U.P. TOWN CENTER: A One-Stop Food Haven

U.P. TOWN CENTER: A One-Stop Food Haven

U.P. Town Center gives you great cuisine combined with cozy and fun ambiance. Strategically located within the 7.4-hectare U.P. Diliman East Campus property along Katipunan Avenue, the U.P. Town Center is Ayala Malls’ newest development that has both retail and office components, with emphasis on academic support facilities especially designed to promote a close collaboration with the academe.

U.P. Town Center is a haven for students, professors and young professionals who want to unwind after a stressful day at the campus. Experience a fresh take on dining concepts in a relaxing indoor-and-outdoor environment perfect for bonding and nurturing relationships.

Recently, I was invited to an exclusive press tour dubbed as “food crawl” at the U.P. Town Center, “a one-stop destination for exciting dining outlets." Of the 28 merchants in the first phase of this newly opened Ayala Mall along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, 26 are restaurants. 

We were supposed to sample the dishes and drinks offered by 11 of these food establishments with different concepts within one day. But due to time constraints and full stomach, we were not able to visit all of the 11 restaurants assigned to us that day.

American’s favorite food has never been this good with 8 Cuts Burger Blends. 8 Cuts brings a new level of fun to the art of handcrafted burgers, along with chef-prepared sides, starters and salads made in-house daily. Its name is a reference to the eight cuts of beef used in the blends— chuck, rib eye, short rib, sirloin, brisket, hanger, flank and ox tail. All patties are made in-house from 100% pure U.S. beef.

You’ll never go wrong dining in The Primary Kitchen Bar. It is a modern Mediterranean bar restaurant which serves food with predominant Spanish, Italian and Greek flavors, and an exquisite list of Latin and other standard cocktail mixes. The Primary Kitchen Bar also serves an eminent choice of local, premium, imported beers and spirits. Aside from the sumptuous array of foods they offer, you’ll also fall in love with the bar’s signature drinks combined with the fantastic customer service of their employees. Thumbs up indeed!

Conceptualized from New York and inspired by the TV series Mad Men is Liberty New York Steak House. Liberty makes different types of steaks such as the Flank steak, US Rib Eye, Porterhouse, and Swiss Steak. It also offers side dishes, from roasted summer vegetables to cheddar and bacon or spam potatoes. Also included in their menu are healthy and diet-ready salads with Calamari, other seafood, steak or chicken. To top that, they have other specialties, which vary from time to time such as wraps and sandwiches, small plates for people with small appetite, and pastries for desserts.

Have a taste of what Salu-Salo has in store for certified foodies. A step up from the ordinary, their dishes are utterly amazing. You’ll never think twice of coming back to this amazing restaurant who’s serving the best of Filipino food and many more.

Gratify yourself after a long day’s work with a good cup of tea at Tea Rock. Tea Rock is a local milk tea brand which is a combined New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo café concept. Aside from teas, they also have juices, frappes and smoothies. Included in their menu are the best sellers in Taiwan- the Lemon Green Tea and English Black Tea with ice cream. They are also serving tasty meals and snacks.

Welcome yourself to Manila’s cupcake wonderland at The Vanilla Cupcake Bakery. It offers a wide variety of cupcake flavors and an ambiance worthy of your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. It is truly a go-to haven of every sweet tooth. Definitely freshly baked every day, using only the finest ingredients put into every bite, it's no wonder people are on VCB cupcake craze.

Ayala Malls’ U.P. Town Center promises an everyday full of smiles, laughter and fond memories with the finest establishments to capture your greatest moments.

Photo Contest

Photo Contest

Be a Fashionista via the Electrolux #WearYourPassion OOTD

Are you dreaming to be a Fashionista? Dream no more and be a certified fashionista #Passionista via the Electrolux #WearYourPassion OOTD Photo Contest!

This is your chance to dress up and flaunt your passion as Electrolux brings you the #WearYourPassion Photo Contest.

Get a chance to win exciting Electrolux Small Appliances weekly when you share your different passions and interests with us on Twitter and Instagram. Here’s how you can join:

Please wait for the rafflecopter to load...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

If the rafflecopter is not loading you can do the following:

1. Follow the official Twitter and Instagram accounts of @electroluxph and @yummytales

2. Take a photo of yourself wearing an OOTD that best embodies your passion.

3. Tell about your passion and how your OOTD represents it.

4. Post your photo on Twitter and/or Instagram and tag at @electroluxph @yummytales

5. Don’t forget to use the hashtags c/o # ChaSy #WearYourPassion and #Passionista.

Pose and post now and be one of the lucky winners of the featured Electrolux small appliance of the week. Contest period is from October 21, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

Whether you are passionate about fashion, sports, dancing, or cooking, your passion is worth sharing.

For more information about the Electrolux Wear Your Passion Instagram Contest, follow @ElectroluxPH and @yummytales on Twitter. 

iACADEMY School of Continuing Education

Something's cooking at iACADEMY School of Continuing Education.....

DON'T WASTE FOOD: Join the Foodless Plate Campaign

DON'T WASTE FOOD: Join the Foodless Plate Campaign

Healthy Options' advocacy campaign of healthy living supports the love for food by making sure none of it goes to waste. The #foodlessplate campaign of Healthy Options truly encourages people to have a better version of themselves. Every Juan and Juana should respond positively to the call of Healthy Options to have a better outlook on food consumption. Eating all the edible food on your plate is cool. So, if you wanna be cool, then eat all the food you put on your plate.

Healthy Options advocacy is close to my heart because when I was small, my mama and papa would always gently remind me to finish off every bits and pieces of edible food on my plate. My loving papa and mama would say: "Don't put food on your plate that you cannot consume. A lot of people in other parts of the world hardly had enough food to eat, so don't waste your food." I hope you also realize the importance of this campaign. You must remember to eat all the food on your plate. It is never too late to start a habit for a good cause.

During my growing up years, my cousins and friends would tease me for being a human vacuum cleaner because I always ended up with a clean plate after each meal. I formed the habit when I was 7 years old. Mind you, I've never heard about the buffet rule of no leftover back then. But because my parents instilled in me to emphatize with those people without any means to eat three full meals a day, I became aware and hardly waste any food eversince. After all, I should feel truly thankful and blessed because I can eat three to five times a day, whereas, some people can't hardly make ends meet. So, why waste food? Imagine my happiness when I learned that the same training was applied to my cousins when they were growing up. They live comfortably yet they choose to emphatize and be cool. So, what gives you the right to waste food? Emphatize. Be cool. Don't waste food.

Healthy Options' advocacy campaign is truly very timely because in the Philippines alone, tons of food are gone to waste because some people just don't care. Start caring for others by having #foodlessplate.

The “Love Food, Don’t Waste” campaign calls on social media users to share their “foodless plate” photos on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The campaign gets everyone on board by taking “foodless plate” photos—empty plates photographed after your food has been consumed. For every photo posted and properly tagged, Healthy Options makes a donation to Hands on Manila, a charity group that organizes feeding programs for impoverished communities. 

You can participate by following these easy steps:

1. After eating, post a photo of your empty plate on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter*.

2. Include a caption and don't forget the #foodlessplate hashtag.

3. Share your #foodlessplate photo on your other social media accounts.

4. Tag the Healthy Options Facebook page, Twitter (@_HealthyOptions), and Instagram (@HealthyOptionsPH) accounts. A donation will be made to Hands On Manila Foundation, Inc’s EAT TO FEED** program once we reach 500 entries. So invite your friends to join the cause! 

*You can submit one photo per day.

**To volunteer for the EAT TO FEED program, e-mail marketing@healthyoptions.com.ph. Limited slots. Granted on a first come, first served basis. 

There are thousands of Filipinos who do not have the benefit of enjoying three full meals a day. Yet, 2,000 tons of food are thrown out by Filipinos everyday. Through this campaign, Healthy Options hopes to help the country combat both hunger and food wastage, and this can only be done with your support. 

Take those #foodlessplate photos now and share the cause with your friends! And remember that if you love food, don’t waste!

GABAY GURO: Be a Part of The Biggest Tribute For Teachers

GABAY GURO: Be a Part of The Biggest Tribute For Teachers

PLDT Executive volunteers (Left to Right) Jojo Alonzo, Rissa Golloso, Gil Garcia, Stateland Inc. First vice President Mr. Grant Orbeta, Gabay Guro Chairman Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Foton Vice President for Passenger vehicle Sales Mr. Jesus S. Tadena, Gabay Guro Marketing Head Gary Dujali and PLDT Executive volunteers Francis Bautista and Bong Padiz.

Attention: Teachers 

Sign up to be part of the biggest tribute event for teachers, happening on October 26, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena!

Manny V. Pangilinan, PLDT-Smart Foundation Chairman of the Board of Trustees

As a way of giving back to the teachers, PLDT-Smart Foundation’s Gabay Guro program is holding the biggest event that pays tribute to teachers. The Grand Gathering brings the teachers together for an event featuring some of the biggest celebrities like:

• Edu Manzano
• Derek Ramsay
• Martin Nievera
• Pops Fernandez
• Judy Ann Santos
• Anne Curtis
• Marian Rivera
• Ryzza Mae
• Rocco Nacino
• plus a special tribute by Regine Velasquez.

Two lucky teachers will win a house and lot, a brand new van, cash, and livelihood packages. 

This is made possible with the help of these Grand Gathering partners: 

• PLDT Home
• myDSL
• Cyberya
• Cignal
• Sun Cellular
• Smart
• Megaclinic
• Asian Hospital
• Ayala Land, Inc.
• myPhone
• Coca-Cola
• Merck Sharp and Dohme
• Johnson & Johnson
• American Home.

Admission to the Gabay Guro Grand Gathering is free but pre-registration is required. 

Teachers can do this on Gabay Guro’s Facebook page. More details can be found on @GabayGuro on Twitter and on the website.

Stateland Inc. First Vice President Mr. Grant Orbeta, Gabay Guro Chairman Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla and Marketing Head Gary Dujali, Foton Vice President for Passenger Vehicle Sales Mr. Jesus S. Tadena

For the last six years, Gabay Guro has been “changing the lives of those who changed ours” by helping improve the lives of Filipino teachers. The Foundation sees this as its way of giving back to the teachers for the tireless work and sacrifice they put into bringing education to the youth for the sake of the country’s future. It is anchored on Scholarships for exceptional Education students, Teacher Training for the continuous improvement in teaching methods, and easier access to Housing and Educational Facilities, Livelihood Programs, and Broadbanding and Computerization. 

Gabay Guro Chairman Ms. Chaye Cabal-Revilla and Marketing Head Gary Dujali

The Teacher’s Tribute, a pillar of which the Grand Gathering is part, also gives teachers the chance to celebrate the fruits of their labor.

MRS. GLOBE 2014 WORLD: A Call for Votes

MRS. GLOBE 2014 WORLD: A Call for Votes

Mrs. Philippines, Ruby Jane Lehmann, a 39-year-old mother of two, restaurateur and former Supermodel of the Philippines (1990) finalist standing at 5’- 9” tall, stole the show when she was hailed as the winner of this year's Mrs. Philippines-Globe pageant 2013.

Mrs. Globe is one of the biggest international beauty pageants for married women. Mrs. Globe aims to empower the missus as a vital part of the society. The pageant also recognizes that the achievements, charitable acts and stories of these women can serve as inspiration to others.

Our representative to the Mrs. Globe 2014 pageant Ruby Jane Lehmann, would like to ask for your support for her bid to capture the crown for our country.

M E C H A N I C S :

1. Go to http://mrsglobe.com/pageants_mrsglobeparticipants.html
2. Locate Mrs. Philippines, Ruby Jane Lehmann
3. Vote

Please note that I saw from their site that you need to shell out $10 to vote. Hmmm...I wonder why the voters should pay? But I am not sure if they're going to remove the fee later because the pageant will occur beginning today, October 20, up to October 28, 2013 at Shenzhen, China.

Goodluck Mrs. Philippines! Bring home the crown!

CERVICAL CANCER: A Preventable Time Bomb

CERVICAL CANCER: A Preventable Time Bomb

Attention: Ladies of all ages and every real men who love and respect their mother, sister, girlfriend, wife, lady friend or lady cousins.

Cervical Cancer is the number two (2) cause of death in the Philippines next to breast cancer. It is labeled somewhat as a silent killer because there is no pain whatsoever in the early part of the disease. It kills 12 Filipinos, mostly women, every day. It is the most common malignancy that afflicts and kills women with conservative estimates between 35,000 and 70,000 cases with almost 7,000 new cases added every year, according to studies.

Good thing, this cancer is preventable.  In fact, there is now a vaccine for the disease and it can be cured, if detected early! If it goes undetected, cervical cancer is the deadliest form of cancer. 

Twenty percent of all cancers are caused by viruses. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. HPV takes several forms, which are referred to by number. There are about 100 types of HPV that generally infect people in various parts of the body but there are only 13 types that can cause cancer in the cervix.

Cervical cancer results from the uncontrolled growth of severely abnormal cells in the cervix, the opening of the womb. Usually, it takes about ten years before cancer develops. 

According to the Merck manual, Cervical cancer begins on the surface of the cervix and can penetrate deep beneath the surface. The cancer can spread directly to nearby tissues, including the vagina. Or it can enter the rich network of small blood and lymphatic vessels inside the cervix, then spread to other parts of the body.

In the early stages, cervical cancer usually causes no symptoms but unlike some cancers, cervical cancer presents early signs like the following:

• It may cause spotting 
• or heavier bleeding between periods
• bleeding after intercourse
• or unusually heavy periods. 

In later stages, such abnormal bleeding is common," says The Merck Manual of Medical Information.

Other symptoms may include:

• a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
• pain in the lower abdomen
• and swelling of the legs. 

The urinary tract may be blocked. Without treatment, kidney failure and death can result.

The younger a woman was the first time she had sexual intercourse and the more sex partners she has had, the higher her risk of cervical cancer. While women may contract HPV when they are young, cervical cancer is most likely to develop in women 35 years or older. Several other factors that may trigger cervical cancer among women include the following:

•  early age at first birth
•  having many births
•  tobacco use
•  prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives
•  and an impaired immune system, particularly related to HIV infection.

To prevent this type of cancer, please have a vaccine shot before your very first sexual intercourse or within three (3) years after your very first sexual contact. 

Ask your trusted doctor about the vaccines against HPV that are currently sold in the market. A woman must be injected three times to guarantee full protection against the specific types of HPV infection.

The World Health Organization recommends HPV vaccination as early as nine (9) to thirteen (13) years old, especially in liberal countries. But every woman is at risk so women aged 13 to 55 years old can still have the vaccine.

FREE ENTRANCE: Today Only At MET Museum

FREE ENTRANCE: Today Only At MET Museum 

Join in the fun! Be enthralled. Visit and celebrate the MET Museum Founding Anniversary today, October 16, 2013, Wednesday for FREE and get a surprise anniversary treat. Museum hours: 10:00 a.m. up to 5:30 p.m.

To avail a free guided tour for group of 15 persons, reservation is required. Call 708-7828 or email info@metmuseum.ph

Enjoy!

HEALTH IS WEALTH

HEALTH IS WEALTH

While a person is young, he uses health to create wealth. As he gets older, he uses his wealth to attain health.

Many people, not only Filipinos, strive for high ideals. And almost always with a few exception wanted to be rich.  Whether you admit it or not, in certain stage of your life, you don't consider wealth as your health. 

This cycle is so true. So while you still can, take care of yourself and your family's health. Here are some tips in order to ensure health:

• Sleep at least 8 hours a day
• Drink plenty of water (8 glasses of water is the ideal number)
• Eat leafy vegetables 
• Eat fruits
• Exercise
• Take multivitamins
• Worry less
• Think positive 
• Smile always
• Be contented with what you have.
• Pray

SHERWIN TORALDE: The Man behind ZUMBAFIED

SHERWIN TORALDE: The Man behind ZUMBAFIED

Put on your dancing shoes and be Zumbafied. The man behind Zumbafied is Sherwin Toralde, who dance for the first time 20 years ago. He started his career in dancing when he performed with the CCP Amazing Philippine Theater for 5 years. He also trained under Powerdance to further his craft in dance & performance. He then went into freelance dance teaching with specialty in Latin and Dance fitness program. In 2005, he started his own dance studio and was able to make a name in the Metro as one of the youngest & most promising dance teacher.

In 2007, he went international as dance teacher & professional choreographer in Malaysia and Brunei. Hiphop is an addition to his specialization and became a priced instructor of the famous 6-star hotel, the Empire Hotel. Apart from the Empire hotel, he also managed a local dance studio where he gained the respect & confidence of the locals. He became the most sought after choreographer in Brunei, teaching various dance groups and making them champions in their respective competitions.

He came back to the Phils. in early 2010 and pioneered teaching Zumba®. His ZUMBA® philosophy is GOOD MUSIC + EASY TO FOLLOW STEPS + CALORIES BURNT = ZUMBA® Party!

On October 28, 2013, Sherwin among other instructors will lead the 2-hour Zumba party dubbed as “Zumbafied, a pre-Halloween event presented by Step Up Inc., Megaworld Lifestyle Malls & The Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill. Also brought to you by Pocari Sweat, Uni Qlo & Radio High 105.9.

Call (09189677435, 09199998056, 09209470500) for tickets and further details.

PLDT & ME: PLDT's 85th Anniversary Facebook Promo

PLDT & ME: PLDT's 85th Anniversary Facebook Promo  

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company or simply PLDT is celebrating its 85th anniversary #PLDT85 through its latest Facebook promo entitled "PLDT & ME." This promo followed the recently concluded "PLDT Home - Most Loyal Connections" 85th anniversary promo for its customers with the oldest landline subscriptions in the Philippines. 

PLDT, as you all know, is the biggest telecommunication company in the Philippines. PLDT offers vast and most diversified range of telecommunications services across the Philippines. It has the most extensive fiber optic backbone and wireless, fixed line, broadband and satellite networks. No wonder, from 1928 up to the present, it dominates both the wired and the wireless form of communication, be it the internet, classic fixed lines or land line and wireless phone (via its subsidiary Smart Communication).

In celebration of its 85th year anniversary, PLDT wants to give back something to its loyal clientele via a Facebook promo.

Last September 30, 2013 (yes, when September ends), PLDT launched a new promo aptly called "PLDT & ME" which will run until the 25th of October, 2013.

My family and I are PLDT loyal clients for so many years now. So upon learning about the exciting promo, I got so giddy and couldn't wait to win all those prizes!

How to join? 

You have two options: You can either watch this special video presentation or read more.

                           

CIRCLE 8: Early Christmas Bazaar Brands Red Hot Sale 2013

CIRCLE 8: Early Christmas Bazaar Brands Red Hot Sale 2013

Better early than never. A sale for a cause by Circle 8

Everywhere you go nowadays, Christmas carols are being played on the radio, right? People are talking about their upcoming Christmas celebrations and vacations. Talking about the red letter days and holidays, Filipino buyers never fail to pick up the shopping cart and fill it up with presents for the Christmas Season. You may be running out of gift ideas this year as to where else can you get that unique gift for your family, friend and even your inaanak? Panic no more as Circle 8 Events (CEE), an events management group invites everyone to the Early Christmas Bazaar Brands Red Hot Sale 2013. What started a couple of years ago as a small agency for events, that is now a corporation, CEE is initiating the sale as a way of giving back to the good times and successes.

Happening from October 7 to 12, 2013  from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pinoy Big Brother Concert Hall in Quezon City, the Red Hot Sale will house a wide range of brands that shoppers will surely love. Shoppers will enjoy up to 70% off on items. Uplift shopping experience as different entertainment visit the gift galore. And to even splurge on happiness, daily raffle encourages shoppers to increase chances to win exciting prizes.

To ignite the drive for a good cause, portions of the sales will go to Bahay-Pastulan Pag-ibig at Pag-asa, Bahay Nazareth and St. Martin de Porres. These charitable institutions are housing elderly and street children respectively, giving care to those are in need of love and support. At the heart of Circle Eight Events is the outpouring of the affection for others, sharing the love for a greater reason. 

Participating Celebrities in the bazaar are the following:

• Divine Lee
• Ara Mina
• Nene Tamayo
• Kris Lawrence  
• Say Alonzo. 

Circle Eight Events is an event service group based in Quezon City specializing in organizing corporate events, productions, fashion shows, venue setup, food styling, as well as web & graphic design. For inquires about the sale, contact 09175526233, 09324403429, or email at circle.eightevents@yahoo.com

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY MANILA: Scholarships Grants

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY MANILA: Scholarships Grants

De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila offers free DLSU College Entrance Tests to all graduating students from Philippine Public High Schools. The regional testing centers of DLSU will hold entrance exams from October to November 2013.

I always had this impression that this prestigious school doesn't offer scholarship to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Boy, was I glad when I heard about this good news that I decided to share this news to all of you. Please share this piece of good news to all Public Senior High School Students in your area in Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao.

DLSU will award full scholarships to the top 50 DLSU-CAT examinees from public schools and will offer at least 11 other scholarship schemes for deserving students.

For more information, please call 524-4611 local 166 or email scholarships@dlsu.edu.ph

Good luck!

OCTOBER 15, 2013: A Non-working Holiday

OCTOBER 15, 2013: A Non-working Holiday

Good News to all students and employees out there! 

I know that a lot of you are always on the look out for a possible holiday or time off from your hectic working or class schedules. So, the timely announcement by Malacañan Palace declaring a holiday on the 15th of this month is a welcome respite, right?

FEAST OF SACRIFICE or Eid’l Adha will be celebrated on October 15, 2013, Tuesday, a public holiday throughout the country as declared by President Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr. through Proclamation No. 658. 

The President based the proclamation on Republic Act No. 9849 which provides that Eidul Adha (Eid’l Adha) be celebrated every year as a special nonworking day.

Eid’l Adha is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam, but the date of the festival is based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body.

The other is Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Breaking the Fast that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid’l Adha is the 10th day in the month of Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca, during which Muslims pay homage to Abraham’s supreme act of sacrifice that signifies mankind’s obedience to God.

This year the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos had recommended that the observance of Eid’l Adha be on October 15, “and the Eid’l Adha prayer be performed on the final declaration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” according to Malacañan Palace.

VIDEO: A Message To All Women

VIDEO: A Message To All Women

Every woman must know who she is.
 

I stumbled upon this video and I want to share this with all of you my dear readers because you are special. It is one of the most uplifting video I ever watched. When life had kicked you to the ground so many times, it comes to a point when you feel ugly, unwanted and unloved. Through this video, reclaim your spirit. You are beautiful. You are loved. You are awesome. Hear and believe it.                          

                                                                                                                                                           

We do not own the video. No copyright infringement intended.

Who Will Be The Next Miss Resorts World Manila?

Who Will Be The Next Miss Resorts World Manila?

From hundreds of beautiful girls who auditioned in the search for Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 that began last September, twenty (20) lovely contestants were chosen. They are:

Candidate No. 1 - Jamie Herrell
Candidate No. 2 - Gabrielle Runnstrom
Candidate No. 3 - Rhea Nakpil
Candidate No. 4 - Samantha Purvor
Candidate No. 5 - Nastazha Cardel
Candidate No. 6 - Roz Mikaela Callejo
Candidate No. 7 - Avonlea Paraiso
Candidate No. 8 - Zahara Soriano
Candidate No. 9 - Erika San Buenaventura
Candidate No. 10 - Nikita Pia McElroy
Candidate No. 11 - Jaysel Arrozal
Candidate No. 12 - Elizabeth Sese
Candidate No. 13 - Natasha Julian
Candidate No. 14 - Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz
Candidate No. 15 - Anjellica Lopez
Candidate No. 16 - Roxanne Corluy
Candidate No. 17 - Regine Chung
Candidate No. 18 - Diane Joyce Ramirez
Candidate No. 19 - Canielle Faith Santos
Candidate No. 20 - Abigail Joyce Mendoza

This year’s finalists were officially presented to the media last Tuesday night, October 1, during a swimsuit competition held at The Plaza in Newport Mall in Pasay City.

The Darling of the Press was also chosen based on votes from the media people who attended the event.

23-year-old Jaysel Arrozal (Candidate No. 11), a fashion design student, won the Best in Swimsuit award.

On the other hand, 19-year-old student Nastazha Cardel (Candidate No. 5) of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) was voted Darling of the Press. 

Both received P25,000 worth of gift certificates from Calayan SurgiCentre Corp.

Before the Final Runway at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on November 30, the finalists will participate in a series of exciting events and activities including personality development training; hair, make-up and wardrobe seminars; and styling and fashion workshops among others. All the contestants will also be part of a glamorous fashion show while selected candidates will be included in the Resorts World Manila 2014 Calendar.

The winner of this year's crown will get over P1.5 Million worth of cash and prizes, including an exclusive holiday cruise to Hong Kong via Star Cruises.

As RWM’s brand ambassador for an entire year, Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 will play a key role in events hosting, radio and TV guestings, fashion show and print ad modeling, and representing RWM in various events and activities.

Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 is a celebration of beauty, congeniality, luxury and world-class elegance. Experience these thrills and more only at Resorts World Manila, where nothing compares.

For updates and schedule of events of Miss Resorts World Manila, visit www.rwmanila.com or call Tourist Hotline at (02) 908-8833.

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD MANILA:

Resorts World Manila (RWM) is the first one-stop, nonstop entertainment and tourism destination in the Philippines that features exciting recreational thrills, outstanding performances, unique events, and spectacular lifestyle and leisure options. Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality.

The premier integrated lifestyle hub is home to three superb hotel brands: the all-suite luxury MAXIMS Hotel; the five-star brand MARRIOTT Hotel Manila; and REMINGTON Hotel which offers cozy and superb accommodations for great value. With a variety of sumptuous dining options of over 50 food and beverages outlets ranging from international fine dining to casual quick service restaurants, RWM also offers a wide range of culinary fare.

RWM also serves as the home of The NEWPORT Mall which features high-fashion and international luxury brands. Experience a unique viewing experience at The Newport Cinemas with stadium seating and ultramodern cinema technology. Watch grand-scale performances at the 1,500-seater Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), which boasts of state-of-the-art lights and sounds innovations, and the largest LED wall in all of Southeast Asia, or relax in the cozy interior and superlative 24/7 entertainment provided at Bar 360, located at the casino ground floor.

Spend a whole family day affair with the many attractions offered by GameZoo amusement center, which includes the exclusive multi-dimensional virtual rides, an assortment of arcade games, a soft play area for toddlers, and more exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Supplement all the thrilling excitement offered exclusively by Resorts World Manila by becoming a cardholder! Membership at RWM is free and provides an instant pass to numerous discounts, freebies, and exclusive invites to RWM events.

Resorts World Manila— Nothing Compares.

RICHARD YAP: Sir Chief Launches Solo Debut Album

RICHARD YAP: Sir Chief Launches Solo Debut Album

Richard Yap, a.k.a. "Sir Chief," the Chinito crush ng bayan from Cebu, conquered not only the heart of "Maya" but also the rest of the Philippine population via the ABS-CBN popular television program “Be Careful With My Heart". 

Not the type that will rest on his laurels, Richard Yap entered a new stage in his career as a singer when he launched his solo debut album at Palacio de Maynila last Friday, September 26, 2013.

The Philippine music scene will never be the same again as "Sir Chief" serenades his fans with ‘easy listening’ song selections such as his cover version of Ric Segreto's original  "Don't Know What To Do, Don't Know What to Say" which "Sir Chief" personally handpicked.

His self-titled debut album under Star Records features the following songs:

• Promise Ain’t Enough
• Think I’m in Love Again
• Can Find No Reason
• You Take My Breath Away
• Chasing Cars
• High
• Afterglow
• Oh Babe (Chinese version)
• Please Be Careful with my Heart (bonus track)
• Salamat (bonus track)

Richard Yap, a.k.a. Sir Chief, shared to everybody that the album is a dream come true. It's a realization of his childhood dream to sing professionally.  He said he is very thrilled and thankful to his very popular TV program “Be Careful With My Heart" at ABS-CBN  because through the said program, people from Star Records discovered that he can sing.

Watch Sir Chief's sample singing prowess in this video.

Richard Yap grew up listening to the music of: 

• Queen
• Barry Manilow
• Kenny Rogers
• Hall and Oates
• Phil Collins
• Mike Francis

He said that he doesn't feel any pressure getting compared with other talented singers in the country. Richard Yap believes that his album covers all genres, from pop to ballad to alternative. "Sir Chief" further explains that his solo album will surely appeal not only to fans of his age group but also teens.

Richard’s album is now available at all record bars nationwide under Star Records for P250 only. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via Amazon.com, MyMusicStore.com.ph and iTunes.

For more information visit Star Records’ accounts – Facebook and Twitter.