The Shell Fuel Save Fact or Fiction Driving Challenge winners

Shell wrapped up the ‪#‎ShellFuelSave‬ Fact or Fiction Driving Challenge last February 11, 2015 by announcing the winners at Hotel H20. The Challengers from media won the much coveted title.  Driving the recently-launched models of the All New Honda Jazz, All New Honda City, and All New Honda Brio Amaze, the Challengers with select media personalities competed with Bianca Gonzales team on a road trip from Manila to Clark, Pampanga. In this Driving Challenge, the participants went through pit stops that revealed interesting habits Filipino motorists practice on saving fuel. The teams distinguished between fuel efficiency fact and fiction to manage their fuel consumption, coupled with teamwork and determination, to outwit each other.

Is warming up the engine or burping up before setting off will let you save on gas? This and other more interesting myths were answered during the event.

The Shell Fuel Save Fact or Fiction Report,which analyses the behaviour of 1,000 Filipino drivers aged 18 to 40, reveals that while 92%  see being fuel efficient as important, but 75% admit they don’t know how.

What’s even interesting, more than half (53%) of the drivers surveyed say they feel anxious trying to decide how best to save fuel, leading many to believe in a collection of absurd fuel saving myths. The research shows 80% of drivers believe warming up their engine before setting off will make them more fuel efficient, while 57% think filling up at night does the same trick. Shockingly, nearly half (45%) even believe ‘burping’ their cars to release air pockets in the tank will help them save fuel. Unfortunately for the majority of the Philippines’ driving population, none of these fuel efficiency myth help in reducing fuel costs.

Commenting on the findings, Anthony Lawrence Yam, Vice President for Retail of Pilipinas Shell, says: “The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report shows just how important saving fuel has become to motorists,along with the incredible ways they try to be more fuel efficient. Some of the beliefs revealed through the study were actually wasting fuel rather than helping to conserve it.”

To help sort fact from fiction, Shell is out to turn the nation’s myth-followers into fuel efficiency pros –both through using fuels like Shell Fuel Save that are scientifically designed to last longer and by demonstrating more effective ways to drive smartly.

Bianca Gonzalez says:“As young Filipino scientists and engineers prepare to compete at Shell Eco-marathon, I want to help Shell inspire all motorists to learn how to drive more fuel efficiently. Is switching off your engine in stationary traffic more effective than keeping it running? Does a warm engine equal a more efficient engine? And can a car really burp? These are the questions that we will be aiming to answer.”

TheShell Fuel Save Fact or Fiction Report also reveals that the confusion on the road is in stark contrast to what goes on inside the nation’s homes, where Filipinos conserve energy by limiting their electrical use but not their fuel consumption. Indeed, while88% of peoplesay theyfrequently turn off the lights to save energy when leaving the house, only4 in 10 (42%)will frequently remove excess weight from their boot or backseat to make their vehicle lighter and effectively helping drivers to save on fuel.

To learn more about Shell Eco-marathon and discover toptips on howto make your fuel last longer, visit www.shell.com.ph/fuelsave.

“CRAZY STUPID LOVE” DIRECTORS BACK WITH “FOCUS”

Directors Glenn Ficarra & John Requa (“Crazy, Stupid, Love”) are back with Warner Bros. Pictures' new con artist movie “Focus” starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), Rodrigo Santoro (the “300” films) and Gerald McRaney (TV’s “House of Cards”).

In the film, Nicky (Smith) is a seasoned master of misdirection who becomes romantically involved with novice con artist Jess (Robbie). As he’s teaching her the tricks of the trade, she gets too close for comfort and he abruptly breaks it off. Three years later, the former flame—now an accomplished femme fatale—shows up in Buenos Aires in the middle of the high stakes racecar circuit. In the midst of Nicky’s latest, very dangerous scheme, she throws his plans for a loop…and the consummate con man off his game.

In the following interview, the directors talk about deception coexisting with love and what castmembers Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Rodrigo Santoro impressively brought to the film.

Question: This is your second film involving the world of con artists and sleight-of-hand, after “I Love You Phillip Morris.” What about it fascinates you and inspired you to make “Focus”?

Glenn Ficarra: Cons are about trust, but they’re on opposite sides of the trust spectrum—one is when you earn false trust and the other requires absolute trust—so the question is: can they coexist?

John Requa: Can you find true love and trust in this world and this currency of lies. We got really interested in exploring that concept in a movie about four years ago. We would call it ‘The Con Artist Love Story.’ No matter what else we were doing, we kept playing with it, and it evolved into this notion of having the first part of the movie being about a rookie con artist falling in love with a pro, and the second half about them coming back together when she’s not a rookie anymore.

Q: In “Focus,” the rookie is Jess, played by Margot Robbie, and the pro is Nicky, played by Will Smith.

Glenn Ficarra: Yes, Nicky is the dominant force in the first half of the movie, and Jess takes that role in the second half. They each have their hands on the control stick in different parts of the film, so you see the story from two different perspectives.

Q: Can you talk about the title, “Focus,” and how that idea is woven into the film?

Glenn Ficarra: The movie is about con artists and their ability to draw focus away from a crime towards something else, and we explore that on a number of levels. On the simple level of pickpocketing, how do you distract someone and pull a wallet or watch out of their pocket? But, in a larger sense, how do you make someone think that one thing is happening, when, in fact, another thing has already happened? On the emotional level as well: how can you use prewiring of the human brain for love to manipulate and use someone? So, that notion of focus was central to everything we’re exploring, big and small, in this story.

Q: What was it like to work with Will on this film?

Glenn Ficarra: He’s a joy. He’s a really good person, ever-interesting, ever-hungry—he’s always on the hunt to win.

John Requa: Transcendent. Not only is he a tremendous actor and incredibly professional, he’s a lot of fun. He’s like a big brother.

Q: What qualities does Will bring to the character of Nicky?

Glenn Ficarra: It’s the idea that the Will Smith we all know is this charismatic, smiling, nice guy. That’s so easy for him to embody in a character, but what if it was all an act? That really appealed to us, the idea of having that quality unfold in the first half of the movie as just something he turned on whenever it was convenient. Then, as you watch Nicky unravel over the course of the second half of the movie, you still love him, even when though he does some bad things.

John Requa: This is essentially a movie about two criminals—these fast and charming people who you’ll love even though they’re doing crimes. It’s tricky stuff, but Will and Margot fit the bill.

Q: What was it about Margot Robbie that resonated with you for the role of Jess?

John Requa: We auditioned a lot of incredibly talented women, and she came in and she just blew our socks off. Everybody. She walked out of the room and that was it. We knew our job was finished and that’s good. Hopefully she would say yes. [Laughs] It was nothing more complex than that. She blew us away.

Glenn Ficarra: And the chemistry between Margot and Will was so clear. It was undeniable. As John said, we auditioned a lot of women and started specifying types—she should do this and she should do that—and ultimately we said, ‘Look, let’s just get the best person for the part and take it from there.’

Q: You’ve previously worked with Rodrigo Santoro on “I Love You Phillip Morris.” Did you always have him in mind to play Garriga?

John Requa: Yeah, from the very beginning.

Glenn Ficarra: We didn’t want a kind of mustache-twirling Spaniard, and Rodrigo is just so welcoming and real. He’s an excellent actor, and he rarely gets to be funny, so we thought it would be fun to see him in this role.

Opening across the Philippine on February 25, 2015, “Focus” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

7-Eleven launches City Blends coffee with its Status Cups

7-Eleven recently launched its newest coffee brand City Blends at 7-Eleven BTC, Global City Taguig  last February 10, coinciding with its special Valentine promo starting February 11 to 24, 2015. City Blends lets you express yourselves honestly through the City Blends Honest Cups.

City Blends by 7-Eleven is honest-to-goodness coffee made of 100%  Arabica beans imported from India. Its madely fresh, every time you avail of the cup. You are sure to enjoy quality coffee that's both convenient and affordable. Its available for only php20. Aside from brewed coffee, City Blends also offers other flavors such as French Vanilla, Mochaccino and Hershey's Dark Chocolate.

For only php20  customers can choose from the 3 limited edition 8oz Honest cups: Single, Taken or Its Complicated. To make things more fun, the honest cups comes with a blank space where you can write your status.

Celebrate Valentines with fresh, real coffee and express your current status with friends on social media using the hashtags #711City Blends #Honestly

Follow facebook.com/711philippines
Twitter: @711Philippines
Instagram:  @711ph

PGA Cars presents the World's Super Cars at SMX MOA

Two of the world's most expensive cars presented to the public at SMX Moa during the motor show were Bentley and Lamborghini. It was a man's world as everyone's asking for the model, built, availability and price range.

PGA Cars holds the first motor show presenting the world of super cars from Audi, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini last February 7 and 8 at SMX MOA.  Chris Chan, PGA Cars Planning Director told that the market is growing for car buyers and the taste of the buying market is evolving. PGA Cars will definitely hold another motor show next year after this year's successful event. All the luxury cars on display inside the venue were amounted to php600 million. 

Porsche Philippines presents the Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS, the 911s in Targa, GT3, Cabriolet, Turbo and Turbo S variants and old models Panamera, Cayenne and the new Macan.  Porsche fans were all excited  for the  vintage 930 Turbo, 993 Carrera Cabriolet, 993 Turbo and 912.  Porsche Philippines accepts registrations for the upcoming Porsche World Road Show to be held at the Clark International Speedway from February 20 to 26, 2015 where participants have a chance to drive the whole Porsche model line available from the event.

Audi presents the A1 Sportback, unites all of the strengths of the brand – a progressive design, uncompromising quality and groundbreaking efficiency . This multi-awarded five-door compact model with the four rings is dynamic and high-quality, emotion-packed and individual. Its powerful engine and the agile chassis make it the sportiest car in the segment.

Some of the luxury cars on display were borrowed  although there are new cars available for sale. 

The Lamborghini's finest cars on display were the Aventador LP700-4, Huracan LP610-4. Lamborghini’s heritage cars, the Gallardo and Murcielago. The most expensive car amongst the 4 luxury cars is the Lamborghini Aventador.

Get up to 50% off on Crumpler items at the Traveltour Expo 2015

If you have travel plans this year. Crumpler's upcoming sale this weekend would be perfect for you.

Enjoy up to 50% discount on Crumpler luggage and travel bags at the Traveltour Expo on February 13-15, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center. Crumpler is an Australian brand known for producing quality bags for more than a decade. This year, Crumpler is participating at the Traveltour Expo, the largest and most-awaited travel show of the year.


Visit Crumpler booths 39 and 48 at 2nd floor of SMX Convention Center. For more information, please see attached promo poster or check out Crumpler on Facebook.

MFI Vice Chairman Alex Escano focus on Agriculture

Col. Alejandro Teves Escano or Alex as fondly called by his friends and peers.  President of Meralco Foundations Inc for 15 years,  now Vice Chairman for MFI External Affairs, founding chairman of Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI)  and Chairman/President of the Technical Vocational Schools and Associations of the Philippines.  MFI is a vocational school and skills development that  grant yearly scholarships to 200 students. The scholars should be Top 10 in class and indigent. The students then are trained in vocational courses and get a certificate after finishing a short course.

Because of his relevant contributions both in private and government sectors, Col. Escano was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. He was also chosen by the Lingkod ng Bayan to become one of the Most Oustanding Leaders in 2013. He bagged this award for his excellent leadership in providing programs and extensive advocacies for the general welfare of the Filipinos in the field of Agriculture, Entrepreneur, Education, Corporate Social Responsibility, Charity and Public Service. Col. Escano also offered free medical and dental missions, doing relief operations during calamities all over the country.

 Agriculture plays a critical role in the entire life of a given economy and Col. Escano believes that if our government will focus and revise our Agrarian reform we can become progressive like the  neighboring countries Taiwan and US.

Col. Escano gives importance to agriculture as an investment priority. Agriculture provides food,  raw materials, and employment opportunities.  We now have 12 farm schools all over the country. Increases in agricultural output can lead to cheaper food and would benefit both the urban and rural poor who spend more than 41% of their income on food. Inclusive growth starts with agriculture. He believes that being a farmer is an important profession. Without them he stressed that we will all die with no food to eat at the table. He encouraged the students to take Agriculture in college, as this will benefit them in the future given the time. land and dedication to farming.

Create beautiful memories at Oakwood's Nostalgia Dining Lounge

What would you do if you could turn back time? I will definitely spend it with the parents and visit all the places that we used to frequent with the siblings in tow when we were still teenagers and cherish all the moment. Now that we are all grown ups, we havent had the time to see each other because they are all abroad. A little high and hello through social media would do if we are not busy with our jobs.  The moment I stepped inside the Nostalgia Dining Lounge at Oakwood Premier in Pasig, it suddenly brought me to the memory of the parents house. A harpist was playing The Times of your Life,  I smiled, stopped and savored the moment.  The interiors reminded me of everything I used to be. The pictured frames, the long table and even the choice of music that sorrounds the lounge. So surreal yet peaceful.

I was excited to see my name on the long table, seated with some of the blogger friends and familiar faces from media.

The new Nostalgia Dining Lounge is located in Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Centre, sentimentality for the past and many other special occasions may be celebrated featuring an array of cross-continental classic cuisine and a touch of Asian – all specially created by resident French executive chef, Jerome Cartailler.

Chef’s Terrine – a pork and veal terrine flavored with Cognac

The first dish that was served was the Chef’s Terrine – a pork and veal terrine flavored with Cognac, which is an original recipe from three generations lovingly created by Chef Jerome’s grandmother who adored and loved good food, quality ingredients, and extraordinary flavors. The terrine requires time to prepare, allowing the balance of flavors to blend from the process of marinating until slow baking. The meat is tender and juicy.

Berkshire Pork “Milanese,”

The Berkshire Pork “Milanese,” which is based on Chef Jerome’s Italian favorite, the Osso Bucco, uses only the best quality of pork cuts in the world, the Berkshire Pork. It is then braised in a blend of white wine, orange and saffron, and tomato, topped with gremolata buttered fettuccine and a bone marrow crostini.

Chicken supreme filled with mushroom mousse, light gorgonzola sauce

The Chicken supreme filled with mushroom mousse, macadamia crusted salmon fillet with mini vegetables and Chardonnay sauce.  It was beautifully plated bursting with colors and flavors.

Tartufo

The dessert's name was Tartufo with Berries Coulis–Nespresso coffee infused mousse served with ganache .


Other must-try offerings include the Linguine Pasta Alla Vodka, Escargots in Puff, Tofu & Spinach Lasagna, and the Nostalgia Chicken Rice, among others. All are complemented with an ambience of classic art and design, nostalgic music, comfortable surroundings and friendly, customized service that relaxes with good, warm memories.



The Nostalgia Dining Lounge also houses three themed, private function rooms, all with a distinct interior and vibe that represents the international context of the main dining lounge. The Old Manila, which can accommodate up to fourteen guests, is traditional Filipino that’s reminiscent of the capital’s glory days.

 Bohemian Paris, which can accommodate up to six, comes with striking visuals and accessories with a youthful color palette that’s set in French architectural motif. It is sure to encourage dining, drinking and simply living!

 And lastly, Cosmopolitan Shanghai, which also accommodates up to six guests, is a mix of the old renaissance and the new, with walls adorned in Chinese hand-painted artwork, vibrant fabric and details, combined with traditional furniture and a unique oriental dining experience.

Recollections of our past truly matters – whether in events that stir special memories, places that evoke pictures in our minds of what has been, or simply keeping in our hearts those whom we truly care about. Relive them all and create brand new memories only at The Nostalgia Dining Lounge.

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge is at the 6th floor of Oakwood Premier – Joy Nostalg Centre along ADB Ave. in Ortigas Center. For reservations and more information, please call 637.7888 ext. 8603.

Brad Go launches The Hush Project with love songs inspired by love stories around the world

Filipino-American singer-songwriter Brad Go launched his debut album The Hush Project last  February 5 at Bruce Lim's  Rustique Kitchen to an intimate gathering of selected bloggers where he performed select cuts from the self-penned and self-produced album, including the new single “I Want You Now.” and classics like Twist and Shout from the Beatles and The Carpenters which is his musical inspiration.

The Hush Project released through MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) is the culmination of Brad's trip around the world in search of the most compelling and unique real-life,  love stories. The journey began in New York, where he met a girl on a rainy Wednesday evening in September, 2012. Offering his umbrella to the rain-soaked stranger, Brad unwittingly set in motion a series of romantic events, both exhilarating and tragic, that would lead to the creation of the blog, Have U Seen Her, and eventually The Hush Project. (HUSH is an acronym for “Have U Seen Her.”)


The exclusive unplugged performance gave Brad the opportunity to talk about the making of the album, the inspiration behind the songs, and how a guitar, a passport and serendipity turned him into a bona fide recording artist.

Inspired by his own love story—a story that started like a fairy tale but ended without the “happily ever after”—Brad came up with a crazy idea. He would travel the world, talk to people about love and their love stories, and write songs about them. He started a Kickstarter campaign that raised over $10,000, thus giving him the opportunity to embark on his mission.

“If something like this could happen to me in New York, there must be countless stories across the globe that no one has ever heard,” says the 28-year-old musician. His goal was to tell those stories.

Brad went to Barcelona, Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, Palermo, Berlin, Manila and Paris, and came back with eight original compositions, namely “All Along,” “I Want You Now,” “It's You,” “Follow Through,” “Firestarter,” “Feel This Way,” “Love Is Love” and “Time Machine.” The trip is documented in the form of vlogs, which are published on Brad's YouTube channel, youtube.com/bradgofilm.

The eight songs, with the addition of the bonus track “Carry You Home,” make up The Hush Project. The album is a mix of romantic ballads, torches and mid-tempo jams that are decidedly pop rock in form, mostly structured around guitar-driven melodies and rousing progressions.

The Hush Project has such an intriguing concept and fresh sound that upon hearing about it, MCA Music immediately committed to distributing the album, setting a Philippine release date of February 2, 2015. Impressed by Brad's songwriting, label executives commissioned him to write a song for another MCA artist, “The Total Performer” Darren Espanto. The result is “Makin' Moves,” which appears on the album, Darren.

“‎We're so happy to welcome Brad to the MCA family. He's the complete package: He sings, writes and produces his own songs, plays different instruments, and even makes his own music videos. It's hard to find such a multifaceted artist these days. We can't wait for everyone to hear his music and see his career flourish here in the Philippines and abroad,” enthuses MCA Music domestic label marketing manager Mark Bonifacio.

“Brad is a very marketable artist. He's showing a lot of potential and we at MCA are looking forward to helping him cultivate and grow his personal brand as a recording artist, musician and songwriter. The Hush Project is just the first step,” adds MCA Music artists and repertoire (A&R) manager Francis Guevarra.

 Bruce Lim's Rustique Kitchen (Arnaiz Ave., Makati City) on February 14 (7 p.m.), and Lucky Chinatown Mall on February 21 (3 p.m.).

Catch Brad live on Energy FM 106.7's Eat All You Ken on February 10 (6 to 9 a.m.) and Mellow 94.7's The Wake Up Show on February 11 (8 to 10 a.m.). He previously appeared on Wave 89.1's Funny Side Up on January 30.

The Hush Project is available at Astro Plus and Odyssey record bars and online at iTunes, Spinnr, Deezer and Spotify.

For more information, please go to hushproject.tv.

Abe, a taste of authentic Filipino food

  SM Moa had a string of good restaurants to its name perfectly located at the second floor overlooking the Manila Bay, and one of this is Abe.   Abe is a part of LJC group of companies which bring the likes of Cafe Adriatico, Bistro Remedios, and  Fely J, among others.  Abe means companion, a friend or getting together in Capampangan, and the restaurant got its namesake from Larry Cruz's father. Abe's interior has an artist's photos and artworks. The main dining has a seating capacity of 80 persons.

If you want to taste authentic filipino food then it is a must to visit Abe. I would rate my dining experience 9 out of 10 for good food, friendly staff and value for money.

For my appetizer I was served Pako Salad. This was a perfect combination of pako vegetables, salted egg,  thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, vinegar and a dash of sugar. This was my first time to taste "Pako".  I loved the sweet sour taste. It was the perfect salad to start off a meal.

Pako Salad

Next dish was the Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic, or Adobong kambing for you. I havent eaten kambing and it was my first time to taste this. I admit it was a very good adobo with topped garlic, it smelled delicious. It tasted like beef but tender.  I just wish the waiter did not tell me what meat it was so I could eat chunks.

Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic

Gising Gising was next to be served. It was my favorite spicy dish, kangkong stalks cooked with coconut milk, shrimps and seasoned with red hot chili peppers. Yummy! If you want it spicier or tame the flavor, just ask the waiter.

Gising Gising

I have been to many Filipino restaurants that serves Kare kare, but nothing beats Abe's. Hands down, this was the best Kare Kare with its thick peanutty taste, tender meat and vegetables prepared fresh at the side, Perfect food.

Kare kare

Sinigang na Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava, has a sarap-asim twist with bayabas and boneless bangus belly. This was served hot. It compliments the taste of the dishes served above.

Sinigang na Bangus Belly with Ripe Guava

What's the secret behind this creamilicious taste? Sikreto ni Maria Clara is Abe's bestselling dessert, with coconut milk, large strips of mangoes, suman with ice cream. Dont forget to order this for your next visit.

Sikreto ni Maria Clara

Abe served the Filipino classics with a twist. It is a must to visit them this Valentine's day with your special someone. Savor the authentic Capampangan taste and aroma. They are located at SM Moa 2nd floor adjacent to Cafe Adriatico.