Grab Taxi App

In getting a ride from a taxi, there are two problems that we should deal with especially in Metro Manila. Most of the time, you negotiate with the driver who doesn't want to use a meter which is illegal. Secondly, you can't be assured of safety since there are cab-related crimes where the driver is also an accomplice.

 

Since most already have smartphones and gadgets at their disposal, the solution to this is just with the touch on your fingertips. The Grab Taxi app for android and ios equipped devices. This app can help you hail a cab without worrying about the problems.

 

When you download the app at Grab Taxi website , you can now book your destination  and the designated driver will pick you up. How does it work? By setting up a ride along with the destination and pick up points along with your contact number, the nearest Grab Taxi driver who's available to accept the job will respond and once he accepts it, his mobile number, license plate number, and his photo will appear in you app and shows his current location in the map as he gets on his way.

 

This will not only guarantee your ride but also make you feel secure that the driver is trustworthy. Grab Taxi coordinated with the existing taxi fleet and selected their most reliable and trustworthy drivers. This app was first used in Malaysia and is now benefiting the National Capital Region as a start. I already knew a couple of friends who already benefited from this service.

 

There are still limitations of this app. There may be restrictions of picking up from malls and airports since they are still negotiating about it so you can meet up the driver outside the designated area for now.

Grab Taxi launch

 

While on the way to the launch of Grab Taxi, a designated driver fetch me near my place and told me how he benefited from this app. According to him, it is a risk to patrol the area hoping you could get passengers. With Grab Taxi, all you can do is wait for the app for a job dispatch. This way both the driver and the passenger benefits.

 

Grab Taxi requires additional charge excluding the fare and flag rate of P70.00 but its a small amount to ensure your safety and convenience.

Dell Phils Awards Educational Grants To Child Hope Asia

I first heard about Child Hope Asia when I was invited by Dell Phils. to witness the unveiling of their Dell E-lab at Child Hope Asia in Paco, Manila. Giving computers is one thing, learning is another.

Poster courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

 

Dell awards Child Hope Asia educational grants for their kids' educational support. Education is one of the basic needs that most were not privilege to have. This is one way to help the community and Dell Phils. is able to be part of every child's education.

 

In addition to that, Dell Phils. sponsored a blocked screening of The Wolverine last July 25 at Greenbelt cinema where the awarding took place. For more news about advocacy follow Mark_Templar on Twitter.

 

adidas D Rose World Tour: Last Stop, Manila

D Rose visits Croatia, Serbia, France, and the United Kingdom

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls started his D Rose Tour by visiting Zagreb, Croatia, followed by Belgrade, Serbia, London, England, and Paris, France.

Inspired by the exciting and attacking on-court play and smooth, understated off-court style of Derrick Rose, fans attended the tours to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the youngest ever NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player).

In Croatia, adidas held a press conference at the Drazen Petrović Memorial Center where he received a special jersey from the late NBA player’s mother, Biserka Petrović, and toured the museum. Later, Derrick met fans who won a special contest through Facebook at an adidas Store, and then dedicated the newly refurbished Tuškanac “D Rose” basketball court with Croatian-born former NBA player Gordan Giriček and Croatian women’s national basketball team Olympic silver medalist Antonija Mišura.

Derrick Rose also met fans in Serbia at an exclusive basketball event, where he judged a slam dunk contest, faced off with the winner of a three-point shooting contest and held a press conference with former Serbian-born NBA player Žarko Paspalj.

His London visit allowed over 100 fans to get their very own pair of D Rose’s signature shoe, the D Rose 3.5 by participating in the event “Jump with Derrick Rose” at the “D Rose Jump Store”. Fans had the opportunity to literally grab their own pair that was placed on a rack 9 feet high from the ground. Highlights of the event can be seen here:

The D Rose tour continued in Paris, France, where Derrick Rose met over 800 fans through various activities like a one-on-one tournament, a special party with attendees like hip-hop artist Big Sean, Nic Batum of the Portland Trail Blazers and other French athletes and celebrities, and a special apprearance at the adidas store at Champs Elysees.

The European leg of the D Rose tour will continue in Madrid, Spain before he heads off to Asia on September 4, starting with Japan, China, and with Manila, Philippines on September 14-16 as his last stop before heading back to his hometown in Chicago.

The 3-day D Rose Tour in Manila kicks off with an Originals party, followed by a variety of activities such as the 3on3 grand finals with high school players from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines, and a Media day where Derrick Rose will be answering questions and interacting with the media.

Keep updated with news about the D Rose Tour by checking out https://www.facebook.com/adidas and www.drosetourmanila.com. Join the online conversations with the hashtags: #teamadidas and #DRoseTour.

The Winners of Yahoo OMG Awards 2013 Exclusive.

Photos taken by John Mark Senedrin

I arrive at The Arena at SM Mall Of Asia Complex along with my cousin whom I tag along to take photos with me. Although 6PM was the call time, we waited until 8PM to enter the actual staging area but we got occupied with the happenings in the lobby like the photo booths and giveaways from Yahoo!

Hosts Billy Crawford and Edu Manzano

The lower box served as our mobile base. After finding a good view facing the stage, I let my cousin take pictures of passing celebrities at the patron area along with a professional photographer relative of ours to give tips for the novice.

My invitation

The program started 9PM exactly but it was worth the wait. The event is broadcast live on Fox Filipino channel. It started with a dance number with Gary V. and Billy Crawford on the lead. After the opening number, Billy Crawford and Edu Manzano welcomed us as hosts for the evening.

Fashion portion from a sponsor.

Yahoo! started this event as survey for fans of local show business. In mind, it will an idea which celebrity influenced the most fans in the social media. Here are the winners of the Yahoo! OMG! Awards 2013:

 

BEST RADIO SHOW

TAMBALAN (LSFM 97.1)

 

BEST FM RADIO STATION

BARANGAY LS 97.1

 

BEST MALE AND FEMALE FM DJ

PAPA JACK and NICOLE HIYALA both from 90.7 LOVE RADIO

 

ACTORS AND ACTRESS OF THE YEAR

COCO MARTIN AND ANGEL LOCSIN



Ryzza Mae Dizon. Child Star of the year

 

CHILD STAR OF THE YEAR

RYZZA MAE DIZON

FAVORITE TV HOST

MALE CATEGORY: VIC SOTTO

FEMALE CATEGORY: TONI GONZAGA

 

BEST NOONTIME SHOW

EAT BULAGA!

 


Eugene Domingo and Vice Ganda bags the Comedian/Comedienne of the year

BEST COMEDIAN AND COMEDIENNE OF THE YEAR

VICE GANDA(MALE) AND EUGENE DOMINGO(FEMALE)

 

BEST TELESERYE

INA, KAPATID, ANAK

Korina Sanchez receives award

BEST NEWS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TV PATROL

 

MOVIE OF THE YEAR

IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN

 

BREAKTHROUGH ACTOR AND ACTRESS

ENRIQUE GIL AND KATHRYN BERNARDO

 

LOVE TEAM OF THE YEAR

KIM CHIU AND XIAM LIM

 

FAN CLUB OF THE YEAR

JuliElmo PEXERS(fans of Julie Ann San Jose and Elmo Magalona)

 

CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR

MARIAN RIVERA

|King of Social Media Tim Yap as one of the presentors

There were lots of performances in between categories including an impersonation act of Jon Santos as Governor Vilma Santos. The program ended with a closing number from controversial celebrity Charice. We went out The Arena around 12MN but the Yahoo! booth is still active giving away some items.

Yahoo! activity area

Coca-Cola calls on youth groups to join the 2013 TAYO Awards

Coca-Cola Philippines, through its social investment arm Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., is calling on youth groups all over the Philippines to join this year's Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of Filipino youth organizations in social development through innovative projects.

TAYO's partnership with Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. began in 2005 through the "Coke Barkada Award," which is given to the group that best demonstrates the Coke Barkada spirit of collective volunteerism, or "working together for the community and living the value of positive action for positive change.” The winning group receives a trophy and a cash grant. The award is part of the Foundation’s response to the global initiative of Coca-Cola that aims to focus on sustainability by improving personal well-being, building stronger communities, and protecting the environment. Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. has been the sole co-presenter of the TAYO Awards since 2006.

“Coca-Cola believes that the future of our society is in the hands of our youth, and that the power to change is multiplied exponentially as people come together on a common goal,” shares Cecile Alcantara, President of Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. “Through TAYO Awards, and the Coke Barkada Award, we want to show the Filipino youth that they can indeed become forces for positive change.”

The Coke Barkada Award in 2012 was given to Cebuano Youth Ambassadors for “BasuraSkwela: Changing Lives One Bag at a Time.” The project was inspired by a single bag crafted from used tarpaulin. Making bags from discarded materials has become a source of livelihood for the urban poor community of Tingub in Mandaue City, Cebu. To date, the project has been able to fund scholarships for 50 children in the community.

“BasuraSkwela is an innovative project that has made a tremendous impact in the community of Tingub,” says Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communication of Coca-Cola Philippines. “It has empowered the residents in many aspects – trash recycling has helped improve the environment; as a source of income, it has helped improve the lives of families; and by giving access to children’s education, the project ensures the future growth of the community. ”

Tamano, who was also one of the judges for the awards, also noted that the Cebuano Youth Ambassadors is a great example of how the youth can make positive change happen when they work together. “Coca-Cola is all about sharing happiness, and this group definitely exemplified that barkada spirit we are looking for. When they presented BasuraSkwela to the TAYO Awards panel, I could tell that they also had a lot of fun working on the project.”

 

About the TAYO Awards

Since it was first launched by the TAYO Awards Foundation in 2002, over a thousand youth organizations have joined the search and are now part of the growing youth network that aims to contribute to the development of their local communities, schools, and workplace their trailblazing, valuable programs.

The TAYO Awards accepts entries from interested youth groups, organizations, clubs, and societies that are composed of at least 15 members, more than half of which must be between 15 to 30 years old. Nominated entries should be projects that have either been recently concluded or are still ongoing.

These entries will then be judged based on the following criteria: impact of the project on the stakeholders, harnessing the spirit of volunteerism and citizenship, creativity and innovation, and sustainability and effective use of resources. Winning organizations will receive a trophy created by Philippine sculptor Toym De Leon Imao, and a grant of Php50,000.00 intended to fund their new projects, or sustain the ongoing ones.

Other winners of the 2012 TAYO Awards include Angat Kabataan (Youth Wing of Angat Taytay), CBA-Kalipunan and Junior Marketing Executives, La Salle Debate Society, One Million Lights Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay Technological University’s Electrical Engineering Society, Monte Verde 4-H Club, Inc., University of Luzon Students in Enterprise, I CAN Make A Difference, Inc. and Dire Husi Initiatives, Inc.

Projects of winning organizations range from rural electrification, environmental rehabilitation, livelihood programs, and agriculture, aimed at making a difference in the lives of people from marginalized Filipino communities.

The TAYO Awards 2013 is presented by the TAYO Awards Foundation, together with Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc., in partnership with the National Youth Commission and the Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan.

Ring Of Fire By Armscor

I haven’t been to a gun factory before. When I was invited to join a tour at Armscor main office, I didn’t pass the opportunity. Every year, Armscor gives a tour for the media to orient us about their history. Upon arrival, there was a display of their top of the line pistols, rifles and shotguns.

I also got to see how the guns are manufactured. The process was both machine and hand-made. Besides the guns, they also manufacture different types of bullets and shotgun shells. After the tour, we were lead to the shooting range where we can try out the pistols ourselves. Although there are various models, they are proud with their one pistol in particular.

There is a reason why the pistol called the Ring Of Fire. It was able to shoot repeatedly and you can see the ring of fire literally surround the pistol as it blows up the watermelon. It really has a powerful jolt when I got the chance to hold it and even with the earplugs, it still got my ears ringing.

Armscor vision is for everyone to own a gun responsively. Although it will be hard to register for gun license, Armscor means well that a gunless society can also be a defenseless society. Armscor not only markets here but also in the U.S.

Andy Murray Wins Historic Wimbledon Title

adidas is very proud of Andy Murray’s achievement and wants to congratulate him for being an example of bravery and courage. Well done, Champion!  

It was a different match to US Open, and winning Wimbledon is… yeah... I still can’t believe it, I can’t get my head around that… I can’t believe it.

Andy Murray sensationally became the first British man to be crowned Wimbledon champion in 77 years today, after beating Novak Djokovic in three straight sets in the men's singles final.

During the press conference Andy smiled when he heard: “Are you aware that you are the first Brit to ever win this tournament in shorts? This question made the hundreds of journalists who were attending the winner’s Q&A laugh.

Even during the press conference, Andy Murray, tennis world number two, still couldn’t believe what he just did - make tennis history in his country. 

After three championship points saved by Novak Djokovic, at the fourth one, Andy Murray finally became champion of Wimbledon 2013. A forehand from Murray deep into Djokovic's backhand corner, a weary reply into the Centre Court net.

Congratulations, Andy. 

Manhattan Sky Garden

Cubao are is the first commercial district with leisure and entertainment peg. It's been like that since I was a kid when it was not yet heavy traffic along EDSA. Cubao is also almost the center of everything.

Cubao housed the Big Dome in Araneta Center where the biggest events happen. It also a landmark for it's market. Long before we have the supermalls, Cubao already has Ali Mall. Cubao also has the most bus terminals that goes almost anywhere outside the Metro.

This is why it is also convenient to live in Cubao where you can not go far just to have the necessities. One one event, the Manhattan Sky Garden hosted a magician's showdown where I also judge as a novice judge and it is just along the street.

It just shows that there are more gimmicks that may happen in just down the streets of Manhattan Sky Gardens. Manhattan Sky Gardens has an elevated gardens that makes a good jogging route.

For more events in the Araneta Commercial Center, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Win an All-Access VIP pass to the D Rose Tour activities in Manila

The Rose Tour retail promo runs from July 5 to August 5, 2013

PHILIPPINES, Manila – Last month, adidas Basketball announced the D Rose visit to Manila. The last stop of his world tour, Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls will be engaging in various activities with fans and the media, including the Rose Originals Party, Fans’ Day, 3 on 3 Grand Finals, and Media Day.

D Rose fans also have a chance to meet and greet Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose by participating in the Rose Tour Promo hosted by adidas, which runs until August 5, 2013. Every single receipt of  P2,000 from participating adidas stores entitles customers to participate in the raffle draw. 5 lucky winners will get a 3-day all-access VIP pass to the D Rose Tour activities, while 20 winners will get tickets to the Rose Originals party.

 

ROSE TOUR PROMO MECHANICS

1.     Customers aged eighteen (18) years old and above are eligible to participate in the raffle / lucky draw herein. Customers who are under the age of eighteen (18) by August 5, 2013 are eligible to participate in the raffle / lucky draw herein if they are accompanied by a legal guardian over 18 years old. If the winner is under 18 years old, they must be accompanied by a legal guardian over 18 years old to collect the Prize and to participate in the D Rose Tour activities.

2.     Customers who win but are under the age of eighteen (18) will not be able to enter and attend the D Rose Tour Party on September 14, 2013.

3.     Every P 2,000 in a single receipt purchase entitles the customer to join the raffle.

4.     To join the raffle, the customer must fill out a lucky draw card with his/her complete name, birthdate, address, telephone number, email address and signature. Customer then drops the card in the D Rose Tour drop box located at adidas Gateway, adidas Robinson's Galleria, adidas Shangri-La, adidas Robinson's Ermita, adidas Newport Mall, adidas Festival Mall, adidas Power Plant,  adidas Shop Binondo, Planet Sports Bonifacio High Street, Planet Sports Power Plant, Planet Sports Trinoma, Planet Sports Alabang Town Center, The Athlete's Foot Magnolia, The Athlete's Foot Robinson's Ermita, Toby's Mall Of Asia, Toby's Megamall, Toby's Shangrila, Toby's Manila, Toby's Glorietta 2, adidas Mall of Asia, adidas SM North Annex, adidas SM Cebu, adidas SM Megamall, Sports Central SM Manila, Sports Central SM Mall of Asia, Olympic Village Robinson's Ermita, Olympic Village Alabang Town Center, Olympic Village Trinoma, Hoopsville Robinson's Galleria, Hoopsville Gateway, Titan Two Parkade, Titan Burgos Circle, Titan Katipunan, adidas Glorietta, Proline SM Megamall, Proline SM North EDSA, Proline Magnolia, Proline Glorietta 2, adidas Ayala Cebu, adidas Magnolia, adidas Greenbelt 3, adidas Trinoma, adidas BGC and adidas Gaisano Mall Davao.

5.     Promo period is from July 5, 2013 to August 5, 2013.

6.     The raffle draw and deadline for dropping of entries are as follows:

•       Deadline for submission of entries: August 5, 2013 – store closing time

•       Draw Date: August 16, 2013 – 04:00pm at the adidas office in the presence of a DTI representative

7.     Raffle prizes are as follows:

•       5 winners (x2 tickets per winner) | 3-day pass for D Rose Tour Manila Visit.

•       20 winners (x2 tickets per winner) | free pass to Rose Originals Party

8.     Prizes are not convertible to cash, but are transferrable.

9.     Winners will be announced after draw date via the D Rose Tour website (www.drosetourmanila.com). Winners will also be notified via direct contact through email / SMS / registered mail.

10.   A customer can only win one prize. If a name is drawn more than once, he/she gets the prize of higher value.

Book Release: Fangirl Meets Superman

Kim Paolo Vivas Feliciano became a household name by inspiring lots of people with his blog posts and tweets from his home in Dunedin, New Zealand. WikiAnswers describes him as “the guy who has the boy-next-door charm and started being popular in Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter then in every girls’ heart.” His claims to fame, according to an award-giving body, are his sweetness and respect for women. He is being tagged by his fans as “Superman.”

After his return to the Philippines, Kimpoy released his self-titled debut album from Universal Records and now making showbiz splash by bagging his first role on television: the nerdy-romantic in GMA Network’s kiligserye “With A Smile.” He was recently named Trending Twitter Phenom at the Globe Tatt Awards, which also gave him the Thought Mover Award last year.

Meet Chloe. She is the twin sister of Jhoie, the die-hard fan of Kimpoy Feliciano who died of brain cancer. Before her sister’s demise, Chloe made a promise to Jhoie that she will go to Manila to meet her idol Kimpoy and give him the letter that she wrote for him.

At first, Chloe is hesitant and wondering what on earth does this Kimpoy Feliciano have that her sister got so smitten with him. Feeling the need to fulfill her promise, Chloe ventures to Manila to find a job and a place to stay, win new friends and of course, to meet the online heartthrob.

Then one day, Chloe joins a group of Kimpoynatics to meet and greet Kimpoy in a small fans assembly. The heartthrob arrives. When she laid eyes on him, she became an instant fan.

In the novel, Chloe gets her much-awaited opportunity to get really close with her “Superman.” But, will her love be enough to win the guy’s heart? Will two different worlds meet in the name of love? Is there really a future for this Fan Girl and the male celebrity? Will she be Lois Lane to her Superman?

“Fan Girl Meets Superman” will be available in all branches of National Bookstore and Powerbooks in Mega Manila beginning July 10. It will arrive in provincial bookstores (Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao) on the third/fourth week. Each copy is only P99.95!

Repertory Phils.' Theatre For Young Audiences presents Alice In Wonderland.

A Sneak Peek to Wonderland

 

Lewis Caroll's classic tale Alice In Wonderland captured the imagination of many readers both young and old. What most doesn't know that the world called Wonderland is very complicated to children if they happen to read the book. I remember doing a review titled, The Psychology behind Alice In Wonderland.

 

Alice In Wonderland has been immortalized in many mediums such as cinemas, television and even the theater. Speaking of theater, Repertory Philippines' Theatre for Young Audiences is going to stage Alice for the third time starting August 17 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

 

 I already got the chance to watch one of their previous production like Aladdin when I accompanied my younger sister as her school's field trip that sponsored a play date. Rep made the theater an educational medium to reach out to the kids of all age

 

Not only that their productions are colorfully appealing, it's also a chance for the kids to participate interactively during one of the scenes in the play. Alice marks Theater For Young Audiences 21st Year in performing for the kids.

 

Speaking of educational, what you can learn from Alice is creativity and imagination which is not only kids can learn but the adults as well. I got to see an excerpt of Alice and I got to experience the Mad Hatter's tea party as well and it was fun. I am looking forward to its opening on August 17.

 

Cast includes Chaye Mogg and Daniella Gana takes turns as Alice. Reb Atadero, Jim Ferrer, and Nacho Tambunting as the White Rabbit. The Mad Hatter played by Joel Trinidad and Nic Campos. The dreaded Queen of Hearts played by Bituin Escalante and Natalie Everett.  Joy Virata directs. For ticket reservations, visit Ticketworld website or e-mail shows@repertoryphilippines.com

A Night With The Philippine Apprentices

Philippine television is no stranger to reality shows and although there is nothing new, the Asian region provided a more challenging reality show. The Apprentice originated from U.S. that made us tuned to who will Donald Trump fired next.

 

The Apprentice reached our region but without Trump. Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes host the first Apprentice Asia. What made it different from its American counterpart that it involves countries with different cultural background.

Apprentices Celina and Jonathan

 

We had two apprentices from the Philippines. Celina Le Neindre and Jonathan Yabut. I got to meet them in person. You might noticed that the season is not yet over. The remaining episodes are taped and they are awaiting the first winner of Apprentice Asia.

Mr. Mark Lankester

 

Celina and Jonathan shared their experiences in AA without spoiling us. What makes the Pinoys have advantage, according to Jonathan, is the ability to adapt in many situations which is what I admired about him. He thinks out of the box.

 

As a working class individual, I got to experience this. I made myself more an asset for the company rather than a liability. One of the advisers of the show was also present during the event. Mr. Mark Lankester shares that to be the apprentice , it doesn't matter where he/she came from, what matter is the talent and experience.

 

Unlike the U.S. Apprentice, Apprentice Asia is more tamed, less back stabbing. Mr. Fernandes gives Apprentice a different approach compared to Mr. Trump. Mr. Lankester ends that after the winner is proclaimed, it will be followed with the biggest party.

 

I urge fellow fans of Apprentice Asia and the rest of the country to support our Philippine apprentice. Tweet as much as you can with hashtags  # AACelina #AAJonathan #apprenticeasia  This event was brought organized by Air Asia and Tune Hotel. The Apprentice Asia airs every Wednesday night on AXN.