Philam Life and PFF Kick Off New Beginnings For Yolanda Survivors

From left to right: Philam Life Chief Marketing Officer Jaime Jose Javier, Jr., Philam Foundation, Inc. President Max G. Ventura, Philam Life Chief Executive Officer Estelito G. Madrid ,Jr. with Philippine Football Federation President Mariano Araneta and General Secretary Ed Gastanes.




Forming a partnership that looks toward nation building, education, and sports, the Philam Life and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) are working hand-in-hand to reconstruct schools affected by one of the country’s most disastrous storms on record, Typhoon Yolanda. 

To help rebuild the educational institutions of Samar, Leyte, and Iloilo, the Philippine Football Federation will dedicate USD 250,000 to build at least 11 new classrooms under the Philam Paaralan program of Philam Foundation Inc., the corporate social responsibility arm of Philam Life.

Among the schools benefiting from this charitable team-up are Dolores National High School and San Julian Elementary School of Eastern Samar; Alang-Alang Central Elementary School and the Dulag SPED Center of Leyte; and Carlo Lopez National High School of Iloilo. 

Aside from their projects which focus on rehabilitation and reconstruction, the PFF and Philam Life also recognize the value of community and teamwork. They are currently organizing the first ever PFF-Philam Life Football Festival to celebrate the irrepressible spirits of those who kept going despite incredible adversity.

The PFF-Philam Life Football Festival aims to develop local provincial football associations in select provinces. These associations will then host football tournaments for teams composed of children aged six to 12 years.

Its goal is to help promote and upgrade grassroots and youth football competitions in the country, and to encourage greater awareness and appreciation for the sport.

This generosity matchup between Philam Life and the PFF will help Filipinos, especially those facing adversity, score a healthier lifestyle and a happier disposition.
For more details, please visit www.philamlife.com.

Samsung introduces the ultimate in viewing pleasure, the SE790C Curved Monitor

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, presents the first and highly advanced curved monitor, the SE790C, last May 3 at SM Mega Fashion Hall Director's Club Cinema delivering an enhanced immersive and comfortable viewing experience for multi-media entertainment and multi-tasking.

 Alongside an optimized curved design, ultra-wide quad high definition (ULTRA-WQHD) resolution and a superior contrast ratio, the new 34-inch curved monitor SE790C offers enhanced productivity and entertainment functionality within a sophisticated and ergonomic design.

Samsung’s SE790C, compared to conventional flat-screen TVs, offers an industry-leading and award-winning curvature for a truly immersive, comfortable and differentiating viewing experience. It has superior picture quality, productivity and entertainment-enhancing technology features, and design sophistication, taking usual TV watching into higher level.

“Samsung has once again created another milestone for Filipino families in making their living innovative,” said Ireen Catane, Samsung Electronic Philippines Co. Enterprise Business Director. “With SE790C Curved Monitor’s Immersive and Comfortable Viewing Experience, consumers can now also enjoy watching TV while bonding with their families. And that’s what Samsung is also up for.”

Immersive and Comfortable Viewing Experience 
The innovative 3000R (curvature radius of 3,000mm) curvature design of the SE790C provides a noticeably different viewing experience from traditional flat screen monitors and competitive curved monitors. Unlike flat screen monitors where the viewing distance differs from the center of the screen to the edges, the screen edges of the SE790C more closely match the natural curve of a viewer’s eyes.  As a result, the SE790C creates a distortion-free viewing experience with less eye strain and enhanced comfort for viewer.

In fact, the curved monitor’s superior eye comfort has been validated by TÜV Rheinland, a leading international certification organization. The rigorous certification process involved an evaluation of the monitor’s color presentation, color uniformity, viewing angle, and curved space and flicker-free operation.

An edge-to-edge curve also enables panoramic-like viewing, creating a wider and fuller field of view, and a more immersive visual experience. The monitor’s optimal curved design creates a high 3D-like effect ratio that makes the screen seem larger than a flat screen of the same size. This 3D-like effect increases when depth becomes larger or the viewing distance becomes closer.

Vibrant Picture Quality 
To ensure multi-media content can be enjoyed with the finest picture quality, clarity and intensity it deserves, the Samsung SE790C features a 21:9 aspect ratio and ULTRA-WQHD resolution of 3,440 by 1,440 pixels to deliver stunning picture quality.
Complemented by a wide viewing angle, the monitor’s best-in-class static contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and 300 cd/m2 typical brightness result in dynamic lighting and shading for lifelike pictures with deeper blacks, vivid colors and sharper detail. The extra-wide viewing angle of 178 degrees horizontally and vertically optimizes the viewing experience from any position and minimizes picture distortion.

Optimized for Productivity and Entertainment
An array of features take multi-tasking, gaming and movie watching to the next level. The SE790C comes equipped with Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) 2.0 functions for enhanced work efficiency. PbP allows users to easily connect two devices, such as a desktop, laptop, gaming device (Xbox, PlayStation, etc.) or Set-Top Box (STB), and view both simultaneously on the monitor without compromising screen real-estate. PiP 2.0 enables multi-tasking without the need to downscale content. The monitor also is equipped with four USB 3.0 super-charging ports to eliminate the need for a docking station and maintain 24/7 connectivity for all your devices.

The SE790C also offers a variety of entertainment-enhancing capabilities, including a unique game mode, high-quality stereo sound and fast response time. Using the game mode, the curved monitor intelligently detects changes in scenes by correcting blurry images, enhancing colors and altering contrast for improved visibility of in-game action. The monitor’s embedded 7-watt dual stereo speakers also deliver a high-quality stereo sound and a richer experience, while a response time of four milliseconds ensures gamers see even the fastest on-screen action clearly and smoothly without motion blur or ghosting.

Premium and Ergonomic Design
Constructed from sophisticated metallic materials, the SE790C is designed with a clean and understated look that ensures nothing distracts viewers from the curved screen. The elegantly curved T-shaped, height-adjustable stand (HAS) and clean back with hidden VESA bracket support work together to enhance the monitor’s sophisticated and ergonomic design to maximize productivity and comfort.

Take Your Shot to a Dining Experience in Nobu Hotel Manila!

People are raving about Nobu Hotel Manila as people can get to experience celebrity-inspired hospitality in Japanese setting right at the Philippines’ newest entertainment capital, the City of Dreams Manila.

In celebration of its upcoming official launch, Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila is giving away a delectable set-dinner for two at the Nobu Manila restaurant to a lucky winner!

All you need to do is to take a photo of yourself in Nobu Hotel Manila and make it your official entry. Here is the full mechanics:

1) LIKE our Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila Facebook Page
(link it to https://www.facebook.com/NobuHotelManila?fref=ts)

2) LIKE the contest post
(link it to https://www.facebook.com/NobuHotelManila/photos/pb.361302950738790.-2207520000.1431030718./384542081748210/?type=3&theater)

3) TAKE A SNAPSHOT of yourself at Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila, then upload the photo in the comments section of this Facebook post using hashtag ‪#‎nobuhotelmanila‬

4) TAG the person you want to take to dinner and tell us in a creative way why you choose them!
With mother’s day just around the corner, why not treat your mom for dinner in one of the most elite restaurant here in Metro Manila. So what are you waiting for? Join the Nobu contest now and experience an exquisite dinner prepared by the top international Chefs in the country.

**Terms and Conditions apply. Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila will select the final winning entry. The contest will run from 4 May at 13:00 Manila Time to 15 May at 18:00 Manila Time.

A Treat to Remember For Moms At Burgoo

On Mother’s Day, here’s a treat to remember for moms at Burgoo: Angus Rib Eye Steak, Spinach Grilled Salmon, Surf and Steak, and Trio  Fajitas.  Your mom will receive P250.00 worth of Burgoo certificate which she can use on her next visit if you order any of these sumptuous treats.

Also highly recommended at Burgoo  are Oklahoma-Style Grilled Baby Back Ribs, Hamburgoo, Supreme Pizza,  Lemon-Peppered Grilled Lapu-Lapu, Country-Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Linguini, Grilled Pork Chops, etc. 

Visit Burgoo at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina; SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite;  3rd level Terraces Mall in Fairview; and  Starmall in Taguig.  For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091 or 6336256.

Alviera Brightscape Campfest offers starlit weekend adventure

Experience the height of summer through the best and possibly most fun-tastic event of the season. Arts, music, and adventure come together in an unforgettable event at the Alviera Brightscape Campfest on May 30-31, 2015 at SandBox at Alviera in Porac, Pampanga.

Alviera, home of the great outdoor play park SandBox, hosts its first summer camp out in a weekend jampacked with activities you can enjoy with friends and family.

This unique camping experience provides guests with their own tents in an outdoor campsite, campfire treats, stargazing sessions with telescopes, comfort amenities, and fun field day events and activities at the SandBox. Evenings in Alviera are breezy and cool, marked by a beautiful night sky. To cap the night, the Brightscape Music Jam features a concert under the stars from some of the hottest names in music.



Packages to the Alviera Brightscape Campfest come in Day Adventurer and Weekend Camper variants. Day Adventurer, at P1,990 per person, comes with roundtrip transportation from Manila to Alviera (with travel insurance), free use of all SandBox thrills and attractions, access to all Brightscape Field Day Events, passes to the Brightscape Music Jam, as well as an event kit filled with surprise Brightscape Campfest freebies.


Weekend Camper tickets at P2,990 per person entitle participants to all Day Adventurer inclusions, plus overnight campsite stay, access to campsite-exclusive activities, free use of Coleman tents, exclusive use of SandBox and a hearty buffet breakfast on Sunday morning, May 31.

The Brightscape Field Day events start with kite-flying, drumming, basic survival skills, flow arts movement and a lot of SandBox action. Watch the skies for amazing kites then learn to make them and fly your own. Kite-flying and kite design are featured in Art in the Sky sessions. Wilder necessities takes you on a walk on the wild side to learn basic nature skills from local experts. Learn to drink water from bamboo stalks, kindle a small camp fire or pick out edibles from available plants around you. It’s fun field survival 101.

Ever marched to the beat of your own drum? Here’s a chance to find your rhythm and feel the beat at Pulses & Artbeats. Led by the high-energy Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, join this community drum circle to experience pulsing drumbeats like no other. If you’re into moving with the beat, learn the basics of flow arts movement from the experts at Flow Arts Philippines. Swing and sway using poi, hoops and other props.

There’s a whole day to enjoy all of SandBox’s attractions. Take in the Adventure Tower, the Avatar One rollercoaster zipline, Giant Swing, Aerial Walk and the 9-km Alviera-Columbia Bike Trail. Plus, there’s mini-golf, archery, children’s playground and ATV/UTV rides.

As the sun sets, the outdoor stage show opens with Ring of Fire, a sunset spin jam featuring the flow artists and Djembe musicians. Shadowtales follows suit, a silhouette puppet theater performance written and performed exclusively for the event. The evening culminates with the soundtrack to a sizzling summer with the Brightscape Music Jam starring Barbie Almalbis, Imago, Quest, The Ransom Collective, Chocolate Factory, Brisom, Absolute Play, and the Adinkra Lumads.

Simultaneously, Weekend Campers will be treated to exclusive Camper Field Day Events, such as tent-pitching 101 from Coleman’s camping pros, a bonfire session with s’mores treats provided, and stargazing and star-mapping sessions.

“Brightscape Campfest is an exclusive summer experience that only Alviera can provide. It’s a unique and great way to celebrate and crown the summer,” said John Estacio, Alviera General Manager. “Visitors will even have a choice between staying the whole day and taking in the breezy plains of Porac, or they can go weekend camping with us overnight.  We welcome everyone to enjoy the outdoors with us here.”

Brightscape Campfest packages are available at www.travelfactor.org/brightscape. Tickets only with prices of P1,000 for Day Adventurer and P1,500 for Weekend Camper can be purchased via www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Alviera Brightscape Campfest is an event presented by Ayala Land and Leonio Land in partnership with Travel Factor, Coleman, Alveo, Avida and Avida Settings Alviera, and Philippine Star. This is also brought to you by The North Face, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Widus Hotel, and Marquee Mall.

HOTEL JEN MANILA WELCOMES EDWARD KOLLMER AS THE NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Hotel Jen Manila (formerly Traders Hotel, Manila) is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Kollmer as the hotel’s new General Manager. Mr. Kollmer is responsible for overseeing the entire hotel’s day-to-day operations. With a wealth of over a decade of hospitality experience, he brings a tactical approach to revenue management and operational excellence for the recently rebranded hotel.

His passion and drive to achieve excellence in operations and progress in business development continues to inspire the team to embrace the values and vision of Hotel Jen and live Jen’s dream for guests which is to start with anticipation and end on a high.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Kollmer was the General Manager of Thistle Johor Bahru in Malaysia for three years. He also worked as a General Manager for Thistle the Royal Trafalgar Hotel, Grosvenor Hotel, Thistle Marble Arch in London and Holiday Inn Rochester UK.

An Irish national, Mr. Kollmer graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management and completed his master’s degree from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom.

Located on Roxas Boulevard, Hotel Jen is just about 20 minutes away from the international and domestic airports and it’s 30 minutes away to the Makati Business District. Just next door are the country’s premier conference and exhibition facilities: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Philippine International Convention Center, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center. But life should never be all work and no play—Malate, the entertainment district is only a short walk away.

For inquiries, please call (632) 795 8888. Visit www.hoteljen.com/manila. In the social media channels, Hotel Jen Manila is on Facebook (/HotelJenManila), Twitter (@HotelJenManila) and Instagram (@hoteljenmanila).

Arnee Hidalgo shares her style secret: BYS

BYS, Autralia's fastest growing brands of cosmetics which continues to expand around the world is now here in the Philippines. BYS was established in 2004 and is found over 30 countries worldwide.It is a great value cosmetics that is good value for money. When I chanced upon BYS Minerals Naturale Foundation two years ago at SM North Edsa, and the rave was about Minerals loose powder then, I gave it a try, for about 5 months it let my skin breathe from all the powder foundation that I had been using all those years, because we have to rest our skin from the build up of applying 2 way powder foundation.  It is surprisingly a good substitute for Bare Minerals, another high end brand, which has the same quality, texture and amazing staying power at an affordable price. Needless, to say it has become one of my staple beauty product resting in between my powder foundation.

BYS recently launched its new ambassador singing sensation, R&B, the sultry Arnee Hidalgo from "The Voice of the Philippines" last April 28 at Resorts World Manila together with Jeffrey Hidalgo and iFace President, Tony Chua. A BYS Make-Up booth was installed for a free make up session to the public.

 "Bring Your Style for a beautiful, youthful, stunning You," encourages women to embrace their inner, fiercer fashionistas.  A devoted mother who actively pursues her dreams with great style, she is truly an inspiration to all Filipinas out there, and the perfect role model for such a campaign. When asked about her beauty routine, she never forget to cleanse, tone and moisturize in the morning and evening. It is one beauty must for her to keep her skin glowing and fresh all day. Her fashion icon is Victoria Beckham, she loves the way Beckham carries herself with her classic style.

Arnee Hidalgo sang the BYS theme which his brother Jeffrey Hidalgo, a seasoned composer and director composed exclusively for BYS.  Ickay Eusebio choreographed the upbeat and catchy song while John Lozano, a celebrity stylist helped them dressed/styled for the campaign.





Telling people everywhere to "Be brave" and "Be fearless," BYS caters to all from the young and wild to the confident and classy. Their artistic endeavor has shown everyone what it truly means to be diverse and have a great range (as big as their ever-expanding product line, available exclusively at The SM Store and selected Watson's store.

As part of this exciting campaign, Arnee will have a series of mall shows
nationwide, starting May 9 at SM Sta. Rosa and May 10 at SM Calamba to promote her latest single, with the perfect combo of makeup and zumba fitness sessions.


Be a part of the campaign today! Watch the music video on MYX and YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYblEVz8AU4

Make mom feel extra special at Hotel Jen

This May 10, 2015, express your love for the number one woman in your life with Latitude’s Mother’s Day Promo. 

Amaze her with a buffet that will make her feel extra special on her special day. To make it even more memorable, Latitude has prepared a line of festive dishes dedicated to satisfy any mother's fine taste. She also gets to witness a special cooking demo with our Executive Sous Chef, Dirk Fiedler and take home a complimentary memento.

For details and reservation, please call (632) 795 8888 or email food&beverage.hjm@hoteljen.com

Pru Life UK supports Manny Pacquiao by bringing live coverage of the ‘Fight of the Century’

 As the nation prepares for the ‘Fight of the Century’ between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., life insurance giant Pru Life UK is saluting every Filipino fighter by bringing the world title fight live to many who have never before had such an opportunity, particularly those who are still recovering from typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

Pru Life UK is working with 10 communities in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Albay, Aklan, and Northern Samar, as well as Bantayan Island in Cebu to bring live coverage of the match on May 3rd. On Bantayan Island, the match will be aired in three municipalities of Santa Fe, Madridejos, and Bantayan. The fight is to be aired live for Filipinos in 10 communities across the country

Through this initiative, Pru Life UK is continuing its long-term commitment to its rebuilding and recovery efforts in the central Philippines following super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013. On Bantayan Island, Pru Life UK and its charitable arm Prudence Foundation has helped rebuild houses and shelters and has provided new motorized fishing boats and pedicabs with nearly 250 staff and agent volunteers from 10 countries across Asia and the United Kingdom.

“As the country prepares for the ‘Fight of the Century’, we want to lift the spirits of those fighting to recover from typhoon Yolanda. We are excited about the fight, but more than that, we are inspired by every Filipino fighter from all walks of life. We saw the opportunity to bring the fight to those who do not have access to it, and we are overjoyed to be able to connect them to the rest of the world as we cheer on the ‘People’s Champ’,” said Antonio Manuel de Rosas, President and CEO of Pru Life UK.

“Seeing the Cebuanos in Bantayan Island get back on their feet has been a truly a remarkable experience for our staff and volunteers. Helping them rebuild their homes is just the first step. We hope that watching this fight live gives them the opportunity to set aside their daily struggles as they join in this national celebration,” he continued.

A TV commercial about this initiative was launched Tueday, April 28, which was shot on location in Bantayan Island as preparations for the live broadcast of the fight were being made. Pru Life UK is also providing the iconic red headbands shown in the commercial to communities across the Philippines to unite them in preparation for the fight.

The TV commercial will be aired on television, digital and social media, with a hashtag #ForEveryPinoyFighter

“How can we watch the fight if we don’t have electricity?” asked Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana. “We are delighted that Pru Life UK is bringing the fight to our island. Everyone is excited about the match, and we support Manny all the way to the end.”

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.