Moving toward global banking compliance

Ever since Astring-O-sol launched its Ice Extreme product last year, the “morning breath” has become a thing of the past. The revolutionary mouthwash contains a compound with clinically proven, time-release anti-bacterial action that keeps working throughout the day.

A new variant, Eucalyptus Rush, was recently introduced with the launch of Tim Yap’s video book called Rush at the Ayala Museum. The video book featured personalities whose dynamic lifestyles truly encapsulate the very meaning of “rush!”  

Among those featured were radio shock jock Mo Twister, beautiful women Ornussa Cadness, Iya Villania, Helena Belmonte and Divine Lee, basketball player Doug Kramer and musician Raymond Marasigan.

Experience the extremely cool Eucalyptus Rush flavor for a total blast of freshness and get extreme protection with it from the time you gargle at night until you get up!

Bigfish in Boracay

Bigfish has been behind the biggest dance events in Boracay for seven years now. Recently, Bigfish’s Pixie Cheah and business partner Ricky Daker of Activ8 Records had a big surprise for Boracay’s party faithful when they presented Gatecrasher at Hey Jude! featuring pumping tunes by world-renowned international DJ Dave Lee and the legendary DJ Lange. The very next weekend, Bigfish presented Beach Angel opening with DJ Erwin Edralin followed by DJ Mike Van Loon who showcased Fierce Angel’s brand of house music. Bonnie Bailey, accompanied by fire-dancers, performed before her ecstatic, camera-wielding fans.

Smart Gold sponsored the event in cooperation with Activ8 Records, SeAir, Fairways & Bluewater, The Villas on the 9th, Lodgings, Mulligan-Golf Hotel, Balaihara, MYX, Magic 89.9, NU 107, Heart 103.5, Manila Bulletin, Manual, Burn, Circuit, Chikka, Clickthecity.com, Yehey.com, philstar.com, O Music and Video, Goodtimes 101, Nulatex and Gold’s Gym. 

Watch out for the launch of the first Bigfish House Compilation CD titled Track Record on May 25 at the Embassy Super Club. 

(Visit www.bigfishmanila.com)

2007 Philippine Art Awards

After having been around for more than a decade and earning the distinction as the country’s premier visual arts competition, the Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards (PAA) has set to bring more winners and prizes for 2007-2008.

At the launch ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel InterContinental, managing director of Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) Chris Nelson, organizer and sponsor of the PAA, said: “Philip Morris has supported the arts worldwide for the past 50 years. Rest assured that in the Philippines, our company will continue to support the arts since we acknowledge that this is a unique way for a society to define, express and understand its experience.”

Nelson added that the expansion of PAA into a regional contest would lead to a national final with a combined prize pool to P2.5 million. A new PAA webpage, www.philippineartawards.org, was also launched to provide downloadable competition entry forms and information about the Awards.

A commemorative coffee table book and an accompanying CD-ROM version, written by art critic Cid Reyes and titled Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards: A Decade of Inspired Creativity was also produced to immortalize the first 10 years of the Philippine Art Awards from 1994 to 2005.

The first recipients of the limited edition book included National Artists Abdulmari Imao, Napoleon Abueva and Ben Cabrera who joined this celebration of Filipino artistry with  noted artists and art enthusiasts Dr. Jaime C. Laya, Kevin Belmonte, Irene Marcos-Araneta, Juvenal Sanso, Manny Baldemor, Cedy Lopez Vargas, Dr. Rod Paras Perez, Petty Benitez-Johannot, Rita Ledesma, Marivic Rufino Buenaventura, Susan Fetalvero Roces, Gus Albor, Lito Carating, Gabriel Barredo, Dr. Jess Peralta, Dr. Patrick Flores, Norma Liongoren, Ramon Diaz, Deans of Fine Arts Schools Tina Colayco (UP), Lino Santiago (UE) and Charito Bitanga (PWU).

Celebrating Bedan achievement

The annual Red and White Ball by the San Beda College Alumni Association (SBCAA) once again honored its outstanding men and women. Top in the roster of Bedan awardees is the late Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who was elevated to the San Beda Hall of Fame. Former President Cory Aquino graced the awarding rites at the NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio. Other Bedans elevated posthumously to the Hall of Fame included Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion, renowned painter Alfredo Carmelo and Major General Basilio Valdes. Old-time basketball hero Tata Carranceja was elevated to the Sports Hall of Fame.  

The SBCAA launched this year the late Sen. Raul S. Roco Award for Public Service Excellence in memory of San Beda’s favorite son, Raul. The Roco award went to Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte. Former Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella received the Ramon Mitra Award for Legislation.  Dr. Luis Kodumal of Philadelphia was chosen Most Outstanding Overseas Bedan. Twelve distinguished Bedans were also honored: Court of Appeals Justice Francisco Acosta (Law), Supreme Court Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura (Government Service), Toyota Pasong Tamo president Arturo Macapagal (Business and Industry), Security Bank president Alberto Villarosa (Banking and Finance), Mukesh  Advani (Sports Service), Vicente  Dinglasan (Business and Industry), Antonio Manikan (Humanitarian Service), Rep.  Abraham Kahlil Mitra (Government Service), Francisco Roque (Education and International Understanding), radio broadcaster Marlo Sanchez (Entrepreneurship), Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento Jr. (Government Service) and Alfred  “Krip” Yuson (Creative Writing/Journalism).  Acclaimed Bedan stylist Rachy Cuna designed obelisk trophies for the awardees.

Women of Service awardees included Nikki Coseteng, Sonia Roco and Ana Marie Periquet. The affair glittered with the prominence of its alumni led by PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

(E-mail me at peppertstar@yahoo.com)