COMELEC picks PICC for elections canvassing

Commission on Elections picks PICC for elections canvassing—The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the country’s biggest and most elegant events venue, was again chosen to be the site of the canvassing for the 2013 Philippine mid-term elections. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chose the PICC as the venue of the national canvassing of the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) for 10 days after the elections that chose the next batch of Senators and local government officials and legislators. Seen in photo after the contract signing are COMELEC Chairman, Hon. Sixto Brillantes, Jr. (left), and PICC General Manager, Atty. Renato Padilla.

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JAG Origins: Presents Nina Garcia

JAG Origins: Presents Nina Garcia

Filipino fashionistas and fashionista wannabes troop to the first ever Jag Origins fashion show/ seminar held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City at day 3 of the Philippine Fashion Week last May 24, 2013.

The Jag Origins fashion show/ seminar launches Jag's Holiday 2013 collection that featured stretch denim for men and ankle-cut jeans for women.

Boy Abunda interviewing Nina Garcia

No less than Project Runway judge and Marie Claire creative director Nina Garcia served as the inaugural speaker of JAG Origins last Friday. We were ecstatic when we learned during her interview with Boy Abunda that Nina Garcia also served as fashion director of fashion magazine Elle for 17 years.

The well-attended Jag Origins fashion show also showcased the latest creations of Filipino designers Jerome Salaya Ang, Norman Noriega and Jeffrey Rogador.

Jag Origins fashion show/ seminar is envisioned to be an annual seminar of influence and inspiration that "spreads art, design and creative inspiration" among upcoming fashion designers.

I also saw several fashion designers as well as famous celebrities in the audience and some beauty queens also took part in the event, including previous Miss Universe delegates Janine Tugonon and Shamcey Supsup and 2013 Miss Universe-Philippines Ariella Arida.

ROBIN PADILLA'S SISTER CROWNED WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE

ROBIN PADILLA'S SISTER CROWNED WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE

During the coronation night of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 pageant held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on May 25, 2013, Robin Padilla's sister, Rizza Padilla-Singson, was crowned Woman of Substance 2013.  

She was also chosen as Mrs. Body Beautiful during the event.

Maria Rizza Padilla Singson, 35 years old, is a registered nurse. She is a wife, mom, nurse and commercial model rolled into one.

 Her family and friends describe her as a woman who is beautiful inside and out.

 Congratulations Rizza!

MRS. PHILIPPINES GLOBE 2013 WINNERS

MRS. PHILIPPINES GLOBE 2013 WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners in the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 pageant. Once again, the winners in the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 pageant proved that it's never too late to fulfill their lifelong dream. This year's winners in the Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 pageant have a combination of beauty, charm and intelligence coupled with good values.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 advocacy is to empower more Filipinas. 

This year, the pageant held a bigger and better pageant that included not only married women but also single mothers.  
   
"Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 organizers are very grateful and proud of this year's finalists for having the courage to join this pageant. We hope that all of the contestants will come out of this pageant as improved individuals who have gained newfound confidence about themselves,” says National Pageant Director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo earlier this evening, May 25, 2013, during the coronation of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. The event was hosted by Paolo Abrera.

                 

Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 is one of the biggest international beauty pageants for married women and single mothers. Mrs. Philippines-Globe aims to inspire and empower Filipinas and make them realize that they play a vital role as movers of society.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 Ruby Jane Lehmann

(From left to right) Third runner-up is contestant number 8 -Jessica Eribal. Second runner-up is number18-Rachel Felix. Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 winner is contestant number 10-Ruby Jane Lehmann. Woman of Substance 2013 titlist number 15- Rizza Padilla Singson. First runner-up number 17-Madel Paltu-Ob. I recognize Madel from an event last year where she showed her Zumba moves.

King Solomon said, "to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven".

Congratulations moms!

LIGAO, ALBAY: Kawa-Kawa Sunset

LIGAO, ALBAY: Kawa-Kawa Sunset

I still vividly remember the first time my friends and I visited Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park.  It was a Holy Week and my town mates Elvie and Ruel fetched me from our store and asked me to join them for a joyride to Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park. Since I've never been there before, I readily obliged and off we went to the enchanted hill which is less than thirty minutes away from our hometown. 

Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. The name of the hill was derived from its shape resembling a ‘kawa’ or large pot (cauldron, read (kôl dr n)). 

From the Kawa-Kawa summit, one can see a large crater. That's why Kawa-Kawa Hill is also called ‘the hill without a hilltop’. It offers a stunning 360 degree view of Ligao City and its neighboring towns, as well as sprawling green fields and nearby Mount Masaraga and Mount Mayon. On the slopes of the hill, dinorado (high-quality mountain rice), pineapple and vegetables are cultivated to promote agriculture and environmental awareness.

The Kawa-Kawa hill is famous locally as a religious destination because of the larger than life Stations of the Cross lining the 500-meter path to the crater and extending all the way around the crater’s 836-meter rim. During the Lenten Season, devotees flock to Kawa-Kawa to reflect and meditate on the Stations of the Cross as penance.

Recreation facilities and attractions in Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park now include a Philippines Eagle Scout Advancement Camp and Facilities, a volleyball court and horseback riding. 

From being a secret haven by the Bicolano's years ago, Kawa-Kawa Hill is now considered as one of Albay’s premier tourist destinations. It was developed by the city government of Ligao, Albay spearheaded by Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando Gonzalez. 

Photo from Albay Governor Joey Salceda's FB account. 

Village Tavern Celebrates First Anniversary

Village Tavern Celebrates First Anniversary

Village Tavern Introduces new menu items and Wednesday Night Out promo

It has been one year since the first branch outside the US of Village Tavern landed in the Philippines, right at the heart of Bonifacio High Street. With welcoming interiors mixing both ye olde taverns of yore and a hunting lodge, this new kid on the block has cemented itself firmly as a must-eat place in the metro. Village Tavern opened to a smorgasbord menu ranging from healthy salads and whole-wheat flatbreads to specialties of chicken, pork and steaks.

In celebration of its first anniversary, The Bistro Group Corporate Head Chef Josh Boutwood whipped up new and exciting menu items that are sure to keep you coming back for more. “The new items in the menu are a gustatory celebration,” Boutwood declares. “At their heart are comfort foods that you would expect from your neighborhood tavern, should you have one, but with a hearty twist.”

To start with, try the small plates of Crispy Clams with Spicy Lemon Dip, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings, and Shrimp Balls with Cilantro Lime – perfect to share and to begin a feast. 

Shrimp Balls with Cilantro Lime

A literal heart- and show-stopper is the Roasted Bone Marrow, best eaten spread on its accompanying freshly made sourdough bread, then lightly dipped in apple cider vinegar.

Roasted Bone Marrow

If your heart – and your stomach – can still handle it, choose from pizzas and Tavern Specialties that delight the senses. With servings made for sharing, the Village Tavern is the ideal hang out for group dates, barkada nights, and even family gatherings.

Need a substantial main to impress and feed everyone? Then go for the aptly named Tomahawk, which is a 35-ounce of perfectly aged steak, hand-cut and grilled to your liking. There’s something new at every turn, as the anniversary launches items such as the exotic Ox Cheek with Truffle Mash and Poached Onions, Kansas Ribs, Lamb Rack, and even Cod Fish and Lapu Lapu with Pico de Gallo.

Tomahawk

As if that isn’t enough, Village Tavern is also hosting Wednesday Night Out, featuring half off on all wines by the glass, as well as all cocktails and liquors.

Says Chef Josh Boutwood, “With so many new restaurants in the metro, it can be quite difficult to create a following, especially as Filipinos become more adventurous. The new menu is our way of saying thank you to our loyal patrons – those who have their favorites and keep coming back for more, and of course, those who are always on the lookout for something new, something exciting, something to thrill their palate.

Village Tavern is located on the second floor of Bonifacio High Street Central. It is part of The Bistro Group, known for bringing in global franchises and for launching original exciting restaurant concepts. For more information, like VillageTavernPhilippines on Facebook and follow villagetavernph on Instagram.

VELOCI: His and Her Watch

VELOCI: His and Her Watch

Oh la la! Travel on shoestring level up and got invited to the Veloci watch Blogger get together. The Italian-inspired VELOCI watch collection gives new life to iconic silhouettes of classic watch designs through the play of differently-colored dials and watch straps to bring about a young, fresh, and stylish look. 

VVeloci watches are made with stainless steel watch cases, high grade Japanese movements and equipped with high quality NATO straps.

Each Veloci timepiece comes with three (3) high quality NATO straps of different colors and color patterns. The straps come off quite easily and one strap fits all wrist sizes. Whether your wrists are tiny or big worry not because all straps are adjustable because they come with several extra holes and the strap itself can be shortened via looping! Check them out!

 Mix and match!

 Which Veloci strikes your fancy?

COOL

With Veloci watch numerous combinations and style choices, you can wear different ensembles to match your mood. 

For more information on VELOCI watches you can check them out in various ASPREY stores and selected L TIMESTUDIO boutiques and TIME GEAR boutiques or you can check out www.facebook.com/Asprey.ph

Stay cool this school year with Outdoor Products

Stay cool this school year with Outdoor Products

Carry around all your school must-haves in style as Outdoor Products makes it easier for you to find the right backpack that fits your personality.

Veering away from the usual style of backpacks, Outdoor Products’ selection is filled with edgier designs while maintaining the youthful appeal of each piece. Inspired by all things fun and fashionable, the brand focuses on offering backpacks and other travel gear that are made of the finest materials, ensuring quality and practicality without ever compromising style.

Keep your netbook, tablet, books, notebooks, toiletry kit, and whatever it is that you want safely inside your Outdoor backpack and enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about not being able to secure all your belongings in just one bag. For added convenience, keep everything well organized so you need not worry about not being able to find your pen, cellphone or wallet when you need it most.

Plus, Outdoor backpacks’ lightweight material made from CORDURA® Fabric makes them easier to carry around, putting less strain on your back while making it very durable. The material is ensured to withstand any abuse that your backpack might encounter. Along with Outdoor Products’ special CORDURA® fabric is its Seamlock feature, which ensures durability while maintaining the brand’s unique sense of style and versatility. Wherever you’re going or whatever you plan to put inside your Outdoor backpack, you’ll be able to enjoy Outdoors’ durability. CORDURA® fabric is best known as a durable, versatile and reliable material, constructed using high tenacity fiber technologies, weight for weight, CORDURA® fabrics are exceptionally durable. No matter how it is used, CORDURA® fabrics are “best-in-class.”

Already popular in stylish Asian countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the US, Outdoor Products’ appeal mainly lies in its youthful designs. From metallic colors, fun brights, unique prints and special collaborations like with its recent one featuring Hello Kitty, Outdoor Products presents a wide selection of options that any stylish guy or girl will love. The variety in sizes also allows you to easily choose which piece will most likely suit your packing needs.

Especially best suited for the youth, Outdoor Products allows everyone to express their individuality in style.

Outdoor Products is available at Duty Free Fiesta Mall Fashion Rack Baguio, Fashion Rack NAIA 3, Fashion Rack Subic, Landmark Makati, Landmark Trinoma, Lonely Planet, RDS Abreeza Mall, RDS Calasiao, RDS Ermita, RDS Galleria, RDS Magnolia, RDS Palawan, RDS Pampanga, Rustan’s Alabang, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Tower, SM Davao, SM Las Pinas, SM Lipa, SM Makati, SM North EDSA, SM Pampanga, Tripologie Alabang, Tripologie Boni High Street, Tripologie Eastwood