FIRST CONVERSE ESSENTIALS APPAREL DELIVERS SUPERIOR QUALITY AND COMFORT

This Fall/Holiday 2016, CONVERSE introduces the Converse Essentials collection of timeless apparel staples, designed to wear better with time. To provide unmatched comfort, each detail was obsessed over to deliver a premium apparel collection that caters to a lifestyle of maximum movement and mobility. With a nod to the Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, the Converse Essentials collection not only looks better with age and wear, but becomes even softer with each wear. Each piece includes fabric that fades naturally with long-term wear, durable stitching and a managed shrinkage fit that remains the same throughout its lifespan.

The new Converse Essentials collection, offered for both men and women, consists of today’s apparel mainstays, including a tee, crewneck, pull-over hoodie, full-zip hoodie and pants. The prewashed material allows for minimal shrinking with men’s pieces cut for a modern fit allowing for maximum movement and layering, and a women’s cut that is a bit more form fitting, both crafted for ultimate style and flattery.

Elevated construction puts a twist on these tried and true silhouettes, for styles that consumers can wear day in and day out. Details such as muted nickel YKK zipper hardware offsets the monochrome look, and the eyelets are matte with a rubberized touch for an elevated hand feel. The Converse Essentials crewneck heroes the collection, and along with the rest of the assortment, achieves a flat construction to eliminate any bulk and discomfort. The pull-over hoodie and full-zip hoodie have a ribbed binding at the pockets and collar for a clean, simple look, a double layer, single seam hood for added warmth and asewn-in collar notch for additional stretch when pulling over the head. An inner phone pocket can be found in these styles as well, completing the silhouettes with a modern necessity.

The Converse Essentials collection is available at Converse stores ranging from Php 899.75 to Php 3,339.75 of in street-ready colors such as, light grey, egret, obsidian, red block, and black. To know more, visit, www.converse.com.ph or www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines.

CLOSE TO 6,000 RUNNERS JOINED MCDO STRIPES RUN: RUN FOR READING IN MANILA

Close to 6,000 runners donned their red and white striped socks as they joined the highly-anticipated McDo Stripes Run: Run for Reading held last November 26 at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

With every step into the race, the runners helped thousands of Filipino children learn how to read. Proceeds from Stripes Run amounting to Php2 million were was donated to one of Ronald McDonald House Charities’ flagship programs, Ronald McDonald Read To Learn. Since 2002, Read To Learn has helped close to 12 million Grades 1 and 2 public school students all over the country to improve their literacy skills.

Kenneth S. Yang (2^nd from ledt), McDonald’s Philippine President and CEO, do the M logo sign as he poses with Ronald McDonald (center), McDonald’s Chief Happiness Officer, and the gang composed of Hamburglar, Grimace, and Birdie.

Runners were delighted to see their favorite McDonald’s endorsers such as real life couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, and popular loveteams Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza (AlDub), McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson (McLisse), and Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix (BiGuel) run for reading. 

They were also joined by McDonald’s ambassadors such as child actor Alonzo Muhlach, UAAP volleyball star Kianna Dy, and MYX VJ Donny Pangilinan. 

From left: Stripes Run host Aaron Atayde; McDonald’s ambassadors Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix(BiGuel); Kenneth S. Yang, McDonald’s Philippine President and Chief Executive Officer; McDonald’s endorsers Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards (AlDub); and Stripes Run host Jackie Lou Blan

This is the 7^th consecutive year for McDonald’s Stripes Run in Manila. For the first time ever, Cebuanos can also join in the fun and support McDonald’s advocacy as Stripes Run will be held in Cebu City on December 3, 2016.

McDonald’s recognized the fastest male and female runners per category and awarded them with exciting prizes from sponsors, with cash prizes and gift certificates from McDonald’s. 

BOOK & BORDERS CAFE AT EASTWOOD CITY, QUEZON CITY

Book & Borders Cafe opened their newest branch at the heart of Quezon City, specifically at Eastwood City which is home of individuals who are working in the BPO industry and center  for businesses. 

Book & Borders Cafe branches in Tomas Morato QC and Tuscany McKinley Hill are favorite hub of students, office workers and residents. Today another Book & Borders Cafe had opened to be a venue to dine and unwind after a tiring day.

The opening day of Book & Borders Eastwood served great food, awesome drinks and hours of exciting performances.

The opening was graced by Book & Borders owner Kristine Simisim, Mary Simisim, Megaworld's Kevin Tan, General George Ancheta, Benjamin Alves, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuson, Architect Paolo Grijalvo and Harry Morris which also led the ribbon cutting ceramony.

The Book & Borders Cafe Eastwood has a bright and cozy space that is perfect for reading books and finishing important documents. The set of special dishes were prepared, tasted and commended by every guests. Salted Hot Chocolate, Iced Coffee Fudge, Hazelnut Frappe, Barbeque Liempo, Freid Tuyo with Kesong Puti Pasta and Seafood Aligue Paste are still the favorites and a must try.

The guest also serenaded by Karylle, Christian Bautista, Carlo Orosa, Keiko Necesario, Gio Levy, Bullet Dumas and more.

Visit the newest branch of Book & Borders at Eastwood with your family, friends or co-workers and have a calm day while enjoying reading and eating specially prepared food.

For more details, follow Book & Borders on Facebook and Instagram @bookandborderscafe or you may call 0932-871-5560 or 02-584-2465.

PLDT, GLOBE REDUCE VOICE INTERCONNECTION RATES

Leading telco and digital services provider PLDT has agreed to lower by as much as nearly 40% its interconnection charges for voice calls to Globe Telecom mobile phones and fixed lines.

The interconnection rate for voice calls between the telco firms will be reduced to P2.50 per minute across-the-board starting January 1, 2017. At present, mobile to mobile and landline to mobile voice calls cost P4.00 per minute while mobile to landline voice calls cost P3.00 per minute.

PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Eric Alberto said both operators are also committed in maintaining the highest quality of connection for voice calls between the two networks even as they endeavor to reduce interconnection charges.

He noted that the PLDT Group has actually been bringing down voice call rates through bundled services, especially in its mobile services – Smart, Sun, and TNT.

He added that improving voice services will provide customers more options to connect with their family and friends, at home or on the go.

YESHA CAMILE AND XIA VIGOR STARS IN THE NEWEST TV SERIES "LANGIT LUPA"

Will friendship be strong enough to bind two people who are worlds apart?

This is what viewers will find out in ABS-CBN’s newest TV series “Langit Lupa” starring Kapamilya child stars Yesha Camile and Xia Vigor, which will air in key countries worldwide via TFC and which will be streamed live November 28, 11:30AM, Manila time via TFC.tv

Before becoming a child actress, Camile was hailed the grand winner in ABS-CBN’s children talent competition “Promil-Pre School i-Shine Talent Camp.” Since then, she has already appeared in several Kapamilya shows such as “Nathaniel” and “Hawak Kamay.”

Meanwhile, Xia was introduced in “It’s Showtime’s” “Mini Me” competition, where she emerged as the grand winner. She then headlined the noontime show’s segment “Xia and Kuys” with Vhong Navarro and Billy Crawford. She also has appeared in the top-rating series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

The story of “Langit Lupa” will revolve around Princess (Vigor) and Esang (Camile), who are both treated by their families as princesses, only they come from different worlds. Princess belongs to a wealthy family, while Esangleads a simple life with her loved ones. At first their differences drive them apart, but as they get to know each other better, they become inseparable.

However, while their friendship grows stronger, a long forgotten past unfolds.

Like them, their mothers Lala (Yam Concepcion) and Dey (Alessandra De Rossi) used to be best friends. They reached for their dreams together and later on became business partners. But when Dey got ill, Lala and her husband Ian (Patrick Garcia) failed to give the money for her medication to Dey’s husband Joey (Jason Abalos), making Dey’s death possible. This made Joey bear ill will towards Lala and Ian, and put all the blame on them.

With the crossing of their paths again because of their children, will Princess and Esang’s friendship mend the wounds that have yet to heal a friendship broken in the past?

Also starring in “Langit Lupa” are Ellen Adarna, Tommy Esguerra, Miho Nishida, Jairus Aquino, Sharlene San Pedro, Buboy Garovillo, Viveika Ravanes, and Kitkat. The newest teleserye is under the direction of Carlo Po Artillaga and Myla Ajero-Gaite with creative manager Mel Del Rosario under the business unit headed by Ruel Bayani.

Don’t miss the start of friendship that will brighten viewers’ mornings, “Langit Lupa,” via TFC and streaming live on November 28, 11:30AM, Manila time via TFC.tv
Past episodes will also air via TFC.tv and TFC IPTV. For more details about the show, visit TFC’s Facebook page applicable in your area. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas, follow @KapamilyaTFC on Twitter and Instagram.

FILIPINOS' ARTWORKS MAKE IT TO STARBUCKS RED HOLIDAY CUPS

Starbucks red holiday cups are once again here to brightens your coffee experience this holiday season and of course with a special twist. For the first time, Starbucks red cups will feature designs created by customers with 13 distinct cups in Starbucks stores around the world and guess what, two of the customers namely Anz and Chloe, are Filipinos. Their designs, ‘Ornaments’ and ‘Birch Forest’, respectively, are now printed on this year’s Starbucks red cups. 

“We were surprised and inspired by the amount of incredible art submitted by our customers, the designs were beautiful, expressive and engaging,” said Dena Blevins, creative director, Starbucks Global Creative Studio. “We quickly realized that there was potential to use the customer created art for our holiday cups.” 

Anz, an interior designer now based in Dubai, made a hobby of doodling Starbucks cups, collecting more than 75 creations. She uses her designs to prove that sometimes, all we need is a change in perspective.

Meanwhile, Chloe, a nurse now based in Chicago, created a wintery design which reminds her of her home in the States. 

 “I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with winter since I moved to Illinois. Even though I’ve experienced a blizzard, getting stuck in snow, and extreme winter temperatures, I have come to appreciate the beauty of trees and fields all covered in white snow,” she said.

The red holiday cup designs, inspired by the stories of Starbucks customers, feature traditional Christmas lights and ornaments, snowflakes and winter landscapes that express the shared spirit of the holidays.

Starbucks always bringing a great experience on your coffee lovi'n day.

COOK MAGAZINE CELEBRATES ITS 16TH YEAR WITH AN ENCHANTING EVENING

Recently, the country's longest running monthly food publication, Cook Magazine celebrated it's 16th year with an evening of merriment, entertainment and prizes. Led by Cook Magazine Advertising Manager Marlon Aldenese and his team, the yearly party dubbed "Holiday Bash" was again a coming together of advertisers, subscribers, contributors, chefs and friends - everyone who has made Cook what it is today.

Congrats @cook_magazine team #CookMagazineEnchanted  #CookMagazineHB2016  #CookMagazinePH #LactelPhilippines

A photo posted by Ning Buning (@ning4u) on Nov 22, 2016 at 6:42am PST

The event also served as an opportunity to launch Cook's new baby for 2017 - the Business Mirror Cook Saturday Edition. Put to print in November 2016, the new insert in Business Mirror comes out every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Created to cater to a new audience, Business Mirror Cook Saturday Edition aims to share recipes, restaurant finds and everything food-related to the core readers of Business Mirror, top executives and business leaders. Food has become more about the experience and entertainment than just sustenance, filling social media with posts of "Instagrammable" food pics. This hasn't come unnoticed, even for those at the top of the economic pyramid. Quoting Cook Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Chef Dino Datu: "Everyone has got to eat, even the busiest of executives. We'd like to give them ideas on what's new and what's good, suggest a few recipes to those who like to tinker around in the kitchen on weekends." T. Anthony Cabangon Chua, Publisher of The Business Mirror and COOK Magazine, talked about the magazine’s enduring presence for 16-years and its expansion into the broadsheet.    

Houze Manila hosted the venue for the second straight year. Trophies were awarded to COOK’s Magazine top advertisers and agencies. Entertainment came in the form of singers Mayda Doryn Chua and Mr. Jeremy Layug, Saxophonist John Ray, and the Polytechnic University of Philippines’ dance group, Movers & Motion, who accompanied COOK Magazine’s Account Executive Michael Pituc to not one but two show stopping numbers.

One of the best things about the holiday bash is that COOK Magazine’s columnists and featured guests have a chance to showcase their food, making it a truly foodie affair. Chef Winston Luna, who runs a column about the business of food, runs Chefwix Catering. He served  Corn and Carrot Supreme, Hainan Fish with Ginger Sauce, Buffalo Chicken Fillet in Ranch Dipping Sauce, and Indonesian Pork BBQ Spareribs. Dessert and Baking columnists Chef Jojo Cuesta Javier and Chef Edward Mateo made their signature cakes and pastries.

Chef Johann Dagandara of Johanns Cuisine came all the way from Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental, and gave Manila a glimpse of his province’s gustatory delights like Pata Ham, a dish where the meat is braised in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce and brown sugar; Baked Torta, a dish of ground pork with melted cheese; Native Chicken Adobo, the Ozamis  take on adobo using native chicken and locally made vinegar; Laya is a fish that is endemic to the province is served with tomatoes, onions and tausi; and the very popular  Dragon Fruit Ice-Cream.  Apag Marangle, the emerging authentic Kapampangan Restaurant from Sta. Rita, Pampanga served their version of Pork Humba, Kare-Kare, Apag Marangle Signature Pancit, Fried Hito and Mustasa with Buru, and from their sister company Flappers Wings, with their Original Hot & Spicy Flappers and Open Faced Tostados.  Aging’s Food Delight served their always-in-demand kakanin, and the ever delightful Aging’s crew even brought a cotton candy machine as a nod to the theme’s “Sweet 16” Anniversary.  The Best Value Factory Food Outlet brought an ice cream machine to churn, churn, churn a lot of soft serve.  Lydia’s Lechon and King Sue were the kings of the carving table with lechon and Bone-in Ham, respectively.  Resorts World Manila provided the cold and hot canapés (Spinach and Three Cheese Quiche, Sticky Honey Glazed Sausages with Sweet Mustard Sauce, Morocan Fish Skewers, Calamari Fritters, Pimiento and Cheese Croquette), Aglio e Olio e Sarde, and Apple Strudel.

The 6th Holiday Bash gave away loads of prizes such as home appliances, kitchen gadgets, Hotel and Restaurant Buffet GCs, Kitchen Gadgets. Prizes were also awarded to those who came in their best enchanted finery and creative social media posts relating to the event. 

COOK Magazine, on its 16th year remains as strong as ever, expanding its reach and continues to bring people together through food.

TOP ADVERTISERS AWARDEES:

1. HÄFELE PHILIPPINES  
2. PETRON CORPORATION  
• Agency: STARCOM MEDIAVEST GROUP(PETRON)
3. KING SUE
4. LAMOIYAN CORPORATION
5. APPSTAR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
6. EXCELLENCE APPLIANCES TECHNOLOGIES INC. 
• Agency: M2M MEDIA (FUJIDENZO) 
7. UNIGLOBE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS, INC.
8. COLLINS INTERNATIONAL TRADING CORPORATION (MOULINEX)
9. UNILEVER FOODS SOLUTIONS
• Agency: MINDSHARE (UFS – KNORR & LADY’S CHOICE)
10. FLY ACE CORPORATION (JOLLY FOOD LINES)
11. FIGARO COFFEE SYSTEMS, INC.
12. MANNY O. GROUP
13. RICHMONDE HOTEL ORTIGAS
14. ZINVEN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
15. LIMKETKAI MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (MARCA LEON)
16. FLY ACE CORPORATION (MOTT’S)

RECOGNITION OF COOK MAGAZINE COLUMNISTS:

1. Sabrina Artadi
2. Editha Singian 
3. Chef Day Salonga 
4. Chef Jojo Cuesta Javier 
5. Chef Edward David Mateo
6. Christine Geocaniga
7. Bernard Supetran
8. Dolly Dy-Zulueta

 Thank to the following sponsors:

·         ACACIA HOTEL MANILA

·         BERGHOFF PHILIPPINES

·         BEST VALUE

·         BLUEWATER RESORTS

·         BORACAY TROPICS

·         BREVILLE

·         CADBURY DAIRY MILK

·         CAFÉ IN THE PARK

·         CENTURY PARK HOTEL

·         CRIMSON HOTEL MANILA

·         CROWNE PLAZA MANILA GALLERIA

·         DE LA SALLE HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE

·         DOÑA ELENA

·         EASTWOOD RICHMONDE HOTEL

·         EUROTEL, The No. 1 Businessman Hotel

·         EXCELLLENCE APPLIANCE TECHNOLOGIES

·         F1 HOTEL MANILA

·         FLEUR DE MONDE BOUTIQUE

·         FUJIDENZO, Quality above all!

·         GARDENIA

·         GREE

·         GOOD LIFE

·         HAFELE PHILIPPINES

·         HARVEST HOTEL

·         HOLIDAY INN MANILA GALLERIA

·         HOTEL CELESTE

·         HOTEL CENTRO PALAWAN

·         HOTEL JEN

·         HUNT’S PORK & BEANS

·         HUNT’S SPAGHETTI SAUCE

·         HUROM SLOW JUICER

·         JOLLY, Pure Goodness

·         JOSE CUERVO

·         LACTEL

·         LAINOX

·         LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR, Heritage and convention center

·         MAGSAYSAY CENTER FOR HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY ARTS

·         MAKATI DIAMOND RESIDENCES

·         MANNY O. WINES

·         MARCA LEON, Clean, Healthy, Pure

·         MARCO POLO ORTIGAS MANILA

·         MASFLEX COOKWARE & KITCHENWARE

·         MÖVENPICK HOTEL MACTAN ISLAND CEBU

·         OLEO-FATS INCORPORATED

·         PARTY SHOTS PHOTOBOOTH, Special moment deserved a best shot!

·         PEARL FARM RESORTS

·         PETRON GASUL, angsegurista, Petron gasul-lista

·         PHOTOMAN, Photos fresh

·         PRC, INC.

·         PRESIDENT

·         RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO

·         RICHMONDE HOTEL ORTIGAS

·         RIZGOLF SPORTS MARKETING

·         SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION

·         SCAN ASIA OVERSEAS, INC.

·         SERIOUSLY STRONG

·         SIMPLE TOUCH

·         TECNOGAS, The Strong design

·         THE BIG DIFFERENCE COMMUNICATIONS

·         THE FRENCH BAKER, Your Freshness Baker

·         THOUSANDMILES TRAVEL

·         TOBLERONE

·         TORAYVINO

·         TUPPERWARE

·         WATERFRONT PAVILLON HOTEL & CASINO MANILA

·         WHIRLPOOL APPLIANCES

OPPO INTRODUCES NEW PARTNERS, LIMITED EDITION F1s

OPPO may have already become the country’s second bestselling smartphone, but the brand remains committed to increasing its market share in ASEAN’s fastest growing mobile market.

In less than three months since the F1s sold out immediately after its debut in August, OPPO introduces a limited edition metallic grey variant of its celebrated camera phone—the F1s Limited.

The F1s Limited has the same features of the F1s including its 16-megapixel front camera, large F/2.0 aperture, selfie-enhancing Beautify 4.0 app, and lightning-fast fingerprint recognition access.

“We are proud that OPPO has reached big milestones despite being relatively new in the Philippine smartphone market. It shows how much our smartphones appeal to Filipinos, especially among those who enjoy taking selfies,” said OPPO Philippines Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng.

“This would not have been possible without our partnerships, which helped us achieve our current standing today,” Cheng added.

Continuing partnerships

A long-time partner of the smartphone brand, e-commerce store Lazada has just added the F1s Limited to its growing roster of OPPO phones for online shoppers.

Consumer finance provider Home Credit has also extended its partnership with OPPO to January 2017. Currently, Home Credit is offering the F1s at zero percent interest at P1,449/month.

Title sponsor

During the unveiling of the F1s Limited, TV5 president Coach Chot Reyes joined OPPO executives to announce that the smartphone brand will be the title sponsor of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 2017-2018 season.

The upcoming season will air on Sports5, the sports division of the Kapatid network.

This year, OPPO served as the title sponsor of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Available in prepaid and postpaid

OPPO also announced its new partnership with Smart for both prepaid and postpaid.

Three OPPO handsets, the A37, the Neo7, and the F1, are now bundled with an LTE SIM card with free 100MB for Facebook and games every month, as well as a 1GB monthly data reward for those who get P300 load.

Smart is also offering the F1s through its Giga Plan 999, which comes with a free 50-minute call to all networks, unlimited texts, free YouTube, and 5GB worth of free internet.

The F1s Limited will be available in concept and dealer stores starting November 11. The suggested retail price is P12,990.

ENTENG KABISOTE AND THE ABANGERS: SET TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM DIGITAL MENACE

In the tradition of offering family-friendly fare, Vic Sotto and his Dabarkads are back for another blockbuster fantasy-adventure movie based on the well-loved Pinoy pop culture icon! Kids are in for a treat as Bossing reprises his beloved role as Enteng Kabisote in the latest installment of the movie series titled: Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers.

The comedy-adventure movie follows the reluctant hero in his latest fantastical escapade. Through hard work and determination, Enteng Kabisote has used his talent to “butingting everything” to become an ironworks and robotics magnate. Since his last adventure in Engkantasya, he has settled down to becoming a successful businessman, community leader, and a doting grandfather to his cute and bubbly grandchild Benokis, as his son Benok (Oyo Boy Sotto) tackles fatherhood and his duty as a law enforcer. Little does he know that trouble is brewing and he will be called on once again to save the world.

Enteng’s nemesis is Kwak-kwak (played by Epi Quizon), a power-obsessed villain who was booted out from Engkantasya. He has the capability to control minds who has launched a virtual reality game that transmits his mind control to anyone who plays it. The villainous plot is helped along by Bibi, Kwak-kwak’s devoted second-in-command and Bibe, his moronic but useful sibling, along with A1/ALLAN & A2/ALLAINE, the two creators of the viral game app which Kwak-Kwak uses as a channel to spread his psychic powers to control humankind.

To defeat Kwak-kwak and restore order in the real world, Enteng calls upon a team of misfits, who form his Abangers team. They are individuals who have unusual special powers and have been waiting for a long time to put these powers into good use. The Abangers are actually OEWs (overseas engkantasya workers), whose powers Kwak-kwak needs to harness in order to fulfill his nefarious mission. 

On his team, Enteng has three inimitable sisters: Nidora (Wally Bayola), a fierce but values-centric granny who possesses an equally fierce loud voice called "The Incredible Voice"; Tinidora (Jose Manalo), who has very quick reflexes and engaging dance moves called "The Flash Dance", and Tidora (Paolo Ballesteros), a flirtatious hot granny who channels her hot flashes to other persons through her stare. They are joined by Remy or “The Mister Iron", a tour guide and family guy who can seemingly flatten any tangible materials, Oring, a spunky female fortune teller in Quiapo who can perfectly predict anyone’s future but only for a span of two minutes, Lucas, a muscled handsome guy from Tondo who possesses incredible strength and a high pitched voice, and Bistika, a standup gay comedian who can perfectly blend himself with his surroundings -- while doing some pakganern splits!

Will Enteng and the Abangers be able to save the world? Moviegoers can find out in theaters on November 30, 2016. The movie is directed by Marlon Rivera and Tony Y. Reyes, and produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment.