A Girl On A Mission – Promoting Peace Through Tourism

Cassandra Pecol, a 27 year old American, was in Pakistan on a 4 day visit on her way to becoming the fastest person on earth to travel the world (196 countries). Cassie has covered about 193 countries already so far. She is now in Pakistan for a few days and will be visiting Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

While in Pakistan, Cassie delivered talks at leading universities in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and at a Rotary function, met the travel trade, visited some important cultural and heritage sites, met the Karachi Mayor, participated in a tree plantation activity, met the media, and interacted with youth and social media activists, among other activities in her hectic itinerary. Her main mission to promote peace through sustainable tourism.

Cassie’s dream since high school has been to see every country on Earth, and it wasn’t until her 25th birthday that she realized her life-long dream was in plain sight. There was no better time to pursue her goal of seeing every country on earth. So, she spent one month sweating over a wall map and planning her itinerary for what would be, Expedition 196.

With Pakistani bloggers at the APR Office

“I choose to live my life in a unique way. To live in iconic, low key lifestyle where I do what I want, when I want, and inspire those along the way.” – Cassie De Pecol

To follow Cassie’s journey check her website: Expedition 196

American Kitchen Products To Tantalize Your Taste-buds…

Yumilicious news for food lovers in Karachi,  American Kitchen a renowned brand of kitchen condiments, sauces, spreads, spices, pickles, rice, meat/fillets and toppings, which are are now available in the city. The product portfolio initially available here includes multiple varieties of Mayonnaise, Mustard,  Peanut Butter, Microwavable Popcorn, Soy sauce, Vinegar and Apple Cider Vinegar, Sliced Jalapeno and Sweet Corn, being distributed here by Gamco Group, the distributors of American Kitchen in Pakistan.

The American Kitchen Peanut Butter is a hit as a sandwich spread especially among kids and for people on the go. Peanuts are high in fibre, nutrient dense and a healthy wholesome food. Studies show that people including nuts in their diet lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease, however not recommended for people with allergies. Its available in variants of Creamy, Maple,Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Honey and Lite for the diet conscious.

The Mayonnaise has distinct flavors such as Roasted Garlic, Hot & Spicy and Olive Oil to suit your taste. Tried it and they make super delicious sandwiches and rolls.  The popcorn varieties taste great and are super easy to make and the sauces are a must have in every kitchen to spice up your taste palette.

American Kitchen products are available at: Alpha Super Market (Ocean Mall). Amee’s Super Market (Khayaban-i-Shamsheer), Spring Mart (DHA), Tee Emm Stores (Bukhari, Zamzama), Naheed Super Market, Day-To-Day Mart, Khaki’s, Motta’s and My Mgee’s.

For product queries and details: Gamco Group

Dolmen Mall Brings Out the Proud Pakistani in You…

The Dolmen Mall, Karachi is famous for being at the forefront of every major national celebration.  This year the Independence Day campaign #HamariPehchan celebrated the national pride and diversity, focusing on the positive facts about Pakistan for which we’re famous globally. The campaign was weaved around entertaining facts that make Pakistanis proud and are relevant to all generations and kinds of Pakistanis such as the best irrigation system in the world, the largest ambulance network run by the Edhi Foundation, Tarbela the world’s largest earth-filled dam, world’s highest polo ground at Shandur, world’s largest deep-sea port at Gwadar, to name a few. The underlying idea was to be united and own Pakistan, taking pride in being a Pakistani.

Sounds of Kolachi Performing at Dolmen Mall

The three-day Azadi celebrations at Dolmen Malls included a concert by Sounds of Kolachi at Dolmen Mall Clifton and Noori performing live at Dolmen Mall Tariq Road. People thronged to the three mall locations in Karachi to join in the celebrations and avail attractive offers by almost all brands at display. The soulful music melted into the beautiful notes of our National Anthem at precisely 12 AM, amidst a shower of confetti while the guards raised the flag and saluted.

Instagrammers at the Instameet at Dolmen Mall

On social media public participation remained high with contests inviting them to identify interesting elements that define Pakistanis and are associated with our identity such as Biryani, Cricket, Truck art or squash giant Jehangir Khan and the great humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, both pride of Pakistan. Anyone could win a gift hamper by posting their selfie on social media, or  being spotted wearing green and white at the Dolmen Mall.  Shoppers and visitors were, thus, pleasantly surprised at various occasions. An Instagram competition was hosted, allowing amateur photographers to showcase their talent. Top three photographs were selected and awarded with prizes. Almost all brands offered a discount or value deal for shoppers. No wonder everyone wanted to be there during the festivities.

       

What I loved most about the Azadi celebrations at Dolmen Mall it reminded me of the reasons why I should be proud of being a Pakistani…

For frequent promotions and deals follow Dolmen Mall on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

‘Indus Threads’- The first online luxury clothing service showcasing South Asian designers to US buyers…

Indus Threads is an online luxury clothing rental service in the U.S. featuring South Asian designers. The company has developed a platform that allows North American consumers to rent South Asian wear. The company is enabling the introduction of South Asian design talent to mainstream US markets.

In an intimate meet-up Indus Threads shared the concept behind their Silicon Valley based fashion startup. Famous designers and celebrities such as; Wardha Saleem, Sanober Azfar, and Kashif Rashid were also present at the elegant event at T2F, Karachi.

Eeman Salman &  Sumera Naveed of Indus Threads with Wardha Saleem

Saree with western twist by Gaurav Gupta avialable at Indus Threads

Speaking on the occasion, Sumaira Nabeel, Founder Indus Threads said: “Our world is so interconnected. My dream is to make this connection through a platform that breaks down barriers of entry for design talent: It’s conscious, it’s green, and it’s where markets are heading.”

Sumera Naveed presenting to media and bloggers at T2F, Karachi

Indus Threads is a young company. Founded in 2015 it was born out of a need for a service that could provide access to the newest South Asian fashion at the click of a button. Sumaira, inspired by her own experience and business background, wanted to create a solution for consumers and make access to new markets seamless for designers.

Deepika is a vision in a Sabyasachi saree available at Indus Threads

A Wardha Saleem lehnga available at Indus Threads

A delighted client Christine wearing an Elan at a NYC wedding

An stunning embroidered peplum by Sehrish Rehan

As the fashion world continues to evolve, Indus Threads hopes to capture the attention of visionary South Asian designers wanting a global market reach for their brands. With an active team working out of Karachi, Pakistan, Indus Threads is partnering with reputed designers; Wardha Saleem, Ayesha Farooq Hashwani, Sanober Azfar, Sehrish Rehan, Nadia Farooqui, Maheen Karim, Zohra Alam, Elan, Nida Azwer, Kamiar Rokni and Mahgul who believe in the long term vision of the company. Recognizing that collaboration with Indus Threads is the first step towards becoming a global fashion icon, many new designers are excited about the endless possibilities a partnership with this innovative startup can present.

Visit now to grab your favorite designer outfit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Coke Studio 9 For The Hearing-Impaired – A Union of Creativity, Technology, Inclusivity…

There are 9 million people in Pakistan having some sort of hearing impairment. Now they will be able to experience the rhythm of music through vision, lights and vibrations. The globally acclaimed Coke Studio Joining hands with Deaf Reach Schools and Training Centers launched the initiative that aims to help the nine million people in Pakistan with some form of hearing loss through the creation of a state-of-the-art music experience for the hearing impaired. Coke Studio for the Deaf enables people with little or no hearing ability to get the basic experience of music.

Coca-Cola Pakistan has created a unique music experience for the deaf community of the Pakistan, thus combining an innovative technology with the platform’s philosophy of inclusivity. At the heart of this unique technology-enabling experience  for the hearing-impaired, is a special sofa or couch embedded with hundreds of vibration engines and LED lights that are synced with the sound of the song being played. A grand LED installation around the couch provides synchronized mood lighting to elevate the experience visually. Finally an LED screen in front of the sofa displays the video playback, while the studio is propped with guitars on stands, a drum kit and a keyboard on a stand adding to the overall ambiance. The setup first invented in China, was first tested out by the Coca-Cola team earlier this year when it was installed in Bangkok. A group of 8 students and faculty of the Deaf Reach School were taken to Bangkok to try out the system first hand. Based on its great success, Coca-Cola Pakistan decided to acquire the system for long-term use in Pakistan, with a vision to enable more people from the hearing impaired community to experience the music of Coke Studio.

Kudos Coca Cola Pakistan! for this beyond brilliant initiative…

Click to watch Coke Studio 9 Experience For The Hearing-Impaired

 

‘Sooper Hai Azadi’ – A Campaign That Acknowledes Sounds of Pakistan

Pakistan’s number 1 selling brand, Peek Freans Sooper, celebrated the occasion of Independence Day with the launch of ‘Sooper Hai Azadi’ campaign. The theme of the event was ‘Rhythm of Freedom’ that depicts how the people of Pakistan seek joy because of the freedom they have been blessed with.

Based on the theme of Rhythm of Freedom, the campaign is a combination of different sounds that people of Pakistan produce in their daily lives, the everyday sounds that people make, combining them to produce an instrumental as a dedication to Pakistan’s workforce, who contribute to the development of this country with everything that they do. It aims to acknowledge all the individuals who contribute to the country and are constantly making an effort to make a difference.

Sooper Hai Azadi TVC

Panel Discussion

The launch of the campaign was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Umair Jaliawala lasting approximately an hour. The panelists included Jahangir Khan (Squash legend), Shehzad Roy (Vocalist), Jibran Nasir (Social Activist) and Saba Gul (CEO Artisan brand Popinjay). The diverse panel talked their perception of freedom and how they have used their own personal freedom to project Pakistan in a positive light. Each of them had an interesting story to tell of how they believed they could use their work to contribute to freedom or vice versa, and how to use the freedom this country has given us to make a difference. It was certainly an evening of reflection and gratitude which ended with a discussion on those heroes who have contributed with their heart and soul to the success of our panelists.

Bloggers with Adnan Bajwa, Brand Manager Sooper

IL Posto For An Authentic Italian Experience

The new Italian Bistro at Shahbaz Commercial has entrees on its menu from the South of Italy. For starters we ordered Pumpkin and Prawn Soup, Beef Carpaccio and Eggplant Pie, all of which turned out to be lip smacking good. Beef Carpaccio has thinly sliced  meat (choice from beef, fish, veal) marinated with thyme and other herbs and served with rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes and grated cheese among other condiments. For people with an aversion to raw meat or Sushi you’ll be surprised with the deliciousness of this meaty starter. A must try!

Beef Carpaccio

Pumpkin and Prawn soup had the perfect consistency that went specially well with our choice of protein. Yummy and super filling.

Pumpkin and Prawn Soup

The Eggplant pie with Lebanese inspiration stuck to its Italian roots with the unique Italian spices and cooking technique and a delightful presentation.

Eggplant Pie

Ravioli filled with ricotta cheese, spinach and mushrooms was another smooth delight with creamy consistency that went splendidly well with the taste of spinach and the texture of mushrooms.

Ravioli Ricotta with Spinach & Mushroom

Keeping the best for the closure, our full red beauty arrived at last, the traditional Marinara taste with tomatoes, garlic and oregano pizza baked to perfection, the crust was kept thin and crispy. Arguably the best authentic Italian pizza in town.

I am super impressed with how each of the entrees were cooked to perfection keeping the Pakistani palette in mind yet not losing the authenticity of the Italian cuisine.

IL Posto is a must try for all Italian lovers and those who love to experiment with exotic food choices. For reservations call  0300 0722295 or visit Facebook

Fitness Made Fun With Cartoon Network ‘Go Active Carnival’ in Karachi

An amazing fun evening filled with energy, fitness and high octane performances as  Cartoon Network, Pakistan’s leading kids channel, organized the ‘Cartoon Network Go Active Carnival’. The carnival was held at DHA Golf Club, Karachi with over thousands of enthusiastic kids and parents in attendance.

Johnny Bravo & Scooby Doo Entertaining The Kids

The carnival also featured a host of colorful live performances by Cartoon Network’s much loved toon characters including Blossom, Bubbles & Buttercup (from Powerpuff Girls), Tom and Jerry, Jonny Bravo, Finn and Jake (from Adventure Time), Scooby Doo (from Scooby Dooby Doo) and many more!

Scooby Doo Spotted At The Go Active Carnival

Go Active Carnival is part of Cartoon Network’s extremely popular global franchise ‘Move It Movement. It primarily educates and motivates kids and parents alike to adopt and lead a healthy and fit lifestyle. This interactive and engaging carnival had two sessions in a day, with over thousand attendees in each of the sessions. The kids and parents were witness to various activities around leading a truly healthy lifestyle. Some of the stalls that engaged people were basketball, cricket & rugby, Oggy v/s roaches tug of war and Finn-tastic race which emphasized on fitness in day to day life.

 

Talking about the carnival, Mr. Siddharth Jain, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Turner International, South Asia, said: “Innovation is always at the core of what we do for our young audiences, who are our most valuable asset.

Kids at the Carnival Interacting With Their Favorite CN Characters

Kids Engaging In Fun Activities At Go Active Carnival

Parents & Kids Take Part In The Fun Activities

Kids across the country were also a part of all the action by participating in the Go Active Carnival on-air contest, winners of which collected their passes for the carnival from Sindbad Arcade in Karachi. In addition to this, Cartoon Network also organized an extensive School Contact Program (SCP) where they visited around 30 schools to create awareness and engage kids …

Turner International operates versions of core Turner brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM Turner Classic Movies. Turner International is a Time Warner company.

 

 

Ye Coke Pakistan Ke Naam …

Coca-Cola Pakistan has made history by introducing a Limited Edition “Share a Coke with Pakistan” Green Pack to refresh and uplift the passion of Pakistani fans during the cricket season of 2016, which is part of their global campaign ‘Share a Coke’.

 

In this regard, for the first time, 150 Pakistani names were also printed on Coca-Cola cans and bottles and launched all across the country. The specialty of the name-centric bottles resides in the fact that the Company used names, surnames as well as nick names on these bottles.

My very own personalized Coke can, sent by Cokepk is a prized possession invoking patriotism in me and will be cherished forever …

Grilled With Love – Nando’s Pakistan Launches Fiery New Menu

Literally seemed to be grilled with love, the Nando’s, a popular South African brand of casual dining in Pakistan has come up with a new menu, a heaven for spicy food lovers.

The new menu brings forward an array of ‘Appeteasers’ such as Chicken Wings which you can enjoy PERi crusted with the sprinkle of famous PERi sprinkle. The roasted red pepper and chili spice Red Pepper Dip, Hummus with the smoky PERi PERi drizzle, PERi Bites in the combination 6 and 12 and the Appeteaser Platter, where you can pick 3 of the few starters.

The PERi-PERi chicken section now has the choice to order menu items, on its own, with one sideline and the two sidelines. This also includes the Espetada, Grilled Tenders with 5 and 10 wing options.

Try Something New brings back a recent favorite, the Espetada Carnival. This is a flame grilled PERi-PERi things, stuffed with feta cheese and parsley, skewered with green peppers. in addition, the No Bones Platter, which includes a Chicken Butterfly with an Espetada, great for 2-3 people.

 

 

Sides menu has been upgraded with the addition of Grilled Veg and Garlic Bread and Corn on the cob, PERi Chips and PERi Wedges.

The new menu is complete with tangy and fiery sauces such as PERinaise, Chilli Jam and Tangy Yogurt Sauce.

Rush to try the mouth watering menu at the new Nando’s outlet at Khayaban-i-Sehr which has super efficient service … Bon Apetite!