IKEA: This Is How We Live Photo Exhibit and US and OUR PLANET Book Launch

Saw vloggers Mike and Nelly at the IKEA event

 

 

 

 

 

             

I visited the largest IKEA store in the world at the Mall of Asia grounds a few days ago, and I'm glad I was able to spend a few hours scouring for stuff that I would need in my home. Aside from that, I was there for a very important reason... it was the day where they were opening up a section of their establishment that they would dedicate for the Filipino family. See, IKEA held a photo contest a few months ago (This is How We Live Photo Contest), and the winners stand a chance to win IKEA furniture, plus a studio shoot. They also got to have their entries displayed in different IKEA collateral throughout the year . Needless to say, it was very interesting to see them all in the flesh! Their stories are all inspiring and during the pandemic, it has made them think about what matters most, which is family, friends, and the place they call home. 

Winners of the photo contest, which you'll see in the IKEA exhibit

Here's our video coverage of the event and a little tour of IKEA in the Philippines

 

US and OUR PLANET is a book by Phaidon which they worked with IKEA. It tells the story of different people who live in sustainable homes, in hopes to inspire you and families that it can be done. You may visit the "This Is How We Live" photo exhibit at the Ground Level of IKEA very near the Marina entrance (front left entrance). Admission is free so go visit the biggest IKEA in the world today!

Oh and before I forget, the rumors are true... those IKEA Meatballs are delish! Don't leave the store without ordering it!

Ken Chan's Empire: Opens Second Branch of CAFE CLAUS

Just left Greenhills Promenade while writing this piece as I've attended the launch of CAFE CLAUS at this location, their second one after putting up CAFE CLAUS in Tandang Sora QC. For Ken, this has been a pretty memorable place because his tatay German Moreno aka "Kuya Germs" used to bring him here to unwind and have fun when he was still alive. The new branch has a German Christmas theme as they wanted a different one in every branch they put up, and yes, talks are in the works for putting up about 3 more of these within the year.

 

Their Ensaymada is glistening in gold! Just one of the nice things at Cafe Claus!

Ken and his partners are ecstatic that the first branch is doing well and they've been able to study the market well even if we're still under the pandemic. Food served in this branch still has the classics but will have some special items in the menu that would represent the German them they are executing for the Greenhills branch. We talked to Ken, his partners and chefs about their future plans which seem so exciting especially for those who are in the look for a coffee shop that would make them escape reality while having a cup of joe in their shop (even for just a few hours). Here's what transpired during the launch!

My only question was, is he building his empire? Ken says "I don't know if it's an empire or not, I'm just venturing into businesses that I love, ones that I have passion in and if that means it'll all be successful in the near future, I'd love that!"

In the press conference, they also have confirmed reports about building branches in Eastwood City, Tagaytay City which will also have different themes. So if you're a fan of Ken or just love Christmas, you've got several places to go this year as they expand CAFE CLAUS in Mega Manila. They also have plans to put up one in nearby provinces, pretty soon in Visayas and Mindanao too. I suggest you get the Roast Chicken and Lasagna which is such a hit with regulars at Cafe Claus. They have mean cakes and pastries too that's not too sweet because they do use sugar free options too (perfect for diabetics like me). For those who would want to visit, just go to Greenhills Promenade and find them at the center right at the side of the escalator from the cinemas. Thank you to the super nice people at Cafe Claus Greenhills Promonade, I'll be back there real soon!

Boy Abunda Urges You to Choose #50 and Fabulous!

The King of Talk Boy Abunda always wanted to help improve the lives of the people in his hometown, Borongan in Eastern Samar. It was always in his mind, of which he wished he could do more, to help this place and nearby communities... see it develop even more as its got promise, lots of potential, even as people lived so simple in the countryside.

It's a bit complicated, but he knew it would be a missed opportunity not to do that. Everybody knows t's a very tall order to do that by himself... and he would need help to achieve that. Tito Boy saw Party List #50 "Ang Probinsyano" do work in 2019. As a representative of those who desire development in the rural, far flung areas. Watching from the sidelines, he looked into their achievements during the last 3 years, to figure out if they're party list have been true to their cause, and he wasn't disappointed. He saw how Ang Probinsyano worked hard to bring food, health essentials to isolated communities during the pandemic. They also took time to file bills in congress that aim to increase the quality and give access to education. They also authored bills that would build more infrastructure and give social services to the marginalized communities like fishermen, farmers, artisans and SME's to make them sufficient later on. They also funded projects with them in mind which Boy Abunda also found apt especially if they're in the business of changing lives of people in the provinces, generate jobs right there so they wouldn't have to depend on finding one in metropolitan areas.

This was surely something Boy Abunda have been impressed with. So when the opportunity to become an adviser and volunteer came, as a probinsyano himself, he accepted it with arms wide. He says "When I finally got to know Congressman Afred delos Santos (who is the party's first nominee) I recognized how our dreams were similar and I told him, I'm impressed with what Ang Probinsyano has done for promdis around the country in such a short time. This even with the pandemic happening. That's why I'm willing to help "Ang Probinsyano" in making sure provinces would get the help they need for a better Philippines. I know it's a little confusing in the party list system now, and this is why I'm going around telling people to choose #50 when election day comes as other parties made the list with same sounding names. It's important for them to take note of this so as not to lose a party that worked hard and remain true to their advocacy." He adds "We have to make sure that we choose #50 and fabulous!"

The party is also supported by premiere actor Piolo Pascual, JM de Guzman and social media darling Donnalyn Bartolome. Albeit the difference in age with Tito Boy, he knows how they embraced provincial life and volunteered spreading the word about "Ang Probinsyano" which is slated #50 in the ballot. They want to make sure you get the representation you deserve and help those who are in the province.

ZEPHANIE is now a KAPUSO

Looks like there's another big addition to GMA's stable as this generation's Pop Princess Zephanie Dimaranan joins SPARKLE GMA Artist Center. In a huge event this afternoon, GMA, SPARKLE ang CS Entertainment announced this move during the Sparkling Launch attended by GMA Executives and Cornerstone Entertainment big wigs. 

For those who don't know, Zephanie has done a lot since her Idol Philippines stint wherein she was recognized as the Grand Champion. She also has several albums, singles, magazine covers and endorsements from the country's leading brands. This means she will now be co-managed by Sparkle and Cornerstone which will further make her star shine brighter as an artist. 

 Mr. Johnny Manahan aka Mr. M says "We are all so excited to have Zephanie here, a talented artist with outstanding social media presence. Sparkle is proud to have her and we can't wait to see her in future GMA projects, best of luck to her!" 

Ms. Gigi Lara SAVP for Alternative Productions of Sparkle says "Watch out as we'll have her sing this year's Summer theme plus have her join the All Out Sundays fam and perform with the powerhouse voice talents on the show. All of which are truly world class!" 

 

Mr. Jeff Vadillo the VP for Cornerstone Entertainment says "This partnership we have with Sparkle will surely bring more projects for Zephanie, and we look forward to have her be part of different shows and platforms wherein she can showcase her prowess and talent. Here's to new possibilities!"

Zephanie told us "I want to work with the great singers of GMA, and the new young stars. I also want to do acting jobs, I can't wait to explore that. I promise I will do my best in anything I do."

If you want to know what happened during the press conference, here's a video we made this afternoon.


 

We will see more of Zephanie in GMA shows now that she's part of SPARKLE, she will also be a regular in AOS every week so there's more to look forward to this year with Zeph. Congratulations to you and to Cornerstone Entertainment! Your fans are very supportive of your move, and I've seen how they support you.