Girl Rising: A Movie Review

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 20, 2014

Girl Rising: A Movie Review

There is always something about documentaries that really touches me every time I watch them. Probably because it talks about real stories and comments from actual events and people involved.

Watching the documentary ‘Girl Rising’ truly moved me. The film has so much power and determination to change the world by educating girls. It is one of the best documentaries I have seen. And it’s perfect for women’s month celebration. The film doesn’t make you cry, it just makes you realize that a girl has immense power to be an advocate of change through education. An educated girl moves economies, as the movie emphasizes.

I like the way the documentary is presented. It highlights the stories of nine girls from nine different countries, each of them pursuing their dream of getting good education. You can see how they longed to be in school regardless of their situation. No money issues, cultural issues or other potential social problems can prevent them from attending school, and watching them is just so inspiring. And so, after watching it, I got to tell myself that I am just so lucky to be raised by parents who sent me to a good school.

I especially like the choice of narrators: Oscar awardees Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep, Disney icon Selena Gomez, and popular actress Anne Hathaway, among others. Their voices kept me engaged throughout the entire documentary.

Of all the nine girls’ stories, Wadley’s story was what amused me the most. Born and raised in Haiti, Wadley, about nine years old, was exposed too early in life to tragic circumstance when a high-magnitude earthquake badly hit Haiti. She had fun in school until an unfortunate event caused her to stop her education. Wadley’s mom can no longer afford to send her to a makeshift learning center but that didn’t stop her from attending the class, despite being shooed away by the teacher for not paying school tuition. The cutest part was being insistent in staying, almost to the point of arguing with her teacher, until she won. Now that’s a brave little girl!

Girl Rising is more like a movement than just simply telling stories of girls and their determination towards good education. It is a campaign to encourage girls all over the world to become empowered through education in order to help make a good change in their societies.

Cocktail parties and gatherings are so much more fun when held at Primavera Residences! Find out more details by clicking here.

A Tribute Night at Primavera Residences to Celebrate Women’s Month

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 10, 2014

A Tribute Night at Primavera Residences to Celebrate Women’s Month

It’s March and it means one thing: it’s international women’s month. During this time of the year, public and private organizations across the globe find time to celebrate the role of women in societies. As a show of honor and gratitude to the strong and beautiful women of CDO, Primavera Residences is also cooking up activities that you sure must not miss. Dubbed as “Women’s Night at Primavera: A Tribute to the Strength and Resiliency of the Modern Empowered Women”, this women’s night event will be held on March 22^nd at the multi-purpose hall of Primavera Residences from 6PM to 9PM. It will be a night of cocktails and chatting, a showcase of women’s talent through the art exhibits and inspiring thoughts from notable women of Northern Mindanao.

As a proud woman myself, I’d like to quote one of my favorite lines on women empowerment from the lovely Nancy Reagan that says “A woman is like a tea bag: you cannot tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Wonderful line from a wonderful woman, isn’t it? Oh, I’d like to make it even more specific. Let’s use the term “modern woman” to make it even more impactful. This does not mean that we belittle the men out there. As the cliché goes, a man will always be a man. What the quote simply says is that women have their strengths and they can contribute to the society as much as men can.

Since it women’s month anyway, I’d like to share to you a simple truth and you have to agree with me on this: the secret behind every man’s success is a woman. Really, the woman is a man’s backseat driver in the many things he does. She makes him behave, she dresses him up decently, she plans where to dine for a date, and she drags him to church. I could go and on but the list is endless for the woman’s capabilities is boundless, both at home and in society. This is no theory because history itself recorded women empowerment in politics and the labor force, which is even more manifested these days. No wonder career women with families are coined as “super women” because they can juggle work and kids and husband chores. Now that is something!

Here in the Philippines, we pay tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas” who inspired positive changes to our country. Did Miriam Defensor Santiago cross your mind? Yes, she makes a good example, and she is just one of the many resilient “Juanas” who inspires women to come out of their shell and be the strong woman that they are.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars this 22^nd for a night of fun and socialization at the premiere eco-friendly residential condo of uptown CDO. Remember though, this event is not just for women, it’s for everyone. But it’s a celebration for women and we wish to highlight the beauty of a woman’s role not just in the home, or in society but to the entire world.

Planning to hold cocktail events and parties? Click here and do no more venue-scouting.

Italian Movie “The Great Beauty” Wins an Oscar!

Posted by Primavera Residences on March 7, 2014

Italian movie “The Great Beauty” wins an Oscar!

The whole world just recently witnessed the awarding of notable films in the highly prestigious Oscar Awards last March 2^nd. Of course, apart from wanting to know the best films, there’s always wanting to find out who were the best dressed, the sloppiest, who performed in the awards night, among other things (trust me, I did my share in looking up photos of the best dressed and I’m sure you did, too). Yet, the very highlight of it all is really honoring the achievements of talented people behind the film industry. They are the ones who put life to the stories weaved in our imaginations or even from real life events.

I am a fan of movies, whether local or international, but I have a particular interest for foreign language flicks (thanks to my Film class instructor!). I learned appreciation for foreign language films from my Film class back in college, and I have grown fondly of the subject because the only things we do are watch foreign language flicks and criticize right after. So, during last Sunday’s Oscars, I salute the winner of the Best Foreign Language Film, Italy’s “The Great Beauty” or “La Grande Belleza” by Paolo Sorrentino for bagging the award. This movie must have something special in it for being honored as such. Let me give you a brief description of the storyline.

The story revolves around the life of high socialite Jep Gambardella and his reflections of how he wasted away the years of his life throwing parties and living a superbly lavish lifestyle with his social and literary circles in Rome, yet not feeling contented at all. Jep was a successful writer, having gained his writing feat for that one novel during his early twenties. But after his 65^th birthday, he came to a personal reflection of what went missing with his life. He just can’t seem to find satisfaction and he’s at a loss for finding meaning to living.

As the movie was set in Rome, scenes depicted several of Rome’s classical architecture and landscape including the high-rise condos of Jep’s socialite friends. The mixture of sights and sounds in the movie is just as fascinating, as the movie portrays the extravagant nightlife of the main character. Ah, Italy!

If you are not so much a fan of foreign language flicks as this, you may get into the trouble of fully understanding the movie plot. The Great Beauty needs a good amount of comprehension, considering that the title doesn’t really illustrate the story line as it is. But it will make you question what the great beauty is, and Jep shows a discovery of himself after a series of interactions with individuals who he met as he goes about a reflective journey of his life. I think the story itself is what made it the deserving winner of the foreign language film category.

You wouldn’t want to miss watching this award-winning Italian film and getting a feel of Italian living, so find yourself a copy and you might just see an image of yourself on Jep Gambardella. Then, don’t forget to do some serious personal reflections, too!

Did you know that we also have an award-winning Italian-inspired condominium here in CDO? Click here to take a peek of the city’s premiere eco-friendly residential abode!

Calling All Amateur Photographers In Cagyan De Oro! Join The Primavera Earth Day Photography Contest!

Posted by Jane on March 6, 2014

Are you an amateur photographer who

is ready and eager to showcase your work in print and in the world wide web?
has an eye and skill in creating stunning images that convey a message?
believes in the importance of sustainable development and eco-friendly solutions?

Then we are looking for you!

Join Primavera Residences’ “LIVING GREEN IN A MODERN WORLD: An Earth Day Photography Contest” and win fantastic prizes from the first multi-awarded green condominium building in Mindanao. This contest is co-presented by Smart Communications.

Who can join:

The contest is open to amateur photographers, photography students, and enthusiasts of all ages based in Northern Mindanao. Professional photographers (defined as an individual who receives compensation for his photographic work either as a one-person operation or through involvement in a studio outfit) are not eligible to enter this contest.
Participants under 18 years of age require the permission of a parent or guardian. By entering the contest, entrants under 18 years of age indicate that they have obtained the permission of a parent or guardian.
The contest is not open to employees of Italpinas Corp. or its subsidiaries and affiliates.

How to join:

Each participant is allowed to submit a maximum of 3 entries.
Entry is limited to original works that have not previously been displayed or exhibited and to which the entrant holds all applicable rights. Works that have won prizes in other contests or that have been submitted to other contests currently underway are not eligible.
The submitted works must revolve around the theme and will showcase eco-friendly living and sustainable projects in the region.
Images that have been retouched using digital software or by other means will be accepted. Both color and monochrome images will be accepted.
Entries must be submitted between March 1 to April 22, 2014.
By submitting an entry to this contest, the participant ensures the organizers that the content is original, does not plagiarize from anyone or infringe a copyright or trademark, does not violate anybody’s rights and is not libelous or otherwise unlawful or misleading. Should the organizers or judges receive a report and proof of plagiarism, the entry will automatically be disqualified.

After carefully reading the guidelines, participants may submit their entries in jpeg format through any of the following options:

Via walk-in at the Primavera Residences office in Pueblo de Oro Business Park, Cagayan de Oro. File must be in a CD or USB and submitted to Jane Duterte.
Through the following email: crs@italpinas.com.
By submitting a link from Facebook or Flickr.

Submitted entries must include the following information: participant’s name, address, phone number, email address, and photo caption.
Entries must have a resolution of 6 megapixels to be made available upon request.
Finalists will be announced in April 25, 2014 and will be open for public viewing in the gallery exhibit to be held at Primavera Residences and the Primavera booth in SM.

Copyright:

The copyright in all images submitted to the competition will remain with the copyright holder who will be credited. Each entrant grants to ITPI a non-exclusive irrevocable license to reproduce, publish and communicate to the public by any means and exhibit their awarded image(s) and copies of their awarded image(s) in all media in relation to the competition and the exhibition.

How will the entries be judged?

Images will be judged on relevance to the theme, originality, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
The team of judges will be composed of officials from Italpinas, members of the CDO press and bloggers community, and prominent Cagayan de Oro photographers. (Meet the judges HERE)
Preliminary judging of the online gallery will be done from April 22 to 24, 2014.
On April 25, the top 10 entries will be unveiled in a photo exhibit to be held at the Primavera Residences booth in SM City.
Final judging and awarding will be on May 3, 2014.
All decisions made by the judges are final.

ADDITIONAL NOTICE:

The panel of judges and the contest organizers take plagiarism very seriously. All the submissions will be accepted in good faith and presumed to be the participants’ property. Should reports of plagiarism with attached proof be received by the judges and contest organizers, the reported entry will be automatically disqualified from the contest and prizes will be forfeited.

MAJOR PRIZES

First Prize:

2 nights luxury stay for 4 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
Spread in the Primavera newsletter
Opportunity to showcase his/her portfolio on the Primavera Blog
Plaque
3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
1 LTE Pocket Wifi and additional gift items from Smart Communications

Second prize:

2 nights luxury stay for 2 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
Feature in the Primavera newsletter
Plaque
3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
Additional gift items from Smart Communications

Third prize:

1 night luxury stay for 2 at Primavera Residences with free breakfast.
Feature in the Primavera newsletter
Plaque
3-month membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera including 2 months pool & gym use.
additional gift items from Smart Communications

Minor Prizes:

7 winners will receive the following:
Gift certificates from partner establishments
2 months membership to Wellness Wednesday Club@Primavera and pool & gym use.
Additional gift items from Smart Communications

Send your entries now!

If you want to know more about the number one eco-friendly destination in uptown Cagayan de Oro, go here.

Primavera Residences Joins Kagay-anons in Celebrating CDO Mayor’s Birthday

Posted by Jane on March 1, 2014

Primavera Residences joined kagay-anons in celebrating Mayor Oscar Moreno’s 63rd birthday in a whole day event at Gaston Park and Cagayan de Oro City Hall yesterday, February 28, 2014.

The event which was organized by Cagayan de Oro City Hall employees and supported by private corporations and professional groups drew thousands of kagay-anons for its free services and fanfare. The celebration began with a mass at the San Agustin Cathedral followed by simultaneous events at the Gaston Park which served as the private sector partners’ gift to the city mayor.

Activities at Gaston Park include a medical and dental mission spearheaded by the Misamis Oriental Medical Society and the Philippine Dental Association, free legal assistance through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines CDO Chapter, feeding program for street children, free haircut and massage, blood letting activity by the Philippine Red Cross CDO Chapter, free anti-rabies vaccines, and outdoor camp for the arts.

Primavera Residences showed its support through providing over-the-counter medicines which were distributed during the medical mission.

Aside from the free services provided by private sponsors and professionals, different groups also showed up to offer their support. One of these is Mr. Nick Aca Jr. of the Oro Art Guild who fascinated passersby with the art work he was painting at the Outdoor Camp for the Arts.

“Mayor Oca has always been a supporter of the arts in the city, and we are indeed very happy and honored when we were invited to become a part of his birthday celebration,” says Mr. Aca.

The whole day event was capped off with a program at the City Hall quadrangle.

See below some photos taken during the birthday celebration.

Primavera supports medical mission for mayor moreno's birthday — Doctors from the Misamis Oriental Medical Society during the medical mission

mayor moreno birthday — Mayor Moreno greets guests

primavera GM with arlene moreno — Primavera Residences General Manager Ms. Cheryll Barriga with Ms. Arlene Moreno

anti rabies at mayor moreno's birthday — free anti-rabies shots through the City Veterinary Office and private sponsors

primavera community relations during moreno birthday — Primavera Community Relations Specialist Jane Duterte with program organizer Mozart Pastrano and Mr. Sean Moreno

Interested to know more about the multi-awarded green condominium building in Cagayan de Oro? Go HERE.

Style Spotting in Cagayan de Oro

Posted by Jane on December 26, 2013

In case you haven’t heard it yet, Cagayan de Oro is teeming with ultra-stylish and fabulously dressed ladies (and men too!).

Whether you’re at the malls, cafés, restaurants, offices, clubs, or even in the streets, you’re sure to come across lots of head-turners with standout style.

The CDO fashion culture is characterized by easy glam and comfortable pieces – simple yet elegant dresses, bright colors, and laidback looks.

Here are some of the fab styles I spotted recently.

EVERYDAY CHIC

Effortless glamour in the streets and malls of CdO!

Marianne, a fashionista architect, looks amazing in a maxi dress paired with a denim vest. Ballet flats, interesting accessories, and cool sunnies complete this striking boho chic look.

Julie, a yoga instructor, shows her lovely figure in a fashionably classy cut-out dress. The asymmetrical hemline accentuates her toned legs while the snakeskin heels and posh bag seal the deal. Here’s a perfect outfit for her dinner with friends.

Kathy and Judee – both telecom employees – look effortlessly glam in their Saturday brunch outfits. Kathy is wearing a flowy, multi-colored maxi-dress that matches her sunny personality, while Judee looks perfectly charming in a simple white shirt paired with a denim skirt. Both girls choose a mix of style and comfort by slipping on wedges as their footwear of choice.

Mae, a banker, adds a sizzle of glamour into her black and khaki ensemble with a gorgeous pair of animal-print stilettos. Her cropped hairstyle and minimal accessories all add up for a streamlined yet totally classy look.

OFFICE STYLE

Mae is ready to step out of the boardroom and into a dinner date with this purple and black outfit. She added some extra pizzazz to her classic shift dress by donning on a sequined cardigan. A pair of sky-high Loboutins complete this sophisticated look.

Michelle, the VP and head of Corporate Communications and Branding for ITPI Corp., is ready to take on her super busy day in her black boots, tights, and asymmetrical mini dress topped with a well-tailored blazer. This functional yet fun look is a perfect day-to-night outfit.

Judee, a PR officer, looks laid back and comfy in her smart casual attire. The blazer worn on top of her jeans-and-tank top combo makes it office-appropriate while remaining comfortable enough for her long list of meetings all over town.

PARTY WEAR

CdO peeps know how to party in sizzling style!

Marjorie, a top executive of a Cebu-based firm, dazzles in her royal blue dress paired with nude heels. The figure-skimming dress looks deceptively simple – its cut-out back design shows just the right amount of skin for a tastefully sexy look.

Kim, a flight attendant, looks absolutely stunning in her lace-covered dress accessorized with perfectly matching necklace and high heels. SEXY? You bet! And elegant too!

Charmaine, another flight attendant, looks lovely in this black and white dress paired with simple peep-toe heels. Her best accessories? Bright colored lips and a pretty smile!

Yoga instructor Julie once again made jaws drop when she attended her friend’s party. She’s wearing a simple black camisole top paired with a gorgeous plaid skirt and matching intricately designed shoes.

Red looks dainty and polished in her lacy top and shorts ensemble. Pointed heels further elongate her long legs, and a collar necklace adds sparkle to a well-coordinated outfit.

A sling bag, a gold statement necklace, and a radiant smile are all the accessories Kim needs to amp up her simple but sexy figure- hugging dress.

Dainty as a fairy! This chinita beauty commands attention with her well-chosen fashion pieces.

Claudine channels easy glam with her fashionable LBD, tousled ‘do, and nude heels.

Duchesa stands out in a bodycon dress that shows off her curves. Peeptoe high heels add more oomph to her outfit.

Thatcher rocks a one shoulder LBD with a chunky statement necklace and classic pumps.

Audrey puts a twist on the prim and proper look with her dress’ embellished shoulder design and pretty ruffles that alternately drapes and hugs her figure.

…and this is me in my favorite color combination – black and white.

Want to see more of the Kagay-anons’ eclectic style? Head over to www.primaveraresidences.com

Video: What do we want for Christmas?

Posted by Primavera Residences on December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas to all! As a holiday gift, we have launched the Share a Wish Promo.

Just share your Christmas Wish and you get a chance to win a luxurious 2-night stay with spa experience at Primavera Residences, the most sought-after address in Cagayan de Oro City! Click here to join!

Movie: Mid-August Lunch (Pranzo di Ferragosto) at Cine Europa 16

Posted by Jane on November 4, 2013

It was Cine Europa season once again, and this year marks the sixth time that the film fest graced Cagayan de Oro City. High quality European movies were shown to the public (for free!) from October 10 to 13 at the Rodelsa Hall in Liceo de Cagayan University, drawing cinema enthusiasts from all over the city.

I happen to be one of those movie fans who mark my calendar each year to head to Rodelsa Hall and catch European films galore. So last Saturday, I met up with a couple of friends for a quick brunch before catching an Italian comedy called Pranzo di Ferragosto or Mid-August Lunch. Here are some of my thoughts about this simple and light-hearted movie.

1. Food, food, food!

Good thing we had a hearty brunch before the movie, otherwise my stomach would’ve been rumbling in protest. There were so much food featured in the movie! Almost each scene had some form of delicious food lurking somewhere, and an ever-present glass or bottle of wine. Ahhh. The Italians sure know how to tease not only the taste buds, but the imagination as well.

Food played a great part in the storyline too. There was a funny scene with the old lady who raided the fridge for some pasta casserole, and a huge chunk of the scenes were of the main character Gianni going around town looking for ingredients for the meals he’s cooking. And of course, the title itself says ‘lunch’.

I left the theater feeling hungry and craving for some pasta al forno and some good old Filetti Di Persico Con Patate. So when I got home, I immediately scoured the net for some recipes. So here, I’m sharing them with you too.

Pasta al forno was the dish cooked by the character Maria. It was so delicious that Grazia (the one who’s forbidden from eating pasta, cheeses and tomatoes) raided the fridge and ate all of it!

This is the recipe prepared by Gianni for their Ferragosto lunch. They had to find the ingredients from all over town, but it was totally worth it!

2. Family Always Comes First

It is known the world over that the Italians place very high importance on their family (just like us Filipinos!) The family is always considered as the center of the social structure and everyone looks after the interest of another.

In the movie, we meet Gianni, the 60-ish man who lives with his 90-year old mom to take care of her. The movie opens up with him reading The Three Musketeers to his mother, with the quite spry and opinionated mom voicing out her funny comments every now and then.

The story doesn’t fail to tug at your heartstrings. It’s a no-frills cinematic fare – utterly delightful in its simplicity. The focus: selflessness and love for family. It’s something Filipinos could very much relate to.

3. Promoting Relationships through Good Food

A big part of the movie is all about preparing meals together and bonding while making casserole, chopping potatoes, or what-have-you. And of course, the actual meals itself. This simply reiterates the importance of eating together and talking in meals, and how it truly does wonders to human relationships.

All in all, the movie is fantastic. If you haven’t seen it yet, I suggest you look for a copy of the movie, grab some family and friends, and watch it with some good food and wine.

So.. bon appetit! Arrivederci!

In the mood for some more Italian culture? Check out this link for a slice of Italy in Cagayan de Oro!

Photo source: Central Coast Foodie blog

How is Halloween celebrated in CDO?

Posted by Primavera Residences on October 30, 2013

What does Halloween have in store for CDO? Who is cooking up an exciting treats for Kagay-anons this November? Our writer Sanna gives some hints.

From my side of the world, we never really celebrated Halloween. In our belief, it was some form of paganism of some sort. It was not explained to us nor was it a part of our yearly routine as a family – or maybe I just was not that interested about it then. All I could see happening around the city during that time of the year would be the changes of decors from malls, to schools, to offices all around the city. Decorations would be hanging around like webs, skulls, ghosts, spiders, witches hats, and the famous jack-o-lanterns would be everywhere.

As I grew older, I slowly understood why it happens every year and tried to learn more about it for my own knowledge and for some facts to pass on my children in the future – so they don’t grow up ignorant like me.

As I searched through the city for events related to it last year, I found out there was not much celebration here. No trick-or-treatin’ kids, not much adults welcoming kids either or maybe that was just at my side of the town. There were only private costume parties and none of them really explained what the event was for nor were there any explanation for such celebration.

From what I remember last year, there was a Halloween fun run for A Liter of Light, a Halloween gig at a local bar where they awarded people with best costumes on the event, malls would have promos for decors and groceries, and that’s just about it.

Maybe this year would be different from the previous years. I’m looking into how the uptown people would celebrate Halloween. Maybe I should explore there more. I hear my new favorite place, Primavera Residences, is cooking up something for trick-or-treaters and that would be surely something to look forward to. I will surely write about that event really soon as soon as I get the facts, so watch out for my new article.

Love to know more about Halloween activities in CDO? For updates, click here and be sure to leave your name and email so we can haunt you with exciting news!

Photo is from freedigitalphotos.net.

On Mindanao News Daily: Primavera Residences Architect in Italian Language Week

Posted by Primavera Residences on October 30, 2013

Primavera Residences Architect featured in Italian Language Week

Architect Romolo Valentino Nati, the Italian architect and designer who designed and executed Primavera Residences, Cagayan de Oro’s first ever eco-friendly mid-rise condominium, will be prominently featured in the 13th edition of the Settimana della lingua italiana (Italian Language Week) on December 10-13.

Arch. Nati has been invited to speak on “Eco-Friendly Buildings and Renewable Energy” on December 12 at the Conference on the theme: ““Ricerca, Scoperta, Innovazione: L’Italia dei saperi” (Research, Discovery, Innovation: Italy and Knowledge) at the Claro M. Recto Hall, Faculty Center (College of Arts and Letters), UP Diliman.

Continue reading story here.

Category: Arts & Culture