Join the pact

The Johnnie Walker “Step Inside the Circuit” party series brought two-time Formula One World champion and Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking ambassador Mika Hakkinen to the Philippines to launch “Join the Pact,” a global campaign that aims to spread awareness on the importance of practicing responsible drinking. Mika reminded all present at the exclusive party in Prive at The Fort that “winners never drink and drive.”

The launch of “Join the Pact” in the Philippines was held to promote activities that invite fans to “Step Inside” the world of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team. Fans gain access when they follow Johnnie Walker Philippines on Facebook.

Johnnie Walker fans can expect a lot more extraordinary and exciting things unfolding for “Step Inside the Circuit.” Diageo marketing manager Fe Mir said, “This is just the start of many unique and exclusive Johnnie Walker and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Race Team experiences our consumers have the opportunity to access — these experiences starting from the exclusive party series, to the 2011 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, to bringing Mika Hakkinen to Manila, all the way to Monaco in 2012.”

Mika took time out to sign autographs. My good friend Cacay Moras even brought her mini Mika model car with her to have him autograph it, to Mika’s delight. Some other people were also lucky enough to meet him before the Johnnie Walker Responsible Drinking ambassador took on the role of “official designated driver” of the evening to a lucky Gold Pass winner and his friend — driving them safely at the evening’s end on board a Mercedes Benz S Class vehicle.

Diageo marketing manager Fe Mir and managing director Arif Esenc.

Committed to consumers

Century Canning Corp. (CCC) was named “Marketing Company of the Year” during the awarding ceremonies for the 32nd Agora Awards held at the Peninsula Manila. The industry pioneer and market leader in tuna was given the highest honor at the prestigious awards organized by the Philippine Marketing Association. Century founder Ricardo Po Sr. and son Chris Po, who is also president and CEO of Century Canning Corp., were present to accept the award.

Vice president and GM Greg Banzon said, “This award has really brought honor and prestige to our company. At the same time, receiving it is a humbling experience, since it reminds us of our continuing commitment to constantly find new ways to bring healthy, delicious seafood meal solutions to our consumers.”

As one of the country’s most innovative marketing leaders, CCC sees the Agora award as a testament to its solid reputation built for over 30 years. Century Tuna is present in 26 other countries, including China, where it is now the No. 1 brand and also enjoys a great following in 40 major cities around the world. 

Pia Boren and Andi Manzano.

CCC gives back to the community through the RSPo Foundation, a brainchild of Ricardo Po Sr., which is committed to helping address hunger and malnutrition, education and environment issues. To date, the foundation has fed over 500,000 individuals, provided educational scholarships and donations to charitable and humanitarian causes.

Actress, TV host and Century Tuna celebrity endorser KC Concepcion gave a short talk to give tribute to CCC. Ricardo Po Sr. even told KC, “I know your mother… she used to call me Tito.”

The Agora award for “Marketing Company of the Year” was the second prestigious recognition received by CCC this year. The company was awarded early this year with the Reader’s Digest “Platinum Award for the Most Trusted Tuna Brand” for its pioneering product, Century Tuna.

Experience the new Sulo Riviera

Mylene Avia and STAR’s Lucien Dy Tioco.

Be the first to discover The Sulo Riviera on Dec. 3 as it finally opens its doors to reveal the new look of the hotel. Located in Quezon City’s principal business and commercial hub, the hotel is now under new ownership led by executive director Cristina Cuevas. Sulo Riviera has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel that carries 71 superior and deluxe rooms and suites. Each room boasts of modern interiors influenced by exotic Malayan structures; its contemporary design is uniquely Filipino. From its latest aesthetic to its sumptuous cuisine, experience The Sulo Riviera, reinvented at Matalino Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

An exciting TRS Cup

Tuason Racing School (TRS) has just made another pivotal move that would hone Filipino racing champions’ skills for the National Series. The longest running and only professional racing school in the country launched the TRS Cup powered by the Ford Fiesta at the Plaza of the Newport Mall of Resorts World Manila. A party followed after a series of exciting races.

Twelve drivers, including foreign entrants, confirmed their participation, namely Ross Jackes, Daisy Jackes, Yvana Carangan, Ding Dizon, Stefan Wolf, Basti Escalante, Eric Choi of Guam, Singaporean Daniel Charles, Charlie Cojuangco, Councilor Benjo Bernabe, Indian Manikandan Ramachandran and Paulo Bringas.

(From left) TopTul’s Ren Ngo, fourth placer Paolo Bringas, third placer Eric Choi, first placer Charlie Cojuangco, second placer Bobby Horrigan, fifth placer Yvanna Carangan of Team Standard Insurance with AAP Jun Espino and TRS founder JP Tuason.

Former congressman-turned-racecar driver Cojuangco dominated the first weekend of the TRS Cup powered by the Ford Fiesta at the Batangas Racing Circuit by winning two out of three races. Cojuangco, on board his GT40 liveried Ford Fiesta, outsmarted Bobby Horrigan and Team Hafale’s Stefan Wolf, who finished second and third respectively for the first race

Cojuangco, on the second race, was able to pull ahead of the group, while German National Wolf and Choi battled for second. Meanwhile, Jackes and youngest driver Escalante were battling for third when Escalante pushed too hard going off the track and colliding with Jackes as he forced his way back on the circuit. This incident forced both the Smart Bro (Escalante) and Pacific Jet (Jackes) cars to retire. Choi ended up winning second in front of Horrigan.

For the final race, a reversed grid was implemented, giving Jackes a head start on pole position, which he kept until the checkered flag. Behind him was Horrigan, who was almost overtaken by Cojuangco but was unable to do so before the checkered flag.

(From left) Jeanette Tuason, Rhian Ramos, STAR columnist Tim Yap and Jeremy Marquez.

TRS Cup, powered by the Ford Fiesta, is a grassroots circuit car program, which is supported by Castrol and Bridgestone. Major sponsors included Standard Insurance, Coke Zero, Hafele, Ford Alabang, Smart Bro and Smart Netphone. Official timekeeper was U-boat. Official partners were Oakley, Rota, Hastravel, Speedlab, Starbright Bodykits and Emotion. Media partners were C! Magazine, Channel V, Stoplight TV, Turbozone and 99.5RT. 

(For more inquiries, visit www.tuasonracing.com or e-mail [email protected])