Ina Jardiolin’s Stretch(ed) Mark(ed) exhibit: Probing the scars of identity and expectations

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Among the young, up-and-coming visual artists today, UP Fine Arts graduate Ina Jardiolin stands out among her peers with her powerful artistic voice and her use of a most unusual medium: leather. A very challenging material on which she expresses herself, Ina—whose family hails from the local footwear industry—utilizes this medium with much dexterity, notably a result of careful experimentation, a singular vision, and an innovative approach to her craft.

In her second solo show, titled “Stretch(ed) Mark(ed)”, Ina harnessed discarded treated leather scraps as her canvas—delving into self-identity and the intangible, fleshing out the beauty in androgyny, while touching on the realities of life.

Ina uses her art as a means to communicate, and to those like her who are introspective, and at times misunderstood, she aims to reach out, to make it known that they are not alone and that they need not feel confused. Ina’s goal is to convey a message of empowerment and of hope.

Way before gender issues became the subject of sometimes-heated exchange of perspectives, Ina has been scrutinizing the controversy in her mind and consequently, in her artwork. “My art is my own reaction to identity and the cultural expectations regarding gender,” Ina explains. “I want the world to be more open to different ideas that veer away from usual norms.”

In “Stretch(ed) Mark(ed),” the young artist probes into the scars that gender roles impose among us, how these obstructive assignments often mark each of us permanently. The intricately cobbled leather scraps signify how these gender norms sometimes leave individuals grasping at pieces of their genuine identity to gain a sense of individuality and acceptance.

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The controversial message is consistently conveyed in the androgynous subjects of her paintings, inviting viewers to embrace both male and female energies, to take a genuine look at one’s self and to be true to that vision.

Apart from mounted paintings using leather scraps, Ina will once again display art pieces using wooden shoe lasts (referred to as ‘hulma’ by local shoemakers) in her upcoming exhibit. She is the first artist to make use of this vintage shoe-making implement as a ‘canvas’.

The use of both leather and shoe lasts pays homage to her family’s background as Marikina shoemakers. Transforming the shoe lasts into art pieces is a gesture that honors her ancestors whose labors nurtured both the family and helped build the local shoe industry. Leather, a pliant and resilient material, epitomizes the spirit that her family has stood by for generations.

Utilizing non-conventional medium is her way of stepping outside the lines to convey
her message: “Everything—and everyone—should not be restricted by a set of roles made by those who are comfortable staying within the bounds of what is “normal” and acceptable”.

Her art, which includes printmaking, ceramics and illustration, is one that constantly evolves and is in constant flux, much like the fluidity of gender.

Ultimately, Ina Jardiolin sees her art as giving a voice to others who cannot otherwise express themselves, taking up their cudgels and, in the process, gaining a deeper understanding of herself.

Prepare to be enlightened by Ina’s masterpieces at Stretch(ed) Mark(ed), which runs from September 10 to 25, 2017 at Kaida Contemporary, #45 Scout Madrinan, South Triangle, Quezon City.

National Book Store: Read Out Loud For A Better Future.

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Books have their own unique effect on each individual. When we get to hold books in our hands and flip through its pages, words enchant us, opening our minds to new experiences. There are books that inform and educate people, from general facts about life to how to cook exotic dishes. There are also books that take you on exciting adventures, scare you through thrilling feats, and of course, books that make you feel all kinds of love – even the unimaginable. Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a book and adding it to your bookshelf, knowing that you’ve been changed by what you read. While there may be thousands of books published out there, some just stick with us and are worth sharing with the rest of the world.

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Spreading the love for reading among Filipinos is at the core of National Book Store (NBS). This year, the country’s favorite book store is celebrating 75 years of creating a growing nation of readers and being a strong advocate for education.

As part of the festivities, NBS recently launched the Read Out Loud Challenge (ROLC) on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to promote the love of reading among Filipinos while supporting a good cause. The mechanics are simple. Post a video of yourself reading out loud an excerpt from your favorite book and challenge 3 other people to do it. When you upload to either Facebook or Instagram, add the hashtag #ReadOutLoudChallenge and tag National Book Store (@nbsalert).

For every 75 videos posted, the NBS Foundation will set up a library in a public school, complete with Project Aklat racks that consist of DepEd-approved books. Project Aklat is an initiative started back in 2006 by the NBS Foundation, and 400 libraries have been set up since then. Now, with the ongoing ROLC campaign, NBS aims to set up 100 libraries nationwide.

With such a worthy cause, it’s no surprise that celebrities and authors have taken on the ROLC. Leading them is no less than the founder of NBS and an advocate for literacy, Mrs. Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring, as she is fondly called.

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While the ROLC will promote and support Project Aklat, the NBS Foundation will also launch the 8th year of Project Aral this April 7,2017 in all NBS branches nationwide. Project Aral aims to visit and help over 150 communities who lack basic school necessities. That’s why in this year’s Project Aral, there will be two different kits: The first kit which costs only 25 pesos contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser. The second kit costs 50 pesos and contains 2 notebooks, 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pair of slippers – a great gift for children who currently have to make their way to school barefoot. But whatever kit you purchase will surely bring a smile to many Filipino children.

These are just a few of the activities in store for Filipinos as part of National Book Store’s 75th anniversary. There will be more to come, but for now, celebrate with NBS by accepting the Read Out Loud Challenge to spread the love for reading and help set up libraries nationwide. Time to bring your favorite lines to life! Shop online at nationalbookstore.com. Visit the NBS Blog (blog.nationalbookstore.com) and follow them on social media (@nbsalert) on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Daiso Japan opens their 60th store at UP Town Center

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Celebrating the ever-growing popularity of Japanese shopping in the Philippines, Daiso Japan
has opened its 60th store in the country to enable more Filipinos to Daisofy their lives with
affordable and high-quality Japanese-inspired office and home items.

Located at the UP Town Center in Quezon City, the newest addition to the local network of
Daiso Japan outlets is also introducing a new design style – one that is reminiscent of its stores
in the Land of the Rising Sun.

“The new store concept for Daiso Japan allows our products to take front and center – bringing
it closer to Filipino consumers. The store was designed with elements that will keep it clean,
bright, airy, and streamlined, making it easier for visitors to maneuver and explore the whole
store,” said Katherine Yu, Daiso Japan general manager. “The new store design is in line with
the mantra of the brand to provide quality, variety, and uniqueness in our product line.”
Some of the design elements include polished stainless, laminate and metal decking floor
pattern that brings to life a sleek and industrial interior.

Aside from showcasing its new and exciting interiors, Daiso Japan also welcomed loyal
customers to its latest store with a flash sale where items were sold for P60, P160, and P260
only! The opening day was also dotted with fun activities and treats, including free ice cream
for everyone.

Media guests were also treated to a journaling session with Cienne Olaes, a watercolor junkie
and journaling expert. The fun activity was done with materials readily available at any Daiso
Japan store nationwide.

As a special treat, customers can avail of the exclusive Robinsons Rewards Card for only P100
when they visit the Daiso Japan UP Town Center outlet during its opening weekend. Points will
immediately be credited for every purchase at the store.

At Daiso Japan, every product—from office knick-knacks, home and kitchen ornaments, beauty
essentials, and practical but curious merchandise— brings utmost value for money! Come visit
any of the 60 Daiso Japan stores today. For more updates, follow Daiso Japan on Facebook
(www.Facebook.com/DaisoJapanPH)

Experience the Third Branch of Book & Borders at Cafe Eastwood

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Get the“me”-time you deserve by indulging in delicious drinks and comfort food along with your choice of bookat this charming urban cafe.Having already opened branches in Tuscany, McKinley Hill, Taguig; and Tomas Morato, Quezon City, Book & Borders Cafe is proud to unveil its third cafe in Eastwood City, giving residents, office workers, students and shoppers a new venue to dine and unwind after a tiring day.

Formally opening its doors on Saturday, November 26, 2016, Book & Borders promises great food, awesome drinks, and hours of fun reading. To celebrate this milestone, Book & Borders owner Kristine Simisim, Mary Simisim, Megaworld’s Kevin Tan, General George Ancheta, Benjamin Alves, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Architect Paolo Grijalvoand Harry Morris led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

As guests were invited to check out the bright, cozy space, they were also treated to special dishes that were thoughtfully prepared by the resident chef. Aside from the cafe’s signature drinks such as the Salted Hot Chocolate, Iced Coffee Fudge, and Hazelnut Frappe, guests enjoyed delicious comfort food like the Barbeque Liempo with Rice, Fried Tuyo with KesongPuti Pasta and Seafood Aligue Pasta.

As the guests wined and dined, singer and self-confessed bookworm, Karylle, serenaded the guests with renditions of her favorite songs. Christian Bautista, Carlo Orosa, Keiko Necesario, Gio Levy and Bullet Dumas followed it up with another round of special performances. More than offering a cozy escape to read and study, Book & Borders Eastwood becomes a welcoming space where you can enjoy a quiet meal with friends, family or your special someone. Pass the time, avoid the traffic,and savor the calm and quiet at Book & Borders Eastwood.

Serving all-day breakfast, cakes, rice meals, pasta, sandwiches, your favorite coffees and more, you can find Book &Borders Eastwood at the ground floor of Olympic Heights Condominium in Eastwood City, Libis. For more information, follow Book & Borders on Instagram @bookandborderscafe, or call (0932) 871 5560 and (02) 584 2465.

Ginny Guanco’s Boho Chic exhibit

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Ginny Guanco’s figures for her painting exhibit at the Galerie Y in SM Megamall are what can be described as a Bohemian’s rhapsody. The art show, which features all-female subjects, opens on September 15. Of the 32 colorful paintings of women, 26 of these are clad in classic boho chic designs in a bow to the artist’s roots as a full-bloomed flower child in the 70s. 
Even in her growing up years, Ginny’s inclination to art was already very evident. In school, she participated in art contests. It was no surprise that after graduating high school from the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Fine Arts was the course she chose at  the University of Sto. Tomas. As an artist immersed in her era, she believed in the message of peace, love, joy, and happiness against a backdrop of rock music and hippie art. “I was also really into bohemian fashion then as much as I am now. I did not outgrow my fashion taste, because I feel that it fits my personality and represents who I really am.” 
Her 26 muses are clad in similar fashion, in flowy and flowery creations and are labeled, alphabetically, after hippie names that derive inspiration from the elements. Among the collection, exhibit guests would meet Aura, Freedom, Lilac, Seagull, Meadow, and Ocean, all hand-drawn in acrylic, in a style which Ginny describes as a fusion of fashion and art illustration. This effect is a direct result of her training as an artist both in the UST and in the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C., along with fashion illustration lessons from no less than the doyenne of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, the late Salvacion “Slim” Lim Higgins. “I would describe my drawings as a mix of the two drawing disciplines where one features elongated figures for fashion and the other shows a more sinewy effect as in the fine arts,” she describes. 
Paintings number 27 to 32 is her homage to the strong women in the comicverse, featuring pop culture heroines from Marvel and DC franchises – Black Widow, Elektra, and the two main incarnations of Wonder Woman. “I have always been attracted to strong female characters, as I was also very much into women’s rights in the 70s. I have always believed that women should be empowered, that regardless whether you are a career woman, a CEO, a homemaker, you shouldknow how you are as a person, knowing your worth, a human being to be respected and not looked down upon.  And one who is secure in who she is.”
The solo exhibit took a long time in coming, as Ginny took a 15-year hiatus from painting, pursuing a career, first in the media, and later on as a public relations professional. It took the passing of her favorite ginger cat, Simba and a few art materials lying around to get her back to art. A post of her finished figure on social media garnered a lot of interest from friends to convince her to take up the brush again. A chance meeting with Galerie Y owner Rollie Yusi, who viewed her works with interest, set the exhibit in motion.  Ginny’s boho-inspired pieces join the gallery’s carefully-curated works by established and emerging Filipino artists as it works toward the enrichment of contemporary Philippine art.
  
Ginny Guanco’s Boho Chic exhibit will be on view at Galerie Y from September 15 to 24. Opening cocktails are provided by; Chef Jojo Javier’s SWEETIELICIOUS, Chef Greggie Mercado of AGING’S FOOD DELIGHT,  WINE DEPOT, NESTEA AND KITKAT Strategic Works, Inc. and Ginny Guanco. The gallery is located at the 4th floor of the SM Megamall, Bldg A. For more information, contact Galerie Y, open from Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 10 PM, or call 634- 2704. Visit also the artist’s website, artbyginny.net or FB page Art by Ginny.
 

DepEd-Las Piñas school gets a fresh coat of color and hope from Nippon Paint

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently launched its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative dubbed as Colourful Dreams, which aims to be a catalyst for positive change to children of all ages. This is part of the bigger Colour, Joy and Love CSR programme implemented by the NIPSEA group across the 15 countries and 300 cities in Asia where they operate.

Carrying the theme “Create Joy Today, Hope for Tomorrow”, Nippon Paint Colourful Dreams has endeavored to support the Department of Education-Las Piñas Division’s Brigada Eskwela Adopt-A-School-Program, which encourages private companies, professionals, and education stakeholders to contribute their time and resources in helping in the school maintenance effort to ensure that public school facilities are ready for opening this June. For this project, Nippon Paint has also partnered with the Philippine School of Interior Design Alumni Association (PSID-AA), whose members have volunteered to share their skills and talents.

“We at Nippon Paint have always wanted to give back to the community and share with them our success in the three years that we have been in the Philippines. What better way to do these than to support a meaningful project like Brigada Eskwela. We are thankful to have found partners in DepEd-Las Piñas and PSID-AA, with whom we share a common goal of creating a safe, conducive and colourful environment for children’s learning and development,” relates Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines General Manager, Michael Chung.

According to PSID-AA President Paolo Jara, “Our organization has always been inspired by the saying, ‘what person is a person who does not make the world better?’. We support Brigada Eskwela with Nippon Paint as it is another opportunity to make the world better for others.”

DepEd-Las Piñas Schools Division Superintendent Loreta Torrecampo conveys, “Bayanihan spirit is really the essence of Brigada Eskwela. As you know our public schools really need much support. That’s why we appreciate all the time, effort and help that we receive from the community and the private sector. We thank Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines and PSID-AA for upholding their commitment to the country and their eagerness to contribute to national development.”

Nippon Paint Colorful Dreams’ first Brigada Eskwela beneficiary school is Pamplona Elementary School Central in Las Piñas City, which welcomes about 3,000 students every school year. Together with volunteers from PSID-AA, Nippon Paint will be painting the school’s library, reading corners, hallways, and exterior premises with designs that inspire creativity and fun learning.

As part of its Green movement, which emphasizes on developing and offering green products to ensure sustainability, and the agreement with DepEd – Las Piñas, Nippon Paint will be using its new toluene-free Pylox Spray Paint and Green Choice Series, a line of high-quality coatings that are water-based, no added lead and mercury, and near-zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) coatings. This means these products are environment friendly and most significantly, safe for everyone specially children.

Pamplona Elementary Central School Principal Felix Perido muses, “We are delighted to be chosen by Nippon Paint as a beneficiary school for Brigada Eskwela. When classes start, our students will surely be happy to be in a learning environment that is clean, freshly painted and colourful.”

Being a paint company, Nippon Paint knows that even a little bit of paint and colour can go a long way in making learning fun and engaging. Through its Colourful Dreams and Brigada Eskwela CSR program, Nippon Paint aims to motivate students to learn with joy, be their best and hope to achieve their most colourful dreams.

As a final note, Chung concludes, “While this is the first time that we are launching Colourful Dreams in the country, we have been reaching out to the academic community through the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award, which recognizes the talents and potentials of student interior designers and architects, a service that we do for the professional design industry. Brigada Eskwela, on the other hand, is geared towards younger students and the community as a whole. In the future, Nippon Paint aims to expand its CSR initiatives by working with more communities on projects that are meaningful and beneficial to people.”

For more information about Nippon Paint, visit www.nipponpaint.ph or check out www.facebook.com/nipponpaintphilippines

FILIPINO BARTENDERS COMPETE IN THE FINAL DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE

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The last challenge leg of Diageo Reserve World Class 2016 ended on a flavorful note last May 12 at Solaire Resort and Casino.

Diageo Reserve World Class is the cocktail industry’s most renowned and respected mixology training programme and competition worldwide. This 2016, the world’s best bartenders will pit their skills, impeccable techniques, and knowledge against each other in front of experts in the global bartending industry.

The third and biggest challenge round for the prestigious Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year 2016 followed the theme “Cuisine Meat Cocktails”- a feast of savory flavors and the world’s finest Scotch whiskies. The challenge ushered in #LoveScotch – a global movement that promotes Scotch whisky’s unique style, substance, and flavor.

Competing bartenders made use of Diageo Reserve’s portfolio of Scotch whisky: Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Singleton of Glen Ord, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Talisker, Lagavulin, and Caol Ila in their cocktails.

20 of Manila’s top mixologists served scrumptious creations that surprised the senses with unthinkable ingredients by balancing savory tastes to the diverse flavor profiles of Scotch whisky. The “Cuisine Meat Cocktails” challenge was a test of integrating food elements while putting together exceptional cocktails.

“This batch was truly exceptional. The bartenders did a great job this year,” said Marie Ona, Diageo Reserve Philippines Luxury Manager. “All three winners demonstrated unique talents and the promise to make a difference in Miami later on this year, taking advantage of food trends to create their winning cocktails.”

Offering their discerning palates to the competition were judges Will Thompson, Global Ambassador for Don Julio Tequila; Hannah Waters, presenter and bartender for Tales of the Cocktails; and Ray Reyes, food and travel blogger of lynne-enroute.com. Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador Rian Asiddao hosted the competition.

The top 4 bartenders will represent the Philippines at the regional finals in Bali, Indonesia in late May. They will also receive premium prizes from Diageo and BevTools. The winners of the regional finals will then go on to compete in the Global Finals in Miami, Florida, where they will have the opportunity to learn from the industry’s most renowned figures and gain access to exclusive World Class tools and workshops.

Every year, Diageo Reserve World Class continues to grow, with more and more countries adapting the training program and joining the World Class Bartender of the Year Competition. Now on its eighth year globally, World Class continues to elevate the craft, innovation, and creativity within the cocktail industry. This is the fourth year the Philippines is participating with the biggest batch thus far with contenders hailing from Manila’s finest bars.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture around the world and in the home. The industry’s largest, most credible investment in the luxury on trade, it discovers the next generation of bartending talent who set the latest mixology trends and brings these to the best bars worldwide.

At the core of World Class is an expansive global training program that invests in the skill of the bartender and provides an international platform to discover and showcase the best talent from preeminent bartenders all over the world, culminating in an annual luxury landmark week where the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year is announced. Launched in 2009, over 15,000 bartenders have been inspired and educated in the craft of mixology using the finest spirits in the Diageo Reserve collection. A partnership and collaboration with gurus, media, partners, and owners, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is widely recognized as a mark of sophistication and distinction of international fine drinking culture by bartenders and customers alike.

As an extension of the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS training programme, in 2011, Diageo launched the Diageo Bar Academy in Asia Pacific, the region’s largest bartending course accredited by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), which has trained 10,000 bartenders to date.

Avida Towers Prime Taft celebrates vibrant lifestyles in the heart of Manila

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In today’s ever-increasing vibrant world, an ideal work-live-play lifestyle is hinged on having everything within quick and convenient reach, where driving passions and achieving goals means living at the center of the bustling metropolis.

At the heart of Manila, Taft is one distinct area that has never ceased to develop and constantly evolve with the demands of changing times, making it an ideal community, even for younger generations of urban dwellers.

The Taft district connects three major cities—Manila, Makati, and Pasay—serving as a gateway to some of the biggest commercial, business, lifestyle and cultural hubs in the metro.

As a center of everything in the metro, Taft has been thriving for decades, with throngs of people converging in the area daily on their way to nearby schools and markets, central business districts, commercial and cultural centers, and manufacturing and industrial areas.

Avida realizes the potential of Taft’s strategic location to a growing number of urbanites and has developed the Avida Towers Prime Taft in a secure community along Taft Avenue.

This masterfully-designed and well-appointed three-tower high-rise property will offer young urban professionals and their families an inspiring haven where they can kick off their activities or a restful refuge where they can relax. It will also be home to people who don’t want to spend hours in traffic to get to school, work, markets, shopping malls, hospitals, churches, and parks.

As the final leg of its development in the bustling area, Avida is set to launch the third and tallest tower of the Avida Towers Prime Taft. At 30 floors, the structure will be part of the Manila skyline as it provides residents in 865 units with inspired living right at the center of everything.

To launch this third and final tower, Avida will hold an event at the Avida Towers Prime Taft Sales Pavilion on April 30. Dubbed “Urban Places, Vibrant Spaces” the event will feature Old Manila Walks’ Ivan Man Dy as he does an interactive talk highlighting Manila, Makati and Pasay. The talk will be based on a specially-curated MAPA Prime Manila map to showcase the vibe of the property’s unique location and offer different perspectives on the best of urban living, owing to the development’s proximity to three major cities.

Urban dwellers can discover “hidden gems” within Manila which highlights the modernity, heritage and urban culture of the community surrounding Avida Towers Prime Taft. These best-kept secrets include the Museum of a History of Ideas in UP Manila, the Avellana Art Gallery and a fashion gallery of Project Runway’s Jojie Lloren inside the Hotel Henry Manila, and an ancestral house of National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio.

To date, Avida has 77 projects in 29 locations nationwide, comprising of more than 60,000 homes. Visit www.avidaland.com to learn more about “Urban Places, Vibrant Spaces” and to pre-register for free seats to the April 30 event.

About Avida Land

An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.

The Battle of Culinary Skills and Strategies of Laguna Chef hosted by SM StaRosa

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Famous Chef from the Laguna area and their team are going to take part on their greatest challenge in the kitchen. Kitchen Masters is expected to be a battle of culinary skills and strategies.

The introduction of Chef and Apprentices took place yesterday April 11, 2016 at SM City Sta Rosa. Five Laguna-based chefs face each other in a culinary competition built around specific theme ingredients.

Each team will be given the challenge to prepare and cook three 3 dishes. (appetizer, pasta and salad) highlighting respective ingredients from Laguna —Itik, Kesong Puti and Paco.

Each team will be composed of one featured Chef and 5 apprentices from MCL’s Diploma in Culinary Arts.

Professional Serving Methods 50 points
Taste 40 points
Teamwork 10 points

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The teams are:

Chef Karen finished culinary arts and baking at Global City Innovative College. Chef Karen works as a Sous Chef at Buttero, an Italian and Bistro at Taguig City for the last 2 years.

Chef Cherriza CanlasFilamor is currently a Sous Chef at Buttero, an Italian and Bistro at Taguig City for 2 years. Project based Chef Consultant for 3 years at Universal Harvester Inc. in charge of renovation and layouting, finished Culinary Arts and Baking at Global City Innovative College.

Chef Von a Head Chef and Operations Manager of Bonitos Bar and Restaurant. He is also the Head Chef of Amorita Buffet Restaurant and Events Place. He also serves as the Corporate Secretary of the Red Brick House.

Chef Roel is currently an Assistant Professor at Malayan Colleges Laguna. He handles professional subjects on Business Research, Banquet and Catering operations, and Food and Beverage Control System ,among others. He graduated Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Sto. Tomas

Chef Emmanuel Recio is the owner of Le Chef Emamanuel French and Italian Cusine at Sta Cruz Laguna, has a knowledge in baking, Cake decorating, commercial cooking, basic table set-up, waitering and housekeeping. A Graduate of BS Hotel and Restaurant Management at Laguna State Polytechnic University.

Join us, as we witnessing the Kitchen Masters battle culminates on April 17 at SM City Sta Rosa.

3 Years in the Making: FUJIFILM unveils much-anticipated Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X70 in Manila

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The long wait is over as FUJIFILM, one of the world’s best regarded camera brands unveils two new powerful and superior camera lines only days after their Japan launch – FUJIFILM X-Pro2 premium interchangeable lens camera and the more compact FUJIFILM X70. The worldwide launch was led by FUJIFILM Corporation President Shigehiro Nakajima and FUJIFILM executives in Tokyo, Japan. The Philippine launch was held last January 21 at Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

FUJIFILM started the mirrorless revolution in 2012 with the retro styled X-Pro1. Like its predecessor, FUJIFILM X-Pro2 is a flagship model that takes advantage of the best in FUJIFILM technology. It is set to change the way Filipinos look at the more lightweight, powerful and aesthetically superior volition to DSLR cameras.

A tightly-held secret that was three years in the making, FUJIFILM X-Pro2 is an ideal tool for professional photographers. It boasts the world’s only Hybrid Multi Viewfinder making use of the exceptional Electronic viewfinders (EVF) used by mirrorless cameras and optical viewfinders which most documentary, reportage and street photographers prefer for a more natural view. It incorporates them both, harnessing a technically remarkable Multi-Magnification ability that automatically switches viewfinder magnification according to the lens the photographer is using plus the Electronic Rangefinder so it simultaneously displays the electronic viewfinder on top of the optical one. You get the best of both worlds.

FUJIFILM X-Pro2 also has a newly developed 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and high-performance X Processor Pro image processing engine that can deliver stunning images with a perceived resolution far greater than the actual number of pixels used.This camera is also built with magnesium alloy and is tightly sealed in its 61 points. It’s dust-proof, splash-proof and capable of operating in temperatures as low as 10°C. The X-Pro2 also has dual SD card slots which mean more preferable room for your images.It’s also got 4x the processing speed of conventional image processing engines so aside from the increased resolution, you’ll get optimum write speeds, faster start-up time to capture those magical moments and high speed continuous shooting speedsin sports and action shots.

Aside from the powerhouse X-Pro2, Fujifilm is also proud to announce the release of FUJIFILM X70. The best option in a compact design, the X70 is without precedent, the first of its kind in a new line. FUJIFILM X70 is the first X-Series model to offer a touchscreen display that rotates 180 degrees. This would enable users to shoot from various angles and perfect those warranted selfies. The camera also comes with a Fujinon18.5mm F2.8 lens which would be splendid for group shots or spectacular landscapes, seascapes and sunsets adept for the Philippine setting.

The X70 weighs approximately 340 grams and is the lightest X-Series camera with an APS-C sized sensor. It comes with a well-designed milled aluminum exposure compensation and shutter speed dials which makes it so easy to quickly access key features and the aperture and focusing rings are made from the same material to keep the weight down. Apertures can be changed in 1/3 or 1 stop increments, plus the focusing ring doubles up as a control ring for quick access to a range of functions.

FUJIFILM X70 is a pocket-sized wonder that delivers high quality images that is unique to X-Series models. The unparalleled color reproduction technology and the unique Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) image processing technology are a result of FUJIFILM’s 80 years of experience and expertise in photographic technology research. Its impressive hardware automatically corrects optical defects such as diffraction to achieve striking sharpness and realistic three-dimensional effect.The on sensor phase detection AF works ultra-fastat 0.1 second and the high-speed proprietary EXR Processor II image processor makes the camera start up in just 0.5sec. The shutter time lag is almost negligible at 0.01sec and gets a shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. FUJIFILM X70 is unbelievably fast, powerful and exceptionally compact.

FUJIFILM also adds two new premium products to its impressive lineup. FUJIFILM X-E2S is the latest rangefinder-style model in the world-renowned X-Series that comes with a durable, compact, and lightweight body with a Real-Time Viewfinder that offers a large display magnification of 0.62x*1 and an electronic viewfinder with the world’s shortest display time lag*2 of 0.005 seconds. Furthermore, X-E2S is also equipped with an AF system that excels at capturing subjects in motion. An evolved version of the X-E2, FUJIFILM X-E2S retains the functionality and rangefinder-style design and adds new features including an improved grip, an electronic shutter and a more intuitive GUI to enhance the user experience.

The new FUJINON XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR expands the range to a super telephoto option. The FUJINON XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a super telephoto zoom lens that covers a 35mm focal length equivalent of 152-609mm. The high performance optical construction of 21 elements in 14 groups includes five ED lenses and one Super ED lens to help reduce chromatic aberration that often occurs in telephoto lenses. As a result, it delivers the highest image quality in its class. The lens has been designed for handheld shooting with a 5.0-stop* image stabilization system and weighs less than 1.4kg. Linear motor for fast autofocusing makes it perfect for shooting fast-moving subjects including aircraft and motorsports. The lens is also both water and dust resistant and can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C, so it is suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor shooting conditions. A fluorine coating has also been applied to the front lens element to repel water and dirt, further improving the toughness of lens.

With the launch of FUJIFILM X-Pro2 and X70 and two others, FUJIFILM continues to be a true trailblazer in the camera and photographic film industry, true to its rich storied 80 year history, innovating and creating ways to make taking photographs and making memories easier, fun, and enjoyable.