The Caravan, a Unique Shopping Affair in Rockwell, Gets Up-Close and Personal

Looking for a different kind of shopping experience? Find it this coming weekend!

Press Release:

The soothing aroma of scented candles, a warm and relaxing ambiance, an eclectic collection of well curated, unique and exotic lifestyle products – indulge in all of these at The Caravan, a truly extraordinary lifestyle market. 

Following its previous success, The Caravan is back in town and is getting up-close and personal by celebrating the much craved “Me Time” through a shopping bonanza this May 30 and 31, 11AM – 9PM at the Kirov Model Unit (Beside the Rockwell Tent), Rockwell Center, Makati City.

The Wareshop

The Caravan is a unique shopping affair designed to bring back days of talent discovery, quality products, and a complete celebration of the senses. It was created through the collaboration of ARC Public Relations Inc. and the Collab Contessa as they looked to piece together a compilation of exceptional experiences into a lifestyle market, where carefully chosen brands from budding entrepreneurs of the Philippines are to be curated and exhibited. 

Stockton Row

This May 30 and 31, The Caravan will feature a diverse selection of great finds such as home and kitchenware items from The Wareshop, vibrant and trendy resortwear by Molly and by Tom and Teddy, classy bijoux and accessories made by renowned Jewelry Designer Nicole Whisenhunt’s Stockton Row, amazing natural beauty products from Kiele, stylish and fab clothing options by Aware & Present, and Cocorose London’s foldable ballet flats that are made with a blend of comfort and luxury, just to name a few. 

Whisk Designs

The Caravan is bringing people closer to their “Me time” cravings through a shopping event that is all about fresh, relaxation, and accommodating everyone’s guilty pleasures. From fashion to home to health & beauty and more, everyone will definitely walk out of The Caravan with a haul of great products and a really great time. Come join this new wave of cult shopping. Come join The Caravan!

Soundsright Now Represents Philippine Record Labels and Producers

Here's something worth knowing about intellectual property and music copyright ...

Press Release:

Sound Recording Rights Society, Inc. (Soundsright),  a Collective Management Organization (CMO),  was recently accredited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to represent the record labels and producers in the Philippines. 

from left: Mr. Rene Salta (GMA Records), Mr. Alvin de Vera (Alpha Music), 
Soundsright President Atty. Marivic Benedicto (Star Recording / ABS CBN Film Productions), 
Soundsright Chairman Mr. Ramon Chuaying (Universal Records), 
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) OIC Atty. Allan Gepty, 
OMB Chairman Ronnie Ricketts, and Mr. Tony Ocampo (Viva/Vicor Music).

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) presented the Certificate of Accreditation to Soundsright Officers and Board Members last May 14, 2015 at Victorino's, Quezon City.

Soundsright authorizes business establishments to use copyrighted sound recordings owned by the member record labels and producers and collect royalties on behalf of the copyright owners under section 209 of the Intellectual Property Code (Republic Act No. 8293).

Jollibee Chickenjoy Made More Affordelicious!

This is good news especially to those of us who consider Jollibee's Chickenjoy as comfort food :)

Press Release:

Loyal fans of Jollibee’s crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy are in for a real treat as everyone’s all-time favorite langhap-sarap fried chicken is now available at a more Affordelicious price.

The 1-piece Chickenjoy Value Meal can now be enjoyed at a more wallet-friendly price—from P87 to only P79. At the same time, Jolly Spaghetti lovers can delight in the Chickenjoy with Jolly Spaghetti Solo Meal more often—from P117, this favorite is now priced at P99. Sharing the well-loved Jollibee Chickenjoy with family and friends becomes more fun as well, now that the 8-piece Chickenjoy Bucket is down from P479 to P429. 

With the price rollback, talaga namang ang sarap ulit-ulitin ng mas affordelicious na paborito nating Jollibee Chickenjoy!

Enjoy Flavorful Wings FOR FREE at the Next Wingstop Takeover on May 20!

Have you tried dining at Wingstop yet? You should! Read my review here then make sure to grab your free wings on May 20 during the next Wingstop Takeover!

Press Release:

There are those who make flavor, and then there is but one who defines it. The global authority of flavor, Wingstop, is soaring at even greater heights, conquering town after town by spreading the craving everyone is raving about. With 9 mouthwatering flavors of their Texas-sized wings (the biggest in the country) to choose from, the brand has already gathered a wide cult following internationally, which helped them consistently win rave reviews. Now, Filipinos are discovering what the hype and craving is all about.

My son and I at Wingstop Glorietta

Centered on celebration, culture and lifestyle with flavor at its core, Wingstop has 10 stores currently open and a quick growth projection of opening 50 more in the next 6 years. They are expanding day by day to fulfill their mission of serving the world FLAVOR. And to bring the flavor experience closer to the people, Wingstop serves up 5 pieces of wings - of any flavor – for free, one store at a time and for three hours only. This event has been dubbed as WINGSTOP TAKEOVER, and it is definitely a highly anticipated crave-worthy event. Loyalists closely follow Wingstop’s announcement on where the next Takeover will happen next. 

With the huge success of the first Takeover that happened at Greenhills Promenade, Wingstop followed it up by taking over their branch at U.P. Town Center where hundreds of people happily went in the long line just to get their wings. On May 20, from 5 to 8 PM, people already have their calendars marked and alarms set on Wingstop’s next takeover to be held at the opening of their 11th store at BGC Stopover Pavilion, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. There is absolutely no stopping the rise of Wingstop as it continues to show everyone what real flavor is all about. 

TOMS' One Day For Better Days

Please join this movement and help give shoes to a child in need. No purchase required. Just a simple act of posting a photo of your bare feet. Thank you!

Press Release:

This May 21, millions of people from all over the world will spend the entire day barefoot so that children won’t have to.  On this day, the world is reminded of the urgent needs of children for proper health and education through TOMS’ global movement: “ONE DAY WITHOUT SHOES.”

The idea started on a college campus and grew quickly into a global event. Blake Mycoskie, TOMS’s founder and CEO, started One Day Without Shoes to send a clear message to everyone on how tough it is to spend a day without having any protection on your feet. The endeavor sheds light on how provision of basic necessities as simple as shoes will keep children in school and protect them from numerous health risks. Safeguarding the young could be as simple as protecting their soles—thus affording them more opportunities in life and better chances at growing up and growing old, happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way. Through this global movement, TOMS looks to provide a solution to this reality and everyone’s participation is the key to its success.

my Instagram post

This year’s One Day Without Shoes will be held on May 21, 4:30 PM at Track 30th, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The whole event brings together people from all over the world to move as one so that children in need can have better days ahead of them. In anticipation of this annual global event, TOMS is honoring everyone’s commitment to raise awareness by launching a social media campaign that challenges people from all over the world to post a photo of their bare feet on Instagram with the hashtag #withoutshoes. TOMS will then match each photo with a new pair of shoes, to be sent to a child in need. No purchase is required - just an open challenge given to everyone to do their part and encourage others to do the same. TOMS will also reveal the number of shoes they will give based on the participation they will receive for their online campaign.

Global lifestyle brand TOMS is recognized worldwide for their unique business model that provides corresponding benefits to someone in need for every purchase of their products, One for One. They have constantly found innovative, creative and fun ways to engage people and help them become key movers in the brand’s ultimate goal: improving lives through giving. Even though years have passed since TOMS started in the business, they have remained a shining beacon of hope that inspires people to move together, for one another.

Meralco Announces Power Rates to Go Down This May

Here's good news to everyone who are in charge of paying the electric bills! :)

Press Release:

Lower spot market charges and cheaper fuel prices lead to generation charge reduction

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said that overall rates went down by PhP 0.70 per kilowatthour (kWh) this May. Said decrease is due to lower generation costs from all power suppliers of Meralco.  

For a typical household consuming 200 kWh, the overall electricity bill will go down by PhP 140.  At PhP 9.98 per kWh, this month’s rate is lower by PhP 1.46 compared to May 2014’s PhP 11.44 per kWh.

Lower generation costs from all suppliers

Generation charge decreased by PhP 0.60 per kWh from PhP 5.41 per kWh in April to PhP 4.81 per kWh this month.  The reduction was mainly driven by lower charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), as well as a reduction in the National Power Corporation’s (NPC’s) Generation Rate Adjustment Mechanism (GRAM) collections.  

Cost of power obtained from the WESM decreased by PhP 4.19 per kWh due to less occurrences and shorter duration of power plant outages.  The Luzon Grid remained on “normal” state throughout the period of the Malampaya shutdown.

Meanwhile, average cost of the IPPs was lower by PhP 0.75 per kWh due to the improved utilization level of the QPPL power plant and cheaper fuel prices obtained by the First Gas plants.  The effect of the Malampaya shutdown was moderated by lower prices of condensate and natural gas in the April supply month versus March.  Malampaya natural gas underwent its quarterly repricing to reflect the lower cost of fuel. From $10.39 per gigajoule (GJ) the previous period, price of natural gas has been reduced by 19% to $8.44 per GJ.   

Average rates of plants under the Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) also decreased this month by PhP 0.06 per kWh.  Finally, NPC’s collections of its GRAM similarly went down by PhP 0.06 per kWh.

The share of IPPs, PSAs, and WESM to Meralco’s total power requirements stood at 47, 43, and 10 percent respectively. 

Adjustments in other bill components

In addition to the generation charge, taxes and other charges registered reductions of PhP 0.07 and PhP 0.08 per kWh, respectively.   These offset a PhP 0.05 per kWh increase in the transmission charge. 

Meralco reiterated that it does not earn from the pass-through charges, such as the generation and transmission charges. Payment for the generation charge goes to the power suppliers, while payment for the transmission charge goes to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Of the total bill, only the distribution, supply, and metering charges accrue to Meralco.

Meralco’s distribution charge has not registered any adjustment and has remained at the same level for 10 months now or since July 2014. 

Meralco supports Electrical Safety Month

Meralco also reminded its customers to observe electrical safety in line with its initiatives to support Electrical Safety Month. 

The government has declared the month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month. Meralco said it fully supports initiatives that raise public awareness and educate electricity consumers on the proper use of electrical appliances and gadgets so as to prevent and avoid electricity-related accidents. 

For more electrical safety tips, customers may visit www.meralco.com.ph.  They may also access Meralco’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter account (@meralco).  

Shakey's Celebrates Four Decades of Good Times and Great Memories

My family and I frequently visit Shakeys to order many of their bestsellers. We also often call the delivery hotline in the middle of the night whenever we're craving for pizza or Bunch of Lunch. Hubby and I even joined the Shakey's Color Fun Run, which was held last March to celebrate the brand's 40th year. I am sure many of you reading this also have your own Shakey's stories to tell. So, what's your favorite among their delicious meals? :)

Shakey's latest pizza flavor

Press Release:

Since they first opened their first store 40 years ago in 1975, Shakey's has become a family restaurant, encouraging hearty eating and family bonding over delicious meals they have made famous: Pizza, chicken and mojos. With their restaurants serving as a haven for Good Times and Great Memories, each and every one of their Guests definitely have their own wonderful Shakey’s story to tell.

Shakey's Hemady branch

Four decades later, Shakey’s has successfully adapted through each passing generation. And they did it through their creative innovations and unyielding passion to serve a great dining experience. The brand has expanded its presence beyond the plate by getting involved with the community and continuously developing new and fun ways to serve and interact with their Guests. 

Managers Choice Pizza

Who could forget the feeling of getting an extra free pizza or other exciting rewards when they order with a Shakey’s SuperCard? There’s almost always something to be excited about and to love with Shakey’s and this has helped them earn a growing number of loyal Guests.

Shakey's Evia

Shakey’s has now opened more than 150 stores in the Philippines. Even though things have evolved in order to keep up with the times, one thing that remains true to this day is their solid commitment to their Guests, which is the main source of their inspiration and will always be the driving force that pushes Shakey’s to greater heights. 

Chicken 'n' Mojos

In 40 colorful years, Shakey’s has indeed built a legacy that has captured the hearts and tastes of many generations and because of this, Shakey’s, through time, will always feel brand new – still the family’s favorite place for celebrations – still the brand that constantly serves Good Times and Great Memories for more years to come.

Ayala Malls Celebrates #AyalaMallsMothersDay

Looking for a place to celebrate Mother's Day with the family? Here are several choices c/o Ayala Malls!

Press Release:

Ayala Malls is giving more reasons why mothers will Love ‘em all, because Manila’s premier shopping destination is holding a thrilling celebration of everything about being a mother this Mother’s Day.

Ayala Malls prides itself for being the perfect place for moms. From doing the grocery to shopping, pampering, and live entertainment, Ayala Malls has established itself for being a family-friendly place for moms and their loved ones. 

From May 8 to 10 in select Ayala malls and social media, Ayala Malls will transform spaces into an Instagrammable floral fairyland for the It’s All About Mom Fair, a gathering of mall merchants and mommypreneurs featuring everyday mommy finds.

A mommy crafts corner will also be set up, where for a minimum purchase requirement, children and families can craft their own personalized gifts for mom. Mothers are known for their creativity, and crafting will surely be a fun way to spend time with the family. The imagination is the limit!

For book lovers, Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde will have a caravan for Project Mom, the ultimate info-manual for moms at Abreeza on May 8; Alabang Town Center on May 9, and TriNoma and Glorietta on May 10. The authors will sign copies and give a short talk to motivate mommies everywhere.

On May 10 at Glorietta 5 Activity Center, #100LuckyMoms will receive loot bags filled with goodies from participating merchants to make the day extra special.

To round out #AyalaMallsMothersDay, they will hold an Instagram digital promo from May 1 to 10 where shoppers are encouraged to define the perfect mom. They must post a photo of their mom, with a one-word description and the hashtag #MothersDayatAyalaMalls and #everythingmom. A random winner will be chosen per mall and will win special lootbags

This year’s Mother’s Day is set to be an exciting year for mothers everywhere. Besides the fair, the book-signing caravan, the Mommy Talk, and Instagram digital promo, the highlight of  #AyalaMallsMothersDay is the bonding families can have with the “ilaw ng tahanan.” Now that’s another reason to Love ‘em all!

For more information about Ayala Malls events go to ayalamalls.com.ph.

Take Your Shot to a Dining Experience in Nobu Hotel Manila!

Who wants to experience posh dining at Nobu Hotel Manila? Join this giveaway now! 

Press Release:

People are raving about Nobu Hotel Manila as people can get to experience celebrity-inspired hospitality in Japanese setting right at the Philippines’ newest entertainment capital, the City of Dreams Manila.

In celebration of its upcoming official launch, Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila is giving away a delectable set-dinner for two at the Nobu Manila restaurant to a lucky winner!

All you need to do is to take a photo of yourself in Nobu Hotel Manila and make it your official entry. 

Here is the full mechanics:

1) LIKE the Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila Facebook Page 

2) LIKE the contest post 

3) TAKE A SNAPSHOT of yourself at Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila, then upload the photo in the comments section of the Facebook contest post using hashtag ‪#‎nobuhotelmanila‬

4) TAG the person you want to take to dinner and tell Nobu in a creative way why you choose them!

With mother’s day just around the corner, why not treat your mom for dinner in one of the most elite restaurants here in Metro Manila. So what are you waiting for? Join the Nobu contest now and experience an exquisite dinner prepared by the top international Chefs in the country.

**Terms and Conditions apply. Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila will select the final winning entry. The contest will run from 4 May at 13:00 Manila Time to 15 May at 18:00 Manila Time.

Total Philippines Introduces New EXCELLIUM Diesel Formula

Hey motorists! Learn more about the advantages of putting TOTAL EXCELLIUM in your vehicle! 

Press Release:

Total Philippines recently introduced an excellent addition to the innovative EXCELLIUM product line: TOTAL EXCELLIUM Diesel. This new generation formula cleans and protects the engine, significantly reduces carbon emissions, and improves fuel economy to fit motorists’ daily driving allowance.

Total customers in the Philippines can now breathe new life into their cars with TOTAL EXCELLIUM, which was developed in European laboratories to put the customers’ driving experience right at its core, with three distinct advantages in one fuel product.

Excellent Multiperformance Fuel Formula, now in Premium Diesel

TOTAL EXCELLIUM Diesel delivers maximum engine protection and more in a single patented formula. This new diesel formula takes one’s driving experience to the next level by protecting and maintaining both old and new engines through special detergent molecules and friction-reducing ingredients.

With every drop of EXCELLIUM Diesel, the patented formula works to protect metal components in the engine, ensuring that every movement is smoother than ever. With less friction between metal components, one can be assured that the engine will last longer and perform at optimum levels.

Aside from cleaning the engine and eliminating deposits that hinder better engine performance, TOTAL EXCELLIUM Diesel also contains combustion improving ingredients that reduce harmful emissions.

TOTAL EXCELLIUM is your best ally on the road, as it covers all the important points of modern-day driving, wherever you are in the world. TOTAL EXCELLIUM Diesel is now available in the following stations:

TOTAL EXCELLIUM is also available as a 95+ RON premium gasoline fuel in selected TOTAL service stations.

==

About Total

Total is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, with activities in more than 130 countries. The Group is also a first rank player in chemicals. Its 97,000 employees put their expertise to work in every part of the industry – exploration and production of oil and natural gas, refining and marketing, new energies, trading, and chemicals. Total is working to help satisfy the global demand for energy, both today and tomorrow (www.total.com).

About Total (Philippines) Corporation

Total (Philippines) Corporation is engaged in the importation, distribution and marketing of fuels, lubricants and LPG. It has a growing network of service stations spanning Luzon and the Visayas (www.total.com.ph).

Turn the Tables Around at Gerry's on Mother's Day

My family loves eating at Gerry's. See more mouth-watering dishes in my food review, here. This coming Sunday, make sure to treat your mom, too, to a nice lunch or dinner at Gerry's!

Press Release:

On May 9, it's Mother’s Day! And what better way to celebrate the occasion than to be with Mom and the rest of the family at Gerry’s.

Why so?

Baby Squid

We know a mother is the “Queen of Kitchen”. She was born to rule it. Day and night a mother spends long hours in her ‘mini-kingdom’ cooking up nothing but the best meals for her family.

Moms would stop at nothing to make sure her beloved hubby and children enjoy their time together at the dining table. No other gathering can be more heartfelt than being together, feasting over mom’s signature dishes – which are incomparable.

Now that’s the huge challenge there.  How do you make someone, who in her life has done nothing but whip up the best dishes for her family, happy?

Crispy Plapla

Here’s an idea. On Mother’s Day why don’t we turn the tables around and do a role reversal? Let’s cook up something for our Moms and treat her like royalty.

Now that may sound a tall order, but Gerry’s promises to help you play the role.  There is no way that you can beat Mom’s “lutong bahay” but you can always do the best you could – by choosing to be at the leading Filipino restaurant.

“Gerry’s has a vast selection of dishes that Mothers would definitely love. Aside from classics Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare and Sinigang na Hipon, there's Scallops, Baby Squid, Crispy Pla-Pla and Bangus a la Pobre. Gerry’s is a family place so we know what everyone – dads, moms and their children – would enjoy. Our sumptuous meals are perfect for Mother’s Day even for simple gatherings like weekend lunches,” said Francis Villaluz, Gerry’s Group Marketing Manager.

  

Baked Scallops

If you go inside the kitchen of Gerry’s, you would be glad to know that a lot of the much-loved restaurant’s chefs are women, according to Villaluz. “Our menus are prepared with so much heart. That’s why our dishes still top a lot of ‘best-of’ lists.”

Whatever the occasion may be especially those, which are as most celebrated and anticipated as Mother’s Day, Gerry’s continue to be a destination of choice.

No need to try hard topping Mom’s dishes – because they will remain unbeaten.

Bangus Ala Pobre

But you can bring her to Gerry’s because she knows that’s what her family loves. And loving her family is on top of anyone’s Moms’ list!

Oh, and don’t forget the flowers!

Enjoy Gerry's in 71 branches nationwide or call 332-1111 or visit www.gerrysgrill.com for more information.

Make it a Kiddie Summer to Remember at the Jollibee Kids Club Talent Camp

Moms and dads! You still have time to let your kids enjoy more fun activities this summer! Find out more! 

Press Release:

Children learn best when they are having fun, and the summer season is a great time for young ones to discover and explore their growing talents. This year, Jollibee once again provides its Jollibee Kids Club (JKC) members an opportunity to discover and enhance their talents with its annual Talent Camp, to be held in various stores from April 6 to May 29, 2015. 

Summer is for learning while having fun at the JKC Talent Camp

One of the perks of being a JKC member, the Jollibee Kids Club Talent Camp is a six-day camp with various workshops focusing on the different JKC Smarts, which includes performance arts, arts and crafts, reading, and social skills. The fun-filled activities will culminate in a graduation ceremony wherein the young talents will get to shine and show off their skills. 

The JKC Talent Camp is offered exclusively to Jollibee Kids Club members who are 7 to 12 years old. For little tots who are not yet members but are interested to be part of the workshops, parents only need to purchase a JKC Happyplus Card and register their kids. Once a JKC member, moms and dads can then enroll their child for the JKC Talent Camp at any participating Jollibee store, giving their kid access to a host of fun activities and exciting perks.

From learning to sing and dance, to creating artwork and making new friends,
the JKC Talent Camp surely makes for a summer to remember!

Parents can choose from two packages: they can opt to pay P500 for the workshop fee that comes with a T-shirt and cap; or P200 for the workshop alone. Both packages come with snacks and a certificate of completion after each workshop cycle. 

Let your kids make the most out of summer and learn, play and meet friends at the Jollibee Kids Club Talent Camp. Ask your friendly Jollibee store team for more details or visit   www.facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines.