SM Lifestyle Entertainment opens new Olympic-size ice skating rink at MOA

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Sweeping in time for the cool breeze of the ber month, SM Skating oens an all new Olympic-size ice rink at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) complex in Pasay City.

Located at the main mall’s recently opened third level, the 1,800 square meter rink is the perfect venue to cool down with the family and friends or learn the country’s only range of ice sports.
The coolest place in town boasts of a standard size Olympic rink, big enough to fit 300 people at a time. Catering to sports such as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, the rink is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, player’boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes as well as locker rooms, each with a hot and cold shower. A multi-purpose room serves as a venue for sports training, meeting, and other social functions while a clinic provides immediate first aid assistance for any minor sports-related injuries. Families, friends and bleacher fans can conveniently watch practices, training, exhibitions, show, games, and tournaments at the 200-seater stands located around the rink. Those wanting to take a quick bite can easily head to the Snack Time booth for hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, coffee cakes, pastries and ice-cold beverages and relax at the rink’s spacious lobby and lounge area.

“It was Mr. Henry Sy Sr.’s vision to introduce the finesse and grace in ice sports through a fully-equipped ice skating rink. The unveiling of this new facility is both a step forward in our commitment to help grow winter-based sports and our way of inviting more families to step inside the rink and create a fun, memorable experience together,” said Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment. Inc.

This October, try a new sport on ice or create unforgettable skating experiences with family and friends at SM Skating’s newly-opened ice rink. For more information, log on to www.smskatingrink.com or follow@SMSkating on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Visa Launches “Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog” and Uses National Heroes to Provide Financial Education to Young Filipinos

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Visa launched Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog (Crumpled, Round), an interactive play featuring national heroes, developed with Tanghalang Pilipino (TP), the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) designed to educate and empower the Filipino youth to make informed financial decisions. This is the first program of its kind launched by Visa in the Philippines in support of the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog will showcase common scenarios faced by a Filipina senior high school student protagonist named Gwyneth who is challenged to make decisions between her needs and wants. Native Filipino heroes such as Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini will also ‘come alive’ from the crumpled bills and rounded coins to help the main character make wise decisions.

The launch also included a panel discussion on the importance of financial literacy in the Philippines, including panelists such as Dan Wolbert, Visa Philippines Head of Sales, Pia Roman-Tayug, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Head of Inclusive Finance Advocacy, Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director, and Patricia Feria-Lim, Teach for the Philippines Chief Strategy Officer.

“At Visa, we strongly believe in the importance of financial literacy and it is a key area of focus as part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. Hence, with the support of BSP, we created this financial literacy program and interactive play through Lukot-lukot, Bilog-bilog where the Filipino youth can relate to various scenarios on making money management decisions. With millennials forming a large population in the Philippines, we believe it is crucial to spread the knowledge of how to manage their money at a young age, and to highlight the importance of making smart monetary decisions,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

Starting October, the show will be performed in close to 10 different schools to make financial literacy education more accessible to the students. This program is aligned with the government’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, in particular, the pillar on financial education and consumer protection.

“We believe that financial education should be introduced to learners early on, especially key concepts including budgeting, investing, and setting financial goals. Innovative approach such as blending education and art are most welcome and can help the existing programs of the government. This is a tangible support from the private sector of the objectives of the NSFI, particularly the pillars on financial education and consumer protection,” says Pia.

“The informative and interactive performances will stimulate creativity and challenge its audience on their perception of money,” says Nanding Josef, Tanghalang Pilipino Artistic Director. With the creative direction of TP, the play will spark critical thinking in these youths on the value of money. “By presenting economic concepts in realistic and entertaining situations, we hope that audiences will find it easier to apply their learnings in their daily lives,” added Nanding.

Visa’s financial literacy initiative also aims to reach out to students under Teach for the Philippines, a program Visa has been actively involved with previously.

“Experiential learning has been proven to be an effective method for encouraging mastery and understanding. At Teach for the Philippines, we believe that programs which incorporate financial literacy and theater arts in academics develop the critical life skills of our learners. We look forward to a continued partnership with Visa Philippines, BSP, and Tanghalang Pilipino to bring our learners closer to their full potential and enable them to contribute meaningfully to nation building,” said Patricia.

“We want to secure the future of the Filipino youth and are committed to forging the path to financial literacy and inclusion. We envision the program to reach more students throughout the country in the coming years,” added Stu.

Reef promotes responsible travel through “Free the Sea Movement 2” in Baler

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Reef, a surf and lifestyle brand known worldwide, is once again promoting responsible travel and environmental conservation in partnership with WWF Philippines as it hosts Free the Sea Movement 2 this September 29 until October 1 , 2017.

This year set in Baler, Aurora, one of the country’s top hotspots for surfing, the exciting three-day event treated guests to a slew of fun activities that had them riding the waves while helping to preserve the beauty of Sabang Beach.

Free the Sea 2 opened with a coastal clean-up and talk from WWF Philippines on sustainable tourism, a cause near and dear to Reef’s heart as it is in line with Reef’s global humanitarian outreach campaign “We Heart.”

“As travelers, we may be just passing through other beaches and cities but through our We Heart campaign, we want to educate people on the importance of leaving a positive impact on the local communities we visit,”

“With more and more travelers discovering the beauty of our islands and with the rise of local tourism, now is a good time for us to educate people on the environmental impact tourism has and how we all need to work together maintain our beaches so people can continue to enjoy them for years to come,” Marnelli Gaerlan, Marketing Head for Reef, shared.

Together with WWF, Surfari Philippines and volunteers, Reef spearheaded the coastal clean-up that aims to restore and preserve the beauty of Sabang Beach. Afterwards, guests then got to enjoy what Sabang Beach was famous for – amazing waves and surfing!

Volunteers got the chance to reconnect with nature and learn how to surf with free surfing lessons conducted by Nalu Surf Camp.

In the evening, they were also treated to laid-back beachside music with performances from Soundcloud Philippines’ Ann Clerigo, the soulful music of Banna Harbera, and an open mic show which include the turnover of Reef’s donation to WWF, amounting to P30,000, which would go towards WWF’s environmental programs.

The next day opened with even more to offer surfing enthusiasts, as they witness the Surfari Beginners’ Competition, followed by a festive After Party which capped the weekend.

Aside from receiving their well-earned awards, surfers alongside the volunteers jammed to the sound of indie rapper Eazyhead, party-starter remixes and originals from DJ Doms Badwolf & DJ CC – the perfect end to a beautiful beach day in Baler!

“We are really excited for this year’s Free the Sea Movement. Baler is the perfect setting for us to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation, while at the same time, giving everyone a taste of what they can enjoy if we remember to care of our beaches – which is delicious local food and music, white beaches, clear water and of course, gigantic waves and surfing like no other!” Gaerlan said.

Reef’s ‘Free the Sea Movement: Baler” was sponsored by Juan Light Studio, Bike King’s Kitchen, Madison’s Cafe Baler, La Patricia Hotel, Baler and The Shack, Baler with music partners Ann Clerigo, Banna Harbera, Eazyhead, DJ Domes Badwolf and DJ CC.

BLUE WATER DAY SPA GAINS MORE STAR POWER WITH ITS NEW ROSTER OF CELEBRITY ENDORSERS

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While many head to Blue Water Day Spa to get themselves beach ready for the summer, a healthy mind, spirit and body is always in season.

Blue Water Day Spa, the renowned leader in ultimate pampering and rejuvenation, helps you achieve and maintain that balanced state of well-being through its wide, varied range of treatments. From intensely rejuvenating massages to deep cleansing facials, and sculpting and toning treatments that help you maintain your toned physique, Blue Water Day Spa helps you address all the symptoms of stress and gives you that boost you need to get you through the week.

With several branches located in around the metro, Blue Water Day Spa also offers its discerning clientele relaxing respites in the city where they can de-stress and pamper themselves.
And just in time for this holiday season, Blue Water Day Spa proudly presents its roster of ambassadors: Michelle Dee, Harry Morris, Fabio Ide, Ara Arida and Christian Bautista.

The youthful Michelle Dee has a lot to deal with these days, a hectic schedule and so much more. And the stress of the daily grind ultimately affects her well-being, causing headaches, neck strains and pains in her lower back. To help soothe the symptoms caused by stress, Michelle turns to Blue Water Day Spa’s Combo Herbal Massage. Using a soothing blend of essential oils, the deep tissue massage helps to work out the tensions in the back and neck. “After just one session, you feel looser and more relaxed. You’ll definitely feel that you’re ready to take on another day!” shares Michelle.

A multi-awarded artist and actor, Christian Bautista has to divide his hours, recording at the studio and shooting for his back-to-back shows. The long production days and the stress on set oftentimes makes him binge on junk food. “Which, of course, affects my weight and my mindset. When I eat junk food, I feel lethargic and don’t quite have the energy,” he says. For this, he uses the Blue Water Day Spa Therapeutic Colonic Massage. It is the latest method of losing weight, and it gives Christian that boost of energy. “It makes you relax, and it helps tone the body. I combine this with exercise and eating right, and after a few sessions, you’ll see impressive results,” he shares. “The Colonic Massage also helps get rid of the blockages and impurities in your system, so you instantly feel lighter and freer.”

Ariella “Ara” Arida, Miss Universe 2013- Third Runner Up, understands the importance of looking your best, and so despite no longer competing for the crown, she invests time and effort in maintaining her toned physique and youthful looks. To help her look camera-ready, Ara schedules her Blue Water Day Spa Y-Lift treatments regularly. The Y Lift treatment, a combination facial and skin treatment, helps to reduce the signs of skin-aging and gently “lifts” the face for that youthful look. “When it comes to my body, I try to eat clean and live healthy, and complement that with my Y-Lift treatments which gives me that radiant glow and smooth complexion,” she says.

Blue Water Day Spa has numerous other treatments for different body issues and has treatments that complement the different lifestyles of its customers. For active individuals and athletes like Fabio Ide and Harry Morris, they turn to Blue Water Day Spa’s Athlete Massage to help soothe the aches in their muscles.

Harry Morris, a player of the Philippine Volcanoes (rugby team), often pushes his body to the limits, going through intense trainings and games regularly. “After training or a rough game, my muscles and joints hurt a lot. When I get the Athlete’s Massage, I’ve noticed that my recovery time gets cut in half,” he says. Fabio Ide, entrepreneur and model, agrees with Morris, adding, “Your body is like a well-oiled machine, so you have to make sure it gets the upkeep it needs. This massage does incredibly well in making sure that you stay at the top of your game and that you enjoy that range of motion painlessly.”

Whether it’s to look more beautiful, to speed up recovery time, or to just simply pamper yourself after a long, hard week of work, Blue Water Day Spa is here to help you relax and rejuvenate anytime.
For more information, visit www.bluewaterdayspa.com

WHITE FLOWER CELEBRATES 90 YEARS BY HONORING UNSUNG HEROES

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White Flower oil originated in Malaysia in 1927, and was introduced to the Philippine market in the 1950s. Since then, White Flower has been a household partner of every Filipino, providing soothing relief from headaches, dizziness, colds and stress. This year, as it reaches its 90th anniversary, White Flower celebrates its success and legacy by giving back to the community.

“We have been the No.1 embrocation for generations, and we are proud that people have been patronizing White Flower for the past nine decades,” shares Jimmy Lao, President and CEO of Jelma Philippines, Inc., the exclusive importer & distributor of White Flower Embrocation in the Philippines. “It has been our greatest honor to have worked quietly in the background, offering comfort and relief to people in their everyday lives.”

Over the years, White Flower has become the most trusted liniment oil by Filipinos because of its distinct scent, soothing relief and potent formula that has remained unchanged since it was manufactured in 1927. With just 2 to 3 drops of White Flower Embrocation, you will feel the soothing relief and discover the aroma theraphy of wellness. Made from a unique blend of essential oils – including Menthol Crystals, Methyl Salicylate, Eucalyptus Oil, Camphor and Lavender Oil that made White Flower so distinct from all other liniment oil in the market today.

“While the formula remains unchanged, the company (Jelma Phils. Inc.) has indeed grown strong and evolved thru the years in terms of distribution and reach on a nationwide basis. From drugstore channel, modern trade and general trade accounts and up to convenient stores as well. We are continuously expanding our business distribution network every year”, quoted by Jimmy Lao.

Earning the trust and confidence that is synonymous to White Flower Embrocation, Jimmy Lao proudly states that – “It’s not only the older generation who is using White Flower, but also the young ones. From their grandparents to their parents, the love and trust for White Flower has been passed on. Today, what is so exciting is that we can see how White Flower Embrocation has evolved. Not only being used by individuals of all ages, but also by people from different walks of life.”

For it’s 90th anniversary (instead of the typical festivities), White Flower has decided to focus its effort in celebrating the reason that has made the company successful these past decades – the people.

In the same way it has quietly offered relief to all, White Flower now give thanks to the quiet workers and unsung heroes of the country. In its newest campaign, titled “Unsung Heroes,” White Flower honors those who have made an impact in society by doing the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

“We want to honor those who have offered their lives in the service of others. That commitment and drive with no want for reward or praise – are the values that White Flower holds dearly,” explained by Jimmy Lao.

As it celebrates it’s 90th anniversary, White Flower Embrocation gives back to the people in ways that are not only big but also meaningful.

You may check out the 1st winner teaser video here: https://www.facebook.com/inquirerdotnet/videos/10156128039449453/

tvN ASIA’s ONE NIGHT FOOD TRIP – INTERNATIONAL EDITION CHOOSES THE PHILIPPINES AS THE “BATTLEFIELD” FOR ITS FINALE

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KOREAN STYLE ICON DARA & BROTHER THUNDER TO EXPLORE THE COUNTRY AND COMPETE AGAINST LOCAL HOSTS GRACE LEE AND SAM YG

tvN Asia’s brand-new original production, One Night Food Trip – International Edition is coming to the Philippines! A spin-off of the popular Korean travel programme of the same name, One Night Food Trip – International Edition added local Asian celebrities into the mix to further hype up the competition. One Night Food Trip – International Edition has already set sail to Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia; with the final foodie “battlefield” set in the Philippines. The programme will premiere exclusively on tvN Asia on October 10, 2017 (Tuesday) at 23:00 (GMT+8); with the segment shot in the Philippines set to air on December 5, 2017 (Tuesday).

Korean fashion and beauty icon Sandara Park, better known by her stage name Dara, will join forces with her brother, Park Sang-hyun, a singer/songwriter better known by his stage name Thunder, to complete as many missions as they can throughout their escapades. Playing against the Korean stars are Grace Lee, a Korean television host and radio disc jockey working in the Philippines; and Filipino-Indian Filipino radio and television personality Sam YG. The celebrity teams will complete in a 48-hour travel tour around the beautiful Philippines with three main goals – EAT, PLAY and COMPETE!

Team Dara/Thunder will begin their mission-packed feast in Palawan and will make their way up north to the city of Manila; while Team Grace/Sam will conquer Cebu first, then head down south to Davao city. Both teams will be able to experience everything local—from culture, food, and attractions. Viewers will be able to witness the magnificence of the Philippines through a different angle as the show merges fabulous and fun, enabling everyone to go beyond the typical touristy activities. The teams will also get the chance to observe the unique local cultural heritage that is different from the rest of Asia, go on a shopping frenzy, enjoy a night out clubbing, as well as savour great varieties of food, from local delicacies to Michelin-starred delights, such as Nobu Restaurant located City of Dreams – Manila.

The Philippine leg of One Night Food Trip – International Edition will fly exclusively with Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading carrier. Cebu Pacific has the widest domestic network which made traveling and shooting from one island to another easier with seamless inter-island connections, sparing the hosts and crew from flying to bigger airport hubs just to move across the Philippines. Aside from a direct flight between Manila and Incheon, Cebu Pacific also flies directly from Incheon to Kalibo and Cebu, making it easier to get to popular beach destinations like Boracay Island and Mactan Island; or to 34 other domestic destination and 26 international destinations across the rest of Asia, Australia, Middle East and the United States.

So what are you waiting for? Come follow the trails of Dara, Thunder, Grace and Sam in One Night Food Trip – International Edition!

One Night Food Trip – International Edition, will premiere exclusively on tvN Asia on October 10 (Tuesday) at 23:00 (GMT+8); while the Philippines segment will debut on December 5 (Tuesday). tvN is available in 10 Asia-Pacific countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and Australia, with subtitles in English, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia and Thai. tvN, where fun takes off!

# Special thanks to the following sponsors (in alphabetical order):
– Cebu Pacific
– City of Dreams, Manila
– Tourism Promotions Board Philippines

Website : tvNAsia.net
Facebook : @Ch.tvNAsia
Instagram : @tvN.Asia
Twitter : @tvN_Asia
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/c/tvNAsiaOfficial
Official Hashtags : #tvN #tvNAsia #WhereFunTakesOff #OneNightFoodTripIntl #ONFTIntl

Authentic Hokkaido Ramen Santouka now at UP Town Center

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Ramen lovers in North Metro can now enjoy Japanese culture in a bowl as Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brings its authentic, passionately-cooked ramen recipe to UP Town Center on Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka opens its 11th branch at the UP Town Center to give residents of the area and neighboring communities a taste of the unique family ramen recipe developed in 1988. Santouka’s ramen offerings are masterfully made with imported ingredients—from the noodles down to the soup, which is cooked for 20 hours daily to keep it fresh and healthier but delicious to the last drop.

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The opening of the new branch features special discounts available until October. Students can truly say TGIF (thank God it’s Friday) every Friday from September 22 to October 13 as they enjoy 20% discount on Santouka’s new offerings: fried chicken tsukemen and tonkatsu tsukemen upon presentation of a valid student ID. They may also treat themselves with the buy one, get 30% off on second order of a regular takoyaki or cheese takoyaki promo.

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From September 23 to 30, diners at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka UP Town Center can avail of the soft shell crab salad and sushi promo with free matcha ice cream with every order. Currently, the soft shell crab salad and sushi, regular takoyaki, cheese takoyaki, fried chicken tsukemen and tonkatsu tsukemen are only available at the UP Town Center branch.

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Visit Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at UP Town Center and experience the best, carefully prepared ramen.

Get to know more about Santouka. Visit its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RamenSantoukaPH and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SantoukaPh/, or go to any Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branch near you.

Maxicare Healthcare Corporation opens a new Exclusive Wing in VRP Medical Center

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To add to the year-long celebrations of its 30th anniversary, Maxicare marks a momentous milestone in its partnership with VRP Medical Center (VRPMC) through the opening of the Maxicare Exclusive Wing inside the said hospital’s facility.

The two organizations have had a long history of combined efforts being that VRPMC has been an affiliated hospital of Maxicare for 25 years. Tracing it back to start of their partnership in 1992, they have already assisted thousands through their joint healthcare service delivery of consultations, confinements, laboratory exams and medical procedures. Together, they serve an average of 2,000 Maxicare members on a monthly basis.

This successful delivery is due to the synthesis of VRPMC’s trusted experience of 50 years in the medical industry and Maxicare’s dedication to its commitment to stay strong as the number one Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the country. Given those reasons and furthermore with Maxicare proactively looking for effective means to serve its members better, the idea of a profounder arrangement with VRPMC came to mind.

Probing into the demand indicators in the area such as the growing number of Maxicare members in the surrounding residential and business hubs near VRPMC, an opportunity for Maxicare to expand its network of care was certain. The fruition of which is the Maxicare Exclusive Wing in VRPMC as it is all of the learnings combined and subsequently transformed into tangible experience for its valued members.

The opening of the said facility broadens the partnership from a regular affiliated provider setup to Maxicare now having the all the patient rooms at the 8th floor exclusive for its members. The Maxicare Exclusive Wing generally takes pride in the ease of access it offers which is incomparable to typical confinements. It has 34 artfully designed private rooms and each have been fitted with a brand new air-conditioning unit, cabinets, tables and a Smart HD Television. Patients and their guardians may even access the internet using the free Wi-Fi connection with speeds of up to 50mbps.

Moreover, Maxicare members may take advantage of the “EZ admission” procedure which is the prearranged check-in for a reserved room during their elective confinements (planned procedures). And upon discharge, an equally hassle-free express check-out process. Thus, with or without incurred excess charges, there will no longer be a need to line up in the hospital’s cashier or in any other office as all matters will be proactively resolved within the patient’s room. This process significantly reduces the time spent for check-in and check-out and it significantly makes the hospital experience more pleasant for the patient and his/her guardian.

This delivery of a customized healthcare experience is what Maxicare aims to be known for. And given the growing needs of its members, Maxicare recognizes that healthcare service now more than ever is more demanding and challenging . It should be provided with greater ease in every step and always partnered with additional lifestyle-related feature that reduces the disruption and inconvenience from the patients’ daily lives when availing of healthcare services.

Innovations such as the Maxicare Exclusive Wing enables Maxicare to stay at forefront of the HMO industry as it gets to serve more members better and faster.

“2017 Mr & Ms Chinatown” Sept. 10, ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best

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Former US Army officer Jacob Muñez and Davaoena masscom student Joy Wu were crowned Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017. The pageant was held at Solaire Hotel and Casino.

The Mr. and Miss Chinatown pageant aims to strengthen Filipino and Chinese relations. The event is also a fusion of modern and traditional customs that highlight Chinoy heritage.

Ms Chinatown 2017 Joy Wu, 21 is currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communication at the Ateneo de Davao University. Joy will represent the Philippines in the 2018 Miss Chinese International pageant in Hong Kong.

Mr. Chinatown 2017 Jacob Munez 25 served in the US Army for six years. Before settling back to the Philippines in 2016 he was based in the Hawaii, Iraq, Seattle, Korea and Kuwait
Title holders Joy Wu and Jacob Munez were also the proud recipients of the ‘Darling of the Press’ award during the Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017 press presentation.
Other pageant winners are first runners-up Martin Sy and Angela Elpa and second runners-up, Allen Wu and Kency Ongkeko.

The winners will receive P200,000; P100,000; and P50,000 worth of cash and prizes.

Directed by Paolo Valenciano “2017 Mr & Ms Chinatown” will be aired on Sunday, Sept. 10, on ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best.