Celebrate Easter with delicious Italian flair

This Easter, Villa Del Conte perfectly recreates this festive celebration through a fun and colorful Easter egg packaged chocolates. Italy is one of the countries in the world with the biggest, longest and most festive Easter celebration. Pasqua, as Easter is called in Italy, starts weeks before the Holy Week. Italians hold solemn processions, masses and 24-hour religious rituals like Via Crucis or Stations of the Cross. The celebration continues until the end of April with joyous traditions like Easter meals, dances, concerts and other surprises. One of these traditions and the sweetest of them all is the abundance of uova di Pasqua al cioccolato or chocolate Easter eggs. 

Masterfully crafted in Padova, Italy, these rich and decadent artisanal chocolates are packaged in a fun, creative, and adorable Easter egg packaging. Choose the chocolates included in your Villa Del Conte Easter Bunny Treat:

• 3 pcs. Praline Balls
• 4 pcs. Bonta Pralines
• 7 pcs. 5g squares in pastel-colored Easter wrapper

Celebrate Easter the Italian way and get these uova di Pasqua al cioccolato from Villa Del Conte. Visit Villa del Conte stores in:

• Greenbelt 5
• 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: @VillaDelContePh and on Twitter: @villadelconte.  

Jim Beam Highball World’s No. 1 Bourbon brings lively experiences through the first-ever Highball Pop-Up Bar!

“Jim Beam highball is the ultimate drink for our tropical climate; it is refreshing, well-balanced, and pairs superbly with all kinds of food. We have pioneered the perfect highball serve with our original highball draft machines in Japan, and we are glad to share these drinks in a fun environment with great food and ‘live’ music!” ~Sally Lim, Senior Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia, Beam Suntory

Get ready to savor the ultimate highball on tap and enjoy the refreshing side of Bourbon as we take over the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater with an eye-catching Jim Beam Pop-Up Bar at the fountain area from April 24th to 28th.

The perfect Jim Beam highball

Jim Beam highball – a tall cocktail that blends the smooth, sweet flavor of Jim Beam with the sharp, clean zing of citrus– is the star of the show. Served fresh from our proprietary Jim Beam draft machines from Japan, the Jim Beam highball boasts the perfect ratio of our award-winning bourbon to the special high-pressured soda, resulting in a refreshing, super-carbonated, ice-cold concoction! We’ve handpicked only the tastiest mixes and we will be serving six enticing flavors that are perfect this summer season.

1. Classic Highball – Simple, refreshing, and unbelievably bubbly. A true classic!
2. Calamansi Highball – Just the right amount of tartness to keep your taste buds wanting more, the Calamansi Highball comes with chewy Nata de Coco bits that are reminiscent of bubble tea!
3. Pink Grapefruit Highball – The perfect balance of sweetness and a refreshing citrus zing will perk you right up!
4. Peach Highball – Garnished with a juicy slice of peach, this mellow and sweet concoction is sure to be a hit with everyone!
5. Watermelon Highball – Fresh watermelon juice makes this refreshing tipple a perfect way to beat the tropical heat!
6. Yuzu Lychee Highball – Extremely popular in Japan, tangy yuzu paired with the sweetness of lychee makes this merry match perfect for all palates!

Perfect your Jim Beam highball!

Showing revelers just how easy it is to make a Jim Beam highball on your own, the pop-up bar also has a colorful DIY area for the public to practice making their own highballs. Brand ambassadors will be on hand to help and there will be clear, straightforward instructions to follow… and everyone will get to drink their newly-made highball right after! On top of that, guests can take home the Jim Beam highball glass if they post the video of them attempting the DIY highball onto social media.

Music, Food and Fun come together at the Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar

You’ll never miss the visual feast of lights and colors at the center of High Street! The iconic Jim Beam pop-up bar will be home to music and live performances from this generation’s most sought after OPM bands like Autotelic!

The Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar will be complete with games to entertain everyone! Guests will get a free chip to redeem for a game session with each purchase of a highball, and players will be happily rewarded with (even more!) Jim Beam highballs if they win!

The Jim Beam Highball Pop-Up Bar will be at the High Street fountain area in front of Coconut Club from Wednesday, April 24, to Sunday, April 28. The fun starts from 6PM and goes all the way till 12 midnight, with extended hours to 2AM on Friday & Saturday!

About Jim Beam

Founded in 1795, Jim Beam is the world’s No. 1 bourbon and has been operated by one family for seven generations. 220 years of experience goes into every bottle, along with corn, rye, malted barley, water, time, pride, and of course, true passion! Jim Beam White is the cornerstone of the Jim Beam bourbon portfolio, and it derives its rich, satisfying flavor from a treasured family recipe where every drop is aged in charred oak barrels. It boasts an oaky vanilla aroma with a medium-bodied flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Jim Beam is best served in a Jim Beam Highball, a tall cocktail of Jim Beam Bourbon over ice, topped with soda, and finished with a squeeze of citrus! This concoction is the ultimate drink for our tropical climate - it is without equal as a noon-time tipple, an after-work refresher or a weekend party-starter!

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third-largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world-renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whiskey to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

₱20 Deals for HD TV, Soundbar, Noise Cancelling Headsets, and many more at the Shopee 4.4 Summer Bazaar

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, is raising the temperature by dropping prices to as low as ₱20 for some amazing products on the online shopping platform on today’s Shopee 4.4 Summer Bazaar.

Committed to giving its users the best online experience, Shopee is offering more items at huge discounts up to 99% today across different categories. Here are six amazing deals to watch out for at the Shopee 4.4 Summer Bazaar.

1. Avision 24" LED TV Black 24K786 With Wall Bracket

Watch your favorite TV shows in high definition with the Avision 24" LED TV. With a size of 24 inches, it will be easy to find a spot for this HD-ready TV in your house and start watching. You can also play your home movies on the Avision 24” LED TV as it comes with USB support for music, movies, and photos.

2. A&S Soundbar 100

Ever wanted to watch concerts in your home with excellent sound quality? Do just that with the A&S Soundbar 100. A&S is known for designing and manufacturing high quality and value for money consumer electronic products. Its Soundbar 100 comes with smooth wireless connectivity featuring Bluetooth V4.2 streaming.

3. Wow! Fiesta Melody with free USB

Karaoke fans can have their next sing-along party for only ₱20 when they buy the Wow! Fiesta Melody at the Shopee 4.4. Summer Bazaar. It comes with thousands of built-in songs and a USB drive that functions as a multimedia player. Switch between video night and movie night effortlessly.

4. Bavin Unique Earphone High Power Music W/ Built-In Mic

Really get into the groove of what you’re listening to with the Bavin Unique Earphone High Power Music with Built-in Mic. Its 10 mm. HD HiFi speakers and 3D speakers gives users an immersive deep bass experience. Control everything you want to hear with just a few clicks of the remote.

5. Promate Tango-BT Foldable On-Ear Wireless Stereo Headset

Lovers of wireless headsets should take advantage of this sale and get the Promate Tango-BT Foldable On-Ear Wireless Stereo Headset. It is powered by a 250mAh battery that allows for 10 hours of use via Bluetooth. It features high-quality protein leather cushion padded cups for passive noise-cancellation.

6. Bluetooth Speaker W/ LED Alarm Clock Display

This Bluetooth speaker with an LED Alarm Clock Display is a steal because at only ₱20 you not only get a Bluetooth speaker and FM radio, but also a clock with alarm features. Every room should have one.

Shop these items and more exciting deals on the Shopee 4.4 Summer Bazaar now!

For more information about Shopee 4.4 Summer Bazaar, visit http://shopee.ph/4-4.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

A Scientific Approach to Weight Management

Behavior Change Strategies + Social Support: A Scientific Approach to Weight Management
By: David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.S.N. – Chairman, Herbalife Nutrition Institute

Several independent studies show that higher levels of social support are associated with greater success in achieving and maintaining weight loss. A key finding is that groups do not need to be primarily oriented toward weight management. Peer support can help people to become more self-accepting, develop interpersonal skills or new ways to manage stressful situations, all of which, in turn, might help with weight management objectives as a secondary positive consequence.

Breaking bad nutrition and fitness habits can be complicated. Through constant repetition, they become part of our lives. Furthermore, when you add pleasure to those unhealthy habits –like how good pizza tastes– the pleasure centers of the brain will create the craving to repeat that stimulus.

Following a brief, scientifically referenced discussion of the widely accepted psychological principles of behavior change, several published studies from third-parties and independent from Herbalife Nutrition underpin social support in weight management. These studies were held over varying time periods and with various groups but all suggest that when it comes to weight management, the combination of two approaches is most likely to work for substituting bad habits with healthy ones: behavior change strategies reinforced by social support.

Habits are, essentially, patterns of behavior, so by tackling a pattern, you are working on breaking the habit itself. Scientific literature stresses three specific behavior modifications techniques that work when trying to manage weight:

1. Self-monitoring

It’s not about accuracy, but about being aware of what you eat and how much you exercise. Research has consistently demonstrated that self-monitoring is associated with improved treatment outcomes, and patients report that it is one of the most helpful tools in weight management.

2. Stimulus control

Identifying and modifying cues associated with overeating and inactivity can make it easier to maintain healthy habits. Controlling cues associated with overeating or a sedentary lifestyle can be helpful for long-term weight maintenance because exposure to these triggers may cause weight to regain.

3. Stress management

Stress is a primary trigger for overeating, Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and meditation are proven stress reduction techniques and can reduce distraction from stressful events which can interfere with the adoption and maintenance of new behaviors.

It’s also important to note that nowadays, social support comes in different shapes and sizes. It can be exercising with a friend, joining a supervised attendance program, engaging on weekly e-mails with tailored feedback and lessons, or even posting regularly on social media. High online activity, positive votes or likes received per post and engagement in discussions that might provide social support are associated with greater weight loss.

While more research is needed in this area, these initial findings are promising. Whatever the motivation to be in better shape may be, engaging in a weight management journey entails many positive outcomes, such as having more energy to be with your loved ones, better overall health and getting to know like-minded people. That is why this important decision should be undertaken with discipline, joy and any tool for behavior change that can be helpful. Remember: no effort is too small or dismissible.

Social support can make a difference when trying to lead a healthier and happier life. We know that good habits are tough to establish, so having a community around you for support, guidance, and encouragement can be critical.

About Herbalife Nutrition Foundation
Herbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation devoted to providing good nutrition and nutrition education to help make the world healthier and happier. HNF currently supports over 130 programs worldwide, promoting children’s healthy growth and development, helping ensure children are provided with good nutrition for a brighter future. In addition to helping children, the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation supports organizations focused on general wellness of communities, such as the American Cancer Society, Save The Children and the American Red Cross. For more information about HNF, and how you can support our programs, visit HerbalifeNutritionFoundation.org. 

About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier.  The Company has been on a mission for nutrition - changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent members, we are committed to providing solutions to global trends of poor nutrition and obesity, a population that wants to age in a healthier manner, skyrocketing public healthcare costs as well as providing an opportunity to meet the needs of the rising number of entrepreneurs. Herbalife Nutrition offers high quality, science-backed products, one-on-one coaching with a Herbalife Nutrition independent member, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. The Company’s direct sales model provides individuals with an entrepreneurial business opportunity to be their own boss and work either full or part-time.

Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted nutrition, weight management, energy and fitness, and personal care products are available exclusively to and through its independent members in more than 90 countries. 

Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Nutrition Foundation (HNF) and its more than 130 community-based Casa Herbalife Nutrition programs around the globe that help bring good nutrition to children.  The Company and HNF also provide aid to organizations focused on the general wellness of communities such as the American Cancer Society, Save The Children and the American Red Cross.

Herbalife Nutrition is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe.

Herbalife Nutrition has approximately 8,300 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF) with net sales of approximately US$4.4 billion in 2017. To learn more, visit Herbalife.com or IAmHerbalife.com.

Allianz backs Young Aetas’ bid for OCR National Team Pool

“Allianz is supporting the quest of the five Aeta youth from Villa Maria in Pampanga to be part of the national team pool. We are not putting a timetable, but what’s important as of this point is they get the training they need. We are giving them a chance to excel in the sport and the life skills to discover new opportunities along the way. Last December 2018, we brought 25 Aetas to join the Allianz Conquer Challenge in Clark. We were surprised at how the Aetas excelled as they went through each obstacle without prior training. But as our Aetas athletes explained, these obstacles are quite similar to what they go through in their daily lives.” ~Gae Martinez, Allianz Philippines Chief Marketing Officer

Gellyann Soria completing the taho carry challenge alongside race participants

Allianz Philippines has announced during a press briefing last March 31 that it will support the pursuit of five young Aetas until they make it to the Philippines’ obstacle course race (OCR) national team training pool. 

Allianz supports five Aeta youths from Villa Maria Integrated School in their quest to be part of the OCR national team pool.  (L-R): Gellyann B. Soria; Ivy O. Pelayo; Ms. Gae Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer, Allianz PNB Life; Jacob D. King; Danilo B. Yugyug; and Miracle D. Lansang

It was a tough race for the five Aeta youths of Villa Maria Integrated School (VMIS) in Porac, Pampanga as they competed for the 5K Elite Male and Female categories in the recent Allianz OCR Sunday held at Filinvest, Alabang last Mach 31.:

• Gellyann B. Soria, 17
• Ivy O. Pelayo, 16
• Danilo B. Yugyug, 19
• Miracle D. Lansang, 21
• Jacob D. King, 22 

Yugyug finished without penalty in the top 15 of the race composed of 20 obstacles. Official results of the whole race will be available by Wednesday, according to organizers. A participant needs to land in the top 5 to secure a slot in the national team. 

Jacob King pulling himself up the inverted wall close to the finish line

Gae Martinez., she related that with the help of Conquer Challenge, Allianz Philippines’ partner for the Allianz OCR Sunday, they were able to identify the five Aetas who competed in the 5K Elite Races.

Jacob King carrying sandbags during the race

According to Atty. Al Agra, POSF president, Allianz OCR Sunday was the first of a series of four National Team Qualifier events supervised by the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) and organized by Conquer Challenge. The POSF is recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and World OCR (Obstacle Course Racing).

17-year-old Gellyann Soria conquering another wall obstacle

National team members are provided with training here and abroad. The team is currently training at Pretty Huge Obstacles, Asia’s first and largest multi-level obstacle sports facility with a 2,000 sqm floor area located at the Civic Center, SM Aura Premier in BGC, Taguig. 

Five Aeta youths from the adopted school of Allianz in Porac, Pampanga competed for the 5K Elite races in the recent Allianz OCR Sunday held at Filinvest,  Alabang last March 31.  (L-R): Danilo B. Yugyug, 19; Ivy O. Pelayo, 16; Jacob D. King, 22; Gellyann B. Soria, 17; and Miracle D. Lansang, 21

Earlier, Agra announced the training of the national team in the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado in time for the SEA Games, where OCR is expected to have a debut as a medal sport or as an exhibition game.

A fun mishmash of modern and classical ballet

“Our 23rd performance season has been a series of highs, kicking off with Tour de Force and ending with our newest double header Deux. We are very thankful for everyone’s continuous support for Ballet Manila and we are very thrilled to see everyone again on our 24th performance season.” ~Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila CEO and Artistic Director

The first chapter of the show opened with classical vignettes featuring “Les Sylphides”, a romantic white ballet with the lingering music by Frederic Chopin and lyrical choreography by Michael Fokine which evoke the illusion of ethereal weightlessness which characterized the romantic era of ballet where technique is the focal point, especially the intricate pointe work of ballerinas

Ballet Manila recently closed its 23rd performance season with double header Deux—a fun mix of modern classical ballet set to the tunes of The Beatles and Chopin, held at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex. 

The second chapter opened with the thrilling contemporary number of The Winding Road set to the tune of The Beatles.

The first chapter of the show opened with classical vignettes featuring “Les Sylphides” also known as “Chopiniana” in Russia, a romantic white ballet that depicts a lone danseur (The Poet) surrounded by his muses—white-clad sylphs or air spirits dancing in the moonlight. While there is no plot, its lingering music by Frederic Chopin and lyrical choreography by Michael Fokine evoke the illusion of ethereal weightlessness which characterized the romantic era of ballet where technique is the focal point, especially the intricate pointe work of ballerinas. Other classical vignettes included Pas De Action and Diane et Acteon.

L-R: Costume designer for The Winding Road Jeffrey Rogador, Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja and Winding Road choreographer Martin Lawrance.

Choreographed by Martin Lawrance, both young and old surely enjoyed The Beatles hits such as:

• I Saw Her Standing There
• Here, There and Everywhere, Something
• The Long and Winding Road
• She Loves You, and many more

From this trance-like ambiance, the second chapter of the show highlights the thrilling contemporary number of The Winding Road set to the tune of The Beatles. 

Ballet Manila is The Philippines’ Premiere Classical Dance Company. Under the leadership of Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Ballet Manila has brought the magic of classical ballet to the farthest-flung regions of the country, as well as the important ballet capitals of the world. Ballet Manila also continuously innovates to provide its audience, clients, and business partners with a myriad of shows and performance options. 

3 line up of exciting array of summer activities at Ortigas Malls

It’s going to be a fun-filled summer in the city as Ortigas Malls lines up an exciting array of activities to delight shoppers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re in search of a new hobby or are just raring to make good use of your free time, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at all Ortigas Malls.

Summer Takeover at Estancia

Fun-loving kids would especially love Estancia’s Summer Takeover activities which will run throughout April, all designed to let kids discover and hone their special talents. Choose from singing lessons (April 11 & 12), hip-hop dance lessons (April 15-16), modeling lessons (April 22, 24 & 26), and an arts and crafts workshop (May 3). A culminating event on May 4 will allow kids to show off their works which will be on display at the Bridgeway.

Estancia has also prepared activities for teens, who can look forward to an Instagrammable Photo Styling session (April 13) and Succulent in Pot Decorating (April 27).

Easter is extra spectacular at Estancia as it holds an Easter Safari Eggventure that families with kids of all ages will definitely enjoy. The adventure will include musical performances inspired by the Lion King, lots of games, a magician’s show, and an easter egg safari hunt all happening on April 21.

Get Creative at Tiendesitas

If you want to express your thoughts artistically, you’ll love the Collab-a-Doodle Wall at Tiendesitas, where you can doodle to your heart’s content on a giant wall and even meet some artists. There will be a Collab-a-Doodle wall on Easter on  April 13 to 14.

More kid-friendly activities await at the Tiendesitas Kids Summer Camp. For the aspiring young artists, there will be Little Mr. & Ms. Tiendesitas 2019, dance, acting and modeling workshops, and outreach program where kids can learn and meet new friends on all weekends of April.

Easter is extra special at Tiendesitas, with lots of games and an easter-egg hunt that promises lots of fun. There will also be a summer camp on educational activities (April 24), pre-production and modeling (April 26), and a parade (April 27).

Stay Fit at Industria

Enjoy countless summer adventures at Industria’s weekend Zumba workouts with Ninja Academy throughout the month of April. For health and wellness buffs, there will be a Green Market on May 4, 11, 18 and 25 that will offer a wide array of organic produce and healthy foodstuff.

Celebrate Easter on April 21 with an Easter Cookie Decorating session that your kids will surely love. You can also have a blast with friends at Industria’s Bob Marley Summer Kick Off party on May 4 that will feature the best local bands in the country.

Don’t let your summer go to waste. At Ortigas Malls, you’ll never run out of options to make summer fun for you and your family and friends. For more information, please visit www.ortigasmalls.com.