St Patrick's Day returns to Ireland after 2-year hiatus

Hundreds of thousands of Irish and international visitors were to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland on Thursday after a two-year pause in festivities due to the coronavirus.

Events celebrating Ireland's patron saint were some of the first to be called off in 2020 as mass gatherings were shelved, pubs closed and international travel stopped.

But restrictions have been lifted, and organizers are billing this year's celebrations as a symbol of the country's return after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coordinators have promised the centerpiece parade through the streets of central Dublin on Thursday will be bigger and better than ever.

Interim director of the St. Patrick's Festival Anna McGowan said this year's event -- boosted by extra city and government funding -- would be "Ireland's reopening moment."

The specter of fresh COVID measures has hung over events in Dublin, which in normal times would take 18 months to organize.

While planning had been going on in the background, it was only in January that the government announced they expected the parade to go ahead.

"Suddenly, it was like someone just lit a fire under all of us," McGowan told AFP. "It has been just one of the most intense planning periods I think this festival has ever seen."

Ukraine tribute

Up to 400,000 attendees and 3,000 participants are expected at the parade, with 250 contractors involved in preparing the route and erecting stages. 

Along the parade route, which is normally swathed almost entirely in green, the Dublin City Council has placed 100 lamp-post banners in the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine.

On bridges over the River Liffey in the city's beating heart, the Ukrainian national flag will replace the Irish tricolor in some places.

Festival-goers are being urged to bring items like Ukrainian flags to show their solidarity following Russia's invasion of the country.

Parts of the parade will also reflect on the war, organizers said.

At The Temple Bar pub, which shares its name with the busy area that contains many of Dublin's most famous watering holes, staff were bracing for the busiest day of the year.

Barman Andrew Roche said that with pubs closed until midday, people would be "loaded up" outside waiting to come in after the parade.

"As soon as the doors open, there's just a flood of people and just a great atmosphere," he said, explaining the crowds would be "mayhem" and "electric."

Beer 

Roche, who had only been working months at the pub when it opened for the last St. Patrick's Day, said he expected "the biggest Paddy's day in a long time."

Preparations were being made to make sure the pub "was as efficient as possible," he added.

On the day, "there's never a moment where there aren't five taps pouring beer and there's constantly beer going out and money coming in," he said.

St Patrick's Day is typically celebrated in cities across the world, led by the Irish diaspora and expatriates.

Dublin Airport has said it expects 800,000 passengers to travel through in the 12-day St Patrick's Day period from March 12 to March 24.

Kenneth Will, director of the Pride of Dayton Marching Band, traveled to the Irish capital with 130 student band members from the University of Dayton in the US state of Ohio.

Along with taking in Ireland's tourist sites, the group will be performing in the parade after having to cancel in 2020.

"To come over... and perform in front of the thousands of people here in Dublin is really special to this group, and I know that they're really excited," he said.

Irish culture is predominant in the United States, Will said, referring to the millions of people in the country who identify as being of Irish ancestry.

"Whether it's your ancestors or whether it's our basic foundation of the university, there are ties everywhere," he said.

Agence France-Presse

A match made in dating app

A man and a woman pose for a photo at a "Pray and swipe right" event organized by online dating app Tinder, with a photo booth where people can take profile pictures for their new accounts and free offering sets at the Trimurti shrine on Valentine's Day in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday. The Trimurti Shrine is believed to bring love to those who worship before it. 

-reuters

Chrissy Teigen fronts People magazine's 'Beautiful' issue

LOS ANGELES — Former model Chrissy Teigen was revealed as the cover star of People magazine’s “Beautiful” annual issue on Wednesday, sharing that she’d long put her calorie counting days behind her.

Teigen, 35, said her definition of beauty has also changed since she became a mother to children Luna, 4, and Miles, 2.

“It’s really, really nice to be able to come to an age where I can appreciate every little scar and see my body as something that’s done incredible, miraculous things. The difference is these two beautiful, wonderful babies, and these scars are the things I’ve been through,” Teigen told People magazine.

Teigen is married to singer-songwriter John Legend, who in 2019 was named People’s sexiest man alive.

A cook book author, Teigen told People she has had “ups and downs” with dieting over the years but was no longer as strict with herself as she had been when she was a swimsuit model.

“At this point, if it’s going to make me happy and make me feel good, then I indulge in it. I’ve spent way too many years counting calories and scheduling way too many workouts and trying to figure out what ‘wellness’ meant to me,” she said.

Teigen last week she announced she was quitting Twitter, where she had been a prolific poster, saying the social media platform “no longer serves me as positively as it serves me negatively.” She kept her Instagram account.

People magazine in 2018 changed the title of its annual special issue from the “Most Beautiful” to simply “Beautiful.” Other men and women to have made the front cover include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong’o and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The special double issue hits newsstands on Friday.

Reporting by Jill Serjeant; editing by Jane Wardell

-reuters

HOW TO SET FINANCIAL GOALS FOR 2020

We are almost through the first month of 2020, and I’m betting you’ve put your money aside while you recovered from the holidays and settled into the new year. But it’s time to start thinking money, so let’s talk about how to set financial goals for 2020.

SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS

Setting financial goals is incredibly important.

Without financial goals, you don’t really know where you’re going, how much money you’ll need and where that money is coming from. You’re essentially driving into the future with no money roadmap.

So, let’s make that roadmap. Let’s set some great financial goals so that you can:

Achieve your goals
Reduce your debt
Up your savings game
And, most importantly, work towards financial freedom.

HOW TO SET FINANCIAL GOALS FOR 2020

FIGURE OUT WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR FINANCIAL DECISIONS

If you read anything by Simon Sinek, you know that knowing your “why” is imperative to success in life and business. And money is no exception.

You can have all the grand financial plans you want to, but if they have no substance behind them—if there’s no “why” then you’ll be unlike to achieve them.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE

When you set financial goals for 2020, you need to think about your future. Not your right now but what happens down the line. For those goals to meet your needs you need to figure out where you’re going and how much money you’ll need.

So, where do you see yourself in one year? How about 2? 5? 10? There’s no wrong answer, but you do need to know what it’s going to be.


SET SOME GOALS

If you know where you’re headed and how much you’re going to cost, you need to set some goals that are related to how you’re going to make your future happen.

Make sure that your goals are meaningful to you, the need to be related to your “why.”  They also need to be goals that you can actually achieve (aim high but not too high) and you need to be able to measure them to know if they’re working or not.

FACE YOUR DEBT

Debt reduction should be one of your top goals, mostly because when it comes down to achieving financial goals your debit is one of the biggest things that stands in your way. You need to aim to reduce debt so that you can pursue other goals.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CREDIT

Your credit score matters, and you don’t have to be afraid of it. If you want to set financial goals for 2020 and be successful, one of those should be getting in touch with your credit and working to improve it.

CREATE A BUDGET

Finally, when it comes time to set financial goals for 2020, you want to put it all together in a fancy little budget. Budgets don’t have to be complex and you don’t need them to be robust enough to pass a board inspection. Go for simple, achievable and do what works for you!

everybodylovesyourmoney.com

Applying for insurance through postpaid plan – Here’s what we think

MANILA, Philippines — Say it’s been an auspicious year and you receive a mid-year bonus. Immediately your hands itch at the notion of tapping “checkout” from your favorite online shopping app, or you make haste to the nearest mall, having mentally readied your wish list, just in time for a mid-year sale.

A new pair of kicks to satisfy your sneakerhead obsession? That new gaming console—on sale, plus freebies? Or maybe, a new set of wardrobe to complement your style?

The struggle is all the more real. But something makes you stop and think.


As a young working Filipino, you are reminded of your priorities, like providing for the family, or fulfilling more important personal needs. One of which, as you’ve ubiquitously heard time and time again, is getting insurance.

However, you still end up having reservations regarding requirements and hefty costs.

Worry no more, this we can say with confidence. We found the answer in BIMA, the newest player in microinsurance, which Philstar.com had the experience of understanding firsthand.

A safe and trusted Swedish insurance company, we learned that BIMA is now in the Philippines to offer affordable insurance tailored for the needs of young Filipino professionals.

Of its current offerings, we highly recommend the Bundle Insurance Protection product that comes with P360,000 Personal Accident Protection and P40,000 Life Protection. Available for a minimum premium of only P300 a month, it can easily be added on-top of your monthly bills and expenses.


Another exciting thing about BIMA is that one can apply—more like subscribe—to its offerings via a postpaid plan, which this author tried.

Without the need to meet with traditional insurance agents, BIMA really understands its young target market who are always busy and on the go.

Easy, no-fuss processing

Based on our experience, here’s what you’ll simply need to do:

First, submit your postpaid mobile number to their website and get in touch with a BIMA representative. What’s great is that there are no health checks nor paperwork required, all that’s needed is an eligible postpaid mobile account.

Then, the representative calls your mobile phone. After confirming submission of the postpaid mobile number, the representative proceeds to ask for basic information such as name, date of birth, location (no need for full address, just the city or province will do), and one choice of beneficiary.

After this, the representative guides you in activating the insurance policy by sending a text message to BIMA (Key in “BIMA300” and send to 2462). Within moments, you will receive the confirmation message.

Once the representative has ascertained receipt of the confirmation message, a digital copy of your BIMA Policy Card is sent to your email summarizing the details of the insurance policy, which simply means you’re all set!

Do note that BIMA’s insurance offers are only available to subscribers of Smart Communications, but will soon become available to other telco subscribers such as Sun Cellular and Globe Telecom.

Benefits that we loved

Aside from ease and convenience, we also discovered BIMA’s slew of benefits. With an affordable monthly premium to pay on a rolling basis, you instantly get a coverage of up to P400,000 on your BIMA Insurance.

Much like traditional insurance, it sufficiently covers death or permanent disability due to accident, illness and natural causes.

What’s even better is that on top of the bundled insurance coverage, BIMA is offering a limited-time free P100,000 coverage on the first month.

You can all the more rest easy knowing that you get proper security and insurance for you and your family, especially since you’re basically paying only P10 a day for protection.

There’s one last thing that we loved with BIMA. Since your postpaid is subscribed to the insurance plan, your monthly payment will be charged to your account. This takes off the burden of going to payment centers or banks just to settle your monthly premium.

Additionally, BIMA’s insurance products are renewable monthly. It is a month-to-month basis insurance that you can quit anytime, if you so choose. All you have to do is key in “BIMA300 OFF” and send to 2462.

Processing of claims too is fast and simple, with only 10 working days of claim approval after validation.

So why choose BIMA?

With the emergence of affordable insurance, no one can be without a safe place to land their feet in dire situations.

Given its affordability, ease and benefits, BIMA is a strong microinsurance that’s apt for Filipinos looking for no-nonsense protection. It certainly lives up to its purpose of “protecting the future of every family” wherever they may be.

source: philstar.com

Bella Hadid scientifically found to be 'world's most beautiful woman'

MANILA, Philippines — American model Bella Hadid’s face has been found to have a near-perfect 94 percent match to the ancient Greeks’ Golden Ratio of Beauty, according to cosmetic surgeon Julian De Silva of the London-based Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery.

De Silva applied the “Beauty Phi” equation to faces of modern celebrities using digital facial mapping technology. Bella’s results beat other big names in Hollywood like Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Cara Delevingne.

"Bella Hadid was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection," De Silva told the media in a report published by English news site Newshub.

"She had the highest overall reading for her chin which, with a score of 99.7 percent, is only 0.3 percent away from being the perfect shape."

Apart from having good genes, what is Bella's secrets to being the world's most beautiful woman, according to science?


In a Vogue makeup tutorial, Bella has shared some practical tips on how to look like a million bucks and feel like you’re worth every cent.

Dark circles and a pale complexion are never a match for makeup, the most beautiful women showed in a video tutorial through Vogue. But since a busy, jet-lagged Bella with no proper rest for two months straight still trumps most of us on our best days – hydrated and with complete sleep – the results will still most likely vary.

“Imperfections are still beautiful, right?” the supermodel assures in the video.

Bella’s makeup routine involves concealer, a contour stick, a highlighter, a brow pencil, a lash primer, mascara, eyeshadow, lip gloss, and a hairbrush.

1.  Make-over (makeup all over)
Bella liberally brushes lines of concealer and foundation on her t-zone, underneath her eyes, and pretty much everywhere. “See you just like wing it, you know...Just put it like everywhere,” she advises, before blending the product.

2. Defining beauty
To add further dimension to her well-proportioned face, Bella uses a little bronzer pen as a contour stick to draw two-inch diagonal lines on her cheeks. She blends the bronzer and dabs a little on her jawline. “Definition’s always good," she enthuses.

3. Highlight her’s
She then brushes highlighter all over and rubs a conservative amount under the eyes, exuding a subtle, desired “natural glow.”

4. Drawing the line
Bella’s eyebrows are definitely her own, so there’s no need to draw more.

But she does like to color them in using a brow pencil, bringing out a more pronounced shape.

5. Eye wonder
Bella also accentuates her eyelashes with lash primer and mascara.

She then applies some eyeshadow on top of her eyelids and on the corners of her eyes, opening them just enough to even out the color.

6. Lip service
The world’s most beautiful woman closes her beauty routine with just lip gloss, creating a contrast between the shade and tint of her eye area and the bright tint of her lips.

7. Not a hair out of place
After all the work is done on the face, you have to let your makeup set by brushing your hair properly and tying it back, Bella demonstrated with a bun.

source: philstar.com

Sutokil in Seattle

At our Seattle popup, we wanted to highlight the Visayan tradition of ‘SuToKil’ (sugba, tola or tinola, and kilawin) and take advantage of Seattle’s great seafood.
Aren’t you the guy, you know, who cooks on TV?” asked the manager of Filipino grocery Seafood City, as she processed the gift certificates we were using.

I’m in Seattle. After spending a couple of days with friends in the neighboring Poulsbo area, I’m now refreshed and recharged for my last popup in the US for 2018.

I’m shopping with chef Melissa Miranda, who generously agreed to collaborate with me and Filipino Kitchen’s Natallia Roxas. The manager’s friendliness was just a portent of the many acts of kindness that we would receive, which made this particular popup such a stress-free experience.


Just the night before, Natalia, Melissa and I were sitting around Melissa’s dinner table to discuss the menu. Melissa agreed to let us stay at her place during our entire visit to Seattle (because she’s awesome).

Coming from two major events in St. Louis and Chicago, my mind was still in a bit of a haze, and I was worried we didn’t have a menu yet. Just a few minutes into our meeting, though, my mind was at ease. Our conversation was open, collaborative and creative, and pretty soon, we decided on a theme. We wanted to highlight the Visayan tradition of “SuToKil” and take advantage of Seattle’s great seafood.


“SuToKil” means Sugba (grilled), Tola or Tinola (ginger soup), and Kilawin (seafood or meat marinated in vinegar), and so it was decided that Melissa and I would make two versions of each, one modern and one classic, while Natalia would make dessert and craft the menu cards.

We would start off with my modern take on a ginger soup, a roasted tomato, labuyo and salabat gazpacho, followed immediately by Melissa’s marinated smoked mussels and pig’s ears kinilaw (sisig Matua in Pampanga).

For the hot courses, I would serve lomi noodles with a fish head-and-ginger broth that my grandmother used to make to represent my Chinoy side, and a grilled rockfish with Piyanggang sauce to represent my Mindanao side. Melissa would then round out the hot courses with her barbecue trio. Natalia’s fresh carioca patties with homemade ice cream would provide the perfect ending.

Turns out, people had heard about our little collab popup, and the word was we needed to prepare for over 80 diners! With a lean crew, a proper prep day would be crucial. Once again, the kindness of the Filipino shone through. We got some much-appreciated help from chef Jonnah, who works in Portland, but made the three-hour drive to Seattle to help us prep and cook.

Meanwhile, Manong Lane Wilcken, a master batok (hand-tap tattoo) artist who was in town to do some work, took time off to help me chop vegetables. His knife skills are excellent! Despite working in a busy, rented commercial kitchen where other chefs and catering companies were also working, our prep session went smoothly and uneventfully, which is what chefs dream about all the time. In fact, the only thing noteworthy about the whole prep session was how I got more than a few stares and puzzled looks from other chefs when I was burning coconut to black for my pamapa. It was a cool experience to reassure the other chefs that I knew what I was doing and it was an even better experience for me to talk a little about Mindanaoan food to those that asked.

The day of the popup was just as fun and stress-free as our crew put our heads down and worked, while managing to have engaging talks on the rise of Filipino food, watching stupidly funny YouTube videos and of course, singing out loud to Regine Velasquez songs. We are all Filipino, after all.

Once the popup started, we were all business. At the very first table of guests, I picked up a bowl filled with noodles and trumpet mushrooms and ladled boiling-hot soup over them. As I was moving the bowl to the pass, I tilted it a bit too much and the soup burned my thumb. Not wanting to drop the bowl, I had to hold on to it while the soup was still burning my finger until I could lay it gently on the kitchen counter. I burned myself on the first table and had to shake my head in disbelief. I hoped it was not a sign of things to come.

Fortunately, after replacing that bowl with a new one, the rest of the night went smoothly. In fact, serving 85 diners went by really quickly and none of my other body parts were in danger!  Throughout the night, it was gratifying to hear the diners’ comments, all of who had constant cravings for Filipino food.

The highlight of the night for me was hearing comments about how much they liked my grandmother’s ginger-and-fish head broth. I was actually hesitant to put it on the menu since it was such a simple “lutong bahay” dish with very subtle flavors, but I’m glad Melissa convinced me to have the confidence to serve it just the way we would at home.

The following day, we said our goodbyes and, as I gave Melissa a hug, we both knew this wouldn’t be the last time we would work together. I mean, it was just too much fun! I’m definitely going to hear much more from her as her popup and catering company, Musang Seattle, is doing absolutely great work.

Meanwhile, Natalia went to take the train to Portland, because her work with the Filipino community in the US never ends. We said our goodbyes at the Amtrak station, content with the money we’d raised for my charity work this year, but determined to do more next year. If only every project we worked on was as stress-free as our Seattle project.

You can see Sharwin cook for and interview the country’s hottest celebrities every Sunday at 11:30 a.m. on Let’s Do Lunch on GMA News TV. Follow Sharwin’s food adventures on Instagram @chefsharwin and for questions, reactions, recipe and column suggestions, you can contact him at www.sharwintee.com.

source: philstar.com

'This is it': Catriona Gray dedicates Miss Universe journey to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Hours before the much-awaited coronation day, Philippines’ Catriona Gray dedicated her Miss Universe journey to her home country.

In an Instagram post, Catriona, 24, recalled her experience being a candidate for Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) and being chosen to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.

“Philippines, this is it. What an amazing journey this has been - from day one back in January 2018 of announcing candidacy [for Binibining Pilipinas] to today,” the Bicolana beauty wrote.

“Philippines, you have endlessly inspired me, given me strength and support. I want nothing more than to bring pride to you and give my all to give the best Christmas gift ever to my country,” she added.

“Mahal kita, Philippines. Para sayo 'to. Stand by me prayer warriors, laban tayo.”

Catriona is eyeing to bring the Miss Universe crown back to the Philippines and follow the footsteps of Pia Wurtzbach, who won the crown three years ago.

The Miss Universe crown and sash will be awarded Monday. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral

source: philstar.com

Bottomline of aging: How to maintain healthy weight as you age

As you age, you start to appreciate the smallest things in life, like the blooming flowering plants, the perfect blend of a smoothie in the morning and the happy family photo hanging on the wall.

But with loads of time to spare, you also notice the littlest details. Every time you face the mirror in the morning, you spot another white strand of hair. When you try to climb up the stairs, it feels as if you are heavier than ever. Whenever you zip up, your favorite dress doesn’t compliment your body the way it used to.

Now that you are trying to get the most out of life, shouldn’t you observe these changes on your body and spot its culprits, too? 

Why are you gaining weight? 

Here comes the hard truth. As you grow older, there are several factors that contribute to weight gain. 

Did you stop going out and doing fun activities like going to dance classes or going on jog sessions with your friends? Is it harder to jump, get up, or carry your grandchildren? Are you now having a more sedentary lifestyle?

Decline in muscle mass, which occurs naturally every time you enter another decade of your life, is one of the culprits stopping you from trimming down the unhealthy extra weight. With lesser muscle mass, it becomes harder for your body to burn calories, allowing the voluminous fat to dominate the place of lean muscle tissues.

Why should you care?

Even after 50, there is still so much in store for us. After living five meaningful decades, you are bound to unfold the most exciting years of your life.

With that clearly laid out, maintaining healthy weight can help defeat several health risks—loss of muscles mass, fragile bones, reduced gastrointestinal motility and reduced immunity—which can hold you back from living the life you deserve.

As you begin drafting your new bucket list, start walking up the path of embracing a vibrant lifestyle.

What should you do? 

Foodie, nutrition expert and registered dietitian Diana Steele unlocked the key factors for managing weight as you approach the upper level of the age department.

1. Enough of the extras

While acknowledging that it is important to allow indulgences to achieve the weight management goal, the registered dietitian noted how the little “extras” could pile up and do more harm than good.

“That extra glass of wine, square of chocolate, odd serving of fries, or the special coffee with whipped cream can all add up. You don’t need to be perfect, and I certainly don’t expect complete abstinence from your favorite foods, but just be mindful of your portions and don’t do it every day,” she advised.

2. Put an eye on energy levels

Like how we put much attention on the little things, we should also start watching our energy levels and the time we take our meals.

Two of the best ways to keep track of your energy level is by eating breakfast within an hour of waking up. Then, schedule your next meal every two to three hours during the day.

“If your energy levels are fluctuating throughout the day due to inconsistent eating times and lack of structure, you need to start here. When you wait too long to eat, your energy level drops, which not only affects your ability to concentrate but also causes your body to use muscle for fuel,” the nutrition expert explained.

3. Start doing fitness activities

Fitness activities will never go out of style, for a reason. Through recommended exercises, the body achieves strengthened immunity, improved digestive health and increased muscle mass, prompting the burning of more calories.

“For weight loss, I recommend four to five cardio workouts (which may be brisk walking for some or spinning for others) and two strength workouts per week. Lifting weights not only helps build muscle, which increases metabolism, but it also helps improve bone health,” the healthy foodie recommended. 

4. Treat your tummy right

“When trying to lose weight, my clients often say they are constantly hungry. Although I remind them that feeling a little hungry as you approach your next meal or snack time is a good thing, feeling starved all the time is uncomfortable and unnecessary,” she shared.

She also advised drinking water to help hydrate the body, remove waste, lubricate joints and reduce the amount of food eaten during meals.

Above all, you shouldn’t miss getting enough protein as it promotes strong bone and body mass growth, healthy immune system and digestion as well as stable blood sugar and energy levels.

Aside from fish and eggs, which take time and energy to prepare, taking a convenient and delicious adult nutritional drink specifically designed for older adults is extremely beneficial.

Have you started writing down some items in your bucket list? As you feel motivated to do so, include Nestle’s Boost Optimum in your grocery list. The adult nutritional drink, which contains proprietary-owned Nutri-Ultra, supports muscle strength, immunity and digestive health.

Aside from Nutri-Ultra, Boost Optimum also contains whey, which is easily absorbed and is more accessible and faster to digest. This is balanced by casein, the main protein present in milk, which takes slower to digest and be absorbed and has slower release of amino acid, making you feel full for longer.

To start adding life to years today, visit www.nestlehealthscience.ph/boost/boost-optimum and Nestlé Boost PH on Facebook.

source: philstar.com

Report ranks Korean Air as world's best performing airline

SEOUL — Korean Air has been ranked the world’s best performing airline by Air Transport World’s (ATW) annual World Airline Report published last August.

The airline posted a net profit of $850 million last year, about a $1.4 billion positive change over 2016. The Korean flag carrier was also ranked by ATW as one of the world’s top 20 airlines in operating revenues and top 25 in operating profit and RPKs (revenue passenger kilometers).

“Korean Air is a remarkably strong airline both in terms of finance and in global operations,” said John Jackson, managing vice president of the Americas. “We are the largest transpacific carrier and have become the strongest transpacific alliance with our joint venture with Delta. We also are in a position along with our partner, Delta, to open new markets like Boston and Minneapolis/St. Paul next spring. This is an exciting time for our airline.”

Korean Air, which is yet to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, attributes the rise in profitability to a variety of factors including focus on qualitative rather than quantitative growth; more diversified marketing strategies; more flexibility in capacity control; route profitability monitoring; differentiation through customer service; and continued introduction of new aircraft like the B-787, among others.

ATW, the sister publication of Aviation Week, has been ranking the world’s airlines for five decades. The publication has been the leading monthly magazine serving the global airline and air transport manufacturing communities.

To know more about Korean Air's programs, routes, frequencies and partners, visit their website koreanair.com, or visit their social media at Facebook: facebook.com/KoreanAir, Google: google.com/+KoreanAir_KE and Twitter: twitter@KoreanAir_KE.

source: philstar.com

Fil-Am Olympia champ Jeremy Buendia sets the bar high for men’s physique

Most people could only ever dream of joining Olympia, the most prestigious bodybuilding event in the world. To even qualify to compete, you need to beat hundreds of competitors. From hundreds of hopeful bodybuilders, few will ever make it to Olympia and only one will win.

Among all the Olympia titleholders in recent history, Jeremy Buendia is one to watch. He has set the bar high for men’s physique. He has won the Men’s Physique Olympia Showdown not once or twice, but four times running.

Jeremy is half-Filipino on his father’s side, as his grandfather was from Bulacan. His dad played a huge role in his career.


“He raised me to be an athlete and he started training me at the age of six doing various speed drills, pushups and other calisthenics-type exercises,” Jeremy shares. “My dad introduced weights to me at 10 or 11 years old and it became a part of my everyday life.”

His first sport wasn’t actually bodybuilding but football. He played until high school when injury caused him to stop. Unwilling to cease his drive to compete, Jeremy found his calling in competitive bodybuilding.

At 19 years old, he won his first bodybuilding title at 2010 NPC Costa California. When he was 21, he switched to the Men’s Physique division, winning multiple shows throughout 2012 and 2013. He beat 150 of the best amateurs to win overall at the NPC Jr. USA’s to earn his Pro Card. Three months later, he won his first pro show and qualified to compete in Olympia 2013. He took second place that year.

That wasn’t enough. He trained with trainer and nutritionist Hany Rambod and worked harder than ever. The next year, and for the three succeeding years, he returned to the Olympia stage and won. No other man has won repeat Olympia men’s physique championships, let alone four in a row. This gives Jeremy the title of the best men’s physique athlete in the world.

Jeremy and his trusted coach, Hany share their winning secrets with Flex magazine.

“My approach to weight training changed significantly when I began working with Hany Rambod on my contest prep in 2014,” Jeremy says.

“Jeremy went from 170 pounds at the 2014 Olympia to 175 pounds in 2015, all while coming in more conditioned. Jeremy’s prep centered on adding size. Because the guys in his division are getting bigger, we targeted a five to seven-pound muscle gain since last year. To keep his waist as small as possible we stay away from exercises that will cause his obliques to grow,” Rambod shares.

When it comes to training, the winning duo has it all figured out. In 2014, Hany became the first coach to have three athletes win first at their Olympia events in the same year. His secret weapon? A specialized training method called FST-7. “Hany introduced FST-7, and it has been something that I’ve grown to trust,” Jeremy says.

Rambod developed Fascia Stretch Training, to boost workout intensity. This training technique involves extending the last workout for a body part to seven sets instead of the usual three or four. “We emphasize optimizing pumps in the gym,” Buendia explains. “The elements include tempo manipulation, rep-range manipulation, and minimizing rest in between sets.” This infuses targeted muscles with a better pump, improving blood flow and circulation. It also stimulates more growth and makes your workout a lot more interesting.

“We incorporated FST Super 7 supersets done with 45 seconds’ rest, which increased intensity fourfold. FST Super 7 is a variation of my standard FST (fascia stretch training), a protocol that calls for the use of medium or heavy weight for seven intense sets and 30 to 45 seconds’ rest between sets.” Rambod explains.

Today, Jeremy graces countless international fitness magazines and has an active social media base. He is currently training for the next Olympia where he is vying for a historic fifth title.

Meanwhile, IFBB Pro Card hopefuls in the Philippines are now preparing for Musclecontest Philippines, their first chance to get an IFBB Pro Card without leaving the country. The historic date is set on Sept. 8 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

source: philstar.com

Are you with me?

MANILA, Philippines — As more and more people become aware that all people deserve to be equal, more and more people are showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. That’s great! Pride Month has never been more alive than it is today. That’s great. There are more and more commercials and campaigns that include queer people in the mainstream: gay people getting married, gay people buying houses, gay people having kids, gay people being accepted by their parents in tearjerking ad spots. That’s great. But — and there is always a “but” — being an ally in 2018 doesn’t just mean waving a rainbow flag and calling it a day. Are they still allies once June is over?

Here’s the thing: people, groups, brands, corporations and politicians who try to be inclusive are good and all, but there has to be meaningful support behind it. Because the LGBTQ+ community is still a minority, and it’s going to take more work to make everyone truly equal. Are they amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, or are they drowning them out instead? Are they fighting for equal rights, or do they only show support when it’s convenient and become silent when issues arise? Are they donating to projects and causes like Pride marches, or are they simply trying to capture the market?

Don’t get me wrong — it’s nice to see rainbows where they didn’t exist before, and it’s nice to be represented, but sometimes you just gotta think: are they with me or just trying to sell to me? Being part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum is not a trend to be followed nor is it some bandwagon that people need to jump on. These are identities, struggles, and lives of real people. As more and more companies and politicians “reach out” and get a slice of the gay pie, it’s going to take a little more digging to see what they’re really getting at.


For example, Primark recently came out (pun intended) with an LGBTQ+ collection in time for Pride, where a portion of the proceeds will go to Stonewall UK, an LGBTQ+ rights charity. Sounds great and all, but Stonewall is not at all affiliated with, and has had issues with, Pride organizations before. Pride organizations in the UK have had to scale down their marches due to lack of funds, and instead of donating to Pride, Primark decides to sell its own merch instead. Here’s the kicker: Primark’s clothes are made in Turkey, where the LGBTQ+ community is still largely persecuted, and in Myanmar, where being gay is outright illegal.

So what can you do to be a better ally? The first thing anyone can do to really make a difference is listen. Listen to what the LGBTQ+ community actually needs, listen to what their goals are — because that’s when you’ll know what you’re doing is productive. Second: take a stand and stick with it. If you’re going to dress up in rainbows and butterflies during Pride Month, don’t sit on the sidelines the other 11 months of the year. Nothing is more flaky than deciding to stay silent when the real issues start to come up. For example, in 2016, Target took a stand with a transgender bathroom policy, allowing their guests and employees to enter the bathroom that corresponded with their gender identity. They stuck with this policy even as they faced boycott.
If you must create products and commercials, make sure to include LGBTQ+ community in its creation. It’s one way to make sure we’re not misrepresented, and it also gives us a platform to shine. Not that you should be giving handouts, but it’s important to have a gay perspective on a gay product, duh. Lastly, donate to the local Pride organization or buy their merch. Organizing Pride marches is a lot of hard work, mostly done by volunteers. Mounting these events requires quite a sum, and raising funds is never an easy task. It’s the one event each year where we celebrate who we are, and it means a lot to many people.

Being a true ally takes work. It’s not just about shouting to the world that you support your queer friends — it means shouting to the world that you support your queer friends and meaning it. Just because you watch RuPaul’s Drag Race or speak gay lingo or take your gay friends shopping doesn’t automatically make you an ally. And just because queer people are getting more and more attention doesn’t mean you can exploit them, or any other minority for that matter. Being an ally means allowing us to be heard; being an ally does not mean joining the conversation only to drown out the people around you. It doesn’t have to be some big gesture every time; sometimes the smallest yet meaningful actions can make a big impact. Happy Pride.

source: philstar.com

Nike reacts, and how

I am a sneaker head — I wear sneakers 98 percent of the time, no matter the occasion.

Next to living with my pets, driving cars, my next best thing to do is try out the latest sneakers on the market.

Last Sunday it was off to a fun run at UP Diliman for the launch of a second release of Nike Epic React Flyknit.

Following its Feb. 22 debut, the new Nike Epic React Flyknit colorways, including Pink Matcha, an off-white Alloy (for women) and Horizon (glowing red for women and a dark gray for men), were made available in select Nike stores.

If there is one virtue I truly love about Nike and its sneakers it is that it constantly asks runners (for the Flyknit series) what they look for in a running shoe.

Here’s what the Nike runners asked for: better cushioning, better energy return, lightweight technology and durability.

Time for the test

As I took my first few strides with the Nike Epic React Flyknit I did notice how light and bouncy the sneakers were. A clear sign for me that these shoes were made for running.

I am not a hard-core marathon runner. I am what I like to call a fitness runner — this means I include a five-kilometer outdoor run in my workout schedule at least once a week. On other days, I use the treadmill at the gym for a 20- to 30-minute interval training run-walk-run.

But, today was for a three-kilometer fun run — so I was sure I would get a good feel of just how well my knees would be protected with the Nike Epic React Flyknit.

I mention knees, because when you reach your 50s the knees are the first to buckle if the shoes are not the best for running.
Well, the React’s dynamic is quite straightforward. For starters there is the design, (looks are almost everything when it comes to good kicks, nowadays) so the one-piece Nike Flyknit bootie seems to be precision-engineered for support, flexibility and breathability in the spots where runners need it the most. With all the running technology it is equipped with plus its cool design, the shoe hugs the foot and gives it good support just where it is needed.

More running time

I also love that the Nike React Flyknit, like all Nike sports shoes today, are gender-specific. So, the Nike Epic React Flyknit Women’s Running Shoe allowed me a good run, with no tightness or pinching on my foot — and all these as I hit my stride with the shoe.

I guess this can be attributed to the Nike React foam cushioning, which is responsive, lightweight, durable and soft. 

The Nike Epic React foam is the real deal and made for folks who love to pound the pavement — real runners.

As I joined the warm- up before the run, I noticed how the Flyknit upper fit my foot just right. And, as I did a few foot stretches, my knees and ankles liked that the Flyknit bent the way I wanted it to — not too soft and pliable even when I did a few pivots with my ankles.

My verdict

The Nike Epic React is a lightweight all-around daily training shoe that can take on every workout you can throw at it: from long runs to speed work on the track and treadmill.

With the Nike React Flyknit, Nike has raised the bar by creating a running shoe that feels different, and better.

From an aesthetic standpoint, this shoe is artful, and I think that it will stand as a classic in both design and aesthetic.

But, since I am a fitness junkie, I value functionality, comfort, and durability — even over looks.

source: philstar.com

‘I lost it at 19 to an older girl’

Sexy Talk with Derrick Monasterio, star of Almost a Love Story

A case of art imitating life?

You might say that when you watch Almost a Love Story starring Derrick Monasterio and Barbie Forteza, directed by Louie Ignacio for BG Productions International and GMA Films (in cooperation with Salento Films of Italy).

You see, Derrick and Barbie almost figured in a real-life love story when they were younger.

“I did court Barbie,” admitted Derrick, “but sobra pa kaming bata noon.”

While Barbie has a boyfriend (Jak Roberto), Derrick is mum about his love life. But he’s “open” about his beautiful body which he maintains by working out regularly. He’s mighty proud of it as he shows in this Sexy Talk.”

What is sexy to you?

“Sexy for me is confidence.”

What makes you feel sexy?

“When people make eye contact with me.”

When do you feel sexy?

“When I am swimming.”

When did you lose your innocence?

“When I was 19.”

To a younger girl, older girl or a girl your age?

“An older girl.”

Lights on or lights off?

“Lights off.”

Sexiest sound (musical instrument)?

“Saxophone.”

Sexiest song?

“Earned It by The Weeknd.”

Sexiest book?

“Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Sexiest food?

“Salad.”

Sexiest part of your body?

“My forearms.”

 Sexiest part of a girl’s body?

“Her legs.”

Sexiest part of the house?

“Bedroom.”

Sexiest time of day?

“Midnight.”

Sexiest billboard?

“Bench billboard.”

Sexiest face of a woman?

“Alexandra Daddario.”

Sexiest clothes?

“For a woman, lingerie. For men, boxers.”

Sexiest perfume?

“Blackwater.”

Sexiest TV show?

“American Idol because that’s all I watch.”

Sexiest fantasy?

“Doing a blindfold scene.”

Sexiest scene that you’ve seen in a movie?

“Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet)’s love scene in Titanic.”

Sexiest thing you have done to yourself?

“Got an oiled massage.”

Sexiest thing you have done to or with somebody?

“Give her an oiled massage.”

Three women that you find sexy.

“Angelina Jolie, Alexandra Daddario and Barbie Forteza.”


source: philstar.com

Versace and Furla join designer labels ditching fur

MILAN (Reuters)—Italian fashion house Versace and handbag and accessories maker Furla said they would stop using real fur in their creations, joining a growing list of luxury labels turning their backs on the fur industry.

Fashion houses around the world are bowing to pressure and using alternatives to real fur amid pressure from animal rights groups and changing tastes of younger customers, who are increasingly aware of the environmental issues linked with the clothes they buy.

Donatella Versace, the artistic director and vice-president of Versace, said that she did not want to kill animals to make fashion and that it “it doesn’t feel right”, speaking in an interview with The Economist’s 1843 magazine on Wednesday.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) Senior Vice President Dan Mathews said in an emailed statement that it was “a major turning point in the campaign for compassionate fashion”, adding that he looked forward to seeing a “leather-free Versace next”.

The animal rights group recently campaigned at the Pyeongchang Winter games for an end to the fur trade.

Furla on Thursday committed to replacing all fur with faux-fur for both menswear and womenswear starting from its Cruise 2019 collection.

Italian fashion group Gucci, part of Paris-based luxury conglomerate Kering, said in October it would stop using fur in its designs from its spring and summer 2018 collection joining Armani, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and multi-brand online luxury retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter.

British designer Stella McCartney has long followed a so-called “vegetarian” philosophy, shunning not only fur, but also leather and feathers.

source: interaksyon.com

Left Over, Cut Onions Become Toxic - Facts Analysis

Story:

Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the next day. It becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning.




Other Version:

Onions! I had never heard this!!!

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu...Many of the farmers and their families had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

Sometimes when we have stomach problems we don't know what to blame. Maybe it's the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn't eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.

Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.It is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous.

Please pass this on to all you love and care about.


Hoax or Fact:
Hoax.

The message claims that left over, cut onions should not be used the next day, because they become highly poisonous because of bacteria growth, turn toxic and lead to adverse stomach infections. The message is not a fact, there is no scientific evidence to prove this claim.

Onions as such do not have any special property to magically attract bacteria from its surroundings. In fact, when onions are cut, they emits sulfenic acids which inhibit the growth of germs and thereby protect them from surrounding bacteria. This is because bacteria generally like moist and neutral environments, and they cannot stand acidic environments - that's why vinegar is used for preserving. Left over, cut onions are not poisonous, they are fine to use and can be stored in a refrigerator, in a sealed container at the proper temperature of 40°F or below for up to 4 days. You can also store them safely in zippered bags and use them within a day or two. But onions can lose their nutrient value when stored over a period of time.
However, it is also important to note that onions have to be handled in hygienic manner while cutting and re-using them, because they can be contaminated with certain bacteria when they come in contact with dirty hands or unhygienic cutting board, and consumption of such onions can indeed make a person sick. But again, this is possible with any other food item, not onions in particular.

Therefore, the message saying cut onions become toxic is a hoax, left over, cut onions are not poisonous, they are safe to use when stored in hygienic conditions. There have been many other versions of this story, claiming that leaving onions around a room will absorb the flu virus along with bacteria causing other illnesses and will prevent people from becoming sick. It is a fact that onions were used in folk medicine long before 1919, but it is just a false belief, there is no scientific evidence to prove it. Onions are not bacteria magnets, they are good to use, especially because they are high in vitamin C and are a good source of fiber and other important nutrients.

source: www.wisethinks.com

In the battle over his sole, Louboutin loses a round

BRUSSELS (Reuters)—Christian Louboutin’s bid for exclusive rights to put red soles on high-heeled shoes ran into trouble on Tuesday when a court adviser said he may not be entitled to stop others from selling the same kind of sole.

The French designer went to court in The Netherlands to prevent the Dutch high street chain Van Haren from selling its own versions of his distinctive footwear, a favorite on celebrity red carpets.

But an advocate general at the European Court of Justice advised the court that Louboutin’s trademark protection on the shade of red used on his soles, dating from 2010 and 2013, might be invalid. The judges usually, though not always, follow such advice.

“A trademark combining color and shape may be refused or declared invalid on the grounds set out under EU trademark law,” the ECJ said in a statement, outlining Maciej Szpunar’s advice to the judges hearing the case, which was referred by a Dutch court.

The red color could not be considered apart from the shape of the sole, Szpunar advised, and shapes are usually not protected under EU trade mark law.


Szpunar “expresses doubts as to whether the color red can perform the essential function of a trade mark, that of identifying its proprietor, when that color is used out of context, that is to say, separately from the shape of a sole,” the ECJ said.

Szpunar said his analysis focused exclusively on the issue of the shape of soles and not on the value of the branding of the shoes – he took “no account of (the) attractiveness of the goods flowing from the reputation of the mark or its proprietor”.

“Whilst relevant consumers may instantly recognize a red sole shoe being uniquely associated with Louboutin, trying to persuade the courts to grant monopoly rights with such a ‘badge of origin’ may well be an insurmountable hurdle,” said Sanjay Kapur, partner at intellectual property firm Potter Clarkson LLP.

Kapur said that if the ECJ were to follow Szpunar’s opinion “then this could mean that Louboutin would not be able to stop its competitors, including haute couture fashion houses, from offering shoes with red soles.”

Once the ECJ reaches its verdict, it will be up to the Dutch court that referred the case to take the final decision on whether Louboutin’s red sole can be a trademark.

source:  interaksyon.com

Common blood pressure drug tied to increased risk of skin cancer

People who take a certain water pill prescribed to control fluid retention and treat high blood pressure may be more likely to get skin cancer than other individuals, a Danish study suggests.

While the drug, hydrochlorothiazide, has long been linked to an increased risk of sunburns, the current study offers fresh evidence that this commonly prescribed medication may also make people more likely to develop two types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

For the study, researchers examined national prescription registry data on hydrochlorothiazide use from 1995 to 2012 as well as cancer registry records on skin malignancies diagnosed from 2004 to 2012.

Overall, people who took hydrochlorothiazide daily for at least six years were 29 percent more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and almost four times more likely to get squamous cell carcinoma than individuals who didn’t take this medication, the study found.

“We already knew that hydrochlorothiazide makes the skin more vulnerable to damage from UV light of sun or sunbeds,” said senior study author Anton Pottegard of the University of Southern Denmark.

“However, we did not know that hydrochlorothiazide use also appears to translate into an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer,” Pottegard said by email.

The study included more than 71,000 people with basal cell carcinoma, 8,600 patients with squamous cell carcinoma, and a control group of more than 313,000 people in the Danish population who didn’t have these malignancies but were otherwise similar to the cancer patients.

About 2.7 percent of patients with basal cell carcinoma and 2.1 percent of the control group were high users of hydrochlorothiazide, with a lifetime cumulative dose of at least 50,000 milligrams, or roughly six years of daily use.

Ten percent of squamous cell carcinoma cases were high users, as were 2.8 percent of people in the control group.

With the highest cumulative hydrochlorothiazide exposure — approximately 24 years of daily use — patients were 54 percent more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and more than seven times more likely to get squamous cell carcinoma.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how hydrochlorothiazide might cause skin cancer.

Another limitation is that researchers lacked data on two main factors that influence the risk of skin cancer: ultraviolet light exposure and skin type, the study authors note in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

“There may be a relationship between taking hydrochlorothiazide and risk for skin cancer,” said Dr. Aaron Farberg of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

“However, the relationship may not be directly causative,” Farberg, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email.

Even so, the findings add to the evidence suggesting that patients taking hydrochlorothiazide should take extra precautions to protect their skin from damage caused by the sun, said Dr. Elizabeth Martin, president of Pure Dermatology & Aesthetics in Hoover, Alabama.

“Everyone can reduce their skin cancer risk by avoiding unprotected exposure to UV light,” Martin, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email. “Don’t use indoor tanning devices, and protect yourself from the sun by seeking sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.”

Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide shouldn’t stop without first seeing a doctor, Pottegard cautioned. While there are other safe, affordable options to manage high blood pressure, patients already taking hydrochlorothiazide won’t meaningfully alter their skin cancer risk by staying on the drug for a few months until a physician can advise them, he said.

“If you are at an increased risk of skin cancer, due to high exposure to sunlight, have already experienced skin cancer, or are otherwise predisposed to skin cancer, you should consider consulting your physician regarding a potential therapy shift,” Pottegard said.

source: interaksyon.com

‘UNDER THE STARS’: Bench’s 30th anniversary show promises heavenly bodies shining on the runway

To shamelessly paraphrase the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer tagline, the Bench 30th anniversary show promises to have “more stars than there are in heaven.”

The lifestyle empire founded by Ben Chan will hold another spectacle on Saturday, November 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena, entitled “Under The Stars: The Bench 30th Anniversary Show.”

Bench First Couple, Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez, leads a bevy of heavenly bodies that include today’s most famous names in showbiz, sports and social media. On a side note, I wish to see the still-gorgeous Joanne Zapanta, the original Bench Girl, to strut alongside Richard in an ultimate throwback and tribute presentation.

“It will be bigger and better,” assured Chan during a special press preview at the Ibiza Beach Club at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The event also offered a peek into the newest denim and underwear designs, reinforced by Joey Samson’s androgynous touch, and the introduction of the latest Bench Bodies.

Maxine Medina, Miss Universe 2016 Top 6 and a budding actress, joined Kapamilya stars Bianca King, Beauty Gonzales, Marco Gumabao and Albie Casiño, as well as Kapuso mainstays Sanya Lopez, Addy Raj, David Licauco, Bruno Santos, Kiko Estrada and Kim Domingo. Mark Mugen, mixed-martial arts athlete, also flaunted his killer abs.

For an international flair, Austrian model/sports science student Ivo Buchta, Italian-American and physical education student Trevor Signorino, and math genius Pietro Boselli will scorch the runway.

Not to be outdone, some of our world-class beauties will flaunt the Filipina brand of sexiness. From the Miss Universe roster are Ara Arida and MJ Lastimosa. From Miss World are Gwen Ruais, Queenie Rehman, Valerie Weigman and Hillary Parungao.

Also in the beauty brigade are Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago; Miss Supranational Top 25 2016 Joanna Eden; and reigning Miss Eco-Philippines Cynthia Thomalla.

In a grand homecoming, WinWyn Marquez, the newly crowned Reina HispanoAmericana will take the catwalk. Incidentally, she might share the spotlight with her cousin, the statuesque Michelle Dee, daughter of Melanie Marquez.

Meanwhile, the public is left guessing whether Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis, and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach—who have all been part of Bench campaigns—will make surprise appearances.

Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016, is signed with Bayo.

But, save the screams for tinseltown’s hottest properties. The heartthrobs who will be at the show are Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Derrick Monasterio, Ken Chan, Rocco Nacino, Iñigo Pascual, Diego Loyzaga, and Ruru Madrid. Richard Gutierrez will show up but no Piolo Pascual. And Tom Rodriguez will be around but no Dennis Trillo.

The sweethearts, meanwhile, include Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto, Julia Montes, Ashley Ortega, Coleen Garcia and Gabbi Garcia. There’s Lovi Poe but no Marian Rivera. And there’s Maine Mendoza sans partner Alden Richards, who is signed with Boardwalk. James Reid and Nadine Lustre are now endorsing Folded & Hung.

At the Naked Truth show in 2014, Geena Rocero, the famous Filipino transwoman/activist/model, was a welcome inclusion that advanced the cause of the LGBTQI community.

If there’s a cause that Bench might want to advocate this year, it should consider the campaign against sexual assault simmering in Hollywood for a few weeks now. Filipino-Italian model, Ambra Batillana Gutierrez, is the best representation.

Ambra, a runner-up at the Century Tuna Superbods in 2016, was the only accuser who immediately reported to the police right after her assault by producer Harvey Weinstein in 2015, even snaring a taped confession by Weinstein with the help of the New York Police Department.

Even so, with political agenda or not, the show is expected to be extravagant, decadent and theatrical. Top-notch stylist Noel Manapat will collaborate with still-unnamed designers to jazz up the Bench clothing and underwear staples. And with Robby Carmona at the helm, it will be a high-energy display of clothes, music, and performances.

To score much-coveted tickets, purchase Bench merchandise from Php600 (general admission) to Php2,300 (lower-box invitation). But the items must include one Bench Body Underwear or one pair of OJ Denim.

source: interaksyon.com

Filipino lands on list of Vanity Fair’s Int’l Best Dressed List 2017

Filipino-American architect and designer Daniel Romualdez has been mentioned in Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List 2017. The newly released list includes basketball star LeBron James, tennis player Roger Federer, British musician Harry Styles, and Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau.

Also in the list in the Men’s category are danseur Roberto Bolle; actor British actor, director, and musician Danny Glover; artist Henry Koehler; JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg; and violinist Charlie Siem.

Romualdez was quoted by VF as mentioning “White button-down shirt” as his favorite item of clothing and “The kids in my office” as his his style idols.

His work has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest and Vogue. And his impressive list of clients include Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Aerin Lauder, Ina Garten, and Renee and Mark Rockefeller, to name a few.

Romualdez, who was born and raised in the Philippines, comes from a political family. He is the son of former ambassador and governor Benjamin Trinidad Romualdez, who is the younger brother of former First Lady and now Rep. Imelda Marcos of the second district of Ilocos Norte.


This isn’t the first time Romualdez has been featured in the iconic magazine. In its August 2017 issue, his elegant Montauk home, which he shares with his investment-banker husband Michael Meagher, was given the spotlight.

In the VF interview, he was quoted as saying that he was a reluctant economics and political science student in the US before realizing that he really wanted to be an architect.

He said, “My father wasn’t happy about me going to architecture school. And because of that I was sort of the black sheep of the family. “It was only when he landed on the prestigious Architectural Digest 100 list. Romualdez shared, “He finally understood that I wasn’t a disappointment. It was very sweet. We sort of made up then, and he said, ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive and didn’t do enough. You were on your own for 20 years.’ ”

In the women’s category, those who made it on the list include actress Anh Duong, actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, Venture capitalist Kirsten Green, Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles, singer Rihanna, and Queen Letizia of Spain, among others.

source: interaksyon.com