AI Powered VISION EXPRESS Opens BIGGEST Flagship Store in Mall of Asia

Leading eye wear retail giant Vision Express just opened their newest flagship store at the 2nd Floor Entertainment Hall at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. As of date, they have over 80 Vision Express stores all throughout the country and their success has been driven not just by doing well curated designer eyewear, but using AI technology to further enhance their services. 

 

Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani says "We have our new AI driven Virtual Styling Studio that can check your face shape, your colors and can pick the best pieces for you so your experience is better, easier. No more guesswork if you are overwhelmed with the eyewear displays because it can choose for you. We also have a really cool machine called Vision Plus which can check hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes risks from your eyes and do it in 30 seconds. It can give you a full scale report, and recommend through AI what you can do for your health. We're so proud of that technology. We started this about a year ago, we are taking advantage of that. The value of your eyes and protecting it over time. At the moment the Virtual Styling Studio is exclusive in the Mall of Asia branch, and we plan to roll it out in other stores very soon. It curates and customizes it for you."

Here's our interview with Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani

They have a dedicated section for Ray Ban, and have the largest collection of eyewear from them.

If you are a fan of brands like Loewe, Gucci, Mont Blanc, Prada, Miu Miu, Tom Ford and so much more (40 brands), they have already selected pieces that would best fit you by curating the eyewear selections. They did the best sellers world wide, you will find the perfect pair for you. This store also warm, very comfortable and has lots of seating. It's very chic and minimalist which makes it more attractive even from the outside.

I looked around and tried to find the perfect one for me, I seldom find eyewear that would fit me because I'm literally a big guy. Lo and behold they have Mont Blanc on the shelves which fits my style and size. I love the first one on the left, so if in case I'd get prescription glasses soon, I'd be glad to do it in that pair. I bet you'll find one easy when you visit their stores too.

See... it looks good on me!

If you are looking for hard to find ones, the latest model of eyewear from the reputable and premium brands, Vision Express is the place to find it. 

Predator League 2024 PH Qualifiers and Asia Pacific Regional Finals Announced

Looks like it's going to be a tough competition for Filipino E-Sport athletes as the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Philippine Qualifiers start this month. These are for the exciting RIOT titles particularly games DOTA 2 and Valorant which is still adored in the Manila and elsewhere in the world. This is part Predator's efforts to discover more talent and help existing gamers have an avenue to showcase their skills versus the best of the best for these games in the Asia Pacific region. 

Yes, this is a good stepping stone for budding E-Gamers to gain experience in the industry as slots will be given to winners of the Philippine Qualifiers then join the regional finals. 

Ms. Sue Ong Lim the GM of Acer Philippines says "I'd like to welcome everyone and our valued partners. Predator has been steadfast in championing eSports in the region. In the next few weeks, we will have a few teams announced as finalists, and we will have the winner soon."

Paulo Sy of TNC says "Asia Pacific Predator League is being hosted by Predator in the region where gamers get to showcase their talent against the best in the region. The country finals will happen at the SM North Edsa Annex Atrium and we have 4 teams Neon, Made in Philippines for DOTA2 and  for Valorant we have Naos eSports, Oasis, Zol and Valhalla. During the event the ambassadors and endorsers of Predator will be there to see you. The finals will happen at the Mall of Asia Arena where the Philippine representative will battle it out with other reps from other countries in the region. The finals will be on January 10-14, plus an on ground event and lives stream for those watching at home. It will be 16 teams all in all, separated into 4 groups, then the winners via round robin will battle it out in the championship. The winner will get 65000 USD and special awards will be up for grabs. There will be other events during those dates, and we can't wait to see them early next year!"

PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo says "We want to elevate eSports and we have teams doing that now in different events. Happy to say we have won several tournaments, we have been very busy fielding athletes for different games. There is an opportunity to join and compete in the international competitions for 2024. We are doing that in the national level too through Palarong Pambansa. We will do good in DOTA2 and Valorant, which is why we also support the Predator League because they consistently help us, give opportunity for amateurs and professionals to win in a higher competition. The ecosystem in the country is being supported by them, and MOA Arena will be a great venue next year to witness that. We are the number 1 eSports county, see you soon!"

For those who want to start their gaming journey, Predator has the new Helios line which you can check at their experience stores so you can try it out before getting one. The biggest fans of these games are in the Philippines, and the community surely will show up on the day. Be there and Stand Proud!

RED VELVET, BGYO, BINI + More in an Advocacy Concert on July 22

Talent is not going to be shortchanged in the upcoming advocacy concert called Be You! The World Will Adjust (An Extraordinary Celebration For People With Special Needs). This will happen on July 22, 7PM which is a Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

This is organized by Purpose International Training Institute that does skill and educational training for people with special needs. This is a worthy cause and yes, your favorite KPOP and PPOP acts Red Velvet, BINI, BGYO, Lady Pipay and Aeron Mendoza will be there to provide entertainment and help raise funds for the organization that promotes inclusion and having a safe space for people with special needs. Imagine the amount of people this would be able to help especially now when we still are under a pandemic. This just feels so good for the soul, and I hope a lot of fans, people would be inspired and help our differently abled brothers and sisters who needs love and understanding above anything else.

If you want to purchase tickets,  pre-sale will start on May 28 and 29. You should get them early as I know it'll probably run out fast because of the performers that day. Don't say I didn't warn you!

My South Hall by Chef Josh Boutwood

It looks like folks from the south are in for a treat as Chef Josh Boutwood and the Bistro Group just opened up My South Hall, an upscale food hub located at S Maison in Pasay City. Located at the first floor of the mall, they put up 7 restaurants that serve beverages and regional dishes (for the goal of bringing in sought after world cuisines in a fast casual dining setting). I had to sample them all in a few hours so we got a few of their best sellers (although they've been in operations for a few days) and honestly, I thought I was going to have to pay a lot for it. But no, they're quite affordable.

Chef Josh was born in Bedford, England. He moved from Europe to Boracay in 2010. Together with the Bistro Group, they curated these 7 entities to give you great choices if you're up for a meal. 

WCKD serves Authentic Taiwanese Milk Tea made from black and green tea leaves.

Juicy is the number 1 fresh fruit juice brand in Korea

As the name suggests, Seoul Hotpot does Chuck Eye and Angus Beef Sirloin Hotpots

Golden Treasures has some good dimsum.

Tabemashou serves ramen, sushi and skewers

Roast'd serves Chinese style roasts. If you want chicken, duck or roast pork, this is the place you should go to

Roma celebrates anything pasta, so go here if you want something heavy and hearty

Chix has got some of the best wings, I had a dozen and a half so if that's not a measure, try it at least. It was my fave among all the things served there.

The roast chicken was reminiscent of HK roasts, a tad dry but had a crispy skin. I suggest you get the pork variety since most appreciate that.

I ordered the Truffle, it was filling and the pasta was fresh. If you're in a group I would suggest you get this in lieu of rice. Pretty heavy.

They also have three kinds of pasta, I like the Conchiglie more because it kinda gets the sauce stick so you get the flavor profile more.

For milktea lovers, they've got WCKD that serves really good black tea varieties. I ordered the Strawberries and Cream with pearls and it was not that sweet which is perfect for me who's trying to tone down in sugar.

This thing deserves a spot in a museum hence the number of photos I got here. I love the spicy miso ramen, the thick slice of pork is made of dreams, grilled to perfection. At 275, this just takes it out of the ballpark. Worth every penny.

The Hotpot was also nice, although there are not much broth choices, I guess they follow Taiwan standards where you just have it on boil. The meat is A+, graded and all. The veggies are also fresh but I suggest you cook it last so it doesn't go to soft. This would be good for groups of 3, but if you eat a lot like I do, nobody's stopping you!

I had two serving of wings, one is Chipotle and the other is Buffalo. I like spicy stuff and this was so hot for the others, I needed more heat so make sure you ask them to punch it up a notch if it's your jam.

The Conchiglie with pesto was good but I suggest you get this for sharing, it's a huge plate and was heavy. Love it for carbo loading, I think they also had anchovies so it was a bit salty. The sauce just sticks, and that's a good thing.

Juicy had really good smoothies and shakes, but I like this Banana and Peanut Butter combo. It's not too sweet, they also use premium peanut butter so you get the nutty taste locked in. Not the sugar, and if you fancy fruits, they have a lot of other things on the menu which you can try. It's not that expensive too.

Love the Buffalo Wings, wish they had sauces to go with these wonderful wings! I was dreaming of Bleu cheese LOL

The Hakaw and Siomai at Golden Treasures was prepared well. It was fresh, hot off the steamer, I wouldn't mind having seconds.

The Yakitori from Tabemashou was a hit, some like the Chicken Skin ran out even when I lined up early, I think you would love that as well.

To make it all better, go grab a Coke Zero because the moment you fill up, you need to burp and make space for more. I love how we all spent a fine afternoon in this place, now there is more reason to go to S Maison down south. This is definitely one stop you shouldn't miss!

Now make sure if you're in the Mall of Asia area to drop by My South Hall for good premium food at affordable prices. It's far from where I live but since I frequently go there for events, this will be a venue I wouldn't mind going back over and over again. Don't just read there, go troop down the new joint because this is good. This is also under the Bistro Group which has proven track record of good restaurants. 

I would love to have another bowl of ramen! Mmmmm! 

Buckle Up Baby Event at Mall of Asia

Republic Act 11229 is the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles act and it has been signed by the President last February 22 and Fathers, Mothers, just about anyone is in panic to make sure they are complying with the law and that means getting a really good and dependable child safety seat for their family car. This afternoon, I was invited to the Baby Company event called “Buckle Up Baby!” at SM Mall of Asia who wanted to showcase the best of their wares and educate more Filipinos about child car seats.

Tons of brands like Chicco, Aprica, MaxiCosi, Joie, Picolo and Gracon took to the stage and Ms Teresa Ponce of Baby Company says “The law is for infants and children, to lessen death and injuries. We aim to promote the use of child seats in motor vehicles. We want to educate consumers, the parents and the community. The Baby Company Buckle Up Baby will be at the Mall of Asia Atrium until Sunday and we will be here to explain child safety, for us this is a pledge to save the lives of children in the Philippines. Make sure you buckle them up before you drive!”

Cheryl Justiniano of Nursery Care Corporation says “Studies say that child car seats can save kids in sudden stops, opening of doors while moving. This is such an important change in child safety, this event also showcases the value of a child car seat. We brought experts here with us, and each car seat is accorded to the age, weight and size of babies. We are proud to also feature Hyundai who partnered with us to see how these car seats fit in real life. We will visit other malls in the country, we move forward with the thought of having travels all safe with a baby.”

Ann Espinosa of MMDA says “We are blessed to have seen an adapted law about child safety in motor vehicles. It is now mandatory for us to have a child restrain seat when transporting kids in a motor vehicle. It will diminish accidents, will be up to par with international standards, and people will learn to know how to choose the right kind of car seat for their children. Thank you Baby Company and Nursery Car Care Corporation.”

Again, the Buckle Up Baby event will be at the Mall of Asia Atrium until Sunday. Make sure you drop by and check out, learn from them if you are looking for car seats for your precious kid.

Keep them safe!