ARISE Philippines kickstarts new round of disaster resilience network initiatives

Representatives from both public and private sectors, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and the SM Group, convened recently for the annual ARISE General Meeting held at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

ARISE Philippines is a network of private companies that are united under the common objective of establishing innovative disaster resilience practices within organizations. This initiative supports the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and the Sendai Framework. Sendai Framework is a 15-year, voluntary, non-binding agreement which recognizes the role of UN member countries to reduce disaster risk, and which should be shared with other stakeholders including local governments and the private sector.

Members of ARISE Philippines gather for the 2019 Annual General Meeting held recently at the Mall of Asia Arena Annex Building in Pasay City. The AGM was led by   ARISE global member & chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy (seated, center)



Through their membership with ARISE Philippines, companies from the private sector are enabled to build their own capacity and develop strategies in making their organizations resilient to disaster risk, by learning from subject matter experts and engaging in workshops that discuss best practices. In recent studies, the Philippines have been globally ranked as the third most vulnerable country, in terms of disaster and calamity. 

The government sector was represented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

Director Susan Juangco delivered message from Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Executive Director of NDRRMC, “As private organizations begin to understand their roles in disaster risk reduction management, and actively collaborating with the public, the government’s vision for a disaster resilient nation is coming to its reality. We are here not to boost the self-interests of our organizations, but to attain our goal for our stakeholders and assure quality of life beyond disaster.”

Asst. Director of the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development of DTI, Alicia M. Opeña, added, “The MSME sector has a vital role in the welfare of our society as it serves as a proximity market or immediate provider of most goods and services, and we believe that integrating disaster risk reduction initiative in the MSME structures will ensure that businesses can continue to operate their core services even in the occurrence of an adverse situation.”

During the roundtable discussions, participants gained shared understanding of key performance indicators in each of the presented work themes, which are organizational initiatives that respond to preventive measures against disaster, and eventually develop a joint action plan to ensure progress in creating disaster resilient societies. Some of the key topics covered were disaster risk management strategies, education and training and urban risk reduction.

At the annual meeting, the vision of Hans T. Sy was reiterated, “As a member of ARISE, I encourage everyone to promote disaster preparedness and risk resiliency. We must continue to help each other in minimizing property damages and most especially in protecting lives because disaster resilience is everybody’s business”.

To know more about ARISE Philippines, you may contact its secretariat through arisephilippines@smprime.com or https://cc.preventionweb.net/arise/asia_pacific/arise_philippines

Angkas gets support from Senatoriables

I remember when I was still driving—way back during my college years when traffic—believe it or not--happened during rush hours.

But now traffic is becoming almost like those convenient stores operating almost 24/7 okay that’s a bit of an exaggeration—because the roads are still free from 1am till about 4am—in certain places.

And I don’t think even those new flyovers and “skyways” will provide a solution to our traffic problem.

Nowadays you have to allot a couple of hours if you are going to pass through EDSA and at least an hour to go anywhere else.

Don’t even get me started about commuting, because its one of the reasons why I quit the labor force and decided to work at home instead. Its either you get harassed and risk your sanity riding the MRT /”LRT or spend most of your salary on taxi’s and grab rides.

As for those UVs especially those old FXs, some are so worn down its like being in an oven toaster since their ACs are not working properly.  You'll get sick and its bad for your health.

The only comfortable way to commute is if you ride the P2P bus but what if you are in a real hurry and the only other option is to make “Angkas”

Too bad Angkas is still facing a lot of problems. 

I remember last year. I had a 6pm event. I took the mrt from Trinoma going to Ayala at exactly 4pm. I left the house in QC at 3pm. I alloted 3 hours just to get in time in BGC. When in Ayala, I looked for a "car pool" going to BGC in High Street. There were no transportation available that day because of traffic and it was December. Traffic was everywhere. Someone in the motorcycle lane in Ayala going to BGC, asked if I wanted to go fast my destination for only 15 minutes, I said yes. So there I was riding a habal and wearing a skirt. We took off and arrived just in time. I was 30 minutes late but was just relieved that I made it to that event. 

Angkas is a stress reliever to all the commuters everyday. The fare is reasonable and you can get in time for no less than an hour, just remember to wear your helmet properly and hold on to kuya driver.

Last week, I attended an Angkas Safety Fiesta event. Several senatorial candidates supported the event and pushed for the rights of  motorcycle riders.

In a rare event, several senatorial candidates from different political parties came together for the Angkas Safety Fiesta and collectively called for the resumption of the app-based ride-hailing service. 

Senatoriables Grace Poe, Bam Aquino, Chel Diokno, Bato dela Rosa, and JV Ejercito all graced the Safety Fiesta to support Angkas’ efforts to propagate the proper safety training of motorcycle riders in the Philippines.

The senatoriables were joined by Rep. Winston Castelo, the chair of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development, and wife Councilor Precious Hipolito-Castelo.

In the event, the senatoriables and the other candidates agreed that it was high time for the government to implement the legalization and regulation of motorcycle taxis.

They also called for the resumption of Angkas’ operations, stressing that the non-action on the part of the concerned government agencies constitutes a continuing violation of motorcycle riders’ rights especially since Angkas has been providing a decent source of livelihood for thousands of motorcycle owners in the country, aside from helping Filipinos in their daily commuting woes.\

Senator Grace Poe, in her speech during the program, commended Angkas’ safety training while declaring that the ride-hailing service will help in addressing the country’s mass transport problems. “Ang totoo, ako ay saludo sa Angkas dahil binibigyan kayo ng proper training and guidance. Kailangan natin talaga ang iba’t-ibang pagkakataon at modes of transportation. May bus, may jeep, at may MRT, pero kulang pa,” the senator said.

“Pero ang aking tututukan ay dapat ligtas ang ating mga pasahero. Kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat sa Angkas dahil nagbibigay sila ng tamang training sa inyong lahat,” Sen. Poe added.

For his part, senatoriable Diokno said that he is pushing for the rights of motorcycle riders.

“Naiintidihan ko talaga yung pangangailangan na magkaroon tayo ng isang batas na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mga motorcycle riders na magkaroon ng hanapbuhay na legal, hanapbuhay na kinikilala ng batas,” Diokno said.

Senatorial candidate Bato dela Rosa, in his own talk, also told the participants of the Safety Fiesta that he will support motorcycle taxi regulation if he gets elected to the Senate. “Ako’y anak ng tricycle driver. Motorsiklo ang gamit ng tatay ko. Nagmomotor din ako, kaya kung ako ay manalo, susuportahan ko ang Angkas bill na pending sa Senado,” dela Rosa declared.

The Angkas Safety Fiesta is a series of events that aim to promote motorcycle road safety among Filipinos. The most recent event was held at Vertis North, Quezon City and featured a safety seminar, an earthquake response briefing, and preventive maintenance discussions—all presided by Angkas trainers. A free medical assistance booth was also set up for the attendees of the event.

Performing during the event were Andrew E, Dante Gulapa, Mateo Guidicelli, Mayonnaise, Allmost, D&G, and Trix the Angkas Rapper. The program was hosted by DJ Laila.

In his speech, Senator Bam Aquino acknowledged the motorcycle riders’ need to seek a decent livelihood with the motorcycles that they own. “Lahat tayo na gustong maghanapbuhay, gustong magnegosyo ay hindi dapat pinipigilan,” Sen. Aquino stressed.

“Mahalaga na mabigyang suporta po natin yung ating mga sektor na naghahanap ng tulong upang makapaghanapbuhay para sa ating pamilya,” he added.

Sen. Aquino also commended Angkas for helping motorcycle riders in many ways. “Yung Angkas po, maganda yung kanilang framework, maganda yung kanilang app, marami pong natutulungan. Gaya po ninyo na puwede pong maghanapbuhay gamit ang inyong mga motor, at the same time nagbibigay ng mga leksiyon at lecture tungkol sa safety at security ninyo,” Sen. Aquino noted.

Administration senatorial candidate JV Ejercito, who is a motorcycle enthusiast himself, also expressed his support for the regulation of Angkas, reiterating that he has a pending bill in Congress that addresses the regulation issues of motorcycle taxis.

Rep. Winston Castelo echoed the other guests’ sentiments as he vowed to push for the legalization and regulation of motorcycle taxis. “Bigyan natin ng hanapbuhay ang taumbayan. Kaya ako po ay nagfile ng bill sa Kongreso and I am happy to announce, and I am proud to tell you that it has been approved,” Rep. Castelo revealed. “Hindi tayo papayag na mahirapang muli ang taumbayan. Hindi tayo papayag na hindi kayo mabigyan ng oportunidad na magkaroon ng hanapbuhay,” he added.

Angkas Head of Regulation and Public Affairs George Royeca, in turn, spoke on behalf of the ride-sharing service. “It has been our advocacy in Angkas to promote road safety consciousness among the motorcycle riders of the country,” Royeca stressed. “This is why we have been holding the Safety Fiesta in order to make as many motorcycle riders aware of the need to ride safely every single time and propagate the knowledge of how to ride motorcycles as safely as they can,” he added.

Meet the Woman behind the Senator's success

How many times have you heard the saying; “Behind every successful man is a woman.”

Its  probably one of those quotes that have been used, overused and abused—just as there have been countless arguments about it, mostly depending on the success or the man being referred to.

But honestly it’s the one thought running through my mind that Tuesday afternoon in Greenhills while -having lunch with Cindy Lotuaco-Ejercito—the wife of re-electionist Senator JV Ejercito.

Its not everyday that you get to have lunch with a senator’s wife, much more with someone who was also a beauty queen and a cancer survivor.  Ma. Hyacinth “Cindy” Lotuaco was a former runner-up at the Mutya ng Pilipinas beauty pageant and a flight attendant. Her pageant training was very much evident as she walked in wearing a black ensemble and Valentino flats—effortless yet very elegant.

She was a very soft-spoken person, opting not to talk too much about politics, but like any other mom, she got excited when the topic was her son Julio and you could feel a bit of “kilig” everytime she talked about her husband,  Sen JV—except when he’s out riding—but more on that later.

I ‘ve had the chance to meet Senator JV a couple of weeks earlier and as I mentioned in my previous post, I was quite surprised how simple Sen JV was.  Unlike other politicians who usually swarmed by bodyguards and immediately whisked off in a private room to eat quietly, Sen JV just walked up to the buffet, lined up like everyone else and got his own food. It was quite a simple act, but not something you’d see other politicians or even celebrities doing. http://www.lemongreenteaph.com/search?q=jv+ejercito

Cindy was the same, she was very down to earth, and someone you’d actually want to be friends with. We asked her what her beauty routine was and she said she just uses soap and moisturizer and has not undergone any anti-aging procedure on her face.

I would have wanted to ask how she and Sen JV met and their love story, but we were already lost in her anecdotes of how Sen JV was whenever he was at home.

She said JV is a very funny man, who loves to crack jokes, which was quite surprising as we often see him very serious at the senate hearings and not as vocally expressive like his colleagues in the upper house. She also described JV as very sweet and thoughtful and would spend his Sundays at home to try to make time for his family.

Cindy also says JV loves Sinigang na Lechon something he shares in common with his dad Mayor Erap's who also loves the dish.

She talked highly about her son Julio as well as Emilio (JV’s son from Patty Bettita) and said they’ve also become quite close and would even cook him his favorite carbonara whenever he visits their house. She says they are proud to have kids that are growing up to be responsible and God-fearing gentlemen.


We asked her if she would allow her sons to follow in their grandfather’s showbiz footprints, and she said “yes,” since Emilio is handsome and tall, but knowing how “mahiyain” they both are, she said its unlikely. But the’d  respect and support whatever their sons want to do in the future.

Things got a bit serious when she began to talk about being diagnosed with breast cancer. She admits it was one of the most difficult times for her and all she could think about was who would take care of Julio who was still a very young kid that time.

But from that dark period in their lives, came one of Sen JV’s landmark bills.  Sen JV penned the National Integrated Cancer Control Act measure, now Republic Act No. 11215 taking inspiration from her being a Cancer survivor.

Coincidentally, the law was signed by President Duterte on February 14, Valentine’s  Day a fitting tribute to a law that was born from Sen JV’s love for his wife Cindy.

The law mandates a more focused prevention and integrated cancer program that would improve the survivorship of cancer patients, noting that the dreaded illness is the third leading cause of adult death and fourth in child mortality.

The Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates from the Department of Health has revealed an alarming increase in the incidence of cancer, estimating up to 8 deaths per day for childhood cancer and up to 11 new cases and 7 deaths every hour for adult cancer.

This computes to a figure of approximately 110,000 new cancer cases and over 66,000 cancer deaths each year.

Sen JV, also authored Universal Health Care bill, believing the law would address the various gaps in the cancer care continuum and integrated solutions.

With the elections just a week away, I do hope we think about the people we vote. To vote for those who have proven track records of service like Sen JV Ejercito and not just because of popularity and surveys.

Amaia Land brings the dream of owning affordable and sustainable homes in Binangonan, Rizal

Affordability and sustainability will come together once more in top-of-mind and affordable property developer Amaia Land Corp.’s soon-to-be launched exclusive residential project in Binangonan, Rizal, a development that is set to bring fine contemporary living to this former sleepy town east of Metro-Manila.

Located in Brgy. Tatala in Binangonan, the 35,900-sqm project will offer a total of 309 spacious and masterfully designed units in with size of 50 sqm a 2-storey single detached home that will cost P1.4 million to P1.5 million.

As in other Amaia developments, the soon-to-rise Amaia residential village will provide its prospective residents with access to functional amenities such as a basketball court, a swimming pool, a village pavilion, and a children’s play area.

“Amaia Land proposes yet another top-notch development for aspiring homeowners, this time right in the heart of Rizal. This shows that we are committed to sustaining our momentum in bringing quality and affordable living closer to more Filipinos,” says Raizel Matibag of Amaia Land, who notes that Rizalenos will appreciate an upbeat contemporary lifestyle in a serene, bucolic setting.

Amaia Land brings the dream of owning affordable and sustainable homes closer to hardworking Filipinos through easy payment options: cash, deferred cash, and bank financing.

Amaia continues to offer its homeowners affordable and sustainable developments that aim to elevate the Filipino living experience in a well-served environment.

For inquiries about Amaia Scapes Pampanga and other Amaia developments, check out www.amaialand.com or follow www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

See Dubai in a different light this summer with My Emirates Pass

Emirates’ signature pass returns for the summer, offering discounts and special offers across more than 500 locations in the UAE

Emirates customers can unlock the best Dubai has to offer for less this summer with the return of My Emirates Pass – an offer that turns an Emirates boarding pass into an exclusive membership card providing travelers special benefits and discounts of up to 50% off in more than 500 leisure and retail outlet locations across the UAE.

Emirates passengers flying to and through Dubai between May 1 and August 31, 2019 can take advantage of My Emirates Pass by simply presenting their boarding pass and a valid form of identification* at any of the participating outlets.

The exclusive pass allows customers to redeem up to 50% off in over 400 fine dining restaurants, luxury wellness treatments in almost 50 spas and leisure activities such as indoor skiing and water amusement parks. Customers can also take advantage and redeem up to 30% off at international retail outlets, including popular fashion and fitness brands, so they can bring more pasalubong back home.


The Emirates Pass allows visitors to access the amazing breadth and depth of Dubai’s remarkable dining, attractions and shopping scene and a great resource for experiencing everything the city has to offer. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please click here.

Mohammad Al Hashimi, Emirates’ Vice President, Commercial Products Dubai, said: “The Emirates Pass puts Dubai’s ever-growing list of attractions and experiences at our customers’ fingertips. Whether they are here for a week or weekend, there is something for everyone to experience and see – for less.” 

Dubai is an ideal stopover and holiday destination for families and solo travelers. Visitors to Dubai will be awed by the eclectic buildings, iconic landmarks, world-class shopping and delicious international cuisine. 

Emirates connects its passengers to more than 150 destinations, in 86 countries, across 6 continents via a seamless stopover in Dubai. Passengers traveling in all classes can enjoy regionally inspired meals, 4,000 entertainment channels on ice – the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system - and up to 20MB complementary Wi-Fi to stay connected with friends and family during the flight. 

For more information on Emirates, including how to book flights and a complete list of terms and conditions for this offer, visit www.emirates.com.

*Local terms and conditions apply

Get ready for some dancing and step to the beat with Gino, Jett, Raymond, Lou, and Jam

                       
Solaire Resort & Casino brings you back to the era of move and groove with INTO THE 80s – a retro concert featuring Philippine 80s music icons Gino Padilla, Jett Pangan, Raymond Lauchengco, Lou Bonnevie, and Jam Morales, happening on May 18, 2019 at The Theatre at Solaire. The 80s were characterized by everything big: big shoulder pads, big hair, bold colors, bold fashion trends, and larger than life performers with their music through synthesizers, drum machines, reverb and, electric guitars creating music styles and a distinctive beat.

Set the rhythm of the night and recreate the beat through the memorable music of 80s international stars and their very own OPM hits! From Prince to The Police, Sheena Easton to Spandau Ballet, Blondie to Kim Carnes, Bangles to Irene Cara, Whitney Houston to Wham, Billy Joel to Rick Astley, Kool and the Gang to Queen, every single song is guaranteed to make you sigh, swoon, sing along, sway, swing, and, finally, to get on your feet and groove.

Get ready for some dancing and step to the beat with Gino, Jett, Raymond, Lou, and Jam with Session Band, Filipinas, and a whole slew of dancers – because you can’t do the 80s without the boogying!

Catch INTO THE 80s on May 18, 2019, 8PM at the Theatre at Solaire. Directed by Toto Gentica, Script by Henry Tejero, and choreographed by Butch Esperanza.

For tickets to “Into the 80s”, you can call TicketWorld at 891-9999.

 

ProtectNow.com have the power to compare a full range of vehicle,home,travel, and personal accident insurance products

ProtectNow.com: All the best insurance products at your fingertips

ProtectNow.com
is an online platform that will enable users to conveniently compare and select the most ideal insurance products from a comprehensive list provided by some of the country’s leading insurance companies.

“We are living in the best of times and in the worst of times with the confluence of technological advancements and natural disasters. With ProtectNow.com, Filipinos have the power to compare and personalize their insurance plan according to the coverage that they can afford and the insurance company that they prefer,” said Jonathan Batangan,PJLI Insurance Group head during the website’s launch at the New World Makati Hotel.

ProtectNow.com allows users to easily compare a full range of vehicle, home, travel, and personal accident insurance products, for free. Its search engine generates a list of products according to the user's budget, needs, and preferences to ensure that each and every quote provided are personalized and tailor-fitted.

The website also enables users to take full control of their policies with their own insurance dashboard. Here, they can monitor their insurance policies and transactions and file and submit documents for insurance claims. It is also equipped with a live chat and help desk feature to connect users to an insurance analyst in real time.

Payment of premiums via the website is convenient and hassle-free. Users can simply choose to pay through PayPal or at any of Cebuana Lhuillier's close to 2,500 branches nationwide.

Already, PJLI Insuranceis hoping to expand ProtectNow.com to include more financial products and servicescategories, partner with more insurance companies, as well as offer microinsurance. The website will soon cater to a global market and for every insurance policy availed, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to OurHelp.com, an online platform that provides insurance for free to those who cannot afford to pay for insurance coverage.

For more information, please visit www.protectnow.com or email at support@protectnow.com

Rebisco awards 55 sari-sari store owners with store makeover and products

Homegrown snack giant Rebisco is spreading the anniversary joy to its grassroots business partners.

As part of its 55th year celebration, Rebisco awarded 55 lucky sari-sari store owners with store makeover and products for each. The winners were selected among hundreds of small business proprietors who shared their stories detailing how the snack food giant has made an impact on their lives and businesses.

According to Rebisco President Jonathan C. Ng, the project was borne out of a simple yet poignant motivation: to express gratitude. “Sari-sari stores are crucial to our business model,” he said. “These entrepreneurs are our loyal and hardworking community partners who help nourish Rebisco’s continued growth and success. This project is one of many ways we want to give back, by empowering them and their businesses.”

Shining the spotlight 

Of the 55 winners, three were featured in an online video recently released by Rebisco.

Ester Recinto, a 66-year-old sari-sari store owner from Batangas, runs a strategically located store near an elementary school. She started selling in 1974, with a P300 capital. Over the years, she was able to grow her business from a cabinet display of Rebisco products to an actual store.

Twenty-two-year-old Naname Dahoya from Cebu started a sari-sari store to help augment her parents’ meager income and support her six siblings. She calls Rebisco her “superhero” because the company’s popular snacks helped her small business grow, thus providing her and her family a more stable income.

The third featured winner is Sally Angulo from Zamboanga del Norte. At first, Sally only sold condiments and vegetables but eventually realized that there was a market for snacks. After researching her options, she decided to sell Rebisco products because of its high-quality products at more affordable prices.

“We hope that their stories inspire others to persevere amid adversities,” Rebisco Trade Marketing Head Michelle Ceniza said. “We are grateful to our partner sari-sari store owners for their loyalty and patronage these past five decades. It truly is an honor for Rebisco to be an instrument to the success of their business.”

Stronger partnership 

After a momentous year-long anniversary celebration, Rebisco looks to the future with optimism.

 “We look forward to sharing more successful years with our sari-sari store partners,” Ng added.

To watch the video, check out Rebisco Snackademy Facebook page.

Pinoy Rock Star Arnel Pineda smashes guitar at Hard Rock Cafe Manila

Hard Rock Café Manila celebrates its grand opening with Pinoy Rock Star Arnel Pineda ,The Bistro Group executives, guests and  media last April 30 at Hard Rock Cafe S'Maison, Conrad.

The last time I saw Arnel was 2 years ago from an advocacy event. He never changed a bit, physique wise, but this time he is rockin and wowed the crowd belting songs from Imagine Dragons and Queen. It was an epic night as guests sang and dance with him. I love that he opened up the show with Imagine Dragons's Demons. I was  hoping that he would do a number with Hard Rock Cafe resident band Ice Bucket during the opening. 

Word has it that Hard Rock Café Manila is fast becoming the destination of choice for fans of music, live entertainment, good food and a whole lotta fun since its return to the Philippines late last year.  The buzz became even louder when it held its grand opening party on at S’Maison, graced by a huge throng of guests.

Since 1971 when it was founded at a Rolls Royce dealership in London by two young Americans, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, the launch of every Hard Rock Café anywhere in the world is much-awaited.  Even more so now when famous rock stars and a slew of exhilarating activities accompany each opening gig.

The April 30 opening event at S’Maison was no different. It featured Pinoy rock star, Arnel Pineda as the guest performer with talented local band, Ice Bucket, providing additional hype and excitement.

Pineda joined Hard Rock International’s Anibal Fernandez, Vice-President of Franchise Operations and Steve Yang, Area Vice-President of Development and Operations for Asia Pacific and The Bistro Group’s William Stelton, Chairman and CEO; and Jean Paul Manuud, President and COO at the symbolic guitar smash, the traditional way to open Hard Rock Cafés worldwide.

The Journey of Arnel Pineda- Back to Hard Rock Café

“I was enamored with music at a very young age. Everything started with kundiman, then evolved to Carpenters, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, and eventually classic rock music,” Pineda recalled. In 1982, Pineda started as the lead singer of his very first band Ijos performing regularly in Taft; he was only 15 then. 

Four years later, some members of Ijos formed another group and called themselves Amo, a band that has conquered Rock Wars and band explosion competitions. When they disbanded, another band called New Age, was formed.  They played at Grammy’s in Hongkong but Pineda returned to the Philippines because of an illness that endangered his voice. Six months later, he was back in Hong Kong performing once again with New Age. Pineda was then recording his self-titled solo album with slow ballads and upbeat Latin music combined, several of which were written and composed by Pineda himself.

“By that time, I had also formed another band called 9mm which started playing at Hard Rock Café Makati,” Pineda recounted. “Our slot was on a Sunday and people didn’t usually go out on that day, so that was a challenge.” He sang  tracks by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, U2, Deep Purple, White Snakes, Def Leppard and Bryan Adams among others. Soon, even when scheduled during off-peak days, their band started drawing in  crowds  at Hard Rock Café Makati.

He also had another band, the Zoo with videos surfacing on youtube showing Pineda doing impressive covers of Journey, Survivor, Aerosmith, Air Supply, Eagles and more. This prompted Jouney’s Neal Schon to ask him to audition. On December 5, 2007, Pineda was officially announced as Journey’s new lead singer. And the rest is rock music history.

“To be playing at Hard Rock Cafe Manila again brings back a lot of memories and for me, it feels like a second homecoming,” Pineda said.

“I’m excited! This is one of the few places where I can be myself and lose myself in my music—and people love me for it. It’s like a happy ‘full circle’ for me,” he said.

The journey of Arnel Pineda is definitely not over yet but at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, he is home.

Hard Rock Café Manila is at the 2nd Level of S Maison at Conrad Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Contact us at +639162524119 or (02) 9909809 and follow us on our social media accounts and be up-to-date with the latest: (Facebook – Hard Rock Café Manila; Instagram - @hardrockcafemanila.

Bad Boys’ TV Spin-Off ‘L.A.’s Finest’ Sets Premiere Date on AXN (Within 12 Hours of U.S. Telecast)

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia today announced that AXN will be premiering the highly-anticipated L.A.’s Finest. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, L.A.’s Finest is a thrilling action series from the universe of the Jerry Bruckheimer/Michael Bay Bad Boys franchise, on May 14, Tuesdays at 8:50 p.m. (7:50 p.m. JKT/BBK).

The 13-episode inaugural season will kick off with a 3-hour premiere marathon all within 12 Hours of U.S. telecast. Subsequent episodes will telecast at 10:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. JKT/BBK) with double episodes premiering weekly.

L.A.’s Finest stars Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, who both executive-produced the one-hour series. The show follows Syd Burnett (Union), who was last seen in Miami taking down a drug cartel, seemingly leave her complicated past behind to have a fresh start in Los Angeles where she will work as an LAPD detective. When paired with a new partner, Nancy McKenna (Alba), a working mother with an equally complex history, Syd is forced to confront how her unapologetic lifestyle may be masking a greater personal secret. Together, Syd and Nancy form an unbreakable bond, taking on the most dangerous criminals in Los Angeles while skirting the rules, and speed limits. The show also follows the two co-stars as they become a force to be reckoned with – on the streets, and in each other’s lives.

L.A.’s Finest is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television, and 2.0 Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television. Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba executive produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer (“Bad Boys”), Jonathan Littman (“CSI” franchise), KristieAnne Reed (“Lucifer”), Brandon Margolis (“The Blacklist”), Brandon Sonnier (“The Blacklist”), Pam Veasey (“CSI:NY”), Doug Belgrad (“Peter Rabbit”), Jeff Gaspin (“To Tell the Truth”), Jeff Morrone (“Atomic Blonde”) and Anton Cropper (“Suits”), who also directed the pilot.

Additional cast include Zack Gilford and Duane Martin as Ben Walker and Ben Baines, respectively; Ryan McPartlin as Patrick McKenna; Sophie Reynolds as Isabel “Izzy” McKenna and; Ernie Hudson as Joseph Vaughn.

Watch the official trailer here on AXN Asia YouTube channel.
To find out the latest news on thrilling shows such as ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘The Blacklist’, visit @AXNAsia on Facebook.
#AXNLAsFinest #AXNAsia

BRIA Homes is primed to launch more than 50 housing developments in the country

Studies have revealed that there is a serious mass-housing backlog in the Philippines today, a problem that BRIA Homes, a leading affordable-housing developer in the country, is set to rectify.

With a portfolio that touts 700 hectares of land in this country’s progressive towns and cities, BRIA Homes is primed to launch more than 50 housing developments that will help reduce the mass-housing backlog currently being endured by regular Filipino folks such as you and me.

BRIA Homes’ philosophy is simple: To offer high-quality homes to all aspiring Filipino homeowners without the prohibitive costs and the complicated processes. Today, average Filipino families are given the opportunity to go after their dream house, thanks to the fastest-growing affordable housing developer in the country.

BRIA Homes takes pride in the timely delivery of units with its rapid construction phase. Provinces in Luzon such as Pangasinan (Urdaneta), Tarlac (Paniqui), Pampanga (Magalang and San Fernando), Bataan (Mariveles and Hermosa), Cavite (General Trias, Trece Martires, and Indang), Batangas (Balayan and Lipa), Bulacan (Plaridel, Malolos, Santa Maria, San Jose Del Monte, and Norzagaray), Rizal (Teresa, Binangonan, and Baras), Laguna (Calauan, Calamba, Sta. Cruz, San Pablo, Alaminos, and Bay), and Camarines Sur (Pili and Iriga) have all witnessed the rise of modern and fashionable homes designed for the everyday Filipino man and woman: Elena, a 22 sq. m unit on a 36 sq. m lot; Bettina, a 44 sq. m unit on a 36 sq. m lot; and Alecza, a 36 sq. m unit on a 81 sq. m lot.

Likewise, in Visayas and Mindanao, BRIA’s affordable housing options are the talk of the town. The provinces of Negros Oriental (Dumaguete), Samar (Calbayog), Leyte (Ormoc), Misamis Oriental (Cagayan de Oro, Balingasag, and Gingoog), Bukidnon (Manolo Fortich, Valencia), Davao del Norte (Tagum, Panabo, and Carmen), Davao del Sur (Davao City and Digos), North Cotabato (Kidapawan), and South Cotabato (General Santos City) are but a few of the cities and towns where BRIA communities have sprung up, fulfilling the aspirations of working-class folks to acquire their own homes for as low as P1,897 per month.

To foster goodwill and camaraderie among their residents, BRIA Homes features facilities such as covered courts, retail establishments, play areas for children, and special venues for events and recreation.

All of its communities will have access to business and commercial centers and shuttle service will enable residents to commute between any BRIA community and nearby destinations with ease and convenience.

BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of Golden BRIA Holdings, Inc., considered the third largest real estate company in terms of market capitalization valued at more than P200B. The fastest-growing mass housing developer in the Philippines, BRIA Homes is primed to bring affordable house-and-lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into Bria’s homes.

To know more about BRIA Homes, call (0997) 725 0187, like “Bria Official” on Facebook, and follow “@TheBriaOfficial” on Twitter and Instagram.