Archive for July 29th, 2013
PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai Bringing Two of Boxing’s Best to Venetian Macao Nov. 24
Fighter of the Decade to make 2013 debut against one of boxing’s most exciting fighters
MACAO/PRNewswire/ –If Horace Greeley were a boxing promoter today he would undoubtedly be espousing, “Go East, young man.” And in boxing’s biggest demonstration of ManiFIST Destiny, Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO and former world champion and reigning hellion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS will battle each other in a 12-round welterweight rumble, Sunday, Nov. 24, from The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Arena, in Macao, China. Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Tickets, priced HK$880-9,880 (~PHP 4,900-55,000), and ticket-hotel packages, priced HK$4,300-35,000* (~PHP 24,000-195,000), go on sale Monday, July 29 through Cotai Ticketing. More information is available online at http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny.
Legendary two-time world heavyweight champion Big George Foreman (third from left) attends a press conference at The Venetian Macao Saturday for the Nov. 24 matchup at the Cotai Arena between Manny
Legendary two-time world heavyweight champion Big George Foreman (third from left) attends a press conference at The Venetian Macao Saturday for the Nov. 24 matchup at the Cotai Arena between Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (second from left) and Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (third from right). Tickets for PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai go on sale July 29 via Cotai Ticketing. More information is available online at http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny
A press conference was held Saturday at The Venetian Macao, attended by Pacquiao and Rios, their respective trainers Freddie Roach and Robert Garcia, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, and Sands China Ltd. President and CEO Edward Tracy. The group is on a 23,722-mile media tour, which is heading to Beijing; Shanghai; Singapore; ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn.; New York; and Los Angeles to promote November’s mega event.
For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios’ only fight outside the U.S. was in Mexico in 2008 when he won a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez.
“Brandon Rios is the biggest test out there for me and I will be ready to meet the challenge,” said Pacquiao. “I have heard what Brandon has been saying. If he fights as well as he boasts it will be a great fight for us and the fans.”
“Out with the old, in with the new… and I’m the new! Manny, this is my time,” said Rios.
“Big time boxing is being firmly established in China with a Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios showdown at The Venetian Macao,” said Arum. “It is fitting that Asia’s most famous fighter will box in a big event in Macao. All fight fans are looking forward to an exciting bout between Manny against super fan-friendly Brandon Rios with his exciting, never-quit style.”
“The Clash in Cotai, as we’ve dubbed this historic matchup, is going to be spectacular,” said Tracy. “It’s the latest example of the edge-of-your seat, high-octane event that Sands China is known for. It’s all part of our multi-tiered entertainment strategy of bringing the world’s biggest superstars of sport to Macao to display their skills at these must-see events. What’s more, the undercard will feature Macao’s own light middleweight pro boxer, Ng Kuok Kun. We’re very pleased that this fantastic entertainment event is also a platform for developing and displaying local boxing talent.”
The 23-year-old Ng (1-0) is coming off of an amateur career, having won his debut pro bout in Hong Kong in May. He began boxing when he was 13, and has won Macau Boxing Association competitions in 2006 and 2012.
“Manny Pacquiao versus Brandon Rios is a terrific stylistic matchup that fight fans are going to be enormously excited about,” said Mark Taffet, senior vice president, HBO Pay-Per-View. “In addition to so much being on the line in this fight we have the compelling backstory of the event taking place at a glamorous international destination that will generate even more interest in the fight and establish that Pacquiao vs. Rios is going to be an extraordinary, can’t-miss night in boxing history.”
Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines (he was re-elected to a second term, running unopposed this year), is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions. A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resume features victories over future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez. From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, where he dethroned super featherweight champion Marquez, lightweight champion David Diaz, junior welterweight champion Hatton, welterweight champion Cotto, and he annihilated three-time world champion Antonio Margarito for the vacant super welterweight title. Pacquiao’s seven-year, 15-bout winning streak came to an end on June 9, 2012, when he lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown to undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, Jr. via a controversial split decision. That was followed by a knockout loss to professional nemesis Marquez last December 8 – a fight Pacquiao was winning before he got careless trying to close the show and instead was stopped by the knockout punch of the year. No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who is also credited with over eight million pay-per-view buys.
Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs), the former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. He enters this fight having won 11 of his previous 14 fights by knockout. One of boxing’s most exciting fighters, Rios is known for his all-action fan-friendly fighting style. His trainer, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, calls it a “throwback” style with a warrior’s mentality that screams excitement. Highlight knockout victories on Rios’ resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon, John Murray and Mike Alvarado. Alvarado, the natural 140-pounder, entered that fight as the undefeated WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender. Many consider it 2012’s Fight of the Year. In their exciting rematch, which took place on March 30, Rios lost a close decision for the vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. It is considered the leading contender for the 2013 Fight of the Year. Rios enters this fight world-rated as the No. 1 contender.
For fight updates go to http://www.toprank.com or http://www.hbo.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing.
Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is offering special ticket-hotel packages featuring two tickets to The Clash in Cotai plus accommodation for two at its fabulous properties: Conrad Macao, Cotai Central; Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central; Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central; The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel; or Four Seasons Hotel Macao. Packages are available with C Reserve to Gold-tier tickets, and range from HK$4,300-35,000* (~PHP 24,000-195,000). Bookings are available starting July 29, on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. To get more information, including full terms and conditions, visit http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny.
Tickets for PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai go on sale July 29 at 10 a.m. via Cotai Ticketing**. The multi-bout event kicks off Nov. 24 at 8 am. Tickets can be purchased in one of five categories: ~PHP 55,000 (Gold), 36,000 (Silver), 21,700 (A Reserve), 10,500 (B Reserve) and 4,900 (C Reserve). Tickets can be booked online at http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny, or by phone at +853 2882 8818 (Macao) / +852 6333 6660 (HK), and are also available at Tom Lee Outlets, K11 Select and through Hong Kong Ticketing (customer service fee applies), online at http://www.HKTicketing.com or by phone at +852 3128 8288. A special ticketing hotline is available for the Philippines at +63 2 3953370.
Tickets are also available for purchase in advance of the July 29 public on-sale date with an exclusive pre-sale offer from Cotai Ticketing. Fists of Gold II ticket holders can purchase advance tickets to PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai from 3 p.m. July 27 until 2 a.m. July 28, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 28. For each Fists of Gold II ticket presented in-person at the Cotai Arena box office during the above-stated period, ticket holders can purchase one advance ticket in any category for PACQUIAO VS. RIOS: The Clash in Cotai. This exclusive pre-sale offer is available only at the Cotai Arena box office, for a maximum of six tickets per person, subject to availability, and is not available online or via phone. For more information, visit http://www.venetianmacao.com/manny.
NOTE: Bouts and times subject to change
Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination.
The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world’s and the region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.
The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.
The 650-seat Sands Macao Hotel theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.
With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.
About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.
For more information, please visit http://www.venetianmacao.com.
About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.
Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.
Comprised of the The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach.
Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….truly Macao Starts Here™. For more information, please visit http://en.cotaistrip.com/.
Media Contacts:
VENETIAN MACAU LIMITED
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo
Joyce Chiu
Tel: +853 8118 2374
Email: joyce.chiu@sands.com.mo
* Rates in MOP/HKD and subject to 5% government tax and 10% service charge
** Cotai Arena Box Office; The Venetian Macao – Main Lobby Box Office; Four Seasons Hotel – The Plaza™ Casino Box Office; Sands® Macao – Casino Floor L1 Box Office; Sands® Cotai Central –Sheraton Main Lobby, Holiday Inn Main Lobby and East Bus Lobby Box Offices
Source: Sands China Ltd.
Sofidel Group, Fabio Perini SpA, and Canfor Pulp Confirm Their Exhibition Stands at Tissue World Americas in Miami
Tissue World gaining momentum
NEW YORK, July 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Tissue World Americas 2014, which will take place in Miami Beach next March, is shaping up to be a monumental event in the Tissue World series.
In recent weeks numerous companies have confirmed their exhibition stands at the show including the Italian tissue producer Sofidel Group from finished products side, Fabio Perini SpA from the converting equipment field, and Canfor as a supplier of the most important raw material, pulp.
A key ingredient in the show is the TRIF – Tissue Retailers and Distributors Insight Forum – which will include sessions on timely issues and potential opportunities facing this dynamic category.
The TRIF General Session will explore key topics such as New Sources of Supply, Sustainability and Environment, Consumer Trends, Tissue Technology, New Product Innovation, and Distribution and Logistics. Following this, going into more depth for those who need further insight for the future, 3 half-day focused workshops will examine these very important topics:
A. Tissue, Sustainability and the Environment: Are you Leading or Following?
Speakers will be leading experts from NGO’s such as Greenpeace and WWF, as well as retailers, manufacturers and other stakeholders
B. Brands and Private Label: What Strategies are Best
Leading experts and opinion leaders will discuss where they see the market going and what advantages each strategy offers
C. On-Line Retailing, the Next Generation and Impact on Tissue Sales Channels
With Amazon, Staples and many other big online players getting more involved in tissue paper products sales, how will traditional retail and AFH channels change in the coming decade?
The total Tissue World 2014 event will give everyone in the supply chain, including tissue retailers, distributors, manufacturers, and suppliers of equipment and raw materials, a full update on numerous key issues.
Tissue World is the premier Exhibitions, Conferences and Publications for the International Tissue Industry. More information at Tissueworld.com and Tissueworldmagazine.com.
Contact:
Ivan Ferrari
+65-6592-0886
Ivan.Ferrari@ubm.com
Fusionex Honored as Asia Pacific’s Top Business Intelligence Player
HOUSTON, July 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Fusionex, an established multi-award winning IT company, is recognized as Microsoft’s 2013 Business Intelligence Partner in Asia Pacific. This marks the second consecutive year that Fusionex has earned the distinction of being recognized as a top Microsoft Business Intelligence (BI) Partner, underlining its status as the number one BI software provider in its region.
Ivan Teh (Fusionex MD) with Steve Ballmer (Microsoft CEO) and John Roskill (Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group) at the prestigious award ceremony during the 2013 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston, USA
Ivan Teh (Fusionex MD) with Steve Ballmer (Microsoft CEO) and John Roskill (Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Worldwide Partner Group) at the prestigious award ceremony during the 2013 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Houston, USA
The award acknowledges Fusionex’s dedication and excellence in delivering the highest quality business BI solutions and approaches. Fusionex’s award winning product demonstrates how users are empowered with the ability to address specific business impacts and deploy measurable solutions with better team collaboration.
“We are honored to once again be a recipient of a prestigious award for business intelligence, demonstrating the strong pedigree of our BI product and our team,” says Ivan Teh — Managing Director of Fusionex. “A key ingredient contributing to the success of the Fusionex BI Centre is that it is a system that any user at any level can relate to it and the insights that it generates. With our R&D team heavily focused on enhancing our BI software to address the Big Data challenge, coupled with BI and analytics remaining as the number one focus for CIOs around the world, we remain confident that our BI product will continue to scale further and greater heights as we progress forward.”
The latest Fusionex BI Centre contains a slew of modern features, including the advanced capability of helping businesses construct predictive models, helping organizations exploit opportunities for maximum returns. In addition, the software also allows for the definition of data quality rules and transformation logic which enforces data integrity, ensuring entry for only consistent and validated data in the data warehouse system for analysis.
It also facilitates the rendering of its rich visualization through different form factors and mobility channels, whether through PCs, tablets, smartphones etc., providing end users with an all-in-one, powerful BI solution that suits their needs anywhere, anytime and in any form. Furthermore, as a cloud-enabled product, the BI Centre can be used via an on-premise approach, a cloud approach, or even a hybrid approach of both.
Being social BI enabled, the software is able to leverage on social media platforms, making it a powerful tool for any organization seeking to understand trends, behavioral patterns and social sentiments.
In order to address the needs of different industries, it has also been architected to be driven by templates which can easily be adapted and designed according to any industry, making it a re-deployable horizontal offering that can be implemented for clients of all verticals.
About Fusionex
Fusionex is a multi-award winning IT company listed on the London Stock Exchange. The Group provides enterprise business software through its core transactional engine and business intelligence products, notably in relation to addressing the Big Data challenge. Committed to its clients’ success, Fusionex helps its clients manage and derive value from their data.
Fusionex’s products and solutions are ideal for companies seeking superior level yet user-friendly solutions including business intelligence (BI) and analytics, data management & large databases (Big Data & Cloud based solutions), enterprise mobile solutions, CPM as well as CTE solutions. Fusionex is committed to providing clients with exceptional competitive advantage through the use of its innovative and user friendly software products and solutions.
To learn more about Fusionex, visit http://www.fusionex-international.com.
Source: Fusionex
Asia Fresh News 