PhilSTAR TV’s "WHEELS", for motoring news and developments

Wheels, PhilSTAR TV’s premier motoring TV show, continues to break the glass ceiling as it provides you with the latest motoring news and developments.

In the next episode on April 28, Wheels will take you out of your comfort zone by trying on more new cars and experiencing aspects of the motoring life that you only imagined. Join Matteo, Manny, Angel and Kap this Thursday for adventures beyond your threshold.

First up is Matteo, who assumes the life of a mechanic for day to find out why cars need to undergo periodic maintenance service.

Meanwhile, Manny drives the family-oriented Mazda CX-9 SUV, another viable alternative for families looking for a suitable car for their everyday needs.

Angel blasts through Negros Island aboard the newest cars from KIA to see if they can weather the challenges posed by the island’s twisting, uphill and rough roads.

And finally, Kap goes behind the wheel of the all-new Toyota Fortuner and puts it to the test on the racetrack to see what’s changed in one of the market’s leading SUVs.

It’s all these and more on the third season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch it every Thursday, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook.com/PhilStarWheels.

HUROM: YOUR ALL-IN-ONE JUICE BAR

We have reached mainstream status with the juicing lifestyle. Many juice bars have been dotting up the landscape as the emphasis on healthier lifestyles is being celebrated. Buying these signature health juices can be pricey, and the plastic packaging of commercially prepared juices is also not environmentally friendly. It’s more cost effective to just a buy a juicer at the outset. You get the freshest juice possible at a fraction of the cost. Buying your own juicer also lets customize your juices, and you can take advantage of combining fruits, vegetables, grains, as well as nuts. You can have an endless variety of nutritionally balanced and easy-to-drink vitamin packed health elixirs, but not all juicers are created equal. 

Many are still unaware about the concept of slow juicing, as it is a fairly recent one. We used to think that the faster your juicing blades make juice from fruit and vegetable pulp, the better it will be. Now we know better. Like all things worth doing, with juicers it’s better to take things slow.

The Hurom slow juicer is the global leader in this category. It is powerful enough to juice just about anything, but does this is in way that preserves the natural nutrition, flavor and color of your produce. You can easily see that the juice produced using this method will have preserved most of its vibrancy and color. The Hurom motor works with in a slow but efficient method of extraction that preserves the enzymes and nutrients of your fruits and vegetables. Certain models are even capable of producing nut milks, which is a healthier alternative to dairy. There is no need to strain the nut milk, which you would do if done in an ordinary blender.

Most commercial juices do not get to preserve the phytonutrients and enzymes present in fruit and vegetable because the power of the blades used to extract their juices damage the cell wall of the produce. You will notice that the juice produced from these kinds of juicers are darker and oxidize easily. Furthermore, a lot commercial juices are pasteurized which further degrades their nutritional benefits. Hurom gives you maximum control over your juicing needs, and the variety and combination of flavors and textures you can concoct are endless. The official Hurom website gives a lot of tips. (www.hurom.com)

Hurom is also perfect for on-the-go lifestyles as it is easy to concoct juices bring to the gym or to work. Clean up is also easy as you just rinse three pieces and you’re done. The design of the Hurom juicer has won many international awards for its beauty and efficiency. With Hurom you don’t just own another appliance, as much as you get a ticket to a healthier and more vibrant life choice.

Hurom Slow Juicers are available in Abenson, Anson Link, Duty Free, Gourdo’s, Rustan’s, Landmark, Metro Gaisano, Royal Duty Free, S&R, SM Appliance, SM Home, True Value, and Western Appliances. To learn more about Hurom Slow Juicers, visit the official website at www.hurom.com and follow us on our social media accounts: (Facebook) http://www.facebook.com/huromphofficial, and (Twitter & Instagram) @HuromPHofficial. You may contact directly to hotlines (+632) 926-8038 / (+632) 926-8009.

GET INTO SWIMMING AND ITS BENEFITS WITH STREAMLINE SPORTS INSTRUCTION

I together with my niece, bestfriend and her son, recently took the challenge to learn on how to swim in a day, while beating the heat in the metro. This will benefits us a lot whenever into the water and at the same time lower the body temperature that we are feeling almost everyday.

Happen at the City Club Alphaland, Streamline Sports Instructions (SSI) initiated to teach us (toddlers, kids, teens and adults) on the basics of swimming. These includes proper breathing, hand forms, lower body proper movements and more. Though we didn't learn the laps into the pool but we really learned a lot from them in a very short period of time.

Streamline Sports Instruction was established in 2014 as a swim coaching business with an expanding interest in triathlon coaching and multi-sport events. They caters to all ages and provides high quality swim instruction around the metro like Makati, Pasig, Quezon City and Taguig City. 

“Swimming is for everyone. You can learn at any age and still be good at it, with the right teaching approach,” shares Noy Basa, Co-Founder and Head Coach of Streamline Sports Instruction. “We believe in the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle through sports and learning how to swim is a step towards that direction,” ends Basa.

I think swimming is really good for the body like from lungs because it will maximized your breathing process, gain body strength because you will use all your body parts to move through the water and helps overall flexibility. It will keep your body fit and healthy :).

On the other hand swimming don’t just end with the physical benefits. A research by Mindlab International reported that taking a regular dip at your local pool could make you feel happier. More studies suggest it also helps with stress relief and self-esteem.

Swimming will make your mind fit also. According to a Journal of Physiology study, blood flow to the brain increased by up to 14% when men submerged themselves in water up to their heart. Though this could mean more brain activity for you, don’t get your hopes too high. The real magic is with the kids! In an Australian research, it showed that kids who took swimming lessons were able to master language development, fine motor skills, confidence, and physical development sooner than those who didn’t. Don’t you just wish you took swimming lessons as a kid?

To get started this summer, why not enroll in a swimming school? Like all exercises, it’s always more effective when we approach learning under the supervision of professionals who use a technically sound and enjoyable form of instruction. With a combined local and international teaching experience of over 40 years, swimming with Streamline Sports Instruction will definitely be an experience you and your kids will enjoy.

Go on, grab your goggles, and take a lap with Streamline Sports Instruction, just like we do, we learned, had fun and make worth out of our day with benefits.

Win Posh Nails Lemongrass-Ginger Treatments and Mother's Day movie tickets

Posh Nails recently introduce a latest treatment that is designed to pamper our hands and feet with the benefits of lemongrass and ginger, the Lemongrass-Ginger Treatments that is available in all branches nationwide. 

Together with my co-bloggers, we've all had a chance to try the Lemongrass-Ginger Treatment at the Posh Nails SM Mall of Asia branch that is located at the 2nd level North Wing. Right after my work which usually finishes at 3PM, I went straight to MOA and excited to try the newest treatment. Posh Nails never fail to pamper me, because it is really relaxing and satisfying.

Here's the reasons why Lemongrass-Ginger Treatment is good for us, is it because of Lemongrass' antioxidants and vitamins contains, that prevent skin from aging and pigmentation. Also lemongrass has found with anti-fungal, antibacterial properties and has a soothing oils that are used to minimized pores and serves as a moisturizer.

At the same time ginger also found to have a benefits for anti-aging, anti-oxidants properties. Ginger will helps even out the skin tones and improve elasticity for firmer, younger looking skin.

Poshnails have another treat for all of us, because aside from they are giving away a Lemongrass-Ginger Pampering packages and a Mother's Day movie tickets.

Mother's Day comedy movie stars Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson which will be shown starting May 3, 7PM at SM Megamall, Cinema 1.

To join you have to follow Poshnails on Instagram (@Poshnail_) and Twitter (@Poshnails_) and Me (@ning4u). Then tag us together with your mother, mommy friend or a friend who loves her mother so much. That's it (eg. "I want to watch Mother's Day movie with @Wena, Thank you @Poshnails_ and @ning4u for making this possible")

Two winners will take home 2 tickets of Mother's Day movie on May 3, 7PM at SM Megamall Cinema 1 and a 2 Poshnails Pampering GC that you can use in any Poshnails branches nationwide :). Winner will be announce on May 2.

OPPO F1 PLUS now in the Philippines, available for pre-order nationwide

Recently OPPO Philippines introduces the bigger and better "selfie expert" phone, the OPPO F1 Plus. The newest smartphone has a 16-megapixel front camera and retails for P21,990 and is available for pre-order nationwide from April 16 to April 29. Down payment is just P1,000, and you get a free OPPO selfie stick along with the unit as soon as you pick it up starting April 30.

Great selfies whenever, wherever

The F1 Plus has a 16-megapixel front-facing Hi-Light Camera that captures clear, vivid photos in any lighting condition.

Four times more sensitive than standard cameras, the F1 Plus’ Hi-light Camera excels in low-light, back-lit, and night-time photography. The camera also offers twice the dynamic range of cameras without the Hi-Light technology, and captures photos with four times less noise.

“Selfies will always turn out bright and clear no matter the time of the day because of the F1 Plus’ unique sensor technology and wide f/2.0 aperture lens,” said Marton Barcza, OPPO’s product expert. “The F1 Plus also has the highest front camera resolution on the market.”

The OPPO F1 Plus features a custom-built Hi-light Camera that takes vibrant pictures in various lighting conditions.

The phone comes with the new Selfie Panorama and Beautify 4.0 features, and the front-facing Screen Flash. Its custom-built sensor arranges pixels in a unique pattern to create clear and bright photos that are strikingly rich in color.

Sarah Geronimo, OPPO Philippines’ brand ambassador, said all these camera features allow users to “get the perfect shot on the first snap, anywhere and anytime.”

OPPO has likewise upgraded its built-in selfie beautification app with Beautify 4.0. After six months of testing and 150 revisions, Beautify 4.0 is optimized to enhance one’s look in a snap.

By highlighting the user’s best facial features and minimizing flaws, Beautify 4.0 produces natural-looking photos. “You’ll never have to take bad selfies again thanks to Beautify 4.0, which serves like your own styling team,” Geronimo said.

With the Selfie Panorama feature, you can take extra-wide 120-degree shots, as the F1 Plus seamlessly combines three photos to ensure that everyone in the group is in the photo.

“I’m sure everyone will look good in every ‘groupie’ because of the F1 Plus’ easy-to-use Selfie Panorama,” Geronimo said. 

Light, thin and comfortable

The smartphone has an elegant frame that’s fit for style-minded users. The F1 Plus has a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with 4th Generation Gorilla Glass. But with ultra-thin 1.66-mm bezels, the F1 Plus looks like a smaller 5.2-inch phone.

“It doesn’t only take great selfies and groupies, it’s a fashion statement, too,” pointed out Geronimo.

The OPPO F1 Plus has ultra-thin 1.66 mm bezels.

“When we designed the F1 Plus, we wanted to create a light, thin, and comfortable device, so our O-Fans can effortlessly carry the smartphone and take photos anywhere they want,” Barcza said. “The frame went through 68 polishing processes before we finally attained what we believe is the perfect grip for a smartphone.”

“With its non-slippery metal surface, users won’t worry about this phone slipping from their hands,” he added.

The F1 Plus’ Comfort Grip helps keep the phone safe in users’ hands.

Fast, convenient, secure

Who says the F1 Plus is only good for taking selfies? With a 4GB RAM and an 8-core processor, this smartphone promises users a faster and smoother experience while gaming, browsing the Internet, or using resource-heavy apps.

The smartphone is fit for people on the go, with a VOOC Flash Charge feature that requires only 30 minutes of charging for its battery to reach 75 percent capacity. The battery also can last up to 14 hours and 5 minutes of constant use.

“‘Charge for five minutes, talk for two hours’ became an iconic slogan for OPPO in China last year. It convinced more than 18 million users so far to say goodbye to dead batteries,” Barcza said. “The F1 Plus is set to bring the convenience and safety of VOOC to even more users around the world.”

The new phone is the first to feature the all-new ColorOS 3.0. This software offers a tidy and refreshing new look, along with increased efficiency and speed.

The updated ColorOS 3.0 comes with a new, elegant look and faster system performance.

Overall system speed is now 25 percent faster when compared to ColorOS 2.1, with home screen loading speed increased by 35 percent, and app installation speed boosted by 41 percent.

You can likewise save time with the F1 Plus’ Touch Access technology, which makes unlocking the phone faster and easier. It is OPPO’s first phone to use front-facing fingerprint recognition.

Front-facing fingerprint recognition

The phone’s advanced ceramic material recognizes its owner’s fingerprint and unlocks the phone in just 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest in the industry.

“The F1 Plus not only captures moments in greater color resolution and detail than ever before, it also brings a smooth and enjoyable user experience,” said Barcza.

McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mixes, Making Real Flavors For Real Moments

McCormick now introduces newest addition to its growing line of recipe mixes to bring real flavors for real moments with your love ones in every meal. The brand synonymous to flavor, now brings you McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mix. 

McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mix aims to bring restaurant-worthy dishes right to your very own kitchen - without the complexity nor the painstaking hours of preparation. It is available in five (5) mouthwatering variants namely, Birthday Noodles, Pad Thai, Laksa, Chap Chae, and the all-time Filipino favorite Palabok, these authentic flavor-rich noodle recipes are sure to warrant celebrations even for the simplest of moments.

“Filipinos are more globally knowledgeable than ever in the aspect of food and as a result, have grown to continually seek for cuisines beyond the usual. We, at McCormick understand this. Hence, our drive has always been to come up with products that bring excitement back in our consumers' kitchen and deeper appreciation for great food. The McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mix seeks to empower today's food lovers regardless of their age and lifestyle, taking away hours of meticulous preparation in their kitchen while ensuring the authentic flavors in these dishes.” shared Kate Tan, Marketing Manager for McCormick Philippines.

 

The McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mix is pack with noodles and flavorful recipe mixes that are made from natural spices. The cooking step is as simple as 1-2-3 very simple with just 4 steps that can be done within 30 minutes. 

“McCormick is all about bringing passion to flavor. With McCormick Noodle and Seasoning Mix, we aim to push the envelope in how we fulfill consumers' needs. Putting together an intricate meal need not be tedious and complicated. With our noodle recipe mixes, anyone can make their daily dining experience extra special,” shared Kate Tan, Marketing Manager for McCormick Philippines.

For more offerings and meal inspirations, visit http://www.mccormick.com.ph or you may follow them om Facebook http://facebook.com/friendsandflavor.

INDULGE IN VILLA DEL CONTE'S SUMMER FLAVORS

Enjoy the season of summer with the taste of Villa del Conte fruit-flavored chocolates. 

Villa Del Conte’s milk chocolate with banana cream filling; refreshing feeling with every bite you have with the milk chocolate and watermelon cream filling; and freshen up with the taste of citrusy dark chocolate with orange cream filling. 

Enjoy these sweet treats at Villa del Conte stores at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, SM Megamall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinson’s Magnolia. For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. 

Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ to know more about Villa del Conte, or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh, Instagram: http://instagram.com/villadelconte and Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte.

GLOBAL FC CLAIMS THIRD UFL CHAMPIONSHIP, WILL COMPETE IN AFC CUP IN 2017

GLOBAL FC made an outstanding comeback last Saturday night as it won 3-1 against Ceres-La Salle Football Club and claimed the 2016 United Football League (UFL) Championship.

Midfielder Misagh Bahadoran scored 2 goals for the team on the 21st and 56th minute, while Matthew Hartmann scored one other goal on the 24th minute. Ceres FC scored 1 goal. Bahadoran was also named Man of the Match.

GLOBAL FC which was founded in year 2000 and was described in AFC Quarterly’s July 2015 issue as “One of the leading sides in the Philippines and pioneers in football’s fast-growing development in the archipelago”, can now add in its long list of achievements 3 UFL League Championships for 2012, 2014 and now, 2016.

It was also the first Filipino Club to qualify for both the AFC President’s Cup in 2012 and the AFC Cup in 2015. And of late, because of the recent UFL 2016 Championship, the team also now has an automatic slot for the upcoming AFC Cup for 2017.

Coach Leigh Manson in an interview said, “the moment is a little bit of a buzz because winning the UFL Cup is great, but to know as well that we are going back to the AFC Cup is really, really exciting. That’s what we are really excited about, to know that we are going back to the AFC Cup, where the club belongs.”

Nestlé Health Science to Filipinos: "OPT TO BE ACTIVE"

Formed in 2011, Nestlé Health Science is formed since 2011, an innovative and fundamentally different type of health science company that is focused specifically on advancing nutritional therapy to change the course of health.

Nestlé Health Science recently held the Opt to Be Active media roundtable discussion at the Manila Diamond Hotel, to share their new discoveries and secrets in nutrition and healthy ageing. This is their commitment to helping Filipinos live young longer.

From left to right: Joey C. Santos, Nestlé Health Science Nutrition Marketing Lead, Dr. Marianna Sioson, Section of Nutrition Head at The Medical City, host Miriam Quiambao, Ms. Angela Sison, Country Business Manager of Nestlé Health Science, and Dr. Jimmy Bautista, Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead at Nestlé Health Science.

Together with the nutritionists that teaches each and everyone of us about our health situation and on how to battle or improved it and fitness coaches who encourages us to be more active and do exercise at least 45 minutes a day, both were present in the said event to help and assist attendees assess their nutrition and health status. 

Then an informative lecture were facilitated by Dr. Jimmy Bautista Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead at Nestlé Health Science and Dr. Marianna Sioson, Section of Nutrition Head at The Medical City. We all learned that the process of ageing begins at birth. Through the decades, science has made tremendous progress in extending human life but there is still a pressing need to prolong our active and healthy years.

Dr. Bautista stressed that the human body has two different ages—a chronological age and a biological age.

“People who optimize their health may have a biological age that is 10 years younger than their chronological age,” said Dr. Bautista. “At the same time, the presence of chronic conditions may accelerate the body’s decline, making us biologically older than our chronological age.”

Dr. Sioson, on the other hand, emphasized that it is never too early to assess if we are meeting our energy and nutrient requirements. Since the prevalence of developing malnutrition significantly increases as we grow older, there is a pressing need to start taking nutritionally complete oral supplements to continue to live a young and active lifestyle.

“We want Filipinos to ask themselves if there is a need for them to optimize their health and nutrient intake so that they can achieve a full life,” said Dr. Sioson.

Where nutrition becomes therapy
Filipinos often find themselves caught in a battle between indulging and being healthy and, more often than not, the earlier prevails. This gives rise to lifestyle-related, non-communicable diseases (NCD). In a report by the World Health Organization, NCDs account for 61 percent of total deaths in the country. The organization defines non-communicable diseases as chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person. NCDs are grouped into four main types—cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

Simple lifestyle changes like preparing healthy meals and optimizing your nutrient intake can be the body’s best defenses against these diseases.

Nestlé Health Science champions this approach by providing novel ways to bridge the gap between nutrition and therapy. The health science arm of the leading global nutrition, health and wellness company strongly believes that the food we consume on a daily basis is the largest single influence on our health.

“By shifting the way people manage health and nutrition, we have the force to improve lives around the world because beyond medicine, there is nutritional therapy,” said Nestlé Health Science

Country Business Manager Angela Sison. “This is what is considered the point where scientific research meets human insight.”

To know more about Nestlé Health Science, visit www.nestlehealthscience.com.

UNBOUNDED 3.0: ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES OF RAX BAUTISTA AT DESIGNS LIGNA

Three times a charm.  This is what artist Rax Bautista has reached with her recent collection entitled Unbounded 3.0. 

With an eclectic mix of interest, Rax has exhibited a large body of work from her nude and body paint photography to abstract paintings, and “Unbounded 3.0” is her third collection installment. Her peers and patrons have been yearning for her artistry since “Unbounded” in 2012—her collection that delved into dark social issues. Thus, to appease them, as well as her muse, another collection has come into fruition:  Unbounded 3.0.

A compendium of her insights and emotions, the Unbounded 3.0 collection is Rax’s expression of her unbounded inner self. Each artwork draws you into distinct and varying sentiments of the soul. One really has to be present in front of each art piece to fully experience the deep emotional message.This is how the select guests of Rax Bautista experienced at the private viewing of the collection held last 05 April 2016 at Casa Ligna in N. Garcia St., Makati City.

Casa Ligna presents the innovative creations of Designs Ligna, a world-class manufacturer of finest quality crafted furniture.  They develop and market their own designs to high-end retailers and supply exclusive products to 17 countries in 4 continents. The walls of Designs Ligna have made Rax’s artworks more alive given the ambience only Casa Ligna can provide.

It was an evening of intimacy with Rax and her paintings together with her select guests where Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi wines were poured.

This affair was made possible by the Activation Agency, Eventechnique Inc. headed by Earlwin Tan-Navarro and Carlyle Wilbur Ong, Rax Bautista’s good friends and fans, and through the invaluable support of one or Rax’s art appreciators, wine connoisseur, Eric Kahn.

Raquel Bautista is an accomplished photographer, fashion stylist, creative director, and painter. Her artistry was honed delicately by her degrees of Fine Arts at the College of the Holy Spirit and significantly from the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, USA. The Unbounded 3.0 Collection is now open for viewing at Designs Ligna until 30 June 2016.





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JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE "IN CONTROL" ON HER 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The Diamond Record Awardee singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose, will be celebrating her 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry with a major concert titled "IN CONTROL" at the KIA Theater Cubao Quezon City on May 14, 8PM.

The concert will be three days short before her 22nd birthday (May 17) also and this will be "in control" to be her gift for her fans, friends and supporters through out the years and the ones who is "in control" not give up specially in times of the lowest point in life. But more than the age, this "in control" career milestone is worth celebrating because of her immense success evident by a strong fan base and emerging career no matter what.

At the recent grand press conference of "IN CONTROL" with the concert director Marvin Caldito, Julie Anne is "in control" to share that she is very excited to be with everyone to show performances with her audience. Special guests of the concert is revealed that is Sugarpop (her former singing group) , G-Force, Frencheska Farr and two more special guest.



In her ten years in the entertainment industry, it is not easy to have a staying power like she have, achieved more than anyone with a longer career and she nailed every step of the way.

"Siguro po ang masasabi ko na achieved ko po is yung evolution ko as an individual, kasi sobrang madami po yong napag daanan kong mga challenges and naging matatag po ako" she divulged. "Ayun din po nagkaroon po ako ng Diamond Record, nakapag concert po ako sa MoA Arena."

Julie Anne San Jose "IN CONTROL" concert is produced by Dreamstar Events management.

For tickets you may visit Ticket Net online or call 911-5555, Astroplus, KIA Theater for 4,240Php (VIP), 3,710Php (Orchestra), 1,590Php (Loge) and 1,060Php (Balcony).

KATHRYN BERNARDO'S 20th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH KB BUDDIES

The Teen Queen Kathryn Bernardo celebrates her 20th birthday with one of the biggest fan organizations in the country, KB Buddies. Kathryn Chandria Manuel Bernardo turns 20 last March 26 and the celebration still continues with her family, friends, co-workers in the entertainment industry and of course with her fans.

 

Tita Long with the rest of KB Buddies

The birthday celebration happened at the Reve Events Place in Quezon City, which was attended by members of her family including her father and siblings, fans, KB Buddies officers and media.

Since Kathryn is not a teen anymore at her latest age, now fans dubbed her as the Asia's Emerging Movie Queen. The actress-singer that is not only known in our country but also in other parts of Asia.



Kathryn inspired many youth of today to be simple, humble and to make their dreams happen, in fact at the event itself they honor one KB Buddies member which graduated in high school as valedictorian and even gave thanks to the Queen of Hearts in his valedictorian speech. So inspiring right?

Kathryn's Father

Tita Long and the rest of the KB Buddies really had a great celebration with their idol, from the pgirl-ish pink setting of the venue, program and food, it is all beautiful. Thank you KB Buddies and Star Magic Philippines for inviting us also and to witnessed this event on the life of the Asia's Emerging Movie Queen Kathryn Bernardo.

Thousands of Students Take Part In Habitat Young Leaders Build

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) held its sixth Habitat Young Leaders Build (HYLB) in various public schools across Manila, gathering more than 2,000 youth. 

The annual HYLB campaign is celebrated in over 15 countries across the Asia-Pacific region and Americas to engage participants to “Play a part, Lead today and Share with friends”.

“Schools are considered children’s second homes and are a vital part of a community as they help build and shape the minds of our young people,” Charlie Ayco, Managing Director and CEO of HFHP said.

As HFHP’s largest annually celebrated event, the youth volunteers led the movement by cleaning their schools in preparation for the upcoming school year.

The event gave young people a venue to advocate for decent housing for less-fortunate Filipino families, as well as share their opinions, concerns and ideas on how government, the private sector, organizations and individuals can be more involved in building a better Philippines.

“This activity empowered our youth to play a more active role in revitalizing their very own community, as well as building their nation,” Ayco finished.

The food we eat: Is your child safe from toxins?

The food we eat may have toxins that can pose serious health risks particularly among our children who are most vulnerable.

To provide for the increased demand for food, conventional commercial farming resort to artificial growth-promoting hormones and synthetic pest control substances such as pesticides and herbicides for faster production of crops, meat and dairy products. While adults have developed immune system to help fight these toxins, children are defenseless because of their immature organs and systems.

“Several studies have linked the harmful effects of chemical residues in food to pesticides. These chemicals are increasingly found in the food we eat and have been linked to the rising incidence of developmental disorders among children such as autism and ADHD, immune disorders such as allergy and asthma, as well as metabolic disorders leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes in later life,” said Edwin Feist, Chairman and CEO of ANTECH, Inc., the distribution and marketing partner of the largest global producer of organic food, HiPP Germany.

The World Health Organization reveals chemical contaminants significantly contribute to foodborne diseases, which is linked to child mortality globally. Artificial growth promoting hormones and prophylactic antibiotics regularly used in small doses to fatten up farm animals and to increase production of cow's milk used as raw materials for milk and dairy in conventional farming, coupled with feeds that have pesticide residue and GMOs may be detrimental to our children's health and cognitive development.

Exposure to pesticide residue that may be present in conventional food and dairy products like cheese and milk, even in low doses is particularly damaging to children because it is the timing of exposure and not the dose that makes it poisonous.

Ingestion of these harmful pollutants through food may bring irreversible and lifelong harm to children’s health and cognitive development, which may lead to learning disabilities and developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.

“One of the most effective ways to reduce exposure of children to these harmful substances is giving them organic food. Organic farming does not use synthetic growth-promoting hormones, antibiotic for prophylactic purposes among farm animals, and GMOs are prohibited, thus avoiding toxin residue that may be present in conventionally-grown food,” said Feist.

The production of organic food begins from the selection of farmland, ensuring that the soil is free from pesticides and harmful chemicals. Animals are fed with organic feeds and pesticide free crops and are raised using natural methods; prohibiting use of artificial growth promoting hormones and antibiotics unless for treatment of disease. The produce like meat and dairy products are then tested from detectable residue of pollutants and made sure to comply with organic standards before being sold in the market or used as raw materials. When cows get sick and are given antibiotics, they are cared for in isolation and are tested to be free from antibiotic residue before returning to the herd.

Simply put, organic food produced through organic farming minimizes the risk of exposing children to harmful chemicals that may affect their health and intelligence. Without foreign chemicals negatively interacting with its pure nutrients, organic food has greater nutritional value. It has more antioxidants that help boost children’s immune system, higher Omega 3 that supports heart and brain development, and more mineral content like zinc and iron.

With the knowledge that food may be exposed to toxin residue, it is important to make an informed choice about your children's nutrition. Ensure the good health of your family and give your children a good start by choosing organic.

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UNIQLO Set to Open Six (6) New Stores Nationwide

Global retail brand UNIQLO aims to open six new stores nationwide by end of June 2016. 

“We are thrilled to announce that UNIQLO will open four new stores in Luzon by May and two new stores in Visayas by June as we continue to bring high-quality and innovative clothing to Filipinos.” says Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO Philippines.

In Luzon UNIQLO stores are branches in UP Town Center in Quezon City, Solenad 3 in Nuvali, Laguna, Evia Center Vista City in Daang Hari Road, Cavite City, and SM City Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija.

UNIQLO is also expanding in Visayas with new stores in Iloilo City and Bacolod City, in addition to existing branches in SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu. 

The newest UNIQLO stores will offer its full range of everyday LifeWear essentials for men, women and children such as UT shirts, polos, blouses, denim jeans, leggings pants, and short pants. The stores will also carry proprietary products such as AIRism, HEATTECH, and Ultra-Light Down (ULD).

For more updates, you may visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and social media accounts like Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

TV advertisement released by McDonald’s Philippines, a revelation you don’t want to miss

Netizens are abuzz over their discovery of another option to satisfy their fried chicken craving. This new talk of the town is a breather from the usual trending posts about sports, politics, and heavy traffic.

In a new TV advertisement released by McDonald’s Philippines, Pinays revealed two things that they share in common: their names, Joy, and their love for McDonald’s best tasting Chicken McDo.

The new and improved Chicken McDo is now made juicier and tastier with just the right crunch! Marinated, breaded, and fried to a golden perfection, it will surely make every moment joyful that you would crave for it over and over again, just like the Joys featured in the TVC saying #ChickenMcMcMcDo.

From the outside, the Chicken McDo has a moderately flaky and crisp coating that crackles when you bite. On the inside, you will taste the tender and juicy meat that is firmly balanced with salt and savory flavor.

Always served hot and fresh with the signature gravy, the Chicken McDo provides more flavorful moments spent by Joys with their families and loved ones. They couldn’t help but admit that the favorite fried chicken of Joys in the Philippines is the Chicken McDo.

Since the video’s online launch last April 10, it has spread organically in the past 48 hours – with 278,000 views, 4,200 reactions and 4,400 shares on Facebook alone. At 855 comments and counting, the comments section reveals varying sentiments. As netizens questioned how the ad inadvertently promoted the competition, some also dare to point out the not-so-obvious.

Whether your name is Joy or not, you can share your photos and stories enjoying the best tasting Chicken McDo on Facebook,  facebook.com/McDo.ph, or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter or Instagram. Watch the entire advertisement by visiting McDo’s official Facebook page or searching McDo Philippines on YouTube.

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Beat the summer heat with these refreshing Starbucks Frappuccino® Blended Beverages

I want to share with you how to compensate the scorching heat this summer. One is to take a bath at least two times a day and of course enjoy the season while refresh every possible way.

Starbucks Frappuccino® Blended Beverages is perfect for us which will be available only from April 19 to June 6. You can start to experience a fun-filled discoveries with two limited summer flavors that will guarantee a feeling of rejuvenation.

Starbucks presents the new summer blended beverages – Roasted Marshmallow S’mores and Summer Berry Panna Cotta that will both let us celebrate the sweetness in the midst summer. Inspired by the distinct taste of roasted marshmallows with chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers, the Roasted Marshmallow S’mores Frappuccino® Blended Beverage evokes happy memories of summer outings at the beach with family and friends.

At the same time Starbucks have a returning summer favorite, the Summer Berry Panna Cotta Frappuccino® Blended Beverage, combines Panna Cotta with different types of berries to create a beautifully layered Frappuccino® Blended Beverage and topped with whipped cream and a tart berry drizzle. 

Not only that, you can also join the Starbucks Frappuccino® & Friends Photo Contest, after enjoying these summer beverages, upload your photos to the Starbucks Philippines Frappuccino® website (http://www.starbucksfrappuccino.ph) from April 19 to 30, 2016 for a chance to win a pre-loaded Starbucks Frappuccino® Card. How about that for a summer treat from Starbucks? COOL right?

On the otherhand, brewed coffee lovers like me can also celebrate the spirit of adventure with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee in store or at home. With the refreshing citrusy flavor of Starbucks Kati Kati Blend™ and Starbucks VIA® Sweetened Iced Coffee, Starbucks Reserve® El Salvador Montecarlo Estate and Starbucks Reserve® Burundi Murambi, your brewed coffee – iced or hot – will surely keep you energized this summer.

Starbucks Philippines will also have a series of Meet Me at Starbucks for a Summer Frappuccino® Party from April 26 to May 31 where you can enjoy live summer music, a One For You, One To Share (Buy One, Get One) promo on the Roasted Marshmallow S ‘mores Frappuccino® blended beverage, 10% off on summer mugs and tumblers and other exciting treats. Check out the Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines/) for more details.

TAKE GREAT SUMMER PHOTOS WITH CD-R KING ACTION CAM

Summer is definitely here and no one can stop it, but you can control not the heat that it emits, but the way you will enjoy to document every fun and enjoyment that you and your family can experience.

Family bonding this summer is not complete without swimming, snorkling, diving, related water activities and other fun filled active happenings. But what more can you caption it is by using an action cam that will not miss to documents all of that and CD-R King can greatly help you with that.

CD-R King comes with an Action Cam that will facilitate in capturing great photos and videos of your summer escapades. Active happenings needs an active CR-R King Action Cam. In order for one to accomplish such perfection in imagery, one should have utmost creativity, passion and talent to produce a grand artful output.

CD-R King, Your one-stop media provider offer its patron, The Action Cam. It has a waterproof casing with waterproof rating of IP68 (Ingress Protection). CD-R King’s Action Cam carries an LCD Display of 1.5" TFT (Thin Film Translator) and is HDMI 1080p capable with Image Resolution capacity of 4000x3000/3648x2736/3264x2448/2560x1920 and Video Resolution of 1920x1080@30FPS1280x720@60FPS/1280x720@FPS. 

sample photo

accessories

Specification:

· Mode: Capture/Video/Setup/Playback

· File Format: MOV (H.264)/jpeg

· Lens View Angle: 120 degree

· Build in Wifi: IEEE 802.11B/G/N

· I/O port: Mini HDMI/Micro USB

· USB 2.0 Interface

· Charging time: up to 5 hrs

· Actual usage time: up to 1.5hours

· Supports: Micro SD card up to 32 GB

· Battery: 1000mAh

sample video

Get Smart Prepaid Big Bytes 50 with 2x Data, for YouTube Gaming App

In Smart’s hottest mobile data offer, subscribers can now sign up to the new Big Bytes 50, which comes with 700MB for more streaming and surfing. Also another 600MB for use on apps like You Tube and iFlix, and the YouTube Gaming app, which just went live in the Philippines, all that is valid for three days for only 50Php. Just simply text BIG50 to 9999.

With Big Bytes 50, Smart subscribers can make the most of the newly launched You Tube Gaming app, which features engaging game plays, reviews, speedruns and trailers covering hit games such as Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, League of Legends, Call of Duty, DotA2 and NBA2K16, among tons of other titles.

The groundbreaking YouTube Gaming also offers ready access to livestreams and videos of tens of thousands of games, as well as an exciting venue to connect and interact with other gaming enthusiasts – giving users a much more awesome mobile gaming experience.

Downloadable on Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS devices, YouTube Gaming is already available in the United States and many other countries around the world.

Indispensable tool for gamers

“All Smart subscribers will now be able to enjoy ‘double data’ with Big Bytes 50, which is perfect for use for all their surfing, messaging, and gaming needs,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, Head of Operations at Smart Communications.

“The launch of YouTube Gaming in the Philippines comes at a great time, as subscribers can take full advantage of the Big Bytes 50 package to watch, chat, and livestream their favorite games on the new app – features that are indispensable for avid gamers,” she added.

Top eSports advocate in PH

As the leading telco that advocates eSports in the Philippines, Smart has paved the way for Filipinos to enjoy games anytime, anywhere by introducing a convenient way to purchase ePins using their prepaid load or via their postpaid bill.

Smart has also teamed up with the Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO) in hosting the some of the biggest eSports tournaments in the country featuring hit games such as Defense of the Ancients (DotA) 2, League of Legends, CounterStrike, Crossfire, Clash of Clans, among many others.

To get updates on Smart’s biggest data offer yet, visit http://smart.com.ph/Prepaid/offers/bigbytes and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (www.smart.com.ph/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).