Western Union PH holds the Guinness World Records largest coin mosaic

The World's  largest coin mosaic holder now belongs to the Western Union PH by Guinness World Records. Western Union celebrate its 25th year of service in the Philippines last Sept 30 by forming the coin mosaic the image of the company’s 25th anniversary logo with the image of a rising sun to represent hope and a brighter future while the abstract of a dove symbolizes the company’s ambition for the young children who will benefit from this project. The tagline “25 Years of Moving the Filipino for Better” Both logo and tagline celebrates and reaffirms the company’s commitment towards bringing a better life for the Filipino through financial progress.

The total value of the coins used in mounting the coin mosaic, an estimated P3.5 million, will be part of Western Union’s Technology Aiding the Nation’s Youth to Accelerate Growth program or TANYAG. The company tapped the Knowledge Channel Foundation in providing both the hardware and content of the multimedia libraries with each of the 25 public schools receiving a multimedia package, consisting of a 32” LED television with a set of speakers, and a laptop preloaded with Knowledge Channel’s educational videos. The recipients of the multimedia libraries will be 25 public schools, with five in Metro Manila, ten in Luzon, six in the Visayas, and four in Mindanao.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Judge Jack Brockbank confimed the Western Union’s record-breaking coin mosaic the world’s largest ever made in terms of surface area.

The image was formed by Php 5- and 10-centavo copper coins, the bronze colored 25-centavo coin, the silver finish of P1, the gold finish of P5, and the dual tone silver and gold face of the P10 coin.

“Forming the coin mosaic is our way of giving back to the Filipino people – the people who have helped us become what we are today. The value of the coins used in the mosaic will be used to help fund the development of elementary public school students through multimedia tools and resources,” said Patricia Riingen, Western Union, Vice President for Southeast Asia and Oceania Region.

Other highlights of the 25th anniversary celebration includes the printing of special anniversary stamps by The Philippine Postal Service (Philpost), specially designed and freshly minted commemorative medals by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Heroes for better campaign, a program launched to recognize and celebrate Filipino heroes from around the world who have dedicated their lives to serving their Fellow Filipinos without anything in return.

Western Union started operations in the Philippines in 1990 and has expanded to more than 8000 locations nationwide. Across the globe, Western Union has over 500,000 agent locations in over 200 countries and territories.

Uniqlo collab with former Hermes designer Lemaire for the Fall Winter 2015 collection

I have always been anticipating for Uniqlo's collaboration with some of the famous designers from Paris.  I have collected and bought some of their collection at a discounted price.  My favorite so far is the Jill Sander and Ines dela Fressange creation, I bought one classic cotton khaki dress from her collection because of its clean, parisienne cut. The dress is originally priced at p4k, and bought it at p1900 on sale.  I love that Ines dela Fressange always has the eye for the classic and easy-to-match apparel without compromising comfort and style.

I learned later this year that the former Hermes designer, Christophe Lemaire has collab with Uniqlo for the Fall Winter 2015 LifeWear collection.

The former Hermes designer has joined the ranks of Uniqlo's top collab designer in the LifeWear Fall Winter 2015 collection. The Lemaire/Ines dela Fressange/Disney Magic For All collaboration was launched last October 1 at the Uniqlo Large Store SM Mega Fashion Hall. The mini show was hosted by Ms. Bianca Valerio who wears the  Lemaire  stylish short coat that features oversized pockets.  The feminine, elegant design is not too manly. The short, compact silhouette lets you wear it in any season and is just right in our Manila weather.

The much-anticipated collaboration showcases UNIQLO’s high quality materials at a perfect price. Sophisticated yet accessible, it offers a timeless color palette of greens, navies, whites, and reds.

Ms. Bianca Valerio wearing the Lemaire Short Coat

UNIQLO offers its special collection only in its large stores in Metro Manila – SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia. These branches have the widest and most complete selection of apparels for women, men, kids and babies. The stores carry limited-edition pieces from international brands and designer collaborations such as DISNEY Magic for All, Ines De La Fressange, and UNIQLO’smost recent partnership with French fashion designer Christophe Lemaire.

The UNIQLO and LEMAIRE collection represents products that embody the LifeWear concept – simple made better –  that is shared by both brands. Every item combines elegance with moderate relaxation and comfort, for modern and advanced wardrobe mainstays.

The much-anticipated collaboration showcases UNIQLO’s high quality materials at a perfect price. Sophisticated yet accessible, it offers a timeless color palette of greens, navies, whites, and reds. The men’s and women’s collections will be available in SM Megamall and SM Aura, two out of UNIQLO’s four large stores starting October 2 until the end of Fall Winter 2015.

UNIQLO and Ines De La Fressange Paris
In 2013,former fashion model and muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, Ines De La Fressange re-launched her own brand, INES DE LA FRESSANGE PARIS, a luxury lifestyle brand that includes a wide range of products to create a truly Parisian style, from ready-to-wear apparel to interior decorations.

Forward to 2015, Ines combined her interest in UNIQLO’s LifeWear with her unique sense of style, based on refined feminine beauty and authentic quality. The UNIQLO and INES DE LA FRESSANGE 2015 Collection Fall and Winter Collaboration employs wool and other natural fabrics in a variety of styles and colors. Ines’ jackets for this season retain traditional tailoring, while offering the modern comforts that women want.

Disney MAGIC FOR ALL Collection
The MAGIC FOR ALL 2015 Fall Winter collection offers a wide range of products from Ultra-Light Down, fleece, flannel shirts, and UTs, to plush toys, umbrellas, room slippers and more. The collection features Walt Disney’s beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as popular characters from Star Wars, Disney Pixar, Toy Story, Marvel’s Avengers and Frozen.

Hugh Jackman meets HK fans for the "Pan" Dragon Parade

Global superstar Hugh Jackman, who plays the fearsome pirate Blackbeard in Warner Bros. Pictures' upcoming action-adventure “Pan,” was in Hong Kong Sept. 28 to meet fans and spearhead the Asian launch of the highly-anticipated film.

After a meet and greet with fans in Times Square, Jackman became the first international star ever to participate in the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival celebration in Hong Kong, the Fire Dragon Festival. As a special honor, Jackman was asked to hold the Fire Dragon’s pearl in the parade.

“Pan” is a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie. The film stars Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard; Garrett Hedlund as James Hook; Oscar nominee Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily; newcomer Levi Miller as Peter; and Amanda Seyfried as Mary. Joe Wright directed “Pan” from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs.

Peter is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in the bleak London orphanage where he has lived his whole life those qualities do not exactly fly. Then one incredible night, Peter is whisked away from the orphanage and spirited off to a fantastical world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. There, he finds amazing adventures and fights life-or-death battles while trying to uncover the secret of his mother, who left him at the orphanage so long ago, and his rightful place in this magical land. Teamed with the warrior Tiger Lily and a new friend named James Hook, Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard to save Neverland and discover his true destiny—to become the hero who will forever be known as Peter Pan.

Jackman's Blackbeard is the pirate all pirates fear, the most formidable presence in all of Neverland, and master of a vast mining camp in the sky. At times grand, at others diabolically cruel, Blackbeard kidnaps children from other worlds to mine for the priceless pixie dust with properties Blackbeard has reason to covet. Blackbeard himself fears only two things: the increasing scarcity of the pixie dust and a prophecy that tells of a boy who will vanquish him – a boy who can fly.


“Peter Pan is one of those seminal stories that is known by all ages in all countries,” says Jackman. “It’s universal, and in creating an origin for Peter, I think Jason and Joe really hooked into the inner child within all of us.”

“For Blackbeard, Jason expanded on just a grain of information from the book, and then created this incredible bad guy, who is played by the nicest man in show business,” Wright smiles.
“I’ve played bad guys before, but I don’t think I’ve ever played one quite this bad,” Jackman notes. “Not only is he dastardly, but he loves to hear himself talk, to make speeches and use big words. He thinks he’s very important, and he is scary, but he’s having a good time and that made him a fun character to play.”

Another reason the actor, who is also a celebrated stage performer, enjoyed the part was that in making his entrance in the film, Blackbeard makes an entrance, one most Broadway performers would envy. “I told Joe, I’ll never get to do this again, play a pirate that sees himself almost as a rock star, and actually get to sing a rock song as a pirate. We—me, the other pirates, the kids—we sang Nirvana, we sang some Ramones, all together, in unison. It was quite spectacular.”

“Blackbeard is a troubled guy, in search of eternal youth and capricious in the extreme,” Wright adds. “One minute, he’ll be charming and funny, the next he’s throwing someone off a plank. He was once in love and lost her, and ever since has been living in a kind of self-imposed turmoil, taking it out on everybody around him, a terrifying and unpredictable force. So we had to let him have a little fun.”

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, October 8, “Pan” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Carmudi reports on growth of PH Car Financing sector

Carmudi, the leading car classifieds in the country today unveiled its report about the growth of Car Financing in the Philippines. The report provides an outlook in the current and future state of car financing in the country and how it affects consumer attitudes towards credit.

The research also revealed that 76-percent of Filipinos are planning to purchase a car in the next two years compared to 65-percent in other emerging markets.

In terms of consumer behavior, the Philippines has the highest level of vehicle upgrade, with 96-percent planning to upgrade their cars when they reach a more financial and stable condition.
Meanwhile, attractive consumer loan programs have boosted the strong demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The growth in consumer loans was driven by a 26-percent increase in auto loans, which translated to P244.61 billion.

As consumer loans continues to grow, local banks are racing to come up with different strategies such as lower interest rates, attractive product offerings, and freebies to boost their share of the industry and give them a competitive edge.

With the Philippine government initiating ongoing economic reforms and a high inflow of remittances, forecasts predict that consumer lending will flourish at a double-digit rate, driving consumers to further invest in cars and motorcycles.

As more banks invest in consumer loans, consumer credit is also expected to increase and become more widely accessible to all Filipinos, the report said.

“Car financing has always been an option that consumers in the Philippines look at when buying a car, and data shows that the demand for auto loans in the country continues to increase,” said Subir Lohani, managing director of Carmudi Philippines.

“With the growing economy and increase in demand for passenger cars, we believe that more of our Filipino customers will seek assistance about financing options. As more banks and financial institutions offer attractive loan programs and require low down payments, we expect auto purchases through financing will continue to flourish in the country,” adds Lohani.

Chuck II unveils 2 new seasonal colors in Grey and Maroon Bordeaux

I have around 10 pairs of Converse, my love affair with the Chucks started way back in college. I collected styles and limited edition, thanks for the sister who always look for style that I need abroad. Now, Converse unveils two new seasonal colors of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II.

Available in a bold grey Thunder and an eye-catching maroon Bordeaux, these new colors embrace the upcoming holiday season and are a perfect complement the original four colors. This marks the first seasonal collection for the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II since its debut on July 28.

Designed to meet the demands of the creative lifestyle of Chuck fans all over the world, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II combines durable new details including a Lunarlon sockliner, nonslip padded tongue, super soft micro-suede lining and a premium canvas. While dialed-up exterior details include the on-trend high foxing, monochrome matte eyelets, tonal pinstripes and statement embroidered All Star patch.


 The all-new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II seasonal colors will be available on Thursday, October 1, for a suggested retail price of Php 3,990 at Converse retail stores. Visit www.converse.com.ph and www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more of Chuck II Seasonal Colors! #ChuckIISeasonalColors

October Music and Laughter in Casino Filipino

In a few more months its December. And the festivities in the different branches of Pagcor continues.

Super comedian Pooh kicks off the comedic festival of talents in Pagcor with a show on  October 2 at Casino Filipino Mimosa.

Funny girl K Brosas entertains with her brand of comedy on October 3  at Casino Filipino Park Mall Cebu and Casino Filipino Olongapo on October 9.

Audiences are in for a big laugh with Allan K at Casino Filipino Hyatt October 10. Allan K will be joined by Aj Tamiza and Le Chazz.

Ivy Violan, also known as the Music Festival Queen for having won in most music festivals here and abroad, and one of the original prime movers of Original Pilipino Music, sings music to melt the heart on October 14 at Casino Filipino Pavillon.

Get ready to be rolling down the aisle with Pooh's antics as he goes to Casino Filipino Mactan Cebu on October 15.

Allan K with Aj Tamiza and Le Chazz will surely bring the house down with a combination of songs and laughter at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on October 17.

And over at Casino Filipino Angeles, K Brosas will cap the night with a performance on October 17.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists

Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar wins the 4th Season of Project Runway PH

Twenty-one year old Joy Chicano has won the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines. The Eastern Samar native has made a name for himself as an avant-garde designer with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Throughout the competition 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.

His 13-piece collection was judged by 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 was internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori. 

As the winner of Project Runway Philippines, Joy will be featured in the October issue of Mega Magazine. He will also receive P150,000 worth of gift certificates from the Aivee Institute and P50,000 worth of gift certificates from the Face Shop. He will also receive P250,000 to help him start his own fashion line as well as P250,000 from Brother International.

Joy’s final collection, along with new pieces, will also be showcased in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.

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.

The sweetness of Villa del Conte is now in SM Megamall

 Villa del Conte, premium artisanal chocolates from Padova, Italy keeps on spreading the sweetness as it opens its new branch at the second floor of Mega Fashion Hall. Luxurious goodness of praline balls and praline sticks with creamy fillings, candy coated chocolates or Ovicinis, bars and more is now made more accessible to all those who have a sweet tooth.

 More treats and surprises are also in store this holiday season.

 For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ to know more about Villa del Conte, or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh, Instagram: http://instagram.com/villadelconte, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte.

The Honda Gen-S scooters; the perfect scooters for the smart riders

 I learned to drive a car when I was 17 years old, my father thought me the "how to's" without sending me to driving school. I learned eventually on my own, I set the rules and I know that Im a defensive driver to begin with.

When the scooter became a fad in Manila where I used to stay 5 years ago, almost everyone from the neighborhood owns a bike or a scooter or "motor" for you. The girls had all the time of their lives driving from our street to the nearest SM San Lazaro mall with their candy colored bikes complete with stereo.   I died of envy,  everytime I see them on the mall, because I wanted to drive my own scooter in this age and time, I guess I have to put this on my "bucketlist" of to do things when you hit your 40s.

If ever I have to buy a scooter, it should be a Honda, because Honda has proven itself to the riding public for so many years now. My siblings bikes are all Honda because of style and practicality.

Leading motorcycle manufacturer Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) has launched Generation S, a new breed of smart, responsible riders who choose and value Honda scooters for their revolutionary technology, innovative features and practicality, it was launched during the Honda Gen-S Scooter Parade and Festival at the Blue Bay Walk in Pasay City last Sept 26 to coincide with the unveiling of the all-new Zoomer-X, the third instalment in Honda’s Gen-S scooters which are all equipped with Smart Technology features.

“These Gen S smart riders appreciate how their Honda scooters, powered by Smart Technology, enhance their daily life by creating positive impacts on fuel savings, road safety and the environment, especially in the long term,” said HPI president Daiki Mihara.

“The Honda Gen-S scooters now include the BeAT-Fi ‘Scooter for All’, the Click125i ‘Premium Scooter’, and the Zoomer-X  ‘Unique Real Naked Scooter’ which all feature Enhanced Smart Power, Idling Stop System and Combined Brake System. These are the perfect scooters for the varied lifestyle and personalities of our next generation smart riders,” HPI product planning manager Elie Salamangkit Jr. said.

Honda’s Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) is an advanced engine technology that combines high power and high fuel efficiency with a quiet start and smooth engine revs. This enables the engine to be more “eco-friendly” as it maximizes the combustion process while minimizing friction to optimize energy output and reduce the risk of waste. The eSP technology is integrated with the Unique Honda ACG starter that is able to start the engine jolt free and with a more refined sound.

Enabling more fuel efficiency and savings is Honda’s advanced Idling Stop System (ISS) which automatically switches off the engine after three seconds of idling and restarts it with just a twist of the throttle for a quick start up and go. This further minimizes fuel consumption especially when stopping at traffic lights or making brief stops.

Ensuring enhanced road safety is the Combined Brake System (CBS) which allows for quicker and safer stops as it distributes brake force to the rear and front wheels with just a squeeze of the left brake lever.

Zoom-in on unstoppable features
Aside from its Honda Smart Technology features, the Zoomer-X also comes with an upgraded 110cc PGM fuel-injected engine that delivers clean combustion and low friction for 5% higher torque and 6% higher power, making the scooter and its rider an unstoppable force on the road. Compared to its first version, the all-new Zoomer-X has an 8% higher fuel efficiency which notches at 62.5km/liter (ECE R40 Test Method).

The all-new Zoomer-X also features bold advancements in design and feature as it draws inspiration from a naked, tough and durable design concept.

The unique scooter now sports a fully-digital meter panel, new headlight in stainless steel frame, inverted shock absorbers, 12” cast tubeless tires, unique seat compartment, and real naked style which features new wrapped-around image of structured stainless steel frame from dual seat to RR grab, making it as stylish and customizable as it is powerful and innovative.

During the whole-day event which was capped by the GEN S scooter parade, visitors were treated to exciting games and raffles, photo booths, live DJ and band performances, Smart Technology workshops and a special AVP message from Honda GEN S ambassador and Zoomer-X endorser Daniel Padilla.

Scooter enthusiasts were also treated to test drives and exciting activities courtesy of Smart Tech testing booths where they experienced how the Smart Technology works in Honda’s latest line of scooters. These included the Scooter Dyno Test which measured the scooter’s speed and fuel efficiency and the Scooter Ramp Test which highlighted the Idling Stop and Combined Brake Systems.

The all-new Honda Zoomer-X is available in lively Marigold Yellow and trend-setting Mat Crypton Silver Metallic colors for Php93,900.

Alcatel Flash 2 focuses on mobigraphy

Alcatel Flash launches the New Alcatel Flash 2 last Sept 22 at Raven, BGC ,  with their brand new color "Flash Green" that focus on mobile photography or mobigraphy.  The new brand color signifies innovation, youth and energy, thus the Alcatel Flash 2 builds upon Alcatel Flash’s commitment in providing mobile users a unique mobile photography experience.

“Mobigraphy is not just an action, but is now a lifestyle. We understand this from the very beginning when we created the Flash series,” Albert Wong, General Manager, Alcatel Flash.

 “What we have done for Alcatel Flash 2 is to continue to improve on what we already have and make it better yet at the same time continue to provide accessibility and convenience to the users to shoot their best moments.”

“The success of the Flash Plus has inspired the team to devise another smartphone with superb features and specifications,” Lei Zhang, Philippine Country Manager, Alcatel Flash.

Selling exclusively on September 30 at exactly 12 Noon, through the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling Destination –Lazada; the Alcatel Flash 2 signifies the strong partnership between Alcatel Flash and Lazada towards having the superior product quality of the Alcatel Flash smartphones be accessible to a wider consumer base through Lazada’s strong logistical capability and robust cash-on-delivery network. With the partnership between Alcatel Flash and Lazada, Filpinos can own the newest smartphone sensation – the Alcatel Flash 2, through the effortless and enjoyable online shopping experience that Lazada Philippines offers to its shoppers.

The Alcatel Flash2 is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly in any hand. The non-slip and mark-free curved back keeps the device spotless and dirt-free at all times. Meanwhile, the balanced body gives easy access to all the functions by using just one hand.


The Alcatel Flash 2 is available in Volcanic Grey and Mica White. Only the former will be released initially. Philippines will be the first country to launch the device (22 September 2015) and the first to sell (30 September 2015). The Suggested Retail Price is at Php 6,190.00.
Alcatel Flash 2 will be sold exclusively in Lazada via www.lazada.com.ph/alcatel-flash-2/.

Experience natural care “down there” with pH Care Naturals

We all sure dont want to disrupt the delicate balance of our vaginal ecosystem by exposing it to harsh cleanser with perfumes, chemicals and or parabens.  Now comes, pH care naturals it naturally promotes a healthier vaginal environment by preventing itching and discharge while it helps you feeling clean while it targets pH level.

Everyone’s going all-natural these days, whether we’re talking about organic food, health supplements from plant and animal extracts, and even personal care and beauty products. And, why not? Ever since, people have long used natural ingredients to effectively address their woes and concerns.

This is why pH Care bottled up nature’s wonders through two popularly used ingredients, papaya and guava leaves, to come up with their all-new pH Care Naturals line in pH Care Naturals Papaya and pH Care Naturals Guava. The folks behind best-selling feminine wash pH Care have an intimate understanding of the importance of caring for your feminine area, and they expertly combine the properties of these winning natural ingredients with their mild and effective intimate care products.

pH Care Naturals Papaya.
There are a lot of factors that can influence a woman’s confidence when it comes to donning that swimsuit, including puson problems and cleavage consciousness. But one other common insecurity many women have is dark skin in and around the feminine area, and this is something they can feel self-conscious about even in the comfort and privacy of their own rooms and bathrooms. And, while there are many products for whitening dark skin in other parts of the body, most of these aren’t safe or suited for use in intimate areas.

But now, pH Care has a new whitening feminine wash variant that uses natural ingredients, so you keep the sensitive area fresh and fair. The new pH Care Naturals Papaya is powered with papaya extract, so you get fairer skin in as early as 14 days! And since we know papaya is one of nature’s wonders when it comes to skin-whitening, you’re sure to get only the best results with the mildest ingredients.

pH Care Naturals Guava
Even if you’re not overly concerned with dark skin, you may still want a feminine wash made from natural ingredients that will still keep your intimate area fresh and clean. After all, in a hot country like ours, sweat can lead to discomfort, even body odor, and infection—and it’s worse when it involves the feminine area! But no need to worry; pH Care Naturals Guava has been specially infused with guava leaf extract, which is well-known for its cleansing and anti-bacterial properties. In fact, the use of guava leaves for intimate care is a traditionally renowned practice passed on from generation to generation. So if you’re among the 33% of Filipinas constantly seeking for natural solutions “down there,” then give pH Care Naturals Guava a try. It will naturally deodorize the area so you can feel confident regardless of outfit, activity, or even weather. It has quite a refreshing scent, too!

Now, you can be assured of natural care “down there”, para fresh and clean na, odor-free pa!
The NEW! pH Care Naturals Intimate Wash is available for P49.50 (50mL) and P104 (150mL) at leading supermarkets, drugstores, and beauty stores. For more information, check out facebook.com/pHCare.

#pHCareNaturals #NaturalCare
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