TITLES

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

#LiveBrighter Session with "Apprentice Asia" winner Jonathan Yabut a must learn session for Millennials

"There's so much inspiration to be had in this Live Brighter Session, between Jonathan's and JP's stories. I'm sure that the bloggers who joined us in the venue and even those who tuned in via Facebook Live found motivation to continue pursuing their dreams and finding a purpose to serve. We hope that this also opens to them opportunities that they can enjoy if they become a financial advisor. It's a career that's definitely meaningful, and at the same time financially rewarding." ~Fin Bernardo, Sun Life Financial Advisor Recruitment Manager

Millennials (also known as Generation Y) are the demographic cohort following Generation X. There are no precise dates for when this cohort starts or ends; demographers and researchers typically use the early 1980's as starting birth years and the mid-1990's to early 2000's as ending birth years. Millennials, who are generally the children of baby boomers and older Gen Xers, are sometimes referred to as "Echo Boomers" due to a major surge in birth rates in the 1980's and 1990's. 

Jonathan Yabut, the first winner of the hit reality show "Apprentice Asia," graced Sun Life Financial's "Live Brighter Session," a gathering of bloggers and aspiring financial advisors, he shared how he rose from humble beginnings to become a successful businessman and an in-demand motivational speaker as well as aspiring of becoming a president in the future....

Sun Life's Financial Sessions always surprises me with their talks and inspirational speakers, since the first time i attended their event till now it lead me to understanding my financial status as well as my future financial stability together with my partner in life.

Mr. Yabut, talked about the work principles that has brought him to where he is right now, and also emphasized the importance of serving a social purpose which will keep improving his work. After winning the reality show hosted by Malaysian business mogul Tony Fernandes he had served as Chief of Staff for AirAsia for a year.

Now Mr. Yabut runs his very own JY Consultancy & Ventures, which operates in Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. He is also today's one of Asia's Leading Motivational Speakers from topics such as Leadership, Office Productivity and Workforce....


Well i was once a millennial during my days I am such an ambitious one i have more than 1 job and yes it was hard maybe because being the breadwinner makes me want to earn more for my family's sake. But when i reach my 30's i realized i am missing a lot... so much. Until now when i look back i realized i had missed a lot of points and lessons which made me realized its never too late to change some future plans and principles in my life.

Jonathan Yabut's Principles of formula
1. Success is when preparation meets opportunity.

2. You don’t need to say “YES” to every opportunity of success.
Success also requires saying, "NO".

"I am as proud of what we don't do, as I am with what we do. Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do." ~Steve Jobs
3. In order to stand out, you also need to “Stand Back”
Leadership is pullership not pushership.

4. The secret to success is out there: it's called, GRIT

5. The secret of success is out there: GRIT

Apart from Yabut, Sun Life Financial advisor Mr. JP Cruz also spoke, giving an inside look at his own career, as well as his personal journey. He spoke about how he reached rock bottom in both his finances and his love life, and what he did to overcome the struggle. Now a successful Sun Life advisor, Cruz interestingly stressed a thought to what Yabut emphasized: that is to have a deeper reason for the work one pursues. In his case, Cruz finds it by helping people achieve lifetime financial security.

Points to ponder during the Q&A portion from the speakers....

I am always looking forward of Sun Life next session, gaining knowledge and inspirations from different successful people who achieved their goals in life are worth following their footsteps to financial freedom. Catch "Live Brighter Session" in Cebu an Davao. For more details. follow @sunlifeph on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And if you're interested to become a financial advisor visit bitly.com/sunlifeadvisor to learn more.

Live a brighter life everyone
to have a brighter future!




Friday, May 26, 2017

GAOC S Maison Conrad launch

"We're proud to bring GAOC's brand of superior quality dental care to this part of Metro Manila, and at such a fine location. As with all our other branches, you can be assured of the best dental services available, from top-notch, internationally-trained dentists, and with state-of-the-art equipment - all housed in a clinic that can only be described as impressive." ~Dr. Steve Mark Gan, Founder of Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center or GAOC

Having a beautiful smile is indeed a charming in the eye. But of course comes with a beautiful teeth. But who will you entrust your precious teeth with? The question and answer has it all with GAOC.

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center opens latest branch at the exclusive S Maison, Conrad Manila at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. One of the best dental services, not just in the country, but in Southest Asia. 

The man behind GAOC is Dr. Steve Mark Gan.
Dr. Gan is one who never rest on his laurels. His insatiable drive to teach and learn often brings him abroad to attend and participate in dental conferences and symposia, time and again establishing the benchmark in the industry.

And leading the impressive roster of celebrities:
A whole galaxy of stars, no-less than the hottest names in the showbiz industry today, descended upon the premier lifestyle destination S Maison, Conrad Manila, as Dr. Steve Mark Gan, President and CEO of Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), welcomed distinguished guests and friends during the inauguration of his newest, state-of-the-art clinic.

GAOC have the most advanced equipment and facilities, as well as a professional, well-trained,  and caring of team of dentists. Complementing GAOC's team of experts are the most advanced diagnostic technology and dental equipment available. Its clinics and treatment facilities are sleek, immaculate, modern in look.

From its inception in 2001, GAOC has quickly earned the trust of top local showbiz personalities who turn to Dr. Gan and his team for their various dental needs. 

GAOC's other branches are located at:
  • The Medical Plaza, Makati
  • St. Luke's Medical Center Global City, Taguig
  • The Residences at Greenbelt, Makati
  • Trinoma Mall, Quezon City
  • Robinson's Magnolia, Quezon City
  • SM Seaside Cebu City
  • Asian Residences Condotel Civic Place Alabang


“It’s not just a smile, it’s a statement” 

Thursday, May 25, 2017

MANARA: Ayala Foundation’s Initiatives in Mindanao

“In an increasingly digital environment, art continues to be a powerful expression of today’s realities and an important medium to convey messages of enlightenment, ac-tion, and community. We see this interactive exhibit as an opportunity to promote awareness and further educate people about the rich and inspiring culture of Minda-nao communities and the significant role the Moro culture plays in our country’s history and heritage.” ~Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Foundation Co-Chairman 

Ayala Foundation launches interactive art installation celebrating Moro Art. Two acclaimed Filipino artists came together to celebrate Moro culture through Manāra, an interactive art installation at the Ayala Museum Plaza, which officially opened on May 3, 2017.

In many cultures, there are structures that soar tot he skies, perhaps symbolizing an acknowledgement of something higher and beyond mortality. These are human endeavors to reach the heavens and become closer to a creator, or a beacons of enlightenment among a community of believers.

TOYM IMAO
An internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor, Toym Imao has shown his works in the Philippines and abroad. His installation Last, Lost, Lust for Four Forgotten Episodes was the inaugural artwork featured in Ayala Museum’s OpenSpace in 2015. Toym received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of the Philippines, and a master of fine arts degree from the Rinehart School of Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. Toym is of Tausug descent. He currently teaches at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.

LILIANNA MANAHAN
Lilianna Manahan is an internationally recognized visual artist specializing in industrial design, interactive art, and installation art. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Lilianna also studied at Central Saint Martins in London, and trained under renowned designers in Europe and the Philippines, including the acclaimed Kenneth Cobonpue. Her artworks and furniture design have been showcased both here and abroad.

Manāra—the Arabic word for “minaret”—is the result of the creative collaboration be-tween internationally acclaimed sculptor and painter Toym Imao and industrial design-er and installation artist Lilianna Manahan. Structures like the minaret found surrounding mosques are the inspiration of this art installation. Manara is an Arabic word that means "lighthouse," where the term "Minaret" originates. These towers are used as a call to prayer and showcase the artistry of its builders. In this installation, the artists pay homage to the minaret, using it as a canvas to show a glimpse into Muslim Mindanao Culture.

Featuring 23 minarets and lanterns, the Manāra interactive art installation features Mo-ro textiles, wood and metal work, music, and indigenous patterns. Manāra is a project of Ayala Foundation.
 The most recognized motif connected with Muslim Mindanao culture is the Ukkil or Okir pattern. Its curvilinear form resembles elements of nature that dance along the surfaces of architectural structures, boats, furniture and art work.

The Mamandiang is traditional decoration used for celebrations. Sittie, an admired Muslim name that means "lady", is inspired by the Moro woman who weaves, sews, composes music, cooks, cleans, cares for children, serves her parents and the elderly, and supports her husband. She is equal, but not identical, to men. She transmits life through sacrifice and is the architect and sustainer of culture. She holds the innate power to design a society of authentic peace. This minaret celebrates the woman.

Whether in  Buri mats or textiles, the weaving of women in Muslim Mindanao is rich with artistry. Geometric and ornate patterns such as kabang buddi (diamond shaped designs), dawen-dawen (leaf pattern), and okir (flowing designs) are creative mastery connected to personal identity, spiritual commitment and self-awareness.

Crafted from brass, the gong is played for religious rituals, ceremonies and celebrations. It is also used as a form of communication, as in courtship. Prominent in Muslim Mindanao culture is the kulintang, a set of gongs used to play compositions embedded with meaning. Gongs are traditionally used to bring communities and people together.
 

 Hammered brass and wood carvings are recognizable features in Muslim Mindanao culture. Men create ornate designs on wood with pearl inlays and hammer brass into instruments, jewelry, weapons and embellishments. These age-old techniques have been passed down generations and are still practiced by craftsmen in present day.


Minaret, (Arabic: "beacon") in islamic religious architecture, the tower from which the faithful are called to prayer five times each day by a muezzin, or crier. Such a tower is always connected with a mosque and has one or more balconies or open galleries.

Employing the minaret from for the installation serves as visual metaphors for pillars or columns of the heavens.

The concept behind integrating the birdhouse motif for the installation is to allow the possibility of introducing southern architecture inspired by Islamic design sensibilities of particular cultures. This will also give the installation components a sense of "living" vices, something that is inhabited and alive.

Traditionally, minarets served as lighthouses, providing light to people and vessels that needed to find their way. Minarets, which are also important architectural features of mosques, are also where calls to prayer are made.

Similarly, the Manāra art installation hopes to shed light on the richness and diversity of Moro culture, and in the process inspire a deeper understanding of Muslim Filipinos. At the same time, the interactive art installation serves as a call for unity—for Filipinos, even though they come from diverse backgrounds, to become more open to dialogue and cooperation.
“The spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and creativity shown in Manāra is the exact same spirit that we live by at Ayala Foundation. Through our various initiatives in education, youth leadership, sustainable livelihood, and arts and culture, we make sure that we are aligned with the needs of our stake-holders, and focus on programs that make an impact in the lives of the people we serve, which include our conglomerate, our communities, and the rest of the country.” ~Ruel Maranan, President of Ayala Foundation
For over 50 years, Ayala Foundation has been implementing community development initiatives in Mindanao. One of the foundation’s first projects was the Sumilao Cattle Research Project at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro in the 1960s. At present, the foundation has been nurturing its partnership with the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao for its youth leadership program Leadership Communities, and its education program Training Institute.

Ayala Foundation’s Initiatives in Mindanao
As the social development arm of the Ayala group, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino.

Founded in 1961 as Filipinas Foundation, the foundation’s first program was, in fact, implemented in Mindanao: the Sumilao Cattle Research Project, which sought to upgrade the quality of livestock in Bukidnon.

In the 1970s the foundation also undertook several studies on Muslim Mindanao, looking at migration patterns, culture, public policy, and economic opportunities. Projects in Mindanao continued in the 1980s and 1990s, until Filipinas Foundation was renamed Ayala Foundation in 1990, signaling the Ayala group’s renewed commitment to improving lives and contributing to national development.

Ayala Foundation’s operations in Mindanao are based in Cagayan de Oro City.

At present, Ayala Foundation’s initiatives in Mindanao focus on two program areas—youth leadership and education, the bulk of which are done in partnership with the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

  • Leadership Communities, a program which strengthens the leadership potential of community-based youth as they identify urgent challenges faced by their own communities, and to conceptualize and implement projects to address these challenges. LeadCom has reached the youth in Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. 
  • Basilan Young Leaders Program-LeadCom, where 28 young Muslim leaders underwent an immersion and exposure programs, enabling them to appreciate best practices in health, education, livelihood, peace and synergy in key cities around the country. This was done in partnership with RG Mujiv Hataman and the ARMM and the Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines (EFAP). These 28 young leaders either partnered with each other or put up their own groups to implement projects. These resulted in 10 youth projects that had 628 direct beneficiaries benefited through the efforts of youth leaders; 167 youth volunteers all over Basilan were involved in the implementation of the projects
  • Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program-LeadCom was initiated to build on the success of the Basilan Young Leaders Program, this time reaching out to the entire ARMM. Ongoing is the project conceptualization phase, where 35 Bangsamoro youth are participating.
  • Training Institute is a teacher training program focusing on four major elements, namely classroom pedagogy, development of critical thinking skills, values clarification and use of technology in the classroom. Ongoing are two-year training sessions in both Lamitan and Lantawan in Basilan where 41 teachers and school heads learn new techniques in improving the classroom experience. In Cagayan de Oro, AFI has trained 64 teachers, most of whom will also become trainers for TI initiatives in other parts of Mindanao.
  • Global Filipino Schools, a partnership program between Ayala Foundation, Globe Telecom, Mitsubishi, and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, provides internet connectivity and teacher training in the use of technology in the classroom. GFS reached 2,710 pupils and 62 teachers from Fr. Masterson Elementary School and Indahag Elementary School, both in Cagayan de Oro. 
  • The Siyapen Drug Rehabilitation Center is a partnership project with the City Government of Marawi, and hopes to provide a community-based approach to drug rehabilitation. It will be opened in 2017.

This installation represents two artists from different backgrounds - one who was nurtured by Islamic traditions and the richness of the Moro culture of Mindanao, and the other bred by Christianity and modern design. They find common ground in addressing the issue of differences and conflict, and how a confluence of ideas borne from different perspectives can lead to unity amidst diversity.

Guests are welcome to explore and interact with Manāra at the Ayala Museum Plaza from May 3 to May 30. The installation will then be brought to key sites in Visayas and Mindanao later this year. Ayala Foundation has also partnered with the City Government of Marawi for the com-munity-based Siyapen Drug Rehabilitation Center, which was started earlier this year.

BOOMPODS Music Anywhere, Everywhere!

Music - Anywhere – Everywhere

What just started of as a fun project with one speaker way back in 2012 today it has it has reached the complete line of electronic gadgets and accessories...

BOOMPODS started as DT Design, which was established a homeware design and manufacturing business working with major UK and International Retail brands. Boompods was Launched in 2012 with a vision of uniting visually appealing homeware design with product innovation and a love of the outdoors. Boompods now has its headquarters in UK, and operations in Hong Kong and China.

Here are the new Boompods products:

ROCKPOD

 Rokpod Demo

FUSION

Boompods ultimate speaker. Fusion’s design combines style and function to outperform, outlast anywhere you choose. Fusion is a mix of two worlds, its stylish enough to fit in any home or work environment and can be thrown into a bag ready for your next big adventure! Whether that’s a city break, a week on the beach or an exciting wilderness adventure, Fusion can handle it. Long battery life, Fusion Boompods ultimate speaker. Fusion’s design combines style and function to outperform, outlast anywhere you choose.

Fusion is a mix of two worlds, its stylish enough to fit in any home or work environment and can be thrown into a bag ready for your next big adventure! Whether that’s a city break, a week on the beach or an exciting wilderness adventure, Fusion can handle it. Long battery life, IPX6 rated waterproof the speaker can be fully submerged underwater, it’s also shock proof to take life’s knocks. A massive 10 watts of power is big enough for any room but if you want more you can pair two together to get true stereo sound for a party TURN UP THE BOOM!

Being based in the England we know a lot about bad weather and love testing everything we do in the worst of it, either on a bike, swimming in the sea or escaping to the countryside.

DOUBLE BLASTER 2

Re-designed from the ground up, Doubleblaster has been working out! Shhhh mode is smart! Place your hand over the speaker for silence, remove for an acoustic treat capable of shaking your desk.. A new 7watt speaker and chamber channels sound to a Boompods specially developed sub-woofer. Finger recognition on the touch bar controls volume, skip tracks or take calls. Wrapped in a tough IPX6 shell to protect from everyday knocks and spills.
WIRELESS RETROBUDS
Your everyday buddy… Compact, tangle free design for easy use and storage on the go. Uncompromised sound, Boompods sound isolating ear tips are held securely in place with Boompods uniquely designed integral adjustable cable. Boompods trademark 3D control ensures quick and easy access to volume, track and answering calls with inbuilt microphone.

HUSH

Simplicity by design, durability and style allows the user not think about how to use their device and simply GO!

Rugged, well thought design, colour and tactile quality makes Boompods a clearly recognisable brand, easily distinguishable from our competitors.

Extensive product range provides something for everyone to incorporate into daily and active lives. 
The “Pod” - Design out of the ordinary. 

music - anywhere – everywhere