‘Sit back, relax & enjoy flying’

Singapore Airlines (SIA) welcomed the newest member to its fleet — the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner — during an event at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City recently.

The arrival ceremony was graced by Singaporean Ambassador Kok Li Peng. Guests celebrated the arrival of the aircraft at the Dignitaries Lounge with music, entertainment, champagne and a range of food inspired by the different destinations SIA’s 787-10 serves. They were also given an exclusive tour of the aircraft.

Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner’s Capt. Julio Rosales.

Singapore Airlines Philippines general manager  Balagopal Kunduvara said, “Today’s milestone represents our commitment and dedication to constantly provide our customers with a premium travel experience like no other. SIA is the largest customer for the 787-10, with firm orders for 49 of the type. Customers now have more reason to sit back, relax and enjoy flying with us.”

Business Class passengers can rest in a seat that reclines directly into a 76” fully flat bed, even on the shortest flights.  Economy Class passengers can enjoy traveling in comfort on seats with an ergonomically designed contour backrest, together with a six-way adjustable headrest and foldable wings to provide more neck support. 

Singapore Airlines’ ‘Singapore Girls’ flank PPS Club member Menchu Katigbak and Singapore Airlines station manager-Manila Eugene Goh.

All passengers on the new 787-10s will have greater control over their in-flight entertainment experience through myKrisWorld, including content recommendations based on customer preferences and viewing history.  KrisFlyer members will be able to bookmark and resume content, as well as customize and save preferences for subsequent flights.

The new aircraft is also equipped with in-flight Wi-Fi supported by Panasonic’s Global Communication Services and GSM phone services provided by Panasonic’s wholly owned subsidiary Aeromobile.

Business Class seats become full flat beds in Singapore Airlines’ new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.

Business Class passengers can pick from a wide array of gourmet choices with “Book the Cook,” where they can pre-select their meal up to 24 hours before their flight, for flights from Singapore.

SIA’s 787-10s will be used on flights up to eight hours and have commenced services between Singapore and both Osaka and Perth since May, and Bali this month, with more destinations to be added as additional aircraft are received.

Creativity & innovation

Design and creative managers in the Philippines now have a greater opportunity to improve their talent and entrepreneurial skills with the launch of the “Creative Innovators Programme.”

British Council in the Philippines arts and creative industries head Malaya del Rosario and country director Nicholas Thomas.

Spearheaded by the British Council in the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), the program aims to strengthen the country’s creative industry ecosystem by supporting creative hub managers, multiplying its impact and contribution to economic growth and creating more inclusive and creative communities.

Also made possible through a partnership with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), Apl.de.Ap Foundation and Thames International, the program will include mentorships, management trainings, grants and networking opportunities, not just in the Philippines but across Southeast Asia and the UK.

DCP executive director Rhea Matute said, “Through the Creative Innovators Programme, we will be able to push, strengthen, develop and improve the creative industry in the country.  It is our aim to provide a venue for Filipino designers to grow not just their creative talents but also their business skills, to be able to contribute to the country’s economy, develop a thriving design ecosystem and a creative powerhouse in the global arena.”

British Council in the Philippines country director  Nicholas Thomas said that creative industries are the heart of the modern economy and that Filipinos, being creative in nature, have shown great potential in succeeding in this field.

Present during the launch were PTTC executive director Nestor Palabyab, Apl.de.Ap Foundation founder apl.de.ap, British Council in the Philippines arts and creative industries head Malaya del Rosario and Thames International managing director and Apl.de.Ap Foundation trustee Joel Santos.

A tribute to Rizal in Prague

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Nestor Espenilla Jr. and Czech National Bank governor Jiri Rusnok.

After 131 years, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, returns to Prague.

A bust of Rizal was recently unveiled at the foyer of the Czech National Bank headquarters.  The bust was created by Filipino sculptor Jose Giroy, apprentice of National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Nestor Espenilla Jr. and his counterpart, Czech National Bank governor Ji?í Rusnok graced the official unveiling ceremony. Also present at the event were the first Czech Ambassador to Manila Stanislav Slavický, Czech Embassy Manila Deputy Head of Mission Jana Peterková, and representatives from the biggest Czech company operating in the country, Home Credit Philippines, which employs almost 10,000 Filipinos nationwide.

The Rizal bust in Prague was the brainchild of Czech National Bank vice governor Vladimír Tomšík, who teamed up with Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Jaroslav Olša Jr. with an aim to commemorate Rizal´s visit to Prague in 1887.

In 1887, Rizal traveled around Europe alongside his friend Máximo Viola and spent four days in Litom??ice (Leitmeritz) where they met Rizal’s closest collaborator, mentor and friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt. Afterwards, they reportedly spent a few days in the Czech capital touring the city, meeting scientists, such as botanist Heinrich Willkomm, with whom Rizal later on collaborated during his exile in Dapitan. While in Prague, it was said that they stayed in Hotel Modráhv?zda (Blue Star), which was later demolished to give space for a new building of a national bank headquarters.

As the Czech National Bank stands opposite the famed Art Nouveau Municipal House and the Gothic Powder Tower,  which can be seen at the beginning of the Royal Route at the Square of the Republic, Rizal’s bust can now become another must-see spot for tourists to appreciate Rizal’s shared history with Prague.

Latvia honorary consuls meet in Riga

Latvia President Raimonds V?jonis and wife Iveta V?jone with Latvia Honorary Consul General Robert Lim Joseph Jr.

Honorary consuls of the Republic of Latvia recently attended the 9th Biennial Worldwide Consular meeting in Riga.

Latvia President Raimonds V?jonis and wife Iveta V?jone welcomed guests that included Honorary Consul General Robert Lim Joseph Jr. during the cocktail reception held at the Presidential Palace.

The event coincided with the Song and Dance Festival in celebration of Latvia’s Centennial Independence.

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