by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 24, 2018 | Fashion
MANILA, Philippines – There is no denying the talents of Shaira Luna. From an early age, she graced our TV screens as a “gifted child”. Her passion for learning set her apart and would eventually lead her to forge her own career as one of the most prominent photographers in the country. This July, the thirty-one-year-old takes her place as Melissa’s Style Maven.
#MeInMelissa is the latest campaign in the Philippines from the Brazilian footwear icon, Melissa Shoes. This fresh and empowering digital campaign will showcase pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, Open Vibes. Luna shares her talent as the campaign’s official photographer.
Shaira Luna, gifted child
“I really love that Melissa shoes are comfortable and squishy”, shares Shaira Luna, chuckling. “Sometimes I take for granted how important footwear is, especially for someone like me who’s on my feet for most of the day. Eventually, I found my way to shoes that fit the bill of being both stylish and comfortable.”
At the age of thirteen, Luna found herself at De La Salle University, undergoing a Bachelor of Science degree in human biology. After switching courses for some time,
Luna purchased her first professional camera, a Canon EOS 350D. The camera enabled her to flex her creative muscles and would eventually inspire her to pursue a professional career in photography.
In the decade since Shaira Luna gradually developed herself to become one of the most prolific young photographers in the country. Luna regularly works with high-profile brands and influential names from the world of art and entertainment.
“Behind the camera, especially when shooting for someone else, I make sure I understand their vision and I understand the output that they need from me”, Luna begins. “I just try to make it work for everyone and keep communication open.”
This level of professionalism extends itself to moments that require Luna to stand in front of the camera.
“When I’m in front of the camera, I try to take the place of the photographer,” Luna adds. “I try to imagine what they need from the shoot and I try to move as quickly as possible. I find it is over much faster if I get what they need, so I tend to move a lot in front of the camera even if it’s awkward for me.”
As a fashion photographer, Luna is well-regarded for her personal sense of style. Self-described as an “ever-evolving” aesthetic, she draws her inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today.
“I love Florence Welch (of Florence and the Machine) so much! I really love her style and her music,” Luna shares. “I also like Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. I’m very much inspired by icons of the ‘70’s. I’m not sure why. Maybe someday I’ll find out.”
Even then, Luna is quick to admit that a lot of her style inspiration comes from the research she does prior to a shoot.
“In general, I’m very much into the history of fashion and that translates into my style and the people I admire as well,” Luna adds. “I think the reason I got into studying eras of fashion was because of my shoots. So, whenever I have a shoot that’s inspired by a particular period, I find myself going even deeper into what happened during that time, especially the things they wore and why they wore the things they did.”
If there is anything Shaira Luna can share, it’s her love for rediscovering the past through pieces of clothing. “If you just use your imagination, you can try to rework the stuff you already have. Perhaps you can use stuff from your parents and grandparents. You end up with something more unique, something not cookie-cutter. Just something more fun that will put a smile on your face.”
Shaira Luna is an old soul who has built her name by turning her dreams into a successful career. This is reflected in both her personal style and her approach to her work. This bubbly, determined, and highly-focused individual has all the qualities that make her the perfect fit as Melissa’s first Style Maven.
About Melissa
Melissa is an iconic global footwear brand from Brazil. Established in 1979, Melissa is highly regarded for its long-lasting and avant-garde designs and collaborations with a number of high-profile names from the world of art and fashion.
From sexy stilettos to fabulous flats, Melissa shoes have brought fashion and comfort to new heights. Melissa brings the future of fashion to the world.
- Instagram: melissaphilippines
- Facebook: MelissaPhilippines
- Website:melissaphilippines.com
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 22, 2018 | Sports
AXA, official insurance partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the Philippines, was one of the marketing partners of the Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 presented by Alaska National Training Camp (NTC).
The program attracted the most promising and aspiring basketball players aged 10-14 from different parts of the country. One of the participants, Jam Lachica, 12, made it to the NTC with support from AXA.
The insurance company provided apparel and training to Lachica for the Manila Regional Selection Camp prior to the NTC. For more information on AXA’s partnership with the NBA, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 21, 2018 | Real Estate
Botanika Nature Residences by Filigree took home the Best Apartment Philippines Award with a five-star rating from the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2018 — an award-giving body of the esteemed International Property Awards, a celebration of the highest level of achievement by companies in the real estate sector.
The award held in Bangkok is but an affirmation that the concept behind the upscale garden resort-inspired condominium located in the dynamic Metro South is truly exceptional and world-class. The nominated properties in the Asia Pacific Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of 80 industry experts, focusing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.
With this award, coupled by the recent bestowment of a 3-star rating for design from the Philippine Green Building Council in the first quarter of this year, Botanika Nature Residences can now truly lay claim to being at par with the world’s ultra high-end and green-oriented residential towers, in keeping with its commitment to sustainability, a feat yet to be matched by similar developments in Manila and country at large.
Behind the achievements of the Botanika Nature Residences is the project development team and the noted consultants who were brought on board for their expertise:
- Leandro V. Locsin Partners as Architects of Record;
- Architecture International as International Architectural Consultant;
- Singapore-based AECOM as Landscape Consultant; and
- Miaja Design Group for interior design
— all recognized names in their respective fields, with an impressive portfolio of projects between them.
Furthermore, with Botanika’s inimitable architectural design direction, its first-class amenities, and of course its generously-sized condominium units, it comes as no surprise that it has caught the attention of such reputable and prestigious industry bodies—both here and abroad—thus garnering accolades and the recognition it truly deserves.
Botanika, a premium 13-story low-density residential development, is purposely designed to have an iconic leaf-shaped structure and is intentionally set wide apart with a towering atrium at the core—highlighted by a calming running water feature plus a scenic elevator for unhindered views. This unique design concept allows for natural light and ventilation to stream in, which in turn nurtures the lush central space while reducing energy and water consumption, an innovative feature not found in other upscale developments. The unique terraced layout of the towers also assures residents of privacy and exclusivity and unobstructed views of the green expanse beyond.
Amenity-wise, of note, are the tiered kiddie and lap pools surrounded by a lush landscape complete with a sun deck, outdoor and indoor play areas for kids, an amphitheater, a business center, and a library — no stone was left unturned for the sheer delight of residents.
Finally, Botanika’s condominium units — ranging from two bedroom suites, three-bedroom flats, three-bedroom Garden Bi-level units, five-bedroom Garden Bi-level units, and a grand penthouse, with sizes ranging from 123 to up to 343 sqm. — are as remarkable and expansive as they can get, a result of superior space planning and by keeping in mind the needs of homeowners.
“The recognition from the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Awards is a confirmation that the direction we’ve set forth for Botanika Nature Residences is indeed world-class,” says Kate Ilagan, Filigree head. “This serves to inspire all of us who were behind the project, and we intend to continue this level of excellence across all our luxury developments.” Botanika has also welcomed some of its residents with its ready for occupancy status. For details, visit www.botanika.com.ph or call (02) 880 2868.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 20, 2018 | Events
Rain did not stop all the fun and excitement in Filinvest City, the premier garden central business district in the Metro South, as it recently held a successful Festival of Possibilities at the Filinvest City Events Grounds.
A social gathering aimed at bringing the community closer through music and play, the town-wide fair witnessed over 7,500 attendees—residents and employees of Filinvest City as well as guests from other parts of the metro—who all enjoyed a day of outdoor activities such as supersized board games, arcade booths, inflatables, and a bazaar.
The first-ever Festival of Possibilities capped off with awesome performances from renowned local artists Wicked Adobo, Ben&Ben, Autotelic, Franco, and Parokya ni Edgar. To know more about Filinvest City’s upcoming events, visit Filinvest City’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 18, 2018 | Health and Wellness, Lifestyle
Enjoy exclusive treats and interact with your favorite celebrities at the Unilever mid-year sale! Happening only in Lazada this July 18-25.
MANILA, JULY 2018 – Fans of Lazada and Unilever are definitely in for a mid-year treat! This July 18-25, Lazada and Unilever will be giving away heaps of surprises from the country’s iconic and favorite brands: Tresemme, Surf, St. Ives, Dove, Pond’s, Cream Silk, Pureit and a lot more!
Just visit https://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/brand-of-the-week-unilever to see what’s in store for shoppers at this exclusive mid-year shopping spree:
Exciting deals!
- Destress your tresses with Tresemme: Enjoy runway ready hair with up to 30% OFF on Tresemme’s styling products & up to 50% OFF on Tresemme’s Platinum Strength range
- Get your glow on with treats from St. Ives, Pond’s & Dove.
- Feed your skin with our yummy St. Ives deals up to 40% OFF
- Get first dibs on limited edition Pond’s giftsets for as low as PHP 150 & up to 50% OFF on regular items
- Nourish your skin & hair with up to 30% OFF on Dove products
- Get ultimately beautiful hair with Cream Silk:
- Buy the NEW Cream Silk Triple Keratin Range –3x the keratin in one ultimate solution
- Celebrate what it means to be a REAL MOM with Baby Dove:
- Grab new, limited edition Baby Dove bundles with insulated lunchbox for as low as PHP 797
- Awesome deals from Surf, Breeze & Knorr
- Always have fresh & clean laundry with up to 30% OFF on Surf and Breeze products
- Get a chance to win a Whirlpool washing machine when you purchase any of the Home Care Packages
- Whip-up delicious meals with discounted Knorr & Lady’s Choice bundles- up to 25% OFF
- Always have clean & safe drinking water with Pureit. Get 20% on all Pureit Products.
Everyday Surprizes!
The first daily 100 shoppers to use the code “ULMIDYR20” will automatically get a prize from Lazada*! Which of these freebies will shoppers go crazy over?
- Tresemme Split Repair Shampoo 340ml
- Breeze Rose Gold Perfume 650g
- Simple Micellar Water 400ml
- Ives Face Scrub Blackhead Clearing Green Tea 6oz
- Baby Dove Sampling Kit
- Manifesto Box with Axe, Pond’s Men, Clear, Dove Men + Care, Master freebies
- Surf Cherry Blossom 2.2 kg
- Simple Hydrating Moisturizer 125ml
*Winners to be announced and selected by Lazada
Interact with your favorite celebrities on FB live!
July 19 | 12:00 noon –FB Live with Dimples Romana for Pureit. If you’re lucky, you can win 1 of the 3 Pureit Excella units up for a raffle! Each unit is worth PHP 4,998 !
July 20 | 3:00 PM –FB Live with Jessica Wilson for Tresemme. Lucky fans will receive a special surprise Tresemme and Jess herself!
But wait, there’s more!
Shoppers can get an additional 20% OFF on their basket* by simply using the voucher code ULMIDYR20
*Minimum purchase of PHP 1,000 worth of participating Unilever items. Valid for one-time use only
All roads lead to the #ULMidYrSale #LAZxULMidYrSale! Remember to visit this page from Jul 18-25: https://pages.lazada.com.ph/wow/i/ph/PHCampaign/brand-of-the-week-unilever
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 17, 2018 | Business
Listed property developer DoubleDragon Properties Corporation recently inaugurated the DoubleDragon Plaza, the flagship development in the progressive DD Meridian Park in the Bay Area, Pasay City.
DoubleDragon (DD) Plaza, certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), has over 130,000 square meters of leasable space and will form part of the DD Meridian Park complex with 280,000 square meters of leasable space. The property consists of four office towers and will have a capacity of 50,000 employees of its tenants.
Each tower houses seven floors of office space with their own individual elevator lobbies as well as access to the main retail area, which offers an additional 12,000 square meters. Aside from the variety of retail and dining tenants, the property is home to Islas Pinas, an indoor Filipino food and heritage village that showcases Filipino cuisine, culture, and handicrafts.
The DoubleDragon Plaza is the first phase of DoubleDragon’s 4.75-hectare DD Meridian Park. Currently underway is the completion of two more office towers called DoubleDragon Center East and West with a gross leasable space of 30,000 square meters, both slated to be finished within the year. Phases three and four consist of the DoubleDragon Tower, a premium Grade A office building, and the DD-Ascott Meridian Park, a luxury serviced apartment operated by Ascott with more than 300 units.
For more information, visit www.doubledragon.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 14, 2018 | Lifestyle
Villa Del Conte is celebrating a sweet milestone as it reaches 7 years of creating rich, decadent and authentic Italian chocolates! Savor the masterfully crafted Villa Del Conte chocolates with their tempting anniversary deals available only until the end of July.
It features Villa Del Conte signature boxes: Grande Box which contains 500 grams of 40-45 pieces of chocolates; Medio Box which contains 250 grams of 20-25 pieces of chocolates; and Piccolo Box which contains 115 grams of 9-11 pieces of chocolates. These boxes also come with Villa Del Conte gift cards.
Celebrate each bite of authentic Italian goodness with Villa Del Conte chocolates available in all Villa Del Conte stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia.
For bulk orders and to know more about Villa Del Conte’s indulgent creations, contact 893-2575, visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @VillaDelContePh and on Twitter: @villadelconte.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 6, 2018 | Sports
Jr. NBA finalist Jam Lachica (center) with AXA chief customer officer Amor Balagtas (right) and coach Dick Gawat
If you ask Jam Lachica, 12, a young girl and an avid basketball player, how she ended up being selected among 800 players during the Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp, Jam will tell you right away that it was because of her coaches, including her dad Jaylord Lachica and school coach Joseph Rizos.
As a budding athlete, Jam was always influenced by her father’s interests, including basketball, which led to her love for the sport. Since the age of six, she would tag along with her father’s barangay leagues and closely observe the game. “Lagi akong sinasama ni Papa sa mga laro niya, kaya ginusto ko na rin matutunan yung basketball,” she said.
Fast forward to 2016 when Jam first joined the Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp wherein she competed with several skilled female players her own age. However, she missed her chance to progress to the camp’s second day after she left to support her dad’s championship game in Quezon City.
But just like a true champion, Jam got back up and tried again in 2017. Knowing that she had been chosen on her first try, the shooting guard had a little more confidence, but unfortunately, she failed to make the cut. “Ginawa ko naman yung best ko para makuha ako ulit kaso madaming ibang magagaling,” she said.
Jam admits to feeling disappointment and in fact, did not consider joining this year’s camp. However, her dad didn’t lose faith and together with coach Rizos encouraged her to join again. Surprisingly, 2018 seemed to be Jam’s lucky year – with the help of AXA, the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, she had the support that she needed to succeed.
Jam was selected as one of the 16 girls that would represent Metro Manila and compete with peers from the provinces at the National Training Camp. All the hard work and long training hours were worth it. “Sobrang saya at thankful ako na may na-meet akong coach na nag-motivate sa akin to do my best. Buti nalang nandiyan si Papa para bigyan ako ng pag–asa,” she said. After all, third time’s the charm.
With AXA providing proper coaching and support, along with her father and coach’s help, she is now one step closer to reaching her dreams. “Si Papa ang best coach ko. Basta nandiyan siya, kaya kong abutin yung mga pangarap ko,” she said.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, empowers people to live better lives by encouraging them to have a game plan, whether it’s in sports or in the hard court that is life.
AXA believes that preparing for the future is important so that people can live the life they choose. For more information on AXA’s wide array of life and general insurance and investment products, visit www.axa.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 5, 2018 | Business
In 2016, a fire in Benguet made headlines as it destroyed a warehouse — one that was owned by entrepreneur Kenneth So, and one that provided stable jobs for a lot of workers. So and his team, some of them very loyal employees that had been with him for a long time, could only watch as years of hard work went up in smoke in a matter of hours.
So was grateful that the insurance company he chose — AXA Philippines through its general insurance subsidiary Charter Ping An — swiftly came to his rescue and went the extra mile to process his claim promptly so he could get back on his feet as soon as possible.
So’s business, Granville Corporation Supply Holdings, is a strong player in the competitive supply chain industry. The company plays a key role in the logistics and distribution of fast moving consumer goods across key markets. So employs 400 people to ensure prompt servicing of customers.
The fire destroyed Granville’s four-storey warehouse in La Trinidad, Benguet, and millions of pesos in inventory. Fortunately, So had the foresight to get a comprehensive fire insurance coverage from leading global insurer AXA. His loyal staff also rallied together during a truly trying time. The company is now slowly but surely recovering.
The ease and speed with which So was able to receive his insurance claims and the attentive and dedicated service he received from AXA helped ease his burden. “Now, our warehouse is being rebuilt,” So says. “This is the start of a new beginning.”
So’s experience with AXA is proof of AXA’s unwavering commitment to its customers, backed by superior financial strength and worldwide reach, to be there when it is most needed. It assures clients like So, whose employees and their families count on for their livelihood, can live the life he chooses — free from uncertainty and anxiety, no matter what challenges he has to face.
For more information, visit www.axa.com.ph today.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 4, 2018 | Advocacy
Aftab Ahmed, CEO of Citi at Freedom Walk 2018
More than 400 passionate volunteers from Citi Philippines led by country Chief Executive Officer Aftab Ahmed turned up in full force during the recently held Freedom Walk 2018, with the local government of Pasig as this year’s host city.
With the theme “Every Rightful Step, All Barriers We Break”, the Freedom Walk is co-chaired by non-governmental organizations, Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy) and Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) as an expression of the desire of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to be free from discrimination and inequality.
Shown in photo receiving Citi’s plaque of appreciation is Aftab Ahmed together with PFRD’s president Manuel V. Agcaoili.
As a fashion photographer, Luna is well-regarded for her personal sense of style. Self-described as an “ever-evolving” aesthetic, she draws her inspiration from rock ’n roll icons of yesterday and today.
AXA, official insurance partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the Philippines, was one of the marketing partners of the Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 presented by Alaska National Training Camp (NTC).
The award held in Bangkok is but an affirmation that the concept behind the upscale garden resort-inspired condominium located in the dynamic Metro South is truly exceptional and world-class. The nominated properties in the Asia Pacific Property Awards are judged by an independent panel of 80 industry experts, focusing on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.
Furthermore, with Botanika’s inimitable architectural design direction, its first-class amenities, and of course its generously-sized condominium units, it comes as no surprise that it has caught the attention of such reputable and prestigious industry bodies—both here and abroad—thus garnering accolades and the recognition it truly deserves.
AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, empowers people to live better lives by encouraging them to have a game plan, whether it’s in sports or in the hard court that is life.
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