3 Major Takeaways During Personal Collection's ALFA-1 Launch

It was an honor to be invited by one of the biggest direct selling companies in the Philippines, Personal Collection, during the launch of their advanced men 's care line called ALFA-1. It was held at Blue Water Day Spa in San Juan. Here are my three major takeaways from the event.

1. A complete set of ALFA-1 products. ALFA-1, as a brand, encourages all men to use only products formulated for them. They say that men have thicker, tougher skin than women because of higher levels of testosterone and larger amounts of collagen and elastin. They say men also tend to have larger pores and oilier skin. As a product, ALFA-1 is infused with CoolActiv Technology, a unique formulation that gives a superior overall clean, a fresh scent and an extremely cool after-feel. During the event, I got a shampoo, facial wash, body soap, body lotion and body spray. How's that for a loot bag, eh?

2. Opportunity to meet ALFA-1's endorser. Albie Casino is ALFA-1's newest endorser. I may not have been able to really talk to him but my fellow bloggers liked him so much. They said he was nice, down to earth and approachable. No wonder why he was chosen to be the endorser of this important brand by Personal Collection.

3. Awesome experience at Blue Water Day Spa. Though it was only the first time for me to attend an event by Personal Collection, I would say that they already have the knack for making a blogging event really fun and enjoyable. Although they could have done the launch at just any events place but they chose to go the extra mile and decided to hold it at the heavenly Blue Water Day Spa. We were offered foot, back and massage at the theater room while we were watching Captain America. It was my first time to experience something like that as I was accustomed to going to regular spas. I really like the experience and I'm definitely be going back to Blue Water Day Spa!

Overall, it was an awesome experience. I can't wait to be invited again to the next events of
Personal Collection!

To know more about the brand, please like their Facebook Page.

Splendido

It was my first time to step into Splendido in Tagaytay. I was there to sing for a wedding. This place looks stunning especially during the night.

CIM Technologies at WORLDBEX 2014

CIM Technologies participated in WORLDBEX or The Philippine World Building and Construction

(L-R) Yours truly with CIM Technologies officers,
Ms. Leizel Ubalde (Marketing Manager) and
Mr. Mike Munoz (Bus. Dev. Officer)

Exposition last March 12-16, 2014 at the World Trade Center in Manila. WORLDBEX is dubbed as Asia’s most attended construction exposition with a visitor profile of more than 150,000 per year. The event is also known for putting together over 500 exhIbiting companies ranging from building materials equipment services, construction design and development.

CIM Technologies Inc. is in partnership with the world-leading IT companies namely: Autodesk, Siemens, Microsoft, Oracle, 3D Systems, HP and Apple. With its commitment to share the knowledge of technology, CIM conducts a series of events nationwide like campus tours, workshops, seminars and tradeshows to showcase the integrated solutions for design and innovation catered to the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries.

Top 3 Important Discoveries During the CIM Technologies Bloggers Day

Last February 21, 2014 at AIM Conference Center, I was very privileged to become part of the CIM Technologies Bloggers Day. It was organized by CIM Technologies, the country’s pioneer in providing technology solutions for design and innovation. It was also the company that brought to the country the products of 3D Systems Corporation, the market leader in the 3D Printing Industry. Below are my top 3 important discoveries during the event.

A product of 3D Printing exhibited during the event

1. 3D Printing is going to take the country by storm soon.
3D Printing is abuzz nowadays but still, not too many suppliers of such equipment are present in the country. But in the other countries, it was a booming industry. In fact, I got so curious about 3D Printing when I saw a section in my favorite website template portal that is dedicated to it. The portal offers templates for 3D Printing too. What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing, is the production of 3-dimensional solid objects directly from a digital plan, where the material is printed layer by layer in variations until it gets form. Materials such as PLA plastics, clays, waxes and wood-based filament nylons are being used in 3D Printing.

I believe that it will take the country by storm soon. In other countries, it was already being used in industries such as aerospace, architecture, toys, fashion, arts, medical, education, automotive, electrical and consumer products.

2. 3D Printing can now be brought home.

3D Printing ongoing. They are printing a toy robot
made of white plastic.

When I heard about 3D Printing, I thought of big machines that are only seen in big companies. I was wrong. Actually, 3D Printing can now be brought home. Thanks to the innovative ideas of 3D Systems Corporation. Architecture and design students may now create their own mock-ups at their comforts of their own homes or classrooms. Regular hobbyists may now be able to create their own toys using their very own designs. Even dads may now be able to manufacture parts of appliances at home that can’t easily be found anywhere.

3D Systems' personal 3D printer brands are named Cube and CubeX. Cube is the one marketed for home use while CubeX is targeted for professionals and educators.

3. We are approaching the age of mass customization.
From mass production, we are now approaching the age of mass customization. As a marketer, I feel the need to become abreast in what’s happening now in the market. I sincerely believe that this phenomenon called “age of mass customization” is already taking place. I saw it the way companies Starbucks, Burger King, Globe Telecom and others customize their products and services for their customers. Though they do not manufacture for only one customer at a time, their products and services may be customized in order to fit the preferences of individuals. I believe 3D Printing is going to be at the forefront of this phenomenon.

My 5 Best Moments During The SYKES Year-End Celebration 2013

Interviewing Mr. Dean Van Ormer -- VP for Philippine
Operations of SYKES

I am very fortunate to be invited yesterday as a blogger to cover what could have been the most anticipated annual gathering of SYKES employees -- the SYKES Year-End Celebration. It was fun. Full of music. Food was great. And the vibe of the SYKES people is remarkable. Below are some of the best moments that I gathered yesterday during the event.

1. My quick chat with Rica. Rica is a PR Office of SYKES. She was very warm and hospitable the entire night that we were there. When I got a chance to chat with her, she told me something that became one of the biggest surprises for me during the event.

I know about SYKES for quite some time but I never knew that they were serving Fortune 500 clients, until Rica told me. 

I wasn’t able to get over that revelation for a while. First, I became proud of myself as a Filipino -- for I know that thousands of my people are actually being outsourced to serve some of the biggest corporations abroad. It wasn’t just a small feat and SYKES, definitely, isn’t just any other BPO company. 

Ms. Armi Mallare of Up Dharma Down

Second, it speaks of the qualifications of the SYKES employees. Rica told me that SYKES employees are highly qualified. They should be, I thought to myself. If not, they might not be able to cope to the requirements of serving the clients of the Fortune 500 companies that they are connected with.

To top our conversation off, Rica told me that the year-end celebration is truly the most anticipated event by SYKES employees for the entire year. This is the company’s way of giving back to the employees who are the real drivers of their growth and operations. When she said, that I knew that I will have really great time that night.

2. The huddle with Mr. Van Ormer. Mr. Dean Van Ormer is the Vice President for Philippine Operations of SYKES. He had been living in the Philippines for more than 10 years. I really appreciated it when he said, “What I love about SYKESers is your passion. You have always shown great passion in and out of work. That is why we had such a great 2013. This year, we have shown the industry why we are the pioneer in the call center industry.”

Cha-Ching: More Than Just A Cartoon Program

My earliest experience in handling money started when I was in high school. I lived in Manila away from my parents to stay in my grandparents’ house. That’s when I started to realize how I love my freedom and independence so much, even as a young child. As much as there are enjoyments, there are also responsibilities and one of them is handling my own finances.

I am thankful to the Lord for giving me hardworking and responsible parents. I couldn’t remember a time that I was in lack. I believe that the first experience of every child in handling their own finances start when they discover how their parents or elders handle their own. The way the latter handle money provides a kind of blueprint to the children until the time that they’ll do it on their own. My knowledge of my parents being hard workers and responsible managers of money became some sort of an invisible guide that became my source of help whenever I need to make financial decisions.

Though I don’t consider myself a real spendthrift, I wasn’t also a saver. This, I believe, is what’s brilliant about Cha-Ching. It laid out everything that happens to money, which can be understood by an ordinary child. Earn. Save. Spend. Donate. When I was a child, I only know about receiving and spending. I didn’t know that saving must be in between that. I didn’t know that I can actually set a goal and stick to it so that I’ll be able to have extra cash whenever I need it. I also didn’t realize that even as a child, I can earn too and contribute to my disposable income. Also, I didn’t realize that I can reduce my spending so that I will have more savings. All of these concepts are explained wonderfully through Cha-Ching. What’s more beautiful about the program is that it encourages the children to think about others. One’s money doesn’t just go to one’s self. This is why “Donate” is also part of the four things that happen to money.

Honestly, I can definitely relate to all the characters in Cha-Ching. I have become a meticulous money manager like Prudence. I have become careless spender like Bobby. I am now a young entrepreneur like Justin. I know the value of giving too like Charity. I have experienced working hard and saving a lot like Zul. I have become a spendthrift too like Pepper. But in my life right now, I think that I am more of Prudence, Zul and Charity by choice. I chose to become a combination of a meticulous money manager like Prudence, young entrepreneur like Justin and generous Charity. I actually have a special spot for Prudence inside me. I used to keep an Excel file in my computer that helps me allocate my income for all the expenses that I have so when payday comes, I already know what to do. I love the detailed work of allocating and computing and saving that Prudence teaches kids to do.

Stratmark 2012: Marketing Mash Up Speakers Briefing

What will you do if the Philippine Marketing Association sent you an email inviting you to become one of the panelists to the annual Stratmark Conference and speak in front of thousands of college students inside the newly built MOA Arena?

Stratmark 2012 Poster

Courtesy of the Philippine Marketing Association

I don’t know with you but as a young professional with not too many significant achievements in marketing, I thought that the offer was a big grace from God and I accepted it. Who would have thought that after four years, I will be invited to speak in the very conference where I participated as a contestant along with my colleagues from UST. Four years ago, we were part of the Stratmark Marketing Plan Competition and our invited speaker was Jay Conrad Levinson, author of the Guerilla Marketing book. Never in my imagination that four years later I will be doing the same thing that he did in front of us. To God be the glory!



The venue for the Speakers Briefing is in the office of Yahoo! Philippines in BGC. It was the kind office you would like to go to everyday. Clean. Minimalist. It looks good! I was very happy to be sitting inside it with some of the coolest folks from the Philippine Marketing Association during the meeting.

Ms. Arlene Padua of PMA, Mr. Bjorn Pardo of Xend

and Ms. Arlene Amarante of Yahoo! Philippines

being interviewed.

In the Speakers Briefing, we were given a more thorough explanation about this year’s theme which is “Marketing Mash Up: Hybrid for the New Breeds” and also a walkthrough of what is going to happen during the event. We were also given guidelines on how shall we be preparing for our talks.



I shall be talking together with Ms. Janette Toral of DigitalFilipino.com and Ms. Vanj Padilla of Pangalatalk.com. It is such a big honor to be working with these two women. Ms. Janette Toral was our mentor at the Ateneo-DigitalFilipino Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program, a digital marketing certification course I and Ms. Vanj took. She was among the first batch who took it while I am the most recent graduate from the third batch. Ms. Janette Toral was the one who referred us to the Philippine Marketing Association to be her co-panelists. Ms. Vanj and I agreed that this one of the great perks of being a CBEP graduate. To know more about the program, please click here.

Ms. Vanj Padilla and I posing in front of the door

of the meeting room named "Presidentiable".

Below is the list of the other invited speakers:

• Mr. Jun Umali, President of Gardenia Bakeries


• Mr. Bjorn Pardo, President of Xend Business Solutions


• Ms. Leah Besa-Jimenez, General Manager of NetBooster Asia


• Mr. Ed Mapa, President of Media Contacts Manila


• Ms. Anubha Sahasrabuddhe, Marketing Director of Coca Cola

Stratmark 2012 shall be held on July 31, 2012, Tuesday, 8:00am – 5:00pm at MOA Arena. The conference is now open to all college students (any course) and professionals.



We were informed that the reservation of tickets is highly encouraged due to its limited availability. Please contact Mr. Richard Anonuevo of the Philippine Marketimg Association at (02) 634-5722, (02) 634-4890 or (02) 638-7700.



Each ticket costs PhP500 inclusive of a lunch meal. Exciting freebies and promos also await the participants.



See you!

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Press Release

PASIG CITY, Philippines – Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience was held last May 5, 2012 at Il Mercanti Food Bazaar in Metrowalk. It marked the launching of Chef Hasset Go’s website, www.chefhassetgo.com, in an event attended by bloggers, social media influencers, media, sponsors as well as the friends and family of the young and multi-awarded chef and Sweets Master- Chef Hasset Go.

Chef Nando's famous Paella at Il Mercanti Food Bazaar

The event was opened through a welcome remarks by Ms. Analou de Castro, Marketing Manager of Il Mercanti Food Bazaar. It was followed by a live demo cooking by one of the concessionaires of the food bazaar, Chef Nando of Los Hermanos. He cooked his famous Paella in front of the guests and let each of them have a taste of it after the demo.

The highlight of the whole event is the live demo cooking of Chef Hasset Go, a product of Heny Sison Culinary School and co-owner of MedChef Homemade Cakes and Pastries. He cooked a pasta dish using products courtesy of King Sue and also his bestselling Pastry Tower using ingredients courtesy of Puratos.

Chef Hasset Go's bestselling Pastry Tower
ready to be demolished by
participating bloggers at the
Pastry Tower Demolition Contest

After every dish, the guests were given a chance to taste the final product which is how the event was differentiated from the usual cooking shows on TV. It offered a whole new way of experiencing a live cooking demo show within a new and emerging popular food bazaar in the metropolis.

The live cooking demos were followed by a Cake Fashion Show showcasing the cakes that are to be featured in Chef Hasset Go’s soon-to-be-launched recipe book entitled “Desserts to Go”.

Mark Joseph Delgado of Mediactiv8
being interviewed by ABS-CBN

Upcoming band Boyz Next Door and Tagalog-speaking Japanese singer Aisaku entertained everybody with their songs and punchlines in between the live cooking demos. DJ Churley of 101.9 Tambayan and Ms. Kathy Solis of ABS-CBN hosted the whole event.

The event was finally capped by a message from the organizer, Mark Joseph Delgado of Mediactiv8 Communications, who thanked everybody especially the Lord Almighty, the guest bloggers, the sponsors, the media as well as his friends and family who supported him with his “school” project- a requirement for the last module of his online classes at the Ateneo-DigitalFilipino Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program.

To know more about Mediactiv8, please click here.

Chef Hasset Go Bloggers Night: The Il Mercanti Experience is a project of Mediactiv8 Communications as part of the completion of Module 3 requirement at the Ateneo-DigitalFilipino Certified Blog and Social Media Entrepreneur Program. This event was fully supported by Chef Hasset Go of MedChef, DigitalFilipino.com, Il Mercanti Food Bazaar and concessionaires, Federated Distributors, King Sue, The Maya Kitchen, Puratos, Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro, Chef's Garb, The Blounge, Mr. Jayson Carlos of GUC, Mr. Jayson and Jamie Sy, Mr. Bert Sy, Mr. Eduardo Nabong of Nabong Property Specialist and Mr. Gary Alan of Gary Alan Media.

Butanding Festival 2012

[Photo Credits:  http://wwf.org.ph/wwf3/news/article/35 ]

What: Butanding Festival
When: May 14 - 20, 2012
Where: Donsol, Sorsogon
How to join: Would you like to cover at least one whole day of activities within May 14-20, 2012 during the Butanding Festival in Donsol, Sorsogon? All you need to do is to help us gather sponsorships/donations for the event and we'll take care of your transportation, accommodation and meals. To signify your interest, please send a message to Mark Joseph Delgado on his Facebook account. Click here.


To see the schedule of activities, please click here.


FOLLOW SLEEK IN THE CITY.com!
Email: markjosephdelgado [@] ymail [.] com
Facebook:  Sleek in the City
Twitter: @sleekinthecity
YouTube: markjosephdelgado

Puratos Carat Ganache Live Demo with Chef Hasset Go

Chef Hasset Go is in need of 10 bloggers to come to this event on March 8, 2012 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Witness his live demonstration on new chocolate recipes and techniques using Puratos Carat Ganache! See you there!

To register, please place your e-mail addresses at the comment box below. Thanks!

List of participating bloggers here. Congratulations and see you there!

1. Foodie from the Metro
2. Serial Tripper
3. Purple and Hue
4. Spread Some Awesome
5. Tin Gonzaga
6. Travel on a Shosetring
7. High Gear Full Throttle
8. House of JCJEE
9. Larawan at Kape
10. Singlemom Supermom

FOLLOW SLEEK IN THE CITY.com!
Email: markjosephdelgado [@] ymail [.] com
Facebook:  Sleek in the City
Twitter: @sleekinthecity
YouTube: markjosephdelgado

SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital-Concert

What: SEASONS OF LOVE by KeyStrings: A Recital Concert

Who shall be performing:

• KeyStrings Ensemble
• Keytrings Students
• Quest (Hip-Hop/R&B artist who released an album last 2010 called Revolution produced by Sam Milby. Visit his YouTube Channel here.)
• Avant Garde Singers
• Lola Lydia (The main beneficiary of the event. She's a street fiddler playing in Manila and was featured by Howie Severino in iWitness. You may view the documentary here.)
• PinoyViolinist

When: January 14, 2012, 6:00pm

Where: PhilAm Life Theater, United Nations Avenue, Manila

Ticket prices:

PHP 1,000 - VIP (inclusive of cocktail and backstage pass)
PHP 750 - Mid-row Seats
PHP 300 - General Admission

How to reserve tickets:

• Carl Ureta - 0915-967-0356
• Liza Coroneza - 0922-858-8701
• JM Besana - 0922-893-5935
• KeyStrings Office - (02) 346-5935

I am so sure you guys will enjoy this benefit-concert-recital by KeyStrings! I've got the chance to work with the group during the wedding of a friend in Caleruega and I must say that I really enjoyed the performance because I am accompanied by a very talented and professional group of musicians. We did "Marry Your Daughter", "Forever", "Knocks Me Off My Feet" among others. So if you have a passion for music (especially the violin) and would like to enjoy a concert while helping someone (Lola Lydia), please do book your seats now. 

Also, please do check out their event invitation on Facebook. Click here. 

Spooky Halloween Treat: A Cooking Demo with Chef Hasset Go

What: A Cooking Demo and Kiddie Workshop with Chef Hasset Go; All bloggers are invited

When: Today, October 31, 2011, 2:00pm

Where: SM Megamall Foodcourt

Who to Contact: Chef Hasset Go at 0915-487-1332

Miss Resorts World Manila 2011: Swimsuit Competition & Media Presentation

(Important Note: This invitation for bloggers is coursed through SLEEK IN THE CITY.com. Other bloggers may also have been invited by other fellow bloggers or by Resorts World Manila directly. If you have been invited by other bloggers already, no need to register here anymore. Thanks, folks!)  

What: Miss Resorts World 2011: Swimsuit Competition & Media Presentation

When: August 15, 2011, Monday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Where: Maxim's Pool at Resorts World Manila

What to expect: Opportunity to meet the contestants more up-close, exclusive fun tour for bloggers around Resorts World Manila, a chance to meet other bloggers and media personalities, bloggers kits and other fun activities

How to register: Only 15-20 Bloggers will be invited to the event via SLEEK IN THE CITY.com. To register, kindly input your Full Name, Email Address and Blog URL on the Facebook Comment Box below. (Important: Please register only at the Facebook Comment Box below to qualify for the screening.)

How will the chosen bloggers be notified: Invites shall be sent via Email.

For more information, please send an Email to markjosephdelgado@ymail.com

Artistry's Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum Launch

Last June 28, 2011, Artistry launched the newest addition to their intensive skincare line called Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum. The launch was held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel and was attended jampacked by the Amway IBOs (distributors), Amway Senior Management Team and staffs, media, guests and Ms. Maggie Pepoy, Artistry's Senior Brand Manager from the Amway Headquarters in Michigan, USA.

My Top 10 Takeaways from Teleserv Night-Out at the Cinema 2011

I felt special.

No. Not like a special kid who got some sugar rush for eating too much chocolates. But I really felt special for having been invited at the recently concluded Teleserv Night-Out at the Cinema 2011 event. 

For bloggers. 

7 Great Lessons I Bagged Home from Bloggers Fest 2011

Lucky.

I was one of the lucky bloggers who had been invited to the recently concluded Bloggers Fest event held at the Thunderbird Resorts in Binangonan, Rizal last April 16, 2011.

My 15 Best Takeaways from Magnolia Summer Bloggers Party

One big blast!

That's what me and my blogger friends have had during the recently concluded Magnolia Summer Bloggers Party held at the Executive Dining Room at the San Miguel Corporate Building last April 1, 2011. Before I start with my Top 15 Best Takeaways I'd like to thank everyone behind this cool event especially Magnolia Ice Cream Corporate Team! 

iBlog 7 Livestream: Watch the 7th Philippine Blogging Summit | UP Law Complex

Watch live video from Ask Janette on Justin.tv

MedChef's Desserts All You Can!

Reserve now! Don't waste your time. If you like delicious cakes and you want to do something sweet for your sweetheart (this may include yourself, your family and friends) this Valentine's Day, go quickly to the contact numbers below this post and reserve your slot!

Still hesitant?

Just imagine eating these cakes. UNLIMITED for one day!

Cake 'Till You Drop

Pasinaya 2011: CCP's Open House Festival

Pasinaya means housewarming in English. A movement to a new home. A time wherein important friends and relatives are invited to partake in the celebration.

A feast.

Tomorrow. Sunday. From 8:00am to 7:00pm. The Cultural Center of the Philippines shall be opening its doors again to everyone who wishes to co-celebrate the richness and the grandeur of Philippine cultural performance.

See you guys tomorrow at PASINAYA 2011! For more details and schedule of performances, please click here.
-
Our to-sees below. See you there, folks!

• 12:30pm. Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Resident Company Zone)
• TANGHALANG PILIPINO: Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal...Vack with a Vengeance"
• 1:00pm. Tanhalang Huseng Batute. (Theater Zone)
• LIPA ACTORS COMPANY: "Ang Unang Aswang"
• 1:30pm. Galleries & Hallways. (Exhibit Zone)
• Net 25 CCP TV Shows
• 1:40pm. Tanghalang Huseng Batute. (Theater Zone)
• TEATRO EXPEDICION DE FILIPINAS. "Pepe-Ang Talambuhay at Panaginip ni Jose Rizal"
• 2:00pm. Eskenita. (Music/Dance/Sunday Market)
• DIWA DE LEON & FRIENDS: Hegalong Project
• 2:20pm. Tanghalang Huseng Batute. (Theater Zone)
• VIRGIN LABFEST: "Bakit Wala Nang Nagtatagpo sa Philcoa Oberpas"
• 2:30pm. Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. (Resident Company Zone)
• PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS: "All for Love"
• 3:15pm. Dream Theater. (Film Zone)
• Two Funerals by Gil Portes
• 3:30pm. CCP Library. (Kid's Zone)
• ALITAPTAP STORYTELLERS PHILIPPINES: "Ang Malaking Malaking Bahay"
• 4:00pm. Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo Lobby (Folk Dance Zone)
• KALOOB PHILIPPINE MUSIC & DANCE MINISTRY [Go Gic Aquino!]
• 4:20pm. Tanghalang Huseng Batute. (Theater Zone)
• THE XAVIER STAGE: "Babuyan Island"