Monthly Archives: February 2019

Use your makeup skills to create superb and bold looks following different themesfor a chance to win the grand prize in Ever Bilena’s The Big Beauty Challenge ongoing until March 25.

The top winner in the weekly make-up tutorial video contest will win a trip for two to Phuket, Thailand, plus P50,000 cashand an additional P20,000 worth of Ever Bilena products. The grand winner will also sign an exclusive contract as a brand ambassador, and shall perform special projects for Ever Bilena.

Open to video bloggers, aspiring and professional make-up artists residing in the Philippines, the three-year-old contest requires participants to create a one-to-three-minute make-up tutorial video on how to do a complete look following a specific theme and using only Ever Bilena products. Participants can post as many videos as they want, but using models is not allowed.

The contest, which began on December 14, will test the skills of participants as they create their own versions of Ever Bilena’s weekly theme, which will be announced every Friday on Ever Bilena’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics. There will be one winner every week who will get P15,000 in cash.

The weekly winner with the most number of video shares and likes will receive a special prize. Weekly winners will automatically compete in the grand finals.

Entries must be public and uploaded on Facebook with the hashtags #EBBigBeautyChallengeY3 and #EverBilena. Contestants should tag Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. A marketing representative from Ever Bilena will acknowledge the video submitted.

Participants will be judged based on the following criteria: 4% creativity, 20% most number of Ever Bilena products used in the video, 20% make-up executions and skills; and 20% most number of views and shares.

Ever Bilena, the leading local cosmetics brand, carries Ever Bilena Advance, a full range of make-up essentials for young professionals; Careline cosmetics for teens; Blackwater for fragrance and other personal care products.

To know more about Ever Bilena and The Big Beauty Challenge, visit Ever Bilena’s website, www.everbilena.com.ph and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.

SM CITY SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CENTERPIECE – SM delights its customers with heartwarming dining offers, date deals, and special in store promotions for couples perfect for Valentines date, and finding the perfect gifts that speaks from the heart at The Red Fair.

And on February 14, you will surely feel the atmosphere of love when you listen to live acoustic performances full of emotions from the heart. Grab some of the great deals this season of love and cap your shopping experience by taking your ‘Instagrammable’ photos at SM City San Jose del Monte’s Valentine Centerpiece of at the event area.

Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) flight attendant Patrisha Organo made rounds in the news for her admirable deed breastfeeding a passenger’s baby on board.

Motherhood sees no boundaries when it comes to giving the best for one’s own children. A loving mother’s instinct would naturally ensure the wellbeing of her child.

In a one-on-one interview with World Vision, Organo recounted that she never had any second thoughts about it when she heard the baby crying. “Soon after takeoff, narinig namin yung iyak ng bata. Makikita mo talaga na pagod na siya sa kakaiyak. Bilang nanay din ako, alam ko ang iyak ng bata kapag inaantok siya o nagugutom (we all heard the baby crying. Anyone can see that the child is already tired from crying. As a mom, I know when a baby cries out of sleepiness or hunger).”

When the child’s mother confirmed that she ran out of infant formula, Organo first considered expressing her breastmilk, but she knew that it would take some time. So, with the permission of PAL’s line administrator and the child’s mother, Organo breastfed the infant at the plane’s galley. Organo added that the child instantly gave signals of latching as soon as the child sat on her lap. “I saw the mother’s relief when the baby stopped crying and fell asleep.” Organo considers that particular flight a special one because it was a qualifying flight for promotion and she was able to help a passenger’s child through the gift of breastmilk.

Organo admitted that it was not the first time she wet-nursed a child. “I also once wet-nursed the kid of my neighbor.” Wet-nursing is when a child breastfeeds from another woman when his/her own mother do not have the capacity to do so. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) recommend wet-nursing when breastfeeding and breastmilk expression are not possible.

Breastfeeding in the Workplace is Possible

Organo shared that her own breastfeeding journey has not been a walk in the park, but the fulfillment, joy, and rewards of breastfeeding truly outweigh any struggle she had to endure.

It is worth noting here that a mother’s breastfeeding experience can be made a lot easier with a conducive environment and supportive people around her. Organo admitted that she never had second thoughts of breastfeeding her child prior to giving birth. Her husband’s encouragement also gave her the confidence to breastfeed her daughter even when she doubted her ability to produce enough breastmilk.

During the flight when she breastfed the baby, Organo also shared that the support of her colleagues made it possible. “There were only two female extra crew members during that flight but I never felt ashamed. (Usually after inflight service and I feel na kailangan ko nang magpump, I’ll ask permission para makapag pump ako sa private area ng plane. And they’d tell me, sige ma’am go ka lang (Usually after inflight service, I’d just ask permission if I can express milk for a while, and they’d tell me go ahead, ma’am).” Despite the demanding nature of a flight attendant’s job, her work environment still made it possible for her breastfeed her daughter even after maternity leave.

“Leaving my child after months of being together was so hard. There was guilt because I have to leave my daughter, but I see to it that I express breastmilk for her and bring it home every single day. So, it is a big deal for moms like me that my workplace actually supports my decision to continue breastfeeding.” She also shared that the airlines has already set up a lactation station in one of their offices to support breastfeeding for ground employees.

As mandated by Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, all public and private institutions shall give all breastfeeding employees not less than 40 minutes to breastfeed or to express breastmilk and allot a breastfeeding station where they can privately do so. In the case of Philippine Airlines, all breastfeeding employees are allowed to express their breastmilk every two hours or when the employee feels the need to express. During flights, breastfeeding crew members are allowed to express their breastmilk after inflight services. Organo also shared that breastfeeding is also included in staff orientation, in support of RA 10028’s provision that breastfeeding policy shall be disseminated among all employees.

As World Vision and the Department of Health implement the Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines (MBFP) project that aims to strengthen the implementation of breastfeeding laws, Patrisha Organo’s story proves that breastfeeding in the workplace is possible and doable.

Her story shows that a mother’s job is one heroic flight. No matter where they are, they only want the best for their children. Giving the best nourishment and protection through breastfeeding is the finest prelude to a child’s bright future.

“Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your child. For breastfeeding and working moms out there, you are not alone. There’s plenty of us here breastfeeding our child, wanting the best for them. It is a commitment to your child. So, keep on going,” Organo ended.

Visit mbfp.doh.gov.ph for more information.

– Jr. NBA Philippines Participants to Compete for Opportunity to Represent Asia Pacific

in the Jr. NBA Global Championship in Orlando, Florida –

– Online Registration for Regional Selection Camps Now Live at www.jrnba.asia/philippines –

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, Feb. 2, 2019 – The National Basketball Association today announced the Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 presented by Alaska will return for the 12th consecutive year and expand to provide youth in the region the opportunity to represent Asia Pacific in the second Jr. NBA Global Championship, a youth basketball tournament for the top 13- and 14-year-old boys and girls teams from around the world that will be held Aug. 6-11 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla.

Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 tipped off today in Manila with a train-the-trainers clinic for teachers and coaches. The program, which aims to teach the fundamental skills and core values of the game at the grassroots level, will once again include nationwide youth clinics, coaching workshops, and training camps.

New this year, the Jr. NBA Global Championship Asia Pacific regional competition will expand to include youth from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. As many as five boys and five girls from the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp will be selected to participate in the first Jr. NBA Global Championship Asia Pacific Qualifiers, a week-long event in June that will feature top youth players from the region. The top performing 10 boys and 10 girls will represent Asia Pacific in the Jr. NBA Global Championship.

“As we expand the Jr. NBA Philippines program, we are excited to introduce new opportunities for players and coaches to gain an enriching experience playing with and learning from peers of diverse cultural backgrounds,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson. “Together with longtime partner Alaska, we are committed to growing the Jr. NBA Philippines into an inclusive program that fosters a safe and fun environment for boys and girls to compete, learn the fundamental skills and values of the game, and positively impact the next generation of Filipino athletes.”

“Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska continues to be a great platform to reach kids at a young age and inspire them to learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun and engaging way,” said Alaska Basketball Powercamp Director Jeff Cariaso. “We look forward to leveraging the excitement of the NBA to inspire basketball participation and utilizing the Jr. NBA Philippines program to promote the importance of active play and proper nutrition among the Filipino youth.”

Regional selection camps will be staged in Lucena (March 9-10), Baguio (March 23-24), Metro Manila (April 27-28), and a city in Visayas and Mindanao to select the top 40 boys and 40 girls that will advance to the National Training Camp in Metro Manila (May 17-19), which will feature an NBA and WNBA player or legend. Online registration for Regional Selection Camps opens today at www.jrnba.asia/philippines.

Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 will also include the Jr. NBA Coach of the Year program to provide training for 14 Jr. NBA coaches during the National Training Camp, culminating with the male and female Jr. NBA Coach of the Year attending the Jr. NBA Global Championship Asia Pacific Qualifiers.

Jr. NBA Philippines furthers Alaska Sports’ mission to provide proper nutrition to youth through its leading brands – Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink and Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink – and by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.

During the 2018-19 season, the NBA and its teams plan to reach more than 51 million youth in 75 countries through league play, in-school programming, clinics, skills challenges, and other outreach events.

The 2019 edition of Jr. NBA Philippines is presented by Alaska, with AXA, Gatorade, Globe, Panasonic, Rexona, and Vivo as Official Partners. ABS-CBN S + A, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV are the Official NBA Broadcasters of Jr. NBA Philippines.

Participants can now register for the Jr. NBA program online at www.jrnba.asia/philippines, and follow Jr. NBA on Facebook and the NBA at www.nba.com and on Facebook >>http://www.facebook.com/philsnba and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/nba_philippines. Fans can visit www.alaskamilk.com to learn more about Alaska Milk Corporation, and follow Alaska Milk on Facebook  for more information about Alaska Sports.

About the NBA

The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming in 215 countries and territories in 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2018-19 season featured 108 international players from 42 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.5 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

About Alaska Milk

Given the growing issues on health as well as the fast-changing technological environment, which leads to the change in children’s interests and behavior or sedentary lifestyle, Alaska believes that there is a need to reinforce its thrust in leading a healthy lifestyle not just by drinking milk but also by leading an active lifestyle. Alaska seeks to engage the youth, especially younger kids, in sports.

Alaska Milk looks beyond selling milk – it sells nutrition and by doing so, the Company and brand Alaska is doing its part in nation-building. Through youth sports development programs, Alaska is able to help nourish children for them to develop into champions in the field of interest and, in general, in life. The overall objective of the Alaska Sports is to strengthen the brand’s equity in nutrition through sports. To portray Alaska Fortified as a brand that helps instill the values of determination, discipline, teamwork, and hard work among the youth through sports.

The newest flight service from Japan Airlines (JAL) is giving Filipinos the chance to enjoy more experiences in the land of the rising sun. Starting February 1, travelers can take the Manila-Tokyo (via Haneda) route and land in Japan by 5AM. The direct flight is the earliest to arrive from the Philippines, helping travelers maximize their itinerary as early as day one.

From ramen, to izakaya, to onsen, to sakura, Japan continues to capture the imagination of Filipinos, prompting seasoned travelers to make return trips and an increasing influx of first-time visitors. Since 2012, the number of Filipinos visiting Japan has been rising by 20 percent. The new route comes in time as even more are encouraged to take the trip with Japan’s easier Visa requirements for Filipinos declared in mid-2018.

“We’ve seen more Filipinos are acting on their desire to visit Japan as we welcomed the more than 400,000 tourists from the Philippines in 2017. As the flag carrier, we are very proud to be part of the Filipino tourist’s journey as we extend the Japanese experience from the moment you step on board to the moment you arrive in Japan,” declares Chikara Mochihara, General Manager of JAL – Manila.

The Haneda airport also has more local connections than Narita, which means tourists have easier and more convenient access to domestic destinations. Transportation services to and from the airport starts early and travelers can be in Tokyo, Shibuya, Tsukiji, Roppongi, or Akihabara in less than 30 minutes; or Shinjuku and Ueno in less than 40 minutes.

“You can take your pick of which part of Japan to enjoy and get there still on-time for an authentic Japanese breakfast. Of course, it is not just breakfast and there is more to experience and enjoy in Japan with our new flight connection. You have the whole first day to see more sights, try more activities, taste more food, and really immerse in everything else Japan offers,” he adds.

JAL’s promise of efficient, on-time, and convenient flights is backed up by recognition from the industry. It has been awarded the World’s Most Punctual Airline by Flightstats for five years now, and its economy class with expanded legroom has been awarded the World’s Best Economy Class by Skytrax.

For a limited time, the airline is also offering special fares until February 16 for travel until July 31. Economy class fares are available for USD320 and business class for USD1,099, all with full-service inclusions.

Learn more about JAL’s new flight at their website. (http://www.ph.jal.co.jp/phl/en/mnlhnd/)

In celebration of the coming Chinese New Year, Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa guests on February 9 will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will never forget.

As a special treat to its “Year of the Pig” checked-in guests, Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa will have a Bazi reading expert who will be ready to accept Bazi reading and consultation.

“Bazi Reading” or “birth profiling” is a statistical tool used to analyze a person’s birth date and time in order to read and understand that person’s assets and liabilities. Among these include health, marriage, career path and other life’s important activities and foresee high-probability events. This reading will help provide individuals a good understanding of who they really are, their potentials for success.

All readings are done scientifically with no amount of superstition whatsoever. The readings’ results are provided in order to help enable people make wiser decisions or do realistic adjustments in their lives that will help shape or affect their future.

To avail of the Bazi consultation, checked-in guests should only register with the Concierge and will be asked to prepare at least 3 specific questions that the Bazi master will answer. For a deeper reading, guests will be asked of their birth date and hour of birth. If no hour of birth is provided, only limited advise on business, children and lovelife will be provided.

The Bazi Reading at Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa for the Chinese New Year will be offered for only P5,688 to checked-in guests instead of the usual P8,888. This comes with a Bazi chart to be given onsite and sent as well to guests’ email.

In the email, a personality reading will also be included so that clients are guided and they can have a better understanding of themselves. For those with families, it is suggested that they provide the Bazi expert the hour of birth of the spouses and their children so that their questions may be answered better.

“Every Chinese New Year, it is common that you find people seek guidance from the stars, and now with Bazi reading, they can get guidance about life’s future happenings through numbers and done in the most scientific way possible. At Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa, everyone is family, and what better way to make family bonding better during Chinese New Year than to provide them with a family experience they will truly cherish, just like every time they stay here,” explains Marie Abolencia, Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

So head on out to Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa for that unique Chinese New Year experience you will never forget. Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa is located at Km. 72, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. For more about Château Royale Hotel Resort and Spa and its wonderful Christmas offerings, call (02) 742-8016, (+63)917-5015478, (+63)917-7035876, or (+63)917-7046183, or email reservationschateauroyale@gmail.com. You can also visit www.chateauroyalebatangas.com.

Nico Nazario aka KuyaNic of Project Lupon

Nico Nazario or KuyaNic is the mastermind behind Project Lupon a new media entity for gamers focusing on event coverage, gaming-related content and streaming support for both local and international market.

“I don’t have a decent streaming background. All I have was a vision on what should be shown and content to produce.” Shared by KuyaNic when asked about his streaming background.

From Marketer to Caster 

Unlike other casters, KuyaNic ‘s story on how he transitioned in becoming a streamer was an accident. “I wasn’t the one who originally shoutcast for WomboXCombo. Thing though is that my caster had an emergency and cannot stay with me in the studio just outside Manila.” he narrates. “I started to love the process and was looking forward to what better thing I can showcase the next day” KuyaNic added.

Giving up his regular job was not an easy decision, working from one of the pillars of Philippine esports can be rewarding but KuyaNic’s hunger to improve on things prevailed. “I am a very passionate and competitive worker. My mindset was, there’s always something better to be done” he recounted.

Project Lupon Conquering the World 

Nimo TV’s gaming community built on reputation and strong global presence it will support Project Lupon’s vision to reach more audience. As Nimo TV embrace the vast cultures and societies, who make up the unique video game ecosystem with will also help Project Lupon expands its fan base.

At the moment, Project Lupon is now streaming vlogs, sitdown contents, and funny skits via its Nimo TV channel and will add more informative content to help the new generation of gamers to understand the esports better. “My vision for Project Lupon is to be stable and to be capable of catering to passionate individuals regardless of background who wants to learn, produce and excel in the industry (esports).” He added.

From January 19 to 27, 2019 Project Lupon will cover Dota 2’s The Chongquing Major where 16 teams across the globe will compete for USD 1,000,000 and valuable DPC points for The International 2019.

Watch Project Lupon’s live streaming and exclusive content via https://www.nimo.tv/LuponWxC

Download the Nimo TV app at Apple app store and Google Play store for more exciting and exclusive content. Click the link here. http://nimotv.onelink.me/B6cW/25ba46b7

Clark, Pampanga—February 2, 2019—Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the country, officially begins its 2019 Motorsports season by conducting the Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) Tryouts last Saturday, January 26, at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. This served as the official selection process for nine talented young riders who will participate in the official races and undergo training in the Honda Racing Clinic.

HPDC is a Motor Sports program of HPI which aims to develop young riders in motorcycle racing using a specific one make race machine, namely the CBR150R – a 150cc, MotoGP DNA motorcycle.

The HPDC is also a step up program of HPI to young riders to qualify for international race programs of Honda and immerse in different environments to become better equipped for competitions.

Several riders registered as the day began, and the program was officially opened by HPI’s Adviser for Motorsports, Mr. Ryosuke Arai. Then Mr. Gilbert Sison, Group Head for Motorsports, welcomed the esteemed judges tasked to select the riders, namely racing coach Joey Rivero and Troy Alberto, international racer and HPI’s representative in Thai Talent Cup and Asia Talent Cup last 2018. They also oriented the participants on the try-out process and session inside the 4.2 km Race Track. Also present in the event is Mr. Eduardo Lumague, president– Unified Sports and Racing Association (USRA).

Riders of the ages twelve to seventeen were qualified to participate in the program to pursue their passion of racing and hone their skills through the Honda Racing Clinic, which will be taught by Joey Rivero himself.

At 10AM, sessions on the track began, with four sessions held in total and a Final Shoot out at the end. Riders showcased their skills and were evaluated by Rivero, Alberto, and Sison. Finally, nine riders and one reserve were able to qualify for HPDC, which are the following:

• Carl James “Chino” P. Hung
• Kurt Tristan “Ostong” Villanueva
• Michael Nicol D. Lee
• Christopher John “Kokoy” Mangibin
• Sean Andrej Ondillo
• Marco Gil D. Ventenilla
• Joshua Gabriel S. De Leon
• Travhys Ivan Joe Paralejas
• Alfred Jakob Sablaya

Familiar names such as reigning HPDC champion Alfred Jakob Sablaya and strong contender Sean Andrej Ondillo rejoins the competition, to be challenged by several new and promising talents.

With this, HPI looks forward to the upcoming HPDC Rounds with the young riders along with the accompanying Racing Clinic. Here is the schedule:

The HPDC is running in the same schedule with the National Motorcycle Circuit Racing Championship and is sanctioned by Unified Sports and Racing Association (USRA).

For more information, follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hondaph/ or visit their official website –www.hondaph.com