AVID MEMBERS HEADLINE ICON INNOVATION IN MOBILITY EXPO, APRIL 5-7, 2013!

        The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) once again convenes top minds from the government, business, and academe at the third Thought Leadership Forum (TLF) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dubbed ICON (Innovation Congress), this year’s TLF is a milestone for AVID with its powerhouse events--the ICON forum on April 5 and the Innovation in Mobility Expo, which runs April 5-7, 2013 at The ICON on 32^nd Avenue cor. 9^th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Admission to the Congress and Expo is free.

Themed “Action Towards Viable Innovation for Development,” ICON marries AVID’s core mission of fostering the development and growth of the Philippine automotive industry and the country’s economy, with DOST’s National Innovation Strategy.

ICON will serve as a platform for an exchange of ideas and advocacies among respected thought leaders and innovators on the importance of innovation as a way to prosper in an increasingly competitive global environment.

The ICON Forum will tackle global trends in innovation and current issues and policies that affect the automotive industry, with emphasis on competitiveness driven by innovative thinking. While the Innovation in Mobility Expo AVID translates the Forum’s innovation dialogues to actual innovation products and projects of AVID and the DOST.

“AVID member companies take pride in the innovation philosophies of the top world brands that we represent. Innovation has driven us to become formidable players in the automotive industry. We share with DOST the vision and commitment to foster and intensify a mindset for innovation that will boost our country’s ranking in the global competitiveness indexes, with the end of being recognized as a worthy player in the global business arena,” explained AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

“ICON will be a ‘delivery room’ for more innovation that will foster a shift toward a ‘smart’ society… of integrated systems that will bring about bigger improvements  in the areas of smart agriculture, health services, smart traffic management, energy, and meteorology and weather forecasting to name a few. Innovation is something we should encourage. It is the only way that we can transform our resources into something that would benefit the Filipino people,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo.

At the Expo, participating AVID member companies will showcase their vision of the future of smart mobility. Following are the models that will be on display:

BRITISH UNITEDAUTOMOBILES, INC. (BUAI)

MINI Paceman Sporting prowess and versatility define driving this urban piece of technology. It features dynamically stretched coupe lines and the hallmark MINI “go-kart feel” that teams up with the exclusive ambience of its versatile interiors. Its two doors, large tailgate, full-sized individual rear seats, and inimitable style shout crossover functionality.

CATS MOTORS, INC.

    Chrysler 300C, the new look of luxury. When it’s time to work, we roll up our sleeves and get dirty.  But we can also clean up nice. The Chrysler 300C’s  exterior has been totally reimagined with chiseled lines, a more aggressive stance, jeweled LED lights and, of course, the signature grilles. Hard work has never looked so beautiful.

Dodge Durango has the Power to Tow whatever moves you: Best-in-Class available V8 Power+ - up to 360 hp; Best-in-Class standard and available Towing - up to 7,400 lbs+; and Best-in-Class V6 highway Driving Range (over 550 miles).

JEEP Grand Cherokee the most awarded SUV ever

Mercedes Benz SLK-350 AMG Sport

The SLK Roadster heritage traces to history's first checkered flag. Its heart races at the mere thought of the open road. From the irrepressible passion of Mercedes-Benz engineering is design sculpted to slice through the wind and carve through corners, performance that says, “Let it all out. Take it all in,” and technology that is driven by ingenuity and fueled by imagination.

THE COVENANT CAR COMPANY, INC. (TCCI)

Chevrolet Colorado Built on nearly a century of Chevrolet trucking heritage, this pick-up is engineered with the best combination of power, durability, comfort, and economy in its class. Its new, state-of-the-art Duramax engine has undergone rigorous tests, under tough and varying engine loads in Africa, Asia, and North and South America. Plus, its strong and stiffer chassis gives better driving feel and handling on all terrains. It’s definitely the heavy-duty drive for the tough and adventurous driver.

Chevrolet Spark The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a small car with a massive attitude. Equipped with a dependable and fuel efficient 1.2 or 1.0 liter engine, it can zip through city traffic or zoom through an open highway. Despite its size, it has a spacious interior that can comfortably fit five adults. To accommodate flexible cargo loading requirements, the second-row seats are capable of folding to a 6:40 split ratio. Apart from its global quality standards built, the new Spark is designed to promote fun with its motorbike-inspired digital driver information center, dual cockpit layout, cool entertainment system, and improved exterior and interior details.

HYUNDAI ASIA RESOURCES, INC. (HARI)

Hyundai i-oniq concept car. The electric sports hatchback marries gentle feature lines with a muscular surface. Adding to the appealing body are doors that open up to the side; a “penthouse roof” that creates much room for rear passengers; impressive user-interface components that reflect contemporary and future consumer electronics; an innovative 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder gas engine that generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps) that is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor powered by a 55 kW generator. On electric mode alone, the i-oniq can travel 120 kilometers (km) and up to 700 km with the assistance on fuel petrol engine, emitting just 45 g/km of CO2. At top speed, the i-oniq can reach a maximum of 145 km/h.

Hyundai Azera makes a commanding presence with its 19-inch Alloy Wheels and 245/40 R19 tires. Up close, it’s even more impressive with its panoramic sunroof and power seats that feature extendable seat cushions. The Infinity Sound System promises an entertaining journey while the dual front, side and curtain airbags and driver knee airbag secures passengers from harm. Under the hood is an effortless flow of power coming from a Lambda-II 3.0L MPI engine. This is mated to an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai i40 boasts pure European pedigree, having been designed in Russelsheim, Germany. Part of its sleek, sporty look can be credited to 18-inch Alloy Wheels and 225/45 R18 tires. It runs on a U-II 1.7L CRDi VGT diesel engine mated to a more compact, smoother and quieter 6-speed A/T. From the inside, the twin-panel panoramic sunroof controls the amount of light that enters the cabin. The power tailgate of the i40 makes it convenient to fill up its spacious 553-L luggage compartment.

Hyundai All-new Santa Fe Inside and out, this mid-size luxury crossover cuts a rugged yet refined and luxurious presence. The turbocharged ReVGT 2.2-liter Diesel engine delivers an unbridled intensity of 197ps at 3,800 rpm, and one of the highest torques of 43 kg-m at 1,800-2,500 rpm in its class. Flawlessly mated with a 6-speed H-Matic transmission for outstanding fuel economy, it perfectly combines power and fuel efficiency. Safety-engineered features include the new High-Strength Steel Structure; a new Airbag System for the Premium 4WD A/T variant; Electronic Stability Program that employs the Hillstart Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and Brake Assist System; and the Electric Parking Brake with Auto Vehicle Hold that prevents the vehicle from accidentally rolling away when standing still or setting off.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is similar to its traditional counterpart except for the unique front grille and LED headlight accents with daytime running lights. It will definitely wow with its excellent fuel economy and powerful performance when on Electronic Vehicle Mode (EV mode). True to its earth-saving nature, it is equipped with ECO technology that monitors the driver’s green driving style.

United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI)

Foton Thunder FOTON exceeds customer expectations by introducing a high-performing vehicle, custom-made for pickup truck aficionados. Thunder boasts an array of safety and security features along with optimum power, first-class appearance, robust stance, and luxurious comfort. Its sizable cargo compartment allows more baggage space and its wide body offers added space and convenience for its drivers. 

Focus Ventures, Inc.

King Long Max Keeping in mind space and comfort, this light commercial vehicle is designed with an improved high-roof ceiling, a 2+1 seat arrangement, accessible back row, and increased luggage space that can accommodate up to 16 passengers and more baggage, sans crowding. The airy cabin design, robust power, entertainment features, and safety conveniences make the King Long Max a reliable road companion for families, especially for long drives.

Scandinavian Motors Corporation (SMC)

Volvo S60 Without trying too hard, this Scandinavian beauty deserves second glances, not just for its looks, but also for its street-smart programming. For example, at 31 mph or less, its City Safety detector automatically applies the brakes when it detects a stopped or slower-moving car, which is perfectly useful when you’re tired or frantically looking for something that you dropped while at the wheel.

Volvo XC60 The 2013 Volvo S60 T5 AWD features a best-in-class 250HP-turbocharged engine that excels in fuel efficiency at 29 mpg and acceleration with a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds. What’s more, its first-in-the-world Pedestrian Detection technology with full auto break keeps a watchful eye out for people or cars unexpectedly crossing its line of path.

For more information about ICON, contact the AVID Secretariat at +632 5191015; Mobile +63932 8524731; Email secretariat@avid-inc.com.ph. Or visit www.avid-inc.com.ph.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF VEHICLE IMPORTERS AND DISTRIBUTORS (AVID)

AVID is a private non-stock, non-profit business association founded in July 2010 in the Philippines. Its membership consists of leading players in the Philippine automotive industry that advocate for the effective management of diverse commercial, consumer, and legislative aspects that affect the industry and the overall economy. Established in response to the need to accelerate government and business initiatives towards improving industry competitiveness, AVID partners with industry experts from the government and private sectors to provide reasonable and objective information about free and fair competition and consumer welfare. This is how AVID assists policy makers in the crafting of a system of laws and regulations that will advance the competitiveness of the Philippines and all stakeholders concerned. 

Pythagoras and the Mystery of Numbers

Pythagoras and the Mystery of Numbers

Pythagoras

         Pythagoras was the first of the great teachers of ancient Greece. Born in 580 B.C., Pythagoras became one of the most well known philosopher and mathematician in history. Creating the Pythagorean Brotherhood, his teachings greatly influenced Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Pythagoras is considered as the first pure mathematician; he also founded a community/society based on religion and science. He is most widely known as the author of the Pythagorean Theorem. Some even venture to believe that the word “philosophy” was invented by Pythagoras. He claimed to be a lover of wisdom, for which the Greek word philo means love and Sophia means wisdom.

         The Teachings of Pythagoras revolved around the idea that when considering the deepest level, reality is essentially mathematical in nature. Pytahgoreans believed there was a system of principles existed behind numbers. The principles form a foundation for many concepts of traditional Western thought. One of his most basic notions revolves around the symbolism and beauty associated with the Divine Proportion.

         Pythagoras expressed his thoughts and ideas by using words and symbols rather than numbers as we know them today. Instead, his ideas were based on many thoughts that we associate with numbers today. For instance, a point is the essence of a circle. A series of symbolic forms were constructed to mirror the concepts of the universe. Using a compass, straightedge, and writing utensil, mathematical philosophers created these symbolic representations.

The Mystery of Numbers

         Of all shapes, the circle is the parent of all following shapes. When a circle is mirrored, two mirrors are created. These two circles side by side build a foundation for all numbers. The overlap of the circles allows each one to share the center of the other. This shaped created is called the vesica piscis (Latin for “fish’s bladder”). From this shape, a triangle, square, and pentagon can be produced. And the relationship between these figures justifies the existences of further number principles.

Vesica Piscis

         Believing that nothing exists without a center, mathematical philosophers started with a point and drew a circle around it. This symbol is called the monad and represents the number one. This figure is the most stable, and the mathematical philosophers also called it The First, The Essence, The Foundation, and Unity. Pythagoras believed the monad to be god and the good. The monad is origin of the One. The monad is the seed of a tree for which the numbers are to the monad as what the branches of a tree are to the see of a tree. The monad in relation to other numbers preserves the identity of every other number or anything it encounters. Any number multiplied by one is itself, and any number divided by one is itself.

         “The Pytahgoreans believed that nothing exists without a venter around which it revolves. The center is the source and it is beyond understanding, it is unknowable, but like a seed, the center will expand and will fulfill itself as a circle” (Hemenway 51).

Monad

         In order for ‘one to become many’, the circle (or one) must be transformed by a reflection. By contemplating itself, the circle is able to become many. It is replicated with each circle sharing the center of the other. The geometry of creating a line that connects the two center of the circles furthers the principles of all following numbers.

         The dyad involves the principles of “twoness” or “otherness”. Greek philosophers referred to the dyad as “audacity” because of the boldness of separation from the one, and “anguish” because there is still a sense of tension of a desire to return to oneness. They believed that the dyad divides and unites, repels and attracts, separates and returns. “Pythagoras held that one of the first principles, the monad, is god and the good, which is the origin of the One, and is itself intelligence; but the undefined dyad is a deity and the evil, surrounding which is the mass of matter” (Aet. 1. 7; Dox. 302). The dyad is the door between the One and the Many. Recall the symbolic figure of the vesica piscis. The vesica piscis is a passageway to the journey of spiritual self discovery. The notion of fertility is associated with its vulva shape, and is thus related to the passage of birth.

Dyad

         The triad represents the number three. It is the first born and the eldest number. The equilateral triangle serves as its geometric representation and is the first shape to emerge from the vesica piscis. The triangle contains the smallest area within the greater perimeter. The number three is the only number equal to the sum of the previous numbers. For instance, one plus two equals three. And three is also the only number whose sum also equals their product. Or, one plus two plus three equals one times two times three. The triad signifies prudence, wisdom, piety, friendship, peace, and harmony. The triangle represents balance and is a polygon of stability and strength.

Tetrad

         The triangle can be extended beyond the vesica piscis by extending the lines through the corners to the opposite sides of the circle. Connecting these new lines with horizontal lines creates a larger triangle. Extending lines to further fill the vesica piscis results in a ‘profound harmony’.

The next shape emerging from the vesica piscis is the tetrad. Using logic to construct the tetrad, philosophers drew a horizontal and vertical line connecting the centers and the intersecting points of the two circles. Then, when a circle is drawn along a line that connects the two centers, a perfect shape of a square exists within the circle. Four is associated with justice, wholeness and completion. There are four seasons, four ages of man, four directionsFour is the first number formed by addition and multiplication of equals. It is the first “female” number because it is the first even number.

Tetrad

The shape of the pentad follows as the symbol of life itself. The pentad consists of all previous numerical symbols: monad’s point, the dyad’s line, the triad’s surface, and the tetrad’s three dimensional volume. The pentad also refers to the well known five point star. The pentad arises in the existence of our five fingers, five toes, the symbol that wards off evil, and a symbol for power and immunity. Because of the importance of the pentad, the construction of the symbol was first kept secret from society. The pentad was used as a secret sign among the Pythagoreans for them to distinguish themselves and recognize other members.

Pentad

The pentad’s symbolism can be directly related to the Divine Proportion. And the regeneration of the pentad is related to the value of phi (Ф). The image of the pentad is found in nature in leaves and flowers. The Greeks believed each point of the pentad to represent an element: water, earth, air, fire, and idea. Early Christians used the pentad to represent the five wounds of Christ. The symbol, when the point is directed downwards, was later used as a sign for Satan and the Devil.

Regenerations of the Pentad

The decad represents the number ten. Instead of simple numeric and geometric interpretations, the decad further extends to the idea of a new beginning of limitlessness. Symbolizing both world and heaven, the decad helps us to understand the creation of the universe. The monad times the dyad times the pentad (one times two time five) results in the decad. Since any number times ten is similar to any number times one, it is similar to the monad; however, the number is brought to a higher level.

Decad

“Ten is the very nature of number. All Greeks and all barbarians alike count up to ten, and having reached ten revert again to the unity. And again, Pythagoras maintains, the power of the number 10 lies in the number 4, the tetrad. This is the reason: If one starts at the unit (1) and adds the successive number up to 4, one will make up the number 10 (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10). And if one exceeds the tetrad, one will exceed 10 too…. So that the number by the unit resides in the number 10, but potentially in the number 4.” (Aetius 1.3.8)

Conclusion

Early philosophers found harmony in numbers. The symbolism and beauty behind each number can be further extended to the essence of all following numbers. The mysteriousness behind the theories founded by Pythagoras and his followers is certainly deeply inspiring and symbolic.

For further reading:

“Divine Proportion: Ф (Phi) In Art, Nature, and Science” by Priya Hemenway.

Common Home Loan Mistakes Pinoys Make

By Mark B. Aragona for Yahoo

Buying a home is one of the most important and—because of the expenses involved—nerve-wracking experiences in the life of a typical Filipino family. Applying for a loan allows a family to get the house of their dreams without having to spend most of their lives saving up for it. That said, applying for a home loan is not something you want to rush. It takes planning, communication, and an awareness of these common home loan pitfalls:

1. Delaying your application. So you’ve picked the lot and the design of the house, and you’re ready to start paying for it. But you applied for the home loan too late—a costly mistake. 

Considering the amount of documentation, financial checks, and assessments bank take, home loans tend to be a tedious, well-drawn-out processes that take 1 to 2 months, depending on complexity. Potential borrowers should provide enough time for the application process or they might find themselves overrun by housing expenses (particularly construction-related) before their funds are released. 

2. Getting the lowest rate in the market and opting for a short-term re-pricing. Of course, your aim is to find the right rate that matches your cashflow, but sometimes borrowers gloss over the fine print with their loan interest rates and end up biting the bullet later. 

Usually, the lowest loan rates are offered only on a promotional basis (e.g. good for 1 year, then subject to re-pricing), and the borrower gets hit with the “real” rate later on. This is often the case when interest rates have been falling for some time. Banks can offer locked-in rates, but never as low as the short-term rate. Borrowers shouldn’t try to play the rates; instead, they should focus on maintaining a stable rate that their cashflow can accommodate.

3. Misdeclaring finances. Banks require all potential borrowers to fill up a financial questionnaire. Here, you would have to declare other loans, expenses, and all streams of income. The trouble happens when borrowers try to outsmart the bank by withholding or misdeclaring information in order to either to increase the loan amount they can qualify for or increase the likelihood of approval. This can be a costly mistake because banks will always check and verify information. 

Since banks also share information with other banks, they will eventually know your payment history and if you have a third credit card or an auto loan that you are paying for. This will draw out the loan process, as the bank will then have to recollect the correct information from you. Worse, this may cause the bank to question your integrity, and in some cases decline your home loan application altogether. 

4. Ignoring “miscellaneous” fees and title processes in buying homes. This is more a problem with buying a home rather than getting a loan—but borrowers often consider only the selling price of the house when budgeting and ignore the other fees that come along with purchasing a house, such as title transfer, taxes, etc. This leads to a problem similar to item 1, as non-payment of these fees will delay the loan process by preventing banks from placing a mortgage on the property, thus preventing the disbursement of the loan. 

Always consult your property agent, developer, or if need be, talk to a lawyer to ensure you are aware of the mortgage and titling processes in your city. 

5. Forgetting about insurance. Insurance is an integral part of the budget for borrowing. Bank mortgages require at least two kinds on the part of the borrower: fire insurance for the property itself, and a mortgage redemption insurance (MRI) for the borrower—all to cover the amount of the loan proceeds in the event of worst case scenarios. An MRI is basically a life insurance policy with the bank as the beneficiary, put in place in case of the borrower’s untimely death. Both types of insurance are needed to disburse the loan proceeds, and both have their own process. If you don’t apply for insurance on time, then you risk delaying your loan. 

6. Not negotiating. Within reason, everything is negotiable in buying homes and applying for home loans, particularly finances fees and closing costs. Negotiating important costs like the price of your house and your loan’s interest rate may save you a lot of money in the long run. Give it a try, and if it doesn’t work out to your liking, you always have the option to walk away.

Invitation for potential merchants: "Summer Lifestyle Trade Fair and Bazaar"

Invitation for potential merchants:

Good day! We at CBB Events are glad to inform you that our "Summer Lifestyle Trade Fair and Bazaar" is moved to May 23, 24, 25, 26 - 2013, with shopping  time from 11AM to 9PM at the same newest, classy, beautifully elegant venue: The Filinvest Tent. It is located at Filinvest City, Alabang.

The change of date is due to the request of our importer merchants because the great bulk of their new products is due to come from abroad by May.
On the part of exporters and online entrepreneurs, more new styles and creations are coming out on the month of May.

The shoppers are Class A and B from residents of high-end villages and corporate offices' staff from the surrounding area.

Booth prices for solo, full-panelled booths on all the 4-days occupancy are:

1.) P10,000 - 2sqm., 2 side open, with 3-meter panelled walls for hanging items display, horizontal wide area inside.

2.) P12,000 - 3sqm., 2 side open, with 3.5-meter panelled walls for hanging items display, bigger area inside booth.

3.) P15,000 - 4sqm., 1 side open, 2-meter frontage, with 6-meter panelled walls for hanging items display.

4.) P18,000 - 4sqm., prime center area, 2 side open, with 4-meter panelled walls for hanging items display.

Price range suits merchants' budgets that will lead to surprising big business income this May.

note:

1.) The P12,000 booths are from Booth No. 54 to 119 as well as Booth 15 to 22. They are located on the left side of the layout.

2.) The P15,000 booths are Booth Nos. 2 to 14, 40 to 48, 51 and 53 - all located on the first row in the layout near the entrance and exit.

3.) The P18,000 booths are all located in the prime center area from Booth No. 120 to 233, as well as Booth Nos. 23 to 39, 49, 52

4.) The P10,000 booths will be half of any of the vacant 4sqm. booths which will be divided into two by a 2 meter wall partition. The half booths will be treated as solo booths with 3 meter walls for hanging display.

5.) The panelled walls of the booths can also be used for tarpaulin promo display of corporations and companies.

6.) Product sampling and flyering are also allowed in your booths.

7.) Concessionaires who are paying for 2 booths or more are allowed time for seminars, fashion shows and product promotions on the stage for 1 hour on any one (1) day of the event.

For booth booking & participation and signing of the contract, please call CBB Events Secretary Ms. Kris de Guzman at 931-0852 / 861-0006 / 0919-6222498.

Thank you very much for your positive response in joining this charity event for a cause. "To God Be The Glory."

God Bless,

Ma. Concepcion P. Bersola Christine Babao
CBB Events CBB Events

Win Your Dream Wedding with Club Balai Isabel!

On April 20 to 21, 2013, Club Balai Isabel will hold its first bridal fair entitled, “The Wedding Caravan” organized by R & A Events Specialist by Ricci Ang, hosted by Vet Lauzon.

This grand event will be held at Club Balai Isabel, located on the romantic shores of Lake Taal in Barangay Talisay, Batangas City from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Wedding Caravan is designed for couples who desire a memorable and tailor-fit wedding. The event will showcase different wedding specialists and designers dedicated to making dream weddings happen.

This two-day event is packed with exciting activities and prizes to be given out to lucky couples. A series of bridal talks, makeovers and more will take place in this gathering. There shall also be a sumptuous food tasting by Juan Carlo the Caterer, a renowned catering service group. A fashion show highlighting the wedding collection of couture designers of the Fashion & Wedding Designers of the Philippines shall also be included in the line-up of events.

Club Balai Isabel will launch their first ever “Win a Dream Wedding” promo during the event. To join the contest, the couple must produce a three-minute creative video telling their love story and their idea of a dream wedding. The winning couple shall be entitled to a first-class Dream Wedding at Club Balai Isabel. The prize package will include a wedding gown by designer Joel Bautista, a special wedding cake by Hearts and Bells, photo and video coverage by Nice Print Photography, wedding invitations by Printrade Society Printers, photo souvenir by Smack Shot Photo Booth, catering by Juan Carlo the Caterer and other services by event partners such as Creations, Dragon Fireworks, Blessed Sacrament Flower Shop, and Ground Zero.

The Wedding Caravan this April at Club Balai Isabel shall be the befitting destination for couples, wedding enthusiasts and specialists taking part in the celebration of love and marriage.

For more information about Club Balai events and promos, you may call (02) 897-1740, (+63) 9258260323 or (+63) 9178402820 or e-mail weddings@balaiisabel.com. 

Visit here: www.balaiisabel.com.

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/clubbalaiisabel

Everyday Is Friday at T.G.I. Friday’s!

T.G.I. Friday’s Kicks off Summer with a New Bar Menu
Introduces Stars Behind the Bar and Red Card

T.G.I.Friday’s, the first American casual dining chain in the Philippines is celebrating a sizzling start to the summer with a new bar menu. The updated bar list includes a wide array of affordable drinks such as the Ultimate drinks, beer on tap at P60, local bottled beer at P75 and beer by the bucket for only P350. Cocktails will also be available starting from P125, and includes staples such as the Long Island Tea, Bahama Mama, Kamikaze, and 77 Sunset Strip. To cool down for the scorching summer, the Refillable Mojito is also continuing its run as one of bar’s most popular offerings, available everyday at only P295.

The new beverage menu features concoctions to fit every bar personality, whether you’re the life of the party or just winding after work. To entice patrons to let loose and enjoy the distinct T.G.I.Friday’s atmosphere, the T.G.I Friday’s Red Card will be available by first week of April, which is a passport for a buy-one, take-one on cocktails every Thursday. The cards will be distributed free of charge to dining guests. 

Adding to the excitement is the launch of the first leg of the Stars Behind the Bar tour, which includes a showcase of celebrity bartenders, free drinks, and a chance to learn basic flairs and cocktails.

The featured bartenders went through a rigorous round of auditions, with most being previous participants of the renowned Shake, Rattle, and Pour Bartending Championship, which will be on its 18th year in 2013. T.G.I.Friday’s is known for popularizing flair tending, and hosted the first known flair bartending competition in the US in 1985. Patrons are also known to flock the bar to watch bartenders dazzle with flips, flairs, and tricks before drinks are delivered with a personalized touch.

The T.G.I.Friday’s Stars Behind the Bar tour is in partnership with Stolichnaya Vodka. Catch the tour at the following dates and locations: Bonifacio High Street on March 21, April 11 and 25, and May 9; Glorietta on March 22, April 12 and 26, and May 10; Mall of Asia on April 4 and May 16; Eastwood on April 5 and May 17; TriNoma on April 14 and May 4; Malate on April 18 and May 23; Alabang Town Center on April 19 and May 24; Tomas Morato on May 2 and 30; Robinsons Galleria on May 3 and 31.

T.G.I.Friday’s is a Bistro Group restaurant, and its latest promo is part of the group-wide Taste the Love campaign.

T.G.I.Friday’s Stars Behind the Bar
Aldrin “The One” Javar T.G.I.Friday’s TriNoMa

Earning his keep while studying, Aldrin has been to different places, even working in a casual dining restaurant in Singapore. But when he heard about T.G.I.Friday’s, this TESDA bartending contest winner immediately came back 

home and tried his luck. Aldrin not only landed his dream job, he is also on his way to fulfilling his bartending dream.

If he were a drink, Aldrin says he would most probably be a “Rum Runner” because it represents his career and the 

journey he is yet to face—“An unexpected but exciting one, that is,” he says.

Genrev “The Revolution” Bacasno T.G.I.Friday’s Tomas Morato

GenRev “The Revolution” Bacasno was the champion in last year’s TGI Friday’s “Shake, Rattle and Pour Bartending 

Championship!” His excellent showmanship, bartending skills, sunny personality and impressive working flair catapulted him to the top and gave him the chance to represent Friday’s Philippines at the Asian Bartending Competition held in Melbourne, Australia last November where he placed 2nd runner up.

Gino “The Bomb” Simbillo T.G.I.Friday’s Marquee Mall, Pampanga

Gino, unlike other newbies, has already joined (and won) bartending competitions. He finds memorable a T.G.I.Friday’s-sponsored competition where he was declared champion, besting other student-contenders. 

He compares himself to the “Strawberry Mango Lemonade” because of its sweetness with a twist. “Like me, I put a twist in everything I do.”

Junjun “The Entertainer” Marcelo

T.G.I.Friday’s Malate

When it comes to bartending, JunJun knows how to entertain with winning flair-tending moves, impressive dance steps, funny facial expressions, and of course, the unique music he is known for. He has been handpicked by Department of Tourism to promote “It’s more fun in the Philippines” to countries like India and Dubai. If he were a drink, he would be “The Apple Mojito.” Junjun says, “Aside from being one of the popular drinks in T.G.I.Friday’s, you can taste the sweetness first but there’s a strong kick somewhere.” 

Michael “Unstoppable”Rabago T.G.I.Friday’s Glorietta

“I will not allow anybody stop me from achieving my goals,” Michael declares. Thus, this engineering graduate seized the opportunity to pursue his passion, bartending. He continues, “Every bartender in TGI Friday’s aspires to be the greatest; that’s why we compete – to challenge ourselves.” 

“I’m like the Ultimate June Bug. It’s a rich combination of flavors, a marvelous mix of all that is good. I push myself to the limit because I have only one goal: to be T.G.I.Friday’s greatest,” he declares.

Ronilo “The Showstopper” Bautista T.G.I.Friday’s Mall of Asia

The HRM graduate has dreamt about being a bartender at T.G.I.Friday’s since he was in college, inspired by the world-class bartenders that worked at the restaurant. To achieve the dream, he began competing while still in school, eventually winning competitions. He says, “Being asked to join T.G.I.Friday’s is where my journey begins to reach my dream – to be doing exactly what I love – bartending.”

http://fridays.com.ph/
www.facebook.com/welovefridays
@Fridaysphil

General’s Lechon - The Way Filipinos Take Pride In Its Own Tradition In The Culinary Scene!

       General’s Lechon started as a home-based lechon business ventured by couple Brian and Lynett Ong whose recipe originates from San Carlos City in Negros Occidental  that comes in different flavors namely Original, Curry, Garlic and Chili-Garlic.

The idea of a lechon business bloomed out of love for the owners, Bryan and Lynn.   With all the fascination of the people for our country’s beloved roast pig, it had somehow convinced them to bring a different take on lechon delectation in Manila.     In its truest form, a pig, removed of its innards, cleansed and put on a stake and roasted on smoldering spit-fire from charcoals, has always been the highlight of many feasts.   The superstar of any rural gatherings such as fiestas, which marks the way Filipinos take pride in its own tradition in the culinary scene.  

General’s Lechon is an inspiration paying homage to its ancestral beginning, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.   It is where Bryan Ong had her wife tried the best tasting lechon she had.  Though not a big fan of lechons, she fell in love with the local Negros-style lechon.  Since then she craved for it, and what can love not do, just to please his beloved.  After coming back to Manila, they had Bryan’s family lechonero come over and prepare lechon for them.   

It took them more than 50 different lechons to perfect the one the couple like.   Transforming their backyard in Paranaque, into a lechonan, made them more serious and closely knitted in making sure they give out their best products.  Sure, there are countless lechon marketers around but what set theirs apart is the quality of swine they use.  It should be native pigs only.    The lechon is subtly spiced and seasoned with lemongrass, salt and leeks, among other secret ingredients.

From what used to be a small home-business, since 2007, it is now one of the most loved lechon brand in the metro and ranked as the no. 1 lechon of  Spot.ph for 2012.   Foodies and lechon connoisseurs rave about their  lechons.  With four types of flavors filling up the lechons’ stomach, the Original, Chili-Garlic, Curry and Garlic, customers have more options to enjoy their lechon.  

How does a lechon make it to the list?  Aside from using native pigs from a swine farm just at the outskirt of Manila, science and engineering was applied to calculate and thus maintain the consistent  flavor that is said have the authenticity of a Negros-style lechon, and this is where Bryan Ong comes in.    Though cooked in old-fashioned style, they devised some formulas from the original procedure.    Just imagine how the pale pigs stuffed with Lynn’s mix of  herbs and spices fashionably hoisted on long bamboos and carefully cooked on charcoals from sustainable woods, turn to a brassy golden reddish brown skinned, while the stuffing permeates to the meat and the heat slowly burns the fat there is to the native pigs.  

With expansion on the top of their game, more products are now filling up their store shelves to give the utmost satisfaction in enjoying lechon in various ways from jarred Lechon Paksiw to Atchara.   Lynn also have put her hands in roast chickens, which  like their lechons are flavored.    “It is always advised that calls are to be made ahead, like a week to reserve at least one lechon for an event, for  regular customers know how to order because orders tend to pile up on our calendars.  We do respect each of our  clients specific needs for their lechon degustation,” said Bryan Ong.

With these in mind, a new joint was set to be open,  to stand as a pick up station for ordered lechons.    Strategically positioned at a gas station in Makati to give ease to customers getting their lechons or even buying by the kilos.    While making sure even a kilo of sliced lechon of your choice make it to your plate still palatable.   

General's Lechon will be opening their first branch this March 20, 2013 near Edsa-Pasay Road Makati  where people can buy their flavored lechon in kilos.

Store Address:  3 Guillermo St., Ramos Compound, Sun Valley Drive Parañaque City

Take-out Branch:  2nd floor of Petron Gas Station, Edsa corner Pasay Road, Makati City

For orders and delivery:  (632) 408- 6850 / (63) 917- 897 5966

For more information, visit their:

Website:   http://www.generals-lechon.com

Facebook:   http://facebook.com/generalslechon

Twitter Account: @generalslechon