The Under One Roof opens its 2nd branch at the Best Western Plus Metro Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga

A new showroom designed to provide an elevated retail experience to consumers has just been launched in Pampanga. The Under One Roof (UOR) Experience Hub and Showroom, an experiential home solutions hub from the Midea Group and Concepcion Industrial Corporation, officially opens its 2^nd branch at the Best Western Plus Metro Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga.

With a goal to provide premium home and building solutions to consumers, the new UOR showroom is a one-stop-shop that showcases top high-end home solutions from leading brands such as Midea and Toshiba. It offers design and technical consultancy, professional installation services using the right materials and tools. UOR also provides reliable after-sales service, along with complete and comprehensive builder solutions for both consumers and architects, consultants, and developers. It is also a working hub for architects and interior designers to collaborate and bring in their customer.

 

“Through UOR, we are able to provide our customers with a one-of-a-kind experience where they can find everything they need for their homes and even for businesses, while giving them the access to one-on-one interaction with designers and consultants who can walk them through the whole process of building their dream home,” says Anna Marie M. Alejandro, Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines’ general manager. “With the opening of UOR in Pampanga, we hope to provide residents of Angeles City and   other neighboring provinces the opportunity to enjoy our topnotch products and services including the best home solutions from some of the world’s most trusted brands.” 

 

Moreover, the UOR has partnered with  Savers Group Holding Inc., the company behind Savers Industrial & Building Solutions Inc. which is a part of the Midea Group, to give consumers more access to innovative and reliable appliance and electronic solutions from Savers such as HVAC Products, electronics, and more. 

 

Truly providing a wide range of services to consumers, UOR also collaborates with Tandem and Steffen Development Co. Inc., one of the fastest-growing providers of state-of-the-art interior design services for upscale residential homes, restaurants, retail shops, offices, bars, and turnkey projects, to offer a full range of interior space planning and design conceptualized through construction documents and construction administration.

 

The press conference gathered industry leaders and key partners, and was held at the Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, known for its extensive selection of classic Cantonese and fresh seafood dishes – also soon to open in public at Best Western Plus Metro Clark.

 

Established in November 2020, UOR will continue to provide cutting-edge solutions and innovations, strengthened by its strategic collaborations with leading brand partners.

Live like a panda, and free up your time to pursue what matters most to you

We believe that your life can be more than just a series of activities and experiences. Live like a panda, and free up your time to pursue what matters most to you. Like we did, at the recent foodpanda "Live Like A Panda" event. 

 

Leading online quick commerce platform foodpanda launches its brand philosophy, “live like a panda,” which encourages users to free up their time and energy through the app to pursue what matters to them.

 

In conceptualizing the philosophy, the foodpanda team spent hours studying pandas and found that pandas eat as they want to, sleep as they want, and live without unnecessary worries. Taking inspiration from this outlook, foodpanda believes that humans, too, can benefit from adopting a similar mindset and focusing their energies on things that truly satisfy them. 

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Guilherme Porto, foodpanda Philippines Director for Growth, hopes to motivate their customers to look beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life and divert their attention to whatever’s most precious to them at the moment. “Sometimes, we get caught up in our busy daily routines that it becomes easier to let our interests and passions fall by the wayside. With our brand philosophy, foodpanda is here to remind them to find time for the things they love and enjoy. We will be there to help them do that so they can achieve true happiness and satisfaction because what matters now, matters.”

 

Love for Pau-Pau

 

foodpanda’s Mascot Pau-Pau – which evidently is a cute panda – became the face of the brand when it was launched last year. Porto explained that Pau-Pau was a relatable character that brought them closer to millions of their app users all over the country. Since then, it has become a lovable and constant figure, always present during foodpanda’s meaningful engagements, events, and promotional materials. 

 

With the launch of its brand philosophy, ‘live like a panda,’ foodpanda seeks to reflect its brand purpose in the cute mascot’s unique personality –  living life on one’s own terms, the environment, and food and fun. “It also represents our goal to quickly and efficiently deliver the food, groceries, and essential needs of our app users so they have more time to spend with their loved ones, pursue their passions, or simply relax.”

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What to expect soon

 

With Pau-Pau winning the hearts of many, his fanbase has also significantly grown amongst foodpanda customers, with some requesting its own merchandise line. “Because of the overwhelming love for Pau-Pau, we will be launching the limited edition Pau-Pau plushie toy in the Philippines as a tangible reminder for everyone to live like a panda,” said Porto, adding that the plushie toy will soon be available for loyal customers and avid users of the app. 

 

Looking ahead to 2023, the online delivery platform intends to provide new and even more meaningful ways to bring enjoyment and convenience to the lives of its consumers. 

 

HONOR is excited to launch the HONOR X7a, the HONOR MagicBook X 14 and MagicBook X 15

After the successful launch of the ultra-tough phone, the global technology brand will be introducing another set of products that are as compact and long-lasting like its predecessor HONOR X9a 5G. On February 22, the brand is excited to launch the HONOR X7a and the first-ever laptop product for the year, the HONOR MagicBook X 14 and MagicBook X 15. 

 

HONOR X7a, an upcoming sibling of HONOR X9a 5G, offers more choices to HONOR fans, bringing advanced technology to satisfy one key consumer pain pont: batteries die quickly. HONOR X7a can support up to 42 hours of social media browsing on a full charge. For those who are constantly on the go for their jobs, HONOR X7a supports about 42 hours of phone calling or 29 hours of music streaming. 

 

With industry-level innovative battery technologies, the cell of the HONOR X7a comes with a higher energy density and a reduced thickness, contributing to the long battery life and the slim form factor of device. The battery also demonstrates exceptional longevity, capable of maintaining above 80% health even after three years of use.

HONOR MagicBook X 15  and HONOR X7a in stunning colors: Titanium Silver, Midnight Black, and Ocean Blue.  

 

"We are really excited to be introducing our new devices in the market, an affordable smartphone with 3 days of battery life and our line of laptops that will complete the HONOR ecosystem. To our HONOR fans, stay tuned on February 22!,” says Stephen Cheng, HONOR VP for Marketing.

 

Meanwhile, HONOR Philippines will be launching two HONOR MagicBook X series that delivers superb performance and a seamless user experience to take users from work to play – the HONOR MagicBook X 14 and X 15. 

The HONOR MagicBook X14 and HONOR MagicBook X15 support multi-screen collaboration allowing users to multi-task between different devices. Users can seamlessly connect their smartphone with the laptop, dragging files across and making edits with one single keyboard. A handy fingerprint reading power button enables instant access when starting up the HONOR MagicBook X 14 and HONOR MagicBook X 15 for a more secure and effortless login experience.

 

HONOR X7a and HONOR MagicBook X series will be officially launched on February 22, 2023 Catch our launch live on HONOR Philippines’ Facebook Page  (HONORX7a and MagicBook X Launch Event). #HONORX9a5G #HONORX7a #HONORMagicBookX 

 

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorphilippines/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

Let us support Bakery Fair 2023, let us support the Philippine baking industry

Calling all bakers, amateurs and professionals. Its time to join the incoming Bakery Fair 2023 on March 2,3 and 4 at World Trade Center Manila. Witness the FCBAI Bakers Cup Wedding Cake Competition

 

Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) President Gerik Chua, Past President Henry Ah and other officers announced that FCBAI's much-awaited "Bakery Fair 2023" will be held from March 2, 3 and 4, 2023 at the World Trade Center at Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave. cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City. It is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. All baking, pastries and food enthusiasts and the public are invited. 

 

The first after four years, this is the comeback of the Bakery Fair after the global pandemic and signals the revival of the Philippine baking industry despite inflation and other challenges.

 

To pre-register for Free Entrance to the Bakery Fair 2023, follow the online link https://www.bakeryfair.ph

 

The "Bakery Fair" is the biennial (once every two years) civic project of the FCBAI to promote and uplift the Philippines bakery industry and support socio-economic development. 

 

The biggest and most star-studded Philippine bakery event, Bakery Fair 2023 has 136 exhibitors covering 10,000 square meters or one hectare of the World Trade Center. There shall also be many educational technical seminars by different top bakery industry-related companies, bakers, chefs and experts. 

One of the exciting events of Bakery Fair 2023 is the “FCBAI Bakers Cup Wedding Cake Competition 2023”, which is a comeback after the pandemic and it shall showcase exciting and awesome wedding cake creations of “Kasalang Pinoy” theme. Be mesmerized with the bakers’ amazing creations using fondant, royal icing, gum paste and many more. This is one of the most awaited events of the year, wherein the first prize winner will have a chance to receive a prize worth P80,000 pesos. Winners shall be announced on March 2 and the wedding cakes of finalists shall be on exhibit throughout Bakery Fair 2023.

 

Another important event in Bakery Fair 2023 is “Angel Cup 2023”. The Angel Cup-Bread Display Competition highlights the making of Bread Showpiece, Artisan Bread, Healthy Bread and Sweet Dough with dough filling.

 

FCBAI is part of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the umbrella business and civic organization of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce and trade organizations from Aparri to Tawi Tawi. 

 

Let us support Bakery Fair 2023, let us support the Philippine baking industry. 

 Bakery Fair 2023 presscon in Quezon City (from left) Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI) Secretary General Jerry Midel, Past President Henry Ah, President Gerik Chua, EVP Chris Ah & Vice-President Wilson Lee Flores (Photo by James Navarro) 

 

 

For further inquiries, please contact Shirley Pizarro 09209133822 or 

FCBAI VP Wilson Lee Flores 09178481818

Ballet Manila will stage the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet, version prepared by British choreographer Martin Lawrance

Enduring love, grief and sadness are universal themes that transcend age, time, and cultures. It is with this thought that Ballet Manila’s resident British choreographer Martin Lawrance  created his version of the timeless classic Romeo and Juliet, uniquely adapted to the modern Filipino setting. The show will have its world premiere on February 18, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. with a second performance on February 19, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Aliw Theater in Pasay City. 

The performances also mark the debut of Joshua Enciso and Pearl Dames, who will be dancing the titular role of the tragic lovers, as principal dancers of the company. 

“Romeo and Juliet is a story that is tinged with sadness, sorrow, and endless love,” shared Lawrance. “I believe that stories like these still happen to this day and can be put in any culture or time zone, and can be interpreted in many ways. But at the end of the day, it’s a story of lost love.”

Newly minted principal dancers, Joshua Enciso and Pearl Dames, dance the roles of Romeo & Juliet in Ballet Manila’s world premiere of this updated classic

Written by famed English playwright William Shakespeare and published in 1597, Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of the forbidden love of two Italian youth from feuding families in Verona, Italy. The story tragically ends with the death of the two star-crossed lovers. 

Considered one of the greatest love stories ever-told, Romeo and Juliet has since had various critically-acclaimed adaptations from movies like Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo + Juliet to musicals like the West Side Story and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. 

This time, Lawrance reimagines this iconic ballet classic as he combines notable elements from some of these versions while adding his own spin - the performance is set in a quaint Philippine town with dancers dressed in cool, hip costumes while performing to a mash-up of the original scores from Prokofiev and West Side Story, along with popular OPM tunes. 

While one might think that recreating Romeo and Juliet in the Filipino context may have been tough, the British choreographer took it as a challenge to push the envelope creatively: “Coming to the Philippines for almost 10 years and embracing the Filipino culture gave me the freedom to create movements for the show. Ultimately, working with the beautiful dancers of Ballet Manila helped bridge the cultural gap. Through this show, audience will see that it’s possible to re-imagine the classic material into a gritty, fun ballet set in Manila.” 

Moreover, the audience can also look forward to the show’s interesting mix of music, as Lawrance adds,  “I’ve intersected moments of West Side Story, beautiful OPM pieces and a song from Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. I see it as an eclectic mix of music that works for the story and my own choreography while giving the dancers, and the audience the joy and freedom of embracing a beautiful tragedy.” 

By the end of the show, Martin Lawrance hopes the audience will also feel the same emotions he felt throughout the whole journey of creating his adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.  “I want the audience not only to enjoy an evening of beautiful dancing and entertainment but to feel the sadness and the warmth of love. It will be a story that will never die and never become old for many years to come,” he concluded. 

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and chief executive officer, she couldn’t be more excited for the world premiere of Martin Lawrance’s work, especially in the newly renovated and upgraded Aliw Theater: “Once again Aliw Theater is open and live performances are back. There is a rebirth and renewal of the ability to perform to a live audience, and that really gives us that huge amount of hope as we welcome a full season of ballet once again.”

Tickets to Romeo & Juliet are available exclusive via www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8891 9999. To know more about Ballet 

It All Happens in Makati

As a city in perpetual motion, Makati isn’t Makati without the endless stream of buses, cars, and bikes plying the stretches of Ayala and Makati Avenues, the heart of the central business district. The premier city’s elevated and underground walkways are constantly bustling as well, providing thousands of pedestrians with convenient facilities to get to their destinations, whether it’s an office in a high-rise building or one of the many restaurant and retail options in world-class malls.   

 

But there are other ways this city encourages you to keep moving. Parks and open spaces like Ayala Triangle Gardens on the corners of Ayala and Makati avenues and Paseo de Roxas Street, Washington Sycip Park and Legazpi Active Park in Legazpi Village, and Jaime Velasquez Park (or Salcedo Park) in Salcedo Village attract joggers and bikers at all hours. 

Washington Sycip Park and Legazpi Active Park in Legazpi Village, and Jaime Velasquez Park (or Salcedo Park) in Salcedo Village attract joggers and bikers at all hours.

 

If organized activity is more your thing, Makati has that too, in spirited dance and dojo classes. The country’s leading city for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture even has something for adventure-seekers who thrive in the unpredictability of escape room games.  It All Happens in Makati definitely, and the best part is they’re all situated around the CBD!

The Studio Dance Club in Legazpi Village is a nod to the classic ballroom scene. Drink, dine, and dance to timeless disco music in elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors. Born with two left feet? Let the club’s in-house dance instructors gently lead you through salsa, samba, swing, and themed dance parties like Disco Friday, Saturday Boogie Nights, and K-Pop Nights. 

 

SHALL WE DANCE? 

Nude Floor at Ayala Malls Circuit offers the gamut of dance disciplines—from ballet and vogue with ballroom culture to more contemporary choices like hip-hop, popping, house, soul & funk, and waacking—not a typo, but a circa ‘70s street dance. Sign up for 60-minute lessons with the studio’s reputable network of instructors and choreographers. 

 

The Studio Dance Club in Legazpi Village is a nod to the classic ballroom scene. Drink, dine, and dance to timeless disco music in elegant Art Deco-inspired interiors. Born with two left feet? Let the club’s in-house dance instructors gently lead you through salsa, samba, swing, and themed dance parties like Disco Friday, Saturday Boogie Nights, and K-Pop Nights.

KMA Fitness and Martial Arts in Salcedo Village has something for every member of the family. Aside from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, judo, boxing, arnis, and fitness kickboxing, there’s even an anti-bullying course for kids. Certified instructors lead classes. 

 

WHERE TO GET YOUR KICKS? 

KMA Fitness and Martial Arts in Salcedo Village has something for every member of the family. Aside from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, judo, boxing, arnis, and fitness kickboxing, there’s even an anti-bullying course for kids. Certified instructors lead classes. 

 

Capoeira Kadara Philippines in Bel-Air holds classes on the Brazilian discipline that marries martial arts with dance, aerobics, music, and even spirituality.  The group is led by Instructor Leao, under the guidance of Mestre Cicatriz, founder, president, and head mestre of Kadara Capoeira International. 

 

The Lab is a boxing and Muay Thai fitness studio in Legazpi Village that’s known for their highly skilled trainers and quality equipment amenities. Open for both members and non-members, the studio aims to help all reach their full fitness potential. 

 

Elite Boxing and Muay Thai Gym is a new workout spot in Salcedo Village if you’re into boxing and Muay Thai training for fitness and weight loss. Its coaches include current and former national team members or professional champions who are also capable of offering advanced training for professional athletes. 

 

Cycle House in Salcedo Village is a fun music-driven indoor cycling studio that combines cardio and strength training. Its thematic classes like its Britney nights or K-pop rides are developed by cycling and fitness experts to make sure you effectively hit every single muscle group for that total body transformation.

 

NEED AN ESCAPE? 

Left Behind at Ayala Malls Circuit gives you and your gang 45 minutes to get out of a ladies’ restroom (Flushed), the basement of a house in the middle of a forest (The Basement), or a mine in the far north mountain of Amarok (The Mines). Consider it a fun after-office alternative to your usual exercise routine, or a great way to bond with family and friends. 

 

Want to add your favorite haunts to the list? Submit your very own IT All Happens In Makati digital map and get a chance to enjoy prizes like an overnight stay at a luxurious Makati hotel. Send your artwork entry to makeitmakati.official@gmail.com with the subject "IT All Happens In Makati Digital Map Entry - <Name>". Deadline of entries is on January 31. Share your Makati know-how and your creativity too, create your IT All Happens In Makati digital map now! 

 

Discover the ins and outs of Makati City and enjoy these gems throughout the year. Follow @MakeItMakati on Facebook and Instagram. 

Jollibee introduces two different, but equally engaging couples for its first ever series of #MyKwentongJollibee short films

 

What has become an annual Valentine’s Day tradition for the country’s number one fast food brand—Jollibee—has also now become an opportunity for more people to share their own personal kilig stories. With the launch of #MyKwentongJollibee earlier this year as part of the brand’s 45^th year celebration, people from all walks of life and from anywhere in the world can now share their unique, happy, and inspiring tales, and have the chance to be featured as well.

 

For this year’s love month, Jollibee introduces two different, but equally engaging couples for its first ever series of #MyKwentongJollibee short films. Directed by multi-awarded Filipino filmmaker Paolo Villaluna, the shorts feature both couples sharing their stories in their own words, and how Jollibee has played a role in their love stories. 

 

“Jollibee has been part of the many memorable moments of Filipinos for generations, whether with families, friends and even their special someone. For our first ever #MyKwentongJollibee series, we celebrate real people whose love stories began with Jollibee. We wanted them to personally tell their beautiful tale of love for all the world to know, and to inspire others to share the joy of love with people who matter most this Valentine’s,” said Dorothy Dee Ching, VP-Marketing Head of Jollibee.

 

Finding forever on the job

 

Marife and Arnan developed their relationship while working as crewmates in Jollibee 

Photos from Marife Caspe, Arnan Caspe, and Raymund Mejica Requina

 

The first film, titled “From Crewmates to Soulmates,” shares Marife and Arnan’s love story that begins in Jollibee—not as star-crossed customers, but as members of the store team. Many people may have gotten a glimpse of their story a few years back, as their prenup photoshoot set in a Jollibee store went viral on social media and brought joy to netizens. The film gives viewers in-depth details about their colorful love story— how they started out as friends, their courtship, and to finally finding their forever. It’s a story full of laughter and joy, but not without its challenges, making for a wonderful tale that everyone can relate to. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/2Gcx-QT9k0s

 

Rediscovering love at Jollibee

 

Mico and Camille’s love story was years in the making 

Photos from Mico Aison and Camille Salimbao

 

The second film, “Second Chance at First Love,” talks about the love story of Mico and Camille, two contrasting personalities who first met in a summer review class. When Mico, a typical shy-type teen, laid eyes on the bubbly and personable Camille for the first time, he knew right away that he had to muster up the courage to ask her out. He invites Camille to a place they both love for their first date—Jollibee. However, not all first dates turn out well, and it took several years before they reunited once again. Will fate be on their side this time? https://youtu.be/nFWvAsnTEh8

Stories like these show that Jollibee can truly inspire not only joy, but true love in people. Get your dose of kilig and don’t miss these touching stories of romance this Valentine’s season by catching both #MyKwentongJollibee Valentine’s Day short films on the Jollibee Studios YouTube channel and on Jollibee’s Facebook page. 

 

Don’t forget to post your most memorable stories and invite your family and friends to do the same through #MyKwentongJollibee!

Brother Philippines partners with Luneta Park’s Street photographers

Brother Philippines partnered with Luneta Park’s Street photographers to boost their business and give park visitors printed souvenirs that they can cherish for life.

The “Memories for Life” activity was held on February 5, 2023. Brother Philippines set up printing stations at Mabini Hall and the Japanese Garden. Photographers printed the photos they took using high-quality printers and assistance from professional graphic artists.

The event kicked off at 9 am, with an opening speech from Shinichi Tanaka, Product Management Group Manager of Brother Philippines.  

“Everyone has hundreds of photos in their camera phone. However, a printed photo can turn those memories into a tangible memento that can be felt and held,” Tanaka later said in an interview. “We are proud to partner with veteran street photographers and provide them with the latest tools to capture those moments in vivid, living color.” 

(From L-R) Rolando A. Reyes , Samahan ng Malayang Photographer sa Luneta Inc. (SMPLI), Member; Eduardo F. Agustin, SMPLI, Auditor; Ronald C. Quintana, SMPLI, Sgt.-At-Arms; Shinichi Tanaka, Manager of the Product Management Group of Brother Philippines; Cecilio S. Compoc, SMPLI, President; Shiela Rose C. Javier, NPDC, Park Trading Committee, Chairperson; Dannica T. Iway, NPDC, Park Trading Committee, Secretary; Carlo R. Villanueva, Flower Clock Photographers Association Inc. (FCPAI), President; Rowena A. Saucero, FCPAI, Treasurer; Benhur R. Rubas, FCPAI, Board Member; Bartolome B. Miranda, SMPLI, Member

Brother Philippines also announced that it was strengthening the Customer Plus, an exclusive loyalty program. Established in 2019, it offers more after-sales customer benefits, like a quick access to Brother’s Customer Service Team, an exclusive in-app shopping feature called the iShop, and monthly raffle activities. The program will soon be offering more perks and surprises. During the Memories for Life campaign, Brother Philippines also acknowledged loyal Customer Plus members with a special gift.

The “Memories for Life” campaign is part of the company’s celebration of its twenty-third anniversary in the Philippines, and its motto of #BeingAtYourSide.

“For over two decades in the country, our goal has been to demonstrate our motto through providing customers with affordable high-quality products that can help them in every aspect of their life—from being more productive at work, to preserving everyday moments and special celebrations,” said Tanaka.  

The Memories for Life activity at Luneta Park reflects this motto by helping photographers with their livelihood while providing park visitors with photos that capture a precious memory. 

To learn more about the brand and its products, visit the Brother Philippines website at www.brother.com.ph. Follow Brother Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to know about the latest promos and anniversary activities.