Coca-Cola at 100 years celebrates with the Art of Giving

Art is an inseparable part of my life. Whenever I see one, I can't help but wonder and ponder what the image is telling me. As the old saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” 

But I think what's even more fun than looking at art is when you can make something of your own. That's why I was so excited when Coca- Cola launched the Coca-Cola Bottle Art Tour in BGC last October 2 to 4. They even sent me my own Coca Cola Bottle Art Kit to paint on, days before the event. Definitely a great time to work on my artistic skills! 

A hundred years for Coca-Cola has only made an even stronger impact not just for itself but for so many, worldwide. Through each meaningful and creative campaign it has led, there's still nothing like the artistic and cultural influences it brought among its fans--- a lot of whom are famous artists around the world. And THEY were definitely a big highlight in the Bottle Art Tour.

Stepping into the Bottle Art Tent was like walking through history in the mind boggling eyes of expert artisans as I got to see many of their original creations. There were artworks from famous Pop artists such as Andy Warhol, Peter Blake, Sally Tharp and Steve Kaufmann. One of my favorites so far is from Haddon Sundblom's. His Coca-Cola Santa Claus painting is just so cute! The vintage feel, the merry warm smile, the shading and lighting of his painting are just picture perfect! Besides, how can you resist Jolly ol' Saint Nick?

Oh! And speaking of Santa Claus, it seems his Christmas magic came early this month as the best part of the tour was when they hosted a silent auction during the Gala Night where the money from the bids will be donated to the Little Red Schoolhouse so they can build safe and clean drinking fountains. Now, isn't this delightful? I guess the best kind of art truly is the art of giving, don't you agree?

The Coca-Cola Bottle Art tent was a fun place full of creativity and artistic inspiration. Some of our very own designers such as Rajo Laurel, Joey Samson, Jojie Lloren, Francis Libiran, Sassa Jimenez, Ivar Aseron, Rhett Eala, and Philippines' top photographers such as Mark Nicdao, Jake Verzosa, Ronnie Salvacion, Doc Marlon, Shaira Luna and Xander Angeles even got to share the experience, too. I even saw celebrities like new Coca-Cola Ambassadors Janella Salvador and Jerome Ponce and some of my favorites  such as Coca-Cola Ambassadors Enchong Dee and Joseph Marco. 

This was really such a happy experience. It opened my eyes to new perspectives of art and culture and reminded me that there's so much you can do for others, if you try to be creative. Art may just be a short word, but it can definitely go a long, looong way.

Thank you Coca-Cola for another truly refreshing and Open Happiness experience!

(Girl Power, a tribute to Rei, Vivienne and DVF). This is the commission of a lifetime!  Worked on this with my amazing sister  and favorite architect, Patricia!

Sharing a groupie shot with my bestie Angelette Calero and some great friends -- Tippi Tambunting, Anton Barretto, Ana de Ocampo and Michelle Tiangco

Really got so excited to enter the auction for the Coke goodies!

Ted Ryan, Chief Archivist of the Atlanta's World of Coca - Cola, hosting the auction.

Michael Moore, the Global Marketing Leader of the Coca - Cola Bottle Art Tour

Diego Granizo, President of Coca - Cola Philippines

Coca-Cola Atlanta's Ted Ryan with Coca-Cola Squad Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Jerome Ponce and Diego Loyzaga

Heartthrobs Joseph Marco and Enchong Dee with Lind Hotel's Daryl and Linda Tan

Coca-Cola Ambassador Jerome Ponce

 The Two Diegos: Coca-Cola President Diego Granizo and new Sprite Ambassador Diego Loyzaga

Coca-Cola VP of Public Affairs Adel Tamano, Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon and Coca-Cola Philippines President Diego Granizo

Fashionistas: Designers Nat Manilag, Francis Libiran and Arsi Baltazar

Coca-Cola Bottle Art Tour's hosts Marc Nelson and Karen Pamintuan

 Marissa Lopa & Anton Barretto

Eventologist Tim Yap and his work

The Epperson ladies, Aryanna & Jenni!

Coca Cola FEMSA Corporate Affairs Director Juan Dominguez and Coke loyalist Tessa Prieto - Valdes

Sprite Ambassador Diego Loyzaga

Coca-Cola Ambassador Joseph Marco

Star Magic model-turned-actors Miko Raval and Raphael Robes

Andrej Wisniewski and Myrza Sison of Cosmopolitan Magazine

Enchong Dee with the Tomeldan Family

Models Carlo Gonzales and LA Aguinaldo with Irish, Architect Miguel Pastor and Bench's big boss, Ben Chan

Two of Philippine's top photographers Ronnie Salvacion and Mark Nicdao

One of my favorite fashion designers,  Joey Samson

Project Runway Philippine's Mentor, Fashion Designer Jojie Lloren

Fashion Designer Ivar Aseron

Photographer Ronnie Salvacion

Top Philippine Fashion Designer Randy Ortiz

Photographer Mark Nicdao

Coca-Cola's newest ambassadors, Jerome Ponce and Janella Salvador

Hair Stylist Henri Calayag & Chef Tippi Tambunting

Ace Photographer Xander Angeles

My lovely girl friends Ana de Ocampo, Tippi Tambunting and Michelle Tiangco

Happy friends: Henri Calayag, Enchong, Randy Ortiz, Maribel Lastimosa Steinmann

Janella looks so lovely in her sparkling red gown by Stephtan Couture.

Joseph Marco

Enchong Dee

LA Aguinaldo

Carlo Gonzales

Tola Orendain

Dimitri Tolenaars

Happy together: (Standing from top left to right) Tyson Kraft, Dimitri Tolenaars, Carlo Gonzales, Joseph Marco, Raphael Robes, Janella Salvador, Jerome Ponce, Jessica and Sky Yang, (Sitting in the front-left) LA Aguinaldo and Enchong Dee

Miko Raval, Joseph Marco, Janella Salvador, Jerome Ponce, Enchong Dee and Raphael Robes

(Standing from top left to right) Tyson Kraft, Sacheen Steinmann, Jerome Ponce, Joseph Marco, LA Aguinaldo, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Enchong Dee, Dimitri Tolenaars, Carlo Gonzales and Miko Raval. (Sitting in front) Raphael Robes and Sky Yang

Beautifully embellished Coca-Cola Bottle Art created by our very own designers Rajo Laurel, Joey Samson and Francis Libiran

Now, this is definitely what I can call Flower Power!  Inspired Coca-Cola Bottle Artworks by Jennie and Aryanna Epperson, Tweetie de Leon - Gonzales and Apples Aberin.

  

It's amazing what you can do with just three colors! Coke Bottles designed by Ben Chan and Miguel Pastor, Ito Kish, Anne Gonzales and Xander Angeles. 

Coke Bottles painted on by the teams from Puregold, Mini Stop, Seven Eleven and KFC. How cute are they!

More amazing Co Bottle Art shown in the Bottle Art Tour Exhibit. I wish I could take one home.

#GiveABagofHope: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Convergys Clark Site Director Soc Bautista, Sr. Vice President
and Country Manager Ivic Mueco, Department of Education
Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, and Chief Operating
Officer Marge Connelly

Last June 16, we traveled to Pampanga for the Convergys’ site launch and fashion show at SM City Clark.

The Convergys Clark site has found its home in SM City Clark, a bigger and better location from their Clarkfield office.“This expansion is representative of our commitment to investing in our people and communities. Convergys Philippines continues to be a critical part of our global operations, and an important service destination for our clients,” said Convergys Chief Operating Officer Marge Connelly.

Convergys Philippines Country Manager Ivic Mueco also added, "the dedication and excellent service delivered by the Clark team has enabled our ongoing growth. The 40% increase to 700 employees over the past year is significant, and we are excited to continue to grow.  Mueco also points out that with their recruitment program, the Clark team is helping serve the Pampanga community. 

#GiveaBagofHope Ambassadors Gabriel and
Mark McMahon

The fashion show was in celebration of Convergys’ #GiveABagofHope program where the company gives a bag with school supplies to an Aeta student for every new hire they make. It warms my heart to know that a company as big and global as Convergys gives back to the community and practices social responsibility.

The event was hosted by MYX VJ Chino Lui Pio and graced by Convergys Chief Operating Officer Marge Conelly, Country Manager Ivic Mueco, and Department of Education Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales.

Guest of honor Department of Education Region 3 Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales, thanked Convergys for their initiative to help out public schools in the country.

“’Give A Bag of Hope’ allows Filipino schoolchildren to have a better chance to pursue their education by addressing a major cause of school dropout due to the lack of school supplies. Through the provision of ‘bags of hope,’ Convergys employees are helping children nationwide continue studying. We at DepEd greatly recognize the significant role of a strong Public-Private Partnership and would like to thank Convergys Philippines and other stakeholders who help us in our mission to provide quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education to all our learners,” Rosales said.

Convergys Site Director Soc Bautista showed the same day edit video of the distribution of the Bags of Hope to Aeta school children in Nabuclod and Camachile Elementary schools done earlier that day. A Bag of Hope contains essential school supplies such as pencils, erasers, sharpeners, crayons, pad papers, and notebooks.

“Each employee giving a bag of hope is doing just that – providing hope to a child, enabling them to continue to learn and aspire for a better future. We are grateful to our Convergys Clark team for what they have achieved not just for the company, but also for making a difference in Pampanga,” remarked Convergys Country Manager Ivic Mueco.

The program proceeded with the fashion show styled by stylist Noel Manapat. The fashion show revolved around the main elements of the #GiveABagofHope program – the Convergys jacket and the Bag of Hope. Noel divided the segments into three parts – summer colors, denim, and shades of blue. The styling was on point; Noel was able to incorporate the elements seamlessly through his chosen pieces. I’ve always held a high regard for Noel as a stylist because always comes up with fresh and interesting styling for his shows and editorials.

Convergys employees
strutting down the runway
with their Convergys jackets

#GiveABagofHope
 Recipients:
Aeta students

Professional models and select Convergys employees walked down the runway, with the audience cheering on enthusiastically. The Aeta students, recipients of the bag donation that morning, also modelled their brand new bags and outfits. The stars of the #GiveABagofHope video, Gabriel and Mark McMahon also walked down the ramp. The crowd went wild when the charming actor and Pasion de Amor star Joseph Marco came out to strut down the catwalk. The show ended with the whole cast taking one final walk and gathering on stage as the pouring down of confetti signaled the end of the show.

Tola Orendain

Hye Won Jang

Dimitri Tolenaars

Akoni Steinmann

Monika Sta. Maria

Jessica Yang

Christian Busby

Carlo Gonzales

Hans Weiser

Tyson Kraft

Miko Raval

Hans Weiser

What I like most about the fashion show was it not only entertaining but it's also relevant. Kids were lifted up in renewed hope and encouraged to reach for their dreams. It all starts with one bag.

Let’s Talk About Water

As a very hands-on aunt, I only want the best for my nephews and nieces. When I’m not with them, I worry for their safety – who they’re with, what they eat and drink, when they’re coming home. I guess it’s natural for a very hands-on tita to have moments of doubts when it comes to members of her family.

Last June 25, Wilkins had the media over at The Manila Peninsula for a conference on the importance of safe drinking water. The event was hosted by radio DJ and mom Delamar Arias, who shared stories on raising her adorable son Cooper.

Grandmothers, moms, and even aunts usually have a Circle of Trust that they turn to in moments of doubt. The Circle of Trust is mom’s most trusted support group that ensures the safety and health of her children. Even though I don’t have kids of my own, I still have my Circle of Trust includes my mom, our family doctor, relatives and friends.

Host Delamar Arias joins trusted experts Wilkins Brand Manager Criselle
Pascual-Villafuerte,  Pediatrician Dr. Sally Gatchalian, and Coca-Cola ASEAN
Quality, Safety & Environment Director Arnel Cabungcal

Dr. Sally Gatchalian stressed the importance of drinking only clean and safe drinking water. She said that unsafe drinking water, combined with lack of sanitation and poor hygiene, risks the body to diarrheal diseases. It’s really during these rainy seasons that waterborne diseases are most prevalent so I always tell my nieces and nephews to extra precaution so as to avoid getting sick. Aside from safe drinking water, Dr. Sally also said that hydration is also key in the prevention of these diseases.


When it comes to safe drinking water, Wilkins Distilled is the most trusted by moms and prescribed by pediatricians. Arnel Cabungcal, ASEAN Quality, Environment & Safety Director of The Coca-Cola Company, walked us through the distillation process. And what makes Wilkins different from the others is that it undergoes an extra purifying step called reverse osmosis to make sure that the water is 100% clean and pure.

With my participative and active seat mates Clara Palma, Ching Alano
and Donna Cuna-Pita

Team Wilkins: (L-R) Coca-Cola ASEAN Quality, Safety & Environment Director Arnel Cabungcal, Coca-Cola Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Director Angie Miles, Coca-Cola Category Marketing Manager (Stills & New Categories) Teejae Sonza, Coca-Cola Group Brand Manager (Stills & New Categories) Criselle Pascual-Villafuerte, and Coca-Cola Senior IMC Manager (Stills Category) Nikki Benitez

The Wilkins media conference was definitely an informative afternoon for me. I’ve learned so much about water, waterborne diseases, and the importance of safe drinking water as shared by the guest speakers. I also had fun with the quizzes after every segment. I even won a case of Wilkins distilled drinking water for getting an answer right. Now that was a time well spent – delicious food, great speakers, interesting topics, and good company.

The Most Trusted Water Brand of Moms
and Pediatricians

Donna Cuna-Pita

One with Nature: Hana unveils newest Marian Rivera TVCs

Hana Shampoo and Conditioner Variants: Soft & Silky,
Anti-Hairfall, and Anti-Dandruff

I attended a very entertaining media conference last June 25, Thursday, at the Makati Diamond Residences. It was the unveiling of Shokubutsu Hana Shampoo’s newest television commercials starring brand ambassador Marian Rivera.

Marian was in her fifth month of pregnancy and she looked beautiful as ever. I can’t help but notice her happy disposition, glowing skin, and hair full of life. There’s no denying that pregnancy agrees with her.

Hana endorser Marian Rivera

The commercials were the last projects she did before going on a temporary leave from showbiz. Set in natural setting, the TVCs showed Marian being her most beautiful self. Reminiscent of a goddess, it’s such a refreshing sight to see her in a white sundress, minimal makeup on, with her long and lively hair down.

The 30-year-old actress said she maintains her hair vibrant and healthy with Hana shampoo. Free from unnecessary layers and artificial filters, Hana brings hair to life by adding vitality and nutrition to your hair, using 100% natural cleansing ingredients. The soon-to-be mom only trusts the brand for hair care, with its promise of long-term benefits.

Blessed with one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine show business, armed with charm and candor to boot, it’s not surprising that the actress is the brand’s ambassador. In fact, Hana is so happy with Marian on board that they renewed her contract during the event.

Peerless Lion President & CEO Simeon Tiu, Hana Ambassador Marian Rivera, and 
Peerless Lion VP for Sales & Marketing renew contract for another year

Host Richard Hwan, TBWA Creative Directors Chino Jayme and Ali Silao, Peerless Lion Brand Manager Lesley Yu, Peerless Lion President & CEO Simeon Tiu, Hana Ambassador Marian Rivera, Peerless Lion VP for Sales & Marketing Jasper Tiu, Peerless Lion Marketing Director Pen Roque, and Peerless Lion Marketing Manager Norman Mier.

Also during the event, the TBWA team and Hana team presented the awards for the critically acclaimed Hana Water Billboard, which received several awards from New York's Clio Image awards and The One Show, Asia-Pacific's Adfest, and France's Cannes Lion Festival. The Hana water billboard is made of pollution-reducing Vetiver, a non-invasive grass used to treat wastewater. I was so in awe of the campaign. It's such a powerful and creative medium to clean the Pasig river and spread awareness at the same time.

The event was a great way to spend the afternoon, with Marian entertaining the media and enthusiastically answering all the questions especially on how she takes proper care of her hair. She really is the epitome of a naturally beautiful woman, inside and out.

#imaPreviewgirl : Celebrating 20 Years of Philippine Fashion

When I received my invite for this year's Preview Fashion Ball, I can't believe that it's been 20 years since I became the first editor-in-chief of the now highly-estemeed fashion magazine. I was suddenly sentimental as all the memories came rushing back in. I remember the countless editorials, endless articles and edits, interesting personalities I've interviewed, the late nights of closing one issue after the other. As demanding as it was, I can honestly say that my stint in Preview was one of the highlights of my career. As Preview has grown immensely, so did I. I've made a lot of friends, produced great stories, and at the same time I was having the time of my life.

Attending the Preview Fashion Ball later will surely get me reminiscing in nostalgia. But more than that, my heart is filled with nothing but pride. Pride that what I've started is now two decades strong and still growing. Hats off to Pauline Juan and the whole Preview team for revolutionising Philippine fashion. I always look forward to getting my monthly copy for my dose of beauty of fashion, artistic and tasteful editorials, and hard-working feature stories.

Everything that the first Preview team has started has now come full circle. I cannot wait to celebrate the magazine's 20th anniversary later. I'm sure it will be a night of fun, fashion, and glamour.
Congratulations, Preview!