From Pre-Wedding Worries to Bridal Wisdom

Press release

For a girl, as far as milestones and special occasions go, nothing tops a wedding—especially, if it’s your own.

And when it came time for Precious Pasia to walk down the aisle, her goal was to live out the dream, which was made possible when she won the Colgate Optic White Dream Wedding Challenge.

Precious, who joined the contest as a bride-to-be shared her wedding woes online like the flower girl refusing to walk during the procession or someone spilling a drink on her wedding gown. Her candid answer evidently struck a chord with the public, allowing her to win a rare chance to have her pre-nup shot by acclaimed lensman Pat Dy and wedding documented by famed videographer, Jason Magbanua.

Today however, the happy new bride seems to have put all her worries behind her. And after finally tying the knot with her husband, Precious is all too eager to share her newly found wisdom for future brides, hoping to give them one less thing to worry about.

For starters—

“…Plan. Kahit wala pang husband,” she laughs. “Start your Pinterest board, research your suppliers, have pegs in mind so that during planning time, you won’t have a hard time.”

Precious shares that she started booking her church and reception venue as far back as two years ago, because she just really wanted everything to be perfect. Even her wedding dress, went through a lot of back and forth with a couple of couturiers before it “felt right.”

And then there’s the part where you want it all documented for posterity, which is where the dream wedding duo of Pat Dy and Jason Magbanua comes in. Known in the country as prime picks for anyone’s pre-nup and/or wedding day, Precious makes her desire to have both acclaimed artists document her wedding no secret.

“Having Pat Dy for my pre-nup and Jason Magbanua at my wedding was really a dream come true,” she adds.

And for all the frenetic planning that came with making her wedding day meaningful and memorable, having Dy and Magbanua immortalize the moment meant she didn’t have to worry about not having her special day captured on film and video; after all, these are the kinds of memories that you will want to share for generations to come. Having the best people capture each moment means having less worries and more  beautiful memories to treasure forever.  

But now that she has lived through the experience of planning a wedding, here’s what Precious has to say about it:

“At the end of the day, having all my family, all our families, and loved ones present became the most important thing for me on my wedding day,” she confessed.

That, and making sure that she could actually enjoy her wedding and stop worrying about the little details that could potentially ruin her big day.

Leading up to the special occasion, Precious made sure that every single thing was in place—from her wedding dress to her smile.

“I went into just as much effort to ensure that my dress was perfect to making sure that I had the perfect, white smile to go with it on my wedding day—a task made all the more easier with Colgate Optic White,” she shares. “After using the product for a week, I really saw a difference, my teeth became whiter. And that gave me the extra confidence I needed for the big day.”

On the groom’s side, Aljoe says that couples must always try to prepare together. “Be enthusiastic about the plans and be collaborative; expect conflict to arise but just try to think positively.”

As for the bride’s biggest wedding worry? Precious happily reports that her husband was eagerly waiting for her at the altar—and that’s definitely something to smile about.

Colgate Optic White promises to give you one shade whiter teeth after one week* so you have one less thing to worry about on any occasion. Try it now!

AQUABEST POISED TO OPEN SECOND CONDO BASED STORE

Press release

Aquabest the country’s premier water refilling franchise is poised to continue its expansion with the opening of its second condominium based water station.

The store located at the SM Blue Residences condominium complex in Katipunan, Quezon City is part of the company’s efforts to tap emerging communities brought about by the robust growth of the property sector. The company intends to open stores in other vertical developments all over Metro Manila.

The company says that the store is slated to open on March 2015 with a program aimed at increasing consumer awareness on the importance of clean water. The company will also launch promos and other activities such as mascot performances and motorcades meant to increase the public’s awareness on its new store.

Paul Tan, Aquabest’s Assistant Vice President for Operations says the company is very bullish on its prospects in the market as the issue of water safety and quality becomes more and more important. The continued growth in population especially in cities have taxed existing water pipelines giving rise to renewed concerns over water safety and quality in Metro Manila.

TAYO Awards 2015

When I first created this blog, it was about documenting my advocacy programs before it became a professional blog site. Now, it became instrumental for promoting other advocacy campaigns. Last year, I had a privilege to see the awarded student initiative programs that was recognized for TAYO(Ten Accomplished Young Organizations).

Last year, I got to interview one representative of an organization and I was really impressed with what I got to know about the program. This time, I am about to start a series of posts about the campaigns of this year's TAYO. I assure you will be impressed with what these students done than any politician or philanthropists can innovate.

So let's start the ball rolling, shall we?

If there's a blood drive for transfusion, there's the Milk Drive. It's not from any dairy product. I am talking about mother's milk. It was an initiative from UP College of Medicine Phi Lambda Delta Sorority to initiate breast milk donors from communities they visit.

According to Ms. Maria Angela Villa of Phi Lambda Delta Sorority, this campaign not only helps promote awareness that breastfeeding is still the best source of milk in the child's first years, but it also initiates other mothers provide breast milk for those who can no longer provide it.

If the biological mother is no longer capable to give breast milk for her child due to possible and various reasons, this is the right program to help the community. Just like blood transfusion, Ms. Villa said that applicants are also screened before donating breast milk and they also help educate mothers.

The Milk Drive was already been operational for less than a year and they already have been visiting communities/health centers in Tondo and Quezon City or even outside Metro Manila and even in the Philippine General Hospital. The milk they had gathered from the communities is contained in an ice chest and will be pasteurized and brought to PGH. The campaign was successful that even their fellow sorority alumni members showed interest and support.

I will continue with the rest of the participating organizations and their campaigns on my next posts. If you are interested with the campaign I featured and desired to get involved, feel free to reply to this blog post or directly message me via my L.E.N.S. blogs Facebook page.

Reasons Why You Should Consider The New Honda Click 125i

I got to attend the public launching of Honda's newest scooter: The Click 125i.. I listed some of the reasons why you should consider this.

-It has three colors: Asteroid Black, Pearl Horizon White and the standard Honda color Candy Rosy Red.

-It has sporty look for a scooter. It looks sleek and sharp. Almost like futuristic design.

-It has dual keen eye headlights that look badass. The black color suits it.

-Equipped with New Generation Intelligent 125cc global engine.

-It is environmentally friendly scooter. Maximizing the efficient combustion and minimize friction to reduce the risk of waste. Wish it would have an fully electric and non-combustion option.

-The Honda pioneered technology PGM-FI built-in liquid-cooled engine can go 8.40kW(11.4PS0 at 8500RPM maximum power and 11.16 Nm at 6500 RPM maximum torque.

-Thelding Stop System(ISS) is responsible for its fuel efficiency. ISS eliminates wasteful fuel consumption by switching off the engine automatically after three seconds of traffic or brief stops. Just twist the throttle to start up and go in less than a second.

-Equipped with the Honda Safety and Security feature. It does not start up when in down position. Brake Lock remains in idle state when stopped at downhill.

-It has a large storage capacity of 18 liters which is capable of storing a full-face helmet.

-The LED headlights and LCD meter panel saves 80% power consumption.

Unveiled last February 18 at Trinoma Activity Center. For more information, go to http://hondaph.com/ . For more updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Electric Vehicle Alliance plans 4th Electric Vehicle Summit

Press release

The Electric Vehicle Alliance, the group that organized the hugely successful first three editions of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, is now gearing up for the fourth one. This will be held at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall at Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City from February 26-27, 2015.

Electric Vehicle Alliance is composed of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), Meralco and Clean Air Initiative Asia (CAI Asia). EVAP President Rommel Juan said that for this year’ EV Summit, EVA has aptly chosen as its theme: “Sustaining the gains in Philippine electric vehicle development.”

He reveals that the EV Summit will offer business professionals and vehicle industry experts the opportunity to learn the latest advances in EV technology, network with colleagues both here and abroad and exchange ideas regarding electric vehicle technology and sustainable mobility. “We also expect some business partnerships to be forged between foreign and local EV players during this event”.

“We will review the contributions that EVs have made and continue to make toward healthier living spaces by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We will likewise seek to bring together relevant stakeholders from vehicle parts and components, manufacturing, assemblers, information and communications systems companies, energy companies, electric utilities, systems integrators as well as representatives from government and academia. We hope to share ideas, to collaborate, and to co-develop initiatives for making sustainable mobility a reality”.

Juan is happy to note that foreign investments in joint venture with local EV players have taken off the ground. “Several local manufacturing facilities of electric tricycles are in place and off-site charging stations have been set up. Many institutions have adopted the use of EJeepneys for mass transport applications such as the Eco Loop in Filinvest Alabang, the DLSU EJeepney Ikot at its Dasmarinas campus and Ateneo’s EJeepney system with a dedicated charging station put up by Meralco inside Ateneo’s Katipunan campus”.

With these gains that they will sustain, Juan says EVA hopes that more foreign investments will continue to pour into the local EV industry and in the very near future, make the Philippines the EV manufacturing hub in the region. “Some foreign EV investors are on the lookout for local partners, especially in the manufacturing and assembly sectors and we just need to show them that we can do it”.

For inquiries about the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit 2015, please contact the EVAP Secretariat at 9307003, text 09239432073 or email secretariat.evap@gmail.com. Or you may check out the EVAP website and Facebook page for more details.

Happy Hearts Day Even If Your Partner is Far Away!

Press release

Seven LDR (Long Distance Relationship) Tips from KakaoTalk

 When you’re on the other side of the country — or the world — from your significant other, the odds aren’t in your favor. Long distance relationships are stigmatized as being difficult or even impossible. But if you're considering a long distance relationship or fall into one you really can’t resist, don't worry - KakaoTalk has your back.

KakaoTalk, one of the leading mobile chat applications in the Philippines, shares the secrets of surviving a long distance relationship. Wherever your partner may be, if it is true love, then it is worth working, or waiting for.

1.       Stay connected.

KakaoTalk is well known as a reliable, easy and FREE way to stay connected. Kakaotalk is especially helpful for those in long-distance relationships because it allows you to make calls and send unlimited messages across the globe any time of day or night. KakaoTalk can help shorten distance the two of you are dealing with.

2.       Share to show you care.

Greeting each other “good morning” and saying “good night” before bed is a daily must. Plus, KakaoTalk lets you send media files ranging from voice notes to photos and videos. Send a photo that shows what you’re up to and make your loved one feel closer to your everyday life.

3.       Trust is a must.

If you are going to be in a long-term relationship, you've got to have trust. Trust is a foundation for any relationship. Without trust, doubt will build nothing but tension between you two.

4.       Chat together with your family or friends.

Group chatting with others can make things a bit more exciting. Mix it up a little bit. You can create groups with up to five members in KakaoTalk for group calls. “Hanging out” with others will make you both feel more closely involved in each other’s lives while you’re apart.

5.       Honesty is still the best policy.

Talk about your feelings of fear, insecurity, jealously as much as possible. Don’t try to deal with things all by yourself. Be open and honest with each other. Let your partner comfort you when you need it and extend the same support to them.

6.       Be playful and creative.

If words aren’t enough to express your emotions, KakaoTalk offers hundreds of exclusive moving emoticons that will help expand your range of expressions.  The Kakao Friends emoticons are famously adorable and perfect for making your partner swoon.

7.       Journey towards the future.

The truth is, no couple can be in a long distance relationship forever. Eventually you will both need to establish a plan for being together. Even if you are not living in the same space and time zone, it’s important to work toward eliminating the distance.

Communication is key to keeping your love alive and strong. KakaoTalk’s features allow you to get your message across – no matter how simple or how far. KakaoTalk takes messaging to a new level that’s interactive, fun and user-friendly.

Download KakaoTalk today and enjoy a whole new chatting experience and complete connectivity. To find out more about KakaoTalk in the Philippines, visit www.facebook.com/kakaotalkph

Earth Hour 2015 Official Video

Last year, Earth Hour was celebrated with its first superhero ambassador: Spider-Man. Earth Hour is celebrated in cities across the globe. I am now featuring the latest official video of Earth Hour 2015. I am glad after Spidey, there are celebrities that followed suit. Mark Rufallo who will reprise his role as Bruce Banner in Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Li Bingbing and Emma Thompson.

The video emphasizes of how to use your power. Speaking for myself, I'm using my power of blogging and influence to make a difference not just for the Earth Hour but for every post I wrote. For more Earth Hour updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

PTAA Travel Expo 2015

I've been going to Travel Expo for many years not because my Mom is handling the marketing of her Coron booth for Darayonan Lodge but because I am amazed how many people go here just to get the good and exclusive deals

Just like the previous years, it is always the airlines that gets the longest lines. This year, the Expo is extended up to the second floor. Just expected, there are also gimmicks from Guam Tourism and Japan Tourism booths.

I was told as early as the opening time for the Expo, the lines are long that it circled the streets. Just so happens that it is Valentine season but instead of going to dates, people are more practical to spend their time at the booths.

Travel Expo is only until February 15 at the SMX Convention Center. For more updates in the travel industry follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

First Reveal: Behind The Scenes of Manhid

During the rehearsal of the cast in this Ballet Philippines latest production. Manhid opens Feb. 20 at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, CCP. Part of the BP's Sapphire season. For more updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

UFC Fight Night Manila Main Fight Reveal

Last month, I was able to cover the launch for the UFC Fight Night Manila scheduled May 16 at SM The Arena. Although the price range of admission is still not yet confirmed, the featherweight bout is finally revealed.

Current No. 1 ranked featherweight mix-martial artist Frankie "The Answer" Edgar will face Urijah "The California Kid" Faber in a five-round featherweight battle in the Octagon. Follow this blog for more updates about the release of the ticket prices and more about UFC Fight Night Manila or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. 

LOVE IS IN THE AIR THIS FEBRUARY ON ANIMAL PLANET

Press release

Animal Planet celebrates VALENTINE’S WEEKEND with two days of special programming featuring extraordinary love stories, unusual mating rituals and everything else in between! Discover how various animals pursue their ideal mate and observe the amazing – and often elaborate – courting rituals exclusive to each species. Witness also touching stories of the remarkable bonds shared between animals and humans. On Saturday February 14 and Sunday February 15, tune in for a four-hour love fest starting at 8:00 p.m. on Animal Planet.

 

Photo courtesy of Animal Planet

Kicking off Animal Planet’s VALENTINE’S WEEKEND special is ROMEO & JULIET: A MONKEY’S TALE, a retelling of the classic romance between two young macaque monkeys in the mountains of Thailand. Despite the fact that the star-crossed lovers are able to see past their differences, other members of the opposing clans declare war to keep the poor primates apart. Will the pair of macaques suffer the same twisted fate as the stars of this familiar tale about forbidden love?

Follow two golden jackal families from Ngorongoro, Tanzania on MEET THE JACKALS. This heartening story of tragedy and hope shows the devotion of parents who will do everything they can to protect their little ones when faced with daily attacks by hungry hyenas. The events of their lives in just one breeding season are full of both drama and tenderness, set against a visually stunning backdrop.

Next, travel 6 FEET UNDER THE SAVANNAH to uncover the secret lives of naked mole rats, where a sole queen imposes the law and assures the continuity of the species with a few males. Apart from one or two fertile males, they all play the role of workers and soldiers whilst the queen – much larger than the others – reigns.

Vividly illustrating the incredible interspecies bond is DANIEL AND OUR CATS, which highlights the touching friendship shared between big-cat handler Daniel Radziej, his wife Catherine and their three pet African cats. Told from the point of view of Catherine, DANIEL AND OUR CATS intimately recounts her personal experience of love, loss and healing.

LOVE IS IN THE WILD reveals how picky females are about their partners, yet utterly loving to their young, going through a succession of diverse rituals just to find a companion. In a world where predators reign mercilessly and herbivores are constantly trying to escape from danger, learn a thing or two about love and sacrifice when you step into their world this

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND.

Meet Chantek, the world’s only language-trained orangutan who was raised as a human child, and see how a scientific experiment evolves into an emotional connection between an anthropologist and an animal on MY WILD AFFAIR. The episode documents the highs and lows of their unique relationship, and also tugs at the heartstrings as the two get separated when Chantek is held captive in a facility for 11 years.

On TANKED, see how tank masters Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing come up with innovative solutions to their clients’ requests. Among their awesome aquariums is an Old Vegas-themed tank constructed for Las Vegas Weddings, which ultimately inspires Wayde and his wife Heather to renew their wedding vows.

	Saturday, February 14	Sunday, February 15
8:00 p.m.	ROMEO & JULIET: A MONKEY’S TALE	LOVE IS IN THE WILD – ONE DAY IN THE SAVANNAH
9:00 p.m.	MEET THE JACKALS	MY WILD AFFAIR – THE APE WHO WENT TO COLLEGE
10:00 p.m.	6 FEET UNDER THE SAVANNAH	TANKED – BE COOL
11:00 p.m.	DANIEL AND OUR CATS	TANKED 2 – LEARN TO LOVE OR LOVE TO LEARN

AXN Announces “Asia’s Got Talent” Premiere: 12 March 2015, Thursday 8.05pm

Press release

Manila, Philippines – AXN announces today that “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.05pm (JKT, BKK). The series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Officially launching “Asia’s Got Talent” today is the series’ esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. The judges met with 500 members of the media, sponsors and partners for the first time at the “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63^rd adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said, “‘Asia’s Got Talent’ is a milestone made-in-Asia original production that reinforces SPT Networks, Asia’s position as a leader of original, local content in our region. With a stellar judging panel as well as some of the most spectacular acts from our region, ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ is a top quality production that will thrill Asia.”

Mr George Tanasijevich, Marina Bay Sands’ President and Chief Executive Officer said: “Marina Bay Sands is proud to be the premier partner for the inaugural Asia’s Got Talent. The ‘Got Talent’ series has earned multiple accolades across the globe entertaining millions of viewers. The multi-tiered entertainment strategy that we have adopted at Marina Bay Sands offers our guests an exciting range of unique events ranging from concerts, Broadway musicals, movie premieres and award shows. As the venue for the semi-finals and finals for the show, Marina Bay Sands will be the platform where a deserving act will be launched into stardom. Our participation adds yet another dimension to Marina Bay Sands, showcasing the endless entertainment possibilities we offer. ”

From thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia, the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing and breath-taking performances. Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.

Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Prizes worth up to US$100,000 are at stake, along with the opportunity for the winner to return and perform at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode and concluding with the results show. In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

The inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Marina Bay Sands is a premier partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. As Asia’s leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage.

BIG is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With BIG Cola, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘Think Big’ and ‘Dream Bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”, makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside, to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.

Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia’s Got Talent”, Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including four seasons of the International  Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia”; the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia”; “The Apprentice Asia”; “Cyril: Rio Magic”; “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition”; and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic”.

Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal Returns with a new twist

Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal is coming back but with new gaming rules. You are accustomed to the usual trademark of the game show with the briefcase models. Now, it will be the twenty Lucky Stars.

What are the Lucky Stars? They are also contestants. The new format is already being done in other countries but this will be demonstrated for the first time in the Philippines with celebrities so the audience will get the idea before they will get their turn.

Each episode, the Lucky Stars will do the traditional entrance with their respective briefcase and do the usual dance step like what the briefcase models known as the 26K did before. For now, it will be a mystery who will be the first Lucky Stars when Kapamilya Deal Or No Deal returns this Monday February 9 still hosted by Luis Manzano.

Endemol, the owner of the franchise, are impressed with the success of the game show in the Philippines that they allowed the new format to be used here in the country. For more TV show updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.