Harman the leader in revolutionary sound launches JBL Splashproof, Charge 2+ and JBL Clip

I have a collection of audio speakers of different sizes, colors and styles, its function from alarm clock to home mini speakers.   I got the penchant of collecting mini speakers 2 years ago because of the styles, features and how portable it is.   ( the candy colored cute ones I had it arranged in my cabinet) and checked with what company manufactured them afterwards, the moment I got curious with the quality of the sounds.

I am not particular with the quality or the crispness of the sounds until I got this mini JBL bluetooth speaker Clip, from an event that I attended last year.  I have been using the Clip eversince, and carrying it when I am out of town. It is the best high-quality sound stylish speaker that I have up to this day, that's why I was as excited as everybody else when I got an invite to the Harman JBL launch last Sept. 17 at Edsa Shangri-la Hotel.

 HARMAN the premier audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group introduces the JBL Charge 2+ and JBL Clip+ Bluetooth speakers to take music with you on outdoor adventures and during spring and summer months filled with days near lakes, beaches and water parks. These ultra-portable speaker systems are versatile in their durability, provide hands-free listening and deliver powerful, high-quality JBL sound. Splashproof means there is no need to worry about rain or spills, and you can even clean these JBL speakers with running tap water.

Before a speaker can be described as truly versatile, it must be able to handle the unexpected. And the JBL Clip+ has been created for this purpose— from its durable, splashproof design to its portability. Its built-in carabineer makes it possible to bring music on all of your adventures. Whether you toss it into your backpack at the end of your day or bring it to your kayaking outdoor adventure, the JBL Clip+ can take care of itself. Its durable, double-injection housing protects the speaker and ensures that it will always produce the same quality audio as it had on day one. During the summer months, music can complement any activity with this very convenient form factor.

The JBL Charge 2+ takes the party everywhere – be it poolside or dancing in the rain – and amplifies the excitement. It is a portable, compact stereo speaker with room-filling sound and a battery with capacity enough to power your lifestyle—however active it may be. Allowing you to listen wirelessly and charge endlessly in rain or shine, its 6,000 mAh lithium-ion battery keeps the music going for a full 12 hours, with power to spare for charging phones, tablets and other devices through its USB port to ensure that you are never left hanging without your tunes or mobile device while on any expedition. The device anticipates that some adventures will no doubt be taken with friends; the speaker’s social mode lets up to three people take turns streaming music from their mobile phone, tablet or laptop playlists.

Both the JBL Clip+ and the JBL Charge 2+’s connectivity are not just about the music, but the devices are also about staying connected while you are out and about. Use Bluetooth to communicate with others through the built-in, hands-free conference speakerphones. With noise and echo-cancelling technology, along with a built-in microphone, the JBL Clip+ and the JBL Charge 2+ will ensure that your phone conversations are never less than crystal clear—even if you are near the loudest waterfall.

Both models are available in eight colors: Black, Blue, Red, Gray, Teal, Yellow, Pink and Orange.



JBL Charge 2+ Features
• Wireless Bluetooth Streaming - Wirelessly stream high-quality stereo sound from your smartphone or tablet.
• 6000mAH Rechargeable Battery - Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 12 hours of playback time and charges devices via the USB port.
• Speakerphone - Take crystal clear calls from your speaker thanks to the noise and echo cancelling speakerphone.
• Splashproof - Splashproof means no more worrying about rain or spills and you can even clean it with running tap water.
• Social Mode - Music has never been this social, connect up to 3 music sources to the same Charge 2+ and listen to your friend’s favorite songs.
• JBL Bass Radiator - Hear the bass, feel the bass, see the bass. Dual external passive radiators demonstrate just how powerful your speakers are.



Pricing and Availability
The JBL Charge 2+ Portable Speaker System (SRP P7,995) and the JBL Clip+ Ultra-Portable Speaker System (SRP P2,995) are currently available at JBL/Harman Kardon Concept stores and will soon be available nationwide.

For more information, visit http://ph.jbl.com and http://ph.harmankardon.com.

Like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JBL-Philippines-1562785297296687

Follow on Twitter: @JBLPH

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As the leader in revolutionary sound, JBL continues to push audio boundaries through innovation and personalized sound technology. The JBL brand offers unprecedented wireless speaker performance for authentic audio experience.

Wind-powered Guimaras to sustain energy for 48,000 households

In an effort to give greater emphasis on the use of more sustainable energy sources in the Philippines, Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation, through its subsidiary Trans-Asia Renewable Energy Corporation (TAREC), completed a 54-megawatt wind farm in the Visayan province of Guimaras.

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm, named after the town in which it is located, is projected to generate over 120 GWh of electricity annually, which can sustain the energy demands of 48,000 households.
“The Visayas is currently experiencing a surge in infrastructure and economic progress, which will eventually lead to higher energy demands,” TAREC reps said. “The wind farm is more than capable of answering this demand. It will be a key contributor in producing renewable energy in the region,” TAREC continued.

Aside from the energy that it yields, TAREC representatives also envision the project to become a tourist attraction in the area. “The wind turbines emanate a sense of majesty and architectural beauty that will makes it a perfect photo backdrop for visitors,” TAREC said.

The project was built prioritizing reliability, efficiency and durability. Key components of the facility -the ring main units for the wind turbine generators, the vacuum circuit breakers for the main switchgear and the protection relays for the protection panels of the substations, along with the training to operate these systems were part of the end-to-end solution provided by Schneider Electric. These components were designed and installed to protect the wind farm from many system faults, ensuring reliable production all-year round.

TAREC expressed confidence in their choice of design and components as Schneider Electric’s products and services are known to be one of the most reliable in the world. Schneider’s years of experience in the industry made them the brand of choice for most energy projects, especially renewable energy facilities such as wind farms.

“We look forward to the advancements this infrastructure will bring to Guimaras.  So far, we’re happy that we have used advanced solutions from Schneider Electric to power this wind farm,” stated TAREC.

The San Lorenzo Wind Farm consists of 27 wind turbines, each generating 2 MW of energy. The project is expected to contribute to the global effort of reducing greenhouse gas emission in the atmosphere estimated at 1.3 million tons of carbon dioxide over a 20-year project lifespan.
For more information on the services and components used in the San Lorenzo Wind Farm, please visit http://www.schneider-electric.com.ph.

Joanique presents the Maskara Collection with influences from Venice,Italy

Ms. Malou Romero, the creative juice behind the Philippine-based accessories brand Joanique launches her Maskara jewelries and clutch bags to the media last Sept. 16 at the Kabila, M Cafe, Makati. The event was hosted by Ms. Angel Jacob. The Maskara clutches consist of round-shaped bags with distinct and lively faces, carrying with it its own spirit. Designs range from the vibrant native Filipino masks to the dramatic ones influenced by the Carnival of Venice in Italy.

Joanique spreads literal smiles with a collection that embodies the festive Filipino spirit. Available across the world, with stores in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and America, Joanique and its Maskara jewelries and clutch bags take inspiration from a colorful fiesta in the city of Bacolod, aptly named the City of Smiles. Self-taught designer of Joanique, Malou Romero, aimed to share the symbol of the happy spirit crafted within the Maskara, or the smiling mask.

The uniquely Filipino statements from Joanique began in 2011, when Malou decided to raise awareness on the archipelago’s colorful past and cultural traditions through artistic expressions that broke through to the fashion industry. Overtime, the brand became known for not only its premium quality in materials, but also its focus on beauty, and its ability to tell exciting and authentic stories that captures the heart of the Philippines.

Malou Romero has designed jewelry with ethnic designs that no one else can champion, always with eye-catching colors and a strong base of gold and silver. Hands-on, she oversees the design, material selection, and production of every piece. Each of her practical creations “must be worn in order to be understood,” with an elegant style catching the attention of publications like Vogue, Travelite, Le Mag Paris, and stores like Anthropologie.



Marvel on the fine and intricate designs of their current and past collections, and get a hold of your own Joanique item through their online store by logging on to shop.joanique.com. Each photo presented on their website is beautifully landscaped and is perfectly viewable whether it would be on desktop or mobile.

You can catch Joanique at upcoming tradeshows in Pavilion 3 Fiera, Milan, Italy on September 26-28 and in Jardin des Tuileries, at Paris, France on October 2-5.

Nips partners with SoFA and MYX in celebrating the talented youth of today

The Nips chocolate that we grew up with, yes that rainbow-colored colorful candy-coated chocolate local brand that I used to buy in the sari-sari store and used to munch with high school friends.
 I remember buying 5 sachets and separate colors from red to yellow to blue, and would put it in a separate mini container and eat it accordingly with the siblings when we played Monopoly.  At the end of the game, the winner gets to eat the red ones and would bite on it non-stop until he/she produced the reddest tongue with chocolates on and we all would die of envy. The childhood memories still clings up to this moment.

I just discovered recently during the  Nips Pop Fest 2015 event that Nips comes with variant of flavors including my favorite peanut and fruit and nut and they have added violet or purple candy chocolate nip to their rainbow colored coated candies. Plus, we together with blogger friend Cristelle enjoyed the free-for-all coloring wall with exciting patterns waiting to be filled, its like youre in a giant Colorfy, and joined the Slow Mo booth which enabled us to take wacky slow motion videos with colorful and fun accessories on.

Colorful candy-coated chocolate brand, Jack ‘n Jill Nips, celebrated the youth’s creativity and talent with its Nips Pop Fest 2015 last September 19. The event was hosted by TV host Robi Domingo and VJ Ai with performances from Itchyworms.

Jack ‘n Jill Nips partners with SoFA Design Institute and MYX  showcasing entries for the Nips T-shirt Design Contest. Winners of the t-shirt design contest were also awarded as much as P100,000 during the event.

During the colorful festivity, Nips awarded special prizes to the winners of the HaNIPS music video-making contest.

The music video-making contest is Nips’ way to add a twist to its well-known jingle. The contest, in partnership with local music channel MYX, engaged the creativity of today’s youth to come up with their interpretation of the jingle and turn it into a music video.

A grand prize worth P100,000 was awarded to the PinakaHaNips (best overall music video) video of 24-year-old Kharleigh Macapagal. She created a video of a quiet day at the beach with nature doing its own magic, unleashing its own array of colors.

“I just focused on the personality of Nips and how it brings color to any situation anytime, anywhere,” said Macapagal. “And even the whole process of brainstorming and producing the video and jingle, it was really like Nips – pure, unadulterated fun with my siblings and cousins who helped me get things done.”

Macapagal’s entry entitled “Rainbow Connection” also won P50,000 for bagging the HaNIPS with Nips (best use of Nips products) and HaNIPS sa video (best in video execution) special awards.

A close contender to the PinakaHaNips video was “Let’s Make a Rainbow” from aspiring filmmaker Alvin Cabalhug. His video and jingle focused on highlighting the teeming love and friendship seen when sharing a bag of Nips. Cabalhug received P50,000 for winning the HaNIPs sa Song (best in musical score) and HaNIPS sa lyrics (best in lyrics) special awards.

“I am really grateful that my entry is being recognized. Song-writing and filmmaking are really my hobbies, and these have been great avenues for me to showcase my skills,” said Cabalhug.

The side attractions were not short of entertainment as well. Attendees got the chance to explore booths that were all about pops of color such as the face painting booth and a free-for-all coloring wall with exciting patterns waiting to be filled. Treat carts were also in place for every happy snacking need. Also, the Slow Mo booth enabled the guests to take wacky slow motion videos of themselves with matching props and confetti. To complete the fun, mall goers received a special Nips premium item after visiting all booths.

“Jack ‘n Jill Nips continues to create and innovate to give more pops of joy to its consumers,” says URC Marketing Director for Confectionery Jane Bernardo. “With Nips, there are more ways to bring out one’s playful side with activities such as the Nips Pop Fest 2015.”


Nips Pop Fest HaNips music video-making contest winner Kharleigh Macapagal took home as much as P200,000 for her “Rainbow Connection” video.

Anne Hathaway is back as a fashion mogul in "The Intern"

It has been a long time since an Anne Hathaway movie, I will always love Anne who plays Andrea Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada because of her fashion taste,  now comes "The Intern" stars with no less than Robert De Niro.

Anne Hathaway stars opposite De Niro as Jules Ostin, the founder of an e-commerce site, About the Fit, in Warner Bros. Pictures' new drama comedy “The Intern.”

In the film directed Nancy Meyers (“It's Complicated,” “The Holiday”), seventy-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site that's growing at hyper speed. When owner and founder Jules agreed to have senior interns join the company, however, she assumed that meant seniors in college.

“Jules isn’t so great with older people,” Meyers acknowledges. “She has a bit of a bumpy relationship with her mom, so she feels she might not be the best candidate to be assigned a senior intern.”
Hathaway adds, “She resists initially because she knows the speed at which her business and her life run, and she imagines somebody older might slow her down. But the senior intern program may be just what she needs.

“Jules is a type A; she very much has the ‘lean in’ mentality,” the actress continues. “She’s incredibly smart and another thing I really like about her is she’s got an amazing heart. The reason her company is doing so well is not just because she’s so brilliant, but also because everything she does is from a genuine place of passion and vision…and that’s also a reflection of Nancy,” she smiles.

Meyers says Hathaway’s work ethic is not far removed from her character’s. “Annie has tremendous substance. She has great drive and energy on screen and is one of those rare actresses who can do it all. She’s funny when we need her to be, and so vulnerable and truthful in the more dramatic moments. She’s also not straight down the middle, she’s got a quirkiness to her, which I love.”

What begins as resistance on Jules’s part soon gives way to respect and appreciation. Hathaway attests, “In a company full of young techies with maybe not so many people skills, Ben is the person who inspires us to look up from our computers and really engage. Jules is the product of a generation that makes snap decisions: click on it, tweet it, post it, trash it; so I think she puts a lot of pressure on herself. Ben shows up and he just listens to her. He doesn’t judge, he just accepts her and brings a level of calm. She knows she’s not easy and he thinks that’s great about her. All the things that she’s afraid other people find off-putting, he sees as indicators of someone of value. He may have wanted to be needed but it turns out she needed him too.”

De Niro offers, “Jules is very ambitious and smart and has been fortunate to fill a niche with this business that she’s created. I think anytime you start something, you have to treat it with a lot of love and attention; you really have to invest yourself in it. Jules does. She is very hands-on. She extends herself and puts caring into every detail to make sure that it’s all done right.”
“The friendship that gradually forms between Ben and Jules is what kept me writing,” states Meyers. “It’s their personal connection that drives this story.”



The director also observes that De Niro and Hathaway’s chemistry established a powerful dynamic between their characters. “It’s this magical thing that happens if you’re lucky,” says Meyers. “It can’t be forced, it just happens. There’s just something special between Ben and Jules, and also Bob and Annie. And I believe it’s very palpable on screen.”

“I was so fortunate to have had Bob by my side,” Hathaway declares. “He is such a terrific guy and, it goes without saying, was wonderful as Ben. He makes these razor sharp turns in a scene and you feel chills go through your soul because that power is so strong and so focused and you’re right next to it. But he’s so modest and so laid back and easy going, you forget for a moment that he’s one of the greatest actors who have ever lived.”

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, September 24, “The Intern” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The pride of Eastern Samar Jose Joy Chicano wins the Project Runway PH Season 4

Jose Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar won the coveted Project Runway PH Season 4 last September 20, besting over Ms. Celine Borromeo from Cebu and Jared Servano from Koronadal.  I remember  Jose Joy Chicano's japanese -inspired wrap dress, the crowd's favorite  from the Project Runway Season 4 launch last May 27 at the Green Sun, Makati. My link here and pics
http://lemongreenteaph.blogspot.com/2015/05/who-will-be-next-filipino-runway-pride.html

The 3 Project Runway PH Season 4 finalists were presented to the media last September 16 at Le Jardin French Restaurant, BGC Taguig. The mini presscon were attended by guests judge Ms. Tweety De Leon-Gonzales, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Laureen Uy, Robbie Carmona and other fashion celebrities.

The winning designer and the winning model of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 receive spreads in Mega Magazine,  P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Aivee Institute and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Face Shop. The winning designer will receive P250,000 to help him start his own line as well as P250,000 from Brother International. The winning designer will also get a chance to showcase his or her collection in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.



 Project Runway Philippines’ top three designers presented their final collections last September 20 on ETC

Ms. Celine Borromeo's creation

Twenty-two year old Celine Borromeo from Cebu City has caught the judges’ eye with her wearable and feminine designs, specially tailored to flatter any body type. Having won three challenges, she has been a top contender from the beginning of the show.

Twenty-one year old Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar has made a name for himself as an avant-garde designer with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. His unique point of view has made him a favorite among the judges, who commend his ability to stay true to himself and his vision.

Forty-four year old Jared Servano from Koronadal has brought local culture to the runway with contemporary designs that reflect the traditions of his hometown. His dedication to showcasing local artistry and his ability to transform them into modern silhouettes has earned him praise from the judges.

Judging the final runway are supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez, A-list designer Rajo Laurel, and fashion and beauty expert Apples Aberin. Joining them as special guest judge is internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori.

As founder and CEO of Natori Company, Josie Natori seamlessly molds eastern and western influences into her line of sensuous and elegant lingerie. To date, she regularly shows on New York Fashion Week and has collaborated with Target to launch its first limited-edition lingerie and loungewear collection.

She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and of the Committee of 200. She also sits on the boards of the Asian Cultural Council, the Orchestra of St Luke's, the Staute of Liberty – Ellis Foundation, Women in Need, and the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines. She has received the prestigious Lakandula Award and has been awarded the Fashion Group International's prestigious Humanitarian Award.

Catch the finale of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 on September 20, Sunday at 7 pm with a replay at 10 pm. ETC is available on Sky Cable 16, Destiny Cable 16, Cable Link 34, Cignal 9, Destiny Analog 28 and UHF 21. ETC can also be streamed anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, tablet, and laptop for free via www.blink-now.com.

Kaminabe and Tobanyaki dishes are the best at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant

My love for Japanese food started way back from the time I craved for maki, ramen and sushi. I always associate Japanese food with colors and tastes, the look of sashimi is good as it looks. The ramen is one comfort food that I cant leave without I always enjoy it anytime of the day, perfect with gyoza.

I have been passing by the Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant last July, one week after their opening, I told my partner that the next time we have an "event" at the SM Megafashion hall, we will set aside time to eat at Rosanjin Restaurant, and 2 months after that, our prayers were answered, we received an invite to dine at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant.

Australian Rib Steak

Just as when you fall in love with their tobanyaki and kaminabe. Rosanjin's interior is minimalist and perfect with the right amount of lighting, I just fell in love with their cute red umbrellas hanging in the ceiling the traditional Japanese way.

Rosanjin offers their specialty Australian Rib Steak meal, cooked using "toban" Tobanyaki. It was laid out and cooked on our table. I was fascinated by this way of cooking using the earthenware "Toban"  it transmitted heat easily with ultra red-lay effect that retains the juiciness and flavor of the food without burning. The cooking time is around 5 to 7 minutes, if you want your rib steak well done, you have to add another minute or more of heating. It was juicy and delicious, cooked just the way I wanted.

It is safe enough to raise the heat to 375 degrees for about 30 minutes to get the toban properly heated without any problem.

There are many menus to be cooked the "Tobanyaki" way such as the Chicken Cheeseyaki, Pork Belly Spicy Misoyaki, Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Misoyaki and the Meat Platter. 

Australian Rib Steak and Salmon Butteryaki

What intrigued me is the "Kaminabe" way of cooking using japanese paper as a pot. Just the same as Tobanyaki, the food was cooked and laid in our table. The japanese paper theyre using is made of Mulberry tree, paperbush from genpi tree. The paper doesnt burn because ‘Kami-nabe’ are pots made of strong ‘washi’ (Japanese paper) with an extremely dense texture. ‘Washi’ was invented during the Edo period (1600-1868) and is used in many traditional arts such as origami, ukiyo-e and sumi-e. It is highly durable against water and heat.

Shrimp Kaminabe

Seafood Kaminabe

Sukiyaki

The food cooked the "Kaminabe" way is delicious not to mention healthy because the paper absorb the grease or oil from the food.  Using the paper pot for cooking is truly the Japanese ingenious technique that distinctly recognized as theirs.  The paper pot is also used to skim off any lye in the soup which the food produces. It also helps remove the bitter taste or alkaline flavour in the soup.

The taste of the food is good and healthy as well, the Kaminabe cuisine is good for those on a diet or love paper pot dishes. I would love to come back and try their other specialties as well.

It is truly worth the dining experience at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant, next time you'll visit them, please share your experience as well.