Allianz Philippines and Conquer Challenge Partner to Promote Obstacle Course Racing

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is becoming a popular attraction for both fitness and race enthusiasts who want to take their fitness and endurance challenge to the next level. I believe OCR involves the use of both mind and muscle to get through the race track filled with many obstacles that participants need to pass through each one before proceeding to the next, and next, and next..... and finally reaching the finish line.

It makes me wonder how many could I be able to complete without breaking a bone or damaging a nerve or muscle since I am not in shape for such demanding tasks. But I should at least have a look at the obstacles they prepared before totally saying NO. Who knows, maybe if I discipline myself by exercising regularly and improving my diet, I could pass at least half of the challenging obstacles. Fitness is the key, and one of the main objectives why OCR is also being highly promoted.

True enough, Allianz PNB Life Insurance and Conquer Challenge Philippines has announced a partnership to further promote OCR in the country by staging three major races under the name Allianz Conquer Challenge. The first of which will be on May 13 at the Vermosa, Daang Hari in Imus, Cavite.

You may think an insurance company would be the most concerned in improving your health because that would be totally beneficial for them. But this campaign is more advantageous for us since living fit and healthy longer is entirely a huge plus for our sake. With encouragement to participate in OCR, the journey to be fit and healthy becomes a lot more beneficial for us. It's actually a Win-win situation that I am willing to be a part of.

Alexander Grenz, COO of Allianz PNB Life Insurance, together with Gae Martinez, Chief Market Management Officer, and Rei Abrazaldo, Branding Communications and Digital Director, led the media launch held at their office on April 6, 2018. 

Grenz expressed his enthusiasm in the partnership emphasizing how the company would like to create a positive impact on people’s lives by making them experience new challenges through an obstacle course race. “OCR is a sport that has started to gather a strong following in the Philippines. We at Allianz believe that this sport can inspire Filipinos to take on a new challenge and embrace it without fear,” he said.

Grenz explained that the challenges in the race give individuals a chance to test their mind and body’s capability to get a serious workout. “OCR challenges one to develop endurance and physical strength as well as better coordination skills,” he added.

Allianz Chief Market Management Officer Gae Martinez, however, affirmed the growing patronage of Obstacle Course Racing Sports in the Philippines, lodging her support as more and more Filipinos become interested on the sport that calls for mental alertness, emotional stability, and physical endurance to overcome obstacles in lives. This is true for millenials who comprise a great number of obstacle course racers, but also for GenXers who have also tried it. The increasing awareness of Filipinos to live a healthy and active lifestyle is indicative of a shift of lifestyle that now recognizes the threats of critical illness, but at the same time the pursuit of aspirations for a better future.

Conquer Challenge President Rob Afzelius shares that Allianz Conquer Challenge, with its key message of “Dare to Conquer your Impossible, consists of three races: the Conquer Challenge Power Race which is a 7 Km + 20 obstacles race, the Conquer Challenge Beginner’s obstacle Race, which is 3 Km + 12 obstacles, and even a Conquer Challenge Kids race that is 1.5 km long plus at least 7 obstacles. Kids joining the race must be accompanied by an adult. We see this partnership with Allianz as fit because both entities’ are aligned in inspiring the Filipino never to waiver on its aspirations.

Rei Abrazaldo, Allianz Philippines’ Branding Communications and Digital Director revealed that the company’s foray into supporting obstacle course races is part of a special trio of activities on 13 May, that espouses Filipinos’ to take part in a fitness activity. Abrazaldo explains – Allianz Philippines declares 13 May as Allianz Day of Courage, because aside from the Allianz Conquer Challenge , the company is also supporting two other sporting events on the same day, namely, the Philippine Heart Association Heart Run at SM By the Bay and the Bayanihan Walk in Singapore.

Allianz globally has been supporting various sports and institutions like football, Paralympics, golf and rugby, among other sports that capture the emotional spirit of its business and inspire millions of people around the world with stories of human achievement through sport and innovation.

A Guide to Choosing the Best Digital Channel for Your Business

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you think executing digital marketing campaigns is the new norm for businesses today, you’d be surprised as to just how many companies still lack the understanding and proper strategies for it. The Internet is an all-compassing technology that is useful for most aspects of your life, and that includes promotions and advertising.

Digital marketing can be tricky. There are surely a lot of ways to do it and outlets to implement those methods, but just because you know your way around the web, doesn’t mean your campaign would yield positive results.

In terms of the many ways digital marketing can be done, it may not be very different from the traditional. However, it has the tendency to be very niche, especially now, with targeted ads.

It seems that each type of customer can have access to different information that they need at any time of the day. For every visit, view, share or watch, there is an equal impression, acquisition, retention, bounce rate, behavior, or conversion that will reflect your business’ online reputation and actual sales.

That is why it is essential to understand the different digital marketing channels that you can make use of for a successful campaign. You wouldn’t want to use all outlets and end up wasting resources on those that didn’t work for your business. You wouldn’t want to disregard one or two methods either and risk potential revenue.

Start by asking yourself what the nature of your business is and what your marketing goals are. From there, learn about the many kinds of content you can create to market your products and services.

Ultimately, you’ll find the right channel that will host your campaign. Let the following infographic guide you into discovering the right digital outlet for your marketing plans.

IDestinasyon: An Itinerary of Philippine Tourists Spots through Hospitality Interiors

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The PUP Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Graduating Class of 2018 is holding an Interior Design Exhibit entitled "IDestinasyon: An Itinerary of Philippine Tourist Spots through Hospitality Interiors" at Ayala Malls Vertis North. It has officially opened last April 3 and will run until April 20. This class is under the supervision of IDr. Billie Jean Dumlao-Dela Cruz, piid.

The students created ingenuous spatial interpretations of the chosen tourist spots, with creatively planned design solutions that revolves around the idea of developing a better living environment.

This design project aims to raise awareness and appreciation of our own culture and heritage that showcases on fourteen (14) different hospitality spaces that feature different Philippine tourist destinations on all over Philippines. 

Here are the 14 Hospitality Interiors and their Concepts & Rationales:

BOOTH 1: Hotel Lobby | Timeless Ilocos
Designers: Patrisha T. Casalme, Teresa Molina, Ly Ann M. Soriano

Ilocos Region is undeniably one of the Philippines' finest when it comes to stunning tourist destinations. The region is situated at the northwestern coast of Luzon.

Ilocos' allure inspired the interior design of the hotel lobby showcasing its magnificent and ageless beauty. The Bangui Wind Farm featured on the accent wall gives emphasis to the uniqueness of the place, in incorporation with Vigan's well-known Calle Crisologo, and the enormous buttresses of old churches, while its pristine beaches noticeably influenced the ceiling design. The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation's form and color inspired the reception desk and floor. Together with the other elements, the design proudly embodies the timeless beaut of Ilocos region, giving everyone a beauty to remember.

  

BOOTH 2: Karaoke Room | Basco Lighthouse
Designers: Kristine Joy M. Verano, Angelica Marie F. Pavo, Rondal B. Sinangote, Mikaela P. Argana

Basco Lighthouse is situated in the town of Basco in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. Standing at 66-feet, the lighthouse comprises of six stories, with a viewing deck on the fifth, allowing unobstructed views of the West Philippine Sea to the west, Mt. Iraya to the north, and the Basco Town Proper to the south.

In this karaoke room, the design was derived from the physical structure of the lighthouse. Inspiration from the lantern room, stone masonry and shape of windows and door can be seen around the interior.

The interior comprises of light colors and balancing it with the lighting, will bring comfort whilst having enjoying yourselves immersed in singing.

BOOTH 3: Spa Room | Mount Pinatubo
Designers: Angelie A. Saberon, Clifford Dale A. Domingo, Kathyreen S. Castro

Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located on the tripoint boundary of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The beautiful catastrophe of the mountain was one of the most known disasters that left a mark in the history of the Philippines. The 1991 eruption caused a big impact, destroying everything in its path which was also felt worldwide. Nevertheless, who would have thought that this beautiful landscape was ironically created by destruction? It was simply beautiful.

Through the natural God-creation beauty of the Pinatubo, this spa design was made. Inspired by the eccentric formation of the mountain, down to the devastated field full of lahar, the gaze of the emerald waters of the Caldera lake, neighboring ethnic settlements and one of, if not the best, perfect spot to view the mountain’s beauty in destruction.

The natural subtle tones give calm to the interior and the warm-welcoming ambience that embraces relaxation rewards you with the same stunning captivity of the place which lets you forget all the weight of troubles and burdens in your life, perfect for those who seek peace and serenity.

BOOTH 4: Coffee Shop | Palawan
Designers: Wilhelm Joyce A. Bagac, Rhealiza C. Dimaano, Aealuz Anne A. Obello

Palawan Underground River features spectacular limestone karst-the great stalagmites and stalactites. This works of nature represent significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and it is naturally sustainable. While it is reflecting in the Palaweños continuous and diverse rich culture.

The coffee shop design executed "continuous drips of water," from how the 20 million old rock formations form that emerges directly and splashed entirely. Emulating the quick falling, slowly slipping of dripstone is like brewing a coffee. This haven signifies the continuous flow of design, the presence of indoor plants and sustainable materials. Add on the magnificent color of nature. Experience mood cave- the less wide but comfortable, mellow sound waves while chilling with hot coffee brew.

  

BOOTH 5: Restaurant | Bicol
Designers: Citela L. Reyes, Gilda P. Carmona, Almira Joy F. Radam

Booth V is a dining area of a fine-dining restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine. This booth showcases the best of Bicol region; from its branding/restaurant name: Kakang Gata - or coconut cream, richest and thickest consistency extracted on Niyog, to its concept: Mayon Volcano - world's most perfect volcanic cone, to its main material: Manila Hemp - world famous product exported from the region.

The restaurant name "Kakang Gata" has been taken from the fondness of Bicolanos of cooking their vegetables, seafoods, and other cuisine in coconut milk as coconuts are also popular in the region. Since the restaurant offers high-end service, 'Kakang Gata' - which is the first substance extracted from the coconut, the richest in flavor and thickest in consistency, best defines the restaurant.

The concept of the restaurant is the famous stratovolcano, the Mayon Volcano. It is located at Legazpi, Albay and is best admired as having the perfect symmetrical cone. The symmetry, geometry, and material of the volcano has been applied to the interiors. From the layout of floor plan to the geometry of the solihiya pattern to the usage of rocks as material for wall and floor. The layout takes the shape of the volcano as it divides the dining areas for banquet and for few seaters. For rhythm and contrast, the ceiling plan breaks the symmetry of the floor as it is slightly slanted and partly coffered. The coffered ceiling takes the pattern of solihiya as this is the accent of the space. This pattern represents the main industry of abaca weaving which is the main industry of Bicol Region. Solihiya is also widely used in ancient houses and is commonly seen as one of the main elements of furniture pieces in Bicol region. The color scheme takes the color of the concept as it is more of the rocky and earthy tones.

Taste and see the best of Bicol region here at Kakang Gata Restaurant.

BOOTH 6: Nail Salon | Boracay

Designers: Kim April Cuarto, Rubinia Montero, Christine Anne Santos

Boracay Island belongs to the Western Visayas island-group, Region 6 of the Philippines, along with the western part of the province of Negros, island of Panay, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers.

Harnessing an interior sense of beauty yet creating a functional detail that would definitely bring relaxation with rewarding services to experience a short-time vacation, just within the metro. Pinoys are generally more of easy goer than other Asians, people are not stuck up and like to enjoy life, not too uptight about relaxing which directed the space design to be amenable for all to hang around.

The interior comprises of low-key colors, with the stability of furniture allocation in both sides of the space to express an undeniably easy atmosphere similar to the island.

BOOTH 7: Music Lounge | Haladaya Festival

Designers: Lorraine Anne Baniqued, Warren F. Lungay, Ally Asprec, Jean Claudine Compañero

In the province of Daanbantayan, The Haladaya Festival- one of the grandest and colorful festival in Cebu fills the street with smiles, endless music and dynamic dances celebrated every August 30. This festival commemorates the bravery of Datu Daya on protecting his territory called "Kandaya" from the Moro Pirates. Kandaya was later changed to Daanbantayan which means "lookout".

The interior layout of the music lounge was designed to resemble how Datu Daya defended his territory, showcased through the idea of dividing the bar and lounge to portray different functions. Also, the lounge area gives off a good feeling of being protected. Bamboo, wood and other indigenous materials were featured because it was used by the traditional and indigenous dwellings during the reign of Datu Daya.

This music lounge wish to cater to different types of customers that will serve as a haven not only for happy hours, but will be a perfect outlet to release stress as well.

BOOTH 8: Hotel Suite | Biri Rock Formation

Designers: Kate Constantino, Mari Mar Prado, Stephanie Fitero

Biri Rock Formation is sighted at the Biri Isand – northwest tip of Northern Samar. Strong winds, movement of tectonic plates, intense heat and whipping waves carved the rock formations - earning the description of the Battle of the Gods.

The hotel suite is designed based on the huge waves meeting the rocks. The accent wall that outstretched to the ceiling mimics the huge waves crashing onto the elevated area that portrays the rock formation.

The interior design evokes coziness and warmth through the color palette and textured finishes that render a homey, relaxing and comfortable feeling while staying at the hotel suite.

BOOTH 9: Bar | Vinta Regatta

Designers: Bonn Tristan Yanson, Julius Angelo Garcia, Mark Anthony Jabson

Vinta is a a native boat of Zamboanga, an island on Southern Philippines. It is famous for its dazzling colorful cloth sailing which embodies the rich and spectral culture highly influenced by Spaniards to the different tribes, religious views and daily lives of the people.

Regatta, on the other hand, is a popular event during Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (also called as Fiesta Pillar in honor of the city's patroness, Our Lady of Pillar) that showcases the racing of vinta boats on the beat of the drums and ladies' dancing via shore line.

Vinta Regatta is a powerful concept that illuminates the legacy-reached elements present on a vinta boat and letting it sail on the vast bodies of waters through the proposed interior design execution via the designer's space, the Bar.

BOOTH 10: Bakeshop | Northern Mindanao

Designers: Aljohn F. Terante, Lyssa Angela T. Lompot, Amylou Roma M. Bisana

Barotorera is a traditional boat or yacht racing festival along the astonishing sea waters of Ginoog City in Misamis Oriental, one of the provinces in Northern Mindanao. A rowboat, Baroto, is made from dug-out canoes and installed with double outriggers with interesting colors and patterns on its sails.

As it is one of the region’s prides, molded by rich history, intricate artistry and everlasting durability, the designers adapted the edgy form of the Baroto itself into the boulangerie interiors which brought character to the space. The shop is designed to mimic the relaxing ambiance of the region’s natural scenery conveyed through a modern tropical interior that gives a connection to nature while enjoying the baked goods the shop has to offer.

BOOTH 11: Bedroom and Breakfast | Samal Island

Designers: Justine Elaize G. Singun, Axzell T. Tocmo, Maria Gebel M. Nuñez

Davao is known for its durian and it is the home of the Philippine Eagle. But within it is a remote island that is highly popular because of its pearl farming and its scenic sunset, the Samal Island. This tropical beach creates drama in the interior through the use of colors of the sea and sunset. The curves convey the waves of the sea that gives a relaxing feeling. The separation of the seashore and the ocean is seen thru the elevated flooring that celebrates beauty thru diversity, passage of time and mystery of life. Lastly, the tropical nature of the pearl farm is interpreted in the interior using natural materials such as pebbles, woods, Abaca, foliage and the mother of pearls or the Capiz shells, that will fulfill the warm accommodation that every guest wants to experience in their leisure time with their family.

  

BOOTH 12: Café | Lake Sebu

Designers: Ma. Pauline C. Acibar, Aldrin V. Timbal, Valerie Anne M. Eclavea

In the province of South Cotabato lies the waters of Lake Sebu. Aside from freshwater species, one of most notable tribes that also call it home is the T’boli tribe.

The fluid forms of the lake can be seen from the walls and ceiling, then to the furniture pieces and counter. The color of the banquette upholstery is based on the T’nalak fabric of the T’boli which is usually a deep red in color. Hints of greens depicting the lush forests around the lake can also be seen in the design through plant decors and a built-in artificial grass wall. For the signage, a wooden fish carcass is hung on the ceiling with the name of the establishment, “Lakeside Café”.

  

BOOTH 13: Kids' Playroom | Enchanted River

Designers: Charlotte C. Suarez, Angeline C. Cardenio, Niña S. Gamboa Rationale:

From the town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur of Caraga Region lays a body of water with a unique feature of unfathomable depth and crystal-clear water and its mysterious and creepy stories of spirits that is believed to be the guardians where they coined the name "Enchanted River". The enchanting history and undeniable beauty inspired the designers to create a playroom where it showcase a captivating and exciting space especially made for kids.

Adapting the colors of the scene and creating an adventurous activities was applied to the interior while interpreting the enchanting story through the child's point of view.

  

BOOTH 14: Business Center | CAR

Designers: Alexandria Jonabi M. Lanuzga, Ryan Miguel D. Bataclan, Mary Ellis G. Panes

As a business center, the room inspired by the mystical town of Sagada in the Cordilleras portrays the main industries the Sagadans are endowed with. The geo form of the town is simulated through the elevated flooring. It also represents the primary livelihood of its people – rice terraces farming.

Walls adjacent to the accent are reminiscent of the Sumaguing cave’s majestic limestone filled interior. Cove lights portray the glimpse of sunrise inside a cave. The art of pottery is evident through the layout presented in a circular form with its spiral ceiling meeting the mouth of the pot, and the working stations are flabbergasted with colors through the harp shaped divider symbolizing the weaving craft. Covering each angles are reserved for the creation from God himself, a seemingly depiction of a 180 degree view of Kilteplan Peak to display His majestic work of art.

Photos Courtesy of Clifford Domingo