Launching of Nissan GT Academy Season 2 in the Philippines

Atrium, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City -Philippines

Nissan Philippines Inc. ( NPI.) once again brings innovation that excited to the Philippine motorsports scene as formally launches the second season of the Nissan GT Academy -Philippines. The launch was held a few hours ago at the SM Mall of Asia-Atrium.

A virtual-to-reality racing competition, the Nissan GT Academy gives aspiring race cars drivers a chance to fulfill their dream of participating in a professional international race.

Nissan GT Academy 2015 finalists

First launched locally in March 2015, the Nissan GT Academy saw over 13,000 aspiring racers participate in over 20 live events held in key cities in the country within a four month period. Twenty players with the best race time in the game then advanced to compete in the National Finals, where they were subjected to physical, driving, media, and virtual challenges to determine the top six contenders.

Mr. Lucas Ordoñez

Lucas Ordoñez, winner of the inaugural 2008 Nissan Playstation GT academy in Europe, graced the opening of the event, encouraging participants to grab the Nissan GT Academy Season 2 as an opportunity to make their race-car dreams come true.

“Back then, I was just studying for my MBA. When I saw an ad for a new competition called ‘GT Academy’, I knew I had to join and take this shot to be the racing driver I dreamed to be,” said Ordoñez who also completed a podium finish in the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours.

“Now, here I am racing on every possible tournament. It felt great to have taken that move. I hope Filipinos will grab this opportunity too,” he added.

“The Nissan GT Academy is Nissan’s way of democratizing motorsports, to make it more accessible to the general public,” said SJ Huh, NPI General Manager for Marketing. “By doing this, we help fast-track the dreams of more potential Filipino racers to reach the international racing arena.”

Mr. Jose Gerald ” Joward ” Policarpio winner of Nissan Academy 2015

The Nissan Philippines GT Academy 2016 2nd Season will be touring the entire country in search for the new aspiring racers which will represents the country . Check the Official Mechanics & Live Recruitment Events Schedule here: http://bit.ly/NissanGTAcademyPH.

winners

There was an in- house friendly competition among the media and bloggers hosted Nissan Philippines . This is some sort of bragging rights by the participants. The Awards includes ” Best Dressed Virtual Driver ” , ” Most Verbal Virtual Driver ”  Fastest Male and Female Virtual Driver” , ” Slowest  Male and Female Virtual Driver “

 For more details and updates on the upcoming new season of the Nissan GT Academy Philippines, please visit Nissan Philippines’ official Facebook page.
Website :https://www.nissan.ph/

 

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Interesting Booths and Highlights of the 2nd Environmental Summit

SM Megatrade Hall  1 and 2, 5th level SM Mega Mall , Mandaluyong City -Philippines

2016 Environmental Summit

The 2016 Environmental Summit with the theme, “Fostering Shared Responsibility in Integrated Waste Management.”  This event was held in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Climate Change Commission (CCC), National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), League of Cities of the Philippines , National Youth Commision , City of Mandaluyong and the local government units (LGUs).

 group photo

 

There were a lot of interesting and educational  booths from government attached agencies like  environmental management and sustainable development to reduce waste, improve processes,  , business value, private businesses , corporate and even international funding agencies .

Nestle-Philippines booth

Nestle-Philippines booth showcase the progress that the company is doing in recycling their plastic wraps and aluminum packs .  They have also donated the benches to public schools and other NGO groups.

Nestle-Philippines also makes bricks  out from shredded  foils packs and plastic wrappers.

Website: https://www.nestle.com.ph/

Big name companies like Mc Donalds, Petron ,Harbour Center, Inna Water, Jollibee , Robinsons Residences, San Miguel Corporation, Maynilad , Bay View Park Hotel, Manila, MegaWorld, Uni Pack Mackerel , Unilever -Philippines , Philippine Airlines, Tupperware Brands are just some of the big corporate brands that made their presence.

Mr. Russ Cuevas designed a gown from recycled plastic

The event started past 10:00am with a fashion show by the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines  or  FDAP members using local, native and recycled materials in the fashion show and a cultural presentation showcasing native dances and interpretative dances .

Mr. Edwin Uy together with his creation of different Philippine costumes made from indigenous materials

ribbon cutting ceremony

The highlight of the opening was the ribbon cutting ceremony by Senator Loren Legarda who authored almost all the environmental laws in the country.

Senator Loren Legarda

” We must concretize our participation in climate action and make it part of our daily living bu adopting a low carbon lifestyle , which is the conscious effort by individuals and communities to change their daily routine and practices to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to create carbon dioxide sinks. Learning how to manage our local resources will eventually lead to the sustainability of our country .

Among the important legislature that Senator Loren Legarda had authored included :

• – Ecological Solid Waste Management Law
• – Clean Air Act
• – Clean Water Act
• – Environmental Awareness and Education Law
• – Renewable Energy Law Act
• – Climate Change Act
• – Dissaster Risk Reduction and Management Act
• – People’s Survival Fund Law

Cleanway

Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.

The vision of MBCFI is “the long-term conservation of Mindoro’s native and endemic wildlife and their natural habitats for the benefit and wonder of future generations of all peoples who may inhabit and share the natural resources of this island”. On the other hand, the mission of MBCFI is “to enhance and enable the conservation of Mindoro’s unique and threatened environment, biodiversity and natural resources into perpetuity through the establishment of integrated biodiversity conservation and development programs”.

The volunteers gave away interesting pamphlets , button pins and postcards to the visitors to appreciate and to create awareness.

Website: http://site.mbcfi.org.ph/

Unicef-Philippines

One of the first UNICEF offices established in Asia, it works to uphold the rights of children in the Philippines, including their right to an education, healthcare and protection from abuse and exploitation. It also advocates for political change in support of children, and works with partner organizations from the public, charity and private sectors, to effect change. For those wanted to help the group, Please try to visit the site.

Website: http://www.unicef.org/philippines/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicefphilippines/

Mr. Ral Arrogante

Mr. Ral Arrogante exhibited his works which included sculpture and items made  recycled items .

solar powered vehicle made by the students of Mapua Institue of Technology

There were also interesting trade fairs and community booths selling recycled products like mats, bags , wallets and fashion jewelries .

floor mats , rugs , bags and wallet made from recycled cloths

There are also interesting lectures , talks and open forum were the public can actively participate .

2nd  Environmental Summit was managed by Artistespace, which is the event organizer from planning to executing events and digital marketing solutions.

For those who wish to come , The Entrance is FREE and the event will be until June 24, 2016 . Please mark this in your calendar .

Please try to visit the website  

 

A Visit to Kotse Cafe : Car Wash and Restaurant

Lot 6 Blk 23 Mc Arthur Highway, Potrero, Malabon City , Metro Manila

It was late afternoon around 4:30pm yesterday  ( June 19, 2016)  when our small group composed of  Mr. Dennis Dy Kho , Architect Chieo Ongteco ,Mr. Philip Reyes and the author decided to have a road trip after the special edition walking tour around Intramuros and Ayuntamiento de Manila  to visit Navotas and Malabon area.

Kotse Cafe and Car Wash

We decided to visit Kotse Cafe and ate an afternoon snack at the restaurant . This restaurant opened a little over a year ago and car enthusiasts from  ( Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela )   CAMANAVA based CAR CLUBS usually held their eyeball or monthly meeting at the restaurant and car wash place.

outdoor dining area

The car wash is frequented by patrons from nearby areas and as far as Bulacan area.  The restaurant slogan Wash. Eat .Chill. Repeat is very catchy .

 lounge area

There are also some celebrities and models which also dine at this place.  The restaurant is modern ,cozy and accessible . However the space is quite small with a sitting capacity of just between 25 to 30 people .

peanut and collectible cars on display

The cashier area also sells peanuts in plastic jars . Mr. Dennis Dy Kho and Architect Ongteco lives near this place and are “suki ” or regular patrons of the restaurant .

Kotse Cafe menu board

We ordered nachos with special dip at Php 99 per plate , Kotse Cafe Burger Php 70 , Sausage Bae Php 135 and Mr. Dennis Dy Kho ordered value meal with ice tea .

afternoon snacks

value meal 

value meal consists of rice , burger steak with mushroom gravy , bacon and egg

ice tea pitcher

kotse burger 

Another must see  attraction are the cars , some of them are owned by the proprietors of the place while others are from car enthusiasts and customers.

Kotse Cafe FB

Car wash is open 24 hours Daily except Sunday (6 AM to 12 Midnight ONLY)

Cafe lounge is open from 10 AM to 12 MN Daily

Contact (02) 355 4349

 

 

A Tribute Exhibit to Muhammad Ali : One of the Greatest Sports Hero

Ali Mall, Cubao -Quezon City , Philippines

Muhammad Ali  or  ( Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. ) January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016 is one of the most remarkable personalities of our time and the greatest sportsman in this century.

Forever the Greatest : Remembering Muhammad Ali

The death of Muhammad Ali, the former heavyweight champion known for his boxing brilliance, triggered a worldwide outpouring of affection and admiration for one of the best-known figures of the 20th century.

collection of photos

Ali, who had long suffered from Parkinson’s syndrome which impaired his speech and made the once-graceful athlete almost a prisoner in his own body, died on June 3, 2016 at the age of 74.

promotional photos 

Since the Ali Mall bears the name of the boxing icon, it is only proper that Ali Mall would exert all this effort to pay homage to Muhammad Ali.

contemporary art works 

This exhibit was a celebration of Muhammad Ali life and how the Filipinos remembered his unforgettable “Thrilla in Manila” fight.

art works

 contemporary art work on display

items owned by Pinoy Kollector ( Mr. Edward delos Santos )

Some of the exhibit items were from the personal collection of Pinoy Kollector , a noted collector of memorabilia and other items were also on display including the original souvenir program, boxing tickets, autograph photo, magazines and fight banners.

fight tickets -owned by Pinoy Kollector 

The tickets in 1975 were printed in simple paper and color coded to indicate the sitting arrangement inside the coliseum . These tickets are sometimes collected by collectors as a reminder of the memorable event that took place.

muhammad ali banner 

Special banner were made as part of the promotional campaign of the Ali-Frazier fight

boxing gloves 

Mr. Ronnie Nathanielz (sports columnist )  exhibited some of his memorabilia . One of the most precious memorabilia in the exhibit is Ali’s autographed gloves owned by radio personality Danee Samonte.

backstage pass, staff ID and souvenir program 

This is a priced possession since Ali’s ability to write was hindered by his illness.

scrap book 

There is also a scrap book of the Thrilla in Manila fight and numerous photos of Ali.   An original poster and promotional kit owned by Mrs. Perez was also on exhibit .

exhibition area

The exhibit will run from June 10 up to June 30, 2016. There is no entrance fees.

Website :http://muhammadali.com/

Revisiting Arki’s Tambayan

Scuala Street, San Miguel, Bulacan province

Our group arrived at Arki’s Tambayan at around past 8:00am. There was not much traffic along NLEX and major roads since it was a national holiday ( June 12 ) Independence Day . Our group was met by Ms. Kat Garcia proprietor of the place.

Ms. Febe Sevilla together with Ms. Kat Garcia

 breakfast buffet meal which consists of fried rice, egg , skinless longganisa , fried galungong na tinapa, mustasa and a choice of coffee and chocolate

fried tinapang galunggong fish

group photo at Arki’s Tambayan -courtesy of Ms. Kat Garcia

Our group enjoyed the hearty breakfast buffet at the restaurant and after about an hour or so , we decided to leave the place .

Here is a visit to the restaurant few months ago :

Address: 0034 Scuala Street ,San Juan , San Miguel , Bulacan

Operation: 10:00am to 9:00pm everyday

Contact : 0917 800 9270/09358891003  for bookings and reservations

Landline: (044) 327 0388

 They have an active Facebook Page : Arki’s Tambayan

Related link : Arki’s Tambayan