Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Make Christmas at home more special with Samsung home appliances

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) recently held a demo of its newest line-up of home appliances at the SM Megamall Event Center. TV and radio personality Sam Oh hosted the event, while Chef Sau Del Rosario showed the guests how to whip up a Christmas feast using the new Samsung Microwave Oven.

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Chef Sau gave a quick lesson on how to come up with an easy Christmas menu. The menu included a cocktail using champagne, strawberry and orange, a creamy ham and penne soup using Christmas or Fiesta Ham, a chicken roulade with mango, asparagus, cherries and teriyaki glaze with mashed sweet potato on the side, and a dessert of suman, mango, sorbets and lengua de gato. Chef Sau didn’t only reheat or defrost, he actually cooked using the Samsung Microwave Oven (AMW83E-SB).

Understanding every family’s need to save time, money and energy especially in this holiday season, global electronics leader Samsung promotes four home appliances – the French Door Refrigerator (Samsung-RF62NERS), Front Load Washer and Dryer (Samsung-WD8754), Microwave Oven (Samsung-AMW83E-SB), and Concerto Vacuum Cleaner (Samsung-SC86H0) – each one a worthy addition to every home. Ultra-sleek and stylish, these modern home must-haves are designed to do the job and then some, thanks to a host of multi-functions and state of the art advancements.

The stainless steel Samsung French Door Refrigerator boasts a Twin Cooling System that offers optimal humidity level, no mixing of odors, and consistent temperature of the fridge and cooling compartments. It also operates with a no-Frost Technology, sparing you from the tedious chore of defrosting. The fridge has a one body shelf that makes it easy to store and draw food, compared to the traditional 33-inch models which come with two separate shelves. While slim, the Samsung French Door Refrigerators is also very spacious: note the adjustable and easy-to-remove bins, the big box drawer at the freezer compartment, and the movable fresh box for jam, cheese and bacon. Hidden hinges, light responding modern edges, simple controls, beautiful contour surface and sophisticated blue color digital display round up the features of this durable appliance.

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With a user-friendly, one-touch digital control panel and a simple yet elegant design, the Samsung Microwave Oven (AMW83-SB) comes with a Triple Distribution System, ensuring equal amounts of heat from three microwave distribution points. A Rapid Defrost function, meanwhile, brings frozen foods back to their fresh, pre-frozen state with the instant push of a button. Preparing meals can be quick, hot and delicious with this kitchen innovation, which also comes with a cookbook featuring dishes you can create with the microwave oven.

Anyone who’s ever had to wash his or her own clothes will appreciate the many functions of the Samsung Front Load Washer and Dryer (WD8754). With a door widened up to 480 mm, you get 20% more space for easy loading and unloading. Meanwhile, a diamond-embossed drum bodes for excellent fabric care; thereby keeping your clothes looking new even after many washings. Taking laundry to a whole new level, the Samsung Front Load Washer and Dryer also effectively removes bacteria from your clothes’ fabric for up to a month through countless microscopic ions in its Silver Wash technology. The Air Refresh system, on the other hand, does what air-drying clothes can’t; it removes undesirable odors that cling to clothes, like sweat and smoke. A Quiet Drive Motor eliminates any noise associated with washers and dryers, making every laundry day a quiet and pleasant experience.

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For a swift and effortless house-cleaning, the Samsung Concerto Vacuum Cleamer (SC86H0) is definitely a top choice with its Ecowave Technology that makes it both energy-efficient and eco-friendly with less CO2 emissions. This bagless vacuum cleaner features a Twin Chamber Plus System for less clogging and overflow of dust. This particular system that effectively removes microscopic dust particles with strong centrifugal force also makes cleaning using the Concerto Vacuum Cleaner less stressful to your surroundings because it emits a soothing sound rather than noise as compared to your regular vacuum cleaner. It also comes with an infrared remote handle control, the first and only one in the Philippines, that allows users to effortlessly control the vacuum cleaner, without needing to reach down to change the suction power or switch the vacuum on or off. And its ergonomic design makes it so easy to hold, use and control.

Make Christmas at home more special with Samsung Home Appliances.

Samsung’s French Door Refrigerator, Front Load Washer and Dryer, Microwave Oven, and Concerto Vacuum Cleaner are available in all major appliance stores nationwide.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

We have a contributor! And his name is Doods!

show.beat
By Doods L. Maglaqui

MY BEAT!

Dreams do really come true. And this column is a solid proof to such claim as I am now starting my long-cherished dream of crystallizing what’s in my mind before a throng of readers – or should I say, bloggers – as this is a blog column.

Actually, my dream then was to write a column for a national broadsheet. But, let’s admit it, it’s more of being popular that is given more weight than the talent in writing to accomplish that.

Aside from being popular, it’s the “who-you-know” factor that contributes to reaching one’s dream these days. Needless to say, that’s the reason why this column now exists. LOL! Kidding aside, maybe it’s my scooping the juiciest news, issues and intrigues for JUICY and PAPARAZZI on TV5 that got me in for this column.

Well, this may not be a broadsheet column. But blogging is the new game. And internet is the hottest medium to beat. It’s where all the action is. So welcome to my blog. To paraphrase the tagline of Showtime, this is my show... this is my beat. It’s my show.beat.

THANK YOU, MANG DOLPHY!



“Natural! Kaya nga tayo nagtatrabaho para kumita.”

This is what King of Comedy Dolphy said during my interview with him when asked what prompted him to transfer to TV5 – abandoning ABS-CBN in the process.

The said encounter was the contract signing of Dolphy with the Kapatid network held at the Marco’s restaurant in Fort Global City on January 28, 2010. It was a top secret as he had not yet made his decision known either to his ABS-CBN bosses or to the public at that time. Embracing him with his decision were the top executives of TV5 led by the Business Maverick Manny V. Pangilinan. Such event gave me the chance to talk to the showbiz legend up close and personal.

His network transfer hugged the headlines in the first quarter of this year; then again, Mang Dolphy took the spotlight when President Noynoy Aquino conferred him the Grand Collar of the Order of Golden Heart during a simple ceremony held at the Malacanang Palace last November 8.

At 82, the Philippine showbiz icon continues to bring joy and happiness to us with his movie “Father Jejemon” – one of the official entries to the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival-Philippines. While he has been reportedly advised by his doctor to limit his public appearances due to his health condition, the Presidential Awardee is still busy promoting his filmfest entry.

It’s heartening to see Mang Dolphy as he plays Santa Claus by offering his movie as gift to everyone this Christmas.

Maraming, maraming salamat po, Mang Dolphy!

ANDI EIGENMANN, SHE’S GOT THE BIG BALLS


She may animatedly talk too fast. But that works for young actress Andi Eigenmann; for that makes her unique.

Her manner of talking is being mimicked yet she doesn’t find this offensive. In fact, Andi is even proud of it because she considers it a unique talent – so to speak. But she admits of talking slowly lately. And this we noticed when she graced the launching of P&G and Robinsons’ “Wellness that Shows” campaign held at the Robinsons Ermita last December 9.

“Eventually, I get the hang of it,” Andi explains. “I usually speak fast, ‘di ba? Kasi I always get nervous. Now, I (gotten) past that.”

Andi is considered as one of this year’s biggest showbiz discoveries. Thanks to her hit launching teleserye “Agua Bendita” where she played a dual role. Her popularity made her visible in commercials – endorsing brands left and right. Not bad for her considering that she’s just a year in the industry.

As daughter of multi-awarded actors Mark Gil and Jaclyn Jose, Andi inherited their acting genes. But she tries to be on her own – away from the shadow of her parents. In fact, she endears the press people with her frank and straight-forward answers to even the most-intriguing questions.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa kanila kasi hindi makitid ‘yong mga utak nila. I’m not up to the typical norm na inaasahan ng mga tao sa isang celebrity.”

According to her, one way to survive in showbiz is to be honest.

At her young age, she is so feisty that she defies conventions and dictates of the showbiz industry. Indeed, Andi’s got the big balls!

MARICAR REYES, GAGGED?!



If Andi’s got balls, the once-controversial actress Maricar Reyes has chicken feet. She has proven to all and sundry that life does not end in one helluva controversy. Compared to a phoenix, Maricar emerged victor from her publicized sex scandal with Hayden Kho. Yes, she never said a thing about it to this date. And her silence made to her advantage. She just keeps on working. Look at her, now, she is flooded with several projects.

With all the blessings in her life, Maricar should be relaxed by now. But, unfortunately, she is so aloof and evasive. During the launch she attended with Andi, she cut the event host Pam Ylagan when the latter jestingly hinted an update on her lovelife. Her sarcastic reaction surely did not escape the camera lens of the photographers and cameramen who covered the said event.

I find her intelligent and smart. But such impression is far from my first interview with her. Maybe, Maricar is just following the Kapamilya network’s alleged gag order memo issued to its talents not to be interviewed by the competing networks.

If so, where is her mouth then?

----

By Doods L. Maglaqui

Friday, December 10, 2010

DAVIDOFF CHAMPION

Davidoff’s latest men’s fragrance Champion will trigger in men a desire to develop the latent potential within them. That deep, fundamental instinct for victory and power. Davidoff Champion is about the daily ritual of taking the time to build physical and mental strength. To become a champion.

The Man
Sport is an important part of his life. He is ready to perform and to succeed. Pushing forward boundaries, overcoming challenges. Determination is key. He is focused, he knows what he wants: to stay right at the top.

The Design
The central pillar of Davidoff Champion’s forte is a flacon design so novel it can’t help but make a man stand up and take notice. This chunky dumbbell with its stirring black-glass and its head and tail silver weights is both refreshing and magnetic. Made of real metal with the contents boldly engraved on the cap, the bevelled-grip body gives a rough, masculine touch. It excites a will to win, a sense of resolution and iron-cast determination.

Designer: Alnoor / Alnoor Design

The Fragrance
The top note creates an immediately refreshing impact thanks to the zestful bergamot and lemon. The heart note then gains ground with its energizing galbanum essence and aromatic clary sage. Davidoff Champion is completed in its dry down by the masculine classic cedarwood all the while keeping a durable oak moss allure.
A fresh, undeniable character with a sensual trail. Just the fragrance to put verve in your step. To be a champion.

Perfumer: Aurélien Guichard / Givaudan

Be a Champion
Vision: A goal is the central pillar of all success – establish your goal
Work: The road ahead must be built, by you – brick by brick
Perseverance: Champions always go the extra yard – never give in and carry on
Belief: A positive attitude goes a long way – Yes you can!
Style: You’ll need to look the part – Get the right gear, look great
Reward: Remember this is for you

Davidoff Fragrances

The legacy of Davidoff’s unique sense of quality and art de vivre is reflected in each Davidoff fragrance.

Since the launch of the first fragrance in 1984, the brand has become one of the most iconic fragrance brands, including one of the most successful fragrances ever: Davidoff Cool Water – the renowned male classic launched in 1988.

Further fragrances include among others Davidoff Cool Water Woman, Davidoff Hot Water, Davidoff Adventure, Davidoff Silver Shadow and Davidoff Echo.

Greta - Lifestyle

There is much to be said about the allure of the complex—the innate intrigue that wraps any object of perplexity. Truth be told, it is in the pull of the unknown that there is attraction. It is in the intricate that there is interest. A complex persona doesn’t reveal everything at once. And when she does choose to uncloak her character, there are always two sides, multiple stories, and infinite nuances.

Such is Greta—the layered persona that is Gretchen Barretto: actress, singer, icon of beauty; indeed, a caster of spells, with her luxurious yet pared back style.

So, too, is Greta—the fragrance: Gentle and sophisticated at once, wrapping senses both in a subtle and intense way. Its sensational, sparkling and natural top notes are played out through a powerful mandarin scent in harmony with brilliant spicy accords of cardamom and coriander. The heart introduces jasmine with a spicy rhythm of nutmeg and woody-spicy cypress, which impresses with elegance and sensuality. The base uncovers notes of oak, mineral amber and musky accords, which warm the composition, giving a delicate, luxurious bottom layer. Inspired by Victorian design, an exquisitely designed filigree motif bottle nods to old world glamour and seals in the curious concoction, laying claim to the complex scent inside. At P348, the potent potion transforms any woman into one as transfixing as Gretchen—a thought that might strike a few women’s fancy  this holiday season.

Such was the mystique that enveloped a stunning launch at the Trinoma Activity Center on December 10. Corset-clad, masked models entrancingly removed their elaborate attire, making way for Greta, who emerged in a cloud of smoke—a goddess in her own right. Indeed, this is the pull of Greta: a public figure, a shared mystery—yet in all instances, a picture of timeless elegance.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

AVON LAUNCHES AVON VOICES FERGIE, DIANE WARREN, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, DELTA GOODREM, LEA SALONGA, IVETE SANGALO AND VALERIYA HEADLINE ROSTER OF INTERNATIONAL JUDGES

Company’s First-ever Global Online Singing Talent Search and Songwriting Competition

NEW YORK December 1, 2010 Avon Products, Inc. launches Avon Voices, its first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women in celebration of its 125th Anniversary.  Avon invites people from more than 60 countries, along with its 6.2 million independent sales Representatives, to ignite a global movement through music.  A renowned judging panel of music industry leaders from around the world includes: Fergie, six-time Grammy award winner; legendary songwriter, Diane Warren; Natasha Bedingfield, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter; Delta Goodrem, Australian artist of the decade; Lea Salonga, Filipina singer and actress; Ivete Sangalo, Brazil’s biggest pop star; and Russian sensation, Valeriya.  Highlights of the year-long program will include travel to exciting destinations for nearly 200 global contenders to receive professional coaching and Avon makeovers, and record performance videos.  The goal of the Talent Search is to find two talented singers – one an Avon Representative – who may have the opportunity to record a professionally produced album. 

“For 125 years, Avon has empowered women to find their own unique voices as they work to make their dreams come true.  We are thrilled to now give women the opportunity to share their voice, their song and their story through this unprecedented global talent search,” noted Andrea Jung, CEO and Chairman of Avon Products, Inc.  “Avon Voices will celebrate Avon’s heritage and our future, as we raise women up through beauty, inspiration and song.”

Starting today, December 1, 2010, the program’s official website - AvonVoices.com – is live, and open for registration.  There are three ways to engage as a member of the Avon Voices global community:

  • Sing: Women are invited to participate in the online Singing Talent Search by choosing a song from the website and uploading a submission video through February 13, 2011 at AvonVoices.com.
  • Vote: Everyone can be a talent scout and recruit all of the talented people they know, watch videos, and vote for their favorite Avon Voices contenders to help decide the outcome. From April through October, the search will be narrowed down four times by a combination of online public voting and judges’ scores. (Official Round One voting begins April 22, 2011).
  • Write:  Women and men may enter the Songwriting Competition. Write an original song that inspires or shares hope and optimism with the world. Simply submit a digital file and lyric sheet at AvonVoices.com (between May 20, 2011 and July 1, 2011).



Global Music Industry Leaders Lend Their Expertise
Avon Voices has gathered an unprecedented array of music artists from around the world to support this movement. Joining Fergie, Ms. Warren, Ms. Bedingfield, Ms. Goodrem, Ms. Salonga, Ms. Sangalo, and Valeriya on the judging panel will be: Sheila E., breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist; David Pack, Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer; and Maia, Colombian singing star.  Additional global judges will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I’m so fortunate to be living my dreams through music.  I know so many women dream of having their voices be heard – now they can,” says Fergie.  “Avon Voices will give women everywhere the chance to share their beautiful voices with the world.”

Currently, many other music and entertainment celebrities have joined forces in support of Avon Voices at a national and regional level in every corner of the globe.  Local consumer and promotional events will be taking place throughout the year, especially during the Talent Search submission period.  Avon Voices is also featured in over 40 million Avon brochures being distributed globally during December and January.

Music Downloads to benefit the Avon Foundation for Women
Avon Voices is about more than providing a showcase for undiscovered talent.  Throughout the year, music will be available for digital download in select countries, with a percentage of proceeds supporting the Avon Foundation for Women’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls. To date, Avon global philanthropy has raised and awarded more than $30 million directed to domestic and gender violence awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs.

In support of Avon’s Global Campaign, Ms. Warren will be releasing her single Until U Love U, recorded by Valeriya and produced by David Pack. The digital download will be available for purchase in certain participating countries in January 2011.

“As a songwriter, I know what it's like to touch the hearts and lives of people through the power of music.” Ms. Warren said. ”I'm truly inspired by Avon's commitment to uplifting women through the universal language of music.”

At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Warren will also be providing an anthem to be recorded by up to 10 global finalists alongside many of Avon Voices celebrity judges, with proceeds going to Avon global philanthropy.  The anthem will debut live at the Avon Foundation for Women Annual Gala, scheduled for Fall 2011 in New York City.  

Avon Voices is being produced in partnership with, and powered by, Intero, a company committed to connecting, artists, brands and communities with meaningful content delivered through live events and online channels.


About Avon Products, Inc.
Avon, the company for women, is a leading global beauty company, with over $10 billion in annual revenue.  As the world's largest direct seller, Avon markets to women in more than 100 countries through approximately 6.2 million active independent Avon Sales Representatives.  Avon's product line includes beauty products, as well as fashion and home products, and features such well-recognized brand names as Avon Color, Anew, Skin-So-Soft, Advance Techniques, Avon Naturals, and Mark.  Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avoncompany.com.

About Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women. Through 2010, Avon global philanthropy has donated more than $800 million in more than 50 countries for causes most important to women. Today, Avon philanthropy focuses its funding on breast cancer research and access to care, efforts to reduce domestic and gender violence, its women's environmental movement to nurture nature, and efforts to provide relief and recovery in times of major natural disasters and emergencies.

To learn more about Avon Voices, go to http://www.avonvoices.com/ or follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/avonvoices) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/avonvoices).

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Unilab Nutritionals introduces Athena, the Philippines’ first milk brand for women

Athena helps women fight their every day battles with a triad of health and beauty benefits – a first of its kind in the milk category

Unilab Nutritionals launched Athena, the country’s first and only milk brand that understands women. The event, held last November 26, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom of the New World Renaissance Hotel, introduced Athena’s triad of benefits, a first in the Philippines, and its endorser, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde.

“Beautrition” for the modern-day Filipina
Today’s Filipino woman is a multi-tasker who faces professional and personal challenges every day.

Athena is the only milk that understands modern-day Filipino women and helps them win their daily battles. Athena promises more benefits than any other skimmed milk brand in the Philippines by offering Beautrition – a combination of beauty and nutrition that gives women a triad of benefits to help them win their everyday battles:

  • Beautiful Skin. Athena provides anti-oxidants (Vitamin A, E & Zinc) to help women’s skin become healthier and more beautiful.
  • Strong Bones. Athena is high in calcium to help strengthen women’s bones.
  • Slim Figure. Athena is low in fat to help women maintain a slimmer figure.

Bianca Araneta-Elizalde is the Athena Woman
Bianca Araneta-Elizalde was introduced as Athena’s endorser for the way she has been able to successfully manage the different aspects of her life. Amid her various roles as model, TV host, entrepreneur, environmentalist and philanthropist, she still has time to be hands-on mother to two children and a caring wife to Juan Elizalde.

Bianca’s believes that Athena is the milk that perfectly complements her lifestyle. “The Beautrition benefit from Athena is unlike any other. I love it! Athena helps me get through my everyday challenges,” she said.

Three Women, Three Benefits
Event-host Bianca Valero also introduced three brand influencers that represent, through the active lives they lead, Athena’s triad of benefits: Lia Cruz who embodied strength through her career as a TV host, Sandra Seifert who embodied body as an active health buff, and Rissa Mananquil who embodied beauty through her successful international modeling career and fashion icon status.

Each shared about how they were able to successfully manage their busy schedules while still finding time to do the things they love to do.


“Women were looking for a milk product that provides not only health benefits but beauty benefits as well,” said Unilab Nutritionals Division Head, Brenda Miranda. “Athena with Beautrition answers that need and we’re proud to have launched the first and only milk in the Philippines that truly understands women.”

Athena is available in leading supermarkets, groceries and drugstores nationwide.


About Unilab Nutritionals
Unilab Nutritionals, Inc. is the Division of Unilab that manufactures milk products that answer the nutritional needs of children and adults.  Its commitment to nurturing and enhancing the health of Filipinos has led to the launching of Mylac XL Prep Growing-up Milk for preschoolers, Actiboost School Milk for grade school children, Enervon Prime Adult Nutritional Supplement and Athena Milk for Women.

In keeping with its parent company’s reputation of providing trusted quality healthcare, Unilab Nutritionals, Inc. makes quality products that offer optimum nourishment that satisfies the needs of its consumers.