Healthy Options unveils holiday gift boxes

It’s never too soon to begin collecting ideas for the upcoming holidays, and Healthy Options’ “Light up your Christmas” event is just a perfect opportunity to gather inspiration and maybe even a few early Christmas gifts.

Taiwan: Asia’s small but charming giant

Our bus was running on the freeway, half past six in the evening but the sky was still clear with yellow clouds floating aimlessly just above the forested peaks bordering the highways. I’ve lost count of the numbers of tunnels we’ve passed through. Taiwanese government had obviously invested heavily on road networks and transportation infrastructure even in rural areas.

Seafood goodness in a boiling bag

If crabs and shrimps were war generals on a seafood table, Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps (BPBCS) is an imposing and intimidating armada.

For foodies who lust for anything crabs and shrimps, the Davao-based restaurant chain is a foodporn cul-de-sac. Imagine a bag of shrimps cooked while wrestling with garlic, sausages, potatoes and corn cubs or a giant crab whipped and charged with spices before heading to battle. The result is a victorious seafood warfare that turns diners, whose only shield is a plastic bib, into nothing but willing victims. Damn hypertension because crabs and shrimps as the enemy’s ammunition will make you just eat…and eat more.

Falling in love with Puerto Princesa

I was sipping cucumber lemonade at a restaurant near the airport when a colleague received a call from our companion who was already aboard the airplane. Stunned, we fidgeted from the couch like military men hearing the command “attention,” grabbed our backpacks and rushed to the airport.

Chef Anna Olson whips up locally inspired dishes

On the premiere episode of Inspired with Chef Anna Olson, the Canadian celebrity chef puts the spotlight on Filipino cuisines as she kicks off her culinary journey across Southeast Asia.

EXCLUSIVE ISLAND LIVING BECKONS AS KEMBALI SHOWCASE LOUNGE OPENS

What does it look like living in your own piece of seaside paradise? How does it feel like being face-to-face with nature while enjoying the comforts a luxury development provides?

The Kembali Sales Lounge, which was launched recently, offers an exclusive sneak peek into the life of owning a home on a paradise island. The interactive gallery showcases Filinvest Premiere’s Kembali property, a Balinese-inspired residential-leisure development on Samal Island in Davao.

Kembali’s unspoiled terrain makes it a conducive habitat for green see turtles and other marine life

Guests to the showcase platform can see the progress inside Kembali, whose Phase 2 development commenced in March. The upscale property’s mid-rise condominium development is also set to open its doors to privileged homeowners as marked by the groundbreaking of its first building and amenity area.

A residential masterpiece, Kembali is more than just a taste of Bali. It’s that and then some.

Paradise awaits homeowners of luxury development Kembali located on Samal island

A private playground. Kembali provides its residents with a private escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Taking inspiration from the Bahasa Indonesia word that means “welcome” or “to go back to,” Kembali offers a taste of exclusive island living that is truly worth returning to. A 20-minute boat ride from the Davao Boat and Leisure Club and a 40-minute boat transfer from the mainland will bring you to Kembali’s 1.8-km of beach frontage, a white sand coastline facing the Talikud Strait.

A beachfront home and a grand escape in one. Staycation at its finest is made possible by Kembali’s generous lot cuts and highly secured community features. Homeowners can design their second home especially for their private getaways with family and friends and experience the ease and comfort of living within a master-planned community.

Filinvest vice president for Real Estate Marketing Bernadette Ramos, project consultant for SouthMin and Kembali PDO Toshi Onozawa, first vice president and VisMin cluster head Tristan Las Marias and area general manager Geraldine de Gorostiza officially open the Kembali Sales Lounge in Davao City

Kissed-by-nature encounters. Kembali’s unspoiled terrain makes it the most conducive habitat for green sea turtles. The development was designed around the preservation of its natural diversity. The island’s mangroves, on the other hand, serve as nesting grounds for birds, as well as the breeding ground for rich marine life. Kembali features a bird hill and fish feeding activities for enjoyable, nature-intimate encounters.

Kembali is a joint venture project of Filinvest Land, Inc., under its upscale Filinvest Premiere brand, and Fernandez-Hermanos, Inc. Filinvest Premiere offers masterfully crafted luxury residential spaces and leisure masterpieces.

Have an immersive, first-hand experience of exclusive island living at the Kembali Sales Lounge, Ground Floor, McPod Bldg., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. For more information, call 0917-5957788 or log on to http://www.kembali.com.ph.

Youngest designer wins in Project Runway PH

Twenty-one-year-old Joy Chicano flew all the way from Eastern Samar to showcase and impress seasoned designers with his own visual idea of what a good wardrobe should look like.

Bringing geek culture mainstream

 

Renowned artists, celebrities and pop-culture icons came out to participate in the first international convention themed around comics, films, toys, animation, games and cosplay held at the World Trade Center from Sept. 17 to 20.

Hey Ladies! Here’s the parade of shirtless men

The Cosmo carnival-themed Bachelor Bash was punctuated by a segment they called the final look –all shirtless celebrities and models who walked the ramp went back onstage, lined up and did their final tease. The confetti was blasted into the air and music went louder. That’s how the steamy Bachelor Bash ended.

THE WORLD’S MOST INNOVATIVE CATWALK SHINED THROUGH THE STORM

17 July 2015 marked a revolutionized move in modern fashion presentation when Jessica Minh Anh transformed the award-winning solar power plant, Gemasolar, into the world’s newest catwalk in between sunrays and storm. The model and entrepreneur, known for combining art, architecture, culture, and fashion, successfully added technology into her 10th history-making showcase. Despite the unexpected weather right before the grand event, Jessica Minh Anh’s problem-solving ability and resilience resulted in a true masterpiece.

The preparation for the big show started the night before when the stylish marquee was installed as the backstage area. By 4pm on 17 July 2015, VIP seats alongside the catwalk in the center of Gemasolar, red carpet, advanced sound and lighting system, DJ space, and beverage bar were all perfectly set up. The unexpected storm, which came at 5pm with heavy rain and wind, cut the entire power supply of the catwalk and destroyed the backstage area. In the mid of the crisis and potential show cancellation, Jessica Minh Anh made a decision to turn the bus which transported models from Seville to Gemasolar into the new backstage area, clean the mess, and carry on with the event once the sun rose again. “Jessica Minh Anh’s proactiveness in finding solutions very quickly to all the technical problems was no doubt impressive. However, it was her ability to not only stay calm and collective but also to motivate the entire team of over 60 of us who were shocked and scared to continue with the show that really touched me. She is first and foremost a leader,” said Alexander Hardouin, CEO of EStead Production.

The catwalk started at 8pm with the cinematic backdrop of the iconic central towers and thousands of shining mirrors. The epic scenery saw Jessica Minh Anh’s grand entrance in the highly anticipated red flamenco dress bursting with layers and texture. The exotic beauty was followed by other fashion models in dramatic maxi dresses which highlighted their perfect silhouette. Designed by Sevilla’s very own fashion talent Pilar Vera, the opening collection inserted romance and glamour onto the sunshine catwalk. Captivating audience in a completely different style, Beijing-based Spanish designer Paloma Sanchez premiered an exquisite jewelry collection influenced by Chinese culture. The luxury pieces unveiled the beauty of uncut stones with rare formations as well as a fluid combination of Oriental charm and European chic. Focusing on intricate details and futuristic patterns, Turkish jewelry brand Ekria came in next with architectural pieces in gold and silver. The striking laser-cut collection portrayed both simplicity and versatility, which signified the concept of wearable art. 

Returning to Jessica Minh Anh’s extraordinary catwalk after the New York fashion phenomenon earlier this year, Pakistani designer Syeda Amera remained consistent with her creative approach of using abstract motif, bold cuts, and sequined formations. With Gemasolar in mind, the innovative artist embellished exclusively designed mirrors and crystals to greatly enhance the sun’s effects on her luxurious looks. Closing the show with class and elegance, Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai accompanied by Pandora jewelry, introduced an alluring Haute Couture collection made from the finest materials, decorated with lace, brocade, Italian tulle, and Swarovski crystals. The most impressive of all, the finale dress which embodied Jessica Minh Anh’s strength and sophistication, is a quintessential example of advanced beadwork, original patterns, and intricate transparency.

J Summer Fashion Show 2015 has not only strengthened Jessica Minh Anh’s position as the world’s most innovative catwalk producer, but also sees her inspiring a new generation of creative leaders towards a more eco-friendly direction. “It was an honor for TORRESOL ENERGY to have Jessica Minh Anh transform GEMASOLAR into the first ever solar powered catwalk. Having seen her fashion shows on the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon Skywalk, London’s Tower Bridge, and One World Trade Center, we knew she was special. We find it very meaningful that Jessica chose such an ecological scenario as Gemasolar to showcase fashion. It speaks a lot about her belief in green power”, said Raul Mendoza Ruiz, Gemasolar Plant Manager, Torresol Energy. It was no surprised that Jessica Minh Anh impressed Gemasolar management with her extraordinary vision and an exceptional track record of mind-blowing catwalks. It was, however, her pulling off the show so flawlessly in less than 2-month preparation in the severe heat of Sevilla with plenty of logistic challenges that has made Jessica Minh Anh a leader.

J Summer Fashion Show 2015 was supported by Ilunion Atrium Hotel Madrid, Wowble!, Carmen Olmedo, Cristina Rivero, Rosabus, Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, Boutique Hotel Holos, Benchamark Capital, InEvents Malaga, Calitos Café y Desgustación, Beim Jupiter Accessoires, Garsan Banderas & Publicidad and Pedro Munumer among others. For more information, visit http://www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk and http://www.facebook.com/jmodelmanagement.

Returning to Jessica Minh Anh’s extraordinary catwalk after the New York fashion phenomenon earlier this year, Pakistani designer Syeda Amera remained consistent with her creative approach of using abstract motif, bold cuts, and sequined formations. With Gemasolar in mind, the innovative artist embellished exclusively designed mirrors and crystals to greatly enhance the sun’s effects on her luxurious looks. Closing the show with class and elegance, Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai accompanied by Pandora jewelry, introduced an alluring Haute Couture collection made from the finest materials, decorated with lace, brocade, Italian tulle, and Swarovski crystals. The most impressive of all, the finale dress which embodied Jessica Minh Anh’s strength and sophistication, is a quintessential example of advanced beadwork, original patterns, and intricate transparency.

J Summer Fashion Show 2015 has not only strengthened Jessica Minh Anh’s position as the world’s most innovative catwalk producer, but also sees her inspiring a new generation of creative leaders towards a more eco-friendly direction. “It was an honor for TORRESOL ENERGY to have Jessica Minh Anh transform GEMASOLAR into the first ever solar powered catwalk. Having seen her fashion shows on the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon Skywalk, London’s Tower Bridge, and One World Trade Center, we knew she was special. We find it very meaningful that Jessica chose such an ecological scenario as Gemasolar to showcase fashion. It speaks a lot about her belief in green power”, said Raul Mendoza Ruiz, Gemasolar Plant Manager, Torresol Energy. It was no surprised that Jessica Minh Anh impressed Gemasolar management with her extraordinary vision and an exceptional track record of mind-blowing catwalks. It was, however, her pulling off the show so flawlessly in less than 2-month preparation in the severe heat of Sevilla with plenty of logistic challenges that has made Jessica Minh Anh a leader.

J Summer Fashion Show 2015 was supported by Ilunion Atrium Hotel Madrid, Wowble!, Carmen Olmedo, Cristina Rivero, Rosabus, Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla, Boutique Hotel Holos, Benchamark Capital, InEvents Malaga, Calitos Café y Desgustación, Beim Jupiter Accessoires, Garsan Banderas & Publicidad and Pedro Munumer among others. For more information, visit http://www.jmodelmanagement.co.uk and http://www.facebook.com/jmodelmanagement.

GEMASOLAR
Gemasolar is a global symbol for innovation and sustainability. It is the first plant in the world to combine the central tower technology with a molten salt thermal storage system that produces 24- hour-a-day electricity using only the power of the sun. Its construction by SENER marked a milestone in the concentrated solar power sector. The unique technology of Gemasolar has been widely recognized with prestigious awards such as, the European Business Awards and the Award of Merit by FIDIC, which distinguishes Gemasolar as one of the best global engineering works of the past 100 years. The iconic image of Gemasolar has served as a setting for renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Mercedes Benz, Ford and PlayStation.

Cinemajam redefines film and music festival

IT WAS a rainy Saturday night on Nov. 29 at Greenfield District Central Park in Mandaluyong, but it did not stop young people in their hoodies and umbrellas from entering the ates of Cinemajam to be part of the second edition of this one-of-a-kind event.

Oscar-winner Hillary Swank stars in a moving drama

Classical pianist  Kate (Hilary Swank) is afflicted with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Her husband Evan (Josh Duhamel) tries to find someone to take care of his wife. Bec (Emmy Rossum) – a college student – applies for the job despite being unsuited for the position. Kate sees something special in Bec and wants to have her as her caregiver to help her with everyday things like taking a shower. Kate and Bec help each other to live their lives and find their way in the world.

Directed by theater veteran George C. Wolfe (Angels in America), the film explores how two strangers can bring out the best in each other even in the midst of trials and tribulations.

You’re Not You details how human emotions can play a big part is keeping the audience sit through the whole film. Swank, as expected, delivers an incredibly moving performance as she portrays a gravely ill woman. It takes an intelligent actor to essay such role without making it look rehearsed. Her subtle  yet highly effective acting glorifies people who have the same condition yet show positive outlook in life including making complex decisions on how they would like to live their remaining days.

As the whole story revolves on Kate’s worsening condition, it also segues into relationship issues brought about by lack of real communication: her growing estrangement from her friends; her husband’s unfaithful outings; and her mother’s lack of emotional support in her current situation.

Bec, as an untamed soul, finds her purpose in this emotional journey. From a struggling musician, the college drop out becomes a self-thought ALS patient advocate. From a stubborn party owl, her character turned into a devoted companion assuming responsibilities beyond the job of a caregiver. Emmy Rossum’s plausible character development  is a delight to the audience.

Subplots  and support characters perfectly fit into the story without them taking the limelight from the real purpose of the film.

You’re Not You is distributed and released in the Philippines by Octoarts Films International and will hit movie theaters nationwide starting November 26.

WHAT IS ALS?

The ALS ice bucket challenge has recently taken social media by storm.Hollywood celebrities, local stars, and even ordinary people literally pitched in to support and fund research on the condition that is also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Their social media videos may seem amusing, but there is a deeper reason why they subjected themselves to that bucket of ice-cold water.

This viral campaign started because not much is known about ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As with its most famous patient, American baseball player Lou Gehrig, people who are diagnosed with this condition degenerate as movement are slowly affected until the later stages that result in total paralysis. People who were otherwise healthy in their younger years start to lose control over the use of their muscles, and soon are unable to speak, walk, and feed themselves.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and rarely Charcot disease—is a neurodegenerative disorder with various causes. The term motor neurone disease (MND) is sometimes used interchangeably with ALS while others use it to refer to a group of similar conditions that include ALS. ALS is characterised by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to muscle wasting. This results in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. The disease usually starts around the age of 60, except in cases that are directly inherited when the usual age of onset is around 50.
About 5 to 10% of cases are directly inherited from a person’s parents. ALS is the most common of the five types of motor neuron disease.
The average survival from onset to death is three to four years. Only 4% survive longer than 10 years, although rare cases survive 50 years or more. Most die from respiratory failure. In much of the world rates of ALS are unknown. In Europe the disease affects about 2.2 people per 100,000 per year. In the United States, more than 5,600 are diagnosed every year, and up to 30,000 Americans are currently affected. ALS is responsible for 2 deaths per 100,000 people per year.
Descriptions of the disease date back to at least 1824 by Charles Bell. In 1869 the connection between the symptoms and the underlying neurological problems were first described by Jean-Martin Charcot who in 1874 began using the term amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It became well known in the United States when it affected a famous baseball player by the name of Lou Gehrig, and later when the ice bucket challenge became popular in 2014.

Who is Lou Gehrig?
Baseball player

1. Henry Louis “Lou” or “Buster” Gehrig was an American baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Using number 4 as his mark, Lou plays First baseman and pinch hitter
2. Born: June 19, 1903, Yorkville, New York City, New York, United States
3. Died: June 2, 1941, Riverdale, New York City, New York, United States and buried in Kensico Cemetery, New York.
4. Spouse: Eleanor Gehrig (m. 1933–1941)

Rediscovering Boracay through Fairways and Bluewater

What else could we enjoy in Boracay?

Touted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world by Yahoo Travel for its pristine blue water and blindingly white sand, Boracay has more than relaxation, clubbing, and beach activities to offer.

Survivor returns to the Philippines

Season 27 of the Emmy award-winning reality competition Survivor sees the show return to the Philippines for its third straight season. Set this time on the northeastern island of Palaui in Cagayan, the 20 castaways feature former Survivor players who have returned to compete with – and ultimately against – their loved ones, in order to outwit, outplay, and outlast, for the title of Sole Survivor. 

The world’s most daring catwalk

CATWALKING IN THE SKY: THE WORLD’S MOST DARING FASHION SHOW ON THE GRAND CANYON SKYWALK

Models will dare to walk at 4,000 feet over the Grand Canyon in the highly anticipated J Autumn Fashion Show in the United States on 1 November 2013. Staged on the engineering marvel ‘the Skywalk’, also known as the “best new bridge” made of glass, the show will demonstrate an exquisite combination of human creative genius and Mother Nature’s greatest wonder in an hour long catwalk. It is also set to celebrate the rise of the new generation of young self-made entrepreneurs led by fashion model Jessica Minh Anh.

When all you need is your back-up phone

Mobile technology makes many parts of everyday life simpler, but what happens when your favorite iPhone or Samsung died on you when you truly need them the most, i.e., make that immediate phone call or simply post a “kodak” moment on Instagram?

Beauty with a purpose

Reigning Mrs. Globe Sheryl Lynn Baas is every inch of a beauty queen. She has a flawless complexion. And she exudes sophistication, above and beyond the usual  tale of the tape—tall, graceful and having a striking figure.

The beauty of waking up in the afternoon

Since I started writing for a national daily and working in a data processing center for a global bank, my life turned in full 360. I wake at around 1 pm, and on a daily basis, I eat my breakfast at around 2 pm, it’s when the family has just finished eating lunch. My own lunch is at 8 pm and my dinner comes at around 3 or 4 am. Sometimes, I just take a light snack or cook my favorite pancit canton paired with hardboiled eggs. You see, that’s a routine, unless I have an event to cover the next day because that means I have to alter my entire body clock.

Enchong Dee infuses color in his everyday life

Enchong Dee is a full-fledged advocate of living a healthy lifestyle whose healthy regimen of exercise, swimming (an offshoot of his competitive days as front-runner for the De La Salle varsity swim team, which led to his stint with the Philippine National Swim Team), and careful food intake – keeps him at his best behavior at all times. In fact, he has been invited to join the Ironman Triathlon this August.

A young boy who traded his cow for magic beans

Jack and the Beanstalk is a story of a young boy who traded his cow for magic beans that have turned out to be a beanstalk growing up to the sky where a giant lived with his golden harp and golden hen that lays golden eggs.