All-in-one business smartphone, the Nokia E7, now available

The highly anticipated Nokia business smartphone, Nokia E7, will be available in the Philippines beginning March 31!

With its tilting 4 inch ClearBlack display, full keyboard and fast access to a wide variety of apps directly on the homescreen, the Nokia E7 is the key to having a successful day in or out of the office. Importantly, the device supports business applications from leading enterprise technology partners including Microsoft and IBM.

 “People are continuing to look for solutions that suit both their work and personal life; in business circles this is known as the ‘consumerization’ of IT. The Nokia E7 gives people the confidence to bring their own smartphones to the workplace to connect securely to corporate messaging servers,” said Benoit Nalin, General Manager of Nokia Philippines. “On the other hand, whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, university student or aspiring world traveller, the Nokia E7 is the only smartphone you will need to get the world’s best mobile navigation and mapping application, thousands of apps, and a rich messaging experience.”

 

For business users, Nokia E7 provides direct, secure and real-time access to email, calendar, contacts, tasks and the corporate directory through Microsoft Exchange servers, as well as Office Communicator Mobile, developed by Microsoft for Nokia smartphones, which brings presence and corporate instant messaging.

Additionally, the Nokia E7 is the perfect off-duty companion with its built-in entertainment and social services, and a wealth of apps such as Bloomberg, Angry Birds and Sports Tracker available at the Ovi Store.

The new arrival also features drive or walk navigation included in the latest commercial version of Ovi Maps, available immediately via Ovi Store or Ovi Suite. It adds visibility to trains, parking and gas stations, safety alerts, speed limit warnings, and improved search and location sharing capabilities.

Here are more reasons why the Nokia E7 is the all-in-one business smartphone:

• Easy access to private and business email
• Create, edit and share office documents and view PDF files with Adobe Reader
• Fast, secure intranet access with the built-in VPN
• High-resolution photos and HD video with the 8 megapixel camera and dual LED flash
• HDMI connectivity to project files, videos and images onto large screens

·         16 gigabytes of on-board flash memory

·         USB-On-The-Go, enabling easy file sharing by connecting a USB stick to the smartphone

The Nokia E7 will be available in Dark Grey and Silver White at Nokia Stores nationwide. It has an SRP of P32,000.

Live on the lighter side of life with Olay Natural White Healthy Fairness Bar

Olay invites women to live on the lighter side of life this summer as the brand launches the new Olay Natural White Healthy Fairness Bar. It contains the same Vitamin C technology used in Olay Natural White facial creams to reveal your skin’s fairness all over.

Held at SM Makati, the event called for women to step into the spotlight and flaunt their evenly fair skin with confidence so they can “Live on the lighter side of life.”  The newly launched Olay campaign is about helping women achieve the even fairness all over they desire, and in the process gain a new found confidence to enable them to pursue new opportunities and enjoy the good life. 

Olay Brand Manager Justin Lladoc shares, “We want to help women step out of the shadows, kick their dark habits, and forget the same old usual choices they make that keep them from living on the lighter side of life.  Unless they try something new every now and then, they’ll never know how much better life can be. With the launch of the new Olay Natural White Bar, we want to provide them skin fairness all over that they can be confident about.”

Living on the lighter side of life is often about experiencing life to the fullest – from getting VIP access to the hottest clubs in town and enjoying exclusive privileges, to having a personal style or the confidence to stand out in a crowd no matter where you go this summer.

What better way to learn about living on the lighter side of life than to bring together fashion, photography and lifestyle insiders to share their expert tips and secrets on gaining access and opportunities. Guests got the inside scoop from experts like TV host, entrepreneur, eventologist and lifestyle icon Tim Yap, celebrity fashion stylist and columnist Ana Kalaw, and one of the country’s top photographers Pat Dy.

Try Tim Yap’s expert advice to get noticed at the hottest and swankiest events in the Metro. Remember to always prepare well, even for a night of clubbing. Preparations not only include your outfit, your skin and your hair but also your mind. Read books and stay informed so that you can start a conversation with anyone you meet. Leave negative vibes at the door and keep it light. Your vibe and attitude translate into body language and people don’t want to party with downers! Positive attitudes radiate confidence and attract likewise positive people, things and outcomes. Establish a routine of remembering names and make sure they remember you in a good way! People will always remember the ladies who have personal style, confidence and amazing features.

Ana Kalaw demonstrated how to be a headturner through the models wearing Forever 21 clothes. The secret to looking elegant in your party outfit lies in choosing the right fabrics and colors. “Wear luxe to look luxe,” advises Ana. Outfits in luxurious fabrics with bright jewel tones are never wrong in club parties and look fantastic with fair skin. Although black is an evening staple, flat black is never photogenic. Be sure to mix it up with texture or exceptional details to make you stand out more, especially when paired with your fair and radiant skin. This season’s trend points to longer skirt lengths and flowy pants but this doesn’t mean you can’t bare your skin! Choose to show off your shoulders, clavicle, décolletage and back instead of your legs to stay on-trend.

Look great in your summer photos and feel more confident than ever by trying out these picture-perfect tips from Pat Dy. Diffuse the light rather than let the sun hit your face straight on. Take your picture under a shaded area for a softer light and for a more radiant glow. Bend your arms and put it on your hips and thighs to give your muscles tone and definition. This way, you’ll look great in photos whether you’re in a loose, flowy cover up or just a bikini. Know how to work the clothes to show off the best features of your body. Great photography involves knowing how to work the light and light loves great skin. Having great skin all over improves your chances of taking equally great photos.

“Since summer is the best opportunity to flaunt that body, remember to get the right bikini suited for your body type. Fitting is a must to find that perfect swimsuit that fits and flatters your body,” said Ana. This summer, wear bold prints to make sure you stand out and go for pastel shades like blush pink, coral, lavender and sea green which complement fair skin.

Accessories focus attention to certain parts of the body so making sure that the skin is in tip top shape is important. Large tinted plastic frames from the 70’s and cat eye frames from the 50’s are back this season.  Choose colorful frames that match your fair skin tone or beige ombré versions. Belts are also a must for this summer and the waisted belt is still trendy. Jewelry has gone big time with longer earrings, multi-strand gemstone necklaces and 2-inch cuffs and fair skin is the perfect match for these statement accessories.

In addition to Olay’s insider tips and secrets, Olay Natural White Bar also makes the VIP lifestyle possible by providing exclusive opportunities through the Limited Edition Olay Natural White  Enjoy card.  The Limited Edition Olay Natural White Enjoy Card contains vouchers, discounts and other offers worth over Php 250,000 and VIP perks courtesy of Olay’s trendy partners Watsons, Opus and Republiq.  

Starting April 11, 2011, anyone who buys Php1,500 worth of Olay products including four 90 g. Olay Natural White Healthy Fairness Bars at any Watsons branch can present the receipt to Olay counters to get the limited edition card – for free! The Olay Natural White Enjoy card is exclusively available at Watsons as long as supplies last, and redemption of this special gift from Olay and Enjoy is only at selected Watsons branches (visit facebook.com/OlayPhilippines for more information).

The highlight of the event was the revelation of its newest Brand Ambassador Kim Chiu.  As one of the most sought-after young celebrities, Kim is no stranger to the spotlight. She shared how having self-confidence in a very competitive showbiz industry allows her to live on the lighter side of life despite a very busy schedule.  Encouraging other women to join her, Kim says, “Summer is the season for sun, fun and adventures, that’s why it’s the perfect time to kick your dark old habits, reveal your skin’s fairness all over, and start living on the lighter side of life.”

So why stay in the dark? Step into the spotlight and live the lighter side of life this summer with Olay Natural White Healthy Fairness Bar. Like us on Facebook.com/OlayPhilippines to find out more about the product and the Limited Edition Olay Natural White Enjoy card.

Winning the Battle Against Pneumonia Through Dance

Some people dance to unwind. Others dance to get fit. But the members of the Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP), with the world’s leading healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline, believe that the art of dance can do so much more than just to relieve stress or tone one’s body. This year, the admirable organization of the Philippine Academy of Pediatric Pulmonologists (PAPP) will be taking graceful steps to save Filipino children from pneumonia.

On March 22, 2011 at 4:00PM, dozens of physicians will be taking the stage to show off their dance moves, raise funds for, and increase awareness of pneumonia, the number 1 cause of death among Filipino children (according to a 2010 Lancet report). “Move! Step Up Against Pneumonia”, a dance revolution, is one of the many groundbreaking projects that the PAPP has undertaken to help promote the health of Filipino children and to generate, integrate, and disseminate knowledge of pediatric pulmonary medicine within the country.

According to the World Health Organization, infections and diseases caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium are the leading causes of deaths of children all over the world, with about 800,000 kids dying from pneumococcal diseases globally every year. It is estimated that 37 Filipino children die every day because pneumonia.

Pneumococcal disease can be prevented through immunization, with the vaccine usually given during the first year of life. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not yet included in the childhood immunization program of the government due to lack of funds. Most of the countries in Asia however, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan have already incorporated the routine use of pneumococcal vaccines to infants.

Fortunately, in the Philippines, about a hundred doctors will trade their white coats for dancing shoes for a day as they shake, move, and sway to lively music to raise awareness on the need to protect children from pneumonia through vaccination. Jason and Joshua Zamora from the popular local dance troupe Maneuvers, will lead PAPP members through new, funky dance steps to help give hope and pneumonia-free lives to Filipino children. For each dancing doctor and guest who participates in the event, GSK will donate a pneumococcal vaccine to a child on their behalf.

Celebrating 30 Years of McDonald’s Lovin’ It in the Philippines

You never notice the passing of time –when you’re doing something you love. A lesson best learned, perhaps from the world’s leading fast food chain, McDonald’s, as it marks its 30th anniversary in the Philippines this year. From its very first store along the busy streets of Morayta, Manila to becoming a 300-strong network of well-loved Golden Arches, McDonald’s has become very much a part of the our lives. And what better reason is there than to celebrate than three decades worth of good times, fun memories and great food with the Filipino and lovin’ it more each day.

McDonald’s Philippines marks a milestone year with much festivity and delight, as it takes a trip down memory lane and revisits its vibrant history, its pioneering innovations, its inherent love for kids and family, and its continued commitment to serve Filipinoswith great tasting, quality food products at affordable prices and excellent service.

Opening Doors

With over 300 stores nationwide and growing, the famous Golden Arches is a welcome sight everywhere. But rewind to 30 years ago, McDonald’s humble beginnings is a story filled with excitement, challenges and many fulfilling triumphs.

 “1981 was the year McDonald’s first opened its doors in the Philippines and it was to welcome in the families and communities of Morayta, Manila and nearby cities,” recalls McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO, Mr. Kenneth Yang. “The response was nothing less than heartwarming and every day since then, we have kept to our commitment to serve nothing but the best-tasting, affordable food with excellent service.”

The first McDonald’s store along Morayta, Manila

The astounding reception it received with its first store encouraged the brand to reach out farther across Metro Manila over the years, and eventually to the Visayas and Mindanao in 1992 with stores in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro respectively.

Filipino Flavor

McDonald’s owes much of its success to global iconic products such as the Big Mac, World Famous French Fries, Cheeseburger, and Apple Pie which are well-loved by millions all around the world. But perhaps solidifying McDonald’s in the hearts of Filipinos came with the addition of local offerings that catered to the unique Filipino palette – the McSpaghetti (1986), Chicken McDo (1987), and Burger McDo (1993).

“McDonald’s saw the need to introduce other products that suited not just the Filipino taste but preference and culture as well. Till this day, these products remain to be customer favorites” shares Yang.

Commitment to Service

McDonald’s opened 24/7 restaurants in 2004

More than just food products, it has always been the commitment of McDonald’s to adapt and respond to the ever-changing needs and lifestyles of its customers. It has lived up to the promise of being a true customer-oriented company with the introduction of some remarkable and ground-breaking service innovations throughout the years: the one number delivery hotline 8-MCDO (2002), 24/7 restaurants (2004) and 24/7 delivery service (2005), online delivery website www.mcdelivery.com.ph (2009), no minimum food purchase requirement (2010) and just recently the first cashless mobile ordering system (2011).

”These service innovations allowed McDonald’s to grow with its customers through the years and be there for them every step of the way—our goal is always to make it easy for customers to get great food at affordable prices, anytime, anywhere,” says Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines VP for Marketing and Communications.

Love for Kids and Families

At the very heart of McDonald’s is its love for children and with it, the belief in the value of the Filipino family. This is why, providing a fun experience for the entire family every time they go to McDonald’s has remained one of its a top priorities.  The McDonald’s Happy Meal, for instance has become a trademark of this, as featured toys become treasured symbols of fun for kids and joyful moments shared with the family. But through the years, McDonald’s has also pioneered other programs that attest to the brand’s commitment to kids and families - the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop and McDonald’s Birthday Parties.

McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop

The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is an annual   5-day summer program that serves as an avenue for kids 6-12 years old to have fun and meet new friends but also learn important values and lessons along the way. The workshop includes on-floor trainings, values formation lessons, and creative art workshops.

“The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is the first of its kind in the country; it has become one of the most much-awaited summer program, with tens of thousands of kids graduating each year,” shares Torres. “In fact, nationwide registration for this year has officially begun and over 15,000 kids are expected to join.”

McDonald’s Birthday Parties

Last but certainly not the least, another popular McDonald’s experience loved by kids and parents alike are the McDonald’s Birthday Parties. Every McDonald’s Birthday Party is special for kids with its fun and exciting party themes but more importantly, hassle-free for parents. With a range of affordable party packages and different exciting themes to choose from, McDonald’s provides all party needs, from venue set-up, party amenities, games and prizes, favorite McDonald’s meals, and so much more, making any child or child at heart’s day truly memorable. “Right now, aside from Ronald and the Gang, we have three Disney Birthday Party themes- Mickey Mouse Club, Disney Princess and Toy Story,” shares Torres.

Speaking from her experience, the newest member of the McDonald’s family is its Kid Ambassador Jillian Ward who shares why she loves celebrating her birthdays at McDonald’s.“Gustung-gusto kopotalaga mag-celebrate ng birthday ko sa McDonald’s kasi nandun na po lahat ng mga paborito ko –mga games, prizes, cute  na themes, at shempre ang paborito ko na mga food sa McDo gaya ng Cheeseburger, Apple Pie at McFloat. Kasama ko pa si Ronald McDonald para mag-celebrate.” (I really like celebrating my birthday at McDonald’s because all my favorites are there –games, prizes, fun themes and of course, my favorite McDonald’s food like the Cheeseburger, Apple Pie at McFloat. Plus, I get to celebrate with Ronald McDonald.)

Whether it’s delicious food at the tip of your fingers, or great activities for kids or the entire family, McDonald’s Philippines has delivered products and services that have woven itself intrinsically in the Filipino way of life. Through 30 years of continuous innovations, there is no lack in the cause for celebrations. And as this milestone year is marked with festivity, McDonald’s looks forward to years and years more of lovin’ it in the Philippines.

MICHAEL KORS CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Michael Kors

 After beginning his career at age 19 designing for Lothar’s, a New York fashion boutique, Michael Kors formed his namesake label two years later in 1981. Since the company’s inception, he has remained true to his vision of luxurious sportswear for the jet-set lifestyle. This year, Michael Kors celebrates 30 years in business. Through his distinct approach, the Michael Kors name has become synonymous with timeless luxury, pragmatic glamour and a modern point of view in both ready to wear and accessories.

Given such a milestone, Michael Kors’ Fall 2011 Collection show at the Theater at Lincoln Center was presented to both the international fashion press and retailers as well as a wide range of celebrity guests and clients who have been influential to Mr. Kors throughout his career. Additionally, the show was digitally live streamed to a global audience.

His Fall 2011 show was also align with the opening of the new Michael Kors Madison Avenue Collection Flagship store, which moved from Madison Avenue at 76^th Street to 790 Madison Avenue at 67^th Street. Opened first week of March, the store grew to 5,500 square feet with three levels, enabling a broader presentation of the world of the Michael Kors Collection, while retaining the luxurious residential mood that embodies all Michael Kors Collection stores.

These momentous accomplishments – a career spanning over three decades, a milestone show and an expanding retail footprint – will culminate in Paris, the perfect platform to celebrate Michael Kors’ 30^th Anniversary. Kors hold a longstanding affinity for this fashion capital, having spent seven years as the Creative Director of Celine in Paris. Paris will be the site of a new Michael Kors Flagship retail location at 279 rue Saint Honoré, also scheduled to open by March 2011. The 7,000 sq. ft. Paris Flagship will be the fashion house’s first freestanding retail location in France and the largest Michael Kors store in the world. The Paris Flagship will carry a diverse range of products from the Michael Kors Collection, KORS Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels. Kors hosted a press conference last Monday, March 7^th at the Flagship store, which  followed by an intimate dinner at the US Ambassador’s Residence, hosted by Charles H. Rivkin, US Ambassador to France, and his wife, Ms. Susan M. Tolson. The historic celebration, and the events leading up to it, was a symbolic of Kors’ contribution to the world of fashion as well as the expanding global presence of the Michael Kors label.

 

Michael Kors is recognized as one of America’s pre-eminent designers for luxury sportswear.  His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products through his Michael Kors Collection, KORS Michael Kors, and MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, including men’s and women’s ready to wear, accessories, and a full line of fragrance and beauty products for both men and women. Michael Kors Collection Flagship stores are located in New York NY, Beverly Hills CA, Manhasset NY, Chicago IL, Palm Beach FL, Milan, IT and London, UK.

  

 In the Philippines, Michael Kors is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, The Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Newport Mall.