OYO Hotels and Homes hits 4.3x sales growth YoY globally in 2018

Tweet

OYO sets sights on market-leading position globally with 458,000 rooms as of last year, adds more rooms than the world’s top three hotel chains combined

Manila, Philippines, February 28, 2019: OYO Hotels and Homes, South Asia’s largest, one of China’s top five, and the world’s fastest-growing chain of leased and franchised hotels, homes and spaces, announces that it posted a 4.3x sales growth YoY globally last year as it shares details of its financial performance as of December 2018.

With more than 458,000 rooms globally as of December 2018 and a Realized Value run-rate of $1.8 billion, OYO is poised to become the world’s largest hotel chain. The company’s 4.3x sales growth YoY achieved last year was a result of a continued increase in global stayed room nights across its properties over the years. OYO saw global stayed room nights (Annualized based on December run-rate) surging from 6 million in 2016 to 13 million in 2017 to 75 million (99m based on December 2018 peak) last year (with the growth of 5.7x on YoY basis).

The revenue growth can also be attributed to strong business drivers, including a notable increase in exclusive room supply and in commission incomes. Partnering with OYO significantly improves the quality of stand-alone hotels and the occupancy from 25 percent to 65 percent on an average, thereby increasing yield on underutilized assets for property owners.

“2018 was a very good year for OYO as we marked our presence in a total of eight global markets. We are growing exponentially, and we will continue to invest in technology and build long-term capabilities while getting top talents onboard to sustain this growth. We are optimistic that we will maintain this momentum as we redefine the hospitality experience around the world. OYO will continue to create more value for both our asset owners and their customers,” shares Abhishek Gupta, OYO Hotels & Homes Chief Financial Officer.

OYO Hotels & Homes is now present in more than 500 cities across ten countries – India, China, Malaysia, Japan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nepal, the UK, the UAE, Indonesia, and just recently, the Philippines. With an initial investment of $50 million, OYO is planning to open more than 20,000 rooms among the 10 key cities in the Philippines, which is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect employment for Filipinos by 2020.

About OYO Hotels & Homes:

OYO Hotels & Homes is South Asia’s largest, one of China’s top five, and the world’s fastest-growing chain of hotels, homes, and spaces, with footprint in more than 500 cities across India, China, Malaysia, Nepal, the UK, the UAE, the KSA, Indonesia, Philippines, and more recently Japan. OYO Hotels & Homes is one of a kind and has pioneered the world’s first full-scale technology-led business model in the hospitality and real estate industry. It currently operates over 13,000 franchised or leased hotels and over 6,000 homes as part of its chain. In India, OYO is present in over 180 cities, and hosts guests in over 8700+ properties, in over 170,000 rooms. OYO is backed by leading investors, the SoftBank Group, Sequoia India, Lightspeed India, Hero Enterprise and China Lodging Group. For more information, log on to https://www.oyorooms.com/

AirAsia celebrates inter-Asean connectivity with new Manila-Jakarta flights #AirAsiainJakarta

Tweet

Traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

AirAsia is now flying from Manila to Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, further strengthening the airline’s commitment as a truly Asean carrier. 

(L-R) AirAsia Cabin Crew, I Ketut Ferry Utameyasa , Senior Manager of Aeronautical Commercial Division, Angkasa Pura 2, Adji Gunawan, CEO of PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta Tbk, AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador, Marianne Ludwina, CFO PT Jasa Angkasa Semesta Tbk, AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros, Dendy Kurniawan, CEO of AirAsia Group in Indonesia, Hon. Budi Dhewajani, Charge d'affaires, Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia in Manila

AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine years running, flew its maiden flight from Manila to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta today with send-off ceremonies held at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. 

AirAsia flight Z2 235 with pilot in command AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador left Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 100% pax load and was welcomed by a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

(L-R) Rifai Taberi, Commercial Director AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador, AirAsia Cabin Crew

AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador said, “AirAsia is a product of Asean and we are so proud to be part of this region we call home. We are thrilled to add another Asean destination into our ever growing network. We do love Asean so much that today we are starting Manila - Jakarta and by next week or on January 19, we are to fly Manila – Bali next.”

Officers from the Embassy of Indonesia to the Philippines led by Charge d'affaires Budi Dhewajani and Hidayat Zakaira joined AirAsia Philippines Chairperson Maan Hontiveros aboard the inaugural flight from Manila to Jakarta along with guests from start-ups business community, Filipina CEO Circle in the Philippines and members of the media. 

AirAsia Group CEO for Indonesia, Mr. Dendy Kurniawan, and officials from transportation, tourism and airport ministries in Indonesia, meanwhile, welcomed the Philippine group at a ceremonial dinner held in Seribu Rasa Menteng in Jakarta.

“We want to bring the people across the Asean region closer together with our new flights connecting Manila to Jakarta and Bali following our Manila – Ho Chi Minh City last November, we are looking at adding new routes to Thailand this year and further expand our Asean footprint to serve more and more communities.” Comendador said. 

AirAsia also offers several flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and Singapore from Manila and Cebu in the Philippines. 

Keep updated with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

About AirAsia Philippines:

AirAsia Philippines is a wholly owned subsidiary of AirAsia Inc. which is a joint venture company among Filipino investors Antonio O. Cojuangco, former Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao, Michael L. Romero, Marianne B. Hontiveros, and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad.

AAP operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. The airline operates several flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore.

AAP is part of the AirAsia Group that has been awarded the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running by Skytrax since 2009 to 2017.

About the AirAsia Group

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with over 120 destinations. Within 15 years of operations, AirAsia has carried over 350 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 170. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries and beyond. AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for nine consecutive years from 2009 – 2017. AirAsia is the first airline globally to collaborate with INTERPOL to implement the I-Checkit system to screen the passports of all its prospective passengers against information contained in the world police body’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database.

Good News : Taiwan Approves VISA Free Travel For Filipinos

Tweet

Taiwan in your bucket list as the island state has announced that it will soon allow visa-free entry for visitors from the Philippines as part of their “New Southbound Policy.”

Taiwanese Premier Lai Ching-te only recently approved the visa-free plan for Filipinos, but concrete details such as the starting date for the privilege have yet to be announced. According to a report by Focus Taiwan, however, visa-free travel to the country will be possible either by October or November.

Once finalized, Filipinos who visit Taiwan can stay on the island nation for up to 14 days, without a visa.

The visa-free policy aimed to promote people-to-people, tourism and commercial exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines according to Winston Chen, director-general of the Foreign Ministry’s Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office’s Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin had also teased the visa-free plan as early as July this year, during the 2017 Taiwan Tourism Workshop held in Manila.

Dr. Lin said that both Taiwan and the Philippines, despite being separated by a 2-hour flight, “tend to overlook each other,” underscoring the need to beef up relations, strengthen cultural exchange, and boost tourism in both countries.

Taiwan already has visa-free arrangements with a number of other countries, which include Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.

3rd SEASON OF FOOD HERO SET TO RAISE THE BAR IN 2016! : Be the next food host on Asian Food Channel and Food Network Asia!

Tweet

Asian Food Channel and Food Network’s hunt for the next food host is expected to draw fierce competition across Asia-Pacific.  Now looking for a great host with a passion for food and travel, who also has outstanding skills in the kitchen.

The digitally-enabled competition expects to surpass past seasons’ participation numbers and increase engagement among food lovers in the region

Food Hero is a digitally-enabled campaign by Asian Food Channel and Food Network Asia to looking for talent that is passionate about food and travel, and aspire to be on television! Interested participants can download the Food Hero mobile app from either the App Store (on Apple) and Google Play (on Android) to submit their entries for selection. All you need to do is to shoot a 3-minute video of yourself either cooking or introducing a dish and upload it onto the Food Hero mobile app. Submissions close August 21. Share your food story today! 

The search for the region’s best home cook and host kicks off in Asia as Food Hero returns in its third season. Building upon the momentum and success from previous seasons, the digitally-enabled competition will look to crown one winner who will go on to host his or her own Asian Food Channel and/or Food Network programme. 

“As the leader in lifestyle programming with two dedicated regional channels focused on food, we are always looking to grow our pool of on-air and digital talent. Continuing the Food Hero competition is not only a great platform to uncover fresh talent, it is also a great way for our viewers to connect over the common passion point around the love for food,” said Carl Zuzarte, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production at Scripps Networks Interactive, Asia-Pacific.

Food Hero 2016 – 5 Simple Steps to Participate! 

1- Interested participants can download the Food Hero mobile app from either App Store (on Apple) or Google Play (on Android).  

2- After downloading, participants will be prompted to register their information to sign in. 

3- The mobile app provides instructional videos and tips on how to shoot and submit a winning entry. Participants can also draw inspiration from various recipes from past contestants and watch previous Food Hero winners share their food story.  

4- Participants can record their entry that best demonstrates their cooking and hosting skills.  

5- They can then upload their video entry and also view submissions by other participants. 

Upon closing of competition on 21st August (three months period to submit entries), a panel comprising of production and creative experts will evaluate the entries based on the participant’s personality, on-screen appeal and their creativity in producing original and engaging content. Top entries will be shortlisted to participate in a series of culinary and travel-related challenges to better evaluate them in ‘live’ scenarios. 

Last year, Ili Sulaiman from Malaysia and Debbie Wong from Hong Kong overcame fierce competition and was crowned Food Hero 2015 champions, joining the likes of TV hosts Sarah Benjamin (Singapore) and Michele Lean (Malaysia) who won the first edition of the competition. 

“The moment I realized I wanted to make a career out of food was probably when I saw Martin Yan on TV and I remember thinking that’s exactly what I want to be. Someone who’s passionate about food and sharing their food story with the world,” said Wong, who has since hosted a number of Food Network productions like Food Wars Asia Season 2 and Kitchen Quickies.

“I took part the first time around and I didn’t get through but being the winner for Food Hero last year has opened many doors for me and given me the confidence to host my own shows and better run my own establishment,” said Sulaiman who owns ‘DISH by Ili’, a food delivery service providing wholesome and nutritious meals in Malaysia.

Starting today, interested participants can visit www.foodhero.asia and sign up for the Food Hero mailing list to receive the latest updates and exclusive content leading up to the competition.

www.asianfoodchannel.com 

www.facebook.com/asianfoodchannel

www.foodnetworkasia.com 

www.facebook.com/foodnetworkasia

Planning your next adventure ? NIDA Rooms goes live in the Philippines!

Tweet

Asia’s First VHO Penetrates Fourth Key Market In Asia

Seven month old Malaysia based NIDA Rooms is now open for bookings in Philippines. Customers can now book NIDA Rooms in four countries, including Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. The company also announces the availability of select inventory on Tiket.com, an Online Travel Agent (OTA), with many more OTAs to follow in coming weeks to enable its customers the ability to book easily.

The company, incorporated in September last year, made head ways when it became the first Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO) in Asia. Since its inception, NIDA Rooms has changed the playing field in the hospitality industry by offering high quality stays in strategic locations, spurring tourism in countries where it is present.

As a VHO, NIDA Rooms offers rooms under the NIDA Rooms brand to customers using a State-of-the-art e-commerce platform. This technology platform provides the partner hotels a better chance of selling their unsold rooms by increasing their reach into global markets. NIDA Rooms applies stringent quality and service criteria to choose the right hoteliers to partner with and ensures that the customers are guaranteed top quality experience during their stay.

NIDA Rooms, which recently secured an equity investment of USD4.2 million, has over 200 partner hotels in Philippines and is continuously working towards partnering with qualified hotels in strategic locations in the country. The partner hotels are chosen in line with its philosophy to offer customers, accommodation at the Right Location, for the Right Price with the Right Quality.

NIDA Rooms Chief Executive Officer, Kaneswaran Avili, said “With this development, NIDA Rooms is available for customers to book and stay in four key Asian countries, with over 3,500 hotels in a short span of seven (7) months from its incorporation. This is a milestone that we at NIDA Rooms are very proud of and this achievement would not have been possible without the hardwork from all employees and trust from the shareholders. I thank them for their dedication and support. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our hotel partners for being part of NIDA Rooms family.”

In Philippines, NIDA Rooms is currently present in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Angeles/Clark, and Davao amongst other main and strategic areas.

“Towards year end, NIDA rooms is targeting to have at least 1,000 partner hoteliers in Philippines. We are very pleased that our dream of offering top quality hotel stay under USD 30 is now achieved as most of our hotel partners are offering great prices to encourage customers to experience their good product offerings, that have gone unrecognized before.”Avili concluded.

Visit www.nidarooms.com

About NIDA Rooms

As Asia’s largest and fastest growing “Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO)”, NIDA Rooms remains committed in its value proposition of 3Rs - Right Location, Right Price and Right Quality to its customers. This is in keeping with the “A Good Night, Every Night” spirit promoted by NIDA Rooms through a comprehensive range of facilities available in all NIDA Rooms, including complimentary wi-fi, hot showers, air conditioned rooms, high quality amenity kit. Through NIDA Rooms, customers can instantly navigate and book thousands of affordable priced rooms in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines via our website at www.nidarooms.com and our mobile application on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. NIDA Rooms’ commitment to our hotel partners increases their 3Rs - Reach, Revenue and Recognition. To date, NIDA Rooms has over 3,500 hotels partners with over 800 hotels in Malaysia, over 1,500 hotels in Thailand, over 1,000 hotels in Indonesia, and over 200 hotels in the Philippines.

HISTORY® TURNS THE LENS ON ASIA’S BEST SHUTTERBUGS FOR THE THIRD TIME WITH NEW SEASON OF PHOTO FACE-OFF

Tweet

- 13 amateur photographers give it their best shot to be crowned champion -

Philippines - After two successful seasons, A+E Networks® Asia’s original production PHOTO FACE-OFF is set to return on HISTORY® for season three. Currently in production, viewers in the region can look forward to the five episode series’ premiere later this year.

Award-winning resident professional photographer Justin Mott is back to take on a new group of amateur photographers who will compete against him, and each other, for the top prize. For the third consecutive year, Canon will be the series’ presenting sponsor, in association with Silk Air. This season’s pool of talented photographers are vying for an overseas trip to the Canon Photo Clinic, a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera + Canon Red Line Professional Backpack and the opportunity to photograph a red carpet event for A+E Networks.

Besides picking up valuable photography tips from the region’s leading experts, viewers will also experience some of Southeast Asia’s most unique activities and exotic locales. From capturing a figure skater in action, to styling and shooting an album cover for a popular local band, this year’s challenges will be more exciting than ever.

Three local amateurs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be given new photographic challenges each week in their home town, designed to test the shooters’ creativity, skill and technical knowledge. A panel of professionals will judge their work and the pack will be whittled down after each challenge until there is one country representative who will then move on to the grand finale in Vietnam.

Each episode will feature a three-round battle: a speed challenge which will require them to think on their feet and race against time; a theme challenge where they will have to meet a client’s brief; and a final face-off where the last one standing will compete head to head with expert Justin Mott for bragging rights and Canon prizes.

PHOTO FACE-OFF is the first and biggest photography reality competition television series in Asia and is produced by Beach House Productions for A+E Networks Asia.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

About HISTORY™ & HISTORY HD™

HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destination for entertaining hit series and cinematic drama events. Programming covers a diverse variety of genres ranging from real-life characters who bring history to life every day, to natural history, contemporary history, technology and science, as well as archaeology and pop culture. It is the highest rated factual entertainment in the U.S. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, The Pickers, Ancient Aliens, Counting Cars, The Curse of Oak Island, Vikings, Hidden Cities Extreme and Ride N’ Seek.

HISTORY is available in more than 325 million households in over 150 territories and 35+ languages.

Homepage: www.historyasia.com

Facebook & Twitter: HistoryAsia

Manny Pacquiao is Asia Society’s 2015 Asia Game Changer

Tweet

Manny Pacquiao

Photo credits: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Boxing legend and humanitarian Manny Pacquiao named 2015 Asia Game Changer of the Year; awardees will be honored at Asia Game Changer Awards Dinner and Celebration at the U.N. on October 13, 2015.

Asia Society today announced the 2015 Asia Game Changers, recognizing those making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world. Manny Pacquiao will be honored as the 2015 Asia Game Changer of the Year, following in the footsteps of Alibaba CEO Jack Ma, who took the honor in 2014.

"The Asia Game Changer Awards address the lack of recognition for Asians who are transforming ideas into action and improving lives," said Asia Society President Josette Sheeran. "This year's honorees could not be more different from one another. They include a group of scientists, a comedian, a dancer, a fighter pilot and a boxer. What they share in common is that they all fight for a better today and inspire the world to do things differently."

While all honorees received widespread support, "one individual rose to the top of our list," said Sheeran. "Manny Pacquiao achieved his remarkable success after a childhood of extreme hunger and poverty. Today, Manny is a major humanitarian force, directing his philanthropy toward numerous causes, including education and the fight against human trafficking. He is a remarkable inspiration and demonstrates the power of giving back to transform people's lives."

Pacquiao and the other honorees will attend the Asia Game Changer Awards Dinner and Celebration at the United Nations on October 13, 2015. Pacquiao will also address the gathering. Among the Asia Society trustees presenting the awards will be Citi CEO, Global Consumer Banking Stephen Bird; renowned opera singer Renee Fleming; Pepsi Co Chairman and CEO Indra K. Nooyi; veteran broadcaster Charlie Rose; former Australian Prime Minister and President of the Asia Society Policy Institute Kevin Rudd; and Asia Society Co-Chairs Ronnie C. Chan and Henrietta H. Fore. The evening will also feature a special live performance by global music movement Playing For Change, recipient of the 2014 Asia Game Changer award.

Honorees are selected through a global survey of more than 1,000 thought leaders. The 2015 awardees are:

Asia Game Changer of the Year: Manny Pacquiao (The Philippines)

Humanitarian, world-famous boxing champion, and member of the Philippines House of Representatives For using his sport, and his star power, as sources for good

Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura (Japan)

2014 Nobel Laureates in Physics and inventors of a new energy-efficient light source — the blue LED For lighting our world in a groundbreaking and sustainable way

Chanda Kochhar (India)

CEO of ICICI Bank and the first woman to head an Indian bank

For breaking the glass ceiling, transforming an industry, and empowering the masses

Lei Jun (China)

Founder & CEO of Xiaomi, China's leading smartphone vendor For changing the game of communication in China and beyond

Li Cunxin (Australia/China)

Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet, known as "Mao's Last Dancer" For his art, his courage, and his cultural diplomacy

Aasif Mandvi (United States/India)

Comedian, activist and powerful spokesperson for Muslims and Asian Americans For using comedy to challenge perceptions, and work for good

Mariam al-Mansouri (United Arab Emirates)

Fighter pilot, UAE Air Force and role model for women throughout the Arab world For battling stereotypes, and terror, from the air

Kiran Bir Sethi (India)

Founder, Design for Change and The Riverside School, and champion of youth volunteerism For empowering children to change the world

In 2014, in addition to Jack Ma and Playing for Change, other Asia Game Changers were Japanese architect Shigeru Ban; Pratham co-founder and CEO Madhav Chavan; My Shelter Foundation and Liter of Light founder Lilac Diaz; the charitable organization Fashion Girls for Humanity; former Indonesian Minister and disaster relief specialist Kuntoro Mangkusubroto; MOBY Group chairman Saad Mohseni; Acumen CEO Jacqueline Novogratz; Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy; groundbreaking neuroscientist Pawan Sinha; education activist Malala Yousafzai; and Chinese education reformer Zhang Minxuan.

More information about the 2015 awardees, including bios, and the October 13 event is available at AsiaSociety.org/GameChangers. 

Members of the media should email jenny.rockett@asiasociety.org.ph for details.

Asia Society is pleased to have Citi as the underwriting partner for the 2015 Asia Game Changer Awards and Dinner and Philippine Airlines as its Asia Game Changer Award Sponsor for Game Changer of the Year.

Other Information: 

Asia Society Philippines aims to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding and bridge differences across the Philippines, Asia and the United States. It develops cross-sector programs that bring together peoples, leaders and institutions to promote understanding of Asia, across the fields of policy, business leadership, education and arts and culture. Part of a global network of 11 Asia Society centers in Asia and the United States, Asia Society Philippines is dedicated in helping to create a more collaborative and shared future for Asia, especially encouraging dialogue and fostering new partnerships.

Asia Society Philippines Trustees: Washington SyCip, Founding Chairman; Doris Magsaysay Ho, Chair; Jorge L. Araneta, Joselito D. Campos, Jr., Teresita Sy-Coson, Frederick Y. Dy, Jaime Enrique Y. Gonzalez, Oscar M. Lopez, Atty. Ricardo J. Romulo, Edward A. Tortorici, Luis J.L Virata, Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

About Asia Society

Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context. Across the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Society provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration to address present challenges and create a shared future.

Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution with headquarters in New York, centers in Hong Kong and Houston, and offices in Los Angeles, Manila, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Sydney, and Washington, DC.

Buddy Valastro is back with an all-new season of Cake Boss on TLC

Tweet

TLC, the number one travel and lifestyle channel in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, will be premiering an all-new season of CAKE BOSS this August! Starring famed baker Buddy Valastro and his cake crew family, the team is back and whipping up amazingly crazy cakes and confections.

Over the years, the team has successfully made their burgeoning bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, a household name. And as the business has grown, so have their responsibilities. But at the end of the day, Buddy wants to be true to his roots: cake and family. Whatever the challenge, the Valastros prove that no matter how sticky the situation, the family that bakes together stays together!

CAKE BOSS is now a partnership between Discovery Networks International (DNI) and TLC in the United States with seasons seven and eight produced by original series producer Jon Sechrist, High Noon Entertainment and Valastro’s own Cakehouse Media. The new partnership enables more creative control globally, giving the show a truly international flavour and appeal. 

Catch Buddy Valastro and his team create the cakes of your dreams, starting August 12, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on TLC. 

Episode Descriptions:

• EP 1: Everything Old is New Again. After 50 years and millions of customers, it’s time to renovate the original Carlo’s bakery. It’s a bittersweet process as the family reminisces over the memories they’ve made spanning the past half a century.
• EP 2: Kid Crush and Carnival. Buddy hopes nothing gets lost in-translation when he creates a colorful Carnival cake for a local Brazilian restaurant. Back at the bakery, love is in the air as the Valentine’s Day rush has everyone pitching in, old school style. At home, Buddy helps his 7 year-old son, Marco, impress his Valentine by doing what Valastro guys do best… bake!
• EP 3: Naked Fishing. Things quickly get out-of-hand when Buddy fills an order for an ice-fishing cake. An important client requests a naked cake as a “naked trend” makes its way to New Jersey, but Buddy struggles to embrace the controversial design.
• EP 4: The Butcher and the Baker. Things really get cooking when the guys go for a consultation at a butcher shop and take a slab of inspiration home for lunch. There's more than a "meat" covered cake to eat when Buddy, the baker, also tries to become a butcher.
• EP 5: Bacon, Banana and Bling. One part St. Patrick’s Day… one part pig roast… it is St. Piggy’s Day, and it’s a huge deal in New Jersey. This year, the event coordinators asked Buddy and his team to make a cake fit for a pig – both inside and out.

Enjoy a year of getwaways from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls!

Tweet

Feed your wanderlust and set out for an epic adventure all year long! Get a chance to win a 3-days/2-nights vacation package to twelve Asian destinations and enjoy a whole year of getaways from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls!

Simply spend a minimum of P1,000 from any establishment at Mckinley Hill, Forbes Town Center, Paseo Center and The Clubhouse at Temple Drive, and P 2,000 from any establishment at Eastwood City, Newport Mall and Lucky Chinatown to gain a raffle entry. Double your chances of winning when you use your Citibank credit card for your purchases; triple them when you use your Megaworld-Citibank credit card.

Present your receipts at the redemption booths at Eastwood Mall Atrium (near Nine West), Eastwood Cybermall Lobby (near Krispy Kreme), Eastwood Central Plaza (near T.G.I.F.), Lucky Chinatown (near Aldo), Mckinley Hill Lobby (near Tokyo Café), Forbes Town Center Lobby (near Serenitea), and Newport Mall Plaza (near Membership counter). Receipts from The Clubhouse and Paseo Center may be redeemed at any of the redemption booths mentioned above.

One lucky winner will win an exciting year-round vacation package for two to 12 Asian destinations comprised of Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Legaspi City, Albay; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Davao City, Davao; Tablas Island, Romblon; Bangkok, Thailand; Beijing, China; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Bali, Indonesia; Vietnam and Hong Kong!

Aside from that, five lucky winners will get the chance to win a vacation trip for two to sensational Asian spots!

Fly your way to the Gardens by the Bay at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore when you shop at Eastwood City. Redeem a raffle coupon at Lucky Chinatown for the opportunity to see the Great Wall of China. Dine at McKinley Hill for the chance to eat at one of the world’s best restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.

Shop at Newport Mall for the chance to win a trip to Tokyo and attend one of the biggest music festivals to hit Japan; or get a chance to wake up to the relaxing sounds of the beach waves in Bali, Indonesia when you dine at Forbes Town Center.

All travel packages come with roundtrip airfares, two-way airport transfers, hotel accommodations with daily breakfast, city tours, and visa applications.

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure awaits you at the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ A Year of Getaways! Promo runs from May 1 to July 31, 2015. 

Visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com or see flyers for more details.

Per DTI-FTEB SPD permit no. 3694, series of 2015.

Discover Southeast Asia’s top backpacking destinations with Cebu Pacific

Tweet

Cruise the mighty Mekong River in Laos and discover the cities, towns and temples along its shores.

More than just an inexpensive way to travel, backpacking is an exhilarating and enriching way to truly experience a destination. It compels travelers to go beyond their comfort zones, deviate from the usual tourist route, live the way locals do, and make friends along the way.

Cebu Pacific Air, with its low fares and network, empowers travel enthusiasts to satiate their wanderlust and explore the best backpacking destinations of Southeast Asia. The airline offers multi-city tickets that allow you to fly to one country and depart from another, maximizing your trip.

Bangkok, the backpackers’ hub.

A backpacker favorite, Bangkok consistently lives up to its reputation as one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Eclectic in its offerings and highly accessible from other destinations, it is the usual starting point for many travelers who crisscross the region. Spending at least two nights here should be enough to explore the city’s lively street markets, spectacular temples, and the nightlife in the famed Khao San Road.

Sunny beaches and party nights at Thailand’s south.

Koh Phi Phi, often referred to as Thailand’s most beautiful island, is located in Krabi province around 12 hours from Bangkok or a two-hour ferry ride from Phuket. The island shot to fame among adventure seekers when the film “The Beach” was shot there more than a decade ago. Accommodations start from as low as 50-100 baht a night. Another Southern Thailand hotspot among budget travelers is Krabi, a group of islands off the Andaman Coast. From Phi Phi, it takes about 1.5 hours by ferry. It is a town visited by those looking for nature activities such as rock climbing. Khao Kanab Nam, the most iconic of its attractions, is composed of two karst rocks situated next to each other.

Once among the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia, Ayutthaya in Thailand is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws tourists in because of its magnificent ancient structures. 

The cultural and laidback North Thailand. 

Complementing the vivacious energy of the South, the Northern part of Thailand offers a more laidback charm with its cultural attractions, relaxing vibe, and cooler weather. Just two hours by bus from Bangkok is Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and a stunning city filled with ancient temples and religious structures. Three rivers—the Chao Phraya, the Lopburi, and the Pa Sak Rivers—converge here. The most enjoyable way to get around the ancient ruins is by bicycle, although tuk-tuks are also available to take visitors around the complex. The largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai can be reached directly by train from Bangkok. Aside from its quiet and relaxing atmosphere that contrasts the hustle and bustle of the capital, a lot of people come here for jungle trekking, elephant encounters, and adventurous activities.

Scenic small-town life in Laos. Laos’ appeal lies in its vast wilderness and rich culture. 

This country used to be isolated after years of war, but is now gaining cult status among travelers from all over the world. Vientiane, the capital, is accessible from Bangkok by train or by bus from Chiang Mai. The city serves as the starting point to other destinations in Laos. Spending one night here should be enough to recharge one’s energy because of the relaxing small town atmosphere. After doing a round of the temples, a great way to experience this river town is to watch the sun set by the Mekong River.Meanwhile, Luang Prabang is a colorful hodgepodge of traditional Lao wooden houses and what remains of its French colonial past. Set underneath a temple-topped hill, Luang Prabang is also known for its monks who line the streets to collect their only meal for the day. A bit farther away from Bangkok, it is a great take-off point for travelers who want to proceed to Hanoi in Vietnam.

The last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire, Angkor Thom in Cambodia is filled with grand Buddhist structures. These include the Bayon Temple, which features 216 massive stone faces and impressive bas reliefs.

Charming Cambodia. Cambodia no longer evokes images of just majestic ruins and lost empires. 

From unspoiled beaches to a distinctive cuisine, the old Khmer kingdom continues to unearth more attractions for tourists and nomads alike. There are several borders in Thailand that provide crossing to Cambodia, the busiest of which leads to Aranyaprathet/Poipet in Northwestern Cambodia. Siem Reap provides access to the Angkor Archeological Park, a 400 square kilometer forested complex of the magnificent ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. The major temples like the Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple of Angkor Thom can be explored within one day, but to visit the other smaller and hidden ones will require a couple of days more. Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, can also be reached by bus from Siem Reap. The city, with its many museums, memorials, and pagodas, gives visitors a powerful glimpse of the country’s rich history and culture. Other activities to try are river cruises, cooking classes, and checking out the street markets. From Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam can already be reached by bus.

There are many routes and ways to take when exploring these Southeast Asian gems, depending on the time each traveler has and how much they want to immerse themselves in every place they visit. The best way to make the most out of every trip is to plan ahead and plan well. 

Aside from booking flights early, securing the necessary travel permits or visas (if required), and packing efficiently, exciting things happen when one travels with an open-mind. Cebu Pacific allows every Juan to maximize their backpacking adventures as it flies from Manila to Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap, the gateways to many other exciting destinations.

Make that dream escapade happen now and book flights atwww.cebupacificair.com.

Nickelodeon’s brand-new animated series Harvey Beaks premiers in Asia this June 8

Tweet

ONE GOOD BIRD SEEKS TO BREAK THE RULES IN NICKELODEON’S BRAND-NEW ANIMATED SERIES “HARVEY BEAKS”

Premieres in Asia on Monday, 8 June at 5pm (PH), and Monday, 29 June at 6pm (TH/WIB), 6.50pm (HK/SG) and 7pm (MY)

A mild-mannered bird and his two wild best friends embark on a series of hilarious adventures in Nickelodeon’s brand-new animated series Harvey Beaks, debuting weekdays from Monday, 8 June at 5pm (PH), and weekly from Monday, 29 June at 6pm (TH/WIB), 6.50pm (HK/SG) and 7pm (MY). 

This 26-episode series, created and executive produced by C.H. Greenblatt (Chowder), tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Harvey, a kid who’s never broken the rules, and Fee and Foo, his two friends who’ve never lived by any.

Set in a magical forest, this new series follows one sweet bird on his mission to experience wild adventures with the help of his two best friends. Harvey, Fee and Foo’s connection only grows stronger throughout the series as they push each other into endless fun. In the first episode “Pe-Choo!”, in order to have an awesome time at the lake, Harvey has to do the one thing that’s the hardest for him–get in really big trouble. This is followed by the second episode “The Spitting Tree”. Spitting from the highest tree in Littlebark is fun until the kids realize they can’t get back down.

“Carl Greenblatt’s very funny and heart-warming stories fit directly in with Nickelodeon’s DNA and sensibilities,” said Russell Hicks, President of Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon. “In Harvey Beaks, viewers have the opportunity to discover the joys, triumphs and fears of growing up through thoughtful characters who push their limits and step out of their personal comfort zones.”

Viewers can visit the Harvey Beaks page on Nick-Asia.com to learn more about the show and its characters, get a behind-the-scenes look at the series and play new games beginning 3 June, including “Harvey Beaks Pe-Choo!”.

Greenblatt began his career in animation as a storyboard artist and writer on Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants. He created and executive produced Chowder and was a storyboard artist and writer for The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy at Cartoon Network. He also directed his own version of the character Deadman for DC Nation shorts.

For more information, visit www.nick-asia.com/shows/harveybeaks/guhdpe from 3 June.

Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year globally and 17th year in Asia, is one of the most globally recognized and widely distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. Creating surprising and playful entertainment experiences everywhere it goes, Nickelodeon has a portfolio that includes television programming and production around the world, plus special events, consumer products, digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social initiatives. Nickelodeon's brands are seen globally in more than 450 million households in over 100 territories via more than 70 locally programmed channels and syndication. 

For more information about Nickelodeon in Asia, visit www.nick-asia.com.

Tweet it: One good bird seeks to break the rules in @nickelodeontv’s brand-new animated series @Harvey_Beaks premiering 8/6 & 29/6 in #Asia!

El Gamma Penumbra Is the First Asia’s Got Talent Champion

Tweet

El Gamma Penumbra emerged as the champion of the talent search "Asia's Got Talent", besting other candidates from 14 different countries. 

The team won US$100,000 and an opportunity to perform at the Marina Bay Sands.

El Gamma is the first champion of the Asia-wide version of the popular reality show. El Gamma Penumbra was the fourth winner in the contest competed in Pilipinas Got Talent in 2012.

El Gamma Penumbra was part of the top 3, which included Filipina classical opera singer Gerphil Flores, and the Mongolian group Khusugtun.  Gerphil placed second in the competition.

Here's the  El Gamma Penumbra’s  performance during the first part of the grand finals below!

Hosted by Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, Asia's Got Talent with David Foster, former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock star Anggun, and Taiwanese pop star Vanness Wu served as judges.

Congratulations El Gamma Penumbra! You're the Filipino Pride!

Top Executives to join the panel at Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 #AdMe

Tweet

Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 (#AdMe) will be at SMX Aura, Taguig on July 26, 2015 with a theme: Empower, Connect, Inspire & Learn. 

The Philippines is the hub of everything; Business Process Outsourcing, Knowledge Process Outsourcing, Network Planning & Optimization, Investment Grade, empowered talents and the Social Media Capital of the 

World. Filipinos more or less are 100 Million already as of 2014 while 30% are online, 100% are using mobile phones and most of us have two each, no wonder that different companies are putting up their digital marketing department or hiring a lot of online strategist to become competitive and to reach the target market fast. 

At Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015, different top executives will join together to share the future of online marketing in the Philippines with the following points; 

• The digital economy of the Philippines 

• Positioning the Philippines as a gateway from east to west and west to east 

• Is the Philippines ready to be a cashless society? 

• Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation 

• Technology and entrepreneurship driving inclusive growth 

• Micro- multinationals- e commerce connecting SMEs to ASEAN and beyond 

Speakers are from international & local scenes who are leaders & influencers. Some of them are as follows; 

Constantin Robertz is the managing director for Zalora in the Philippines. He has lived in the Philippines since 2013 and previously worked with Rocket Internet in Global Venture Development, building its e-commerce ventures around the world in different functions, working with Zalando (Europe's #1 e-commerce company), Lamoda (Russia's leader in fashion e-commerce), and Zalora (Asia's #1 online fashion destination). Before Rocket Internet, Constantin co-founded a personalized online shopping mall in Germany. He studied business administration in St.Gallen (Switzerland) and Singapore. 

Dr. Donald Lim is the Chief Digital Officer of ABS CBN. Donald worked at Inquirer, yehey.com & the founding officer of Internet Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP). 

Richard Upton is the President of John Robert Powers who lives in the Philippines for 45 years and managing all the companies’ transaction in Asia. When his company first use online marketing, the sales went up thus became a firm believer of the technology. 

Janette Toral is the CEO of Digital Club Filipino. Her Philippine Blogging Summit which she started 12 years ago with yearly conference is always successful and held at University of the Philippines Malcolm Theater. She is considered as the E Commerce Guru in the Philippines because of her contribution in different Internet & Electronic Bills that were push in the Philippines. 

Rebecca Bustamante is the President of Chalre Associates. She is considered as the most accomplished woman in Asia because of her struggles to succeed as the Domestic helper who became the CEO of a multinational company. Before becoming a CEO, Rebecca became the Director of Sales from an international cosmetics company in Canada. She's also the President of Asia CEO Forum & Asia CEO Awards with a series of leadership seminars monthly in the Philippines. 

Mikel Yaw is the Managing Director of Elabram Systems Group (ESG) with Headquarter in Malaysia & offices in the Philippines, Indonesia & Thailand. ESG main solutions are Network Planning & Optimization, Talent Acquisition & Deployment, Business Process Outsourcing & Knowledge Process Outsourcing. Mikel receives awards from Huawei China for the project contributions. Mikel also won different awards in Malaysia & Indonesia as Entrepreneur of the Year. For two years, Mikel participated as one of the speakers at LTE World Summit in Amsterdam & in USA and as a speaker for the upcoming LTE Middle East in Dubai this May 2015. 

Chinkee Tan is the famous motivational speaker with more than 200 talks a year all over the globe. He is a wealth and wellness coach and using Social Media in his advocacies and to reach his target audience. 

Carlos Celdran is the famous tour guide in the Philippines and a brand ambassador of different B2C companies. He is well known for his different advocacy and became more famous when his popular "Damaso" stint at Manila Cathedral was featured in international magazines and newspapers. 

Robert Yupangco is the President of Yupangco Group of Companies; Zoomanity Group (Zoobic Safari, Residence Inn Tagaytay, Paradizoo Cavite, Zoocobia Pampanga, Zoocolate Thrills Bohol), YL Finance, Bel Air Transport, Nanten Restaurant, Misono Japanese Restaurant & Yamaha Music. 

Tanya Llana is currently the Business Strategist and Director of Sales & Marketing of Victoria Court and the General Manager of Hotel La Corona De Lipa. For Victoria Court, Ms. Llana handles targeting new market segments, innovating revenue direction and ensures social media maximisation. Victoria Court's vision is to be the perfect host and mission is to aim for genuine happiness for everyone, everyday, every stay and in every way. As the General Manager of Hotel La Corona De Lipa, she strives to give her guests crystal clean rooms & amenities, quality food & beverage, and impeccable service. At Hotel La Corona De Lipa, she believes that the customer is King. 

Camille Montejo is the CEO of NWSteel Technologies & Tree Top Adventure. Tree Top Adventure provides the only Motorized Team Building Facility in the Philippines & the 1st Motorized Zip Lines in Asia. 

Pocholo De Leon Gonzalez is the CEO of Creative Voices Productions & shared his voice to 1000 projects around the globe with more than 10 radio shows in the Philippines. He is the most popular speaker for 3 consecutive years under Laguna Blogging Summit. Pocholo was the finalist at the recently concluded Asia CEO Awards last year. 

James Jimenez is the Director and Spokesman of the Philippines Commission On Election (COMELEC). He will be under the topic: “Disrupting tradition and embracing innovation” to share his expertise and experience of breaking the traditional and the effectiveness of the new technology especially in advocacy. 

Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015 (#AdMe) is expecting 1000 visitors & up to 30 companies to share their products and services in the expo. #AdMe is presented/organized by TAG Media & Public Relations.

For more info please check www.asiadigitalmarketing.ph & for partnership/sponsorship, please contact the organizer at 09166299381 or at grace@asiadigitalmarketing.ph 

Registration Fee: 

Early bird rate Php 1,500.00 (Use coupon "adme") till May 2015. Regular Rate Php 2,000.00 from June 2015- July 26, 2015. 

RegFee Bank deposit to TAG Media and Public Relations BPI Checking Account # 1680 0010 29 (Inclusion: Snacks, Buffet Lunch, Conference and Expo.)