The secret is out #NobodyLikeJames Reid is the New Century Tuna Ambassador

Its no secret that James Reid is the Number 1 matinee idol nowadays, and he is one of the reason why I gained hundreds of followers in my IG account @jlougar. One post of #TeamReal #Jadine (with Nadine Lustre) would gained 500 likes in just an hour. I owed this celebrity couple a lot, and I am a fan.

At last! That large, intriguing billboard on EDSA that kept everyone guessing—and has set the internet and social media abuzz as to who the hunk with those luscious lips behind it actually is—has finally been revealed!

Yes, James Reid is the latest endorser of Century Tuna featured in a traffic-stopping EDSA billboard and a sizzling new television commercial, now airing, that teasingly highlights his totally hot and chiseled bod.  Actually, the TVC and billboard is part of an all-new advertising campaign created around the idea of transformation and metamorphosis, where James proudly joins the illustrious company of Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsay. You can watch the new TVC here:



And why James Reid? Well, it’s pretty evident that from the time he entered showbiz six years ago through the Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash to the present, he’s really been able to transform himself—in terms of his private life, career and of course his physique!

While others would probably turn complacent and simply rest on their achievements, James continues to further himself and his craft. He’s clearly more self-confident now and has since shed his timid persona and his lanky build. He hits the gym regularly, where weightlifting is his preferred workout, and maintains a balanced diet consisting of good carbs, no rice, and, of course, Century Tuna.

It’s no secret that James has had a string of box-office hits to his name (Diary ng Panget and Talk Back and You’re Dead), a much-watched teleserye (On The Wings of Love, which enjoyed top ratings during its run), a highly popular loveteam in JaDine, plus a Platinum album to boot and a new teleserye Till I Met You, all while keeping his feet firmly on the ground. So what’s not to love about him?

Together with this new ad campaign for Century Tuna, we can surely look forward to seeing James in other exciting events and appearances in the coming days.

CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR II SHIELD CANVAS

Designed for the Chuck Taylor lover who can’t give up their Chucks no matter what the weather, the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas sneaker combines the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sockliner, non-slip padded tongue and micro-suede lining with materials that can also withstand most climate challenges.

Converse has added a water repellent Shield Canvas and a gusseted tongue, as well as removing the medial eyelets to make a durable sneaker that is ready for wet and rainy adventures. The sneakers also feature reflective heel webbing and barrel laces for added visibility in low light environments.

Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas is now available in black and white colors in Converse stores nationwide for only Php 4,550.

Visit www.converse.com.ph and www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more sneaker designs and style! Converse, ready for more! #CounterClimate #ReadyForMore

PH Harvest boasts of local wines, organic, and artisanal products at Central Square

PHILIPPINE HARVEST AT CENTRAL SQUARE was launched on August 19 at Central Square. No other than Department of Agriculture Chief Manny Pinol graced the event together with SSI CEO Antonio Huang and media.

A repeat of the highly successful PHILIPPINE HARVEST AT CENTRAL SQUARE held last May will take place this coming 19th to 21st of August 2016.  Once again, the Department of Agriculture in partnership with SSI Group, Inc. celebrates and promotes the richness of Philippine agriculture through a wide range of exhibitors who will present and sell their Agricultural Food products at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street. The event brings light to the opulence of our Country’s organic, heirloom, and other indigenous rice and grains varieties. Further, the food range has been expanded to include and highlight Philippine Spirits, a wide variety of local wines and liqueurs made from tropical fruits, honey, and rice.

Aside from our highlighted local wines and liqueurs, the Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol requested the presence of some of our organic rice farmers who will showcase our local indigenous grains from various parts of our country. As what the Secretary assured during his farmers’ visit regarding his help in marketing of heirloom rice, local wines, and other agricultural food varieties,“The Philippines has great potentials for the production of wines, spirits, and liqueurs. The Administration of President Duterte fully supports the endeavour. With this, I will be your number one salesman in offering local produce.”

The three-day agri food fair is an avenue where the public can buy, bring home and appreciate organic, artisanal, natural and indigenous products that are native to our country. The fair will be located at the lower and upper ground floors of Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central and will be open to the public during mall hours.

CENTRAL SQUARE INFORMATION
Address: 5th Avenue cor. 30th St., Bonifacio High Street Central, BGC Taguig
Mall Hours: 11am-10pm, Sunday - Thursday
                11am-11pm, Friday - Saturday
Trunkline: 9585660
Find us online: Instagram @centralsquareph | facebook.com/centralsquareph

Discover the height of city living at Vertis North’s High Park by Alveo Land

Quezon City’s Central Business District (CBD) has always held a lot of promise, being strategically at the center of urban growth. And Ayala Land further realizes its potential by bringing new energy to it through the development of Vertis North—the City Center that nurtures and inspires enterprise and activity.

Vertis North, the 30-hectare mixed-use and sustainable estate, features a broad range of facilities, including a hotel establishment, which makes it the ideal address for a redefined modern urban living. As a city center, Vertis North will be the home of offices, retail spaces and residential developments such as High Park by Alveo Land. 

High Park Twin Tower

Experience the height of city living in High Park by Alveo Land, the twin tower of modern living that’s well-surrounded with lush greeneries, poised to rise in Quezon City’s newest City Center, Vertis North.

High Park is a signature development of Alveo Land, a subsidiary of Ayala Land, with a singular vision of providing innovative homes for living well. The two-tower high-rise condominium, poised to rise in Vertis North, promises to deliver an exclusive and distinctive living experience in the prime Quezon City lifestyle hub, by offering the combination of a natural and urban environment in a vertical living experience.

An enriching life at the core of the city is guaranteed at High Park. The twin tower with 40 floors in its first tower and 50 floors in its subsequent tower, and over 800 units in total, allow residents to enjoy the perks of city living, with all the nearby urban comforts provided in Vertis North, as well as the refreshing view of the estate’s iconic Vertis Park, the two-hectare land of green space.

High Park invites the grace of greens from the ground all the way up with Tower One’s stimulating Sky Gardens on every three floors and Tower Two’s lush Sky Park cradled at the roof deck. On top of that, the development is well-complemented by its impressive amenities and refreshing al fresco dining scenes.

The intertwining of green spaces into the building design makes High Park the most iconic residential condominium of Alveo to date, and a vital element to the dynamic hub, Vertis North.


Vertis North is set to take the heart of Quezon City on a vertical rise with contemporary residential developments such as High Park, as well as other favorable facilities within it. This includes distinct work spaces with an integrated parking area, a premium retail block offering over 200 top-tier retail brands and dining options, the single tower but largest Seda Hotel, and a sprawling patch of green in the form of the Vertis Park that can host many recreational activities.

Reimagine the opportunities presented by the modern life in the urban city at Vertis North, and truly discover the height of city living in the midst of it all in High Park.


Model units are available for viewing at the Alveo Showroom (3rd Floor of TriNoma Mall, Quezon City) or at the Alveo Sales Pavilion (Vertis North, Quezon City).

Retail Eye Level Dusk


Residents of High Park by Alveo Land get to experience the best of both worlds with the provision of the city life’s perks and the refreshing ambiance of nature, made possible by its carefully-thought-out architectural design.

Sky Garden Views

Teach your toddler how to properly brush their teeth with Cleene CLIO

Is your baby now a toddler? Now’s the time to teach them to do things on their own. As a parent, you have the privilege of helping them further enjoy their toddler years by teaching them to be independent and fully capable to do simple tasks on their own.

While teaching energetic toddlers may not be a walk in the park, incorporating a good dose of fun will always do the trick. But first, you have to set an example for your child. Toddlers often mimic what their parents do, whether on how to use a spoon and fork, how to drink from a glass, or how to brush their teeth. Make sure they watch you when you do these things – or better yet, allow them to do these things with you – so that they can copy you.

Make everything fun. Create fun step-by-step guides for properly eating with a spoon and fork, for example. You can use music or rhymes, whichever works.

When brushing teeth, funny faces or catchy songs may just be the trick you need. Use a catchy nursery rhyme to signal that it’s time to brush their teeth. Establish that it should be a routine – after eating, they should always brush their teeth. Remind them that they need to do it to have healthy teeth in the future.


To make your child’s brushing experience light and enjoyable, also make sure that you are using the right toothbrush, like the Korean-made Cleene CLIO Junior toothbrush with extra soft round-ended and tapered bristles with anti-bacterial property, perfect for your kids’ sensitive and brittle teeth. It comes in different vibrant colors kids will surely love.

After they’ve mastered these simple tasks, gradually let them explore and play on their own, and even let them choose their own clothes. Encouraging them to be independent at an early age allows them to express their creativity, and that will surely go a long way.

Cleene CLIO toothbrushes are available in all Mercury Drug stores and other leading supermarkets nationwide.

Manulife PH encourages everyone with "Start Your Story" campaign

Everyone has their own bucket list to begin with, mine is to travel around the world, so far I  have only gone to 5 countries, not bad for a beginner. I have saved up for all those travels, and it was worth all the money.  With all the plane tickets promo nowadays, anyone for that matter, can travel. From there, you can  "Start Your Story" and live it.

Manulife Philippines recently launched “Start Your Story” campaign with Manulife PH Celebrity Ambassador Richard Yap. The event was held at his own restaurant Wang Fu at BGC, Taguig on August 16.

The campaign, first launched in 2015, is focused on inspiring Filipinos to take the first step towards making their dreams come true. It calls on Filipinos to overcome whatever is holding them back and dares them to fulfill the stories they have always wanted to achieve.

“We all have stories we want to fulfill in life. However, sometimes, because of unforeseen circumstances or our own self-doubts, we end up setting these stories aside, leaving them unwritten,” said Richard at Manulife’s launch campaign press conference. “But Manulife is encouraging us to overcome whatever is holding us back and pursue our passions. It offers us various solutions to help us make our dreams reality.”

Richard, an entrepreneur, has learned a lot from his experiences, a message he imparts as part of Manulife Philippines’ “Start Your Story” campaign. As part of the campaign, Manulife will launch online contests and other community-based initiatives.

“I have learned the importance of having a plan and preparing for both good and bad times. This  will allow you to protect the fruits of your hard work. This was also the principle that guided my decision to invest with Manulife back when I was just starting out in 1992,” added Richard.

Learn more about Manulife Philippines’ #StartYourStory campaign by visiting their website www.manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).

OPPO’s latest ‘selfie expert’ phone out in stores this August

OPPO Pre-orders for the F1s until August 18 only. Ten lucky customers to bring home a second OPPO F1s for free

The selfie revolution steps up as mobile technology brand OPPO introduces its latest selfie expert: the OPPO F1s.
The latest camera phone from OPPO will be out in concept and dealer stores on August 19.

“With the launch of the F1s, OPPO once more demonstrates its commitment to create the best possible selfie and smartphone experience, ” said OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng.

“When OPPO developed the F1s, what we had in mind are the things that people look for in smartphones: outstanding cameras, beautiful design, and powerful hardware and software. Thanks to the F1s, users can surely look forward to having a step up in their selfie game,” he added.

Those who pre-order also have a chance to win a free second F1s.

Upon receiving the phone on August 19, customers must take a photo of themselves at the store holding a sign that says “I choose F1s.” The photo must be uploaded on Facebook with the hashtags #OPPOF1s and #SelfieExpert. Only ten lucky winners will be chosen for the free phone.OPPO F1s Pre-order

Selfie amazing
The latest addition to the OPPO F1 series features a 16-megapixel front camera with a 1/3.1-inch sensor and a large f/2.0 aperture. The camera captures vivid depth and detail for the perfect selfie.

The F1s is equipped with the latest iteration of the Beautify photo app which comes with a suite of functions such as an Auto Mode Screen Flash and eight filters. The selfie panorama makes it easier to take ‘groufies’ while the palm-activated shutter allows for easier and faster selfies.

The 13-megapixel rear camera captures equally clear and vivid shots. Like the front camera, the rear camera has its own plug-ins including the upgraded Expert Mode, Ultra-HD, GIF, and double exposure.

Power, security, beauty
Just like OPPO’s other camera phones, the F1s combines powerful hardware and software to create a selfie experience like no other.

Similar to the F1 plus, it has lightning-fast fingerprint recognition that unlocks the phone in 0.22 seconds. The fingerprint-activated app launch also assigns fingerprints to five different apps or contacts for quick access through the home button.

The F1s runs on an octa-core processor backed by a 3GB RAM, 32 GB ROM, and the ColorOS 3.0. The power optimizations of the ColorOS combined with a 3075mAh battery allows for all-day use of the phone.
The beauty of the F1s also makes it stand out at first glance. The sleek metal body has a 5.5-inch 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen that helps create an exceptional gaming and movie experience.

Zero percent interest
Consumer financial service Home Credit, one of OPPO’s partners, is also offering the F1s at zero percent interest for six months. Home Credit’s promo starts on August 19 once the F1s becomes available nationwide.
Suggested retail price is PhP12, 990.

"Lets Volt In" for Giordano's Voltes V collection

Those who grew up in the 70s and 80s era would recall Voltes V as their most loved robot hero. I was together with my siblings glued to our one and only TV set every Friday, watching the Armstrong family battled it out and volting in. I do still remember Voltes V theme song by heart. To refresh the millenials of today, the Voltes Team is composed of Steve Armstrong, Mark Gordon, Big Bert Armstrong, Little John Armstrong & Jamie Robinson.

In my heart,  I would always be "Jamie Robinson" who has the capacity of flying the Lander machine, which creates the robot's foundation. To lead the fight against the Boazanian evils.

Following the success of the first collection, Giordano’s Voltes V collection is set for an ultra-electromagnetic return this August. Featuring vintage poster-inspired graphics in relaxed and timeless silhouettes, pieces in this collection will surely appeal to those who enjoyed the classic series in the 80s as well as their children now.

“Retro icons and nostalgia continue to influence today’s casual and street wear. Through the revival of the last decades’ popular silhouettes and good old days’ iconic characters, every major brand has put their own fresh take on the classics. And, in this series of Voltes V collections, Giordano has made it a point to honor the 80s favorite while making it relatable to younger generations,” said Giordano Philippines Vice President for Merchandising Rochelle Tan.

The collection features minimalist-designed polo shirts and raglan tees, as well as printed tees with vintage Voltes V graphics in different colors and sizes perfect for the whole family. In addition to classic silhouettes and subtle detailing, every item in this collection is made of premium and comfortable fabric.

“Voltes V is such an icon for those who grew up in the late 70s and 80s. It’s a big part of Pinoy pop culture and it transcends different generations. This collection is the second of the three-part series to celebrate the classic show’s 40th anniversary on 2017,” said Tan.

Giordano’s Voltes V raglan tees are available for only Php699, polos for Php1,099 and printed tees for a special promo of buy 1 at Php999 and buy the second one at Php799. What’s more, for every two Voltes V merchandise, you can get a free Voltes V Special Limited Edition Playing Cards. For more information about the collection, please visit www.facebook.com/GiordanoPhilippines.

Goldilocks offers the new Chocolate Creme Slice with rich hazelnut buttercream filling!

We’ve all had those moments when we found ourselves craving for a quick-yet-filling snack at our office tables, or needed a satisfying treat in the middle of the day to pick up our mood. Most of the time, however, our choices are limited to “convenience store” food, which by force of habit and frequency has become dull and monotonous.

Thankfully, Goldilocks has the best and yummiest solution: the country’s number one bakeshop offers the new Chocolate Crème Slice, which is sure to liven up your taste buds and fill your stomach in a snap! This yummy chocolate chiffon cake with a rich hazelnut buttercream filling truly exemplifies premium quality, at an affordable price. 

Pick up this creamy surprise from any Goldilocks branch nationwide. To know more about the Chocolate Crème Slice, follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldiclocksPH, the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph []

Beauty Elements Ventures Inc. brings beauty to light to millions of Filipinas for 10 years

Beauty Elements Venture’s Inc. (BEVI), the manufacturer of the country’s favorite skin-lightening product, Kojiesan, is celebrating 10 fruitful years of bringing a lighter, flawless and more beautiful complexion to Filipinos.

BEVI’s success story is a testament to the undaunted determination of its owner. From a few dozen orders to millions of bars sold, the soap steadily became a favorite among Filipinos. The innovative product reached consumers across the country, and soon after, distribution went worldwide as an export commodity.

BEVI started in a humble office in a residential area of Makati. Now, the company operates from an entire building. It also owns 6 hectares of manufacturing facilities in San Pablo, Laguna, providing employment to more than 500 employees.

BEVI launched the original kojic acid soap formulated the traditional Japanese way and made it even better by adding high-grade virgin coconut oil into the mix.

Kojiesan is an exceptional treatment to even out skin tone, erase dark spots, and other forms of skin pigmentations. It also corrects skin discoloration while lightening the skin. The Kojiesan Classic Line includes the Skin Lightening Soap, Cleanser+Toner, Face Lightening Cream, and Body Lightening Lotion.

With the success of the Classic Line, Kojiesan was able to extend its product lines to other categories such as anti-aging, acne treatment, men's skincare, cellulite control, sunblock, and fragrances. Results vary individually. How your skin reacts to any skin lightener will depend on your unique skin sensitivity, the extent of the pigmentation, and/or daily sun exposure. Initially, an improvement should be seen in the first or second week, then the ultimate result within the next 30 days or a few weeks thereafter.

Kojiesan’s commitment to quality is reflected in the recognition it garnered for five consecutive years as “Bath Soap Brand of the Year” at the Watson's Health and Beauty Awards and Consumer “SM Top Choice” Awards.

With more tricks than truth behind what brands say, Kojiesan enjoins us to be careful with what we buy. Some labels brandish catchy, creative terms ---triple effect this, intensive that, pinkish white whatever, and touting invented numbers --- 4 tones fairer, 7 days faster--- with zero consideration for your natural skin’s reaction to adverse products.

And for all the claims and white lies told, the question remains: have they shown us results? It’s time we see the light. No lab-made chemical complexes, no marketing-invented promises. Just you and your natural beauty, shining at its lightest.

The proof is in the pigment, and seeing is believing. So don’t let those brands tell you what works for you. Join the millions who’ve witnessed visible results, because it’s time to BRING YOUR SKIN TO LIGHT with the country’s No. 1 kojic soap: KOJIESAN! SEE IT YOURSELF.

“We will continue to innovate products and expand our distribution to bring the highest level of consumer experience to a greater number of people. We want to be known as the company who delivers quality and effective products,” says BEVI marketing head, Tricia Gregorio.

Kojiesan's Sales Director Mr. Jun Matos

Brand Manager of Belic, Frances Favila

Jewel in the Palace star Lee Young-Ae is Hurom's celebrity ambassador

Lee Young-Ae

Lee Young-Ae is back. Filipinos might know her better as Dae Jang Geum, her character in “Jewel in the Palace”. It was a watershed moment for Philippine TV as the first Korean teleserye that captured the hearts of Filipinos everywhere, and thus started a trend that continues to this day. After the tremendous success of this series, Young Ae chose to step back from the limelight, but this year she is returning to a new drama, which has caused much excitement in the entertainment world and among her multitude of fans. Along with her acting comeback, she has become the ambassador of Hurom Slow Juicer. It could not have been a more perfect fit.

“I’ve used Hurom for long time and I feel better and healthier than before,” declares Young-Ae. “There are two ways to make a juice, blending and slow squeezing. To get more nutrition, I love to use Hurom’s slow-squeezing method. Because when you squeeze ingredients slowly, it maximizes nutrition.” With her new production currently underway, she’s definitely going to need it. Young-Ae is starring in Saimdang, the Herstory”, a historical drama that will flit back and forth between present and the past. She plays the titular character Saimdang, who was a poet and artist in the Joseon dynasty as well as another character, a modern-day historian who investigates the life of Saimdang. It is set to air in Korea in October 2016.  

When she retired from showbiz a decade ago, she concentrated on home life. Being a health conscious mom, she has extended this to her household. “I make fruit and veggie juice with Hurom for myself and my family. My kids don’t like fruit and vegetable,” she admits, which is a common problem all parents share. “But if I make fruit and veggie juice with Hurom, they love it. This is my secret to make them to eat fruit and veggies.” In a commercial that aired on Korean TV, Young Ae is shown juicing apples and carrots on a Hurom juicer for her son, and he drinks it up happily, none the wiser that it’s packed with nutrition. In other ads she is seen holding a juicing party with friends and another one, where she pours her fresh juice in bottles and takes them to work.  “I make different juices every day,” she says referring to Hurom recipe book. “But my mom loves to make soy noodle with the Hurom slow juicer.” 



 Hurom is more than just a juicer. Depending on the model, there are many preparations you can do with Hurom  such as almond milk, and yes, like Young Ae’s mother, you can even make fresh noodles. The third (3rd) generation’s 2016 New Hurom HAA-Series even has an attachment where you can make healthy pure fruit sherbets and ice cream.

Lee Young-Ae has one of the most beautiful and ageless faces in Korea. She is as well known for her beauty as she is for her charity. Recently, she donated $50,000 to the earthquake victims in Ecuador and also paid for a Vietnamese child’s brain tumor surgery. Truly beautiful inside and out, she is also a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) ambassador.

With all of this activity and her foray back into the business, how does she keep healthy and fit?  “Drinking Hurom juice, that’s my health secret,” she says with a smile.

Hurom  Slow Juicers are available in Abenson, Anson Link, Duty Free, Gourdo’s, Rustan’s, Landmark, Metro Gaisano, Royal Duty Free, S&R, SM Appliance, SM Home, True Value, and Western Appliances. To learn more about Hurom Slow Juicers, visit the official website at

www.hurom.com and follow us on our social media accounts: (Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/huromphofficial, and (Twitter & Instagram) @HuromPHofficial. You may contact directly to hotlines (+632) 926-8038 / (+632) 926-8009.

Here is a healthy recipe you can try on:
Banana Cookie Ice Cream
▶Ingredients
⦁ Frozen Banana 2ea
⦁ Oreo Cookie 5ea
⦁ Condensed  Milk 2T
▶Instructions
⦁ Cut the bananas into 5 pieces and freeze them.
⦁ Cut the cookies in half.
⦁ Prepare the ice cream strainer and open the juice cap.
⦁ Get a juice cup and place it under the juice outlet.
⦁ Prepare the frozen bananas, Oreo cookies and condensed milk.
⦁ Take turns in inserting ingredients from number 5.

Soft Persimmon Sherbet
▶Ingredients
⦁ Frozen soft persimmon 2ea
⦁ Yogurt 2T
⦁ Lemon juice 1ts
▶Instructions
⦁ Defrost the frozen soft persimmon and divide into 6 parts. (Remove the seeds)
⦁ Prepare the ice cream strainer and open the juice cap.
⦁ Get a juice cup and place it under the juice outlet.
⦁ Prepare frozen soft persimmon, yogurt and lemon juice.
⦁ Take turns in inserting ingredients from number 4.