The charm of critically acclaimed film "This is where I Leave You"

This would be the film of the year, wherein I saw a little of myself. I love the way this was executed to the big screen. I laughed, cried and think a lot after watching this film, and would visit my parents this week to check on them.

Warner Bros. Pictures' endearing family dramedy “This is Where I Leave You” arrives exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Dec. 17 with a flurry of rave reviews from highly regarded American critics.

The  story revolves around the Altman's family when their father passed away, four grown siblings bonded together with their mother four grown siblings bruised and banged up by their respective lives are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Confronting their history and the frayed states of their relationships among the people who know and love them best, they ultimately reconnect in hysterical and emotionally affecting ways amid the chaos, humor, heartache and redemption that only families can provide—driving us insane even as they remind us of our truest, and often best, selves.


Variety's resident film reviewer Scott Foundas writes, “`This Is Where I Leave You' is a sprawling ensemble dramedy that starts out like a full-tilt sitcom and gradually migrates to a place of genuine feeling. Repping a concerted effort by `Night at the Museum' and `Cheaper by the Dozen' helmer Shawn Levy to spread his wings beyond the gilded cage of family-friendly tentpoles, this alternately manic and mawkish adaptation of Jonathan Tropper’s 2009 novel aims for `Terms of Endearment' territory and ends up somewhere closer to a Semitic `August: Osage County.' But a tremendous ensemble cast gives the pic a significant boost, especially when they’re allowed to act rather than merely act out.

Continues Foundas, “[A]round the halfway mark, the movie quits trying quite so hard to make you love it and takes on a more nuanced, lifelike countenance. After setting up so many pat, obvious conflicts, Tropper’s screenplay then works through them in a somewhat less obvious fashion. The characters actually end up having to make some hard choices.”

Meanwhile, Betsy Sharkey of Los Angeles Times recommends that she “[C]an't think of a family I'd rather sit shiva with than the Altmans of `This Is Where I Leave You.' They bury their father with the right mix of tears and unearthed resentments, and they take the blows life hands them seriously enough but in stride. As if they are nothing special..This is exactly the charm of Jonathan Tropper's novel on which the comedy/drama is based.”

For his part, Newday's Rafer Guzman applauds, “Shawn Levy's new film, `This Is Where I Leave You,' checks off so many Hollywood boxes that you might suspect it of blatant pandering. Star-studded cast? Check. Based on best-selling novel? Check. Drama, romance, humor and pathos, all set against that instantly identifiable backdrop, the American suburb? Check, check and check.
“Despite or perhaps because of all that, `This Is Where I Leave You' works marvelously. Written by Jonathan Tropper from his novel about a dysfunctional Jewish family sitting shiva for its patriarch, [the film] is the year's first real crowd pleaser, a comedy-drama that presses all the right buttons but does so with intelligence and skill. It's not too heavy, not too light -- just right for a grown-up night at the movies.

Finally, Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter praises, “You laugh in spite of yourself in `This Is Where I Leave You,' a potty-mouthed comedy with enough exasperation, aggravations, long-standing grievances and get-me-outta-here moments of family stress to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever had to endure large clan gatherings that might have lasted a bit too long. The fact that many people will find something or someone to identify with here, even if they don’t have a mother with big new boobs prone to talking about sex most of the time the way Jane Fonda does here, should make Shawn’s Levy’s first R-rated comedy a much-needed hit for Warner Bros. Levy’s orchestration of the mayhem is silky smooth.”

The dramatic comedy “This is Where I Leave You” is directed by Shawn Levy, and based on the hilarious and poignant best-selling novel by Jonathan Tropper. It features a starring ensemble cast, including Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Jane Fonda.


To be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting Dec. 17, “This is Where I Leave You” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Energizer unveils the World's First Powered Playground

Energizer, the World's Longest Lasting AA and AAA batteries launched a modern day playground for the filipino kids last December 13, at the Trinoma Activity Center, the Powered Playground ran from 11am to 10 pm.

The event supported the Brand’s new Power Seal Technology campaign on Max Alkaline, which Protects Your Devices from Damaging Leaks. Guaranteed.

Parents and kids were given one hour to enjoy a wide array of battery operated toys with a purchase of Energizer batteries, chargers and flashlights. All the toys in the playground are powered by Energizer batteries. These dependable power cells deliver powerful and lasting performance.

“The holidays are always a special time for us at Energizer Philippines because we get to be a part of the fun and excitement of the season through our products,” says Cara Ramirez-Tecson, Energizer Philippines Marketing Manager.

“This year, we get to provide even more holiday cheers to Filipino kids by setting up the world’s first Energizer- powered playground for everyone to enjoy.”

The activity was highlighted by a special donation to both the Manikako Foundation and The HOPE Foundation.
“It’s very important that we share the holiday spirit with kids,” Tecson says.

“By supporting the Manikako Foundation and The Hope Foundation, we are able to spread Positivenergy to the kids and make the Christmas season more memorable for them. ”

Manikako makes handcrafted dolls from donated scraps of cloth. The group started out as a fund-raising arm of the House of Comfort Art Network. or ArtHOC. a non-profit organization that advocates empowerment through art. ArtHOC has been conducting an workshops as a means of self~expression for children of unfortunate circumstances.

The HOPE Foundation, on the other hand, extends assistance to children who are not able to help themselves by providing food, clothing, medical treatment, and education.
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The Energizer Playground provided the perfect opportunity for kids and their families to experience long-lasting fun as they enjoyed the carefree time play provides. Kids of all ages had a grand time as they frolicked and enjoyed the many showcased toys that ranged from planes, trains, dolls and many others.

Children had a field day as they enjoyed the different areas of the high—tech playground.
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Musically inclined kids hung out at the Tone Town where they played with different musical toys. Children also had a chance to flex their minds as they explored the Learning Lane that showcased a wide array of educational toys.

Active kids, on the other hand, were able to indulge in the Action Zone where toys, robots and action figures abound. Finally, the Vroom Room – a pit stop for junior speed freaks – was also available where kids enjoyed different toys cars and other vehicles. The area is highlighted by the Energizer Playgrounds centerpiece — a 15-meter car race track and a high-powered helicopter exhibition.

Your favorite Lacoste poloshirt has a partner in L.12.12 timepieces collection

L.12.12 or Lacoste 12.12 timepieces collection in their 6 signature colors green, white, red, black and blue make up the design palette,  was launched last  Dec.12 at Isabela Room of Makati Shangri-la. The event was hosted by Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Anthony Suntay. The L.12.12 watch collection is distributed by Artful Marketing, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Lucerne Group) and global licensee Movado Group, Inc.

The L.12.12 is the spirit of an icon, reinvented in a watch, its pure design, clean lines, unique pique texture and vibrant monochrome palette are the inspiration behind the watch to suit any lifestyle, mood or occasion.


A mini wii tennis tournament was also held and joined by media and bloggers. It was a fun festive afternoon as Lacoste  gave away watches to all attendees after the program. We picked a little gift box from the christmas tree with paper indicating the color and guess what I picked?  I got the Red L.12.12! it was an early christmas gift that would be remembered by. Red is my favorite wrist arm color of all time, the L.12.12 added up the prestige to my watch collection.  I am now thinking of buying 2 watches for my loved ones. You should too, its an ideal christmas gift to all Lacoste lovers out there as these will compliment their polo shirt collection.

As iconic and recognizable as the crocodile logo is the classic cotton petit pique poloshirt that tennis legend René Lacoste designed in 1927. Nicknamed the crocodile for his tenacity on the court, the athlete created a uniform that would allow for better sweat absorption and freedom of movement. He named it L.12.12 - L for Lacoste, 1 for its one-of-a-kind fabric, 2 for its short sleeves, and 12 for the number of the final version of the design he selected for production. Heralding the birth of contemporary sportswear, the L.12.12 has remained a beloved wardrobe staple for the elegantly athletic.

Lacoste’s sporting spirit is reignited in the Lacoste.12.12 watch collection, with its timely launch
“Much like the classic polo shirt it is named after, the Lacoste.12.12 watch embodies the brand’s rich history of designing crisp, elegant pieces, and we are really excited to be bringing its 2014 Holiday collection to Manila,” says Julian Addison, MGI President for Asia Pacific. “Filipinos seem to have a tasteful yet practical sense of aesthetics - values that are manifest in these timepieces.”

There is a timepiece for whatever the mood calls for. Take the classic preppy tack, go for masculine and powerful, understated and simple or relaxed and laidback. Whatever you choose, the result is timeless, simple, wearable elegance for work and play.

Simplicity, refinement and comfort are the hallmarks of Lacoste’s wearable icons. The light, airy piqué fabric that serves as the polo shirt’s unique signature is faithfully echoed on the watch by an attractive petit piqué mesh effect running around the case sides and along the soft-touch silicone strap. Ready to take a bite out of  3 o‘clock is the legendary green crocodile that adorns each dial. Indeed, wearing a Lacoste.12.12 watch is wearing a true classic on your sleeve.

Lacoste Watches are available at L Timestudio, Wristpod, select Chronos Boutiques, SM Department Stores, The Landmark and Robinson’s Department Stores.

Zalora partners with leading brands for the biggest 12.12 online shopping event

ZALORA is partnering with major e-commerce players and other leading brands across the Philippines for 12.12 Online Fever, an online shopping event poised to be the biggest cyber sale in the region on 12 December 2014.


With over 100 partners across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, 12.12 Online Fever is positioned as Southeast Asia’s answer to North America’s Cyber Monday and North Asia’s Singles Day – offering customers the most exciting deals in fashion, food, travel and more during the holiday shopping season.

Presented by Smart Communications, 12.12 Online Fever aims to empower and energize the Philippine market to embrace e-commerce and the great suite of services and products available during the event. As an established leader in mobile products innovation, Smart’s participation in 12.12 Online Fever provides an avenue for Filipinos to pursue their passions online and experience the best of what the Internet has to offer, specifically through online shopping.

Led by ZALORA, 12.12 Online Fever rallies like-minded partners to redefine Christmas shopping in the Philippines and accelerate e-commerce growth together with major e-commerce players from different industries. Top online retailers including Takatack, FoodPanda, and Widget City have also come on board to support 12.12 Online Fever by offering some of the most exciting deals of the Christmas season to consumers, and encouraging shoppers nationwide to go online and make a purchase. To enable a comprehensive view of all the shopping deals and discounts available on December 12, participating partners will host joint landing-pages on their respective websites to make sure shoppers don’t miss a
single deal.

12.12 Online Fever caters to a wide range of consumers through its extensive collection of deals and offerings. Style enthusiasts can expect high street fashion at great prices when they shop at ZALORA.

Those looking to find Christmas gifts for that hard-to-shop-for member of the family can look forward to exclusive deals from top e-marketplace Takatack and gadget retailer Widget City. Shoppers bitten by the travel bug can now plan for their 2015 trips as they take advantage of the special deals in flights and hotels with online service Travelbook and low cost airline Jetstar, offering discounted fares for 24 hours.

Digital service innovators like taxi booking app Easy Taxi and loyalty rewards program ZAP will be offering exclusive incentives for using their services on the special day. Paulo Campos, Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines, said, “The Philippines is one of the world’s
fastest-growing internet markets. With fellow digital pioneers like our industry and e-commerce partners empowering users through connectivity and an incredible range of digital services and offerings, the Philippines has rapidly evolved in to one of the most socially connected countries in the world. As a leader in the industry, ZALORA Philippines is committed to helping Filipino e-commerce reach new heights in 2015.”

“Smart is thrilled to partner with the country’s leading lifestyle portal, Zalora, in supporting the endeavor of bringing the full mobile Internet experience closer to the hands of more Filipinos. This is part of our mission to allowing our subscribers to ‘live more’ by democratizing access to mobile data through our innovative mobile Internet products and service offerings,” added Michele Curran, FVP for Data and International Services at Smart.

Asia-Pacific is set to become the next top e-commerce market slowly overtaking both America and Europe combined1, and the Philippines is poised to be one of the most promising markets across South- East Asia. With varied economies across a diverse region, payment infrastructures and misconceptions about online shopping continue to be a challenge. However, a recent UBS study shows that more consumers all over the region are starting to flock to e-commerce sites in significant numbers – showing that consumers are visiting online retailers 41 times2 for every single visit to traditional retailers. While online shopping in Southeast Asia only accounts for 0.2 percent of all retail sales today, a rises to 5
percent in sales would give online shopping a value of around US$21.8 billion2.

Lenovo Yoga multi-modes, the best Christmas gift for the festive season

As we are all raiding the malls for gifts this christmas. Its time to get something your loved ones really need. Upping the ante on your gift-giving by gift wrapping a Lenovo Yoga multi-node devices. Its time for Santa to upgrade, give something that will be remember as the years go by.

Why don’t you gift Lenovo’s latest Yoga Series to your loved ones this Christmas? Perfect as presents for the most important people on your list, these multi-mode devices will truly make it the most wonderful time of the year!


Tidings of Comfort and Joy: the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2

A couple of years ago, Lenovo pioneered the multimode tablet and PC design to provide users with technology that adapts to their needs and usage scenarios. This holiday, when your special someone finds the new Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 underneath the Christmas tree, he or she will enjoy the three original modes—Hold, Tilt and Stand—and discover a fourth mode — Hang. This additional mode allows users to hang the tablet when viewing content, freeing up their hands to do other tasks. The device’s innovative design places the battery cylinder and kickstand on the side, shifting the center of gravity and opening up multiple ways to comfortably use it. Available in 8-inch and 10-inch models, the Yoga Tablet 2 boasts of the four modes for intuitive usage, plus an improved kickstand in Stand mode for more stability when users press the 10-point multi-touch screen.

At the heart of this flexible tablet is an Intel Atom Quad-Core processor to ensure reliable performance for work and play. Front-facing, Dolby dual speakers a rich audio experience. All Yoga Tablet 2 models boast of an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, which allows you to charge your phone on the go with the use of an OTG cable.

Do You Hear What I Hear?: New Ways to Watch and Listen with the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro

Mommy will be kissing her secret Santa (that’s you!) when she gets the ultimate entertainment tablet. The Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro features a built-in Pico projector, which projects up to a 50-inch display on any wall or ceiling to transform a dark room into a home cinema along with an incredible 8W sound system with the JBL twin front-facing speakers, 5W bass subwoofer and Dolby surround sound.The tablet also offers a dazzling Quad High Definition (QHD) screen and a superior 2560 x 1440 resolution delivering a theater-like experience.

And when the gift receiver is not binge watching, he or she will appreciate this device’s ultra-fast 4G LTE connection, long-life 9600-mAh battery, 8MP rear and 1.6MP front camera, and Intel processor for all of his or her work and play needs, especially since the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro can also be used in Hold, Tilt, Stand and Hang modes.

All I Want for Christmas: the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro

Feel like one of the three kings when you present a Platinum Silver or Champagne Gold version of the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro to your most cherished person this Yuletide. This pencil-thin multi-mode laptop is a standout when it comes to adapting to any situation. It’s the world’s thinnest convertible laptop at 12.88mm thick, and it’s very light at 1.19kg.

The four modes it offers—Laptop, Stand, Tent and Tablet modes—are easily achieved thanks to the new, innovative watchband-inspired hinge made from 800 pieces of steel and aluminum with six focus points instead of two. The result? It lays flat at 180° and delivers a more stable touch usage.

Moreover, it offers new ways to connect with an intuitive software that learns how you use your laptop and suggests new ways to get more out of it. From writing proposals and building presentations, to emailing, online shopping and gaming, the Yoga 3 Pro’s enhanced performance features—including its QHD wide-view display with touchscreen, intelligent audio and long battery life will enhance your productivity, enabling more time to enjoy the holidays.

Pricing and Availability

The Yoga Tablet 2 Androids will be priced at Php13,999 (Wi-Fi) and Php19,999 (LTE Wi-Fi) for the 8-inch and 10-inch variants respectively, while suggested retail prices (SRPs) for the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro and Yoga 3 Pro are at Php33,999 and Php 76,995 respectively. All these devices will be available through select Lenovo Exclusive Stores (LES) and authorized retailers nationwide within December. Yoga Tablet 2 and Yoga Tablet 2 Pro will also be sold in Lenovo Mobile Exclusive Stores (LMES) nationwide.

The first 18 consumers (cumulative) who buy the Yoga Tablet 2 from selected Lenovo Exclusive Stores (LES) and Lenovo Mobile Exclusive Stores (LMES) nationwide within Dec 20-21 will get the device at less Php1,800 off the SRP as part of Lenovo’s Christmas promotion. Not only that, starting Dec 15, buyers who purchase the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 8” and 10” will also get One Direction’s “Four” album and a chance to win tickets to their concert on March 22, 2015. Lastly, the 8-inch Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 will also come with a free Intel starter pack which features Music Maker 2014, Movie Edit Pro 2014, GT Racing 2 and others.

Indeed, Christmas won’t be the same this year for your beloved when they get any of these three Lenovo Yoga multi-modes as a present from you—it will probably be their best Christmas ever, giving them a reason to smile ear-to-ear like jolly old Saint Nicholas!

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

adidas celebrates latest collab with Pharell Williams

adidas hosted an intimate dinner at Hinoki & The Bird in Century City, Los Angeles to celebrate their recent collaboration with Pharrell Williams. In attendance were Pharrell’s friends including Khloe Kardashian and fellow judge from “The Voice” Gwen Stefani, as well as celebrated Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and adidas Creative Director Dirk Schoenberger. Guests such as Ellen Pompeo, A$AP Ferg, Samantha Ronson, Hans Zimmer and Shae Haley of N.E.R.D., dined on a menu specially created for the evening while enjoying a set of music spun by DJ D-Nice. This latest edition of the collaboration features a collection of colorful track jackets and Stan Smith shoes, both featuring a fun polka dot motif. Additional new styles from the ongoing collaboration built on a vibrant sense of optimism and the importance of equality will arrive in stores throughout 2015.

​(L-R) Ellen Pompeo, ​Gwen Stefani, and Khloe Kardashian all partied with Pharrell and others during the celebration


“Am so happy to be here tonight to celebrate my collaboration with adidas. Beyond allowing a musician to merely design product, I view our work together as a true creative expression of art. It also provides me the opportunity to amplify and spread the message of equality, something that has always been important and very dear to me.”

Some product shots​ during the event



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynXT10CV7cM

"Equality is love visualized. It is a symbol of affection, the action of affection. Equality is everything from a greeting to a declaration of true love. In all its forms.  It is ACCEPTANCE. It is LOVE. It is STRENGTH." Pharrell Williams


#pharrell
#adidasoriginals
@pharrell
@adidasoriginals

Sangobion partners with The Phil.Red Cross for a blood drive "Be a Lifesaver"

Karylle

Before blogging and working in a BPO setting, my life revolves around the hospital that I used to work with and home.  I know how crucial for the patient and relatives to be admitted. Most of the times, a blood transfusion is needed. I have become a blood donor when a co-worker suffered from Dengue 3. Since then, it has been my routine to donate every year. The hospital that I worked with always  coordinates with The Philippine Red Cross when the blood supply declines. The Philippine Red Cross has been actively supporting different hospitals nationwide by providing 25-30% of the country’s needs.  But even then, the supply still doesn’t reach the targeted amount.



Sangobion partners with The Philippine Red Cross for a project that aims to save life and reach the blood requirements of the country. The Sangobion Be A Lifesaver blood letting day was held at SM Fairview last December 5. It was hosted by Patty Laurel with guests Kelly Misa Fernandez and Ms. Karylle.

Merck Inc. partnered with Philippine Red Cross to start a project that aims to help reach the blood requirements of the country. This program is propagated by one of Merck’s leading brands, Sangobion–an organic iron supplement that helps women fight the signs of iron deficiency so they can Go Love Life. As it boosts iron, it also keeps the blood healthy, thus it helps women who take Sangobion to look, feel, and perform at their best.

Sangobion and the Philippine Red Cross run a blood drive called Be a Lifesaver. they encourage women to extend their hand to other women and take the role of a ‘lifesaver’ by simply donating their healthy blood.

The Be a Lifesaver project is the fourth and last phase of Sangobion’s GoLoveLifeprogram–a campaign that aims to encourage women of today to take care of one’s self, to change one’s lifestyle so they can go and enjoy the life they love.  The Be a Lifesaver project, Sangobion aspires to empower women to make a positive difference not just in their own lives but in our society as well. By sharing a small amount of their time and blood, women can show support and care for each other.

For more information about Sangobion and the campaign, visit www.facebook.com/SangobionGoLoveLife.

Enjoy Filipino christmas favorites at IHOP

Tis’ the season for IHOP pancakes

It is only in December that we get to taste the famous bibingka, puto bumbong and hot chocolate. After the festive month, we have to wait for another year and several midnight mass to partake of these traditional filipino delicacies.  This Christmas season IHOP is putting its stamp on popular Filipino holiday classics with its special limited edition offers.

Last December 4, IHOP launches three Christmas specials for the holidays: the Bibingka Pancake, Dulce de Leche Pancake and the Malagos Chocolate at IHOP. BGC.

Bibingka Pancake

Dulce de leche Pancake

Bibingka Pancake tastes delicious with its creamy pancake mix, whole duck egg,  garnished with muscovado sugar and sprinkled with parmesan, cheddar cheese and desicated coconut, with a scoop of butter on top. This is heavenly good. All I have been thinking is this should be in the IHOP menu all year round. It will definitely going to be a cheat day every week for the rest of December for those who love bibingkas.

Their Dulce de leche pancake is as good as their bibingka pancake, those whose craving for chocolate should try this one. It is bibingka with a twist. Two buttermilk pancakes filled with fresh bananas, spread with dulce de leche, topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate syrup, and topped with whipped cream. It reminds me of my favorite banana crepe. With these two bibingkas, I chose Bibingka Pancake over Dulce de leche.  When I took a bite of bibingka,  it brought up christmas memories attending midnight mass during my college years.

Whenever I feel low or stressed up.  I find myself heading to the nearest coffee store and have a cup of hot chocolate. It is one of my comfort drink. IHOP's Malagos hot chocolate is made with all-natural, single origin beans grown and harvested by Davao’s amazing farmers and cheerfully prepared at IHOP’s kitchen.  Malagos Chocolate is single-origin made from ethically grown and processed beans that have been carefully graded (according to international standards). The hot creamy chocolatey taste is perfect for their two bibingkas.

“Holidays are a big part of our campaigns,” said Archie Rodriquez, President and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts Inc., which owns and operates IHOP in the Philippines. He added: “We are proud to celebrate this joyous season with our diners with a Filipino touch.”

IHOP is adding three Christmas specials for the holidays: the Bibingka Pancake, the Dulce de Leche Pancake, and the Malagos Chocolate. Rodriguez says, “We are very sure that these items bring back childhood memories of a more traditional way of celebrating with family and friends in every bite.” 

These tasty treats combine IHOP’s classic recipes with Filipino flavors, giving holiday diners the best of both worlds.

IHOP also has new mouthwatering gourmet burgers and desserts to make your dining experience even more delicious


All burgers come with IHOP’s own secret sauce along with a choice of seasoned fries or onion rings, while the desserts are made with ingredients to satisfy sweet cravings.

Western Hash Brown Burger
Unleash your inner cowboy with this bad boy made of hash browns, American cheese, tomatoes, and bacon.

Sunrise Burger
Have a taste of sunshine with this burger made with sun dried tomato pesto, red onion rings, American cheese, and sunny side up egg.

Pot roast pasta

Italian Chicken pasta

Western hash brown burger

Carbonara pasta

Bread and Butter Pudding
A thick slice of warm bread pudding topped with a generous drizzle of banana caramel sauce, vanilla sauce, honey pecan nuts, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Stuffed and Rolled Chocolate Crepe
Chocolate crepes filled with cream cheese and choco hazelnut spread, topped with vanilla sauce, dark chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, a side of strawberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.



In 2014, IHOP opened three new branches in the country as Filipino diners continued to embrace what the brand has to offer—scrumptious food for afternoon meetings or a heavy dinner after the day’s work.

“We launched new food choices in our menu with more hearty options to serve more diners seeking a great place to dine in during the afternoon for meetings or for dinners after work,” Rodriguez says.

Recently, IHOP Philippines was awarded the International Franchise Operator of the Year Award during the IHOP International Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.

The popular all-day dining chain is looking to sustain this success for the oncoming year, as it aims to further strengthen its presence in the Philippines. IHOP is slated to open another store in Fairview Terraces, which would be its seventh branch in the country.

To date, IHOP has been serving complete perfect dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across its branches located in Bonifacio Global City, UP Town Center in Katipunan Avenue, SM Mall of Asia, Century City Mall in Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, Filinvest City in Alabang, and Araneta Center.

These branches are open from 7 AM until 11PM on weekdays and until 12 midnight on weekends. The good news is, the flagship branch located at the Bonifacio Global City will be accepting orders 24/7 from December 16 to January 3, 2015.

IHOP caters

Aside from in-house food servicing, IHOP is pushing forward its catering services for consumer and corporate events in onsite and offsite locations.

“At IHOP, Filipino diners get to enjoy all-day dining from original buttermilk pancakes to sandwiches to rib eye steaks,” he concludes. “The brand has been serving delicious food for more than five decades, from breakfast to dinner, and we are proud to create new moments and memories with our diners here in the Philippines.”

Apart from IHOP, Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. also operates Ramen Iroha, the award-winning ramen house from Japan, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), P.F. Chang’s, Gyu-Kaku, and Morelli’s Gelato.

Facebook: IHOP Philippines
Twitter and Instagram: @ihop_ph
Email: ihop_ph@globalresto.com

Krem Top challenge you to change for the better this coming 2015

If there is one trait that foreigners love us filipinos, is being "maasikaso" or attentive. We attend to the comfort of others, if we have visitors around the house, we offered everything from food to bed. We even persuade the visitor to stay longer if he or she is a friend, we are always that accomodating. This is just one trait that makes us humanely perfect to others.  If you are mapagpasalamat, matatag, masigasig, mapagmalasakit and magalang, then you embodies the true filipino.

Dr. Mina Ramirez

As 2014 is about to end, we should reflect our lives in the past and plan for a better future. We should list down our resolutions to start things right and prompt for the year 2015 and Change for the Better.

The Krem Top Change for the Better event was held last December 3, at Cafe Romulo. It was hosted by Ms. Gelli Victor with guest speakers Mr. Jim Paredes and Dr. Mina Ramirez.

Jim Paredes

Dr. Mina Ramirez of the Asian Social Institute explained, “If you want to get to know the Filipino, learn the language.  Most of our values are deeply rooted in how we express ourselves.  The Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino are in Filipino language because there are no direct translations of these traits.  The words are unique to us.  Understanding these traits would mean dissecting the soul of a Filipino.”

“Filipinos may be hard pressed at times, but in general, we are rich.  We are rich in natural resources; we are rich in our people.  If we can just get to know more ourselves clearly and use our values to our advantage, we will become a better nation.  It’s time to change for the better,” said Dr. Ramirez.

Alaska Milk Corporation’s Vice President for Marketing and Krem-Top Change for the Better campaign lead, Blen Fernando, is optimistic that this project will help create awareness about the need to keep or enrich or restore these core values of Filipinos.  “We hope that Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign will inspire us to be the better version of ourselves for the benefit of our families and our country.  The public can count on our continued support to champion the Filipino spirit that will help make us a better and stronger nation.”

Dr. Mina Ramirez of the Asian Social Institute, identified Five Core Values that defines the Filipino people. These core values make Filipinos different and stand out from the rest of the world and are vital for nation-building.  Based on Dr. Ramirez’s study “The Filipino Worldview and Values” and her insights from decades of practice as a phenomenological sociologist, here are the Five Core Filipino Values based on the Basic Aspirations of a Filipino:

Mapagpasalamat
This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Pamumuhay” (Life) and “PananaligsaDiyosat Kapwa” (Faith in God and people).  Filipinos know how to enjoy life.  We have many holidays, feasts, occasions, and reunions.  Filipinos are cheerful and naturally sociable.  We love to connect to people. We are a happy race.   We wear smiles on our faces even in depressing situations. This is because we always look at the bright side of life. We always have a positive outlook because we always find things to be thankful for, even in the smallest things. We would always say “SalamatsaDiyos” (Thank God) whenever good things happen because Filipinos, from whatever religion, would attribute life’s blessings to the Higher Being. We also acknowledge the good deeds of other people towards us and we do our best to return the favor.

Matatag
Being in a country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos have adapted and learned to be strong in times of need and in hard situations life throws at us. We continue to stand up, be firm, and fight because we have our loved ones and life’s aspirations to be strong for. This strength is drawn from our love for our family and to the higher being we believe in. This is based on Filipino’s aspiration for “Kaayusan” (Order).  In fact, Filipinos’ common expression is “Ayos Na”.  When we are able to get through difficulties, we say “Ayos Na”.  We, Filipinos long for “Kaayusan” and we will endure everything and be strong amidst hardships and challenges until we surpass the obstacles.

Masigasig
When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything possible to get it. We do it for our families and loved ones.   This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Kasaganaan” (Abundance) and “Ginhawa” (Relief).  A Filipino aspires for abundance not for himself but for his family.  The Filipino translation for Happy New Year is MasaganangBagongTaon (Bountiful New Year) because we equate happiness and celebration with abundance.  In Bisaya, “Ginhawa” means breath.  And the smooth flow of breath is the smooth flow of life which we call “Ginhawa”.  “Ginhawa” according to lay theologian Dr. Jose de Mesa is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino.  An example would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who endure being away from home to give their families a good life – abundance and relief from hardships.

Mapagmalasakit
It is because of our love for the family extended to friends, neighbors and other people that make Filipinos naturally compassionate. This compassion enables us to help other people without asking for anything in return. This is based on Filipinos’ aspiration for “Loob at Damdamin” and “Kapwa” (Other People) as explained in Dr. Mina’s The Filipino Worldview and Values.  “Loob” is the seat of Filipinos’ dignity.  The personhood of Filipino is manifested in his “kalooban”.  Filipinos tune in each other’s “kalooban” by checking on each other’s condition and chatting about each other’s lives.  Filipinos reach out to other people.  Due to our familistic culture, Filipinos use “kapwa” to refer not just to a stranger but to a relative, a next-door neighbor, a distant relative or a friend.  Our “Mapagmalasakit” trait makes it easy for us to champion the Bayanihan spirit - to unite and help each other during calamities and celebrate together during special occasions.

Magalang
The use of po, opo, and pagmamano (kissing of the hand) are distinct Filipino ways of respect. We say these words and use this gesture to show our respect and love for the elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people.  Our language itself is also respectful because it does not have anygender bias. Examples would be the words kapatid (brother / sister) or asawa (husband / wife) or biyenan (father-in-law / mother-in-law) or anak (son / daughter) which do not manifest differences in gender. These words are uniquely Filipino definitely respectful of the sexes. Our respect for other individuals is embedded in our culture and in our language.  This is based on our aspiration for “Lakas ng Loob” or “KagandahangLoob”.  Malakas and Maganda, Filipinos’ original creation story brings dignity to both the Filipino and Filipina.  Both the man and the woman sprang from the bamboo.  The man bowed to the woman.  They held hands and went off together.  Dr. Ramirez said, “This is a very non-sexist indigenous version of the creation story.”

This inspired Krem-Top coffee creamer to launch a campaign to kindle and challenge individuals to exercise a habit of changing for the better.  The campaign that started in 2012 is a call to action for people to commit and sustain the change to become better individuals, not just during the turn of the year but all throughout the year and beyond.

The campaign has grown from being a personal call to change to being nationalistic as the  mission is not just on one’s self anymore but on the entire nation as the Filipino spirit has been put into tests with the onslaught of recent calamities in the recent past. Krem Top’s Change for the Better campaign reminds us of the small distinctly Filipino traits that when rekindled can make our country better. This is coming from the idea that even small changes when put or done together can create a huge impact in the community.Change for the Better campaign reminds us of the innate Filipino traits that when practiced every day, can make our lives and country better.

This year, Krem-Top’s Change for the Better campaign looked at the values that are natural among Filipinos that will remind us of our identity and can strengthen our nationhood.


For more information about Krem-Top Change for the Better campaign, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop or follow @kremtopPH on Twitter.

Instax launches mini Neo Classic, mini 8 and Mini Hello Kitty

Instax Wanderlaunch was held at Vanilla Cupcake Bakery and Cafe last December 6, 2014.
To celebrate the holiday season, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.  injects the “fun” element back into photography, by combining retro style with cutting-edge technology that deliver fun card-sized photos.

The new Instax cameras include the instax Mini Hello Kitty, instax wide 300 and more color variations of the much loved instax mini 8, and mini 90 Neo Classic.

The instax mini lineup of instant film cameras enables consumers to write messages on high quality, credit card-sized photos immediately. Photo enthusiasts around the world can easily enjoy the unique feature of having an analog image that can be taken anywhere and shared with family and friends. Fujifilm’s lnstax Mini 8 Instant camera now has 2 vivid, ‘fun ateiawrs added to the current lineup: Grape and Raspberry

The new instax mini 90 Neo Classic will be available in Brown- chosen to appeal to a wider consumer audience that wants the fun of an instax instant film camera and the elegance of a refined and sophisticated brown color.

The large size film used for instax. WIDE is even better for capturing great moments with your famiiy and friends. The instax Wide 300 has a tripod socket that is useful for group photos.

It also has a fill-in flash by flash-on button backlighting to enhance the photos.

And to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Japanese iconic fictional character, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.  launches the new “lnstax Mini Hello Kitty”.

The camera features a 60mm move in/out type lens and comes with a 0.37x real image viewfinder. With a 0.6 – %focus range, the lnstax mini Hello Kitty camera has 1/60 sec shutter speed and constant firing (auto light adjust) flash which has a range of 0.6m -2.7 m. It also has a mirror that is perfect for self portraits.

For more information follow them on @teaminstaxph