Once a Hotspot, Always a Hotspot

Craft, Katsu, and Scarlet Launched

It was a yummy afternoon indeed with the recent launching of Craft Pub & Grill, Katsu
Yakitori Bar, and Scarlet Wine Lounge. It was a culinary and lifestyle journey marking
the rebirth of Manila’s nightlife and putting the Fort back in the map of the party scene.
Now the long wait is over, we have reclaimed the throne as the ultimate hotspot in the
Metro, with the newest dining and entertainment destinations.

Palettes have traveled far and wide throughout the night with each guest receiving a
passport and immigration card upon registration. Crossing borders entailed savoring a
hefty sample of signature dishes and drinks at every stop, allowing each to fully
experience the locale vibe and scene.

The first stop was at Craft where guests got their fill of the top flavors of Craft Wings and
the famous Craft Beers, which this college bar is boasting about.

Participants then moved on to Katsu to sample hot and fresh off the grill Yakitoris, coupled with Japanese sushi staples.

The final destination was Scarlet, where guests where greeted with oyster
platters, red and white wines and delectable cranberry whisky cocktails from Henessy.

The party definitely continued on at all three outlets, with Johnoy Danao performing at
Craft, late dinner service continuing at Katsu, and the official after party of the launch
happening at Scarlet. For the hardcore ones, Amber Ultralounge next door proved a
fitting choice with complimentary shots of their best mojitos and cocktails being served
to start the night right.

The scene looked all familiar and reminiscent of the happenings 3 years ago. And for
some creatures of habit, this was a most welcome sign that the strip is alive and kicking
once more. Our witnesses are a testament to this good news. So go, and spread the word.

GLOBAL DOMINATION @ YOUR FINGERTIPS (THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERNET & SOCIAL NETWORKING)

One of the first few things we did when we were setting up shop was to come up with a website for our company. As a boutique advertising agency, we at Leung De Leon Marketing Services understand the value of web presence and social networking. After the conceptualization of our website, we quickly created a Facebook fan pageand Twitter account that are both linked to our website. Why did we open a Facebook and Twitter account? To drive people / potential clients to our website. No one would be able to view our website if they didn’t know it exists! Normally, companies come up with print advertisements and announce their website on those advertisements so that potential customers can find out more about the company and their products. These days, a lot of people spend most of their time in an office in front of a computer. The public’s behavioral shift has caused companies to get on Facebook and Twitter and ask people to visit their website. Almost everyone has a Facebook account, even H.R.H., The Queen of England has recently joined the band wagon.

What are we trying to say? In the digital age that we live in, it is not enough to have a website, not even enough to have a print ad or a TV commercial. It’s all about quad media (print, TV, radio, Internet) and the proper formula for each client. Internet presence is a must, it is the place to be, it has become an avenue for doing business, keeping in touch and gathering of valuable (or invaluable) information (if you don’t know something, Google it). It has also become a gateway for people who want access to the global market.

The Internet has become a playground for programmers, computer enthusiasts, aspiring actors, singers and celebrities. Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook is now the youngest billionaire. The Internet and social networking sites has also changed the face of the entertainment industry. Actors and singers are now being discovered on You Tube and if one has an army (millions) of “followers” on Twitter, that person can be catapulted to celebrity status. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are perfect examples of celebrities who are avid users of social networking sites. They don’t need their publicists anymore to release a statement, they can just go on Facebook, Twitter, etc and type away for the public to see. They have reinvented themselves through social networking. How about their privacy? They share what they want to share with the public and keep the rest to themselves.

Facebook vs. Twitter (What is the difference?)

A lof of people think that Facebook and Twitter are the same. They are wrong! On Facebook, when you accept a friend request, that person becomes your “friend.” On Twitter, you have “followers” instead of “friends.” You don’t necessarily have to follow the person who follows you. That is why it has become a major hit with the celebrities because they can vent about whatever they want as long as they keep it to a maximum of 140 characters (Twitter is a micro-blogging site, it restricts you to 140 characters). People then react to what they are saying by using their Twitter names (Ashton Kutcher’s Twitter name is @aplusk). They will only see the public’s reaction to their tweets if they visit the tab that says “@ mentions,” other than that, if they are not following you, they will not see your tweets appear on their homepage. On the other hand if you are following a person on Twitter, the “tweets” of that person will appear on your homepage but the person you are following is not obliged to follow you. That is the beauty of Twitter. Facebook is still more popular here in Manila but Twitter is catching on slowly but surely. There is a funny saying that goes “Facebook is for friends that are now strangers and Twitter is for strangers that are now friends.” When celebrities are in the mood they reply to fans publicly on Twitter and this brings them closer to their fans. Twitter has given celebrities and fans alike a unique place where they can interact. It’s definitely a new way of connecting with other people, strangers if you like.

And because we want to increase our Internet presence, we have now started a blog and we’ve created a You Tube channel to give everyone around the world a behind-the-scenes look at our events, campaigns and projects hoping to get more accounts in the near future.

Thank you to the Internet for giving us a level playing field. Here’s to global domination!

PS

Here are some Twit Pics (photos shared on Twitter) from Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore.

        

As you can see, these photos were all taken using their iPhones.

An inside look at an Oscar after-party.

Behind-the-scenes of Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl’s movie, Killers.

The Triumph Inspiration Award 2011: PRISTINE

Her name says it all. Pristine De Guzman, National Winner for the Triumph Inspiration Award 2011, was a clear winner of the competition held last April 13 at Members Only. Pristine’s fresh and original take on this year’s theme, 125 Years of Celebrating Women, was a standout from the lot with a modern 3-piece red velvet stunner. Pristine not only envisioned a woman of beauty and power, who is at the center stage as a winner and a leader with this piece, but also made it come to life by emerging to the top spot. 

Pristine De Guzman with her winning piece

The other finalists were equally strong contenders for the title as well. First runner up, Stephany Verano, displayed very good craftsmanship and leaned towards a more ethnic appeal with a knitted body suit, that symbolized a woman’s capability to adapt to the changing times, yet never forgetting her true identity.

The Winners

1st Runner Up Stephany Verano

2nd Runner Up Nino Angeles

Crowd favorite, Kirby Cruz, bagged the People’s Choice Award, which was only introduced this year, after garnering over 5,000 votes on the Triumph International Philippines facebook fan page account. The fierceness of the whole piece really set the bar higher for presentation and show effect in the history of this competition. 

People's Choice Award Winner Kirby Cruz

Working hand in hand, for the first time, with the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFa), Triumph International Philippines is very pleased with this year’s turnout of participants and execution of the concepts, which proved the immense talent even at the grass roots level. Many were amazed and surprised at the staging of the whole show, including Cesca Litton, who hosted the event, as she did not expect such a big production. Triumph International Philippines and SoFa have both to thank Creations Salon, by top hair and make-up artist, Lourd Ramos, for lending its creative expertise and working with the designers and models in enhancing each and every peg from the look book.

From Left: Lorelei De Leon (Triumph International Philippines), Amina Aranaz-Alunan (School of Fashion and the Arts), Cesca Litton (Host), Dong Omaga-Diaz (Judge) and Rissa Mananquil (Judge)

LDL Marketing's Claudine de Leon, Tricia Leung and Mica Agdamag with Host Cesca Litton

Present of course during the event were trade partners and the esteemed panel of judges comprised by some of fashion and design luminaries, that included Rissa Mananquil, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Dong Umaga-Diaz, joined by 2008 Triumph Inspiration Award National Winner and now fashion designer, Ralph Ng, and Head of Sales & Marketing of Triumph International Philippines, Lorelei de Leon, together with family and friends to support the student designers.

Judges from left: Dong Omaga-Diaz, Rissa Mananquil, Lorelei De Leon, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Ralph Ng

It was a well-deserved win for Pristine De Guzman. Come July, she will be flying to Berlin, Germany where the international finals will be held, during the opening night of the Berlin Fashion Week no less. Now on its 4^th consecutive year, the competition is at its biggest with 37 participating countries, and coincidentally marking the 125^th anniversary of Triumph International.

Winner or not, to place or not, to be in the midst of winners from around the globe and to be presented with an equal opportunity to showcase your talent not just to an international audience but to a global brand like Triumph International, who has a presence in over 120 countries, is every designer’s dream come true. That experience alone defines your winning moment, which nobody can take away from you.

The Rising Star

Janjay Coquilla was born in Fairfiled California and was raised in Vallejo. He moved to the Philippines on August of 2009. He started singing regularly in front of an audience in 1996. Singing is his passion.

Janjay was approached by the advertising agency of Members Only, Leung De Leon Marketing (LDL Marketing), to perform in the lounge and bar. He already had gigs in Manila before but he was not the lead singer. He recently put together a band, the Groov Projekt, and performed in Members Only last March 8 and 22, 2011. Janjay makes you melt with his renditions of songs from the neo-soul genre and his nights in Members Only was aptly called Sexy Tuesday.

The crowd loved him, he has a golden voice and brings a certain type of energy to his performance. He’s got style and he’s definitely got the groove! He was already a pro and to think this was his first solo act with his own band in Manila.

LDL Marketing's Theresa Leung (center) with Janjay Coquilla and the Groov Projekt

 Janjay Coquilla and the Groov Projekt

On the night of his first performance in Members Only he said, “Tonight was a small piece of a dream come true. I’m thankful beyond belief.” He’s already planning on recording his own songs and someday performing live in front of thousands of people.

Teresa Herrera

This is only the beginning but Janjay Coquilla is already a star, and he’s shinning bright!

Members Only presents Miguel Miranda on SPOTLIGHT

Last February 22, 2011, Members Only opened its doors for another SPOTLIGHT event featuring Miguel Miranda's first and most daring exhibit to date.