Lola Maria Restaurant’s Triple Treat Dessert

Craving for hearty sweets? Then head on over to Lola Maria Restaurant and try their mouth watering dessert sampler of creamy Ube and Langka Panna Cotta, queso de bola topped Ensaymada Pudding and warm Fried Suman at Tsokolate. 

Truly heaven for the palate! These recipes were shared by friends of the restaurant actress-host Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, Ford Supermodel grand winner Danica Magpantay, and actress-model Wilma Doesnt. 

One order costs only P288. Lola Maria Restaurant is the main dining outlet of The Legend Villas located along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call (632) 702-2793 or visit www.legendvillas.com.ph.

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R.O.X. Presents Must-haves For The Outdoors

It’s the perfect time to explore and enjoy the outdoors. A four-day weekend is in the offing, and for the adventurous crowd, this means four days of fun in the wild. And whether you plan to go hiking, biking, surfing, or just hanging out in the beach, Recreational Outdoor eXchange or R.O.X., Southeast Asia’s biggest outdoor superstore, has the perfect gear for you.

“As the region’s leading outdoor expert, R.O.X offers world renowned brands spanning a wide variety of outdoor sports and activities, making us a one-stop shop for all your adventure needs,” says Ruby Palma, Assistant Vice President of R.O.X. “The long weekend is right around the corner, so if you haven’t geared up yet, just drop by our store and we’ll gladly assist you.”

4-day beach getaway

For most of us, a long weekend means a great excuse to hit the beach and take a cool dip. But before  you take that long drive to Pagudpud or that quick flight to Boracay, gear up with some cool beach wear to stand out in the sunbathing crowd.

 
Quiksilver offers top of the line beach clothes and other accessories for men, while Roxy and Volcom offer the hottest bikinis and apparel for women. And to make your vacation as relaxing as it can be, grab some sun block, rash guards, and other beach items from R.O.X. as well.

Surf’s up

For those who aren’t content to just lie in the beach, surfing is the way to go. Hot spots like Zambales and La Union are filled with avid surfers this time of year, and to really get in the surfing zone, take a pick among R.O.X.’s wide range of boards and other surfing gear. With your board at the ready, all you need is a pair of board shorts from Quiksilver and you’re ready to catch that next wave!

Climbing, camping and trekking

If you’re craving for the rush of scaling peaks and conquering the woods, then you’re likely planning for a trip up the mountains to go climbing and camping. For this kind of adventure, you can never go wrong with brands like The North Face and Mountain Hardwear, which offer tents, body gear, backpacks and other essentials that seasoned climbers and trekkers swear by for their extremely high quality and durability.

Backpacking and biking

Whether you plan to go on a fun trip to some exotic tourist spot, or explore the wonders of the wilderness, bringing a reliable backpack is a must. Mountain Hardwear’s Splitter features a spacious loading design that makes it easy to reach for food, water, and other essentials, and its secure pockets are specially made for the outdoors.

And if you’d rather ride the trail than hike it, R.O.X offers a spectacular array of mountain bikes, from the most high-end and cutting-edge to the entry-level variety. Skateboarders can join in on the fun as well, as R.O.X. offers the finest boards from top brands, as well as high-end skater shoes from DC to complete the skater look.

Hit the ground running

Wherever you plan to go to, the right footwear will make a huge difference—especially if you plan on traversing some rocky trails this weekend. For those hardcore hikes, or even those long walks along scenic routes, R.O.X. offers footwear from acclaimed brands Columbia and Salomon. The Salomon Crossmax for instance can be worn for the road or for the trail, and with its SensiFLEX technology, it flexes as your foot expands on longer treks.

Wide range of gear, for a wide range of activities

Regardless of your thrill, R.O.X.’s 3-floor spacious superstore in Fort Bonifacio Global City offers top- flight gear, and a quick visit to any branch will reveal a stunning array of equipment that spans all kinds of outdoor activities—and a clientele that ranges from the seasoned to the just-getting-started.

“We make it a point to cater to all kinds of adventure seekers, so even if you’re just a beginner, a trip to our store will give you the itch to try something new, exciting, and adventurous, for this weekend and the many more weekends to come,” Palma concluded.

R.O.X. is part of the Primer Group of Companies. Visit R.O.X at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; Ayala Cebu and Marquee Mall, Pampanga.

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P-Noy Awards Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations

From over 200 aspirants nationwide, President Benigno S. Aquino, III recognized the winners of the 9th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations on October 27 at Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

Assisting the President during the awarding ceremony were Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, TAYO Awards Foundation’s Paolo Benigno Aquino “Bam” Aquino, National Youth Commission Chairman and CEO, Leon Flores III, Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, Koh Kong Meng, General Manager and Executive Director of Lenovo ASEAN, and Secretary Hermino “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

The 9th TAYO Awards is co-presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and showcases organizations that have deep commitment in addressing social concerns such as alleviating the need for community healthcare by using herbal medicines, teaching accounting to marginalized cooperatives, promoting and preserving cultural heritage and the arts, and environmental conservation.

The representatives of the organizations faced a formidable panel of judges that includes Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino - TAYO Awards Foundation, Leon Flores III – Chairman and CEO, National Youth Commission; Wally Panganiban – Media Affairs Director, The Coca-Cola Export Corporation; Vicky Agorilla – Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines; Jose Mari Oquiñena - Undersecretary for Special Concerns, Presidential
Communications Operations Office; Risa Hontiveros – Spokesperson, Akbayan; Claude Ramos – Marketing and Promotions Specialist, Cebu Pacific Air; Arline Adeva – Senior Public Relations Manager, Jollibee; Hector Melencio, Asst. Manager, PAGCOR Marketing and Casino Customer Relations Department; Redg Plopinio – ASEAN Youth Awardeee 2011; Ivy Lisa – Sector Editor, Manila Bulletin; Eric Baroquillo – Senior Manager, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Saab Magalona – Actress/Blogger.

Winners were chosen based on the impact of their projects to the community, the capability to bind the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship, creativity and innovation, and the sustainability of the project and their effective use of resources.

Each received a specially sculpted TAYO trophy by artist Toym de Leon Imao, and a P50,000 cash grant from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines.

Special recognitions given are the Coke Barkada Award from Coca-Cola Foundation, and the Lenovo Young Do-ers IT Award from Lenovo Philippines.

The 9th TAYO Awards was made possible by the TAYO Awards Foundation, Officer of Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and the National Youth Commission in partnership with the Ninoy and Cory Foundation, Philipppine Center of Young Leaders in Governance, and the Department Of Social Welfare and Development. It is presented by Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., and is supported by Lenovo, Cebu Pacific, Jollibee, PAGCOR, and SM Malls and SM Cares.

The 9th TAYO Awards winners are:

1. Industrial Engineering Council of Cebu Institute of Technology University – Visayas
2. Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA) – NCR
3. Youth Solidarity for Peace-Peace Advocates Zamboanga – Mindanao
4. Association of Locally -Empowered Youth in Northern Mindanao – Mindanao
5. Alyansa ng mga Kristyanong Mag-aaral – Responsable nga Balikatan han mga Kabataan
(AKMA-RESBAK) – Visayas
6. Indak Kabataan Youth Organization – NCR
7. University of the Cordilleras - Hapiyoh Mi Cultural Group – Luzon
8. Young Mindanawans Peace Builders – Mindanao
9. Aklan Catholic College Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Visayas
10. AUL-STAGE (Sama-samang Tinig ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado) - Luzon

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Hot Young Designers Marketing Company (HYD) launches its first collection for Fashion Face Off 2011. This year, five Filipino young designers with different fashion backgrounds and styles, have come up with a ready-to-wear fashion collection that will showcase their talents. These five designers are Klart Lim, Renan Pacson, Bailey Dava, Marc Blanco and Jackie Abueg.

“We are excited to show the Filipinos that there is so much potential in terms of creating fabulous clothes and designs in the Philippines,” 

“We really hope that the young students and professionals will see the value of helping these talented designers as we strive to build our country’s name in the fashion landscape.”

- Ginger Palma-Arboleda, General Manager of Hot Young Designers Marketing Company.

Their designs are available at HotYoungDesigners.com/shop starting October 15, 2011. The website is a full blown eCommerce site. Each designer will have to market their products, after undergoing business and marketing training from HYD and from HYD special guests. The collection that they have designed is available for shipping to anywhere in the Philippines and even to places abroad. This is made possible by HYD’s partners, XEND business solutions and Dragonpay.

Check out their collections, create your account and enjoy shopping! The designers will also be present to sell their collections at the Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 5-6 at the Rockwell tent.

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United States revealed as Philippines’ best friend in cyberspace

Last October 11, 2011, The United States has been revealed as the Philippines’ best friend in cyberspace, according to a unique new league table released by Western Union, one of the world’s most globally connected brands.

The league table has been created using data from Western Union’s Your World Facebook Application, which visualises each user’s Facebook connections around the globe and gives them a score for how globally connected they are.

Your World has enjoyed more than 250,000 hits worldwide since its launch in July this year, as individual users compete in the Western Union® Network Challenge: a hunt for the world’s most globally networked person on Facebook. On the 18^th of October Western Union will announce the winner - and reveal an opportunity for them to use their global network as a force for good.

With so much aggregate data being generated by Your World, Western Union has been able to build a bird’s eye view of how different countries connect to one another on Facebook. The data reveals the Philippines’ top ten best friends in cyberspace: those countries where Facebook users in the Philippines have the most Facebook connections.

The results show how social media is shrinking the world we live in – with some of the Philippines’ closest friends in cyberspace based thousands of miles away in the real world:

1.     United States

2.     Canada

3.     Singapore

4.     United Kingdom

5.     Australia

6.     United Arab Emirates

7.     Spain

8.     India

9.     Indonesia

10.  Saudi Arabia

Western Union launched the Your World Application and associated Western Union Network Challenge in July this year to mark its 160^th Anniversary and celebrate its unique status as one of the world’s most globally connected brands. With approximately 470,000 locations in 200 countries and territories[ turning over 19 transactions per second, Western Union has a greater physical presence than any other company globally - and ten times more locations than famous global restaurant chain, McDonald’s.

Western Union President and CEO, Hikmet Ersek, said:

“We’re delighted that so many consumers have been enjoying Your World. It not only gives them a fun way to see their global network, but as a business provides us with a fascinating bird’s eye view of how countries around the world connect to one another. Western Union has been privileged to connect people across the globe for more than 160 years, so this kind of insight is invaluable.”

He added: “On the 18^th of October we will be announcing the winner of the Western Union Network Challenge - the Your World user who has the most global connections. We will be inviting him or her to partner with us to use their network as a force for good. So I would urge anyone who has not yet tried out the Application to give it a go.”

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Keeping Cool, The Healthy Way With Carrier

When it comes to air conditioning, today’s health-conscious consumers want and need much more than just a cooling product; they want a cooling solution, one that not only provides efficient and unparalleled cooling. More importantly, they want an air conditioner that contributes to wellness, and improves not just their level of comfort, but their quality of life.

Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company, the country’s trusted name in air conditioning, has answered the call for healthy cooling with the Carrier Designer Series, i-Cool and Xpower models, the best air conditioners in their class with state of the art air filtering systems.

“With our cooling solutions, we make it a point to go beyond just cooling people’s spaces,” remarks Jojo Concepcion, CEO of Concepcion-Carrier. “We want to give them an amazing experience, one that involves not just cool comfort, but their health and wellness as well, and that is our motivation behind these remarkable air conditioners”.

 
Carrier Designer Series and i-Cool: best in class 8-in-1 filter system

The Carrier Designer Series and Carrier i-Cool are two of the most acclaimed models in Carrier’s Window Room Air Conditioner line, with their amazing set of cooling and energy-saving features. But what puts these WRACs in a league of their own is a special 8-in-1 air filter system that’s the best in its class. This filter can trap harmful fungi and dust particles, filter out smoke and odors, kill viruses, and neutralize free radicals that can harm the skin.

The filter system includes: a Catechin filter, which has deodorization and anti-bacterial properties; a special Vitamin C filter, which can neutralize free radicals and keep the skin healthy; an Anti-Mold filter that removes toxic molds and fungi; a Zeolite filter for removing smoke and odors; and a Super Sterilizer Filter, that harnesses bio enzyme, sasa and super gingko to keep you safe from harmful viruses and bacteria.

Carrier XPower: big on health, big on savings

The Carrier XPower Inverter has been a hit among many homes and light commercial establishments for the significant savings brought by its technology. Inverter technology allows for the compressor to perform just the right amount of work at any given time, resulting in total cool comfort with plenty of energy savings. The Carrier Xpower is the undisputed leader in this category as it gives 53% more savings compared to other inverters.

But what makes the XPower even more special and beneficial to consumers is its advanced Filter System, which combines the latest Nano Silver filtration technology, which can sterilize and deodorize the air, can penetrate and breakdown harmful microbes; and the natural anti-microbial abilities of Ginseng to produce amazingly clean air that is free from bacteria, fungi, viruses and other irritants.

True comfort and wellness

The air filters of the Carrier Designer Series, i-Cool and XPower are the most sophisticated in the market today, the result of many years of research and development from the world’s cooling pioneer. 

“Carrier follows a long and rich legacy of innovation and expertise, and that legacy continues as we develop the world’s best cooling solutions,” says Concepcion. “We are dedicated in giving our customers true comfort and wellness for years to come, and that’s exactly what these amazing cooling solutions will do.” 

Concepcion-Carrier’s Customer Care has the largest HVAC service network support service in the Philippines, with a total of 65 franchised service centers across the country and 7 Totaline parts stores across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  With proven expertise and durability in all of Concepcion-Carrier’s products, this widest after-sales support and parts availability assures proven reliability and peace of mind for its customers.

CCAC brings to our shores Carrier Corporation's rich tradition of innovation and expertise, and as the country’s trusted provider of cooling solutions, it is committed to delivering the very best to its customers, for years to come.  For more information, visit www.ccac.com.ph  

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IBM Deploys Corporate Service Corps Volunteers to Davao

A team of high performing IBM volunteers recently ended their tour of duty/ assignment with several Davao-based non-government organizations, academe and industry chambers.  Collaboratively, they worked on strategies to develop and implement initiatives aligned to transform and help build a Smarter Davao.  This is part of the IBM's commitment to advance IT and business in growth areas outside of Metro Manila.

 

The IBM Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program, often called the corporate version of the “Peace Corps” was developed to help IBM employees become effective 21st century global professionals and citizens while helping solve complex problems in developing countries like the Philippines.  

IBM considers Davao as an important market and is committed to help the region grow and become globally competitive. The CSC Davao assignments reinforce IBM’s strong focus in markets outside the metropolis which extends beyond traditional business frontiers to the community.  

“IBM has been leveraging the company’s most valuable resources -- its employees -- to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems for the past century,” said Christine Llanto, Marketing Manager for General Business, IBM Philippines. We believe IBM’s strategic and long-term partnership with Davao will generate significant and concrete results in the near future.”

The CSC Davao team is composed of 12 top caliber IBM employees from Spain, India, Japan, United Arab Emirates, USA, and Slovakia.  They officially started their assignments on September 19, 2011.  For a month, the team worked with Department of Tourism, University of Mindanao, Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), ICT Davao, Inc., Samal Eco Crafters Association, Inc. and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. on projects to help their ‘clients’ improve skills in strategic business plan development, software development, project management, branding & marketing and database development.

Since its inception in 2008, the IBM CSC program has already deployed ten teams or around 100 IBM volunteers to support a broad range of SMEs, non-government and government organizations and work on high impact projects across emerging markets in the Philippines.   According to an independent evaluation conducted by Professor Chris Marquis at Harvard Business School, these six-month projects create significant value for the countries, but  also produce more skilled, collaborative, loyal, and culturally aware employees for IBM.  These engagements can also provide insights into new markets, and an enhanced corporate reputation.

For more information about IBM, please visit www.ibm.com/ph.

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Land Bank Achieves Operational Efficiency with IBM Power Systems

IBM announced today that the Land Bank of the Philippines, a government financial institution focused on fulfilling its social mandate of promoting countryside development while remaining financially viable, has achieved operational efficiency and carbon footprint reduction by consolidating production workloads onto optimized IBM Power Systems. 

 

Land Bank’s continued expansion of its product and services portfolio required the bank to address several IT infrastructure challenges, including the organic increase in data caused by growing user demand. The rising energy costs and ability to manage the growing number of servers also presented a challenge, especially with the lack of computing resources and limited floor space at the bank’s data center.  To overcome these challenges, Land Bank decided on the purchase of the IBM Power 770 server.  

 

 

The IBM Power 770 solution has enabled the bank to maximize hardware investments by repurposing their existing 16-core Power 5 570 as a purely development server. Designed for virtualized consolidation of business-critical workloads, the IBM Power 770 delivers value in terms of performance, availability, efficiency and flexibility for virtualization, addressing Land Banks’ business and IT requirements.  The IBM solution has also helped reduce physical space while minimizing energy usage as the Power 7-based 770 server qualifies for ENERGY STAR® status*.  In addition, the use of PowerVM™ virtualization has enabled continuous, dynamic resource adjustments across all partitions and operating environments, independent of physical placement, to optimize performance while minimizing energy usage. 

 

“Land Bank is operating more efficiently from the reduced hardware, software, energy costs, floor space and administrative overhead that came with IBM Power 770 and Power VM solutions. We now have faster provisioning, increased application performance, and improved response time to our customers.  Equally important, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint which is inline with our Corporate Environmental Policy to actively promote environmental protection and sustainable development, by incorporating effective environmental management practices in all our operations and services,” said Alan Bornas, Senior Vice President, Technology Management Group, Land Bank of the Philippines.

 

“A solid foundation for data centers starts with a powerful system design that is also optimized for the task—a design doesn't simply focus on deploying systems as fast as possible, but on deploying optimized systems for the required workloads. The IBM Power 770 solution matches the system architecture specific to Land Bank’s workload requirements.  It integrates management of all environments, enables cost reduction, deliver better IT economics and helps reduce the bank’s carbon footprint,” said James Velasquez, Country General Manager, IBM Philippines.

Land Bank joins a growing illustrious list of global customers who have transformed their business through leveraging the capabilities of IBM Power 7 servers, such as the TISCO Financial Group in Thailand, who were the first local customer to implement IBM Power 770 servers, for e-banking, deposit, loan information, and securities fund transactions online.

As IBM celebrates its centennial in 2011, it continues to increase clients’ innovativeness, efficiency and competitiveness through business insights and information technology solutions. Through its Smarter Planet strategy, IBM helps companies, governments and cities infuse intelligence into the systems and processes that make the world work smarter— from power grids, buildings and roadways to agriculture and waterways. IBM's clients consist of many different kinds of enterprises and represent every major industry and endeavor.

For more information on IBM Smarter Computing, please visit: www-03.ibm.com/systems/data/flash/smartercomputing/ 

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Philippine Pro Starcraft II League Is Going Global

The much awaited IPL 4 Qualifiers for the South-East Asian (SEA) region will be hosted on November 7 to 8, 2011, by the Philippie Pro tarcraft II League Invitational at the Glorietta Activity Centre in Makati.

Due to the newly found partnership with the IGN Pro League , a world class tournament with over $100,000 in prize pool and features the best players in the West, the Philippine Pro Starcraft II League has been announced as the official qualifying tournament for the IPL 4 in the SEA region. With foreign professional players like oGsMC, oGsInCa, WeMadeFox.Moon, WeMadeFox.Lynn, WeMadeFox.Soccer, and Thorzain participating, one can be sure that epic games will be played.

Top players invited from the Philippines and across the world will be vying it out for $3,500 and an invitation to participate in the IPL 4 Live Event, you can be sure that everyone participating is going to be well practiced and ready to show what they are worth!

Big Thanks to NVIDIA, COUGAR, WESTERN DIGITAL, PALIT, CHIMEI, and EMAXX for making this happen, the best hardware for E-Sports.  For more information, check us out at www.PPSL.tv and www.TEAMAZK.com and contact us at info@TeamAZK.co.cc.

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IBM Executive Volunteers Map Out Smarter Traffic and Urban Planning Vision for Cebu

IBM [NYSE: IBM] announced the successful completion of an operational framework project towards an integrated development  process, particularly in urban planning and transport & traffic management for Cebu.  In the last three weeks, six senior IBM leaders from the United States, Sweden, Germany and Italy worked closely with the various Cities and Municipalities of Cebu Province through the newly formed Metro Cebu Development Coordinating Board (MCDCB).  

The team is part of IBM Executive Service Corps, a variant of the company’s ongoing Corporate Service Corps pro bono community service program. Since its commencement in 2008, the Corporate Service Corps’ mandate and portfolio have been broadened and deepened.  It now includes IBM executives who work in teams with city planners, entrepreneurs, business leaders and governmental agencies to develop road maps that identify the best ideas, most scalable solutions and critical next steps in the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cities.

Besides the various Cities and Municipalities, the IBM executives also worked closely, provincial leaders, academia, and the private sector of Metro Cebu to address key issues it is facing in the areas of land use planning & zoning, and transport &  traffic management.  Increased flash floods and worsening traffic not only causes inconvenience, but hinder economic development and contribute to pollution.  Among other issues, the team studied ways to understand existing practices and systems as well as the gaps – from the point of view of institutions, processes, mandate, and Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

The ESC team presented to the Metro Cebu stakeholders and the Governor of Cebu who is leading the MCDCB a detailed report, including a set of observation and recommended policies, processes, and supporting ICT systems that will enable Metro Cebu to be more competitive in the global marketplace.  It leverages existing programs to arrive a realistic roadmap with both short term and long term objectives to address Metro Cebu’s traffic congestion and land use planning methodologies along with an improved governance model that can be used to combat additional core issues like flooding, water and waste management.

“IBM has been working closely with cities and governments around the world to make their transportation and urban planning systems smarter,” said Special Projects Leader, IBM Philippines. “Smarter traffic solutions can help traffic flow smoothly, anticipate congestion and reduce emissions.  While smarter urban planning can integrate and enable long-range planning for land use and urbanization to help prevent unwanted flooding and encourage tourism to heritage sites throughout the area, as a couple of examples.”

The MCDCB was set up in May 2011 to replace the previous Metro Cebu Development Council (MCDC).  The board is keen to overcome traffic congestion, improve the transportation systems and improve the land use across Metro Cebu, all part of its own roadmap towards a Smarter Cebu.

“We are excited to be working with IBM to look into smarter solutions to better manage our public transportation and urban planning systems.  Public-private partnerships like this will help ensure a greener and an integrated Metro Cebu,” said Governor Gwen Garcia, Cebu Province.  

This ESC team brings with them a wide range of business experiences from strategic and organizational consulting, business process outsourcing to consumer products brand management in various industries including small and medium businesses, communications service providers and local governments in their home countries.

The ESC team covered significant ground, meeting with public and private sector stakeholders across Metro Cebu to get a better understanding of the challenges they face and the potential for improvements.  The executives also had the chance to visit the Badjao Community to see the challenges from another perspective.

“Everyone we met with was open and welcoming with a shared desire to see Cebu prosper” said Martina Pareschi, IBM Global Business Consulting Executive, Italy.

“We are thankful of IBM, especially the ESC, for seeing possibilities and allowing us to reflect on a framework and process. They have somehow affirmed the platform we are embarking on, such as the process of collaboration among local government units (LGUs) and various sectors of the community, highlighting the role of LGUs and contribution of the private sector, and the importance of data and expertise in order for plans to move forward,” said Roberto E. Aboitiz, president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

Celebrating its centennial in 2011, IBM is a global leader in information technology and services that help make the world work better. IBM's objective is to help clients become more innovative, efficient and competitive through business insight and information technology solutions. Though its Smarter Planet strategy, IBM helps companies, governments and cities infuse intelligence into the systems and processes that make the world work — from power grids, buildings and roadways to agriculture and waterways. IBM's clients span many different kinds of enterprises and represent every major industry and endeavor.

To learn more about IBM's corporate citizenship initiatives, visit:
http://www.ibm.com/blogs/citizen-ibm.

To learn more about People for a Smarter Planet on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/peopleforasmarterplanet.

To learn more about IBM's Centennial, visit www.ibm100.com

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The 4th Season of Sarap At Home with Sensational Flavors Star

Entertaining impromptu guests? Dealing with fussy eaters? Living on a budget? Working at warp speed and need a faster-than-ever dish that’s sure to impress? In the fourth installment of Sarap at Home on GNTV11, expect delicious answers and quick fixes to all these and to your other cooking dilemmas!

On this season, resident host Sam Oh will be joined by actress Jackie Rice, hunky model Fabio Ide, and funny man Ramon Bautista to give everyone an exhilarating time episode after episode. What else makes the new season stand out?

“We’re giving the show a bit of a sitcom approach now while still highlighting the many recipes our viewers can create with San Marino products.  The unpredictable twists and reveals that are going to happen in Sarap at Home are something to watch out for. With that and the addition of Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon, it’s definitely going to be a really, really exciting show to watch!”  
- Sam Oh

Witness how these four get intertwined in each other’s lives—Sam falls for her gorgeous neighbor Fabio, who has a crush on her pretty probinsyana cousin Jackie, while comic Ramon is in love with Sam! Who will end up with whom? Better stay tuned!

They have tons of incredibly simple, easy-to-prepare, and budget-friendly recipes will surely wow you this season. And all of these dishes are deliciously created with San Marino Corned Tuna, the number 1 corned tuna in the Philippines, the fiery San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, the full-packed meal San Marino Tuna Paella, and their newest product innovation, the ready-to-eat, no-need-to-fry San Marino Tuna Embutido.

Definitely, turning everyday meals to gourmet meals are made delectably easy and speedy with San Marino! Each product is also rich in Omega-3 and DHA which is good for the brain and heart. So whether you’re in the mood for cooking and creating new delicious dishes with San Marino, all you need is to catch each episode of Sarap at Home to learn a valuable tip or two on cooking.

Another thrilling twist to the show’s new season and wonderful news to those keen on starting up their own businesses: CDO Foodservice will also be sharing helpful tips on how to set up your own food businesses. Be your own success story too by learning important business trade secrets, quality food products, and business start-up solutions that will be generously shared by the CDO Foodservice throughout the season. CDO Foodservice will surely be a huge help in making your dreams of owning and running a business come true, whether you are planning to start up a small business, looking for a foodservice partner or have a food product you want to conceptualize and develop. CDO Foodservice has always believed in making things happen and with their help, so should you.

Bloggers and members of the press had been invited last October 18, 2011 for an afternoon of food, fun, and surprises! To give a firsthand experience of Sarap at Home and San Marino’s and to kickstart the new season A cooking demo, delectable food tasting, games, and tons of prizes, plus a screening of an episode of Season 4 made it an event filled with not just entertainment but helpful tips in the kitchen. The whole crew with Sam, Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon were also present during the event. 

Sarap at Home Season 4 will surely shake up your cooking routine and wake up your taste buds. Get ready for flavor-filled episodes and be part of the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of Sam, Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon. Plus, whet your appetite with these four exciting products like San Marino Corned Tuna, San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, San Marino Tuna Paella, and San Marino Tuna Embutido everyday!  Can’t have enough of the Sarap at Home and San Marino duo? Make sure to catch Sarap at Home on GNTV11 Channel from Mondays to Sundays.

For more updates and information visit San Marino Corned Tuna website at www.sanmarino.com.ph or LIKE them at facebook at www.facebook.com/SanMarinoCornedTuna.

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HYD: The First Collection For Fashion Face Off 2011

Hot Young Designers Marketing Company (HYD) launches its first collection for Fashion Face Off 2011. This year, five Filipino young designers with different fashion backgrounds and styles, have come up with a ready-to-wear fashion collection that will showcase their talents. These five designers are Klart Lim, Renan Pacson, Bailey Dava, Marc Blanco and Jackie Abueg.

“We are excited to show the Filipinos that there is so much potential in terms of creating fabulous clothes and designs in the Philippines,” 

“We really hope that the young students and professionals will see the value of helping these talented designers as we strive to build our country’s name in the fashion landscape.”

- Ginger Palma-Arboleda, General Manager of Hot Young Designers Marketing Company.

Their designs are available at HotYoungDesigners.com/shop starting October 15, 2011. The website is a full blown eCommerce site. Each designer will have to market their products, after undergoing business and marketing training from HYD and from HYD special guests. The collection that they have designed is available for shipping to anywhere in the Philippines and even to places abroad. This is made possible by HYD’s partners, XEND business solutions and Dragonpay.

Check out their collections, create your account and enjoy shopping! The designers will also be present to sell their collections at the Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 5-6 at the Rockwell tent.

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Celebration Of Love And Pride

The Yabang Pinoy – Filipino Pride movement celebrates its 6th year by celebrating Filipino Love and Pride.

Together with Yabang Pinoy’s community of Filipino entrepreneurs committed to Filipino artistry and craftsmanship, Yabang Pinoy will once again stage the 7th Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 5-6 2011 at Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011 will feature businesses with 100% Filipino Love and Pride, showcasing ladies’, men’s & children’s apparel, accessories, jewelries, bags & shoes, home decor, beachwear, home and wellness products, as well as Pinoy art and design.

“We feel that the Global Pinoy Bazaar is a great way to promote and support our fellow Filipino crafters and artists and is a great way to encourage people out there to either venture into their own thing or support local,”shares Antonette Mendoza of Twee Shop.

Erin Chu of brand Made for Movement and Tomoe Bags says “ Made for Movement provides quality yoga and travel items that is comparable
to Imported Brands but for a fraction of the cost.Tomoe Bags gives backpacks a hip and modern twist. You can bring them to work, to play, to school.”

“We believe in products proudly made in the Philippines and in the skill and talent of the Filipino entrepreneur, “says Kaye Ong of Suelas and Marengo.

As early as now, mark you calendars for the best Filipino Christmas shopping experience.

Other exhibitors include Hot Young Designers, Polymer Guild of the Philippines, APART Visuals Art Collective, Izzoshop Manila, The Tunic
Project, H by G Licaros, Pic Season, I Love Koi, Pirouette, Startup Upstart, Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Badj Swimwear, Precious Pillow, Theo and Philo, Babinsky, Papelapelap, Creative Prints, Amber Lights, Laura Malaya Virata, Fab Manila, Sorbetiya, Punchdrunk Panda, Mia Casal Pottery, Kitsune Shoes Manila, Shiq, Artwine, Art & Soul Novelties, Twee Shop, Beansprout, BEAD IT by Mikki, Heliana, Sunny Hats, Nima, Magu Clothing, Palabras at Letras, Ylla Shoes, Firefly Row, Yayin, Top Picks, Soakswimwear, DONA bags, TOMOE bags, Latitude, PacuTEES, Blushing Geisha, Quiddity Art and Travel, Anthill, TGLL, Sole Sisters Lifestyle, MCV Designs, Tala, H.E.A.R.T, Pink Label, Filed, The Sole Project, Mallos, Wooden Canvass Shop, Ephesians Enterprise, Klay Girl, Likhang Artesana, DAS shoes, Alunsina, Blacklotus Corner, Skedaddle, Gifts and Graces, Kala Milk, Messy Bessy, The Leather Shop, Sewn, Paperpod Seedpaper, Poise Designs,Erzuille, Sinude, Estrellas Manila,Trendy Options, Bags in the City, Beachbaby, Footridge Company, Theraphy Bags, Fia Manila,BRYZ Bags, Django Leather, Island Girl, Devereau Clothing, Zeal, Qito, Pabryca De Disenyo, 7107 Clothing, Agos Pilipinas, Doodled Tees, Dodong Purontong, Bebang, MDM Design, Yadu, Anotnio’s Slices of Life, Kape ni Juan, , Simply Pie, Dragonfly Desserts, Choco-Late Batirol, Chinuts, Misispi, ANG INK, Happyland, Futkalero, MY LIKHA, Kaya Natin Movement, Yellow Ribbon Movement, and many more.

For more information, visit www.yabangpinoy.com. For interested Filipino entrepreneurs who want to be part of Global Pinoy Bazaar 2011, you may email us at bazaar.globalpinoy@gmail.com or contact 0927-826-3926.

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Nathan’s Ridge Run: Eco-friendly Race Boasts Scenic, Challenging Route

A breathtaking view of nature overlooking the lush greeneries of Tagaytay, an uphill road course through rolling hills, and never-before-opened running areas set the Nathan Ridge Run apart from your common fun run.

Slated for November 20th at the Tagaytay Highlands, the race is organized by renowned multi-sport accessory brand Nathan Performance Gear (Nathan), who will challenge Filipino runners in a unique test of athleticism, endurance and environmental advocacy.

Nathan will provide participants access to previously off-limits tracks, resulting in a fresh, challenging and steep uphill road course meant to push the limits of each runner. While in the venue, runners can also take advantage of several exclusive perks, including access to some of Highlands’ amenities and discounts.

The Nathan Ridge Run features three race divisions for the beginner to the elite with its 5K, 10K and 21K road distances. Runners are set to get their hearts racing for health and for nature. Beginners can hone their craft and endurance, while veteran athletes can improve their level of game.

In the spirit of greener practices, the use of environmentally harmful plastic cups will be ditched in favor of free Nathan handheld sports bottles included in the race kit or the racers’ own hydration gear. Runners can use innovative bottles such as the Nathan Quickdraw Plus, which provides them easy access
to hydration while on-the-go.

Runners can park, refill, hydrate and go for gold. Simple and efficient, the Quickdraw Plus is best for keeping dehydration at bay; no need to wait until the next check point to replenish, and no need to use harmful disposables.

Instead of the typical water stations you see in most city races, where plastic cups are lined up for the taking and disposed of as soon as runners are sufficiently hydrated, Nathan will be setting up conveniently placed refilling stations in different points of the road.

About Nathan

Nathan is a world leader in innovative hydration and reflective gear, and multisport accessories. Across its array of top-line equipment, Nathan puts a premium on athletes’ wellness, comfort and safety, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure maximum performance.

Nathan’s acclaimed hydration gear, used by runners, outdoorsmen and other athletes of all skill levels, allow for total hydration on-the-go, through  conveniently designed water bottles with easy-access straps and holders.

Through its line of race belts, vests, bladder packs, handhelds, bottles, and accessories, Nathan continues to help athletes of all levels—from beginners to seasoned athletes and world-class competitors—redefine what is “humanly possible”.

About Primer Group of Companies

The Primer Group's network of companies is multiplying in a pace never achieved before. The company is now realizing its vision to become the LEADER in the global distribution and innovation of premium goods and services across the Asian region namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. After 25 years of continuous and steady growth, its retail authority has grown to over 50 premium brands, 100 freestanding concept stores and over 600 consignment doors in the Asian
region. The company is set to reach greater heights through its numerous milestones and marketing commendations locally and abroad. The Primer Group of Companies is also proud to have expanded its business portfolio in the area of industrial products and services. Most recently, the company also opened its first professional retail and merchandising academy. For more information about Primer Group, visit www.primergrp.com.

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Gardenia Celebrates World Bread Day With KIDS

Gardenia Bakeries Philippines, Inc. (GBPI), makers of the popular Gardenia bread known for its good taste, freshness, softness, oven-baked aroma and nutritive value, launches “Happy Bread Day” together with hundreds of kids from Nayon ng Kabataan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in partnership with K.I.D.S. (Kabataan Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation.

Gardenia’s “Happy Bread Day” celebration is also in line with the commemoration of World Bread Day, a global event that also espouses the philosophy of sharing of bread as a meaningful and symbolic humanitarian act and at the same time encourages the exchange of ideas between the world’s bakers and confectioners.

 
The occasion is an opportunity for the company to showcase its unwavering commitment of providing nutrition to countless kids through its great-tasting bread products, and also serves as a pledge for nutrition by Gardenia to help enrich people’s lives.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “G-Lock Collage,” a unique and creative idea conceptualized by Gardenia that aims to expand its already-substantial Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, this time directly involving its customers and even participants of the widely popular Gardenia plant tour.

The “G-Lock Collage” will form a “collage” composed of Gardenia’s unique G-Lock bread tags. The collage will be equivalent to more than 3,000 G-Lock tags, where each G-Lock is equal to one bread loaf. These loaves shall then be given to the chosen charities by Gardenia, which include the Nayon ng Kabataan and the Manila Youth Reception Center, in partnership with the K.I.D.S. Foundation, an organization whose passion is to help and nurture children from all walks of life to experience growth and development.

After the unveiling, the kids from the partner-organizations then proceeded to the famous Gardenia plant tour. The kids, officers from the various partner-beneficiaries, other guests and members of the media had a grand time marveling at Gardenia’s world-class 6K plant, the company’s top-of-the-line bread manufacturing facility capable of producing 6,000 loaves of bread per hour, and were all smiles after the tour.

“Doing CSR is nothing new to us because we have been doing it for several years already. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed in doing our share of ‘paying it forward’ and help enrich the lives of other people, especially kids, who rightfully deserve to enjoy the bounty of their youth and have fun. We hope that by continuing on with this unique CSR concept, we would be able to do our share in enriching theirs and other people’s lives as well through nourishment courtesy of Gardenia breads.” 

 
- Simplicio Umali Jr., President and General Manager of GBPI.

Umali also expressed profound thanks to the members and volunteers of the K.I.D.S. Foundation, and all their other partner-beneficiaries, whose passion is to help kids from all walks of life enjoy their rights and growth as individuals, for making “Happy Bread Day” more meaningful.

 

“Bread has always been a symbol of unity, generosity and nourishment, and it is through bread that we express our continued responsibility to help build a stronger nation through health and nutrition.”

 
- Simplicio Umali Jr., President and General Manager of GBPI.

For more information visit their website at www.gardenia.com.ph or youmay LIKE them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gardeniaph.

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City Kart Racing: The Ultimate Venue To Drive Like A Pro-Racer

I was very  much excited when I received the invites for the Kart event. It was my first time to try it, I did try the bump car before and this one was really different. It was an early morning event, so I need to wake up early to get to the venue. luckily I was not late and came just in time at City Kart Racing. I forgot to eat breakfast and unfortunately they served coffee and pandesal with orange marmalade. Too bad i didn't drink coffee so I had water on the side. Then signing up to have a record on their data bases for the track.

I was very much eager to listen to the owner Jean-Marc Freihuber as he gives us the pointers and the rules and regulations on how to drive the Kart safely and knowing all the meanings of the flags. Check out the following for deatails;

Drivers Must:

- Attend the Safety Briefing
- Put on and secure their helmet properly before entering the Pit area
- Raise their hand if they are stopped anywhere on the track
- Slow down to a crawl before entering the Pit lane
- Comply with ALL flags and Marshals instructions

Drivers are forbbiden to:

- Drive under the influence of alcohol or any drug
- Intentionally Bump into other go-karts
- Step out of the go-kart anywhere on the track
- Drive recklessly (in the wrong way, Zigzag, sudden braking)

Flags:
 

Yellow Flag = Danger - All Drivers MUST follow the Marshals instructions
Checkered Flag = End of the race - All Drivers MUST slow down and head to the pit lane
Red Flag = Interruption of the race - All Drivers MUST slow down and head to the pit lane.
Black Flag = Penalty - Flagged Driver MUST stop where indicated by the marshal.
Blue Flag = Give way - Flagged Driver MUST give way to the Go-Kart right behind.
Red and Yellow Stripes Flag = Weather conditions are changing, be careful.

The Rules and Regulations are for the safety of all Drivers and Marshals, Failure to follow any of the above regulations automatically terminates your session without any right to refund. The management reserves the right to exclude permanent reckless Drivers as per City Kart Racing management.

I was so nervous during the team competition and fortunately my team "Bat Ako" won the 4th place, we are suppose to be on the second place but they say that we have penalty of one lap. Anyway, it's okay because we did enjoy the game had fun. I even won the raffle and i got 5 credits so for sure I will go back to City Kart Racing.

I have seen that they can provide a unique  and effective venue for corporate events. Allow any driver to experience the emotion of a professional racer, and provide the safest and most agreeable racing venue. I will definitely recommended this to all of my friends who would like to have a unique driving experience. 

City Kart Racing is a concept taken from a European standard of Go-Karting using the latest technology in equipment, layout of track/design and facilities that would cater to the new generation of drivers. They are open to everyone from 6 years old up to 77 years old, first timer or professional Kart drivers are also welcome to have fun with them.

 

City Kart Racing are opens from Monday to Thursday, from 3pm to 10pm and on Friday to Saturday, from 10am to 12mn. Also on Sunday and Holidays, from 10am to 10pm except Christmas and Good Friday. For more information, reservations or corporate inquiries, please call +(632) 856.9155 or +(639) 175.859155. Check out their website at http://citykartracing.com/ or you may LIKE them at Facebook at City kart Racing or follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/citykartracing.

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Another Angel's Landed On Granda Street

I have never try pizza from Angel's before until I was invited to cover the event and witness another branch opened at the Mardrigal Bldg. Granada St. Q.C. along Ortigas Extension. The taste was great like other well known pizza today and I would say it has the edge to be one of the favorite pizza in the future.

The opening was started by motorcade around the area by their delivery riders. It was another franchise from Zuriel Pizza and Pasta. The opening remarks took place and the prayers from the priest who blessed the store. We are very careful with the candles as we followed the priest going around the store and blessing every corner of it.

He lastly bless the candies and coin and then the ribbon cutting was started by the owner of the Angel's Granada branch. They welcome us as they giving their thanks to all of us who joined them in their grand opening of their store.Actually they have already their soft opening last October 10, 2011.

 

It was truly an Angel will be flying at your doorstep when you ordered your favorite Pizza flavor with them. They have their opening promo when you buy big family pizza, you can get a family pizza for FREE choose from Pepperoni, Aloha, Bacon and Cheese or when you buy big family pizza, you can get 2 liters of Cebri Calamansi Juice for FREE or 6 cups of 6oz. ice cream. Their promo is until October 21, 2011 only so hurry avail one of them now!

Cebri Calamsi juice and ice cream can only be purchase in Angel's Granada branch. For more information about Angel's Pizza, Pasta, Combo you can visit their website at www.angelspizza.com.ph or Like them in Facebook, just key in Angel's Pizza Pasta Combo or at www.facebook.com/angelspizzapastacombo.

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