MOK LAUNCHES NEW, BETTER AND MORE ELEGANT DEVICES CALLED MOK 2.0

My favorite MOK brand just got upgraded! 

This blogger was invited to their elegant and sleek virtual launch a few days ago and was giddily amazed at the new and improved MOK 2.0 devices. I have been faithfully using these heat-not-burn (HnB) gadgets for 8 months and haven’t encountered any problems. I use both the MOK 1.9 and the MOK Mini. The bigger 1.9 with a holder (charger) is for the non-chain-smoker while the Mini is a stand-alone that can heat 8 to 10 COO heat sticks continuously before charging. Since I’m a chimneyfish (a slang for a chain-smoker 😊), I normally use the Mini for convenience. Aside from addressing my massive vapor needs, it’s also small and compact. I can put it inconspicuously in my compact sling bag without taking too much space. It’s also pocketable by the way. I just bought a small gadget pouch and put everything in including the COO heat sticks and the cleaning kit.

I can’t wait to upgrade to these new, slick devices with more powerful batteries, better features, more elegant colors and designs. Just look at the gorgeous MOK 2.0 pics below:

Though I’m a bit disappointed that there are no new flavors for the COO heat sticks, a small matter for some, but it's just me 😊! And one great thing that I need to point out, the new devices are more affordable than the old ones and IQOS, its toughest HnB competitor.

I am also posting the official press release provided to us by the company for my dear readers’ perusal below. It indicates the availability of the new devices, the description of new features among many others. After the press release, I posted photos of the actual launch event:

MOK, the first heat-not-burn brand locally available in the Philippines, introduces revolutionary devices that aim to provide adult smokers with a better tobacco experience by being equally satisfying alternatives to their favorite cigarettes.

At the heart of MOK devices are sophisticated electronics highlighted by its unique Heating Pin. By utilizing innovative heat-not-burn technology, MOK allows for reduction of harmful chemicals significantly compared to cigarette smoke, by heating the tobacco just enough to release a flavorful nicotine-containing vapor without burning the tobacco itself.

During the virtual launch last December 3, 2020, MOK Philippines unveiled the latest device in their heat-not-burn product line, the MOK 2.0, an ultra-lightweight and compact device that embodies taste, tech, and style with its high-tech OLED panel, fast pre-heating cycles, fast charging feature, and premium colorways of brown, gold, and blue.

“This is the most premium MOK device that’s out in the market. The new MOK 2.0 boasts of defined, angular shapes that’s distinct and truly elegant on its own. Again, still ultra-lightweight, still compact, and its matte metallic finish furthers MOK’s signature of sophistication,” shares Cax Mayuga, MOK Philippines’ Marketing Director.

The media and selected VIPs were led to a virtual room where they fully experienced the future of tobacco by choosing which MOK 2.0 premium colorway fits their style.

There was also a surprise reveal of the MOK mini Plus— a device that has an even more compact form factor, which consumers loved in the first generation MOK mini, but with further improvements to perfect its minimalism and functionality. MOK mini Plus has a faster pre-heating cycle and now comes in a matte metallic finish for that super sleek look.

“MOK continuously innovates and adapts to more advanced technology to give a better alternative to cigarettes, without losing the pleasurable tobacco experience. It’s the brand of innovation that we are so proud to uphold and share with all adult smokers,” adds Mayuga.

MOK 2.0 is the flagship product of a new line of MOK products to be launched in the Philippines and will be available on December 15 in MOK official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and select hubs of GrabMart Express as well as MOK Specialty Kiosks in Eastwood Mall, SM City North EDSA, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Manila, and METL!VE.

To find out more about MOK, visit: https://mok.com.ph/

#MOKHeatNotBurn #MOK2.0DigitalLaunch

The virtual launch event was hosted by TV personality Shawn Yao (left) while the
resource person was MOK Philippines Marketing Director Cax Mayuga

The COO heat sticks come in different flavors

The advantages of using heat not burn over vapes and traditional cigarettes

Love Plus Charity Foundation Gives Back by Helping Filipinos In Need During the Pandemic

As the popular saying goes, Love really conquers all! This was I think the mantra of the famed LOVE PLUS CHARITY FOUNDATION when they braved the pandemic and the fear of coronavirus infections to donate massive amounts of food, medical equipment, cash and other essential necessities in Paranaque City recently. Actually, since the pandemic started, they already conducted numerous outreach programs in different parts of the country with the backing of big Chinese companies and the local Chinese community.

These heartwarming and noble causes by the foundation and the Chinese in general clearly communicate that they are here for the Filipinos through thick and thin, pandemic or without. These are qualities that embody the main mission of the foundation, which is to spread LOVE and cheer to our dear Filipino brothers. Common Table PR was there to witness this uplifting activity. Below is the rundown of the event complete with the cheerful photos that clearly documented the love spread by the foundation on that fine, sunny day.

Manila, Philippines - Love Plus Charity Foundation held their community outreach program on October 28, 2020 at Brgy. Punta, Paranaque City with Co-Founder William Chen and Miss Philippines Earth 2019 Janelle Tee to provide aid to the families who were greatly affected by the pandemic. Many of the world’s greatest movements were started by community outreach projects and volunteering brings families and friends, neighbors, and strangers together. 

Love Plus Charity Foundation, an organization founded by Chinese national, Hu Sun, started to provide aid in their own little ways by means of food delivery for front liners on different checkpoints, across several cities back in March when the government imposed city lockdowns in the country. The organization wanted to reach remote areas that were not focused on by mainstream media – which draw attention from several individuals and organizations, that lead to the growth of donation to the foundation.

Miss Philippines Earth 2019, Janelle Tee being interviewed by media

 Love Plus Charity Foundation Co-Founder, William Chen

“We are not brothers by blood, but we think of Filipinos as a part of our family because they welcomed us with open arms. I think it’s time for us to return the favor and provide assistance in any way we can because that’s what a family does. They help each other get through the rough times.”, said Hu Sun. 

When the Chinese Medical Team first arrived in the country to provide their expertise in combatting the deadly virus, Love Plus Charity Foundation spearheaded the translation between them and local health care officials to make sure no message is lost during translation. With over 50 individuals going hand in hand to donate food, medical equipment, and other necessary items to combat the corona virus, Love Plus Charity Foundation doubled their efforts especially on the months of April and May when they visited major hospitals in NCR, including Lung Center of the Philippines, RITM, Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Bulacan Medical Center and so much more. Love Plus Charity Foundation was also one of the first organizations to provide aid in terms of basic necessities such as food and water when the Pandacan Church caught fire back in July.

The team in action. Donating essential goods to Paraquenos

As of August 1, 2020, a combination of 487 Chinese organizations and individuals have donated to Love Plus Charity Foundation, garnering a total of Php 6,000,000 in cash, 3,144 boxes of surgical masks, 1,340 sets of PPE, 2,000 sets of rapid test kits, baby essentials like formula milk and diaper, in addition to food donations such as rice, bread, instant noodles, canned goods, fruits and vegetables, enough to feed an entire community.

 

When the government implemented another lockdown on August 4, Love Plus Charity Foundation did not waste any time to lend another helping hand to Filipinos, despite of challenges such as distance and heavy rains.

“We believe that in times like these, there is no nationality, but only unity. The Philippines has been our home and we felt like it was our responsibility to help anyone in need – no matter the distance and race, as we need to rise up in the middle of this pandemic.”, said Hu Sun.

Love Plus Charity Foundation will continue its mission to provide aid for Filipinos across the country. The organization hopes that despite the effects of the pandemic, humanity will still find the strength to recover. Contact Love Plus Charity Foundation on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/LovePlusFoundation/ or contact InfinitUs Marketing Solutions at https://www.facebook.com/infinitusph/ for more information.

MY MOK & COO STORY: HOW I CHANGED MY SMOKING HABITS FOR THE BETTER

I’ve long wanted to quit smoking cigarettes. I have done countless times to go cold turkey only to return to my beloved, but life-threatening hobby. Since high school, I simply can’t evade that tempting aroma of a puffball and the act of smoking itself. You see, I am not addicted to nicotine or the other stuff that they accuse that little tobacco stick of. I am simply addicted to the “act of smoking”. From the time you lit the stick to the actual puffing ala movie star to the exhalation of that gorgeous, white puffball. There is something about the whole process that simply relaxes me and clears my mind of clutter. I grew up in an old society where being cool means puffing a smoke, consuming booze and being adrift of society’s standards. The film “A Rebel without a Cause” and countless films with action themes, in our case the Robin Padilla flicks, all the more pushed these rebellious behaviors to our youth.

But now I’m in my middle-aged years. And the specter of death looms large on my horizon. So, this time I have to think hard and deep about my health condition. I have decided to take good care of my health from now on without relinquishing my first love, smoking. So, I decided to buy this cigarette alternative product called MOK. I've been egged by my peers to switch to these heated tobacco products (HTPs) since 2018. They professed that it tastes and creates the same buzz as traditional burning cigarettes without the poisonous toxins and tar that causes cancer and all those creepy stuff. I was initiated to the leading brand of these HTPs called IQOS, made by the World’s largest tobacco maker, Philip Morris. I was initially adverse to it. To my mind, it shortcuts the process of the “act of smoking” premise I was in love with in the first place.

My MOK Mini & pack of COO while sipping my milk tea somewhere in Greenhills
post ECQ

Forward to this day, and I am now huffing and puffing on my black MOK Mini. This is a rectangular gadget that looks like a Zippo lighter but a tad bigger. I bought it because it's pocketable, lighter to carry anywhere and has fewer complications than its bigger sibling the MOK 1.9. In addition, I can smoke continuously on this device with around 10 heat sticks before the battery conks out. It was specially designed for chain smokers unlike the MOK 1.9 where you need to charge the holder a few minutes before you can puff again. I’m also impressed with its build quality. It’s made of glass and adorned with golden metal around it. You wouldn’t be embarrassed to use this outside since it looks sleek, classy, and expensive. Since HTP adoption is still in its infancy stages in the country, it's always a conversation starter wherever I light up.

The core concept is it’s a small heater that heats up a cigarette-like heat stick called COO. COO is made of real tobacco specially designed for the MOK device. It's a half shorter than a common cigarette. You just insert the heat stick in the device, push a few touch buttons, wait for 12 seconds to heat it then puff away. The health advantage of HTPs vs. cigarettes is in its smokeless heating process. Traditional cigarettes are burned to induce the nicotine hit. But with it comes a slew of toxins commonly associated with combustion that includes carbon monoxide, cancer-causing carcinogens, poisonous fumes, toxic metals among many others. But with HTPs, you only get the nicotine and a few toxic substances as the manufacturers claim. Philip Morris in an article even claimed that 90 to 95 percent of toxins found in traditional cigarettes are not present in their heat sticks called HEETs. HTPs like MOK only heat the tobacco to induce the nicotine-laden vapor. That’s another claimed, harmless aspect of these devices, the smoke that comes out of it is not actual smoke but miniscule water vapor. Clinically, these are two very different substances. Another claim is since its vapor, there’s no threat of second hand smoke.

After devouring a burger like this, I normally puff on my MOK w/ COO Golden
Hue heat sticks to celebrate a satisfying lunch

Anyways back to my story, I have been using my MOK Mini for a month already after ditching my favored Winston Lights and I couldn’t be more satisfied. Psychologically, I also feel healthier after the big switch. Although the device doesn’t exactly meet the criteria for my ‘act of smoking’ theory, I’m still happy with it since its better than nothing.

I intend to use it for as long as I enjoy my cup of coffee, my glass of wine, my bottle of beer, my dish of sushi and my zest for life!

The MOK 1.9 is the bigger sibling of my MOK Mini

BTW, MOK & COO can be bought in a variety of outlets such as their Lazada and Shopee stores, DJSHOPPH, HeatNPuff, Lighters Galore and resellers in Facebook. They also have a Philippine website https://mok.com.ph/ and physical stores in Eastwood Mall and SM North Edsa.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda

Gerry’s Grill, restaurant and bar pioneer turns 23

What comes to mind when one thinks of the number 23?  Is it Michael Jordan, the G.O.A.T. of basketball?  Is it the age of real adulting for some, a point in one’s life where he realizes he’s a full-grown adult with all the responsibilities that come with being one?

For Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar, more widely known as Gerry’s Grill, the number marks the years it has successfully catered to the discriminating palate of the Filipino people.  23 years ago, on February 14, 1997, the first Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar opened its doors on Tomas Morato, Quezon City.  And the dining landscape has never been the same since. Gerry’s Grill pioneered the resto-bar concept that continues to appeal to the Gen X, its original clients, as it does the Millennials of today.  Many have followed suit but Gerry’s maintains its uniqueness for a good number of reasons.

Touted as among the few preferred go-to restaurant–bars in the metro, Gerry’s boasts of over a hundred stores thus deserving to be called the “sari-sari store” of resto-bars by virtue of its being found in every major dining and entertainment hub in Metro Manila.  And in each branch, one is surely never short changed.

Gerry’s has proven time and again to withstand food fads like the grill wars, i.e., shawarma, samgyupsal (Korean Grill), lechon manok/baboy and numerous experimental and fusion cuisines.  This means that their Filipino-themed menu has become ingrained in the food psyche of Filipinos, a tradition no less.  Their variety of dishes and beverages represents the whole Philippine cuisine.  Its flavorful Sizzling Sisig, Beef Kare-Kare and Inihaw na Pusit have been legendary food staples at every Filipino customer’s dining table.   The rest of the menu caters to almost any craving.

Even the beer gulping culture of the country has been shaped and influenced by Gerry’s Grill being a top-of-mind watering hole through the years.  Its wide food selection is considered the holy grail of pulutans (hors d’oeuvres) that is perfect for inumans (benders). 

Bert Santos, an engineer, waxed nostalgic when he said that he literally grew up with Gerry’s Grill as his tambayan (bar/beer joint) for unwinding during his college years.  Today, Gerry’s is a favorite lunch place for his family after hearing Sunday mass.   While Buddy Sanchez, a doctor, said Gerry’s holds a special place in his heart because this was where he bonded with his work buddies after a stressful day and where he eventually met his future wife, Sally.

Gerry’s has recently opened its branches in San Diego, California and Houston, Texas, a good addition to its overseas chain which includes branches in Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.  Avenida, a modern Filipino restaurant and bar, inspired by the Avenida Rizal (Rizal Avenue) of the post-war era, is another Gerry’s Grill-owned restaurant that opened in San Mateo, California.  With these developments, our overseas kababayans have every reason to celebrate Gerry’s 23 years of great food and great service.

Craving for sumptuous food after reading this?  Go to the nearest Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar branch; visit www.gerrysgrill.com.ph to view the complete list of their branches, as well as all the food entries on their 2020 menu.  You can also visit their Facebook page, @gerrysgrill.com.ph for more info.

Tomas Morato branch when it opened in 1997

The still standing flagship store in Tomas Morato today

The newly opened Gerry's Restaurant and Bar in San Diego California in the US

Gerry's new concept store, the newly opened Avenida Restaurant in San Mateo, California

Usual Friday night at Gerry's taken at Matalino St. branch in Quezon City

By Paolo Angelo Florenda