With HAVAIANAS, it's always summer

For most people, summer is the best time of the year. Summer is a time when they are free to enjoy the moment and indulge in life’s pleasures. This 2011, one ‘hot’ campaign will extend the spirit of summer throughout the year by the brand that knows summer best – Havaianas.

A companion of Filipinos during their happy moments under the sun, Havaianas is an essential part of summer days at the beach or in the city. Every summer, flip-flops lovers sport their favorite Havaianas as they journey to new summer destinations, stroll in shopping malls, or lounge in the summer sun. The summer spirit prompts people to indulge in happiness, creating a season that stirs people to go out, make a splash, and have fun.



But what happens when the summer season is over? Do the fun and happy memories stop there? Definitely not! The season may end but summer can still live on. Come rain or cold weather, one can still think about its sunshine, foster its warmth with positive thinking, and laugh like it’s always the year’s favorite season.

Havaianas, the world’s favorite flip-flops and summer brand, celebrates summer starting now. To encourage the summer state of mind, Havaianas launches the ‘Always Summer’ campaign to remind Filipinos that they don’t need to wait for the season to rejoice in its spirit. Summer never ends and neither do the happy moments that come with it.

“Havaianas is committed to bringing summer to every Filipino,” says Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. “And that is why we’re spearheading a year-round celebration of summer—a season when some of our best memories of happiness and kindness are made.”



As part of its year-long summer celebration, Havaianas is launching the Havaianas “Always Summer: Race to Hawaii” contest. Flip-flops lovers nationwide can compete in a day of exciting summer fun by purchasing two pairs of Havaianas and winning a slot in the race. Winners in the regional leg will proceed to Boracay – all expenses paid – to compete in the final leg for the ultimate prize: a trip for two to Hawaii - the land that inspired Havaianas.

This exciting and unique race is only the beginning for Havaianas. “This is our way to achieve our vision of sharing summer with all the flip-flops lovers who never forget to wear their favorite Havaianas as they play, travel, and indulge in fun-filled activities.” says Gonzalez.

For Havaianas, summer is here and now. It’s as simple as a smile, a wink, or a laugh and as lasting as our favorite memories. Live like it’s always summer with Havaianas.

Experience summer fun and adventure from here to Boracay to Hawaii with Havaianas. Race begins at participating authorized Havaianas retailers.

Visit www.havaianassummer.com for details.

Get set for the year with Nike Sportswear Spring 2011 Collection

Love the sport. Live the style.

Manila, January 2011 – We may not have winter but there’s no stopping us from celebrating the vibrancy of Spring and getting ourselves geared up for the year ahead. This spring, Nike Sportswear lets you flaunt your favourite hues that make great lifestyle selections.

Born from mavericks, pioneers, iconoclasts, the founding members started Athletics West because nothing like it existed. The experimentation, the breaking of new ground and taking talent to the next level resulted in them changing the face of sport as their generation knew it. This spirit and DNA of Athletics West continues to live through our Nike Sportswear line.

This state of mind, a shared passion and an attitude that connects athletes is synonymous to the increasing call for an active lifestyle where sportswear and urban wear gains prominence in our wardrobes. A history of listening to what athletes want, Nike Sportswear marries style and optimum performance for today’s consumers.

Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager Mae Dichupa said, “Nike Sportswear celebrates the icons originally designed for the world’s best athletes. These styles, true to the culture of sport and Nike’s heritage, have been re-mastered into stylish urban wear to complement today’s lifestyle. While the designs are original and true to form, the icons are revitalised with a radiant display of modern colours, signature detailing, premium materials and modern innovations to create an unrivalled collection.”

This Spring, Nike Sportswear is amplified through icons such as the N98 track jackets and a sweet blast from the past with the V-series range of shoes.

N98
The statement-making piece in the Nike Sportswear SP11 Collection is the N98 track jacket, short for National 1998, inspired by the first kit Nike designed for Brazil’s legendary national team, and perfected by Nike Sportswear. Defined by a certain boldness that befits an icon, the N98 track jacket makes a statement with a striking stripe down the sleeve and a tailored fit for a smart-casual look. Double-knit for comfort, the jacket is cut close but not too tight and features a high-rise collar to protect your neck. Obsess over the stitch and zipper pulls – the sportswear twist is all abou refinement resulting in a jacket with detailing you feel, from flat knit ribbing to bonded seams to fluid, double-welded zips.

V-Series
At Nike, we believe you don’t make things better by making them complicated. This Spring, the V-series is a testament to our philosophy – a line of shoes that cut through all the clutter to make running simple. Originally released in the 1980’s, the line features three different types of performance running shoes for three different types of runners. For extra stability, select the Vector. Looking for lightweight cushioning for fast-paced training, lace up the Vengeance. For the best of both worlds, slip your feet into the Vortex. This season’s star, the V-series have been infused with Lunar, to produce greater impact on the track and off. Keep your eyes peeled for the Lunar Racer Vengeance and Lunar Venture+.

The Nike Sportswear SP11 collection is now available at all NIKE outlets. For a list of NIKE stores, visit www.nikesportswear.com.ph. The N98 retails at P3,795 and the V-series - Air Vengeance SI, Nike Air Vortex, and Nike Air Venture, at P3,995 each.

Havaianas... always summer

Manila Hotel Offers Tikoys with a Healthy Twist this Chinese New Year

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

The Chinese New Year is celebrated with much anticipation and festivity as it signals the start of a new beginning. As part of its celebration, Manila Hotel is selling tikoy from January 18, 2011 to February 05, 2011. It comes in three delectable flavors: Almond, Osmanthus, and Sancha and are carefully wrapped in elegant flip-top boxes. Prices start at PhP 480.00 net.

Tikoy or Chinese New Year Cake symbolizes the togetherness of the family and its usual circular shape represents the never ending flow of luck. Made from sticky rice, tikoy is said to be an offering to the Kitchen God to secure his favor so he would only report sweet things to the Jade Emperor. But there is another reason to celebrate. Under the supervision of Executive Chinese Chef Sun Bing, the tikoy is given a fresh spin with new flavors that are sure to delight everyone’s sweet cravings.

“For the Chinese New Year, we have re-created the tikoy by using natural ingredients such as almonds, Hawthorn berries, and Osmanthus flowers that have health benefits and perfectly blend with the sweet and delicate taste of the tikoy,” says Nian Liwanag-Rigor, AVP for PR and Corporate Communications of Manila Hotel.



Your kids will surely enjoy the Almond Tikoy that has a light, sweet taste with a hint of almond. Almonds have 90 % unsaturated fats and are high in protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin E making it a healthy snack. The Osmanthus Tikoy, which is flavored with osmanthus flower, has a distinct tea-like taste and fragrant aroma. Tea lover or not, you will be delighted to know that osmanthus flowers contain antioxidants for clearer skin and provide relief from rheumatism. The Sancha Tikoy, sweetened with Hawthorn berries, has a wonderfully blended tart and sweet taste pleasing to the palate. Hawthorn berries are used to treat angina, high blood pressure and are found to strengthen the heart.

Welcome the prosperous year of the Rabbit with a positive attitude and begin that with these healthy treats from Manila Hotel.

Tikoy is sold at the Mabuhay Palace Chinese New Year Booth at the lobby of Manila Hotel from January 18, 2011 to February 05, 2011, 8 am to 10 pm, daily. For inquires pls call 02 527-0011 local 1261.

Blackberry's Chinese New Year Apps

Chinese New Year is a time for celebrating, visiting family and sharing. In the midst of all the festivities to bring in the year of the rabbit, you will be able to better keep in touch with family who are far away with handy apps like Smiley Pack and Message Prevue. Budget your HongBaos with Mobile Checkbook and play a different version of Mahjong Solitaire to keep yourself entertained while waiting for your turn at the table. Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái!


1. Chun 2011 – Chinese New Year (Free)
Chun 2011 is a free theme that customizes your BlackBerry with a background and icon set inspired by traditional Chinese art.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
https://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25273



2. Message Prevue (US$1.99)

Busy playing mahjong this CNY and your hands are not free to check your phone? Message Prevue provides a pop up box for users to read who’s emailing or texting without having to key in the password.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/20634?lang=en



3. Photo Editor (US$0.99)
Take pictures this Chinese New Year with your BlackBerry device and edit them right away with this handy photo editor. Once done, you can share photos easily through social networking sites. What better way to treasure the moments with family?

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/13546?lang=en



4. Smiley Pack (US$0.99)
Have so much to express this festive period but too little emoticons to do it? Download the Smiley Pack- Icons Fancy Characters and Smileys for BlackBerry Messenger and send creative messages to loved ones.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/16549?lang=en



5. Battery Saver (US$0.99)
Track your battery usage and with this app that also helps users to boost and optimise usage so that you never run out when visiting family to celebrate.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/11924?lang=en



6. Chinese Zodiac Rabbit (US$1.99) – Compatible with Curve 3G
Usher in the Year of the rabbit with the zodiac sign of the rabbit as a BlackBerry background on your smartphone.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/19370?lang=en



7. Mobile Checkbook (US$4.99)
Anticipating lots of HongBaos this year? Scared of spending it all at once? The all-new Mobile Checkbook 4.0 is loaded with new features that make managing money easier than ever. Mobile Checkbook is perfect for users who have ever had trouble keeping track of their account balances.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/674?lang=en



8. Chinese Zodiac (US$2.99)
Chinese Zodiac application for BlackBerry is a Chinese astrology/horoscopes application that converts your western birth date to a Chinese lunar birth date, and finds out your animal sign. Lead a happy and prosperous life with this zodiac application, available for constant consultation.

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/7282?lang=en



9. Mahjong Solitaire (US$2.99)
Mahjong Solitaire is a puzzle game based on the classic Chinese game for four persons. The goal of the game is to remove all tiles from the board by paired matching. Try this game for excellent graphics and long term addictive play. Don’t just play it at Chinese New Year, play it all through the year!

Users can download the application from the link below or can scan the QR code.
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/572?lang=en

Let your love story unfold at the Manila Hotel

The month of February is upon us again. The air is suddenly filled with sweet exchanges of words and the wafting scent of flowers is unmistakable. One of the most anticipated times of the year, February sets the mood for romance and fuels the heart with valor to profess its love.

This Valentine’s season, Manila Hotel invites you to celebrate the month of love with your special someone by availing of their special room packages. Feel the romance the moment you step inside the hotel as the evening choir at the hotel’s magnificent lobby serenades you with love songs every weekend for the entire month of February. Bask in the hotel’s romantic ambience set by its elegant and luxurious décor that have been silent witnesses of the greatest love stories ever told.

We offer you Love Story and From Manila Hotel with Love room packages to help you exquisitely convey your true feelings this season. Avail of Love Story from February 4-28, 2011 and the From Manila Hotel with Love from February 11-16, 2011 to have a memorable Valentine celebration like no other. Both packages include an overnight stay at a Superior Deluxe Room or at a Sunset/Sunrise Suite with high speed internet access and buffet breakfast for two at the newly renovated Café Ilang-Ilang. You will instantly be in the mood to celebrate the moment you check-in with a bottle of wine. Pamper yourself with the complimentary use of the swimming pool and the Health Club facilities. Enjoy a 20% discount on Spa treatments and packages at the Manila Hotel Spa and 10% discount in all of the hotel’s restaurants when you dine. Spend the night at the Roma Salon on Fridays and Saturdays and enjoy music from the Live Band free of charge. Guests who are staying at the Sunset/Sunrise Suite can indulge in a delectable praline gift box to make their stay even sweeter.


Choose the From Manila Hotel with Love room package if you want your room to be transformed into a romantic retreat with a long stem rose on your bed and bathtub filled with rose petals.


Love Story is priced at PhP 6,500.00 net/night for the Superior Deluxe Room and PhP 15,550.00 net/night for the Sunset/Sunrise Suite. The weekend Valentine package From Manila Hotel with Love is priced at PhP 3,999.00 net/night for the Super Deluxe Room and PhP 7,999.00 net/night for the Sunset/Sunrise Suite.


Spend an enchanting time with your significant other and we’ll make sure you enjoy every minute together. Let your love unfold here at the idyllic Manila Hotel with its dramatic interiors that radiate romance and passion. Echoing Ernest Hemingway, it is a good story if it is like Manila Hotel. Make yours today.

For reservations, please call Manila Hotel at 02 527-0011 or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

Jollibee introduces the new Spicy Chicken Barbecue

Filipinos are always looking for a new twist to their daily routine – whether at work or even at play. From lifestyle activities, fashion sensibilities and tasteful delicacies, innovative Pinoys always find ways to spice up their lives the fun and creative way. Jollibee, the innovative leader in the country’s fast-food industry, puts a new and spicy twist to its trademark Chicken Barbecue by infusing its secret recipe with rich and flavorful spices.

The new Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue gives an added zest to your favorite Chicken Barbecue, while still retaining the juicy and delicious inside and out goodness of the original. And it comes in many different choice offerings so chicken lovers can enjoy Jollibee’s latest innovation in plenty of ways.

The Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue is available in 1-piece and 2-piece solo meals that come with rice, affordably priced at P69 and P114, respectively. The 1-piece value meal costs only P85 while the 2-piece value meal is priced at P130, both come with rice and regular softdrinks. You can also pair the Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue with other Jollibee favorites - the Spaghetti or Palabok Fiesta that come in value meals complete with softdrinks.

Barkadas who enjoy having an added spicy twist to their meals can also share either a 6-piece or 12-piece Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue bucket. Or they can opt to delight in a combo bucket mixed with either the original Jollibee Chicken Barbecue or the Chickenjoy. The 6-piece bucket is priced at P320 and the 12-piece at P640.

Filipino food lovers looking for a twist to their daily menu can definitely find the excitement that their taste buds crave. With the right blend of flavors and spices rolled into one sumptuous meal, the Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue will surely be another hit among Pinoys.

Visit any Jollibee store nationwide, call 8-7000 Jollibee Express Delivery (for Metro Manila only), or log on to www.jollibeedelivery.com to savor the new Spicy Jollibee Chicken Barbecue!