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.

Fall in Love with Seriously Good Roast! Yummy Roast opens first store in Manila

Filipinos without a doubt have an intense love affair with chicken, especially when it’s packed with flavor served hot off the grill with a side of rice.

This year, Philippine company Yum Roast International, Inc. (YRII) in partnership with Singaporean- based food establishment The Asian Kitchen, introduces a wide range of delicious, authentic and great tasting dishes at Yummy Roast. Understanding the intrinsic values and delicate taste profiles of Asians, especially the Filipinos, Yummy Roast has successfully married advanced technology with the tradition of Asian cooking. Chief Executive Officer of The Asian Kitchen Food Company Cary Gee says, “We really know Asian food and we want the Filipinos to get to know it too. We always keep the traditions in mind but at the same time introduce innovation. For example, we work with classic cooking methods but we re-design them to produce better food, fast.” President of YRII, Mr. Richie Yang is excited to bring the Yummy Roast experience to the Philippines. Having a wealth of experience in the food industry as executive director of Philippine Food Concepts and managing director of a successful Chinese restaurant chain, he says, “We take pride in Yummy Roast’s dishes which are seriously delicious and quick- served without losing the spirit of the traditional recipes.” 

Taking on the world with the very first Quick-Served Asian Restaurant, Yummy Roast puts a few of the Filipinos’ favorite meals on the table – Yummy Chicken, Yummy Pork Belly and Yummy Pork Asado all perfectly partnered with their Yummy Rice. Oozing with Chicken Essence, it can even be enjoyed on its own. The aroma of Asian spices and lemon grass will surely keep you coming back for more.

At an affordable price of P98, Yummy Roast’s featured dishes, Yummy Chicken, Yummy Pork Asado or Yummy Pork Belly may be enjoyed with unlimited Fragrant Rice or Yummy Rice for only an additional P20.

For those who have a sweet tooth, Yummy Roast will also delight them with their deliciously refreshing Black Jelly Drink or Yoghurt generously topped with strawberry syrup.

The first and flagship store is located at the heart of Eastwood City in Citywalk 2. The company intends to open more Yummy Roast outlets in SM Sta. Rosa, SM Bicutan, Vito Cruz, and SM Manila. Serving it better, faster and tastier, Yummy Roast will definitely satisfy your craving for flavorful, Asian food while being kind to your wallet.

Taste the Flavors and Passions of Life in the South with Alveo

Uniqueness is a distinct quality shared by authentic Filipino-made dishes. The cuisines of the South showcase the innovation, vibrancy, and creativity of the Filipino culture, characteristics that are also the very same elements that typify the kind of southern living that Alveo Land offers—unique, innovative, vibrant, and creative.

Celebrating the diverse lifestyles offered by the Alveo communities in the South, celebrated dessert chef Jackie Laudico (Bistro Filipino, Bfast), gourmet culinarian Chef Roxs Cailao (Katré), and sublime restaurateur Chef Florabel Co (Felix, Crisostomo, Sumosam, Florabel’s) present Alveo Southside District’s “Southern Passions,” an event that let you taste—literally—the Alveo way of life and relish the experience of Southside Living as you discover the delights of true southern comfort.

Unique to this presentation is a thoughtfully prepared six-course meal that represented Alveo’s “Southern Passions” as interpreted by the lifestyle event’s keynote guest chefs. Chef Jackie Laudico, serves up a burst of flavor with tasty desserts and refreshing drinks inspired by Venare’s proposition of active living. Chef Roxs Cailao, on the other hand translates the warmth of family and community living in Verdana Homes Mamplasan with equally hearty soups and a comforting main course. And Chef Florabel Co-Yatco fashions healthy and nourishing salads and appetizers hinged on Treveia’s emphasis on eco-centric and sustainable modern lifestyles.

Distinct yet diverse living in the South

Whether it be an eco-centric neighborhood or a sports and leisure community for you and your family, the Alveo Southside District has the resources, amenities and facilities you need to enjoy the ideals that innovative residential living has to offer.

 

A one-hour drive from Manila to the ever-growing South Luzon region takes you to the dynamic and upscale communities of Verdana Homes Mamplasan, Treveia and Venare, which are three signature developments of Alveo Land’s Southside developments. Each of these three properties showcases a distinctive facet of southern living, and it is all anchored on a dynamic and unique living experience that highlights the developer's intent to give residents the chance to live well.

Family comes first in Verdana

The 42-hectare Verdana Homes Mamplasan community in Biñan, Laguna offers houses and lots that are perfect for those who want to combine the warmth, ease, and traditions of suburban living with modern-day facilities.  Verdana lets you enjoy family and community life to the fullest with a wide range of amenities that allow you to nurture relationships — mingle with friends and neighbors at the Social Hall, indulge in quality time with loved ones at the open playing fields and picnic areas, or go swimming with the kids during weekends. Already a thriving community, Verdana provides an endless array of activities for the growing number of families in the community to enjoy, while its strategic location makes it conveniently close to burgeoning growth centers.

Situated near premier commercial establishments such as Alabang Town Center, the Madrigal Business Park, Paseo De Sta. Rosa, and Laguna Technopark, as well as some of the country’s top schools like Brent School, Caritas Don Bosco, De La Salle University-Canlubang, and St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove, Verdana is indeed Alveo Land’s gateway to the south.

Living Sustainably in Treveia

Alveo also puts a premium on developing cutting-edge communities anchored on environmental sustainability--a proposition that became a reality in the country's first fully sustainable township of NUVALI with Treveia.

Hailed as the first large-scale residential development in the country built on the principles of modern, eco-centric design, Treveia boasts a wide range of facilities that revolutionize contemporary living amid lush greenery, landscaped parks, woodland groves, and themed gardens that promote environmental consciousness and care for nature. With a masterplan firmly based on eco-sensitivity, this made the concept of sustainable residential living accessible to families, which was very well received by the real estate market.

“Apart from addressing the needs of its residents, Treveia is designed to adhere to the tenets of sustainability as championed by the whole NUVALI development,” says Alveo Land Project Development Group Head Jennylle Tupaz, highlighting Alveo Land’s emphasis on environmental sustainability as a vital key to modern living. “Green principles are present in different facets of the development, making it a community that can be considered a benchmark for future developments.”

Active living in Venare

 Inspired by the success that built Treveia, Venare –Alveo’s newest lifestyle community in NUVALI South– complements the needs of an active lifestyle while still allowing families to enjoy the pleasures of picturesque landscapes in a sustainable urban setting. Located in NUVALI South and just six kilometers from the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road, Venare boasts of five distinct thematic amenity zones that address one’s needs for a healthy, dynamic and vibrant living experience with the Aqua Zone, the E-Zone, the Green Zone, the Go Zone and the Me Zone.

"Alveo Land builds with our future residents in mind–their evolving needs, as well as the diversity of their interests. Anticipating this, we built a community that will specifically cater to this ideal and the development's consistently good take-up and excellent sales velocity shows how well the market is responding to dynamic innovations in real estate that answer their needs," says Tupaz.

 The distinct yet diverse lifestyle that residents enjoy at the Southside District highlights Alveo Land’s delivered promise of a relaxed, modern living environment that exists as one with the nature. And without a doubt, by being the benchmark for lifestyle innovation, Alveo Land will continue to hold the distinction of being the leading developer in the South.

  Alveo Land Corp. sets the benchmark for innovation in Ayala Land. Armed with sharper foresight, unparalleled excellence and total commitment, Alveo Land Corp. is a real estate company that doesn't just find the means to provide the most innovative homes, it looks for ways to make you live the life you deserve. For more information, visit www.alveoland.com.ph, email info@alveosales.com.ph or call (632) 848.5100 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-10-8485100 (Outside Metro Manila).