Hyundai Elantra Hailed as the 2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Philippines

The long wait is finally over. After spending a total of eight test days under the sun, several weeks tallying score sheets, and countless sleepless nights in anticipation, it all boiled down to one special awards night as the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) hailed a new a successor to the Car of the Year title last March 29, 2012 at the 8^th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Selecting through a total of 36 nominees and 11 finalists, the Hyundai Elantra is now the 2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P).

The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year's COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.

Making history, this is the first time that a Korean automaker has won Car of the Year in Philippines, and is the Elantra's fourth Car of the Year worldwide, winning the same title previously in Canada, North America, and South Africa.

“The COTY-P award is well-deserved by the Hyundai Elantra and makes this the 4^th COTY award received worldwide by the Elantra. The results are also a validation that CAGI's COTY testing procedures are internationally up to par,” remarked CAGI President Ferman Lao.

Aside from the prestigious Car of the Year title, there were also 11 category and special award winners recognized.

2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Category Winners

Basic Subcompact Car                         Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T

Subcompact Car                                   Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T

Compact Car                                         Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS A/T

Crossover                                              Kia Sportage 2.0

Luxury Mid sized Car                           Volvo S60 T4

Luxury Compact Crossover                MINI Countryman S

Midsize SUV 4x2                                   Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4x2 M/T

Midsize SUV 4x4                                   Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV 4x4 A/T

Luxury SUV                                            Ford Explorer V6 AWD

Pickup 4x2                                            Mitsubishi Strada 4x2 A/T

Pickup 4x4                                            Mitsubishi Strada 4x4 A/T

Special Awards

Standard Insurance Worry-Free Award                           Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

BOSCH Technical Innovation Award                                 My Ford Touch Sync (Ford Explorer)

AAP Road Safety Award                                                      Volvo S60

Papa J's Best Value Award                                                  Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T

Caltex with Techron Enjoy the Journey Award               Nissan Teana 350XV

Cartrige World iSwap iCare Award                                   Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T

All Terra All Activity Vehicle Award                                  Toyota Hilux 3.0G 4x4

Victoria Court Most Spacious Award                                Foton MPX 2.8L CRDi Long Wheelbase

Red Rock Travel Most Affordable Car Award                  Lifan LF320 M/T

Speedlab Tuner's Choice Award                                       Hyundai Elantra 1.6 M/T

Clark International Speedway Motorsports Award        Tuason Racing School and Ford Group Philippines (TRS Cup powered                                                                                      by the Ford Fiesta)

For eight years running, CAGI has recognized the best vehicles in the market, awarding the coveted title of Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) to the car with the best value for money for consumers. The COTY-P awards is an annual consumer-oriented event organized by CAGI, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of more than 50 motoring journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media outlets.

The 2011 - 2012 COTY-P awards is presented by the Manila International Auto Show and is supported by the Clark International Speedway, SpeedLab, Caltex Techron, Standard Insurance, BOSCH, Worldbex, Ortigas Home Depot, Automotive Association of the Philippines, Cartridge World, Papa J's Witches n Wings, MG Madrid & Co., All Terra Cyclery,  Red Rock Travel, Life Line Ambulance Rescue, Winner Graphics, and Victoria Court with media partners Sunshine TV, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, Motoring Today, Auto Focus, 99.5RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Kotse.com, Motioncars.com, Autoindustriya.com, Sprocket.ph, MotorCycle Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Power Wheels, Top Gear Philippines, Business World, Business Mirror, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Standard Today, World News, The Philippine STAR, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insights, Manila Times, and The Manila Bulletin.

                          ________Press Release__________

PETRON Receives CSR Award from Management Association of the Philippnes

The country’s leading oil company Petron Corporation recently marked another milestone as it bagged two coveted distinctions from the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), including the Integral CSR Award for its success in making social responsibility an essential part of its business operations.

A feat unmatched by any other oil company, Petron bagged the prestigious Integral CSR Award at the 2nd MAP CSR Leadership Challenge for its “Growing. Greening. Giving Back: Making CSR and Sustainability a way of life in Petron” strategy along with the Best in Environment and Sustainable Development Special Award for its “Measuring, Managing and Minimizing our Environment Footprint in Bataan” program.

In winning the Integral CSR Award, the MAP recognized Petron’s relentless efforts to integrate social responsibility into its overall corporate strategy, as shown by the company’s commitment to care for the community and the environment, while achieving its economic objectives.

 “Our leadership in the oil industry is also fueled by our commitment to create a positive impact on every Filipino whose lives we touch on a daily basis,” Petron Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.  “This means conducting our business in a manner that places equal importance on our social and environmental commitments together with our business objectives.” “We see the value of CSR in enhancing our business and its role in ensuring the long-term success of our business,” Mr. Ang added.

Meanwhile, in winning the Special Award for Environment and Sustainable Development, MAP recognized the company’s initiatives to preserve and protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the Province of Bataan, particularly in effectively managing its water use and consumption, waste generation, greenhouse gas accounting and air emissions inventory, as well as its leadership in implementing the Bataan Integrated Coastal Management Program.

The MAP’s CSR Leadership Challenge aims to promote and recognize exemplary corporate social responsibility policies, programs, and practices of the Philippines’ premier corporate citizens. In giving out the recognitions, MAP seeks to recognize companies whose management systems and programs clearly manifest their social vision. It also aims to ensure that companies who go beyond compliance and who are actively engaged in addressing the country’s social and environmental issues are acknowledged and emulated.

Susy and Geno's Great Come Back

Susy and Geno’s long-awaited reunion finally took place last March 11, Sunday at Market! Market! in Taguig, the two see each other again after a long time and with their loyal and very enthusiastic supporters they get back together and celebrate the moment. It was the first public appearance in many years for the faces of Sustagen milk in the 80s and 90s which I remembered and reminisce about their inspiring tv commercial. 

Photo from Help Susy Find Geno Facebook Fanpage 

For a month, Susy spearheaded a massive search for her missing friend, until Geno himself uses the number one social network Facebook as a medium of their togetherness which sets  time and place for their get-together. Some of their fans, witnessed the details of their communication online and felt the same excitement as well.  

Susy arrived first, toting an album she made for Geno containing photos posted by her fans on her fanpage. She was easily spotted by the Market! Market! crowd, though, and was swarmed by well-wishers wherever she would go. Media and bloggers, like me were there to cover the momentous event. We also had a chance to taste the Sustagen products particularly the chocolate and milk flavors.

That was an amazing day with Susy and Geno which also left many misty-eyed with countless happy memories. This will be the beginning of bigger things ahead of them. If you wanna get involve and witness the moments that will Susy and Geno shared follow them on  www.facebook.com/helpsusyfindgeno.

Intel Tantalizes Consumers with ‘Ultrabook™ Temptations’

Intel Corporation launched a series of six light-hearted experiments called ‘Ultrabook Temptations’. The series was filmed in six cities across four countries and posted to YouTube today.

The experiments set out to explore the depth of human emotions that surround these objects of desire, encouraging consumers to go a little beyond their everyday comfort zone to earn the chance to become the proud owner of a sleek Ultrabook.  The experiments were filmed spontaneously in an effort to introduce Ultrabooks and are available for viewing by an online audience.In “Daring Temptation” for example, an Ultrabook is installed in a display case near a busy area with the simple instruction to “Smash Glass to Win Ultrabook” and a small hammer. Would commuters prove daring enough to smash the glass in public and claim the prize?

Sleek and stylish, Ultrabooks are a new category of computers inspired by Intel. They are the next generation of mobile computing--thinner, lighter and more responsive than traditional laptops, yet just as powerful and secure. “People are drawn to Ultrabooks. When you see one, you just want one,” said Claudine Pache, digital marketing manager for Intel Australia and New Zealand. “We created the ‘Ultrabook Temptations’ to see just how far people would go to get their hands on an Ultrabook.” 

The first Ultrabooks --from brands*such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung and Toshiba--are in stores now. By the end of the year, Intel expects more than 75 designs in market and that Ultrabooks will become mainstream devices. The Ultrabook Temptations series can be seen at www.intel.com/ultrabooktemptations

Save For Your Child's Education

Education is a formal process by which community transmits the accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to others. It is very essential part of human being gain through experience and proper schooling. To make a better future, a child's education must be secure and maintained. Getting your child the best education is a challenge that every parent is willing to take. As a parent, you have big dreams for your children and you know that their future depends on the quality of education they receive today. This is why, in the midst of growing financial worries, parents work doubly hard to prepare for their children’s future educational needs.

But with school expenses increasing every year, your savings may not be enough to cover college tuition fees and other expenses. Aside from regularly saving money, one can also prepare by getting profitable investments that offer better returns. Invest in companies which have made a mark and have a proven track record in the industry, like Insular Life.

Celebrating 101 years of unparalleled and continuous service to old and new generation of Filipinos, Insular Life remains to be the largest Filipino life insurance company. With its Direct Marketing plans College Provider and Sure Cash for Kids, you are assured of a secure future for your child. College Provider is a 5-pay educational plan that provides a college cash fund for your child at age 17. It also provides a life insurance benefit for your child equivalent to the college fund until he reaches age 21. On top of this, College Provider has a built-in waiver of premium payments, wherein the policy will be considered fully paid should the parents or the payor meet an untimely death or suffers from total and permanent disability. The policy will then provide a pre-college cash allowance equivalent to 10% of the face amount until age 16 to finance for your child’s elementary and high school education.

On the other hand, Sure Cash for Kids is a 5-pay, 15-year savings and investment plan for your child that offers guaranteed yearly cash payouts and lump sum cash benefit with built-in life insurance protection. Yearly cash payouts equivalent to 10% of the maturity value will be given from the end of the 5^th policy year to the end of the 14^th policy year amounting to 100% of the maturity value. A lump sum cash benefit equivalent to 100% of the maturity value will also be given at the end of the 15^th policy year. Your child is also covered with a life insurance protection for 15 years with the face amount increasing to 200% on the 4^th policy year up to the 15^th policy year.

Saving for your child’s education is a top priority, so preparing for it now can save you from possible financial troubles in the future.  Address your child’s needs today. Call Insular Direct at 878-1818 local 5403 or 892-3171 or email us at idirect@insular.com.ph for more details on College Provider and Sure Cash for Kids.

Summer is Hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Schick, & Nuffnang

My Ideal Nuffnang summer is a week of pampering and relaxing experience together with my family. It is not new to everyone that that I am working as a nurse and my husband is a chemist. We often go on a date or a weekend getaway because we want  to stay at home and relax by watching DVD while doing the laundry. But we always envisioning of a three to five days of vacation on a beach like Boracay or Palawan.

Summer is approaching, so what's your plan if given a chance? You can also share it with me through comment and you never now we can make a getaway that that we all wanted. Don,t forget your Banana Boat sunscreen for skin protection and Schick for having clean and smoother skin.

"Schick. Free Your Skin."

"Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion. We've got you covered."

Vision Petron recognized in Anvil Awards

Petron Corporation received four Anvil Awards for its Vision Petron National Student Art Competition at awarding ceremonies held last 24 February 2012 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.The Anvil Award of Excellence was given for: (1) Vision Petron 11 Collaterals in the external publications category; and (2) Brushstrokes from the Heart: 365Day E-calendar in the digital-internet category.Lakbay Pinoy earned an Anvil Award of Merit for public relations programs directed at specific stakeholders - special interest groups category, while the Petron Wall Calendar 2011: Dynamic Partnerships received another Anvil Award of Merit in the external publications category.

Vision Petron was the most eagerly awaited national student art contest and the Lakbay Pinoy contest theme garnered the biggest number of entries and number of school participation in 2011. Over the years, Petron Corporation has been a consistent recipient of the Anvil Award, recognizing its high level of excellence in the practice of public relations to promote public interest, good values, and real public service. The Anvil is awarded by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country's premier organization for public relations professionals, to outstanding PR programs and tools.

Finishing Run United 1 2012

Last Sunday March 4 me and my hubby, once again joined the Unilab's annual running event. We haven't hesitate to join, be it at SM Mall of Asia because for the last years it was held at BGC which is a walking distance to our place. Despite the distance and not running for almost a year, no one can stop us from running and we will start it with a bang so we joined the Run United 1.

We woke up around 5AM and ready for the run, since I prepared all the things that we need a night before, my hubby had all his needed matters for the run as well as mine. He drove all the way to SM-MoA and I am very excited too. When we where there, we saw familiar faces and joined them for some stretching and warm-ups.The time has come and we hold our hands at the starting line, Im so happy that I begin to run again and motivate also to loose my weight for a very special reason (baby).

I am so impressed with the improvement of Run United organizers, firstly there are plenty of portalets, ushers and marshals scattered around the area. Secondly, the Unilab Active Health Expo was organized and line-up properly, thirdly the program and awarding started early and lastly they was a WiFi connection and U-Connect section which you can use for 5 mins. Of course there were some flaws like the usual plastic cups scattered around the race area, the poos of the doggies also, and lighting on some race areas specially for 21K participants.

Thank you so much Unilab for having an Active Health program for all of us and for making the Run United  with three legs and a marathon. See you on Run United 2 on June 17, Run United 3 on September 16 and on the 28th of October for Run United Philippines Marathon. Well I think my husband will take the later, me? I dont think so, will update you about it will share again hehe...

              inside our finishers kit

For more updates and announcements like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/UnilabActiveHealth and visit their website www.unilabactivehealth.com.

VSO Bahaginan Volunteering Expo 2012

VSO-Bahaginan invites you to the Second Volunteering Expo on March 13, 2012 at Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City. Entitled "Active Communities, Sustainable Future," the Volunteering Expo will serve as a platform for celebrating and inspiring volunteerism in government, non-government, corporate, and academic sectors.

For more details, please click the e-poster above.

To read the pre-event press release, please click here.

This post is re-blogged from BLOGGERS 4 CHANGE.net.