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Philippine Airlines (PAL) Announcement of Flying From Manila to NYC – 2015

Philippine Airlines is flying to the Big Apple, New York City, on March 15, 2015, marking the carrier’s much-awaited network expansion to the US east coast. In announcing the New York service, PAL Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Lucio C. Tan said, “This auspicious start of regular flights to New York will coincide with PAL’s 74th founding anniversary.” The four-times-a-week service – Manila-Vancouver-New York – will operate at Terminal 1 of New York’s JFK International Airport. PAL will have full traffic rights between Vancouver and New York. The addition of New York will bring to five the total US destinations, following Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Guam. The flight to New York – distance of 14,501 kilometers or approximately 16.5 total flying hours – will be PAL’s longest route.

Flight PR 126 departs Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:50 p.m. Arrival in Vancouver is 8:50 p.m. on the same day. After a two-hour transit stop, the service continues on to New York at 10:50 p.m., touching down at Terminal 1 of JFK International at 7:00 a.m. the following day. The return service, PR 127, departs New York at 11:00 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving in Vancouver at 1:50 p.m. It departs the Canadian city at 3:20 p.m. and lands back in Manila at 8:35 p.m. the following day. PAL will utilize the Airbus A340-300 jets, which seats 36 passengers in business class and 218 in economy. On board, passengers can expect to be pampered with PAL’s signature “at home” in-flight service, which features business class seats that convert to full-flat beds; in-flight entertainment system such as audio-video on demand in business, and gourmet cuisine designed by top international guest chefs.

The New York service will have the added benefit of boosting PAL’s Canadian operation. From March 15, 2015, the current daily service between Manila and Vancouver will spike to 11 flights weekly with three departure times from Manila – mid-afternoon, early evening and late evening – providing wider schedule choices to passengers. Manila-Toronto will add a fourth weekly frequency, increasing capacity on this long-haul route in time for the peak summer travel period out of Manila.

PAL’s return has been keenly anticipated by the huge Filipino-American communities along the U.S. eastern seaboard ever since the flag carrier pulled out of the region in 1997. About half a million ethnic Filipinos reside on the East Coast, with over 253,000 in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, 90,000 in Virginia, 75,000 in Washington, D.C. and environs, and 31,000 in the Philadelphia metro area. Overall, Filipinos on the East Coast account for 15% of the estimated 3.4-million-strong Filipino population in the U.S., comprising a natural base market for PAL.JFK Airport is located at Queens Borough, 15 miles to midtown Manhattan, with convenient connection to the New York subway train system (MTA).

About PAL

Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of the Republic of the Philippines. Now on its 73rd year of existence, the full-service legacy carrier covers South and North Asia, Australia, the Middle East, North America and Europe. The airline, which has embarked on fleet modernization, route network expansion and service innovations, is best known for its trademark Filipino brand of service marked by warmth, charm and hospitality. PAL has a wide route network covering 29 domestic and 36 international destinations. With its wide range of product offerings, the airline enables passengers to book their flights based on actual needs.

World Liberty TV, Travel & Tourism Channel team was on hand at this Historical announcement here in New York City, see our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channel for Exclusive Interviews and the Movers and Shakers of PAL.

Ebola Concert Performance by Chieck Hamala Diabate and Band at UN-2015

Cheick Hamala Diabate is a musician from Mali, West Africa who has been nominated for a Grammy award. Using Adelphi, Maryland as his home he travels all over the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He has performed at the Kennedy Center, the United States Senate, and the Smithsonian Institution. Cheick Hamala was born into a griot family in Kita, Mali. From a young age he learned to play the ngoni, a stringed instrument related to the American banjo. In addition, Cheick has learned the history of Mali passed down for over 800 years. Cheick has performed internationally.

Cheick Hamala Diabaté is recognized as one of the world’s masters of the ngoni, a Malian traditional instrument and a West African historian in the Griot tradition. A sought-after performer, lecturer, storyteller and choreographer throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and Canada, Cheick Hamala began touring in the U.S. in 1995. He has performed at venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A steward of the 800-year-old tradition of the Griot, the storytellers of West Africa, Cheick Hamala shares the oral history, music and song of his culture as it was passed on to him from birth by parent to child. At an early age Cheick Hamala mastered the ngoni, a stringed lute and ancestor to the banjo. He learned to play the guitar from his uncle, and now plays banjo and several other instruments; but his renown remains with the historical ngoni.

At age 12 he was invited to the National Institute of Arts in Bamako, Mali’s Capital, where he studied music, graphic arts, cinema, literature and theatre. He began his international performing career upon graduation.

Cheick Hamala works with notable traditional African dance companies based in the U.S. as instructor, choreographer and performer. He also performs solo and with his ensemble, playing traditional Manding Griot instruments. His music always reflects the historical integrity of an important art form with a rich tradition stretching back hundreds of years to the formation of the Great Malian Empire.
GRAMMY nomination(2007): Best Traditional World Music Album- for “From Mali to America” by Cheick Hamala Diabate & Bob Carlin.

World Liberty TV, Team had the pleasure of meeting and Hearing Cheick Hamala at The Ebola UN Concert, you too can listen to his Music right here in World Liberty TV.

Bayarmaa Bayarkhuu Designer for MONGOL Fashion show-2015

Born in Mongolia and one of the very first It girls is widely known for her impeccable style and sense of fashion. Born in Ulaanbaatar and raised in a family that values knowledge and education, she has lived and traveled around Asia, America and Europe, developing a passion for fashion, arts, history and culture. With a degree in Business and Finance, she has been successfully ran her father’s company with her two siblings as she simultaneously worked as a stylist and designer.

She started a small fashion house in 2005 and built it up to its current status. As a creative director, she has made women’s ready-to-wear clothes, wedding dresses as well as outerwear.

A great admirer of her country’s rich culture and history, Bayarmaa Bayarkhuu is bringing her style and Mongolian heritage to New York to debut her brand MONGOL at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Her collection is inspired by traditional Mongolian costumes combined with urban casual as well as entrepreneur lifestyle. BB uses Mongolian raw material in over half her collection as Mongolian nomadic traditions play a large part in their culture. Bayarmaa sees herself as a citizen of the world, as her brand MONGOL so celebrates.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. Product Reviews-2015

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT/TSX: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia.

See The Strike Gaming Keyboard Review as well as the Mad Catz Gaming Mouse in our World Liberty TV, Gaming Channel.

Haddad Brands Presents: 2nd Annual Kids Rock! Spring 2015 Featuring American Global Brands

During New York Fashion Week this year Kids Rock! adding a high-powered live music performance by 17-year-old Atlantic Records recording artist and The Voice finalist, Jacquie Lee, to the roster. This multi-brand live event and children’s fashion show, presented by Haddad Brands featured celeb kids strutting the catwalk in Spring 15 fashion looks from the Levi’s® brand, Converse, Nike, Jordan, Hurley and Nike SB. The show is a Rookie USA-sponsored event. All proceeds of the event went to Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles.

ABOUT HADDAD BRANDS
Haddad is a privately held family business with over 60 years’ experience in the children’s apparel & accessories industry. A leader in the children’s wear industry, Haddad Brands is focused on the most iconic global brands, which include: Nike, Nike SB, Jordan, Converse, Hurley, and Levi’s. Supported by a team of professionals skilled in the design, sourcing, sales & distribution of premium quality children’s wear Haddad distributes globally to over 60 countries and maintains sales and sourcing offices in 22 cities globally, including New York, Shanghai, Bangkok, London and Montreal.

ABOUT NIKE + NIKE SB
NIKE, Inc. is the world’s leading innovator in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories. Before there was the Swoosh, before there was Nike, there were two visionary men who pioneered a revolution in athletic footwear that redefined the industry.
Bill Bowerman was a nationally respected track and field coach at the University of Oregon, who was constantly seeking ways to give his athletes a competitive advantage. He experimented with different track surfaces, re-hydration drinks and – most importantly – innovations in running shoes. But the established footwear manufacturers of the 1950s ignored the ideas he tried to offer them, so Bowerman began cobbling shoes for his runners.
Phil Knight was a talented middle-distance runner from Portland, who enrolled at Oregon in the fall of 1955 and competed for Bowerman’s track program. Upon graduating from Oregon, Knight earned his MBA in finance from Stanford University, where he wrote a paper that proposed quality running shoes could be manufactured in Japan that would compete with more established German brands. But his letters to manufacturers in Japan and Asia went unanswered, so Knight took a chance.
He made a cold-call on the Onitsuka Co. in Kobe, Japan, and persuaded the manufacturer of Tiger shoes to make Knight a distributor of Tiger running shoes in the United States. When the first set of sample shoes arrived, Knight sent several pairs to Bowerman, hoping to make a sale. Instead, Bowerman stunned Knight by offering to become his partner, and to provide his footwear design ideas to Tiger.
Nike Skateboarding, also known as Nike SB, is the Nike brand for its line of shoes, clothing, and equipment for skateboarding. In 2002, Nike introduced the “SB” brand. The Nike SB Dunk Low model was released, and consisted of padded tongues and collars and the “Zoom Air” insoles; the shoe was more similar to other skate shoe styles than the corporation’s previous attempts. After the SB Dunk’s mediocre sales, Nike released four other models: The Nike SB Angus, Nike SB FC, Nike SB Delta Force, and Nike SB URL.
In 2004, Nike SB signed Paul Rodriguez as a figurehead for the brand and recruited Lewis Marnell as the sole Australian team rider during the same period. In March of that year, Nike released the Nike Dunk SB collection, aimed towards skateboarders in California. The associated shoe designs differed from the previous SB Dunk range in that they were designed specifically for skateboarding. The collection included increased padding, Zoom Air insoles, and enhanced material quality, including triple stitching, a standard for skate shoes.
Nike’s affiliated brands are Converse, Air Jordan, and Hurley.

ABOUT CONVERSE
Converse is an American lifestyle company with a production output that primarily consists of shoes, lifestyle fashion, and athletic apparel. The company has existed since the early 20th century and has been a subsidiary of Nike, Inc. since 2003.
Their Moto: Converse is Sneakers. And Converse is Change. They started on the court and got adopted on the street. They began as a rubber company to make sneakers and boots, and then found basketball and reinvented the sport. The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker became the court sneaker; it stood for the game. From there they moved into other sports with new sneaker silhouettes like the Pro Leather, the Star Player, and the Weapon. The Star Chevron showed up and became another Converse symbol. And just when it seemed to be destined for athletes only – something happened.
Converse sneakers showed up in rock clubs, on the streets, on rappers, on icons, on rebels and originals. It became the sneaker of choice for individuals. From All Star to Jack Purcell to CONS, Converse doesn’t confine itself to one style or definition. Be who you want to be in Converse sneakers or clothes. An artist, rebel, rapper, thinker, gamer, skater, smoke jumper, freelance dentist, whatever. If you’re wearing Converse, you know who you are.

ABOUT AIR JORDAN
Air Jordan is a brand of shoes and athletic clothing designed, owned, and produced for Michael Jordan by Nike’s Jordan Brand subsidiary. The shoes informally referred to in the plural as Jordan’s or simply J’s were first produced for Michael Jordan in 1984 and released for public consumption in 2001.

ABOUT LEVI’S BRAND
The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since the invention and patent of riveted clothing by Jacob Davis and company founder Levi Strauss in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world — capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. And while the patent has long since expired, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry.

Art Hearts Fashion Presented by Aids Healthcare Foundation at Lincoln Center NY -2014

ART HEARTS FASHION presentations feature collections from the worlds freshest and artistically
inspired designers in support of a great cause. Established in 2011 by designer and philanthropist Erik
Rosete, ART HEARTS FASHION has grown to become a premiere platform for designers to showcase
their collections in a contemporary runway setting. ART HEARTS FASHION presentations are highly
supported by celebrity participants and guests, and have been held coast to coast headlining the top
fashion platforms in the nation including Mercedes-BENZ Fashion Week NYC and Style Fashion Week
LA. This season ART HEARTS FASHION is presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation and will feature
collections by: Mister Triple X, Control Sector, Gregorio Sanchez, Shrekahnth, Hallie Sara, Altaf Maaneshia, MTCostello, and Furne Amato.

About AHF: Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest Global AIDS organization and the largest
non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides the US, Africa, Latin
America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Asia. During Fashion Week, AHF is promoting a text-to-donate
campaign that will allow fashion fans to support Global HIV/AIDS healthcare treatment.

NYFW: Jill Stuart Spring 2015 Show

Jill Stuart created what she calls “softer dressing” for her Spring 2015 Collection. It included sophisticated silhouettes with a slight A-line shape, kimono inspired wrapping at the waist on dresses, blouse, and skirts. The colors were mostly very light with tones like powered pink, nude, grays, and browns. The collection’s theme reminded me of a modern 70’s woman who doesn’t take things too serious. All in all, the Jill Stuart consumers will be very pleased.

Launched in 1993, Jill Stuart’s eponymous line is said to have really taken off when pieces from the collection were used in the 1995 movie Clueless. Today, the brand earns approximately $30 million annually in the U.S. but fares even better in Asia, grossing closer to $100 million. Stuart received major attention here in 2007 for using Lindsay Lohan as the first non-model celebrity in her ads. Known for showing during Fashion Week at the New York Public Library, the feminine, sometimes frilly collection can be found in her Soho flagship, as well as in higher-end department stores, and has come to include handbags, shoes, and perfume.

In 2007, Stuart launched a secondary line called Jill by Jill Stuart – now exclusive to the Japanese and Korean markets – followed by a lower-priced collection of dresses under the name Jill Jill Stuart in 2010, available at major department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.

World Liberty TV fashion team had the opportunity to interview Jill Stuart Spring 2015 Collection.

Interview with Denny Chiu of Bandai Namco Games -2014

Bandai Namco Games Inc. Kabushiki Gaisha Bandai Namuko Gēmusu?) is an arcade, mobile and home video game publisher, based in Japan. The company also publishes video, music and other entertainment products related to its video game IPs. It is the product of a merger between the video game development divisions of Bandai and Namco. Originally referred to in the West as Namco Bandai Games, the company was internationally renamed as Bandai Namco Games in January 2014.

Bandai Namco Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings (BNHD) and specializes in management and sales of video games and other related entertainment products, while its Bandai Namco Studios subsidiaries specialize in the development of these products. It is the core company of Bandai Namco Group’s Content Strategic Business Unit (Content SBU).

In addition to its core publisher operations in Japan, Bandai Namco Games publishes content worldwide through different entities. Bandai Namco Games America handles publishing across North America; Bandai Namco Games Europe handles publishing across Europe; Bandai Namco Games Asia handles publishing across Asia (except Japan); Bandai Namco Games Australia and Bandai Namco Games New Zealand handle publishing in Oceania. The company has its headquarters in Shinagawa, Tokyo.

QEDC’s Q Taste 2014, at Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel

Offering top-notch entrées, appetizers, beverages and desserts, exactly 49 vendors served samples of their products to more than 700 attendees in a festive atmosphere during Queens Taste 2014 at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel on April 29.

Hosted by the Queens Economic Development Corporation, the twelfth annual extravaganza included performances by a Big Apple Circus clown, two tables full of World’s Fair memorabilia from the Queens Historical Society and The Port Authority of NY & NJ, and special Mets ticket offers.

There was also a taste competition as judged by a team of local foodies and media types. Zenon Taverna, which serves Greek and Cypriot food in Astoria, took Best Entrée honors with a Mediterranean octopus dish, lamb meatballs and taramosalata. Sunnyside’s Murphy’s Seafood Grill, which gave out oysters on a half shell, won Best Appetizer, while DF Mavens, which makes a wide variety of dairy-free ice cream flavors, prevailed as Best Dessert.

“A great time was had by all,” stated QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein. “The food, the beverages, the networking, and the upbeat atmosphere were simply fantastic. I’m already looking forward to next year, and I am extremely grateful to our lead sponsor Fairway Market.”

Participants included Amerivents, Bill’s Balls, Brooklyn Brewery, Chee Bonnet Cheesecake Balls, Christos Steak House, Desserts that Matter, DF Mavens, Dog & Duck Gastropub, Drink More Good, Dutch Kills Centraal, e-Desserts, F. Ottomanelli Burgers & Belgian Fries, Fairway Market, Jam Jar Bakery, Granola Bar None, La Adelita, La Fusta, Little Bird Chocolates, Magna Ristorante, Mama’s of Corona, Manhattan Beer Co., McClure’s Pickles, Murphy’s Lobster Grill, O Lavrador, Pa-Nash Restaurant, Pine Restaurant, Ponciana Tree, Punzoné Vodka, Queens Brewery, Rose House, Rudy’s Bakery & Café, Sheraton Catering Company, Shiro of Japan, Smoke Kimchee, Soul Snacks Cookie Company, The Turkish Cultural Center, Take a Break and I’ll Bake, Tropisec Uncle Peter’s Restaurant, Yardie Treats, Yoli and Zenon Taverna.

Interview with Jim Silver President of Time to Play Magazine-2014

Jim Silver is recognized as one of the preeminent experts in toys and play.

 Silver is CEO/editor-in-chief of TTPM, the #1 source for all things play where consumers can research and find the best playthings. TTPM is the only site that combines expert reviews (video and written) with live price comparison, one-click purchasing, and product availability at major retailers including Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, buybuy BABY, GameStop, Best Buy, Sports Authority and Modell’s Sporting Goods.

 More than 30 years working in toys and play has enabled Silver to forge relationships with industry leaders and influencers. These relationships provide Silver with the inside track for industry trends, news, and analysis.

Silver appears in a wide variety of television, print, and online interviews each year.

TTPM Spring Showcase For Toys Top Movie Toys outdoor playthings and much more-2014

TTPM, a consumer website publishing reviews, videos, and live price updates for toys, baby gear, kids electronics, sporting goods and pet toys, today announced the toy trends for summer 2014 and predicted an improved outlook for summer toy sales over 2013 during an industry press conference.

“Summer 2014 is promising for the toy industry. Blockbuster movies drive significant consumer interest, and we expect this year’s strong summer movie lineup will grow sales $500 million compared to the same time period in 2013,” said Jim Silver, CEO/editor-in-chief of TTPM. “After lackluster spring sales in 2013, the combination of popular movies and favorable weather is key for manufacturers and retailers to increase revenue during spring and summer.”

Held during the annual TTPM Spring Showcase, a one-day media event highlighting the season’s best in play, the press conference addressed the current state of the toy industry and revealed the 2014 TTPM Summer Play List, a round-up of the top toys chosen by TTPM editors to be the most fun and engaging items for children and their families this season.

“Over the past several seasons, we’ve seen a boom in classic toys—particularly in summer. When kids aren’t studying, they are outdoors and more able to engage in self-directed play, they naturally gravitate to time-tested classics like bubbles, chalk, ride-ons, water blasters and much more,” said Chris Byrne, content director aka The Toy Guy®. “Savvy toymakers have continued to innovate in these basic categories, provide diverse and imagination-rich products for kids and outstanding value for families.”

Recognized as a leading resource by consumers, the TTPM editorial team identified three key summer 2014 toy trends:

    A BIGGER BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE LINE-UP

    Compared with last year, the big screen will make a big impact this summer. The four key movie properties expected to increase sales in the toy aisle this season, as predicted by TTPM, are Transformers: Age of Extinction, Disney Planes: Fire and Rescue, Godzilla, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

    INNOVATIVE OUTDOOR TOYS

    As the weather warms up, families reach for summer staples including bubbles, water blasters, chalk, scooters, and more. Manufacturers will introduce a variety of updated summer classics to encourage outdoor play for kids and are expected to be popular choices for parents looking to get their children outside and active.

    BREAKOUT HITS

    Several recently released toy lines are expected to heat up in the summer months. Even more popular than when they launched in 2013, TTPM named Disney’s Frozen and Minecraft the hottest two entertainment properties, stating both toy lines have been selling out at retail. The Lego Movie, an early surprise hit, also remains a ‘must have’ for the season. Consumers have been anticipating the release of Paw Patrol toys, based on the breakout animated series and expected to be hugely popular when they hit store shelves in June. The team also included The Happy’s, an introduction from Cepia, the makers of Zhu Zhu pets, to the list, advising parents and retailers to keep an eye on the new collection.

Informed by the season’s trends and selected by the TTPM editorial team, the 2014 TTPM Summer Play List is curated annually to help parents and gift givers discover the best new toys and children’s products hitting store shelves.

At the press conference, Silver also announced that the Shop for Kids by TTPM app is now optimized for iPad through a universal update. The app simplifies the experience of searching for and buying children’s products and provides access to the extensive TTPM database of thousands of in-depth expert reviews on the latest toys, baby gear, pet toys, sporting goods, children’s books, video games, and apps.