Essilor’s “Eye Can Succeed” bags Silver and Gold Anvil Awards

Essilor’s Eye Can Succeed campaign through Essilor Vision Foundation (EVF) won two awards at the 53rd Anvil Awards held at the Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC. Out of over 450 entries across the country, Eye Can Succeed won the Gold Anvil Award for Public Relations Program on a sustainable basis, and the Silver Anvil Award for Specialized Public Relations Program for its advocacy campaign for healthy vision. 

The campaign helps Filipino public senior high school students to achieve better eyesight by providing free eye check-ups and giving free eyeglasses. EVF, the philanthropic arm of Essilor, is committed to eliminating poor vision and its lifelong consequences among the 2.5 billion people around the world and to provide opportunities to live a better life through better eyesight. 

For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph/eyecansucceed, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

All systems go for the 10th ASEAN Para Games in Manila on January 2019

Above, Secretary Cayetano shakes hands with PPC President Mike Barredo in the presence of (L-R) PPC Marketing Director Debbie Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Arnold Agustin and PPC Vice President Tom Carrasco Jr.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairman of the 10th ASEAN Para Games, starts preparations for the 10th ASEAN Para Games in Manila with the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) and the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). The Games will be participated in by 11 countries competing in 20 sports composed of 400 events. The estimated attendance is around 2,000 para athletes, 1,000 team officials, 1,500 technical officials and 100 medical staff. 

A total of 4,000 local volunteers will be mobilized to assist in the staging of the games. This is the second time that the Philippines is hosting the biennial event after its 3rd edition in 2005.

BEKO Cool summer treats to enjoy this summer with your kids

Summer is here and while the school is on break, it is a great time for your kids to go out and play. Similarly, this season is also the perfect time for them to indulge in sweet, chilly treats and stay cool amid the scorching heat.

However, falling into a bad eating habit during summer can take an unhealthy turn for your kids. And as a parent, getting them to eat well can get challenging. To prevent this from happening you can get creative in incorporating better nutritional choices by mixing in healthy bits of fresh fruits and vegetables to their favorite treats.

You can start by trying these three healthy recipes, as listed by Beko, one of the largest home appliance brands in Europe, and the Official Partner of the Everyday, that can be amazing and delicious alternatives for their go-to refreshments while helping them beat the summer heat. 

Chocolate Milkshake with Malunggay

Nothing beats a smooth and creamy milkshake to cool you down during the hot summer days. Adding Malunggay, together with the classic flavor of chocolate, makes for a great and healthy treat for kids and kids-at-heart.

You can surely never go wrong with this delicious recipe, especially that according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Malunggay is proven to help prevent micronutrient deficiencies among children, with regular consumption.

What you need to prepare: 

• 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup milk (cold)
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
• 1/4 cup Malunggay leaves

Three easy steps to follow: 

1. Place ice cream, milk, Malunggay, and syrup in blender container.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve immediately. *Garnish, if desired.
4. 
   

Mango Popsicle 

If the refreshing flavor of mango is palatable to your kids’ taste, then this recipe is perfect for them. Mango is rich in Vitamin A, C, and E, which are powerful antioxidants. Now, nothing beats a summertime filled with the fruity goodness of Mango Popsicle.

What you need to prepare: 

• 2 cups frozen mango
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Three easy steps to follow: 

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. *You may need to make intervals to scrape down the sides then blend again to get out any chunks.
2. Pour mixture into Popsicle molds and freeze until hardened.
3. 
   

Fruit Slushy

Lastly, you may also opt to create a fun drink by mixing different fruits of your choice, which are not only tasty but, are also capable of keeping you feel refresh even while out in the sun. Fruit Slushies are also naturally rich in nutrients since it is made out of different types of fruits. Some of the nutrients that you can get are potassium, calcium, folate, and dietary fiber. So, go ahead and make your kids a cool, healthy treat in less than a minute.

What you need to prepare: 

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped fresh fruits of your choice
• 1 cup ice (plus extra, depending on the type of fruit used)
• 1/4 cup water

Four easy steps to follow: 

1. Wash and chop the fruits into manageable pieces.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a blender. 
3. Blend on high until the mixture is the consistency of a slushy.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

To ensure that these refreshments stay fresh and nutritious, it pays to have a good partner in refrigerating them. Since they are made out of fruits and vegetables, losing 20 percent of its moisture is no longer considered fresh. This will not be the case if your appliance has the right features like Beko Refrigerators. 

With Beko’s NeoFrost technology, its refrigerators keep an optimum level of humidity (up to 90 percent) due to its two separate cooling systems. This feature also makes for longer freshness in the cooler. 

Beko Refrigerators also has Blue Light Technology that continues the process of photosynthesis, allowing fruits and vegetables to maintain their natural flavors and nutritional value. 

On top of that, the independent cooling systems also prevent odor transfer in between the compartments and keep the quality of the air inside at maximum levels. With its NeoFrost technology, it achieves more stable and faster cooling both in the fresh food and the freezer compartments at A+ energy efficiency level. Thus, keeping the fruits and vegetables fresh in the refrigerator.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit the website at www.beko.ph. 

The Workplus at Filinvest Mimosa+

“With the opening of Workplus, we aim to not only bring in more business to Clark, but to also help increase employment in Pampanga.” ~Janette Cordero, Filinvest Cyberzone’s first Vice President 

The Workplus at Filinvest Mimosa+ is set amidst lush greeneries for a more conducive corporate environment. 

Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, has been changing and invigorating the business and leisure landscape in the north with a progressive redevelopment masterplan. Integral to this plan is its 3.6-hectare sustainable office campus—dubbed Workplus—set amidst lush greeneries that is conducive to both work and wellness.

Currently, two office buildings—called 1 Workplus and 2 Workplus—are already complete and ready to welcome corporations that are looking to expand their business in Central Luzon. This is another proof of the dynamism that Filinvest has been injecting into the Mimosa+ estate.

With a total gross floor area of over 110,000 square meters and total gross leasable area of approximately 100,000 square meters, all Workplus buildings come equipped with fibre optic facilities that are best suited for business process outsourcing (BPO), information technology (IT), and knowledge-based companies, with ample surface and podium parking areas available. Furthermore, each structure strictly follows the green building guidelines of Clark Development Corporation to promote corporate social responsibility and true green living.

Also of particular note is how the office campus is filled with full-grown Acacia trees and rich flora. Cognizant of this, Filinvest Mimosa+ collaborated with renowned designer firm H1 Architecture to devise an office campus master plan that is conscious of the natural landscape, where the positioning of the buildings, for example, was carefully composed in such a way that it moves around and blends with the trees. This creates a healthy, vibrant atmosphere that seamlessly integrates the landscape with the buildings’ architectural design. 

Moreover, the building design features a "glass belt"—reflecting the landscape surrounding it from the outside—that breaks the volume and creates a sense of individuality in each of the buildings.

Other factors that set Workplus apart are the leisure destinations within Filinvest Mimosa+—the Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Clark, which is currently undergoing renovations to better serve both short- and long-staying guests, and the 150-hectare Mimosa Golf Course, which is the centerpiece that draws a steady stream of guests to the estate.

Filinvest Mimosa+ takes pride in a 201-hectare expanse of lush landscaping with an abundance of mature trees. Awarded with a long-term 50-year lease, the Filinvest Group continues to fulfill its plans of redeveloping the estate as it takes into account four major components: leisure, business, residential, and nature. In addition to the office campus, its vision includes a lifestyle mall and an al fresco retail strip, which will soon be home to various boutiques and unique dining concepts. Then, there’s the Events Grounds and an Events Pavillion for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) and a residential phase that will offer the most beautiful countryside living spaces.

With all these dynamic developments, together with the recent uptick in BPO property demand, Workplus in Filinvest Mimosa+ is well-poised to lead the growth charge in the north, anchored on the vision set forth by the Filinvest Group: an integrated, balanced, and eco-centric master planned community.

Being at the forefront of Filinvest Mimosa+’s vision to elevate the business industry in Clark, six office buildings are set to rise in Workplus within the next six years.

Work Fun Day at SM Supermalls on May 1!

Take your friends and the whole family to a fun day at the mall and begin the excitement by indulging in delicious dishes. From best-loved restaurants to discovering new flavors, gastronomic experiences await customers across the malls nationwide. SM Supermalls brings to customers the first Work Fun Day at SM celebration, delighting mallgoers with fun-filled activities, surprises and deals in 68 malls happening on May 1!

Looking for more mall adventures? You can invite loved ones to go bowling, ice skating, and even catch the latest movies at your favorite SM mall. These indoor activities are great ways to be entertained away from the summer heat.

There is also the Work Fun Bonus at The SM Store on May 1, where the shopper can get a free P100 gift coupon with a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P3,000, and SM Advantage card holders get twice the fun with a P200 gift coupon.

Ongoing summer-themed #LetsPlayNowAtSM events are also set to treat everyone with interactive games and digital attractions for instant discounts and giveaways.

Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones on May 1 and celebrate Work Fun Day at SM!

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. #EverythingsHereAtSM.

Win a Scuba Diving Adventure with TechnoMarine

This summer, TechnoMarine takes you to one of the country’s best dive spots in the Philippines. With every purchase of TechnoMarine’s Manta Sea and other featured collections, you get the chance to spend an amazing summer holiday with three of your friends at Acacia Resorts and Dive Center, the premium go-to destination of divers in Anilao, Batangas. Perfectly crafted to withstand underwater pressure of up to 200 meters, TechnoMarine’s Manta Sea watch is suitable for recreational scuba diving. 

Its 48.80mm stainless steel case material and black silicone band is not only perfect for exploring underwater wonders but makes a stylish statement as well. Dive into this wonderful opportunity now and experience one of the country’s breathtaking underwater destinations. 

Get your own TechnoMarine Manta Sea timepiece at any TechnoMarine store in:

• Greenbelt 3
• Robinsons Galleria
• Robinsons Magnolia
• Shangri-La Plaza
• SM City Cebu
• SM Lanang Premier Davao
• SM Mall of Asia
• SM Megamall
• SM North Edsa
• TriNoma

For more information, follow and like TechnoMarine on Facebook and Instagram: @TechnoMarinePH

AXN Welcomes Britain’s Got Talent to its Slate

“AXN is Asia’s undisputed pan-regional home of talent where we provide performers of all backgrounds with a powerful platform to showcase their unique skills. The addition of Britain’s Got Talent to our programming line-up complements our record-breaking original production, Asia’s Got Talent, giving viewers even more access to diverse, global entertainment.” ~Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production, and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Britain’s Got Talent, the UK version of the world’s favorite talent competition, will make its home on AXN this Sunday, April 15 with the electrifying premiere of season 12. The kings and queens of entertainment Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return once again to their rightful thrones on the judging panel.

Over the past few months, the popular judges have traveled the UK seeking out the weird and the wacky, the wonderful and the inspirational. With thousands of applicants, AXN viewers will be astounded by the impressive line-up of acts competing to be crowned this year’s winner. From choirs and dance acts, to a group of mysterious aliens and a musician skilled in the classical Russian jaw harp, Britain’s Got Talent judges have seen it all, and this series looks to be the most entertaining yet.

The past decade has seen Britain’s Got Talent deliver some of the most talked about winners including Paul Potts, Diversity, Ashleigh & Pudsey, Lance Corporal Richard Jones and most recently Tokio Myers. No doubt this year, there will be many more must-see moments to come.

Britain’s Got Talent premieres Sunday, April 15 at 9.05pm on AXN, within 24 hours of the UK telecast.

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 49, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

7th Baby, Kids & Family Expo - Summer Edition

Make the most out of your summer experience at the 7th Baby, Kids & Family Expo [BKFEP] – Summer Edition happening on April 21-22, 2018 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Organized by Mediacom Solutions Inc., BKFEP is known as a one-stop shop event for all baby, kids, maternity and family needs. The event will feature over 100 Brands in 1,384sqm Exhibit Space and expects over 10,000 Visitors.

This two-day family event will give expecting parents and families an opportunity to discover the latest and most innovative products & services for the whole family, and avail of exclusive discounts from much beloved brands, like Enfant, Enchanted Kingdom, Uni-Love, Tiny Buds, St. Patrick, Babymama, Farlin, Babyjoy, Urban Mom Store and Smart Steps.

The event is sponsored by Nestle Nankid and Cerelac. BKFEP will also feature a Wonderland Playground Area, a Breastfeeding Station, a Diaper Changing Area, a Arts and Craft Station and a Stage Activity Area, where various activities will be held, for example Parenting Seminars, Celebrity Mom Talks, Raffle & Games, Ballet Performances, Mascot Appearances, Sing & Dance Performances and the much awaited Baby and Kid Summer Idol 2018 Awarding.  

If you are interested to attend the largest baby, kids, and family summer event of the year, register online for FREE at www.babyexpo.ph/april/

 For more information, you may also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/babyexpoph. 

For sponsorship or booth inquiries you may contact Barbie Belo at +63-2-218-7748, +63-906-266-1575 or send an email to barbie@babyexpo.ph 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

Mediacom Solutions Inc. (MSI) is a leading Philippine exhibition and convention organizer. MSI is the organizer of the Philippine Investment Expo and Conference, the Philippine SME Business Expo, the Visayas SME Business Expo, the Mindanao SME Business Expo, the Philippine Property Expo, the Cebu Property Expo, the Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo and the Baby, Kids and Family Expo Philippines. For more information visit www.mediacom.ph.

Rich and Healthy Dark Chocolates from Villa del Conte

Discover the intense, rich and healthy goodness of dark chocolates with Villa del Conte’s decadent dark chocolate bar with crunchy toffee and sea salt. Dark chocolate is not only irresistibly delicious but is also loaded with bioactive compounds that can protect your skin from the sun and flavonols that can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart and brain. Villa del Conte’s 100g dark bar is handcrafted from Padova, Italy and lets you indulge your chocolate craving without the guilt.  

Villa Del Conte stores are located in:

• Greenbelt 5
• Century City Mall
• Shangri-la Mall
• SM Megamall
• Robinsons Magnolia

For bulk orders and to know more about Villa Del Conte’s indulgent creations, contact 893-2575, visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villadelconteph/  and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte. 

An Art Workshop with a Heart - Paint and Sip in Tagaytay

As we become a web-centric world, more online opportunities arise and the love for arts is becoming one of the most-sought activities for kids and kids-at-heart. Therefore, Eco Hotel Philippines, together with Iris Alonzo, came up with an art workshop called “Paint and Sip.”

Paint and Sip is an instructional painting lesson usually consists of groups and accompanied by wine or other beverages. This event has increased rapidly since 2007. Furthermore, Iris started Paint and Sip in Yangon in July 2017 as a way to raise funds to run a primary school in an isolated village in Mon State. Her event lives on in the Philippines to fund art scholarships and to encourage people to explore their artistic capacities with the help of wine and friends.

We’ve invited talented and accomplished artists to share their expertise and journey to make it even more effective and incredible event for YOU!

1. Jessica Herrera

Jessica will be the main artist of the operation. She has worked in he has worked in AIESEC for 6 years as well, then served as a Partnership Manager for Asian Development Bank, and is currently a consultant for NGOs in the Philippines. She is a licensed Zumba instructor and certified Spanish teacher, but her true passion is painting. She started at the tender age of 6 and is happy to finally have found a relevant cause for her talent.

2. Iris Alonso

Iris is not an artist but an art enthusiast, with 6 years of development work experience in AIESEC, an international NGO. Through that, she became a Country Manager and Global Expansions Coach in Myanmar. 

The proceeds from this event will be used to fund an organization to honor Sir Chinggoy Alonso’s contribution to Philippine arts and theatre. Chinggoy was a Filipino actor in theatre, movies, and television. He appeared in countless movies during his lifetime. Sadly, last October 2017, he passed away due to cancer. 

Eco Hotel Philippines is a company that is passionate about conservation, preservation, and protection of our environment. As a green service hotel, Eco Hotels ensures that Eco-friendly processes are implemented from construction to day-to-day operations. This is aligned with its advocacy of minimizing its impact on the environment while imparting practices of sustainability to their staff and guests.

This art workshop aims to impart valuable tips to unleashing your love for arts like Iris and Jessica.

Don’t miss the chance to attend this greatly anticipated event. Mark your calendars now: 21st of April 2018, at Containers by Eco Hotel, located along SVD Road, Brgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City, 4:30 pm onwards. 

For more information, you may sign-up here https://goo.gl/forms/FTJDyumsJj7oSK5p2, email info@ecohotel.com.ph  or message us on Facebook (@ecohotelph). See you there! 

Filigree’s Botanika Unique Lifestyle

“We are extremely pleased to welcome residents as they finally make Botanika their home. Botanika by Filigree is a bespoke residential condominium masterpiece that we are most proud of. That we were able to finish it on time and to exacting standards is but a testament to our unyielding commitment to investors and unit owners.” ~Catherine Ilagan, Head of Filigree

Mr. Rommel Abad and Andy Locsin of Leandro V. Locsin Partners

With soothing symphony music filling the air, guests stood in awe at Botanika’s majestic atrium and hotel-like lobby, with its superb ventilation and natural light streaming in, plus the lush ‘gardenscapes’ that envelope the entirety of the development—unique features that helped the development gain a three-star BERDE rating for design from the Philippine Green Building Council. Filigree, the newest luxury real estate brand in the country, recently gave its renowned designers, project consultants, and select members of the media a warm welcome at Botanika Nature Residences in Filinvest City, Alabang with the turnover of its Tower 1.

Leni Bandojo, Rowena Ramos, and Rey Azarcon of BERDE

Botanika, a luxurious, low-density condominium, has reached a major milestone as the project’s first phase was completed on time and as promised, allowing some of the country’s most discriminating and affluent homeowners to already move into their units, a testimony of Filigree’s ability to complete masterfully crafted, upscale living spaces on time and without compromise.

“One of the things that I am truly proud of is really how we were able to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.” ~During the event, Architect Dodo Casibang of AECOM

Catherine A. Ilagan, Filigree Head

 Issa Litton

Mia Borromeo

Partners also shared how Botanika’s architecture considered the kind of lifestyle that awaits the future residents.

“One of the core value of this project is the ability to live an environmentally-ethical life. I think that is one of the aspects that the clients are looking for.” ~Mr. Andy Locsin of Leandro V Locsin

Dodo Casibang and Jun Ganaden of AECOM

Paolo Pineda and Ernie Lopez

Guests were also given a tour of the elegant main lobby, the grand three-bedroom mock-up unit, the state-of-the-art business center, as well as the indoor and outdoor kid’s play area, all interior designed by Isabelle Miaja of the Miaja Design Group further eliciting awes from everyone with the smart floorplan and the breathtaking views beyond.

Audrey Belle Po and Christopher Vicic of Philippine Green Building Council

Ces Drilon

Botanika Nature Residences surely and simply stands out as a product bearing iconic architecture, generosity of space, unparalleled finishes and build quality, posh amenities, and superior property management that make for green and worry-free living beyond compare. For more information, visit www.botanika.com.ph or call (02) 880-2868.

Bric’s Life 65th Anniversary Collection on trend for the SS 2018 collection!

To create a look that is fitting for an anniversary collection, Bric's renews and updates the classic Mustang, in the iconic olive color, and paints it with a delicate floral motif rich in anemones and cherry blossoms, a fresh spring recall. Italian heritage brand Bric’s celebrates 65 years of innovation and tradition renowned for its elegance and exemplary craftsmanship.

The flowers are defined through stylized silver sketching, with pink and lilac tones, on trend for the SS 2018 collection. It has been a travel luggage coveted by privileged clienteles of both sexes who seek for the seamless fusion of timeless beauty and functionality when it comes to their lives greatest and most premium experiences.

In its mission to provide elegance and functionality for the jet-setting lifestyle of its female patrons, Bric’s unveiled its limited edition capsule collection inspired by “Life”, the signature collection from the brand. The collection expresses itself thanks to the materials used: mustang, a unique and durable fabric, made in Italy, with a sophisticated suede effect, combined with luxurious vegetable-tanned leather trims and embellished with golden metal hardware.

The Life 65th anniversary collection offers a beautiful assortment: a four-wheel soft trolley spinner available in three different sizes (one carry-on supported by two larger, check-in sized trolleys), as well as the classic Bric's duffle bag in two sizes, a wash bag, a train case and a shopper.

The capsule collection is available in Bric's stores located at:

• SM Aura Premier
• Shangri-La Plaza Mall
• Ayala Center Cebu

For more details about Bric’s, visit www.facebook.com/bricsphilippines.

Upcoming episode of Supernatural and the Animated world of Scooby-Doo

This highly-anticipated episode of Supernatural premieres on AXN

27 April, Friday at 10:40pm.

Two beloved worlds collide in the upcoming episode of Supernatural when Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Castiel (Misha Collins) are transported into the animated world of Scooby-Doo where they join forces with the Scooby gang to solve a ghostly mystery. The cast of Supernatural shared their excitement about the soon-to-be iconic episode during the recent Comic-Con.

“Everyone’s super excited about the Scooby-Doo episode. I don’t want to give away too much but there is a little live action at the beginning of the episode and that gets us into Scooby-land. I am pretty stoked about it. When we finished voicing the animation, we were like ‘Let’s do another one. That was awesome!’ We’d never been so eager to work before in our lives.” ~Dean (Jensen Ackles)

Two beloved worlds collide in the upcoming episode of Supernatural when Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Castiel (Misha Collins) are transported into the animated world of Scooby-Doo where they join forces with the Scooby gang to solve a ghostly mystery. The cast of Supernatural shared their excitement about the soon-to-be iconic episode during the recent Comic-Con.

“Everyone’s super excited about the Scooby-Doo episode. I don’t want to give away too much but there is a little live action at the beginning of the episode and that gets us into Scooby-land. I am pretty stoked about it. When we finished voicing the animation, we were like ‘Let’s do another one. That was awesome!’ We’d never been so eager to work before in our lives.” ~Dean (Jensen Ackles) 

AXN is the leading English general entertainment channel in Asia with engaging content that redefines action. For the latest programming schedule at www.AXN-Asia.com or join the conversation on Facebook @AXNAsia.

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 49, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

*Photo Credits to AXN.

About AXN

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and ground-breaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From SEAL Team and MacGyver, to The Amazing Race Asia and Asia’s Got Talent, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 126 million households across 19 territories and is available in both SD and HD.

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM.

Roots for Boracay From Grassroots Sports

“We understand the need to lessen our impact by making our operations cleaner and greener. We do not just want to make the best rhum in the Philippines, bet we want everyone to know that our rhum is made with good intentions and we hope to improve our operations year after year. We want our consumers to know that every bottle of Tanduay that they drink is made from green intentions and green energy. Before we took over Tanduay, there have been cases filed against its practices pertaining to pollution. We said, let us clean up first. We started investing in technologies that we are using in our Absolut distillery in Batangas in order to reduce our carbon footprint. It was a long process, and we did it. When we first got there, we already saw the amount of solid waste that lay among the mangroves. Before we started reforesting the area, we needed to have it cleaned up. It took awhile to bring together the various people who will help us in our quest to get hold of the right to implement our project to clean up and re-plant in order to stop the continuous degradation of the mangroves in that area of Boracay.” ~Lucio “Bong” Tan,  Jr., Tanduay President

Gerry Tee, Chief Operating Officer of Absolut Distillers

Tanduay President Lucio “Bong” Tan, Jr. has been actively supporting grassroots sports through an initiative known as Tanduay Athletics. Tan is the backer of Batangas Tanduay Athletics that is now the team lording over the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) founded by Sen. Manuel Pacquiao.  The league replaced a former regional basketball league that supports grassroots basketball. 

Beyond sports, Tan is also passionate about green initiatives. He himself was on top of the transformation to a zero-waste facility of Absolut Distillers, Tanduay’s alcohol distillery based in Lian, Batangas. The facility bagged numerous environmental awards, including the prestigious Green Apple Awards, an annual international campaign to recognize, reward and promote environmental best practices around the world. Absolut Distillers is the only local distillery to have received this award up to this day. The company likewise has since been a recipient of awards by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for their outstanding environment conservation practices.      

Tan continued, adding that, they have started investing in solar energy as a cleaner alternative as well. The Tanduay president further shared that the concern for the environment sprang from the knowledge that the distillery industry is considered as one of the dirtiest.

Now, Tan would like to bring public attention to a project he started in 2011 to protect what little is left of the old Boracay. The island has been noted as one of the world’s top destinations, but it has encountered controversy lately due to the amount of pollution that has been plaguing the once-pristine paradise. There are talks of a government shutdown to tourists in order to rehabilitate the natural landscape.  Tan pioneered the project “Roots for Boracay” to save the last mangroves in the island.

He noted that if the mangroves have not been cut down indiscriminately, the problems being faced by Boracay today would have been much lesser. There would be no need to set up expensive artificial waste treatment facilities for the island’s recovery, as the mangrove roots will naturally filter water waste. According to him, Boracay is far from any of his business interests, but the need to respond to an impending crisis was what drove him to act. 

  

But Tan had the right man on his side to make sure his visions will be realized. Gerry Tee is the chief operating officer of Absolut Distillers. He is the same person with whom his father Lucio Tan Sr. entrusted the green transformation of the Batangas alcohol distillery. With the help of Tee, they engaged the Tan Yan Kee Foundation led by Philip Sing to gather a 200-strong workforce that began the clean up efforts in Barangay Manoc Manoc, where the mangroves are located. They have gathered four truckloads of garbage by the time they finish cleaning the mangroves area.

Lucio “Bong” Tan,  Jr., Tanduay President

He added that aside from building the infrastructures and replanting mangroves, the mission of the project is to showcase that part of Boracay that is often neglected so people can know what it takes to protect the beaches that tourists love so much.   

“To protect Boracay, it is important to go down to its roots. In this case, we seek the last frontier of Boracay – the mangroves. It is where the fish and other sea creatures get nutrients, it is where life starts. Without the mangroves, the island would also cease to exist, as it protects the island from typhoons. The beautiful fine white sand will go back to the sea because their roots are the ones holding the island together. So much has been cut down to make way for real estate, others cut them down for firewood. A portion is also dying out because a road development cut off the water supply. With Roots For Boracay, people have begun to understand what needs to be done. Boracay is only part of the market for Tanduay, we are more concerned about our legacy. It is not about Tanduay, it is about the locals – their subsistence, their livelihood, and their existence. Tanduay is just there as a vehicle to raise awareness. If Boracay is closed down, people will move on to Palawan. This has happened before, just look at how Matabungkay deteriorated. The issue is lack of awareness, and we are trying to address that with our project. It is about moving forward, and we can all help in our own little way, by doing things like picking up a cigarette butt and not throwing your garbage just anywhere. It was a directive from the Chairman, Mr. Lucio Tan to follow the concept of sustainable development, where we do not profit at the expense of the environment. We make sure that everything we do is about reducing our carbon footprint and become more independent from the environment where we do not use to dump our waste.” ~Gerry Tee, Chief Operating Officer of Absolut Distillers

The project had partnered with the local government unit, the DENR, and concerned non-government organizations to come up with a sustainable development in the area which involves the locals, educating them about the importance of the mangroves to their island.

The Tanduay executives underscored that it is not about the company, which has also instituted other environmental campaigns in partnership with the Tan Yang Kee Foundation such as The Canopy Project, which replants trees in the denuded forests in the North.

They cautioned that if the lack of concern for the environment continues in the name of profit, Boracay will not be the only one. They said that the plans of shutting down Boracay will hurt a lot, but from their perspective of what they have seen in the mangrove forest, it could be a one-step-backward, two-steps-forward situation.

ONE Athlete "Lady GoGo" Jenny Huang's never-say-die spirit to claim victory

“I want to vie for the top prize of ONE Championship’s atomweight division again. In order to achieve that, I need to build a momentum with a huge win. It was frustrating. After winning five-straight matches to start my career, now I’ve lost two consecutive bouts. It’s difficult because I am in a tough position. Another loss is detrimental. I’ve dealt with my recent setback like a real warrior. My desire is to win again. I will work hard to get the win this coming April 20 in Manila. She is a good striker with heavy hands. I fought her teammate, April Osenio, before. Like April, I know she will come out with guns blazing. My fight against Angela Lee showed striking was my weakness. Now, I am facing a great striker in Iniong. I had to improve all of my techniques, on offense and defense. Every time I am training, I need to be prepared, and ready, to be an all-around fighter. Before, my strong point was only grappling. I cannot just focus on one thing. Gina Iniong is tough as nails. But l will show everyone my new skills in this bout. I am confident that I will win this time around.” ~Jenny “Lady GoGo” Huang of Chinese Taipei

Jenny “Lady GoGo” Huang of Chinese Taipei is starting to really feel a sense of urgency when it comes to her professional career as a martial artist. The 27-year-old Taiwanese standout yielded to Angela Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship by third-round technical knockout in March 2017 before she suffered another defeat at the hands of Mei Yamaguchi via second-round submission two months later.

Once a top contender, the Taiwanese atomweight is attempting to catapult herself back into the title picture and is desperately trying to avoid the first three-bout losing skid of her prizefighting stint. Huang expects to solve both dilemmas on 20 April when she battles Filipina hard-hitter Gina “Conviction” Iniong on the undercard of ONE: HEROES OF HONOR, which emanates from the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Huang made two appearances in the promotion last year, but she failed to have her hand raised in both cage outings. Although her back is against the wall, Huang pointed out that her string of setbacks spurred a drive to dig deep to ace her next assignment. However, Huang admitted that getting the victory at ONE: HEROES OF HONOR will be arduous as the opposition that stands in front of her on 20 April is no slouch.

A six-time national Wushu champion and a member of the renowned Team Lakay, Iniong owns a professional record of 6-3, with four of her six victories coming by thrilling finish, including two highlight-reel submissions and two knockouts. After falling short to Yamaguchi in a title eliminator last November, Iniong will look to regain her winning form as she takes on Huang.

Determined to build upon her judo black belt background and continue her natural evolution as a martial artist, Huang splits her time between Northern China’s Tianjin Top Team and Hiroyuki Abe’s Abe Ani Combat Club in Tokyo Japan. As she shares the ONE Championship stage with a stand-up specialist like Iniong, Huang bared that she felt the inclination to improve on all facets of the game.

Putting the dismal 2017 campaign behind her, Huang is determined to show the world just how much she has evolved as a martial artist. For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Uratex Premium celebrates World Sleep Month

   (L-R) Kaye Tinga, Uratex CEO & president Naty Cheng, Fe Rodriguez, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and Uratex EVP Eddie Gallor.

World Sleep Month with Tessa and Kaye. Uratex Premium celebrated World Sleep Month with a fun and exciting slumber party hosted by society personalities and philanthropists Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga. The slumber party was attended by the hostesses’ closest friends, successful people who want exceptional comfort and superior sleep. 

Held at the Prieto-Valdes residence in North Forbes Park, Makati, the event highlighted the importance of comfortable and luxurious sleep and featured:

• Uratex’s Premium Touch Sublime
• Senso Memory Ultima
• Orthocare Harmony mattresses
• Uratex Premium pillows, which are specially crafted using the latest sleep-science technology and luxury fabric for high-quality comfort. 

Uratex Premium gave away an elegant Orthocare Balance mattress during the event, which was won by Fe Rodriguez.

For more information, visit https://www.uratex.com.ph/.