Genesis: Red Carpet's Greek-Themed Champagne Pool Party

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Held at an undisclosed venue which was now announced as the Penthouse of Fairways Towers which is located in the middle of the most prestigious crest of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with a breathtaking view overlooking the lush verdant fairways of the Manila Golf Club, and the entire skyline sensation filled sights of the City of the future, the Geek-themed Genesis Champagne Pool Party event held on June 19, 2016 was organized by Red Carpet in celebration of their 7 years in existence - a grand anniversary celebration fit for Gods and Goddesses.

True enough, lots of glamorous men and women graced the anniversary pool party with performances from top DJs and the Fire Goddess herself, Rachel Lobangco. We also saw her equally charmingly tall and slender daughter at the event and the gorgeous Ana Capri who seemed ageless because the years were obviously so kind on her that she looked the same as the last time we saw her - and that was several years ago! Amazing!

I have to admit that I was flabbergasted with the many beautiful ladies like Chantal May, Mirtle Keith, Alenka Babskaya, Luna VDL, and a lot more.

I would have joined the lovely ladies at the pool wearing their skimpy swimsuits, but I forgot to bring my shorts. Lol!

Miss Manila 2016 Grand Coronation Night Winners

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Congratulations to the winners of Miss Manila 2016 beauty pageant announced during the Coronation Night on June 24, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

Grand Winner : Cristelle Tolentino
1st Runner-Up : Mercegrace A. Raquel
2nd Runner-Up : Ganiel Krishnan
3rd Runner-Up : Kristel Nones Guelos
4th Runner-Up : Joanna Rabe

Partner Photographer Edmund Chua

Johnson Health Tech Circuit Pentathlon Showcases Awesome Fitness Machines

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Johnson Health Tech Inc., is among the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including: Matrix, Vision, Tempo and Horizon. The company manufactures a wide assortment of powerful brands of fitness equipment for both Commercial and Residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment. In addition to its manufacturing and distribution strength, JHT is a listed company in the Taiwan Stock Exchange, it is also the world’s largest specialty fitness retailer with more than 230 retail stores, with 24 wholly-owned subsidiaries, spanning 5 continents and over 60 distributors globally. JHT’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, USA.

As the company aims to effectively serve their customers around the world, bringing the world’s best products to life, they recently hed the Corporate Launch of Johnson Health Tech’s 23rd wholly-owned subsidiary -JOHNSON HEALTH TECH (COMMERCIAL) PHILIPPINES, INC., on the 21st of June 2016, 3pm at the Ballroom 2 of the Fairmont Hotel in Makati,

They made the Corporate Launch a little more exciting as they challenge attendees to race against the machines and join the Johnson Health Tech (Commercial) Philippines’ first ever CIRCUIT PENTATHLON! Sled, Run, Krank, Row and Cycle. Almost everyone earned themselves a medal, and the bragging rights that comes with it, from the very first pentathlon event in the country.

I even found myself joining the circuit pentathlon like I was in tough shape to manage to stay alternately for 5 minutes on those 5 machines that were all proudly setup on stage. Being recognized with a medal for the effort is already rewarding. Thank you also for the goodies given to us after the event plus the sumptuous food served for dinner before we finally left the event with maybe a little aching joints but a sincere smile on our face.

This event is a historical undertaking for JHT, as they strive to become the best, largest and happiest fitness company in the world!

PC Express Partners with Microsoft to Afford Quality Devices Loaded with Genuine Windows 10

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In an effort to offer affordable computers that would fit the budget of the average Filipino, as well as reduce software piracy, PC Express, Microsoft and Intel has partnered together to bring us low-priced desktop solutions.

The PCX Brand Launch was held on June 24 at the SM City North EDSA Cyberzone and will last until June 26. It is open to the public to get a first-hand trial of the actual PCs plus a lot more interesting accessories and peripherals. There's a huge interest on their virtual reality gaming setup aside from the the small yet powerful enough Intel NUC or PCX Cobalt computer solution which practically shrunk the desktop into a very small size.

They have desktop solutions with prices around 12k - perfectly in time for this school year when most students will be cramming for assignments, research works, thesis and similar activities which would require them to make use of computers as their tool in preparing documents and for browsing the Internet for information.

The desktop solution packages takes advantage of  their "Orig Na, Mura Pa" tagline bringing forth discounted prices on both hardware and software especially from Microsoft.

I was able to try out most of these setups and was especially thrilled with the virtual reality gaming sections. I personally would like to buy one for myself and it would be fun to be able to bring home that marvelous setup.

Representatives from PC Express, Microsoft, and Intel were present to give short messages. Jesse Tan, VP of Sales & Marketing and one of the two founders of PC Express hosted the event. I will update this blog posts as soon as I get the names of the people who went up on stage to share their short speech.

Stars Shine Bright And Walk In Style On Sony Channel

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This July, catch all your favourite stars and glamour of the rich and famous as Sony Channel brings you the 3rd season of Stars in Style.

The best designers and stylists talk about fashion at the most important Hollywood events. See them as they rate each star’s evolution in style and the best and worst dressed of each occasion. From red carpet premieres to film festivals and other fashionable gatherings, Stars in Style shines the light on the iconic pieces and enviable attire that ever walked the runway.

Stars in Style premieres July 4 and airs Monday to Thursday at 8:20pm, first and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. Obtains SEC Pre-Effective Approval for Its IPO

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On 17 June 2016, the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued the pre-effective approval for the proposed Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc. (“CHP”). CHP is offering up to 2,032,980,830 common shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share with a stabilization option of up to 304,947,124 common shares (collectively, the “Offer Shares”) representing up to 45% of CHP’s capital stock. Also on 17 June 2016, the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE”) approved CHP’s initial listing application for the listing of its shares on the PSE as announced in the PSE’s website on June 20, 2016. The PSE’s approval is subject to CHP’s compliance with all post-approval requirements of the PSE.

Proceeds from the IPO would be used by CHP to pay debt owed to a subsidiary of CHP’s ultimate parent company and/or to pay any debt used to refinance the debt owed to the subsidiary of CHP’s ultimate parent company, which may include debt owed to BDO Unibank, Inc. and/or CHP’s principal shareholder. Citigroup Global Markets Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch and J.P. Morgan Securities PLC serve as the Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation serves as the Domestic Lead Underwriter for the transaction.

CHP is one of the leading cement producers in the Philippines, based on installed annual capacity. CHP produces and markets cement and cement products, such as ready-mix concrete and clinker, in the Philippines through direct sales using its extensive marine and land distribution network. Moreover, CHP’s cement manufacturing subsidiaries have been operating in the Philippines for over 17 years, and have well established brands, such as "APO," "Island," and "Rizal," each of which has a multi-decade history in the country.

Paris Takes Global Earth Hour Capital 2016 Title

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Paris is this year’s Global Earth Hour Capital. WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge recognizes the “City of Light” as a role model for climate action and awards Paris for its ambitious vision and successful engagement with business, civil society and other cities on its journey toward sustainability.

Paris hosted last year’s historic global climate summit and has shown strong climate leadership, creating a model for other city governments to replicate. In addition to setting up an effective centralized Climate Agency, ensuring clean vehicles, extending public transportation and developing waste-to-fuel conversion, Paris has also incorporated a regular review process to ensure that the city is on track to meet its sustainability goals as well as the current and future needs of its citizens.

“As the world works to bring the Paris climate agreement into action, the ‘City of Light’ is leading by example,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “Winning WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge reflects Paris’ commitment to inspire global action to reduce emissions and build environmental sustainability through green urban development.”

Selected from a shortlist of 18 national finalists, Paris impressed the international jury with its innovative actions, long-term vision and willingness to collaborate and share knowledge capital with cities around the globe.

Akbayan Youth Likens Pacquiao to Orlando Shooter

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This was the strong statement of Akbayan Youth against Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao on Friday as it recalled the shooting that happened in a gay club in Orlando in the United States last June 12. The shooting claimed 49 lives, many of which were members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender [LGBT] community.

The statement was released in commemoration of June as LGBT Pride Month.

According to the youth group, the celebrated boxer is guilty of committing hate speech against the LGBT that could potentially incite violence among his many supporters.

Early this year, Pacquiao came under fire when he called gays as “worse than animals” in an interview during the campaign for his bid to the Senate. Pacquiao also posted on his Instagram account a quote from Letivicus that prescribes that gays “should be put to death”. The said post has long been deleted after receiving flak from the online community.

Yesha Tolentino, Akbayan Youth’s spokesperson for LGBT concerns, claimed that Pacquiao’s “homophobic public pronouncements are loading the guns that will kill gays and lesbians”. She also said that sooner or later, Pacquiao’s hate speech will inspire others to take a violent stance against people who identify as LGBT.

International Coffee Expert Scott Rao Conducts Workshop for Henry & Sons

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Did you smell the coffee? World-renowned writer, consultant, trainer and author of coffee books Scott Rao was in town recently to conduct a brewing class and workshop with Henry & Sons, a total coffee solutions company.

In late May, Rao — the author of coffee books The Professional Barista’s Handbook, Everything But Espresso, The Coffee Roaster’s Companion, and Espresso Extraction: Measurement and Mastery — trained the Henry & Sons team in the art and science of coffee. Henry & Sons is a company that offers three kinds of goods to the local coffee market: premium roasted coffee beans, top-of-the-line expresso machines and training for coffee shops and companies.

The coffee expert shared a variety of topics ranging from improving roasting skills, manual brewing, espresso extraction and the finer points of coffee science. He mentored the staff, shared coffee secrets, taught them about coffee shop planning, layout and design, and shared trends, new standards and techniques, among others.

Michael Harris Conlin, Henry & Sons president, said he invited Rao to work with his staff to raise the bar of the coffee business in the Philippines. “We pioneered coffee technology in the Philippines in the early 1990’s, and we want to continue to be the leader in this business. We brought Scott Rao here as a longtime partner of our company. He is the best person to help bring us to greater heights as he’s the best in the industry. Nobody comes close to him,” Conlin said.

The World Premieres Film Festival All Set On June 29 - July10

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The Film Development Council Philippines in cooperation with the Cinematheque Centre Manila proudly presents the third World Premieres Film Festival (WPFF) slated from June 29 up to July 10, 2016.

The WPFF celebrates the power and magic of film by showcasing the works of film directors from across the globe. Featuring a dazzling array of human narratives, cultural diversities, and social issues, the festival provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to reach new audiences in the Philippines, and launch their international premieres in Asia’s rapidly growing film climate.

This year, over 60 international films will be shown at the Cinematheque Centre Manila, as well as partner venues: SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Greenbelt 3, the Shang Cineplex, and Uptown Cinemas. Films will be shown at a festival price of P100 at all venues, unless indicated otherwise.

The Festival’s 12-day duration kicks off on June 29 – 3pm at the Cinematheque Centre Manila, with the Opening Film premiere of the newly restored classic, “Pagdating sa Dulo” by Ishmael Bernal. The film features the legendary actress Rita Gomez and Vic Vargas.

At 7 p.m., a variety of local and international performances will take place to give audiences a sneak peek into the films lined up for the WPFF’s newest edition.

The different sections that will be featured in the festival are as follows: Main Competition, Filipino New Cinema, Intercontinental, Vietnam - Country of Honor, ASEAN Skies, Spotlight: China, and many more.