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

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.

Enfagrow A+ Four reveals its biggest breakthrough with MFGM Pro

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The first five years of life is the most exciting, because 90% of brain development happens in this stage. That’s why parents invest so much time, effort, and nutrition to carefully nurture their children, yet still wonder if they can do more. Now the latest innovation in pediatric nutrition may be the help parents need.

Mead Johnson Nutrition announced its biggest breakthrough today: the introduction of MFGM, or milk fat globule membrane, in the new and improved Enfagrow A+ Four.

Recent studies demonstrate that MFGM plays an important role in supporting cognitive development, immunity and gut health. Moreover, a clinical study1 suggests that MFGM supplementation in children’s milk can positively impact behavioral regulation—
EQ development, in parent speak—in young children.

“Indeed, this is our biggest breakthrough since we first introduced DHA into our products in the early 2000s. With MFGM, we are bringing pediatric nutrition to a whole new level,” said Chris Ritchie, General Manager of Mead Johnson Nutrition, Philippines.

“This allows us to help parents prepare their children, particularly in the aspect of IQ and EQ development, for the demands that the future may bring.”

With this innovation, Enfagrow A+ Four is now the first and only children’s milk that contains the breakthrough ingredient MFGM Pro. Parents can now rely even more on Enfagrow A+ Four as their partner in developing their children’s IQ and EQ, for the challenges that the future holds.

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.

Probing the scars of identity and expectations
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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.

Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Expands Monochrome Multifunction Device Lineup – DocuCentre S2110

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Fuji Xerox Printer Channel Philippines releases DocuCentre S2110, a new addition to the DocuCentre S series of monochrome multifunction devices for the small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) market in Asia-Pacific region.

DocuCentre S2110 is an entry-level model in the A3 monochrome multifunction device category. It is the successor of the DocuCentre S2011, which has been popular in the Southeast Asia markets as it features essential functionality required for SMB office work at a competitive price.

DocuCentre S2110 is equipped with useful functions for the SMB markets in Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. It features enhanced functions that meet the needs of SMB users while offering the same cost effectiveness and usability as the preceding model. The new model comes with more appealing design with increasing*1 copy/print speeds of up to 21 pages per minute (ppm).

It also provides added convenience—auto skew correction—to the identity card (ID) copy function, which is commonly utilized in many industries such as finance and banking, professional services, education, as well as hospitality. It automatically corrects skewed copies of ID cards in case they are not placed straight on the scanning glass. The enhancement also includes allowing users to copy up to four ID cards on a single page, as well as copying them together with documents such as family registration papers.

The new DocuCentre S2110 features local and network pull scan function which enables multiple users to scan documents from network multifunction devices to multiple computers. It is convenient for users to scan any documents using Fuji Xerox’s Print and Scan Hub application, which provides user-friendly and useful scan operation function.

Note 1: The preceding model, DocuCentre S2011 prints at 20 pages per minute.

Xerox, Xerox and Design, as well as Fuji Xerox and Design are registered trademarks or trademarks of Xerox Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.

About Fuji Xerox:

Founded in 1962, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. is a leading company in the Document Services & Communications field, offering solutions and services to help customers resolve their business challenges. Underlying our solutions and services are our world-class office multifunction devices, printers and production printers that we develop and manufacture for worldwide distribution. Together with cloud and mobile solutions, Fuji Xerox builds a communications environment that enable our customers to access the right information, at the right time, and in the right form—thereby contributing to their valuable communications.

Fuji Xerox is a 75-25 joint venture between FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation and Xerox Corporation, and its direct sales force covers Japan and the Asia-Pacific region including China. We employ approximately 45,000 people globally, with more than 80 domestic and overseas affiliates / sales subsidiaries. More information of Fuji Xerox is available at www.fujixerox.com

AXA launches new insurance product for today’s ambitious market

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Today’s young professionals are ambitious and often on-the-go. They work hard and at the same time want to pursue their own passions. As they focus on their careers, they want to maintain a work-life balance, and ensure that they are also preparing for their ultimate ambitions. Some would want to travel around the world, have their own business, or pursue a pricey hobby like golf or scuba diving.
Recognizing the need for investment and protection of today’s discerning consumers, AXA has launched MyAmbition, an affordable investment and life insurance plan that you can avail of online. Designed with your busy lifestyle in mind, the convenience of availing of an investment product with just a few clicks gives you an attractive option to help fulfill your ambitions in life.

MyAmbition can be availed of with a one-time investment that starts at only P50,000, a great opportunity to put that 13th month bonus or extra savings to better use. You can also invest up to a maximum of P125,000. The funds are professionally-managed by the AXA group to give you security and peace of mind.

MyAmbition gives you a range of options to suit your risk profile and financial goals. There’s an investment fund for conservative investors, a balanced fund for those who have a moderate appetite for risk, and an aggressive growth fund for those who want to maximize the potential of their investments.
Application is easy. Just visit www.axa.com.ph, and click on MyAmbition. You can assess your investment profile, pick an investment portfolio, and pay for the policy with your credit card. Debit card and other online payment options are also available.

“Our innovative digital solutions address the unique demands of digital natives. You can avail of MyAmbition through our e-commerce site. You can also download MyAXA, the mobile app that allows our clients to access policy information anytime, anywhere.” says Rahul Hora, President and CEO of AXA Philippines.

On top of these benefits and conveniences, MyAmbition gives you life insurance coverage of 125% of the single premium or the Account Value, whichever is higher. Should you choose to keep your funds longer, you can receive a Loyalty Bonus of 5% of the average account value to be paid on the 10th and 20th year.

“We understand the needs of today’s professionals. MyAmbition takes their lifestyle needs into consideration – it is affordable, available online, easy to purchase, can meet various investment considerations, and is payable via a credit card. MyAmbition’s combined offering of affordability, convenience, and flexibility will definitely help young and mature Filipino professionals achieve their financial goals and fulfill their ambitions,” adds AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer Amor Balagtas.

Shopee Kicks Off “Shopee 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day”, The Biggest Mobile Shopping Day in Southeast Asia

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Get ready for the biggest mobile shopping extravaganza on September 9

Shopee, the leading eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, today announced the start of its annual shopping event – Shopee 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day. Shopee will offer a wide range of promotions, including discounts of up to 99% off, top picks under P99, and flash sales. Shopee partners with more than 1,000 sellers, including leading brands such as Johnson & Johnson, Oppo, Lysol, Sandisk, Mustela, and Makeup World, to make 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day the biggest online shopping event of the year.

“Last year, our 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day successfully achieved a five-fold increase in orders and three-fold increase in traffic within 24 hours. This year, with over ₱50 million worth of marketing activities, we aim to increase traffic by five times and triple our sales. We look forward to having all users across the Philippines join us in the biggest sale of the year,” said Macy Castillo, Head of Commercial Business at Shopee.

Since its launch in 2015, Shopee has experienced significant growth across the region. To date, Shopee has surpassed USD 3 billion annualized GMV with over 50 million downloads and more than 100 active million listings. In the Philippines, Shopee has garnered more than 4 million downloads.

Based on a 2017 study by Google and Temasek, the Philippines’ e-commerce market is projected to reach $9.7 billion (₱498 billion) in 2025 and 34% annual growth rate, which is said to be above the global average growth rate.

“The Philippines is an important market for us given its immense potential. As we scale up our product selection to cater to a wider audience, we are pleased to have leading brands such as Johnson & Johnson and Lysol joining our 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day this year. This is a major milestone for us in establishing Shopee as a one-stop shopping destination for users to enjoy a wide variety of products. Together with our 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day partners, including PLDT and Coke, we are confident that this will be a record-breaking year for Shopee in the Philippines,” added Castillo.

Luigi Casas, AVP and Head of Corporate Relationship Management at PLDT Alpha Enterprise, said, “We are very excited and proud to partner Shopee Philippines. Their business platform contributes enormously to the retail industry, as well as the overall digital transformation of the country and our economy. Together, we aim to increase awareness on the benefits of eCommerce adoption and how it drives the country’s economic growth as we redefine the retail industry.“

Starting from 1 September, Shopee 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day will begin with daily deals up to 99% off across multiple categories, including fashion, health and beauty, gadgets and electronics, and home and baby products. Users can also enjoy daily giveaways on Shopee’s social media accounts.

“Looking ahead, the future of the Philippines’ e-commerce market is very promising. We are highly confident that 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day will continue to be celebrated as an iconic day that appeals to the needs of the increasing number of online shoppers in the country,” Castillo ended.

Join Shopee in celebrating 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day. For more information, visit http://shopee.ph/99 and download the Shopee app via the App Store or Google Play.

Southern Comfort: Avida Towers Altura is the Newest Destination for a Different Kind of Southern Metro Manila Living

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Avida Land, one of the leading mid-market real estate developers in the country, launched a handy cookbook in partnership with Yummy.ph to welcome new homeowners of the recently completed Tower 1 of Avida Towers Altura.

The cookbook titled “40 Best Quick-Fix Recipes for Your New Home” collates easy-to-do recipes of homemade comfort food, some of which are shared by Chef Francis Lim of Tipple and Slaw fame, and includes a map of Avida properties and the nearby groceries and shopping centers. The cookbook will be given as part of the turnover kit for new homeowners to enable them to create delightful experiences at their new home at Avida Towers Altura.

The launch was held on August 19, 2017 at the Avida Showroom South Park District and was followed by an interactive cooking demo of comfort dishes by Chef Francis Lim. Attendees also got a chance to participate in the Mystery Box Cooking Challenge where they created quick-fix meals using only the ingredients from the box. Attendees were also able to appreciate a dining room set-up that exhibited a beautiful way to present your home cooked meals for special occasions. They also received special gift baskets from NutriAsia containing iconic Filipino sauces and condiments that would complement any food preparation or meals at home.

“In any Avida community, we always aim to provide our residents with avenues to experience a more fulfilling lifestyle. We know that moving into your new home can be challenging especially for the newly independent ones. Our collaboration with Yummy for this cookbook will be a valuable tool in our residents’ day-to-day living, with easy recipes that any newbie home cook can follow to create delicious meals they can enjoy at home,” says Tess Tatco, Avida marketing head.

Avida Towers Altura is the latest addition to the vibrant South Park District, Ayala Land’s master-planned, mixed-use development, located in the relaxed yet dynamic environment of Alabang, Muntinlupa. With Tower 1 units now ready for turnover to its residents, as well as the top-off of Tower 2, a comfortable and holistic southern living experience awaits those who choose to reside in this convenient, practical and fun environment. Avida Towers Altura Tower 1 units are included in the overall total of 3,062 units to be turned-over by Avida this year.

Anyone will be able to experience rest and relaxation at Avida Towers Altura. The thoughtfully designed units, ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, provide utmost comfort which matches the peaceful outdoor environment. The condominium’s amenities, specifically designed to encourage interaction and a healthy lifestyle among homeowners, include a clubhouse, swimming pools, a children’s play area, and an outdoor gym.

Beyond the residential towers, not only will Altura residents be met with a different kind of Southern lifestyle, but they will also enjoy the various establishments that make South Park District a sustainable community.

The 6.6-hectare district perfectly bridges urban city life with the necessity for nature. It has well-planned residential buildings, its own Ayala-operated South Park Mall where residents can effortlessly shop and dine, South Park Corporate Center with BPO offices for those who want to work closer to home, an operational transport terminal that makes it easier to access various locations in the Southern Metro, and a not-to-be-missed expansive Central Park featuring iconic art pieces from world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson including a large steel composition of interconnected conical forms, and a sprawling composition of free-flowing 3-dimensional tubes reminiscent of doodles which inspire vibrancy, movement and playfulness while keeping a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.

Various weekend activities are also scheduled at the park such as the Mobile Flea Market held every payday weekend between 12 noon and 9 P.M. With all these, South Park District is poised to become an ideal enclave for comfortable and convenient living in the South.

South Park District is located along the National Road of Alabang, less than a kilometer away from the South Luzon Expressway.

*Event partners for the cookbook launch event include NutriAsia, Robinsons Supermarket, Unifab and Uratex.

About Avida Land

Avida is a residential brand of Ayala Land, the Philippines’ leading developer of sustainable estates offering a diverse mix of quality residential and commercial developments that support local economic growth.