It's clear as water that I remember what my past boss from previous job always remind me "Security and Safety". No matter what is your work or line of work always put into consideration the two words "safety and security" or "security and safety", either way they are both important, most especially in the construction business. By the way my past boss or bosses are retired generals and officers of the Philippine Army and Marines, so imagine that.

That's why whenever I'm looking for equipment or products that I'll be using for my household I always take into consideration the two word safety and security.



Just few hours ago, I was able to visit the Philconstruct Trade Fair that is happening at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Take note that because of the large number of exhibitors and participating companies they are having two venues to showcase different products of the industry, one in SMX and the other one is in World Trade Center. This only means that the trade show are getting bigger every year.

So what does Philconstruct do? Well Philconstruct Trade Show features different products and companies that are into Building Construction Material, Equipment and Sanitary ware Industry. The trade show runs from November 8 to 11.


To give more input about Philconstruct, here's what they say about it. It is recognized as the biggest construction show in the country, is credited for having helped define the landscape of building and construction in the country for over two decades by creating a space for manufacturers to showcase industry-related items such as building materials and components, construction equipment and materials, building accessories, construction accessories, and essentials, interior design materials, exterior design products, and construction machinery.

One of its biggest exhibitor, Taiwan Excellence, features different new and patented products for different uses that comes with the word safety. Yes their products are created to promote safety and security. Taiwan Excellence is just one of its exhibitors that brings a selection of brands that have been recognized as some of the best that the country has to offer. Taiwan Excellence is an organization that reviews and recognizes all Taiwanese products and grants awards to products that are found to be exceptionally superior.

This year’s Philconstruct expo, Taiwan Excellence will not only be exhibiting their most elite brands on site, but they will also be hosting seminar discussing the strengths and benefits of their featured brands and also accommodates inquiries about their products. Aside from its strengths they will also share how safe the products in securing ones life.

Take note that some of these products are not yet in the market and are willing to find partners in manufacturing and distributing the technology. Imagine that these products are shared to the local household scene and Filipinos can benefit from it. Excellent product, user friendly, safe, and secure.


Each one of the companies present in showcasing their products are proud recipient of the Taiwan Excellence Award, bestowed upon them for outstanding performance in four aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing.

Some brands showcase their innovation in creating sustainable solutions, such as Caesar Sanitary Ware. This brand carries the hydropower sensor faucet as its showpiece, a faucet whose mechanical detector runs completely on hydropower. Other than consuming no electrical energy, the faucet requires no external power source, and thus no wiring, making for effortless installation. The corrosion and tarnish-resistant chrome finish makes it a lovely addition to any bathroom, marrying form and function.

Another energy saver is Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd., having created a more energy efficient ventilation fan/filter. The fan is also designed for safety, being fireproof and waterproof. It features magnetic buttons and a lateral suction design, and gives users an energy savings of roughly 60%. Definitely not bad for this little powerhouse that promises an ultra-high air flow 250m³/h.

For work platforms of exceptional stability and safety on all types of construction sites, the company Chiao Teng Hsin Enterprise Co., Ltd. has made a ladder accessory called Aluminum Telescopic Steady Support. A structure comprised of four frameworks, it uses a multifunctional joint ladder structure and has hidden-style stainless steel shrapnel. Like every good tool, it works well with existing structures, and can be installed on other, less secure ladders. While installed, each step can hold a load of 150kg, and its anti-slip rubber feet allows the ladder to be safe and stable in a variety of work sites.

Ferro-Carbon Enterprise Co., Ltd. (FECA) brings several innovative storage solutions to the table, perfect for smaller spaces and maximizing any area. FECA products promise durability and style, and with their patented industrial vacuum technology suction cups, bring an end to the era of drilling and hammering into your walls to install storage. Each unit, such as the Samurai Wall Shelf Set, the Samurai 10" Magnetic bar, and the Samurai Storage Bag can be attached to rough surfaces, are durable and reusable, and are stable in temperatures of -10 ̊C to 70 ̊Cͦ.

Security is the name of the game with Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd’s featured proximity lock. A lock that features four-in-one access methods: fingerprint, proximity card, password, and physical key, it eliminates the chance of users locking themselves out of their homes and offices while ensuring the security of their space. The lock eliminates excessively complicated procedures, ensuring that it locks quickly to safeguard from exterior threats while allowing for easy escape from the interior. To make things even simpler, it also has a voice guide feature for programming and operation.

Xing Tai Guang Co., Lld. Sheds a lot of light on the subject of illuminating interior and exterior spaces with its XTGL Optical CMH Luminaire. With a power factor (PF) of ballast higher than 95% and a light output ratio (LOR) higher than 85%, it gives a luminous efficacy of luminaire higher than 85 lm/w.

Lei Yueh Enterprise Co., Ltd., believing that you should be able to see what’s inside your cabinets and small spaces without heavily impacting your electric consumption rate, presents the LED Mini Star, an ultra-slim and lightweight light source that only uses 3.26 watts per fixture.

One of the products that catch my attention is the products from e-Formula. One is their Energy Management System that is highly reliable and saves up energy of up to 40% or even more. Imagine saving a lot from your electric consumptions. Much more for big companies, which only means more production but lesser expense. During the interview they did shared that Telstra is the current client that uses the system.

Another product from them is their seismometer, an innovation in early detection. It detects and measures faster less disruptive P waves from seismic activity, and sends an alert before the more damaging S wave arrives. This definitely provides the safety and security for every building.


Cabinets and shelving systems that are poorly built are a safety hazard at worst and a nuisance at best. Addressing this problem is a Silent Self-Closing Ball Bearing Slide by King Slide Works Co., Ltd., which ensures that the home or office of the future has storage spaces that are not just whisper-quiet, but also secure and smart. Cabinets with the slide are self-closing, and the soundless speed down mechanism helps drawers close quietly by themselves, an effective improvement in living spaces that also prevent accidents caused by drawers left open.


Taroko Door & Window Technologies, Inc. offers up the Intuitive Detachable Pleated Screen, a screen system for both windows and doors that feature a dual function: keeping harsh light out during the day and keeping insects out at night while letting air freely circulate. Although highly mechanical, the screen is easily removed from wherever it’s installed for cleaning. Another perk is that it’s durable, boasting a minimum usage cycle of 100,000 times.

About Taiwan Excellence Awards

The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1992. Recognized by 102 countries as a symbol of outstanding quality, it is awarded every year to eligible candidates who undergo a rigorous and stringent selection system that covers four major aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing. Products that have been selected for the Taiwan Excellence Awards have been deemed to have Innovative Value and are chosen to serve as examples of the domestic industries to be promoted by the government in the international market in an effort to shape the creative image for Taiwanese businesses.
About TAITRA

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Another great musical production, the Waitress, hitting its international premiere in Manila at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City this coming November 9, 2018. The show, which continues to perform for sold-out audiences on Broadway and across the USA, is also set to debut at London's West End in 2019 and in Australia in 2020.

This musical production is based on the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and it features music and lyrics from 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"); and a book by Jessie Nelson. The show made history by having Broadway's first all-female creative team.



Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna who, despite the mundanity of her life, finds comfort and reckoning in the simple magic of baking. With the help of her two friends Dawn and Becky, she dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and musters the courage to change her life for the better.

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One of the award winning international musical theatre star Joanna Ampil leads the show as Jenna. Some of her West End musical performances are Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played as Candida in the recent film Ang Larawan has won her numerous Best Actress Awards locally. Jenna will be her first role back in the local theatre scene after her stint as Grizabella in the international tour of Cats.

Another character in the musical is Becky, the sassy waitress and lovable friend of Jenna, which will be played by Bituin Escalante. One of the influential figure in OPM, Bituin has also made rounds in the theatre scene since 1999 and she said during our interview with her that before singing it was theater. She has starred in numerous Tony-winning shows in roles such as Joanne in Rent, Effie White in Dreamgirls, and Asaka in Once on this Island. Her recent performance as Aling Saling in Himala: The Musical has earned her critical acclaimed.

Maronne Cruz completes the trio characters in Waitress as plays the role of the neurotic and eccentric character of Dawn. Maronne is no stranger to musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions including Jeannie in Hair, Gabbi in Sa Wakas, Josephine in Ako Si Josephine, and Stepsister Joy in Cinderella.  She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet and, most recently, performed in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Joe's Pie Diner would not be complete without the men of the show and joining the ladies are Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Nino Alejandro as Ogie, George Schulze as Earl, Dean Rosen as Cal, and Steven Conde as Joe.

Waitress also features Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Emeline Celis Guinid, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as.

It is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, Choreographed by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, Lighting Design by Aaron Porter, Musical Direction by Farley Ascuncion, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Josh Millican, Hair and Make-up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Coaching  by Manman Angsico.

The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Martial Law is perhaps one of the most talked-about topic in Philippine history. A part of the past that has its pros and cons.

Why talk about it? Well, as part of the history we should have at least a knowledge about it (validated information) so that we can understand our past. And for the current generation they should learn about it, but of course always take the positive and negative side then validate.

One of this year's Cinemalaya film, ML (short for "Martial Law) hits the commercial big screen, meaning more viewers and audience, reaching more individuals to learn something about ML.

 The film was considered as one of the most shocking movie, which I can attest because of how the film was portrayed. A part of history that is presented in an unusual story.


The film is directed by Benedict Mique and brought to life by veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who plays the role of a retired Metrocom Colonel with a slight dementia who believes that he still lives in the Martial Law era. Together with the other newcomers in the film industry Tony Labrusca, who played the role of Carl who is a college student who learned about the realities of Martial Law from someone who lived in that era. Aside from Eddie Garcia and Tony Labrusca they are joined by Liane Valentino, Henz Villaraiz, Jojit Lorenzo, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Chanel Latorre, and Chrome Cosio.

The film was nominated for Best Film, Best Editing and of course it earned Eddie Garcia the Best Actor award during the 2018 Cinemalaya.

Now ML hits the big screen nationwide on November 7.

I think this was the third opening of the branch in Robinsons Galeria, one opening and two reopenings. The first reopening was in 2013, which I was able to cover (Yoshinoya Robinsons Galleria Branch Reopening) and just this October was the recent. The only difference is that the first reopening was not graced by Miss Earth beauties.

Yup, the recent reopening of Yoshinoya Robinsons Galleria Branch was graced by this year candidates. Eight (8) beautiful ladies were present during the reopening ceremonies together with different executives of Yoshinoya and Robinsons Galleria. The lovely beauties are Miss Panama, Miss Venezuela, Miss Sweden, Miss Honduras, Miss Malaysia, Miss Curacao, Miss Greece and Miss Spain.

Aside from flaunting their beauties they were also asked to shared their advocacy to save Mother Earth during the mini fashion show.

Of course the ceremony wouldn't be complete without the signature dish of Yoshinoya, which the lovely Earth beauties and guests delightedly partake.
Also after the ceremony Yoshinoya opened the door for their happy customers who will take freebies and a once in a life time chance to take a selfie with the Miss Earth candidates.

One of the nearest mall in our area, Ever Gotesco Mall, created and developed something new for their customers. This is through Everscapes, Ever Group of Companies, established a new lifestyle strip along Commonwealth Avenue. It is poised to become a home away from home for families and groups on th lookout for exciting food and beverage adventures.

It recently held its first-ever 'Food Crawl' where guests were treated to a "full" day of food, music and fun festivities. Everyone had a delightful time visiting the restaurants as they got a bite at some of the mouthwatering selections that include best-selling appetizers, classic meal favorites, popular desserts and signature beverages.


Among the restaurants in Calle Bistro are the following: Sisig Society, ELM's Kapihan and Winery, Adobo Connection, Ima Kitchen, Gerry's Grill and Restaurant, PUB Express, Hap Chan, Macao Imperial Tea, Cook the Bread, among others. You can check out our complied photos and videos of the food and establishments on our YouTube channel, Kwento Ni Toto.




The 'Food Crawl', according to Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manger of EVER Group of Companies, is a tasty preview of the many flavorful discoveries that await diners at Calle Bistro, being a new foodie hub with diverse cuisine offerings.

"As the newest food destivation north of manila, Calle Bistro offers a variety of culinary options for the large neighborhood along Commonwealth Avenue, from breakfast to chilling at midnight. As a brand, Calle Bistro is family-oriented, sincere and down-to-earth. We aim to create not just a space for food, but a community through Calle Bistro where people gather for Great Eats and Great Meets - to exchange stories, make memorable moments and enjoy the best of life without driving too far away from their homes," said Santos.


For the holidays, Calle Bistro invites Ever mall goers to its grand food and music extravaganza dubbed "Eats an Affair" which begins November 30 until December 2. Apart from restaurant hopping, visitors will be entertained by live band performances while surprise guest celebrities will be participating in the Star Bazaar activity.


This interesting part of Ever Gotesco livens the mood of the mall and engage more mall goers. As Calle Bistro hosts more spaces for more restaurants, cafes and wine bars.