MANILA PAVILION'S MID-AUTUMN MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

MID-AUTUMN MOONCAKE FESTIVAL

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon season as Manila Pavilion’s Patisserie lays out a delectable spread of mooncakes from September 14 to October 18, 2015 at the Patisserie.

Occurring on the 15th day of the eight month of the Chinese lunar calendar when the moon is at its brightest, the Mid-Autumn Moon festival has become an occasion for family reunions all over the world, which like the ubiquitous moon cakes that abound during the season, symbolizes family solidity and union.  It is considered to be the time of year when children are happiest and traditional candle-lit lanterns shaped in various forms are visibly displayed.

To welcome the moon, purchase a hearty mooncake perfect for your tea party on the 27th of September. Revel in the delightful aroma of palatable moon cake variants available at the Patisserie. For the large mooncakes, there’s the lotus with macadamia, egg custard, mixed nuts, lotus with 1 or 2 eggs, lotus plain, mongo with 1 or 2 eggs and mongo plain. And for the mini mooncakes, available flavors are chocolate, ube, egg custard, mixed nuts, lotus plain and mongo plain. Prices start at Php1350 per box of four. Also comes in gift boxes perfect for giveaways starting at Php450 per box of four.

To make this occasion more festive, Manila Pavilion also offers Mid-Autumn Room Package starting at Php3,500nett for an overnight stay with buffet breakfast for two (2), one (1) limited Mommily Holiday Privilege Card, a box of mooncake, 20 percent discount voucher from all F&B outlets and complimentary use of the swimming pool and Wi-Fi.

For inquiries, please call the Manila Pavilion Hotel at (632) 526 1212 extension 2326 for the mooncakes and extension 2382 for room reservations. For regular updates log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph and follow us through social media @WaterfrontMNL.

PLDT, Microsoft to boost PH IT education, launches Digital Campus Suite

PLDT, Microsoft to boost PH IT education, launches Digital Campus Suite

Leading telecoms and multi-media service provider PLDT, through its business unit PLDT SME Nation, has launched together with global IT giant Microsoft Philippines a new service package called the Digital Campus Suite that will enable students and academes access to online learning programs and to earn IT (Information technology) certifications for critical IT skills that are now in-demand in today’s digitally driven industries.

“We at PLDT are confident that this partnership can significantly contribute to enriching the digital content of Philippine education. By enabling schools through these programs, we are helping them, both educator and student, to gain new critical skills and learn IT courses with globally competitive technology programs that have become essential in today’s digital work place,” said PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Through the Digital Campus Suite, schools will have high-speed connectivity with PLDT myDSL Biz or iGate, and online access to training courses of the Microsoft IT Academy Program.

Educators and students will have access to Microsoft’s digital curriculum and earn IT certifications in the Microsoft IT Academy Program for fundamental technology skills as well as courses that enable students to become more competitive for employment.

Schools will also receive licenses to Microsoft Office 365 to help students and teachers interact and teach using Cloud tools and platforms.

The suite also includes laptops, tablets, and WiFi access points in the campus for the use of students for their over-all digital education experience.

A study conducted by International Data Corporation (IDC) also revealed that increased spending on IT cloud services will open up an estimated 14 million new jobs worldwide. The same report also noted that there is an apparent “widening ICT professional skills gap” and a “shortage of skills” in the Asia Pacific Region.

PLDT SME Nation has been very active in partnering with schools and learning institutions to build their technology and connectivity resources in support of the education sector’s need to improve ICT learning among the students and academe.

“This initiative fully aligns with PLDT SME Nation’s efforts to empower the future generation with an ICT-enabled education system. ICT skills are no longer just added value to employment but are now necessities in today’s business and entrepreneurial landscape.  This initiative will allow these students to become adept in basic ICT skills and IT programs to prepare them for their chosen careers,” said PLDT FVP and Head of SME Business Kat Luna-Abelarde.

This partnership is seen to bridge that widening skills and education gap by empowering Filipino students the tools and knowledge to be able to compete and gain advantage in today’s job market.

“An educated population is what we need to build a progressive Philippine economy, but we can’t educate tomorrow’s leaders with tools from the past,” said Microsoft Philippines General Manager Karrie Ilagan. “The increasingly competitive workplace is being driven by technology and digital literacy, and the Digital Campus Suite gives educators and students access to tools that will build their capability to excel in that environment. We always strive to effect a positive change in the lives of our customers, and our partnership with PLDT SME Nation helps us create a bigger impact on all aspects of education.”

  

MINOXIDIL REGROE: The Effective Hair Grower

MINOXIDIL REGROE: The Effective Hair Grower

Hair problems? Worry no more! The tried and tested effective hair grower is now available in the Philippines-- Minoxidil Regroe, the most effective hair grower in the market today!

We shed up to 100 hairs a day and that is normal. But for some people, hair loss is much more serious and it's affecting her self confidence and outlook in life. Good thing Minoxidil Regroe is now available in the Philippines!

Unknown to many, a growing number of men and women under 40 suffer from premature hair loss. Sad but true. The most common type of hair loss can be triggered by life changing events such as stress, a bereavement or pregnancy, leading to overall thinning of the hair. If you've noticed gradual thinning or found clumps of hair on the bathroom floor it can come as a shock. But don't panic because Minoxidil Regroe is the answer for all your hair concerns.

The growth of each hair follicle normally occurs in a cycle. The three main phases of the hair growth cycle are anagen, catagen, and telogen. 

Anagen is the active growth phase when hairfiber is produced. Catagen is the transitional stage when hair growth stops. The hair remains attached to the root of the follicle. While Telogen is the resting stage when the shedding occurs.

When used regularly, Regroe works in three ways. It prevents hair fall because Regroe prevents the production of Dihydrotestosterone which is the hormone responsible for hair thinning and falling. It also stimulates hair matrix cells. Regroe directly stimulates the small hair matrix cells to continuously divide and multiply in order to produce longer and thicker hair. And lastly, Regroe improves circulation and nutrition. It dilates and increases the size of smaller blood vessels around the follicles, improving blood flow and oxygenation for better nutrition of the follicles.

The main ingredient of Regroe is Minoxidil, Minoxidil is a potent solution derived from extensive medical research and medical testing. It is the only clinically proven solution to prevent hair loss approved by both US-FDA and the Philippine BFAD. Minoxidil works by stopping excessive hair falling and stimulates hair re-growth. Hair growth requires constant stimulation and optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients from the circulatory system to the hair follicle. Without these processes, your hair may lack the maximum fullness, strength and the vibrancy you want. 

Minoxidil Regroe is available in 3 variants. 3%, 5% and the 6%. 3% is for mild hair loss, 5% is for moderate hair loss and recommended for first time users and 6% is for severe hair loss. 

A lot of people with hair problems would be happy to know about this product for sure!

Minoxidil Regroe is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, check Regroe’s facebook page or call 818-11-31.

SINGLE/SINGLE - STARRING SHAINA AND MATTEO

SHAINA AND MATTEO TO STAR IN CINEMA ONE’S FIRST BREAKTHROUGH SERIES 

Kapamilya stars Shaina Magdayao and Matteo Guidicelli are teaming up for the first time in an original cable TV series that merges engaging comedy and relevant issues for the urban singles living in a complicated, modern world on Cinema One this August 29 (Saturday) at 8PM.

“Single\Single”, Cinema One and The Philippine Star’s first project, is the cable channel’s first TV series that focuses on issues ranging from quarter-life crises to relationship dilemmas in a digital world. More importantly, the series aims to underscore the importance of handling finances, career path planning, and having a work-life balance for the urban millennial.

The series follows the story of Joee (Shaina) and Joey (Matteo), two single strangers who will exchange sparks or non-sparks as an odd couple forced to share an apartment for practical reasons and tries to answer the question, “when strangers have no choice but to share the rent, will it be a disaster or a happy ever after?”

As a first of its kind project on Philippine cable TV, “Single\Single” combines the power of cable and print media to talk to Filipino millennials about how to cope as a single individual in an entertaining format. Each week after an episode airs on Cinema One, in-depth discussion about wealth management will be provided in the Philippine Star’s Business Lifestyle section by wealth management expert and inspirational speaker, Francis Kong.

The show’s lead stars also serve as role models to millennials. Shaina, who grew up in showbiz, is one of the many young celebrities who has managed her finances well. She owns several business ventures, including a salon and a summer camp for kids. Meanwhile, Matteo who hails from Cebu, also has a background in entrepreneurship as his family has established businesses in his hometown. 

Also joining the cast of “Single\Single” are Cherie Gil who plays Matteo’s single mom in a very offbeat parent role; award-winning Cinema One Originals actress Anna Luna as Shaina’s career-driven buddy; and theater actor Brian Sy as Shaina’s gay friend. Indie favorites Mara Lopez and Matt Daclan will also be completing the cast in guest roles.

 “Single\Single” is under the direction of international award-winning independent cinema director Pepe Diokno, who also marks his first venture into cable TV and comedy. Palanca winner Lilit Reyes serves as the series’ writer, while film producer of the highest grossing Pinoy indie movie “That Thing Called Tadhana,” Bianca Balbuena produces the series. 

“Single\Single” premieres this August 29 on Cinema One. New episodes will air every Saturday at 8PM with replays on Wednesdays at 830PM and Sundays at 10PM.

Cinema One aims to support and uphold Filipino produced movies and shows by screening Filipino movies and showcasing Filipino filmmaking talent through Cinema One Originals. It is also a pioneer in the cable industry through its originally produced shows that give an in-depth discussion about the film and entertainment industry such as “Inside The Cinema Circle” and “CinemaNews.” It belongs to the family of cable channels under Creative Programs, Inc. (CPI), a subsidiary of ABS-CBN.

Ericsson: Around 30 percent smartphone penetration in the Philippines

Ericsson: Around 30 percent smartphone penetration in the Philippines

The smartphone penetration in the Philippines at the end of 2014 was around 30 percent and is expected to be at around 40 percent at the end of 2015.

Almost two-thirds of mobile phone subscriptions in South East Asia and Oceania will be using smartphones by 2020 

By 2020, mobile traffic in the region will multiply nine times reaching three Exabytes /month

Applications for social networking, instant messaging and video streaming dominate smartphone usage - Facebook and YouTube are consistently in the top five mobile apps in the countries analyzed, including the Philippines.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) releases its third South East Asia and Oceania Region Appendix to the Ericsson Mobility Report. The appendix illustrates regional contrasts in areas such as smartphone uptake, top app usage, access to LTE, and network performance. 

Mature markets such as Australia and Singapore, where LTE is widely available, have a very high mobile broadband penetration, already exceeding 90 percent. Developing markets on the other hand, still have a long way to go, which offers a unique opportunity for mobile operators to enhance the mobile broadband experience for users.

The smartphone penetration in the Philippines is estimated at around 30 percent and is expected to be at around 40 percent by the end of 2015. This provides an exceptional growth opportunity for service providers and device manufacturers in South East Asia as users consume more data through newer and faster devices.

Afrizal Abdul Rahim, Ericsson Head of ConsumerLab for Region South East Asia and Oceania, says: “The increasing availability of affordable smartphones, internet access andmobility is enabling more consumers to access the benefits of the Networked Society. In fact, in the Philippines smartphones are the primary way of getting online”.  

“Today in South East Asia and Oceania, 25 percent of handsets are smartphones. We predict that by 2020, smartphone subscriptions will grow three times to almost 800 million in the region, while LTE and 3G subscriptions will constitute almost 25 and 70 percent, respectively, of regional mobile subscriptions by 2020,” Afrizal said.

Uptake in smartphone subscriptions and growing interest in video and other app services will drive a nine-fold increase in mobile traffic volumes to three Exabytes /month by 2020. 

In the South East Asia and Oceania region, social networking, instant messaging and video streaming are among the top five app categories actively used by smartphone users in the region. In the Philippines, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Viber, YouTube and Instagram are the top five apps actively used by smartphone users.

For service providers, delivering a consistent user experience aligned with the most popular apps can help drive customer satisfaction. In order to do this, operators need to optimize and tune their networks to ensure users’ particular app coverage demands are catered for in different traffic situations and geographical areas.

Countries in the region with the best network performance are Australia and Singapore, due to their leadership in deploying LTE and LTE Advanced. This has meant that the gap in network performance with other countries across the region has widened. “However, we expect developing countries’ networks will greatly improve in performance over the coming years”, Afrizal concluded.

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Its long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, businesses and societies to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Its services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With more than 110,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, it combine global scale with technology and services leadership. It support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And its investments in research and development ensure that its solutions – and its customers – stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2014 were SEK 228.0 billion (USD 33.1 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

www.ericsson.com

www.ericsson.com/news

www.twitter.com/ericssonpress

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www.youtube.com/ericsson 

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE AT ASIA'S GOT TALENT

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE AT ASIA'S GOT TALENT

Viewers can vote for their favorite acts in one of three ways: SMS, Facebook and the “Asia’s Got Talent” mobile app that can be downloaded in Google Play Store and Apple Store.

For SMS, text SMS AGT(Contestant number) to 2929 (only in the Philippines)
This service only supports Smart and Globe

Charges will be applied to customer’s mobile

To vote in facebook, visit the official fanpage of Asia's Got Talent. Here's the link https://www.facebook.com/asiasgottalent?fref=ts

Make sure to double click ( click twice) the photo of your favorite performer.

Voting opens after the broadcast of the grand finale performance episode and will remain open for four days. Voting will be closed on May 11, 11:59 pm, Monday. 
Further Details on how to vote can be found on the website: http://asiasgottalent.tv/vote/

AGT3 for Gwyneth Dorado
AGT7 for El Gamma Penumbra
AGT8 for Gerphil Flores
AGT9 for Junior New System
Grand Final Results will be aired on May 14, Thursday, 8.05pm on AXN Network

For finale schedule, visit axn-asia.com

KUYA J: The best Crispy Pata in Town

KUYA J: The best Crispy Pata in Town

No question about it, Kuya J Restaurant's best selling dish is the Crispy Pata. It is Crispy, delicious and freshly cooked. You could order this for only Php499



Our favorite Tokwa't Baboy! Delicious and meaty! For only Php190.

Yummylicious! One of the most popular appetizers is chorizo Dinamita, long green peppers stuffed with sausage meat and cheese, wrapped in lumpia skin and deep-fried. The serving is large enough to be shared by a group of 6 people.

The scallops are of the rare variety caught only in the deep waters of the Visayas region. Supplies are flown in daily from Cebu. They are smothered in a mixture of butter, crumbs, and cheese, then grilled until bubbly.


Lumpia presko is wrapped in malunggay-speckled skin and stuffed with crabmeat and crunchy bamboo shoots, adorned with alfalfa sprouts. Tokwa’t baboy is a tall tower of super-crunchy tofu cubes alternated with chunks of bagnet.




Pochero bulalo Tagalog has brown thick gravy naturally sweetened by saba bananas, kamote, and corn. The beef is a two-inch-thick bone-in shank.

Beef brisket and oxtail are the meats in kare-kare, which uses no instant mixes at all. Instead, Kuya J toasts peanuts and rice, which are then ground separately. At serving time, a handful of ground peanuts is layered atop the dish.



Delicious sisig!



Rice Humba is one of my favorites among Kuya J's wide variety of food offerings.

A scene stealer is the mango pandan. A popular Kuya J meal ender, composed of Cebu mango cubes and pandan-flavored Jell-O floating in a fruity, creamy, and cold soup crowned with a burst of spun caramelized sugar like sunrays.

Shavings of dried coconut meat top a brilliant concoction called tablea coffee flan. Supporting local farmers, the organic coffee is sourced from small-scale farmers in Batangas. The tablea is from Bohol, where housewives roast the cocoa seeds in small palayok (clay pot), stirred with bamboo-and-coco shell spatulas.

The president of the company Mr. Wing Lip Chang told us the history of Kuya J. When a fellow blogger asked him who is Kuya J? 

Are you curious too? Here it goes...

Once upon a time, there was a carinderia in Cebu City whose original dishes became so popular that suppliers could hardly keep up with the demand for fresh scallops, squid, catfish, and pig knuckle. Everybody called the owner Kuya J.

Unaffected by his carinderia’s success, Kuya J decided to pack up and go overseas, selling his business to a group with grand expansion plans for the small eatery. Today, Kuya J is going nationwide, with branches opening on Boracay Island, Iloilo, Bacolod, and all over Metro Manila.