Blu-tiful at Sage

A beautiful sea of people crowded Sage as it recently launched #BeautifulAtSage, a series of parties held at Makati Shangri-La’s restaurant-bar every first Friday of the month. In line with the launch, Blu, one of the world’s best energy drinks, raised the bar high by presenting the very first leg of the party series with its Blu Girls giving out syringe shots and glowing necklaces to everyone who came out to party that rainy Friday night.

There was non-stop dancing to the mixes of models-DJs Emel Rowe and Samir Ayeb as well as overflowing cocktails mixed with Blu Original, Cranberry and Lemon Lime that allowed guests to keep partying until morning.

Blu Philippines CEO Shai Reuven said, “We are very excited to work with Sage to spice up the party scene of the young and hip Makati crowd.”

After its successful Europe party scene, Blu has finally arrived in the Philippines to bring good vibes, lots of energy and all out fun. 

(Visit BluEnergyDrinkPhilippines on Facebook and

www.bluenergy.ph or follow @BluEnergyDrinkPhilippines on Instagram.)

Oh my, Piolo!

Award-winning actor Piolo Pascual once again took center stage as E!, the 24-hour destination for “Pop of Culture,” launched at The Loft at Rockwell in Makati City recently.

Piolo got things rolling by serenading the guests, who were captivated by his soothing voice, showing his versatility in the field of entertainment.

NBC Universal country manager Liza Latinazo then shared that E! did not leave any stone unturned during the filming of E! News Special: Piolo Pascual. All were seemingly at the edge of their seats when a preview of the episode played, showing cameras following Piolo from his work to even inside his bathroom. The much-awaited show is set to reveal the truth about all the rumors and myths surrounding him.

Viewers will also get a chance to see Piolo at his most candid, talking about his aspirations and surrounded by the people he loves. The show will have appearances by actresses Toni Gonzaga and Iza Calzado, and of course, Piolo’s son Iñigo.

(E! News Asia Special: Piolo Pascual premieres on Sept. 28, 9 p.m. on E! SkyCable Channel 57, Cignal Channel 25 and Cablelink Channel 33.) An ‘Ironman’ must-have

Ironman enthusiasts, triathletes and biking aficionados are pumped to gear up as Rudy Project released its Limited Edition Cobra Ironman 70.3 Wing 57 helmet. 

This year’s release of the groundbreaking Wing 57 follows the popular Wingspan model that was launched in 2009. The Wing 57 is noticeably shorter in length and has two distinctive side vents that are designed to straighten the airflow over the rear of the helmet. A frontal view will tell you that the Wing 57 is slightly narrower than the Wingspan and features a “Dorsal Ridge.” Adjustments and control of airflow can be achieved by either leaving the vent open, using a net for limiting airflow or by covering the vent completely.

The optical shield or visor, which comes in Smoke Gray, is part of the package and is removable should the wearer prefer to use his or her sunglasses instead — say those with prescription. There are three color variants of the Wing 57: White-Silver; Black-Yellow Fluo; and Black-Lime Fluo. They are offered in two sizes: Small and Medium, which is roughly 54 to 58cm.; and Large that should fit 59 to 61cm.

Designed by the aerodynamics guru and engineer John Cobb, the Wing 57 was tested at the Pininfarina wind tunnel in Grugliasco, Italy. A variety of aero and tri-road helmets were tested alongside the Wing 57 and some significant drag savings were claimed by Rudy Project’s newcomer.

Rudy Project ambassadors and loyalists such as Matteo Guidicelli, coach Ani de Leon-Brown, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Kim Atienza of Team Gotta and Elite triathlete superstar Monica Torres are all fans of the Wing 57.

(For more information, visit www.rudyproject.com.ph.)

Spotlight on Filipino micro-entrepreneurs

Three of the country’s champions of microfinance — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines — organized and launched the 12th Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a nationwide search for exemplary Filipino micro-entrepreneurs.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and Citi Philippines chief executive officer Batara Sianturi were in attendance to emphasize the importance of microfinance and how CMA has become an eye-opener for those who aspire to become successful micro-entrepreneurs.

Tetangco said, “The microfinance sector continues to grow and empower more micro-entrepreneurs across the Philippines. I have personally witnessed how micro-entrepreneurs survived scarcity by making their business a reliable source of family income.”

Sianturi added, “Through the CMA, we wish to put the spotlight on the men and women who have found sustainable solutions to escape poverty.”

Living testimonies of the success of microfinance and CMA 2013 winners Marylyn Cleto (Regional Awardee for Luzon), Regina Paller (Regional Awardee for Visayas) and Maria Gudilla Argabio (Special Awardee for Agri Micro-business) graced the launch to share how CMA transformed their lives and their communities. With the help from their partner microfinance institutions, they have made their small businesses grow, allowing them to provide a better future for their family and employment for their community.

This year’s CMA awardees will receive cash prizes, one-year life and health insurance coverage, entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center, a laptop and basic computer training. They will also gain membership to the CMA Alumni Network to build their market connections.

The CMA has generated 93 winners since its launch in 2002 by the three institutions. Since then, this award-winning program has been adopted by Citi in 32 other countries. The 24th SKAL International Makati Awards

The 24th SKAL International Makati Awards will be held on Sept. 5, 6 p.m., at the Grand Ballroom of the New World Makati Hotel. This event is in conjunction with the 33rd Anniversary of SKAL International Makati. Founded in August 1980, it is the second oldest club in the Philippines and includes Manila (the oldest: formed in April 1952).

The SKAL Tourism Personality Awards Night is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of exemplary individuals in the Philippine tourism industry. This event benefits the organization’s philanthropic work. Specifically, the event supports the SKAL educational and outreach programs for street children and the SKALarship program of SKAL International-Makati in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph, president of SKAL International Makati, announced this year’s awardees: Eduardo Manalo, Tourism Infrastructure of the year; Lance Gokongwei, Airline Personality of the year; Charo Santos-Concio, Woman Achiever for Tourism and International Understanding of the year; Kristina Bernadette Aquino, Travel Show Host of the year; Regina Paz Lopez, Environment and Agri-Tourism; Kingson Sian, Hotel Personality of the year; Stanie Soriano, Government Personality of the year; Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas, Local Government Personality of the year; The Philippine STAR’s Joanne Rae Ramirez, National Print Media Personality of the year; Ricky Paul Tio, Travel Agency Personality of the year 2014; Dexter Deyto, M.I.C.E. Personality of the year; Valeriano “Bobit” Avila, Provincial Print Media Personality of the year; Melanie Rulla Saro, Tourism Education Personality of the year; Andrew and Sandee Masigan, Food Tourism; ABS-CBN, TV Station of the year; Kris TV, Travel Show of the year.

SKAL International is a worldwide association of Travel and Tourism professionals promoting Global Tourism and Friendship. It is the only international group uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry. First founded in 1932 in Paris, France, SKAL International today has over 16,522 members in 399 tourism clubs throughout 87 nations. Its members, the industry’s managers and executives, meet at local, national, regional and international levels to discuss and pursue topics of common interest.

The 24th SKAL Tourism Personality Awards is endorsed by the Department of Tourism, co-sponsored by New World Makati Hotel. It is sponsored by Philippine Wine Merchants, Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Pan Pacific Manila, The Manor at Camp John Hay, Dusit Thani Manila and GRID magazine among others.

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)