The Great BDO Travel Sale May-June 2015

Planning for a vacation? The Great BDO Travel Sale will be offering discounted airline fares and travel packages:

Airline Partners
Cathay Pacific
Philippine Airlines
Emirates
Air China
Asiana Airlines
United Airlines
Jeju Air

Other Travel Partners
Rakso Travel
Pan Pacific Travel Corporation
Reli Tours
CNM Travel
House of Travel
International Journeys Inc.
Princess Cruises
Regent Cruises/ Oceania Cruises

The exclusive sale is available to BDO credit card, debit card, cash card, and rewards card members only. Don't forget to bring your valid passport and ID as it may be required when booking.

The Great BDO Travel Sale is happening on these dates:

  • May 29-31, 2015: SM City Cebu, Northwing Atrium from 10am to 7pm
  • June 5-7, 2015: SMX Convention Center at SM Aura Premier from 10am to 7pm


Planning for a vacation? The Great BDO Travel Sale will be offering discounted airline fares and travel packages: Airline Partners Cat...

True Value Private Sale for May 2015

Get up to 70% off on great selections and you may also get a chance to win exciting prizes and avail of exclusive treats in True Value Private Sale.

The Private Sale is happening on May 29, 2015 at True Value Upper Ground Floor, Alabang Town Center and is only available to Robinsons Rewards members and invited guests only. 



Get up to 70% off on great selections and you may also get a chance to win exciting prizes and avail of exclusive treats in True Value Pri...

Get a Lenovo A7000 + FREE Powerbank for only Php7,499

Looking for a budget phone that comes with really good specs? You might want to check out the latest smartphone from Lenovo that is going on sale on May 28, 2015.

The Lenovo A7000 features a 64-bit octa core processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM, 5.5" HD IPS screen display and Dolby Atmos technology giving you the perfect gaming and movie experience you've always wanted. It also boasts a 5MP front cam, 8MP rear cam, 4G LTE, and it also runs on dual SIM

The Lenovo A7000 is available at Lazada for only Php 7,499 on 12 noon of May 28, 2015. During the sale period, Lazada will be including FREE screen protector, back cover, and a Pineng 5000 mAh powerbank.

Click on the banner to get your new phone:


Here are the rest of the specs:

GENERAL FEATURES
BrandLenovo
Handset ColorBlack
FormBar
SIM SizeMicro SIM
Call FeaturesLoudspeaker
Touch ScreenYes, Capacitive
SIM TypeDual Sim, GSM + LTE, (Dual Standby)
Model IDPA030008IN
In the Box2 Pin Wall Charger, USB Cable, Battery, Handset, Headset
MULTIMEDIA
Sound Enhancement1 x Speakers, Dolby Atmos
Video PlayerYes , Supports MPEG4, 3GP, AVI, WebM
FMYes
Music PlayerYes, Supports MP3
CAMERA
FlashLED
Other Camera FeaturesAuto Focus, HDR, Guidelines, Geo-tagging, Triaxial Leveling, Auto Beautification, 5 Snap Modes for Easy Selfies
Rear CameraYes, 8 MP
Front Facing CameraYes, 5 MP
Video RecordingYes, 1280 x 720
INTERNET & CONNECTIVITY
Audio Jack3.5 mm
Preinstalled BrowserGoogle Chrome
BluetoothYes, v4
4GYes , TDD 2300MHz (Band 40), FDD 1800MHz (Band 3)
Navigation TechnologyA-GPS, with Google Maps
WifiYes, 802.11 b/g/n
Internet FeaturesEmail
EDGEYes
GPRSYes
TetheringWi-fi Hotspot
USB ConnectivityYes, micro USB, v2
3GYes, HSPA+
OTHER FEATURES
SensorsGame Rotation Sensor, Light Sensor, Orientation, Proximity Sensor, Gravitation Sensor, eCompass
Phone Book MemoryYes
SMS MemoryYes
Call MemoryYes
Important AppsVibe UI 2.0, Lenovo Shareit, Lenovo Syncit Apps
Additional FeaturesVibrator Mode, Secure Zone, Selfie beautification
SAR ValueAt the Head - 1.466 W/Kg, At the Body 1.114 W/Kg
DIMENSIONS
Weight140 g
Size76.2x152.6x7.99 mm
DISPLAY
ResolutionHD, 1280 x 720 Pixels
Other Display Features178 Degree Viewing Angles, 5-point Multi-touch, IPS Display
Color16 M
Size5.5 Inches
WARRANTY
Warranty Summary1 year manufacturer warranty for Phone and 6 months warranty for in the box accessories
BATTERY
Talk Time39 hrs (2G), 16 hrs (3G)
Standby Time264 hrs (2G), 264 hrs (3G)
Removable BatteryYes
TypeLi-Ion, 2900 mAh
MEMORY AND STORAGE
Expandable MemorymicroSD, upto 32 GB
Memory2 GB RAM, 8 GB ROM
Internal8
PLATFORM
Operating FreqGSM - 850, 900, 1800, 1900; UMTS - 2100; LTE (FDD) - Band 1, 3, 7, 20 (2600), LTE (TDD) - Band 40 (2300)
GraphicsARM Mali-760 MP2
OSAndroid v5 (Lollipop)
ProcessorMediaTek MT6752m 64-Bit 1.5GHz True8Core™

Looking for a budget phone that comes with really good specs? You might want to check out the latest smartphone from Lenovo that is going ...

Mr. Pizza: The Must-Try Korean Pizza is now in Manila!


I love pizza and with the newest pizza chain that just opened in town, I am really so excited to try out new flavors!

Last week, the number one pizza chain in Korea, Mr. Pizza, just opened their first store in the Philippines. As part of its launch, people from the press, bloggers, and everyone in Greenbelt were treated to an amazing pizza dough tossing exhibition by no other than the two-time champions in the World Pizza Games and a Guinness World Record holder for the most number of dough toss over the shoulder, Dream Team. I was really entertained as it is my first time to see a group combine pizza dough tossing with dancing. Check out how these boys showed off their skills in front of their fans in Manila:










THE PLACE

This 120-seater restaurant provides a cozy ambiance to everyone who's up for having good food and great bonding with friends. Strategically located at the center of the restaurant, you'll get to see your pizza being prepared. 



Second Floor. They also have a "function room" inside.
I also would like to commend the staff for being so courteous and knowledgeable. Since it's my first time, I had so many questions about their food and the staff patiently answered and explained everything pretty well. You can also ask them for recommendations 

THE FOOD

Bound by the 300% principle, Mr. Pizza promises to give a pizza that is 100% kneaded, 100% full-hearted topping, and 100% grill-baked. It is pretty obvious with the pizzas we got that night. While waiting for your order, you get to see how your pizza is kneaded and made right in front of you. 




They only have 2 available sizes for their pizzas: regular (8 slices) and large (10 slices). What I love about it is that you get to pick your own crust and they've got really interesting set of flavors to choose from: 

Original - regular pizza crust
Egg Tart -  milk + eggyolk
Cheddarella - combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella
Gold - sweet potato mousse on the inside, cheddar cheese on the outside
Cream Cheese
Mocha Bun - cream cheese on the inside, mocha bun on the outside
Cheese Cap - cheese-stuffed crust. Not available yet though :(

For my drink, I had the Hallabong Ade. It's a carbonated fruit juice with sweet and zesty taste of Korean tangerine. There are candy-like tangerine bits that tastes exactly like the orange chewy candy.

Hallabong Ade
Hallabong Ade
Now, let's get to the core. I love Korean food and it is my first time to try a Korean pizza. I've tried five (5) of their pizza flavors that night and each one tastes really good. It's different from the regular pizza we have probably because of the spices used and some of the ingredients that you can't find in any other pizzas.

Here are just SOME of the flavors you'll find in Mr. Pizza:

Mr. Pizza Shrimp Gold
Shrimp Gold with Cheddarella crust
The first pizza I tried: Shrimp Gold with Cheddarella crust. Though the staff recommended the Gold Crust, I tried it with Cheddarella because I just love cheese. It's a bit sweet and I love the generous serving of whole shrimps.

Mr. Pizza Secret Garden
Secret Garden with Gold crust
My second favorite. I didn't get the Gold crust at first because I just find it weird having sweet potato on my pizza crust. After having this, now I know why it is one of their bestsellers. I also love the spicyness of the chicken on top.

Mr. Pizza Vegetarian Pizza
Vegetarian Pizza with Original Crust
Hmmm...nothing unusual. It's just a mixture of fresh vegetables with mushrooms. Tastes like a regular pizza for me.

Mr. Pizza Sweety Pizza
Sweety Pizza
They don’t serve desserts that you can get from other restaurants but they offer something for substitute: the sweety pizza. It smells like a peach mango pie and the sweet potato topping adds a texture to this unusual pizza flavor. It also has fruits and almonds on top. I loved it but a slice is enough to satisfy my cravings because it's just too sweet for me.

Seafood Island 2 with Gold Crust
And because I just can't get enough of seafood and the sweet potato crust, I had to order this for takeout. It's a pizza overloaded with variety of seafood with crunchy coconut shrimps on the side. Yes, coconut! Weird but tastes really good!

There are some more pizza flavors to choose from. I just can't have everything in one sitting so maybe I'll try the rest some other time.

Here are the other food we tried:


Crab Carbonara
Crab Carbonara

Mr. Chicken (spicy)
Ms. Chicken (sweet)
Mozzarella Sticks

Mr. Pizza is located at the  Ground Floor of Greenbelt 3, just beside Seattle's Best Coffee.

Mr. Pizza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

I love pizza and with the newest pizza chain that just opened in town, I am really so excited to try out new flavors! Last week, the ...

20th Graphic Expo 2015


Are you a graphics designer? Photographer? Or just someone who's fond of creative works and would love to learn how it's done? If YES, then you shouldn't miss this year's Graphic Expo!

The 20th Graphic Expo 2015 is a gathering of the top suppliers and brands in the creative and printing industry. If you're into the same field, or actually any field of business, this is your chance to expand your contacts and get a chance to get great deals as there are hundreds of exhibitors that will be participating in the event. Just so you'll have an idea, here's a long list of industries /businesses you'll find in the event:


Photo taken during the 19th Graphic Expo 2014.
Photo credits: FMI
I am into graphics and when I found out about the event, I got really excited! Training courses are really expensive. Good thing the 20th Graphic Expo 2015 will be offering seminars that anyone, including non-designers, can take. For only Php 5,000, you get to attend two sessions of your choice a day. I have been watching video tutorials whenever I want to learn something but it's still different if you hear it straight from the experts. I have already enrolled in some of the classes because I can't just miss such big opportunity as this. Check out this list of topics that will be conducted in the entire event period and you might also find something that interests you:

DAY 1 - JUNE 4 2015 (THURSDAY)

AM SESSIONS (9:30-12:30)
  • The Next Generation Of Web Animation Using Adobe Edge Animate
  • Guerilla Graphic Design
  • DSLR And BlackMagic Cinema Camera Operation
  • Executing Viral Campaigns In Social Media For Creative Professionals
WHOLE DAY SESSIONS (9:30 - 5:00)
  • Learn Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 With Its Powerful New Tools
  • Creative And Editorial Design For Magazines And Newsletters
PM SESSIONS (2:00-5:00)

  • Powerful Web Design Without Code Using Adobe Muse
  • Advanced Illustrator Techniques
  • Effective Storytelling In Finalcut Pro X
  • Optimizing Your Mac Productivity Through Training On Troubleshooting, Enterprise Security
DAY 2 - JUNE 5, 2015 (FRIDAY)

AM SESSIONS (9:30-12:30)
    • Real World Secrets To Finishing Your Video With Final Cut Pro X
    • LMNTS (Elements) Of Design
    • Visual Communication 101: Graphic Design For Non-Designers
    • New Ideas For PreNup Photography
    • Converting Website Visits To Profitability
    WHOLE DAY SESSION (9:30 - 5:00)
      • Level Up Through iOS Application Development
      PM SESSIONS (2:00-5:00)

        • Adobe Photoshop CC 2015: Master Photoshop Layers & Composting
        • Producing Short And Simple Video Clips And Animation For Online Marketing
        • Successful Coffee Table Book Design: Case Studies On Award-Winning Book Designs
        • Glamour Wedding Portraiture – Masterclass
        • Going Pro In Wedding And Corporate Events Photography
        DAY 5 - JUNE 6, 2015 (SATURDAY)

        AM SESSIONS (9:30-12:30)
            • Adobe Photoshop CC 2015: Photo Restoration In Photoshop CC
            • Post Processing Workflow
            • Lightroom Workflow Strategies
            • Fast And Responsive Web Designs Using Adobe Edge Reflow
            • Street Photography
            • Documentary Photography
            PM SESSIONS (2:00-5:00)

                • Shooting For Stock Photography And Monetizing Digital Photos
                • Calibrating Your Digital Printer
                • Creative Video On Photoshop
                • Shooting Music Videos On A Budget
                • How To Do A Guerilla Street Prenup/Engagement Shoot
                • Apple Technology For Graphics And Creative Industries
                If you're interested to join any of the seminar topics, click here to find out more OR click here to register.

                The 20th Graphic Expo 2015 is happening on June 4-6, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Manila. See you there!

                -------------------------------



                My #GRAPHICEXPOrience


                It was my first time ever to attend the Graphic Expo. More than the exhibit, I got really excited with the seminars that I am attending this year especially that it is very relevant my with my day job.

                It was only during the event that I learned that the main target audience of the exhibit are the businesses and entrepreneurs. It is quite obvious as most of the products on display are printers and other related equipments. If you're into printing business or corporate giveaways/souvenirs, this event is the perfect avenue for you to expand your contacts and get the best deals for your business needs.












                The exhibitors were also given a chance to introduce their products and give tips to all the visitors of the expo.

                During the 3-day event, there were also seminars conducted by the experts in the graphics industry. This is what I was actually looking forward to. I love learning new stuff especially that it is very much related to what I do everyday. A lot of interesting topics were offered for only Php5,000/day. That's up to you if you want a whole day session or two different topics in a day.

                Here are the topics I took:

                Creative And Editorial Design For Magazines And Newsletters

                Mr. Jordan Santos, with quite a handful of experience in the field of publishing, shared to us how (almost) everything works in the industry. For someone who's been doing brochures and catalogs, I really learned a lot from his session. It may not be exactly what I am doing, but I was able to parallel the processes he discussed with my current setup at work. What I loved about his session is that he did some case studies, analyzed the working environment of every participant, identified problems and suggested solutions to have a more effective workflow.

                LMNTS (Elements) Of Design

                This course is more of a refresher for me. I am so into graphics that most of my knowledge about it came from different tutorials that I've watched and read online and by exploring different graphics software. What I loved about this course is that I learned the basics and the structure of design. Thanks to Mr. Tony Bucu of PCCI.

                Producing Short And Simple Video Clips And Animation For Online Marketing

                I've always wanted to learn video production and this course is just perfect for me. The last time I've seen and used Flash was during college and a lot had already changed since then. Also, I haven't tried Adobe Premier yet and this course just showed me how easy it is to do a video out of it. After Mr. Ronnie Millevo walked us through on video production, now I'm thinking of taking an in-depth training for both software.

                So, those are basically my take away from the event. This year's Graphic Expo was indeed a fun learning experience for me and I can't wait for the next!

                Thanks to Fiera de Manila Inc for this wonderful exporience!

                Are you a graphics designer? Photographer? Or just someone who's fond of creative works and would love to learn how it's done?...

                What you need to know about Lazada's Big App Sale




                Last May 19, 2015, Lazada PH invited friends from media on the launching of their upcoming event, the Big App Sale. If you are familiar with the Online Revolution, it is similar to that, but this time, it's happening exclusively through the Lazada Mobile app. The four-day event promises to bring the best mobile app-exclusive promotions across all product categories to consumers in the Southeast Asia. 

                Before the event starts, we got to experience purchasing an item through the app. We were asked to choose an item that we can purchase for only Php 1.00! Purchasing an item through the app is so easy. In just 3 easy steps, you'll be able to get the item you want. 


                During the event proper, Mr. Inanc Balci, Co-founder and CEO of Lazada, shared to everyone the exciting news that's gonna happen on May 21-24, 2015. We were given a preview of what Lazada has prepared for everyone. Of course, aside from the great discounts of up to 80% off on a wide range of items on sale, there are also other promotions that shoppers can avail:
                • Flash Sales everyday at 9am, 12pm, 6pm and 9pm
                • Additional discount vouchers
                • Crazy 99 Store with 100 deals priced at only Php 99 
                • All Globe prepaid, postpaid, TM and Tattoo customers get an exclusive 10% additional discount on all items on Sunday, May 24
                To further promote the event and encourage everyone to download the app, Lazada's mobile site will be temporarily replaced by this banner on May 21:


                Why is it exclusive on mobile devices you ask? Since Lazada launched the app on Android and iOS devices last January 2014, it has already reached over 11 million downloads to date and the Big App Sale is their way of thanking all who have been supporting the company. 

                Through mobile devices, shopping has been made so easy and very accessible to everyone that's always on-the-go. I was not a fan of online shopping before but when I tried it, Lazada has always been on top of my viewed sites. Difference with the traditional mall shopping? I don't have to travel to mall, walk for hours looking for my things to buy, and most especially, I don't have to stand for minutes and queue just to pay for my item. 

                How can I do online shopping when I don't have a credit card? Oh, that really isn't a problem with Lazada. They offer Cash On Delivery payment method and no need to pay extra for delivery because it is absolutely for FREE! 


                So, that's it for the Big App Sale! Make sure you have the app installed on your phone so you can take advantage of the best deals you can get online! If you don't have it yet, click or tap on the link below to download.

                Last May 19, 2015, Lazada PH invited friends from media on the launching of their upcoming event, the Big App Sale. If you are famili...

                The NAITAS Travel & Trade Show 2015





                The biggest travel sale is happening soon! 


                In partnership with the Department of Tourism, the NAITAS Travel & Trade Show will be featuring different airlines and travel agencies where you can get the best travel deals at up to 70% off

                Aside from booking travel packages, tour operators and travel agencies can also get an opportunity to expand their contacts and partnerships thru the B2B Travel Forum & Networking. 

                Part of the event proceeds will go to the improvement and promotion of our kalesas that is also being considered as one of the world-class tourist attractions in the historic city of Manila. 

                So, if you're planning of going on a vacay, you shouldn't miss this event happening on May 29-31, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center at Mall of Asia Complex. Entrance fee is Php60.

                Just so you'll have an idea on what's in store for everyone, here are some of the exhibitors participating in the event:

                AIRLINES:

                Airasia
                Cebu Pacific Air
                Philippine Airlines


                1. Strikers Travel Services
                2. Kara Travel & Tours
                3. Alveo
                4. Palawan Holidays Phils. Adventures Corp.
                5. Star Miles Travel & Tours
                6. Scenic View Resort
                7. Inland Tours
                8. Jlt Travel & Tours
                9. Orient Beach Boracay – Boracay
                10. Fox Travel/Bel-Air Bus Charter
                11. 2go Travel
                12. Asia Grandview Hotel
                13. Lifestyle Travel Concierge
                14. Palawan Ecology
                15. Sun Cruises Inc.
                16. Advil Travel
                17. Ride & Go Travel
                18. King James Travel & Tours
                19. Batanes Wakay
                20. Extreme Palawan
                21. Globe Telecom
                22. Phersyphony Travel & Tours
                23. Deep Forest Garden Hotel
                24. Mlg Travel & Tours
                25. Fontana
                26. Tagaytay Country Hotel
                27. Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
                28. Ph Island Travel And Tours
                29. Lucky 3 Tours
                30. Hsbc
                31. Local Gov't Of Taytay
                32. Brunies Café Grill
                33. Quiapo Manila
                34. Rio Grande De Laoag
                35. Polland Hopia
                36. Dmci
                37. Euro Towers International
                38. San Juan Resort
                39. Fort Wally Travel & Tours
                40. Golden Phoenix Hotels
                41. Bacolod 
                42. Cebu 
                43. Rcbc
                44. Croms Catering Services
                45. Via Phils.
                46. Resort's World
                47. Crown Plaza
                48. Mega World
                49. Heritage
                50. Crown Regency
                51. Club Villa Ana
                52. Island Cove
                53. Mt. Apo Travel & Tours
                54. N'joy Travel & Convention
                55. Sta. Lucia
                56. Bayview Park Hotel
                57. Fairways & Blue Water
                58. Grammi Tour Operator
                59. Living Italy
                60. Trajet Tours
                61. Zoomanity
                62. Manila Ocean Park
                63. Philippe Gadget
                64. Citibank
                65. Grolier International
                66. Manulife
                67. Enchanted Kingdom Inc.
                68. Blue Cross Insurance Inc.
                69. Provincial Tourism Of Albay
                70. Thrifty Philippines
                71. Shroff International Travel Care Inc.
                72. Travellersdeals.Com.Ph
                73. Pagcor
                74. Uni Orient
                75. Ambertronics Marketing
                76. Royal Caribbean/Arpan Air
                77. City Tourism Of Puerto Princesa
                78. Manila Hotel
                79. The Baron Travel
                80. Discovery Travel & Tourism
                81. Tourism Of Camiguin
                82. Ocean Adventure
                83. Provincial Tourism Of Quezon
                84. Journeys & More Global Tours
                85. Kyocera
                86. Pldt
                87. Edge Interlinks Corporation (Sketchers)
                88. Tourizz Global Dmc
                89. City Tourism Of Davao
                90. Tieza

                B2B- BUSINESS TO BUSINESS ( Exclusive For Travel Agents)

                Azalea Hotels & Residences
                Akqua Sun
                Howard Johnson Hotel
                Touriz Global Dmc
                Sunway Lost World Of Tanbun
                Uni-Orient
                Ptpb
                Asia Exotic Tours
                Tag Travel
                Living Italy
                Hippo Tours & Travel
                Magadh Travel & Tours Pvt Ltd
                Tech Focus
                Resorts World
                Edsa Shangri-La
                Davao Pearl Farm
                Crimson
                Holiday World Tours
                Mega World

                For more info, visit NAITAS Facebook Page.

                The biggest travel sale is happening soon!  In partnership with the Department of Tourism, the NAITAS Travel & Trade Sho...