Global superstar Alicia Keys partners with Levi’s in celebrating women’s greatness

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This new collection comes with a new influential face.

As it launches its all-new women’s denim collection and Fall 2015 global brand campaign all over the world, Levi’s is also introducing its newest brand ambassador—global artist, multi-Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, and activist Alicia Keys. The multi-hyphenated celebrity will lend her one-of-a kind voice and style to the brand for the debut of its all-new transformational women’s denim collection.

Alicia Keys is the new face of Live in Levi’s campaign and lending her 

voice in the song “28,000 Days,” the official soundtrack of the campaign.

Celebrating women’s greatness in all fields, the new campaign highlights every woman’s individuality, authenticity, and style. In this campaign, the brand upholds the idea that “behind every great woman is a great pair of jeans,” which is the inspiration of the newest addition to Levi’s denim collection.

“When you are authentically yourself, you are so gorgeous and powerful. I’ve come to the revelation that I’m just a jeans girl at heart. I feel the most confident, comfortable, sexy, and strong in my jeans,” says Alicia Keys. “Levi’s is for every woman . . . there is something for everyone . . . and much like music, Levi’s brings people together from all walks of life and cultures.”

Considered as one of most influential icons of this generation, Alicia Keys lends 

her one-of-a kind voice and style to the brand for the debut of Levi’s all-new 

transformational women’s denim collection.

The Levi’s brand will not only showcase Keys’ unique personal style and individuality, but will also feature her powerful voice with “28,000 Days,” an exclusive song that is the soundtrack of the campaign.

Alicia Keys burst into the music scene in 2001 with the release of her monumental debut album, songs in A minor, and has since built an unparalleled repertoire of hits and accomplishments with more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. Keys became the first female R&B artist to have three consecutive No. 1 album debuts on the Billboard 200 album chart. 

She is a timeless talent with an authentic voice and style, making her a perfect match for Levi’s. She’s won countless awards since her debut in 2001, but it’s her soulfulness and authenticity that have made her a global icon and revered philanthropist and spokesperson for the causes she believes in.

But what makes the global star an icon is what she does outside of music—her devotion to her noteworthy causes.

Keys co-founded Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a non-profit organization that partners with grass-roots organizations to combat the physical, social and economic impact of HIV on children, their families, and their communities in Africa and India. Most recently, Keys launched “We Are Here,” a movement that empowers the global community to tackle a host of issues and initiatives that build a better world where all people are heard, respected, made equal, and treated with dignity.

“People have been living in their Levi’s since we invented the blue jeans—experiencing all the adventures the world has to offer and expressing their own brand of authenticity and unique personal style. Alicia Keys embodies that spirit and brings it to life in such an inspiring and resonant way for women everywhere,” said Jen Sey, Chief Marketing Officer for the Levi’s brand.

“We are so proud to launch our new women’s denim collection with Alicia. She truly represents what the Levi’s brand is all about.”

For this collection, Levi’s went to ten different markets across the globe and talked to thousands of women to know what they need and want in a pair of jeans. Levi’s incorporated all the information it has learned through the years and used 60,000 body scans in order to come up with the perfect jeans for different women.

Eight decades have taught Levi’s a thing or two about a woman’s body: how to enhance her shape, the styles she wants to wear, and the details that transform a good pair of jeans into the perfect jeans, which is the very foundation of this collection.

Utilizing the latest fabric innovations and slimming technologies, the most advanced stretch and recovery system, signature authentic Levi’s details, and world-class finishing, Levi’s has created the perfect-fitting jean for each body type.

The latest “Live in Levi’s” campaign continues to pay homage to the iconic brand’s more than 140 years of history of being constant companions to those who wear them and love them—from rock stars to presidents, from farmers to fashion icons, and from entrepreneurs to the everyman.

For more information about the Levi’s brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com.

Eminent Filipino Fashion designer Avel Bacudio wows the world with Epson fabric prints

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Multi-awarded Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio will wow the world again with his ‘F Mode Fashion Show/Expo’ that will be held on September 12, 2015 at the Sta. Clara Convention Center in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, California.

Avel has won several fashion awards, including the People’s Choice Award – Concours International Des Jeunes Createurs De Mode, Top 10 Timeless Terno – Metropolitan Museum of Manila, 2012 Breakthrough Designer of the Year, and the 2014 Asia’s Most Influential Designer. His designs have been worn by celebrities and praised in the international scene.

Recently, Avel has been utilizing digital prints to bring his creative ideas to life. 

“Iba ang nagagawa ng digital prints – di na’ko limited. Napu-push yung creativity ko to the next level. Andami kong pwedeng gawing bago para ma-express ko ang sarili ko,” (“Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by traditional limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways.”) said Avel. 

To make sure his vision is translated faithfully to fabric, Avel uses the Epson F7170 textile printer. 

“Tuwang-tuwa ako dito kasi napapalabas nya sakto yung vision ko. Kung ano yung nasa isip ko, yun ang nakikita ko,” (I’m delighted with this printer because it faithfully translates my vision to reality. Whatever I picture in my mind is what comes out in the final product,”) he emphasized.

Pamela Albar, Epson’s Head for Commercial and Industrial printers, is all praises for Avel. “It’s an honor to be part of Avel’s work – we’re very happy to be a part of how he’s contributing to the international fashion conversation. And we’re pleased that he has chosen Epson textile printers to break boundaries and push Philippine fashion to new heights.”

Epson and Avel first collaborated in 2014 for a fashion show titled ‘Fashion Forward’. Epson launched their new textile printers in that fashion show and partnered with several Filipino fashion designers to try out the new products. After seeing how easy, effective, and helpful the Epson F7170 was in his work, Avel has been using the printer to do all his digital print designs.

Avel Bacudio will also showcase his designs at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 18, 2015 in Paris, France.

Ten aspiring singers competes in McJim Dreams Get Real talent search season 2

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After a series of eliminations at different malls across the Metro, 10 extremely talented hopefuls recently entered the semi-finals of the second season of “Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star” by authentic leather brand McJim Classic Leather.

Through this exciting competition, McJim Classic Leather will once again give undiscovered Filipino talents the platform to be heard and boost Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with fresh voices.

After launching the careers of three of the most promising acts today—Dreams Get Real Season 1 champions Fifth Dynamics, JBK, and Neo Domingo--McJim continues to enliven the local music by giving aspiring artists the opportunity to kick-start their own musical journey.

“The level of competition this season is mind blowing! Each one of them is very unique and has something different to offer. During the eliminations, we really had a hard time picking the top ten,” said Chris Cahilig, Dreams Get Real project head, who was also happy to note that “the high degree of talents made this season’s event bigger, brighter, and better.”

From hundreds of entries, an initial pool of 20 contestants was chosen to perform in the mall eliminations. Eight mall elimination winners and two wild cards comprised of the final 10, which will then filmed viral videos to be posted on the official Facebook and Youtube accounts of McJim Classic Leather. The top three most viewed videos and three promising talents to be handpicked by the organizer will face off in an epic grand finals night on November 9, 2015 at the Music Museum.

“At this point, the participants shall have aptly demonstrated their talent, but we’re looking for someone who also has star quality,” Cahilig explained. “I believe that with proper guidance, a star will emerge in the group.”

The 10 finalists come from different walks of life—students, freelance singers, and professionals, among others. A lot of them acknowledged that the intensity they felt in our competition made it quite different from the competitions they had joined in the past.

WHOSE dreams will get real?

MEET THE TOP 10

ZSARINA CONCEPCION. Sweet Zsarina becomes a monster performer each time she lands on stage. This 18-year-old Tourism student from Lasalle College Antipolo has won numerous awards including the grand prizes of The Voice of Boardwalk Philippines (Monumento) and Lasalle College X-Factor and best performer for Rising Stars Philippines 2014.

EIFFEL MANANSALA. A licensed civil engineer from Mapua in Intramuros, Manila, Eiffel dreams of sharing his brand of original music to the public. This 26-year-old composer from Makati City is a newbie in talent competitions.

CARMELA RAVANILLA. Her moviestar looks comes with an immense talent. Carmella, an 18-year-old Tourism Management student from Miriam College, has already won several talent searches including the PLDT Singing Idol where she was declared as the grand champion and was a runner-up in the Rizal Idol Season 2.

MICAH LLONA. Sultry lounge singer Micah is a natural performer. This 22-year-old young lady from Tuguig City was once declared the grand champion of the Strepsils Singing Sensation talent search and a runner-up in the Win Big Singing Talent Search of 91.5 Win Radio.

CJ RANESES. A matinee idol in the making, 20-year-old CJ is a first-timer in talent competitions. He is currently taking up Nursing in Far Eastern University of the Philippines (FEU) in Manila and aspires to be a singing nurse. ‪

TRICIA MAY CASAUAY. Band vocalist and composer Tricia is a second-timer in Dreams Get Real. At 19, this beautiful mestiza has already performed in school and corporate events. She is a fourth year BS in Architecture student from National University in Manila.

ERICKSON MALABANAN. For Erickson, nothing can stop him from reaching his dreams of becoming a recording artist. This 23-year-old Tourism Management graduate from Immaculate Concepcion College in Balayan, Batangas worked for an airline company as a ground attendant and as a bar singer in Macau.

KYM PENOSO. A versatile performer, 21-year-old Kym can swing between pop and rock genres. A native of Makati City, she is a Computer Engineering graduate from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and was once a runner-up in her school's battle of the band competition and a semifinalist in the Search for the Next Dorina Penida for "Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical."

ABIGAIL MENDOZA. Abigail may look like your typical rocker chick but here preference to old school music makes her simply unique. A freelance singer, she is one of the Top 5 Girls in the TV show X-Factor Philippines in ABS-CBN and has done opening acts for international artist like Air Supply.

APPLE DELLEVA. A power belter, Apple is an 18-year-old singer from Cabuyao, Laguna. She is a third year AB Communications student at the University of Perpetual Help in Calamba and has represented the Philippines in the Karaoke World Championship Grand Finals in Sweden and a semifinalist in GMA 7's "Bet Ng Bayan."

The grand champion of “Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star” will receive a full album and music video grant; P100,000 in cash prize from McJim Classic Leather; artist marketing support; and a talent management contract.

Like the official McJim Classic Leather Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM to be updated on all the happenings in the competition.een pop and rock genres.

Maximize your pesos at Brother trade-in caravan

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Brother International Philippines Corporation (Brother Philippines) is once more giving customers a chance to buy select models of printers and multi-function centres for up to 50 percent off their suggested retail prices (SRP) through the Brother Trade-In Madness promo.

The promo allows customers to exchange their old working or non-working printer, scanner, copier, or fax machine of any brand at the Brother Trade-In Madness booth nearest them to avail of brand-new Brother printers and multi-function centres at more affordable prices.

Happening until October 1, the Brother Trade-In Madness booths will be at the following sites at the given dates:

- Ground Floor, NCCC Mall, Davao – August 26 to September 1;

- Ground Floor Atrium, Gaisano Iligan – September 3 to 8;

- Fourth Floor Cyberzone Tech Lounge, SM North EDSA – September 10 to 16;

- Gainza Trade Fair (Elias Angeles St., Naga City) – September 10 to 20;

- Lower Ground Floor, SM Bacolod – September 11 to 20;

- UG Hallway, Gaisano Davao – September 11 to 17;

- Ground Floor Atrium Center, Gaisano Surigao – September 12 to 18;

- Atrium, SM Consolacion – September 12 to 18;

- Brother Authorized Dealers, Ayala Center Cebu – September 12 to 18;

- Upper Ground Floor, SM Megacenter Cabanatuan – September 13 to 19;

- Brother Authorized Dealers, VMall Greenhills – September 18 to 22;

- Lower Ground Floor, SM Manila – September 24 to 30;

- Intersection, SM Clark – September 24 to 30;

- East Lobby, Parkmall Mandaue – September 24 to 30;

- Office Warehouse Powerplant Mall, Rockwell – September 24 to 30; and,

- Ground Floor Lobby, Lee Plaza Dipolog – September 24 to October 1.

Brother printers and MFC models included in the promo are the following: 

- Brother Color LED printer model HL-3170CDW at Php7,995 from Php15,990 (50 percent off);

- Brother monochrome laser model MFC-L2740DW at Php9,475 from Php18,950 (50 percent off);

- Brother A3 Color Inkjet MFC-J3720 at Php 12,475 from Php24,950 (50 percent off);

- Brother Color LED model MFC-9330CDW at Php14,975 from Php29,950 (50 percent off); and,

- Brother monochrome laser printer model HL-L2365DW at only Php5,592 or 20 percent off its original SRP of Php6,990.

Working or non-working products of any brand that are exchanged for new Brother products are endorsed to an accredited recycling organization, which will in turn study their reusability and recyclability in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations.

Brother Philippines President Glenn P. Hocson said, “We invest in the trade-in program where we do not only give generous discounts on our products but also pay a reputable recycling organization to dispose of in the most environment-friendly way possible the old products traded. It is in line with our environmental thrust to reduce the environmental impact of our operations at all stages of the life cycle of our products.”

Samsung celebrates Filipino culture and heritage through 'The Plazas of Manila' exhibit and mobile app 'Culture Explorer'

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Samsung Corporate Citizenship celebrates the richness of Filipino culture and heritage by using innovative technology to cast the spotlight on historical sites and landmarks.

Once the center of Filipino life, plazas in Manila are either disappearing or falling into a state of disrepair. Few people recognize the historical and cultural significance of these landmarks, and they are often overlooked by heritage conservationists, as well as students of history.

Samsung and the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc., to help Filipinos rediscover Philippine’s heritage and culture, teamed up to hold an exhibit entitled The Plazas of Manila at the Yuchengco Museum with noted architect, designer, and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren as the curator. Open from August 27 until September 18, the exhibit highlights the historical and cultural significance of plazas in Manila, with the use of augmented reality on Samsung’s latest digital tablet and Smart TV technology.

Coinciding with the exhibit is the launch of Culture Explorer, a mobile application that uses augmented reality technology to help people, especially the youth, learn about Manila’s plazas and other cultural and heritage landmarks. The app is virtually a tour guide in one’s pocket, with fresh content and plenty of interesting trivia. It also allows users to navigate around key landmarks and travel back in time to see how the landmark has looked and evolved over the years. Since history is better appreciated with other people, the Culture Explorer app allows users to connect with other Culture Explorers who share their interest in the different sites.

“Through this exhibit, we are able to cast the spotlight on one of the most important elements of Filipino culture and history, the plaza. This exhibit allows us to bridge technology and art together, giving the Filipino youth a chance to learn about their roots,” said Linda Cordova, Executive Director of the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc.

Alcazaren, a founding member of the Heritage Conservation Society, believes that the marriage of technology and art will not only benefit artists, but also students of culture and history.

“Technology makes the arts, culture and history more accessible and more appealing to people. It allows them to appreciate everything in a more dynamic manner, injecting a new dimension and giving it a meaning beyond what they get to read in books,’’ said Alcazaren.

The digital exhibit and app launch is an undertaking of Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship Program which is committed to the conservation of Filipino culture and history.

“Philippine history is very rich and it has to be kept alive in the minds and hearts of people. Samsung believes that technology is the perfect medium to link the past with the present, to generate greater appreciation of our rich heritage. Culture Explorer enables users to appreciate the Philippines’ rich history in these everyday landmarks, which can be easily overlooked. It helps to pique interest among the young generation with the use of augmented reality technology,” said Arlita Tayko-Narag, Head of Samsung Public Affairs.

Culture Explorer is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store* and Galaxy Apps. No registration is required for users to enjoy full access to the app.

“We hope that the public will find the time to visit the exhibit and download the Culture Explorer app. It is a great and fun way to learn about history and culture, and will definitely help everyone—students, teachers, and plain curious folk—to appreciate the richness of Filipino heritage,” concluded Cris Concepcion, Director of Content and Services at Samsung Electronics Philippines.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine