Versailles Stay: High Concept for High Rise Living

Versailles Stay, a new property business concept by Capitarise Holdings Inc. and FPD Global, is set to change the face of rental property management in the Philippines.

At first glance, one may believe Versailles Stay to be much like a hotel, but its practice of offering temporary lodgings and amenities to guests is where the similarities end. The key difference lies in its unique business model: Versailles Stay is a rental management solution for fully furnished, high-quality residences, offering dependable property care for unit owners and developers, as well as value-for-money, convenient, and hospitable lodgings for guests and clients.


By acting as a bridge for foreign property investors and enabling them to access apartment suites from high-end condominium developers across the Metro, Versailles Stay breaks free of the limits that constrain most lodging businesses, to the benefit of property developers and unit owners. These units, the furnishing and maintenance of which are undertaken by Versailles Stay management, are then made available for travelers and stay-cationers looking for affordable yet high-class lodgings in the heart of the city.

This new business practice has turned out to be quite advantageous for everyone involved. Upon striking a deal with Versailles Stay, the first core market, comprised of high-end condominium developers, benefits by the direct sale of multiple units. They get to relinquish the responsibility of managing these units to Versailles Stay’s efficient staff. Because Versailles guests avail of the building’s amenities, these facilities receive extra support and maintenance from the company as well. The responsibility of association dues also falls within Versailles Stay’s purview, freeing the developers from the hassle of collecting them.

The second core market, the unit owners, reaps benefits as well from Versailles Stay’s handling of all the details regarding their investment. Versailles Stay takes care of furnishing and maintaining the units, as well as locating renters to occupy the rooms. All the unit owners have to do is sit back and wait for returns to come in.

Lastly, the final core market, comprised of the end-users who occupy the units as guests, is fortunate in the care with which Versailles Stay focuses on their comfort. By choosing Versailles Stay, they have an option for short to mid-term billeting in prime locations, complete with services and amenities that simulate a hotel stay, at affordable rates. For businessmen on corporate trips and families seeking fun and relaxing stay-cations, Versailles Stay makes for an ideal choice.
To find out more about Versailles Stay, visit www.VersaillesStay.com.

SAM PINTO GOES VAVAVOOM AT NISSAN GT ACADEMY EVENT

 Model-actress Sam Pinto was recently spotted trying her hand in virtual racing at the Nissan GT Academy event held at the SM North Edsa Skydome.

Sam took the wheel in one of the simulator pods and set pulse rates soaring among spectators and fellow racers alike, as she revved up her Nissan GT-R ride. She exuded confidence and determination as she concentrated on her driving, all in an effort to finish with a respectable lap time.

“I have never played Gran Turismo but I accepted Nissan’s invitation because I thought it would be fun to try,” the actress admitted. “I’m sure all the women drivers out there would enjoy the experience too, maybe one of them will even qualify for the Race Camp in the UK”.

With the GT Academy, any player who can prove their driving skills in the world of video games can compete in a real racetrack. From the time trials in the recruitment stage that will run until June, the 20 fastest gamers will advance to the National Finals in July, where they will shift to real cars. The top 6 drivers will join Asia’s best at the Race Camp Week in August at the prestigious Silverstone Racing Circuit in the UK where they will be tested on their strength, stamina, mental agility and of course, driving skills. The emerging winner will join others from the different regions in a series of rigorous training under the Driver Development Program.

“I actually love driving. I feel free and in control at the same time,” Sam related. “My mom’s driver taught me how to drive when I was about 16. I would drive myself to high school secretly and park really far so no one would see me driving. But I let my friends go on a ride with me after school hours,” she chuckled before adding that her school was only 15 minutes away from her house.

“I think of myself as a relaxed driver. Better safe than sorry, I don’t want any accidents. But in the Nissan GT Academy pods, I can drive as fast as I want, the rush is quite addictive,” shared the two-time winner of FHM’s Philippine Sexiest Woman in the World title and former housemate of the reality series Pinoy Big Brother. Sam started her career as a commercial model. Many recognize her for her role as Neneng B in the comedy TV show 'Bubble Gang' where she starred in the segment 'Pick-Up Lines Battle' which became a widespread hit and was adapted into the big screen.

For GT Academy updates and Live Event schedules, please visit Nissan Philippines Inc’s Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc.

SandBar Beach Club is now the hottest daylight destination in Boracay!

The sun is at its peak, the sea is glistening and reflecting the bright blue skies, everyone looks fabulous in their bikinis and boardshorts – Boracay’s energy and marvelous beauty are best captured during daytime indeed! However, almost every place in this island gets a little crowded during the summer season.

Finally, there is a place where you can relax, hang out or even strut your bikini body in style, as Station 1 welcomes the hottest daylight destination for all ages, the SandBar Beach Club Boracay.

Set in the powdery white sand of Boracay is this exclusive chill-out place with 18 cozy beach beds for your ultimate comfort. While you can also relax in your hotel, chances are you’ll miss the fantastic outdoor sceneries of the paradise and all the fun that it has to offer.

At SandBar Beach Club Boracay, comfort doesn’t need to be boring. It combines good food, refreshing drinks, exciting water sports and entertainment into one fantastic place. Join the Saturday Shindig, a daytime beach party every Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. For only PhP3,000 per person, you get unlimited Banana Boat and Fly Fish rides, sumptuous lunch and snacks, and bottomless specialty drinks.

Every Sunday, the club transforms into an ideal place for every family with its theme the Sunday Magic, a children's beach party from 11:00am to 4pm. For PhP3,000 per person, you get unlimited Banana Boat and Fly Fish rides, sumptuous lunch and snacks, bottomless specialty drinks plus a special magic show for the young and the young-at-heart.

Experience priceless daylight fun in the hottest summer destination of the country, and head to SandBar Beach Club Boracay for a weekend of fun, adventure, relaxation, and good food with family and friends.

Have a feast at Gerry's Plus on Mother's Day

Gerry's Plus is a new restaurant concept where classic dishes meet modern Filipino cuisine. Gerry's plus has recently launched its classic dishes with Italian-American favorites at UP Town Center last April 24. The ambiance is modern filipino and has a young vibe to it.  It presents some of the dishes I love from Sweet Chili and Gerrys.   True to its motto “You’d still rather be at Gerry’s”, treat your mom this coming Mother's day, go visit UP Town Center and have some quality time with her at Gerry's Plus.

“Now you don’t have to go to several restaurants when your family and friends have a hard time deciding where to eat. Think of it as a one-stop culinary spot that has everything for everyone – from soups to salads, appetizers, main dishes, drinks and desserts. We have expanded our menu to include new Filipino dishes as well as original Italian-American favorites,” says Gerry Apolinario,

Diners at Gerry’s Plus can look forward to hefty servings of mouth watering Filipino dishes straight out of Gerry’s list of favorites: Beef Kaldereta Bulalo, Spiced Chicken Salsa, Baby Back Ribs and Black Pasta among others. “Our dessert line which includes Lava Cake, Choco Chip Ala Mode and Pannacotta are guaranteed to make you forget your name,” says Gerry.

Gerrys Plus Crispy vegetable pocket

This is the modern version of "fried lumpia",  looks like "sipa"  the vegetable pocket is crunchy and is best to dip with their spicy vinegar. This is my personal favorite.

Stir Fry Chinese Veggies

If youre a vegetarian or a vegan, you will love their Stir Fry Chinese veggies. its fresh, delicious and healthy.

Chicken with Basil

This is what chicken should be. With just the right spices, cooked with sweet chili, and topped with basil. Delicious and appetizing.

Japanese tofu with Minced Chicken

If you are a fan of tofu just like me, treat yourself to this menu, its a good source of protein. The delicious sauce with chicken and soft tofu is tasty and filling. You can eat it on its own, and it smells delicious too. 

Tuna Pasta

If you are on a diet and wanted to try carbonara, this tuna pasta is the creamiest yet healthy pasta that you should try.

Lava Cake

If you have to try on Gerry desserts, you should order their Lava Cake, theirs is the most flavorful bursting with chocolate that I love most. I love it so much, that I finished the whole dessert myself.

Preparations are as important as the meals themselves and the freshest ingredients – quality meats, fish, vegetables and seasonings – are intricately prepared for a personal dining experience, said Gerry who himself does regular rounds of all their restaurants to ensure top quality of their menu items.

Gerry guarantees: “Dining experience at its best – that’s our credo. And that’s what we assure our guests.”

Plus and More 

A trailblazer among fast-casual diners, Gerry’s has been expanding its brands with much success with its diverse offers.

Gerry’s other brand concepts include Aresi which offers Italian-American menu, and Sweet Chili, which serves Thai food.

Aressi and Sweet Chili have both attracted solid following and still continue to pull in more satisfied guests, earning praise for their food’s authentic taste. Aressi is located at the Waterfront Road in Subic; and Sweet Chili is at the third level of Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Gerry’s ‘younger brand Kusina ng Gerry’s, meantime, is a delight to customers who enjoy mix-and-match meals that are not only filling but very affordable.

Slowly building its own customer base is Ramen Sora (Sora means “sky”) which originated in 2003 in Sapporo, considered the culinary capital of Japan that goes by the motto “No Ramen No Life”. Its maiden branch opened in Subic last December beside Aressi.

Ramen Sora had just opened its second branch in Cebu, along AS Fortuna Street, beside the newly-opened Gerry’s branch.

 A most awaited new restaurant is Yakitori Binchotan, which will be launched after Gerry’s Plus, named after a special kind of charcoal called Bincho-Tan used to prepare yakitori (skewered food, usually chicken). Its white charcoal produces high heat and does not emit smoke, so it allows the full flavor of the food to come out.

Yakitori Binchotan is expected to open next month. 

Citi Mastercard marks its 25 Years with "My Unforgettable Story" campaign

Citi Philippines recently celebrates its 25th year anniversary last April 27 at Fairmont Hotel. The show was hosted by Ms. Tessa Prieto Valdez and attended by Citi execs and media.

To mark its 25th year, the  country’s largest foreign bank  reward its loyal clients with the campaign ‘My Unforgettable Story’? Unforgettable Stories with Citi Cards launched in March and running until August 2015, the promotion presents Citi cardholders the chance to create new memories in some of the world’s most breathtaking places –by simply using their Citi credit card.

Bea Tan, who heads Citi’s consumer banking business in the country related: “In designing this promotion, we wanted to break the mold and ensure that our clients are truly engaged from day one.  We wanted to reward our loyal cardholders with delightful and unique experiences, and empower them with making the best choice from a list of impossible to resist selections according to their lifestyle and preferences.”

And ‘My Unforgettable Story’ certainly delivers all that and more.  A total of fifteen lucky cardholders will be chosen in three raffle draws, with five winners to be awarded in each set. The first set of winners can choose one of the Stories of Discovery prizes, including a gourmet food tour in Japan, journey to self-discovery in Bali, scuba diving in Palau, and China or Egypt exploration.

Meanwhile, 2nd raffle draw winners can have a spectacular celebration of love as they can choose one of the Stories of Romance prizes such as a honeymoon in Maldives, island escapade in Thailand and hot air balloon date in Dubai. Winners can also have their dream wedding gown designed by a top couturier, or make their most romantic proposal happen.

Things get more exciting as the third set of winners can revel in one of the Stories of Adventure prizes like a family ski adventure in Korea, US theme park getaway, Mediterranean cruise, African safari and the magical Aurora Borealis experience.

“It’s so easy to win – just use your card for any purchase, regardless of amount, and you will earn raffle entries.  And because we want all our cardholders to have a chance to win, we are awarding raffle entries for nearly every use of a Citi card: from using Citibank Online to charging with Citi PayLite, and even when you apply for a Personal Loan,” explained David Stoughton, Credit Payments Head of Citi Philippines.

To see the complete list of prizes and ways on how to qualify for the promotion, visit www.citibank.com.ph/mystory.

Bantayan Island will be one with the country to support Manny Pacquiao #ForEveryPinoyFighter

In an island recovering from a tragedy, watching Manny Pacquiao fight is a big deal.  But witnessing the  biggest fight of our nation’s hero is not easy for all.  Some people dont have access. Some areas dont even have power.

But on May 3, the day Pacquiao fights for our nation’s glory, it will be different. Bantayan Island will be one with the country and the entire world to support Manny.
#ForEveryPinoyFighter

Chef JP Anglo sets the right mood for Russell Hobbs Mood Food Cookbook

Certain food affects once mood. For instance, did you know that the food you eat may also enhance the experience for a romantic evening? Or that chocolate you are about to eat contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine that creates a feeling of excitement. Our comfort food makes us happy and better right after consuming it. That bowl of "ramen" which is one of my favorite comfort food calms and stimulate my nerves after a hard day's work.

Russell Hobbs, a UK global leader in small kitchen appliances teams up with Chef JP Anglo, the famous celebrity chef behind "Sarsa Kitchen" by launching Mood Food Cookbook at Top Shelf Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street last April 29. The cookbook sets the mood for the mouthwatering recipes for every kind of emotion and ambience that can easily be done in a compact, modern kitchen. The cookbook also showcases how simple recipes can become gustatory delights that can enhance the mood and the whole dining experience at the comfort of one’s home.

Chef JP Anglo cooked the delicious "lechon kawali" and "panini" using the Russell Hobbs Purifry and Panini Maker.

The Purifry does not require oil to heat, which in-turn reduces the cooking time. You can roast and bake with it,  you can cook meat, fish and vegetables separately.

While our table concocted  the healthiest fruity smoothie that I loved using Russell Hobbs Fruit blender. The Strawberry citrus smoothie has a twist of lemon and orange. It smells and tastes healthy just the way I liked my drink in the morning.

“Ever wondered why some dishes are called comfort food? It plays a crucial role in our lives – it does not only provide sustenance, it can also help in triggering the moods and emotions that we have,” said Chef JP Anglo, the man behind the recipes in the book. “With Mood Food, we will show everyone how easy it is to prepare food that would suit or enhance their moods. And with the help of Russell Hobbs, the dishes are not only a burst of flavors, but also a treat for the eyes.”

Chef JP Anglo gamely signed his book for us after the event. As I flipped around pages, I drooled at the sight of the food being presented. It already set the mood and mode for dining out later.

With the Russell Hobbs’ Mood Food cookbook. Aside from recipes, the cookbook also showcases the various small appliances from Russell Hobbs that elevate cooking and food preparation at home.
“Preparing food can be a daunting task without the proper equipment. With Russell Hobbs’ small kitchen appliances, everyone can be an expert in the kitchen preparing scrumptious dishes in the comfort of their own homes,” said Clarence Cu, president and CEO of TOCOMS, the exclusive distributor of Russell Hobbs in the Philippines. “Our goal is to bring the comforts of a modern, compact kitchen to every household.”

With the Russell Hobbs’ Mood Food cookbook and the line of Russell Hobbs small appliances, eating at home will never be the same. Gone are the days of guilt-laden takeout or having pizza every night, with Russell Hobbs, modern life has never felt more homey.

Russell Hobbs’ exquisite line of small kitchen appliances is now available at all leading appliance and department stores nationwide. For more details and updates, follow Russell Hobbs Philippines at www.facebook.com/russellhobbsph.

UNICEF donation portal for Nepal earthquake victims

A UNICEF worker talks with the mother of a young girl, injured in Nepal's recent earthquake, at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. You can help children and families affected by the Nepal Earthquake. Donate now at http://donate.unicef.ph or call 758-1000 / 758-1442 today.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2015-1015/Nybo

UNICEF is mobilising an urgent response to meet the needs of children affected by the earthquake in Nepal on 25 April. With children accounting for half the country's population, UNICEF fears the disaster, which is reported to have already killed thousands of people, will have a severe impact on children. UNICEF has prepositioned supplies, including water purification tablets, hygiene kits, tarpaulins and nutrition supplies, and is working with government and other partners to meet children’s immediate needs in the areas of water and sanitation, child protection, health and nutrition.

Philam Life launch Health Invest Plus, the company's flagship health product

Unexpected Emergencies Tops List of Concerns  Among Middle Class, Survey Reveals

“Health is wealth” is an old saying, very often used that it sometimes loses its value. However, a survey commissioned by AIA, the leading pan-Asian life insurance group, shows that this saying is very much relevant and aligned with conventional thinking.

According to an AIA Survey on Middle Class Hopes and Aspirations conducted last year by Ipsos in the ASEAN region, 44% of middle-class Filipinos consider being healthy as a top goal in life. The survey revealed health is actually placed over other commonly held aspirations, such as money, business, career, and education. For many of the middle class, health matters more than many other concerns.

Over the course of 500 interviews conducted with a wide age-range of self-identified members of the Filipino middle class aged 25 or above, findings showed that the cost of unexpected emergencies (65%) is the biggest concern for the Philippines’ middle class. Almost half of the respondents (49%) expressed concern regarding the costs of health care.

In light of this revelation regarding the real life hopes and aspirations of Filipinos, Philam Life, an AIA company, has dedicated themselves to helping people become financially prepared against such unexpected health setbacks. They recently launched Health Invest Plus, the company’s flagship health product, to provide security for those who wish to plan ahead for any health eventuality.

“Health Invest Plus provides much needed financial protection when one is afflicted with major critical illnesses, whether they get diagnosed in the earlier stages or far advanced in their infirmity,” noted Philam Life Chief Marketing Officer Jaime Jose Javier Jr. Cancers, heart attacks, and strokes number among the critical illnesses covered by this insurance plan. “This way, Filipinos will be better prepared for unexpected emergencies and the high cost of healthcare,” added Javier.

Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus provides lump-sum benefits when diagnosed with any of 56 covered major critical illnesses and 11 covered early stages of a critical illness– the most among unit-linked plans in the market. Unit-linked products are life insurance and investment plans-in-one where the benefits are linked to the returns of a chosen investment fund.

Once diagnosed with any of such critical illnesses, the plan holder is spared from paying future premium payments. If the plan holder is diagnosed with a covered early stage critical condition, 25 per cent of the Critical Illness coverage will be given in advance.

Unlike most other critical illness plans, Health Invest Plus can be availed even up to those who are already 65 years old. The critical illness coverage will still be in effect until they are 75, an age when most are in retirement and in need of greater medical care. Since Health Invest Plus is a unit-linked plan, premium payments are invested, allowing one to grow a Health fund which can be used for health maintenance or other costs during one’s later years.


The plan also provides cash benefits for accidental injuries or disabilities and loss of life, providing comprehensive coverage for policyholders.

“The survey also revealed ‘peace of mind’ (38 per cent) as one of the top life goals of the Philippines’ middle class. With Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus, customers can experience peace of mind knowing they are financially prepared against health setbacks now and as they grow older, so they can be there for their families,” Javier concluded.

Indeed, when equipped with the safety net that Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus provides, one can rest easy with hopes for a sound body, as well as a sound mind.

To learn more about the AIA Survey on the Middle Class Hopes and Aspirations, please visit http://asiamiddleclass.aia.com. To find out more about Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus, call 528-2000 or visit http://www.philamlife.com/en/index.html