Monday, May 23, 2011

Celebrating the vibrant life in the South with Alveo

A weekend festivity happened at Alveo Land's Nuvali Eco-living Center at Sta. Rosa, Laguna last May 21 to 22. According to our host, it was in celerbation of the distinct Southern living experience in its three Southside developments - Verdana Homes Mamplasan, Treveia Nuvali and Venare Nuvali.

The festivity was inspired by the different festivals held in Laguna such as the Coconut Festival and Mayflower festival of San Pablo City, Pagsanjan's Bangkero Festival, Liliw's Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival, Calauan's Pinya Festival and Sta. Cruz's Keso Festival..
Verdana

Our host, Anton Sanchez III, Division Manager for Project development of Alveo Land, together with the other staff of Alveo Land greeted us with welcome drinks and of course with very warm smiles indicating Filipino hospitality. Anton said "Life in the South is truly an amazing experience with its vibrant mix of culture, lush landscapes and active living is in line with the goal of Alveo through providing its homebuyers with everything they want and need within their reach."

Indeed, at the Alveo Southside Street Fair, each community is represented by various activities that embody its unique living proposition. For Verdana Homes Mamplasan, which is perfect for those who want to combine the warmth, ease and traditions of urban living with modern-day facilities, guests [--delighted themselves with authentic delicacies such as flavored lambanog, buko pie, espasol, and kesong puti from goat milk.

Kesong Puti from Goat's Milk

At Treveia Nuvali, guests created their own mini landscape and learned the art of southern furniture and pottery making. These activities highlighted the lush natural environment complemented by courtyards, themed gardens and eco-centric amenities found in Treveia.

A little lesson of pottery

While, for high-spirited individuals, they enjoyed the activities at Venari Nuvali. To amplify and promote active living, guests created their own personalized Frisbee and participated in the demonstrations of Yoga consultants.

These were all in keeping with Alveo Land's continues effort in building communities that epitomizes what southern living is all about: comfort and convenience in a dynamic live-work-play environment.

A total family living experience

At Verdana, residents are provided with an array of activities making it a perfect urban living with modern-day facilities for the whole family. The 42-hectare subdivision is located in Binan, Laguna -- a suburban development that embraces families with a tranquil and dynamic sense of community.

Verdana has a wide range of amenitiet for spending quality time with family members, loved ones and friends. There are pen playing fields, picnic areas, central park with lap pool, a clubhouse, a relaxing gazebo, an outdoor basketball court, covered badminton courts, a jogging trail, a biking and skating park.

Embracing the greens

Love living closer with nature? Treveia Nuvali is a choice to cradle away from the busy city life. With its lush environment, landscaped parks, woodland groves and themed gardens, Treveia is the community for eco-friendly individuals.

Active rejuvenation in a suburban address

For pro-active family, Venare Nuvali have lots to offer in its 50-hectare sports facilities of water, air and land sporting activities. It is the community that is ideal for wellness of the body and spirit. There is the Aqua Zone for outdoor recreation, the E-Zone for entertainment, the Go Zone that suits the athletic preferences of individuals and the Me Zone for holistic fitness, rejuvenation and tranquil meditation .

These three Alveo Land communities are the ideals of modern living environment anchored with lifestyle innovations. .

Saturday, May 14, 2011

LULU TAN-GAN & JC BUENDIA AT FASHION WATCH QUARTET 2011

Just recently, Fashion Watch Quartet 2011 featured two of the country's top and respected designers, Lulu Tan Gan and JC Buendia at the lobby of Makati Shangri-la hotel, with their recent designs for the season.

Lulu Tan-Gan’s name has been synonymous with KNITWEAR since 1985. In a tropical country such as the Philippines, knits were traditionally perceived as stuffy and boring. With Tan-Gan's present collections, only a keen and gutsy designer would see beyond this façade and actually create pieces for the expatriates & tourist that come to Manila & for the jet-set Filipinos that travel to cooler destinations.

ON JC BUENDIA

Designer to both Presidents Arroyo and Aquino, and newly-elected President of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, JC Buendia is a master of quiet, exact tailoring. Presenting his latest designs of Black & White at the Fashion Watch received loud applause from the audience.

Fashion Watch 2011 is a project of the CFDP (Council of Fashion Designers of the Philippines). It will run from April to November, 2011. Each week will feature the collection of two designers in back-to-back format, who will have his/her creations unveiled to all through a fashion show held at the lobby area of the prestigious Shangri-La Makati Hotel.

The series will feature 19 of the country’s most notable designers, each showcasing a brand new collection. Each designer is exclusive to Fashion Watch Quartet; you won’t see their collections on any other fashion show series. Every designer will showcase their Holiday collection early on in the year and a Spring/Summer collection towards the latter part of the year, much like fashion timetables abroad.

Fashion Watch Quartet will also stage special shows as several internationally known ASEAN designers will be flown in to display their creations to the Filipino public.

Besides an A-list roster of designers, models, and media partners The Philippine Star, Preview, StyleBible, and StarWorld, Fashion Watch Quartet boasts of industry greats working behind-the-scenes as well, including Patrick Rosas and team as the force behind hair and makeup, Grace Molina as Project Coordinator and Director and Manila’s Prince of Fashion himself, Inno Sotto as Creative Director .

As Fashion Watch Quartet makes its comeback, it continues to raise the bar for how today’s fashion show series should be.

Fashion Watch 2011 is presented by Olay, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Philippine Star, Preview Magazine, Starworld and Stylebible.ph in cooperation with major sponsors BMW and Metro Pacific Investments.

Experience another season of unrestrained creativity with Fashion Watch 2011 featuring designs from celebrated Filipino designers

Date and Time

Designer

Venue

May 5, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Philip Rodriguez

Patrice Ramos Diaz

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

May 12, Thursday at 4p.m.

Lulu Tan-Gan

JC Buendia

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

May 19, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Jerome Lorico

Ito Curata

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

May 26, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Arcy Gayatin

Norman Noriega

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

June 2, Thursday at 4 p.m.

OJ Hofer

Dennis Lustico

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

June 9, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Alex Bitong

James Reyes

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

June 16, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Ferdi Abuel

Jojie Lloren

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

June 23, Thursday at 4 p.m.

Ivar Aseron

Joey Samson

Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Lobby lounge

Sony's Designer Cyber-Shots

Beyond capturing trends, Sony Cyber-shot defined them. In partnership with Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2011, Sony Cyber-shot presented the new collections of emerging trend-setters Benjie Manuel, Delby Bragais, Edwin Uy, Jay Sustiguer, John Guarnes, Julius Tarog, Kat Corpus, Melvin Lachica, Nicky Martinez, Nolie Vineza, Roel Rosal, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Santi Obscena, Simon Ariel Vasquez, and Tina Daniac.

The designers showcased new creations drawing from the inspiration of two sleek new Cyber-shot models - the Cyber-shot TX10 and the Cyber-shot T110.


With the Cyber-shot’s clean lines, beautiful craftsmanship, and advanced technology, these digital cameras are positioned to become the next evening bags - glamorous but absolutely functional pieces that complement and enhance outfit while still helping women get through their various activities, from morning until evening, in style.


Why travel with Cyber-shot TX10
Wherever you go, experience the 16.2MP Cyber-shot TX10. For diving use, it is waterproof in up to 16 feet / 5 metres of water for an hour and shockproof up to 1.5 metres.,With high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures, and Full HD 1080i videos of friends, family or pets underwater what else can you ask for? Its resilience in different environments and temperatures make it an ideal accessory, whether one is enjoying a tropical cruise this summer or globe-trotting through different fashion districts. Not only is the camera good to go in chilly weather, but the sleek TX10 is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately 1.5 metres. Plus, its 3D still mode captures two consecutive shots in different focus positions to calculate the depths.

Powerful Cyber-shot T110
Capture stunning, fast-motion video with Cyber-shot T110. Powerful in its megapixel 16.1 megapixeltouch and with a wide 3.0" touch screen that makes it easy to compose and review shots, navigate menus and optimize focus. It takes the gueeswork out snapping great photos with features like iAuto and Optical Steady shot image stabilization.

Sony Philippines in Philippine Fashion Week 2011


Transcending and trend-setting – these are the unique propositions offered by Sony for both the realms of fashion and technology. As it presents its new products in the brand new season of Philippine Fashion Week, Sony continues to push the envelope for looking good and performing well.






For more information, please visit the nearest Sony Centre near you or visit www.sony.com.ph

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Much Awaited MYOH 2011

Yes, summer is here! And summer is not complete without flip-flops in our feet!

And what comes first in our minds when we think of flip-flops? Of course, its Havaianas! And whoever forgets MYOH? Yes my friends, MYOH! Make Your Own Havaianas! An event most flip-flops lovers are much awaiting for.

Well, the waiting is over! MYOH 2011 is happening tomorrow, May 12 until May 16 at the Rockwell Tent! Excited? Well, go, go, go to the Rockwell Power Plant and grab your own Havaianas!


A personalized Havaianas

Havaianaticos. you can now again personalize your Havaianas flip-flops by mixing and matching your favorite colors of the limited edition soles and straps and embellished them with new and unique travel-inspired pins. Me? I had my choices of lucky pins and I recommend you get the Japanese doll pin because part of the sales of this pin will support the Tsunami victims of Japan. After all, we need to do good things as often as we can. Right?

Havaianas Staff

On this 6th year of MYOH, Havaianas also celebrates individuals who make summer their own all year round. They are called the Havaianas Citizens of Summer. These people live in the summer state of mind and inspire others to join them in doing so. Havaianas recognizes these people---Alvey Alfonso (TV personality), Amanda Griffin-Jacob (model and host), Cecile Van Straten (blogger and business owner), Hindy Weber-Tantoco (fashion designer), Luke Landrigan (surf school owner), Margarita Fores, Professor Fantasma (Capoeira teacher), Rosanna Ocampo (fashion designer), Sassa Jimenez (fashion designer), Stephanie Kienle (marketing manager),and Stephanie Zubiri (food entrepreneur and journalist).

Media friend personalizing her Havaianas

So, why not join them? Be A Summer Citizen on your own way with Havaianas. Be a jetsetter and trendsetter at the same time and travel in personalized style with Make Your Own Havaianas 2011. For more details, visit www.makeyourownhavaianas.com.ph







Saturday, May 7, 2011

EMPOWERING THE GLOBE WITH THE NEW TATTOO

As the world continues to move, a fast-paced lifestyle becomes the inevitable, and in most days, you are only as fast as your internet connection. From sharing information to expressing ideas, the World Wide Web has become a veritable playground open to all who can keep up. Enter Globe Tattoo, which has evolved since its launch in 2009 to become every young and hip web surfer’s key to the internet.

The gritty, provocative brand imagery, first seen in the tribal-tattooed USB sticks and the tongue-in-cheek advertising, induced a visceral reaction from all who saw it and made many immediately fall in love with a brand that had transformed the antiseptic functional internet connection into a sexy, no-holds-barred must-have that demonstrated the power of emotional badge value.

In two years, the Tattoo user has come leaps and bounds by transforming into a passionate, socially engaged, and authentic individual. Original and unafraid of self-expression, the Tattoo user still retains a reserve and a sense of mystery, always keeping people guessing and refusing to be tied down by labels or boxed into any one category. Young and vibrant, Tattoo people have a point of view and are not afraid to share it.

Answering the call for faster and more reliable connections, Globe Tattoo takes it one step further by ensuring affordable and accessible connectivity. Through its services, Globe Tattoo connects you to the rest of the world swiftly and stylishly. Understanding that today’s youth hungers for individuality and freedom, the brand has revamped the edgy and literal tribal tattoo markings that initial fans fell in love with to a more streamlined and sexy signage.

With both prepaid and postpaid options available, Globe Tattoo ensures flexibility and freedom for superior internet connection. As if that wasn’t enough, the brand has pulled out all the stops by delivering different products to choose from, depending on your internet needs.

Introducing the Tattoo Sticks

The familiar and basic Tattoo Sticks are still around, delivering the easiest and most affordable connection. But don’t let that fool you into thinking of slow uploading. This plug-in delivers a punch at speeds of up to 2 mbps and even lets you send texts and make calls from your computer.

The Tattoo MyFi is perfect for the life of the party with its wi-fi sharing capabilities. Either plug into your USB port like the Tattoo Stick or turn it on for instant wireless connection for up to five gadgets at up to 2 mbps. With the MyFi, keeping your friends close will be a snap.

The most powerful among the bunch, the Tattoo SuperStick takes what the MyFi offers and juices it up with the fastest connection at up to 3 mbps. Postpaid subscribers get something extra out of the deal with a monthly gift of 200 free texts.

Making all these possible is the Tattoo Broadband SIM, which is now available for purchase. So dig up those old USB sticks and resurrect them with just P60! And Globe makes the deal even sweeter with a whole day of free texts and surfing for free for every new Broadband SIM purchased until April 30, 2011.

Tattoo-ed @ Home

For those that choose speed over mobility, Globe Tattoo offers three versatile plans that will leave you waiting for others to catch up. Known for its flexible plans, the Globe Tattoo @Home Broadband plans are no different, allowing you to choose from a myriad of speeds and affordable prices.

The Globe Tattoo WiMax delivers speeds of up to 1 mbps at prices as low as P795 a month! Chatting and hooking up with friends through social media has never been made this easy or affordable.

For downloading, blogging, and gaming, turn to the Globe Tattoo DSL plans. Giving you access to up to 3 mbps of internet goodness, nothing will stand in the way of your self-expression.

The newest plan to be offered to residents of Makati CBD and selected areas in the Fort is the Globe Tattoo Torque, which amps up your connection to up to 100 mbps of super speed internet. Fly by your friends on the virtual road to the World Wide Web.

Having covered all the bases, Globe Tattoo has proven to be to unlocking the gate to the internet. So jump into the web and surf, share, and shake the world up with your own brand of originality with Globe Tattoo Mobile Broadband and Globe Tattoo @Home Broadband.

To know more about the new Globe Tattoo’s products and services, visit http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/

THE FACES OF TATTOO

The youthful passion that characterizes Tattoo is best personified in its brand ambassadors: runner Rio Dela Cruz, artist Sarah Gaugler, cosplay queen Alodia Gosiengfiao, blogger Rico Mossesgeld, Tumblr trendsetter Saab Magalona, and femme rockers General Luna, all of whom excel in their respective fields without sacrificing personal style or identity.

ALODIA GOSIENGFIAO

A virtual fixture in the local cosplay scene in the Philippines, Alodia started cosplaying at the age of 15 by joining cosplay competitions around the metro. Known as the “Cosplay Queen of the Philippines,” she has been an influential force in the rise of the cosplay scene in the country, spearheading everything from photo shoots to full-blown cosplay events co-organized with her friends. Her artful ensembles have been recognized in various cosplay competitions, so much so that was soon invited to be a judge at local and international cosplay events. A Jill-of-all-trades, Alodia also dabbles in photography, drawing, modeling, blogging, while also collecting figures for her growing collection. Recently, Alodia was tapped to host ABS-CBN’s prank show, Laugh out Loud alongside Luis Manzano. Her unmatched zeal for her art is a perfect match with Tattoo’s drive for personal passion and creativity. To check out Alodia’s complete gallery of work, visit her website, http://alodiagosiengfiao.com.

SARAH GAUGLER
Multi-faceted Sarah is hard to miss. One moment, she’s making her mark with needles, inking tattoos for her new and steady stream of patrons. And on other days (or nights), Sarah gains more fanboys with her lithe leather clad form and her vocal prowess as the lead singer of the electronic-rock band, Turbo Goth. Every day, Sarah makes heads turn with her numerous billboards, magazine covers, and several modeling engagements in the local fashion and art scene. And if that’s not enough, Sarah’s talent goes from front act to backstage as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, with her artwork seen on album covers of popular local bands.

Christened “the anti-IT girl”, Sarah’s personal style is strongly individualistic and expressive in a way rarely seen these days. Never shy to showcase her unique point of view, Sarah is an ideal choice for the new Globe Tattoo. See what else she can do on her fan page, http://www.facebook.com/sarahdemetriagaugler.

RIO DELA CRUZ
Talk about coming a long way. Coach Rio’s life has not been a free ride. His was a real life race from rags to riches. A kid who once dreamt of becoming a runner, Coach Rio has finally achieved what he wants and much more. At 29, he has evolved from a marathoner into the most sought after running-coach-to-the-stars. His drive and entrepreneurial spirit led him to head his own team of running event organizers, Runrio Inc.. But none of that takes him away from competing in marathons around the country and in the global arena as well. From his humble beginnings in Bato, Camarines Sur, to his quasi-stardom in today’s sports scene, Coach Rio’s life has been nothing short of ordinary. Always on the go, literally and figuratively, Coach Rio’s fast-paced lifestyle matches Globe Tattoo’s purpose of connecting everyone at break-neck speed. See the rest of Coach Rio’s life at http://runrio.com/.

RICO MOSSESGELD
IMG_1588-lowAlways an avid reader, Rico grew ups reading anything and everything – from children's bible stories and Aesop's fables to encyclopedias and various manuals and brochures. Thus began his longtime affair with the written word. With all the words in his head, Rico unleashes his writing talent in myriad forms like essays, short stories, poems, and even plays. His childhood curiosity grew into a constant fascination with technology, keeping him on the hunt for the next big innovation and eventually transforming him into one of the most followed online personalities, with thousands clamoring for his opinions on and reviews of new gadgets and products. With a lifestyle that revolves around being connected, Rico continues to share his views with avid readers, on his personal blog www.ricomossesgeld.com, as well as on www.technogra.ph, technology blog that is one of the most popular in the country. His constant blog updates are a testament to the reliability of his Tattoo connections, which keep him online around the clock. Find out more about Rico on http://rico.mossesgeld.com/ and www.technogra.ph.

GENERAL LUNA
Don’t we just love pretty girls who rock? General Luna is an all-girl rock band composed of Alex Montemayor on bass, Audry Dionisio on rhythm guitar, Bea Lao on drums, Caren Mangaran on lead guitar, and Nicole Asensio on lead vocals. Born out of sheer luck and perfect timing, the band was scouted by a local music company that was on hunting for new faces to personify the new rock and roll.Just like their one-of-a-kind name, General Luna is a unique band leaving a significant mark in the local music scene. Reflecting the youth and passion of Globe Tattoo, General Luna’s pure talent and fresh take on rock music puts their music on the map. Catch General Luna online at http://www.facebook.com/GeneralLuna.

SAAB MAGALONA
Sure, she’s pretty much showbiz royalty. But beyond her famous surname, Saab Magalona is slowly carving her niche in the local entertainment scene. Coming from a family of famous celebrities (with former actor Pancho Magalona and screen goddess Tita Duran as her grandparents, the late master rapper Francis Magalona as her father, and siblings actress Maxene and rapper/singer Elmo Magalona) it’s no surprise that Saab has decided to join show business. Her resume is thick with roles in several local programs, like her most recent character Ivy in the GMA drama series, Koreana. Aside from acting, Saab loves writing, often contributing articles to several local publications and also writing regularly on one of the Philippines ’ most visited blogsites, which just happens to be her personal website http://www.isabellamagalona.com. Saab started blogging when she was in her teens and built up her own personal legion of followers which continued to grow when she switched to the Tumbler platform. Saab is also one of the most followed celebrities in Twitter, with followers numbering in the 6 digits. As a budding multi-hypenate, Saab is a force to be reckoned with. She joins the new Tattoo family, bringing her unique voice and influence in music, fashion, entertainment, and technology.

Discovering RIO Mints

Mint candies are a big No No No to me. I never liked hot and spicy food or minty stuff. However, just recently I happened to find out that that there is a mint candy in the market that not only looks good, taste good but as well as really good in its own unique way. Well, I guess this candy made a big change in my list of not acceptable food. In fact, it is added in my list of favorite candies. This is the Swiss mint brand Rio Mints which happens to have different flavors in very creative packs. Rio mints unveiled its two new flavors via an exclusive summer fashion event at hip and swanky restaurant/bar Robot.


What makes it more likeable is that it is fat-free, low in calories and contains Xylitol, an ingredient that\ helps prevent tooth decay and reduce plaque accumulation. Really cool ha?!

Rio Mints two new flavors were launched in a hip and swanky restaurant/bar Robot located at Makati Avenue. Hosted by Bianca Valerio, the highlight of the afternoon was a themed fashion show done in collaboration with the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA). Opened by Rio Mints Business Unit Manager Joni Ong, the show featured trendy ensembles inspired by the different flavors of Rio Mints, created by select SoFA student designers.


Rio Mints two new flavors - Cool Peach Jasmine and Lychee Juice

During its product launched, Rio Mints group raffled some of today’s hippest lifestyle gadgets—an iPod Nano (8GB), iPod Touch (32GB), and as the top prize, the highly-coveted Samsung Galaxy Tab. Additionally, throughout the afternoon, guests, including myself, were given the chance to get to know Rio Mints a bit more and pick out the flavor that embodies our personality, attitude and lifestyle via the Mint-to-Be booth. I happened to choose Burgundy Grape (because Violet is my favorite color) and Honey Melon (one of my favorite fruit during summer).

Rio Mints Honey Melon flavor


Rio Mints are available at leading retail outlets nationwide.