LA COUTURE MANILA IS HAPPENING THIS APRIL 16

Makati City, March 30, 2016 – Diamond Elite Events & Promotions, Inc. (D.E.E.P), has announced today the launch of La Couture Manila, a competition that aims to take fashion into greater heights and inspires the young Filipino designers by giving them the chance to make their own piece of creation.

La Couture Manila is a fashion showcase and a design competition created to discover the next big talent of the industry. Set to happen on April 16, 2016 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City, the competition is a gathering of competing young designers that will feature their work and talent. Fashion aspirants will come from ten (10) different schools like De La Salle University, University of the Philippines and Central Institute of Fashion to name a few. The show will also feature the collection pieces from some of the well-renowned Filipino designers today like Mr. Frederick Peralta, Ms. Tina Daniac, Mr. Dobie Aranda and Mr. JC Ulanday.

“We would like to offer a new venue to all the young aspiring Filipino designers to showcase their craft and talent. We find La Couture Manila as an outlet for these upcoming Filipino talents to grow and nurture their craft. The winning piece will also have a chance for his/her work to be worn by the winners of Mr. & Ms. Earth Guam, and we think that this is another mileage for yet another Filipino showcasing a word class talent” says Mr. Frank Santos, President of D.E.E.P, Inc.

“We here in D.E.E.P believe in the talent of our local Filipino designers, they deserve the spotlight and they must be well appreciated in any forms, this is one of the reasons why we created La Couture Manila.” Adds D.E.E.P,Inc. Vice President, Mr. Rex Belarmino.

La Couture Manila fashion competition will be judged by the panel including some of the industry’s experts, media representatives and local designers, and the winning piece will be based in the following criteria: Creativity, originality, market potential and overall visual appeal. The final competition will be directed by Mr. Robby Carmona.

To witness this fashion showcase of local Filipino designers, you may buy your tickets by contacting these numbers 09352195033 or email at altezabie@gmail.com and look for Ms. Abie Altez. Prices are at P1,500 for VIP, P 1,000 for Mezzanine, and P500 for Balcony.

ANGELICA CASTRO NAMED AS PH REPRESENTATIVE FOR JOSE CUERVO'S DONS OF TEQUILA

After tough national finals, Jose Cuervo has named ANGELICA CASTRO as the winner of the Philippine leg of the global campaign Dons of Tequila. Angelica Suzzane Castro, 22, from Project 4 Quezon City, and currently working at Simply Thai Greenbelt 5 will now join sixteen (16) other bartenders from across the world in the grand final event at La Rojena, Mexico.

“We saw some fantastic bartenders in this competition, but Angelica showed the true grit, personality, and creativity that encompasses what it means to be a don,” says Charles Wright, Senior Commercial Manager – Southeast Asia and India for Jose Cuervo International. “Angelica truly deserves the honor of being the Philippine Don of Tequila!”

In the first challenge of its kind, Angelica Suzanne Castro will compete for the chance to be named the next Don of Tequila and win the prize of a lifetime: fly to Tequila, Mexico where they’ll get to harvest their own crop of agave on the Jose Cuervo estate, blend it into a unique tequila and win the batch, labelled under their own name.

“I’m confident about Angelica’s chances in the global finals of Dons of Tequila,” quips Divine Lee, celebrity and Dons of Tequila Mentor. “She definitely stood out, and he/she showed some real cojones in the finals. We can’t wait to send her over to Mexico to battle it out for the Philippines!”

Jose Cuervo’s Dons are the real heroes of tequila – people, past and present, who epitomize the expert craft, passion and bravery required to make the world’s most popular tequila. Their unwavering belief in quality and the spirit of tequila – true bonds, real friendship and good times – is what keeps the brand’s 250 years of heritage fresh and relevant. The bartender who is named the next Don in the global searchmust embody all of these qualities for a chance to follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest legends of tequila.

“Filipinos have always been known for their passion and their creativity,” shares Genrev Bacasno, Dons of Tequila Mentor and second runner-up at the 23rd Annual World Bartender Championship. “That finals showdown only further proves that Filipino bartenders are more than primed to conquer the world stage.”

“Jose Cuervo’s support for Filipino mixologists elevates the industry,” adds Jerry Miranda, Dons of Tequila Mentor and Diageo Reserve World Class 2014 winner. “A competition like this sets standards even higher for the local bartending scene.”

The Philippine winner will go up against the best-of-the-best in the Jose Cuervo Distillery, La Rojeña, in Tequila, Mexico for a final global showdown where they will be put to the ultimate test in front of the true Dons of Tequila.Aside from the Philippines, the Dons of Tequila competition is running in the following countries: France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, UAE, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Korea, Japan and Cyprus.

Family owned for ten generations, Jose Cuervo is made using 250 years of cultivating, harvesting, blending and tasting expertise. Jose Cuervo Gold and Silver are distilled with rigorous standards, to create the taste and character fit for a Don.

For more information about the competition and of all things Jose Cuervo, visit www.DonsofTequila.com. The website features the stories of the current Dons of Tequila, as well as a selection of drinks fit for a Don, crafted and demonstrated by head barmen from La Rojeña.

ZALORA x NENA BEAUTY WORKSHOP

New beauty brand NENA Cosmetics collaborates with ZALORA Philippines in launching their beauty products here in the Philippines. In line with the launch, NENA Cosmetics led by CEO/Founder Lorena Nena Mondonedo Perez, held a beauty workshop last May 29, 2015 at F1 Hotel.

                Attended by beauty bloggers and people of the press, make-up lovers enjoyed an afternoon exchanging tips and make-up tricks to achieve the perfect day and night look. Beauty workshop attendees were all delighted when they were spoiled by Miss Nena as each and every one of them received a bag filled with make-up goodies from NENA Cosmetics. The CEO and founder herself demonstrated make-up tricks and revealed her beauty secrets using NENA cosmetics while constantly telling stories about how she established her make-up line in different parts of the world including the US, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Australia, and soon in Africa.  

                Launching here in the Philippines, NENA Cosmetics is now made available online at ZALORA Philippines.  During the event, attendees were given the chance to browse through the other products online at ZALORA’s site through the laptops readily available at the reception area. Indeed, it was a lovely and knowledgeable afternoon spent by beauty junkies. 

ZALORA teams up with FOX for Asia’s Next Top Model Season 3

ZALORA, Asia’s online fashion destination announced its partnership with FOX International Channel for Asia’s Next Top Model Season 3. The hit reality TV series is the most celebrated model search in the region producing the freshest fashion faces in Asia’s modelling scene.

Asia’s Next Top Model Season 3 is all about glam and style, complemented perfectly by ZALORA’s high street fashion must haves. Superstar model Georgina Wilson, will be this season’s new host. She will be joined by creative director Alex Perry, and model mentor Joey Mead-King as the panel of judges. The judges will guide the model-hopefuls through high-stakes catwalk shows, fashion photo shoots and publicity appearances – a rigourous modelling boot camp to discover who among the girls deserves to be on top.

Paulo Campos, ZALORA Philippines, Managing Director said, “Asia’s Next Top Model is the most celebrated model search in Asia, and it enjoys massive support from millions of fashion fans across the region. We are proud to contribute in discovering the next top model from Asia. ZALORA supports Asia's diverse forms of beauty and seeks to empower women through fashion by giving them the confidence to own whatever moment they find themselves in. This is perfectly echoed in the show as models take on weekly style challenges.”

Penny Tan, Marketing Director of Fox International Channels Malaysia, said: “Cycle 3 of Asia’s Next Top Model promises to be the biggest and best cycle yet, and we are certainly pleased to be a part of it. We look forward to the many twists, turns and high fashion moments, as well as the opportunity to unearth fresh talent in this region.

Viewers will also be able to keep abreast with the latest fashion trends, courtesy of Zalora, being the show’s Official Online Fashion Shopping Partner. It is our pleasure to have them on board as a partner, who has fittingly established its position in the fashion industry as Asia’s Largest Online Shopping Platform.”

Amanda Chan, Franchesca Lagua and Monica Sta. Maria are proud representatives from the Philippines. They will be competing with 11 other girls to be named as Asia’s Next Top Model. The winner of Asia’s Next Top Model will be named the 2015 Face of TRESemmé in South East Asia and the Face of ZALORA, and she gets to drive and own a brand-new Subaru XV STI. The Top Model will also be given a cover and fashion spread in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.

Jose Cuervo Launches Search for the DONS OF TEQUILA in PH

Manila, Philippines – Hundreds of bartenders all over the Philippines are being called to enter into a battle unlike any other, as Jose Cuervo, the world’s best-selling tequila, launches Dons of Tequila, the global search for the next hero of tequila who has what it takes to continue the legacy of the 250-year-old brand. The prize of a lifetime awaits: fly to Tequila, Mexico to harvest their own crop of agave on the Jose Cuervo estate, blend it into a unique tequila and win the batch, labelled under their own name.

Jose Cuervo’s Dons are the real heroes of tequila – the people, past and present, who epitomize the expert craft, passion, and bravery required to make the world’s most popular tequila. Their unwavering belief in quality and in the spirit of tequila – true bonds, real friendship, and good times – is what keeps the brand’s 250 years of heritage fresh and relevant. These are the qualities that the bartender who will be named the next Don must embody to be worthy of the title.

The local leg of this worldwide hunt officially begins today. Aspiring Dons can join this first-of-its-kind challenge by uploading a photo of their signature tequila-based cocktail or shot serve at DonsOfTequila.com. Ten (10) bartenders will be selected to compete in the National Finals in July, where they have to show that they have the grit, passion, and cojones of a true Don.

“Jose Cuervo has, in over 250 years of family and company history, demonstrated the grit, expertise, and uncompromising passion for quality required to be and to remain the world’s number one tequila. Becoming a Don of Tequila is the ultimate accolade awarded only to those who truly deserve it,” shares Charles Wright, Senior Commercial Manager – Southeast Asia and India for Jose Cuervo International. “Bartenders from all over the country will really need to show the judges that they have the cojones to be worthy of being called Don.”

The local finalists will be guided by Jose Cuervo’s Dons of Tequila Mentors – veterans in their field and true Instigators – Prive Luxury Club’s cocktail bartender and Diageo Reserve World Class 2014 winner Jerry Miranda, T.G.I. Friday’s Genrev Bacasno, who recently bagged second runner-up honors at the 23^rd Annual World Bartender Championship, and celebrated personality Divine Lee.

Jerry, Genrev, and Divine will lead a Bartenders Bootcamp, designed to prepare the ten for the National Finals, where their creativity, technical knowledge, and personality will be judged by the Instigators, together with the Jose Cuervo Brand Ambassadors. The winner will hold the title Don of Tequila in the Philippines, and will represent the country in the Jose Cuervo Dons of Tequila Global Finals for a chance to follow the footsteps of some of the world’s legends of tequila.

 The Dons of Tequila Global Finals is a showdown of the best-of-the-best from each country, set against the Jose Cuervo distillery, La Rojeña, in the town of Tequila, in Mexico. 

ZALORA LAUNCHES CHINOISERIE CHIC LUNAR NEW YEAR COLLECTION

Usher in the year of the Sheep in ZALORA’s bold and opulent Lunar New Year 2015 collection. The 150-piece womenswear collection is a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese wear, perfect not only for the festive season but also for the rest of the year. ZALORA prides itself on launching modern and stylish ethnic wear collections suitable for local festivities and this year’s Lunar New Year collection, which comprises a mix of peplum tops, playsuits and fit and flare dresses, is no exception.

Designed for the fashion conscious women, the ZALORA Lunar New Year collection is perfect for those who want to celebrate the Lunar New Year in festive wear that give a fashion-forward nod to the traditional Chinese garb. The collection incorporates interesting fabrics such as jacquard and neoprene with lace and oriental bloom prints.

The Asian influenced prints on modern silhouettes and cuts accented with mandarin collar shows a cross between traditional and contemporary design. A strong palette of auspicious red from bright rose to darker wines dominates the collection and is mixed with hints of fashion’s latest hues - blue, white and coral keeping the overall look fresh and modern.

Regine King, ZALORA Philippines Head of Category Management said, “As a form of expression, fashion must reflect the intricate dynamics of bridging the past to the present and with the future. Our collection pays tribute to traditional Chinese aesthetics interpreted in contemporary silhouettes to help dress the modern woman. Women nowadays are more discerning and want to mix and match their wardrobe; they are innovators and want to own their look.”

“Our collection gives them the chance to celebrate heritage without looking dated and empowers them to style freely as each piece can match any modern fashion accessory.” Paulo Campos, ZALORA Philippines’ Managing Director, added.

ZALORA x SMART ONLINE FEVER HAPPENING THIS 12.12

ZALORA partners with Smart and major e-commerce players to offer special deals for 24 hours only. ZALORA, Asia’s online fashion destination, is partnering with major e-commerce players and other leading brands across the Philippines for 12.12 Online Fever, an online shopping event poised to be the biggest cyber sale in the region on 12 December 2014. With over 100 partners across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, 12.12 Online Fever is positioned as Southeast Asia’s answer to North America’s Cyber Monday and North Asia’s Singles Day – offering customers the most exciting deals in fashion, food, travel and more during the holiday shopping season.

Presented by the country’sleading telecommunications provider, Smart Communications, 12.12 Online Fever aims to empower and energize the Philippine market to embrace e-commerce and the great suite of services and products available during the event. As an established leader in mobile products innovation, Smart’s participation in 12.12 Online Fever provides an avenue for Filipinos to pursue their
passions online and experience the best of what the Internet has to offer, specifically through online shopping.

Led by ZALORA, 12.12 Online Fever rallies like-minded partners to redefine Christmas shopping in the Philippines and accelerate e-commerce growth together with major e-commerce players from different industries. Top online retailers including Takatack, FoodPanda, and Widget City have also come on board to support 12.12 Online Fever by offering some of the most exciting deals of the Christmas season to consumers, and encouraging shoppers nationwide to go online and make a purchase. To enable a comprehensive view of all the shopping deals and discounts available on December 12, participating partners will host joint landing-pages on their respective websites to make sure shoppers don’t miss a single deal.

12.12 Online Fever caters to a wide range of consumers through its extensive collection of deals and offerings. Style enthusiasts can expect high street fashion at great prices when they shop at ZALORA. Those looking to find Christmas gifts for that hard-to-shop-for member of the family can look forward to exclusive deals from top e-marketplace Takatack and gadget retailer Widget City. Shoppers bitten by the travel bug can now plan for their 2015 trips as they take advantage of the special deals in flights and hotels with online service Travelbook and low cost airline Jetstar, offering discounted fares for 24 hours. Digital service innovators like taxi booking app Easy Taxi and loyalty rewards program ZAP will be offering exclusive incentives for using their services on the special day.

Paulo Campos, Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines, said, “The Philippines is one of the world’s fastest-growing internet markets. With fellow digital pioneers like our industry and e-commerce partners empowering users through connectivity and an incredible range of digital services and offerings, the Philippines has rapidly evolved in to one of the most socially connected countries in the world. As a
leader in the industry, ZALORA Philippines is committed to helping Filipino e-commerce reach new heights in 2015.”

“Smart is thrilled to partner with the country’s leading lifestyle portal, Zalora, in supporting the endeavor of bringing the full mobile Internet experience closer to the hands of more Filipinos. This is part of our mission to allowing our subscribers to ‘live more’ by democratizing access to mobile data through our innovative mobile Internet products and service offerings,” added Michele Curran, FVP for Data and International Services at Smart.

Asia-Pacific is set to become the next top e-commerce market slowly overtaking both America and Europe combined, and the Philippines is poised to be one of the most promising markets across South- East Asia. With varied economies across a diverse region, payment infrastructures and misconceptions about online shopping continue to be a challenge. However, a recent UBS study shows that more
consumers all over the region are starting to flock to e-commerce sites in significant numbers – showing that consumers are visiting online retailers 41 times2 for every single visit to traditional retailers. While online shopping in Southeast Asia only accounts for 0.2 percent of all retail sales today, a rises to 5 percent in sales would give online shopping a value of around US$21.8 billion 12.12 Online