.

The impact of COPD is not only confined to its ill effects on the individual’s health but may also result in an economic and social burden that is both extensive and increasing.(6,7) There is a direct relationship between the severity of COPD and the cost of care.  In developing countries like the Philippines, COPD will certainly force two individuals to give up their work - the person afflicted with COPD and a family member who must now stay home to care for the sick individual. Given that people are often the most vital asset for developing nations, the indirect costs of COPD potentially pose a serious threat to their economies.

Appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are needed to reduce the symptoms, frequency and severity of exacerbations and improve health status and exercise tolerance. Smoking cessation is without doubt still the single most effective way of reducing the risk of developing COPD and delaying its progression.

It is important to remember that for COPD patients, early detection of the disease and appropriate interventions are vital.  These can help slow down its advance and facilitate quality of life for the patient.  To quote 2014 World COPD Day’s theme:  IT’S NEVER TOO LATE….

Experience easy-palit for baby with Huggies dry pants

You always keep a careful eye on your little one’s changing needs because you want what’s best for your baby. When your baby learns to move around – crawling, standing, walking, playing -- the entire diaper-changing experience also changes. As he becomes more active, changing time becomes an unpleasant experience for him as he kicks and turns around, eager to go back to playtime, which may result to diaper’s poor fit. Not an enjoyable experience for your baby, right? And we know you don’t want your baby having a hard time. Good thing there’s now a diaper designed for your active and playful baby.

With the new Huggies Dry Pants, there is now a faster, more convenient and hassle-free way to change diapers — one that is easier and more comfortable for your baby!

Convenient for babies
With the soft, all-around elastic waistband of Huggies Dry Pants, babies no longer need to be interrupted during their playtime to be laid down uncomfortably as moms change their diapers. Huggies Dry Pants makes diaper changing as easy as 1, 2, 3: left foot in, right foot in, and pull up! Three simple steps that make the dreaded diaper changing a fun and playful experience – Step, Step, Up!

Huggies Dry Pants also ensures a snug “saktong fit” and up to 10-hour dryness, giving playful and active babies utmost comfort and hours of uninterrupted playtime.

Easy-palit for baby, Easy na sa bulsa
By simply adding less than P1.00 to the price of your current taped diaper, your babies can now experience easier diaper change and uninterrupted playtime. You’re also assured of ―saktong fit‖ and even up to 10-hour dryness with the new Huggies Dry Pants. Now, that’s real value for money! Easy-palit for baby, easy na sa bulsa for mommies!

With the new Huggies Dry Pants, both babies and mommies can say goodbye to tedious diaper changing and say hello to the convenience of easy-palit. Step, step, up with new Huggies Dry Pants!
* SRP / piece of Huggies Dry Pants Large 36s at P8.52

Step into the world of Huggies Dry Pants
Huggies Dry Pants has a lot of exciting surprises for moms! Until the end of the year, Huggies is giving away free samples so babies can enjoy the easy-palit experience. Moms can visit the Huggies PH Facebook page, select supermarkets, and various baby fairs to get their free sample!
Mommies who have already tried Huggies Dry Pants can also register via www.pants.huggies.com.ph to talk about their Huggies Dry Pants experience and even get a chance to win up to 1 year’s supply of Huggies Dry Pants.

Moms now also have the chance to show the world how cute and kulit their baby can be – happy with their new Huggies Dry Pants! They simply have to join the Huggies Dry Pants Step Up Dance Showdown (www.bit.ly/HDPDanceShowdown). Winning entries will get 1 year’s supply of Huggies Dry Pants and will be featured in the Huggies Step Step Up music video.
For more details, please visit www.huggies.com.ph or like Huggies PH on Facebook.

Pony Show Off 4 revealed winners for the original artwork and short digital film

At a rousing awards night held at Craft Rock & Grill in Bonifacio Global City, the creators of the best entries have been hailed as this year’s special awardees and grand winners last November 15, 2014. Joyce Pring hosted the show with guests Glaiza de Castro and Jason Fernandez of Rivermaya.

In the age of social media when anything and everything can be turned into a digital image or a video clip on YouTube, the Internet is a universe crawling with creators with ideas bursting at the seams.
Iconic American brand PONY FOOTWEAR, which espouses on individuality, uniqueness and a rebellious streak, put forth a concept and a challenge to find some of the brightest young creative minds. Using its own slogan, “Let’s get it on,” the test is to best illustrate it in an original artwork and a short digital film.

Already on its fourth year, PONY has been giving amateur artists and digital whiz kids a platform of self-expression that would reward them with cash and prizes, and hopefully the inspiration to keep coming up with novel ideas.


In the Poster Art category, the special winners were: Best in Illustration – “Dream On” by John Robert Rareza; Best in Photography – “Feel It” by Louise Gabrielle Angela Mansilla; and Most Number of Facebook Like – “Wash Day” by Howard Ryan Lacabe;

Second runner-up was “Peace Off” by Chester Emil Vibar; First runner-up, “Get Lost” by Rudolf Gonzales; and the Grand Winner was “Moshfeet” by Paul Andrew Vito.

For the Digital Film category, the special winners were: Best in Cinematography – “Snatcher” by Ryan Macasaquit; Most Astig Performance in a Film – Anthony Louis Tague in “No Boring Day”; and Most Number of Facebook Likes – “For the New Age” by Jovelyn Ann Quijano.
The major winners for the Digital Film category were: Second runner-up – “Masterpiece” by Ralph Ignacio and Marvin Joseph Patiño; First runner-up – “Selfie Queen” by Jeffrey Ramir Mateo; and Grand Winner – “Strong” by Anthony Louis Tangue.

Entries were judged based on originality of the concept/story (60%), and creativity and visual impact (40%).  The second runner-up and first runner-up awardees in each category took home P10,000 and P20,000 cash, respectively, and P5,000 worth of Pony shoes. The grand winners were awarded P40,000 cash and P10,000 worth of Pony shoes.

Cultivating the creative streak among the youth, nudged with a bit of a rebellious nature that urges them to think outside the box, Pony hopes to encourage more artists to express themselves, show off their individuality in the coming years. ‘Til Pony Show Off 5, we say, “Let’s get it on!”

adidas Originals and Tokyo’s Neighborhood Take On Japanese Street Style

adidas Originals once again collaborate with Tokyo’s NEIGHBORHOOD to bring another fresh take on classic sportswear for FW14. Strong seasonal hues breathe new life into timeless silhouettes, fusing casual and contemporary with traditional tailoring and construction. This latest collection, which features both footwear and apparel, pays regard to the enduring originality of the two brands. Collaborative branding through out portrays confidence in a clean collection which embodies both NEIGHBORHOOD's signature aesthetic and adidas Originals' sportswear heritage.

The long-term partnership between adidas and Neighborhood began in the 1980s when Neighborhood’s designer Shinsuke Takizawa was first introduced to adidas by RUN-D.M.C. The first milestone of a fruitful relationship blossomed in 2005 when Takizawa and adidas worked on the Consortium project, creating a version of the Superstars sneakers favoured by the aforementioned hip-hop trio.

“Creating a design that does not already exist was the original concept when adidas and I first worked together,” says Takizawa. “Our long-term relationship was forged based on mutual respect for product, innovation and reputation. To this day, that same concept is still at the core of our collaboration.”

Takizawa’s attention to detail, craftsmanship and unique sources of inspiration is evident in the new collection which combines strong seasonal hues with timeless silhouettes, while fusing casual and contemporary with traditional tailoring and construction.

Inspired by the classic adidas sportswear, the adidas Originals Superstar by Neighborhood will be available for purchase from November 15 at Sneakpeek.

                                                                                                   

For further information please visit the adidasPH Facebook page and adidas Originals by Neighborhood for a closer look at the collection.

Social: #adidasOriginals by #Neighborhood @neighborhood_official

Taytay's own shopping haven opens in time for the holidays

 Municipality of Taytay Mayor Janet de Leon Mercado and Taytay Vice Mayor Carlito Gonzaga joined city officials and organizers of Grand Taytay Bazaar in its grand opening last November 15, 2014. Vice Mayor Carlito Gonzaga expressed confidence and high hopes that Taytay Bazaar would soon be famous like Hongkong City.

“Hindi ako naniniwala sa hula, pero this time naniniwala ako na ang Taytay ay magiging katulad ng HongKong,” said Taytay vice mayor Carlito Gonzaga during the opening ceremonies.  Gonzaga is the father of TV host actress Toni Gonzaga and Alex Gonzaga.

Touted as the biggest bazaar in Metro Manila, the Grand Taytay Bazaar is a shopping haven with 5,000 square meters in space and 600 stalls for products display.

Located right beside SM Taytay, the Grand Taytay Bazaar (Manila East Road) will showcase an array goods from clothing and other garments, curtains, toys, bags, shoes, decors, furniture, woodworks, and trinkets and food among others at reasonable prices. Also on display are the best of Taytay products.

With 600 stalls it provides a spacious shopping with a lot of items to choose from. It also has a corner where shoppers can lounge in and a first aid unit for emergencies.

Nicky Andres, managing director of the Grand Taytay Bazaar says that he wants shopping at the Grand Taytay Bazaar to be a pleasurable experience. “We have lots of shops. We have lots of products. Ang gusto ko nandiyan na lahat pag nag shopping sila. At comfortable sila pag nag shopping.”

Nicky who is a native of Taytay continues, “We want the Grand Taytay Bazaar to be a showcase of what we have and what we can do. As a community, Taytay is progressive. Taytay is still a laid-back municipality but it has the feel of a city.”


Taytay is close to Cainta, Pasig and Taguig City and is accessible from various points from Metro Manila. It is considered as the “Woodworks and Garments Capital of the Philippines.” Taytay is ranked as the 10th Most Competitive Municipality in the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index.

The grand launch was attended by the Honorable Mayor of Taytay, Janet De Leon Mercado and hosted by Kaye Chua.  After the ribbon cutting ceremonies, Pop group MYMP serenaded the crowds while Backroom Talents NYOBG did a mini fashion show to give shoppers an idea on the most fashionable get up this season.

The Grand Taytay Bazaar with Evith Marie D. Andres as general manager, is designed by Architect Mila I. Martinez and AEB Builders headed by Antonio E. Bulanos for the structural design with Arch. Alfonzo DLR. Cruz structural designer also from AEB Builders.

For more information, please call: (0906) 356 4998 and 0920) 131 7507 ask Glennie of Grand Taytay Bazaar.