4.27.2011

World's first super phone coming to Philippines in May


LG Collaborate with NVIDIA to Demonstrate the Power of Speed

Manila, Apr. 28, 2011 — LG Electronics today announced in Manila the imminent market availability of the world’s first smartphone with a dual core processor, the LG Optimus 2X (P990). During the announcement, LG Electronics collaborated with NVIDIA, the graphics processor powerhouse, to showcase the message of speed and efficiency in the world’s first super phone.

LG Optimus, meaning ‘best’ in Latin, is comprised of devices running on a range of popular operating systems and Android Tablet PC. The Optimus series is the result of extensive consumer research and development that delved into the way average people gather information in today’s digital age.

Approaching Philippine market in May 2011, LG Optimus 2x is equipped with NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 dual-core processor, which runs at a clock speed of 1GHz and boasts low power consumption and high performance for playing video and audio. Not only does the LG Optimus 2X mean more powerful multimedia features, the Tegra 2 processor makes for faster, smoother web browsing and multitasks with virtually no screen lag. The LG Optimus 2X offers 1080p HD video playback and recording, adding to the industry new contents mirroring through HDMI interface and expanding content on external displays to Full HD quality. The LG Optimus 2X can connect wirelessly to any DLNA-compatible digital device such as HD TVs for a console-like gaming experience, taking full advantage of the phone’s mirroring through HDMI, accelerometer and gyro sensor.


In addition, it incorporates a 4-inch WVGA LCD Full Touch Screen as well as an 8.0 mega pixel camera: a perfect pairing to capture those all-important moments which can easily be shared on social networking sites anywhere, anytime.

Mr. Richard Javier, mobile communications head of LG Electronics Philippines explains, “This is only the beginning in our intelligent smartphone series. LG is a pioneer in mobile communications and we aim to continue developing innovative technology and providing convenient mobile communications experience for our customers in the near future.” Javier believes that the LG Optimus 2X is a great achievement for the company and exceeds expectations in the smartphone industry.

Powered by Android™ 2.2, which is upgradable to 2.3, LG Optimus 2X provides a unique mobile experience allowing for more possibilities while on the go. Furthermore, users can enjoy nearly 150,000 apps through the Android Market™.

4.26.2011

Enjoy the merry month of May with EL REAL Pasta recipes



In May, the festival fun kicks in: summer festivities with colorful decorations, flamboyant costumes, lively music, and overflowing delicious delicacies are being enjoyed in different parts of the country. Joining these vibrant celebrations is EL REAL Pasta as it offers two delectable recipes to add to the month’s merriment.


El Real Party Spaghetti

Ingredients:
¼ cup oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 ¼ cups onions, chopped
500 grams ground beef
5 pieces hotdogs, sliced
4 ½ cups tomato sauce
2 ¼ cups spaghetti sauce
2 ¼ cups banana ketchup
3 ½ cups beef stock
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¾ cup sugar
1 kilogram EL REAL Spaghetti, cooked to package directions
1 ½ cups cheese, grated

Procedure:
Heat oil in a saucepan then sauté garlic and onions for a minute. Add in ground beef and cook it until it achieves light brown color. Add in hotdog and continue cooking for another minute. Blend in tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, banana
ketchup and beef stock. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thick. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Afterwards, toss in EL REAL Spaghetti and drizzle with cheese. This serves 12-15 persons.

Savor the delicious festival fun with friends and family with EL REAL Party Spaghetti


Longganiza Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup all-purpose cream
½ cup condensed milk
1 cup garlic longganiza, boiled and chopped
¾ cup pineapple chunks
½ cup quick-melt cheese (or kesong puti or any processed cheese)
4 teaspoons red bell peppers, chopped
4 teaspoons cashew nuts, roughly chopped
400 grams EL REAL Salad Macaroni, cooked to package directions
Garnish parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
Combine mayonnaise, all-purpose cream and condensed milk in a bowl then toss in all of the ingredients. Chill before serving. This serves 10-12 persons. For an exciting and more convenient twist, use EL REAL Curly Macaroni which cooks in only five minutes as an alternative to EL REAL Salad Macaroni.


Cook these EL REAL recipes for the whole family and for the whole barangay for unforgettable and meaningful festival celebrations. The affordable, delicious and convenient EL REAL Pasta is available in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide.


EL REAL comes in spaghetti, elbow macaroni, salad macaroni and Quick Cook FLAT Spaghetti which cooks in only six minutes and Curly Macaroni which cooks in only five minutes.


Celebrate the month of May with the delectable and easy-to-prepare EL REAL Longganiza Macaroni Salad


Set the pace for fun family time this summer with El Real Pasta

Nike Trainer 1.3 Max Limited Release on April 27







Manila, April 25, 2011 | Nike Philippines announced today the launch of only 50 pairs of the Nike Trainer 1.3 Max on April 27 exclusively at Nike Park The Fort as a lead up to Manny Pacquiao’s next fight against “Sugar” Shane Mosley on May 7, 2011.

Designed for the multisport athlete looking for a training shoe with excellent cushioning, durability and stability, the Nike Trainer 1.3 Max includes Nike’s top innovations including Flywire and Max Air technologies.

As Manny’s daily running shoe, the Nike Trainer 1.3 Max provides a soft and comfortable ride after hours of rigorous, high-impact training in the gym. With mesh zones for cooling, the shoe is ideal for year-round use in hot climates such as Los Angeles and General Santos, Philippines, where the “Pac Man: has been training for his upcoming bout.

“If you practice hard, you can win every battle,” says Manny. This mantra holds true for athletes throughout the world who realize winning starts with training.

A lottery will be held for the 50 pairs at Nike Park The Fort on April 27, 2011. Ballots will be distributed starting 5pm and the lottery will begin exactly at 7pm. The Nike Trainer 1.3 Max retails at P7,995.

A full Manny Pacquiao-inspired collection of apparel and the Nike Zoom Huarache Low will also be available at select Nike stores beginning April 27.

4.25.2011

Stellar chef lineup at the 15th World Gourmet Summit in Singapore


"The Garden"

Every year, gourmands from around the world have been making their culinary crusade to the Lion City to take part in the much-anticipated World Gourmet Summit (WGS), Singapore’s most renowned dining event. Celebrating its 15th year, the summit gathers thousands of chefs, culinary critics and gourmet food enthusiasts in a 14-day event replete with workshops, master classes, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

According to the organiser of the event, Peter A Knipp, CEO, Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd, “Top-notch chefs from all over the world participate at WGS each year. Securing a seat to dine at their prestigious dining establishments back home could mean a waitlist of weeks, or even months on end, so having them come all the way here is indeed a privilege that should not be missed.”

Among the world-renowned chefs who will be showcasing their pièces de résistance at the World Gourmet Summit include award-winning foie gras master chef Michael Ginor and Singapore’s breakthrough dessert chef Janice Wong. Both culinary stars are set to inspire Filipino gourmands and foodies with wine-paired feasts, allowing them privy to their cooking secrets.


Chef Janice Wong is set to sweeten Singapore’s biggest gourmet festival with a showcase of her innovative plated desserts that will be expertly paired with wine.

Gastronomic journey into foie gras

World-famous Chef Michael Ginor has been setting the standard in foie gras cooking, pioneering the Hudson Valley Foie Gras, the most comprehensive producer of the ingredient in the world. In his 20-year career that began with a passion for foie gras, he has filled his toque with numerous awards like the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and the Award of Excellence from the American Tasting Institute and he has successfully established his acclaimed restaurants TLV and Lola, and his own television show called Runaway Chef.

In this year’s World Gourmet Summit, Chef Ginor will give guests a once-in-a lifetime learning experience as he whips up dishes expertly paired with champagne. Guests will be spoilt for choice with his six-course menu that includes a delightful tuna tartare with nori-cured foie gras and a crème brulee of foie gras paired with duck and mustard fruit. “I love to teach and I love to travel. I love people coming in and learning new ways of using a product or a new technique, and I’m excited to share my passion for foie gras and American culinary aesthetics. Hopefully, Filipino participants will return to the Philippines with something they have never seen before,” he says.

One of the pioneers who made the World Gourmet Summit a resounding success, Chef Ginor also treats the gathering as a platform to further hone his culinary craft. “I’m always excited to be part of this event because it’s a kind of cross-cultural culinary experience. As much as we bring our own experience, whether it’s with foie gras or our own techniques to share with the local people and the visiting chefs, we also learn new products and new techniques from the local cuisine,” he says.

Chef Ginor has always been a fan of Southeast Asian cuisine, especially the appetizing street food of Singapore. He takes inspiration from the Lion City’s hawker fare and creates timeless dishes that offer the distinctive Singaporean spice and flavor. Right now, he offers on his menu his own take on laksa that features lobster meat with the classic spicy broth, and a duck tenderloin satay with cucumber and mango.

“I love street food even if I’m trained in the high end, and I love eating and cooking on the street level. Invariably, every time I travel I bring back something that will reflect my visit in Singapore and incorporate it in my menu,” he shares.


Foie gras pioneer Chef Michael Ginor will dish out an exciting and palatable culinary experience in this year’s World Gourmet Summit.

Sweetening the deal

Another master who will showcase her avant-garde techniques in desserts and pastries is Chef Janice Wong, the owner of the cutting-edge 2am:dessertbar in Singapore. Even as a young chef, she continues to push the limits of gastronomic creativity with extraordinary dessert and pastry innovations that go beyond culinary tradition.

“When I first opened 2am:dessertbar, the media was very helpful and encouraging, and so were the customers. Being 24 at the time and running your own business, the pressure is there. I wanted to make it a grand thing and that was my goal. I wanted to continue to strive for better results and techniques and always maintain quality,” she explains.

Training at the prominent Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School in Paris and working in various Michelin-star restaurants together with some of the world’s best chefs, Chef Wong brings to the plate delicately plated desserts paired with wine for Filipino foodies to relish. Her sophisticated desserts reflect the beauty of nature, offering the perfect combination of texture, design and flavor.

“Visitors will get to enjoy a very unique way of presenting desserts, and how progressive our dishes are. With the World Gourmet Summit, you get an array of top chefs in the world all coming together, and you are exposed to so many different kinds of flavors and techniques. You will never get the same kind of chefs all at the same time,” she shares.


Chef Ginor guides his staff at his widely-acclaimed restaurant Lola in New York.

Along with a stellar cast of top chefs, Chefs Janice Wong and Michael Ginor will regale the taste buds of travelers and foodies with the world’s finest cuisines – something every Filipino who loves good food should look forward to. The World Gourmet Summit boasts an enviable list of gastronomic event highlights and will be held from April 25 to May 8.

For more information, please refer to yoursingapore.com.

4.19.2011

Sonny Dizon and Cebu Pacific bring tourists to Davao’s thrilling side



Known for its lush scenery, exotic fruits, captivating fauna and thrilling activities, Davao has earned top billing as a premiere destination for eco-adventure lovers. But unknown to most, Sonny Dizon, a visionary with a love for nature has been instrumental in helping drive Davao’s rising reputation.

The Davao connection

A Davaoeño through and through, Sonny started his foray into promoting eco-tourism in Davao with the Crocodile Park, a crocodile conservatorium. A long-time croc enthusiast, Sonny wanted to protect the remaining crocs in the country.

“I was inspired to get into eco-tourism because I was fascinated with crocodiles and wanted to teach people about the preservation of this species. They have great survival instincts,” he says.

What started as a fascination with these reptiles soon developed into a big venture that has helped spur Davao’s tourism. With a strong passion for the environment, he developed other enthralling attractions for adventurous travelers: ZipCity’s zipline experience with a 360-degree view of Davao City; Davao Wildwater Adventure’s adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting experience; Maxima Aquafun’s giant water slide called the Abyss; Tribu K Mindanawan’s cultural village; and, environment- friendly resorts like the Mt. Apo Highland Resort.

Aware of the immense tourism potential of Davao, Sonny has big plans for the future. He plans on transforming the picturesque Kapatagan area located at the foot of the renowned Mount Apo into a low-carbon eco-tourism haven, making it a leisure gateway to the grandfather of Philippine mountains.

Scaling the wonders of Davao

One with Sonny’s mission in promoting the eco-tourism potential of Davao is Cebu Pacific, as it brings local and foreign tourists to the wild wonders of Davao. “I fly with Cebu Pacific all the time. Like Davao, Cebu Pacific is world-class and has greatly encouraged domestic tourism. With its low fares, the airline has definitely encouraged more people to travel and experience Davao and everything it has to offer,” he says.

Tourists from all over the country and the world have been flocking to the many tourist spots Sonny has developed over the years. He lauds Cebu Pacific for making travel accessible, with the airline’s numerous flights to Davao: 39 times weekly from Manila, four times weekly from Cagayan de Oro, 21 times weekly from Davao, and 7 times weekly from Iloilo.

“Travel is very important because it gives one a competitive edge. I have traveled all over Asia, and I am amazed with other countries’ commitment to take care of their natural resources. This is why my advocacy is to continue making people aware of the wonders of nature,” says Sonny.

Together with Cebu Pacific, he continues to drive the popularity of Davao as the eco-adventure capital of the Philippines, with eager determination—a noble resolve only the wonders of Davao can inspire.

Yuppies freeze their busy day with Jollibee’s Choco Crumble Sundae



Nothing melts away the worries and stress of a hectic day than a truly indulgent dessert. Encouraging office workers to slow down and enjoy every moment of their break time, Jollibee toured offices in the metro to bring the newest Jollibee Sundae variant, the Choco Crumble Sundae, to them for free.

Employees of top business districts flocked to Jollibee’s Choco Crumble Station that was set up at the Bonifacio Technology Center in Taguig, The Enterprise Center in Makati, and The Cybermall in Eastwood, Quezon City. With the cool, rich and loaded dessert, employees were able to freeze their busy day and enjoyed a delicious, relaxing moment.

Busy office bees freeze their hectic schedule

Busy workers patiently fell in line with their office colleagues to indulge in a momentary burst of satisfaction. And the star of the break time, Jollibee Choco Crumble Sundae, did not disappoint as it provided sweet indulgence that slowed down even the most frenzied schedule.

Real estate finance manager Cathy Bachoco spends her normal work days juggling reports and deadlines. When her responsibilities tend to be overwhelming, she relaxes through yoga and deep breathing techniques. Enjoying her favorite desserts also helps her slow down and refresh her mind.

“I am a fan of sundaes! That is why I am so happy to enjoy the new Jollibee Choco Crumble Sundae this hectic day. It’s delicious. I love its creamy consistency. Nakaka-relieve ng stress,” she says.

For Joelee Tarun, a special investigator of a government institution, listening to music, praying and eating are her stress-busters. When asked about her experience with his first spoonful of Jollibee Choco Crumble Sundae, she says, “The concoction is just perfect, it is not too sweet and the peanut butter syrup makes it so deliciously distinct.”

Edward Villona, a mechanical engineer at an IT company, can’t even stand from his work desk when tasks come from all directions.

“When responsibilities at work get crazy, all I can do is have a little chat with my officemates and take on the pleasure of food to somehow relieve the pressure. I actually love Jollibee cold desserts and beverages, especially the delicious and refreshing goodness of Swirly Bitz and Watermelon Sprite Float. Now, after tasting the Choco Crumble Sundae, I am definitely adding this to my list of de-stressing comfort food.”

Busy urbanites now have a new cool delicious treat to indulge in every time they need to take a rewarding break from their worries and responsibilities, thanks to the new Jollibee Choco Crumble Sundae. Available in all Jollibee outlets for only P36, the Choco Crumble Sundae offers rich and loaded satisfaction with five toppings: delectable coffee syrup, yummy peanut butter syrup, luscious brownies, crushed cookies and peanuts on top of creamy vanilla soft serve all in one delightful cup.

And with other luscious flavors like the Rocky Road Brownie Sundae and Chocolate Sundae, Jollibee gives busy people more reasons to look forward to that much deserved break anytime, any day.

4.12.2011

Rhett Eala and Jollibee: A taste of Pinoy pride




This summer, two proudly Filipino icons come together for a hip and cool display of nationalism. With its successful "I am Young, I am Pinoy, I YUM" campaign for teens, Jollibee teams up with designer Rhett Eala for two limited-edition YUM shirts bearing this now-famous slogan.

Eala is best known for putting Pinoy pride on the fashion limelight by emblazoning the Philippine map on a t-shirt, sparking a hot trend and dozens of copycats. "Perhaps you can say that (my designs) made it more accessible to more Filipinos, pushing it to the mainstream," Eala modestly declares. He also attributes the success of his design to this generation of teens and their growing pride for the country.

"Whenever a trend starts, it's because of the youth. Our youth have become more nationalistic, they have more pride in their country and heritage, and they wanted to show it," he says. And with Jollibee's YUM campaign celebrating the creativity of the youth and their proudly Pinoy attitude, the tie-up with Rhett made perfect sense. "Jollibee asked me to create a young, fresh design. They wanted (to make) their statement on a shirt." And that statement is proudly Pinoy.

The limited-edition Yum t-shirts interpret the Philippine map based on current street fashion trends -- digital art-inspired and rendered in pixels, or quirky and hand-drawn. Each shirt is priced at an affordable P199, for every purchase of any Jollibee burger value meal.

Eala is pleased to work with Jollibee on their latest campaign, noting the brand's affinity with the youth: “With their projects for today’s young generation, Jollibee becomes an even stronger influence on pushing Pinoy excellence to greater heights. It’s something I strongly believe in and I’m very honored to help their campaign in this way,” he adds.

Get the limited-edition YUM t-shirts in selected Jollibee branches nationwide until April 24 or until supplies last.

4.06.2011

Knorr Cubes proven meatiest in challenge, donates cash prize to feeding program



From tinola to sotanghon and nilaga, Filipino cuisine is full of delicious soup recipes. Homemakers who wish to satisfy their families’ palate with such favorites know to look for ingredients that will give their cooking the meatiest flavor—the foundation of any great-tasting soup. Their search ends with Unilever’s Knorr Chicken Cubes, which has been proven to be the meatiest cooking aid in the P1 Million Sabaw Challenge.


Knorr Cubes, with endorser Chef Tristan Encarnacion, challenged Filipino consumers to present a seasoning granule with more meat content than Knorr Chicken Cubes. If a consumer finds a seasoning granule meatier than Knorr Chicken Cubes, he or she can get a prize of P1 million. Should there be no product proven to be meatier, the P1 million prize will be donated to fund a feeding program to help improve the nutritional level of Filipino kids.


The challenge tapped an independent third party testing firm in Germany, Eurofins Analytik Gmbh, and worked in accordance with an FDA-approved testing protocol for meat content analysis to ensure credibility. Despite the entries submitted, Knorr Chicken Cubes still confirmed its meaty superiority, with meat content proven to be at least five times more than other local brands.


“When it comes to making great soups, no other brand beats Knorr Cubes! It contains five times more meaty goodness than all the other seasoning granules in the local market. For me, soup is not a good enough soup without the very meaty taste of Knorr Cubes,” says Chef Tristan.


Meaty million

Since no one won the challenge prize, Knorr Cubes donated P1 million to Kabisig ng Kalahi – a non-government organization that does community-based feeding programs in selected depressed communities in the Philippines.


This will help address hunger and malnutrition, which continue to be national pandemics affecting thousands of school-age Filipino children. One province at a time, Knorr is making a dent in reducing the national malnutrition level among school children through its Makulay ang Buhay ng Batang Pinoy (MBBP) feeding program. Knorr has partnered with Kabisig to operationalize this feeding program, and the P1 million donation will provide hundreds of children with nutritious meals. The program also trains parents to prepare healthy, affordable meals for their families. To date, the MBBP feeding program has already nourished more than 20,000 malnourished Filipino children.


“Our commitment to good food goes beyond providing excellent cooking aids,” says Bajeng Cruz, Knorr Brand Manager. “We believe that good food matters and the Sabaw Challenge gave us an opportunity to live out that commitment by offering undernourished kids and their families the value of quality and healthful cooking. We can only be very happy and proud to be of help in this way.”


With the result of Knorr Cubes’ P1 Million Sabaw Challenge, homemakers can be certain that they can make meal times more delicious, meatier and more substantial every time they put Knorr Cubes in their soups.


To meat up your menu, grab Knorr Cubes at your nearest sari-sari stores, supermarkets and groceries nationwide.

An invitation to exclusivity at Asia’s First Superyacht Show in Singapore

The sight of 9 spectacular superyachts will attract boat-lovers and curious folks next month when Singapore launches Asia’s first Superyacht Show with a splash. From April 8 to 10, the Lion City will play host to some of the world’s most luxurious and powerful sailing and motor fleet at the exclusive ONE°15 Marina Club in Sentosa Cove.

The Singapore Yacht Show promises to bring together an international visitor audience of Asia’s ultra high-net worth individuals and all the major players of the region’s luxury yachting industry. The stage is thus set for regional exhibitors as well as some key international players keen to find a new market in the newly-affluent East, to showcase their latest products to a burgeoning Asian market, hungry for top-end luxury products. Additionally, the event will create the ideal environment for industry leaders to network and share best practices with new partners from around Asia. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Ms. Sherina Chan, STB’s Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei says, “The superyacht culture in Asia is set to grow with the rapid increase of Asian millionaires as individuals are beginning to see yachting as an extension of their luxury lifestyle and a good platform for entertaining clients and friends. We hope this event will led to dynamic and influential business exchanges and attract more yachts to call into the region and entrench Singapore as the regional hub for luxury yachting.”


According to the Superyacht Singapore Association, 81 superyachts visited Singapore last year which was up from 59 in 2009. There are 13 yachts currently berthed in Singapore.


On why Informa Yacht Group is bringing the show to Singapore, Managing Director, Andy Treadwell, said, “We are convinced that the market for superyachts in Asia could develop considerably over the next few years, and we want to play our part in driving that development. Singapore is a highly strategic and influential business centre in the very heart of Asia, providing a perfect venue for the show and a first-class hub for the future of the large-yacht industry in this region.”


The invitation-only event will also play host to some exclusive entertainment with a gala dinner, various cocktail receptions, a golf tournament and many other social events. Interested participants may get their invitation cards to the exclusive yachting event at the Singapore Tourism Board- Philippines office. Contact Ms. Marie Aiza Soller at (632) 8134969 or email at marie_aiza_soller@stb.gov.sg on how to claim the invitation. There are only 50 invites available to be claimed on a first come, serve basis.


To receive further information on the show, the exhibitors or sponsors, please visit www.singaporeyachtshow.com or contact the organizer on info@singaporeyachtshow.com.


www.singaporeyachtshow.com

Yahoo! has your invitation to the Royal Wedding



Yahoo!’s royal wedding site features a live stream of the event, a visitor guestbook, and marital advice from celebrities

SINGAPORE, April 5, 2011 -- With the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton less than a month away, people’s interest in the big event is growing exponentially – searches worldwide on Yahoo! for the royal wedding have increased 8 million percent since the announcement of the royal engagement and 1,523 percent just in the last month. To satisfy the millions of Web users all over the world who are hungry for royal wedding details, Yahoo! has launched its royal wedding website, http:// royalwedding.yahoo.com and http://uk.royalwedding.yahoo.com in the United Kingdom.

As the premier digital media company, Yahoo! brings together the best of the Web to celebrate the royal couple. The site features articles, photo galleries, videos, and more. A digital guestbook has been created in Prince William and Kate’s honor so well-wishers worldwide can offer their advice to the couple. Several celebrities have already added their advice and wishes to the Royal Wedding Yahoo! Guestbook, and more will contribute in the future.

Yahoo!’s royal wedding website will be an extension of Shine From Yahoo! (http://shine.yahoo.com), the leading website for women’s lifestyle content, and demonstrates Yahoo!’s position as the premier Web destination for landmark global events. Features of the Yahoo! Royal Wedding website include:

• Guestbook: The Royal Wedding Yahoo! Guestbook gives people a place to offer their marital advice and best wishes to Prince William and Kate Middleton, then share those wishes with users’ social networks. See the celebrities who have left messages for the couple: http://royalguestbook.yahoo.com/videos
• Photo galleries: View photos of the couple’s courtship, Kate Middleton as a child, and much more.
• Articles and blogs: The latest news on the royal wedding, plus articles on the wedding trends, fashion, the royal wedding's participants and guests, and more.
• Wedding live stream: Watch the royal wedding live by visiting http:// royalwedding.yahoo.com on April 29.
• Video: Yahoo! will feature video from Associated Press, Reuters, and ABC News, along with original video content including a joint ABC News/Yahoo! News Web show called “Wedding Royale.” ABC News will also provide weekly flashback videos of the
royal family. During the week of the wedding, Yahoo! will have a crew on the ground in London producing stories on topics people are most interested in.
• Mobile site: Yahoo! allows you to get your royal wedding fix anytime, anywhere, by visiting http://m.royalwedding.yahoo.com from your mobile phone.
• A chance to enter the “Live It Up Like Royalty” sweepstakes: By signing the Royal Wedding Yahoo! Guestbook or by “liking” Shine from Yahoo! on Facebook, users will automatically be entered to win a trip to Las Vegas to be treated like a king or queen. Contest rules: http://royalguestbook.yahoo.com/sweepstakes
• Localized Yahoo! Royal Wedding sites available in nine countries outside of the United States: Canada (http://ca.royalwedding.yahoo.com), Brazil (http://br.royalwedding.yahoo.com), Argentina (http://ar.royalwedding.yahoo.com),
Mexico (http://mx.royalwedding.yahoo.com), United Kingdom (http://uk.royalwedding.yahoo.com), France (http://fr.royalwedding.yahoo.com) and several other countries in Europe. The Spanish language site is available at: http://espanol.royalwedding.yahoo.com.

Additionally, Flickr by Yahoo!, one of the world’s best places to post and share photos, features The Official British Monarchy Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/britishmonarchy/tags/rw2011/

For media covering the royal wedding, Yahoo! can be a great resource. Yahoo! will have the following experts and information available to media:
• Jennifer Romolini, editor in chief of Shine From Yahoo! and royal wedding trends expert, available for interviews in New York City or via phone and Skype.
• Jennie Bond, a British journalist who has worked for 14 years as the BBC's royal correspondent, travelled extensively with the royal family, and has reported on many events related to the British royal family. Jennie will be available to U.S. and UK media via telephone and Skype.
• Global and local data, trends, and marital advice from the Royal Wedding Yahoo! Guestbook, including celebrities’ advice and best wishes.
• Global and local search data trends from Yahoo! that determine the topics and wedding details that have people most riveted.
• Data on the top-viewed royal wedding images, articles, and more.

Visit Yahoo!’s Royal Wedding website: http://royalwedding.yahoo.com
Visit Shine From Yahoo!: http://shine.yahoo.com
Follow Yahoo!’s royal wedding coverage on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yahooshine
Follow Yahoo!’s royal wedding coverage on Twitter: http://twitter.com/yahooshine

4.03.2011

LRI Design Plaza 7th Anniversary Artist Series Spotlights National Artist Bobby Mañosa



LRI Design Plaza, the urban design hub, celebrates seven years of avant-garde art and design with its 7th Anniversary Artist Series. Putting the spotlight on famed Filipino architect and National Artist Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, LRI will showcase the fusion of indigenous and urban art through his exhibit, Beyond the Bahay-Kubo. The exhibit will run from April 7 to 16, 2011, and is open to the public.

“We at Mañosa & Co. aim to preserve the unique character of indigenous art through the exhibit,” Mañosa shared. “When Ferdinand Magellan came to the Philippines, he saw first-hand the Bahay-Kubo. Today, nearly 500 years after, drive one kilometer away from the city and you will see the very same home design. Why? Because the design works—for our climate, environment, culture—it is a house with no formal architect, and yet it is designed with a deep understanding of our living condition. That and more is what one will see at Beyond the Bahay-Kubo.”



Expect to see the best of Mañosa’s works, which highlight his design philosophy of Contemporary Filipino Architecture and Interior Design. Known for bringing Philippine architecture to greater heights, Mañosa pioneered and advocated the
use of native materials like bamboo and nipa for contemporary designs. In the last 35 years, Mañosa & Co. have modernized the bahay kubo by infusing today’s design strategies, materials and technology and yet, have retained its
distinctive design elements. Mañosa adds “I’ve been ‘Designing Filipino’ because interpreting Filipino in design is beautiful and can stand at par with other world-class designs.” His remarkable list of work spans beautiful homes and resorts, institutional buildings and landmarks, which have been well-received by discriminating urban dwellers and the government, earning him
the coveted title of National Artist in 2009.


The exhibit will have model houses of his extraordinary projects, a confluence of the old and new featuring homes from Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao, Lantana Lane and Scallabrin. Past works comprising of institutional buildings and landmarks like the EDSA Shrine, Medical City Building and Corregidor Island will also be featured. Expect to see photos of resorts and other iconic places, as well such as world-class Amanpulo in Palawan, Pearl Farm Resort in Davao, Mactan Shangri-la and even the Philippine Pavilions in Seville, Spain and Lisbon, Germany.“Our vision as an organization is to instill national pride by showcasing the Mañosa Brand to the World,” said Bobby Mañosa. “I want to show the best of Filipino architecture. Through this exhibit, we want every Filipino to experience our works and be able to say, ‘that is truly Filipino and that is magnificent!’”

Visit Mañosa’s exhibition and learn all about his outstanding infrastructures and many other projects. Art and design enthusiasts are invited to visit and be part of LRI Design Plaza’s 7th anniversary celebration. The LRI Design Plaza 7th Anniversary Artist Series will feature the best of urban art through a series of exhibitions, workshops and other special events in March and April. Located at the heart of Reposo, LRI has gained a loyal following among design enthusiasts and art aficionados. Apart from premier furniture stores, there are also artists’ spaces and specialty design stores.

For unique artwork, exquisite furnishings and other statement home pieces, visit LRI Design Plaza at 210 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City. For more details, please call 895-1772; 895-5470 or (0922) 857-2559.

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