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Project Runway Philippines Ep.3:

Fashion + drama can be addicting Posted at kikayexchange.com, August 15, 2008. Link: http://kikay.exchange.ph/2008/08/15/project-runway-philippines-ep3/ The third installment of Project Runway Philippines sizzled its way with some designers yearning for Lorymer’s presence and Aries criticizing Eli’s Christian Espiritu-inspired terno. Yup, PRP’s drama is heating up! As a psych grad, I know that drama, and basically anything that conjures feelings, can and will sell. It’s human interest. Emotions boost flavor to an otherwise stiff and serious fashion design competition. But in the end, it will always be about the most talented competitor who best executed a design called for by the challenge. Tonight’s design test had a fun twist! Former MTV VJ and model Sarah Meier dared the contestants to whip up a hip-hop-themed outfit which she could wear for a fashion spread in Metro magazine. Only six creations would see the light of the runway. Each was given 15 minutes to draw their designs and then individual show-and-tell with Sarah followed. Sarah picked out the sketches of Mara, Veejay, Lord, Ava, Aries, & Charette. Except for Charette, the set was composed of the younger designers. It seemed that Sarah was fond of fresh, experimental and somewhat, confused concepts. Chosen ones got to select among the remaining half to form teams. Here’s the list of teams: Mara & Jaz Veejay & Bo Lord & Eli Ava & Philip Aries & Winnie Charette & Ivan I found the working room very crammed for twelve people constructing gowns or long dresses. I guess the close proximity was intended to induce further interaction among the contestants (you know, for more drama). It’s a soap opera out there – Aries was bossing Winnie around as if the former’s an eager intern; Lord and Eli happily and well, cozily assembling their dress; and Mara pissed off because Veejay allegedly copied her hood! In the end, a weeping Veejay got rid of the hood to prevent any grudges from developing. In this episode, Sarah and Metro magazine EIC Carla Cibal joined the panel of judges for obvious reasons. Three designs stuck to my mind. Charette’s gathered disc at the back was like a nice, large rosette, don’t you think so? I believe Aries’ outfit was too pristine for a hip-hop music lover to wear. What I really adored though was Mara’s glitzy hooded gown. It screamed hip-hop and glam at the same time. A pair of black shades would have been a hip add-on, but we know Get Happy and VNC don’t carry eyewear. Ava’s design received the most compliments and thus won the challenge and immunity. The judges thought that the contrast of colors was good and each piece could stand alone. Sarah even went as far as asking if she could keep the ensemble. IMO, it was a bit disordered. But that’s just me (average fashion IQ, perhaps?). And knowing Mega, they choose designs fit for the runway regardless if one will actually wear these at a function. I knew it was Lord’s turn to step down the runway. The fact that he and Eli looked like they’re just playing and were not taking the challenge seriously was a turn-off to the judges. The bunched up sewing was very evident and really, acid-wash colors are never flattering. Don’t lose your focus, de-sigh-ners! :) Never mind a sleepless Wednesday night, I’m officially hooked on PRP!

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Bo's Coffee Bloggers Event PR

Inspired by his trips to the United States and Europe, Steve Benitez, President and CEO of Bo’s Coffee Club envisioned a local specialty coffee shop in 1994. His vision materialized in June 1996 as the first branch of Bo’s Coffee Club was put up in Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City. Owing to his burning passion for coffee and outstanding entrepreneurial skills, 34 strategically-placed stores are currently in operation across key cities in the Philippines. 

Bo’s Coffee prides itself for utilizing choice locally-grown coffee beans, which are blended freshly and prepared world-class for that ultimate coffee experience. Not only that, Bo’s Coffee strives to serve customers according to preference and needs in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Another good thing about Bo’s Coffee is that every store has its own target market and they once more tailor their services to fit a particular lifestyle, whether it’s a student’s, a yuppie’s or an executive’s. 

Now, Bo’s Coffee has decided to share their passion for this fragrant, comfort drink which has become a part of one’s way of life and of the country’s culture. Thus, the ‘Share the Bo’s Passion’ Bloggers event was born. The first leg of this unique event was held at Bo’s Coffee Katipunan. A three-storey corner building and perfect study hub cum hang-out place for kids enrolled in the two major universities, UP and Ateneo as well as a handful of schools and colleges in the Katipunan environs. Tech-savvy, college student bloggers were clearly the guests for this event. 

Commencement of the affair took place when Mr. Benitez shared the Bo’s Coffee story to the students. He stated that he recognized that these days, students like the ambience of coffee shops better than libraries for their study sessions; this is why he planned the Katipunan branch to be very student-friendly. He also added that he intends Bo’s to be identified as the premier Filipino-owned coffee bar in the Philippines, despite the abundance of foreign-owned cafes in every street. 

True to their word of sharing their passion, Bo’s generously gave the guests a gastronomic treat, starting with hot freshly-brewed coffee mized to their liking. It was the perfect pick-me-up for a cold, rainy morning. For lunch, plates of assorted pastas elegantly placed on square, white china was handed to the guests, with choices from Bolognese, Carbonara, Carritierre and Pomodoro. The delicious fare was eased with Bo’s Coffee’s new line of cold coffee drinks, the Caffegatto. A blend of fresh espresso shot and creamer, this comes in four delightful variants - Mocha, Choco Chips, Oreo and Caramelo. To top the meal off, trays of cookies and pastries and whole cakes were served for dessert. Among the delectable delights were the best-selling Blueberry Cheesecake and Oreo Cheesecake, and Bo’s own creation, the Triple Chocolate Mousse cake. If that wasn’t enough, fresh Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Butterscotch squares and Cheese rolls also filled the serving table. 

As a special treat, students had the chance to play baristas as Mr. Benitez gave them a crash course in coffee-making. What’s more, the winning coffee concoction got to be featured as the drink of the month at Bo’s Coffee Katipunan! 

The Ateneans’ Love Me Nut, a cold chocolate-y and nutty coffee beverage was the first drink made, followed by Mixed Berries Marble, a potable potion whipped up by the diverse group from UP Diliman, Ateneo and La Salle CSB. The latter was also a cold drink but with a cream base. Cuppa Passion was hot, creamed coffee with a secret fruit ingredient, whipped by bloggers of Manila Foodista. The UP ABAM’s Caramon Concoction was the most delicious and most creative drink and came away with the win. This ice-cold drink, flavored with the ‘sweet spice’ got the vote of the judges and Mr. Benitez, as well. 

Savor the goodness that is Caramon Concoction this month only at Bo’s Coffee Katipunan, located at 329 Katipunan Rd. cor B. Gonzales St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City. After which, the rest of the students’ coffee creations will be featured weekly at the said branch on November. 

Are you raring to make your personal Bo’s Coffee drink? The second leg of Share the Bo’s Passion is at the posh Bonifacio High Street branch in Global City, Taguig on Friday, October 10, 2008. This time, Bo’s opens its coffee turf to dedicated bloggers who share their passion for writing, photography and the World Wide Web to local Netizens and beyond. Food and lifestyle bloggers will definitely get a kick out of this rare happening only Bo’s Coffee could offer. 

Same drill applies – the most captivating blogger-made coffee drink will be featured the ‘drink of the month’ at Bo’s Coffee Bonifacio High Street. So get creative and share your ingenuity to fellow coffee fans!

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Laarni is PDA Season 2 Grand Star Dreamer

Posted at Yehey! (Sept. 15, 2008)

Sultan Kudarat’s Laarni Losada. 23, topped the sophomore season of ABS-CBN’s reality talent search, Pinoy Dream Academy. 

She bested other five scholars who reached the Grand Dream Night held at the Cuneta Astrodome, September 14. 

Laarni, who was then one of the most difficult scholars in the academy due to her touchy temperament, has wowed the crowd after rendering her own version of Manalig Ka and Boogie Wonderland. Her text vote was consistently in lead during the voting duration and even escalated after her brilliant performance. In the end, she garnered 651,696 votes or 35.2% of the total text votes. 

Teary-eyed from joy and truimph, she stood up in front of the stage to once again sing Manalig Ka, now her very first single. She was then awarded cash and other prizes, including a house and lot from the TV network and sponsors.  

Bugoy Drilon came in second with 547,760 votes (26.70%). Bugoy was obviously shocked with the result as he cried to his supporters that ‘in his heart, he is the still the Grand Star Dreamer’. Following Bugoy is joyful Miguel Mendoza who garnered 253,412 (13.69%) text votes. Consistent Star Scholar Liezel Garcia didn’t make it to the top three as according to PDA viewers who were surveyed during the show; Liezel didn’t have that ‘star factor’. She got 247,346 votes. Completing the list of winners are Van Roxas and Cristina Pastor with 112,065 and 36,487 votes, respectively. 

An added highlight of the affair was the engaging number of the dream mentors, composed of Director Jose Javier Reyes, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, UP prof Kitchie Molina and Monet Silvestre. Clad in colorful outfit, they sang September by Earth, Wind & Fire and the Filipino version of Umbrella.  

As the academy closes and prepares for another school year, PDA fans do hope that they will see more of the season 2 scholars as they are now in the real world and are ready to take center stage.

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The World According to Christopher Graves

Posted at Yehey!

The marketing world, that is. Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide CEO for Asia Pacific, Christopher Graves provided fundamentals on three market trends currently transpiring in Asia, noteworthy to business heads, marketers and press people. Market-conscious citizens would benefit from these, as well. 

Green is not always clean 

The terms ‘eco-friendly’, ‘natural’, and ‘biodegradable’ do sound caring and compassionate. In an effort to lend a hand to save the planet we live in, one would buy these green products right away. But ‘greenwashing’ or marketing strategies addressing environmental issues to convince the public that the solution to the said problem is to buy the promoted products, is just plain deceitful.  

Have you heard of Newton’s third law of motion: every action equals a reaction? What about the ecological backlash effect? Every move done to the environment amounts to an equivalent result; and imbalance in nature will do more harm than good. For example, biofuels seem an economical solution to combat air pollution until those from the countryside complain of higher prices of corn and other crops. Apparently, increase in demand for crops occurs for firewood purposes, rather than for eating consumption.  

The key to this green marketing is to be sincere. How would one feels if a company which is supposed to be ‘pro-green’ spends thousands for marketing collaterals, instead of helping out organizations on environment conservation projects? Consumers are now decisive of their choices and they will eventually notice a phony. 

Lifestyle of the rich and elderly 

Baby-boomers are a thing of the past. Studies show that birthrates will decline while the kid populace (below the age of 14) will be cut by 30-50% or more in the next two decades in several Asian nations. Such demographic change, along with longer life expectancies due to improved medical treatments will encompass all, from consumerism and marketing to government policies to employment patterns and labor force. 

Thanks to widespread education on reproductive planning and money saving, more are getting sensible about building families and banking. They stop reproducing but make more money and these, thus make the population older. 

Concurrently, a swarm of ‘empty nesters’ emerges. Because they are old, have no obligations to their children any longer and have yet to retire, they are richer than ever. They still consider themselves at the peak of their life. Rather than the monetary value, they prefer products and services that are unique and would give them ‘experience’.  

Companies should think twice of pursuing products intended for the young. Shoppers are ‘not getting any younger’, population-wise and market-wise. We are thinking the nursing home business will reap fortune in the coming years.  

All around the blogosphere 

Just like minute bacteria that can cause an epidemic in one locality, a small entity in the WWW called ‘social media’ can actually create a loud buzz in the Internet and beyond.  

Internet-savvy individuals meet in online communities like Friendster and Multiply and blog networks through microinterests. Companies and PR firms look for the appropriate microinterest to promote their products. The trend now is that they send free products to celebrity bloggers for review. It is up to the bloggers to give the verdict whether the product is a keeper or trashcan filler. 

Consumers then rely through word-of-mouth or in this case, postings or blog entries. Unlike in prints which are told to the public at least after 24 hours, stories published online are effortless, fast and accessible to Internet users from all over the globe. It’s a win-win situation for companies and brands, if the products create good impressions. 

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Casual is mixed with classic in the new Van Heusen Knit Collection

Posted at Yehey!

Pronounced the Best Dress Shirt in the US, Van Heusen stepped up to the retailing market once more when it revealed its Knits Collection during the Van Heusen Walk With Me Media Launch and Fashion Show at the Hard Rock Café, Glorietta 3, Sept. 19. Concurrently, the brand is celebrating its 6th year anniversary of delivering quality formal and casual wear, sports knits and accessories for men and women in the country. The Knits, under Van Heusen Casual, will show five different categories, inspired by the colors of the kaleidoscope. These classic cut shirts are made from sustainable garments of pique with spandex, semi-fleece, and with inside washing for comfort. They are knitted with line fabric match with tone-on-tone or contrast embroidery. With the –ber months appearing in calendars coupled with the chilly climate, the unveiling of the Holiday Collection, the first from the Knits line, is very timely. This collection features basic solid brights Flashdance and Funky Class, earthy Muted Tones and smoky Gray Area. A hefty part of the collection consisted of striped patterns, from bold bands to pinstripes to candy cane stripes. Said selections are Rugby Stripes, Icebergs, Energy Stripes, White Stripes, Track Stripes, Navy Stripes, and Admiral Stripes. Van Heusen also offers the Pastel set, which has lighter colors, fitting for young men and kids. It has introduced the Active Wear for the more sporty consumers as well. Clearly, Van Heusen has everything for everybody. The Knits Collection is available in Van Heusen boutiques or department stores in leading malls nationwide. The collection for women will be out in stores next month. Madison Retailers, Inc is the sole distributor of Van Heusen in the Philippines, along with equally-popular brand Izod.

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Largest outdoor art gallery in Asia is found in the Philippines

Posted at Yehey!

While stuck in traffic, you see a vivid photograph of a small child bathing happily on a stream. Or a painting of a bunch of animals gathered around a man who plays the flute. Beside pictures of KC Concepcion and a bottle of orange juice. On billboards. On the stretch of EDSA. That’s just ‘Wow!’ While contemplating, you feel your bad mood changes to positive. You are so awed by the idea of arts on billboards. This is how 2nd Media, the Public Affairs division of Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP) aims the public to react as it launched the Manila Outdoor Gallery Art Route, the biggest one in Asia along key highways of the NLEX-EDSA-SLEX route. It is undeniable that billboards have incorporated itself to the Philippine culture. OAAP took advantage of that by lifting billboards beyond product and service advertisements. Instead, billboards will be used to bring art on the thoroughfares and eventually, to the masses. 2nd Media invited some of the most talented Filipino painters and photographers to have their masterpiece mounted on billboards for everyone to see. Among the 29 artists, 10 will have their artworks displayed on billboards while 19 will be programmed in electronic ones. This promising group of local artists includes Popo San Pascual, Riel Hilario, Eddie Boy Escudero, Jose Terence Ruiz, Mario V. Fernandez, Gari Buenavista, MM Yu, Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Lotsu Manes, and Tina Fernandez of ArtInformal, who also curated the outdoor gallery exhibit / launch. Artworks are usually viewed only at art exhibits and museums, which is something that lower class and even middle class families could not afford easily. But with the Outdoor Art Gallery, viewing art is made available to a broader audience from all walks of life. “We want these works of art on billboards to enrich and entertain people. We want them to engage in discussions about the artwork they saw at North Luzon Expressway or how they liked the one in Cubao better,” stated 2nd Media spokesperson, Dondie Bueno. More than a venue for showcasing Filipino talents and teaching art appreciation, the outdoor gallery art holds an important unifying theme: environmental awareness and nature conservation. The billboard arts will remind passersby how relaxing it feels to breathe in clean air or walk barefoot on grass, and at the same time, prompt us to look out for the planet we live in. The outdoor gallery will run for a month. Travelers can feast their eyes on a different kind of road visuals on their way to the province this All Saints’ Day. Such perfect timing!

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Sam Milby on Yehey Chat!

Posted at Yehey!

Sam Milby graced the Yehey office in Ortigas with his presence during the Sam Milby Chat event, Oct. 14 at 5 PM.

Over 40 registered Yehey chatters, some of whom were overseas, logged in to the Yehey chatroom to have a chat with one of the most sought-after young actors in Philippine show business. The one-hour chat proper was split into moderated chatting for the first half, where questions for Sam were sent to the moderator, and free-for-all-chatting in which fans could directly type in greetings and questions for Sam.

Excited Yehey users and chatters filled the chatroom half an hour earlier than the schedule. As an added treat, webcam image was also provided to the delight of Sam’s female fans. Sam talked about his new movie and TV projects and Christmas vacation plans. He even shared his ultimate local and foreign crushes (Angel Locsin and Jessica Alba!) and personal favorites such as the boob tube series Heroes and music band, Lifehouse. Sam was also honest about his relationship with Anne Curtis which came to an end recently due to their busy schedules. They remained friends, he added. Pleased with his fans’ kind words and good-natured jokes, Sam immensely enjoyed the chat experience. He invited everyone to watch his upcoming solo concert.

At present, Sam is busy shooting for Dyosa and rehearsing for his first major solo gig, titled Sam Milby: The Rockoustic Heartthrob set Oct. 25, 8 PM at the Aliw Theater. Produced by ASAP Live, Sam will show his fans what he’s got on stage along with guests Pokwang, Yeng Constantino, Krissy & Ericka (MCA Music's new teen pop talents), G-force and Journey's lead vocalist, Arnel Pineda. Sam also informed his chatters about a secret special guest with a smiley. Three days after his concert, Sam will join co-artists Piolo Pascual and Pokwang in Europe for a six-city concert tour for Heartthrobs. He will be back in time for the premiere of his first independent film, Cul de Sac on Nov. 15. Aside from shows and concerts, Sam was also hailed Youth Spokesperson for DepEd’s Center For Students and Co-Curricular Affairs. Obviously, there is no way for Sam but up and forward!

Read the chat’s transcription at www.yehey.com/chat. For more of Sam Milby, visit www.gotmilby.com/.

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Be fabulous and organized with the Belle de Jour 2009 Power Planner

Posted at Yehey! (Nov. 14, 2008)

I have a confession to make. I am uber obsessive-compulsive (OC). Well, I wasn’t a clinical diagnosis because I don’t wash my hands 100 times a day and I can still go on with my everyday tasks. But I know I am - judging from the planner I use. In college, my filled-to-the-brim, or should I say, filled-to-the-margin planner showed my exams, project deadlines, org or group meetings, weekend plans, things-to-do-at-home, stuff-to-buy, diary entry, doodles, and tons of reminders. Whew! Come to think of it, I also have a mild case of forgetfulness! Today, I can’t live without my planner. It even bothers me that some days passed by without any entries on them. 

I am always on the lookout for a nice planner that suits my lifestyle and tells something about my personality. My other requirements – huge spaces and nice paper to write on – are non-negotiable. In late 2007, I came across a planner that targets young women. Young women who are ready to take new responsibilities and experiences in life. That’s just so me! I had so much fun writing on my Belle de Jour Power Planner that the coming of 2009 pains me because it means having to say goodbye to my planner…   

On the brighter side, the BdJ 2009 Power Planner is here. Whee! 

I was lucky to be one of the guests to the Belle de Jour 2009 Power Planner launch in Powerbooks Live!, Greenbelt. Themed, Power Me Up – Bringing Out Your Most Gorgeous Self, 80 girls were treated to a fun night of makeover, coffee and pastries from the BdJ brand partners, raffles and goodie bags, and women empowerment. Chiqui Escareal-Go, President of Mansmith & Fielders, Inc., a leading marketing company in the country talked about ‘discovering true passion’ where she shared entertaining anecdotes about her life as a wife, a mom and powerful career woman. Former Cosmopolitan Philippines fashion editor Dona Cuna-Pita shared tips on dressing up in Be Your Own Style Icon while chief makeup artist Marge Apacible of The Face Shop imparted her flair on putting makeup in Expose Your Natural Beauty. These speakers, all experts in their chosen field, have helped the girls live like ‘Belle de Jour’, but the planner would make any girl feel like a real IT girl. 

Darlene Ty’s brainchild, the Belle de Jour Power Planner got its name from the French fashion lingo, IT girl. It all started when she was in search for the perfect planner two years ago but nothing lived up to her expectations. She gave up and decided to just design her own. As a former editor-in-chief of her college’s newspaper, she knew things about publication and lay-outing and after doing some research; her very own planner was born. Friends were delighted with her creation and suggested that she put it up for sale. Now on its third run, the BdJ Power Planner has amassed multitude of fans ranging from college girls to career women to young moms. BdJ just keeps getting better and better. 

1970’s flower child and disco fever theme 

The colorful and hippie decade has never left the fashion pages of magazines and boutiques. This year, this colorful and expressive inspiration has adorned the pages of Belle de Jour as well. The planner, bound by special double wire rings, is on full color and measures 9” x 6.5”, almost the size of a standard notebook. Because of the width, the pages are flanked by two thick cardboards to ensure stability, and included two pink ribbons served as markers.  

Loaded with features, freebies and discounts! 

Belle de Jour will take care of everything for you (as long as you write on it). Take note of your goals with Priorities of the Week, Monthly Priorities, 2009 Goals, Someday Maybe List and Dream Board Page. It won’t be a dead social life as long as you keep your Social Calendar, Birthday List, and A New Circle of Friends updated. Don’t forget to check on your health with Health Checklist and Menstrual Tracker. The “Me” Time, Errand List, Expense Tracker and their coined MIT’s or Most Important Tasks are helpful, too. Plus tons of tips and quotes to push you to be more successful and amazing at what you do and believe in.  

Here’s the best part, the freebies! From last year’s 36 coupons, Belle de Jour has now a whopping 60 coupons from various food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand partners. The planner boosts P1000-worth of freebies and at least P10000 worth of discounts! With these value-added tokens, how can you say no to a new pair of open-toed pumps at 10% off or a buy one, get one ice-blended coffee drinks from your favorite coffee shop? 

Belle de Jour has also introduced its Forget Me Not notepad and coupon holder in case you prefer not to bring the bigger BdJ to stroll in the mall. Now how nifty is that? 

If there’s a Best Planner for Women awards, Belle de Jour gets my vote.  

Get this sheer fabulous-ness disguised as a planner from belledejourpowerplanner.com, PowerBooks Live!, and accredited online resellers.