Epson provides technical training for Lantern Vision Learning Center under Family Life Missions for Gift of Brightness donation

Epson Philippines provided technical training to the Family Life Missions and the Lantern Vision Learning Center to help the custodians utilize the Epson products donated under the Epson Gift of Brightness (GoB) program.

Epson’s Roy Catana (left) leads the technical training and product orientation to Family Life Missions’Carlos Terry who will act as the custodian of the Epson Technology package donated to the Lantern Vision Learning Center.



These training sessions were put into place to enable the school faculty and students to be equipped in using the Technology Package.  Through the GoB program, Epson Philippines aspires to help enrich the learning experience for students of select public elementary and high schools.

Each beneficiary school hadearlier received an Epson Technology package that includes the L220 Multifunction Color Printers and L Series Inks; M100 Single Function Monochrome Printers and Inks; an LQ310 Dot Matrix Printer and SIDM Ribbons, LW400 Label Printers and LW Ribbons, Epson projectors and a document camera.

  “These technical training sessions for all schools that received the Epson GoB Technology Package ensure that we also provide relevant assistance to the custodians and students on the proper usage and maintenance, so that they can have confidence in deploying the use of these products for teaching and learning,” shared Mr. Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines

Since the launch of the Epson Gift of Brightness, Epson has partnered with key media and government institutions to select the most-deserving and in-need schools that can benefit from the technologically advanced equipment including high-volume printers, high brightness projectors and user-friendly scanners.

“Thanks to Epson Gift of Brightness program, the students of Lantern Vision Learning Center under Family Life Missions will be provided with free printed school materials and a very nice projector for the lessons. This donation will be a big help to us and our young pupils,” said Carlos Terry, the principal missionary who leads Family Life Missions. 

Family Life Missions is a non-profit organization that helps poor communities in the Las Pinas area through providing free pre-school education through its Lantern Vision Learning Center.  The center also provides free meals to its young students, as well as free school supplies. Most of the materials come from various donations to the NGO.

The Gift of Brightness advocacy of Epson Philippines was launched in December 2013, and has to date, benefited a total of 30 schools nationwide. Epson Philippines is currently selecting another batch of beneficiary schools with the help of DepEd and other partners.

“The Epson Gift of Brightness program is our advocacy for education and the Filipino youth.After our first partnership with the Department of Education last year, we are now embarking on another batch of beneficiaries of the Epson-DepEd Gift of Brightness, and some other schools that have directly asked Epson for help. We are focusing on selecting schools from areas that have yet to receive a similar donation. The new batch of GoB schools will be very soon,” concludes Ms. Donna V. Ferro, Head of Marketing Communications and PR, Epson Philippines.

Vivo V5s Get The Perfect Selfie even without the Filters

How long do you spend editing your selfie before posting? According to study, millennials spend an average of 7 minutes trying to get the perfect pose, editing it on another (or several)app, and thinking of the right caption before finally  posting in their social media.

In my case, it takes me about 10 minutes before posting a photo on my instagram and twitter account. But that is because I have to check my favorite lipstick, my famous cheek blush on in the market today and that smooth matte flawless liquid foundation that my sister gave me, so that I could look flawless, young and fresh. And yes I also do some editing on my favorite app.

The good news is that Selfie enthusiasts can ditch those blurry and heavily edited selfies as top five premium global brand, Vivo introduces the Vivo V5s—the newest member in its ‘perfect selfie’ V5 line on May 19 at SM City Nort Edsa. The launch was attended by actor-model Tony Labrusca, Boyband PH, lifestyle blogger Verniece Enciso, and Vivo Executives.

The V5s is made available in stores nationwide during the big reveal at SM City North Edsa.

Someone once said it on Pinterest: “Self-confidence is a selfie without filters.” It’s a challenge that changes the game in your pursuit of the ‘perfect selfie’—the selfie that looks more like you and less like a product of tedious editing and one that drives a multitude of ‘likes’ to your Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat post.

Advanced selfie technology
Be prepared to marvel at the V5s’ superior camera features and advanced selfie tools. Equipped with a 20-megapixel front camera with f2.0 aperture, the V5s gives you crystal clear, high-resolution selfies, wherein all the details are astonishingly visible. The light-sensing area is also larger than average at 1/2.78 inch, allowing more light to come in, which in turn enhances photo brightness.

Tony Labrusca

Boyband PH

Lifestyle blogger Verniece Enciso

Even better, the V5s’ 20-megapixel front camera is supplemented by a 13-megapixel rear camera with f2.2 aperture and an ultra-high-definition mode that renders stunning ultra HD images of up to 52 megapixels.

The V5s also boasts of the newest group selfie technology, which allows landscape-panning effects in ‘groufies’ or group shots. This exciting new feature supports both portrait and landscape orientations so that no one is left out in barkada shots.

The V5s likewise features a selfie softlight technology that creates lighting effects similar to those in a professional photography studio. Offered by other V5 models but updated for the V5s, the selfie softlight has an enhanced night mode for clearer and more fabulous selfies taken at night or in poor lighting conditions.

Moreover, Vivo optical experts fine-tuned the selfie softlight so that it uses the most suitable colors from the spectrum, producing natural-looking and gender-appropriate selfies.


Other remarkable features of the V5s include its face beauty mode 6.0, which works like a skincare tool that automatically detects your gender and applies beauty touches accordingly. For instance, females get softer skin tone, a more delicate face contour, and bigger eyes while males get a more masculine look.

Other premium specifications
The Vivo V5s is equipped with 5G capacity for a more stable Internet connection—an upgrade from the 4G capacity of previous V5 units and other phones in the same price range. It also has an OTG feature,

WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, USB2.0 and GPS for a smooth and fast transfer of files, making it the top choice for social media-savvy millennials and working professionals.

Touting a storage capacity of 4GB RAM, the V5s is perfect for games and applications. Its 64GB ROM is expandable up to 256 GB, allowing a veritable archive of 302 films, 20,000 songs or 26,000 pictures, and other documents. As for speed and performance, the V5s runs on a personalized operating system, Funtouch 3.0, based on Android 6.0.

The V5s likewise offers users unparalleled musical experience with Vivo’s signature Hi-Fi heritage and the AK4376 Hi-Fi audio chip.

Its App Clone allows users to log on to two different accounts using the same social media app, making it convenient for multi-tasking users to compartmentalize their professional and personal lives. The App Clone currently supports important chat apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, BBM, Zalo, and Viber.

Tony Labrusca

Boyband PH

Other notable attributes of the V5s include a smart split 2.0 that enables the V5s to keep two tasks on screen at the same time; an eye protection mode that makes the screen light softer; and a 0.2 fingerprint unlocking.

Finally, the V5s shares the elegant and sleek design of other phones in the V5 series: slimmer bezels, a large 5.5 inch display in 2.5D corning gorilla glass, and U-shaped cover lines that lend premium aesthetics to the back cover.

Poised to bolster Vivo’s supremacy in the selfie-centric smartphone market, the Vivo V5s is now available in stores nationwide, for just P14,990. 

For inquiries about Vivo V5s, visit the Vivo website at vivoglobal.ph, or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts. 



1according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker (http://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/vendor;jsessionid=7595C1498F4F0FBF496CC767E273121B

Fight diabetes through proper nutrition and lifestyle

How can you tell if you have diabetes? You may check the following symptoms, if you think you are suffering from one of these. Schedule a visit to your family doctor and have a laboratory workups as soon as possible. If diabetes is diagnosed early and managed effectively, Diabetes Type 1 and 2 is preventable.


1.  Excessive thirst.
2.  Excessive hunger.
3.  Blurry vision.
4.  Frequent urination (you wake 3 or more times in the night to urinate)
5.  Fatigue (particularly after eating)
6.  Feeling irritable.
7.  Wounds that don't heal or heal slowly.

Rainbow Camp, Phil. Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology Camp (PSPME),  Dialysis PH and the Diabetes Association of Camp Crame Inc. gathered at the health and wellness fair held at SM Megamall’s event center last May 16.

Partners who participated in the event were Jertie's Kitchen, Bounty Fresh Eggs, Nestle Fitnesse, Harvester's Rice, Philippine Parkour & FreeRunning Association, and Curves who promoted health and wellness to the public with their vegan and gluten free products.

I just learned that Egg Whites are good in controlling or preventing type 2 diabetes. Egg white is rich in high-quality lean protein and low in carbs.  It is perfect for blood sugar control, not to mention weight-loss or maintenance.

Participants of the event took part in a half day program promoting better nutrition and lifestyle. The event was held to showcase a day in the life of a Type 1 diabetes patient through a series of activities and presentations from health, fitness and nutrition partners that seek to create awareness on the effective ways to fight diabetes and to correct misconceptions surrounding it.

Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels associated with long term damage and failure of organ functions, especially the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the heart and blood vessels.

According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, diabetes is currently the 4th leading cause of death in the Philippines.1

According to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, one form of diabetes is Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes.  It is often referred to as “juvenile” diabetes, because it usually develops among children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas.

Typically, a person with type 1 diabetes treats the disease by taking insulin injections. Through insulin injection, glucose can now be brought to the body’s cells. This treatment is an exacting balancing act as it hinges on many factors including food, exercise, stress and emotional and general health.

While the prevalence of diabetes continues to soar, medical experts and health organizations agree that there are still a lot to be done in terms of creating awareness on prevention and care of diabetic patients. Through the Health and Wellness Fair, organizations from private, business and health sectors gathered to make sure that despite the challenges, diabetic patients are still able to live a full life and it starts by taking the step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.

1.  http://www.who.int/gho/countries/phl.pdf?ua=1

Essilor launches Bolon eyewear to the Philippines

Italian-designed leading affordable luxury eyewear is now in the Philippines! Introduced by Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Bolon premium eyewear, known for its elegance, high quality and functionality, has been launched in Metro Manila and is now available in select optical shops.

Bolon is recognized for its unique and stylish designs as well as its ingenuity in protecting the eyes against harmful rays of the sun. The Bolon brand redefines the modern aesthetic to meet the standards of today’s chic consumers, at the same time maintaining its functionality and elegance.

“We are pleased and enthusiastic to launch Bolon in the Philippines,” remarks Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor Philippines general manager. “With Bolon®, Filipinos now have access to premium, affordable luxury sunglasses and eyewear.”

Combining both science and art in each eyewear, Bolon is not only a fashion statement because of its exquisite designs. Its high-definition polarized lenses have E-SPF technology to ensure the highest level of comfort and protection. It is also made from Italian “Mazzucchelli” acetate, renowned for its outstanding colors and textures, as well as from Swiss-made memory resin, well-known for supreme resistance and lightness.

Bolon is indeed a top-notch eyewear that captivates even Oscar and Emmy award winner, Anne Hathaway, who is its brand ambassador. Epitomizing youth, style, and glamor, the Interstellar actress perfectly embodies the high quality of Bolon sunglasses and prescription frames.

With 85% brand recognition level and 30% market share in Asia, Bolon already has a strong presence across the region. It has also been massively distributed to major global hubs and airports, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo. Recently, the brand made a successful move to expand to the Middle East and UK markets.

Learn more about Bolon by visiting your preferred eye care professional or leading optical shop nationwide.

Gen Korean BBQ: The Gen-uine Choice for All Occasions

If there's something Filipinos know how to do, it's celebrate. As a culture, we love going out, spending time with family and friends, and having a good time. In spite of this, most gatherings seem to follow a clumsy cycle: after rounding up the group and setting a time and date, things come to a screeching halt when deciding where to eat.  

Most of us have experienced those long (and sometimes strenuous) discussions about choosing the best place. This is perfectly understandable, since there are numerous things to consider when dining out: the place has to serve good food, have reasonable prices, good ambiance, and excellent service.
 
This is precisely the reason why countless Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Gen Korean BBQ House in the Philippines. This new restaurant concept from the United States has amassed enviable reviews for providing the perfect setting for a great time. The Manila branch will be the brand’s first ever international location, and is set to open in the second quarter of the year.

Gen Korean BBQ is an All-You-Can-Eat style KBBQ restaurant that serves premium-quality meat at affordable prices. Because of this, it has quickly become one of the most successful Korean BBQ spots in California, with a constant line of fervent diners waiting for their turn to enjoy the scrumptious fare. Gen Korean BBQ’s loyal customers have also inadvertently become its informal ambassadors, since those who eat at the establishment often spread the word about their positive experiences.

Gen Korean BBQ House in Manila will faithfully adapt its foreign elements, which means large seating areas, hip music, chic interiors, and stylish lights. “The local team worked very closely with our US counterparts to bring the whole Gen vibe and experience to the Philippines,” explained Ted Lee, Gen’s Marketing Head for Philippine Operations. “When you walk into the Manila branch – with the music, the ambiance, the lights -- it will feel like you’ve stepped into any one of our West Coast locations,” he added.

“We want Gen to be the first place Filipinos think of when going out to eat, especially when looking for a place they can bring lots of friends and family to celebrate or just hang out,” Lee emphasized. Indeed, at a time when an entire array of restaurants are competing for the attention and approval of consumers, Gen Korean BBQ aims to sail ahead and become the go-to place for great food at great prices. “All it takes is one visit, and you’ll definitely place Gen Korean BBQ at the top of the venue list for gatherings. It’s really that good,” he concluded. 

Be sure to follow them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/GenKBBQManila/ for more updates and visit http://genkoreanbbq.com to know more about the brand!

How to Wear your Levi's 501 Skinny and 501 CT jeans

The Levi’s® 501® Skinny and 501® CT takes inspiration from the iconic 501® Original, the Levi’s® jeans that started it all. Remastered for today’s taste, these jeans add style to any male and female wardrobe, in many possible ways.

With these contemporary 501® takes come a recurring habit: staring at the closet for hours, racking brains on ideas for tops that would perfectly complement your brand-new Levi’s® 501® Skinny and 501® CT jeans?

Once again, the timeless Levi’s® brand makes living in Levi’s® a tad easier for you by sharing wardrobe ideas for these two jeans.

Levi’s® 501® skinny jeans for ladies

Levi’s® suggests a perfect skinny jean look for women:

501® Skinny. Faded for a timeless vintage style, the 501® Skinny, a remastered version of the ageless 501®, sits high and tight on the waist to hug your curves. The ‘new type of skinny’, these jeans look like the authentic 501® Original, with added lean and modern style.

These jeans are best casually styled, for an effortlessly sexy vibe.

To achieve this look, wear the 501® Skinny with a menswear-inspired striped shirt, leaving it half-tucked, with the collar open. Add a tailored jacket with the collar popped.

Levi’s® 501 CT tapered jeans for the gents

Levi’s® shares a stylish look that men should go for when wearing tapered jeans:

501® CT. Customized to suit today’s taste, the 501® CT is a classic remastered with a tapered leg down to the ankle.

When wearing the 501® CT, switch things up with a dark, braided belt. For a mix of indigo shades, add a navy shirt. Go casual by buttoning only the top two buttons, and show off your crisp white sneakers by rolling your 501® CT’s hem.

Levi’s® makes everyday styling easier with these surefire stylish outfit ideas. Shop for these looks at http://levi.com.ph/501day.

ABOUT THE LEVI’S®BRAND

The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans has become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world—capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal styles. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com.

Vivo's newest "perfect selfie" launches at SM North Edsa

Top five premium global brand Vivo is set to spring yet another surprise for all selfie lovers as it launches its newest ‘perfect selfie’ phone, the Vivo V5s, on May 19, Friday, at SM City North Edsa Annex.

The big reveal will be graced by Vivo executives and key personalities in the smartphone and tech industry, including lifestyle blogger Verniece Enciso. Vivo fans and mall goers will also be entertained by lively performances from actor and model Tony Labrusca and BoybandPH members Ford Valencia, Joao Constancia, Niel Murillo, Russell Reyes, and Tristan Ramirez.

The new Vivo V5s will brandish the highly coveted 20-megapixel front camera with f2.0 aperture, which allows users to capture crystal clear, high-resolution selfies.

It will also have advanced selfie tools that include the Selfie Soft Light found in Vivo’s V5 series, but updated for the Vivo V5s. This feature allows users to take selfies in all lighting conditions, but the updated version comes with an enhanced night mode for better-quality selfies taken at night.

Aside from the remarkable dual front camera, the V5s’ rear camera also takes beautiful photos at 13 megapixels and an f2.2 aperture, with an ultra-high-definition mode that can render stunning images of up to 52 megapixels.

Another exciting new attribute of the V5s is the App clone, designed to help users separate their professional lives from their personal lives. With the App clone, users can log on to two different accounts using the same social media app. The said feature currently supports important chat apps like WhatsApp, Line, BBM and Viber.

As far as aesthetics go, the V5s shares design elements with the V5 Plus series, such as a 5.5 inch display in corning gorilla glass, its side panel and back cover meeting in seamless curved edges and elegant U-shaped cover lines, making it more comfortable to hold.

It also features the Hi-Fi Music AK4376 audio chip for clear surround sound, whether through earphones, headphones or speakers.

Finally, the Vivo’s V5s—built with an octa-core CPU, a 4GB RAM, and a personalized operating system, Funtouch 3.0, which is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow—boasts utmost efficiency in terms of speed and performance.




The price, sale date, and other details of Vivo’s newest ‘perfect selfie’ phone will be revealed during the big launch.

A lucky Vivo fan will also have a shot at being one of the first to own a Vivo V5s—a unit will be given away during a special raffle to be held at the event.

For inquiries about Vivo V5s, visit the Vivo website at www.vivo.com/ph, or check out their Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vivophil/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/vivo_phil) accounts.


1according to International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker (http://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/vendor;jsessionid=7595C1498F4F0FBF496CC767E273121B)

Bel-Air Pasinaya 2017 features a Farrales x Zalora collab on its anniversary

Bel-Air Village Association recently held its presscon for the Pasinaya 2017 at Bel-Air Phoenix Function Room on May 17. The launch was attended by Bel-Air officers Floy Quintos, Ope Lopez, Pinky Uy,  Joey Camus,  and Bgy Captain Nene Lichauco.

It highlights the sneak preview of the Ben Farrales x Zalora Collection dubbed as “Retrospective”. 

This year, the Pasinaya fashion show features young women from Bel-Air families such as Julia Javier, Sam Javier, and Anika Dy modeling the timeless creations of Farrales. Meanwhile, modeling some of Zalora’s coolest looks are faces such as Marco Abello, Ton Lichauco, and Daniel Cuajunco.

Bel-Air Village has been home to some of the most creative people from different persuasions – art, design, literature, interior design, and many more.
And then there’s fashion – both couture and retail, especifically  Mang Ben Farrales, the Dean of Philippine Fashion, and Mr. Paolo Campos, the man behind the highly successful online fashion store Zalora.com.

On the occasion of Bel-Air’s 60th anniversary set on May 26 to 28,, the Bel-Air Village Association (BAVA) will present Pasinaya 2017, featuring one of the highlights – a Farrales and Zalora.com collab dubbed as “Retrospective”, set on May 27, at the Solar Street Park in Bel-Air 3.

Farrales has had an illustrious career in fashion since his beginnings in the late ‘50s, being the first Filipino designer to present a fashion show at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 1984. His timeless, classic designs have incorporated traditional Filipino materials such as inol, a traditional Muslim fabric found in Mindanao.

Zalora Philippines is one of the leading online fashion stores today, hosting hundreds of brands and products to make shopping online simpler and more convenient for busy Filipinos.

Both Farrales and Campos have been living in Bel-Air for more than 20 years and have been active within the community. Farrales, in particular, has lent his artistic talent in designing decorations for Pasinaya, Christmas celebrations, and other village events. He is also part of Pasinaya history by taking a major part in the first celebrations.

“Mang Ben designed the costumes for the first Pasinaya. Amidst his very busy schedule, he always makes time for Bel-Air because he loves the community,” enthuses Malyne Lorayes, executive producer of Pasinaya 2017. “The village has this established sense of community with many long-held traditions, such as the community fashion show every Pasinaya, that everyone participates in. We’re very honored to have these two brilliant minds from Bel-Air be featured.’’

Meanwhile, Campos is a second generation Bel-Air resident who came to the village with his parents Buddy and Bing Campos. He has been particularly involved in the community feeding programs of the parish church.

To watch out for during the fashion show are the classic artistry of the Dean of Philippine Fashion which plays with rich fabrics and beautiful silhouettes and showcases the designer’s Mindanao roots. Meanwhile, the Zalora collection will show fun, summery looks for men and women that highlight the latest trends.

 “What unites these two fashion powerhouses, aside from the fact that they have considered Bel-Air their home for the past 20 years and more is the fact that they mix both innovation and classic elegance and style. Despite the different looks of the two names in fashion, both Farrales and Campos represent investment dressing,” states Ogee Atos, director of the “Retrospective” fashion show.

This year, the Pasinaya fashion show will feature young women from Bel-Air families such as Julia Javier, Sam Javier, and Anika Dy modeling the timeless creations of Farrales. Meanwhile, modeling some of Zalora’s coolest looks are faces such as Marco Abello, Ton Lichauco, and Daniel Cuajunco.

“For our 60 years, we wanted the fashion show to be a ‘homecoming’ of sorts, something that not only showcases fashion trends but also Bel-Air, so we thought why not feature two big names in fashion that call Bel-Air home,” states Malyne.
The fashion show best highlights the theme of Bel-Air at 60, showing that what makes the village shine is the people that comprise the community.

 “What really makes Bel-Air special is the community we’ve built with one another. Unlike in many residential areas, we’ve kept our sense of wanting to get to know one another and getting involved. The fashion show is a great example of the Bel-Air spirit: all of us, no matter how famous we’ve become, coming together to put an incredible show,” explains Malyne.