Infinity and beyond

The recent launch of The Infinity showroom located at Bonifacio Global City, featuring the three model units of the project along with the customer’s lounge, proved to be as spectacular as the exquisitely designed interiors. Amidst the fireworks display that literally lit up the sky and the frenzied dragon dance, the ribbon cutting was led by Mayor Freddie Tinga, Nuvoland chairman Menardo Jimenez and Nuvoland president Kevin Belmonte and assisted by Nuvoland directors Rally Martinez and VG Martinez. The two-bedroom model unit and the customer lounge were elegantly designed by J Anton Mendoza, while the one-bedroom and studio units were smartly crafted by famous Hong Kong-based designer Joseph Sy.

The guests could hardly contain their excitement after the doors of the showroom finally opened for viewing. Buyers and buyers-to-be of The Infinity made a beeline to the model units to witness the newest trends in what is called "smart casual" interiors. Adding to the overall atmosphere was the bosa nova sound of the Arriba band and the soulful singing of new sensation Irish Fullerton.

The Infinity Showroom is located on Fourth Avenue corner Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, in front of Pacific Plaza Towers. For inquiries, please call 887-5581 or simply log on to www.theinfinity.ph.

Yoshinoya is five!

Yoshinoya, the Japanese fast-food famous for its delicious gyudon beef bowls, unveiled a chic new look and new meals to celebrate its fifth anniversary in the Philippines.

Yoshinoya D&C Japan’s director of international department Takashi Abe and franchise manager Hiro Kato flew in from Japan to join the event. Guests were welcomed by Century Pacific Group chairman Ricardo Po Sr. with his sons, president Chris Po and business unit head Leo Po.

Yoshinoya now features a red-orange color palette reflected on Zen-inspired waves on its counters. Japanese fans accent the ceiling, dividers that resemble shoji screens and a display niche showcasing Japanese bowls are new additions as well.

Leo Po said: "We are pleased to present the new Yoshinoya concept in celebration of our fifth year of serving authentic and high quality Japanese food at affordable prices. With our new design, we are confident customers will be more excited to visit our store and enjoy their favorite Japanese food."

Present were the 2006 UAAP champions UST Growling Tigers, headed by their coach Pido Jarencio. All players accepted Yoshinoya’s gyudon challenge and gobbled up as many bowls in 20 minutes to kick off the Gyudon Eating Contest promo. Guests were also treated to a performance of kabuki, the traditional Japanese drama rich in music, dance, mime and spectacular staging and costumes.

Making the future real

Samsung granted P2.4 million to ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired) and P2 million to Knowledge Foundation, two organizations that have chosen to provide the youth with a better future through the use of technology. President and CEO of Samsung Electronics Philippines Spencer Shim said: "It is exciting to see the creativity and innovation that arises each year from beneficiaries who share our vision and see a real opportunity to help the less fortunate to improve their quality of life."

Applicants were judged by criteria based on creativity and innovation, with Knowledge Channel and ATRIEV topping the score. The panel of judges included Margie Moran-Floirendo, Bambam Aquino and Paolo Manzano.

The Knowledge Channel proposed its "Cable-A-School" to improve the quality of education and the country’s educational system. "Cable-A-School" is designed to be the major implementing arm of the project "Educational Television: A Strategic Response to the Philippine Poverty Crisis." This is in response to the belief that poverty continues to hound most Filipinos due to lack of quality basic education.

ATRIEV’s winning proposal focused on a computer literacy program for the blind through Project ATTRAC (Adaptive Technology for Training, Resource and Access Center). Through a collaboration with STI (Systems Technology Institute) and TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), ATRIEV carries out five-month training programs in Metro Manila to prepare blind individuals to use computers either for post-secondary education or for employment. The grant will be used to finance many programs that will benefit blind Filipinos.

Samsung is passionate about connecting with local communities to help make the world a better place to live in. Inaugurated in 2003, Samsung Digital Hope is the company’s single largest regional social program for South East Asia and Australia. It supports programs that help bridge the digital divide for youth and people living with disabilities. Over $1.65 million in grant money has been awarded to 38 organizations, benefiting over 600,000 youths and people living with disabilities.

(For more info, check out www.samsung.com/hope.)

Pure platinum choices

Metrobank Platinum MasterCard with luxury watch distributor Lucerne hosted a gathering of watch connoisseurs at Lucerne’s Shangri-La boutique. Metrobank credit cardholders were treated to special perks on top of an attractive selection of zero percent installment plans for their purchases.

Timepieces showcased included brands like Audemars Piguet, Bell & Ross, Breguet, Breitling, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega, Patek Philippe, Philip Stein, Rolex and Tudor.

The crowd of watch aficionados all keen to take advantage of the special offers included Lucerne’s Ivan and Emerson Yao, Metrobank Card Corp. executives Anne Young, Murray James, Ocel Fabian, Celeste Lim, Alesandra Ty, architect Dan Lichauco, actor Polo Ravales, Maritoni Fernandez, Dritter Sarmiento, Douglas Kwok, JR Banson and Matt Mendoza.

Purchase any of Lucerne’s illustrious brands using your Metrobank Platinum MasterCard and other card products and avail of its flexible zero percent installment plans.

(For more information contact Metrobank’s 24-hour customer service hotline at 8700-700.)

Detoxify!

Manila’s party people have found a new way to detoxify. After going on a drinking and smoking binge, one would love to get rid of toxins in one’s body. A revolutionary technology widely popular in the United States is now available in the Philippines. The Therapeutic Ion Cleansing Footbath from No-Tox offers a convenient way to flush out toxins.

This detoxification method works through a specially designed array that generates a stream of positive and negative ions which attract and attach themselves to oppositely charged toxic particles and draws them out of the body through the thousands of pores on the feet. The results are immediately visible as the toxins are literally seen being excreted into the water.

No-Tox claims that its unique detoxification and cleansing treatment promotes overall health and wellness, and aids in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Those who have tried this treatment claim improved digestion, an enhanced immune system and healthy skin.

(For inquiries and home service, interested customers may call 0920-8305638.)

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