Stylish and Eco-Friendly Diaper Bags Now in the Philippines

For mommies who want to remain fashionable while toting baby's things inside attractive diaper bags ...

Press Release:

Diaper bags are a staple in the baby essentials list of every expectant mother. Babies need a change of clothes, fresh diapers, toys, milk and baby food every time you leave the comfort of your home. Choosing a diaper bag isn’t easy.The most important questions to ask are: what are your requirements before buying one? Should it be big and roomy enough? Does it need small zippered inside pockets? Should the handles be long enough to carry over your shoulder?

Founders Claudia and Stefan Lässig answered all that and more. The couple noticed that although diaper changing bags do serve their purpose, they are anything but cool or modern. So they developed a new, funky brand that’s playful, natural and fun-loving is born – LÄSSIG (pronounced as Laessig) Diaper Bags.

Lässig combines three things—fashion, function, and transformation.

Fashion: Lässig Diaper Bags are available in a wide variety of designs depending on your style and character. The tote bag, messenger bag, or shoulder bag styles are perfect for those who live a contemporary lifestyle, love the urban atmosphere, and are always on the go. If you are a multifunctional chic, diversified, and treat your bag as a fashion accessory, you will fall head over heels with Lässig’s Gold Label collection line. The bags come with removable accessories such as a changing mat, removable pouch for your essentials and insulated bottle holder, to name a few. Bottle holders and changing mats can also be purchased separately.

Function: Lässig Diaper Bags offer all the features a nappy-changing bag should have: a well-organized inner compartment for baby food jars or feeding bottles, a changing mat, a key clip and robust snap hooks, as well as loops for the straps so that the bag may be attached to your stroller or carried over the shoulder.

Transformation: Lässig Diaper Bags offer interchangeable flaps to create new looks. The Gold Label collection are all reversible to match your style whether you are off to work or out the whole day with your little one.

And if those three aren’t good enough, Lässig also has a hand in slowing global warming. Its products are free from PVC, dyes, cadmium, and nickel so they’re also safe for the kids to use. These are the lightest changing bags in the market, and are easy to clean and maintain.

Lässig bags have all the requisites for every mother to fall in love with. Carry them with comfort, confidence, and style. Available at the following leading retail and department stores: Rustan’s (Makati, Shangri-La and Alabang), Babyland (Eastwood Mall, Festival Mall, Glorietta and Shaw Boulevard),Toytown (Eastwood Mall), Procreation (Crossing, Shangri-La Mall).

Lässig is exclusively distributed by Kenleen International Distribution, Inc., a distribution company that specializes in new market trends and strives to continuously develop and select innovative products that are exclusive and distinct enough to provide something different to customers across a range of categories.

Want to find more about LÄSSIG? Visit their website at www.laessig-fashion.de

Repertory Philippines' The 39 Steps is Set to Open on March 4

I was really intrigued when I first read the press release below. Imagine, more than 140 characters to be played by only four people? That should be a riot! Now, I can't wait to finally see the press preview come March 3!

Edit March 7: I already saw The 39 Steps last Thursday and it was a HOOT! You guys should really see this show. Promise, you will have a great time forgetting your worries for a couple of hours as you laugh your way to the ending :) More about my impressions here.

Press Release:

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have the intriguing, thrilling, riotous, “unmissable” comedy smash --- “The 39 Steps.”

“The 39 Steps" is the second offering of Repertory Philippines for the 2011 season that promises to be a blissfully funny show and a wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller at breakneck speed, and played for laughs all the way.

A comic theatrical adaptation written by Patrick Barlow adapted from the 1915 World War I espionage novel by Scottish author John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, “The 39 Steps" has a cast of four fearless actors playing over 140 characters in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun that often requires fast quick

changes and occasionally for them to play multiple characters at once.

The 2008 Roundabout Broadway production of “The 39 Steps" won the 2008 Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience and Outstanding Lighting Design. It won two Tony Awards for Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design and was also nominated for four other categories - Best Play, Best Direction of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Costume Design of a Play. The London production won a Sir Olivier Award in 2007 for Best Comedy Play.

“The 39 Steps" follows the incredible adventures of a handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.

To be directed by Ana Abad Santos, “The 39 Steps” features an amazingly brilliant cast with Michael Williams playing the hero, Richard Hannay. Last seen on the Rep stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”, Michael also directed the multi-award winning Sondheim hit, “Sweeney Todd". After playing hundreds of roles including Javert in “Les Misérables” for which he gained critical acclaim, Michael is now the founder, president and artistic director of his own repertory company, Theater Down South, where he acts as mentor and teacher to aspiring young actors. He also teaches theater arts at Chinese International School Manila and La Salle Zobel.

Marking her return to the Philippine theatre scene after living in London for the past 10 years is Liza lnfante who plays the three women whom Richard has romantic entanglements with. The year 2000 marked Liza's departure to study in London and her last Rep performance was in “Once Upon A Mattress” as Winnifred.

Audiences remember her memorable roles as Julie Jordan in “Carousel” and Nelly Forbush in “South Pacific”. Liza is also an MBA graduate of the London Business School. She currently owns her own business called Two Tots, designing and manufacturing children's furniture and accessories.

 

(L-R) Michael, Liza, Ana, Menchu, Rem, and Julienne

after the Feb. 8 press con

Rem Zamora and Juliene Mendoza play every other character in the show: heroes, villains, men, women, performing stunts, changing accents.

Bagging the role of Judas Escariot in “Jesus Christ Superstar" for his first Rep show in 1996, Rem Zamora went on to play a diversity of roles including Emilio Aguinaldo in Rep’s first original musical, “Miong", based on the life on the young general, and most notably as Cosme McMoon in “Glorious”. He has also done work

outside Rep with PETA as Dr. Beau in “Skin Deep". Rem is also active as Rep’s Marketing Director. Outside Rep, he is an events producer and director as well as an entrepreneur, owning and managing Piquant, a health-food restaurant in RCBC.

Juliene Mendoza is an actor, singer and voice-over talent for Radio and TV ads since 1988 and has worked with most of the theater groups in Manila. Most recently, he played the lead role of Vicente Ayllon in the Insular Life Musicale "A Journey in C Major”, which, performed in Manila and Cebu. He was also the Station Voice of QTV Channel 11 in 2010. Other recent credits include performing in the MMQ Production "Le Cirque du Cabaret", a charity concert at the Sofitel Hotel in August 2010 and band leader for the lounge band Allegria at the Shangri-la Makati. He is also an occasional performer in “Heroes Square” at Fort Santiago,

lntramuros.

Co-presented by Enderun and the City of Makati, "The 39 Steps," is a must-see for ages 9 to 90 and is guaranteed to be one of the best times you'll ever have at the theatre!

You don't even have to be familiar with Alfred Hitchcock's classic film to enjoy it. “The 39 Steps" will keep you guessing and laughing.

The artistic and creative team of “The 39 Steps” is led by Baby Barredo (Artistic Director), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Associate Artistic Director), Ana Abad Santos (Director), Trineth Villasis (Assistant Director), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), Denis Lagdameo (Set Designer), Jethro Joaquin (Sound Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Denis Lagdameo and Gianina Ocampo (Puppet Animation).

"The 39 Steps” production staff is composed of Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Ayam Barredo (Company Manager), Raymond Vergara (Stage Manager) Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of “The 39 Steps” is led by Toots Tolentino (PR and Publicity), Rem Zamora (PR and Publicity, Marketing), Ayam Barredo and Oliver Usison (PR & Publicity, Marketing), Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales) and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

Show dates are March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. All performances are at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

For tickets, inquiries and other information, call Repertory Philippines at 571-6926 and 571-4941 or email info@repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at 891-9999 or www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and add “Rep Phils" in Facebook.

“The 39 Steps” is brought to you by the following sponsors: Ayala Malls, Business World, Ticketworld, Manila Bulletin, HerWord.com, Click the City.com, Lane Moving and Storage, Dot.ph, 105.1 Crossover, Jam 88.3, U92 and Yehey.com.

“The 39 Steps” is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French Limited.

Domino's Pizza is Now DeliveRiiing!

Heads up pizza lovers!

Press Release:

Each day, more than 1 million customers enjoy hot, delicious Domino’s Pizza products on every inhabited continent on Earth. It is no wonder that Domino’s Pizza is the recognized world leader in pizza delivery.

Domino’s exists to fulfill a basic need for its customers – to provide a high quality, freshly prepared, hot meal delivered on time, every time. The company pioneered the pizza delivery business, and its total system sells more than 400 million pizzas worldwide every year. There are more than 9,000 Domino’s Pizza stores in more than 65 countries, employing over 175,000 team members, and involving over 2,000 franchisees.

The great news for Pinoy Pizza lovers is that Domino’s Pizza has arrived HOT and FRESH in THE PHILIPPINES!

“Domino’s is all set to take the local pizza industry by storm,” enthused Tong Hong, the President and CEO of Domino’s in the Philippines. “Pizza is a US$35 billion per year industry, and Filipinos are well-known pizza lovers. Precisely because it is such a good fit, our company is confident that we will be able to fully develop and expand in this market at a very good pace,” he added.

Hong’s observation appears to be spot-on, as the company’s flagship store in Marvin Plaza, Pasong Tamo has exceeded all their initial sales targets. This has further encouraged them to fast track the opening of the second Domino’s branch in Silver City, Frontera Drive (Tiendesitas) along Julia Vargas Avenue. “Originally, the plan was to open eight stores in Metro Manila by the end of the year,” Hong explained. “Because of the amazing performance of our Marvin Plaza branch, however, we may have to reconsider this,” he added.

In overseas markets, Domino’s is best known by their 30-minute guarantee, which offers customers a money-back assurance if their orders are not delivered to their doorstep within half an hour. To this end, Domino’s Philippines has invested heavily in its delivery infrastructure in order to fulfill the same promise. This includes a full scale, logistics management software called PULSE™, which is specially designed and exclusively used by Domino’s Pizza. “Pizza delivery is a passion for us – it’s both art and science,” Hong affirmed. “From the time our phone rings and the order is placed, to the moment our delivery rider arrives safely at your door, each step is synchronized with thorough precision,” he further pointed out.

Indeed, this passion for Pizza delivery is exemplified through the innovations that Domino’s has introduced to its industry. Over the years, the company has invented – or been the first to use – most of the equipment and systems that are now considered trade standards. These include the fiberglass case, the corrugated pizza box, the 3-D car-top sign used in delivery vehicles, and of course, its patented Domino’s Heatwave™ delivery bags, which quite literally acts as a portable oven to bring piping hot pizza to your door.

“Remember, the 30-minute delivery time is only the first part of the guarantee,” Hong emphasized with respect to the Heatwave™ bag. “The pizzas must also arrive hot and fresh. Our special delivery bags use a technology that creates a portable oven, minimizing heat loss during during transit,” he explained. “The outer material of the bag is made with water-repellent nylon, and the interior is lined with a cutting edge material called Thinsulate, which eliminates moisture and maintains that fresh-from-the-oven taste,” he further said.

At present, the Domino’s menu offers nine flavors of pizza, including bestsellers like the Domino’s Deluxe, Potato Pizza, Extravaganza, Shrimpus, and Hola Spain. Aside from pizza, Domino’s also carries Buffalo Chicken Wings, Meaty Bolognese, Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti, Cheesy Bread, Garden Salad and Chocolate Lava Cake.

16th Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko Holds a Thanksgiving Party

Jollibee's advocacy, the yearly Maaga ang Pasko project has finished its 16th year with a bang. Thanks to the Jolly Toy Scouts, partner schools, companies, and other organizations, more children in need were made happier last Christmas season.

Maaga ang Pasko is the Philippines' longest running toy and book collection drive. Its 16th year achieved another milestone with a number of record feats in 2010. Last Christmas' campaign was able to gather over 200,000 toys and books, each of which was matched with a Jollibee toy and effectively doubled the number of donations. In 16 years, Maaga ang Pasko has already handed out close to 2 million gifts to underprivileged children all over the country.

The thanksgiving event was held at the ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Hotel last February 8. Jollibee officials were there to honor the contributions that made the latest campaign a success. There, Jollibee also turned over the proceeds from the Jollibee and Friends Dolls novelty promo to the Department of Education for the building of more public school classrooms this 2011.

 

awarding the "plaque" to one partner company

Mr. Albert Cuadrante, Jollibee vice president for marketing, acknowledges that, “The 16th Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko has truly achieved greater triumphs thanks to the efforts of our Jolly Toy Scouts and our partner schools and companies. This is a testament to the growing generosity that Filipinos share, and proof that the campaign is growing even bigger and will continue to grow for years to come.”

 

the very creative plaque that looks like a diorama

The project enjoyed support from a bigger network of partners composed of 33 partner companies and 60 partner schools that went all-out for the cause. Thousands of Jolly Toy Scouts signed up to volunteer as ambassadors of Christmas cheer, joining the donation clean-up drives to collecting toys and books.

To open more channels for people to help, the campaign also donated a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the limited edition Jollibee and Friends Dolls for the Build-a-Classroom project.

Over 400,000 Jollibee and Friends Dolls were sold last year from which a total of P12 million was raised to fund the construction of public school classrooms. With the additional P8 million donated by the Jollibee Franchisees Association and Jollibee Foundation, Cuadrante announced that Jollibee can build as many as 40 classrooms beginning 2011. That is such good news!

Sarah Geronimo delighted the audience with energetic song numbers

Throughout the years, Jollibee's Maaga ang Pasko has grown to become a national movement that has spread cheer and happiness to Pinoy kids. It is expected that with the help of partners and the volunteer Jolly Toy Scouts, Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko will continue to make a positive and concrete impact in the lives of less fortunate children in the years to come.

“It doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference in the lives of children who deserve to have a happy and bright Christmas. As this year’s Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko comes to an end, we hope that every Jolly Toy Scout, young or old, will continue the change and the happiness that they have started and so generously shared,” concludes Cuadrante. Amen to that!

Money Matters Exhibit for Kids at Museo Pambata

I believe that kids learn best when they are exposed to hands-on learning. Bring them to this interactive exhibit where they can learn more about money matters while having fun.

Press Release:

It’s never too early to teach kids about the value of saving and wise spending.

Thanks to Citibank, the country’s largest foreign bank, and Museo Pambata, the lone children’s interactive museum in the country, parents and teachers can now engage young children to understand the value of money in a fun and exciting way.

Ongoing until February 18, 2011, the “Money Matters for Kids!,” interactive exhibit will be open to the public for free at the Museo Pambata Multi-purpose Hall. The exhibit features hands-on tools that will encourage play and study while exploring various money-related themes, from earning it to spending it.

According to Aneth Lim, Country Corporate Affairs Director for Citibank Philippines, the exhibit will surely capture the imagination of young children. “Money as a concept is difficult to grasp, unless you can experience holding it, spending it, getting something in return, and using it all up. This exhibit makes it very easy for adults to start a conversation about money with kids as young as three years old.”

Known as a place of hands-on discovery that encourages kids to be more inquisitive and eager to learn, Museo Pambata provides the perfect venue for this endeavor. “We are excited to house this exhibit,” says Museo Pambata President/CEO Nina Yuson. “’Money Matters for Kids!’ is a must-see for all families, most especially young children. When we start them young, children can grow up to be wise savers, careful spenders and smart consumers.”

In support of Citibank’s commitment to promote financial education, the exhibit is open to the public free of charge. “Thanks to a grant from the Citi Foundation, we were able to design and produce this exhibit, which has been toured in Metro Manila as well as neighboring Tagaytay. More than 90,000 kids have seen it along with their parents and teachers,” related Lim.

Visit the Money Matters for Kids! and enjoy guided tours on the different exhibit sections. “An Age-old Issue of Trust” explores how money came to be and how it evolved. “Face Value” introduces children to the faces of the Philippine peso. There is a child-friendly ATM machine, as well as cash registers and a mock grocery store.

"We encourage parents to experience this exhibit with their children as this can encourage discussion on 'needs and wants'. Often kids cannot distinguish what is a need such as food, clothing, shelter and would choose a 'want' item as cell phone, an extra TV in their room, electronic games,” explained Yuson.

Visitors who participate in games can also win copies of Money Matters For Kids Workbook, a very useful reference on learning the different values of money, particularly the Philippine peso. There will also be fun activities about everyday concepts such as earning, saving, spending and sharing money wisely.

 

(L to R) Rene Fortuno of Phil. Business for Social Progress and Aneth Lim of Citibank Phils. 

with Museo Pambata’s Nina Yuson and Maricel Montero

“We’d like to thank our partners for supporting us in our commitment to promoting financial literacy – Museo Pambata, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and United Way. This exhibit presents us an opportunity to reach out to a new and young audience, and we encourage everyone to come and experience this new way of learning,” added Lim.

Sun Life advisors AIM for the top

I am a Sun Life client. My husband and I have placed our confidence in this company because we know that it will ensure our family is protected in case anything happens to us. I am also glad to see that Sun Life continues to find ways to better help its customers create the best protection portfolios through the constant trainings of its financial advisors.

Press Release:

Sun Life Financial-Philippines (SLFP), in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), honored 27 Sun Life advisors  who completed a 7-month Financial Planning Course (FPC) designed specifically for SLFP advisors. Graduates of the batch were also conferred with the title of Sun Life-AIM Certified Financial Planner.

After finishing the tailor-fit curriculum, the graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge and skills that can help them assist their clients in creating a wealth and protection portfolio.

“In fulfilling our mission to provide financial freedom for every Filipino, we need to ensure that our advisors are knowledgeable and able to dispense sound financial advice. That is why we chose one of Asia’s premier graduate schools of management to provide world-class training for our advisors,” said SLFP President and CEO Riza Mantaring.

Designed and implemented by AIM’s roster of experts, the FPC complements Sun Life’s own training programs on wealth management. Starting in 2009, SLFP and AIM worked together to create an advanced course of study to elevate the skills and proficiency of Sun Life advisors. The three modules of the FPC cover basic financial planning, basic investment portfolio, as well as monetary and fiscal policies.

“This Financial Planning Course created by Sun Life and AIM is the first of its kind in our industry. More than propelling our advisors to a higher level of prominence, we are offering Filipinos the most substantial and suitable guidance to manage their finances,” explained SLFP Chief Operating Officer Naresh Krishnan.

“It is also a testament to Sun Life’s commitment to developing the talents of its agency force, providing them with learning opportunities meant to boost their career to new heights,” added Sun Life Chief Agency Distribution Officer Alex Narciso.

The 27 graduates were formally presented to the media and to the Sun Life Philippine Leadership Team last January 24 in a press conference at the Shangrila Hotel in Makati. Graced by some 30 press and TV reporters, the event gave the media the opportunity to have a closer look at the Sun Life – AIM tie-up and details about the financial planning course.

Museo Pambata's February 2011 Activities

FYI to parents and teachers ...

Valentine’s Day Treat! Museo Pambata will celebrate the month of hearts by giving away free gift items to the first 30 kids who visit the museum wearing red this February! (walk-in visitors only)

Feb 2
Kung Hei Fat Choi! , 9 AM
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with Wong’s Lion Dance Group, as well as other Chinese-inspired activities!

Feb 5
Anino sa Museo, 10 AM
Watch a performance of lights and shadows, as Anino Shadowplay Collective performs songs, rhymes and stories!

Disenyong Gupit Papel, 2 PM
Learn how to make beautiful patterns on paper with Ms. Sinag de Leon in this paper-cutting workshop!

Feb 6
MP Guides Corner, 2 PM
Make an angel out of tissue roll tubes, together with our guides in a fun craft activity.

Feb 8 - 18
Money Matters for Kids! Travelling Exhibit
Be wise savers, careful spenders and smar consumers! Visit our Money Matters for Kids traveling exhibit at the Multi Purpose Hall of Museo Pambata. Free admission, in cooperation with Citibank, Citi Foundation, PBSP and United Way.

Feb 12
Sayaw Manila, 10 AM
See the Manila Dance Company perform modern and contemporary dances, and join them afterwards as they teach you some of their moves.

It’s Your Right to Know Your Rights!, 2 PM
Learn about the rights of a child through games and learning sessions!

Feb 13
MP Guides Corner, 2 PM
For Valentine’s Day, make a paper heart fan for the special people in your life, together with our guides!

Feb 15
Party Organizers’ Meeting, 1 PM
For all interested event organizers who are interested in holding activities at MP, we will show you around and answer all your questions.

Feb 19
Ang Bayanihan sa Museo, 10 AM
Enjoy a performance of Filipino dances by the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, and join them in dancing afterwards in a learn-to-dance session.

Feb 20
MP Guides Corner, 2 PM
Jellyfishes don’t just come from the sea, they can also come from paper plates, Japanese paper, and creativity!

Feb 22
Gcina Mhlope Storytelling Workshop
Learn how to tell stories in this storytelling workshop with Gcina Mhlope, a South African writer and storyteller (9am – 12nn, registration fee of Php 500). Afterwards, listen to Gcina make stories come to life in a storytelling session (2 PM).

Feb 26
Book on the Spot: Lub-Dub, Lub-Dub, 10 AM
Read about the life of Dr. Fe del Mundo, founder of the first Philippine pediatric hospital in this book by Russell Molina, illustrated by Jomike Tejido, and published by Bookmark Publishing. You can also get to meet the writer! 

Note: All activities are subject to change without prior notice. Visit the museum at Roxas Blvd. Corner South Drive, Manila from Tuesdays to Saturdays 8 am to 5 pm and 1 to 5pm during Sundays. Admission fee is 100 pesos for children and adults, with special discounts for group tours. Manila residents with valid IDs are free on Tuesdays and can enjoy 50% off on fees on all other days. For more information, call 523-1797/98 and 536-0595 or email info@museopambata.org