Day: March 11, 2015

Volkswagen Philippines launches much-anticipated Golf GTI

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The Volkswagen Golf, produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations, has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time (first recognition received was in 1992), 2013 World Car of the Year, 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan (the first imported car to win the award), among others.

The GTI line was first introduced in 1976 on the 1st generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand. Now on its 7th generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sports car family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance making it a sustainable sports car. The GTI is the sports car with true “style and performance”, because it is THE GTI.

And after the successful introduction of the Polo Hatchback on February 16, VW Philippines continues to create landmarks with the launch of the Golf GTI-a car that perfectly embodies the confidence of a true leader.

The Golf GTI is equipped with a 2.0 turbocharged stratified injection engine with maximum output of 220 Ps at 4,500-6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,500-4,400 rpm; a 6-speed dual shift gear transmission; and, sports suspension.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) with XDS plus technology, engine drag torque control (MSR), electronic parking brake with auto hold, rear assist rear view camera with 8-channel park distance control, driver alert system, airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side and curtain) are some of the safety features of the Golf GTI.

On the exterior, the Golf GTI comes with the GTI package of 18-inch Austin alloy wheels, bumpers, grille, tail lamps, spoiler, and, dual tailpipes; Bi-Xenon headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL); and, dynamic headlamp control. Inside, it is also stocked with GTI premium sport seats with “Clark” material, GTI steering wheel with paddle shifts; GTI shift knob, stainless steel pedals, scuff plates, and trim; keyless-go entry/exit with push start; interior ambient lighting; and, a climatronic 2-zone air-conditioning system.

“The Golf GTI is indeed the sports car with true “style and performance,” because it is THE GTI. It is the perfect car for performance seekers looking for fun and excitement,” said John Philip Orbeta, president and Chief Executive Officer of VW Philippines.

The Golf GTI is priced at P2,290,000 and available in five colors: Oryx White Pearl, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey, and Deep Black Pearl.

Kia Sportage ranks highest among small SUVs in 2015

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J.D. Power 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) has ranked the Kia Sportage as the leader in the Small SUV category, marking the first-ever VDS award in the brand’s history. The industry-wide study examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles (2012 model year). Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). Thus, a lower score reflects a higher long-term quality level. The Sportage ranked first in a field of seven contenders with a score of 129 PP100. This latest recognition for Sportage follows the model’s two consecutive J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS) awards in 2013 and 2014.
“We believe the results of the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrate Kia’s on-going commitment to quality and obsession with craftsmanship in building our world-class products,” said John Crowe, vice president, service & aftersale operations, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The Sportage is a clear example of how far the entire Kia model line-up has progressed, and this kind of quality is tangible evidence of our long-term strategy to enhance the Kia ownership experience.”

VDS measures the long-term quality of vehicles, including new technologies and features currently available to buyers. It includes 32 nameplates and 228 models, covering 177 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

Giordano Ladies unveils Spring/Summer 2015 collection – Dare to Begin

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Spring marks a new beginning. Giordano Ladies’ Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Dare to Begin, aims to do just that with pieces in fresh pastel colors that are meant to complement the modern woman’s need to chase her dreams without sacrificing self-expression and style.

“Our philosophy has always been, ‘To be truly beautiful one has to have great style’. With the latest collection, we aim to tell women that style will always reign over fashion. And that spring is the perfect time to build on this philosophy, make it their own, and create their own style,” said Zindy Lim, Giordano Ladies PH Brand Manager.

Dare to Begin aims to stock women’s wardrobes with pieces in structured and boyish cuts that are complemented with textured fabrics and soft colors, a sophisticated chic palette anyone can play around with.

Stylish Minimalism

For the stylish minimalist, Dare to Begin offers a range of pieces in boyish cuts and elements that perfectly complement the modern woman’s aspirations and lifestyle. A reversible nappa jacket paired with crystal jacquard straight cut culottes and tonal trim pebble brogues express a personality that is strong and charming at the same time.

Another key piece is a cape-sleeved, double-breasted blazer that, when paired with straight cut culottes, offers a fresh take on women’s work suits. Meanwhile, tank-colored checkered knit tops and skirts provide visual and textural sense, offsetting the simple tone-on-tone effects.

Classic with a Twist

Classic pieces get a chic update in this collection. By using various materials that contrast with each other, the collection gives the wearer a range of looks to choose from such as layers and volume, and updated and versatile work suits in black, white, and grey. The use of classic colors transform the pieces into essential building blocks towards creating popular chic looks that convey a sense of being metropolitan, cool, elegant, and confident.

Crystal and Sky Prints

In this collection, Giordano Ladies features high quality crystal- and sky-printed shirts and knitted items. One of the key pieces is the sky printed flare cut shirt that, when matched with structured straight cut culottes, creates an unexpected stylish and refreshing impression. Meanwhile, a crystal print cotton knitted dress paired with glittery edge patent-leather brogues give off a casual yet sophisticated chic vibe that’s perfect for the season.

The Dare to Begin collection also includes fun and refreshing accessories such as light grey patent-leather heeled brogues, mixed stones box chain necklace, sky print silk wool mixed scarf, Italian crystal loafers, Spain silver glitter loafers, and Italian black patent-leather moccasins.

The Spring/Summer 2015 collection is available in Giordano Ladies stores nationwide. For more information about the collection and Giordano Ladies, please visit https://www.facebook.com/GiordanoLadiesPH.

Asian Hospital Psychiatry department address current biopsychosocial issues affecting men

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Led by a desire to help Filipino men determine, address, and cope with the issues of life, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s (AHMC) Psychiatry Department held “PalibhasaLalaki: A Forum on Men’s Issues” recently.

Pastor Jonathan Baldo of the Lighthouse Leadership Institute of Manila opened the forum by talking about issues faced by Filipino men. His findings are based on his experience as a men’s counselor in Lighthouse as well as an on-air counselor on 702 DZAS for Juan Talk, a radio show that focuses on men’s issues.

Among the issues outlined include virility, the capability to provide, efficient time management, faithfulness, identity, and life’s passions. According to Ptr. Baldo, most of these are highlighted once a man reaches adulthood and starts a family. It may well continue onto middle age and even unto his senior years.

A lot of these issues can be addressed or mitigated by the parents who are the child’s “main programmers”, according to Dr. Melodee Rojas, Clinical Psychologist and Chief of Section of Psychology at AHMC.

A father’s influence also figures largely in the equation. Some of the things fathers can do to help their sons include being present in their children’s lives, spending quality time with them, being a good role model, providing moral guidance, practicing what he preaches, and treating women right. “When this is done, half of the battle is already won,” Dr. Rojas said.

Whether a father is absent or present (emotionally and physically) in the child’s life, it makes a significant difference in later developmental and behavioral issues of the child.

The influencers of each generation have a huge impact to how each person adapts or copes with life’s challenges. The Traditionalists (1925-1945) had to deal with the Great Depression and World War II which influenced their perception of trust and work ethic.

Baby Boomers (1946-1960) grew up in the time of the Vietnam War, Civil Rights and Women’s movements, and the Cold War. These events were huge factors in how they value equality, inclusion, and change.

For Generation X (1961-1982), a lot of them grew up with working mothers and witnessed huge events such as September 11, economic recessions, and the reign of the television. Meanwhile, Millenials are the product of helicopter parents, the technology boom, social media, environmentalism, and globalization.

“Fatherhood is the most important job any man can take on as it gives one the power to shape the next generation,” Dr. Jon Jurilla, Psychiatrist at AHMC, said. Contrary to what is usually observed, being a father doesn’t stop at just being a good provider. It also includes being a role model; providing emotional support, a sense of stability, and involvement in the children’s lives; and laboring for moral and values formation.

As a man goes on to middle adulthood, he enters a transition period where he reviews and takes stock of his life. “This is where the popular ‘mid-life crisis’ comes in,” said Dr. Benjamin Vista, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at AHMC. However, Dr. Vista clarified that not every man goes through this. Men experience ‘mid-life crisis’ when they go through severe emotional distress that is usually due to severe life events such as illness or a death of a spouse.

Other issues that middle-aged men will most likely go through include the empty nest syndrome, annulments and divorce, and marital infidelity. The last two, according to Dr. Vista, occur at a high rate among middle-aged men.

While most look forward to retirement as the time when they can enjoy the fruits of their life’s work, Dr. Albert Poblete, Neurologist and Psychiatrist at AHMC, for the most part disagrees with it. “Retirement is the tenth most stressful major life event,” he said.

Retirement comes with a whole new slew of issues such as economic uncertainty, increasing health concerns, social isolation and loneliness, and suddenly having too much free time. The most common of all is that giving up work creates a vacuum in their lives.