A CHALLENGE TO CREATE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT: ASI launches Technovation Challenge: Green I.T.!

Manila, Philippines -- Advance Solutions Inc. (ASI) one of the country’s premiere ICT solutionsprovider and distributor of world-class brands like HP, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Acer and Epson, islaunching the first ASI Technovation Challenge: Green I.T.!, following this year’s theme – Buildinga Better Environment.With numerous environmental issues facing the country, ASI believes that technology can helpsolve these issues. It is tapping the talents of college students to present proposals that will havea measureable and positive environmental impact -- yet simple, creative and viable to develop.Selected environmental project proposals will be progressed to the development of the actualprototype, using an open source device.

“We believe that there is an innovator in the best of us. And we would like to channel this drive tofinding solutions that will help build a better environment”, said Jefferson Plaza, ASI generalmanager.

The ASI Technovation Challenge is open to college undergraduate students from the same schoolrepresenting the colleges of computer science, computer engineering and information technology.Participants may opt to join individually or as a team of five members, and must submit thenecessary forms to qualify.The challenge comes with a huge reward for the winning team the presents the best proposal andcreates a viable prototype. The grand prize winner will win for themselves and their school, a totalof P100,000 cash and I.T. products. Four consolation prizes for the runners up – P25,000 foreach team.ASI Technovation Challenge will also give out Special Prizes like the “People’s Choice” Awardand the “Most Liked” Award – an online vote for the best prototype at Facebook.The main challenge comes in two phases. The first phase requires each team to submit a projectproposal following the theme and utilizing the open source kit as part of the prototype design.Five proposals will be chosen to progress based on the following criteria – environmental impact,creativity and originality, viability and team dynamics.The second phase requires the finalists to build their prototype using available resources. ASI willbe providing the open source kit, which must be part of the prototype.The prototype must comply with the standards indicated in the project proposal. To win, the teammust pass the following criteria – team’s presentation and demonstration, functional prototype,quality and excellence of build and project documentation.The finalists will be showcasing their prototypes during the 2012 COMDDAP Expo on November16 to 18 at World Trade Center in Pasay City.

According to Ms. Rowena Sanchez, vice president for Business Development of ASI, “There areno limits to the possible solutions we can get from the bright minds that will join this challenge.We hope that we can truly tap the boundless imagination and talent of our young participants.”The ASI Technovation Challenge is supported by COMDDAP (Computer Manufacturers,Distributors and Dealers Association of the Philippines).To get more details and to download forms, visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/asitechnovationor email at asitechnogreenit@gmail.com. Get regular updates by following the ASI TechnovationChallenge at Twitter.For more information about Advance Solutions Inc., its products and services, please call 524-7710 or visit www.advancesolutions.net.
*******About Advance Solutions Inc.Advance Solutions, Inc. (ASI) is one of the premiere ICT source provider engaged in sellingcutting edge and innovative products, services and solutions that enhance the productivity of itsclients. A wholly Filipino company founded in 1996 that belongs to the 2,000 corporations in thePhilippines.

Asian Ghost House at Manila Ocean Park

Since childhood, I've been fond of watching scary or horror movies. It terrifies me to the point that it invades my dreams. I don't know why  but no matter how scared I felt, I still like watching horror films. But it's different when it comes to horror booths or horror houses. I don't have the courage to enter into one. Just thinking of all the ghosts and other scary creatures (even though they're just people in scary costumes) running or coming after you makes all my hairs stand on end. Yikes!!

One afternoon at work I received an invite from Manila Ocean Park that they'll be having a media launch about their newest attraction, the "Asian Ghost House". I didn't feel scared or anything so I decided to go right away. I went with my blogger friend, Josephine Arce who also came from work.

Upon arriving, we weren't expecting the kind of media launch they prepared for us. We will all experience entering the Asian Ghost House. I felt just the teeniest bit of alarm and excitement as well. But as the minutes passed, after witnessing reactions of the people coming out of the ghost house, I admitted a chill run down my spine. I felt like I'm not ready for it. I. AM. SCARED. Too scared that Jo and I were unusually quiet while eating. Even without talking, I know both of us were trying to calm down and convince ourselves that we can do this. Haha

Then it was time to go inside.  Pulse racing like crazy and hearts beating fast, we met along the dark, eerie hallway a deranged lady with her infant child then a long-tongue ghost roaming around the corridors thirsty for blood. Ahhhh!! A Chinese vampire also scared us along with the Cheongsam ghost. Suddenly, you will hear a noise coming from the meat loving butcher. He looks totally scary covered with blood! At every corridor and every turn you will surely get a scary, terrifying surprise!

Photos below were courtesy of Jo Arce- vivajosephine.blogspot.com

What a thrilling night that gave us all an adrenaline rush! This is one helluva scary experience so invite your family and friends and experience it your own!

Spend your Halloween at Manila Ocean Park. Asian Ghost House is ready for occupancy starting October 4- all Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays of October 2012. For details please call 567-7777 or visit www.manilaoceanpark.com

The Wonders of WONDERBRA

There is no doubt that most women, if not all, loves having cleavage. It gives you the confidence because you know that you look good and attractive to others and makes the not-so-fortunate females jealous. It also gives you the form and curves that you feel like you're as sexy as Megan Fox.. or one of the Victoria's Secret models. Hey, it's not wrong to feel sizzlin' hot once in a while.

Because of this, push up bras have been an essential part of any lingerie collection. Like an angel sent from heaven... Tadah! There is Wonderbra!

Using technology and anatomy to create their designs, Wonderbra has been one of the go-to brands to women's lingerie needs. Owned by Hanesbrand Philippines Inc., it has been creating fashion sensations around the world and now it has finally made its last debut in the Philippines.

Wonderbra turned up the heat as fashion and beauty experts gathered for an intimately personal encounter with the Wonderbra brand through a sizzling fashion show last September 25, 2012 at the Prive Luxury Club.

Wonderbra's three degrees of Hotness:

First: 1 degree Hot

a Lightly-Lined Push-up bra with dainty embroidered lace overlay on the cup. The light padding forms a 

subtle enhancement that’s enough to create a spark. 

Second: 2 degree Hotter 

The 2º Hotter gives you maximum push-up that makes your chest look fuller and make you feel on fire. Known for its Statement Makers ®, this collection includes push-ups bras in bold colors and prints that are easy and fun to mix and match. 

The T-shirt Push-up Underwire Bra is the ideal T-shirt bra because it virtually disappears under thin fabrics. The Demi cups provide comfortable support while its graduated push-up pads enhance cleavage.
 

The Lace Racer Back Push-Up Bra has seamless cups and graduated padding for subtle cleavage boost. It also has front closure which makes it very easy to wear and its contrast straps gives off a flirty silhouette. 

Third: 3 degree Sizzlin'

The 3º Sizzlin’ adds up a size so you’ve got to flaunt what you’ve got. 

The Commitment-Phobe™ is a super-feminine strapless bra that has enough glam for any occasion. It’s a seamless cup bra outlined in delicate embroidery that accentuates curves but won’t show through under figure-hugging clothes.  

The 3 degrees of Hot™ can take any look from so-so to sizzlin’. The removable cookies provide customized cleavage from push-up to add-a-size. It also comes in straps that easily convert to criss-cross, halter and much more. 

So what are you waiting for? Drop by to the nearest stores and grab one now! :) 

 

Wonderbra's 3 degrees of hotness can now be purchased from the following stores:

SM Megamall, 

SM Mall of Asia 

SM North Edsa 

SM Makati

Robinsons Town Center Magnolia,

Robinsons Place Manila

Metro Gaisano Alabang

Metro Gaisano Market! Market!

Metro Gaisano Marquee Mall 

Landmark Trinoma.

GLOBALPOWER CORPORATION INTRODUCES COST EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLY HEATING AND COOLING SOLUTIONS

As business becomes even more competitive, the rules that govern successful companies have changed dramatically over the past 20 or 30 years. Today, companies not only have to contend with issues regarding cost and efficiency, but also face the challenges brought about by environmental concerns.

While technology is often key to having a competitive advantage, sometimes the best solution does not always rely on the most modern equipment but rather on decades-old discoveries that have been perfected over time.

One good example would be in the area of heating and air conditioning. As the issue of climate change becomes more urgent, innovation in air-conditioning has placed its emphasis on energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality and reducing its harmful impact on the environment.

For this reason, GlobalPower Corporation, brings to the country the products and expertise of Robur—one of the most trusted brands in the US and Europe that provides some of the most environmentally–friendly gas fired absorption heat pumps and chilling equipment available.

“Bringing the various products of Robur to the country is in-line with GlobalPower’s vision of providing environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and reasonably priced heating and cooling solutions to local business,” explained GlobalPower Corp President Jose Lagdameo.

"Robur is the first company in the world that designs and manufactures modular and air-cooled equipment for heating and air conditioning water systems, using direct fired absorption technology,” he added.

Among the pioneering equipment GlobalPower is set to introduce is its line of LPG or natural gas powered generators and chillers which could greatly benefit industrial, commercial, manufacturing and even residential users.

Gas absorption chiller was first used in the late 1920’s and uses a heat source to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling system. In 2004, absorption chiller again became a popular alternative to regular compressor refrigeration because it is less costly, very low maintenance and does not produce harmful substances to the environment unlike current generation air conditioners.

These cooling and refrigeration equipment can be utilized by food processing companies, breweries, or companies that make beverages or juices; it can also be used by offices and hotels as a more cost effective alternative for centralized air conditioning. Its heat generation capabilities can also be used by manufacturing companies, or commercial establishments which require hot water for sanitation and other uses.

He noted that Robur Systems has absolutely no Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), or Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) which deplete the Earths’s protective ozone layer and contribute to Green House Gas emissions.

“We are the only ones to offer modular units that use Ammonia, which is one of the most energy efficient refrigerants. This can bring electrical consumption down to as much as 70 percent, and result in savings from 30 to 50 percent on electricity,” Lagdameo pointed out

As  compared to  HCFC or R-22 which has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)and Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.05 and GWP of 1700, Ammonia (R-717) has an ODP and GWP of Zero.

Apart from its cost effectiveness, these equipment are also modularized making them fully customizable to the specific needs of each client and requires very little maintenance despite its 24/7 use.

So far, Lagdameo shared the response to this new alternative has been very positive, with a couple of businesses-- such as Hudges Industry (an industrial laundry) and Splash Corporation (beauty and health care products)--among the first to have the Robur Systems installed. 

“The right choice can make a difference, and we want to help local businesses make a choice that will benefit their company and the environment as well."

GlobalPower Corporation is the sole distributor of Robur products in the Philippines.

Some basic tips on How To Make Your Relationship Work

Two people enter in a relationship because they are in love. For most of us (yes, me included), romantic relationship is one of the most important ingredient in our lives. It makes us inspired and blissfully happy everyday. For some, it makes them feel complete. But most of the people does not have a healthy and loving relationship all the time. It is not something that is innate. We experience failed relationships now and then. A couple must make give effort in order for a relationship to work.

Just earlier, my former workmate En, tagged me on a post in Facebook about some basic tips that you must keep in mind for a relationship to work, whether your with a significant other now or entering a new one. So I decided to share them here on my blog.

Love yourself. The love your boyfriend or girlfriend gives you will never be a substitute for your own self-esteem. Love yourself, and others will find it easy to love you, too. Don’t undermine yourself or be overly critical. Being relaxed and fun will make both you and your partner the happiest you can be.

Trust your partner. A lack of trust will doom any and every relationship. Be on the lookout for controlling behavior, and learn to stop it before it starts. If something is bothering you, you need to be able to talk to your lover about it rather than let it eat away at you. Just don’t assume the worst every time you aren’t certain what is going on, and you’ll find that it probably was never the case anyway.

Think like a couple. If you and your significant other really want to spend the rest of your lives together, you need to be an effective team. Don’t be selfish, but also don’t make yourself miserable so that your lover will be happy. The two of you are in this together! Learn to think in ways that benefit you as a couple, rather than just one of you individually.

Listen always. Be open to what your partner says to you, even if it’s critical and even if you disagree initially. Try to gain flexibility and perspective in your life. There’s a difference between a knee-jerk response and a well-thought-out position, and your relationships will improve the more open you are!

Give them space. If your boyfriend or girlfriend likes to do something that you don’t enjoy, just spend that time away from them working on your own hobby. Smothering your partner with your presence will only drive them further away from you. Even though you’re in love, you can lead separate, adult lives.

Communicate! We’ve all heard this a million times from every piece of dating advice ever given, but the reason it’s still said so often is because it doesn’t always sink in. The crucial role that open communication plays in a relationship cannot possibly be overstated. Always be honest, even if the implications are painful. Your life will ultimately be happier because of it.

Be proactive. If your relationship has issues, the last thing you want to do is sit around and wait for somebody else to solve them. If you feel strongly that it is mostly your partner’s fault, then that is a problem in and of itself. If you want your partner to express affection to you, go and express affection to them first. The power is always in your hands to do something meaningful.


So there. I hope you find most of the tips helpful because for me it is. Thanks for reading! :)

The Peppery Asian Cuisine

Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to be invited by Ms. Joy Felizardo of GASTRONOMY by Joy to the opening of THE PEPPERY. My first thought was that maybe it would somewhat be similar to Pepper Lunch because... uhhh.. no particular reason actually. It's just that they sound alike! Hehe
But actually, The Peppery Asian Cuisine is a one-stop Asian restaurant located along Panay Ave. in Quezon City.

Upon entering, the restaurant has a relaxing ambiance and gives you that oriental vibe because of its interiors.

They also have this mini bar just beside the entrance.

Out of curiosity, I asked one of the co-owners the reason behind why they decided to call it "The Peppery". Her answer was simple. She told me that it's because "pepper" as we all know, is a basic ingredient to all Asian cuisines.It is also used as heat-adding spice in many dishes. 


Let me show you some of the dishes that they cater.

Com Chien: Vietnamese garlic and egg rice. I'm contented having just this without any viand.

 

 

Sarada Nippon: Japanese- inspired seafood and cucumber salad. 

Seafood balls and shrimp pancakes!

Yam Mamuang: Thai green mango salad with shrimps and red chili.

Kare- kareng Dagat: Philippine seafood and vegetable stew in peanut- anatto sauce

Sambal Ikan: whole deep-fried sambal tilapia, the Indonesian way.

Sarawaka: Malaysian Pork Spareribs

Pu Tong Hua Bian Chao Niu Rou: beef with mandarin oranges from China. Oh dear, that was a long name!

Daging Puteri Manis: Sweet Princess Beef from Malaysia

Chanh Va Toi Muc: Cambodian lemon and garlic squid

 

 But wait, there's more! Let's not forget the desserts.

A plate full of fruits creatively arranged that it made my mouth water just by looking at it.

Coconut Jello

Halo- halo Turon with caramel syrup!

Oh myyyyyyyyyyy... Just by looking at all these pictures makes me hungry again. I guarantee, they all taste good! I swear that that night, my taste buds were dancing with glee from all the different flavourful flavors! Haha

As I have mentioned earlier, The Peppery is your one stop- Asian restaurant because they cater almost every Asian dish! You need not go far. From Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Cambodian, Indian,Vietnamese, Thai, Singaporean, Indonesian, Japanese, and Malaysian. It's like if you and your barkada decided to dine-out and you wanted to go Korean while your friend wanted Chinese and the other wanted Indian... this is just your perfect place to go and they offer a whole lot more! Another great thing about this restaurant is the reasonable price of their foods. Almost every entree is less than Php400. :)

The Peppery Asian Cuisine is located at Ground Floor, Victoria Towers, Timog Ave. corner Panay Ave., Quezon City.

Dine-out with Alea at Maru

Upon hearing that Alea (a friend and much like a younger sister to me) came here for a month of vacation after 5 years of residing in the US, I immediately contacted her through Facebook and text message that we should meet up! We agreed to meet in Robinsons Place Manila after I got off from work.

It was a rainy Friday evening and as planned, we decided to have dinner while catching up in this Korean restaurant called MARU, just beside Arya.

Upon entering, the restaurant looks spacious (though it's not too big), clean and well-lit. There were tables with chairs and cushioned seats on the right side of the restaurant. On the left side is an elevated platform wherein you have to take off your shoes before taking a seat. Of course, we chose that area. On the tables were built-in burners where you could grill.

The waiters approached us to take our orders. I must say that they are very accommodating and friendly too, explaining to us every dish to help us easily pick our orders and especially because I have quite a number of questions since it was my first time to eat in a Korean resto. Considering that there's only the two of us, we opted for just two dishes. We ordered the non- marinated Beef strips (which I forgot the name) and the Japchae. For drinks I ordered a mango smoothie while Alea ordered soda.

Japchae

While waiting for our orders, they served us with cold water and soup. The soup tastes sort of bland and spicy at the same time, but surprisingly, I liked it. Then they served about 8 appetizers or starters (which is for free). There were Kimchi, tofu, veggies, green chili and others I'm not familiar with. They taste both spicy and sour though I did not try everything because some doesn't look too appealing for me! Haha When our orders came, the waiter started to  pre-heat the built-in burner and placed the beef strips to grill while Alea and I started with our almost endless chatter! Haha We only paused for a while when the waiter told us that the beef strips were ready. He cut it and separated the bones. I felt excited to eat! We first tried the Japchae. Japchae is a Korean dish made from transparent noodles, stir-fried in sesame oil with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, radish, onion, spinach and mushrooms. Mmmmm.... it tastes so good! My taste buds were dancing with glee! :) The noodles were very tasty and the stir-fried veggies adds to the flavor of the dish making it more delicious. As for the non-marinated beef strips, it tastes heavenly as well. The meat is very tender and oh-so delicioso! Sooo flavourful! Two thumbs up pati paa for this! You see, even though I don't know how to use chopsticks (and because I have no choice but to use it), I still ate a lot. :) They gave us a cup of rice too pero hindi na namin nagalaw. HahaDine

I was so glad that I had a good dining experience with my first try in a Korean restaurant thanks to Maru! With their great food plus very accommodating and friendly staff, I definitely recommend for you to try this restaurant. :)

**********
MARU Korean Restaurant 
L1 Alfresco Midtown Wing, Robinsons Place Manila