Have you been to the newly-opened SPECIALIZED ELITE Store in MOA?

If you haven’t heard yet, yes Specialized is BACK!

After a nine-month absence in the market, the premier bicycle brand is back with a new concept store in SM by the Bay! Labelled as the “Specialized Elite Store”, the shop is definitely a cyclist’s haven!

Read on the below presser and see what I am talking about. Cheers!

PRESS RELEASE:

SPECIALIZED ELITE STORE OPENS IN SM BY THE BAY

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Specialized Philippines, in partnership with Gruppo Innovare Corporation, the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines, officially opened the newest Specialized Elite Store on Wednesday, October 17 at the SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Present during the event were the Gruppo Innovare team headed by its Managing Director, Mr. JL Gavino and Sales Director, Mr. Ritchie Santayana, Mr. Gino Abano, Commercial Director of Specialized SESA was also there to grace the event.

“We are proud to be opening the first Specialized Elite Store here at the SM by the Bay, a perfect location as it is a biker’s haven especially in the morning. As Specialized has striven to make the best bikes for riders since 1974, the Philippine riding community can expect the best one-stop bike shop experience the moment they walk in our store.”, said Mr. Santayana.

During the opening, Mr. Abano presented highlights of various Specialized bike products such as the Venge, the fastest road bike, and the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

For those who love off-road riding, the store also has the Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike, and the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails.

The highlight of the day was the special preview of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. Guests were given a sneak peek on an actual setup of this limited-edition triathlon specific bike, which promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

“We are very fortunate to be able to present to everyone here today an actual set-up of the all-new 2019 Shiv Disc. This complete tri bike will be available globally as a limited edition product and reservations can be placed until October 31, 2018.”, shared Mr. Abano.

The Specialized Elite Store offers worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes first-hand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

The Specialized Elite Store in SM by the Bay is the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.

PRESS RELEASE: Specialized Elite Store To Open Soon at SM by the Bay

Here’s exciting news from Specialized PH! A new store, a whole new one-stop bike shop experience and a “Specialized-experience” is set to happen in a few days.

Read on the below press release to know what I am referring to. Cheers!

PRESS RELEASE:

Specialized gears up for SM Mall of Asia Store Opening

Specialized – a bicycle brand made for riders, by riders – gears up for its store’s grand opening on Oct. 17 at the SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

Considered to be a biker’s haven especially in the morning, SM by the Bay is the perfect location for the first of three Specialized concept stores to open, with Pasig and Maginhawa St. in Quezon City completing the new stores for 2018.

“We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike shop experience,” says Ritchie Santayana, Customer Development Director of Gruppo Innovare Corporation, referring to the choice of locations for the three stores. All three are known to be bike-friendly areas in the metropolis, and more stores are promised to come throughout the country over the next few years.

Since 1974, the brand has striven to make the best bikes for riders. The store is set to offer a comprehensive range of technically advanced products, such as:

• The Stumpjumper, the brand’s most versatile trail bike,
• the Turbo Levo and Kenevo, a pair of e-mountain bikes built to give riders the power to ride more trails,
• the Venge, the fastest road bike, and
• the Tarmac, the lightest race bike ever made by the brand.

The 2019 Shiv Disc, is also set to take center stage during opening day. The all-new triathlon specific bike promises unprecedented aero design, storage for fuel and hydration to last the whole race, and the most flexible fit. It is the most complete triathlon bike ever made.

Riders can expect easy and worry-free purchases, and a complete “Specialized experience” through the store’s full scope of services: providing expert advice in choosing the best bike, experiencing the bikes firsthand through their bike test program, bike servicing by trained staff, and the Retül Match and Vantage system, the most technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology available in the market.

Fabulous prizes will also be raffled off while Specialized will give a 10 per cent discount on all items on its launch day.

Gruppo Innovare Corporation is the authorized and appointed distributor of Specialized Bicycle Components in the Philippines.

For further information, about Specialized in the Philippines, visit https://www.specialized.com/ph/en or like and follow Specialized Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/specialized.ph/.

US Potato Packed-Power: One of Life’s Essentials Now in the PH

I am truly stoked to learn that US Potato products are now available in the Philippines with fresh, frozen and dehydrated variants!

As potatoes are America’s favorite vegetable crop, isn’t it great for Filipinos to have access to potatoes grown with a strict US seed certification system, boosted by the right soil, the best possible growing seasons and temperatures, and lots of water, plus the commitment and experience of generations of US grower families?

And you’ll probably quip, why this reaction towards, errmm, potatoes? Well, because potatoes practically belong to our family’s top list of food essentials. Read on folks as I share my thoughts…

My journey to fitness and sports did not immediately start with engaging into running and mtbiking. Because I am sickly and overweight, much of it begun with establishing and following a proper diet and engaging in regular exercise in and out of the gym.

With meals planned with the guidance of a nutritionist, my diet then had either corn or potatoes as my carbohydrate sources, in replacement for rice. It was at that time that I appreciated potatoes as more than just a comfort food (hello, fries!) – because it also actually contains important nutrients, even when cooked, that can benefit a person’s health in various ways.

Flashback: I together with my fitness trainors and nutritionist

Let me share to you the benefits I have gained then and continue to gain now thru one of the world’s “most nutritionally dense food”, the potato:

* Weight management
In my 30s, I was obese and unhappy. I gasp for breath not only thru walking but even while having a conversation.

Baked, boiled or steamed potatoes have been a part of my diet plan in my fight towards weight loss.

* Hypertension
At 27 years old, I have been diagnosed with chronic hypertension. I have a certain appetite for salty foods which is not good as it triggers the spike in blood pressure.

To maintain a healthy blood pressure, I need to curb my fondness of eating salty foods so I can lessen my sodium intake but also would need to increase intake of potassium.

Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are all present in the potato. Perfect in helping me obtain a normal blood pressure and say bye-bye to my hypertension woes.

* Heart Health
Together with being a chronic hypertensive is having an enlarged heart. Yep, I have that too!

I was told that fiber helps lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood which then results to a decrease in the risk of heart disease. Potatoes are said to have a significant amount of fiber. Need I say more? ☺

And what about the significance of potatoes in my foray into active sports?

As potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and potassium, it has always been a go-to food whenever I would like to build-up energy, be it before working out, prior to running or mtbike riding.

 

mtbike ride on the lahar of Pampanga

An article in Runner’s World (RW) actually stated that potatoes provide more energy-delivering complex carbohydrates than a cup of pasta. So for carbo-loading activities prior to a long run or ride, one doesn’t have to be content with pasta alone, potatoes prepared in excitingly tasty number of ways can be the trick for you!

RW further said that potatoes are great in post-workout, run or ride activities as it helps quickly replenish carbs quickly and aids in repairing the muscle fibers.

Armed with a renewed-appreciation of all the benefits a potato can provide, it has not only just been a partner in fitness and nutrition, but has also become one of our household’s meal staples. Aside from eating it “alone” (I can consume a small bowl of steamed baby potatoes!) – baked, steamed or boiled – potatoes can be found as a major ingredient in our various meals – braised beef soup, mechado, kaldereta, chicken curry, sautéed sardines.

Imagine the excitement I have knowing fully-well that our next meal can now have quality, US-grown potatoes!

You might share the same excitement with me and would like to know more! US potatoes are now available in supermarkets and groceries nationwide. For further information, visit http://www.potatogoodness.com/ or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/.

Mega Tuna Launches #SarapNgTUNAy Campaign with its Newest Mega Barkada

Mega Tuna, the country’s most exciting brand of tuna, in it’s bid to capture a sizeable chunk of the canned tuna market, launched it’s newest campaign aimed to bring their brand of fun and authenticity to the fore.

The campaign, dubbed as “SarapNgTUNAY” is a play on the message that says there is nothing more delicious than that of a 100% pure tuna – which is what Mega Tuna is said to be — made of 100% tuna and has no extenders.

The launch of the SarapNgTUNAy campaign allowed media guests to engage in simple yet fun activities such as the ring toss, flatlay picture-taking, video-making and the interesting the “What Mega Tuna Variant Are You?” personality test, while also providing the chance to get to try the various Mega Tuna variants as paired or used in varied dishes such as a nacho or plain toast topping, a meat ball dip and as a pasta flavor.

For me, it was truly a “get-to-know-Mega-Tuna-day”, as it was my first time to try the Mega Tuna. With all honesty, I liked how the hot and spicy and the sweet and spicy variants tasted when I paired the latter with nachos and the former over a plain toast. Judging from how I liked these two, I truly am excited to try at home the spanish style (with hot rice, oh my!) and tuna flakes in oil (sauteed with scrambled eggs might be the bomb!).

The newest ambassadors of the brand were also introduced as the “Mega Barkada” during the launch. They are Deegee Razon, Ronan Domingo, Melissa Gohing, and Baninay Bautista, all of whom will be starring in two webisodes which will come out soon.

Meanwhile, read on the below official presser for more details regarding the campaign. Many thanks to the people of Mega Tuna for having me in this event and for gifting us with cans of the four tuna variants. Cheers!

Mega Barkada vlogs show why authenticity matters
Mega Tuna launches its Sarap ng TUNAy campaign with ambassadors DG Razon, Ronan Domingo, Melissa Gohing and Baninay Bautista

For Filipinos, authenticity is always important. It’s honest, pure, and even fun. Authenticity is what brings people together, and it is the force that binds the new Mega Barkada. Made up of Deegee Razon, Ronan Domingo, Melissa Gohing, and Baninay Bautista, the MegaBarkada goes through life with a spirit of adventure and fun, exploring new things and learning from each other, while always staying true to themselves.

Youthful, dynamic, and brimming with fresh ideas, the Mega Barkada are the newest brand ambassadors of Mega Tuna, the country’s most exciting tuna brand. Made of 100% pure tuna, Mega Tuna contains no extenders, offering the delicious taste of tuna that Filipinos love.

To bring their brand of fun and authenticity to more Filipinos, the Mega Barkada will be launching two webisodes, especially made to delight audiences across and beyond the country.

The first webisode is an advice vlog which answers the question “Anong Bes Mega Moves Mo kapag nandyan si crush?” In this vlog, the four pals help each other in catching the attention of their respective crushes, making use of gimmicks and ninja moves to help each other get close to the object of their attention.

The second webisode is a cook-off challenge vlog that pits the MegaBarkada members as they come up with the best tuna meal using pre-selected ingredients. Since Mega Tuna uses premium ingredients without extenders, the Mega Barkada easily whips up flavorful dishes.

Thanks to their partnership with Mega Global, the MegaBarkada says they have become better consumers. Speaking for the group, Baninay says: “Mega has taught us what being authentic is all about. Our togetherness has made us appreciate each other, at parati kaming tunay sa isa’t isa. Ganun din pagdating sa Mega Tuna. I now know that pag pure ang ingredients at walang halong fake, you won’t go wrong with its quality and taste.”

Indeed, with Mega Tuna, you can live life fully without worrying about what you eat. And with 100% tuna, you’ll be sure to only have 100% pure experiences.

Mega Tuna comes in four variants, namely, Mega Tuna Flakes in Oil, Hot and Spicy, Sweet and Spicy, and Spanish-Style. All variants are available in supermarkets nationwide. For more information, please visit the website http://www.megaglobal.com.ph and

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/megapuretuna/. Sarap ng TUNAy webisodes will also be available on the Facebook for sharing!