Plastic Bags Turned Into Artwork; Wins Awards for SM Eco Bag Campaign

Leigh Reyes of Lowe Philippines

 

SM Prime Holdings and Lowe Philippines just opened an ecologically apt exhibit at the ground floor of SM Aura Premier a few days ago. The SM Eco Bags campaign has won several accolades abroad, apart from that, they also launched this exhibit that makes plastic bags into publicly displayed art. 

The event was graced by Mr. Hans Sy of SM Prime Holdings

While SM is the biggest retail giant in the country, they also felt it was time to steadfastly campaign for this cause and sure enough, they made it quite interesting by lashing out 3 artworks that would represent the campaign starting with the plastic bags which mostly caused floods during Typhoon Yolanda. They made really good ones as seen below.

What they now plan to do is ask everyone to contribute more plastic bags for a 4th art piece so they placed a box right front and center of the exhibit in the hopes of getting them something even bigger as part of this project.

List of awards for the campaign

As mentioned earlier, they won awards for this campaign and they are crediting this to the stern support they are getting from everyone who helped buy the SM Eco Bags and also those who donated for the cause. Mind you, they won a Silver Lion and Bronze Lion from the Cannes Lions Awards which is like the Oscars for public relations held in France. The campaign bested thousands of entries from around the world.

To know more about the campaign, please visit their channels below. Or the Lowe Philippines Facebook page. It only takes a few minutes to understand what it's all about. Do your share in helping the Philippines become a little greener than when you found it.

For more information about their campaign:

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http://www.lowephilippines.com

Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House

Gerry's Grill has been a staple in Filipino and Asian food since 1997 and it has been able to give friends, family, some of the best dishes and beer pairings since then. Owner Gerry Apolinario felt it was time to diversify their portfolio and since he's been well traveled, he wished of a place that would be able to take authentic Thai flavors to the Philippines but not charge an arm and a leg. It's important for him to earn just like any business but if the Filipinos couldn't afford it then no one would be able to experience these dishes. This is the start of how they pictured this new joint at the new Fisher Mall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. They called it "Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House".

The Ambiance

The place has got seating of a round 40-50 people and extended outside for around 30 more. The interiors consist of a couple of "spices in spoons" murals in walls and has ample amount of natural light coming from the back. The space got maximized since the floor area is a bit small, but it's got an Open Kitchen as a focal point. There are also two huge aquariums on the side for the fresh and live fish that they serve to diners. It does make a difference when you taste something freshly caught of course! There's also a loft to house the kitchen's extension because they need the space for prepping ingredients of a fabulous menu. Let's take a look at that next! 

The Food

The available condiments

If it's Thai food that you're after, they have the condiments that go with it. In Thailand, small stores have these on bowls. Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House wants you to experience what it is like in Thailand so you've got pickled chilis, sambal chili, dried chili, and pickled ginger. I had the sambal chili on my plate and it was so good, I almost emptied the whole jar!

Kamias Shake

I've tasted one of these in Cebu, but I think Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House wants a small fusion too of Thai and Filipino so they made this available for drinks. Pretty good too and not too tangy.

The 5th Philippine International Motor Show

It was a night of fun and laughter as we joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) a few nights ago at Draft at the Fort Strip when the shakers and movers of different car manufacturers in launching the 5th Philippine International Motor Show. It will happen on September 18-21, 2014 and on these 4 fun filled days they'll be whipping out new concept cars, their new flagship vehicles and internationally released ones just to be seen in the Philippines. Last year was well attended and this is why they are even bringing more things to the table including additional facilities for after sales service sections so brands can show how they implement best practices after consumers get their cars. There's new software and prime technologies included in the exhibit where other brands would also be able to see competitors in the same industry to ultimately trump each other. Consumers then would be able to check where research and development goes as far as the automotive industry is concerned.

Hon. Gov. Jose Alvarez, the Chairman Emeritus of CAMPI, was so happy to see the participants getting bigger every year and thanked the Presidents and Executives of the respective brands. With the advent of even bigger profits this year pegged 22% this 2014, the future seems bright with the Philippine auto industry. This years exhibitors will include Beijing based BAIC and China's JMC, German car maker BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Korea's Daewoo, Kia, Japan's Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Suzuki, Lexus and French car maker Peugeot.

Atty. Rommel Gutierrez says that it's also the perfect time to show that the organization is serious about driving economic progress in the country. They are ready to make the theme "Progress in Motion" a reality, that's why they are eager to show this year's line of exclusive, prototype cars to aid and see where we are right now in the automotive business line. 

Dante Santos, the current VP of CAMPI also informed us that this won't be a complete celebration without getting in the consumers in the mix, before the toast, he told us that there will be huge sales that will only be offered on PIMS days at the World Trade Center and you won't see them anywhere else. Aside from big savings, you will also be able to take advantage of perks coming from the brands directly... some of which can't be even seen in display rooms anywhere else. Other than that, you'll learn more about the newest model of cars available in the Philippine market and get the best deals without breaking a sweat. Meet ups of car clubs, pretty car show models, accessories, parts and services will be at your fingertips if you come over. Remember, it all starts when you come to the World Trade Center Philippines on the 18th of September. Be with the world's best car manufacturers even by staying in one place and you'll see what the Philippine International Motor Show is all about!

For more information about their event:

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http://www.campiauto.org

Forever 21 Releases Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

Forever21 releases pre-fall collection in the Philippines. (Photo credits on this article, all from Forever21. Images not mine.)

Whenever I'm in a mall, I always look at what's new in Forever21 to either, get inspired or just see things that I don't have yet. It's one of the few places where you can in fact be a little conscious of your style and deem still find something new to wear for the season. Well, the news is they came out with their pre-fall collection. Forever21 is steadfastly changing the fashion retail landscape with new store layouts, creative graphics and designs, add in some really decent shoes and accessories... it's heaven for men and women who wants only the best for their money's worth.

The mantra is to let loose and run wild - they have already achieved this buttoned up skirts, fitted ones, relaxed pants, jackets and shirts that every man would love to have in his closet. Stripes and plaids included.

If you want something ultra chic without looking cheap, this is the time to do it. Forever21 has the dresses and the armament to make you who you are and who you wish to be. This season has more in store for those who are not afraid to be themselves and ultimately be the best versions of themselves to impress everyone else on the stage because she deserves it.

Run to the malls and get your Forever21 merchandise from SM Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Cebu, SM North Edsa - The Block, Mall Of Asia, SM Lanang Premier in Davao, SM Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, and SM Southmall soon. I already got some shoes that I haven't worn yet but if I see one in this collection that would fit my taste, I wouldn't hesitate! Go shop!

For more information about their stores:

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http://www.forever21.com/

SM Mall of Asia's International Food Festival

One of the largest malls in the world SM Mall of Asia just made the whole month of September even better by making a one of a kind celebration. The mall has it all, and with the advent of families, tourists and people like you going to MOA, they've prepared a celebration like no other with the MOA International Food Fest slated this September 5 up until the 30th. Participating brands and establishments will dish out a lot of special dishes just for this occasion and luckily we were there to experience it first hand before everybody did last weekend. We hopped on the electric cars in Mall of Asia and tried out different restaurants in different locations. First up is Congo Grille in the mall's left side.

Congo Grille

Congo Grille is more of a Filipino restaurant serving grilled and non grilled specialties that cater to groups and serves family style. They also have packages for five, ten or thirty people called Tribal Feast and even have Pinoy Salo Salo for those who want something different. 

The branch in Mall of Asia's left wing can seat up to 150 and have al fresco options if you want to be a little rowdy with your friends. They do serve beer too so if you want a break from the office, then this is a good place to start your night. Congo Grille is affiliated with restaurants like Karate Kid, Tempura, Flavors of China and Holy Cow. If you love those brands, then you'll love Congo Grille better. 

Big Better Bangus

We also got to taste one of their best sellers called "Big Better Bangus". It's a huge, a gigantic milk fish that's marinated, breaded, deep fried and sprinkled with a generous amount of garlic. I absolutely loved it especially the stomach. I think when I bit into it, it was almost an inch thick! I went to heaven and back after that.

 

The dipping sauce is made of sweet soy and a piece of chili. Breaking that up in the little bowl was really nice.

To finish it off, I had this glass of Mango shake which is just one of the drinks on their menu. They have a lot so make sure you take a look at it when you visit Congo Grille.

Fresh From Hakata: TAISHO Ramen and Teppanyaki House

We ventured a little bit North the other day to get a taste of one of the popular ramen places in SM North Edsa's Sky Garden. It's called TAISHO Ramen and Teppanyaki House. The reason I'm telling you that it's popular is because I haven't eaten at this place yet because when it's lunch or dinner time, the place gets filled to the brim and there are often lines outside wanting to get the chance to taste their authentic Japanese - Hakata origin Ramens (from Fukuoka Prefecture). They are also proud of their Teppanyaki dishes of which most are cooked and done on a hot plate just like the Japanese do.

They have set meals and this one on the left is the Karage, served with Chahan Rice and Pork Bone based soup on top. It's pretty good and affordable even if you purchased them ala carte. If you are fond of watching Anime or Japanese films, you might have already seen the Onigiri. It's rice shaped into a triangle enveloped with a strip of seaweed and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds looks absolutely delish!

Kids in Japan often have this for lunch and take it away for school or even the office when they're a little older. 

Then I got my bowl of Ramen.

Fat Or Obese Is Okay, Exercise Is Medicine

Dr. Mark Stoutenberg and Dr. Rodolfo Florentino

 

I'm not the healthiest guy out there and my idea of "exercise" is just a few kilograms of dumbbells. I thought too that I was already doomed because I know how big I was. Lo and behold Dr. Mark Stoutenberg Ph.D. MSPH brings me good news that clinical studies in the US has proven that there is no clear amount information to claim - that being overweight or obese would mean you''ll die early. Being in that state has no relation whatsoever in the mortality rate. We listened very carefully about the study and the reasons behind it.

 Unbelievable? Well no, because actually it does make sense. It doesn't mean when you are bigger, you would die easily. No matter what shape or size you are, just as long as you keep the activity intense and on a regular basis... then you might just even live longer than naturally thin people. In the US, they have computerized their database and have found out in a couple of questions that there's no clear correlation between having higher weight to having heart attack or death. That was their conclusion after checking their records and seen how the value of involving a healthier lifestyle for someone be a great catalyst to make someone's condition better than when not doing it at all.

"Exercise Is Medicine" or EIM is an international initiative for physical activities whose goal is to ultimately promote the the skill to health professionals and practitioners and make it a vital measure for disease prevention and management. EIM might be new in the Philippines but most do not know how it's been in existence in over 40 countries, 7 Regional Centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Africa and Australia. It's officially their first year in the Philippines and together with their international partners like Coca Cola Philippines, they have been working hard to involve the different groups, professionals that are health care practitioners, some research scientists, to physical fitness experts and make them in touch with the future development and evaluation of EIM in the country.  

Training sessions were also done by EIM Philippines last August 28th and 29 for 12 Doctors and 6 Fitness professionals. The activity would be just a start so people from both industries would meet eye to eye when recommending regimens and exercise programs and know what the others would do in their respective professions. The deal is, they want this to be the possible outcome for every recommendation from Doctors. They also need to include workout regimen and programs that would fit every patient needs without getting conflicting ideas from other fitness professionals, making it safer and better for the end user, YOU.

The possibility of working out at least 150 minutes with moderate intensity and of aerobic nature is achievable for ordinary people, I could use some of that too. Dr. Florentino says it will have a significant impact in someones life. By then, 300 minutes of it would be doubly better and will get you to achieve more. To know more about how EIM can work for you, check out their channels below.

For more information about their organization:

Exercise Is Medicine

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http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/

"Shrek The Musical" Live In Manila!

It's one of my favorite animated films since its inception , the green, huge, not so good looking monster who's as human as anyone we know gets to fall in love, live life, and persecuted by everyone else as if he doesn't have the right to do so. The fun starts when Shrek shows how he's good, a little off putting on ogre capabilities, but he's just as smart as you and me. He's also got a funny donkey as a sidekick that doesn't do much to help or doesn't even make sense at times but you can see how he cares at times when Shrek needs it. Then when it arrives, Princess Fiona makes Shrek the happiest ogre on Earth by giving him the one thing he dreams of... And that's love!

The Broadway and West End Musical made by David Lindsay Abaire and Jeanine Tesori will make you believe in love again - but will make you laugh at life's antics as they bring this performance to the Meralco Theater this September 19 to October 12, 2014 running for 4 weeks straight keeping you still believing in it no matter how impossible things may be. There are evil villains but like the animated film from DreamWorks, we'll have to see his whole journey to love, laughter, adventure and life. You'll still hear the favorite songs "I'm a believer" plus a lot more that you might not have heard yet but made for the musical to perfectly fit the situation in Shrek's life! Moms and Dads, Kids can even learn from this so come join the fun in Meralco Theater and see international level performances as they do it in the Philippines on the dates mentioned above. Family comedy at it's best and a lot more can be seen so rush to TicketNet outlets, or call 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph to see Shrek The Musical as soon as it opens its doors this month. The true value of friendship, honesty, love can be seen in this musical so all you gotta do is get them while it's still early!

Shrek The Musical is from Sam Mendes who's a really big fan of the animated film. I can't wait! 

For more information about their stores:

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http://www.ticketworld.com.ph

Wash Clothes and Save More with Electrolux Appliances

It's one of the not so liked chores that I would want to do. Washing clothes can be really tough for me especially when we all started with hand washing. These days, men can only think of one thing to buy their wives something to make things easier and sure enough, like in any home we just want a tough washing machine that can do the job. That's where Electrolux in the Philippines comes in. They used to go house to house with their men but today, you can easily find them in malls and stores when you need them, where you need them.

They now make heavy duty washing machines that does everything automatic. Something smart enough that these washer and dryers have their own Load Sensor which lets you know the amount of detergent and water to use when you put it in. It's well designed button system also lets you know what particular time to use for certain fabrics and what temperature to use as well. It also uses Vapour Action in one of its settings to get the ironing job later on easy. It shouldn't be hard for anyone to use without even looking at the manual. The Electrolux Stainwand top load type of washing machine on the other hand uses a retractable ultrasonic wand and T-Drive technology to easily get rid of those hard to remove stains each time you spin the clothes and make an effort when it's time to wash them. It smells fresh and you save energy by using the hardware efficiently with the only needed water and detergent no matter how big or small your load is. After all, smart people use smart appliances right?

Make sure you do the deed when choosing your companion in the hardest chores in your home. The last thing you would want to have is a laughable white elephant in your home that's not much use for the rest of your family. Take a moment and see what Electrolux can see in your home and it might be the greatest decision you'll have for a long time. That's the greatness that only Electrolux fabric care appliances. You know how it works, test it out on stores and see the difference, capisce?!

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BENCH: The Naked Truth Preview and New Endorsers

When BENCH does a show, we all know it's going to be of epic proportions! The bi-annual Jeans and Underwear show from this brand just gets bigger and bigger every two years and we've got tons of stars we've never seen clad in the best intimate wear and jeans from them. Well, since you've been very good kids, we're going to give you a glimpse of the show this coming September 19, 2014. We'll also throw in something really good for you as a bonus because they also announced their new endorsers. It's a little rainy outside I know, but I think you'll be kept a little warm when you see this on the runway come the fashion show entitled THE NAKED TRUTH!

The venue was pitch dark and they started with a man and a woman in the center clad in spiky shiny crystals. They show the themes on the screen and as I see it, they are showing phrases that connects with the TRUTHS that they want us to see. In different forms, different terms, different meanings.

Then from the opposite side of the stage, these three models came out with masks and a helmet made of leather and more of Bench's intimate wear. Add to that black lace and more leather straps, it's a nice evening to see that for the start. I don't know if Michael Cinco or Furne One had a hand on this but it is reminiscent of their design. I like what I'm seeing.

They changed themes t The Animal Within, so yes we saw two men going at it. They wore those feathers which I saw with Joey Mead a couple of seasons back. Men wore their white Bench Body underwear too. Then, a little rain.