The 90s: The Decade That Connected Us

If I were to recall memories about the 90s, my personal take on this is about a boy who grew up too soon. That’s how I described my life during the 90’s era where I get to finish college, got a suitable job,  got married and made a family, all happened within ten years, from 1991 to 1999. And since I was pre-occupied putting up building blocks for the future of my family then, I failed to deeply immersed myself with many of the historical milestones happened in this era. Only after the advent of the internet and social media I was able to go back in history and re-educate myself about the details of those events I missed. 

The 90s: The Decade That Connected Us, is a six-episode documentary series, about all the important events happened in the 90’s that re-defined our lives Technologically, Politically and culturally. In this series, viewers will be re-hushed by the iconic characters in the realm of politics, religion and entertainment and how these characters dictate the very culture that affects the public views and preference several years after. 

The series features memorable video footage like the scandals in the Clinton Administration that really rocked the US political foundation. It also feature the civil war in Rowanda, Africa that lead to the genocide of millions of African ethnic minorities. The show will also present some of the early beginnings of the internet that gave birth to the concept social media and how it changed the landscape of information technology. Most importantly, it also expounded on how the cold war ended and reconciled political relationship but at this era it also exposes the birth of a new face of terror threatens the foundation of peace all over the world.

Last September 18, 2014, National Geographic Channel Philippines celebrated the debut screening of the first episode at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura that was graced by friends form the media, advertising partners and VIP guests from various networks. The event was celebrated by an all night 90s music and party where yuppies in their late 20s and 30s made a nostalgic recollection of their hay-days in the 90s era. While the DJ plays the hits of the 90s, the video screens showed the first series on the big screen. Everyone had a fantabulous time with over-flowing food and booze while everyone share their experiences during those days. 

The 90s: The Decade that Connected Us mini-series will be shown in National Geographic Channel every Thursday, 9PM. National Geographic Channels International (NGC) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drive us forward. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society’s Commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo Mundo. 

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC US., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 laguages.

For more information please visit www.natgeotv.com

UNIQLO: 2014 Fall and Winter Collection

Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing line brand that has been winning the clothing preference of many people around the world since 1984, is continually coming up with innovative stylish fashion apparels that are creative, comfortable and yet very simple and very easy to wear. 

This September, as many countries are moving away from summer to fall season, Uniqlo is advancing its lines to prepare its loyal customers the right clothing for the coming cooler season ahead.  Not only that, this newest line conforms to your everyday activities without compromising comfort and style. 

LifeWear, as Uniqlo has creatively named it, are clothing that are simply the right types of garments people can wear in their everyday adventures, may it be for play, work, and for travel. These three sets of clothing lines are creatively designed to be used in any country for that matter, because the cold season may not be as “cold” as those from other places in the world would experience.   

PLAY ESSENTIALS:

One very noticeable mark with this line is the vintage icon designs printed on the sweaters / shirts. These popular iconic figures and brands are so much fun to wear because they bring memories not only to people who wear it but also to those who notice it when you do your everyday stroll in the park or on the school grounds. The Flannel Shirt, for example, is transformed from tough and rough working clothes to a very stylish everyday wear. The jeans, as many would call it, is everybody’s universal clothing that is carefully crafted from the finest materials and underwent a dyeing process that is repeated 10 times to create a richer color that will last for a long time.

WORK ESSENTIALS:

This clothing line is for the everyday working people. The Extra Fine Merino is an over-garment lining which is not too thick and bulky; just enough to break the cool wind when you get outside or to just simply balance the cold temperature of the office air conditioner. This apparel comes in two designs, which are the V-Neck Sweater and the V-Neck Cardigan. The Smart Style Pants goes with any professional upper garment that comes with a blazer overcoat. It balances the sophisticated design with versatility and comfort. For women, the pants have an elastic waist band to add comfort and flexibility. These Pants are made from Satin Fabrics that do not wrinkle easily. 

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:

Now, who says you cannot be too fashionable when traveling? For many travelers, putting on too much garment can be very uncomfortable because going from one place to another would entail hauling a lot in bags and luggages that normally spoil your fashionable outlook. The Uniqlo Travel Essential line lets you dress up for a travelling occasion to whatever destination you want to go to. This Fall, the Ultra Down Light is just the thing to balance the chillness of the environment. This apparel comes in two designs, the Jacket type and the Vest type.  The Down filling of these warm apparels are so thin and yet so light but will give enough warmth to block off the chill. The HeatTech, on the other hand, is of very light fabric material and can be a windbreaker on its own minus the several layers of clothing. For those places which are extra cold, you may want to get into the Fleece collection to give you the ultimate coziness you need. 

Watch out for the opening of eight more Uniqlo stores at Rockwell Powerlant Mall, Estancia Mall, Ortigas, SM San Lorenzo, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM City Southmall, SM Makati, SM Lipa and SM Marikina. Do also check out Uniqlo’s website www.uniqlo.com  for more of their wide selection of fashionable apparel that is truly for “LifeWear”.    

Rexona Run 2014: Run to your Beat

October 16, 2014 is another pulsating running event happening at the Seaside Boulevard SM Mall of Asia that will certainly attract the ever growing running community in the metro. Rexona Run 2014, on its third year, will drum up the streets with various tempos to give runners the right beat to finish the race. 

Last year I was fortunate to be invited to run the 21k course along with thousands others who enjoyed to experienced a unique musical half marathon. Along the course, DJ box stations were strategically placed to encourage runners to run on the beat of the music being played. This year, same beat will be experienced but even more fun with various tunnels that each runner will go through. 

There will be three different beats that will be played by specific DJs stationed on the race course. Each category will have a distinct beat and rhythm designed to challenge runners to push their limits by keeping up their cadence with the tempo. These beats will be played by the country’s finest DJs. 

Rexona is proud to collaborate with the Republiq group with their top DJs; Ace Ramos, Mars Miranda, Deuce Manila, Martin Pulgar, Euric, MotherBass and MC Pao.  These talented DJs will pump up the whole course with their exceptional DJ skills. The Tunnels, being the newest feature of the race are packed with a thematic genre, from Hip-Hop to EDM beats. For the 5k and 10k runners, they will experience two tunnels while the 21k runners will experience all three tunnels. 

This musical / disco / running party, the way I would like to describe it, will start its assembly at 2:00am in the morning of the 26th. Gun start for the 21k, 10k and 5k are 3:00am, 3:30am and 3:45am respectively. Interested party goers and runners can register online at www.runrio.com/rexonarun starting September 8 until October 12, 2014. For those who wish to visit their  in-store registration, you can drop by at TOBY’s MOA, Runnr Store or MOVE in Bonifacio High street. TOBY’S SM North Edsa, The Block and TOBY’S Robinson’s Galleria starting tomorrow September 12, Friday until October 19, 2014.

For those who are seriously targeting a good running performance before the race, you may want to join Coach Rio de la Cruz’s running clinics from September 16, to October 23. This running clinic will be given priority to Rexona Run registered runners, but non-registered runners are also welcome to join. Schedules will be during Tuesdays and Thursdays form 6-9pm at the Fort. This clinic is in partnership with 360 club Fitness. 

Photos: Courtesy of #rexona #runtoyourbeat official Photographer

Cherry Mobile Unveils Newest Ambassador Kim Chiu with ALPHA Series Windows Phone

September 9, 2014, Cherry Mobile, the country’s leading distributor of quality and affordable mobile phones since 2007, reveals the latest line up of smart phones in Windows platform. Tagged as Alpha series, Cherry Mobile presented a four model front-liners that features Microsoft Windows and Intel. 

The launch was held at the Harbor Tent, Sofitel Manila, it was graced by more than a hundred guests coming from the members of the media and Cherry Mobile’s  accredited vendors and distributors from all over the country. Everyone was excited to witness the launch because it is  the first local mobile phone company to come up with a Windows phone to a market which is predominantly conquered by Android platform. 

Before the unveiling, Ms. Karrie Ilagan, General Manager of Microsoft Philippines inspired everyone with Microsoft’s very positive stance in partnering with Cherry Mobile and even assures  commitment to make windows accessible to as many smart phones available. For Microsoft, this partnership with Cherry Mobile will make Windows available to a distinct mass-market. Furthermore, Mr. Calum Chisholm, president of Intel Philippines expounded that “low-end” smart phones would not mean low quality since because the Alpha Play tablet and Alpha Morph are all have “Intel-inside”. Definitely, more affordable gadgets that carries the brand- Intel.

 With the never ending demands of smart phone users in our generation today, the consumers’ desire is to take their gadgets a step further to satisfy their digital lifestyle. Consequently, more apps are needed, and thus more capacity of Smart Phones is required in terms of processing speed and functions. That is why the smart phones which started as a single core to dual core, the Alpha Series Windows Phones are all in Quad core capacity, to ensure a more responsive processing.  

ALPHA STYLE:

The entry level of the Alpha Series is the Alpha Style. To date, it is said to be the most affordable Windows Phone in the market, with an SRP of P2,999.

It features Windows 8.1 operating system, the device runs on 1.2 GHZ QualComm Snapdragon Quad-Core Processor and Adreno 305 Graphics. It’s a compact smart-phone for the young techies with a 4-inch IPS screen, Four gigabytes of memory and 512 megabytes of RAM. 

ALPHA LUXE:

The Lux is designed for the professionals who are always on the go and requires a more powerful smart phone for their professional and personal needs. It also features Windows 8.1 operating system, 1.2 GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon Quad-core processor. But this one has a 5-inch HD Screen, Eight gigabytes of memory and one gigabyte of RAM.  Additional features are 2 mega pixel front camera and eight mega pixel main camera. It also serves dual sims. 

ALPHA PLAY:

Crossing over the traditional 12” tablet and phone is the ALPHA PLAY. It has an eight inch screen which is a little big compared to the more popular smart phones in the market today. But this slick tablet is suites the preference of most tablet users because it has all the basic function of the tablet plus the phone function. Furthermore, unlike the above Alpha windows phones, this one has “intel-inside” with intel Gen7 graphics with 1.33 GHZ quad-core processor. It has an internal memory of 16 gigabytes wit one gigabyte of RAM. 

ALPHA MORPH:

Alpha Morph is Kim Chiu’s preferred tool of trade in her everyday busy showbiz life. This one has a 32 gigabytes of memory with a two gigabytes of RAM. It comes with a versatile key board that can work as a laptop but it can morph into a tablet from its detachable screen. Both Alpha Morph and Play runs on Windows 8.1 in a 10-inch high definition IPS screen.  These two new windows gadgets are pegged at P7,999 and P11,999 respectively. 

The Cherry Mobile Alpha Series will be swarming all the leading mobile phones and tech stores all over the Philippines to serve the Windows phone users out there.  For more details, you can visit Cherry Mobile at www.cherrymobile.com.ph or you can log onto their FaceBook Fan page at www.facebook.com/cherrymobile  for more exciting products that will suit not only your budget but your over-all digital mobile lifestyle. 

Cherry Mobile Alpha Series specs...

Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House by Gerry’s Grill

Gerry’s Grill, a popular Filipino food icon who have established its own signature of bringing authentic Filipino grilled dishes have ventured into bringing its loyal diners something special from Thailand. For some who might find it a little “off” to its specialty, it came to me as a surprise tasting for the very first time on how it they serve one of the best Thai food in town.

Sweet chili Thai Fish and Noodle House serves only the best of Thai foods. According to Ms. Arlene Laurenciano, Sweet Chili’s Marketing Manager, the menu of this Thai Resto covers only some and not all Thai dishes. The idea is to make these selected Thai foods very exceptional that would make costumers come back.

Sweet Chili made their first branch in the third level of Fisher Mall which is relatively new as well. Yesterday, September 5, 2014, management organized a food tasting event that was graced by friends from the media. I was fortunate to be invited as one of the media guests to get a taste of the special Thai cuisine.

For those who are familiar with Thai-foods, the Tom-Yum is something you don't fail to order. For some, Tom-Yum is the deciding dish if a Thai-Resto is good. If the Tom-Yum is not as good, then it follows to the rest of the menu. However, this Tom-Yum is on the best I ever tasted. The hotness is good, where you don't have to have a ready water on the side when you eat it. The sweetness and sourness are balanced, the sea foods are fresh and tender.

Here's a touch of Gerry's. Marinated with Gerry's Grill signature mix with Thai spices and lemon tamarind sauce. this Pork-belly grill is definitely a delight. The fats are not that thick and the meat is so tender plus dip is certainly Thai. This dish is best served with Thai Bagoong Rice.

Of course, who wouldn't love Chicken Pandan? This one is fried to perfection. The Sweet Chili Chicken Pandan is marinated in special Thai-spices wrapped in Lemon Grass leaves where you can dip it in a special Thai sauce, specially prepared by Sweet Chili's resident Thai-Chef, Chef Kiat.

Another Thai popular dish is the Phad-Thai. All Thai restos has their own version of Pad-Thai. But this one is quite clever. The noddles and other ingredients wrapped in omelette which is a standard part of Phad-Thai. Basically, Phad-Thai is flat rice noodles sauteed with shrimp, tofu, bean sprout in tamarind sauce with egg-omelet. The usual Phad-Thai I know is, the omelette is shredded mix with the noodles. But this one is different, because the omelette is wrapped, very ideal in locking the heat inside.

A fresh catch of the day! The king Fish is something that is quite Thai. It is like a koi or from the carp family. Sweet Chili's cook them fresh from their reservoir where they get them live. It is a deep-fried fish with light breading with Mango Salad on the side. The sauce comes in threes. a) Sweet-Chili Sauce, Thai sauce with fresh mango shreds and crushed peanuts, Herb sweet and sour sauce with garlic Thai herbs.

 
Now this Thai-Noodle dish is something you don't get to see everyday in a usual Thai-resto. Ayotaya Noodles is a Thai rice noodles in sweet and sour soup mixed with assorted balls and vegetables. For me its a Tom-Yam of a different kind. It is something you never want to miss to order when dinning at Sweet Chili's.

Saving the best for last. Thako is a very popular Thai dessert which is prepared with Coconut milk with coconut granules sprinkled on top. Inside is a baked tapioca with Pandan leaves. The taste is definitely divine. I suggest that you write your name on a piece of paper before tasting one because there is a tendency you might forget you name when you taste this one.

Sweet Chili's Resident Thai Chef, Chef Kiat

Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House is located on the third level of Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. This is the first branch of Sweet Chili and loyal Thai food enthusiasts would expect another one soon.

A dream-come-true for five lucky basketball fans

FOR RELEASE:
 

Since his teenage years, 27-year-old Jeiel Guarino, a communications officer from QC , has always been a hardcore basketball fan. He would closely follow the matches of his favorite PBA team and support his favorite players such as Marc Pingris, and Jimmy Alapag.

For years, Guarino dreamt of being able to watch and cheer for them, courtside, as members of the Philippine men’s basketball team, as they compete in various prestigious basketball tournaments against some of the world’s best teams.

“This is very significant for Philippine basketball as we're finally back in  the World Cup after 36 years. As a basketball crazy nation, our participation in this quadrennial event demonstrates our ability to compete at the highest level, Guarino said.

This week, Guarino and four other lucky basketball fans get a chance of a lifetime to watch live and cheer for members of Gilas Pilipinas, as they put their oil-free game faces on and play in the biggest basketball event in the world, the 2014 FIBA World Cup, to be held this year in Spain.

Guarino, Jose Clipper Besin, a 39-year civil engineer from Binan, Laguna;  Michael Cleofe, a 41-year old  office employee from Calamba; Jerome Hernandez, a 30 year-old real estate sales manager from Paranaque and Andrew Peñaranda, a 29 year-old seaman from Makati all flew to Seville, Spain for an 8-day all-expenses paid trip, as winners of the Master Game Face Goes to Spain promo.

“I am very thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Philippines competing at the top of world basketball, and be part of such historic sporting event. Hopefully, we make it past the first round and I believe we can! Laban Pilipinas! Puso!,”

Launched in July, the Master Game Face promo offered five lucky Filipino hoops fans the chance to go to Spain for the 2014 FIBA World Cup simply by purchasing variants of Master Facial Wash and Master Deep Cleanser with a special promo sticker.

Even now, Guarin still could not believe that he was able to watch the FIBA World Cup after purchasing a single bottle of Master Deep Cleanser at a department store in QC.

“Master, the biggest face care brand in the Philippines giving men that oil free game face look, gave these five men a chance to witness the biggest basketball event this year – the FIBA world cup with the Master goes to Spain Promo. This is a once-in-a lifetime experience for them to show their support for our national team, including Master Game Face brand ambassador, Marc Pingris,” said Jonathan Pua, Unilever Male Grooming brand manager.

The five lucky fans will stay in Spain to watch all of Gilas’ elimination round games against Croatia, Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Senegal.

Aside from Pingris, also included in the Gilas Team lineup are June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, Ranidel de Ocampo, Paul Lee, Jeffrei Chan, Gary David, LA Tenorio, Jayson Castro, team captain Jimmy Alapagand naturalized player AndrayBlatche.

Contribution to well-being:

Healthy skin and a well-groomed face magnify a person’s self-esteem as it adds up to his confidence in joining activities and company with family, peers and the opposite sex. It also gives him the confidence so he can put his A-Game in any game in life – whether inside or outside the basketball court. Using the right facial wash for the right skin type for men restores the skin to its natural appeal, lessening one’s worries and enabling him to achieve more, whether it’s in school, sports or social life.

Master Oil Control Max Facial Wash is best for young men who live an outgoing and action-packed lifestyle to help control excess oil. Also available – Master Oil Control Max Deep Cleansers. It also has the revolutionary Cooling ZEROIL formula that controls oil for up to 8 hours and leaves skin feeling cool and refreshed. It also removes deep-seated dirt and excess oil with anti bacterial agents to help prevent blackheads and whiteheads.  Both Master Oil Control Max Face Wash and Deep Cleansers are available in major supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores nationwide.

Put your game face on with Master!