Steph Curry basks in love from Filipino fans

MANILA, Philippines -- NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors basked in the love and adoration from Filipino basketball fans as he made his first visit to Manila on Saturday.

Curry met with hundreds of fans - as well as members of sports media - Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati, as part of his 2015 Under Armour Roadshow.

"I feel the love, and I'm happy to be here," Curry told his fans.

The Warriors guard, wearing a "Thrilla in Manila" t-shirt, first met with Kapamilya teen heartthrob Daniel Padilla, Letran guard Mark Cruz, and several fans, then took the time to answer some questions in a brief conference before heading to the Mall of Asia Arena for a basketball clinic.

Curry offered some advice for the Gilas Pilipinas national team, who are hoping to qualify to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

"Just go at it," he said. "Don't hold anything back. It's an amazing opportunity that's in front of you. Show some heart, and hopefully, you'll achieve the goal that you've set."

Curry also acknowledged that the Warriors face a tough road in their title defense after seeing many of their rivals in the Western Conference load up their rosters, but he still believes that Golden State is "the team to beat."

"It's tough," he added. "It's gonna be a fun battle all year long."

From a personal standpoint, Curry said he is aiming to minimize his turnovers in the upcoming season, partly to win an on-going bet that he has with his mother.

"I want to do all those things again," Curry also said, when asked about his goals for the upcoming season. "There have been legends in this league that won multiple titles."

"I want to be a Hall-of-Famer, and be somebody that people remember for a long time," he added. "I want to inspire the next generation.''

"I want to keep building the game of basketball, like it was built before me."

Curry was joined in his visit by Under Armour chief executive and founder Kevin Plank.

"It's my first time here," Curry said, "But it won't be my last time."

"I'm coming back, for sure," he added, to the delight of the fans at the Fairmont.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Worth the hype: The Beef at Hole in the Wall

MANILA -- The Beef serves what is arguably the best burger in Metro Manila.

There are really, only three items in the menu: the hambuger (P275), the cheeseburger (P295), and fries (P85).

But The Beef, which stands right next to Chef JP Anglo’s Liberation Shawarma at Hole in The Wall in Century City Mall, gives its diners the option to have the burgers with fries, like a meal set (starts P350). It also offers extra patty (P180) and extra cheese (P50) for heavy-hitters.

The menu should clue in the diner that at The Beef, it’s all very simple and straightforward. This is exactly The Beef’s burger philosophy: to unclutter the burger. You’ll see this as its mission on its menu board: “The best uncluttered burger on this side of the planet. No insecure oversizing. No customization. No fancy topping.”

On a slow Friday afternoon, we went to try The Beef’s cheeseburger with fries (P395 including service). We only had to wait less than five minutes, but that’s also because there were no lines. It was a slow Friday afternoon.

The order comes with ketchup and herbed aioli. The fries had a nice crisp to them. They were a bit too chunky and cut too largely for our preference, but they’re fries. Being too chunky and large is hardly a sin.

The first thing we noticed about the cheeseburger was the bun — holy hell, it was a soft and buttery brioche with a cute crackle on the toasted edges. It was then that we realized bread is an often overlooked component in the burger business. We’re just too happy to report that finally, someone remembered and paid enough attention to it.

And then comes all the pretty things in the middle —the ample amount of vegetables, the cheese that glues all of it together, lending a nice level of salty creaminess to it all, some bits of bacon that is always a good thing, and the star of the show, the beef patty.

Oh boy, the beef patty. I was told it was made with beef chuck from cows raised in the US and beef back fat from local Wagyu beef. No wonder it pulled a rich and solid flavor.

Its dripping should tell you how juicy juicy juicy the patty was. But despite that juiciness, the burger didn’t crumble. It’s a good thing that came very much appreciated — the dripping was messy enough.

If only Kalayaan Avenue wasn’t such a bitch to navigate, we’d probably have The Beef at least once a week. But that’s not the case, so we’re making a deal with ourselves to try and see if we can manage a bi-monthly trek.

The Beef, Hole in the Wall, 4/F Century City Mall, Makati. 10am-10pm

This story was originally published on Coconuts Manila.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lenny Kravitz' Manila concert cancelled

MANILA – The concert of the American rock singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz has been cancelled.

Kravitz was supposed to perform on March 24 at the Circuit Event Grounds in Makati City. However, this was cancelled “due to unforeseen scheduling issues,” according to a statement posted on the Grammy Award-winning artist’s Facebook page on Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, due to contractual scheduling conflicts beyond my control, I will not be able to come to Manila to perform. I have been looking forward to coming to play for my fans and I am deeply sorry that my concert had to be cancelled,” Kravitz said in the statement.

“My ability to come play for you all is a huge concern for me and while I am unable to confirm another time right now, I am looking forward to rescheduling so I can perform for you in Manila as soon as possible,” he added.

Those who bought tickets to Kravitz’ concert are asked to call TicketWorld to get a refund.

Kravitz is known for songs such as “Fly Away,” “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “American Woman,” “I Belong to You” and “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Iconic camera brand Leica now in PH

The German camera brand, Leica, has finally arrived in the Philippines, opening its first-ever store in Greenbelt 5 in Makati.

Leica's arrival in the country coincides with the brand's celebration of its 100th year.

ANC's "Future Perfect" dropped by the store and looked at some of Leica's newest camera models, including the Leica S, which offers excellent image quality; the Leica M, with its digital rangefinder and iconic design; and the Leica D-Lux, a compact camera that allows users to take selfies in style.

Future Perfect, ANC, November 23, 2014

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Here's where to get all-Filipino, museum-quality items

MANILA – An upcoming artisan’s fair at the Rockwell Tent in Makati promises to offer nothing but museum-quality Philippine arts and crafts, from hand-painted table runners to stylish purses.

The annual maARTE artisan fair of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines is expected to bring together up to 60 participants selling products not usually found in malls.

The event, which will be held from August 23 to 25, aims to encourage Filipinos to appreciate their artistic heritage.

One of the artisans who will be participating in this year’s maARTE fair is award-winning jewelry designer Ann Ong, who is known for her gold-dipped metal cuffs and neckpieces.

There is also Riqueza by Erica Concepcion-Reyes, which features vintage Filipino jewelry; high-quality fabric from Tepiña; intricately designed coasters, picture frames and serving trays by Creative Definitions; pottery by Joey de Castro; and abaniko (fan) by Monchet Y Cia.



One can also expect to see works by Studio Bohemia, Balay ni Atong, Two Chic and Art of Gold Enterprises, among others.

“We want to boost productivity to make their businesses sustainable,” maARTE 2013 co-chair Maritess Pineda said during a recently held media launch for the event. “We want to provide artisans a venue where they can market their products... [so we] transferred to a bigger venue, to Rockwell.”

"The more you buy, the more you support [our artisans]," Pineda added.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Manila Pen basement catches fire

The basement of The Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati caught fire Saturday afternoon, the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

Fire marshal chief Supt. Ricardo Perdigon said the fire started at the hotel’s paint stockroom located at the basement.

The fire reached the first alarm at 1:05 p.m. but was immediately placed under control.

The fire was put out past 2:30 p.m.

No casualties were reported in the incident.

Authorities have yet to determine the amount of damage caused by the fire.

In a statement, hotel management said they are working with the Makati Fire Station in investigating the possible cause of the fire.

“Everything is under control, all of our staff and guests are safe and the hotel is fully operational," hotel officials said. -- Report from Henry Atuelan, dzMM

source: abs-cbnnews.com

Want free city-wide Wi-Fi? Consider moving to Makati

MANILA, Philippines — Free Wi-Fi everywhere in the city? As the successful campaign propaganda of its former mayor — and now the country’s vice president — said, “Ganito kami sa Makati.”

The City Government of Makati announced on Thursday an ambitious initiative to blanket the entire city with Wi-Fi Internet connection — the first in the country — as part of a triumvirate of technology projects aiming to bring better public service to citizens of the country’s financial capital.

The rollout began at the seat of government in Makati, the city hall, which now offers free wireless Internet connection to residents and companies transacting with the local government powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s (PLDT) Wi-Fi Zone offering.

The project, unveiled in time for Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay’s 35th birthday on Thursday, will see 33 other barangays connected to the Web wirelessly thanks to the city’s partnership with PLDT and other telecom companies.

But before you go and pack your stuff to move to another city, Binay clarified that the IT initiative is still at its most nascent stages, with the local government eyeing pilot tests in two barangays to see how the rollout of Wi-Fi would pan out.

“Of course, there are cost considerations,” Binay told InterAksyon. “Medyo malaki ang gagastusin. At hindi pa rin naman namin nakikita kung ano ang magiging epekto nito, so gusto muna naming i-pilot sa ilang barangay (The cost is relatively large. And we also have to see what the effect will be, so first we want to pilot the project in some barangay) and we’ll pick it up from there.”

Currently existing, the young mayor said, is a fiber loop infrastructure within the city that would eventually be used as a backbone should the eventual city-wide rollout of the wireless Internet project takes place.

The fast Internet connection will also be used in monitoring certain government processes, such as business registration within the city. Right now, Binay said they are looking into implementing a tracking system for the application of business permits, so that they can pinpoint where in the entire process bottlenecks — and often, corruption — occur.

“One key reason for that is to ease the conduct of business within our city,” the Makati mayor said, admitting that they have not fared well in this area in recent years. “Though we have about 40,000 business establishments here, we hope to increase that by making it easy for them to file their business permits.”

Initially, the wireless Internet access will be used in ensuring that government transactions are done smoothly and conveniently, but Binay said he is eyeing distribution of prepaid cards to students of Makati so they can log on to the Internet to help in their studies.

In conjunction with the wireless connectivity project launch, the Makati City government likewise unveiled its own Twitter account, @MakatiTraffic, which will give commuters and motorists updates about the traffic situation in Makati.

Notorious for its traffic jams especially during rush hours, Makati’s first foray into social media aims to provide “real-time information and advisories” to road users, particularly in major road arteries that cut through the city.

Also presented during Thursday’s event was the revitalized Makati website (http://www.makati.gov.ph), which makes finding information about the city’s services and attractions easier with just a click of a button.

Binay, who claimed to be a firm believer in the use of technology in furthering public service, said such initiatives “will make governance more efficient” and would reduce the proverbial red-tape as well as incidents of corruption within the city government.

“We recognize that embracing modern technology is the fastest way to achieve inclusive progress and equitable growth in this age of globalization,” he added.

source: interaksyon.com

Chiz, Heart 'meet' again in Greenbelt

MANILA, Philippines -- After confirming that he had "meetings" with actress Heart Evangelista, senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was cornered again by Kris Aquino on a recent report that he was spotted again with Evangelista in Greenbelt, Makati.

Escudero first explained that he was in Greenbelt to buy new clothes as he is co-hosting Aquino's morning show "KrisTV."

He then admitted that he also had a "meeting" with Evangelista.

"Meeting pa din... mahahaba talaga ang meetings ko, mga ilang araw, ilang buwan, ilang linggo bago matapos ang meeting," Escudero said.

Last week, Esudero said he and Evangelista have gone out twice but refused to call it a date but a "meeting."

"I wish (we are dating) pero 'no.' (But) yes, we saw each other twice," he told Kris Aquino on the morning show "KrisTV" on Monday July 2).

"Kapag 27 years old ka siguro 'yun ang tawag doon going out on a date. Pero kung 42 years old ka ang tawag doon ay meeting, nag-meeting lang kayo, " Escudero explained.

Escudero said he is not seeing anyone after his marriage with estranged wife, Christine Elizabeth "Tin Tin" Flores, was annulled.

source: abs-cbnnews.com

13 skin-whitening products containing excessive mercury being sold in Manila and Makati

MANILA, Philippines – Toxics watchdog Ecowaste Coalition on Wednesday alerted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on skin whitening products containing mercury that are being sold illegally in Manila and Makati.

Thirteen tested cosmetic products were found to contain excessive amounts of mercury. The products contained 550 parts per million (ppm) to 60,800 ppm of mercury. The ASEAN Cosmetics Directive's allowable limit is only up to 1 ppm.

Samples were purchased by Ecowaste from cosmetic stalls and Chinese drugstores around Binondo, Divisoria, Quiapo, and Sta. Cruz in Manila and Guadalupe in Makati. The products cost between P60 to P180. Ecowaste used an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer to measure the mercury content of the samples.

Mercury was not listed as an ingredient in all the samples and none of the skin whitening products had been previously listed in the 2010-2011 FDA list of 50 banned skinned whitening products containing excessive amounts of mercury.

Mercury is dangerous to humans in excessive amounts as this causes poisoning, mutations, and other health problems. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, and numbness and tingling in hands, feet or around mouth. Mercury also damages the kidneys and the nervous system and interferes with the brain development of unborn and young children.

The group is urging cosmetic consumers to be wary of product labels and ingredients and not patronize those that do not give adequate and understandable information. It said products with mercury should not be thrown with ordinary trash.

Ecowaste sent a letter to FDA Officer-in-Charge Atty. Nicolas B. Lutero III proposing the following steps to address the issue:

a. Issue a new advisory banning skin whitening products for containing mercury above the allowable limit of 1 ppm.

b. Conduct a series of law enforcement activities to rid the market of skin lightening cosmetics containing dangerous levels of mercury and without the benefit of notification with the FDA.

c. Publish a consumer education material that will inform users about the health hazards posed by mercury-containing cosmetics.

d. Encourage victims of mercury exposure from skin whitening products to come forward and tell their stories.

Below are the results of the test conducted by Ecowaste on the 14 products:

1. AILKE Perfection Salvation Rosy Whitening and Peeling Cream manufactured/distributed by (not indicated on the label)(purchased for P120 from Central Chinese Drug Store, 1057 Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila), mercury NOT detected.

2. Feique Whitening Anti-Freckle Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd.,China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 16,000 ppm of mercury

3. Feique Golden Aloe Whitening Anti-Scar, Anti Freckle Set manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin)Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P60 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 25,000 ppm of mercury

4. Feique Green Tea Vital Whitening Freckle-Removing Cream manufactured/distributed by GLDJB (Harbin) Cosmetics Ltd., China (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 15,800 ppm of mercury

5. Bai Li Tou Hong manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P150 from stall IA 43-45, 168 Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 46,700 ppm of mercury

6. Maidaifu Herbal Moisturizing and Whitening Cream manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased forP180 from Stall IA-45, 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila), 60,800 ppm of mercury

7. Green Cucumber and Ginseng 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Set manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P120 from stall IR-24, 168Mall, Divisoria), 9,414 ppm of mercury

8. Loreial Paris Anti-Freckle Cream Suit manufactured/distributed by (not indicated on the label) (purchased for P120 from stall IB 2-4 999 Shopping Mall,Divisoria, Manila), 1,371 ppm of mercury

9. Aichun Beauty Strongly WhiteningFreckle Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd. / Livepro Beauty Cosmetics Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P98 from G2 Beauty Products, Villalobos St., Quiapo, Manila), 550 ppm of mercury

10. “Special Cream” (double, label in Chinese) manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from stall G-162 Good Earth Mall, Bustos St., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,565 ppm of mercury

11. “Special Cream” (single, label in Chinese)manufactured/distributed by (not indicated in English) (purchased for P80 from Famous Chinese Drug Store, Recto Ave. near Rizal Ave., Sta. Cruz, Manila), 1,378 ppm of mercury

12. Yudantang Ginseng and Ganoderma Lucidum 6 Days Specific Eliminating Freckle Whitening Sun Block Cream manufactured/distributed by Yudantang International, Taiwan (purchased for P140 from Rose and Fujikura General Merchandise, Uni-Mec Supermarket, Guadalupe, Makati City), 31,300 ppm of mercury

13. Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 1,250 ppm of mercury

14. Aichun Beauty Pawpaw Whitening and Freckle Remover Series (3 in one) manufactured/distributed by France Sasa (HK) International Group Ltd./Livepro Beauty Cosmetic Co. Ltd., China (purchased for P90 from G2 Beauty Products, Carriedo St., Quiapo, Manila), 867 ppm of mercury

source: interaksyon.com

Rotarty Club foundation, prominent businessmen face tax evasion case

MANILA, Philippines – A 40-year old foundation formed by the Rotary Club of Makati, as well as prominent businessmen comprising its officers, are facing tax evasion charges after allegedly passing off as a donation part of the revenues earned from the lease of a 20,063 square meter property in Paranaque City.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed a P47 million complaint before the Department of Justice against the Makati Rotary Club Foundation Inc. (MRCFI) and its officers, namely Felix Amparo, Jose Bengzon III, Federico Borromeo, Jr., Larry Boyer, Juan Carlos, Jr., Ramon Diokno, Tomas De Leon, Robert Kuan, Ricardo Librea, Conrado Marty, Alfredo Parungao, Antonio Quila, Wellington Soong and Jesus Tambunting.

BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said the foundation evaded tax payments by splitting these into rentals and donations.

The foundation’s lease contract with Fedders Koppel for the 2000-2004 period provides for a lease of P4 million for 2000 that increased to P4.9 million by 2004 and an annual donation of P2 million.

The contract covering the 2005-2009 period provided for an annual lease of P4.2 million plus value-added tax and annual donations. The contract provided for a donation of P3 million in 2005, P3.2 million in 2006, P3.3 million in 2007, P3.6 million in 2008 and P3.9 million in 2009.

Classifying part of the payment as donation is a tax saving scheme since the donor is liable to pay the tax, according to the BIR.

Given this scheme of splitting the payment, MRCFI’s P27 million donation didn’t form part of the computation of the foundation’s corporate income tax and value added tax (VAT) liabilities for the period 2000 -2009.

The Rotary Club of Makati said it won the first of two Rotary International Significant Achievement Awards for having organized the foundation. The club credits its success through the years to its foundation, which used to earn rental income from a three-storey arcade at the Makati Commercial Center.

In recent years, the foundation reported that it earns an annual P20 million in rentals from two properties, one of which is in Paranaque. A third property in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati is home to the foundation’s headquarters.

source: interaksyon.com

Uncle to escort Shalani Soledad down the aisle

MANILA, Philippines – Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad has chosen her uncle Mon Soledad to walk her down the aisle at her wedding with Congressman Roman Romulo on Jan. 22.

The TV host-politician made the revelation during a pre-wedding reception held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati on Jan. 17, which was tendered for the soon-to-be husband-and-wife’s constituents who will not be able to attend their wedding.

Her uncle looked to have gotten emotional over Shalani’s announcement.

“Sana pagpasensyahan niyo ko, hindi ako handa,” he tearfully said in an interview aired on “Bandila,” Tuesday night.

It was just in 2010 when Shalani got reunited with her biological father, former bank chairman Adolfo Aguirre.

Instead of hiring a professional events planner, Roman’s sister, Mons Romulo, took it upon herself to organize the affair. She told “Bandila” in a separate interview, “Gusto rin naman namin [na may] personal touch namin [itong event]. Parang it’s our way of welcoming Shalani also to our family.”

Shalani and Roman performed their theme song that night, the OPM classic, “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko," which apparently symbolizes their promise to forever.

The couple, who will exchange vows at St. Benedict Church in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, trimmed their wedding budget in order to give donations for Typhoon Sendong victims. They will also hand out some gifts to affected families, according to “Bandila.”

Shalani was elegantly stunning at the reception, wearing a gold sleeveless v-neck long gown by Inno Sotto, who also designed her traje de boda.

As for their wedding, Shalani had this to say: “I just want it simple lang, not too much details.”

Shalani also related to “Bandila” that aside from their current respective residences, she and Roman “want to have a house of our own both in Pasig and Valenzuela.”

She is grateful for all the support they have been receiving. In one of her earlier tweets this year, Shalani said, “for all the well wishes - thank you! May we all have a happy 2012! :).”

source: mb.com.ph