Samwon, Mickle and X12 - Gadgets Worthy of Your Pocket!

In this world of technology, looking for a gadget to suit your lifestyle without making a dent on your pocket is quite a challenge.  We have a lot of gadgets in the market, some may be cheap in terms of price but so is the quality.  Most are expensive because of the name it carries.  Such is the challenge that we face this day.

Have no fear for this one brand now in the market that offers quality and is truly budget friendly.  Welcome Samwon, Mickle and X12!

Samwon is a product exclusively distributed here in the Philippines by Panvin International.  What started out as a home equipment brand is now a lifestyle brand that you can brag about and be proud off.  Together with Mickle and X12, two other brands exclusively distributed by Panvin International, they are now slowly breaking in the market of home entertainment and sound system.

 Last March, The Big Difference Communication held a media party at Jill’s Fort Strip to officially launch this three brands exclusively distributed by Panvin International;  Samwon for its home entertainment line, Mickle for its sound system- mixers line and X12 for its amplifier line.  Attended by a good number of traditional and social media practitioners, the launch has a summer theme in line with the coming hot season.  It was a night of party and prizes!  Drop boxes carrying different themes, I am a coach potato, I love road trips, I love the water and I am a movie addict - were the options, were presented to all media attendees to drop their names for the set raffle that night.  From power banks to car stereos, to microphones to USB speakers, to the grand prize of a flat screen LED TV, were the prizes given off that night.

The winner of the TV prize

What does Samwon, Mickle and X12  have for you?

Samwon carries a good line of home appliances and entertainment system that is not only affordable but also matches your lifestyle.  From 40’ flat screen, LED TV to portable dust and water proof USB speakers, they have something that would truly entertain you.

The TV set-up during the media launch at Jill's

The 40’ TV boast a clear and defined coloration that will make your viewing experience a pure pleasure!  Matching it are the speakers that you can get from the same line, further enhancing the visual with a clear sound projection.  The TV would only cost you no more than Php 15,000.00!  A big value which is less in the market when compared to other branded LED TV’s.

They even have a portable DVD player with a rotating screen that you can set-up in your car or for those with a small space, in your room.  It comes in cool colors such as purple, red, yellow, blue, black and white.  It has a small remote for easy use and even a disk that will allow you to connect it to any desktop or laptop for better viewing.

For those on the go, what better way to keep you entertained while doing your daily jog or ride or when you’re in the pool or beach but with good music?  The portable, dust and water proof USB speaker is one gadget created for you.  No larger than your standard tumbler, this piece comes in 4 color cases for you to choose from; military green, black, purple and pink.  The casing is made of a rubber-like material that protects it from dust and water and it is washable too.  You can connect your music either thru its available port or via Bluetooth.   The charge can last a whole day depending on the volume level usage. The cost of this nifty gadget?  No more than Php 2,000.

Mickle is their sound system line.  As of this writing, they have mixers bearing 4 ports to 16 ports.  Good for starting DJ’s wannabees and simple gathering.  The mixers boast a good set-up of treble and echo range to satisfy your sound requirement.  Those that are of smaller ports are all manual while those that sport 12 ports and above are programmable.  Later this year, they will be carrying a line that will boast a 32 port system that is at par to professional and competitive units used in mixing event.  With a price range starting from Php 4,000, this is not a bad investment for those who want to jazz up their sound experience.

X12 is their amplifier line.  For those who want a true sound experience, then this is for you.  With a set-up to suite your liking, stand-up or flat, this brand has it for you.  Their amplifier line is something that you can definitely brag about due to its capability and sleek form. 

With trendy designs, functional usage and very affordable pricing, Samwon, Mickle and X12 are brands truly suited for the wise and conservative consumer that is there in the market.  They have something for you without making a big dent on your hard earned savings.  Is it worth trusting?  Yes!

 As a whole,  Samwon, Mickle and X12 are brands that you should start looking for in the market for they are truly something to have and keep.

**Majority of the photos used are lifted from the TBDC, Samwon, Mickle and X12 page

Hotel H20, 5 Years of Positive Energy and More!

Hotel H2O, the deluxe Manila Bay property that has emerged as one of the metro’s top leisure draws, celebrated its fifth anniversary in “sizzling” style on April 10 with a Hawaiian-themed appreciation night for its industry partners and friends.

Held at the Pacific Ballroom, the event was attended by over 250 guests from the travel trade, corporate sector and online community.  Guests were asked to come in Hawaiian or summer attire in keeping with anniversary slogan “Hotel H2O: Sizzling at 5.”

“Today, we are known not just as a hotel but as a leisure destination,” said general manager Lily Santos Adrid in her welcome remarks.  “Our close relationship with Manila Ocean Park has bestowed on us a unique identity – we are the only aqua-themed urban resort in the country.”

Complementing this connection, Hotel H2O is also a four-star property with “first-rate rooms, amenities, outlets and service comparable to the finest deluxe hotels in the country,” added Ms. Adrid.

Recognizing the hard work of the hotel staff, Ms. Adrid cited two internal activities that brought out the best in the employees.

These were the “Hotel H2O Got Talent” fun competition where the staff showed off their hidden skills and the “Go Green Innovation” contest where they contributed innovative ideas to make hotel operations even more environment-friendly.

“They reinforce my belief that Hotel H2O’s best resources are, indeed, its people,” said Ms. Adrid.

 Awards were handed out to the top accounts comprising online booking portals, travel agencies, top corporations and government agencies.

Finally, Ms. Adrid gave the audience a peek into upcoming projects of Hotel H2O and sister establishment Manila Ocean Park.  The latter’s newest attractions, the Creepy Crawlies exhibit and Sea Life Park, are set to open later this year and in 2017, respectively.

Both will create “new markets” for the park and hotel, said Ms. Adrid.

In the next few years, expect new growth in terms of establishments and captured market.  With a 400-room hotel set-up soon to rise in Makati, this would definitely push forward the hotel industry in terms of new attractions in facade and room designs.

Happy 5th year anniversary Hotel H20!

**photos used are from a fellow blogger, Eens Gonzales (OurEatDates.com)

            

A Little Night of Music with the Songbird at SMDC

This April, SMDC held an investors night at their showroom in SM MOA with Asia's Songbird gracing those who attended.

Showcased that night are spaces converted to look like actual living spaces in some of SMDC's now available condominiums.  Sample spaces from The Light, The Sea, The Shore, Jazz and Sun, were furnished to give a visual feel of how modern living is right now.

With the lack of land space, compared to the demand of people living in the metropolis, SMDC came up with living spaces that may suit your need.  From solo to a family of three, SMDC has a space for you.  For those who wants to have a space in the city and at the same time place their money in a good investment, then this is for you.

The way they designed the spaces given, showed the practicality and functionality of living in a condominium.  Well positioned shelves and mirrors made the space big and functional as that of a house.  Condominium is the new house in this generation.  Should you wish to know more, feel free to contact any of their brokers or Mr. Rommel Rico at 09157146061.  You are assured of full assistance from the men and women of SMDC.

SMDC made sure that people are fully entertained that night by having Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, sing some of her songs and signature high notes.  Hearing her once again, was a treat for me since she is an idol.  I could say that it was the same with those who attended the event since people were captivated despite the short performance.

It was a night of visual and audial treat, all coming from SMDC.

PR: GERRY'S NEW AND EXCITING GERRY’S PLUS!

True to its motto “You’d still rather be at Gerry’s” the leading Filipino restaurant has launched Gerry’s Plus a new restaurant concept where classic dishes meet modern Filipino cuisine.

“Now you don’t have to go to several restaurants when your family and friends have a hard time deciding where to eat. Think of it as a one-stop culinary spot that has everything for everyone – from soups to salads, appetizers, main dishes, drinks and desserts. We have expanded our menu to include new Filipino dishes as well as original Italian-American favorites,” says Gerry Apolinario,

Gerry’s Plus opened its doors to guests on March 26, 2015 at the second level of UP Town Center along Katipunan Road in Quezon City. 

Ambiance is modern Filipino.

Diners at Gerry’s Plus can look forward to hefty servings of mouth watering Filipino dishes straight out of Gerry’s list of favorites: Beef Kaldereta Bulalo, Spiced Chicken Salsa, Baby Back Ribs and Black Pasta among others. “Our dessert line which includes Lava Cake, Choco Chip Ala Mode and Pannacotta are guaranteed to make you forget your name,” says Gerry.

Preparations are as important as the meals themselves and the freshest ingredients – quality meats, fish, vegetables and seasonings – are intricately prepared for a personal dining experience, said Gerry who himself does regular rounds of all their restaurants to ensure top quality of their menu items.

Gerry guarantees: “Dining experience at its best – that’s our credo. And that’s what we assure our guests.”

Plus and More 

A trailblazer among fast-casual diners, Gerry’s has been expanding its brands with much success with its diverse offers.

Gerry’s other brand concepts include Aresi which offers Italian-American menu, and Sweet Chili, which serves Thai food.  

Aressi and Sweet Chili have both attracted solid following and still continue to pull in more satisfied guests, earning praise for their food’s authentic taste. Aressi is located at the Waterfront Road in Subic; and Sweet Chili is at the third level of Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Gerry’s ‘younger brand Kusina ng Gerry’s, meantime, is a delight to customers who enjoy mix-and-match meals that are not only filling but very affordable.

 Slowly building its own customer base is Ramen Sora (Sora means “sky”) which originated in 2003 in Sapporo, considered the culinary capital of Japan that goes by the motto “No Ramen No Life”. Its maiden branch opened in Subic last December beside Aressi.

Ramen Sora had just opened its second branch in Cebu, along AS Fortuna Street, beside the newly-opened Gerry’s branch.

 A most awaited new restaurant is Yakitori Binchotan, which will be launched after Gerry’s Plus, named after a special kind of charcoal called Bincho-Tan used to prepare yakitori (skewered food, usually chicken). Its white charcoal produces high heat and does not emit smoke, so it allows the full flavor of the food to come out.

Yakitori Binchotan is expected to open next month. 

**Read my review on Gerry's Plus food offering.

PR: BP PRINCIPAL DANCER KATHERINE TROFEO HANGS UP HER POINTE SHOES

As the curtain fell on the last show of Ballet Philippines’ Sapphire Season, the company bid a tearful farewell to esteemed principal dancer, Katherine Trofeo. The dancers, scholars, and artistic team led by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales presented her with roses onstage, one by one as a video highlighting Katherine and her extraordinary artistry.

Fondly called “Mommy Kit”, she is an inspiration to everyone around her. As a principal dancer, she not only showcases exceptional dance technique and exquisite artistry, but she also possesses a wonderful character which translates into her dancing. Whenever she performs onstage, she never fails to captivate with her ability to take on a role and give it new life with her own interpretation. Her portrayal of the psychic vampire, Gonongleda in “MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” has been described as transformative. Gonongleda was her final role as principal dancer of Ballet Philippines.

Katherine started taking ballet at the age of 8 under Amelia Yulo and turned professional at the age of 15 with mentor Enrico Labayen’s Lab Project. Katherine has worked with the finest choreographers and teachers including  Alan Hineline, Max Luna III, Anatoli Panasiukov, Gener Karingal, Ida Beltran, Tony Fabella, Maiqui Manosa, Nonoy Froilan, Edna Vida, Denisa Reyes, Paul Morales, Irene Sabas, Anna Villadolid, Thomas Mayr, Jean Paul Comelin,  Jean Paul Comelin, Graham Lustig, Stefan Hoff, David Campos Cantero, Michael Chernov, and Gelsey Kirkland.

With Philippine Ballet Theatre, she received praise from critics for her performances as Esmeralda in the Asian premiere of  The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Kitri in Don Quixote, Nikiya in La Bayadere, Odette- Odile in Swan Lake,  Ballerina in Paquita, and Cio-Cio San in Madame Butterfly.  She has also performed in featured roles in Myra Beltran’s Dance Forum, including the Romeo and Juliet Project and Payatas: Point Counterpoint, a dance video project of Beltran and film director Carlitos Siguion Reyna during the Global Dance 2002 World Dance Alliance Festival in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Katherine joined BP in 2008 and performed lead roles such as Swanilda in Coppelia, Marie in The Nutcraker, Wendy in Peter Pan, Maria Clara in Crisostomo Ibarra, Manda in Pusong Wagas, Sita in Rama Hari, Dryad Queen, Kitri in Don Quixote, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty and the title role in Giselle.

She was twice nominated for Philstage’s Gawad Buhay Awards in 2011 for Female Featured Performance in a Modern Dance Production for Encantada and Female Lead Performance in a Modern Dance Production for Carlo Pacis’ Mithi, and again nominated for the same award in 2012 for her lead performance in Rama Hari. The role of Titania in Pacis’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream was created on her.

This, however, is not a goodbye. Katherine will continue to teach Intermediate Ballet in the Ballet Philippines Dance School’s Summer Dance Workshop, and has this to say to the supporters of Ballet Philippines:

“I look forward to watching the younger dancers bloom and find their own voices in our art form. BP has always had this culture of excellence and passion for dance. I was very privileged to have experienced that and humbled by how the creators of the company along with past directors and ex-dancers keep giving and passing on their knowledge to the current generation. I look forward to being part of that...of those who keep coming back and helping "the family" out.”

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/balletphilippines

                        www.facebook.com/manhidthemusical

Twitter:          @balletph

Instagram:    @balletphilippines

YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

Clara Ole Potluck Food Fest Begins this April!

Who has time to cook?  Let me rephrase that question; who has time to prepare a meal from scratch? With our full packed daily schedules, who has time to slice and dice ingredients to prep a dish for oneself or your family? More often than not, we are tempted to just go to our favorite fastfood restaurantor resort to the usual “instant” meals found in our pantry.

Find comfort that Clara Ole offers a wide array of convenient food solutions to help you whip up a healthy and delicious meal without taking up much time and space in the kitchen. 

Last April 10 at the R-Space in Bel Air, Makati, Clara Ole has launched its Potluck Foodfest. Hosted by radio DJ Gelli Victor, the event was a food-filled afternoon that allowed guests to sample different dishes made with Clara Ole. More than just pasta sauces, Clara Ole also offered other delicious and healthy dishes made with their products such as dips n’ dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades. For dessert, guests satisfied their sweet tooth with treats made with their syrups, jams, and jellies. 

The Potluck Foodfest will be a series of eight themed potluck mini parties at condo residences. Beginning April 25, Clara Ole will be going around different condos of different personalities, who will then invite their neighbors, family, and friends to share their own signature dish using Clara Ole. Aside from recipes, they will get to share time and space-saving tips, hacks and helpful information to make fast-paced living a little bit easier.  Here are the themes and dates starting April 25:

April 25 – Game Nights

May 9 – Summer / Nautical

May 11 – Children’s Party

May 17 – Birthday Party

June 6 – Singles Night

June 20 – Movie Nights

June 27 – Entertaining the Balikbayan

July 11 – YOLO Night 

Joining the launch is Ms. Amy Perez-Castillo, a wife and mother to two males – a toddler and a teen to booth.  Not only did she shared her own signature dish, which she shared on the spot, but she also shared tips and anecdotes on preparing home-cooked meals for her family despite her busy schedule.  What’s more, Ms.Amy Perez will also be hosting her own mini potluckparty where she will invite her family and friends to share easy recipes and convenient tips and hacks.

Not only are they having female personalities host this event but they also got some male personalities to host some of the lined-up event to show that some male loves to cook for their family too.  Please note that all of this events are to be held in condominium houses/units to showcase the fact that you don't need a big kitchen to prepare a delicious, healthy meal for you and your love ones.  Another beauty of this product is that it comes in packages that is truly set for your company - for 2, 4, 6; no wasted item when opened.  From jams to sauces, Clara Ole has something for you to help you whip-up a dish!

Clara Ole has truly shown that everyone can cook with its #ClaraOlePotluck. Even when we’re in a hurry, we can still prepare and enjoy a hearty meal at home in no time.  And this means we get to have more family time and self-time, too. Clara Ole’s convenient food products are ready for anyone to try, and are available in leading supermarkets nationwide. 

For more exciting news on what else Clara Ole has in store for everyone, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MyClaraOle and follow their Instagram and Pinterest accounts @ClaraOlePH.

Post a photo of your Clara Ole-infused meals and cooking tips and tag us using the hashtags #ClaraOlePotluck and #diskartips!

My #diskartip for you:

If you want to be sure that your meat (pork or beef) is soft and tender for grilling, dissolve 1 tsp of instant coffee to 1 cup of water and marinate your meat in it.  You can add your basic rub and soy sauce for flavoring as you marinate your meat.  After 20 minutes, you now have a soft, tender and flavored meat for grilling.

Photos:

(All images used were personally taken by me during the launch of Clara Ole FoodFest)

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady - A Dalanghita Production (Press Launch Event)

Paano ba maging bida?  Mas maganda na tanong ay, paano nga ba maging leading lady?  Kailangan ba maging sikat? Kailangan ba maganda ka at super talentado?  Baka naman, pwede na ang may kakilala o anak ka ng isang sikat na persona.

Ano man ang kasagutan, lahat yan ay wala sa mundo na isinulat ni Carlo Vergara.  Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady ay isang dating one-act play na naging comic at ngayon ay isang musical na sa mga kamay ng mga namumuno ng Dalanghita Production.

Synopsis:

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” revolves story of two sisters named MELY and VIVA who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry becomes more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, all in the context of an ongoing war between the superhero and supervillain teams. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job under a group of superheroes, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. The musical takes us through the journey of the characters as each tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist.  

                                                 - PR provided by Toots Tolentino and Dalanghita Production

The cast of  “KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY” boasts of the most talented and highly-respected artists coming from the theater, television and film industry. Topbilled to play the various roles are Menchu Lauchengco Yulo (Madre De Dios – leader of Puwersa Pilipinas), Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy (Mely – maid of Puwersa Pilipinas), Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera (Viva – Mely’s younger sister), Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein (Leading Man – newest member of Puwersa Pilipinas).

   

Lending support  are the multi-faceted actors from Manila’s different theater companies namely include May Bayot (Nanay – Mely and Viva’s mother), Astarte Abraham (Madre De Dios - alternate), Giannina Ocampo (Nena Babushka), Caisa Borromeo (Windang Woman), Chesko Rodriguez (Popoy Pusakal), Jeff Flores (Bazooka Man), Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo (Senyor Blangko – leader of Kayumanggilas), Red Nuestro (Marakas Marko), Red Concepcion (Itak-Atak), Elliot Eustacio (Jeryc Sans Rival), Vince Lim (Henyotik), Mikoy Morales (Henyotik).

The ensemble is composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Gab Pangilinan, JC Santos, Brian Sy, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Alejandro Santos and Joshua Cabiladas.

The artistic and creative teams of “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” are as follows: Carlo Vergara (Creator and Writer), Vincent de Jesus (Musical Director and Composer), Chris Martinez (Director), Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), Lambert de Jesus (Technical Director), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), Nancy Crowe (Choreographer), Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director) and Ejay Yatco (Assistant Musical Director).

The production team is composed of Ansis Aldrich Tan Sy, Pertee Briñas and Claudia Fernandez (Producers), Jerome Aytona (Stage Manager), Mariko Yasuda (Production Manager), Gee Pelaria (Assistant Stage Manager), RJ Deniega (Assistant Stage Manager), Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Kristin Bonifacio, Chuckie Campos Juan, Oskie King, Juan Lorenzo Marco, Guio Martinez, Phillippe Palmos, Celina Peñaflorida and Juan Miguel Severo (Sales and Marketing), Prodbook PH (Social Media Manager), Chester Ng (Photography).

                                -hango sa sulat na PR ni Toots Tolentino para sa Dalanghita Production

Kung nabasa nyo na ang comic version nito, maari kayong magtanong kung saan parte ito ng musical at paano nabuo ang mmusical na ito.  Tulad ng sinabi ni Carlo Vergara, ang musical na ito ang magpapakita ng simula at katapusan ng comics.  Sa kanyang paggawa ng musical, maraming katanungan ang lumabas na kung kaya nabuo ang part 1 at part 2 ng obra pang teatro.

Matapos kami pamalasan ng ilang kanta mula sa musical, ng hapon ng Abril 14, isa lang ang masasabi ko . . . ito ay isang dulaang pang entablado na DAPAT PANOORIN!  May action, drama, love story at moral lesson pa!  Ano pa ang kailangan mo?  Dalawang bagay, kasama manood at ticket!

Para sa detalye:

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” is set to open on May 7 and will run for four weekends until June 7, 2014. The show starts promptly at 8 p.m. (Thursday- Sunday). Matinee shows (Saturday-Sunday) start at 3 p.m. 

All performances are at the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Q.C.

            For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, call or text at mobile number 0998-5311389 or send email to dalanghitaproductions@gmail.com.

For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or via http://www.ticketworld.com.ph

            Connect to Dalanghita Productions online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/DalanghitaProductions

www.facebook.com/LeadingLadyTheMusical

Twitter:          @dalanghitaprod

Instagram:    @dalanghitaprod

DALANGHITA PRODUCTIONS would like to thank its sponsors: MAC Cosmetics, Gardenia Philippines, Nescafé Smoovlatte, Sikat Studio, Idea Orchard Media, and Pancit Malabon Express.

Ano pa hinihintay mo?  Manghila ka na ng kasama at kalabanin ang init ng panahon sa pamamagitan ng pagpanood ng isang musical na gawang Pinoy!  Alamin nyo na kung paano nga ba maging leading lady.

Tara na!

Photos:

(All photots used were personally taken by me during the press launch of KPANLL)

Carlo Vergara

Chris Martinez (Director), Vincent De Jesus (Musical Director)

When Radha, Jed M. And Regine V-Alcasid Shared the Stage - SOLAIRE Anniversary Concert 2015

When Solaire decides to celebrate, it was not a one time bang but rather a series of celebration all through out their anniversary month.  Am I glad to be part of one of their events!

That night, we were treated to a short but nice music concerto coming from some of the country's top ballad and pop performers.  It was a night when powerful voices united and shared stage.  A night when I fell in love again with the voices coming from  Radha, Jed Madella and Regine Velasquez - Alcasid.

Short it may be, the music I heard that night was a wonder!  Not only did the singers performed well (as expected from them) but also the musicians!  It was also a night wherein I was able to connect once again with a person I have met and worked before - Mike Villegas.

The band

The band

Hearing and seeing Radha take the stage night was a delight.  When Jed Madella, took the stage, you get to see as to why he was awarded the Best Voice of Asia Male Singer of the Year 2003.  When Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, took the stage, it was like a mini-concert!  Her voice is still beautiful and powerful.  The way she sang her songs now shows maturity as a person and as an artist.  Her opening song of Dadalhin Kita sa Aking Palasyo truly brought us all in music kingdom!  When she shared the stage with Jed Madella to sing Ikaw, she showed great technique and variation making this duet fresh and worthy when matched to other duets done by other singers with the same song.

Like what I said, the concert was short.  Did it left me wanting for more?  It is a yes and a no at the same time.  Yes, because I want to hear more from this group of powerful artist onstage.  No, because it also kept me at a high simply from hearing their voices.

Happy Anniversary Solaire! To more events and concerto's!

Photos:
(All photos used were personally taken by me during the anniversary concert)

Radha

Jed Madella

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid

Mike Villegas

Duet Moments: