Friendship walk. The FitFlop fun walk served as the perfect chance for online fans to personally meet, greet and interact with co-members.

Participated in by FitFlop online fans from all over, the fun walk served as the perfect chance to get together, as they get to personally meet, greet and interact with co-members. Provided with exclusive FitFlop shirts, the grounds of Seaside Mall of Asia also served as virtual cat walk for the fans as they do their fitness regimen wearing their favorite FitFlop footwear, which range from the classic Walkstar to the latest Frou High Summer designs.

As it was deemed to be a significant affair for all avid FitFlop fanatics, the fun walk turned out as an exciting and exhilarating day out with lots of food, pictures, camaraderie and smiles all the way from the start, finish and half-way points of the trail.

Joining them in their early morning walk was the team at FitFlop Philippines lead by brand manager Melody Nubla.

According to Nubla, the fun walk is deemed a successful event not just because of the fans’ strong show of support for the brand, but more of how it connected and fostered friendship among fellow fans who share many common interests. “Our fan page, FitFlop Philippines went beyond being just a typical “fan page”. It has established friendship and good relationships among its members.”

“For our part, we actively interact with our customers, keeping them up to date with all the latest happenings and promotions. Fans are free to share their insights, post pictures and interact with other fans,” she said .

Nubla added that with the positive response of the fans, FitFlop Philippines is considering organizing more activities in Manila and other key cities and provinces in the country.

“We are looking forward to welcome more fans. Simply visit our official Facebook page at facebook.com/FitflopPhilippines”  she noted.

Famous for its superb toning advantage and muscle workout, FitFlop footwear is built with the revolutionary Microwobbleboard midsole – the technology of which provides maximum support and ease to fitness while walking. Just recently, FitFlop has been awarded the prestigious Drapers ‘Footwear Brand of the Year’ award for 2011, edging out behemoth runner-up brands: UGG Australia and Converse, as well as niche brands Fly London and Melissa

FitFlop is exclusively distributed by the Primer Group of Companies. For list of authorized dealers, visit its fan page at facebook.com/FitflopPhilippines.

Bay, together with Paramount Pictures, handpicked TCL as the international promotion partner for Transformers: Dark of the Moon because of its creative and highly impressive innovations in Intelligent 3D TV technology.

According to Michelle Mao, President of TCL North America, the US subsidiary of TCL Multimedia, Inc. the cooperation with Paramount and Michael was not accidental. Early in the filming, Bay, who for the first time worked in 3D and known to be strict in choosing the film partner, has conveyed the clear message to Paramount that the partner’s idea should be in accordance with Transformers 3 — technology vanguard and creative.

“They had talked with TCL for many times and then made this important decision. I think that TCL’s idea of continuous innovation and the technological products has touched Paramount and Bay, therefore TCL became the only television partner of choice for Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” she noted.

Via TCL’s revolutionary 3D TV home technology, Transformers: Dark of the Moon – which featured the use of 3D live action with computer-generated imagery – was previewed by fans worldwide in high-definition images and superb digital surround audio.

TCL Group Executive, Brand Management Center Liangqi Chun told in a separate interview that TCL’s partnership in Transformers: Dark of the Moon’s main purpose is to promote its Intelligent 3D TV. “Being relatively new, the 3D technology needs a new marketing concept which will emphasize the interactive experience. “We need more young people to have an extraordinary sensory experience that the brand appeal and Transformers 3 match the tone.”

As Asia’s pioneer maker of premium home entertainment solutions, earning the exclusive promotional partnership rights for the sci-fi adventure film is a huge opportunity for TCL to break into the international market, particularly in the US. This step is deemed to signal similar creative tie-ups that will expand TCL’s high-definition 3D home technology advantage to households all over the world.

“We are extremely excited about TCL’s partnership with Paramount. It will create great exposure for our brand around the globe, said Mao.

Top choice. TCL’s creative and highly impressive innovations in Intelligent 3D TV technology earned Director Michael Bay’s support as the international promotion partner for Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

In this third installment, the battle for supremacy begins anew as a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day and threatens to bring a war so big that the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, will not be able to save humankind. Caught up in the midst of the perilous war between rival alien robot tribes is Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf), as he continuously finds himself in the middle of a life and death struggle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Carly Spencer (played by model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) meanwhile, debuts as LeBeouf’s new love interest.

Apart from new characters, Transformers: Dark of the Moon welcomes a new bigscreen villain in the form of Shockwave, a longtime Transformers character.  Also back are John Turturro, Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson, while John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Patrick Dempsey also join in the cast.

The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott recently hailed Transformers: Dark of the Moon as “…among Mr. Bay’s best movies and by far the best 3D sequel ever…”

Rated PG-13 and released by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp., Transformers: Dark of the Moon is still shown in cinemas worldwide.   

Tapa King (TK) dishes out an irresistible offer called Tapantastic Treats as part of its “Mighty at 20” anniversary celebration. From September 1 to October 15, TK fanatics can avail any 4 of their favorite tapa meals and get a Pepsi 1.5 liter plus a choice of luscious longganisa or crunchy lumpiang shanghai meal by just adding P55 – giving them as much as P82.50 in savings. Tapantastic Treats echoes TK’s 20 years of commitment in serving excellent tapa using only premium beef and the finest ingredients. This promo is available for delivery only and not valid for bulk orders worth P2,000 above. Please call 895 (TAPA)8272 / 633(TAPA)8272 for deliveries.

The program, which is the first-of-its-kind to be embarked by Hydrotrim in the country, involved 12-weeks of closely monitored tests wherein the women drank a glass of the product thirty minutes before every meal, every day. Sample products were provided for free for the duration of the trials.

All the participants had to undergo screening, wherein readings of their Body Mass Index were taken, their waistlines and hips measured in order to establish a reference point prior to the start of the trials. The women chosen as participants were overweight but not yet obese and most displayed unsightly “bilbil” or love handles around their mid-section.

Aside from weekly measurements and monitoring, the participants were also made to undergo a body fat analysis every four weeks of the program.

The program employed a body fat analyzer machine, which measured the BMI levels and metabolic rates of all the participants. Visceral fat and body fat levels were also measured to determine hidden fats and adipose tissue that normally accumulates around the waist or hip areas of women. The tests revealed a vast improvement in their weight and fat levels as early as the fourth week.

The weight of the women went down to as much as 30 pounds and most lost as much as 20 centimeters of their “bilbil” during the program. Nearly all the participants also reported less craving for carbohydrates and sweets, which are known contributors to the accumulation of fats.

Hydrotrim, recently launched as the country’s first orange-flavored slimming beverage, has been touted as the newest and most effective way to slim down and shed body fats without side effects.

Using a proprietary formulation known as Super Citrimax made from the natural extract of Garcinia Cambogia and containing 70% Hydroxycitric Acid, Hydrotrim aids the body in burning fat, speeding up metabolism and providing added energy.

Florida Enriquez, a 36-year-old single mother and resident of Caloocan City, had always been fighting fat during her early years
and was initially skeptical about the product. She had been trying out different fitness fads and products for years, all in the attempt to lessen her weight and attain a more sculpted figure.

“You might say I am already an expert when it comes to trying out different slimming products in the market, from diet pills to imported slimming teas. None of them worked and all had side effects that induced drowsiness, LBM, vomiting and irregular heartbeat,” said Enriquez.

“When I included Hydrotrim as part of my diet regime, I began to feel more energetic. I also noticed that I began to lose weight gradually,” Enriquez revealed. “My craving for rice during meals diminished and I was encouraged to exercise a bit more frequently as I noticed my waistline becoming smaller and smaller. Plus I never experienced any of the side effects that I experienced in other products,” she added.

For 30-year-old Christine Avena, a young working wife with one kid, maintaining her figure always came second to work and family activities. Thus her schedule made it almost impossible for her to address the fats that have begun to build up over her formerly shapely curves.

“When I was invited by Hydrotrim to be part of the free slimming trial program, I was hesitant at first. I was afraid of experiencing side effects and I didn’t want to risk my health,” Avena stated. “But when they explained to me that Hydrotrim helps burn fat naturally because of its citric acid content, I was convinced. Plus the orange-flavoring of Hydrotrim makes me feel like I’m drinking my regular orange drink during my meals,” she added.

Nora Tan, on the other hand, is a 58-year-old mother of three, who was invited to be part of the Hydrotrim slimming program. Just like younger women, Tan also appreciates the value of having a slim and sexy figure.

“Being trim and sexy is not reserved only for young, single women. Mature women like me also want to feel attractive to our loved ones. But aside from that, we also know that being overweight is dangerous when you get older, so you have to find ways to stay fit,” stated Tan.

Tan noted that despite progressively losing weight as she progressed in the Hydrotrim program, she did not experience any weakening, fatigue, palpitations or other symptoms that could signal negative effects to her body.

“With Hydrotrim, all of us in the slimming program have discovered a healthy and effective way to attain a fit and fat-free body. Now we simply have to drink it to trim it,” Tan revealed.

Hydrotrim is Mega Lifesciences first aggressive foray into the multibillion-peso health and fitness industry. The company, known as one of the industry leaders of neutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals in country and operating in more than 22 countries, has been at the forefront of developing high quality, safe and effective healthcare for human wellness.

For more information about Hydrotrim, call 02-894-1111 or email: hydrotrim.php@megawecare.com

The festivities, which featured a unique samba ambiance enhanced by fire dancing and heart-thumping drum beats, was held after sunset, setting it apart from the traditional groundbreaking rites of other development firms.

“We wanted Antel Spa Residences to be viewed as truly different from other traditional residential condos, because the concept behind the project – inspired by a lifestyle devoted to wellness – is a truly unique and fresh new take on condominium living,” said Miguel Gascon, Antel’s Director for Sales.

Gascon revealed that the new 29-storey Antel Spa Residences will actually be the first of four towers to be erected in a 1.7 hectare property near Makati Avenue, behind the soon-to-be completed A. Venue Hotel and Residences and A. Venue Event Mall.

“Antel Spa was envisioned to fully complement the two other projects of Antel Land Holdings
Inc., allowing us to offer the country’s first self-contained Lifestyle City,” said Gascon.

He also explained that what truly sets the new tower apart from other traditional condominium towers is its adherence to wellness-inspired amenities, chief of which are the Sky infinity pools and lounge, spa amenities, meditative and organic gardens and a nature trail that goes around the property.

“Imagine a home where facilities devoted towards improving and enhancing one’s sense of wellness is just a short walk away, this is what we are offering to the buyers and future residents of Antel Spa Residences,” explained Gascon.

Aside from the wellness facilities, buyers can also expect traditional high-end luxuries such as a business center, function rooms, grand ballroom, coffee shop, power gym and commercial arcade.

The strategic location of Antel Spa Residences allows future residents easy access to major thoroughfares that crisscross the country’s chief financial and entertainment district.

In keeping with the theme, the architectural design of the new tower will also be inspired by elements of Nature and the relaxing Spa lifestyle, using bamboo fronds, leaves and flowing pools to create picturesque backdrops that create conducive venues to relax the mind and body.

Condo units will also sport similar thematic treatments, while featuring more spacious layouts created by the beamless and column-free design standard of Antel.

“Our units are priced affordably, with the studio set at P2 Million; 1 Bedroom for P2.4 Million; 2 Bedroom for P4.5 Million and 3 Bedroom from 6 Million. There are also 8 penthouse units, which have areas between of 60 sqm. and 100 sqm. available,” stated Gascon.

Gascon revealed that the new tower is already 50% sold due to the tireless efforts of the 30 in-house and 50 external lifestyle specialists tasked to draw in customers, as well as the Antel Rewards Program that gives up to 50% off, thereby, staying true to their claim of providing a whole new lifestyle at half the price.

Gascon also explained that Antel will continue its highly successful hotel rental pool program, which it had earlier implemented for the A. Venue Hotel and Residences. In the said program, the 4-star first class hotel units located at the 11th to 15th floors of the Antel Spa will be handled by renowned management group Genesis Hotels.

Owners of the said units will enjoy the benefits of extra rental profits for the duration of the 5-year rental pool program before eventually re-acquiring their units for personal use.

And just like the fiery dance and heart-thumping music that heralded the coming of the country’s first-ever Spa lifestyle tower, Antel Land Holdings proudly proclaims Antel Spa Residences as the newest addition to its commitment of introducing world-class real estate development structured around cutting-edge construction technologies.

Among its other development milestones are Platinum 1000 and 2000 along Annapolis St., in Greenhills, San Juan; the Antel Seaview Tower along Roxas Blvd.; the Antel Platinum Tower in Salcedo Village, Makati; the Antel 1000 and 2000 Corporate Centers; the Antel Global Corporate Center; and its landmark contribution to the EDSA Metro Rail Transit III project.

For inquiries about the new Antel Spa Residences, please call 896-8888 or visit www.antel.com.ph. Interested parties may also visit The Antel Venue Lounge at 5343 Gen. Luna St. corner Makati Avenue, Makati City.

With a show of culinary skill and savvy of its master chefs, the new Congo Grille branch in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City opened its doors to delighted guests who anxiously awaited the unveiling of the popular restaurant’s show kitchen facility.

The new 102-seater branch, which sports a modern design that merges both rustic and modern elements in its architecture, places the kitchen as the centerpiece for its new concept, with wide windows and well lit interiors to highlight the visually delectable menu items being prepared.

The show kitchen was designed to resemble a plantation house set in the middle of the modern jungle-themed restaurant. Aside from the interesting view of the chefs’ cooking, patrons would also get to enjoy the mouth-watering aromas of the different dishes wafting from the cooking area.

But more than just an appealing feature, the show kitchen also represents the restaurant’s dedication to cleanliness, sanitation, and quality food preparation, proudly displaying the interior of the facility to the public. The wide windows easily allow patrons to look into the kitchen area, which showcase immaculate counter-tops and shelves, ingredients arranged as display pieces and the restaurant’s pleasant chefs in uniform.

Among those invited guests thrilled by the concept were newly-elected Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Gen. Lastimoso, celebrity model Nancy Castiglione, Congo Grille’s COO Kenneth Sytin, Dominic Sytin and the owners of the popular restaurant chain.

“Congo Grille Trinoma presents a fresh new face for our loyal patrons. Not only would they get to enjoy their favorite dishes in a totally new setting, they would also get to watch our chefs prepare their favorite orders with flair,” stated Congo Grille Area Manager Karen Co.

Co, who oversees the operation of Congo Grille North areas, which includes branches in SM Fairview, SM Valenzuela, SM Clark and SM San Fernando, revealed that Trinoma represents the restaurant’s first Ayala venture, since most of their restaurants are located in SM malls.

“We expect big things to happen here at Congo Grille-Trinoma, mainly because we have more to offer to mall shoppers. We even have a happy hour promo that gives free pulutan of choice for office workers who want to unwind,” Co stated.

Aside from its famous pork sisig, delectable crispy pata and grilled pusit, Congo Grille also offers 240 other dishes that include Congo Rice, Pancit Buko, Bagnet Congo, Frozen Maki and Congo Mango dessert to name a few.

Congo Grille has also become known as a prime-dining destination for those craving for meals cooked with a truly Filipino flair. The restaurant has also become a prime spot for barkada gimmicks, office luncheons and family get-togethers.

The fast-growing restaurant chain also gained wide acclaim as the country’s Sisig King for 2007, after it won all three major categories in the annual sisig cook-off held in Pampanga last year.
For reservations, call 421-1189/437-2911 or email banquetsales@congogrille.com or visit www.congogrille.com.

The ease of premium condo living surfaces right in the bustling Makati district, as Antel Spa Residences, the country’s first Full-Service Residential Suites (FSRS) ‘lifestyle’ tower, makes urban living amid a resort-like ambiance a whole new experience that is convenient and comfortable for everyone.

The revolutionary FSRS concept pioneered by Antel Land Holdings, Inc. in 2005 is a new development category that provides true hotel facilities and services in a residential condominium at the onset, a big departure from the traditional hybrid condo-tel and apartelle style buildings wherein the hotel services are just merely add-ons to the existing structures.

Thus FSRS will soon become the benchmark for future residential towers in the country, spearheaded by fast-rising 29-storey Antel Spa Residences and its predecessor The A. Venue Residences.

“The uniqueness and versatility of FSRS separate Antel Spa Residence from our competitors, since it espouses the company’s ideals to offer prospective tenants with the convenience and prestige of a condo address where hotel services are at your beck and call,” said Antel Director for Sales Miguel Gascon.

According to him, the FSRS features equip Antel Spa Residences with full hotel services, with complete and master-planned “back-of-the-house” facilities, storage, warehousing, offices, manpower support, concierge, and laundry, which further the total pampering experience.

“With the FSRS in mind, Antel Spa Residences even becomes responsive to special needs because it offers guests and tenants a chance to imbibe a wholistic lifestyle that is within reach, 24/7. Antel Spa Residences offers a balanced approach in providing both quality hotel servicing and comprehensive health and wellness program that lets weary city dwellers and even tourists immerse in stress-free environs” Gascon noted.

Modern conveniences and breathing spaces are well considered at Antel Spa Residences, as it keeps abreast with today’s changing lifestyles such as demanding jobs, tight work schedules, and traffic woes. The lifestyle tower, in short, makes condo living in the metro a viable and timely option for tourists, families, and independent urbanites.

Antel Spa Residences houses a wide range of spa and wellness facilities, like a Wellness Academy where you can learn the latest and most effective health trends like yoga and Pilates plus personalized diet programs, alternative healing and detoxification processes, a nature trail, meditative sanctuary, private spa and massage centers, sauna baths, resort spa and kiddie pool, rooftop infinity pool and lounge, and a commercial area for organic restaurants, markets, beauty and medical clinics, and wellness shops, just an elevator ride away.

Designed by architect Edward Co Tan, the healthy lifestyle-oriented environs of Antel Spa Residences is but part of the sprawling 1.7-hectare Antel Lifestyle City. Strategically found also in the enclave are the A. Venue Event Mall that houses a variety of high-end dining bars, clubs, coffee shops, themed bazaars and a 2000-sq.m. international standard events hall and A. Venue Residences, which also carries with it the unique elements and functionality of FSRS.

Live a whole new way of life at Antel Spa Residences, where the privilege of readily available services and amenities plus a premier Makati Avenue address can be yours in one taking.

For inquiries about the new Antel Spa Residences, please call 896-8888 or visit www.antel.com.ph. Interested parties may also visit The Antel Venue Lounge at 5343 Gen. Luna St. corner Makati Avenue, Makati City.

Being fashionably fit has become the craze nowadays as more and more people have become figure and diet conscious, defining a new culture wherein staying trim and healthy is the most important aspect of their lives.

And with this culture comes various figure enhancing food supplements, diet pills, alternative beverages and slimming teas that all profess to aid the individual control their weight and attain slim figures.

But like all things fashionable, a new beverage has now emerged to redefine the landscape of health and figure conscious individuals. Now the new color that is in fashion for fitness is orange and the new fitness drink – Hydrotrim.

Introduced into the country by Mega Lifesciences Pty. Ltd., a global neutraceutical company operating in over 22 countries whose philosophy is geared towards offering high quality healthcare for human wellness, Hydrotrim is the first-ever orange flavored slimming drink in the market today.

“Drink it, trim it – it’s that simple,” said Hydrotrim Brand Manager Shirley Jocson. “Now figure-conscious people can easily and safely reduce their fat simply by drinking a glass of Hydrotrim before every meal,” Jocson added.

Jocson explained that the secret to Hydrotrim’s slimming properties is its active ingredient, Super Citrimax, a proprietary formulation made in the United States that comes from the extract of fruit Garcinia Cambogia.

This extract, Hydroxycitric Acid, is a natural organic acid similar to the acid found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons but with remarkably different properties.

While citric acid is beneficial to the human body because it acts as a natural preservative and an antioxidant, Hydroxycitric Acid, when mixed with the other naturally occurring chemicals present in Hydrotrim, is better because it burns fat and controls the body’s intake of carbohydrates and sugars that are often converted into unsightly flab.

“In the tests that we conducted with 500 Filipino women, Hydrotrim was proven effective in lowering sugar and carbohydrate cravings, inhibiting the production of fat, increasing the ability to burn fat and boosting the body’s metabolic rate,” revealed Jocson. “Aside from getting rid of their “bilbil” or love handles, the women really enjoyed the orange-flavor of Hydrotrim,” she added.

Another important benefit gained from Hydrotrim aside from its weight-control properties is the fact that the product is an easy and convenient way to eliminate fat and maintain figure since it is available in powered format and packaged in sachets.

Jocson advised that in order to effectively trim down or maintain lean, healthy bodies, individuals need to consume at least two sachet of Hydrotrim everyday, 30 minutes before every meal. Preparation takes only a few seconds since the Hydrotrim powder dissolves easily in a glass of water, just like a regular orange drink.

The product is also readily available in Mercury outlets and most major drugstores at an affordable price, attesting the company’s mission of improving human health by providing quality medicines and health products at the right price.

“Health buffs and weight watchers are assured of safety and quality as Mega Lifesciences, a company that specializes in neutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals, has over 20 years of experience in developing high-quality products for human wellness,” said Mega Lifesciences executive director Rishi Pradhan.

For more information about Hydrotrim and other Mega Lifesciences products, call Hotline no.02-894-1111 or email hydrotrim.php@megawecare.com.