Greenwich Opens first casual store in Trinoma

The Philippines’ favorite pizza chain Greenwich continues to be on the pulse of what’s in as it opens its newest fast-casual store in Trinoma. Located at the second floor of the popular mall’s Al Fresco area, the new store boasts of an even cozier ambience and a refreshing look, giving those in the north of the metro a great place for a fun barkada experience.



“Greenwich’s fast-casual store concept is about a great place that offers delicious pizza and pasta that are great for bonding with friends. And as part of our commitment to keep giving our barkada customers a leveled up dining experience, we are launching our new and leveled up fast-casual stores starting with Trinoma. This new store has all-new murals, more booth seats, even posh couches and chairs. Being the most innovative pizza brand, we not only pioneer unique pizza variants. We also always make it a point that friends enjoy our delicious products at our new fast-casual stores” says Greenwich marketing director Luis Velasco III.


The new branch in Trinoma, with its contemporary design, offers a very relaxing ambience. From the outside, the façade lures one in with its laid-back look. Inside, subdued lighting and plush red seats make it easy to spend hours chatting with friends and enjoying good food. Colorful photo panels and murals also adorn the walls and the order counter has a more streamlined look. Overall, the comfortably hip interiors, together with Greenwich’s unbeatable menu and warm service, easily make Greenwich Trinoma store a top option for friends looking for an awesome place to hang out in the north. Even heartthrob John Lloyd Cruz (along with the rest of the Greenwich barkada) and DJ Gelli Victor had a great time at the store when they visited it during its recent opening.



“The Greenwich branch in Trinoma is the new favorite hangout of barkadas in the north part of Metro Manila, even those who don’t live nearby come here to actually experience the place,” adds Velasco.


Greenwich’s fast-casual store concept was an innovation that began in 2007. The company’s first fast-casual branch on Ayala Ave., Makati proved to be a hit with the young crowd, prompting the development of more fast-casual stores. Diners can only expect bigger and more exciting things from Greenwich in the coming months.

Win a Shopping Spree from the Regatta Getaways Photo Contest

What was the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Start browsing through your photo gallery because your vacation photos might help you win awesome prizes from one of the Philippines’ top clothing brands.

The country's most fashionable leisure wear clothing brand is holding a photo contest called Regatta Getaways and everyone is invited to send their best photos from their holiday getaway to regatta.getaways@gmail.com.


Only emailed photos are eligible for the contest, so you should email your submissions instead of uploading them on Facebook.

Include your full name and your Facebook account name, home address, email, and contact number with your submission. Each person may submit up to three entries, and each photo must have a title and a caption of 100 - words or less about what made your vacation memorable. You have to be part of the photo you are going to submit.

Make sure you have the most creative caption and photo for a chance to win Regatta gift certificates worth P 10,000, P 7,000, and P 3,000!

Your photos will be posted on the Regatta Fan Page on Facebook, and you have to be a fan of the Regatta page on Facebook in order to join the contest. Only your name, the title of your photo, and the caption will appear in the post with your photo submission. The top 3 entries with the most number of ŒLIKE¹s will win, so be sure to pick the most creative photo from your holiday! Whether it¹s a photo of a fun summer at a beach with your friends or a photo of yourself exploring the cultural attractions of other countries, send it to us and you might win a shopping spree at Regatta!

And there¹s more: voters also get a chance to win prizes! Those who voted for the winning entries will be eligible to join the raffle for Regatta gift certificates worth P 2,000.


Any Filipino resident can join the contest, and it doesn¹t matter what kind of camera you have. Whether it¹s a point and shoot or a DSLR, as long as it¹s a fantastic photo of your vacation, you have a chance to win!


The Regatta Getaways Photo Contest is open until December 31, 2010. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please refer to the Regatta Facebook Fan Page.

Enjoy delicious pasta recipes this holiday season

Christmas is fast approaching, and so are the festive holiday gatherings and Yuletide celebrations where mouthwatering dishes abound. And as the holiday rush kicks in, so does the need to whip up delicious but easy-to-prepare menus for the many expected get-togethers. Fortunately, there’s EL REAL Spaghetti and Macaroni.

With two new additions to its pasta offerings, EL REAL Pasta adds a lot of excitement to the holiday dining table. The EL REAL Flat Spaghetti and the EL REAL Curly Macaroni put a twist to the usual pasta recipes. The flat and the curly noodles will be able to retain the delicious flavor of your favorite pasta sauce. They are also very affordable and convenient to cook. The FLAT Spaghetti takes only six minutes to cook while the CURLY Macaroni cooks for five minutes only. EL REAL is first in the market to offer these quick-cook pastas in FLAT Spaghetti and Curly Macaroni. From appetizer and main course to dessert, these two new variants are perfect for a dynamic range of dishes, making it easier to satisfy cravings. Make the most of EL REAL Pasta perfection with the following sumptuous recipes that are easy and affordable to prepare.

Crazy over Classic Carbonara

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup onions, minced
1/4 cup sweet ham, chopped
1/4 cup bacon, chopped
1/4 cup carrots, chopped
1/4 cup green peas
1/4 cup corn kernels
3 cups EL REAL Flat Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
1/4 cup all-purpose cream
4 egg yolks
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
Saute onions over low fire for five minutes, then add sweet ham, bacon, carrots, green peas and corn kernels. Cook for five minutes and toss in cooked EL REAL Flat Noodles. In a bowl, combine all-purpose cream and egg yolks. While the pasta is still hot, toss in the cream and egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper as desired, and serve.

Delightful Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 cup canned tuna in brine, drained
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1/4 cup onions, minced
1/4 cup carrots, minced
1/4 cup bell peppers, minced
3 cups EL REAL Curly Macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
In a bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, oyster sauce, onions, carrots and bell pepper to make a dressing. Toss in cooked EL REAL Curly Macaroni, coating the pasta evenly with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper, then chill in the ref before serving.

Discover 7,107 islands through fun and memorable budget trips

Filipinos love traveling, especially now that top budget airline Cebu Pacific Air has made travel destinations accessible and more practical to visit. Joining Cebu Pacific in promoting travel and tourism are innovative individuals who simply love to plan creative budget trips and create itineraries perfect for group travel.


Team Urban Break founder Ian Martinez and WOW Trippers organizer Janine Manaig are just two avid wanderers. They turned their passion for trooping to beautiful local destinations all over the country and enjoying a great time with friends into something even more worthwhile.


An industrial designer by profession, 29-year-old Ian started organizing trips for fun: “I wanted to help my stressed out friends unwind by doing something that’s affordable, exciting and uncommon even just for the weekend.”


In 2008, he started planning out-of-town trips for friends who wanted to learn how to surf. Luckily, most of them found the trips fun and relaxing, and in no time Ian organized more trips to different locations as he formed Team Urban Break (teamurbanbreak.multiply.com).

Janine, who’s into backpacking, trekking and mountaineering, started organizing trip with her adventurous barkada in 2007. WOW Trippers (wowtrippers.com), as Janine’s group is called, decided to start focusing on unknown but must-see destinations in Luzon. Eventually, their leisure trips expanded to other beautiful but remote destinations.

The initial tasks for both Ian and Janine were at first daunting, but the passionate travelers carried on.

“As travel organizers, we first do an ocular of the place we plan to visit before we invite participants to join our travel program,” explains Janine. “The challenge is that we have to travel with different types of people and make the whole experience work for everyone. There are also weather and time constraints to worry about.” As for Ian, implementing his fixed itinerary for a big group is the hardest part, but is the most rewarding, too. “Usually, I bring a staff member along with me or I assign someone from the group to be my main contact person. The best part of organizing group trips is meeting new people. Nothing beats the fun of sharing experiences,” he explains. “It’s one of the best ways to forget about work and to simply relax.”

For Janine, it was simply rewarding to help interested Pinoys travel while keeping their tight budget in check. “Most Filipinos nowadays find it hard to travel because of budget constraints. We want to tell them that traveling doesn’t need to be expensive for it to be fun. By going out in groups and planning in advance, we lessen expected travel expenses.”


Traveling on a budget has truly become a possibility for most adventurous Pinoys nowadays, be it the beaches of Cebu or the sugarland province of Negros Occidental. Making it even easier for trip organizers like Ian and Janine is CEB’s trademark low fares as low as P499 for domestic and P1,499 for international travel, available through www.cebupacificair.com.


Both Ian and Janine both agree that the local travel industry has boomed these past few years, thanks to every Juan’s insatiable curiosity for travel along withthe pioneering efforts of Cebu Pacific. Filipinos should definitely watch out for

more adventures with 7,107 islands to discover and explore which are easily made

accessible by creative trip organizers and low airfares.

Enjoy the holiday rush with a twist

The holidays are just around the corner and as part of the Yuletide tradition, the season comes with people’s heightened passion for shopping. As the streets start to light up with festive decorations, so do the eyes of shoppers as they set their sights on bargains galore. To help them keep up with the Christmas rush, URC Coffee Twist shares these energizing tips.

Shop early, eat breakfast. Go to the shopping center as soon as it opens and get first dibs on all the amazing offerings. But before braving the bargain jungle, make sure that you are well-geared up by eating a healthy breakfast to keep you fueled throughout the shopping day. Smell a tree or something citrus. This helps to reinvigorate you so you can complete that Christmas list.

Take a moment to take deep breaths. Inhaling and exhaling longer increases the oxygen levels in our bloodstream, relaxing the body. This helps you to focus more, especially when you’re overwhelmed with all the wonderful Christmas deals and displays. Rest to relax. When your feet are already sore from too much mall-roaming, sit on the nearest chair and let your muscles rest and relax a bit. After a few minutes, you’ll be ready for more shopping.

Do the twist. Spread your arms wide. Exhale and turn your upper body to the right and inhale to go back to the center. Repeat this on the left side. This simple stretch will help tired back muscles—sore from supporting armfuls of purchases—feel better. Drink the twist. Giving shoppers an energized shopping experience is the delicious instant booster, Coffee Twist. It’s a refreshing ready-to-drink iced-coffee that offers drinkers a rejuvenated feeling with its delicious aroma and full-bodied coffee taste.

Coffee Twist comes in Classic, Hazelnut and Orange flavors. The Classic flavor is for those who want their coffee sweet and black with a twist, the Hazelnut flavor is for those who love their coffee sweet and nutty, and the Orange flavor is for those who want their coffee a little tangy in taste. Invigorating, convenient and affordable, it comes in 230ml sip-and-seal bottles for just P9. So complete your Christmas adventures with Coffee Twist for that amazing shopping experience with a twist. Available in leading supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations nationwide.

Perfect potluck recipes for the holidays, only from Hunts Tomato Sauce with LycoFiber

The holiday season is here again, giving us another delicious excuse to indulge and delight in the most mouthwatering dishes. Moms and cooks who wish to serve only the best fare are once more on the lookout for great-tasting Yuletide meals. With Hunt’s Tomato Sauce with Lycofiber, they can easily feel like a chef as they prepare special dishes meant for sharing with family and friends. Because it offers the combined benefits of lycopene and fiber, Hunts Tomato Sauce with Lycofiber makes it ultra convenient and cost-friendly for moms to prepare healthier, tastier dishes that will never lose their Christmas appeal.




Christmas Cottage Beef Stew

Ingredient:

For mashed potato topping:

3 pieces potatoes
2 ¼ cups milk
1 cup butter
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons basil, chopped

For glazing:

1 piece egg yolk mixed with
2 tablespoon milk


Beef Stew

500 grams beef, pre-softened and sliced into cubes
¼ cup onion, diced
¼ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon oregano
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup carrots, diced
2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
1 1-kilogram pack Hunts Tomato Sauce with LycoFiber
1 piece leek
1 cup beef stock
1/2 teaspoon liquid seasoning


Procedure

For the mashed potato: Boil the potatoes and add the rest of the ingredients when the potatoes are cooked and tender. Mash and mix well. For the stew: Sauté beef in onions until the beef is brown in color. Add the rest of the ingredients including Hunts Tomato Sauce with Lycofiber. Transfer stew in a casserole then cover with mashed potato and brush with egg yolk and milk mixture. Bake in a toaster oven over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until mash potato turns brown. This makes 10 to 12 servings and approximately costs P375.00.



Merry Sweet Chili Garlic Mussels

Ingredients

1 kilo mussels, boiled in water
1/4 cup butter
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 piece onion, chopped
1 teaspoons ginger, finely chopped
1-2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons rice wine or brandy (optional)
1 200g pack Hunts Tomato Sauce with LycoFiber

Procedure

Boil mussels in salted water until they open. When cooked, strain and set aside. In a wok, heat butter and sauté garlic until brown. Add onions, ginger, and half the cilantro. Pour in oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, sugar, rice wine, and Hunts Tomato Sauce with LycoFiber. Let it simmer until sauce becomes slightly thick. Toss in mussels and the remaining cilantro. This makes 7 to 9 servings and approximately costs P130.00.


With these recipes from Hunt's Tomato Sauce with Lycofiber, moms can easily and economically whip up healthy, heartwarming dishes to surprise the whole family and make the Christmas season extraordinarily and excitingly delicious. For more recipes this Christmas season, visit www.yummyhunts.com.

Unilab Nutritionals introduces Athena, the Philippines’ first milk brand for women

Athena helps women fight their every day battles with a triad of health and beauty benefits – a first of its kind in the milk category

Unilab Nutritionals launched Athena, the country’s first and only milk brand that understands women. The event, held last November 26, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom of the New World Renaissance Hotel, introduced Athena’s triad of benefits, a first in the Philippines, and its endorser, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde.

“Beautrition” for the modern-day Filipina

Today’s Filipino woman is a multi-tasker who faces professional and personal
challenges every day.

Athena is the only milk that understands modern-day Filipino women and helps them win their daily battles. Athena promises more benefits than any other skimmed milk brand in the Philippines by offering Beautrition – a combination of beauty and nutrition that gives women a triad of benefits to help them win their everyday battles:

• Beautiful Skin. Athena provides anti-oxidants (Vitamin A, E & Zinc) to help women’s skin become healthier and more beautiful.
• Strong Bones. Athena is high in calcium to help strengthen women’s bones.
• Slim Figure. Athena is low in fat to help women maintain a slimmer figure.

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde is the Athena Woman

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde was introduced as Athena’s endorser for the way she has been able to successfully manage the different aspects of her life. Amid her various roles as model, TV host, entrepreneur, environmentalist and philanthropist, she still has time to be hands-on mother to two children and a caring wife to Juan Elizalde.

Bianca’s believes that Athena is the milk that perfectly complements her lifestyle. “The Beautrition benefit from Athena is unlike any other. I love it! Athena helps me get through my everyday challenges,” she said.

Three Women, Three Benefits

Event-host Bianca Valero also introduced three brand influencers that represent, through the active lives they lead, Athena’s triad of benefits: Lia Cruz who embodied strength through her career as a TV host, Sandra Seifert who embodied body as an
active health buff, and Rissa Mananquil who embodied beauty through her successful international modeling career and fashion icon status.

Each shared about how they were able to successfully manage their busy schedules while still finding time to do the things they love to do.

“Women were looking for a milk product that provides not only health benefits but beauty benefits as well,” said Unilab Nutritionals Division Head, Brenda Miranda. “Athena with Beautrition answers that need and we’re proud to have launched the first and only milk in the Philippines that truly understands women.”

Athena is available in leading supermarkets, groceries and drugstores nationwide.

ZoukOut 10th year celebration heats up Singapore nightlife

Singapore transforms into a dazzling playground this Christmas season with an enviable list of festivities and lifestyle attractions. With its recent series of dazzling developments, Filipinos can now add to their Singapore experience trips to Resorts World Sentosa and the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

But this year, Singapore’s annual end-of- the- year festivities is going to get bigger, badder, and better with the 10th year anniversary of the world-renowned ZoukOut party, the ultimate outdoor dance music festival that will set heartbeats ablaze with a stellar music line-up.

“ZoukOut has become a cornerstone of trailblazing entertainment that music lovers from around the region look forward to each year,” says Lynelle Seow, Singapore Tourism Board-Philippines Area Director. “With its 10th year anniversary, party-lovers who plan to go to ZoukOut this year can expect an unforgettable nightlife experience that’s true to Singapore’s status as the events and entertainment capital of Asia.”



This year, ZoukOut is going to mark its 10th year milestone by celebrating One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance with a phenomenal line-up and remarkable surprises from 8pm to 8am on December 11 at Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island. The region’s biggest outdoor party will feature an impressive DJ line-up that includes two headliners: multiplatinum-selling artist and most sought-after producer David Guetta and musical titan Tiёsto. This year’s DJs are a fitting addition to the league of legendary music masters who have been part of ZoukOut, including last year’s Armin van Buuren, Sasha, Tiga, Nouvelle Vague, and Carl Cox.

ZoukOut 2010 also features other top DJs like Booka Shade, Laidback Luke, Dubfire, Dennis Ferrer, and amazing debut acts like Afrojack, Seth Troxler, Midnight Juggernauts, DJ Cash Money, and Lindstrøm. Within its three music arenas, ZoukOut 2010 will also dish out a wide range of music offerings from the usual house, techno, trance, hip-hop, electro, and mambo jambo, with the addition of music genres like disco, boogie, and To give Filipinos a taste of what’s to come, party-goers were treated to the thrills and excitement of this year’s most eagerly anticipated outdoor music fest with official pre-ZoukOut parties in the country’s top clubs.

Singapore’s own DJ Ivan a.k.a Eclipse of Zouk Singapore’s hip-hop room phuture and DJ B of Zouk Singapore’s house music main room gave Cebu a roaring night to remember at the Penthouse last November 19 and 20. Techno prodigy DJ Ghetto also set the legendary party mood in Manila with an amazing pre-ZoukOut bash at the metro’s hippest club, Republiq, last November 24.



“Since 2000, ZoukOut has grown to become a world-class clubbing institution reaching out to over 200,000 attendees from 30 different nations. This year, ZoukOut will take the exciting club culture to a new level with unforgettable party experiences for visitors who will be part of the region’s biggest outdoor music fest,” adds Truly a fitting way to mark ten pivotal years of amazing music, this year’s ZoukOut will celebrate music and offer another best-in-class experience to an even larger audience of dance, music and party lovers.

To get tickets, go to www.sistic.com.sg. Tickets are also available through phone bookings. Call Zouk Club Singapore hotline +65 6738 2988 or fax + 65 6738 3988 (Office hours: Tues – Sat 10am – 2am). All major credit cards are accepted. Visit www.YourSingapore.com or www.zoukout.com, for more details.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore’s key service sectors – tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the “Your Singapore” brand. For moreinformation, please visit www.YourSingapore.com.

Go Minerals at The Spa

The upgrade experience is now possible for those who prefer a truly natural pampering treatment with The Spa’s Go Minerals Service. Both advocating health and wellness of being, The Spa and Mineral Flowers have teamed up to offer spa treatments that can be upgraded to use Mineral Flowers products.

Mineral Flowers is an all-natural skin care line from Israel. All variants are specially formulated with a unique blend of 26 rich minerals from the Dead Sea that are processed by osmosis to draw moisture from the external to the inner layers of the skin. Blended with the minerals are flower extracts that cater to various skin types: Camomile for sensitive and very dry skin, Rose and Geranium for normal and mixed skin, and Almond Blossom for dry skin. It is 100% paraben-free.

The Spa offers a wide array of services--massage therapies, facial, foot and body care treatments. Due to people's demands, The Spa has collaborated with Mineral Flowers to cater to the needs of health-conscious customers who prefer all-natural skin products.

The Spa treatments that can be upgraded with additional cost, depending on the service provided include: Aromatherapy Massage, which helps repair the skin, will use Mineral Flowers massage oils if upgraded for an additional P300; Body Polish, which hydrates and moisturizes the body, will have an additional charge P150 for the Mineral Flowers Body Butter that will be used; Nail care will be upgraded to experience the Mineral Flowers Massage Milk (for feet) and Hand Cream (for hands) +P90 for manicure, +P70 for pedicure or +P150 for manicure/pedicure. For the face, customers can avail of the Mineral Flowers Facial Treatment that cleanses firms and energizes the skin for PhP 750.

Go Minerals is currently available at all branches of The Spa. For those who desire to be pampered luxuriously with all-natural products, ask the attending personnel for the Go Minerals upgrade.

RIM to host BlackBerry Developer Conference in Asia on 13 - 14 January 2011

• First BlackBerry® DevCon in Asia
• Conference to take place in Bali, Indonesia
• Register to attend at www.blackberrydevcon.com/asia


29 November 2010, Singapore - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced its first developer conference in Asia. BlackBerry® DevCon Asia is scheduled to take place at the Bali International Convention Centre in Bali, Indonesia on 13th-14th January 2011. Attendees will have the opportunity to join over 40 keynote, breakout and hands-on sessions that will showcase how developers can best use a range of tools and services to create innovative and commercially successful apps on the BlackBerry® platform.

Confirmed keynote speakers include:
• Gregory Wade - Managing Director, Southeast Asia
• Tyler Lessard - Vice President, Global Alliances and Developer Relations
• Mike Kirkup - Director, Developer Relations
• Chris Smith - Senior Director, BlackBerry Developer Platform

Attendees will hear from a host of RIM technical experts as well as a variety of developers who are already successfully creating apps for BlackBerry® smartphones.

Gregory Wade, Managing Director of RIM, Southeast Asia commented: “There’s never been a better time for developers to create apps for the BlackBerry platform - not only is the user base thriving, but developers are being provided with a platform and tools that can foster truly powerful apps that customers will love. With the upcoming launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, DevCon Asia serves as a great opportunity for developers to learn more about how they can grow their businesses by building apps for the BlackBerry platform.”

Attendees at BlackBerry DevCon Asia will:
• Gain insight into developing apps for the new BlackBerry® PlayBook™ and learn about using the BlackBerry® Tablet OS SDK for Adobe® AIR® as well as Adobe® Flash® Builder
• See how new web-based tools such as BlackBerry® WebWorks™ can make it extremely easy to get started creating rich, value-added apps across the BlackBerry smartphone and tablet lines
• Find out about new commercial services such as the BlackBerry® Payment Service
• Get real world tips on how to market apps and best utilize BlackBerry App World™
• Get practical and technical information on the BlackBerry WebWorks platform, Java® development tools and BlackBerry PlayBook apps in person from RIM development experts

Tyler Lessard, Vice President of Global Alliances and Developer Relations added: “The range and momentum of BlackBerry developer initiatives has certainly grown around the world since our first developer conference in Silicon Valley two years ago. We are very pleased to be hosting the first pan-Asian BlackBerry DevCon and continuing to increase the amount of local information, tools and resources available for our developers in Asia.”

For more information and to register your attendance for BlackBerry DevCon Asia, please visit: www.blackberrydevcon.com/asia.

K-Swiss Running Club

Last March K-Swiss Philippines sent two lucky winners to the 2010 LA Marathon, gearing for yet another successful year K-Swiss is again on the lookout for representatives to fly and run the 2011 LA Marathon on March 20, 2011.

“We are happy to be sending 2 lucky runners to Los Angeles and join the LA Marathon; this time however we would want them to be prepared to finish the 42K run. Exactly the reason why we are launching the K-Swiss Running Club”, says Anton Gonzalez, President of Planet Sports, Inc.

The K-Swiss Running Club will be the platform for beginners and even advance runners to learn how to last a full marathon without losing a limb. Basic and advanced techniques will be shared depending on the participant’s level of exposure to running. There would be a total of 13 sessions starting December 06, 2010 and every Mondays thereafter at the University of Makati oval (UMAK) along JP Rizal Avenue near the running area of The Fort from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Those who are able to complete at least 10 sessions would be qualified to join in a raffle that will send him/her to Los Angeles, California to compete at the 2011 LA Marathon. The prize would include round trip tickets, hotel accommodations for 4 days and 3 nights, local transports and an entry to join the LA Marathon. There would also be freebies for non-winners and consolation prizes for the 2nd and 3rd winners.

Heading the club is the Athletic Program Director of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) Coach Peter Gonzalez. Peter has been coaching since 1999 and has attended and enrolled in seminars and courses from China to Australia. Peter is a much sought after personal coach of many elite tri-athletes that competes here and abroad. Aside from coaching, Peter has also represented the country in triathlon competitions around the world as he himself is an athlete.

What sets the K-Swiss Running Club apart from various running clinics is the grouping of participants depending on their level of exposure to running. It would also depend on what a participant would like to achieve in running, may it be simply for leisure and weight loss or to win competitions in eat-my-dust speeds.

Interested to join the club must drop by at K-Swiss Glorietta and Planet Sports stores (Glorietta, Rockwell, Alabang Town Center, Tri-noma and Virramall) to register. Add K-Swiss Philippines on Facebook or you may call +632 501-3780 from 11:00am to 10:00pm for more details.

Meaningful barkada travels with Cebu Pacific

Traveling together takes groups of friends out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s a beach vacation, a culinary tour, or a spur-of-the-moment trip, barkadas end up making new memories, having fun and growing even closer.


Fortunately, the enriching power of travel has become more accessible to barkadas on a budget, thanks to the country’s leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB). With its 33 domestic and 16 international destinations, CEB’s low fares give barkadas opportunities to travel more often to different locales.



Friends who love flying


26-year-old Kirsten Lopez, who is a merchandising executive, travels with the rest of her barkada to experience what they call the three Bs—breathtaking beaches, beer and beautiful memories. Her barkada is comprised of diverse individuals, but what links them is their passion for enjoyment, adventure, and living life to the fullest.

“There is only one thing we expect to happen when we travel—to be pleasantly surprised. Our trips are always filled with unexpected but amusing and good-humored events. And that’s what makes our experiences special,” says Kirsten.


The group makes it a point to travel at least once or twice a year. They have been to Davao, Boracay, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Coron, and Bacolod.


“Our trip to Davao is the one that brought our travel group together. We were about 18 who flew to Davao City at that time. We arrived there as strangers, and left the place as the best of companions,” she enthused.


They wish to visit the neighboring countries of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Singapore next.




Sporty adventurers


For 27-year old customer service representative Jay Orden, traveling quenches his and his barkada’s thirst for adventure.


“We have been to Boracay, Bacolod, Dipolog, Iligan, Manila, Cebu. Since our group forms a couple of teams, we love traveling together for Ultimate Frisbee tournaments. It’s great if we’ve never been there too, and we meet local players who end up touring us to the best places in their city,” he shares.


Living in Dumaguete, Jay and his friends’ first trip to join the Manila Spirits, an international Frisbee tournament in Manila, was one of their most unforgettable travel experiences together.


“Traveling lets us discover things about each other, and we’ve had memorable trips when we really bonded as friends and as a team. Going to different parts of the Philippines also gives us pride since we represent our hometown. We also get to meet new friends so it becomes a growing family all over the country,” Jay relates.


Kirsten and Jay, with the rest of their friends, are just two examples of how friends learn about and enjoy the world through traveling. And with carriers like Cebu Pacific empowering them to fulfill their travel dreams, they can continue to discover new places and more about one another.

RIM Launches the BlackBerry Torch Smartphone in the Philippines

Highly anticipated BlackBerry Torch, featuring BlackBerry 6, combines touch screen and easy-to-use keyboard plus rich new browsing experience

19 November 2010 – Manila, The Philippines – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today introduced the BlackBerry® Torch™ 9800 smartphone in The Philippines. The BlackBerry Torch is the world’s first smartphone to combine a BlackBerry® keyboard with a full touch screen experience and the first to include the new BlackBerry® 6 OS.

“The new BlackBerry Torch smartphone builds on the familiar and powerful capabilities of the BlackBerry platform to provide the features that are ideal for socially connected consumers while also providing the tools that business customers trust,” said Gregory Wade, Managing Director, Southeast Asia at RIM. “The new BlackBerry 6 operating system includes many new features that users will enjoy, including Universal Search, Social Feeds and a fast WebKit browser,” added Wade.

The new BlackBerry Torch features an exciting combination of a large touch screen, optical trackpad and backlit slide-out BlackBerry keyboard. It offers support for high- speed 3G (UMTS/HSDPA) networks around the world, includes the latest generation in Wi-Fi® (b/g/n) connectivity and features built-in GPS for location-based application and geo-tagging. Its 5 MP camera takes exceptional pictures with continuous auto focus, image stabilization, scene modes and zoom, and it also supports video recording. In addition, it comes with a combined 8 GB of media storage out-of-the-box and includes a microSD/SDHD memory card slot that can bring the total storage memory to 36 GB for customers who want more.

BlackBerry 6

The BlackBerry Torch is the first BlackBerry smartphone to launch with BlackBerry 6, a new operating system that retains the trusted features of the BlackBerry brand while delivering a rich experience that’s powerful and easy to use. It has a redesigned
interface and includes expanded messaging capabilities with intuitive features to simplify the management of social networking and RSS feeds (Social Feeds), and provides integrated access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), Facebook®, Twitter™, MySpace™ and various messaging applications available on the BlackBerry Torch smartphone. Its enhanced multimedia experience rivals the best in the industry and includes a dedicated YouTube app.

BlackBerry 6 integrates a new and rich WebKit-based browser that renders HTML web pages (as well as HTML email) quickly and beautifully for a great browsing experience. It features tabs for accessing multiple sites simultaneously, pinch to zoom for easy navigation and a zoom feature that can intelligently wrap text in a column while maintaining the placement of a page's key elements (simply double-tap on the BlackBerry Torch).

Pricing and Availability

The new BlackBerry Torch smartphone is expected to be available in The Philippines in late November 2010. Please check with your local carrier or authorized reseller for in-store dates and pricing.

Qatar Airways launches additional flights to Vietnam and Thailand

New Hanoi Route And Increased Flight Frequency To Ho Chi Minh, Phuket And Bangkok Provides Passengers More Travel Options

Qatar Airways continues to expand its operations in Asia with the launch of 14 new flights to Thailand and seven additional services to Vietnam, increasing the total number of flights to both markets from 18 to 39 a week effective November 1.

The significant capacity increase reflects the growing importance of the Asia Pacific market and Qatar Airways’ focus on targeting under-served routes to maximise connectivity between Europe and Asia via Doha as part of its global expansion strategy. It is the first and only Middle East carrier to fly to Vietnam and to Phuket in Thailand.

In Vietnam, the airline introduced its latest Hanoi-Doha service via Bangkok four times weekly and added three new flights to Ho Chi Minh City. Qatar Airways now operates 11 flights a week to Doha spread across Vietnam’s two largest cities, up from its previous four services a week to Ho Chi Minh City.

Qatar Airways is also celebrating 10 years of flying to Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok this year with the introduction of a new daily flight, taking capacity up from double to thrice-daily services. Four of the new Bangkok flights continue onto Hanoi and three onto Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers originating in Thailand or Vietnam can also purchase tickets to fly between Bangkok and both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Qatar Airways.

The airline’s Doha-Phuket service via Kuala Lumpur which began with six-flights-a-week on October 12 has also been stepped up to daily services since the beginning of November. Total number of flights between Qatar and Thailand now stands at 28 a week from the initial 14 services.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker who was on board the inaugural flight into Hanoi on November 1 and the new service to Phuket on November 4 thanked government officials and partners of both countries for their support.

The travel market in Asia is experiencing significant growth and one which Al Baker stressed Qatar Airways was well placed to take advantage of.

“IATA statistics have passenger demand in the Asia Pacific region up over 10 per cent on the previous year. The timing of Qatar airways’ expansion drive in Asia couldn’t be better to take advantage of this increase in traffic,” he said.

The launch of Hanoi flights sees Qatar Airways’ Asia Pacific route network extend to 18 destinations. Globally, Qatar Airways has launched a further seven new routes since February 2010 – Bengaluru (Bangalore), Copenhagen, Ankara, Tokyo, Barcelona, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

Al Baker outlined Qatar Airways’ global expansion plans, highlighting the airline’s focus on targeting underserved routes and maximising connectivity to key cities beyond Doha. The airline’s growth in Europe featured strongly with Qatar Airways to introduce five new European destinations over the next five months including Nice (November 24), Budapest (January 17), Bucharest (January 17), Brussels (January 31) and Stuttgart (March 9).

By 2013, Qatar Airways plans to serve 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide with a modern fleet of 120 aircraft. Today, the airline’s fleet stands at 90 aircraft, flying to 94 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North and South America.

Taking the pizza experience to the next level

Greenwich has been popularly known for being the most innovative pizza brand. In fact, in only 7 months, the brand has already launched 6 new exciting pizza flavors.


From leveling up the Filipinos’ classic favorite Hawaiian Pizza with its Ultimate Hawaiian Overload in January; giving their consumers a taste of the American Idol experience with their American Idol Limited Edition Pizza in March; bringing the pizza experience to the extreme with the Xtreme Cheese Level Up Pizzas in May to offering Bigatin in flavor under the new Overloaded Bigatin Pizzas in August.


While the brand has delighted its consumers with all its innovations, Greenwich has taken its commitment to innovate to a whole new level that goes beyond new pizza Dubbed as the “game-changer” in pizza, Greenwich launches its Top That Pizzas that will make you change the way you and your friends enjoy pizzas. Adding a twist to the usual way people enjoy pizza, Greenwich’s newest innovations are towering with a mountain of toppings like you’ve never seen before.



Experience the new Top That Pizzas in 2 new and exciting flavors—Buffalo Chicken and Onion Rings Pizza and Meatball and Fries Pizza.


Greenwich’s Buffalo Chicken and Onion Rings Pizza with Blue Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese topped with juicy Buffalo Chicken with a tower of Crunchy Onion Rings . Another delightful pizza treat is the Meatballs and Fries Pizza boasting with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese topped with mouth-watering Meatballs with a mountain of Pizza Fries. It’s an over-the-top delicious experience that no other pizza chain can match. With the Top That Pizzas, it’s easy to let creativity and fun reign during friendly gatherings. Let the barkada unleash their wacky side, too. Start on the toppings—put the Crunchy Onion Rings on your fingers or give Pizza Fries to your special someone—there’s a fun way to devour it all with delicious slices of pizza. You think you can top your friends’ creative ways of enjoying their Top That Pizzas? Show them how you enjoy Greenwich Top That Pizzas anyway you like it, just the way you like it; it’s pizza pleasure that’s beyond the ordinary.


Want the Greenwich’s latest pizzas with an over-the-top twist? Top your pizza experience now and invite your barkada to the nearest Greenwich branch, or call Greenwich delivery hotline at 5-55-55.

Nike LunarEclipse+ Women’s +Men's

Nike LunarEclipse+, featuring a gender-specific Lunarlon system, delivers premium cushioning and comfort that constantly adapts to each runner’s stride for a plush, smooth ride. Innovative, floating heel support clip coupled with Dynamic Support provide runner-specific support for all phases of the run. A seamless upper features Flywire for internal comfort and ultra-light, ultra-strong support.

This lightweight women’s-specific, daily distance trainer is ideal for a wide range of runners, from underpronators through severe overpronators.

Key Features:
• Lunarlon cushioning system delivers a unique, lightweight blend of ultra-plush cushioning and support.
• Dynamic Support delivers runner-specific support every phase of the run, limiting excessive pronation.
• Deep gender-specific flex grooves enhance flexibility for a smooth, efficient stride.
• Nike+ Ready Shoe features a secure Nike+ sensor pocket under the sockliner.
• Environmentally preferred rubber Waffle Fill provides multi-surface traction and durability.
• Lightweight mesh enhances breathability for comfort and ventilation.
• Innovative floating heel support clip moves with the foot for enhanced stability and a secure, comfortable fit through all phases of foot strike.
• Supportive carrier is engineered to absorb impact on contact.
• Ultra-light, ultra-strong Flywire panel provides exceptional fit and support.
• Inner-sleeve construction delivers a plush, comfortable fit and feel.
• Reflective elements provide visibility in low-“Bottom-less” carrier light conditions.
• “Bottom-less” construction delivers responsive cushioning,flexibility, and support.
• High-abrasion, environmentally preferred rubber ensures maximum durability in high-wear area.



Nike LunarEclipse+ delivers premium cushioning, comfort and runner-specific support for a plush, smooth ride. Innovative, floating heel support clip coupled with Dynamic Support adapt for each runner and every phase of the run. Lunarlon cushioning system features a “bottom-less” carrier for responsive cushioning and a smooth, efficient range of motion. A seamless upper features Flywire to ensure internal comfort and ultra-light, ultra-strong support.

This daily distance trainer is ideal for a wide range of runners, from underpronators through severe
overpronators.

SRP: P6,495

Key Features:
• NIKE LunarEclipse+ Lunarlon cushioning system delivers lightweight, ultra-plush cushioning, springy response, and support.
• Dynamic Support delivers runner-specific support every phase of the run, limiting excessive pronation.
• Ultra-light, ultra-strong Flywire panel provides exceptional fit and support.
• Deep gender-specific flex grooves enhance flexibility for a smooth, efficient stride.
• Nike+ Ready Shoe features a secure Nike+ sensor pocket under the sockliner.
• Lightweight mesh enhances breathability for comfort and ventilation.
• Innovative floating heel support clip moves with the foot for enhanced stability and a secure, comfortable fit through all phases of foot strike.
• Supportive carrier is engineered to absorb impact on contact.
• Inner-sleeve construction delivers a plush, comfortable fit and feel.
• Reflective elements provide visibility in low-light conditions.
• “Bottom-less” carrier construction delivers responsive cushioning, flexibility, and support.
• High-abrasion, environmentally preferred rubber ensures maximum durability in high-wear area.
• Environmentally preferred rubber Waffle Fill provides multi-surface traction and durability.

Hundreds of kids make Jollibee’s Kids Who Can! Concert a success

Last October 16, Jollibee and friends brought in the fun as Jollibee Kids Club successfully staged the Kids Who Can! Concert, the show for kids and by kids. Children of all ages, along with their family and friends, braved the rains and packed the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to witness the grand concert full of wonderful performances. Joining Jollibee, Hetty, Popo, Twirlie and Yum were Jollibee Kids Club members who showcased their singing, dancing, acting and hosting skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd of thousands.

More than a hundred Jollibee Kids Club members were trained by the best mentors just for the concert. Making the event even more spectacular were host Nikki Gil, popular entertainer Sam Concepcion and actress Andi Eigenmann.

The event was opened by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who shared his welcome remarks, and Jollibee marketing vice president Albert Cuadrante. Exciting pre-show activities sponsored by Milkita soon followed, and kids won great prizes. All the guests also received loot bags filled with toys and Milkita candy.

Finally, children and parents alike started clamoring for Jollibee, Hetty, Popo, Twirlie and Yum. The audience joined in giving a loud and spirited introduction, cheering with the help of the Central Colleges of the Philippines and the Mapua Institute
of Technology pep squads, the CCP Bobcats and the MIT Cheerping Cardinals, respectively. As the crowd roared and made human waves around the stadium, Jollibee and friends arrived with the Jollibee Kids Club members to kick off the singing and
dancing.

“The Kids Who Can! Concert is Jollibee Kids Club’s grandest activity this year, and all our activities have been leading up to this,” shared Cuadrante. “We hope that more and more kids discover their talents because for us in Jollibee, all children are stars.”

By holding a spectacular showcase of talent, Jollibee Kids Club hopes to inspire more young and gifted children to develop their skills and be molded into well-rounded individuals as they grow up and have fun alongside Jollibee.

Jollibee Kids Club extends a helping hand to parents in guiding kids to their full potential. Parents of non-Jollibee Kids Club members can enroll their children in select Jollibee branches.

Singapore hosts first “Decade of the Mind” conference in Asia and expands efforts in brain & cognition research

400 delegates from multidisciplinary fields and communitiesconverge at Fusionopolis for this international conference


Signals from the arm muscles are used to generate a set of commands for gamers to control video games; the same technology can be harnessed to control articulation by a set of dexterous grasps on a multi-fingered hand.


18 October 2010, Singapore – A total of 15 world renowned cognitive scientists have been invited to share recent advances in their respective fields at the 6th Decade of the Mind Conference to be held at Fusionopolis from 18 – 20 October 2010. Jointly organised by A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), MINDEF’s Defence Research & Technology Office (DRTech) and NUS’s Temasek Laboratories, it is the first such conference in Asia to promote awareness of Cognitive Science research done in Asia and from around the world. The conference also includes a Public Exhibition, showcasing cutting edge technologies.

Keynote speakers include Professor James McClelland from Stanford University, a pioneer in the cognitive science research on spoken word recognition and visual word recognition; Professor Kenichiro Mogi from Sony Computer Science Lab for his study of mind-brain issues and Professor Christof Koch from California Institute of Technology, a world pioneer in consciousness research. Other topics include sleep research that shows how some blind people can retain normal responsiveness to light, neurostimulation devices developed to treat neuroscience diseases; neurosensors for real-time sensing of cognitive states for use in controlling prosthetic limbs, computers, wheelchairs and future entertainment systems; visual prostheses, automated cognitive tutors that helps students through adaptive tutoring and domestic robots that can ease future demands on society’s pressure with an ageing population.

“Brain and cognition research is an important emerging research area in Singapore,” emphasised Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, Singapore’s Minister of State for Defence at the Opening Ceremony, under its theme “Cognitive Science and Neurotechnologies: Looking Forward to the Next Ten Years”. Professor Koo said that there was growing interest in brain and cognition research in Singapore and noted that such research could bring significant benefit to our society in areas such as healthcare, education, industry, security and defence. Furthermore, Singapore’s small and highly networked environment lends itself well to the inter-disciplinary nature of brain and cognition research. He revealed that discussions are currently underway among A*STAR, DRTech and the universities to establish a centre of excellence for research in cognitive science and neuro-technologies.


Human-like robots like this Telenoid was shown at the "Neurotechnology and Robotics Exhibition" held alongside the Decade of the Mind Conference in Singapore


Professor Koo also reiterated the importance of R&D to Singapore’s development into a knowledge-based and innovation driven economy. This was reflected in the Singapore government’s recent commitment of S$16.1 billion to fund R&D over the next 5 years.

Professor David Srolovitz, IHPC’s Executive Director said, “The field of cognitive science and our understanding of it have grown tremendously over the past 10 years. We are pleased to host this conference in Fusionopolis, Singapore as we envision it to bring local research communities, stakeholders and policy makers together to drive new discoveries in this area of R&D. This in turn will stimulate enterprise and establish Singapore as an innovation hub.”

Professor Srolovitz also added, “In A*STAR, an interdisciplinary team in computational social cognitive science was set up in IHPC to design computational models that explore the interplay between the social and cognitive processes behind behaviour, perceptions and interactions. Through our collaborative effort on social robotics and artificial intelligence across various A*STAR research institutes and partners, we hope to contribute towards building models of socially intelligent robots and other computational agents that are inspired directly from human interactions in social situations in Singapore and the region.”

Dr Kenneth Kwok, Head of the Cognitive Science Programme in NUS’s Temasek Laboratories and Chairman of the conference’s organizing committee, said that research in cognitive science would be relevant to defence in areas such as reducing training time, exploiting unmanned technologies via non-invasive brain computer interface, and potentially improving cognitive performance of our soldiers.

Manila Hotel Chef wins gold in the National Food Showdown 2010

The annual National Food Showdown 2010 is a prestigious event in the Food and Beverage industry in the Philippines. It’s a two-day culinary event that features the prowess of the country’s greatest culinary experts. This year, the event took place at the A Venue Events Hall in Makati where chefs from various five star hotels competed against each other in different categories.

The recently concluded National Food Showdown 2010 saw the Manila Hotel regaining its position as one of the leaders in culinary expertise in the country. Led by Chef Roland Macatangay, Executive Pastry Chef of the Manila Hotel, and with inspiration from Manila Hotel’s Executive Chef Konrad Walter, the Manila Hotel team won a GOLD medal in the Dress The Cake On The Spot category, a SILVER in the Mini Cakes Display and a DIPLOMA in Cold Dessert Display. The Manila Hotel team is comprised of Chefs Roland Macatangay, Apolonio Buiza, Maricar de Vera and Manuel Sy.

Learning is Fun at the Nick Jr.’s Play to Learn Pre-School Tour

Four year-old Rhianna Saavedra with mom Ria learned new things together at the Play to Learn Pre-School Tour.

Hundreds of pre-school children experienced the fun of learning at the recently launched Nick Jr.’s Play to Learn Pre-School Tour organized by Nickelodeon and Wyeth Progress Pre-School Gold in five different schools in Metro Manila. The tour’s engaging and exciting activities gave hundreds of kids a head start by helping them cultivate a stronger love for learning and by enhancing their mental and physical skills.


Six year-old Kenrick Sze with mommy Wingki marveled at the screening of Team Umizoomi.

“Children learn most when they are having fun. That is why we worked together with Nickelodeon which is known for their entertaining and educational shows. We want to instill enthusiasm for learning in the minds of preschoolers through this partnership. We want them to know that learning can be a lot of fun,” says Wyeth Progress Pre-School Gold’s Senior Product Manager Rachel Tongson. Through the challenges, the kids were able to test their brains, grow their knowledge and even learn about team spirit. They also had a blast participating in entertaining games, playing in interactive booths, and watching the newest Nick Jr. show, Team Umizoomi, an animated series that teaches kids basic principles in Math and Geometry through its cool characters. The kids were also treated to a surprise appearance by Kai-lan (from the hit Nick Jr. series Ni Hao, Kai-Lan) or the fun-loving sea sponge from Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants.

During the event, the kids didn’t only play to learn, they also learned how to play. Apart from being educational, all the games were exciting and proved to the young ones that learning can indeed be lots of fun. The Backyardigans’ Musical Magic Carpet game, an improvised version of the traditional “Newspaper Dance” and “The Boat is Sinking,” allowed kids to focus and enhance their math knowledge as they danced and grouped themselves. Team Umizoomi’s Silly Fix It game, on the other hand, taught them how to appreciate different shapes and forms. Other games were also themed after their favorite Nick Jr. shows like Yo Gabba Gabba and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan.


Mommy Ivy Yang with her five year-old son, Sedric, both enjoyed the study sessions together

At the Play to Learn Pre-School Tour, children are given the opportunity to excel as they enjoy what they see, hear and do with the engaging and informative activities that it brings. Playful six year-old Kenrick Sze, who enjoyed the screening of Team Umizoomi, was one of those who enjoyed the play day. “I learned how to match and fit different shapes and sizes,” he shares. Four year-old Rhianna Saavedra adds, “I learned how to behave when I am out of the classroom. I lined up and obeyed my teacher.” Friendly five year-old Sedric Yang also had a blast during the event. He has been an avid fan of the Nick Jr. show Dora the Explorer, where he learned a lot of Spanish words like gracias (thank you) and abre (open). He also learned how to count from one to ten in Spanish, just by enjoying his favorite program.

With the Play to Learn Pre-School Tour, the combined benefits of fun learning and good nutrition were made more accessible to children, fulfilling Progress Pre-School Gold’s goal to provide avenues to strengthen kids’ love for learning and help put them a step ahead in life.

LG doodles for Google

Google is on a mission, that’s why it asked LG to “doodle”.


Google, which runs the world's most popular Internet search engine, set a goal to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. For Google, the mobile world was the next natural step. After all, it's a rare situation to find oneself in front of a desktop PC or laptop when the need for specific information arises.


So in 2005, Google acquired Android, Inc., a small startup company based in nearby Palo Alto that makes mobile phone software. One of Android's co-founders included Andy Rubin, who had previously started up a company named Danger to build and market a messaging phone in the United States that caught on quickly with celebrities like Paris Hilton. With this transaction, Google had entered the mobile phone market.




Google spent on developing the Android OS (a mobile-only platform) and Google Mobile Services (advanced mobile features), and allowed global device makers to use them free-of-charge.


Because of its strong market presence globally, operational excellence, proven track record of innovation in technology and design, and openness to outside partners, LG was the one approached by Google to develop a smart phone that can help achieve their mission and business strategy.


LG’s strengths will remove barriers for consumers’ use of smartphone -- changing the whole smartphone landscape from a “techno-geek market” or “high-end market” to “everybody’s phone” or “mass phone market 2.0”.


In an unprecedented move, a team of smartly-dressed Korean designers, programmers and interface experts found themselves in Mountain View, California, a sleepy town on the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the heart of America's Silicon Valley, which Google called home. It was then that LG incorporated and optimized a device for the Froyo platform and Google Mobile Services earlier than other device makers.



The result is LG OPTIMUS One with Google™, a smartphone that blends superb design with ease of use, making it the perfect entry point for prospective smartphone owners. Playing a key role in achieving both Google and LG’s mission, “The LG OPTIMUS One with Google™ is developed to provide optimum smartphone experiences and serve as a leader in the popularization of smartphones by increasing the number of Android users and expanding the overall Google mobile experience around the world,” said Richard Javier, mobile communication division head of LG Electronics Philippines.


The LG OPTIMUS One with Google™ offers a new Android mobile experience with only the latest and easily accessible mobile features and services to power the consumers’ lifestyles -- thanks to the integration of LG’s cutting-edge mobile technology and the most advanced of Google’s mobile services.


Javier said: “Combining the ‘with Google™’ logo to a certain product name not only means a strong partnership with Google but also proves that the product is optimized for Google mobile services.”


The phone also provides easy access to Google’s Android Market™ where over 80,000 mobile applications are fully available. With the phone’s speedy Android 2.2 Froyo OS, consumers can enjoy all the applications and services with 2 to 5 times faster browser performance than the previous Éclair OS.


LG OPTIMUS One with Google™ will be available in the Philippines in time for the holiday season.


In another development, LG is closely at work with Google to integrate a tablet-optimized OS into what will be a superior tablet device.


Javier said the company will introduce the best-in-market tablet that will stand among the best existing products, especially among hardware and software. “The Android 2.2, or Froyo OS, was designed specifically for smartphones and is not optimized for tablet use. We do not intend for our tablet to be a large smartphone.”

Saving up without feeling the pinch

As the Philippines saw a steady influx of business process outsourcing (BPO) companies over the past decade, the country’s youth became economically powered in ways they have never been, creating a legion of young professionals whose incomes are nothing like what one earned from a summer job working in the food service industry back in the day. Today, fresh graduates who enter the BPO scene can earn 50% higher than a regular starting employee.

Still, while young professionals may now enjoy unprecedented spending power, it always pays to be smart about one’s finances. SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the fastest-growing real estate developer that prides itself in offering affordable, quality homes for every Filipino, provides a few tips on how young professionals can save up without feeling the pinch.

SET A BUDGET Keep close tabs on where your money is going; that way, you will know if you have any financial leaks (something you’re spending money on unnecessarily) and plug them accordingly. From there, you can set a monthly budget for expenses that are necessary—and stick to it.

TRIM, TRIM, TRIM Be honest with yourself and be able to distinguish between your wants and your needs. Identify what you can trim so that you will enjoy even more purchasing power. For example, list down the cable TV channels that you never watch but are adding to your monthly fee. And why are you still subscribed for a 2,000-minute cellphone plan when telecoms now offer unlimited calls and texts at dirt-cheap prices?

CONSIDER SECONDS If you’re an avid gamer or a bookworm, there are burgeoning online communities that trade or sell pre-used game titles that are in excellent condition; while stores specializing in second-hand books have sprouted throughout the country. Imagine the savings you will make in going for seconds.

DON’T FORGET THE LEFTOVERS Pack the leftovers from last night’s dinner and take them to work. Not only will you help declutter the family fridge, but home-cooked meals are infinitely more delicious and healthier than what you can find at the cafeteria or some fast-food joint. The substantial savings you make from not lunching out might surprise you.

A THIRD VENTI CUP? REALLY? Sure, a large cup of steaming-hot café latte is one of life’s little pleasures, but maybe you should rethink that second or third cup you consume on a daily basis. Not only will it be better for your weight (those lattes and frappucinos pack quite some calories) and your nerves, but imagine the money you would have saved at the end of the month from cutting back. The sum would also be nothing to sneeze at.

By adopting smart ways in managing your hard-earned money without crimping your style, you can begin to consider investing the money you save into opportunities that yield genuine long-term benefits.

The money you save from cutting back on blended coffee drinks, for example, will be enough to acquire your very own condo unit at SMDC’s MyPlace, an innovative four-tower, 23-storey residential condominium project that caters to young professionals. Strategically located in the South Triangle area of Quezon City, MyPlace offers young hard workers an affordable option to enjoy independent living.

“Our payment schemes can run as low as P5,000 a month, a very affordable price for the fulfillment of their independence. Every month, they can actually set aside the accumulated value of two blended coffee drinks a day to buy a unit,” said Imee Landicho, SMDC assistant vice president and project director.

Each unit can be easily personalized—SMDC’s nod to its market of highly individualistic young professionals. Besides being a platform for individuality, MyPlace also offers non-stop WiFi Internet service, swimming pools, a SaveMore Market, Chillscape Garden Lounge, and a jogging path. Its location—bounded by Panay Avenue and Mother Ignacia Street—also provides its young and forward-thinking residents easy access to major transport systems, plus a host of business, entertainment and leisure establishments along with major medical and educational institutions.

So, young professional, start getting smart about your money and consider the opportunities available to you to grow your earnings. Visit www.smmyplace.com or call 858-0300 for

Have a dazzling, sparkling holiday with Avon Fashions

With the holidays just around the corner, writing Christmas lists is now a Filipina’s favorite pastime.

If you’re after the perfect gift for yourself or for a loved one, Avon Fashions Intimate Apparel has what you need. ’Tis the season to be merry and sparkle with Avon Fashions 2010 Holiday Collection!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This makes Avon Fashions’ Deena Underwire Convertible Brassiere (P475) and Deena Panty (P199) your soulmate. Embellished with bluish silver microfiber fabric that mixes with delicate lace to give off brilliance and shine, the set will bring out a woman’s inner queen. The Deena set is both elegant and versatile with multi functionalities -- wear it conventionally, strapless, halter-like, criss-cross and asymmetrically.



Get ready to glam up this merrymaking season and let Avon Fashions Intimate Apparel get you into a fashionable holiday mood from within!

The Avon Fashions Holiday Collection is available through Avon Representatives nationwide. Don’t have an Avon lady yet? Contact the Avon Customer Hotline at 8642900 or visit www.avon.com.ph.

Runners share the road for the second Quezon City International Marathon

The most anticipated running event is happening in Quezon City on December 5 this year. Now on its second year, the Quezon City International Marathon is organized by the Executive Runners Club of the Philippines (RUNNEX) and is supported by the city’s local government headed by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Touted to be the biggest and most exciting international marathon this year, recreational, professional and beginner runners will outrace each other as they pound the road to the 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km finish line. As with last year, thousands of runners are expected to register from October 4 to November 7 for the different race categories. Registration sites will be at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, Chris Sports outlets, Secondwind in Ortigas, the Quezon City Hall and the RUNNEX office at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman.

Registration fees are P650 for the 42 km, P500 for the 21 km and P350 for the 5 km and 10 km distance. Race kits will be released on November 27 and 28 at the Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines, Diliman. A finisher’s medal will be awarded to participants who will cross the 42km and 21km finish line.

Considered an important landmark in the city, the iconic Quezon Memorial Circle will serve as the start and finish lines for the race. Depending on the category, the race route will traverse the famous landmarks that make Quezon City a place with many attractions. Known as the widest road in the area, runners will run along Commonwealth Avenue and pass through a portion of La Mesa Dam Eco Park, a venue providing for healthful outdoor recreation and a true forest experience. It is a living classroom and laboratory for environmental education and aims to be a center for biodiversity conservation. The road back will bring the runners inside the University of the Philippines, a favorite running spot because of the tree-lined roads that offer shade to hot and weary runners. Here, the Oblation may be viewed, another of the city’s famous icons.

Inspired by the huge turnout of last year’s Quezon City International Marathon, RUNNEX teamed up with Neville Manaois to ensure a safe and unique running experience for all participants. Doing away with the usual come-on gimmicks of other races, QCIM will instead focus on the safety and needs of the runners by making sure water stations abound and marshals are deployed to ensure that the action on the road is constantly monitored. With the meticulous and careful planning put into this event, local and foreign runners may look forward to a safe and fun filled run from their first step to the finish.
For more details, please contact the Runnex secretariat at (02)435-5291, or visit the site www.runnex.org or QCIM2’s official Facebook Page www.facebook.com/qcim2