Multiply Philippines launched Origination Awards

Multiply the Philippines’ and Southeast Asia’s largest online shopping site is searching for the best original products, ideas and concepts among its merchants in the Philippines. Three local Multiply merchants with outstanding creativity and originality will be given the Multiply Origination Awards, a recognition of excellence and creativity among the growing community of entrepreneurs who have found new and exciting ways to market their products in the e-commerce space.

Your Wealth Goals. How Do You Keep On Track?

In photo: Mr. Mario Miranda, VP of BPI Asset Management and Trust Group; Ms. Celyn Sta. Ana, SVP and Retail Mortgage Head of BPI Family Savings Bank; Ms. Maria Theresa Javier, Group Head of 


BPI Asset Management; Mr. Noel Altamirano, VP and Division Head of Product Marketing of BPI Family Savings Bank at the booth of Bank of the Philippine Islands during the Money Summit and Wealth Expo at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel 

Swap the box of your Papaya Soap in exchange of Dermablend Papaya Orange Soap

'Dermablend SOAP SWAP is ON !

 

SWAP your way to a "new" you as homegrown personal care company BCP Dermatological Corporation brings you an array of product breakthroughs that nourishes your skin the natural way via its latest promotion, the "Dermablend Animation at Watsons."

World Vision holds Run for a cause

You run to stay fit. You run for fun. This time, run for a cause --- run “Towards Fullness of Life!” Join the very first World Vision Run on June 24 at the Bonifacio Global City. The Run is for the benefit of poor Filipino children.

Funds raised will support children in communities assisted by World Vision. Through its Child Sponsorship program, World Vision provides education, healthcare, child protection, and community assistance to children and their families in need.

The Run is part of World Vision’s 55th anniversary celebration. True to its theme: “Sharing the Joy of Hope, child-focused organization World Vision, has been working since 1957 to uplift the lives of children in some of the country’s poorest provinces. Now on its 55th year, the organization aims to inspire more Filipinos to take on the collective responsibility of sharing hope and reaching out to help their fellow men in poverty. Today, World Vision assists more than 112,000 children and their families in 29 provinces.

Yoga in the Wild by Ciay Misa: A Book Launch

Today, more and more Filipinos are exploring the healthy lifestyle that comes from doing yoga. With this masterful art of toning the body comes not only physical well-being, but emotional and psychological healing as well. Yoga in the Wild, a book featuring the transformative power of yoga in one's life, will be launched this February 13, 2012, Monday at 5 in the afternoon.

“Talikwas, an unfolding from within, from inside-out. An intimate exploration into primordial energy that underlies all of creation... Once the source is tapped, the body can move naturally, fluid and graceful, yet powerful and balanced.”

Written by successful businesswoman, mother, yogi and free spirit, Lucia "Ciay" Misa, this book is highly recommended for those who live and breathe yoga and adventure. The book is inspired by Ciay's funniest, wildest and most memorable moments with her family and friends around the world, and how yoga as talikwas has changed her life.

All proceeds of the book sales will go to Roots of Health (Ugat ng Kalusugan), a non-profit organization dedicated to improve reproductive health and to eradicate the malnutrition of women and children in the communities of Palawan.
Be inspired to make a change for yourself and for our less privileged sisters and children in Palawan. The launch is open to the public and will take place in Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street with a free yoga mini-lesson. You may get your copy of Yoga in the Wild in Fully Booked stores across Metro Manila.

Soyami-Fitness first for a winning start on 2012!

The Christmas holiday period is traditionally a time for celebration, time to enjoy the festivities – festivities of lots of foods. However, the festive season often brings many detrimental health effects because of the foods that are usually prepared for the season. There are lots of factors that contribute to making Christmas a busy and potentially very stressful time of year. These include pressures of shopping, time, financial concerns and social demands, as well as fatigue, general overindulgence and lack of physical exercise.

After Christmas is the start of New Year! The start of a new year brings new possibilities and new beginnings. This is also the time of year when people are trying to commit to start a new fitness or health regime. Completely overhauling their lifestyle for the better or at least to shed some pounds or get back in shape. There are the resolutions made every year to exercise, eat right, and get personal finances in order.

Eating Soyami Soya Chips is like You will have no worries and no hesitations even if you have eaten that much. Because Soyami Soya Chips is your healthy choice for healthy snacking!

Soyami Soya Chips is your healthier choice to snacking! It is made with Real Soya, No MSG, High in Protein and Calcium and O% transfat. Soyami Soya Chips, those healthy-goodness snacks that appear like nacho chips come in Original, White Cheddar and Pizza flavors, are now available in leading supermarkets and groceries and in convenience stores throughout Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao.

That is why Soyami Soya Chips is tapping into consumers' increased health concerns via a tie-up with Fitness First. Customers who purchase Soyami Trial Pack will be given a three five-day gym trial pass. This is a great deal right!?

Start the year right with proper diet and proper choosing of foods. Because there’s nothing like the gift of good health this New Year. For more information about Soyami, like http://www.facebook.com/healthysoyami on Facebook,  follow @healthysoyami on Twitter, or visit www.amsoyami.com.

adidas crowns the King of the Road this 2011

[gallery orderby="rand"]

The most anticipated marathon event happened on Oct. 23, 2011. It was well attended by runners specially from other Asian Countries. Yours truly was there to cover the event.

The adidas King of the Road (KOTR) came to a vibrant and colorful close at the Bonifacio Global City grounds as thousands of participants fought to the finish as they vied for the ‘adidas Southeast Asia King of the Road 2011’ crown.

Exemplifying the brand’s exceptional commitment to sport, the adidas KOTR has unified runners from all around Asia – with participants from Thailand, then Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The race then culminated here in its first ever host country, making Philippines the ultimate race destination. Represented through the variety of different coloured adidas singlets, the multi-colour showcase is meant to demonstrate the vibrancy of the sports scene across Southeast Asia.

The adidas KOTR was a testament to the keen and enthusiastic participants overflowing with energy as early as three in the morning as they prepare for the very first gunstart at 5AM. With three different categories varying from 5K, to 16.8K and 21K, the routes make for an enjoyable and pleasant race day. adidas definitely delivered the race of a lifetime, creating an experience where runners not only challenged themselves but also achieved personal breakthroughs. Celebrities who made personal breakthroughs in this race are Robi Domingo, Rich Hardin, and Karylle . Even Iza Calzado, Will DeVaughn, Kim Atienza, and Rovilson Fernandez went all in with at the adidas King of the Road race.

The 16.8K category is the most distinctive signature distance this year as winners from the previous legs in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia were flown in to represent their countries. Taking home the King of the Road 2011 crowns are I Gusti Gede Karang Asem with a running time of 57:58 and Mary Joy Tabal with a runnning time of 1:04:44 for our 16.8K Southeast Asian  winners, David Mutai with a running time of 54:41 and Esthar Karimi with a running time of 1:02:07 for the 16.8K Open Category; John Philip Duenas with a running time of 54:41 for the 16.8K Closed Category; Kimbert Sarmiento  with a running time of 15:59 for the 5K Category; and Frederick Mwingirwa Mathiu with a running time of 1:10:12 for the 21K Category.

With the availability of premium running products and training platforms, adidas provides runners with the tools needed for a better run—whether it’s finishing the first marathon or breaking a personal best.

From the adiNation of Runners, a running community formed to help motivate and train running enthusiasts to train together on a weekly basis; to the launch of the adidas miCoach virtual training system, nothing else gets a runner more prepared for a race than adidas. Race analysis and photos will be made available 3 weeks after the race day at www.runrio.com. For more information and updates, participants may continuously check www.adidaskingoftheroad.com or visit www.facebook.com/adidasPhilippines

Hot Flow Yoga in Alabang Fitness First

After we did Fitness First Freestyle Workout, we had Hot Flow Yoga as cool down. It was hot inside the room. I was sweating in hell, I feel like taking off my clothes. But there's hot mommas around so I behaved.

It was my hottest day, imagine being locked inside a 37 degree heated room and we are already exhilirating doing the hot flow yoga.

What is the difference to other yoga?

Hot Flow Yoga is executed starting from one pose then proceeding to another pose to another is sequenced manner.

This exercise is perfect for those seeking strength and flexibilty not only for the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

I lost weight after doing hot flow yoga, almost 1 lb.

[gallery columns="4" orderby="rand"]

 

What type of oil is good for your heart?

Love your fish oil

Eating fish has always been championed as one of the ways to achieve optimum health. But apparently, fishes contain a more potent, health-giving benefit and that is fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated ‘good’ fat that is important to our health.
According to experts at the recently launched Omega-3 Academy, fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are examples of omega-3 fatty acids.

These play a crucial role in achieving optimum health and protection from certain diseases. Moreover, DHA is considered the building blocks of the brain and nervous system while EPA promotes good blood flow, thereby protecting the heart. EPA is also anti-inflammatory so it helps ease the effects of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Established by a multi-disciplinary panel of professionals from fields like clinical nutrition, cardiology, family health and diabetology, the Omega-3 Academy Asia is comprised of expert panel of medical professionals from across Asia, who have come together to increase understanding and education on the role and use of omega-3.

 

Sponsored by sanofi-aventis Consumer Health, the Omega-3 Academy Asia is an Asia-specific organization chaired by Professor Andrew Sinclair from Deakin University in Australia, with members from Korea, Thailand and the Philippines’ Dr. Tommy Ty-Willing, an endocrinologist and Dr. Eugene Reyes, a cardiologist.

The Omega-3 Academy Asia is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of omega-3 fish oil by undertaking a number of initiatives to highlight the impact of decreased omega-3 intake in current Asian diets and convey the associated health benefits of increasing omega-3 consumption.

Good for your heart
Many studies since the early 70s have shown a link between high consumption of oily fish and reduced mortality rates associated with heart disease. For example, a study of Japanese people living in Japan or Brazil showed people who ate fish more often had reduced risk factors for heart disease like obesity, elevated blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances.
These findings, together with the earlier observational studies on Greenland Eskimos, form the basis of the theory that consumption of omega-3 fish oil could prevent artherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries), thrombosis (formation of blood clots inside vessels) and their associated diseases.

Helps increase brain power

In 1972, evidence was published showing that certain omega-3 fatty acids mainly, DHA, was involved with brain growth and development, with research first carried out in rats. Subsequent studies in chickens, primates and eventually humans showed that omega-3 fish oil is essential

for brain development and function. Furthermore, DHA is essential for vision, thought processes and the control of brain function.

Moreover, DHA is also crucial for an unborn child’s brain and is considered critical for brain development, maintenance and intelligence. Other studies have also shown that elderly people with low levels of DHA in the blood are more likely to develop age-related cognitive decline, memory loss and poor concentration than those with higher DHA levels. Furthermore, increased consumption of fish oil has been linked to reduced levels of mild depression, memory loss as well as mood and anxiety disorders.

Fish oil keeps you going

In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, increased levels of omega-3 (especially EPA), have been shown to limit the multiplication of abnormal cells. Dietary fish oil has been shown to have a positive effect on suppressing chronic and acute inflammation in the joints.
At least 13 clinical trials have been undertaken using fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis, all in patients with late disease who’ve had the disease for at least 10 years. The most consistent benefits have been reduced morning stiffness and decreased tenderness of joints.
One form of inflammation that is effectively addressed by EPA is arthritis. EPA’s anti-inflammatory properties have also been proven to be effective in warding off other inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, etc.

See clearly
Omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA found in fish also have eye-protective effects. Recent research has shown that regularly eating fish could help reduce vision impairment such as macular degeneration in old age. People with intermediate or advanced age-related visual impairment are encouraged to consider increasing their omega-3 consumption.
To help you get your omega-3 requirement, there’s Cenovis Fish Oil, an all-natural fish oil supplement that contains optimal amounts of omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. An Australian brand, Cenovis Fish Oil is a health supplement that has many health benefits.
International guidelines recommend that an adult should consume 500 milligrams of fish oil per day. This can be achieved by eating 2-3 servings of oily fish per week. For people with heart disease, double this amount is recommended (1,000 milligrams of fish oil per day). There are reports on the side effects of fish oil: diarrhea and skin rash. However, test results find these inconclusive and not directly attributable to fish oils.

Costing less than P10 per capsule, Cenovis Fish Oil comes from Peruvian waters, one of the world’s cleanest seas. Unlike other fish oil that come from shark, cod and other big fish, Cenovis Fish Oil comes from 3 kinds of small fish: anchovies, mackerel and sardines. These are small deep sea fish that reproduce easily, thus, no worries of extinction. Additionally, these fishes have a short lifespan making them less exposed to pollutants and contamination in the seas.

Individually packed for freshness, the fish oil extraction of Cenovis is done in a highly-advanced and sanitary process in Norway, which makes it odorless and with no fishy aftertaste. Cenovis Fish Oil is available in all Mercury Drug outlets and other leading drugstores nationwide.

The Health Benefits of Music

Music is a therapy, aside from it's a popular and growing field for good reason, it can also reduce stress, aid health, and carry many health benefits.

Elements National Singing & Songwriting Camp

ASPIRING singers ages 18 to 25 who are citizens and residents of the Philippines are all invited to apply in 7101 Music Nation’s much awaited and highly anticipated “2nd ELEMENTS National Singing and Songwriting Camp.”

7101 Music Nation is the brainchild of three music aficionados namely its Artistic Director, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab; its Chief Executive Officer, established businessman Julio D. Sy, Jr.; and its Chief Operating Officer, music industry maven Twinky Lagdameo. The goal of the company is to build platforms that will gather Filipino artists and musicians and promote the sharing of ideas and talents to further uplift Filipino musicality and artistry. The ELEMENTS National Songwriting Camp is the group’s pilot project and it should be noted that after successfully hosting the Camp for songwriters last year, a new track has been added this time to include singers.

AXN Celebrates Philippines Independence Day

As the Philippines celebrates Independence Day on June 12 this year, AXN would like to invite its viewers from the Philippines to send in their well wishes, greetings and their thoughts on what this special day means to them.

Entries should be less than 50 words each and may be in Tagalog, English or Taglish. Send them in by noon on 31 May to our Facebook fanpage (click here for direct link) or email contests@axn-asia.com with the subject title ‘AXN Celebrates Philippines Independence Day’. Shortlisted entries will be broadcasted on AXN on 12 and 13 June.

https://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=15228&post=67819&uid=375174164405#post67819

For the sole purposes of broadcast, AXN reserves the right to edit, adapt or abridge the comments, especially those of a religious, sexual or racial nature. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!

AXN is the heart of action and adventure. Launched in 1997, AXN is a leading English general entertainment destination among upscale, affluent adults aged 18-39. The channel delivers top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programmes from around the world, as well as dynamic original productions. In 2010, AXN once again cemented its position as Southeast Asia’s No. 1 international channel with The Amazing Race Asia Season 4 and Hawaii Five-0 Season 1.

AXN is an international channel brand that started in Asia, but has since expanded to Latin America and Europe. It is available in 60 countries globally. In Asia, the channel is seen in more than 97 million households across 22 countries, including close to 50 million households on a time-block basis in China.

A provider of unparalleled quality in entertainment, AXN enhanced the viewer experience when it entered the high-definition arena with the launch of AXN HD in March 2009.

AXN ASIA is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by SPE Networks – Asia, which also operates pay-TV channels AXN BEYOND, ANIMAX, SONY ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION and ONE.

Bagets, Magic Bagsik and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

This festive month of May, TV5 offers a great Sunday feast as it begins its weekly servings of “Bagets,” “Magic Bagsik” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” this May 15.

Summer’s almost over but youngsters can still make the most of their vacation with the start of “Bagets,” a TV spin of the ’80s iconic movie that launched the careers of Aga Muhlach, Raymond Launchengco, JC Bonnin, William Martinez and Herbert Bautista. Fast forward to 2011, the youth-oriented TV series presents the lives of a group of teens from different backgrounds in a campus setting. Youngbloods (and the young at heart) will surely relate to the characters of Ace (AJ Muhlach), Georgina (Nadine Lustre), Jules (Josh Padilla), Gayle (Shy Carlos), JC (Rico Dela Paz), Santi (Johan Lourens), Hiro (Aki Torio), Liezl (Meg Imperial) and Tara (Eula Caballero) as they embody today’s Pinoy youth with real-life and day-to-day teenage challenges. “Bagets” premieres this Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Following the success of “Magic Gimik,” TV5 introduces its newest magic show that will tickle one’s mind and leave everyone awed in amazement with “Magic Bagsik.” Teaming up once again as hosts are Kean Cipriano and Empoy Marquez. Based on the US hit show, “Criss Angel Mind Freak,” Magic Bagsik features the mind-boggling stunts of American illusionist Criss Angel and some other world-class Filipino magicians. Hold on to your seats as Criss walks on water, levitates above the Luxor Hotel and floats between two buildings. This and more in Magic Bagsik, this Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Back to back with Magic Bagsik, the world’s most favorite game show is back on Philippine TV as the all new season of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” begins this Sunday on TV5. Hosted by Bossing of Game Shows, Mr. Vic Sotto, the sixth season of the phenomenal game show introduces two additional lifelines, easier game mode and the chance for a lucky player to become richer by P2 million.

This Sunday, one bright kid will be inches away to the jackpot as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” puts premium to kids and features honor students recommended by their schools to get this once-in-a-lifetime chance to win P2 million. Win or lose, the game show will secure the future of participating kids as it awards college scholarships to each of them.

Don’t miss the new season of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” beginning this Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

So if you’re looking for the best TV experience this Sunday, tune in to TV5 and catch the premiere of “Bagets,” “Magic Bagsik,” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” on May 15.

Ngiting Mister Donut: Mister Donut’s new smile

Ngiting Mister Donut pertains to the new approach to food, service and the overall Mister Donut experience. People behind Mister Donut worked hard to ensure that everything is done to delight its customers. This can be seen through the new store décor, people and the deliciously innovative products tailored for Pinoys young and old.

Mister Donut’s Bavarian Frost in Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla flavors:
Mister Donut is the perfect snack to keep you company wherever you are. Grab some donuts on your way to work with a hot cup of coffee. Munch it in heavy traffic to lighten the mood. Feeling down and hungry? Bite into a Mister Donut for a quick pick-me-up. For those headed for the beach, grab a box and enjoy it with the barkada. You may spend hours on the road but at least you’ll have fun getting there.

The new Bavarian Frost:
Made with the highest quality ingredients, the Bavarian Frost is filled with mouthwatering Bavarian crème and glazed with your choice of either a rich chocolate, strawberry or vanilla icing. It is the perfect all-day feel good indulgence and a great pasalubong for the family.

New Shop Design:
When you visit Mister Donut today, a lighter, merrier store awaits boasting of bold and bright colors to complement the courteous crew’s upbeat energy. Donuts are kept and handled in a hygienic manner to ensure total food safety. And with each order comes a Ngiting Mister Donut, a warm and simple gesture that comes straight from the heart.

Where to catch the Ngiting Mister Donut:
Mister Donut is available at malls, markets, bus and jeepney terminals, LRT and MRT stations, 7-Eleven convenience stores, SM Cinema booths, Shell and Petron gasoline stations or any of the more than 1,000 Mister Donut branches found all over the country.

AVIDA Land Corp. breaks ground at Bonifacio Global City, moves in at the home of passionate minds

[caption id="attachment_1457" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="(L-R) Dez Cruz, Residential Buildings Head; Divine Lopez, Chief Finance Officer; Leo Montenegro, President; Bong Filart, Construction Management Group Head; Bobby Dy, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Residential Business Group Head; Chris Maglanoc, Vice President and Project Strategic Management Group Head; and Mr. Ferdie Mangali, Human Resources and Customer Care Group Head. "][/caption]

Amidst the recognition it earned as it marked its 20th anniversary last year, Avida Land Corp. still won’t rest on its laurels. The company is in fact looking towards expanding its territory even further and breaking new grounds with new developments, as well as a new headquarters in its lineup.

As of 2010, Avida has produced around 40,000 fully constructed house and lot and condominium units, transformed close to 800 hectares of idle land into idyllic communities, and launched an impressive 38 projects in 16 locations across the country.

Good turnout in 2010
“There was a tremendous market turnout last year across the board that we have decided to revise our original plans to accommodate growing demands,” says Rex Mendoza, senior vice president of Ayala Land, Inc., the mother company of Avida.

Last year alone, it made around 10,000 units available to the market and added 102 hectares to its total land development.

Avida president Leo Montenegro agrees that the past year had been a good one for the property market as a whole.

“There were more launches from different companies, ergo more buyers. It also became more challenging to sell because of the competition,” he says.

Avida successfully overcame that challenge, banking on the talent and skills able group of men and women who have tirelessly worked towards making Avida what it is today.

And as a testimony to its faith to its products and people, Avida will soon relocate its headquarters in one of the most coveted addresses in the country—Bonifacio Global City.



[caption id="attachment_1459" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Avida employees proudly pose beside the scale model of Avida Towers Global City"][/caption]

Aiming higher
Dubbed as “the home of passionate minds”, Bonifacio Global City will serve as the perfect venue for Avida employees to hone their skills and passion in delivering quality and affordable homes to the country’s hardworking middle class.

Avida, in fact, is likewise introducing a community at the very sought-after location—Avida Towers Global City. Here, one will find quality condominium units amidst an exciting and pulsating environment surrounded by posh lifestyle establishments and dining destinations. It is an address, too, that is quite accessible through public transport and just a few minutes’ drive away from the Makati Central Business District.

Avida’s new headquarters will occupy two floors of Avida Towers Global City’s podium. It is expected to be finished by the end of 2012.

And as it continues to expand its territory and break new ground, expect more idyllic homes and communities for generations of Filipinos to enjoy.

[caption id="attachment_1461" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The soon-to-rise Avida Towers Global City offers affordable living in one of the most sought-after addresses in the country. "][/caption]

Alter Space: Play and learn to reduce your carbon footprint

[caption id="attachment_1385" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="WATER POWER – Water is one of the best sources of clean energy. The Alter Space Hydro Plant mini-game teaches the importance of harnessing water to create energy. "][/caption]

ALTER SPACE, THE NEW FILIPINO-DEVELOPED Facebook game, is a fun way for gamers to learn practical tips on Earth-friendly living. This means a lifestyle that helps reduce the effects of global warming, climate change and carbon emissions on the planet. These tips are presented as part of various tasks and mini-games that the gamer plays. Alter Space was developed by AboitizPower to educate gamers on Carbon Footprint Reduction (more on that later).

New Earth Hour mini-game

Alter Space keeps up-to-date with environmental and Earth-friendly projects. One of these is Earth Hour, a global event that calls on people around the world to shut down all non-essential lights and appliances on the last Saturday of March, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, according to their local time. Alter Space has introduced a new mini-game called “Switch Chaser” in support of Earth Hour.

In “Switch Chaser”, the gamer’s avatar is required to switch off whatever appliance has been left on in his or her virtual home. The gamer has two minutes to move around the house, using the PC arrow keys, and turn off an appliance. The gamer needs to press the space bar once the avatar is beside an appliance to turn it off. The gamer must turn off as many appliances as possible within two minutes.

[caption id="attachment_1384" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="YOUR OWN PLANET – Is your house a mess? Well, how about taking care of an entire planet? Alter Space lets gamers protect their own planets by reducing their Carbon Footprint. "][/caption]

The gamer earns points or “Currentcy” for each appliance turned off. This Currentcy is used to purchase various necessities in the Alter Space virtual world. A gamer can play “Switch Chaser” up to 5 times a day to earn Currentcy. Subsequent game plays (beyond the fifth for the day) are possible but they will no longer earn Currentcy.

Getting your game on

It’s better to know a few basic things about global warming and how it relates to the game’s ultimate goal: Carbon Footprint Reduction.

“Carbon footprint” refers to the amount of carbon gas emissions that a particular human activity releases into the planet. Practically every human activity—driving a car, cooking hamburgers, baking pastries, using household appliances, etc. — leaves its own carbon footprint, whether large or small.

The more carbon emissions are released, the warmer our planet gets. Too much warmth on a global scale affects our weather in ways that could harm our environment and life on Earth. We simply cannot allow our planet to get too hot, if we want to preserve it for the next generations of humans, animals and plants.

[caption id="attachment_1383" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCE – Playing Alter Space required gamers to find sources of clean energy, or “Cleanergy” as AboitizPower calls it. These include solar energy, hydro-electric power and geothermal power"][/caption]

Reducing the amount of carbon emissions in the planet is one way of managing Global Warming. To do this, we need to choose activities that leave only a small carbon footprint. We can’t totally avoid carbon emissions: it’s a fact of life that living things release carbon gas into the atmosphere—even something as basic a breathing adds to the amount of carbon gas in the planet.

When you play Alter Space, that is what you actually do: make choices and play games that teach you how to reduce your carbon footprint. The right choices are those that increase happiness while minimizing one’s carbon footprint.

Playing the game

In Alter Space, you not only have your own virtual home but an entire planet to take care of. The choices you make during the game will determine whether your planet has more or less total carbon emissions. The objective of the game is to make choices and fulfill tasks that will increase your Happiness Level while ensuring that carbon emissions are kept to a safe amount.

You must fulfill certain tasks (cooking, taking a shower, buying food, going to the park, shopping, watching TV, using the computer, etc.) in order to increase his or her Happiness Level. Every time the Happiness Level reaches 100 per cent, your avatar goes up one game level. The game goes up to Level 5.

[caption id="attachment_1382" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="DEFROST THE FRIDGE REGULARLY – That’s a tip from Alter Space. Playing the game generates Earth-friendly tips that save energy and reduce carbon emissions. "][/caption]

You must continuously earn “Currentcy” during the game. This is done by playing various mini-games. These mini-games involve harvesting energy from alternative sources: a solar power plant, a geothermal plant and a hydro-electric plant—all of which provide energy without carbon emissions.

Alter Space also includes details and touches that showcase Filipino culture, like buying food from a “turo-turo”; playing sungka; or using a pamaypay or fan, and many others.

Some practical tips you learn in Alter Space are: a) Using natural sunlight to brighten your house as much as possible; b) Using energy-saving light bulbs in the house; c) Using a pail of water when you bathe, instead of the shower; d) Using an LCD television set instead of the old CRT TVs; LCD TVs consume less energy and result in less carbon emissions.

Learn these and more practical tips the fun way when you play Alter Space! Check it out at www.facebook.com/alterspacegame.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, retail and power services. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy in the Philippines with several hydroelectric and geothermal assets in its generation portfolioand also has non-renewable power plants located across the country. The company owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (For more details, please visit:www.abotizpower.com and www.cleanergy.com.ph.)

The secret to fresh breath

[caption id="attachment_1377" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="For the DJs of Boys Night Out, their 'breath' is their livelihood. That's why among their stock of hygiene products, Slick Rick, Tony Toni, and Sam YG rank their mouthwash right near the top. "][/caption]

Wacky Boys Night Out DJs
get serious about oral care

Since it began airing four years ago, Boys Night Out (BNO) has become one of the most popular shows on local nighttime FM radio. Its DJs—the threesome of Tony Toni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG—have entertained thousands of listeners with their playful and often naughty banter. They’re a testament to the adage that, indeed, boys will be boys.

Despite their wacky comments and funny, naughty boy antics on-air, however, the BNO dudes get serious about their grooming and hygiene habits. Being sloppy about their appearance and getting careless about their oral hygiene, for example, is neither cool nor funny for Boys Night Out.

“Being a radio personality and a media professional puts you in close contact with lots of people. They could be fans. They could be colleagues, friends, or potential clients. It would be very embarrassing and, in a way, even disrespectful, for a media personality to be less than presentable in public.

“As media personalities, we can’t avoid relating to people. It would be a major blunder to be sloppy in our appearance, but it’s even worse if we have poor oral hygiene—that would give a really negative impression when we start talks and conversations with others,” says Slick Rick.

For these beloved jocks, there's no denying the importance of having clean, fresh breath in their line of work.

"For us, our ‘breath’ is our livelihood. It affects how people perceive us," says Tony Toni, who often plays the role of the naughty, racy fellow among the three.

"That's part of the job: you're just going to be talking and talking, and you don’t want your bad breath to slow you down. Plus you never know when you're going to meet a girl you like. It's important because you don't want to leave the impression of having bad breath," says Slick Rick, BNO’s undisputed ‘ladies’ man’.”

"We talk to people everyday. It's our business; it's our job. And in dealing with people, you always want to make sure you leave a good impression," Sam YG, the self-described nerd of the group, explains.

Having strong mouth odor, as far as these 3 are concerned, is a sure recipe for social disaster.

"You could be this hunk, but if you have bad breath that's what people will always remember you for," Slick Rick adds.

"It's a big turn-off for women. No matter how good-looking and handsome you are, if you have strong, unpleasant mouth odor, you can say goodbye to your chances of getting a kiss after a date,” says Tony Toni.

"If you have bad breath, people will say you have low standards of personal hygiene, then it's a domino effect na," he adds.

The same goes for women, according to Sam YG.

"How can you even think of moving on with that person if right from the start you're turned-off by her bad breath? That's minus sexy points," he says.

This makes their oral hygiene regimen of paramount importance to their everyday lives.

Their oral hygiene regimen

"Right after waking up, I have to brush my teeth to ensure I have fresh breath even though I don't have anyone with me at home. After I eat, I brush again, then floss. Then I take a shower and after that, mouthwash before I leave the house," shares Slick Rick. "I'm kind of praning about keeping my teeth and my mouth clean. " he adds.

"I brush my teeth after every meal, then floss about twice a day. I use mouthwash three times a day," shares Sam YG

Which is why, among their stock of hygiene products, the boys rank their mouthwash right near the top. Knowing the importance of using a mouthwash, the BNO DJs literally took pains to find the right brand for them.

"When I was younger, the strong and stingy flavor of the mouthwash I used made me almost want to cry. Even now, there are still some mouthwashes like that. It's like, there has to be some pain for it to be effective. Alright, after that your breath is ok, but then you have to deal with pain to some extent," Sam YG says.

"Other brands, however, don't really eliminate the odor, they just mask it with its strong flavors. Especially when you've eaten something like shawarma that has a lasting effect even after you've brushed your teeth," he adds.

"There are other brands naman that are effective. But it's really the stinging effect na ayaw ko e, it's very strong and it comes to a point na you have to dilute it. Yung iba may bad aftertaste pa. So much so that you can even taste it even when you are already eating. I used to think na kung walang alcohol or wala yung stinging effect, it's not as potent," Tony Toni chimes in.

Then they tried OraCare.

On using OraCare

"At first, I was curious because of the "no sting" claim. I was like, ok, let's see how the product will get the job done without giving me the sting. I wanted to see if it really works that way. It sounded too good to be true," Sam YG recalls. "But since I’ve used it, I”ve never looked back."

"Since I started using OraCare regularly, I haven’t been as conscious about my breath. I'm more confident when talking to people. You're not shy. Like when you’re in a club and the music is loud, you can bring your face closer to other people’s faces to talk without feeling worried," says Tony Toni.

"With OraCare I can use it on a daily basis without wondering whether it would hurt my mouth or something, kasi hindi siya matapang. I said to myself, finally, they came up with something that does not give you the sting yet gives you fresh breath," Sam YG adds.

"It makes you wonder also that if the mouthwash is very harsh, what does that do to my teeth, gums, tongue? If there's much pain, couldn't it have some damaging effect?," Sam YG observes.

And because this trio is Boys Night Out, they won't miss out on the benefits of having nice-smelling breath on the ladies.

"It makes a guy more attractive to women. It says that the guy knows how to take care of himself. And girls like a guy who's well-groomed. Well-groomed, with good hygiene, then with style to match, how can you lose? Those are sure pogi points if a guys know how to take care of his breath," Tony Toni.

"And I notice that more women kiss me when I have fresh breath," he adds.

"When you know that your breath smells good, it gives you confidence, which I think is the most important thing. When you're confident about something, di ba it's easier for you to project yourself well? Because you have nothing to hide and nothing to be shy about, it’s like ‘I'm confident, I can go up and talk to anybody’ and confidence leads to pogi points. If you feel good, people are going to be attracted to you," concludes Sam YG.

Good oral hygiene spells success at work, in romance and any social situation. As Boys Night Out found out, OraCare is clearly the smarter choice for fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums. OraCare Mouthrinse (in Regular and Cool flavors) and OraCare Toothpaste are available in leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide.

Avida Towers Centera holds 3D street painting contest

[caption id="attachment_1274" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="In this work by an artist, there is really no hose to hold"] 

[/caption]

Another 3D execution of Spiderman makes him look like he's actually crawling on the pavement

 

A sample 3D execution of the globe, which, from this angle, looks like it's standing

FILIPINO artists will have the chance to showcase their talent and passion at Avida Towers Centera 3D Street Painting Festival on March 18 and 19, 2011 at Reliance Street in Mandaluyong City.

With the theme “Fast-forward: Life at the Center of the Metropolis”, the art contest is part of the grand launch of Avida Land Corp.’s latest high rise project. The paintings will be open for public viewing starting March 19.

“What better way to mark the rise of another Avida Towers than to showcase the talent and creativity of Filipinos, whose artworks will adorn the street where this development will rise,” says Avida Marketing Manager Tess Tatco.

How to join ?

The 3D street painting competition is open to all Filipino professional artists and students of all ages. Participants must form a team composed of three to seven members to qualify.

Contestants are required to submit a soft copy of their design at chriscahilig2011@gmail.com in JPEG format only on Tuesday, March 15 at exactly 10pm. Submitted design proposals must be based on the theme: “Fast-forward: Life at the Center of the Metropolis”. The final artwork will be 8 x10 feet in size.

Design proposals must include additional information such as group name, the names of the members and contact details. The title of the final artwork should also be stated.

Design proposals will be evaluated and sorted for inclusion in a short-list; short-listed proposals are considered the official finalists of the competition. The contest will begin at 8AM on March 18th until 6 AM of the following day, March 19th.

Winners and prizes

Entries that qualify for the finals will be judged according to Artistic Merit (45%); Relevance to the Theme (35%); and Over-all Impact (20%). The first prize-winner will take home a special glass trophy and P75, 000. The second placer will receive a trophy and P50, 000. The winner for third place will receive a trophy plus P30, 000.

All the finalists’ artworks will be posted in Avida’s official Facebook page. The entry that receives the most number of “Likes” will win a trophy and P20, 000.

Join now and share your 3D street art to the world! To learn more about Avida Towers Centera’s 3D street painting competition, just visit http://www.facebook.com/AvidaLandCorp or contact (02) 687-2692, 687-2649 or 664-7213.

Free gym at Fitness First March 14-20

All you have to do is visit the website www.fitnessfirst.com.ph and download the 1 week pass. Ok?

March, 2011 - Have you been thinking about hitting the gym recently? Are you feeling like you’re not exercising so much? Have you been meaning to go out for a run or join a marathon with friends but have been putting it off? On March 14-20, Fitness First gives you a good reason to hit the gym because in celebration of the 2011 International Fitness Week, the world’s leading health and fitness club will open all its doors nationwide to everyone for free!

International Fitness Week is a global campaign that aims to promote healthy living and fitness through exercise and enjoyable group activities. Now in its third year in the Philippines, Fitness First together with former Spice Girl and Global International Fitness Week Ambassador, Mel B, is encouraging the public to becoming more active and fit while providing solutions to different health concerns such as weight loss and high cholesterol.

“Our business at Fitness First is all about changing lives. We offer our services to help people get healthy no matter what their motivations are. Whether it’s to have more energy to keep up with your kids after a long day at work, to look better or to feel healthier, Fitness First is here to support you. This March, we are strengthening our commitment to wellness through International Fitness Week. We’d like to encourage everyone to start moving and prioritize their health.” Says Mark Ellis, Country Manager of Fitness First Philippines

For an entire week, Fitness First will treat everyone to a selection of services. Each day will have a different focus including “Strength Day” where activities will center on how one can build their strength, “Cycle Day” in which spin classes will be offered to both rookie and experts, “Shape Day” where classes devoted to sculpting and toning one’s body will be offered with the help of different innovative techniques and free consultation with Fitness First’s resident nutritionist and “Health Check Day” which will provide participants with a 5 point health check. In addition to this, there will also be “Functional Training Day” which can help people be more productive and energized to tackle their daily activities, and “Group Exercise Day” where beginner cardio classes will be offered. Finally, to culminate the week-long celebration, “Fun Day” will give participants a preview on Fitness First’s newest weight loss program, Lose It.

“To me, Fitness is a lifestyle. It’s a commitment to my body. Exercising helps me focus more during the day. It provides me the energy to do the things I love” says International Fitness Week global ambassador, Mel B. “My partnership with Fitness First and International Fitness Week allows me to motivate and inspire other people to get moving! I urge everybody to take advantage of this opportunity and hit the gyms. ”

Fitness First would like to invite members and non-members alike to this opportunity as it will only run for 7 days during International Fitness Week. Use the gym, feel free to try the equipment, consult with a nutritionist and join the many exciting classes this coming March 14 – 20 2011 at any Fitness First club near you!

To learn more about International Fitness Week and Fitness First, please visit www.internationalfitnessweek.com or www.fitnessfirst.com.ph

Alicia Mayer has "bared"

Manila — Filipina actor Alicia Mayer has "bared" the truth behind the cruel meat industry in more ways than one. That's because Mayer didn't pull any punches when she agreed to shoot a brand-new pro-vegetarian ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia. In the ad, Mayer is lying completely naked—seemingly lifeless—on a steel table and next to the caption "Meat Belongs in the Morgue, Not on Your Table. Go Vegetarian!" The stunning ad was shot by ace photographer Raymund Isaac for Portfolio Studio and takes direct aim at the meat industry.

"I'm challenging Filipinos to really think about what 'meat' is," says Mayer. "Eating flesh means eating the corpse of a tortured animal who did not want to die. I'm encouraging kind consumers to give vegetarianism a try."

Mayer gained widespread adoration for her part in the cast of the comedy show Lagot Ka … Isusumbong Kita and for her roles on the soap opera Saang Sulok ng Langit and First Time. She has played the role of Rhea on the Filipino-Malaysian soap opera Muli; served as one of the hosts of Eat Bulaga, the longest-running noontime variety show in Philippine TV history; and graced the cover of FHM magazine.

Animals who are raised and killed for meat, dairy products, and eggs endure immeasurable cruelty and are denied everything that is natural and important to them. More than 750 million animals are slaughtered for their flesh every year in the Philippines. On factory farms, cows, pigs, and chickens are kept in crowded, filthy enclosures, which are often so small that the animals are unable to lie down comfortably. Many animals are forced to stand amid their own urine and feces.

Cows are routinely branded, dehorned, and castrated without being given any painkillers. Pigs are castrated, and their tails and teeth are cut or broken off—also without any pain relief. Chickens are drugged and bred to grow such unnaturally large upper bodies that their legs often become crippled under their own weight. Birds' throats are cut while they are still conscious, and many birds are scalded to death in defeathering tanks.

In addition to being cruelty-free, a diet that excludes meat, eggs, and dairy products can lower the risk of heart disease (one of the Philippines' top killers), cancer, strokes, diabetes, obesity, and acne in adults as well as allergies, ear infections, and juvenile-onset diabetes in children. Ninety percent of Filipinos are lactose-intolerant, and avoiding dairy products can help people's bodies work more efficiently. Numerous physicians and nutritionists agree that the best way to prevent heart disease as well as multiple other conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, is to eat a diet high in fiber, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy vegetarian diet can also help anyone stay slim.

The production of meat and dairy products also contaminates the water and soil with animal waste. Worldwide, farmed animals produce 13 billion metric tons of excrement a year—that's 48 times as much as the world's human population produces. Each day, animal agriculture consumes 2.5 trillion liters of water—enough for every person in the world to take eight showers.

Animal grazing has been responsible for loss of topsoil and eventual desertification in many parts of the world. The animals destroy the land's protective vegetation. Then wind removes the soil and converts formerly productive rangeland into desert. Forest lands in China and South America are being destroyed to clear space for grazing or to grow food for farmed animals.

A recent United Nations report concluded that a global shift toward a vegan diet is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change.

"The evidence is clear," says Jason Baker, PETA Asia's vice president of international operations. "The best thing that people can do for animals, the planet, and themselves is go vegetarian."

Mayer joins a host of international stars—including Pamela Anderson, Natalie Portman, Sir Paul McCartney, Maggie Q, and Barbie Hsu—who have kicked the meat habit.

For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.