Crumpler's New Concept Store in Shangri-la Plaza

Crumpler, the popular purveyor of funky and functional bags hailing from the land of down-under has long become a staple in the Philippine bag industry and is still as ubiquitous as it was when it first launched years ago. Working with award-winning  architectural firm Russel & George, Crumpler has come up with a unique and visceral shopping experience which is implemented in their Philippine flagship store that is located at the East Wing of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.

Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show 2013, Withstanding the Test of Time

There’s always something to be said about those who are able to weather the testy climate of business politics. At the end of the day, the folks who are able to roll with the punches reap the rewards of success. Enter the Corporate Giveaways Annual Buyers’ Show on Business Gifts, Premiums, Promotional Ideas & Merchandise Incentives, an annual fete that has been gathering a specialized group of exhibitors under one roof, for 26 years in a row.

A lengthy title isn’t all the Corporate Giveaways has under its belt, there’s also a whopping two decades in the industry and a heritage built from hands-on experience. The idea for the event started when Worldexco Chairman, Lynn Romero was the PR director of one of country’s leading hotels. She needed to find a ready and reliable source of specialized gifts for the hotel’s clients and partners. What began as a personal quest eventually turned into a wonderful solution for marketing professionals who were experiencing the same dilemma.

TOSHIBA'S NEWEST HIGH-PERFORMANCE LAPTOPS

Toshiba (Philippines) Inc. recently launched five  high performance laptops designed for specific consumers. Be it for business, gaming or home use, Toshiba carefully and thoughtfully designed laptops that combine both aesthetics and functionality.

Toshiba produced new laptops that utilize modern materials and with stylish design elements such as frameless keyboards, enhanced speakers, and metallic surfaces and finishes.

Choose one that fits your style:

Canon ImageNation, Building the Image of the Philippines

In 2007, Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. marked their 10th year anniversary celebration with a campaign called Canon ImageNation that aimed to showcase the Filipinos’ love for images. It is a tribute to the millions and even billions of images captured, stored and shared by Canon users throughout the years.

This year, Canon’s vision of building a community of image-loving Filipinos has taken on greater heights. Canon partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) with an aim to engage the nation to build a deeper image of the country through capturing its beautiful heritage, picturesque tourist destinations, rich culture and the hospitable Filipino spirit.

Experience Royal Service at King Chef

Do you know that King Chef Seafood Restaurant stemmed out from the love of Marites Apiado to her husband Michael Ang? Few years back, Michael dealt with an ailment that prevented him from enjoying food he liked. What else must a wife do for her husband, thus, Marites concocted delicious and healthy soup for him. Michael liked the "soup treatment" made by Marites and I believed that to share this healthy soup to others, they decided to put up Cantonese Soup Kitchen that later on became a hit to the market.

FILA Polo Cup 2013

“Bem vindo!”“Welcome!”

There’s no more appropriate greeting on the lips of Fila fans this year as they salute 2013 with the much anticipated annual Fila Polo Cup, this edition was more colourful than ever because of its unique theme: Brazilian Carnival!

The Fila Polo Cup 2013 happened last February 10 at The Manila Polo Club at Forbes Park, with the Low Goal game that started at 2:00pm, the High Goal game at 4:00pm, and the festivities at 6:00pm with more glitz than ever before.  Hosting duties was in the capable hands of Brazil-born actor and FILA endorser Fabio Ide, with entertainment provided by Guarana, the Escola de Samba de Manila Dancers, the Maracuja Dancers, and Talentadong Pinoy Hall-of-Famer Astroboy.

Dimsum Break, Cebu's Pride Now in Manila

I have been in Cebu and I thought that I've seen and tasted most of its famous dishes such as the "danggit", Zebuchon, Tsokolate. Well, I found out that I missed one in Cebu, that is the popular dimsum restaurant. Luckily, I recently received an invitation to a media launch of Dimsum Break, the said famous Chinese restaurant in Cebu. So excited of me, I give in to the invitation and head on to SM North EDSA.

Scents of Attractions from New Camay Soap

P&G Beauty welcomed a well-loved beauty brand to the Philippines during an exclusive event held at Opus Restobar. Guests were invited to discover the new scents of attraction led by P&G Beauty Ambassador Daphne Oseña-Paez. As a scent expert herself with her own perfume line, Daphne guided guests through a sensorial experience of vanilla, grapefruit and rose scents before revealing the iconic brand behind the new scents of attraction.

Buddha-Bar Manila Presents Wine and Dine with Manny O

Once in a while, you get the urge to spruce up your meals from what you might perceive as becoming unimaginative or mundane. A serving of scrumptious steak tastes so much better when partnered with a glass of wine. Wine aficionados know how their choice of red or white wine can serve as perfect complements to the right kind of dish. 

As a world-renowned bar-lounge-restaurant, Buddha-Bar Manila knows this to be true as well because it has always been on the side of taking every dining experience up a notch. Cementing this idea of wine complementing fine food choices, Buddha-Bar Manila’s Executive Chef Soc Santos is collaborating with renowned wine connoisseur Manny Osmeña to present an event dubbed Wine and Dine with Manny O. 

World of Wellness Celebrates Two Years of Giving Health and Wealth

As WOW World of Wellness Direct Sales looks forward to its third year of fulfilling its mission of being the preferred ally of the wellness needs of the community, it celebrated its 2nd year anniversary on Nov. 24, 2012 at Starmall Trade Hall, Shaw Blvd.  It turned out to be a perfect get-together of WOW distributors and wellness enthusiasts along with Ms Cory Quirino, WOW’s medical consultants, management and staff, as all enjoyed themselves to the hilt with its WOWork-out theme!

MINT Debuts at Philippine Fashion Week 2012

Homegrown brand MINT celebrates its 10^th year in the fashion retail industry as it opens Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Convention Center. MINT kicks-off the fashion party presenting its latest collection and its newest endorsers: Xian Lim, Sam Pinto, and Gerald Anderson.

NARS Brings the Spirit of Andy Warhol in the Philippines

Pop art pioneer, filmmaker, and publisher, Andy Warhol was one of the most important visual artists of the 20th century. He joked “art is whatever you can get away with.” A painting, a movie, a TV commercial, an album cover, or an interview with a movie star. For Andy, art could be anything, but whatever he did, he did it as if it were fine art. He made paintings with a photo booth and ‘Screen Tests’ – movies that barely moved. He made an 8-hour movie starring the Empire State Building. He changed the way we see the world.

Andy Warhol’s world has been inspiring François Nars for years. Now NARS introduces a limited edition collection in the spirit of Andy Warhol. From the formulas and shades to the packaging and names, every element of the collection evokes François Nars’ take on the cool, image-rich, character-laden world of Warhol.

Everybody is a Superstar. At least for 15 minutes.

NARS introduces a limited edition collections in the spirit of the iconic pop artist. From the formulas and shades to the packaging and names, every element of the NARS Andy Warhol Holiday 2012 Collection and Color Collection evoke Nars’ take on the cool, image-rich, character-laden world of Warhol. 

NARS Andy Warhol Collections

Pond's Supports the 25th PMAP Reunion

The Pond’s and PMAP Partnership

Pond's Philippines is partnering with the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) for their newest holiday campaign. To kick-start, Pond’s co-presents one of the most iconic reunion bashes to date, The Grand Reunion: 25 Years Of PMAP that will be held on November 5, 2012 at the Marriott Hotel, Manila.

For this grand homecoming, Pond’s lends its full support to PMAP, aligning with the association’s goal of highlighting Filipina talent and beauty. This grand anniversary bash joins together Pond’s and PMAP as the PMAP members revel in the association’s rich and colorful history, commemorate its milestones, and push the industry forward through a one-of-a-kind reunion party.

Prelude To Party Time

This PMAP Anniversary party jumpstarts the festivities of the holiday season, and Pond’s presence assures that all Filipinas—whether top model or not—are ready for such momentous events. With its most revolutionary formulation in anti-aging to date—Intelligent Pro Cell Complex™ in Pond’s Age Miracle, Pond’s gets women ready for any get-together.

Giving the skin the chance to boost its renewal power, Pond’s Age Miracle is an unmatched skin solution that turns back time.* It combines the power of up to six bio-actives and the natural processes of skin to comprehensively ensure that age simply cannot catch up. 

Filipina Beauty For The Holidays

PMAP’s top faces know as much and understand the importance of making “beautiful, memorable statements” via a face care regimen that works. They know that looking one’s best involves prep and preening, using products that are effective, accessible, and affordable.

Successful women in PMAP’s star-studded roster include a bevy of beauties who defy age with their timelessness and radiance. Stunners like Tweetie De Leon Gonzales, Apples Aberin, Ornussa Cadness, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Marilen Faustino-Montenegro, and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo make up Pond’s-PMAP’s “Magic 6.” They all know how to work it in their respective fields. These lovely ladies represent the message Pond’s Age Miracle wants to convey: that it’s possible to look even more beautiful now than one ever did before.

As the yuletide season draws near, the same solution for looking one’s best now is available for everyone through Pond’s Age Miracle. 

Swarovski in Manila

          Premier global fashion brand Swarovski presents the Swarovski Watch Collection 2012, its first-ever chronograph collection to reach Manila that showcases new and elegant timepieces that add sparkle to your everyday life.

“We’re really looking forward to sharing Swarovski’s latest watch collection to the Philippine market because we know that we share with them the passion for aesthetically unique products and designs. Filipinos are known to be very fashionable and we’re certain that these watches will complement their style,” said Chris Neff, Swarovski’s head of emerging markets in Southeast Asia.

“Nowadays, chronographs are not only used to tell time.  They are also worn as essential fashion pieces to complete one’s look. And we are proud to say that whether you prefer elegant, fun, or sporty, Swarovski’s new watch collection has one for you,” said Emerson Yao, managing director of Lucerne, the exclusive distributor of Swarovski in the Philippines.

Swarovski’s Watch Collection 2012 includes new lines, new colors and new pieces that will meet your expectations and go with your style. Octea Chrono presents in two new trendy colors: anthracite and fuchsia. This stylish chronograph mixes round and linear elements and has the trademark combination of crystals and straps. It also features a unidirectional bezel made of a single piece of crystal. Its second counter, one of the three counters found on the dial, is circled by pavé crystals. Octea Chrono’s rubber strap is also adorned with six Crystal Silver Night or Fuchsia Diamond Touch Light crystals which complete its sporty yet feminine look.

Also in the collection is the Octea Sport line, which is now available in white rose-gold. It also has the same unidirectional bezel made of white ceramic. Its rubber strap with white ceramic elements also adds a sleek and modern appeal. For those who prefer a burst of color, this line is also available in ocean blue and lilac with rubber straps embellished with blue zircon and Light Amethyst Intensive Diamond Touch Light crystals.

Included in this year’s Swarovski Watch Collection is a completely new range called Lovely Crystals. It features five playful and chic watches which come in white, black or magenta and have either stainless steel or calfskin leather as bracelet. However, its most eye-catching feature is its bezel is speckled with 16 zirconian crystals that move in a circular motion with the movement of the wrist.

           

The best-selling Elis Mini range also has two additions which are included in the latest collection: Elis Mini Silk Diamond Touch Light and Elis Lady Provence Lavender Diamond Touch Light. Among the other pieces, these two are the only chronographs with a pyramidal square case. They also stand out as both feature sparkling Crystal Mesh straps that make them exude an appeal of elegance, luxury and femininity.

With its Watch Collection 2012, Swarovski once again proves that it has mastered the art of providing innovative, stylish and high quality chronographs that meet its loyal consumers’ desire for adornment and delight.

Tattoo Black - Globe's Premium Mobile Broadband

Recently at Greenbelt 5 in Makati City, Globe Philippines launched the future of broadband technology with Tattoo Black, combining the fastest speed powered by Long Term Evolution (LTE) and unparalleled customer service exclusively from Tattoo, the Philippines’ most preferred broadband.

“Tattoo Black is the future of broadband technology. This is a premium mobile broadband stick that is powered by LTE for Internet connection at break-neck speed and with the best overall broadband performance. On top of the speed, Tattoo Black redefines your broadband experience as it comes with unparalleled customer service plus exclusive perks and freebies,” explains Dong Ronquillo, Head of Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business.

Subscribers of Tattoo Black, the premium mobile broadband stick in the market, are sure to enjoy break-neck speed in Internet connectivity, priority handling in stores for ultimate customer satisfaction and exclusive discounts and freebies for a broadband experience like no other.

Tattoo Black comes at Plan 1799 and the Tattoo Black Elite at Plan 2499.

Subscribers of Tattoo Plan 1799 get a free USB stick that runs at speeds of up to 28 Mbps. Upgrade your device to a Superstick for a minimum additional charge of only P150 a month. The Tattoo Superstick serves as a personal Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) that could connect up to five devices. Tattoo Black Plan 1799 subscribers will also enjoy discounts at partner establishments plus nationwide concierge assistance.

Tattoo Black Elite Plan 2499 boasts of speeds of up to 42 Mbps and a host of premium services including a dedicated hotline, priority handling in stores and a personal relationship manager, complimentary tickets to Tattoo events, priority reservation on Globe handset and tablet devices and 24/7 personal concierge service.

Globe was first to introduce 4G technology in the Philippines in 2009  with the deployment of its Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) network. During the same year, Globe together with SingTel, began testing 4G LTE in the country with speeds of up to 100 mbps. Last year, Globe launched its 4G Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) network.

Key commercial and residential areas in Makati are the first to enjoy the speed and reliability of the Globe 4G LTE as the country’s premier financial and business district posts the highest mobile traffic at any given time.

“By end October, we would have fired up close to 50 sites in Makati and we are confident to hit 100 sites by end of the year. We are aggressively expanding quickly to cover more areas and select regions in the country so that more and more people will experience the Tattoo 4G LTE difference which is a cut above the rest,” Ronquillo adds.

Tattoo has sustained leadership in the Philippine broadband industry with sustained double-digit revenue expansion driven by rising internet usage as a result of the popularity of social networking sites and the growing affordability of tablets, PCs and laptops.

For the 1^st half of the year, Tattoo posted a 22% growth in subscriber base compared to the same period last year and 13% year-on-year revenue growth.

From 2007 to 2011, Tattoo has grown by an average of 99% per year in subscriber base and 84% per year in service revenues.

With the entry of Tattoo Black, Tattoo cements its formidable position as the most preferred broadband in the Philippines.

   

Be among the first to experience the speed and unparalleled service of Tattoo Black as it hits the stores on October 28, 2012!  Register now at www.tattoo.globe.com.ph or visit any Globe store nearest you.

Collezione & Jericho Rosales Promote Genuine Filipino Artistry

When it comes to Philippine style, no other retail brand has enough rightful claim of being the pioneer than Collezione. Since 1972, the heritage brand has provided Filipinos with outstanding and durable shirts, matching (at times surpassing) the quality and designs of its higher-end foreign counterparts. Today, Collezione C2 celebrates its 40^th year by presenting a striking new collection heralded by bold statements and even bolder representation. 

“Collezione C2 will continue to innovate and find creative ways to promote Genuine Filipino Artistry by generating unique, exceptional and relevant designs that showcase and celebrate what’s best about the Filipinos of today,” says Mr. Joey Qua, President  of Collezione C2.

Childhood memories and local scenes have given the new collection of Collezione C2 a sense of nostalgia mixed with a modern aura that’s perfect for the season. Drawing inspiration from seemingly mundane, everyday sights like Maya birds, Gumamela and the Carabao, the brand’s newest designers have come up with pieces that will usher in a striking fashion collection for Filipinos. Collezione C2’s Menswear Creative Director Noel Crisostomo and Collezione C2’s Womenswear Creative Director Stef Sarmiento-Valdez have given a new spark to our local fashion scene by incorporating digital prints that highlight the most remarkable sights and experiences in the Philippines which are found juxtaposed in razor-sharp dresses and separates. To bring in color to the designs, Philippine festivals such as Ati-atihan and Maskara along with the stunning Makati skyline and the ever-present Jeepney were proponents in creating a vivid contrast to the new Collezione C2 shape of fashion modernity.

Yet the most remarkable highlight of Collezione C2’s most recent collection is the revival of its unwavering legacy. “Since we are celebrating the 40th year of Collezione, we want to highlight the key logo, the brand's original emblem,” explains Noel Crisostomo, inspired by many childhood recollections for the brand’s iconic trademark. “I wore Collezione when I was a toddler, and I still vividly remember the key logo on my chest,” adds Stef Sarmiento-Valdez, putting the remarkable insignia on everything from piqued shirts to desirous evening accessories. This perfect setting is where the Philippines’ most iconic retail brand and the Filipino’s best-loved leading man have crossed, which in turn has signaled a new fashion direction that is cutting edge, collectable, and yet timeless.

With a face that has captured the hearts of Filipinos, Jericho Rosales’ endearing passion and confidence is a fixture in several Asian television shows. An enduring actor, a sportsman, an adventurer, a philanthropist, and an acclaimed singer-songwriter—through the years, he remains a constant reminder that excellence can be achieved with a balance of goodwill and success as long as one is anchored with a strong sense of faith and is done with a spirit of fashion, art and nationalism.

These for sure are bolder times for Collezione, reaching an age when life actually begins at 40. Armed with a new collection that upholds the country's dynamic move forward and a new face that reminds everyone of the enduring values that Filipinos hold true, just like its inception 40 years ago, Collezione still holds the key to Philippine fashion greatness.

Multi-awarded world-renowned mountaineer Mike Libecki to scale Mt. Amuyao

Mountain Headwear, designer and manufacturer of internationally used equipment for serious outdoor activities, will bring Mike Libecki to the Philippines to scale Mt. Amuyao in the Cordilleras. Libecki is just one of many Mountain Headwear’s athletes who have tested and demonstrated and have elevated their performance with the brand’s products in the most extreme environments. Libecki, who has been in more than 40 expeditions in all over the world, will take on the beautiful and barely explored Mt. Amuyao to add to his list of accomplished quests. Libecki was introduced to the Philippines last September 24 at the 1^st Mountain Hardwear store in Southeast Asia which is located at the 2/L of Trinoma Mall.

He will not only be exposed to the lush and vibrant greenery of the Philippines, he will also experience first-hand the rich culture of the Cordilleras. The Batad community will be hosting a traditional feast and a cultural show for their last night. The team will be bringing a portable solar LED that will provide light in the Pat-yay Village community.

With Libecki’s visit, Mountain Headwear wants to encourage local outdoor adventurers to engage in more activities. Libecki has been climbing for more than 12 years now, and has succeeded in many expeditions, climbing mountains and exploring trails in almost all of the world’s continents. He has been duly recognized by the industry, garnering the following accolades, to name a few: the Mug Stumps Award, the Polartec Challenge Award, and the Shipton-Tilman Grant/Award from, W.L.Gore & Associates, all of which he has won more than once. Libecki’s journey to Mt. Amuyao will be fully documented to showcase to the world one of the most beautiful peaks in the Philippines.

Mike Libecki is also a Mountain Hardwear Gear tester and he will be testing another new innovation- the Dry Q Zero. Dry Q Zero is a revolutionary, lightweight, sweat-activated, cooling technology developed by their very own research and development team. With the weather becoming more extreme, this technology is perfect for hot and humid climates. Dry Q Zero will be launched in 2013 and will be available in their Active apparel and accessory categories.

Mountain Hardwear has been driven to provide the best for the best since 1993, when a group of daring adventurers who had years of experience in the outdoor industry came to the realization that there were many like them who wanted to see and explore the world they live in the best way they can. To challenge one’s limits in the rigors of the environment, to be fully equipped is key – whether it be fly fishing, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, or mountaineering.  The Mountain Headwear product line features proprietary technology behind award-winning designs, and wide availability for any outdoor situation possible. 

Mountain Headwear made its way to the country through R.O.X, and opened its first store in Southeast Asia last July 30 at the second level of TriNoma Mall. Its second branch in the Philippines will open at SM Lanang on September 28, 2012.

Mountain Hardwear is exclusively distributed by The Primer Group of Companies, Asia’s next retail giant.

JEEPNEY ARTS FESTIVAL: A Splash Back to the Glory Days of the Philippine Icon

Want to paint a Jeepney? All Filipinos including artists, students, local government units, the private sector, and concerned individuals are being called to help in the Jeepney Rehabilitation Drive by painting it with stunning tourism destinations that evoke the rich cultural heritage of the Pearl of the Orient, and awareness as to why it is more fun to travel around the Philippines.

Jeepney Tours, a tourism enterprise offering Daily City Tours onboard the cultural icon, furthers its vision as it embarks its latest corporate social art drive—Jeepney Arts Festival—set to bring back the glory days of fun and vibrant jeepneys spread through a series of events. In essence, it is an advocacy that pays homage to the Philippine jeepney as a true icon of Filipino artistry, ingenuity, resiliency, and entrepreneurship.

The first event is the Jeepney Arts Camp which includes the On-the-Spot Jeepney Painting set to happen on September 20-23, 2012 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds behind SMX Convention Center. It is aimed to be a great educational experience wherein people—Filipinos and foreigners alike—can witness the art of Jeepney painting and even have a glimpse of an original WWII jeepney. On site, the Department of Tourism will be providing a free training program for jeepney drivers and operators which will cover value formation, the culture of tourism, passenger handling, and road safety tips.

“It has always been our vision to be able to bring back the Filipinos’ high regard for the Philippine jeepney as a cultural icon,” says Clang Garcia, Managing Director of the Jeepney Arts Festival. “This is why we spearheaded this social project to involve everyone in making Manila a roving museum of arts, culture and tourism by means of the rehabilitated Philippine jeepneys.”

Anchored in the concept of the Department of Tourism’s campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!”, the On-the-Spot Jeepney Painting is set to foster the spirit of Bayanihan which brings people together to unleash their creative excellence for arts and to do their own share in reviving the once well-regarded status of the iconic vehicle, whether as a participant or a spectator in this game-changing event.

Volunteers will be provided with real jeepneys and quality painting materials from Nippon Paint, a leading brand of automotive paint, as way of reaching out to the Philippine industries of automotive and tourism. This corporate social responsibility project also includes other sponsors namely Hotel Intercontinental Manila, SM Mall of Asia, ManilART, MMDA, and FEJODAP, and is done in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Design Week Philippines and Smart.

With some of the country’s relevant and revered institutions onboard, this project allows the Philippine jeepney to showcase the country’s rich heritage—from its walls to its destinations—as it sparks hope and breathes life into that matchless feeling that can never be experienced in the comforts of an air-conditioned, music-filled, tinted car.

Putting to light this noteworthy revolution, the Jeepney Arts Festival is set to take us one step forward in reviving the Philippine jeepney, not only as the most popular means of transportation in the country, but as the Philippines’ bona fide iconic vehicle eminently bannering art and tourism.



To participate, kindly check out the merchanics and fill up the registration forms at www.JeepneyArtsFestival.com or email bayanihan@jeepneyartsfestival.com

Surf & Music Festival 2012

 

 The Surf & Music Festival 2012, happening from October 31 to November 3, 2012, is the only festival in the Philippines that puts together the advocacies for an active lifestyle, local tourism, and the practice of environmentally-aware travel front and center, and creatively combining them all using the ever-reliable tandem of music and action sports.

The Surf & Music Festival has always been very conscious about tapping into local surfing hotspots in support of the Department of Tourism’s mission to encourage Filipinos, not only to travel to local destinations more, but more pertinently, to practice responsible tourism. In the past, the festival has been held in various surf towns in the country, both established and up and coming. For this year, and in the spirit of continuing that mission, the 2012 iteration of Surf & Music heads way up north to Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud.

Taking the event here, of course, is an obvious choice. Local and tourist surfers alike already take pride in the surf it brings. This festival, however, should be able to further highlight the locale’s potential to be a world-class tourist destination, with their tourism officers also getting the chance to show off and promote the region’s other highlights, in the backdrop of an intense boardriding experience.

“Pagudpud being recognized as a haven for surfing enthusiasts in the country has made it the easy pick for this year’s festival,” said Freddy Gonzalez, President of Freesurf, Inc., exclusive distributor of core action sports brands through concept stores like Aloha Boardsports. “We are, of course, simply excited to be working hand in hand with the local government to solidify the region’s foothold in being one of the country’s top tourist destinations. Ilocos Norte has always been home to a rich history and deep appreciation for the arts, after all, so obviously, they’ll have more than just their beaches to offer to visitors.”

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos shares the same excitement for the event, saying, “The surf spots the North has to offer, like Dos Hermanos, Vista, Heartbreak, Private, The Blue Lagoon, Level Up, and Bantay Abot in Pagudpud, as well as those in Saud Beach and Bangui Bay, make it an irresistible destination. We are very eager for Pagudpud and Ilocos Norte as a whole to host this festival, especially for those who can enjoy the most our natural resources have to offer. That, plus the fact that it would help with the growth of business and tourism opportunities for our region, particularly the surf communities, convinced us that this is a project worth diving into.”

At the heart of it all are the boardriding activities that should encourage attendees to get off their bums and get active. There will be surf classes for curious beginners - Luke Landrigan, the first Filipino to be signed and sponsored by Billabong Asia, and one of Aloha Boardsports team’s very own, will be bringing his surf-teaching skills to the event - surf competitions with serious prize money and top-of-the-line products at stake, and mountain bike and location tours that should be a great way to take in the sights of the province.

The Surf and Music Festival has always brought together the most diverse local music acts in one show, and of course this year, they’re sticking to that M.O. Top local acts like Wolfgang, Pedicab, Imago, Tropical Depression, Up Dharma Down, Franco, Urbandub, Kalayo, Razorback, Indio I, and so much more will be lending their beats to the festival.

It’s definitely going to be a weekend like no other, so gear up, dress down, and get ready for the surf and party that the Surf & Music Festival 2012 will bring.

The Surf & Music Festival 2012 is presented by Aloha Boardsports in partnership with the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and the Municipal Government of Pagudpud. It is supported by Billabong, RVCA, Global Surf Industries, Von Zipper, Nixon, FCS, Dakine, Sticky Bumps, Roots Ginger Brew, Manila Beer, Tanduay Ice, Jamba Juice, Nestle Fitnesse, Manila Surfers Association, Beyond Outdoor Adventures, Fox International Channels, Travel Magazine, Lonely Planet, OneSport, Jam 88.3, and Interaksyon.com. For more information about the festival, please visit www.alohaboardsports.com/surfmusicfest

Dove Deodorant presents UNSPEAKABLY YOURS: The Underarm Monologues

Dove Deodorant recently collaborated with Upstart Productions to present Unspeakably Yours: The Underarm Monologues. Inspired by stories from real women, this original outspoken comedy explores views on an intimate part of the body that females love to hate and hate to love: their underarms.

Using stories plucked out from countless interviews, this three-woman comedy waxes eloquent on the true and often dark issues surrounding this least favorite asset. The play seeks to shave away the irritation and embarrassment associated with this often misunderstood and neglected body part.

Through a combination of true-to-life anecdotes, observations and trivia, Unspeakably Yours strives to prove, with disarming honesty and humor, that a woman’s underarms can be her worst enemy or her best friend: it’s up to her to decide which.

Writer Joel Trinidad and his creative team have woven real stories from real women into a truly entertaining episodic play. “I thoroughly enjoyed creating the script, especially as more and more responses were coming in,” he states. “The descriptions and underarm analogies that we got were hilarious—although they did reveal some frustrations and insecurities among women. I never knew women went through such trouble just for the upkeep of the underarms”.

“We know that women rarely describe themselves as beautiful, with some body parts less loved than others,” explains Cindy Melocoton-Manlapaz, Unilever Philippines Marketing Manager for Deodorants and Oral Care. “More than half of Filipinas rank their underarms as one of the body parts they are unhappiest about: being laden with dark spots and chicken skin. We believe that the underarms can be things of real beauty too, if only we cared for them more.”

Through the play, Dove Deodorant wishes to advocate that women should embrace and love their underarms, by first being comfortable enough to talk about them, and taking the time to care for and look after them. Espousing love for an otherwise hated body part perfectly affirms the Dove’s long-time celebration of real women and our view of beauty.

Unspeakably Yours: The Underarm Monologues is written by theater veterans Joel Trinidad (“Kaos”; “Breakups & Breakdowns”) and Cathy Azanza-Dy (“Love, Loss, and What I Wore”; “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”), and directed by Cathy Azanza-Dy and Jenny Jamora. The show stars (in alphabetical order): Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, and Angela Padilla. It is directed by Cathy Azanza-Dy and Jenny Jamora.