Amway celebrates K-Beauty with #MIYUFirstExperience

Korean skincare brands as we all know are the most effective and natural way to care for your skin.  Everyone went crazy with their cosmetics /skincare line the minute it landed Manila.   Name all the famous brand, I have most probably bought a thing or two. It started with their BB Creams,  the Mamonde Rose water toner that everyone hoarded, the two tone lipsticks and their facial masks! with cute packaging.

I just came to a conclusion that natural products with cute packaging and ridiculous names are well loved by everyone. With Korean women flawless skin, I guess who would say no to K-beauty products.

When I attended Amway's Miyu 1st Anniversary. I was surprised that they carry Miyu's skincare line. I first learned about it with one beauty blogger. I know I have to try it with its Rose infusing ingredients. I am addicted to anything with rose petals in it, it is proven to gently clean skin.

With their 3-in-1 whitening cleanser, MIYU 3in1 Whitening Toner and the MIYU Whitening Moisturizer with SPF 30, MIYU delivers results that are comparable or even superior to other more complicated to apply Korean product lines.

If there’s one thing that Filipinos admire most about Koreans, it would definitely be their clear, radiant, and seemingly transparent skin. That’s why K beauty products have a huge market in the Philippines. However, the problem is that products made in Korea are typically made for skin tones that are whiter or lighter than the skin of most Filipinos. So Last year, the world’s No. 1 direct selling company, Amway, launched a Korean whitening skincare product line in the Philippines – MIYU.

MIYU has proven quite popular, which is why Amway chose to mark MIYU’s first anniversary in style, with a party for young Amway Business Owners who have fallen in love with the brand. MIYU ambassador Krestle Deomampo graced the occasion that featured a foam up challenge, and even a bit of cosplay with authentic Hanbok costumes, and a photo wall of the Cherry Blossoms of Nami Island a backdrop. 

                           With MIYU Ambassador Krestle Deomampo

MIYU means “beauty within you”, the brand offers an uncomplicated skincare routine compared to the famous 5-8 steps of most Korean skincare regimens.

Known globally as one of the leaders in botanical research, Amway has applied its unparalleled knowledge of plant extracts, and their specific benefits, to truly set MIYU apart, even among already famously good Korean skin care products.

An active ingredient of MIYU is buckwheat extract which is proven to provide protection against the harmful rays of the sun, prevent premature skin ageing, and make skin look fairer while nourishing it to its deepest layer.  It is also is known to be a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that revitalizes and brightens skin  The second product in MIYU’s 3 step process, the Pore me down toner, contains Chaga Mushrooms that helps decrease excessive sebum production and tighten pores. 

With the meticulous product development that Amway has become famous for, no wonder, this skincare line’s 1st year anniversary was one worth celebrating, especially for Filipinos who achieved their #skingoals with MIYU. 

Rico’s Cebu's Best Lechon, finally opens tomorrow Aug 3!

"Best Pig Ever," and with those three words, late great Anthony Bourdain, put Cebu Lechon on the world culinary map.

For us Pinoys, those big and special celebrations wouldnt be complete without a lechon on the main table and though I grew up near La Loma--which they say is the lechon capital of the Philippines. Almost all the foodies point to Cebu Lechon being the best--and Mr. Bourdain confirmed it.

I've never been to Cebu but all my friends who've been there have told me that trying out the lechon there should be part of any itinerary.

Its a good thing I dont have to go to Cebu to have a taste of their authentic lechon, because finally Rico's--Cebu's Best Lechon had just opened its very first restaurant in Manila.

So you could just imagine my excitement when I got the invite to be among the first to dine in the resto ahead of its public opening. I actually skipped breakfast just so i could make room and be able to try more of their specialties.


And like I mentioned living just a few blocks away from all those roasting stations in La Loma I was really curious if Cebu's lechon was really better.

Rico's Lechon Restaurant in Fort Strip has got that homey vibe into it. You know the feeling that you are there to eat and to taste everything.

When the waiter asked orders for our table.  I ordered dinuguan and spicy lechon. My table mates asked for humba, lechon sisig, seafood kare kare, regular lechon, and buco pandan for dessert.

                                        Seafood Kare Kare P395

                                            Lechon Paksiw Manila P320

                                              Spicy Lechon

Rico's Lechon Menu

If you're on a diet, I would recommend sizzling tanigue, gising gising, and chopsuey for you. I love that their tanigue is freshly cooked, not malansa.

                                            Sizzling Tanigue P380

                                              Pusit na Pinaputok  P440

                                                      Chopsuey P280

                                               Gising Gising P280

I admit I fell in love with their spicy lechon. It is not that spicy as it is tolerable. You can eat it alone or with their special sauce lami.  It is tasty, the skin is crackling, the meat oh so tender and juicy.

Everyone took home 2 kilos of lechon. When we got home, we put it in the freezer and reheated the next day. We ate it for lunch and dinner. Masarap pa din!

                                         Calamares Prito P230

                                         Grilled Pork Liempo P220

                                            Suka Lami P140

Tomorrow is the big day for lechon fans as Rico’s –Cebu’s best lechon–finally opens its first branch in Manila!



Being the first Filipino brand in the roster of international restaurant brands operated by Meat Concepts Corp., Rico’s Lechon’s Manila debut, as well as the arrival of its famed cooks and roasting team from Cebu, is met with much anticipation and lip-smacking fanfare in its grand opening tomorrow August 3, 2018.

Located at the Fort Entertainment Complex (the Fort Strip) in Bonifacio Global City, the  sprawling, 180-seat capacity restaurant promises to deliver the same taste and experience local patrons have enjoyed since it first opened in 1995.

Rico’s prides itself in using native pigs which they stuff with lemongrass, tomato, vinegar, ginger, calamansi, and a few other spices, then roasted whole over a charcoal pit. Its been said that the secret to their scrumptious lechon lies in the addition of spring onions and garlic in the stuffing.

Another highlight in Rico’s Lechon Manila flagship branch is the Roasting Pit, which is expected to be a major attraction. It’s the first of its kind in BGC and the only site to have this viewing corner. Different from Cebu’s – which is done in soil – the lechon roasting is done indoors.



The Roasting Pit is built with innovative mechanism for its exhaust and adjusting temperatures, upholding quality and food safety standards. Customers – and even passersby – can view the lechon roasting at all times and even from the outside.



“I’ve been a patron of Rico’s Lechon for years and personally believe it’s the best,” said Meat Concepts Corp. President George Pua. “We want to be able to have Cebuanos take pride in sharing this with the rest of the country, and eventually the world.”

Look forward for the opening of other Manila stores located in Tiendesitas in Pasig, Top of the Glo in Glorietta Makati, and Ayala Malls Cloverleaf and U.P. Town Center in Quezon City.

The Rico’s Lechon brand has been a mainstay in Cebu for more than 20 years, an institution for Cebuanos and visitors from Manila and all over the world. Indeed, “Da best gyud!”


Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. For inquiries, you may contact Rico’s Lechon BGC at 0917-844-7067, 

Get a chance to win a stay for two in Siargao for 5 days and 4 nights via Lendr

Borrowing money is now available online thru your phone!  Its that easy, just download the Lendr app and submit requirements thru app! If your loan is approved then  you and your partner will get a chance to win a stay in Siargao.


Be able to buy your first house, drive your dream car, or put up your own business with Lendr, FINTQ’s online lending platform that allows you to choose a loan and apply for it anytime and anywhere.


Most millennials are now at the point of unlocking a major milestone in their life, some of which involves making a big item purchase, but are in search of additional funds. Now, with Lendr this can be easily achieved, and with its ‘Wow, Siargao! Raffle Promo,* it comes with an all expense paid vacation to the surfing haven to boot!

Wow, Siargao! Raffle Promo gives one lucky borrower who applies and avails of a loan applied through Lendr a chance to win a stay for two in the surfing haven for five days and four nights.

“We believe that achieving your dream - buying equipment, upgrading your gadget, or providing for your family, should be easy to achieve. With Lendr, anyone can fund their dream in the easiest possible way. Simply choose the loan that suits your need and apply for it anytime of the day, within the comforts your home. We are excited to provide this convenience to our users along with a chance to enjoy an all expense paid vacation to one of the most coveted destinations in the Philippines,” said Sharon Kayanan, FINTQ Head of Marketing.

Joining the Wow, Siargao! Raffle Promo is easy. It is open to all new and already registered Lendr users. Borrowers earn a raffle entry when they apply for a loan in any amount via Lendr from June 11 to August 31, 2018 and get an approval until September 10, 2018. It is valid for any loan type in Lendr: Auto Loan; SME/Business Loan; Home Loan; Personal Loan; OFW/Seaman Loan; Trucks and Equipment Loan; Microfinance; Car refinancing; Doctor’s Loan. Raffle draw will be held on September 14, 2018. The winner will be announced on September 19, 2018 on Lendr’s website (lendr.com.ph) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lendrph). The winner will also be notified via text message and e-mail using the details registered in his/her Lendr account.


What are you waiting for? Apply for a loan via Lendr now! All you have to do is go to the Lendr website or download the Lendr app (for Android users), and create an account. Once your account is created, you can already visit the Lendr loans marketplace. Indicate your preferred loan amount and tenor and Lendr will show a list of providers and a computation of the monthly amortization. Complete the application form, attach all required supporting documents and click Submit. Borrowers can take up a loan as low as P1,000.


Lendr is the country’s first 24/7 digital loans marketplace developed by FINTQnologies Corp. FINTQ, the financial technology arm of Voyager Innovations. To know more, visit www.lendr.com.ph.

Vivo V9 dropped the price to Php14,999 from Php17,990

Global smartphone brand Vivo is kicking off August with good news! It has dropped the price of the Vivo V9 to Php14,999 from Php17,990.


That means that new users can now enjoy the 24-megapixel AI selfie camera, the 16MP+5MP dual rear camera, 6.3-inch 19:9 FullView Display with an impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio, and all other high-end specs for a lower price.

For only Php14,990, Vivo V9 will give users access to AI-powered features most notable in photography with its Face Beauty, High Dynamic Range, selfie lighting, bokeh algorithm, and Augmented Reality Stickers capabilities. This makes the V9 the perfect smartphone for those who love capturing every moment.

Not only that, the Vivo V9 is also a perfect smartphone for gamers with the upgraded AI Game Mode. The Vivo V9, after all, is powered by the Android 8.1 OS and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor. It is also equipped with Smart Engine, which intelligently allocates and optimizes processing resources, for a seamless gaming experience.

The Vivo V9 was introduced in the Philippines on March 22. It was initially available only in Pearl Black and Gold, but Vivo also launched its Velvet Red variant in April.

From hot to cold coffee, Jollibee gives us more reasons to enjoy pick-me-ups!

Hello there coffee lovers!

 Jollibee has got exciting announcements for your caffeine fix: the improved Premium Brewed Coffee and the all-new Coffee Mocha Float!

Kickstart the day with a delicious blend of premium coffee beans
There’s nothing better to kickstart a busy morning than a steaming cup of joe that smells and tastes just right.

Jollibee’s new and improved brewed coffee is the ideal partner for any Jolly breakfast favorite, the new brewed coffee boasts of leveled-up flavor and strength to get your day started with a satisfied smile.

Each cup of Jollibee’s brewed coffee is now made with high-quality premium beans for a stronger, full-bodied taste and richer, roasted aroma, in every sip.

The new Premium Brew from Jollibee is great to enjoy in multiple ways: with your Jolly breakfast faves, on its own, strong and black, or with your ideal amount of creamer and sugar.


A deliciously cool pick-me-up

When it’s time for another coffee concoction to lift your energy as the day goes on, and Jollibee has just the coolest treat: the new Coffee Mocha Float!

Enjoy it for only P30.00* (Solo)! Available in the mornings for dine-in, take-out, delivery, and drive-thru in all branches nationwide.

Microsoft Brings Digital Transformation to the C-Suite

Microsoft is leading the discussion on digital transformation in the Philippines. The tech leader held several C-level roundtable discussions on the impact and necessity of digital transformation in today’s modern business environment. These discussions were attended by CEOs, CTOs, CFOs, CMOs, and CHROs from industries such as banking, professional services, retail, education, real estate, power & utilities, and telecommunications.

CIO & COO Roundtable event executives with Microsoft Leaders

“Microsoft is committed to helping leaders understand the economic implications of digital transformation in the society. Digital Transformation is emerging as a key driver of sweeping change across industries globally. More than a mere buzzword, it now has the capacity to significantly improve business revenue and create broader social good,” said Christian Lim, Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft Philippines.

At the CEO Round Table event, Microsoft took a closer look at the economic impact of digital transformation in the Philippines. Andrea Della Mattea, Area President (APAC) for Microsoft, reported that the impact of digital products and services to the economy of SEA nations will skyrocket from 6% to a staggering 48% by 2021. This growth will result to an economic increase of more than $60 billion. But more than the rise of revenue and decrease in costs in businesses, digital transformation also has the capability of improving consumers’ lives and bringing about social good.

The highlight of these discussions was the different perspectives and insights from organizations like Union Bank, PhilCare, and Rustan Coffee Corporation, to name a few. UnionBank executives: Edwin Bautista, Director, Chief Executive Officer, Henry Aguda, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation officer and Arvie De Vera, First Vice President, Head of Fintech Group, shared the secret to the success of their work on digitizing finance. Aiming to resolve the problem of financial inclusion, UnionBank called in futurists and tech experts to help reach out to remote communities and give them access to financial tools.

As Microsoft gears up to host another series of C-level roundtable discussion this August, it remains focused on supporting business leaders in their journey towards shaping better opportunities for business and society through innovation.



For more inquiries, please contact Microsoft at enterpriseph@microsoft.com.

Christian Bables stars in Signal Rock under Direk Chito Roño for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino

Christian Bables is excited in his upcoming movie, Signal Rock, his first collaboration with Direk Chito Roño. It was a dream come true for him to be working with the A-list director. 

He is all praises of Direk Chito. “Ipapakita at ipaparamdam talaga niya sa iyo kung gaano ka niya pinapahalagahan bilang isang aktor at kaibigan basta ipakita mong you deserve his admiration and trust. I will forever be grateful to him. I worked so hard noong makapasa ako sa audition. I put myself into my character’s shoes so I would know kung anong emosyon ang aking paghuhugutan. I imagined my character - the way he speaks, walks, how he closes his eyes – para mabigyan ko ng magandang interpretation ang role ko. I have to be on my toes kasi andyan sina Direk Chito and the staff."

In the film, Christian plays Intoy, a poor high school dropout who resides in a remote fishing island. Intoy has good communication skills and he is always invited to be an event emcee in fiestas, parties, and election campaign rallies. He helps his sister in Finland in a child custody battle against her abusive husband by involving the townspeople, faking legal documents, and setting up false endorsements to prove his sister’s financial capacity.

“This is a coming of age story of Intoy. Isang taong puno ng pagmamahal para sa kanyang pamilya and how his love will succeed in saving his family most especially his sister. Intoy will do everything to keep his family intact,” describes Christian of his character.

Intoy is a deviation from the gay roles Christian played in the past. "It’s easier for me to play Intoy because I no longer need to alter my way of thinking, the way I feel and my physicality. The challenge for me here is to truly define Intoy’s personality and try to relate it to me as Christian Bables.”



Signal Rock is based on a true story of people living in a small town in the beautiful island of Samar. Direk Chito recounted the story of one of his friends named Nonong to screenwriter Rody Vera. Nonong’s life story left a remarkable impression on Rody because it is based on the realities of life like work migration and how this changed the lives and relationships of the people they left behind to support.



The film was shot in the picturesque island of Biri where Christian stayed for 15 days.



Christian is now busy going around the country for the movies’ promo activities which include mall shows, radio and studio interviews, campus tours, among others.

     

Signal Rock is part of the week-long celebration of Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. It will open in theaters beginning August 15 and also stars Nanding Josef, Ces Quesada, Arnold Reyes, Daria Ramirez, and Domingo Cobarrubias.



For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, email info@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency

Enjoy 72 Hours of Free Shipping and Up to 80% Discounts on Premium Items on Shopee’s Payday Sale!

This is good news to all the techies out there! Its time you visit Shopee Gadget Zone and avail of huge discounts on your favorite brands.

For 72 hours from July 30 to August 1, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is back to help loyal users stretch their salaries with its monthly Payday Sale. This month, we are going bigger and better with 72 hours of free shipping, all-day vouchers, and up to 80% discounts across a wide range of categories ranging from electronics to fashion.


To sweeten the Payday Sale, users can also look forward to lowest prices guaranteed on dozens of premium electronics at Shopee Gadget Zone,  a dedicated in-app portal for all things tech, which was newly launched this month.

With up to 80% off some of 2018’s hottest electronic products such as the Nintendo Switch, Canon Inkjet Printer, and Harman JBL Soundbar. Furthermore, users can also expect up to P4,000 off products from top brands including Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi.

Jane Lim, Director of Shopee Philippines said, “This month’s Payday Sale will be bigger and better with our new Shopee Gadget Zone featuring premium electronics at unbeatable prices for our users. Shopee Gadget Zone has been well-received by users in the short time since its launch and together with the Payday Sale, we want to build on this early momentum and continue our goal to deliver top electronic products at attractive prices for all our users in the Philippines. Moving forward, we will continue to diversify our product assortments and engage users with even more exciting deals tailored for their needs and preferences. 

For more information on:

Shopee’s Payday Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/paydaysalejuly.

Shopee’s Gadget Zone, visit https://shopee.ph/m/gadgetzone.


For more information on Shopee, visit https://shopee.ph

Download the Shopee app for free on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Tower of Power is Live in Manila on Sept 7 at The Smart Araneta Coliseum

The much-awaited Manila performance of Tower Of Power is finally happening September 7, 2018 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be mounted by Ovation Productions. The triple bill event also features Dennis Lambert and Kalapana.

Tower's musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen "Doc" Kupka in July of that year. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio's house, Emilio's father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: "Hire that guy, he's got something." This was how Doc and his signature baritone sax came to be a major part of the band’s sound, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well known in the area.

Many other bands came out of the San Francisco Bay area in the late 60's. Bands like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Journey, and others all helped to define the "San Francisco Sound." Tower of Power has always claimed Oakland, California as their hometown, playing area venues and making a name for themselves.

Tower of Power was signed to Bill Graham’s San Francisco records and their first album was East Bay Grease. All of the compositions were original tunes written by Castillo and Kupka. Their next album, Bump City, led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day. Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA.

Since the beginning, Tower of Power has never stopped touring and recording. Always in demand, the band never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. Tower is truly blessed to have a dedicated following that often travels to see the band, and in many cases fans will plan their vacation or work schedule around an appearance of TOP. New generations of fans come to see them perform as their timeless music continues to excite fans of all ages.


DENNIS LAMBERT

Another featured performer in this September 7, 2018 Smart Araneta Coliseum event is songwriter-producer and singer Dennis Lambert. Dennis’ album Bags and Things was very popular in the Philippines in the early 1970s and contained hit songs Of All the Things, Ashes to Ashes, Somebody Found Her Before I Lost Her, and So Little Time. He also either co-wrote and/or produced huge 1970s hits for other singers like Ain't No Woman Like the One I've Got for the Four Tops, Rhinestone Cowboy for Glen Campbell, Hard Core Poetry and She’s Gone for Tavares, Baby Come Back for Player, Love Music for Sergio Mendes & Brazil ’77, Dream On and Rock and Roll Heaven for The Righteous Brothers which revived the duo's recording career in 1974. In the 1980s, Lambert continued to write and produce alone under his Tuneworks banner. Credits include hits Nightshift for The Commodores, We Built This City and Sara for Starship, I Live For Your Love and Pink Cadillac for Natalie Cole, and Moment Of Truth for Survivor. Lambert was the subject of an award-winning feature-length documentary film, Of All the Things, directed by his screenwriter son Jody Lambert, which followed him on a cross-country tour of the Philippines promoted by Ovation Productions.


KALAPANA

As for Kalapana, they emerged as one of the most popular bands on the Hawaiian music scene in the 70s, and is much loved by Filipinos for their songs, Nightbird, The Hurt, You Make it Hard, and When the Morning Comes. They still enjoy frequent airplay in Manila’s top radio stations until today. Kalapana received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Ovation Productions took them on a Philippine Tour back to back with the band America in 2012.

It will truly be a thrill for Filipino music lovers to see all three of their favorite artists perform together in one evening of retro music at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It certainly cannot get any better than this!


Tower of Power 50th Anniversary Tour featuring Dennis Lambert and Kalapana is produced by Ovation Productions. Media partners are FOX, FOXLife, FOX Filipino, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Wish 107.5, 97.9 Home Radio, DWIZ 882, DWWW 774, DZXL 558, 96.3 Easyrock, iFM 93.9, Philstar.com, Inquirer.net, Mb.com.ph, Manilascope, LionhearTV, Manila Concert Scene, Philippine Concerts, and Soundcheck Manila. Ticket Prices are P5250/ P4750/ P3750/ P2750/ P1750/ P750. Tickets available via www.ticketnet.com.ph and regular TicketNet outlets or call TicketNet +632 911-5555 or Ovation Productions +632 532-8883.

Global smartphone brand Vivo has successfully mounted the first-ever Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines

Global smartphone brand Vivo has successfully mounted the first-ever Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines as the top eight teams battled it out to claim 3x3 court supremacy.

The top eight teams who faced off at the Market! Market! on Sunday were Ballers, Metrostar Realty, Team F4, BS Susim Shipping, Team Core, Just Coco, Arellano University, and Team Enderun.

The final two teams will be sent to Guangzhou, China in August 2018 and play against other groups in Asia to claim the HoopBattle Champion title. Aside from the chance to play at an international basketball game, the two winning teams will get Php200,000 or Php100,000. 

If the Philippine team enters the top three in the final games, they will also bring home RMB400,000 (around P3 million), RMB120,000 (around Php900,000), and RMB80,000 (around Php600,000).

The HoopBattle Championship is an annual 3x3 basketball tournament held in some districts in China and other Asian countries. In the Philippines, the tourney was organized in cooperation with the Ayala Malls.

Vivo, a brand that encourages its users to pursue an energetic lifestyle, has been at the forefront of throwing support for sports. It has tapped basketball superstar Stephen Curry as its global ambassador.

Vivo also forged a partnership with FIFA World Cup as its Exclusive Smartphone Sponsor for the 2018 and 2022 football tournaments.

In the Philippines, Vivo has also sponsored the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. #