Converse battles weather head-on with "The New Counter Climate Collection"

I have been wearing Chuck Taylors during my college days.  I got around 10 pairs during those years, and some brands of which accumulated to 25 pairs. You would never see me on a platform, sandals or wedges. My source of comfort is my ever reliable Converse Chucks or Jack Purcell. I could dressed up any outfit with a white Purcell for an entire week.  It became my fashion staple since then.  It goes around with everything not to mention they are comfortable with or without socks. There, now you know!

You can wear your chucks now even if the weather is unpredictable, with the launch of the THE NEW COUNTER CLIMATE COLLECTION, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Shield Canvas.
Fear no more, the sneaker with water repellent canvas and waterproof neoprene comes to the rescue!

Converse is battling weather head-on this Fall/Holiday 2016 season, combining classic sneaker designs with premium, weatherized features, with the debut of our Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear and Apparel Collection. We are keeping our consumers’ feet dry with waterproof and water resistant fabrics, so nothing can stop them in their quest for creativity.

Converse PH launched THE NEW COUNTER CLIMATE COLLECTION / The Converse Counter Climate Shield Canvas sneaker and others on September 5 at  Sky High Bar, Ace Hotel and Suites, Pasig. The event was attended by media, celebrities, KA & Z and 90's iconic rock band, The Dawn.
Converse is taking wet weather head-on this season, combining classic sneaker designs with premium weatherized features, with the debut of the Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear Collection. The new collections provide the necessary tools to combat the climate shifts while emphasizing essential weather-beating benefits. The innovative sneaker collections feature a bold mix of colors and materials including water repellent canvas, rubber and leather, and waterproof neoprene. Divided into three unique categories:  Shield Canvas, Leather and Rubber-- these collections are intended to stand up against the unpredictable inclement weather.

Each sneaker has been treated to help tackle rainy weather while maintaining comfort and style. The Converse Counter Climate Shield Canvas sneakers have been given a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment, standing guard as the first line of defense against the rain.

For the holiday season, both new and time-honored styles endure the harsh elements with the Counter Climate Rubber collection. These rubber sneakers are winter-ready with water resistant material and heat retention.

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.
Available colors: Black/Volt, Black/Reflective, White/Lava, Black
Suggested retail price: Php 4,550

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber
Another iteration of the Chuck II will also be releasing this fall - the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Rubber. By incorporating a transparent rubber overlay on the iconic Chuck II silhouette, this allows for the sneaker to breathe while repelling water and protecting feet from the elements. The sneaker includes all the features and benefits of the Chuck II such as a Lunarlon sockliner and a non-slip padded tongue, while adding a beautifully crafted dimensional canvas for breathability, micro-perforated leather lining for comfort, and a heat reflecting barrier at the footbed for warmth.
Available Colors:
Suggested retail price: Php 5,430

Converse Cons One Star Shield Canvas
This season, the Converse Cons Star also receives the Shield Canvas treatment, combining the enhanced comfort of a Lunarlon sockliner with a lightweight and breathable canvas that can also withstand the rain. Added features include a gusseted tongue and removed medial eyelets allowing the sneaker to tolerate wet environments. Traction rubber has also been incorporated to the outsole, providing additional grip.
Available colors: Black, White, Obsidian
Suggested retail price: Php 4,250

Converse Jack Purcell Signature Twill Shield Canvas
The Converse Jack Purcell Signature collection introduces a thicker Shield Canvas with a water repellent finish, and a tri-color reflective heel stay. A mesh lining backing the shield canvas regulates temperatures across a range of climates while still keeping the sneaker breathable. Reflective laces add flare while a gusseted tongue construction will prevent water from seeping into the dual pod Nike Zoom Air insole technology.
Available colors: Inked, Natural
Suggested retail price: Php 5,590

Converse Jack Purcell Signature M-Series
This fall, Converse introduces a high top silhouette combined with Counter Climate Shield Canvas. Warm, durable and water-repellent, it delivers all-day, on-the-go comfort. The Shield Canvas complements features like Lunarlon insole cushioning, heat regulating mesh lining and a tri-color reflective heel tab for enhanced visibility in low light.
Available Colors: Hot Cocoa, Black
Suggested retail price: Php 5,430
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Converse Essentials
The collection features quality and durable everyday basics for your active, on-the-go lifestyle. Constructed for comfort and fit, the Converse Essentials collection will get softer with time. Each piece includes a natural color fade of fabric with long-term wear, durable stitching, and a managed shrinkage fit that remains the same throughout the lifespan. The collection includes the  Converse Essentials Tee, Converse Essentials Pullover Hoodie, Converse Essentials Full Zip Hoodie and Converse Essentials Jogger.
Available Colors: Black. Grey, Obsidian, Egret
Suggested retail price: Ranges from Php 899.75 to Php 3,339.75

The new Fall/Holiday 2016 Converse Counter Climate Footwear Collection and Essentials are now available at Converse stores nationwide. Visit or www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines for more! #ConversePHCounterClimate

Beyond the Vial: A Social Value Business Model For Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengue Vaccine

Dr. Su - Peing Ng, Global Medical Director of Sanofi Pasteur is joined by Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Professor Tikki Pang at a recent launch of Sanofi’s dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia last Sept 20 at New World Hotel Makati with Sanofi officials and media.

Dr Su-Peing Ng and Professor Tikki Pang discussed with members of the press the latest scientific evidence or data on the dengue vaccine and how it prevented the rise of dengue fever in the country.

Dengue is a serious and complex disease. The mosquitos that transmit dengue indiscriminately pass the disease amongst people of all ages and socio-economic levels.  About half of the world’s population lives in areas where dengue is endemic, and millions suffer its seemingly bone-breaking pain and severe fevers, each year. Its reach has grown 30-fold in the last 50 years, swelling with globalization, urbanization, and climate change. Global costs of dengue are around $9 billion, annually . But in the years ahead, the tide of dengue could be better controlled through enhanced international collaborations in public health, and an innovative social business model with a vaccine at its core.

         
Twenty years ago, Sanofi Pasteur identified the potential scale of the dengue problem at its early stages, and began to put in place a set of innovative scientific and industrial solutions. In 2015, the dengue vaccine received its first market approvals.  In July 2016, after more than two years of review processes and inputs from clinical trial data and from top global dengue and infectious diseases experts, the World Health Organization issued its recommendation that countries where the dengue burden is high should consider vaccine introduction as part of integrated dengue prevention and control measures. As of September 14th 2016, the vaccine waslicensed in 9 endemic countries in Asia and Latin America  and public immunization programs are underway in Brazil and the Philippines, while the vaccine is also available on the private markets in those countries as well as in Mexico and El Salvador.

The story behind the vaccine is one of hard-earned research and development – but you’ve heard that story before. This story goes beyond the vial, as well: It’s about a new, social value business model that Sanofi Pasteur has built in collaboration with dengue-endemic countries and global health institutions. In time, it can help control dengue. But as importantly, it can help to support better healthcare outcomes in emerging markets by accelerating access to needed innovations.

When Sanofi Pasteur first identified a viable dengue vaccine candidate, we saw the opportunity to develop a health solution specifically for the countries where the dengue burden is highest.  We wanted to make sure that people who lived in grip of dengue’s threat were the people for whom the vaccine is designed and delivered primarily.  It sounds simple enough but in traditional pharmaceutical business models, this is often not the case.  More often than not, travelers and other select groups of individuals from high-income countries have access to new preventive tools against tropical diseases first, at a premium, before these solutions are made available, often as many as 10 years later, in less rich economies, even if this is where the disease burden is heaviest.

Our faith in this“flipping the model” approach was inspired by the scale of the dengue problem. Vaccines are widely considered among the most effective healthcare interventions against infectious diseases. They often confer protection against a disease that extends beyond the vaccinated to also the unvaccinated population. Given dengue’s massive spread, a vaccine could help national authorities in dengue-endemic countries achieve WHO 2020 objectives for dengue reductions in mortality (50%) and morbidity (25%) if it is implemented in large-scale public health programs1.

We anticipated this, and began building robust public health collaborations and industrial resources essential to success. The global clinical development program of the vaccine included 40,000 participants in 15 countries across Asia and Latin America ,  ,  . We invested in extensive skills training for healthcare personnel, upgraded healthcare facilities and increased prevention and education efforts. We captured new scientific insights into dengue epidemiology and transmission which is shared with host governments.  In parallel, Sanofi Pasteur built a dedicated dengue-vaccine production facility that will allow large and cost-effective supply to support optimal uptake of the vaccine as needed around the world.

Successful implementation of dengue vaccination programs can help governments in dengue-endemic countries to take control over the disease. Mathematical modeling of the vaccine’s impact indicate  that if countries take up broad public vaccination programs in highly dengue-endemic countries like those that participated in the Phase III development of the vaccine, vaccination can help cut the burden of disease in half over five years . Healthcare systems’ loads can be lightened and they can attract further outside public health investment with demonstrated program results. Successful vaccination programs therefore have the potential to be catalysts for social and economic progress.  Today, states like Paraná in Brazil are taking up the lead in this effort.  Public program introduction of the dengue vaccine in Mexico has been recommended by CONAVA, that country’s National Vaccination Council. Countries like these that have participated in the clinical development of the vaccine can see the value in the entire process as well as in the potential future results.

At Sanofi Pasteur, we welcome enhanced support and investment in the robust public-private collaborations that ensure broad reach for innovative health solutions like the dengue vaccine. Working together to establish balanced trust and long-term commitment to new ways of bringing innovation to people is critical to unlocking innovative business models’ fullest potential for improving public health worldwide.

Retro Living Room Ideas and Decor Inspirations from the Class of PSID 2016

When I stepped inside the PSID Gallery booths. It brought memories from the past, back from my high school days to the early 90s. I never appreciate art then, but I have been to some of the best interior home design to say the least, from my friends to classmates and relatives during those times. The nostalgia and effect of the "past" booth made a lasting recall and I am wishing someone would take me back to my past to relive and tweak it to a happier now with a Warren Platner design inspired living room in mind.

PSID Advanced Class of 2016 launches Past, Present and Future and took us to a journey of timeline of design, trends and styles through ”Evolution" last September 22 at the Square Building, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

To the Past, Present and Future booths that I have checked out, I have my personal favorite which is the Warren Platner booth because of its retro style back to the 60s vibe chair.  The look of the decade is reminiscent to the Beatles era with its splash of salmon, flame and mint colors.

If you are in for a retro vibe, now is the time to inject a hint of retro charm into your living room. Colors like salmon and purple makes chic and fashionable, simple retro decor can often make a big difference to the ambiance of any living space. Which makes me want to build my own house now inspired of course from the Warren Platner booth of the Past.

Warren Platner was an American architect and interior designer that produced a furniture collection that has proved to be a continuing icon of 1960s modernism. He is also famed with designing several prominent interiors in New York City, including headquarters offices for the Ford Foundation building and the original Windows on the World restaurant, atop the World Trade Center.

The look of the decade from which the renowned interior designer, Warren Platner, came from displays boldness in shapes, colors and patterns. It traces us back to the 'midcentury cool theme during the 1960s, brought to Dining Room today; showing that the Retro Style is highly applicable in todays setting. The strategical play of the different design elements creates a perfect balance between a vivacious and a warm, inviting atmosphere-perfect for a more interesting, spiced up contemporary space. This booth is for the young and the young at heart, adventurous go-getters. See how the designers have evolved retro styling with, .

1. It makes the room bright, lively and exciting with just the right tints, tones and shades-it is, 

2. Toned down by the other design elements brought out by the wood and tl-ie bricks, of which      communicated the warm and welcoming feel of the room througli. its texture.

3. The lights add more personality to the room and complete the retro-feel together with the creative repurposed objects such as the luggages used as shelves, retro cameras as wall sconces and the wall mounted television with a retro-frame fixed. 

4. Finally, the touch of elegance and luxury does it all for a graceful glam by the steel wire works of Platner. Inspired from his design style, we also did an open plan from which xou can see the entire area already, and a picture window witli a seat attached to the niche, from which is inspired by his work, 'Windows on the World" atop World Trade Center. The drop ceiling designed in a symmetrical curve breaks the rigid wood slats making an entire soft yet striking look-paired with circular drop ceiling with a sky window on center. Lighter shades of wood used on chevron flooring for more controlled patterns just right and suitable for the room.

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"  Aristotle.

All of which shows personality and sentimental value put together in an interior piece. Studied work and well calculated ergonomics, color matters, materials and methods put together the Retro Dining Room for the young and successful fashion entrepreneur and influencer, Yoyo Cao. It's for a very adventurous, creative, and assertive person like you, too.

MEMBERS:

PATRICIA RIANNA ANGELES, ROMUALDO EDUARDO ANSELMO, PETER PAUL ASCANO
ELISABETH ELISHA CABALLAS, JOANA MAE CIPRIANO, KARLA ANGELINE DOMINGO
DENISE CAMILLE VELASCO, JOLINA PAULA TURQUEZA

The second favorite is a Finn Juhl inspired booth from the Past, because Im a sucker to retro design and feel. This booth is instagram worthy with the splashes of color and design.   If youre a travel blogger, this booth will inspire you.

The approach of Finn Juhl design has been deeply inspired from the 45 chair which breaks the traditional upholstered armrests or which breaks from the tradition of upholstered armrests. Without the armrest, Finn Juhl was able to give function and comfort to the chair because of its curves.

"We feel strongly about its symbolism that we decided for it to became our inspiration for our floor plan . Our color scheme focused on earthy colors following the notion of Finn Juhl's style and furniture to be organic. A minimalist, we also reflected Finn Juhl's simple but sublime style in our design of the den . The simple yet well thought-of design from Finn Juhl translates and inspires our modern den".

MEMBERS:
ADRIENNE JO ALONZO, KLARISSE FLORES, MA. MICHELLE FRANCESCA HILAHAN
JASMINE LORRAINE MEDENCELES, BILLY JOE OSIAS, DAYANOR TAN

The dynamic nature of design through the past, present and future is the centerpiece of "Evolution,” the graduation exhibit of the Philippine School of Interior Design

(PSlD) Advanced Class of 2016, slated from September 29-October 31, 2016 at the Square Building, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. in celebration of PSlD’s 49th year, ”Evolution" will take exhibit guests on a journey through a timeline of design trends, styles and designs from past, present, and future.

Mounted in cooperation with Devant, Uratex, Boysen, Hafele, Bosch, Blanco Germany, Gorenje, Dexterton, La Europa Ceramica, Songdream, Nordlux, Matimco, AG Murals, Mity Mike, Larry’s Curtain, Mainline, Fineza, and Ilaw Atbp, the exhibit is set to showcase 24 exquisitely~ designed spaces that represent different time periods and various inspiration from the past, the present, and the future.

Vintage trends and classic designs take center stage in the Past gallery. Showcasing how mid-century design styles have influenced today’s interior design standards, the Past gallery will take exhibit-goers through a trip down memory lane with looks inspired by the 1940s to the 1970s. Booths will capture the essence of illustrious designers from this time period such as Finn Juhl, Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, Hans Wegner, Warren Platner, and Arne Jacobsen.

Meanwhile, the Present gallery breathes new life to timeless design styles and gives mm a contemporary spin. Classic styles meet modern trends in an up-to date gallery that will scuss the eclectic nature of present-day design. Styles such as Tropical, Filipino, Japanese, Mediterranean, Chinese, Moorish, Victorian, and Baroque are presented in an unexpected yet elegant fusion.

Giving exhibit-goers a glimpse of what's to come in design is the Future Gallery. The student designers have conducted thorough research to come up with fearless forecasts on what the future of design looks like based on the trends today.  Promising possible trends to be covered include Avant Garde Industrial, Tech and Trendy, Metallic Glam, Rustic Luxe, Eclectic elegance,  Organic Opulence, Design Deconstructed, and Funk Art.

Evolution” is a carefully planned, extensively researched exhibit that marks the countdown to PSlD's 50th anniversary in 2017. For decades now, PSID has been known to produce groundbreaking exhibits that become the benchmark of interior design shows in the academe, and are considered go-to events for architects, fellow interior designers, design enthusiasts, and the general public to learn more about world-class Filipino design and see innovative interiors come to life. PSID brings interior design a notch higher each year, presenting exhibits that challenge the graduating batch to showcase their repertoire of design skills and the PSID mark of excellence.

CustomThread launches first all-inclusive Beta Website for customizing apparel

Now that Christmas is fast approaching and you are still thinking on what to give your friends, relatives or co employees. How about some personalized/customized printed T-shirts, towel, or jacket with their names, movie lines or just about anything you have in mind that you want to be printed.

CustomThread recently launched their Beta Website last September 17 at  CustomThread HQ with a 1,400 square meter factory, the world’s best printing machines, and a digitally-controlled production system located at. Bgy Don Antonio, QC. The launch was attended by CustomThread CEO Erik Sy, Sales Director Roxy Roco, executives and bloggers. We had our day tour at CustomThread which featured their printing machine imported from Germany and the traditional silk screen printing machine.

CustomThread is a fashion-tech startup that takes customizing apparel to a whole new level. Take control of steps from design creation to global delivery in their newly launched website--wherein you can shop during your lunch break.  Inspired by a “Google way of thinking,” that uphold a progressive company culture and this translates to staff who balance purpose and professionalism.

From T-shirts, jackets, sportswear, corporate uniforms, to casual outfits, CustomThread offer personalized designs whether you’re ordering one or one million pieces. Provide your logo or design or create your own. Its build-your-own design app let’s you customize fonts, images, to colors of sleeves. Pick from staff's technologies according to your needs (basic colors, patterns on swimwear, embroidery on sweaters). Want to promote your photography or art? CT have the newest printing technology called Kornit Direct to Garment (DTG) for high quality printing of images and multiple colors. Making budget projections? Use their real time cost estimate “calculator.”

What if you want to sell apparel? Whether raising funds for a non-profit or launching a fashion brand, you’ll need an online address. Fundr is an online platform for solving your “how to start an online shop” questions. With just a few clicks, you can start selling customized apparel, tracking sales, and collecting profit with no upfront cost. All of these come together in their newly launched website, the Philippines’ first all-inclusive platform for customizing, producing and selling apparel.

#TogetherWeCan
To schedule an interview with their CEO or a factory tour, please contact
Darlene Co at (02) 364-8677 / 0908-8855081 / darlene@customthread.com.
CustomThread.com
Facebook.com/CustomThread
Instagram.com/CustomThreadInc

Platinum Karaoke presents the Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke with Alden and Maine

Admit it, you have grabbed that microphone once and sang your heart out in a karaoke, if you have the talent to sing then fine but if you want to improve your present singing voice. Here are 6 other tips to help you sing better. Source: https://spinditty.com/learning/6-Tips-to-Better-Singing

1.  Believe in Yourself - The Foundation Of Great Singing

If you don't believe in yourself, no one will. Your singing must ring true. You must be confident if you expect to sing with the best voice possible.

2.  . Open the Mouth to Sing With a More Powerful and Confident Voice

With the mouth barely open, your singing tone will remain suppressed or hidden-sounding. You must create enough space for the sound to come out.

3.    Breath Control: Learn to Breathe Correctly

Belly breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing, is essential to a better sounding singing voice.

4.   Activate Your Resonators: About Your Resonating System

When you sing, you want to discover just how to activate all of your resonators. Your resonators are the mouth, nasal passages, chest, and head areas.
Sing Songs That are Within Your Comfort Zone (Range)

This tip is very important -- it can make all the difference when auditioning or performing.

Some singers find it easier to sing very high tones, while others are comfortable in the middle range and still others love singing dark, lower sounds.

5.   Sing Songs That are Within Your Comfort Zone (Range)

This tip is very important -- it can make all the difference when auditioning or performing.

Some singers find it easier to sing very high tones, while others are comfortable in the middle range and still others love singing dark, lower sounds.

6.    Sing Expressively

When you sing, breathe life into every musical phrase. Sing with feeling.


Platinum Karaoke launches Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke together with Celebrity Ambassadors "Aldub" Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza at Manila Peninsula Hotel on September 22. The launch was attended by Platinum executives and media.


Platinum Karaoke, makers of high quality and high definition karaoke machines and accessories
perfect for every home, has soared to the NEXT LEVEL with the launch of its new and exciting
product – the Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke, a major game changer in the karaoke industry.

Platinum Alpha is a portable karaoke that boasts of unique features, which will definitely bring one’s
karaoke experience to a whole new level. It comes with full HD capabilities that promise superb
video and high fidelity sound output quality. And being a 24Gb multimedia console, you can store
and watch your favorite movies and listen to your well-loved collection of songs.

It is developed as a Smart Karaoke that features browsing and surfing the net, and sharing your
phone’s display on the big screen, which makes the Alpha Mic Karaoke an all-in-one entertainment
package. What’s more, it’s portable and convenient to set up so you can enjoy your karaoke bonding
moments may it be outdoors, in picnics, at the beach or even road trips!

It is also the first ever karaoke unit that can be bank-powered or via USB port. And with over 17,000
collection of OPM and English songs, and 100 new song updates monthly, what more can you ask
for?

And speaking of going to the next level, no one comes close to being most deserving of being
introduced as the newest brand ambassadors of Platinum’s Alpha Mic Karaoke than the hottest and
most sought after tandem in the country – Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, better known as
“ALDUB.” Like the brand, both embody an element of wholesome fun and entertainment with a vibe
that’s fresh and pulsating.

“Platinum Karaoke knows that Alden and Maine embody the same personality and vibe of the new Alpha Mic,” quipped Ruth Ana Bautista, Platinum's marketing assistant marketing manager. “Aside from that,both of them are also known to strengthen bonding relationships, having strong ties with their respective families, and attesting that karaoke is a big part of their momentous family bondings.”

And just like the Platinum Alpha Mic Karaoke, ALDUB is a truly a game changer. They are the
phenomenal love team that rocked afternoon television’s audience – nothing like anyone has ever
seen and experienced before. Their tandem is organic, fresh, believable and full of life. And this is
what continuously endears them to their fans.

After the anniversary of their famous characters and the launch of their first movie together, Alden
and Maine are set to reach a whole new level in their careers – next level as they would say. They are
still set to go to new heights and who knows, to a new level in their "love team" relationship.

Platinum Karaoke, is definitely ready for the next level as together with Alden Richards and Maine
Mendoza, it brings music to life and life to music! And with thousands of songs more than what its
competitors provide in the market, top brass sound quality and convenience, and with their array of
innovative and revolutionary products made available locally and globally, there is definitely no
other choice for these two amazing and inspiring performers.

Platinum Karaoke is available in all leading music stores nationwide. For more information or online orders, please visit www.platinumkaraoke.ph, like The PlatinumKaraoke in Facebook and follow Twitter and Instagram accounts @platinumkaraoke.