Say Hello to Hello K-idol 10 trainees

If you are a fan of K-Pop music and its culture. Hello BTS!  Then its time to check out the Hello K-Idol trainees who made it to the Top 10. Viu partners with MYX to bring you the first Viu Original reality show of its kind in the country, Hello K-Idol.

Viu, a regional video streaming service by PCCW Media Group, together with Globe Telecom, has produced the first Viu Original reality show of its kind in the country, Hello K-Idol. Initially only available on the Viu platform, Viu is proud to announce that viewers will now also be able to watch Hello K-Idol, through a partnership with ABS CBN, on MYX Channel, every Saturday night at 9 PM starting on November 3, 2018.

After a series of online and on-ground auditions held by Viu and Globe, 10 male finalists aged between 18-27 were selected to be featured in the show’s seven episodes. The final winner will be awarded the coveted prize of a four-month all-expense paid scholarship to learn K-Pop vocal and dance at a prestigious entertainment talent school in Korea.


The webisodes will follow the K-Idol finalists as they undertake the 7-week challenge, where they will hone their talents in singing, dancing, performing, styling, and teamwork. A star-studded cast will critique their performances, while providing them with much-needed guidance on their quest to stardom. K-idols Yook Sung-Jae from the award-winning K-drama, Goblin, and Jung Joon-Young from the variety show, 2 Days & 1 Night, will serve as inspirations for the K-Idol finalists.

Mentors on the panel include singers Jinho Bae and Morissette Amon, and Korean professional dance artiste, Dasuri Choi. Kring Elenzano-Kim, prominent online host and personality, former reality TV star, and founder of two of the biggest K-Pop fans organizations in the Philippines will be hosting the show.

Helen Sou, Senior Vice President, Digital Media of PCCW Media Group, added, “Our first original reality show Hello K-Idol, co-produced in the Philippines with Globe Studios and supported by ABS CBN, MYX Channel and Ayala Malls, is indeed a significant milestone in our pan-regional expansion. By collaborating with our local partners with common vision here in the Philippines, we will continue to engage our “Viu-ers” to unlock local creativity in regional media scene together, ensuring Viu’s success in the market.”

Arianne Kader-Cu, Country Manager of Viu Philippines, said, “We are happy to announce that through this partnership with MYX, we will be able to share our content with viewers both online and offline. Viewers will be able to follow our k-idol finalists either via our Viu app/Viu.com or through MYX Channel. We hope that Hello K-Idol will just be the first initiative of its kind as we continue to build a stronger contemporary Filipino content segment, bringing Viu closer to the local audience.”

Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for Content Business Group of Globe, said, “Globe has always tried to find ways to help Filipinos share their love and talent for performance. With Hello K-Idol, co-produced with our partner, Viu, we are offering customers the power to enjoy the show anytime and anywhere with just a touch of their mobile phones and tablets.”

Andre Alvarez, MYX Channel Head, said, “With the growing trend of K-Pop music around the world, thanks to the concerted efforts of Viu and Globe Studios for bringing Hello K-Idol to our channel, this opens an exciting opportunity for us to tap into this new market, thus reinforcing our position as the Philippines’ number 1 music channel.”

For updates about Hello K-Idol and the trainees, follow the Hello K-Idol page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HelloKIdolOfficial).

Viu is a leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service operated by PCCW Media Group. It is available in 16 markets across Asia and the Middle East including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar and Middle East countries of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Operating an ad-supported tier and a premium subscription tier with additional features, Viu delivers premium Asian content in multiple genres, curating shows from top content providers with local language subtitles as well as original production series under the ‘Viu Original’ initiative.

Viu offers users express delivery of telecast content, streaming and download features, and localized user interfaces. With the patented Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding technology, Viu gives users a smooth, unbuffered viewing experience regardless of device or network conditions.

The service can be accessed via Viu app (available for free on App Store and Google Play) on connected devices, e.g. smartphones and tablets, as well as on web by logging into www.viu.com.

Durex PH aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to take active precautionary measures against HIV

Only 15 percent of young adults aged 15 to 24 years old have knowledge about HIV prevention, a UNAIDS Philippines study showed. The lack of an extensive sex education in the curriculum is seen as a contributing factor—directly or indirectly—to the country’s high HIV growth rate.

UNAIDS Country Director for the Philippines Dr. Louie Ocampo shares that if the current trend of reported new HIV cases in the country, we are seeing tripling of numbers at about "265,000 cases by the end of 2028-2029."


Discussions on the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV have always been done in extremes – either it is too technical and clinical or it is peppered with myths and falsehoods – creating a large disconnect with young adults, the audience who matter the most.

“We believe that education is the best way to prevent HIV, especially among the young adults. If they are equipped with the right knowledge about HIV and its potential risks to their health, we believe that they stand a chance in protecting themselves against the chronic disease,” said (Karol Canlas) Durex Philippines (Brand Manager).

In September, Durex Philippines took the playful and quirky approach to bringing HIV awareness to mind with the launch of its “Always Come Prepared” campaign. Led by the radio trio of Sam YG, Tony Toni, and Slick Rick, the campaign aims to make the conversation on the threats and dangers of the disease lighter and easier to understand for the general public.

Durex Philippines recently launched its Always Come Prepared campaign that aims create HIV awareness and help prevent it. Key organizations--UNAIDS, Love Yourself, and advocates from the medical field, and Boys Night Out (BNO), joined hands with Durex on its mission to curb HIV in the country. (L-R) BNO's Slick Rick, Reckitt Benckiser Read for regulatory Atty. Ricky Salvador, Sex Therapist Dr. Rica Cruz, UNAIDS Country Director for the Philippines Dr. Louie Ocampo, Reckitt Benckiser General Manager Chris Ritchie, Infectious Diseases Expert Dr. Marion Kwek, Love Yourself and Safe Spaces advocate Losif Cadelina, and BNO's Toni Tony and Sam YG.



To pique the interests of young adults on the campaign, Durex also presented a unique visual of a toy soldier using the condom as a parachute.

“Their openness and tongue-in-cheek manner of talking about sex-related issues and concerns, particularly HIV, is a good way for us to reach the younger audience. Medical experts have long talked about the dangers of HIV, but why is it still rising in the Philippines? The message must have been lost somewhere,” said (Chrisel Segundo, Category Manager – Relief and Wellness).

Condoms are still the only known effective method of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. With its latest campaign, Durex Philippines aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to take active precautionary measures against HIV.

Eatigo Kicks Off Halloween with Scarily Good Treats

Much can be said about Halloween and its many delicious treats, but Eatigo is adding more. Known for sky-high discounts on thousands of restaurants all over Asia, the app is bringing in more reasons to enjoy this scarily good holiday, starting off with the best part—heaps and heaps of heavenly food.



Kicking off a breakfast favorite is Pancake House. Opening the door is like returning to your childhood with the delicious waft of pancakes, chicken, waffles, and coffee in the air. No wonder it’s been around for years. The cult-favorite restaurant has every breakfast staple customers want in spades.

Another setting perfect for gatherings is Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken. The pièce de résistance is of course, their spit-fired chicken grilled to perfection, but also the customized sauces and marinade they serve to satiate every diners’ palate. Really, it’s a win-win for everyone.

No one does big more than Big Guys pizza. Ooey gooey mozzarella cheese slapped on huge-freshly baked dough, drizzled with pepperoni, pineapples, olives, and so many more delicious toppings that even out on a huge, ready-to-share box of pizza.

Take a step back into Uma Uma Ramen’s 60-year old recipe. With the rainy season upon us, find comfort in a steaming bowl of robust noodles and aromatic tonkotsu stock that is also MSG-free. There are many flavors to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with the classic Uma Uma Ramen which is to put it simply, divine.


 

A modern and sophisticated restaurant serving up favorite local dishes is Sentro 1771. Beautiful wooden interiors and warm lighting welcomes customers, inviting them to sit down and have a hearty meal. They are best known for their famous Sinigang na Corned Beef, as well as the Fried Kesong Puti, Adobo Catfish Flakes, and Rated GG.

Hungry yet? All these fine restaurants are readily available on Eatigo and all you have to do is download the app, sign up, and start browsing for awesome deals. Now that’s our kind of treat!

Join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway Promo!

Itching to hop on another plane and go on a much-needed getaway? BIC Lighters have your back because they’re giving away some major prizes to top-notch Asian destinations that any creative traveler would love!

This is BIC Lighters’ way of giving new and loyal customers a chance to take a much-needed breather from the everyday hustle and bustle!

Excited? Here's the easy-peasy way on how to join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway's e-raffle promo. Until November 20, 2018,  simply purchase any two (2)  BIC Lighters at any 7-Eleven store nationwide and have your CLiQQ Card or App Barcode scanned before payment. For every two (2) pieces bought of the same items, you will earn one (1) or two (2) e-raffle entries.

Now here’s what you might just win. For the first draw, there will be two lucky winners of a trip for two to any of these destinations: Bali, Taipei or Seoul; four winners of heavy-duty Samsonite luggage; and ten winners of Grab vouchers worth Php5,000 each.

For the second draw, there will be two lucky winners of round trip tickets for two to one of these destinations: Hong Kong; Bangkok, or Tokyo; four winners of heavy-duty Samsonite luggage; and ten winners of Grab vouchers worth Php5,000 each.

So achieve your travel dreams now with BIC Lighters and join the BIC Amazing Asia Getaway Promo!

For more inquiries regarding the promo, you may contact customercare@7-eleven.com.ph or visit www.facebook.com/BicLighterPhilippines

Satisfy your Asian food cravings at Ai sian Fusion

I got an invite to attend to Celebrity Comedy Queen Ms. Ai Ai's Ai Sian Fusion Restaurant mini presscon last October 26 at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Balintawak. The restaurant is located inside the 4th level of the mall.

Going to the restaurant, I took the elevator and asked the elevator girl where is it located. She corrected me right away its "Ay" Sian po hindi Asian", I replied with a smile. 

Ai-Sian Fusion recently opened this year (last September 17, 2018.) As the name implies, its a fusion of chinese, japanese, korean ( samgyupsal) filipino dish with a twist. We, (together with selected bloggers) were served pork mushroom siumai, pork katsudon  house blend tea, and Matcha-Mung Bean Panna Cotta for our dessert.

I personally recommend Steamed Pork & Mushroom Dumpling with Truffled Chili-Garlic Sauce.  It is tasty meaty, soft and big for its price of  P80 for 4 pcs. The Matcha Mung Bean Panna Cotta is just right with the aromatic taste of  matcha perfect with the softness of panna cotta. It is not that sweet which is okay for me. I will definitely come back this week and check out their platter dishes.  

Pork Mushroom Siumai P80

Pork katsudon P260

House Blend Tea P90

Comedy Queen Ai Ai together with Ai Sian Resident Chef Daryl attended the mini presscon. Chef Daryl recommends their Platter for first timers. Ms Ai Ai told that this is her upscale take on restaurant after her Chang Ai Express. She told that mostly Old Chinese dined in and working professionals.  

Ai-sian Fusion's Menu

APPETIZER

Premium Siu Mai

100.00

Siu Mai

80.00

Hakaw

150.00

Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Fondue

280.00

Kani Salad

190.00

Miso Soup

80.00

PORK - ENTREE

Sous Vide Roasted Char Siu Pork

300.00

Spiced Lechon Macau

260.00

Pork Spareribs Taosi

260.00

Pork Katsudon

260.00

Samjyeopsal Plate

300.00

Bibimbap Paellero

260.00

BEEF - ENTREE

US Beef Gyudon

280.00

US Beef Galbi Jjim

300.00

SEAFOOD - ENTREE

Tempura Platter

300.00

Baked Kimchi Seafood Rice

290.00

CHICKEN - ENTREE

Chicken Teriyaki

270.00

Crispy Cantonese Soy Chicken

250.00

Hainan Chicken Rice Pilaf

280.00

PLATTER

Sous Vide Roasted Char Siu Pork & Crispy Cantonese Soy Chicken

460.00

Spiced Lechon Macau & Hainan Chicken

470.00

Sous Vide Roasted Char Siu Pork & Hainan Chicken

480.00

NOODLES

Japchae

300.00

Pork Spareribs Taosi Stewed Noodles

280.00

Sous Vide Roasted Char Siu Pork Noodle Soup

220.00

DESSERT

Mango-Sago Panna Cotta

100.00

Matcha-Mung Bean Panna Cotta

100.00

Almond-Lychee Panna Cotta

100.00

DRINKS

Coffee Jelly

90.00

Black Grass Jelly

90.00

Aisian House Blend Tea

90.00

Wintermelon Cold Tea

90.00

Taro Cold Tea

90.00

Tsing Tao Beer

180.00

Sapporo Beer

180.00

Soju

170.00

Soda

65.00

Bottled Water

35.00

Five things you should know before signing your first loan

For a generation largely thought of as entitled and unprepared for the real world, Millennials, currently aged 22-36, are doing better financially than people give them credit for.

As young professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, freelancers, among many, many others, living in constant contemplation of their future, most Millennials are, in fact, so passionate about and consumed by their #lifegoals, that most, if not, all their income go to paying for their first car, getting their own place, and generally, living the best years of their lives.

An equal mix of angst and excitement fueled by an almost frantic desire for independence, Millennials are ready and raring to leave the nest and live their lives on their own terms. And they actually have the financial capacity to afford it. Or do they?

Short-term loans and mortgages allow young professionals—from first jobbers to senior managers—to invest in that two-bedroom condo or that first car. But remember, it’s not as simple as it seems.

If you are looking to take out your first bank, car, or home loan, better read on.

Here are five things to keep in mind before you sign on the dotted line! 

Work on your credit history first 
If you’re planning to get a loan, take care of your credit history now. A good credit history will mean better loan offers. You won’t even have to look. Banks and financial institutions will be scrambling to give you one. How to do it? Pay your monthly bills on time and in full!

Choose your lender wisely
To avoid losing money or your collateral, go for reputable lenders like banks and other financial institutions that have good backgrounds and credentials. Their rates may be a bit high but at least you know they’re legit.

Compare rates
Don’t just choose the first bank that offers you a loan. Shop around and compare bank rates. If you do have a bank in mind, knowing the rates of other banks will give you leverage on the negotiation table.

Consider the time frame
It’s so easy to just go for a 10-year-loan or even a 15-year-loan because the monthly dues will be significantly lower. But consider, too, how you will pay for it and the interests that your loan will incur. Longer payment terms mean you will pay more. Calculate that. Try to picture where you will be in 10 or 15 years. Will you still be working and earning an income? It is best to consider these things before deciding on a payment term.

Financially protect your investment and family

Who will pay for the loan if you are suddenly not able to? In the Philippines, Millennials in the workplace do not only work for themselves but also for their families. One way to ensure that your loans won’t become a burden to your family in the future is to take out short term insurance plans for the same length of time and amount as your loan. That way, you can be confident that your unpaid loans will be taken care of, no matter what happens to you.

Try to check out pan-Asian Insurer FWD Life Philippines’ Set for Tomorrow Short Term Cover. For as low as P2,000 a month, it provides a guaranteed 100% life insurance protection against uncertainties and unforeseen life risks in 5 or 10 years—the same time period as a car or house loan. Should anything happen to you, your family will have the money to pay for the debts you left behind. It’s renewable, too, should you decide to take out another loan. And when you’re ready to invest for the long term, you can convert it to a plan that can potentially grow your money through investment funds. Now that’s the height of adulting!   

Want to know more? Visit http://bit.ly/SetForTomorrowforLoans or get a quote using FWD’s Cali, http://bit.ly/AdultingSetforTomorrow

Beepbeep.ph – the first online destination, platform, and gateway for all things automotive – has just been formally launched

I learned how to drive through my father. Yes, I owned my first car when I was in college,  a gift from the parents. During those times, when my car broke down, I only have to call my father and his apprentice (we owned a talyer, then). My father took care of the maintenance and gas. Those were the days, yes!. All I have to do is drive myself to school and do some errands from the parents.

Fast forward to today, I am a parent myself.  The question that haunts me is what if our car (the partner owns a car) broke down in the middle of the night from nowhere and we are all alone. Or an on-road emergency happens? What to do? Is there an app for that?

Help is now here for automobile owners who want freedom from the hassle of traditional responsibilities that come with it such as taking the vehicle personally to the casa for preventive maintenance. beepbeep.ph – the first online destination, platform, and gateway for all things automotive – has just been formally launched to address all car needs in the most efficient and time-saving way.

“Today, we can do all sorts of tasks from our phones. There are services that help us pay our bills, work remotely, get rides, order food, arrange vacations, and other things previously unheard of. We at beepbeep.ph are ushering in a new age of convenience for car owners,” said CEO Anton Ojeda in a speech at the formal launch of the website and app (free to download on the App Store and Google Play) at the Whitespace Manila in Makati City.

Influencer, road safety advocate, multimedia motoring journalist, and TV host James Deakin was also introduced as beepbeep.ph’s official ambassador.

Maintenance Valet

Ojeda walked guests through the features of the app, then performed a live demonstration of the Maintenance Valet – a key feature in the app’s suite of functions.

“When car owners need to have preventive maintenance services or even annual auto-detailing jobs done on their vehicles, they don’t have to do the task themselves and interrupt their daily routines,” the executive said, and showed the audience how to search for their preferred car shop on beepbeep.ph and book an appointment through the website or the app. Cars will be fetched by beepbeep.ph company chauffeurs (all trained professional drivers)  who are fully equipped with body cameras and are continuously monitored via GPS for both safety and constant monitoring. Vehicles are insured from the moment they are turned over to the beepbeep.ph drivers.

“This is something we have thought of very carefully and worked on painstakingly hard on to guarantee because our vehicles are valuable and our time is precious,” continued Ojeda. “Beepbeep.ph promises total transparency, security, and worry-free service. We don’t want our customers to concern themselves about where their cars are or how they are driven.”

Curated Directory

Beepbeep.ph also provides users access to over 7,500 curated and vetted car shops – giving them an immediate link to a considerable network of auto services ranging from reliable official dealership hubs (casas) and independent repair shops (talyer) in the metro through its Search & Canvass feature. Search parameters can be tailored based on service, location, and favorability rating.

The app also links to garages and local car shops that offer maintenance and mechanical repairs, car wash and detailing, body repairs, paints and wraps, and more. Each beepbeep.ph listing provides a detailed look at what to expect from an establishment – a menu of services, features, operating hours, address and Google Map locator, payment methods, and estimated cost per visit. The directory also includes insurance providers and Land Transportation Office outlets.

Emergency Services

Rounding out its services, beepbeep.ph promises motorists an immediate helpline for on-road emergencies. The 24/7 Roadside Assistance feature offers emergency towing, battery replacement, and tire-change services to any car owner – without the need for memberships within Metro Manila, and without additional charges.

“We want to be of service to two groups, actually. Our priority, of course, are car owners. We want them to be confident and comfortable with their vehicles,” declared Ojeda. “Secondly, we aspire to be the medium for all automotive establishments, big or small.”

Rico's Lechon is now open in Food Village Tiendesitas

After the much anticipated opening of Rico's Lechon at BGC.  I just cant believe that 2 branches has opened recently in Glorietta Makati and now launches its biggest branch at 1st Level, Food Village Bulding B of Tiendesitas, Ortigas East, Barangay Ugong in Pasig. 

Rico's Lechon in Tiendesitas can hold up to 300 seating capacity and houses seven VIP rooms for your intimate celebration. It has a homey tropical interiors with wooden furnishings for that probinsya feels.

It was my second visit and this time I ordered 1/4 regular lechon, seafood kare kare and nilagang bulalo shared with blogger friends. Washed it down with green mango shake. It was the best lunch of the day for I still felt full until dinner. I prefer spicy lechon over their regular lechon, partner it with beef trife kare kare and Pandan Tapioca for dessert.  Yum!

The Roasting Pit-an anticipated attraction for visitors of the vicinity-in Rico’s Lechon Tiendesitas is much bigger, which can hold up to twenty full-size lechons. Find a larger Chopping Area where you can view the mouthwatering half a kilo, quarter-kilo, or one full kilo order of spicy or regular lechon, before it reaches your table. A separate counter for takeout orders is available in this branch as well.

And who wouldn’t want to savor the newest dishes off its menu? Introducing delectable additions, which will only be available in Rico’s Lechon Tiendesitas for a time being, prior rolling out to the other restaurant locations. Try out the Lechon Kare-Kare, Beef Tripe Kare-Kare, Tokwa at Lechon Baboy, Ginataang Laing, or Lechon Lumpiang Shanghai, partnered with Sisig Fried Rice or the Chorizo Fried Rice. The dessert menu now offers Buchi with Caramel Sauce, Maja Kalabasa, and Leche Flan, too!

You may also opt for more of its known dishes such as the Adobong Kangkong, Baked Scallops, Bulalo, Lechon Paksiw, and Kamote Balls. Cool your palette with quenchers like the Calamansi Soda or Green Mango Juice. Ultimately, cap off your meal as you delight on the Oreo Mango Float or the Pandan Tapioca.

Keep an eye out as Rico’s Lechon prepares to open two more branches in the Northhern side of the Metro-at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf and UP. Town Center in Quezon City.

Through this expansion, Rico’s Lechon establishes that it’s a growing institution for many residing in Cebu, Metro Manila, and visitors from all over the world.

Truly, “Da best gyud!”

Open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Including takeout orders. For inquiries, you may contact Rico’s Lechon Tiendesitas at 0917-8950000, 234-9954, 234-9944 or DSL/fax at 234-9996, Rico's Lechon 860 at 0917-8444067, Rico's Lechon Mactan at 0917-111-3000, 032402-0845, or 032-3831498, and Rico's Lechon Talamban at 0917-1027553. For more information, visit www.ricoslechon.com.

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