Experience the longest zipline at "Camp N" Nuvali

If you are a fan of outdoor adventure, you will surely love what Camp Nuvali N offers. It boasts of Adventure Tower which houses the longest rollercoaster zipline in Asia, which of course I tried  to simultaneously with the short zipline, I should say that the short zipline has the steepest slope ever. I have been ziplining since the last 3 years, I have tried it 5x already, so I conquered my fears altogether.  Camp Nuvali N has the longest zipline I have been through, and it was fun flying through the trees with its slope and fast speed. There are of course questions in your mind while reading this, and I would provide them for the curious and thrill seeker in you. There are 5 things to consider before ziplining.

1. Make sure you are physically up for the ride. You must be able to climb the stairs leading to the ziplines. There are ropes that you would be gripping on for your dear life, make use of your muscles you never knew you had.  Eat your meal before proceeding to the course and make sure to have a bottled water alongside your mini messenger bag. 

2. What should I wear? You should wear light and comfortable clothing that isnt too loose, the one that would never snug on your harness. Wear shoes that are close-toed, flipflops or sandals are definitely a no-no. Tie your hair up, so as to not get tangled in equipment. 

3. Is ziplining safe? At Camp Nuvali, safety is their top priority. They use the best equipment in outdoor sports imported from Germany.  Their harnesses and carabiners are made of extremely durable materials. Their staff is highly trained and would double check your harness before you climb the stairs. They make sure you understand safety procedures before you begin your ziplining tour and provides special helmets as well. 

4.  Can I bring my kids on a zipline tour?  If you're the kind of mom who wants to experience this with your kids, go but take extra precaution. If safety is your priority, then you and  hubby should leave the children at home. But if they are grown ups and would like to try this out, why not. 

5.  Know your limits. Most zip lines have a weight limit. Ask yourself if youre healthy enough to try.  If you're pregnant or if you have a heart condition, if you think the stress just might be too uncomfortable, if you are afraid of heights, take a pass. Try the aerial walk first or go biking. 

Within the heart of Nuvali lies “Camp N”, touted to be the eco-city’s premier outdoor  adventure and team-building facility that serves as an incubation for self-discovery through obstacles and challenges testing one’s physical limits, mental abilities, and even character and values. Located just south of Manila, Camp N is convenient for bonding among coworkers, families, and friends looking for active fun this summer season.

 “We designed Camp N in such a way that outdoor play and self-discovery are integrated seamlessly so people can enjoy bonding while being surrounded by nature. Camp N’s philosophy— expressed through providing people outdoor amenities where one can commune, learn, grow, and interact socially— jive perfectly with the sustainable philosophy of Nuvali being an eco-community,” said John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.

John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.

Camp N’s thrills-based and skills-based facilities include the Adventure Tower, which has the biggest roller coaster zipline in Asia, as well as free fall, wall climbing, and rappelling facilities. The Obstacle Course has three challenge levels from basic to advanced, encompassing a broad spectrum of skill levels. The Aerial Walk is a series of rope-based challenges set high in the air. The High and Low Rope Initiatives is a series of balancing platforms and tightropes set just a little above ground and requires the participation of small groups.

Right beside Camp N is Greens & Patches which serves as a tree nursery, a demo organic farm, as well as an art and meditation center for those seeking an introspective approach in self-development. Guided tours and programs will soon be offered here so guests can learn about nature’s processes and gifts.

Camp N’s lush and scenic trails include paths for trail running beginners and mountain biking for kids and adults.

“Camp N is for everyone and anyone who is not only looking for some outdoor adventure fun but also a place where they can recharge and connect with other people or even themselves, while being surrounded by nature,” said Estacio.

“The presence of Camp N provides the community a convenient outdoor adventure stop. For Nuvali’s existing communities, it’s a fun learning camp within the neighborhood where they can take their kids out to play and learn. As Camp N evolves further, there will be more activities that will develop their physical and creative skills all within the comfort of nature,” added Estacio.

On April 16, Camp N will be the venue for the first leg of the “AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016”, a multi-stage adventure race similar to The Amazing Race, also popularized by the AXN network. Adventurers will go through intense obstacle challenges in Camp N and the first 20 finishers will head to Boracay for the final round. Only 200 teams from Manila may join the AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016. Registration is through the AXN website.

To get to Nuvali, one can take any of the five South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exits at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan, and Canlubang. Nuvali is also easily accessible via public vehicles from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Balibago.

Nuvali is a 2,290-hectare mixed-use development of Ayala Land that straddles the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna. It is a integrated self-supporting eco-city that is home to 12,000 residential units, two business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, two prestigious schools, and the 150-room Seda Hotel, which can provide accommodations for stay-cations and teambuilding activities.

 As a veritable stomping ground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nuvali offers nature amenities such as its 35-kilometer mountain bike trail, a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, and a wildlife and bird sanctuary. Ayala Malls Solenad has over 400 shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it the primary go-to leisure destination for residents in Laguna, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Muntinlupa.

Meet the Superdudes live at Century City Mall

Meet  Pencil Pirate, Flutterby and Bubble Trouble! and Superdudes book author Stevie Nicholson together with your kids this summer! It would be fun meeting Superdudes live at Century Mall Mall Makati. Its your time to bond with the kids and join the fun at the workshop, its a date together with your kids!

Superdudes children’s book creator Stevie Nicholson holds a book signing, show and VIP workshop on April 16 at the Century City Mall Event Center 

It’s going to be a truly super summer for kids as Century City Mall hosts Superdudes, live at the mall’s fifth level Event Center on April 16!

Superdudes is a funny and quirky children's book created by Stevie Nicholson, a member of the well loved Australian children’s musical group Hi-5. The book, with illustrations by Nick Rudich, focuses on capturing the imagination of children in a playful and engaging way and is based on the philosophy that absolutely anyone and anything can be Super!

On April 16, enjoy the ultimate Superdudes experience with a Show and Workshop featuring Stevie Nicholson and the Superdudes in a fun-filled stage show! A ticket of Php1,500 admits 1 child and 1 adult,  and comes with a free Php1,500 worth of Century City Mall Gift Certificates!

So come along on an adventure and meet Stevie together with Pencil Pirate, Flutterby and Bubble Trouble! 

Tickets are available at www.ticketwonui. 1,501.95. The Concierge booth at the ground level of Century City Mall will also offer tickets starting April 4. For further inquzlries call the Century City Mall Concierge at 705-6200 lac. 111/112.

Hotel Jen Manila turns One! Celebrates With Other Hotel Jen Properties Around The Globe

Hotel Jen Manila celebrated its first year anniversary. With the theme of “We Are One”, the celebration became a simultaneous event as other Hotel Jen properties across South East Asia also partied for the brand’s immeasurable success and countless accomplishments in just a matter of one year.

Kids from Matytubig Day Care Center welcomed Hotel Jen Manila’s guests with their majorette performance

For Hotel Jen Manila, the celebration kicked-off with a majorette performance by the kids of Maytubig Day Care Center to figuratively and literally welcome our guests with a bang.  Moreover, this is to make them embrace the Fiesta feeling which happened to be the theme specifically assigned for the Manila property. 

Hotel Jen Manila’s Sales & Marketing Team are all smiles at the registration area

Pas Des Tous group performing the Tinikling, Philippine’s National Dance

Hotel Jen Manila’s General Manager, Ed Kollmer strikes a post with Corporate Partners 

Guests were directed at Hotel Jen Manila’s reception area on the Ground Floor Lobby where they also witnessed a cultural performance from Pas Des Tous, a group of high school students representing St. Paul College of Parañaque. The said group showcased the country’s National Dance which is Tinikling and two more ethnical dance traditions from the Philippines’ northern and southern regions. The performance was concluded to be colourful, inspiring and served as a reflection of how rich the Philippines is in terms of culture.

Philippine’s National Dishes, the Lechon is being prepared for the Fiesta. From Human Resources Department, Mr. Lawrence Cusipag serenaded Hotel Jen Manila guests


By 7:00 PM, guests were directed at Hotel Jen Manila’s poolside to feast and celebrate Hotel Jen’s first year anniversary. Just like any other fiesta in the country, there were games that took place which added excitement and joyful memories to Hotel Jen Manila’s distinguished guests, corporate and travel partners and friends from the media. The highlight of the feast was the Lechon, a roasted pig cooked over charcoal and at the same time the Philippine’s National Dish.

To compliment the savory Filipino dishes, local refreshments such as fresh buko juice, sago’t gulaman, melon juice and pandan juice were served and enjoyed by our guests. For the dessert, the all time favourite “sorbetes ice cream” gave delight to everyone.

The mood at the poolside became more relaxing when Hotel Jen Manila’s very own Mr. Lawrence Cusipag serenaded everybody with hit Filipino love songs from the past and present.

As part of its CSR initiative and its objective to give back to the community, Hotel Jen Manila also invited in their celebration the Shadow Rondalla, a group of blind men playing plectrum instruments. The said group shared to everybody their talents while they tune up some ethnical songs and proving to everybody that a disability won’t hinder you in expressing your talent.

As Hotel Jen Manila shares a toast with its guests, a live streaming is also happening to witness Hotel Jen Brisbane, Hotel Jen Upper East Beijing, Hotel Jen Shenyang, Hotel Jen Hong Kong, Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Hotel Jen Penang, Hotel Jen Male, Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway and Hotel Jen Tanglin celebrate their fabulous and one-of-a-kind celebration.

Hotel Jen Manila team poses with the anniversary cake and extend their outmost gratitude to the hotel’s loyal guests, corporate and travel partners and friends from the media.

The night was sealed with smiles on  guests and Hotel Jen Manila together with all the Hotel Jen properties in South East Asia, wish to thank everybody who have extended their support and loyalty to the brand.

"Ned's Project" won Best Picture in CineFilipino Film Festival

The second run of the biennial CineFilipino Film Festival, organized and led by Unitel Productions and in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies and PLDT Smart Foundation, was a resounding success. It surpassed expectations with extended screenings of the films in selected cinemas as well as extra screenings of Ice Idanan’s Sakaling Hindi Makarating.

“We definitely surpassed the previous CineFilipino Film Festival with more genres and more categories which reached a wider audience. Though at par with other film festivals, CineFilipino has clearly found its niche among the audience. Our diverse and audience-friendly films make us relatable to many people,” said Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Festival Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO.

Aside from winning Second Best Picture, Sakaling Hindi Makarating also won awards for Best Director (Ice Idanan), Best Actor (Pepe Herrera), Best Cinematography (Ice Idanan), Best Musical Score (Mon Espia), Best Sound (Raffy Magsaysay) and Best Editing (Hannah Espia).

The film festival’s original run concluded with the CineFilipino Film Festival Awards Night which saw Ned’s Project take the Best Picture award, followed by Sakaling Hindi Makarating and Star Na si Van Damme Stallone which won Second and Third Best Pictures, respectively.

Additional awards for Best  Picture Ned’s Project include: Best Actress (Angeli Bayani), Best Supporting Actress (Max Eigenmann), Best Cinematography (Tey Clamor), Best Screenplay (John Bedia) and Best Production Design.

Meanwhile, Third Best Picture Star Na si Van Damme Stallone bagged the following awards: Best Actress (Candy Pangilinan) and Best Supporting Actor (Isaac Aguirre).

Other winners at the second CineFilipino Film Festival include:

Best Documentary Film – Sina Dino at ang Kanilang Sikreto

Best Short Film – Kung ang Ulan ay Gawa sa Tsokolate
Second Best Short Film – Not Applicable
Third Best Short Film – Chicboy

Best TV Series Pilot – Junakis
Second Best TV Series Pilot – Midlife
Third Best TV Series Pilot – Agham Inc.

Best Online Content (All Categories):
Dayuhan sa Perlas by Rainier Brizuela
Hila Ko si Noy by Dexter Paul De Jesus
How Fast by Vic Ryan Julius Ong
Iba’t Ibang Klase ng Pasahero ng Jeep by Raymundo Baguilat
Swerte by Red Aquino

Best Mobile Video – Kahon by Carlos Dala I

As a testament to the success of the film festival, a separate run will be held at the UP Theater in UP Diliman from April 18 to 23. This is spearheaded by Cineastes, the film organization of the UP College of Communication Arts.

In addition, CineFilipino is also being tapped by interested groups for special screenings as well as theatrical and international film festival runs.

The second CineFilipino Film Festival partners are PLDT Smart Foundation, Mediaquest, TV5, Cignal, Unitel, Optima Digital, Metro Pacific Tollways and Meralco. For further information, visit the official website, www.cinefilipino.com.

Support your Presidential Candidate the cool way thru 7-Election 2016

It has been 6 years since the last PH election.  With endless campaign ads everywhere, television debates and social networking, we, voters have to deal with a lot of information when deciding on who to vote for in the presidential election. Chances are, you have your presidential bet in mind already as election is fast approaching.

With 7-Eleven, the fun and cool way to support your candidate is by buying the specially-designed 7-Eleven GULP cups for your favorite drinks. With that in mind, you can literally vote buy by choosing your cup presidential bet. As of cupdate,  Presidential candidate Duterte leads the poll among Poe, Roxas, Binay  and Santiago. If you are still "undecided" who to vote for, there is of course the“Undecided” cup to cast your vote.

The 7-Election 2016 was launched last April 1 at Bounce Events Ground, Dansalan. The event was hosted by Ms. Tuesday Vargas and graced by Comedian/impersonator Jon Santos together with 7-Eleven executives.

We had our moment by casting our vote thru the Gulp cups provided at the launch, a cupdate was tallied after the event, Duterte lead the poll on that day alone.

With 7-Eleven’s informal and unofficial presidential poll involving not vote-counting machines but GULP softdrinks and GULP juices in fun-colored GULP cups, you can now promote and support your presidential candidate in a fun way. The 7-Election 2016, which mainly aims to promote awareness about the coming Philippine Presidential Election, runs in all 7-Eleven stores until May 2.

Here are seven things you can do by voting through 7-Election:

1. Have fun!
- Choosing the next president of the Philippines is no easy task. It is a crucial decision we, the citizens of this country, have to make. While we all need to be serious and in choosing the President we should vote for on May 11th, in 7-Election, you can have fun while informally participating in the presidential polls.

2. Campaign for your candidates online
- The beautifully designed cups are definitely Instagram-worthy! You can campaign for your chosen president by posting your chosen cups in all your social media accounts with the hashtag #7Election.

3. Underaged? No problem
-Everyone – minors, foreigners and those who weren’t able to register for the 2016 elections – can weigh in the 7-Election 2016! In this informal and fun presidential poll, everyone has a voice. You can even vote multiple times!

4. Encourage others to exercise their right to vote
- With this simple and fun activity, you can encourage – or pressure – your friends to make the choice. It may be a small act, but at least you’re raising awareness for the elections that will shape the future of this country.

5. Monitor your candidates’ standing every week
- In this fun and informal poll, you can see how your candidates fare with other 7-Election participants. Just visit any 7-Eleven store every Friday as all stores are scheduled to update poll results by then. But if you wish to keep tabs every day, just log on to www.7-election.com.ph where daily updates are posted.

6. Literally buy votes
- This sales-driven presidential poll lets you actually buy your vote. If you want your presidential bet to get a high standing on the polls, you can buy your whole family – even your little kids - cups of the same candidate and have votes counted individually!

7. Vote and gulp
-Support your presidential bet in the most refreshing way possible with 7-Election 2016, a totally fun way to vote for your presidential bet using specially-designed 7-Eleven GULP® cups for your favorite drinks.

To participate in this GULP poll, head to any 7-Eleven store, look for the colorful 7-Election cups and choose among the five different presidential GULP cups featuring the presidential candidates: independent candidate Grace Poe, People’s Reform Party leader Miriam Defensor Santiago, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas, PDP-Laban presidentiable Rodrigo Duterte and United Nationalist Alliance bet Jejomar Binay.

But for those who are on the fence, your voice can still be heard. Just pick up the sixth 7-Election GULP cup – the “Undecided” cup – and cast your vote. Including this option shows how many Filipinos are undecided, reflecting the pulse of the nation.

After you’ve made your choice, fill up the cup with either GULP® softdrinks or GULP® juice. Your unofficial vote is cast after the barcode found in every cup is scanned at the cashier. One (1) scanned barcode equals one (1) vote. After the barcode is scanned, your vote is counted in that week’s 7-Election poll. But before you leave the store, make sure to verify your vote through the receipt which will reflect your choice.

7-Eleven Philippines pioneered this fun and unofficial poll in 2010 when it successfully predicted the win of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. The campaign is inspired by 7-Election U.S. which, through the help of 7-Eleven Coffee, accurately predicted the wins of George W. Bush over John Kerry in the 2004 Election and Barack Obama over John McCain in the 2008 Election.

7-Election’s official media partners are Rappler and CNN Philippines.

For more updates, visit the website (www.7-election.com.ph) or follow its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/711philippines), Twitter (www.twitter.com/711philippines) and Instagram (@711ph).

World-renowned Designer Philippe Starck does flipflops for Ipanema

Philippe Starck one of the most influential European designers, whose taste and creation earned him the class and elegance among the elite, partners with brazilian shoe Ipanema featuring four designs and 12 color options each. The eco-friendly collection is made from 30% recycled materials, and is 100% recyclable.

The strappy elegant looking flipflops in jellies are a class on its own and comes in summer colors to match your everyday outfit, I got mine yesterday in "chic" grenadine, I love that it support the back of my feet, style and comfort is what I look for when buying flipflops. This is Ipanema's latest collection so far partnering with Philippe Starck, the world renown french designer. You can rock yours at the beach, mall, and its a must for your travel essentials too.  Definitely a must-wear this summer.

Brazilian shoe brand Ipanema has teamed up with world-renowned creator Philippe Starck for Ipanema with STARCK, a new collection that reimagines footwear. Starck lends his talent for minimal and organic design to re-envision a collection of modern, elegant sandals accessible to purveyors of stylish and smart innovation worldwide.

The Ipanema with STARCK collection will feature a collection of flats, flip flops, and sandals in four distinct designs, offered in a myriad of colors. These dynamic sandals are inspired by various possible lifestyles and moods to recognize all dimensions of the modern woman, such as arty, glamour, nature and sophisticated chic…

“The Ipanema with STARCK collection explores the territory of high elegance paired with the utmost minimalism. When you reach elegance with a few dollars or euros, this is no longer magic; it is a modern miracle,” says Philippe Starck.

The Ipanema with STARCK collection offers wearers the freedom of choice. Ultimately each woman can make her own selection from the variety of strap designs and colors that best represents her own unique style statement. The collection’s palette is a blend of neutral and citrus tones including white, black, smoke, acid yellow, orange, rose, transparent yellow, and transparent orange. The simple and sleek silhouettes are infused with an imaginative quality illustrating each of the four sensibilities. Organic elegance, purity, lightness and honoring the silhouette of the human form are quintessential to the design of the collection.

“We are truly privileged to team up with the world-renowned creator and creative genius Philippe Starck in this new collaboration,” says Cecille Loretizo, ELRO Retail Corporation Marketing Head. “This partnership will certainly bring timeless, accessible yet elegant line up of footwear for the modern, sophisticated women in the country and across the globe.”


Focusing on sustainability, Ipanema with STARCK was developed with 30% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable. To achieve Starck’s designs, Ipanema adapted its industrial process to one that is more manual and artisanal.  The production process employs proprietary plastique injection technique to guarantee product comfort and delicate quality. The shoes handcrafted assembly of the straps to the sole allows a perfect fit for the women. The Ipanema with STARCK collection is the perfect balance between industrial production and artisanal savoir-faire.



This new and intense collaboration joins an impressive bevy of Starck creations spanning lifestyle products such as furniture and windmills, to revolutionary mega-yachts and inspiring hotels and restaurants. The result is a collection of lively sandals designed to enhance the lifestyle of modern women through innovative fashion and Starck’s innate passion for bettering an object.

For more updates about Ipanema’s newest collection, visit their Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/IpanemaPhilippines.