LeSportsac Partners with JOYRICH for Spring 2011

LeSportsac will be expanding their already-thriving mens collection with the addition of four new prints this spring.

The LeSportsac Men’s Collection features notably stylish, yet functional and long-lasting pieces, in ten different styles such as the Multi-Task Briefcase and the Utility Messenger. The enlargement of the collection is truly kicking it up a notch with an addition of four prints. Sk8 Park is a creative, new print with graffiti-esque artwork with dark undertones and color-popping skateboarding graphics. Truffle Stripe is more of a basic, functionable navy with subtle khaki striping that is easily coordinated with many different looks.

Slate Lightening is also very versatile, but the gray color also has a touch of shine to create a dapper,new look for the fashionable male. Classic colors Black Onyx and Blaze will also continue to remain apart of the LeSportsac Men’s Collection.

In the Philippines, LeSportsac is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Gateway Mall and Rustan’s Cebu.

Nokia E7:All-in-one business smartphone.

The highly anticipated Nokia business smartphone, Nokia E7, will be available in the Philippines beginning March 31!

With its tilting 4 inch ClearBlack display, full keyboard and fast access to a wide variety of apps directly on the homescreen, the Nokia E7 is the key to having a successful day in or out of the office. Importantly, the device supports business applications from leading enterprise technology partners including Microsoft and IBM.

“People are continuing to look for solutions that suit both their work and personal life; in business circles this is known as the ‘consumerization’ of IT. The Nokia E7 gives people the confidence to bring their own smartphones to the workplace to connect securely to corporate messaging servers,” said Benoit Nalin, General Manager of Nokia Philippines. “On the other hand, whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, university student or aspiring world traveller, the Nokia E7 is the only smartphone you will need to get the world’s best mobile navigation and mapping application, thousands of apps, and a rich messaging experience.”

For business users, Nokia E7 provides direct, secure and real-time access to email, calendar, contacts, tasks and the corporate directory through Microsoft Exchange servers, as well as Office Communicator Mobile, developed by Microsoft for Nokia smartphones, which brings presence and corporate instant messaging.

Additionally, the Nokia E7 is the perfect off-duty companion with its built-in entertainment and social services, and a wealth of apps such as Bloomberg, Angry Birds and Sports Tracker available at the Ovi Store.

The new arrival also features drive or walk navigation included in the latest commercial version of Ovi Maps, available immediately via Ovi Store or Ovi Suite. It adds visibility to trains, parking and gas stations, safety alerts, speed limit warnings, and improved search and location sharing capabilities.

Here are more reasons why the Nokia E7 is the all-in-one business smartphone:
•Easy access to private and business email
•Create, edit and share office documents and view PDF files with Adobe Reader
•Fast, secure intranet access with the built-in VPN
•High-resolution photos and HD video with the 8 megapixel camera and dual LED flash
•HDMI connectivity to project files, videos and images onto large screens
•16 gigabytes of on-board flash memory
•USB-On-The-Go, enabling easy file sharing by connecting a USB stick to the smartphone

The Nokia E7 will be available in Dark Grey and Silver White at Nokia Stores nationwide. It has an SRP of P32,000.

HAVE A KFC SUMMER!

What comes to your mind when you hear or read the word Summer? Sunlight? Sand? Sea? Travel? Adventure?
Summer and these words should also be synonymous with the word “fun.” When you think about it, it’s actually hand in glove. Perfect. When you’re having that much fun in the sun this summer, it better be accompanied by so good meals. KFC presents A Taste of Summer, a campaign that encourages customers to be in a summer state of mind wherever they go, whatever they do, boosted by new KFC product offerings available only during the summer months.

KFC’s A Taste of Summer campaign was launched recently via a Hawaiian-themed luau at the Seawall Side Garden of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Hosted by DJ’s Chico and Delamar, the launch turned the heat up as fire dancers from Planet Zips, the pioneer Poi group in the country, performed to the music of a live band. Attendees learned how to dance with zips, which were inspired by the Maori dance of poi. In fact, they even had a dance showdown.

The three new products of KFC for summer 2011 were also launched— the Ben10 Bucket Meal, the Fish Twister, and the Summer Krushers. The Ben10 meal comes in a glow-in-the-dark Ben10 bucket with four matching glow-in-the-dark tumblers, all collectibles for families and the barkada to enjoy. The familiar Twister gets a makeover as the new Fish Twister, a crisp fish fillet paired with a creamy dill dressing and served with fresh cucumbers and cheese in a toasted tortilla wrap. Finally, the beloved summer dessert Halo-halo and Buko Pandan becomes easier to drink and to bring around as the ice-cold Summer Krushers drink.

And as if these offerings are not enough, KFC turns the heat up a notch through its KFC Taste of Summer online campaign. This online promo asks customers to take photos of themselves in their favourite summer outfits, holding one of KFC’s three new products at places which desperately need a summer vibe. Then, these pictures will be uploaded and displayed on KFC Philippines’ website at www.kfc.com.ph/summer. Those who feature a Ben10 bucket meal can win a trip for 4 to an Asian theme park like Hong Kong Disneyland, while the Krushers winner can go on a local beach trip for 4 like Coron, Palawan. Last but not the least, the Fish Twister winner gets to pick his destination from the following countries—Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore for an Asian Summer Shopping getaway for 2.

Ymmy Roast:: Fall in Love with Seriously Good Roast!

Filipinos without a doubt have an intense love affair with chicken, especially when it’s packed with flavor served hot off the grill with a side of rice.

This year, Philippine company Yum Roast International, Inc. (YRII) in partnership with Singaporean-based food establishment The Asian Kitchen, introduces a wide range of delicious, authentic and great tasting dishes at Yummy Roast. Understanding the intrinsic values and delicate taste profiles of Asians, especially the Filipinos, Yummy Roast has successfully married advanced technology with the tradition of Asian cooking. Chief Executive Officer of The Asian Kitchen Food Company Cary Gee says, “We really know Asian food and we want the Filipinos to get to know it too. We always keep the traditions in mind but at the same time introduce innovation. For example, we work with classic cooking methods but we re-design them to produce better food, fast.” President of YRII, Mr. Richie Yang is excited to bring the Yummy Roast experience to the Philippines. Having a wealth of experience in the food industry as executive director of Philippine Food Concepts and managing director of a successful Chinese restaurant chain, he says, “We take pride in Yummy Roast’s dishes which are seriously delicious and quick- served without losing the spirit of the traditional recipes.”

Taking on the world with the very first Quick-Served Asian Restaurant, Yummy Roast puts a few of the Filipinos’ favorite meals on the table – Yummy Chicken, Yummy Pork Belly and Yummy Pork Asado all perfectly partnered with their Yummy Rice. Oozing with Chicken Essence, it can even be enjoyed on its own. The aroma of Asian spices and lemon grass will surely keep you coming back for more.

At an affordable price of P98, Yummy Roast’s featured dishes, Yummy Chicken, Yummy Pork Asado or Yummy Pork Belly may be enjoyed with unlimited Fragrant Rice or Yummy Rice for only an additional P20.

For those who have a sweet tooth, Yummy Roast will also delight them with their deliciously refreshing Black Jelly Drink or Yoghurt generously topped with strawberry syrup.

The first and flagship store is located at the heart of Eastwood City in Citywalk 2. The company intends to open more Yummy Roast outlets in SM Sta. Rosa, SM Bicutan, Vito Cruz, and SM Manila. Serving it better, faster and tastier, Yummy Roast will definitely satisfy your craving for flavorful, Asian food while being kind to your wallet.

Photographic Passions Find a Home at The Meranti at Two Serendra

Photography presents the opportunity to express and capture the world aesthetically. It’s no surprise that more and more people are finding their passion for it. Taking a good picture however, takes more than a snap of the finger because a beautiful photo will require mastery of the equipment and of processing techniques.

And as they build a home for passionate minds in The Meranti at Two Serendra, Alveo Land continues to feed passions with ‘Snapshots of Perfection’, the third in its Saturday Brunch Series. Professional photographer Joseph Galian from the Federation of Philippine Photography Foundation (FPPF) is the guest speaker for the month, teaching photography enthusiasts of all levels both the science and the art of photography.

Joseph Galian teaches photography workshops at the FPPF, drawing from his solid background as a professional advertising, magazine, and wedding photographer. Since 2008, he has also taught classes under the AB Photography program at the DLSU-College of Saint Benilde.

This is but a taste of what awaits residents of The Meranti, the third and latest high-rise section of Two Serendra. Designed with the pursuit of passion in mind, The Meranti ‘s Living Museum will feature unique amenities that will help nurture and provide a venue for artistic endeavors like photography. Among these interesting amenities is The Stellar Peak, a space where residents can bond over intimate gatherings. Being on the roof deck of Two Serendra, it is also a haven for scenic and landscape photography enthusiasts. 

Another special feature of The Meranti will be the Tropical Garden, a glass-enclosed party venue that can accommodate up to 300 people. The tree-lined courtyard and greenery will be a beautiful landscape for special occasions and a perfect backdrop to take photographs of precious moments.

Other spaces at The Meranti will include The Culinary Studio, a spacious kitchen and dining area done to professional standards, where aspiring chefs can share their gastronomic creations with up to 30 family members and friends.

In the meantime, residents will also be able to pursue their passion for health and fitness at the well-appointed Fitness Club, a multi-story gym outfitted with complete exercise equipment.

Those whose interests lie in more intellectual pursuits will enjoy the Discovery Hall, a relaxed setting where parents and children can browse through books, play games, or enjoy other indoor activities together.

“Our vision for The Meranti’s future residents is really to experience the tangible representation of their interests and passions within their homes. It’s our way of translating a very unique lifestyle need and highlighting the innovation inherent to Alveo Land—all with the intent of letting our residents live well,” shares Jennylle Tupaz, Project Development Group Head of Alveo Land.

With these amenities unique to The Meranti at Two Serendra, it is all set to be the address of choice for discerning individuals who value their passions in life.

Banana Republic Summer 2011 Collection

Banana Republic introduces its most covetable and expansive summer dress collection to date. The 2011 line-up offers a number of distinct styles, ranging from black-tie evening wear to stylish knit maxi dresses that take you from beach to chic. Each new arrival is a celebration of individuality, with fresh spins on color, texture and shape – all inspired by the otherworldly lushness and vibrancy of the world’s rainforests, lagoons and gardens.

The palette runs the gamut from statement solids punctuated with modern twists to bloom-covered offerings and ethnic prints drenched in the boldest kaleidoscope of hues. Think dainty hand-drawn florals and exuberant watercolors. Luxury also arrives via the feel and ease of the fabrics – silk, linen, cotton – each with a new lightness of being that’s being experienced at a leisurely pace. The softly structured silhouettes beckon to mind the quintessential patio cokctail party where summer was a dressed-up affair and conversations outnumbered dips in the pool.

“The collection was designed with the greatest of intentions: to fulfill every woman’s fantasy of opening a closet and discovering one dreamy dress after another – each a vision destined to dress life’s every occasion.”

-Simon Kneen, Creative Director, EVP

COOL KIDS 2011 Back-to-School and Summer Trade Show

The Earth-loving-planet-saving twins are hot on their mission to help save planetearth! This 2011, Coco and his twin sister Kimmy are hard at work in helping kids realize the value of saving Planet Earth. NOW, more than ever is the time for kids to realize that our planet needs help. The recent flooding we all went thru is proof enough that we all need to move NOW!

Funtastic International Inc., established in the country almost 9 years ago, is behind the Cool Kids and the Fluffy Friends brands. Colorful and lovely characters make up the brands and kids can read about them in two of their exciting books; The Adventures of Coco and Kimmy, and The Adventures of Coco and Kimmy -Saving Zootozoa. These colourful and glossy children’s books are exclusively offered for free for every purchase of Cool Kids products bought from any of the participating department stores nationwide.

The two-day trade show lasted from February 23 to 24 and was held at the Gabaldon Ballroom of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan. Present were representatives from leading department stores and members of the media. Guests were eager to see the latest product offerings from Funtastic International Inc. that included fun-tastic shoes and fun-tabulous School bags, along with toys, gift items and accessories. The new line of affordable, good quality school bags incorporated the latest characters of the Cool Kids friends; Royal Princess, Glam Girlz, Forest Fairies, Viron Transformer, Earth (Geobot), Air (Aerobot) and Water (Aquabot) robots, and Space rangers to name a few. The presentation of various items got everybody excited to use them in the upcoming summer break, and enthusiastic about the children’s back-to-school gear.

Cool Kids has also launched its brand new line of Black School Shoes for kids and cute and wonderful sandals. Its black shoes line is one that offers great comfort and style. What’s even better is that you not only look good wearing them, you also help save the planet !

Funtastic International Inc., in its commitment to preserve the environment, has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines, an independent national organization affiliated with WWF International. For every purchase of any item from the Cool Kids product line, Funtastic International Inc., will donate part of the sales to WWF-Philippines.

The public will see new Cool Kids collection starting April in the shelves of major department stores nationwide. In the meantime they can already choose from other existing Funtastic products, equally attractive, fun and affordable, that are available across the nation.