Get Up: Help Out in Style

Good News Manila wrote about the GET UP Advocacy early this month. It's about  helping out charitable institutions even while you are doing your shopping.

“GET UP” is a CSR platform by Golden ABC which aims to engage customers in raising awareness of advocacies in education, community building, environment, and arts & culture. P25 of every P1000 purchase from any from Penshoppe, Oxygen, ForMe,  Memo, and Regatta fashion brands go to targetted charitable institutions.

Here are some of the photos from the launch last month:

Efren Penaflorida also joined us in the launch

Customers will receive a special card-token-like with lace that they will use in registering in the site. Customers must log on to the “GET UP” augmented reality site - www.getup.ph. It is not just about what people wear, but it is also the call to action to do something valuable for others and the country.

This is actually more of a reminder since today is actually the last day of this whole month campaign. Get Up and help out in style! It's the perfect time for a week-ender shopping! :)

Leisure Lifestyle with Samsung Plasma TV and Blu Ray Player

We have seen how TV technology has evolved from black & white to colored, and from to CRT to flat screen. Now we have the LCDs, LEDs, and Plasma TVs. And together with these advances are the improvements in people's lifestye, somewhere Samsung has always been along the way.

In a recent priviledged invitation from Samsung, I got to experience a luxurious lifetsyle, albeit briefly, in a Makati posh hotel called Picasso Boutique Hotel with the new Samsung Plasma TV and Blu Ray player.

It was a tiring day, but upon opening the door and lights of the VIP studio in room 801, a loft-style, fully furnished 2-level unit greeted me and two other friends last weekend.

Picasso Boutique Hotel with the thin Samsung Plasma TV near the wall

The furnitures and interior design were both elegant and chic. And guess what, it was awesomely complemented by a 64" plasma television. It's Samsung's latest Plasma TV model PS64D8000 audibly enhanced with a matching home theater system.

Samsung Plasma TV PS64D8000

I only see TVs as big as this in electronic store showrooms and exhibitions. It's only now that I got to actually use one. It's basically as long as a kid lying on its side. :)

We also saw the latest blue ray player from Samsung lying quietly on the left side. Too eager, we tried to explore the Samsung Plasma TV first, which was also a Smart TV.

Having explored the features of Samsung Smart TV months ago, tinkering around with our newest gadget was a breeze. And Internet buffs and bloggers that we are, checking out the Internet feature of 'our' plasma TV was the priority. :)

Glass Embedded Touch Sensitive Buttons

Creating a Samsung TV Account for Security

As proud bloggers, we of course checked out how our websites looked like on Samsung's Plasma TV. We also tried watching videos from YouTube, and searched for other websites.

Choosing a Wi-Fi Connection

Typing the Site URLs using the Remote Control

YouTube Surfing!

We literally turned it into a large monitor upon connecting from the laptop through the HDMI port. And you guessed it right, we weren't able to resist posting in Facebook. :)

 

Facebook! :)

We also tried to play some games and the size was just overwhelming. It's gamer's dream TV and monitor in one. :)

Gaming Gigantic!

Samsung Blu Ray

After exploring the features of the plasma TV, it was time for some movie viewing with the Samsung's latest Blu Ray player model D7500.

Samsung Blu Ray Player

Sleek and stylish, the D7500 doesn't look like your usual flatbed player. Clad in a silver light metal finish and lighted touch-sensitive player icons, it's certainly a looker.

I even intially mistook it for another appliance, and not as the blu ray player. :) We started with the  Megamind Blu Ray disc.

Megamind Blu Ray Movie

In 3D

The Megamind movie we got is the 3D version. It's good that our Samsung Plasma TV can also render a 3D movie.

Naturally, we put on the Samsung 3D glasses to enjoy the 3D experience. We also tried the other disc including Shrek and Harry Potter.

Samsung TV 3D Glasses

Without and WITH the 3D Glasses

Samsung Lifestyle

A 3D 64""   Smart Plasma TV paired with a sleek blu ray player and a home theater system in a posh boutique hotel in the metro - this is the ultimate home enterntainment lifestyle experience! :)

Someday, perhaps, I would be able to "move up" and have the same level of home entertainment lifestyle with the latest Samsung TV technologies at that time, whatever it may be. :)

Grand Prix Season Singapore 2011 Concerts, Parties & Event Schedules

With the upcoming Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) on September 16-25, 2011, the world’s only FORMULA ONE night race also comes with exciting parties, lifestyle experiences and parades of celebrities.

It is a weekend of festivities, races and entertainment as Singapore’s 2010 FORMULA ONE race attracted over 244,000 spectators last year; 40% of which were foreign visitors.

Here are the following GPSS Schedule of activites:

Amber Lounge & Amber Lounge Fashion Singapore

Date:     24 to 25 September 2011

Venue:  Temasek Reflection (Water wall behind Millenia Walk)

A stunning bespoke nightclub set at the base of the Temasek Water Wall perfectly situated from the race track, this is a once a year VIP party extravaganza not to be missed! Amber Lounge Singapore delivers an overwhelming non-stop nightlife experience that includes the much raved about fashion show with a lineup of gorgeous F1 drivers and stunning models with international DJs from London to St. Tropez spinning the night away.

Calendar of Events at Amber Lounge	Programme & Performances
24 September	·     Amber Lounge Fashion Show by headline designer Frederick Lee ·     F1 Third Drivers modelling (drivers will swap race suits for designer suits and show that they're just as good on a catwalk as they are on a race track) ·     Girls Night Out Party with DJs' Lora and Micky
25 September	·     Amber Lounge’s Grand Prix After Party with DJ Jack E

Avalon

Date:     16 to 25 September 2011

Venue:  Marina Bay Sands, South Crystal Pavilion

Combining panoramic views of the Marina Bay with performances from many of the world’s leading DJs and live acts in a multi-sensory interactive environment, Avalon is set to redefine the nightclub experience.

Headlining acts such as a full live show by The Bloody Beetroots Death Crew 77, British electronic pioneering legends Chemical Brothers, Kruder & Dorfmeister, M.A.N.D.Y, Benny Benassi, Daddy G of Massive Attack, Sander Kleinenberg and Boy George, just to name a few, will usher in a new era of entertainment in Southeast Asia as Avalon, not merely for revelry, but for lavish, endless state-of-the art entertainment, invites you to step into the extraordinary.

Calendar of Events at Avalon	Programme & Performances
17 September	Worldwide Festival Day 2 @ Avalon; DJ Performances: ·     Alice Russel ·     Floating Points ·     Brandt Brauer Frick ·     Kon & Amir ·     Kyoto Jazz Massive ·     Mala ·     Jeremy Ellis
21 September	DJ Performances: ·     Kele of Bloc Party ·     Digitalism ·     Simian Mobile Disco
22 September	DJ Performances: ·     Tensnake ·     Vincenzo ·     Lovebirds
23 September	DJ Performances: ·     The Bloody Beetroots ·     Deathcrew 77 ·     The Toxic Avenger ·     Congorock ·     Make The Girl Dance ·     M.A.N.D.Y
24 September	DJ Performances: ·     Kruder & Dorfmeister ·     Massive Attack ·     Sander Kleinenberg
25 September	DJ Performances: ·     Chemical Brothers ·     Boy George ·     Marc Vedo

Avalon at Large presents GO!

Date: 23 September 2011

Venue: Marina Bays Sands Expo

To further fuel the high-octane excitement when Avalon club opens, Avalon At Large GO! – the music event that saw a crowd of 16,000 party goers at its debut last year, bares its teeth once again on 23^rd September, with legendary names at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center. GO! Will be featuring Benny Benassi – touted as the godfather of Electro House, Sander van Doorn – one of dance music’s sons, Ludacris – Grammy award winning rapper singer and LMFAO – larger than life electro hop duo.

Calendar of Events at Avalon	Programme & Performances
23 September	DJ Performances: ·     Benny Benassi ·     Sander Van Doorn ·     Ludacris ·     LMFAO

Red Hot Racing Weekend @ St James Power Station

Date:     23 to 25 September 2011

Venue:  St James Power Station

Visit St James Power Station from the 23^rd to 25^th September 2011 to catch the hottest racing action which will accelerate your senses. Providing you with 12 different entertainment outlet experiences, the racing weekend experience is enhanced with Asia’s first supermodel DJ, DJ Angie Vu Ha, helming the console at the Powerhouse dance club on 23rd September. Guests can also race to the finish line on a Formula 1 simulator and stand a chance to win limited edition Ferrari merchandise every night.

Calendar of Events at St. James Power Station	Programme & Performances
23 September	DJ Performances: ·     Female DJ Spin-Off at Powerhouse, featuring guest DJ Angie Vu Ha and DJ Jerryca Misty ·     Resident DJ Big ·     Giant LED screening of F1 race at Food Republic Beer Garden
24 September	·     F1 Supafly Saturday at Powerhouse ·     Giant LED screening of F1 race at Food Republic Beer Garden
25 September	·     Dragonfly Ladies Night - Girls get 5 free drinks ·     Pole dancers in F1 racing gear at Dragonfly ·     Giant LED screening of F1 race at Food Republic Beer Garden

Rev-Up @ Orchard 2011

Date:     16 to 26 September 2011

Venue:  Mandarin Gallery

Organised by Orchard Road Business Association, Rev‐Up @ Orchard will turn the Republic’s famed shopping street into a multi-sensory world of fashion, fine entertainment, and fast-track speed. Indulge your senses with larger-than‐life artistic couture, vibrant performances, and retail treats during Rev‐Up @ Orchard this Singapore Grand Prix season!

Feast your eyes on a 4‐metre lofty stiletto heel located in front of Mandarin Gallery as the sexy fashion icon is also stage for fashion shows showcasing the latest Autumn/Winter collections and nightly free concerts with a different theme every night.

Calendar of Events at Rev Up @ Orchard	Programme & Performances
16 September	Opening Night: We are starting with a big bang! Catch a sneak peek of the performances that will take place in subsequent nights during the opening concert. Time: Performances from 7pm - 9.30pm ·     Opening act: Nathan Hartono ·     Sixx ·     Gamma Rays ·     Sleeq ·     Elektone ·     The Analog Girl ·     Natalie Hiong ·     The String Theorist ·     Omniform ·     The Great Spy Experiment ·     Juz B ·     MICapella ·     Ling Kai ·     Kevin Lester ·     Closing act: Wei-En
17 September	Styled Councils: Audio designers, Sixx and Inch Chua, take the stage with their pristine tonal incarnation of familiar songs in many different languages in their own inimitable ways. Come experience the latest music by these councilors of audio styles. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
18 September	Heartbeat in the City: The exciting pulse of F1 and the stylish charm of Orchard Road come together in this pulsating concert featuring two of the most exciting groups in Singapore - GammaRays and SleeQ - who combine the beat of the new city with a cosmopolitan attitude. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
19 September	Gentle Breeze: A gentle musical reprieve amidst the hustle and bustle of the shopping street, the two acts by ELEKTONE and The Analog Girl encompass all that is cool and soothing. Let their laid back rhythm transport you to a chill-out-state of mind as you take in the sights and sounds of a city speeding by. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
20 September	That Little Black Dress: That Little Black Dress is a must-have item in any fashionista's wardrobe, just as the charm and elegance of our beautiful chanteuses - Natalie Hiong and Michaela Therese - are also a must-have for any high fashion happenings. Let these two Goddesses of sophistication charm you with an evening of cool jazz. Time: 6.00 - 9.15pm
21 September	Tropical City Scape: The sound, the heat, the excitement, the pulse - the lifeline of the city is encapsulated in this high-energy performance presented by youthful talents. The emotional highs of the F1 races translate into music as the yound people from Grid MMS takes centrestage with their acts. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
22 September	Heartbeat in the City:  The appeal of "Fusion" in cultures and music genres gives rise to colourful and unpredictable richness in sounds and audio scapes. This is  the way to experience the performance of The String Theorist - a string quartet's interpretation of music ranging from Broadway to classical to jazz - and Omniform, an eclectic little band with a big sound. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
23 September	Spiked Love: Love is never out of fashion. Squeezing love out of their brand of rock and blues music are two of the most exciting new bands to make their mark in Singapore's band scene - Cheating Sons and The Great Spy Experiement. Be mesmerized by their version of love songs - spiked but totally intoxicating. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
24 September	Styled Councils: Audio designers take the stage with their pristine tonal incarnation of familiar songs in many different languages. Acapella groups - Juz B and MICappella - style their music in their own inimitable ways. Come experience the latest music by these councilors of audio styles. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm
25 September	Get Wired: Kevin Lester and Ling Kai, local rising stars who were talent-spotted on YouTube will bring the groove that took the virtual world by storm onto the street and round up the event on a high note. Time: 6.00pm - 9.15pm

The Podium Lounge 2011

Date:     23 to 25 September 2011

Venue:  The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Poolside

The Podium Lounge is the ultimate A-list event destination for the racing community and Singapore's party elite. Attended by F1 drivers & teams, celebrities, musicians, models, ambassadors, Asian Royalty and the ultra jet-set crowd in both 2009 and 2010, the party will again be the most glamorous nightlife experience during the 2011 Singapore Grand Prix with international DJs from London, Istanbul, Paris, Chicago, Boracay & Amsterdam, spinning the latest funky, Belearic & groovy house tracks and dance.

Calendar of Events at Podium Lounge	Programme & Performances
23 September	DJ Performances ·     Shawn Livewire (Florida) ·     Avneesh (Mauritius) ***The Podium Lounge Highlights (takes place every night): ·     Silent and live auctions for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (Singapore) Auction items: A bottle of G.H.Mumm Champagne autographed by Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, a Red Bull F1 Racing Suit signed by Sebastien Vettel. Formula 1 racing helmets, gloves, shoes and Formula 1 photo images signed by legends including Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Jacky Stewart, Ayrton Senna, Sir Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and Damon Hill. ·     Haute couture Swimwear Show by Silvian Imberg (www.silvianimberg.com) together with luxury timepieces by Yafriro ·     Aston Martin V8 Vantage S and Virage Showcase ·     Preview Vertu’s latest Carbon Fiber Handsets ·     G.H.Mumm will have a master of Sabrage (the ancestral French symbol of victory after battle) to sabre bottles of champagne for guests.
24 September	DJ Performances ·     Cem Seral (Istanbul) ·     SiFi (London) *** The Podium Lounge Highlights (takes place every night) Same as above
25 September	DJ Performances ·     Alex EsA (Amsterdam) ·     Surf (Boracay) *** The Podium Lounge Highlights (takes place every night) Same as above

Worldwide Festival

Date:     16 to 18 September 2011

Venue:  Zouk & Velvet Underground (16 September), Avalon (17 September), Tanjong Beach Club (18 September)

Worldwide Festival is back in the Lion city on the 16th, 17th and 18th of September 2011 (the week-end before the Singapore f1 Grand Prix). Once again, WF is bringing the Worldwide vibe to Asia with three days to experience some of the most cutting edge music and forward thinking artists of the moment. First artists in: Alice Russell live PA, Pearson Sound aka Ramadanman, Jeremy Ellis live, Kyoto Jazz Massive dj set by Shuya Okino, Kon & Amir, Floating Points, Brandt Brauer Frick live, Mala, Lefto, Gilles Peterson, Sly Da Wise, Hong, Jeremy Boon, DjB, JNR and many more to come.

3 days in 3 different stunning indoor & outdoor venues.

Calendar of Events at the Worldwide Festival	Programme & Performances
16 September	Day 1 @ Zouk/ Velvet | DJ Performances: ·     Gilles Peterson ·     Pearson Sound ·     Earl Zinger ·     Jeremy Boon ·     JnR ·     DjB ·     Hong ·     Ming
17 September	Day 2 @ Avalon | DJ Performances: ·     Alice Russel ·     Floating Points ·     Brandt Brauer Frick ·     Kon & Amir ·     Kyoto Jazz Massive ·     Mala
18 September	Day 3 @ Tanjong Beach Club | DJ Performances: ·     Lefto ·     BBF Dj set ·     Has ·     Sly Da Wise ·     Earl Zinger

Other parties

1-Altitude

Date:     23 to 25 September 2011

1-Altitude has sealed its reputation as the world’s highest rooftop bar, playing host to the World Gourmet Summit 2011, Singapore F1, Sports Illustrated magazine, (Other major corporate, F & B events) and picked up a string of awards along the way. They include winner of the Epicurean Star 2011 Award for the Luzerne Best Restaurant concept, and finalist for the Samsung Business Excellence Award for Fine Dining, both presented by the Restaurant Association of Singapore.

As the third Singapore F1 reaches our shores, the award-winning rooftop bar will host Japanese DJ Silva. Thanks to her clear-cut talent and ear for body- and soul shaking tunes, she became one of Japan’s most sought-after club DJs in no time. She also began incorporating scat and live vocals over her house mix during her set. Indeed, this distinct performance style sets her further apart from other DJs around, drawing the attention from overseas promoters and DJs. As of March ’08, she’s already held down numerous gigs at packed nightclubs and special events – not just in Japan but also in Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia, Ukraine and the USA.

Butter Factory

Date:     24 to 25 September 2011

One of Japan’s finest on the decks DJ Licca visits Bump in a monthly affair of sweet nothings, all night delights, and of course a cheeky selection of hiphop and bass-heavy beats. Join us in this all-Nippon monthly and get involved with the fair and exquisite beauty by sweating it out in the barrage of monster floor fillers.

Insomnia

Date:     16 to 25 September 2011

With live rock and Top 40 music and lots of drinks to choose from, Insomnia is just minutes away from the Marina Bay Street Circuit. And during Grand Prix Season Singapore, choose from a range of cocktails and shooters sporting racing-themed names such as Pit Stop (vodka based with kahlua flavours) and Fast & Furious (vodka based with banana/pineapple flavours) among others.

Ku De Ta  presents Scarlett Etienne

Date:     24 to 25 September 2011

Scarlett Etienne is one of a rare breed - an inimitable talent and an artist that is impossible to pin down. Everything Etienne does is imbued with her superlative love for music, accomplished musicianship and an uncanny understanding of how to move a dance floor.

She can be seen gracing the decks everywhere from the infamous bastion of techno Watergate in Berlin to Club Midi in Romania and Likuid Club in Hong Kong, where she is a resident. Her “total obsession with synthesisers” ultimately drives her style. Her music is a total party music, always punchy, dramatic and electronically influenced.

Club DJ, producer, singer and songwriter, this multi-talented lady hits Singapore this September with a party over the F1 weekend at the KU DÉ TA Club Lounge. Let down your hair, put on your party shoes, bottle yourself with alcohol, and let her reveal her secrets as you stamp her imaginative style on the dancefloor....

On TOP of that, indulge yourself at the ultimate race as Singapore turns up the glitz and glamour for a spectacular Grand Prix night race that gets the world talking. Be part of the action this year at KU DÉ TA, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the race perch on the SkyPark. Spectacular views await you from every corner of the venue.

Zouk

Date:     16 to 25 September 2011

Calendar of Events at Zouk	Programme & Performances
16 September	Worldwide Festival at Zouk
17 September	DJ Performances: ·     Moguai (Germany)
22 September	DJ Performances: ·     Red Bull presents DJ Shadow (USA)
23 September	DJ Performances: ·     G. H. Mumm F1 Party presents Rev Up Friday with Zouk Soundsystem ·     And Peek! x Zouk present: ‘An Impossible Project’
24 September	·     Pit Stop Saturday with ATB (Germany) at Zouk and Azari & III (Canada) at Velvet Underground
25 September	·     Chequered Flag Sunday With Special Guests

 
 

About Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS)

The Grand Prix Season Singapore returns from 16 to 25 September 2011 to complement the world’s only FORMULA ONE night race. Immerse yourself in premium lifestyle events that are exclusive to the race period, including top-notch entertainment, music performances and exhilarating dance parties. With unparalleled glitz and glamour this September, come enjoy YourSingapore experience like no other.

For the latest Grand Prix Season Singapore information, please refer to www.yoursingapore.com.