Casio Partners with Toyota Racing

I've been witness to several Toyota Racing events in Japan (remotely) and in the Philippines. Hearing how passionate people are in the sport makes me feel so good knowing they get to show Toyota Motor Corporation's knack in motorsports and it's development. Now there are big brands supporting them for the same reason, and one of them is Casio Computer Co., Ltd. via their best Casio EDIFICE watch which they are gearing for global promotion.

You can see how they have shared values. They do innovation like no other, they also use tech for their advantage and showcase it by providing EDIFICE to Toyota Racing team during the FIA World Endurance Championship Season. Both brands will also be displayed proudly on the cars, a sight to behold!

For those who didn't know, they were previously known as Toyota Gazoo Racing. The rebranding is a new beginning, which makes sense as it is going to be easier to recall. Casio also treats this as a new level of joy and hopes more people get to know EDIFICE especially for those who are into motorsports and high performance time pieces.

KIRAY CELIS Wins in LOVE, Launches More Products for Skin/Health Empire

I distinctly remember the times we've covered press conferences for Kiray Celis, her shows and movies. She's always the jolly one, cracking jokes almost every time we meet her, cementing her career as a formidable actress and comedienne. In recent years, she'd had remarkable success in selling products online. She was selling millions worth of products from different manufacturers and asked herself how it could have been better if she sold her own and have had all the profit herself and her team. And so, she did. She's now the proud CEO of Kiray's Brands who manufactures Hot Babe and Skin Vibe products. And yesterday launched the new Hot Babe Green collection and 2 new ones under Skin Vibe.

I personally asked her if she feels that this is her "calling", but replies that the term was too deep for her to connect with. As for success, she doesn't feel she's there yet because all of her earnings are still being invested back to the business and is positive that in the coming years, would bear fruit, but even then she wouldn't see herself doing something big as an entrepreneur. She'd laugh it off just thinking of it. 

Hot Babe Green includes the Chamomile Tea, Lemongrass Pandan, Pistachio Matcha flavors. The drinks aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, detoxifies, cleanses and support weight management. On Skin Vibe, they launched Pwetturs B|eaching Cream and the Singova B|eaching Scrub that does exfoliation, brightens skin, and evens out your complexion. Took a while to put it out because she had to have FDA approval for it. It's a hard job, but she wants to make sure if she's going to have something out in the market, it had to be safe for Filipinos to use as she's got tons of resellers who are also helping her to grow her business. She's so thankful also to her affiliates, resellers and return customers who all contributed to the remarkable success of her brand. 

Here's our talk with Kiray and the part where she also explained the viral Japan issues she addressed, she apologized for those who felt offended but be assured she got proper permits to do the shoot and Japanese folks were asking if she was a model, okay?!

If you want to get a hold of her products, Hot Babe Green and Skin Vibe is available at FB, TikTok Shop, Shopper and Lazada. Just order and have it delivered. I'm sure this isn't going to be the last of what Kiray has up her sleeves. She's also going to be married soon, here's wishing her the best of business and LOVE because she deserves it!

Zubiri Welcomes PH - Japan RAA

It's been a week and a few days since the PH-Japan Reciprocal Access Pact was signed. This RAA came at a very opportune time especially since tensions in the West PH Sea has been at an all time high. Former Senate President Zubiri made mention about the initial talks about this with former Japan Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko and presented it to the President, and the signing is certainly beneficial for inter country training and familiarity of equipment between the two countries. 

He also reminded how much of an ally Japan is especially with the help they have provided for the Navy and Coast Guard. The joint exercise between PH and Japan is going to be historic, and will bolster even more effort, cooperation in different activities as visiting forces agreement gets details soon. 

The goal is to have defined peace in the region, and stronger ties between forces, and have inter operability as we further promote security measures in our exclusive economic zone, and the Indo-Pacific region.

Japanese Film MONSTER Showing on Theaters October 11th

 

While Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, her kids Arjo, Ria and Ms. Lorna Tolentino was in Cannes Film Festival last May, they were showcasing the various projects of Nathan Studios and figured, they would also look at different films from other outfits in the festival. They were a little intrigued about MONSTER because they literally couldn't get a seat for it during those days as people really flocked to the cinemas when this was shown. MONSTER's Director and Editor Hirokazu Kore-eda is regarded as Japan's Lino Brocka, so when a masterpiece like this comes out, the need for people to see it is automatic. So they did the next best thing instead, the got the rights to show this film in the Philippines so we all could get to watch it.

The critically acclaimed film already won Best Screenplay and the coveted Queer Palm for Palme d'Or in France. The story is about a kid who suddenly changed behavior, and the mother tried to find the truth what transpired at school. Although this looks like a horror film on face value, this is more of a drama piece with lead stars Sakura Ando, Eira Nagayama, and Soya Kurokawa. Several stars attended the advanced screening at SM Megamall where this will be shown. Here's Ms. Sylvia Sanchez and Ms. Lorna Tolentino who will tell you more about how they became producers for this particular release in the Philippines: 

The film will be shown in cinemas October 11th, so make  sure you head on to theaters to see this masterpiece. See why it's been seen by countless people in the international film festival, and why they loved it! Again, this is under Nathan Studios Inc. and Ms. Lorna Tolentino.

CATRIONA GRAY, Gilas Pilipinas Players, Announced As FIBA Local Ambassadors

Hearing that the FIBA Basketball World Cup is happening in the Philippines is already a huge deal for me. Filipinos are the biggest fans of it in the world, you can tell why as much of the streets are lined with basketball courts, big or small, just so we could have somewhere to play they game we absolutely love.

Yesterday was also extra special as SBP (Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas), FIBA and various affiliates introduced the local FIBA Ambassadors consisting of former Gilas Pilipinas players and the one and only Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

Here's what happened that morning

 

 During the event, they also announced the simultaneous start of the Tissot Time in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan.  This means there's only "one year to go" before FIBA matches starts. They also have hinted that there will be a FIBA Global Ambassador later this year. This is also the first time in FIBA's history to see three countries hosting the games, with the Philippines heading the pack. They also mentioned that the local ambassadors wouldn't be the only ones to help disseminate information about the games, because YOU can be part of that too. You may start joining the community by registering here https://register.worldcup.basketball so you could get early bird rates on tickets and Superfan packages. 

What's also touching is that they plan to identify several basketball courts around the country that they will adopt so they could fix, restore and make them a project for the ambassadors together with the FIBA players, making sure they also get to see the culture and what Filipinos are known for, the heart filled hospitality.

Stay tuned for more updates about the games, plus the time they're raffling off the countries battling it out in the FIBA Basketball World Cup!

DAIKIN Introduces New Products and Air Solutions Shop

Daikin is one of the leading brand of air conditioners in the country. It's the world's number 1 and without question because of it's outstanding quality, research and advanced technology that can only be found with a Daikin. Their goal of perfecting air has been a really good selling point as they continue to grow their threshold in homes, offices and hotels who has been using their products for several years. 

During lavish ceremonies at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Hyatt Manila Hotel in BGC, they showcased the latest products they offer for residential spaces to keep your indoor air fresh and clean. The New D-Smart King FTKZ-WVM has Daikin proprietary Streamer Technology and built in wifi to easily manage usage of it. The New D-Smart Queen FTKC-AVA on the other hand banks on power efficiency, a Gin-ion filter to break down bacteria and viruses plus a Breeze Mode feature so you keep air good in cold nights. They also showcased a New Air Purifier MC30YVM-7 which you can use for small rooms as it includes the Streamer Technology that is tested to work agains COVID-19 and other harmful viruses.

For those in commercial spaces, they think about you too as they implement technologies like VAM Heat Reclaim Ventilator that improve air quality. They also have new streamer duct chambers, MERV-8 Filters and Streamer Cassettes to make sure you get extra indoor air quality filters, a way to eliminate viruses and bacteria and a portable way to upgrade units with cassettes.

Takayoshi Miki the President of Daikin Philippines says "We are introducing new products for different industries in the Philippines and reducing power consumption in all spaces. The skill of air conditioning technicians is essential to put more of Daikin products nationwide. We have 400 authorized dealers nationwide, all trained and developed even more to be ahead of the competition. This is why we have air conditioning, solutions for air quality. This is what we have for our customers, the Daikin Air Solutions Shop. We have RCGA Enterprises, Hope Genesis Enterprises, PVS Air Conditioning Services, Quickserve Advanced Technical Solutions Co Ltd, AirconEx Philippines, Inc. to make sure you have energy efficient solutions, centralized solutions and individual air controls, control systems, indoor air quality solutions and fast, reliable delivery and installation in your homes and businesses. We want 100 percent customer satisfaction."

A tall order but they have done it here and in other parts of the world. Make sure to visit daikin.com.ph or Daikin Philippines in social channels online.

A Decade of UNIQLO in the Philippines

Had so much fun yesterday at the UNIQLO Flagship store in Glorietta 5 in Makati City. Press, Vloggers, Bloggers and Influencers were treated to first dibs on how they celebrate 10 successful years in the Philippines. While we were there, I was one of the few people who got to join games as they asked hints of the new collection they're releasing to commemorate the occasion.

Their thrust is having a UT collection that's ICONIC. They collaborated with brands that have been in the lives of Filipinos, because of course, they are LIFEWEAR. They then announced that the THE BRANDS UT PILIPINAS include JOLLIBEE, SAN MIGUEL BEER, NATIONAL BOOKSTORE and SELECTA. Much of them had the official logos of these brands, Jollibee had the bee logo in the front left side, San Miguel Beer had the San Miguel Pale Pilsen label on the black shirts. The one for National Bookstore had pockets with the classic red and white stripes design of the old National Bookstore logo. Then Selecta was a bit more colorful putting the actual Selecta trike with words TENENENN a couple times, a thing that these machines play when they're out on the streets and getting kids sweet treats these days! Which one takes your fancy?

Thanks to Myke Soon of MixofEverythingLifestyleBlog for the shots!

They are also doing a lot of promos using the Uniqlo app so make sure you download that as well. They have showed me a few CSR projects they do with re-used fabric from cuts made on alterations of jeans in the store. They sell them to local women who sew and buy the product back as bags, they were awesome looking! So really, there's no waste happening with this clothing brand.

Thank you to the good people from UNIQLO whom we were able to spend our afternoon with. I like the new UT shirts you came out with as you celebrate 10 years in the country, that's no small feat! Congratulations!

UNIQLO 2022 Spring Summer Collection

Took a few hours in the morning for some good UNIQLO time as they showcased their Spring Summer Collection for 2022. With all the pandemic things happening, I could have sworn this wouldn't have happened.

What's good is that in this launch, they delve into what matters most as far as wearing clothes is concerned, they call it "The Joys of Clothing" putting emphasis on the simple pleasures of wearing it. That sounds amazing in my books so I went in with an open mind about the colorful season they showed last Friday.

In it, they discussed Skyline (for a more cosmo urban look), Landscape (off the grid looks), Imagination (vibrant colors), Sun and Seaside (drape, natural textures, linens, comfy wear). They also interviewed a couple of people, I liked some of the things they wore.

Aside from that, I love the UT shirts with classic Mickey Mouse done by artist and fashion mogul Joshua Vides. For the women, make sure you go and seek Hana Tajima and Ines de la Fressange line, the color and style would definitely be femme centric. For those who prefer an outdoorsy work, the JW Anderson line does not disappoint especially those that have rope work and unconventional seaside inspirations this year. All of these are available in store and on the Uniqlo app, go ahead and get them today. You can also see it on the latest edition of Uniqlo Lifewear Magazine which you can pickup in store if you're around a branch. I'm going!

Authentic Japanese Sandwiches at 7-Eleven

I thought I've seen it all, but no. See, looks like 7-Eleven stores are now offering Japanese Sandwiches with their 7-Fresh Fuwa Fuwa line and I'm excited to visit the store near my place. They say it's authentic.

This is now available in Luzon branches (understandable because they wanna serve it fresh). Take for starters the Tamago Sando that costs Php 65, it's very popular in Japan conbini stores (convenience stores) and I've seen people get obsessed about it. This in the shelf? I'm pretty sure it'll be out of stock soon. This one in the country use Fuwa Fuwa brand of Japanese milk-egg bread slices that makes sure every piece is fresh, high in protein and selenium, with 0% trans fat so you won't be getting fat with that.

 

They also have the Chicken Katsu Sando (Japanese style Chicken Cutlet sandwich) which can be good for snack or lunch, then paired with 7-Eleven's City Cafe Coffee. It's only Php 75. These authentic Japanese Sandwiches are made by 7-Eleven and partner Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. (makers of Fuwa Fuwa) and it'll be available in select 7-Eleven stores today! If you want to know more, go to 7-eleven.com.ph/whats-new today! 

Blocker Airborne Shield Now Available at Shopee

Times are hard, and we're all confined in the comforts of our homes because GCQ has not been lifted yet in the metro. Our government can only do so much and we're all doing our share in keeping ourselves safe by washing our hands, wearing masks, and keeping distance from everybody else. But how safe are we really?

I've recently seen that Blocker is currently sold in Shopee. It's said to be an extra personal protective shield against airborne infections such as viruses, bacteria, mould and offensive odours. The device uses a chemical compound called Chlorine Dioxide that sanitizes the air in your immediate vicinity. You can carry it around, very lightweight, fits in your shirt pocket or attached in a handbag to keep you safe. They also encourage this to be used by kid 3 years old and up, also pregnant women, or just about anyone who goes out to get supplies for home.

The Blocker uses Chlorine dioxide, which is an effective agent against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. It is in liquid form, that eventually turns into gas which they use as disinfecting and environmental purification agent recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Japan’s Ministry of Health. If you haven't thought of adding precaution to your routine safety protocols at home, this would be a good way for you to be ready for the new normal. Download the Shopee app on the App Store or Google play here.

Check out their official store here

https://shopee.ph/blockerasia?smtt=0.0.9

See how you can use the Blocker here

https://shopee.ph/product/252750789/3332181290?smtt=0.0.9

Because really, you can never be too safe. #NeverTooSafe

Beard Papa Does 20% OFF 6pc Box Set

Whenever I hear Beard Papa, my mouth just starts to water. It happens every single time I pass by their Glorietta store. There’s also one in Greenhills Promenade so each time I have to do a premiere night, or attend a concert at the music museum, I get a fresh batch of those heavenly cream puffs which no one else can equal. The secret? I think it’s not, it’s just how fresh and natural it is. It’s exactly why they’ve been successful for 20 years, and to celebrate that they’re bringing you a treat that you won’t be able to resist. Ooohh yeah! It’s going to happen all days of September! 

Have you seen their Lengua de Chat? It’s a crisp cream puff topped with lengua de gato on top so you’ve got a mix of both flaky, a little sweet and crunchy. It’s the best of both worlds combining what they’ve loved in Japan and the Philippines, and before I forget they’re offering a whopping 20% discount for these as part of their 20th Anniversary 6pc box set. Today until the end of the month, they’re offering this for only Php 380, now isn’t that awesome?! 

Lengua de Chat

Lengua de Chat with White Peach cream filling

Chocolate Topping with Charcoal Crem Filling

Oh and if you don’t mind me suggesting, there are other things on the menu you should look out for. 

I’ve tried all the variants and they’re all good. The best one for me is the White Peach because it’s got that same cream with a whiff of white peach flavor in it. For those who choose to stay in the classics, the Vanilla Custard is divine. If you’re a little adventurous, the charcoal flavor is might good and grainy (with health benefits too). If you’re a chocolate lover, try the variants with chocolate base on it, because with Beard Papa, you can’t really go wrong. 

Hurry before things run out! It’s the best time to go back to Beard Papa! Yum! Again, they are located at the 2nd Floor of Glorietta 2 and Greenhills Promenade. Just go and get them while it's fresh and hot!