Electrolux Clothes and Hugs campaign

Clothes and Hugs for Those Who Need It Most

In keeping with its Thinking of You philosophy, Electrolux initiated a PANATA award-winning advocacy in response to the need for disaster preparedness. In 2009, the Electrolux Washing Marathon was first launched in Cebu City – in reaction to Typhoon Ondoy that ravaged parts of the nation. The program immediately provided assistance to those who had been devastated by the rain and floods. 

The campaign called for clothes donation – but unlike other donation drives, these were sorted, thoroughly washed and distributed to various organizations that help areas heedlessly felled by disasters. This ensured that the garments turned over were clean and immediately wearable to those who received them.

Now on its third year, the Electrolux Clothes and Hugs campaign has been made bigger and better through the Electrolux Laundry Mobile, a laundromat on the go which went to key locations in Metro Manila, Luzon and Cebu to gather more donations. With the ABS-CBN Foundation, ABS-CBN Tabang Patrol and DZRH’s Operation Tulong as beneficiaries this year, the campaign has geared to deliver more clothes than ever before.

All the donations collected in Cebu were turned over to ABS-CBN Tabang Patrol last September 16 during the Electrolux Clothes and Hugs Wash-a-thon at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu. This was done in partnership with Metro Gaisano and Ayala Center Cebu, with the participation of Y101, WRock and ABS-CBN.

The Wash-a-thon not only brought together those who helped make the campaign possible, but also engaged the public in a myriad of fun activities. Special prizes were given away to participants of the games, such as laundry basketball and the T-shirt folding contest. Guests also had their pictures taken for free at the Happy Clicks photo booth. Later in the evening, they took part in the festivities provided by live performances.

On the other hand, all the clothes donations, weighing 5,000kg, collected and washed during the Metro Manila leg of the Wash-a-thon was turned over to the ABS-CBN Foundation on September 30 during the Electrolux Clothes and Hugs Wash-a-thon Culminating Event at the IMAX Parking lot of the SM Mall of Asia.

The garments that were laundered during both events by the Electrolux washing machines used Surf liquid detergent, the official detergent used throughout the Clothes and Hugs campaign.

With a target of 6,000 kilos of donations from Cebu and 5,000 kilos of clothes from Manila, Electrolux has sought to help even more people and promote disaster preparedness. By giving people clean, wearable clothes, the company has envisioned to give people in need a little bit of comfort that will go a long way.

    SEPTEMBER 30, 2011  "MEDIA LAUNCH"

OKTOBERFEST MANILA 2011 AT SOFITEL

OKTOBERFEST MANILA 2011 AT SOFITEL

September 22, 2011, Manila - Bring on the beers, bratwursts and Bavarian spirit as the German Club Manila,  in cooperation with Sofitel Philippine Plaza, presents the 73rd Oktoberfest Manila on October 20 to 23, 2011! The only authentic Bavarian festival in the Philippines, Oktoberfest Manila 2011 is a celebration of traditions, entertainment, and Bavarian food and beverage spreads reminiscent of classic German folk festivals, coming to vibrant life at Sofitel’s Harbor Garden Tent. 

In celebration of the 201st  year of the Oktoberfest, the weekend’s program promises to be Manila’s most memorable yet as Sofitel’s breathtaking natural resort setting and amped-up offerings take the Oktoberfest to new heights. The Harbour Garden Tent will be decorated in the Bavarian colors, white and blue. Authentic Oktoberfest tables and benches guarantee a festive beer garden fair setting. Ladies in dirndls and gents in lederhosen strutting around the tent-turned-Oktoberfest village add to the heart-pumping Munich Oktoberfest vibe. Bavarian delights will make up the colorful culinary spread, such as fresh roasted pork knuckles, roasted calf, laugen rolls, grilled sausages and mouth-watering pastries, with refreshing, ice cold beer flowing freely for all to enjoy. The Bavarian Sound Express, well-known from previous Oktoberfests in Manila, will keep guests singing and dancing all night long. October the 23rd is Family Day, where inflatable bouncing castles, magicians, face painters and other fun games will regale young and old alike during Sunday Brunch. Oktoberfest Manila 2011 will take place from 6pm until midnight on October 20 to 22, and from 10:30am to 2pm on October 23.

Staying the night at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on these dates is highly recommended as special Oktoberfest rates are on offer. Guests can rest easy after the Oktoberfest festivities, after just a short elevator ride away.

Beer and Pretzel

Oktoberfest Manila 2011 tickets, merchandise and goodies will be on sale at Sofitel Philippine Plaza’s grand lobby from September 22 to October 23. An authentic Bavarian food festival will be celebrated at Spiral on October 10 to 23, with a menu specially prepared by Sofitel’s Executive Chef Marko Rankel, who hails from Germany.

Pork Knuckles

For ticket sales, please call the German Club Manila at (632) 817.3552 and 818.3552 or email at germanclub@germanclub.ph. For room reservations, please call (632) 551.5555 exts. 1991 to 1994 or email at room.reservations@sofitelmanila.com. For Spiral reservations, please call (632) 832.6988 or email at fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011  "PRESSCON"

Carmina Villarroel endorser for Del Monte Filipino Style Tomato Sauce with MMK

Carmina Villarroel

Carmina Villarroel and her twins, Mavy and Cass, love dishes with Del Monte Filipino Style Tomato Sauce not just because they are delicious but because they are now made even healthier with the added goodness of MMK.  Nutrients from three of the most nutritious vegetables in the country, Munggo, Malunggay and Kalabasa have been added into Del Monte Tomato Sauce without affecting the taste.  With just 3 tablespoonfuls of the sauce of their favorite tomato based dish, Carmina now provides her twins the complete nutrition they need from vegetables without the struggle.

You're probably wondering if the addition of Munggo, Malunggay and Kalabasa has affected taste of the sauce?  Good news is that is hasn't! Del Monte Filipino Style Tomato Sauce with MMK will have the same delicious taste your kids love because these vegetables were added and finely blended with the sauces without any detectable vegetable taste.

Carmina Villarroel is the right endorser for Del Monte Filipino style Tomato Sauce with MMK because she is someone that Del Monte's consumers can relate to.  She may be a celebrity but she's also a mom who encounters a universal struggle for moms with kids:  feeding them vegetables.  She understands that vegetables are very important for her kid's complete nutrition, but feeding them vegetables often proven to be a near impossible task.  This is why the introduction of this new product from Del Monte is such a blessing for her.  Now,  she can feed her kids the vegetables they need in every meal in an easy and enjoyable way by serving their favorite tomato based dishes like caldereta, menudo, afritada or spaghetti.

Del Monte Filipino Style Tomato Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce with MMK are now available in all grocerries, supermarkets, and market stalls nationwide.  Your kid's complete nutrition is now more delicious.  For sure, everyone will agree with Carmina that with the new and improved Del Monte Filipino Style Tomato Sauce with MMK,  "Mapapakain niyo na ng gulay ang anak ninyo!"

      SEPTEMBER 22, 2011  "MEDIA LAUNCH"

Carmina Villarroel

MAALAALA MO KAYA CELEBRATES 20th ANNIVERSARY

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary,  Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), the longest-running, top-rating and multi-awarded drama anthology of ABS-CBN, treats its loyal viewers with a month-long special filled with stories that will touch their hearts.

MMK has made a legion of  fans from different generations cry, laugh, fall in love and be inspired though the real-life narratives of its lettersenders.

Charo Santos

Hosted by Charo Santos, MMK has managed to transform itself from a simple drama anthology into a socially, relevant program that does not only entertain but also reflect the real struggles and triumps of the ordinary Filipino people.

In "MMK Dalawang Dekada," a two-hour documentary special to be aired this Sunday night (Sept.25) at Sunday's Best, a journey of the show's success will be recollected.  It features how loyal viewers are glued to every MMK episode not only because of the lead stars but more importantly, because of the content of the story and the lessons learned by the lettersenders.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2011  "PRESSCON"

Sony launches new Walkman W262 Series

From strutting to running: Sony launches new Walkman W262 Series

Stylish enough to complete a look and tough enough to be the perfect marathon companion – that’s what the new Walkman NWZ-W262 series is.

A head-turner

The wearable Walkman is back and now, it’s 25% lighter than its predecessor weighing only 32 grams and boasting of a smaller and more compact look. Discriminating fashionistas who are looking for a more stylish way to enjoy their music will not be disappointed with its chic design and wide range of colors: from the subtle white and black to the vibrant pink and blue. The NWZ-W262 can be the perfect finishing accessory to an outfit. With no wires dangling around, anyone who wears his Walkman will surely look polished.

What a sport

While being a looker, the new Walkman NWZ-W262 brings with it the same water-resistant and washable features making it an ideal sports buddy. Listen to your favorite music while warming up for an intense game of basketball. Turn up the volume to give you an additional boost to run an extra mile on the treadmill. Go on with your cycling routine even under the rain. Whatever it is, the new Walkman NWZ-W262 will continue to provide the perfect musical score for your active lifestyle.

Convenience

Aside from this, the compact Walkman is packed with features that make it very convenient to use. It comes equipped with Content Transfer software which enables music lovers to simply drag-and-drop their music from their computer or iTunes library. The Walkman W262 also comes with ZAPPIN song search technology which enables music browsing through a short audio preview of each track. So no need to take your eyes off the road to look for music while running to find the track you are looking for.

Music to last a whole night long

One of audiophiles’ pet peeve is when their MP3 player dies in the middle of their favorite song. With the Walkman W262, you get to enjoy eight hours of uninterrupted music playback when full charged while the Quick Charge function provides music playback of up to 60 minutes with a mere three-minute charge which is perfect for fashionistas on-the-go and those who are living an active lifestyle.

First dibs on the new wearable Walkman

Recently, Filipino audiophiles were given a chance to try out the new Walkman NWZ-W262 in an event held in SM Mall of Asia which transcended and recreated reality. Hosted by famous music icon Billy Crawford, the participants were able to transform into different characters such as a biker, a cheerleader and a skateboarder just to name a few. A flash mob of joggers also raided the mall to demonstrate how the new wearable Walkman fits in the arsenal of active urbanites.

So whether you want to glam up or sweat it out, the wire-free, water-resistant, washable and stylish Walkman NWZ-W262 is the ideal music player a music-lover can have.

For more information, you may visit http://www.sony.com.ph. 

     SEPTEMBER 18, 2011  "PRODUCT LAUNCH"

LENOVO - IdeaPad Tablet K1

IdeaPad_Tablet_K1_Hero

The New

IdeaPad Tablet K1 from Lenovo helps Consumers

Stay Connected Anywhere, Anytime

Philippines – September 16, 2011: Lenovo today announced the first device in its tablet family to be available locally – the sleek and stylish IdeaPad Tablet K1. Designed as a consumer device, the new tablet features a simple one-button interface, Flash 10.3 for easy web browsing and video streaming, and Lenovo’s exclusive SocialTouch App which creates a one-stop social connection.  It also comes pre-loaded with more than 30 consumer-oriented applications including the popular Angry Birds and the full version of Documents to Go.

Vicky Agorrilla, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines said, “We are setting the benchmark on innovation and quality with the launch of the new Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 in the Philippines. Through observation, we noticed Filipinos are adding tablets to their shopping list that helps them stay connected and productive when on the move. The Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 definitely delivers this enhanced user experience for consumers looking for both a mobile entertainment device for staying connected to family and friends, accessing social media networks and enjoying music, movies, apps and the web on-the-go.”

According to IDC, media tablets in Asia Pacific will experience a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 54%, hitting 21 million units by 2015 with gaming, Internet browsing and social networking usage driving the growth.[1] In the Philippines where social network penetration is incredibly high[2], IDC predicts that tablet PCs will be one of the key growth drivers for IT with local consumers increasingly adopting them for personal activities.[3]

The new Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 is Lenovo’s first mobile internet device featuring the Google Android* 3.1 platform and NVIDIA* Tegra* 2 dual-core mobile processors that offers extreme multitasking, noticeably faster web browsing with built-in Flash, console-quality gaming, and low power consumption for improved battery life. 

IdeaPad Tablet K1: Open the Box and Play

Weighing just 0.74 kg, the highly mobile IdeaPad Tablet K1 features a breathtaking HD display, dual cameras, and integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 Wi-Fi connectivity. The IdeaPad Tablet K1 also incorporates a unique ‘Home’ button and Lenovo ‘Launch Zone’ application to help users easily access their most frequent functions like email, music and web browsing. Simply put, the Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 helps users who want:

·       More out of the box: The Android-powered Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 is preloaded with more than 30 apps from partners like Amazon*, Adobe*, Electronic Arts*, Rovio*, Zinio*, DataViz*, and others (over US$50 in value.)

·       More entertainment: Users can browse all websites and watch online videos with ease thanks to Flash 10.3.

·       More social networking: Users can access an entire network of friends and social sites all in one place, with Lenovo's exclusive SocialTouch* app, which effectively creates a one-stop social connection. And since one picture is still worth a thousand words, the Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 comes with a two-megapixel front-facing and a five-megapixel rear-facing webcam.

·       More true HD: Users can watch movies and videos in breathtaking HD on a 1280x800 resolution screen. The mini HDMI connection allows full 1080p HD viewing when connected to an HDTV or monitor, resulting in a powerful visual experience.

·       More cloud sharing: Users can sync, store and share files, music and photos with 2GB of free cloud storage, and less reliance on their hard drive.

·       More Apps: Users can access thousands of apps in the Android Market and apps tested exclusively for the IdeaPad Tablet K1 in the Lenovo App Shop.

Lenovo App Shop - Premium Ecosystem of Apps and Content Services

In addition to the thousands of apps available at the Android Market, Lenovo tablet users have access to apps in the Lenovo App Shop -- a unique app marketplace, which features popular applications that have been tested specifically for Lenovo Tablets. The Lenovo App Shop offers apps within a broad range of categories including music, movies, books, productivity, social networking, weather, printing and more. In addition, Lenovo will offer country-specific applications, currency, and languages.

Pricing and Availability

The 32GB IdeaPad Tablet K1 Wi-Fi version is currently available from Lenovo’s business partners and retail stores for PHP24, 900.

The IdeaPad Tablet K1 comes with a one-year warranty. Lenovo also offers warranty upgrade options that can extend the IdeaPad product warranty for one additional year.

For the latest Lenovo news, subscribe to Lenovo RSS feeds or follow Lenovo on Twitter and Facebook.

About Lenovo

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$21 billion personal technology company serving customers in more than 160 countries, and the world’s third-largest PC vendor. Dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs and mobile internet devices, Lenovo’s business is built on product innovation, a highly-efficient global supply chain and strong strategic execution.  Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services. Its product lines include legendary Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea-branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo, a global Fortune 500 company, has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina.  For more information see www.lenovo.com/tablets.

     SEPTEMBER 16. 2011  "MEDIA LAUNCH"

MAX'S GROUP OF COMPANIES

 

Sharon Fuentebella, Executive Vice President of the Max’s Group of Companies

Defining a Lifestyle with Brand Heritage and Quality

Food is arguably one of the best recipes for success. Mix it with history and heritage and what you get is a veritable force in the industry--known more for introducing homegrown flavors to the world and bringing in globally loved brands to the Philippines--The Max’s Group of Companies.

More than sixty years have passed but the most loved Filipino heritage food brand’s efforts to redefine the way Filipinos dine continues. Indeed, the Max’s Group of Companies consistently and successfully excited our palates—from its homegrown delights to world-renowned treats.

Fruitful Beginnings

1945 was a notable year for the company, as it was the year when Max’s Restaurant was established. Its early beginnings were made noteworthy by the special recipe of its fried chicken, served in its first store in Quezon City.

From that single branch, Max’s then expanded across Metro Manila, Northern and Southern Luzon, Cebu and eventually, expanding internationally with branches in Canada, Dubai, and U.S.A.

“For years, Max’s Restaurant has been part of grand gatherings and intimate dining moments. It was no fluke why the restaurant continues to thrive as a household name, an institution and a proud Filipino tradition,” says Robert Trota, Chief Executive Officer of Max’s Group of Companies.

Apart from main dishes served by Max’s Restaurant, the Max’s Group of Companies introduced another brand that delighted Filipinos with its baked delights. Max’s Corner Bakery, which was formerly known as Max’s Bakeshop, started its operations in the 1960’s.

The dinner rolls and loaves of bread that were first offered by Max’s Corner Bakery later diversified. Pastry and cake collections were introduced to cater to specific celebrations and shared moments like birthdays and weddings. Also, these products are made

conveniently available at the take-out counters inside Max’s Restaurant.

Meanwhile, as Max’s Restaurant and Max’s Corner Bakery continue to make its mark in the local casual dining industry, the Max’s Group of Companies marked another milestone when they brought in the 69-year old North Carolina-based doughnut shop—Krispy Kreme into the Philippines.

The globally renowned U.S. brand thus became another favorite for Filipinos as it continues to serve and delight its customers, while upholding the value of sharing through doughnuts and coffee.

“To date, the Max’s Group of Companies is already operating more than 20 Krispy Kreme stores across Metro Manila, half a decade after launching its first branch in the country. In fact, we recently opened a new branch in the South and have already discussed our plans to expand our nationwide operations,” adds Trota.

Apart from brand acquisitions and expansions, Max’s Group of Companies’ has also entered the franchising market, with the intent of sharing the best of local food concepts to more Filipinos and all over the world.

“This initiative aims to give business opportunities for dynamic individuals who are interested and willing to invest in the long standing tradition of quality offered only by our brands,” shares Trota.

Seeing the healthy side

Meanwhile Sharon Fuentebella, Executive Vice President of the Max’s Group of Companies shares how their growing food portfolio gives them a new perspective on the eating habits of Filipinos.

“Filipinos are consciously getting more involved with active pursuits and we want to serve and cater to this growing community,” Fuentebella says.

Given this, the Max’s Group of Companies is now introducing a new cult brand: Jamba Juice—California’s famed lifestyle brand, for the first time in Southeast Asia. Established in 1990, Jamba Juice is the leading destination for specialty better-for-you beverage and food offerings, including great tasting whole fruit smoothies and a variety of baked goods and snacks

“We believe that the Philippines has a huge potential for being one of the strongest markets for Jamba Juice, given the interest that Filipinos have shown, especially recently, for active living,” adds Fuentebella.

    SEPTEMBER 15, 2011  "PRESSCON" 

Alveo Land Unveils a New Tower of Cosmopolitan Living - The Lerato

The Lerato has been anticipated to complement the dynamic Makati lifestyle with its amenities and retail establishments. The development will boast of well-designed amenities that create a balance of features defining the cosmopolitan lifestyle, including a music and theater room for a night of leisure, and a landscaped roof deck to see the astounding views of the Makati skyline. Outdoor amenties,on the other hand, like the adult and kiddie poll areas, open lawns and a jogging trails, will cater to those in search of more active pursuits.  

Alveo Land Unveils a New Tower of Cosmopolitan Living

When Alveo Land first introduced the residential concept of The Lerato at the northern side of the Makati Business District (MCBD North,) it brought with it the ideals of a lifestyle strongly anchored on retail ease and convenience.

Now, a little over a year since its launch, ALVEO is now unveiling its second tower—a 24-floor building set to mirror the same ideals that its predecessor introduced, while, strengthening the retail component built within The Lerato’s unique masterplan.

The Lerato is the residential ideal that has risen from this concept—and when its first tower was launched in 2010, it marked the steady fruition of Ayala Land’s vision to define an integrated live-work-play lifestyle for its denizens.

With 91% of Tower 1 already sold out, the launch of Tower 2 is a clear demonstration of the demand the real estate market has for residential options within this burgeoning district. 

“From the beginning, The Lerato was envisioned and designed to converge residential and commercial elements, reflecting and complementing the creative and dynamic feel of the MCBD North,” says Jennylle Tupaz, Alveo Land’s Group Head for Project Development. “As part of its masterplan, the ground floor of the development will be designed to house a diverse mix of retail and dining options that adds to the equity of this booming cosmopolis.”

Shops at The Lerato will be a multifaceted locale, home to quaint boutiques and specialty dining destinations that are complemented by a variety of galleries, art spaces and lush green parks. It will showcase 2,800 sq.m. of diverse retail discoveries, inherited from the creative energies surrounding this district. Reminiscent of The Shops at Serendra -- a prominent lifestyle district by Ayala Land at Bonifacio Global City – the project aims to provide its future residents with the ease of having access to shops and restaurants and being adjacent to Makati’s independent art, music, and lifestyle scene.

The Lerato has been anticipated to complement the dynamic Makati lifestyle with its amenities and retail establishments. The development will boast of well-designed amenities that create a balance of features defining the cosmopolitan lifestyle, including a music and theater room for a night of leisure, and a landscaped roof deck to see the astounding views of the Makati skyline. Outdoor amenties, on the other hand, like the adult and kiddie pool areas, open lawns and a jogging trail, will cater to those in search of more active pursuits.

 

indeed, as the northern district carves a niche for itself in the city, The Lerato will redefine cosmopolitan living in the country’s most prominent business district.

Alveo Land Corp. sets the benchmark for innovation in Philippine real estate today. Armed with sharp foresight, unparalleled excellence and total commitment, Alveo Land finds the means to provide the most innovative homes,and looks for ways to make you live well. For more information, visit www.alveoland.com.ph, email info@alveosales.com.ph or call (632)848.5100 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-10-8485100 (outside Metro Manila).

     SEPTEMBER 14, 2011  "MEDIA LAUNCH"