Environmental and Health Projects by Petron Lakbay Alalay

Petron Corporation's  mission is to be the leading  provider of total customer solutions in the energy sector, the company is expanding its trademark Lakbay Alalay program into a full-blown, year-round campaign. Billed as Lakbay Alalay, Kasama Mo Sa Biyahe, program includes a full of activities reaching far beyond the traditional motorist assistance services. Through this porject, Petron aims to strengthen the bond of companionship and unity with Filipinos, in their aspects of their  everyday living.

Petron Lakbay Alalay Biyahe Para Sa Kalikasan. Gassing up at a Petron station gives you the privilege of having a tree planted in your name.  Under the Petron Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalikasan, motorists who fuel up at any Petron station can join the "Stick it Free, Plant-a-tree" activity, which  you can avail of a single sticker, equivalent to 1 tree seedling named after you during Petron's tree-planting activities. In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Army, volunteers  from Petron and other groups joined together to plant trees in Cebu, Davao and Metro Manila.  Some of the tree seedlings planted were molave , narra , langka and mango. In Cebu, 3,000 trees were planted last 01 June 2012 at Barangay Busay, Cebu City. This was followed on 02 June 2012 at the Davao International Airport, where 700 seedlings were planted. Finally, at the Kaliwa Watershed Forest Reserve in Sto. Niño, Tanay, Rizal, two thousand seedlings were planted last 22 June 2012.

Petron Lakbay Alalay Para Sa Kalusugan hosted a fun run last 17 June 2012, as part of its health-oriented activities, with 1,812  running enthusiasts competing in the 3k, 5k and 10k categories.  Winners in the 3k category were Vernon Jude and Perlita Ruben, who each took home P5,000 Petron e-Fuel Card; in the 5k category, Richard Solano and Cindy Lorenzo were each awarded P7,000 Petron eFuel Card; while Willy Rotich and Jackine Nzivo earned P10,000 Petron e-Fuel Card for winning the 10k category.  All winners also received P3,000 Suriya Spa gift certificates, and gift packs from Magnolia Ice Cream and San Miguel Properties. The Petron Lakbay Alalay Fun Run was held for the benefit of the Tulong Aral ng Petron project, a long-term and strategic initiative that helps send poor children to school. Tulong Aral scholars are enrolled from Grades 1 to 6 in partner schools in the National Capitol Region (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Manila, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros, Pasig and Las Piñas) and in the Mindanao region.

Partners in the Petron Lakbay Alalay Fun Run included ROX, Travel Club, Chris Sports, Magnolia Water, Zen Health, Business Mirror, Net 25, TxtFire, San Mig Coffee Pro Health, Magnolia Ice Cream, Fitness First, Multi-Sport Magazine, Hungry Juan, Smokey's, Dole, Wi-Tribe, Bank of Commerce, Pinoy Fitness, Suriya Spa, San Mig Strong Ice, San Miguel Properties, and San Miguel Purefoods.

Safe T Ryders Goes to Tayuman

Alberto Suansing, the former LTO Chief and now Secretary General of Phil Global Road Safety Partnership, hosted the 4th Bikers Club Meet Up held last June 30 at the Rasak Covered Gym in Tayuman, Manila.  Several motorcycle clubs from Tondo, Kalookan, Navotas, Malabon, Makati and Valenzuela responded to Mr. Suansing’s invitation and spent the whole afternoon exchanging views on the current affairs of motorcycle riding.

“Motorcycles are designed for two passengers.  With affordable monthly payment, many couples find the motorcycle as an economical alternative to using crowded public transport,” said Suansing on the topic of tandem riding. When asked comment on the ban on “open pipes” Suansing says, “As LTO Chief I issued memorandum order banning loud and noisy exhaust pipes, as they are nuisance to the community and residents where motorcycle riders pass.” Members of Underbone Fury Riders (Malabon), Burlington Riders (Makati), Brad Riders (Kalookan), Bagwis Riders (Tondo), Bright Lights (Valenzuela) and NMPC (Navotas) gamely exchanged comments and shared their insights on other topics like backriding of children, checkpoints and arguing with traffic enforcers.

The number of motorcycle users is growing in double digits.   Consequently, the cases of road crashes involving motorcycles are also growing in double digits.  While we are alarmed by everyday accounts of bloody bike crashes, little is being done to mitigate them. Safe-T-Ryders is conducting a series of Bikers Club Meet-Ups to promote greater awareness among public in general, and motorcycle riders in particular.  The goal is to engage organized bikers to take active part in the promotion of road safety and reduction of road mishaps. Sul Guiabel, instructor from Safe T Ryders conducted a short discussion on the effects of alcohol when riding.  This was followed by a lively demonstration of mild and strong intoxication using the “Fatal Vision” goggles.  Club members took turns trying out the goggles and doing several exercises to test their ability to carry out simple tasks like walking along a straight line and catching a ball.

The goggles simulate the loss of eye-and-muscle coordination due to  high BAC (blood alcohol concentration) to emphasize the very damaging effects of riding under the influence of alcohol, and its severe consequences resulting in serious injuries and even death.  With the growing number of road crashes resulting from riding under the influence of alcohol, Safe-T-Ryders is mounting a campaign against riding motorbikes after taking alcohol.

According to Safe T Ryders founder Arnel Doria who was the head of marketing for a leading car brand, "The Club Meet-Up program is part of our advocacy to engage bikers club members in the active campaign to multiply the number of responsible and disciplined bikers.  This will be a continuing program for Safe-T-Ryders Training Center and we invite corporate partners to join us in this road safety advocacy."

Club Meet Up is regularly supported by Gadgets Magazine, PGRSP and Independent Realty Corporation, together with the official media partners: Motoring Today (Solar Sports), Stoplight TV, Auto Review (PTV4) and Inside Motoring (DZRJ).  The Manila leg is sponsored by Prestone brake fluid which gave away one bottle each to the participants, and the Manila City government of Mayor Alfredo Lim.

Safe-T-Ryders Training Center believes that a sound knowledge base as well as strong riding skills result in safer road users and enhance the enjoyment of motorcycle riders. The training center is manned by Julius Ballesteros, a TESDA-certified instructor who has just completed a two-year stint as a safety driving instructor of a large Saudi Arabian company, and Sulfikar Guiabel, an experienced LTO-accredited riding/driving instructor.

The Club Meet-Up is open to bike club members as well as individual riders. Attendance is free of charge to qualified participants.   For interested parties and/or riders clubs who would like to host the meet up, please contact Safe T Ryders (Tel No. 208-8035 / Mobile: 0932-872-3389).  Check for updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/safetryders).

Petron Offers "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" Promo

Gassing up with Petron and paying with your MasterCard could win you a free trip to the Formula One Grand Prix! The "Blaze Your Way to the Grand Prix" promo is an e-raffle running from July 15 to September 15, 2012. 

Every P2,000 single receipt purchase of Petron fuels, Petron lubricants or Gasul using your Mastercard at a participating Petron station entitles the cardholder to one electronic raffle entry. If the single receipt is worth P4,000, then the customer is entitled to two electronic raffle entries. Partnering with Petron in this exciting promo are Mastercard and Business Mirror.

To join, the MasterCard holder must register on the Petron Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PetronCorporation), and click on the "Grand Prix" application tab to fill in the following information: cardholder name, birthday, email address, mobile number, issuing bank, last 4 digits fo MasterCard card number, approval code, transaction date, and transaction amount. The cardholder will receive an automatic email reply with a randomly assigned electronic raffle number. The promo is open to individuals at least 18 years old and holders of a valid Philippine passport.

There will be three monthly minor draws and two grand draws. A total of thirty winners will win Petron Value Cards with pre-loaded points worth P10,000 each; forty winners to Grand Prix Races viewing parties; and four grand draw winners for a trip to watch the Singapore and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Races. A participant may win only once in the promotion. Non-winning entries will be included in succeeding minor and grand draws.

Winners of the Petron Value Cards must first accomplish the prescribed Application Form. Winners of the Grand Prix viewing parties may bring three guests each. WInners of the Grand Prix trips to Singapore and Abu Dhabi may bring one guest each. All prizes are tax-paid and are transferable but not cash-convertible. 

Winners will be notified via registred mail, phone, and general circulation media (newspaper and website), and contacted for confirmation with instruction son how to claim their prizes. Winners must present two valid IDs along with the winning credit card as well as the statement of account and registered notice from Petron.

Winners will be responsible for their travel documents and other travel-related expenses such as changes in confirmed bookings, out-of-pocket expenses, spending money, meals, visas and travel insurance.

Petron is the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines. Its oil refinery produces a full-range of petroleum products to supply nearly 40% of the country's total fuel requirements. With the largest service station network in the country, Petron retails gasoline, diesel and kerosene to motorists. Petron is dedicated and passionate about its vision to be the leading provider of total customer satisfaction solutions in the energy sector and its derivative businesses.

Star Cinema's "The Healing" In Theaters July 25

Star Cinema's newest suspense-horror movie "The Healing", directed by Chito Ro ñ o and written by Roy Iglesias. The Star for All Seasons Gov. Vilma Santos- Recto, came back after three years with a movie genre that she never did before. In celebration of her 50 years in showbiz, she started it with a movie that will offer the moviegoers with another unforgettable masterpiece. It is also a comeback tandem of Direk Chito and Ate Vi, after a ten year gap since they made the "Dekada 70" in 2002.

The Healing, features a story about Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments. It is common that a lot of people are going to faith healers for ailments consultations and treatment, financial and accessibility factors are the most reasons for this, specially those who lives in far provinces. We can not blame them, because some are relieve and totally cured by it. 

Recently, I was one of the fortunate bloggers to attend the exclusive bloggers conference with the Star For All Seasons, writer and director of the film. They share their thoughts, as the bloggers ask them a question. As such - believing faith healers (they are all answers yes because they experience it themselves and family) challenges in film, including the right way of "takot" :)) acting according to Ate Vi and the tailored made for Ate Vi first suspense-horror is also share and the first time two Ratings that MTRCB gave a movie (Rated 18 mostly in Ayala Cinemas and Rated 13 ), recently I heard also that they are given a Grade A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

This movie gathers an all-star powerhouse casts including Ate Vi's personal choice Kim Chiu, Pokwang, Janice De Belen, Mark Gil, Allan Paule, Joel Torre, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Carmi Martin, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado and Martin del Rosario which feels bleesed to be part of the movie and even more because he played as the son of Ate Vi.


"The Healing" opens in cinemas nationwide on July 25 and for more updates about the movie visit www.StarCinema.com.ph or like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, www.facebook.com/StarCinema and follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/StarCinema.

Bayview Park Hotel's Kulinarya Festival Until July 31, 2012

As Bayview Park Hotel continues to support and strengthen the Filipino culture through food, with their partnership with Department of Tourism and Hotel & Restaurant Association of the Philippines. On our series to taste the delectable dishes Bayview Park Hotel has prepared, this third and final week is so meaningful because they almost prepared all my favorite dishes as we visit them.

For the soap its, Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Stew) which made the chicken into bite size and the stew really taste ginger. This made my appetite boost and ready for the main meal up to dessert.

For my appetizer, I tried the Itlog na Maalat na may Kamatis at Sibuyas (Salted Egg with Tomatoes and Onion). My first favorite on the set of menu, at home, we always had a salty egg on the table. I inherited it from my parents and when I was growing an egg painted with red is a must on the market list, because aside from its so easy to prepared, it also a reach source of protein.

Paksiw Na Pata (Pork Legs with Knuckles and Banana Blossoms is another one of my favorite which is included on the menu. I tried it twice with rice and I can't believe I did it in a snap hehehe...The meat was so tender and its sauce is so delicious.

Ginataang Tambakol (Makerel in Coconut Cream) is well, the third and one of my favorites also, I told you they prepared a perfect finale for me hehe.. I already share to you that I am a Bicolana and any dishes with coconut milk makes may day perfect. And that day is so perfect as well, because the taste that I am expecting in any meal with coconut cream is well executed by the chief.

Pinakbet (Sauteed Mixed Vegetable w Shrimp Paste), is the only vegetable dish that they prepared that day, so I didn't waste time to taste and I like it also. The crunchiness of vegetable is present and the shrimp paste gave a saltiness taste for it, a right bind with the sweetness of the vegetable.

Pancit Canton Guisado ( Stir-Fried Canton Noodles with Mixed Seafood & Vegetables), is one of my favorites also, anything as well as it is pancit its always be my choice and I like it very much.

For the dessert is Sari-Saring Kakanin (Assorted Rice Cake) and Halo-Halo (Sweetened Fruits and Crashed Ice), well its indeed a sumptous finale for me and other bloggers who were invited by the Bayview Park Hotel's Kulinarya Festival 2012.

You only have until July 31st to taste the festivity at Bayview Park Hotel for only 450Php from Monday to Friday 11AM-2PM. For reservations please call 247-9000 and 526-1555 or email them at www.bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com.

Create Your Own "Merienda Mix" Only at Max's

Filipino's are known to have a higher level of appetite from breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course merienda in between meals. So MAX’S CORNER BAKERY has a new and exciting treat for us, in collaboration with Max’s Restaurant - The Max’s Merienda Mixes. It offers a selection of merienda favourites that can be mixed and matched for only Php 95!. With this, Max’s Corner Bakery seeks to create an experience that is light, fun and heart-warming for every Filipino.

Recently, I was one of the lucky bloggers who attended the Max’s Merienda Mixes campaign held at their branch at Greenbelt 1. It was raining cats and dogs that day, but it doesn't stop me from going at the said venue. Because aside from the launched itself, they also offered us an exciting treat, that is the block screening of Dark Night Rises. The event was hosted by Wilma Doesnt, who did a great job to entertain and make us laugh. It was an afternoon of great merienda, laughter, prizes and movie.

The Corporate Media & PR Manager for Max’s Group of Companies Bobby Simborio said “Max’s Merienda Mixes reaches out to merienda-lovers of all ages. It is not only budget-friendly, the choices of Max’s Corner Bakery and Max’s Merienda items are also sure to make any mouth water. Max’s will no longer be just a place for a hearty breakfast, or a sumptuous lunch and dinner. It is the new place to experience delicious and indulgent afternoon snacks that are absolutely Filipino. This promo is a value-for-money offering that integrates the components of a fast-casual dining restaurant - comfort, quality service and exceptional food. Our customers can also enjoy unlimited wi-fi service while taking pleasure in their favorite Max’s Merienda Mix”.

You may visit the nearest or your favorite Max’s Restaurant branch from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm starting July 19 and choose any of Max’s classic merienda dishes like Pancit Luglug (plain), Pancit Canton (small) or a petite bowl of triple-chocolate Champorado. You can pair their Max’s merienda dish with their choice of Max’s Corner Bakery products like the freshly-baked Ensaimada, topped with creamy butter, sugar and grated cheese; the melt-in-your mouth Cheese Roll; or a luscious slice of Cake Roll with their choice of yummy icing filling - chocolate, mocha, ube, mango and jelly.  And to complete your merienda feast at Max’s, diners may choose from any Pepsi soft drink, a cool glass of Sago’t Gulaman, or a steaming cup of Brewed Coffee.

Max’s Merienda Mixes is also available for take-out and delivery. Customers may conveniently dial Max’s delivery hotline 7-9000 for quick delivery service within Metro Manila or place their orders online by logging on to www.maxschicken.com.ph. Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and www.facebook.com/maxscornerbakery to sign up for Max’s and Max’s Corner Bakery’s fan page.

Petron Opens Business Opportunities to Pinoy Entrepreneurs

Petron Corporation, the country's leading oil company, is opening up investment opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs by offering them a chance to own and operate a Petron service station. With Petron's expertise, track record, and market leadership, enterprising Filipinos from all walks of life will have the opportunity to start a great business and grow with a company they can trust. 

All you need is a plot of land of the right size located along a well-travelled thoroughfare. Depending on the feasibility study, a Petron dealer may choose the appropriate station configuration to match the market potential with his investment capacity.

Petron has diverse service station offerings, starting with micro-filling stations with two or three pumps for underserved remote areas, to bigger full-service stations in more urban centers. In all instances, Petron provides dealer development assistance including equipment (e.g. dispensing pumps) and a comprehensive personnel training program.

A Petron dealership is basically a retail operation involving fuels, lubricants, LPG and other specialty products. Only Petron has the widest range of product options in terms of formulation and price point, to serve virtually every market niche.

Its gasoline brands include Petron Blaze 100, Petron XCS, Petron Xtra Unleaded and Petron Pinoy Gasoline. Petron Blaze 100 is the first premium gasoline in the Philippines with a 100-octane rating, and is ideal for high-end, high-performance vehicles. Petron XCS is a 95-octane triple action gasoline with organic combustion enhancers tor smooth engine response,s uperior engine protection and optimum fuel efficiency. Petron Xtra Unleaded is the proven fuel economy standard bearer and has been tested in several marathon fuel economy runs all over the country. 

For diesel, Petron offers Petron Turbo Diesel, a technologically-advanced diesel with power-boosting and fuel-optimizing additives suitable for high-speed diesel engines. Petron DieselMax, on the other hand, offers improved fuel economy and cleaner emissions for longer engine life.

As a mark of its strong market acceptance, Petron has been awarded with a Gold Trusted Brand award in the service station category by Readers' Digest for 12 consecutive years. The Trusted Brand award is a consumer survey performed yearly to measure a brand's trustworthiness, credibility, quality, value, understanding of customers' needs, innovativeness, and social responsibility.

Petron is the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines. Its 180,000 barrel-per-day Bataan refinery produces a full-range of petroleum products to supply nearly 40% of the country's total fuel requirements. With the largest service station network in the country, Petron retails gasoline, diesel and kerosene to motorists. Petron is dedicated and passionate about its vision to be the leading provider of total customer satisfaction solutions in the energy sector and its derivative businesses.

DRUM TAO At Resorts World Manila

Recently, I had a chance to watch the world-renowned Japanese martial arts and drum-playing performance of DRUM TAO. They are brought here by Establish Events and Travel Life which is held at New Port Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, rain didn't stop me from watching this once in a life time chance and it didn't failed my expectations.

From start to finish the amazing drum playing and martial arts executions is way to far from performances that I've seen on stage. My heart didn't stop beating fast because, I was so amazed how they play with synchronicity and they also give chance the audience to participate to lighten our intense feeling. There's a bit of comedic portions wherein two performers are running and fighting against each other with a twist hehhe.. I really love watching it :))

I can say that, DRUM TAO is a must see performance and see the talents of Japanese and how they master their craft. You only have until tomorrow Sunday at 4PM  and 8PM in Resorts Worlds Manila to witness the great talents. You can purchase tickets at Resorts World Manila 908-8000 or call Ticket Net 891-9999 for reservations.

Toothbrushing? There's No Compromise!

Kids are kids. Whether playful, naughty or nice, kids are often happy to break rules without meaning to be bad specially in the company of their fellow “kiddizens.” Getting away with something and saying “No!” are part of their mischievous nature and their need to assert their budding individuality. But when it comes to hygiene habits, there is absolutely no compromise when it comes to rushing their teeth, especially after eating or snacking and even when they’re at school or at any place that won’t allow you to monitor them for the next 6 hours.

Of course, having them trained and disciplined in their early years helps, but in in cases when they don’t have access to a toothbrush, you don’t have to worry. There’s now an effective and convenient way of promoting good oral health. The trick?  Give them the power to “exercise” their right to oral and dental health, even wiithout a  toothbrush!  Give them a dental health gum like Lotte Xylitol Neo—the one that’s highly trusted and recommended by dentists.

Lotte Xylitol Neo Dental Health Gum contains xylitol, a gum-friendly natural sugar that effectively reduces tooth decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. Aside from that, Lotte Xylitol Neo Dental Health Gum helps “remineralize” and rebuild the teeth because of the presence of “calcium phosphates” to help make teeth strong and healthy. And because it’s a gum, you can take it with you anytime, anywhere and chew at your most convenient time.

Lotte Xylitol Neo Dental Health Gum, sold and distributed in the Philippines by Lotte Confectionary (Pilipinas) Corp. With flavors like Fresh Mint, Blueberry Mint and Lime Mint, Lotte Xylitol Neo Dental Health Gum is available at leading drugstores, convenience stores and major supermarkets nearest you.

Wendy's Restaurants "Son of Baconator"

Have you heard the proverb form in the seventeenth century, "As is the father, So is the son (qualis pater talis filius)? As the sons inherit their fathers image and likeness. Now, you will see and taste it again, yes taste it again because like its father (Wendy's Baconator), you can experience the same delicious and mouthwatering hamburger in "Son of Baconator". As the youngest hamburger line of Wendy's now, it will gave your taste buds an oozing flavor and satisfaction that his father brought.

Son of Baconator has two 45 grams of 100% pure beef patty, two slices of American Cheese and 4 strips of tasty, freshly cooked, deliciously crisp bacon all on a toasted Wendy's very own Kaiser buns for only 150Php. Giving generous portion and a true "hamburger-wonder", no wonder its a sure fire hit for foodies like me :)). In fact, I got a chance to taste it for the nth time last Tuesday at Wendy's branch in Glorietta 4, Cinema area with my other co-bloggers. We also had a chance to talk to the exsecutives of Wendy's Philippines and so excited to announced that they would be bring more new products and promotions in the Philippines and the renovations of stores and last but not the list opening new branches for everyone to reach them and taste what's in-store for everybody.

The Son of Baconator is available in all Wendy's restaurant that is continuously bringing fast, friendly service and overall excellent dining experience. A restaurant that guarantees total customer satisfaction, As a matter of fact, they now have an Italian coffee called Lavazza for only 50Ph and its perfect combination cupcakes and cookies for a reasonable prices.

For more details and information about Wendy's Restaurants visit www. http://www.hamburgers.ph/. or  "Like" them on Facebook HERE and for delivery call 533-3333 or you can also order online at http://www.hamburgers.ph/order.asp.

Win 10,000Php from Ceelin Cool Chew Craze

A new craze is sweeping the nation, and it has got all the kids singing, dancing and chewing. Yes, you read that right—chewing! But don’t be alarmed Moms, this is one craze you’ll surely approve of.

The Ceelin Cool Chew Craze is an online video contest for children ages 7-12 years old who love being in front of the camera. Your cool kids will have to create a video of themselves (with Mom or Dad’s approval and help of course!) lip-syncing to the cool tune of the Ceelin Cool Chew Song. Jazz up the performance with some groovy moves and creative improvisation and your kids just may be on their way to becoming one of Php10,000 winners. The best videos will also star in the Ceelin official video, along with a secret guest celebrity.

To further the excitement, Ceelin has been visiting elementary schools around the nation. Along with their Cool Chew Crew, they travel around teaching kids the importance of eating right and drinking vitamin C through the Cool Chew Song.

How do you join?

You can also watch the video mechanics to get you all set : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETesJbE5Gcw&feature=plcp

Perfect your Cool Chew performance! Rehearse with the Ceelin Cool Chew Craze Practice Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAs_-Jqy5ZU&feature=plcp

Ceelin Chewables is an orange-flavored, Vitamin-C tablet for kids. A dose of Ceelin Chewable tablet every day enhances the kids’ immune system, increases their appetite and keeps sickness at bay, allowing them to enjoy more fun activities at home and in school.

For more information and updates on the Ceelin Cool Chew Craze, you may visit the Ceelin Chewable fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeelinPH

One Fighting Championship's PRIDE OF A NATION on August 31 at SMART Araneta Colisuem

ONE Fighting Championship is Asia's largest mixed martial arts event. It features the best Asian fighters and world champions with the largest pan-Asia media broadcast. Now, they're heading to Manila with a loaded card that is set to rock largest MMA event in the history of the Philippines. Recently, I was one of the bloggers who were invited to the press conference held at Discovery Suites and saw some of the great and respected fighters of OFC.

The "ONE FC: Pride of the Nation" event that will be happening on the 31st August at SMART Araneta Coliseum with the greatest fighters like Shinya Aoki and Bibiano Fernandes on the same card, debut of Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski and Jens “Lil Evil” Pulver, Arlovski will square off against Soa Palelei and Pulver takes on the pride of the Philippines Eric “The Natural” Kelly, expect Arlovski to bring hard hitting action when he looks to continue his winning streak against Soa Palelei and the main event will pit the ever impressive DREAM Bantamweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes against CFC Australia Champion Gustavo Falciroli and many more. 

The CEO of ONE Fighting Championship Victor Cui also said,  “We have put together the greatest card in ONE FC history for our Manila event. When you put Shinya Aoki and Bibiano Fernandes on the same card, one can expect nothing less than an epic night of world‐class MMA action like Manila has never seen before. Manila is the fight capital of Asia and I want to bring the best fighters in Asia to the awesome fight‐fans of this great city. We are beyond excited to hold this incredible card in such a passionate and pride driven city.”

Our very own Eduard “The Landslide” Folayang (11‐2) is back in action at ONE FC: Pride of a Nation. The hero of the Philippines will represent his country once again on an international stage when he enters the ONE FC cage. Folayang is excited to prove why he is still one of the top fighters in the Lightweight division today. Hope he'll take the belt that he deserve and let us all support him.

For more updates, log on to www.ONEFC.com and "Like" them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA/info and "Follow" them on Twitter https://twitter.com/onefcmma.
You can now purchase tickets for 4,500 (VIP) and 2000, 1000, 650, 500 and 200PHP (Patron to General Admission) at TicketNet.

Niscenssa Direct Sales Launches Online Store

Nisce Skin ‘n Face has a direct selling arm called Niscenssa Direct Sales, that provides an income-generating opportunity for loyal customers and bring effective skincare products within everyone's reach. The products are divided into four categories- Blaise (skincare formulated for men, from shaving to facial skincare), Dr. Skin (whitening creams and lotion, prevention and treatment for acne, age defying, deodorants), Nisce ( whitening, exfoliating and organic soaps and sunblock lotion SPF80) and Niscenssa (face powders and foundations and insect repellent).

Recently they launched the Niscenssa online store (www.niscenssa.com), the easiest way to shop for Niscenssa products, with their new brand ambassador, actress Bela Padilla. I was lucky enough to witness this launch and met the new face of Niscenssa. Held at Secret Recipe, SM Megamall branch, press and bloggers are all glamour and prepared on the said event. They even conducted a "Pinoy Henyo" , bring me game and had a back massage area for us (which I enjoyed).

The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nisce Skin ‘n Face Atty. Blaise Nisce was introduced and gave a short message , “As we want to bring beauty within everyone’s reach, we are inspired to break into e-business by opening an online store. Through this, we aim to reach areas where Nisce skin clinics are not available, as well as areas where we do not have enough direct sellers,”. 

You can visit Niscenssa online store  to see the full range of quality Niscenssa Direct skin care products with your convenience and own pace. In fact you can shop with your pajamas  any time online. So visit www.niscessa.com for a full range of products and information and of course for your orders.For updates, follow them on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nisceskin and like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nisceskin.

"CAPTIVE" A Brillante Ma Mendoza Film

CAPTIVE is a state of being confined to a space from which it is difficult to escape.I could never imagine myself being in this state and I can say that surviving from it would be a miracle. Aside from the fact that I am claustrophobic, I can hardly breathe in a confined area especially if there is no way out. But some people I know are more energetic and their adrenaline shoots-up in situations like these. They can think and move faster for their survival and come up with so many possible choices in their minds in order to escape. But what if "Even Choice Is Not An Option?"

CAPTIVE is a film by 2009 Cannes Film Festival Best Director winner, Brillante Ma Mendoza. The film is adapted from the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident of two US missionaries by the Abu Sayyaf in 2001.

Recently, I, together with other co-bloggers, had a chance to talk to Brillante Ma Mendoza, the director of CAPTIVE and one of the  country's most respected film makers. I didn't even think twice when I was invited and I cancelled all my meetings for this once in a lifetime chance. The CAPTIVE Bloggers Conference with Director Mendoza was held at Patio Carlito Restaurant, Quezon City around 11:30AM.

From the time he started to talk, we learned so many things not only about the movie but mostly about the director himself. The movie has 200 members including the 40 actors/actresses like Isabelle Huppert, Ronnie Lazaro, Angel Aquino, Sid Lucero, Raymond Bagatsing, Rustica Carpio, Maria Isabel Lopez, Mercedes Cabral, Kathy Mulville, and Timothy Mabalot. It took 25 back-breaking days to simulate the kidnapping and the experience of being held captive from resort to city to boat ride and up to the forest. But the research and post-production (which was mostly done in France) took a year to finish, hiking the total production cost to an estimated 60 million pesos.

Director Mendoza's crew did not actually shoot the film in Basilan, Lamitan, Palawan or any other part of Mindanao for security reasons. Instead, they used  the military camp in Tanay, Rizal, the jungle of Zambales, and the coastal and mountainous province almost a hundred kilometers northeast of Metro Manila. The film also showed some details of the ordeal like the actual childbirth of one of the kidnap victims and a live snake eating a chicken. For the former, the production crew had to search for a pregnant woman who was about to give birth and for the latter, Mendoza recounted how long it took (Very LONG) to capture the exact moment when the snake lunged for the chicken. The film also includes a scene where Isabelle Huppert, a popular French actress who plays the role of volunteer social worker Therese Burgoine, saw a Sarimanok (an omen of peace and good fortune) while wandering in the forest.

Like any director, Brillante Ma Mendoza also encountered a lot of challenges such as keeping true to the focus of the story, handling a big production and directing a world-renowned, award-winning actress like Isabelle Huppert (Best Actress, Cannes). He said, "Along the way, you would become enlightened through the process".

Director Mendoza expects that CAPTIVE will change the perspective of some people about Muslims, the military, and the government. He is ready for criticisms and will not be surprised that some people will not like this film at all. Nevertheless, Director Mendoza is passionate when it comes to sharing his film, knowledge, and talent thru film viewing and invitational talks. He also reiterates his undying enthusiasm for submitting his works and joining international film festivals because these are venues for interaction with legit and notable members of the film industry - from actors to critics who are usually present on such events.

It is a great experience and honor to listen and talk to Director Brillante Ma Mendoza, a film maker who is mostly unbiased in making a film and depicts realism in his celluloid narratives. Mendoza is undoubtedly a master of his craft and yet, he is admirably unselfish when it comes to imparting his knowledge about film making. It is no wonder that he had bagged major awards from international film festivals and I believe he will continue to do so in the coming years. He is a true film ambassador of the Philippines, the most brilliant in our present era.

To know more about the film CAPTIVE ,"Like" it HERE on Facebook. To request for a film viewing for schools , just email brillante_ma@yahoo.com or visit www.brilliantemamendoza.com. The regular showing of CAPTIVE in theaters is on September 5, 2012.

Nokia Siemens Networks' Liquid Net Approach

Having problem with mobile internet connection? Can't catch-up and update real time? Well, now the answer on your problematic situation is here :) The unexpected growth in demand for internet usage especially among Smartphone users, brought about by the popularity of social networking sites and radical evolution of new applications utilizing the internet, has caused downtime and often failure of mobile phone users to connect to the internet. Often, those that have paid a premium for their internet connections, mostly post paid subscribers of Communications Service Providers (CSPs), end up frustrated about paying so much and not being able to succeed with their chat, calls, messaging or data download, games, movies or access to networking sites.

For the CSPs, which absorb the brunt of frustrated customers, the solution is often to upgrade the infrastructure (cell sites and more hardware and software acquisition and upgrades) that could hardly be recouped from their current subscriber base and sales of accounts. To be able to earn more, they resort to giving packages, usually for pre-paid customers, like unlimited calls or text, unlimited surfing and immortal texts and calls. But these packages tend to aggravate the connection even more and the CSPs end up being more frustrated than ever to find ways to maximize or improve their revenues.

With the operation of the Network Labs of Nokia Siemens Network (NSN), opened last July 2011 by President Aquino, solutions to these recurring and worsening connectivity concerns are slowly being crafted and rolled out to operators like CSPs, social networking sites and even hardware and software providers. NSN officials briefed media recently on the impact that smart phone applications left “always on” for internet mails, social networking and other sites to connectivity issues. “More often than not, leaving these applications always on—for instant updates—tend to deny access or interrupted connections to other smart phone users who have paid for the service,” said Manuel Palomo, Solutions Manager for NSN. In addition, certain areas like central business district, malls and schools often experience “peak loads” during the day, where connectivity problems occur. This demand shifts to residential at night time, which again the CSPs must be able to address in real time.

Internet connectivity issues are not exclusive to the Philippines. In fact, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where NSN launched its newer data solutions and applications last February, it was noted that “always on” applications on “keep alive” messages cause terminal state changes, for which the phone has to exchange signalling messages with the core network. Smart devices send 8 times more signalling than laptops, it was reported in the Barcelona launch. Providers of global voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services invest 5 times more for data than for voice, but ironically the revenues from voice is 5 times more than data. And with the number of newer VoIP providers, who give this service free to customers growing like Facebook and Google (aside from Skype), the connectivity must be enhanced to ensure that customers do not suffer from interrupted service. The global mobile traffic forecast is expected to hit 43 exabytes by 2015 coming from mobile voice (16 kbps); mobile tablet, mobile laptops and mobile handheld. The 1 gigabyte per subscriber per day usage is “approaching faster than anticipated,” NSN said.

Through the liquid net approach, problems like providing connection to places where they are most needed at any time of the day will soon be addressed because the liquid net is self aware and self adapting and the software- defined apps are based on multi- purpose hardware. Also, the liquid net provides for inter-lined architecture and is very evolutionary, the NSN said. The other benefits of liquid net are: premium services with premium experience, higher revenue potential of more than 50 percent; the network can immediately follow where the demand is heavy, there is reduced risk of churn of 25 percent of high end smart phone users. For the CSPs, the liquid net can unleash up to 80 percent of unused baseband capacity and up to 65percent of capacity gain in the cell, high operational expenditure savings in the core with up to 80 percent footprint reduction in the core and up to 65 percent lower energy consumption and up to 60 percent savings in transport network.

___________________PRESS RELEASE_____________

Bayview Park Hotel's Kulinarya Festival 2012

Bayview Park Hotel continue to support the project of Department of Tourist and Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines. For the second time this year, I had a chance to taste and savor the finest flavor of Filipino foods. The buffet sets a complete menu from appetizer to dessert, which makes my heart soften every time I stand beside the table.

Caesar Salad as appetizer composed of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red and green pepper and olives. I like the mixed of veggies specially the olives on it which makes my salad salty-sour-sweet hmmm...

I start my main meal with Kalderetang Baka (Beef Caldereta), the meat was so tender and I almost done it in a minute yes..you heard it right hehhe.. the sauce was so delicious and I cant help to have my second serving hehehe..

The same that I had with Ginataang Tanigue (Spanish Makerel in Coconut Cream), this viand is so Filipino and since I am a Bicolana, anything cooked with coconut cream is heaven for me. The tanigue fish is still intact as it combined with coconut cream, you can't blamed me for that..maybe chef hehe..

I combined Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelette) with Pancit Bihon Guisado (Stir-Fried Bihon Noodles with Mixed Seafood & Vegetables because I've had enough steamed rice with the first two above. But you know?, I found it delicious and tasteful because the sweetness of Tortang Talong blended well with the saltyness of Pancit Bihon Guisado yumm..yummm...I want to cook one and serve with my husband, im sure he'll agree with me.

Of course our buffet lunch will never be completed without Bayview Park Hotel's Halo-Halo and Leche Flan . As always it was a great finale with a twist because we end up eating the entire Leche Flan which is in fact, one of the ingredients of Halo-Halo hehe...

So indulge the Filipino cuisine only at Bayview Park Hotel Buffet Lunch, you have until July 31st only from Monday- Friday 11AM-2PM. You can call for reservation at telephone number 247-9000 and 526-1555 0r email them at www.bookings@bayviewparkhotel.com.