Global Women Who RULE: What does it mean to me and what it can do for you

A message from Apple Esplana-Manansala:

You know how it feels when you only have one year before you turn 40 in a pandemic-stricken time and thinking about how to create something that leaves a lasting, impactful impression? That exactly what was in my mind when I  said to myself: Okay, this live-streamed global summit for women is something I will bet on.

Living by my mantra of being “a jack of all trades and master of 10,” has allowed me to manage a couple of businesses all at the same time. One of them is a soon-to-be-one-year-old The New Channel (TNC), a live-stream channel where I have always been encouraged to have my own online show. I kept saying no despite being offered hosting a salaried online show. None has proposed a compelling reason enough for me to do it. I always say “I’m pang-backstage.” I say that because the truth is, that’s where I feel I do my best work. 

One trait that I believe to have mastered out of my 10 things that I wanna be great at is my command and attention to details. That trait has set me to be different from others not for anything but for what it’s worth to create something unique and meaningful.

I’m always amazed to know women who share the same experience—juggling a lot of things at the same time and doing what they can to win in life. I see myself in those people—really hungry to be great at what they do; people who don’t need validation yet are happy to be just  be great at what they do. They strive to achieve greatness by their own standard and definition of what it means to be great. And when I see women who are driven by the same motivation, it drives me, too.

My vision for #GlobalWomenWhoRULE is set for a longer term than normally expected. It’s not just an event for the sake of doing one. I see this as an annual event for the coming years still exciting people as far as 2030. I feel it’s a sustainable idea meaning that someone who has been touched by the concept would want to continue the project even without me. Besides, it’s supposedly “ a celebration of being me—a woman.”

Four rules (4R) to 4L: Living a Life that Leaves a Lasting Impression 

RULE #1 

Reach out. Our purpose in this world is to always pay something good forward. None of what we have materially—money, bags, shoes, diamonds and pearls won’t matter if we are not sharing ourselves and what we have with others. Blessings over blessings. Often we hear “live a purposeful life.” or “Live a life that is extended to others.” I agree. But, remember while you’re extending to others, you don’t want to lose yourself along the way. Extending yourself doesn’t mean sharing your material wealth. It can also mean making yourself available when a situation warrants it. Simply put, sharing your time means, sharing yourself.   

RULE #2

Unite. To unite means to become the root to a fruitful tree. You can be the strength that everyone needs in their time of helplessness. Show that you care enough that you move yourself and other each day believing that you’re making this world a better place for yourself and for the people you love. 

RULE #3 

Love. Love isn’t just one thing. It’s everything.

RULE #4 

Encourage each other. You can contribute to define the new normal society where we build each other up rather than pulling each other down. Positive on positivity, no matter what.  

Global Women Who RULE (GWWR) is not just a summit. The concept doesn’t end after it’s streaming but it will start a journey to creating a legacy. It’s a legacy I’m committed to doing for as long as I can hoping that this is the same legacy I want to leave in the women sector.

We celebrate women of different sizes, colors, and motivations. When you celebrate with us, you feel you’re fully express yourself, you feel most loved. 

Despite the noise you hear around and the difficulty of the times, hug yourself because you’re doing great. And this what the summit wants you to always remember. Really, you’re great.

————

Celebrate Filipino women accross the globe —  first of its kind — Global Women Who Reach out to Unite, Love and Encourage each other. 

22 key not speeches, 1 live stream summit, International Women’s Month. 

Watch #GlobalWomenWhoRULE2021 on 27th of March 2021, 1PM - 7PM (Philippine time) live stream via The New Channel. 

Cebu Continues to Grow as a Prime City for Real Estate Investments

For those who live in and near Cebu City and are looking for properties or want to learn more about investing in real estate, read on ...

Press Release:

Manila, Philippines - Lamudi’s Housing Fair in Cebu is happening on September 21 and 22 at the SM Cebu Trade Hall. The real estate platform takes the housing fair to Cebu once again as data shows the city is popular for home buyers and investors. 

Are you looking for a new home?

With an increase of 11% in the number of leads generated in the first half of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, Cebu continues to be a popular city for property seekers who are interested in property buying or investment. According to data from Lamudi, there is a significant interest in Cebu properties at various price points. 

Popular areas for investment

Property seekers interested in Cebu real estate look for properties in Banilad, which ranked first as the most searched in the province, with Lahug not far behind. According to Lamudi, the top 10 most popular areas in Cebu for real estate searches are: 

● Banilad

● Lahug

● Guadalupe

● Talamban

● Mabolo

● Banawa

● Basak

● Labangon

● Mactan

● Kasambagan

Stay updated with real estate trends!

 Strong buying interest 

Cebu expresses a healthy interest in home-ownership, specifically in houses worth over P3M. The most searched properties for sale are priced P1.5M on average, and a significant number of property seekers have expressed willingness to buy properties at this price. However, the number of property seekers interested in buying properties worth 3M or more is greater than the combined number of property seekers interested in buying from the P1.7M-3M, P450k-1.7M, and P450,000 or less price ranges. 

The top five most-viewed prices for houses for sale are: 

● P1.5M

● P3.5M

● P6.5M

● P5.5M

● P5M

In terms of interest in rental properties, those costing between P10,000 to P20,000 are the most viewed, followed by properties priced higher at P20,000 to P30,000 and properties priced lower at 5,000 to P10,000. A majority of them have expressed willingness to buy properties costing over P30,000. 

Ask questions and compare offers to get the best deal!

Cebu Housing Fair 

The Lamudi Cebu Housing Fair is the third installment of the real estate platform’s series of housing fairs in the Philippines this year. Following the successful events held at the TriNoma Activity Center and in Glorietta early this year, Lamudi is expecting property seekers, investors and real estate professionals to attend the event on September 21 and 22 at the Cebu Trade Hall in SM Cebu.  

The Housing Fair, which was a Metro Manila-only event until last year, is returning to Cebu for the second time after a successful event last year at Ayala Center Cebu. 

“While real estate opportunities abound within Metro Manila, it’s high time for us to witness first-hand the constantly growing potential of Cebu as a real estate hotspot,” says Lamudi CEO Bhavna Suresh of the Cebu Housing Fair 2018.

Make sure to visit the housing fair in Cebu this weekend!

Bringing trusted names in real estate together 

Major sponsor Federal Land, a household name in property development, will be present together with minor sponsors King Properties, DMCI Homes, BPI Family Housing Loan, and Aboitiz Land. Lamudi is also joined by event partner Subdivision & Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) in the Cebu Housing Fair. 

Attendees can visit booths from Be Residences, Damosa Land, Inc., Saekyung Realty, Philippine Estates Corporation, RFK Holdings, RDAK Land, and more. Lamudi Academy will also hold sessions to educate real estate professionals on online real estate marketing. Property seekers in attendance will also learn about topics surrounding homeownership from industry experts.

Lamudi’s media partners for the Cebu Housing Fair are Philippine Daily Inquirer Property, Business World, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, and The Philippine Star.

For more information, visit lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair. 

Oishi Snacktacular 2017 is Happening this July!

I was at Oishi's Snacktacular event last year (read all about it here) with my son who gamely joined the activities with me (read his writeup, here). This year, we're looking forward to visiting the exciting booths once again. Plus, the venue is in our part of the Metro! 

Press Release:

We’ve witnessed Panya, Hippy, Pilyo, Waifu, and the rest of the Oishi Friends in their slightly dark but humorous mishap adventures in Oishi’s famous webcomic strip series. With the friends’ varying appearances and personalities inspired by Oishi snacks, who can resist these adorable characters? And now, see them come to life in this years Oishi Snacktacular 2017 at Festival Mall, Alabang this coming July 28-30. Meet and eat the yummiest gang as Oishi’s innovative and interactive booths make their comeback with a twist!

We all know that Make Your Own Snack allows us to be inventive by choosing and mixing your chips and flavors of choice. This year, you choose a dip (or two) that you want to try with your favorite Oishi snack! Ridges dipped in chocolate? Why not! How about your favorite Fishda dipped in cheese and honey mustard? Trust us, it’s worth trying! 

O-Twirl is also offering something new to Oishi’s soft served ice cream with another flavor for you to try! Choose between Oishi Choco Chug and Oishi’s newest tetra drink, Tea Matchi Matcha milk tea! Don’t forget to top it off with 2 Oishi toppings!

This year’s Cuckoo Blaster is double the fun because you get to pair up with your friend (or stranger) in matchy Cuckoo geared suits to catch as many balls you can. The more balls you catch as a team, the more Oishi drinks each player wins. Two Cuckoo Birds are better than one!

Crowd favorite Oishi Snack Catcher is back! Dive into an enormous pool of Oishi snacks and grab all the treats you can take with your own hands! And of course, the Snack Shack booth will be there where you can fill up your 2-foot Giant Pack with your favorite Oishi Snacks in 60 seconds.

Don’t miss your chance to try out all these with your favorite Team O members, Alex Gonzaga, Maine Mendoza, Daniel Padilla, and Kathryn Bernardo! Drop by Oishi Snacktacular, the most O,Wow event of 2017!

#OishiOWow #OishiSnacktacular

HOOQ Joins Spider-Man Homecoming World Premiere

Hey, Marvel fans! Did you know that you can watch all the past Spider-Man movies on HOOQ? Start your FREE trial now! 

Press Release:

PHILIPPINES, 05 July 2017 

HOOQ, the largest video-on-demand service in Southeast Asia recently brought Filipino social media superstars Donnalyn Bartolome and Wil Dasovich to the world premiere of Spider-Man Homecoming last June 28, 2017 at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood, U.S.A. for a once in a lifetime experience. 

from left: Alodia, Wil, Donnalyn, Sheila, and Jako

Joining them were Sheila Paul, Head of Marketing for HOOQ Philippines, YouTube producer/manager Jako de Leon, and cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao.

The Philippine entourage was able to meet Spider-Man cast members Laura Harrier who plays Spider-Man's love interest Liz, as well as Filipino-American actor Jacob Batalon in a breakthrough role as Spider-Man's best friend Ned.

Donalyn and Wil with Laura Harrier

They were also able to meet internet superstar Zach King, Orange is the New Black star Selenis Leyva, US Champion ice dancers Alex and Maia Shibutani among others. Spider-Man Homecoming will be released in the Philippines on July 6, 2017.  

The film stars Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, and Robert Downey Jr. 

Donalyn with Jacob Batalon

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker tries to balance high school life with being a superhero. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man. He also tries to return to his normal daily routine -- distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero. Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear.

To get ready for his new adventures, revisit all of the past movies of the webcrawler including Spider-Man 1, 2 and 3 as well as The Amazing Spider-Man 1 and 2 all exclusively on HOOQ. 

from left: Sheila, Wil, and Donalyn

HOW TO GET HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ’d.  Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s library of top Hollywood and Asian hits anytime, anywhere and on any device including computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, and smart TVs via Google Chromecast and all Apple devices.  Globe At Home customers can get to try HOOQ for free with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get a trial of up to 6 months on selected prepaid and postpaid plans. You may also sign up for a 7-day trial at www.hooq.tv. 

Documentary on Special Needs to Screen at Inclusive Education Summit

Please take time to watch Yakap this coming February 22. It might just change your perspectives about a lot of things. You may also read my personal thoughts about the documentary, at http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2016/09/yakap-embracing-our-differences-must.html

Press Release:

The Center for Possibilities is scheduled to show “Yakap” on February 22, 4:00 pm, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, providing those who missed last year’s premiere an opportunity to view the much-lauded documentary which follows the lives of three families of children with special needs.

Kris Aquino says #YesToInclusion

The screening will be part of the international leadership summit on inclusive education organized by the social enterprise, The Teacher’s Gallery. With the theme, “I Am You – Opening Minds, Opening Hearts: Putting Values into Action”, the summit which will run from February 22 to 24, aims to to spearhead a movement that will advocate for the right of the individual with disability to be educated in the regular classroom. #YesToInclusion is their call.

Renowned international experts, Professors Tony Booth from the University of Cambridge and David Hoff of the Boston-based Institute for Community Inclusion will deliver the keynotes. There will be paper presenters on how inclusion works, posing and challenging theories, and conceiving innovative concepts. Further, participants of the 2016 Boston Study Tour will report on benchmarking best practices in the US classrooms.

International Leadership Summit in Inclusive Education

Expected to take part in the program are Vice-President Leni Robredo, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely, and UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander. Senator Bam Aquino and Congressman Alfred Vargas will be presenting the joint bill to serve the people with disabilities worked on by the organizing committee led by the Fully Abled Nation.

Schools, parents, service providers and support groups will impart best practices/perspectives on how inclusion works for their children. To explain their support programs are heads of various associations: AD/HD Association, Autism Society, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome Association. They will also be joined by highly respected developmental and behavioral pediatricians namely Dr. Francis Dimalanta and Dr. Stella Manalo and the Harvard graduates from the International Education Policy program. For the local government unit, Mayor Rex Gatchalian will share Valenzuela’s educational programs serving people with disabilities.

Success Storyteller Sarah Jane Dela Rosa

Another portion to look forward to is the segment of extraordinary people relating their overcoming disability success stories - Sarah Jane Dela Rosa, a 22-year-old student with cerebral palsy fully included in a regular class;  Eric Marco Ramos, the first blind person to qualify for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program administered by the US Fulbright Commission and currently a faculty member at Philippine Normal University;  Dr. Rex Bernardo from the University of Sydney, currently a professor of Mabini Colleges; and Joy Garcia, Chief Executive Officer of Tahanan ng Walang Hagdan. Finally, Mr. Tony Llanes, the blind founder of ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of Visually Impaired) will be demonstrating digital resources for the blind.

Alongside the talks will be the exhibition of #DrawDisability, a global art campaign launched by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General’s Global Education First Initiative in partnership with the Global Observatory for Inclusion and the UN Global Education First Initiative Youth Advocacy Group.

For inquiries and registration, visit www.theteachersgallery.com, www.iamyouinclusion.net, or call 02-769-3013 / 0977-8095110 / 0998-554-8522.

Center for Possibilities Promotes Inclusion Through The Arts

Read more about the CFP in my blog post about Yakap, a film on embracing differences produced by the organization.

Press Release:

On January 28, the Center for Possibilities Foundation (CFP) will be staging a back-to-back event at the RCBC Plaza in Makati. At 5:30 in the afternoon, the self-titled exhibit of 19-year-old Samantha Kaspar will open to the public. At 7:00 pm, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will take center stage. 

Samantha and parents Mitzi and Martin

Art Auction

“Samantha” will consist of around 40 artworks, some on fabric to be used as fashion accessories and others on canvas for wall hangings. 

“Samantha uses a wide variety of media for her work and we wanted to show the gamut of her abilities. She works primarily on piña silk using silk paints. She also uses acrylic paint on canvas sometimes,” explains Samantha’s mother, Mitzi. 

some of Samantha's artworks

“She has a consistent style with a lot of edges and lines, her artworks can be very linear. She also has this certain way of giving shapes to her images which aren’t necessarily realistic but are more cartoonish,” describes Samantha’s father, Martin.

While half-Swiss, Samantha always tries to tap into her Filipino roots, coming up with Filipino-themed artworks. She will be promoting some of that local culture when she heads to the Philippine Center in New York for the Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) on April 7. 

beautiful renditions

FAAB is meant to showcase the artistic talents of children with special needs. Samantha, diagnosed with Autism when she was one and a half years old, is one of eight artists chosen to present their paintings on piña silk to be translated into clothing by featured designers for the fashion show, Patis Tesoro and Anthony Legarda. Master weaver India Legaspi is credited for teaching the artists the technique of piña silk painting. 

Samantha hopes to fund her trip with the proceeds of her auction. 

Samantha with her parents, art coach Kenn, and CFP representatives

Concert

The Manila Symphony Orchestra’s “Soundtracks and Symphonies” will be conducted by Prof. Arturo Molina and annotated by Jeffrey Solares. Included in their repertoire is a John Williams tribute as well as pieces from greats such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.

The concert is for the benefit of Special Education (SPED) Centers that have been the focus of the Center for Possibilities’ recent efforts. To act as a venue for learning of indigent persons with special needs, each SPED Center is operated by a teacher trained in the SPED division of Reach International School.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra

The Sagada SPED Center has been up and running and will be enhanced with a series of livelihood and vocational programs that will be teaching skills for income-generating activities. “Caring for special kids is very taxing because it’s usually just a one-income household so we also need to help the parents improve their finances,” explains CFP founder, Dolores Cheng.

In Norzagaray, what they have right now is just the building itself. A fence, a water tank, and a playground are still needed. “We are also in the process of doing our due diligence by determining the number of special children in all the barangays relevant to Norzagaray. Next will be an orientation for all the parents within the community. We are subsequently planning for the provision of testing, diagnosis, and analysis for the children with special needs,” Cheng adds. 

the Norzagaray SPED Center

Enrolment in the SPED Centers is free so it helps alleviate the family’s cost of taking care of special children. If you would like to extend assistance, you may reach CFP at http://centerforpossibilities.asia/ or (02) 723-1242 / (0918) 888-1759.

“Samantha” and “Soundtracks and Symphonies” will be on January 28, 2016, 5:30pm at the Carlos P. Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza, Makati. 

HOOQ Shines Spotlight on The Best of Filipino Cinema at the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night

Here's sharing the winners of the 2016 MMFF Awards ... 

Press Release:

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, furthers its commitment in uplifting the quality of Filipino movies as it remained the exclusive presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category.

HOOQ team
(from left) Jane Walker, Jeff Remigio, and Marketing Head, Sheila Paul

“In a year marked by big changes in the MMFF, we are proud to say that our full support for the premiere movie festival in the country has remained the same,” said Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.  “We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, and we are proud to be part of the festival as it takes brave new steps in focusing on quality films, fresh casting choices and new approaches to filmmaking.” 

In his speech, Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Thomas Orbos said, “We are gathered here together not only to seek change but also to look back to the original theme of the MMFF which is to be a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence.

MMFF Overall Chairman Thomas Orbos

Change is never easy, it is a difficult path, but thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee we are here today amidst change. We believe that what we did with the MMFF this year may not be recognized now, but it will be appreciated by future generations. It is not about the money, it is about what we can give to our children later on by promoting quality films in the Philippines.”

WINNERS AND STARS OF THE NIGHT 

Erik Matti’s Seklusyon proved to be the big winner at the 42ND METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL GABI NG PARANGAL held December 29, 2016 at the Kia Theater, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

Best Supporting Actress: Phoebe Walker

The movie brought home eight awards including Best Director for Erik Matti; Best Supporting Actress Phoebe Walker; Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante; Best Screenplay; Best Sound; Best Production Design; Best Cinematography; and Best Theme Song for Dominus Miserere.

Sunday Beauty Queen, the very first documentary to be included in the annual festival was chosen as Best Picture.

Best Picture: Sunday Beauty Queen

Irma Adlawan won the coveted Best Actress category for the movie Oro, while Paolo Ballesteros was chosen as Best Actor for his performance in Die Beautiful. Newcomer Christian Bables got the most cheers after being named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Barbs in Die Beautiful.

HOOQ likewise gave out its own set of awards for the Short Films category including Best Screenplay: Mitatang; Best Director: Jarell Serencio Mga Bituin sa Siyudad; Special Jury Prize for Manila Scream; and Best Picture for EJK.

HOOQ Female Celebrity of the Night: Rhian Ramos

Ronnie Alonte and Rhian Ramos meanwhile, were recognized as the HOOQ Male and Female Celebrities of the Night for their stunning looks at the red carpet.

HOME OF THE MMFF WINNERS

HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina”, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.

Best Actress: Irma Adlawan

According to Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content and Programming, they are adding more past MMFF winners to HOOQ’s carefully curated library of Filipino titles.

NEW PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GEN FILMMAKERS

MMFF and HOOQ are also working together to encourage the next generation of movie makers through the HOOQ Short Films category. HOOQ awarded a host of Short Film prizes including the Special Jury Prize and the Best Short Film. 

Each HOOQ Short Film was partnered with a long-form finalist and were screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each film runs under 5 minutes and most will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.  

Short Film Best Picture: EJK

“Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” added Remigio. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of filmmakers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”

“The world has begun to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer, by supporting these young filmmakers, HOOQ is also investing in the future of entertainment,” adds Remigio.

PARADE OF STARS

The festival kicked off with the annual Parade of Stars on December 23 which began at the Manila City Hall at Nicanor Lopez Street and ended at Plaza Miranda—the original route used in the very first MMFF Float Parade.

HOOQ Male Celebrity of the Night: Ronnie Alonte

Among the stars that participated in the Grand Parade of Stars  were Nora Aunor, Eugene Domingo, Paolo Ballesteros, Kean Cipriano, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, Dominic Roque, Mercedes Cabral, and many others.

Bela Padilla also joined the parade aboard HOOQ’s OTJ float. Padilla is one of the lead stars of the upcoming series OTJ: The Missing 8, the very first original local content produced exclusively for the video on demand service. 

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bables

Here is the complete list of winners of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night co-presented by HOOQ:

Best Picture - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Director - Erik Matti (Seklusyon)

Best Actress - Irma Adlawan (Oro) 

Best Actor - Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)

Best Supporting Actress - Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon)

Best Supporting Actor - Christian Balbes (Die Beautiful)

Children's Choice - Saving Sally, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James

People's Choice - (voted online) Die Beautiful 

Best Cast Ensemble - Oro 

Special Jury Prize - Rhed Bustamante (Seklusyon)

Best Screenplay - Seklusyon 

Best Sound - Seklusyon 

Best Musical Score - Saving Sally 

Best Theme Song – Dominus Miserere (Francis De Veyra) Seklusyon 

Best Production Design - Seklusyon 

Best Editing - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Cinematography - Seklusyon 

FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence - Oro 

Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Float - Die Beautiful  

Best Cast Ensemble: Oro

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television shows, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, and TV’s using casting devices such as Airplay and Chromecast. 

How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription on selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers HOOQ for 6 months on Globe Broadband plans P1,299 and up.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8080.

Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta Holds its Third Year of Celebrating Pasta Month this October

I first discovered Doña Elena Al Dente back in 2014 and loved how the pasta stays firm after cooking. You can read about that story, here.  This year, join the celebration of National Pasta Month by dropping by Mercato Centrale and go on a pasta food trip! More details, below ...

Press Release:

Pasta has played a major role in Filipinos’ lives, from being part of our daily meals to a popular choice for various events and gatherings. October marks a special month for Filipino Pasta lovers as we join the world in celebrating the World Pasta Month worldwide.

Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta, the only Artisan Quality Italian Pasta brand in the country, has been pioneering this gastronomic celebration for three years now. This year, the National Pasta Month celebration highlights an exciting challenge among Mercato Centrale food vendors as they participate in the Doña Elena Al Dente Ultimate Pasta Challenge where they will feature their originally crafted meal combinations of their specialty dishes and Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta.

Everyone is invited to witness the epic and pasta-licious culinary cook-off happening on October 14, 2016, 5pm to 8pm, at the Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Guests will be invited to purchase a Pasta Passport for a minimal purchase of Php100. This will serve as their exclusive pass to enjoy free Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta products, taste and vote for the best pasta dish from the pasta-licious dish entries of the Ultimate Pasta Challenge participants, claim freebies from participating booths, plus, get a chance to win exciting raffle prizes.

“This culinary gathering highlights the universal love for pasta. We aim to bring more people to appreciate pasta and into recognizing how this dish has been part of our lives. It also allows us to present to our Filipino consumers a variety of dishes that they can enjoy Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta with. We will continue bringing them great-tasting authentic Italian pasta,” says Rachelle Chang, Product Associate.   

Made with 100% durum wheat semolina, Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is crafted with bronze dies which leave rough ridges on the pasta, helping sauces cling better thus making it more flavorful. It is available in five variants – Fusilli, Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Penne Rigate, and Lasagna.

“Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta and Fly Ace Corporation, together with our event partners, are extremely honored to initiate celebrating Pasta Month in the country. And now, on our third year, we continue our vision to bring great-tasting pasta to Filipino households,” Fly Ace Corporation General Manager Ramon Daez concludes.

The Doña Elena Al Dente Ultimate Pasta Challenge is in co-presented by our brand partners: Masflex, Tecnogas, Fujidenzo, Whirlpool, May Sparkling, Franzia, Don Lucio, UP Piccola Italia; and in cooperation with our media partners: wheninmanila.com, Breakfast Magazine, Cook Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, and Mommy Bloggers Philippines.

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods company in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. To learn more about Fly Ace, visit www.flyacecorp.com.

Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is available  in all leading supermarkets nationwide.  For more details, check out Doña Elena on FB https://www.facebook.com/ Donaelenacuisineraclub/.

Jolly Sets a New World Record for ‘Largest Serving of Sautéed Mushrooms’ at HistoryCon 2016

My family loves dishes cooked with Jolly mushrooms. So it's really nice to know it made history during History Con! More details below ... 

Press Release:

Throughout history, mushrooms have been part of the human diet and are renowned for their healing and nutritional attributes. Today, this versatile “vegetable” has recorded a historic culinary feat for the Philippines. Jolly, the country’s no. 1 mushroom brand, has made history for the largest serving of sautéed mushrooms at 335 kilos.  This was recorded during History Con last August 27 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

(from left) Jacquem Ruby of A E networks 
with Jolly associate product manager Ralph Rebulanan, 
senior product manager Marilou Acuna, 
Fly Ace director Elliz Conchanco, and BAG assistant Peter Geronimo

In partnership with History Channel, the stage was set for Jolly’s first world-record bid to cook the largest serving of sautéed mushrooms.   The largest serving of the dish used more than 300 kilos of Jolly Mushroom and fired up 10 cooking stations manned by 70 students chef from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, Far Eastern University, and La Consolacion Tanauan and Manila campuses. The tedious process took two hours of non-stop cooking; and after all the hard work of the young chefs, the cheering crowd went wild as the final mushroom dish output was poured into the weighing device and showed a total of 335 kilos, exceeding the minimum requirement of only 280 kilograms. The Jolly team, led by Executive Chef Winston Luna of Chefwix Catering Services, was applauded for their hard-earned victory.

Chef Winston Luna (center in black) with Jolly senior product manager Marilou Acuna 
and associate product manager Ralph Rebulan 
with the participating students from CCA, Manila, La Consolacion College and FEU

“We’ve been cooking a large number for banquets but for this endeavor it’s different. Using the recipe designed by Chef Mitchie Sison, we used mushroom as main ingredient, which is very versatile and is also a wonderful substitute to the usual meat that we usually have. We used sauté because it is the best-tasting way to present the mushroom. We really want the mushrooms to be the superstar for this particular dish,” said Chef Winston.  

As one of History Con’s headliner event, Jolly’s record-setting attempt was just one of the reasons that emphasizes the brand’s mission to elevate and promote mushrooms’ versatility and nutritional benefits on a national and global scale.  

taste tests

“History-making has never tasted this healthy and delicious. Jolly and Fly Ace Corporation, together with our event partners, are extremely honored to initiate this ground-breaking attempt. We are hoping to set a first world record, and of course to successfully spread the news of mushrooms’ health benefits all over the Philippines and the world,” said Fly Ace Corporation President, Jun Cochanco. 

The giant tub of sautéed mushrooms was later presented at the main stage and was served as a mushroom wrap, which is another way of presenting the mushroom, or served as rice to go with each mushroom serving to the delight of thousands of event participants who queued to taste.

Culinary students cooked over 300 kg of mushrooms to make the world record

Healthy advocacy

Recent studies by scientists around the globe underscored the importance of antioxidants as these protect the cells from within, thus boosting one’s immune system and helping prevent future diseases such as cancers. And per tests of SGS, a leading inspection, verification, testing and Certification Company, Jolly Mushrooms contain an impressive 14 mg of L-ergothioneine per 400g can.  

"Mushrooms is known as the world’s 'superfood' [and] we want more people to know about the many amazing health-boosting benefits of mushrooms. One such outstanding nutritional highlight is having the highest content of L-ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant,” commented Marilou Acuña, Fly Ace Corporation Senior Product Manager for Jolly Food line.

CCA, Manila students happily serving sauteed mushroom to the crowd

Apart from promoting mushroom’s health benefits, the history-making activity also puts into limelight fresh Filipino culinary talents and the virtue of bayanihan. “This event offers the challenge as well as opportunity for Filipinos, especially our youth, to show support and commitment in making history. To make this Guinness bid successful, everyone in the Jolly team must work closely together to bring that goal into fruition,” Acuña added.

The Jolly Mushroom world record attempt was made possible by the following partners: Gomeco, Petron, Masflex, Fuji Kitchen Scales, and participating students.

the recipe (although I'm a bit skeptical about the amounts of salt and pepper
so I just put a pinch each when I cook this dish)

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. To learn more about Fly Ace, visit www.flyacecorp.com.

JOLLY is a canned fruits and vegetable line marketed and exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corp., one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino homes, Fly Ace Corp.’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands.  For more updates, visit jolly.com.ph or like its official Facebook fanpage or follow via Twitter and Instagram (@jollyeatsph).

Oishi Snacktacular 2016 is Happening this July!

If you missed last year's event (like I did, boo-hoo!), here's another chance to catch the bigger and better version! Don't forget to go to SM MOA this weekend!

Press Release:

Summer has winded down but this year is about to get even more exciting as we power up the return of Oishi Snacktacular! This fun-filled affair will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall this coming July 15-17 showcasing interactive booths, fan- favorite snacks, and Oishi’s iconic Team O members - Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Ramon Bautista, Alex Gonzaga, Slater Young, and Elmo Magalona. 

Now, it’s time to press play to see Oishi’s innovative booths make their comeback at this year’s 8-bit inspired event! Be as inventive and imaginative at the Make Your Own Snack Booth, O-Twirl, Snack Shack, and refreshing Slush C+. Crowd favorite Oishi Snack Catcher will be back as well. Get strapped up and guided to an enormous pool of Oishi snacks and grab all the treats you can take with your own hands! 

Apart from the return of some of the classic booths, get ready for new and exciting activities! Prepare yourself for Cuckoo Blaster: catch as many balls as possible with your Cuckoo suit on. 

This year’s Snacktacular is made even more exciting as we celebrate the 70th year of Liwayway Marketing Corporation, the company behind Oishi with the World of O,Wow booth! Get a glimpse of Oishi snacks that are unique to other countries such as Pillows Buko from Vietnam, Pods Manchurian Style from India, and more!

To turn up the O, Wow factor even more, Maine Mendoza, Oishi Ribbed Crackling’s endorser will be introduced as Team O’s newest member. With #OishiSnacktacular you’re sure to emerge a winner!

Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands 2016: Recognizing The Consumers' Choice

Are the brands you trust included in the winners' list? 

Press Release:

For Filipinos, the issue of choice has always been matter of trust. From the brands we put in our shopping carts to the services we rely on, Filipino consumers have a strong sense of brand familiarity – and that belief weighs heavily on the decision-making process. 

RD Trusted Brands 2016 winners

Reader’s Digest (RD), one of the longest-running and most read print publications in the world, once again puts the spotlight on the companies we believe in at the RD Trusted Brands 2016 Awards ceremony held June 30, 2016 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig.

The Trusted Brands Survey, identifies the brands and services Filipinos trust, above all others. It also honors the country’s most trusted TV news Presenter, Radio News Presenter, Entertainment/Variety Show Presenter and Sports Personality. 

Trust is an emotion that fuels our decision whether we are conscious of it or not. It is that intangible quality that conveys reliability and integrity. Whether it is a product or service, trust is what reassures us that we are making the right choice.

“For the past 18 years, we have been surveying the people of the Philippines and consumers in major markets across Asia, about which brands they depend on, believe in, and that they expect to provide premium value and exceptional service,” notes Walter Beyleveldt, Reader’s Digest Managing Director, Asia Pacific. 

“Every survey we ask thousands of people – both our readers and a representative sample of consumers in each market – to tell us which brands they consider worthy of their support, custom, and their trust. Not only have we learnt which brands consumers follow, we have discovered a lot about what trust means and how it wins the hearts of people across Asia.”

“Being included in this prestigious list is a huge endorsement and one the winners should be very proud of,” he added.

Beyleveldt and Ms. Sheron White, RD Group Advertising & Retail Sales Director, Asia Pacific flew in from Australia to personally award the trophies to the winners.

Renowned motivational speaker and business influencer, Ms. Anna Esperanza  served as keynote speaker.

Mr. Beyleveldt and Ms. White

For consumers, by the consumers 

Trust is a key component in the relationship between brands and their customers. 

It is built on – and it builds – loyalty. And loyal customers, as any successful brand knows, are key to getting – and remaining – in competitive times.

Trust is hard won – it is usually built up over many years. Trust goes hand-in-hand with a good reputation and delivery of customers’ expectations. It emerges out of the very best consumer experiences, and is achieved only by truly understanding your customers.

“Trust is an emotion that fuels our decisions whether we are conscious of it or not -- an intangible quality that signals reliability and integrity. Whether it is a product or service, trust is what reassures us that we are making the right choice,” said White. 

“A trusted brand has both international appeal but also upholds a strong local connection. It has individual relevance for all its consumers, just about anywhere and in any culture,” she added.

The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand mark has become a recognizable symbol globally. And we are honored to announce the winners of the latest survey, who will now be able to use this badge of recognition for 2016 to help consumers make the right choices.

For the 2016 Trusted Brand Survey, Readers Digest commissioned global market research company CATALYST.  Approximately 8,000 individuals were selected across 5 of Asia’s key markets such as the Philippines, HongKong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.

The survey covers 44 categories of products and services across a wide range of industries.

Around 1000 respondents were surveyed in the Philippines.  Half were subscribers to Reader's Digest, while the remainder were selected to reflect the demographics of the general population.

The final ranking in each product category were obtained by multiplying the total number of votes for a brand with its average score for six qualitative characteristics. For statistical accuracy and to ensure results were compiled in an objective manner using proven methodology, the data was weighted to reflect the population distribution of participants.

RD Trusted Brands Platinum winners

Platinum, Gold and Asia Award

Platinum Trusted Brand Awards were given to brands that performed exceptionally, winning their category with a score that vastly outpolled their nearest competitor.

Platinum award winners included Baby Company (Baby Store); SM Supermalls (Shopping Center); ABSCBN (TV Network); Century Tuna (Canned Tuna); Monterey (Frozen Meat) Magnolia (Fresh/Frozen Poultry); Carrier (Air Conditioner); Uratex (Mattress); Boysen (Paint); Pilot (Pen); Executive Optical (Eye Center), and PLDT Home (Landline Phone Service).

Gold Trusted Brand Awards were given to brands that scored significantly higher than their rivals.

The Gold award winners are Healthway (Ambulatory Medical Services); Condura (Air Conditioner); PLDT Home DSL (Broadband Services); San Marino Corned Tuna (Canned Tuna); Baguio Oil (Cooking Oil); Citibank (Credit Card Issuing Bank); Asian Eye Institute (Eye Center); Ideal Vision (Eye Center); Medicard (Health Card); Acer (Personal Computer); Camella Homes (Property Developer); DMCI Homes (Property Developer); Condura (Refrigerator); GMA7 (TV Network); Panda (Pen); Sharp (Washing Machine) and Whirlpool (Washing Machine) to name a few.

Asia Trusted Brand Awards were given to a brand that wins Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand award in the same category for at least three countries surveyed.

Recipients of the Trusted Brand awards were given a Trophy and will be allowed to use the globally recognized Trusted Brand Logo in their marketing collaterals and merchandising materials.

more winners

Most Trusted Personalities

Another highlight of the night was the special awards given to the countries most trusted personalities. 

For the sixth consecutive year, Jessica Soho was named Most Trusted TV News Presenter. Mike Enriquez on the other hand was chosen as Most Trusted Radio Presenter. Toni Gonzaga won Most Trusted Entertainment/ Variety Show Presenter, while Filipino boxing champ and now Senator Manny Pacquiao is still the Philippines Most Trusted Sports Personality. 

“There are awards and there are awards, and the Reader’s Digest Survey, is in itself a trusted award. This is a result of a survey conducted among its readers and not an award that you can apply for,” says Enriquez. 

Mike Enriquez accepts his award

“They just write you one day to inform you that you have been chosen, and being named most Trusted Radio Presenter is definitely quite an honor.”