ALL ABOUT SWISS
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
Optimizing one's enjoyment of wine
Optimizing one’s enjoyment of wine
IT takes a familiarity with wine to understand the lengths oenophiles will go to enjoy a glass of wine.
From searching for the best vintages, storing them in their own wine cellars, and timing the opening of a bottle, not to mention having the proper glasses and finding the right meal or munch to drink to, they are particular about the specific equipment they use to enjoy it.
Such passion for details ensures that the content of a bottle of wine is enjoyed for optimum pleasure.
Wine aficionado Eric Wang had some trouble finding the right equipment to fit into a friend’s restaurant, after he was given the task of selecting the wine and equipment for the new venture. It took a trip to Hong Kong before he found the equipment he was looking for: it was a Vintec wine cellar.
“This was the first time I have seen a wine cellar in a hotel room. There is always a small ref, but a dual-temperature wine cellar was really quite a treat,” Wang said.
To cut the story short, he found himself communicating with Vintec’s principals in Singapore. Soon enough, he became the exclusive distributor of Vintec products in the country through his company Cellar Solutions. He and his wife Charmaine met with Laurent Ducourneau, founding partner of the global wine-cellar brand, who initially imported and distributed Transtherm wine cabinets to the Southeast Asian market. With his 20 years of market experience, he then created Vintec to cater to the specific demands of the Asia-Pacific region.
Although Vintec is his company’s anchor brand, Cellar Solutions is a total solutions provider for wine-preservation needs, the first of its kind in the country. It also carries a variety of wine storage and preservation units.
“We want to work with retailers and wine lovers, so we decided to focus on solutions for both commercial and residential establishments,” he said.
Cellar Solutions is now the main provider of wine preservation systems to City of Dreams Manila, all branches of luxury wine store Wine Story, wine-haven Planet Grapes, natural food and product store Healthy Options, international restaurant Bistro du Vin and more.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Infra trends, opportunities presented at book launch
Infra trends, opportunities presented at book launch
BEFORE an investor pours in funds into a new market, he first studies it, learning its strengths and weaknesses and planning a strategy to maximize its potential. No matter what field he is in, there is a wealth of information that only needs to be tapped to guide a businessman in his decision.
Investors in the infrastructure sector have their homework easier with the recent launch of Infrastructure In-depth: Philippines, the annual investment guide in a discussion organized by R.G. Manabat & Co. (RGM&Co.), together with KPMG International’s Global Head of Infrastructure James Stewart at the Tower Club, Makati City.
During the robust discussion with top executives from investment companies and banks, Stewart provided insights on key trends and opportunities facing the infrastructure sector.
He expressed optimism that, although the upcoming elections may pose risks and challenges in sustaining its infrastructure pipeline, the Philippines still emerges as a “strong investment country” and that infrastructure development in the country is crucial to attract more foreign direct investments.
Infrastructure In-depth: Philippines provides an overview of the Philippine infrastructure industry for companies and businessmen who are interested to invest in this sector. The report highlights important issues, laws and regulations affecting the industry, the government’s development plans, taxation and funding of infrastructure projects, and project risk management. The publication also tackles key insights in the infrastructure sector from the firm’s partners and professionals who have extensive industry experience.
“The Philippines remains one of the fastest-growing nations in the Asia Pacific, and is poised to be one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia, with rating agencies consistently upgrading the country’s credit ratings with a positive and stable outlook,” said Emmanuel Bonoan, vice chairman and head of tax, CEO, of RGM&Co., the Philippine member-firm of KPMG International.
“As the country continues to attract investments and move toward further progress, we believe that this publication will help Philippine and foreign investors take advantage of the growth potential in the infrastructure sector.”
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
The importance of being beautiful in the workplace
The importance of being beautiful in the workplace
JUST because you are holed up at your office eight hours a day, five days a week, that doesn’t mean that you should also forget to take care of your personal wellness. That was the gist of the talk delivered by renowned beauty expert Dr. Vicki Belo during a seminar with officers and staff of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (AmCham).
Belo, who is founder and CEO of the Belo Medical Group, was the featured guest during the talk “Reinventing the Workforce Value.”
She focused on how beauty creates more opportunities, as well as “the importance of being gorgeous in a professional setting.”
Held at AmCham’s headquarters in Makati City, the meeting was organized by the AmCham Health and Wellness Committee.
Also discussed during the meeting were the most sought-after procedures offered by the internationally accredited clinic, as well as various popular products, like ZO Skin Health, Belo collagen drink and Belo herbal diet pills.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Sense of openness highlight of new Norwegian Embassy office
Sense of openness highlight of new Norwegian Embassy office
IF you think offices are stuffy workplaces where business associates toil at work eight hours a day, this isn’t true of the new offices of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in the country.
Located at the DelRosarioLaw Centre at Bonifacio Global City, the Royal Norwegian Embassy lives up to the vision of openness that peoples of the world should take to heart.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Erik Førner took note that the new office promotes a more open environment, which creates an effective communication among staff. The office also offers the finest facilities, modern and new technology, spacious meeting rooms and better Internet connection for a more efficient office operations and delivery of services.
“We are very proud of our new office, “ Førner said. “I think the most important thing we have achieved in the layout is the openness, where the barriers between diplomats and staff are reduced significantly.”
Førner, Deputy Director General Nils Martin Gunneng of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and DelRosarioLaw Centre co-owner lawyer Ruben del Rosario took part in cutting the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new office on March 9.
Gunneng said the transfer of the embassy to the Bonifacio Global City marks a new chapter in the longstanding and good bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Norway.
He also noted that the investment in a new embassy is another strong signal of Norway’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, as well as to the Asean community.
The first full-fledged embassy was established in 1967 in Dasmariñas Village. Since then, bilateral relations between the Philippines and Norway have continued to develop and strengthen with the maritime sector in full force and other areas of cooperation have grown. “Norway has a long term perspective in the Philippines. As other countries may come and go, we stay,” Førner said.
Guests present during the inauguration included Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, members of the diplomatic corps, stakeholders of the Philippine and Norwegian business sectors, and representatives from government.
The embassy transferred to its new location on February 25. It is at the 12th floor, DelRosarioLaw Centre, 21st Drive corner 20th Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Ultimate Swiss craftmanship now in Manila
Ultimate Swiss craftsmanship now in Manila
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| Leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting along with Switzerland-based Charles Villoz, vice president of Longines and head of International Sales, and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng (fourth and fifth from left) are Longines Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin, President of Lucerne Group Ivan Yao, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos and Lucerne Group Managing Director Emerson Yao |
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| Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz, Lucerne Group president Ivan Yao, Longines Ambassador of Elegence Eddie Peng, Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and Lucerne Group managing director Emerson Yao as they proudly show off their Longines watches |
When people talk of timepieces, those that are made in Switzerland are considered ne plus ultra.
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| Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng (right), briefly talks on the Conquest Classic collection, a line dedicated to Longines watchmaking tradition and passion for equestrian sports, as Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber and Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz look on |
Among the brands that is a must for collectors of chronographs is Longines.
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| Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz |
Since it first produced timekeeping devices in 1832, it has become known for its strong devotion to tradition, elegance and performance. It isn’t surprising that its watches are passed on within families, from generation to generation, proof of its excellent craftsmanship.
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| Lucerne’s Emerson and Ling Ling Yao and brand and corporate sales manager Mitch del Rosario with Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin |
Longines recently opened its first exclusive boutique in the country at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Management representatives from its headquarters in Switzerland attended this special event, which was hosted by the Lucerne group. Taiwan-based movie star, singer and performer Eddie Peng flew in for this special occasion as the Longines Ambassador of Elegance.
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| Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin, Lucerne’s Ling Ling Yao, Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz and event host Johnny Litton |
Leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony with Peng were Switzerland-based Charles Villoz, vice president of Longines and head of international sales; Longines Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin; Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber; Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos; Lucerne Group President Ivan Yao; and Emerson Yao, managing director of the Lucerne Group.
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| Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber flanked by Switzerland-based Longines Vice President and Head of International Sales Charles Villoz and Longines’ Regional Sales Manager for Asia Pacific Claude Jaunin |
Peng now joins top actors like Simon Baker and Kate Winslet as member of the Longines family.
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| Taiwan-based movie star, singer and performer Eddie Peng, who flew in for the special occasion as Longines’ Ambassador of Elegance, briefly talks on the Conquest Classic collection, a line dedicated to Longines watchmaking tradition and passion for equestrian sports |
The new Longines boutique will be a modern interpretation of the brand’s traditional values and about two centuries of craftsmanship. With each new boutique opening, Longines takes the opportunity to show different facets of its passion for elegance and constant innovation.
Suzette Jessica
Image Credits: Stephen Morelos
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Mixing business and the pleasures of gastronomy
Mixing business and the pleasures of gastronomy
FOR some people, food is not just an important part of life, but is at the center of their lives. Take, for example, the members of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950 devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving camaraderie and pleasures of the table.
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| In Photo: Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC) Executive Sous Chef Juanito Abangan (front row, from left), Hotel Manager Julie Najar, Executive Chef Stefano Verrillo, F&B Manager Joward Tongco, former MPPC General Manager Hans Hauri, fashion director Raymond Villanueva, Balletcenter Cebu artistic director Gregory Aaron, MPPC Banquet Service Supervisor Cyril Escurido; (second row, from left) Bailliage de Cebu Vice Chancelier/Argentier Dr. Vivina Yrastorza, Vice Conseiller Gastronomique Teresin Mendezona, Bailli de Cebu Amparito Lhuillier and husband Bailli Delegue of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for the Philippines Michel Lhuillier, Bailliage de Cebu Vice Conseiller Culinaire Winglip Chang; (third row, from left) Bailliage de Cebu Vice Echanson David Sharpe, Vice Chargé de Missions Dr. Nestor Alonso II and Officer Jaime Picornell |
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| Cebu's finest - Sandra and Jurgen Pesch with Julie Najar |
They do much to promote the pleasures of dining, as well as challenge chefs around the world to their best.
The same is true of the members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in the Philippines. Aside from celebrating the glories of food, they have used it as an opportune occasion to touch base with their business partners.
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| Cebu's Tess Catipay, Pinky Chang and Teresin Mendezona |
In fact, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bailliage de Cebu hosted recently a gala dinner at the five-star hotel in the Queen City of the South Marco Polo Plaza Cebu as a way of strengthening the partnership among Cebu’s business leaders.
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| Joel del Prado with Bailli Delegue of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for the Philippines Michel Lhuillier |
Spearheading the magnificent affair were Bailli Delegue of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs for the Philippines Michel Lhuillier and lovely wife Bailli de Cebu Amparito Lhuillier, with the help of MPPC’s hardworking team, led by its former general manager Hans Hauri and hotel manager Julie Najar.
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| Josephine and husband, Bailli de Manille - Bailliage de Manille Federico Borromeo |
The MPPC team was also given certificates of appreciation as the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bailliage de Cebu’s way of saying thank you for the hotel’s unwavering support to the various activities of the society.
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| Mike Acebedo-Lopez, Agnes Huettel and Mila Demecillo |
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