MICHELIN in Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015

Michelin, in global partnership with Shell, welcomes back the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia (SEMA) for its second year in the Philippines at Luneta Park, Manila on February 26 to March 1, 2015.

The Shell Eco-Marathon is an international competition wherein student teams must create a safe and energy-efficient vehicle that promotes sustainable solutions for mobility. MICHELIN continues as the Official Global Partner and Tire Supplier of the event in 2015.

Marketing Communications Manager for MICHELIN Philippines Caroline Del Rosario, Communication & Brands Director for MICHELIN East Asia and Australia Ruedee Euachongprasit, Customer Engineering Support Manager for MICHELIN Philippines Jaybee Atanacio and Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines Michael Nunag during the MICHELIN Press Conference on Energy Efficiency, Safety and Innovation at the Shell Eco-Marathon

An increased number of student teams will participate in SEMA 2015, with 127 teams from 17 countries from the Asia-Pacific and delegates from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and South Africa. From the Philippines alone, 25 universities from all over the country with as much as 34 participating prototype vehicles are joining this year. The SEMA 2014 had 109 teams from 15 countries, and 15 teams from the Philippines among them.

Communication & Brands Director for MICHELIN East Asia & Australia Ruedee Euachongprasit, Customer Engineering Support Manager for MICHELIN Philippines Jaybee Atanacio and Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines Michael Nunag discuss MICHELIN's aim for innovation in better, safer and energy-efficient solutions in road safety and mobility

“The Michelin and Shell partnership are aligned with valuing innovation for better mobility, that also pursues energy-efficient and safe solutions for mobility.” said Michael Nunag, Chief Representative of MICHELIN Philippines.

The MICHELIN tires for Shell Eco-Marathon are well-designed tires that are lightweight and provide low rolling resistance, providing optimal traction and longer travel time for the prototype vehicles. These tires are approximately 6 times more efficient than one of the best energy efficient tires on the market (MICHELIN Energy EV). MICHELIN will also be providing technical assistance and support to all the participant teams throughout the competition, by supporting them with safety advice and how to best utilize the tires for their vehicles to get the best performance.

MICHELIN provides assistance and advice to student teams regarding proper tire inflation and tire tread depth for traction at the MICHELIN Technical Booth at the Shell Eco-Marathon at Luneta Park

Apart from the sponsor exhibition where the public will have a chance to see the product and performances of Michelin Tires, Michelin will host the MICHELIN Road Safety City 2015 at the Fanzone area at the SEMA 2015.  A first for SEMA in Manila, the concept behind MICHELIN Road Safety City is to get everyone, especially the kids, in on the importance of road safety.

“Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility. With Michelin Road Safety City 2015, what we want to bring to all the participants is the basic but important knowledge that will keep them safe on the road.  This includes respecting traffic rules, the meaning of road signs, and how to avoid danger on the road. All the activities are designed to demonstrate the importance of road safety, with the hope that this will help to reduce road accidents,” said Ruedee Euachongprasit, Director of Communication and Brands, Michelin East Asia and Australia.

Essilor Launches Campaign for Healthy Vision

Essilor is the world leader for corrective lenses.  The success of the company, which is present in more than 100 countries, is the result of a strategy that has been driven by innovation for more than 160 years.  It has been awarded by Forbes magazine as “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” for four consecutive years. 

From design to manufacture, Essilor develops a wide range of lenses to protect and correct eyesight.  Its mission is to enable everyone in the world to see well using lenses tailored to their needs.  The company devotes 150 million euros a year on research and development to offer increasingly efficient products.   

 “Across the globe, 4 billion people need visual correction, and in the Philippines, over 20 million individuals need visual correction. As a leader, we feel it is our responsibility to do something to alleviate the situation and this is the reason we are doing this campaign,” said Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor general manager. 

Actor Piolo Pascual

“Essilor's ‘Seeing the World Better’ campaign is our company's way of helping the world see better by raising awareness about the importance of healthy vision and address the alarming number of visual impairment cases in the country. We also hope that through this campaign, Filipinos will start paying more attention to their eyes so they can see the world in a clearer and brighter view,” Dr. Roleda added.

Headlining the campaign is top actor Piolo Pascual who will appear in Essilor’s latest TVC and educational materials. A sportsman and a known health buff, Piolo believes prevention is the first step towards healthy vision.  “Good eye health is a serious matter because it is essential to performing practically all our daily tasks. Without good vision, we can only do so much and this limitation can stand in the way of achieving our goals.” 

To effectively raise awareness, Essilor launched its latest infomercial featuring brand ambassador Piolo Pascual performing various activities – swimming, reading, driving – and how good vision helps him accomplish these tasks effectively. The newest TV ad will air on March 1, at primetime slots on select cable channels. 

The campaign will drive three important messages: Prevention: Essilor lenses help prevent age-related eye diseases, 2) Protection: It also helps provide everyday protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays and harmful blue light 3) Correction: promote the initial purpose of Essilor which is to help correct eyesight.

Dr. Roleda cites the plethora of electronic devices that we are exposed to everyday, which emits harmful blue lights that damage the retina. “Repetitive exposure to blue light posts threat to our eyes. It may cause oxidative damage, and may be responsible for causing age-related macular degeneration, which can result to blindness.”   Wearing protective lenses like Crizal Prevencia, she adds, can do a lot in preventing the detrimental effects of harmful blue light. Crizal Prevencia is the only clear lens that selectively filters harmful blue light from gadgets, LED and UV light while letting through the healthy blue light.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, on the other hand, contribute to the development of cataracts. Wearing Crizal Forte UV lenses can protect our eyes from these harmful rays. 

For those starting around age 40, our eyes can gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects; this is an unavoidable condition but it can be corrected, says Dr Roleda. “Essilor Varilux progressive lenses offer a smooth transition from distance vision through intermediate vision to near vision.  This means that instead of having just two different viewing zones (near and distant), like with bifocals, Varilux provides the most natural vision correction,” said Dr. Roleda.

Founded in 1972, Essilor is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing ophthalmic lenses, lens coatings and dispensary technologies. Premium eyeglass lenses from Essilor are the result of more than 150 years of advanced research, innovation and technology. A true leader in innovation, Essilor revolutionized the vision correction industry in 1959 with the invention of the world’s first progressive lens. The brand provides consumers and the eye care professionals with quality spectacle lenses, diagnostic tools, services and support in business. 

A Latin Summer at Cafe Lupe Antipolo

A whole night of fun and pure enjoyment is set to happen this coming March 7, 2015 as Cafe Lupe Restaurant and Hostel will be holding a Media Night and Press Conference featuring "Latin Summer" and introducing "Banda Latina" for this coming April and May 2015 events. 

Owned by Mr. Albright Carranza, Cafe Lupe Restaurant and Hostel mainly caters to people who wants to enjoy a relaxing and happy place away from the hustle and bustle of the city together with good company, excellent food, and great place to stay. 

Some of the key features of Cafe Lupe Restaurant and Hostel are its overlooking place, sumptuous food, excellent service, and its dynamic team. This three floor story buildings has this uplifting setting and tone which will fill your night with nothing but good memories and enjoyment as you sing and party in one of its KTV rooms, eat with love ones with sunset and a live performing band in the background, and stay in a very welcoming place.

Cafe Lupe Restaurant and Hostel is strategically located at 267-269 Comoda Ville Inc. Don Juan Sumulong Ave. Valley Golf, Brgy. Mambugan, Antipolo making it a very magical spot to see beautiful sunset while enjoying great place and food with the company of people you love. For more info and reservation: 09166299381. 

Smile Pilipinas Launch

A program that aims to bring back the healthy smiles of Filipinos has been launched by the UP Dental Alumni Association (UPDAA) in partnership with global oral care brand Oral-B. The program, called Smile Pilipinas and launched in time for the 100th year of the UP College of Dentistry, aims to uplift the deteriorating state of oral health in the country through an extensive campaign that enjoins the support of each and every Filipino. 

According to UPDAA President Dr. Jocelyn L. Tan of the UPCD, the program was conceptualized in response to alarming results of a study that revealed 9 out of ten Filipinos suffer from dental caries and worse, the Philippines has the  2nd worst rate of decayed, missing and filled teeth in all of Asia. “We cannot let this happen to our citizens and our children,” added Dr. Tan. “We need to do something but we, the oral care professionals, cannot do it alone. We need the support and cooperation of everyone – the parents, the educators and ordinary citizens. And that’s the reason we launched Smile Pilipinas.”

The movement has found a strong supporter in Oral-B, the brand known worldwide for its commitment to promoting healthy smiles. “When the opportunity to be a key partner for Smile Pilipinas was offered to us, we knew we had to be a part of it.This is a great opportunity for Oral-B to do something concrete about improving the quality of oral health in the Philippines, kick-starting a movement that will involve both the professional body as well as regular consumers.’ said Suranjan Magesvaran, Procter & Gamble Vice President, Home Products, Power and Oral Care, Asia. 

UPDAA President - Dr. Jocelyn Tan
and Ms. Iza Calzado -Oral-B Ambassador

During the launch which coincided with the centennial celebration of UP College of Dentistry (UPCD) and spearheaded by UPDAA, the three focus areas of the program were presented, namely, Advocacy, Public Good and Fund Raising. 

Under communication, Smile Pilipinas will call upon Filipinos – inside and outside of the Philippines -- to get onboard and help spread inspiration for better oral health. The program has  five fundamental messages: 1) Our smiles are fundamental to our identity, 2) Let’s bring oral health within reach of all Filipinos, 3) Everyone can easily help improve oral health in the country, 4) We need to take care of our children’s teeth, and 5) We should all practice better oral health care habits.  

  

Its Public Good initiatives include Unang Ngipin Patibayin and SuperSmileCon2015. Unang Ngipin Patibayin is a public health initiative organized in partnership with Pateros and Pasig to provide oral health education and preventive measures for children and parents.   SuperSmileCon2015, on the other hand, is an oral wellness fair for kids with free dental consultations, dental varnish application, games, stage shows, and dental health education.

To sustain its activities, the program will be accepting public and corporate generosity of time, talent, treasure, through donations, sponsorships and sale of Smile Pilipinas merchandise sales via retail partners.

Top actress and Oral-B brand ambassador Iza Calzado, who graced the launch of Smile Pilipinas, likewise thanks both partners and echoed the concern over the country’s deteriorating oral health condition. “Let’s not take this important aspect of our health for granted. As our oral health professionals have repeatedly said, oral health is a vital part of over-all health. It’s part of our personality, our heritage as a Filipino. Let’s maintain the warmth and beauty of our smiles by learning how to care for our mouth, gums and teeth.”

With the country’s top oral health professionals joined by the world’s leading oral care brand in launching the Smile Pilipinas, there may yet be hope for the state of oral health in the country. But, as Magesvaran stressed, there’s a lot of work to be done. “It’s very important that Filipinos across the country understand the importance of good oral health that leads to a beautiful, healthy smile. That’s why we enjoin everyone to support this project so it can attain its mission of “100% Healthy Smiles for every Filipino.”

Adds Dr. Tan: “Oral health cannot be seen as separate from our total health and hygiene. If we all work together, we can bring oral health within reach of all Filipinos. “

Dunk, sip, crunch, and then repeat the healthy beat

There are many ways to enjoy our food while eating it, and we Filipinos have been creative in making our very own classic cuisines more interesting and appetizing.  No matter how intricate or simple it is, we can always think of things how to make our food mouth-watering to eat – even with the simplest of treats, like biscuits. Though we have become more creative in eating our biscuits, going back to the classic way of enjoying biscuits never gets old.

First, there is one move that everyone wants to see when it comes to biscuit snack-time. Dunking your favorite biscuit into a glass of warm milk, coffee, and tea makes the biscuit even tastier as its crunchiness melts inside your mouth. If dunking it into hot drinks is not your “cup of tea”, you can always enjoy the biscuit’s flavor just by letting it melt in your mouth and “sipping” that mashed bits down to your throat. Putting our teeth to work, grinding every bit of the biscuit is another classic way of gulping it down your tummies. Savoring a crumbly bit of biscuit, and indulging its flavor in your mouth while you chew, is of course one of the best ways to enjoy your snack.

It becomes more enjoyable if your biscuits have healthy ingredients and help your body get into good shape. McVitie’s Digestives is one of the few biscuits that can provide proper nutrition while you are enjoying a fun snack.  McVitie’s is a brand of biscuit that has been enjoyed by many countries around the world, including the Philippines. With its sweet and savory taste, McVitie’s has been a perfect snack match with most of our favorite hot beverages and cold drinks alike.

No matter how you want to enjoy your biscuit snack, make sure that you have the healthy option that comes with McVitie’s Digestives. So, go on and dunk, sip, and crunch those digestives, and then repeat the healthy beat.

For more about McVitie’s Digetives click on www.mcvities.com or click “Like” on its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mcvitiesdigestives.

Love in 50 shades at Marriott Hotel Manila

This February, Marriott Hotel Manila offers a Valentine experience like no other. Inspired from the best-selling book series, “Fifty Shades” each of the hotel’s restaurants will feature famous elements from the worldwide phenomenon. Hold nothing back and be seduced by luscious treats you would never, ever want to miss.

Experience a palm-twitching romance at Marriott Café. Excite your senses as you enter the “Red Room” filled with sinful and sensual desserts.  Have a bite of steamy culinary selections that are mentioned in the trilogy such as oyster, strawberry, cheese, smoked salmon, vanilla ice cream and more surprises. Get into the romantic mood from February 13-15, 2015, dinner buffet is at P2,650  and Sunday brunch for P 2,600. To recreate one of the sweetest moments from the novel, Marriott Cafe gives diners a chance to own the highly coveted Pandora charm bracelet, just like Mr. Grey’s surprise birthday gift to Ms. Steele.

Temptation never tasted so good at Cru Steakhouse. For starters, Executive Chef Meik Brammer recreated an iconic dish from one of the couple’s dates - the Charity Ball. Ignite your taste buds with the Salmon Tartare with Crème Fraiche and Cucumber on Toasted Brioche. As for the much awaited ending, submit to your inner sweet cravings with, “The “Dom” a special course that embodies the character of Mr. Grey, tough on the outside but delicate on the inside. This chocolate dome, melts under a lovely chocolate sauce revealing a mouthwatering dessert composing of hazelnut cake, truffle gianduja and chocolate sorbet.

While at Java+, naughty but sweet creations takes over the hotel’s gourmet coffee shop, an array of delectable “My Sweet 50” cupcakes, interprets Ana Steele’s relationship with Christian Grey. Pair these with a special blend named “Oh My, Vanilla”, made from English Breakfast Tea and Vanilla, a concoction that best describes Ana’s demure personality.

Moreover, the Greatroom teases you with a seductive drink list. Order from the shots and spanks menu and sip into handcrafted cocktails named after the famous lines from the novel such as Pinch of Pleasure, Punish Me and Cuff Love. Sway those hips with the sultry music from a live piano performance from the book’s playlist. On a lighter note, ladies are invited to unleash their inner Goddess with “Steal Steele’s Cup” a custom blend of English Breakfast Tea featured in the Greatroom’s afternoon high tea, complemented with elegant pastries consisting of sweet, scones and savory for only P550 available from 2-5 pm.

Loose control and prepare for a night of passion and fueling romance as your own Mr. Grey will meet you this love month at Marriott Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call (02)9889999 or visit manilamarriott.com . To join ongoing conversations, like Facebook.com/MarriottHotelManila, follow @marriottmanila on Twitter and @manilamarriott on Instagram. 

An Illuminating Experience

I really didn’t know what to expect when I first visited Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations at the second floor of the Mercury Drug Building at 32nd St. corner 4th Ave, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. After all, beauty clinics are a dime a dozen in the Philippines.  You can say that I’ve (almost) seen it all and frankly, I don’t always like what I see.

As a blogger who has visited several beauty clinics, I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences. I’ve seen vain people who have been burned both figuratively and literally by unscrupulous dermatologists out to make a fast buck at the expense of patients. Countless others, including a friend, have died because of bad treatments. Fortunately, this negative mindset would change with Luminisce. 

My fears were allayed when I met the lovely Dr. Kristina “Kaycee” Cuevas Reyes, the medical director of Luminisce. Talk about beauty and brains! This friendly doctor patiently took time to explain my skin condition and told me how her treatments would help. Talking to her was somehow different because she made me feel – not like a patient – but like a dear friend whom I had known for years. Her reassuring smile immediately broke whatever barriers existed between us.

Dr Kristina "Kaycee" Cuevas Reyes
Medical Director Luminisce 

Kaycee’s friendly manner is just one part of the big picture though. Beneath this warm and accommodating individual is a doctor beyond compare. She studied medicine at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, and got her diploma in dermatology and Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from King’s College and St. John’s Institute of Dermatology at Guy’s & St. Thomas Hospital in London, England.  Kaycee is also good with lasers and trained at the National Skin Center in Singapore and at the University of Ramathibodi Hospital – Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. Clearly, this lady dermatologist is more than just another pretty face!

Under her care, I had a Luxury Facial, a Clear Laser Peel, and Botox treatment. For those in the dark, here’s what that means. The Luxury Facial is a special facial designed to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess oil that all contribute to acne. This also shrinks your skin pores for up to two weeks.    

Luminisce reception area

It’s a painless procedure that begins with a soothing facial cleanse and a relaxing facial massage. With the help of ultrasound waves, a process called sonophoresis, skin-nourishing vitamins are absorbed into the skin. This also removes blackheads and whiteheads. Electric current is then used to lift and revitalize the skin. That may come as a shock but believe me, you won’t feel a thing. In the last stage, cool, pressurized oxygen is released into the skin to hydrate it and open pores. 

Having a Clear Laser Peel may not sound like a good idea, especially if it’s done on the face! But this is another pain-free and safe procedure that you’ll get at Luminisce. Instead of abrasive tools or harsh chemicals, you get three rounds of laser on the skin after a carbon lotion. The first round rejuvenates the skin, the second decreases oiliness, and the third tightens pores. This effectively regenerates collagen, lightens melasma and pigmentation, cures acne, evens and softens skin tone, minimizes pores, and fades fine wrinkles – all in minutes! 

See my glowing skin after my Luminisce experience

At my age, I didn’t think I’d need Botox but it certainly helped reduce the crow’s feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of my eyes. This non-surgical treatment relaxes muscles that causes wrinkles and fades deep lines to give one a younger appearance. 

All in all, my experience at Luminisce was very illuminating, thanks to the caring and “magical” touch of Kaycee. With her help, I not only look better but feel better, too.   

Visit Luminisce Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/luminisce or visit or like their Instagram Luminisce_Official and twitter LuminisceSkin for more beauty updates.

Hinga-Hingalo ni Baby Campaign Fights Against Prematurity

Twenty six -year-old Mira of Bulacan gave birth to twins who never got to see the light of day.

Mira’s twins MJ and JM were lost to the world’s largest killer of babies: preterm birth complications. The thing with Mira and with most grieving mothers who had lost their children to prematurity is that they think medication is expensive and inaccessible to the poor-this is not entirely true.

Possible interventions are within reach; just like the case of Sara Padilla, the 19-year old mom who also gave birth to a preemie, King Phillip. Sara’s baby survived and passed the critical stage due to medical interventions.

Going back to Mira, her twins are, sadly, now part of the infant mortality cases in the Philippines-cases that are badly in need of a dramatic reduction. Albeit locally, the number of under-5 deaths declined significantly in the past twenty years2, this is an achievement bound to be short-lived. The slow decline in newborn survival has had us missing out on our millennium development goal in reducing child mortality by two-thirds this 20152.

Time to ensure we meet the goal 

ln the year 2000, the United Nations, through the Millennium Summit, launched a new standard in the form of The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These are eight international development goals established following the adoption ofthe United Nations Millennium Declaration-with reducing child mortality as the fourth goal.

With that said, the statistics alone don’t leave us with much hope. Across 184 countries, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5% to 18% of babies born. Our country ranks 2nd in the number of premature births in Southeast Asia, 8th worldwide, and 17th in deaths arising from preterm birth complications.

Furthermore, complications plague preterm babies on an equally alarming scale. It is the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, and is responsible for nearly 1 million deaths in 20132 To be more specific, it is neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) which is the second leading cause of death among premature infants in the Philippines, and the leading veritable one.

Juxtaposing death with life, problem with the solution 

With this at hand, The Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine (PSNbM), together with the Department of Health, Philhealth, and the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital joined forces in championing a campaign set on averting more needless deaths in children, and ensuring that the millennium development goal in child mortality is met. By juxtaposing a newborn’s breath of life and the struggle to escape death.

HINGA|HINGALO ni Baby was formed. It communicates the gamble in childbirth; that despite the joy in the miracle of giving birth, premature birth complications reduce a baby‘s survival into a coin flip triggered by nothing but chance alone.

PSNbM notes that in the current landscape, there is a lack of a sense of urgency and insufficient action towards addressing the world’s largest cause of death in newborn children, "While initiatives by the government, the health sector, and international organizations helped the country achieve a huge drop in child mortality, there is still a need for a more centralized and more concentrated effort in ending this grave national health issue,” shares PSNbM President Dr. Carina C. Quimbo.

The HINGA-HINGALO ni Baby movement will inform the public about the gravitas of preterm morbidities and mortalities and its implications on an individual and national level starting with a documentary video that offers a behind-the-scenes look at local cases of child mortality, specifically those from Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, the institution with the most number of premature births in Manila.

Moreover, the campaign aims to disclose top preterm birth complications and existing interventions, and drive audiences to the right channels where they can avail of said interventions. “With #hingahingalo, we are doing our part in averting more needless deaths in infants, and plotting the course towards finally meeting our millennium development goal of reducing child mortality," Dr, Quimbo shares. “Together we can win this battle against prematurity and stop losing lives of the innocent.

HINGA / HINGALO ni Baby - Reduced Newborn Deaths is a campaign championed by The Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine (PSNbM) to lead the discourse of prematurity as a prevalent national health issue. To know more about this campaign contact www.psnbm.org.ph or like Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-Society-of-Newborn-Medicine-Inc

Lopez Museum opens Propaganda exhibition

The Lopez Museum and Library, in a technology partnership with Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp (SEPCO), opens its first exhibition for 2015, entitled Propaganda, last February 6, 2015. The exhibition fleshes out the idea of myth-making and its capacity to inspire change or derail genuine national progress. 

Featuring Samsung Smart TVs installed with a museum app called “Facets”, the exhibition combines traditional media with digital content resulting in a unique and immersive museum experience. It is an exhibition that challenges not just our notions of art and history, but also how we view museums and libraries.

Ricky Francisco, co-curator of Propaganda, said the exhibition was conceived to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with Don M. Salubayba, 2009 CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee and one of the most promising artists of his generation. Salubayba unexpectedly passed away during the planning process and the exhibition evolved to also be a tribute to him. 

Nunelucio Alvarado
Negros Occidental-based artist

The exhibition includes a few of his important works such as Pagsasabuhay, Abysmal Abound: Trinity of Passiveness, and his “anino-mation” (shadow puppetry animation) A Not so Giant Story (Legend of the Philippines) that have been sourced and borrowed with the help of Tin-aw Art Management.

Also featured are World War II posters, election-related archival materials, LVN movies still photographs, a collection of rare maps, Philippine imprints; a recreation of Santiago Bose's 1983 installation Pasyon at Rebolusyon that has been reinstalled by Kawayan de Guia; commissioned works from social realist and Negros Occidental-based artist Nunelucio Alvarado; 2012 Thirteen Artists awardee Joey Cobcobo; and writer and Gawad Urian awardee film-maker Alvin Yapan. Enriching the exhibit and re-framing the exhibition issues are works by 18th century masters Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, along with those of national artists Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, Vicente Manansala, and J. Elizalde Navarro from the permanent collection.

Joey Cobcobo
2012 Thirteen Artists awardee

Co-curator Ethel Villafranca says that this exhibition invites visitors to "reflect on where we, as a country, have been and where we are going". Ultimately, Propaganda aims to engage the public, challenge them to see the connections in history and culture within the objects in the exhibition, and be more discerning when presented with information, whether political or otherwise.

Alvin Yapan
Gawad Urian awardee film-maker
(Photo Credit Pipoy John)

Through Samsung Smart TVs and mobile devices, visitors will see ultra-violet scans of Juan Luna’s Espana y Filipinas, revealing details behind the painting; flip through digital copies of the library’s oldest books in its collections that date back to the 15th century; watch a video of the conservation process of these old books; and view several of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s studies of Per Pacem Et Libertatem on a tablet device.

Manuel Rey Isip
The Fighting Filipinos
Ink on Paper (Poster)
1943

Propaganda will run from February 6 to May 30, 2015 and is presented with support from Samsung Philippines, Gourment Frams, Inc., Tin-aw Artists Management, the heirs of Doña Narcissa de Leon (LVN collection), and ABS - CBN Film and Media Archives. 

Fernando Amorsolo
Burning of the Intendencia
Oil in canvas (1942)

For more information, call Tina at 6312417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com. Lopez Museum and Library is at the G/F Benpres Bldg., Meralco cor. Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Museum and library hours are 8-5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.

Nurturing Giftedness For a New Generation

Excellence can be achieved with the right balance of Proper Care, Proper Nutrition, 

and Support from Parents

The world has long been fascinated by prodigies—gifted kids whose accomplishments at such a young age, shed light to a child’s inherent talent, intellect and precocity. 

In the Philippines, perhaps no other personalities represent the concept and reality of what gifted children are than the three who illustrated it via one of the most memorable television commercials of the 90s—Kiko Galura, James Flores, and Shaira Luna.

The Gifted Alumni: Kiko Galura, Shaira Luna, and James Flores.

But what has become of the three gifted kids featured in the brand’s most prolific commercial yet? The budding poet? The promising astronomer? The medical marvel? 

First of all, they’re all grown up now and second, their accomplishments as adults are just as impressive as what they were able to deliver as kids. 

The young poet, Kiko Galura, has an established career as a publisher in one of the country’s biggest publishing houses. From making words come to life in his poems, he now provides an opportunity and a voice to other storytellers.

Joey Ayala performs during the event.

James Flores, who was known for his proficiency in astronomy stayed within the sciences, albeit in a different field, taking his masters in clinical psychology. From his love of the stars and their radiance, he helps bring out the brilliance in every child through outreach programs in music for children.

A collaboration of three generations: Hansel Ang, the newest Promil Pre-School gifted child jams with Gifted Alumni, James Flores, and music icon, Joey Ayala.

And finally, Shaira Luna, who was poised to enter into the medical world, grew up to become one of the most talented photographers of her generation. From her mastery of the human anatomy, she now captures the best in human form with her photography, building a successful career around her passion.

Wyeth’s Marketing Director for Premium, Ms. Miko Acuna urges everyone to support and be advocates of giftedness through the Gifted Movement Campaign. On stage with her are the present gifted kids together with their ever supportive parents

Was there ever any doubt that they wouldn’t grow up to become successful gifted alumni? 

It’s easy to assume things come easily to naturally gifted kids. But it’s important to remember that it’s a factor of different things that will carve out a good future for any child. 

“A gifted child can be expected to learn faster than other children, have more varied interests, have greater depth of feeling and generally be more than other children,” explains Dra. Leticia Peñano-Ho, President of the Philippine Center for Gifted Education

Ms. Miko Acuna and Wyeth Nutrition’s Country Business Manager Mr. Eugene David with the Gifted Alumni, and present gifted kids Hamzah Marbella (painting), Hansel Ang (piano), EJ Villarin (violin), and Sage Araneta (composer at age 4 and can play the piano, drums, guitar)

That said, one can only imagine how they have to struggle with expectations and the machinations of educational systems not built to support such young talent, not to mention the pressure it puts on a child’s social development. 

But environmental conditions, honing the dedication to succeed at such an early age, as well as providing good nutrition, are all factors that contribute to their development—and are all typically provided for by their family. 

To celebrate the current success of the gifted alumni, Promil Pre-School brought back together the famous trio, almost 20 years after their commercial first aired on national television. The brand’s heritage on giftedness is further exemplified through their achievements and their journey towards becoming valuable gifts to society.

“Throughout the years, Promil Pre-School has been encouraging parents to keep nurturing the gifts of their children. As we usher in a new year, we encourage others to become advocates of giftedness as well,” says Dian Yu, Product Manager of Promil Pre-School.

Ms. Issa Litton, with the Gifted Alumni, Kiko, Shaira, and James.

Parents always envision the best for their children –From providing expert care, to the highest quality nutrition, to supporting their children’s interests and endeavors. Whilst some parents are deeply involved in their children’s development, the idea remains to be unsupported and uncelebrated by most.

In 2015, Promil Pre-School is launching their Gifted Movement campaign, which is a movement to supporting and celebrating giftedness in the country. The brand aims to spark interest and gain the commitment of moms and consumers to take an active role in advocating giftedness and nurturing it.

“Promil Pre-School, as a catalyst for the Gifted Movement campaign, puts focus on discovering and bringing out the inherent talent of today’s youth, by way of providing the proper nutrition, and proper care,” says Yu. “Combined with the support of parents to continuously encourage kids to find their passion and make learning enjoyable, there’s no end to what this new generation can accomplish, ” she adds.

And as a testament to this, one only needs to look at how these alumni successfully grew to become the passionate, well-rounded individuals they are today. 

UST, Hercor College Win in 6th Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) won the Umami Bowl Award (for the 2nd year) and the Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Showdown for My Own Umami Creation during the recently concluded Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC) 2015. Sharing the spotlight with UST is Hercor College from Roxas City, who won the Best Filipino Umami Dish Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Showdown. The event attracted thousands of HRM and Nutrition students in 54 schools from NCR, Ilocos, CALABARZON, Central Luzon and Bicol Regions and regional winners from Visayas and Mindanao.

UST is the back-to-back Umami Bowl Champion and the winner of the National Cooking Showdown for the My Own Umami Creation Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Showdown.

Roxas City’s Hercor College is the National winner for the Best Filipino Umami Dish Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Showdown.

On its 6th year, UCC organizer, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC), put together the best culinary teams from Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao in one (1) cooking arena to showcase their masterful culinary creations. 

Mr. Taro Fujie, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation President 

Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge participants are mentored by the best in the industry.

Ajinomoto® Umami Culinary Challenge attracted 54 Schools, thousands of HRM and Nutrition Students in their 6^th year.

A spread of umami or delicious food

UCC remains to be the biggest, intercollegiate, multi-category culinary competition that focuses on the delicious potential of umami, the 5th basic taste. Mr. Taro Fujie, APC President was present during the awarding ceremony. He happily remarked, “I thank all partner Chefs, Medical and Nutrition experts, who loyally support and give credibility to UCC and to all the students, who poured their hearts to deliver their best dishes. Ajinomoto will continually support Aspiring Filipino Chefs and promote cooking and serving delicious and healthy food.” 

UST’s Kinunot on Crispy Pancit Bato

Hercor College’s Marinara in Savory Tomato

Culinary Luminaries – Judges for the Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Showdown

Apart from the Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao Cooking Showdown, UCC 2015 features three (3) competition categories: Best Filipino Umami Dish, My Own Umami Creation and My Eat Well, Live Well® Plate. The competing teams were judged based on intensity of their dish’s umami taste, culinary technique and creativity, dish preparation and plate presentation. One of the major criteria was Eat Well, Live Well.® Cooking, which referred to culinary nutrition or the integration of culinary skills and nutrition knowledge to create delicious and nourishing umami dish.

Winners received the following prizes: first place winners – gold medals and P10,000, second place winners – silver medals and P8,000 and third place winners – bronze medals P5,000. National Showdown winners received gold medals and P15,000. Major winners also included gifts from UCC 2015 sponsors: La Germania, Solane, Masflex and Fujidenzo.

Umami, the scientifically recognized and proven 5th basic taste alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, was first identified and isolated by Dr. Kikunae Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University in 1908.