BARBIE BASICS Doll Collection: A Celebration of the Little Black Dress

She may be just under a foot tall but she is big in the fashion community.  Barbie boasts five decades of fashion heritage, working with more fashion designers than any other brand in the world. And no matter where you go, the mere mention of Barbie elicits a reaction. People are passionate, persuasive and gets personal about their own Barbie stories.  How could a doll get so much air time? It’s because Barbie is more than a doll. She is a major part of pop culture. Barbie makes haute hot and couture cool.  She is unapologetically all girl.  And, did we mention that she’s the most popular fashion doll in the world?

Since her introduction in 1959, Barbie doll has been a fascination of little girls and their moms alike. There are Barbie doll clubs, conventions, magazines, newsletter and internet sites all devoted solely to sharing the love and fascination of Barbie.  Part of the fascination with Barbie dolls is Barbie’s ability to look perfectly suitable for any occasion. At the beach or at the office, Barbie is always fashionable with the perfect accessories, shoes, purses, hats, scarves and belts. Barbie is constantly introducing new and limited edition dolls that follow the fashions and trends of girls, while at the same time appealing to the adult market by sporting fashions from famous designers such as Bob Mackie and Vera Wang.

Collecting Barbie dolls is no longer the exclusive realm of little girls. “Big kids” have gotten into the act, big time.  Barbie collectors both young and old demonstrate a devotion to Barbie with no bounds! Some people collect Barbie dolls that are vintage and NIB (New In Box), others are drawn to the dolls they played with as a child, others just collect Barbie accessories.

With Pink Label, Silver, Label, Gold Label, Platinum Label and Black Label tiers, Barbie doll collecting has broadened the appeal and allure of Barbie for girls of all ages.  From tributes to pop culture classics, to gorgeous designer dolls, there is truly a Barbie doll for everyone.

Always on trend, Barbie is right in line with the fashion trends and she’s going back to wardrobe basics and celebrating perhaps the most essential piece in any fashionistas closet – the Little Black Dress (LBD).  An icon of subtle sophistication and glamour, the LBD takes fashion to new heights with BARBIE BASICS doll line.  This doll collection consists of 12 beautiful dolls, each with a different hairstyle, skin tone and LBD.  Each doll can be personalized and customized with various accessories provided, making everyone’s Barbie Basics doll individual and unique.

This year, Barbie is set to mark another milestone in her iconic fashion history as she teams up with Stylebible.ph and the Young Designers Guild (YDG) to celebrate the Philippine launch of Barbie Basics doll collection with an exhibit of dolled up Barbie dolls from September 25 – 30, 2010 at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5 and the launch of Barbie by Shūbizz adult footwear (flip-flops, sneakers, ballerinas, sandals and heels). This fashion event aims to not only showcase the featured creations of talented Filipino designers and stylists but at the same time, introduce Barbie doll collecting through this collection.

Aside from the exhibit, Barbie has also prepared a chic event for girls on September 25 where they get basic workshop lessons on social graces and etiquette – Barbie style! Girls could visit Kidz Station outlets for more details on this event to get their invites. Only limited seats are available for this workshop.

Meet Betsey Johnson Barbie

 And on September 28, Barbie and Stylebible.ph is holding a by-invitation only event showcasing Barbie doll-size and model-size interpretations of the LBD with a fashion walk through of the Barbie by Shūbizz footwear collection. The event will be graced by the presence of the Philippines most admirable designers, fashionistas, celebrities and media partners.

Lorraine Shwarzt Barbie Doll

 Customize. Personalize. Play. Barbie Basics is all about permission to play and it all starts with a Little Black Dress.

Tory Burch Barbie

Barbie Basics doll collection is exclusively distributed by Richwell Trading Corporation. It is available leading toy stores and department stores nationwide. 

For more information abut Barbie events and products, visit www.richwell.net or call Richwell Trading Corporation at telephone numbers 732-5141 to 47 loc 211.  

The World of BAKUGAN

You may have seen these toys in your favorite toy shop but what is this toy, let me give you some background on the World of Bakugan!

Originally adapted from the Japanese action anime television series. In the parallel world of Vestroia, a powerful Bakugan in search for power (a small marble magnetic sphere which when thrown on a gate card turns into a highly strong and powerful warrior) named Naga decides to absorb the energy of the two opposing cores that preserve the balance and peace in Vestroia. However he absorbed too much power and energy found within the Silent Core, the source of negative energy. The Infinity Core, the source of positive energy had been absorbed by Wavern.

In the first season, the story centers on six friends who find metallic cards which have fallen from the sky or to be more precise, Vestroia itself. They name themselves the Bakugan Battle Brawlers and consist of seven children: Dan, Shun, Runo, Marucho, Julie, Alice, and later Joe. Together they learn more about the origin of the Bakugan, Vestroia, the game involving them, and the battle against the Doom Beings.

In New Vestroia, Dan, Marucho, and Shun are called to the newly restored Vestroia to stop an alien race called the Vestals who invaded it. They allied with the Bakugan Battle Brawlers Resistance: Mira, Ace, and Baron in order to stop an evil group known as the Vexos from taking over New Vestroia, and possibly, the whole universe.

In Gundalian Invaders, Dan, Marucho and Shun get caught up in a war between two different alien factions in another universe, and teaming up with three new brawlers, Princess Fabia (Princess of Neathia), Jake (who is Human), and Ren (who is an undercover Gundalian) in order to stop the evil Gundalian Protectors, the Twelve Orders from destroying Neathia, and possibly, Earth. But Ren is secretly trying to get the Gundalians to win the war, so Fabia and her planet has been trusted by the Battle Brawlers and hopefully they'll protect Bakugan Interspace, Neathia (which is Fabia's home planet) and possibly Earth from being ruled by the Gundalians.

Playing the game

A strategic game called Bakugan was developed by Sega Toys and Spin Master and released in conjunction with the anime series, abeit released a year before the anime even started (2006). The game uses spherical, spring-loaded miniature figures, representing the Bakugan, which pop open when rolled onto special metal Gate cards. The objective of the game is to capture three Gate cards. To win a battle, you need to use the gate cards G-power boost and the Bakugan with the highest wins. You can change the rules of battle with ability cards.

Battle is engaged when opposing Bakugan magnetically pop open on the same Gate card. Each Bakugan has an attack strength called "G-Power", which can be modified by the Gate card landed on, Ability cards from players' hands,special optional pieces called Traps and some Bakugan carry Battle Gear; whichever Bakugan ends up with the highest total G-Power wins the battle and captures the Gate.

The game can also be played with up to four people. The rules remain the same as a regular game. Bakugan may also be played in Big game style where players use six Gate Cards, six Ability Cards and six Bakugan, instead of three of each as in a normal game. Instead of capturing three Gate Cards, a player must capture six to win the game.

The game has spawned numerous accessories, such as carry clips to store three Bakugan marbles at a time, launchers to fire the marbles at the game arena, soft plastic and hard plastic play area mats and special gauntlets (based on the ones used in the second season).

Richwell Trading, exclusive distributor of Bakugan products in the Philippines has recently launched the 2.5 Series of Bakugan with new 6 different syles to choose from.  Check out these products from leading toy stores nationwide.

Starting kids early on Zest-O aims to instill the value of art and nutrition through its programs

Some time out from my usual gadgetry posts, I was recently invited by Zest-O to one of their on-going reach out programs.

When it comes to instilling values in children that will help them become productive citizens of the country, it is always best start them young.

Supporting this belief, Zest-O Corporation—the country’s leading manufacturer and distributor of first-ready-to-drink juice drink and other food products—has come up with projects that would help young children realize this.

Recently, Zest-O focused on launching programs that promote the importance of being healthy.  Working closely with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), Zest-O has launched its Zest-O Healthy School Program.

Through its healthy lifestyle campaign,  children in different elementary schools are given the chance to engage in activities. During the school visits, children will learn the value of eating healthy and nutritious foods.

This program, said Zest-O marketing manager Christian Lim, aims to promote the importance of healthy lifestyle in school-age children by encouraging them to eat the right sets of nutritious foods.

The “Zest-O Healthy School Program” is an on going program which is simultaneously held in various schools in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces. “What we want is for children to learn that being healthy starts with eating healthy and nutritious foods,” Lim added.

Children in various elementary schools will be treated into a whole-day of fun-filled activities. With the help of mascots, children will be given information on the importance of eating the right foods at the right time as well as the nutrition that they can get from the foods that they eat.

 Lim mentioned that the use of mascots is very crucial to get the attention of the children. “We did this because kids can easily be distracted. We feel that we can effectively convey the message of the program, which is eating healthy and nutritious foods, by incorporating fun and play during the school visits,” he explained.

The program also aims to target the teachers as well as the parents of the children. “We believe that kids cannot do it alone that is why we also want to get the participation of the parents and their teachers,” he said.

Zest-O will be bringing in professionals such as doctors and nutritionists to explain to the parents and teachers the value of healthy lifestyle and eating in the development of children.

Apart from educating kids on eating healthy and nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, the concept of recycling will be incorporated during the whole-year school visits. During the activities, kids will have a chance to taste of healthy and nutritious foods and will be given healthy drinks—the Zest-O juice drinks which come in yummy fruit flavors like orange, apple, grape, and pineapple.

Lim said that Zest-O juices are packed with Vitamin C and are proven to have the lowest sugar content compared with other brands in the market.  

On its fifth week, the “Zest-O Healthy School Program” will visit various schools in Caloocan, Quezon City and Manila. 

                                            

Bakugan Brawlers Answer the Call to Brawl! All New Bakugan Characters, Strategies and Accessories Launching this Fall

Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders, the third season of Bakugan’s hit animated TV series, has become one of the most watched animation series in the country.  Adding to the excitement Spin Master has launched the most dynamic new Bakugan characters yet!  Featuring all new looks, attack features, shapes and sizes, 2010 will be the year Bakugan gaming strategies and shooting skills will take competition to a whole new level.

As well, now you can unleash your Bakugan in the online world of Bakugan Dimensions^TM.  With each Season 3 Bakugan comes a secret DNA code that enables you to bring that Bakugan alive in the game, where you can battle it out in real-time with fellow brawlers.

Bakugan is the first-ever strategic trading card game that includes the fun of transforming action figures. Bakugan has re-energized boys’ action toys and has established itself as the favorite schoolyard game around the world. 

For more information on Bakugan please visit www.bakugan.com.

The New Hot Wheels TRICK TRACKS ROBO

Richwell Trading Corporation will launch the newest and far exciting Hot Wheels Trick Track Collection. Hot Wheels funs will enjoy this robotic track set.

It will be wild, thrilling ride for kids have to zoom past the radar detector and projectile missiles to get to the finish line. Each cool stunt triggers another, and can be connected to build up the one dangerous and exciting stunt! Each set includes one awesome Hot Wheels car, Comes with two pieces of track, Collect and connect all the sets! 

There's a ton of exciting stunt to be done with Trick Tracks sets. This set connects with other Trick Tracks stunts to continually build upon the action and excitement. The Robo collection set includes the Lift Launcher stunt set, Slam Bridge stunt set, Spin Blade, Radar Rocket, Cyborg Blaster stunt set, Flip Launch stunt set, Spin Wrecker stunt set, and Cyborg Spinner track set.

  

You’ll experience tons of thrills and excitements with these ready-made customize stunts. Some Hot Wheels vehicles are for use in this Trick Tracks.

  

The Hot Wheels is exclusively distributed by Richwell Trading Corporation, and is available at all leading department store and toy stores nationwide.

Have Great Time with Great Games by Mattel Games

Have a great time in your family bonding this rainy season with Mattel Games Collection

The Uno Games are so much exciting and thrilling to play, games such as Uno Cards, is easy to learn and have fun doing at same time, by simply matching the color or the number on cards and you can also prevent another player for finishing with cards such as reverse, skip or force the player to draw cards, and if you shout Uno first to a player that is down to one card only, that player will be force to draw two cards.

Or with Uno Stacko, has the same concept of Uno Cards but a totally different game play, All you need to do is to stacks block with corresponding color and put it at top, the higher you get the blocks, the much fun you will have. Also try other Uno Games like Uno Attack, Uno Spin and Car go Uno. You will spend hours of great fun with your with family at home.

The Scrabble Games is a word game with tiles that corresponds a letter each letter on tiles has an equivalent value. The player must drawn seven (7) letters tiles at random and tries making their best to use those letters tiles by putting the letter tiles to the board to form words in a crossword-style. The value of the letters are can be boosted by the premium square on the board. It a great learning fun activity game that your family can enjoy.

The Pictionary Game is a game where the pencil does most of the talking. You and your team must guess the words by sketching clues to each other. The clues could be a place, a person, or something you do. Don’t get to comfort for this game is a race for time. Sketch what you want them to say and draw it down with some clues until they get it. With lots on interaction and communication your family will have blast while playing this game.

     

The Mattel Games is exclusively distributed by Richwell Trading Corporation, the largest toy distributor in the Philippines. Mattel Games are available at all leading department stores and toy stores nationwide. For more information about our product, visit us at www.richwell.net or call 732-5141.

Toys, baby products and more!

With the "ber" months closing in just a few days, businesses are beefing up their stocks and product offerings to make the most out of the holidays in the next 3 months. Richwell Trading Corporation, one of the biggest distributors of children products such as toys, clothes, shoes and other kiddie products in the Philippines has recently held its 2010 Holiday Tradeshow at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. Open to all its loyal patrons and customers, the Tradeshow aims to provide its customers with critical information and strategies and ways on how to maximize their sales of company's brands and products such as Barbie, Chicco, Safety First, Hot Wheels, Mega Blocks and Vtech. 

The Wack Wack Pavillon packed with Richwell's loyal customers and patrons

The event would definitely delight the child in you. There were a lot of new products introduced by Richwell Trading such as the Moon Sand, Viking Toys, Liv and new products from known brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Mega Blocks. I was also surprised to see Noddy toys and dolls, if you have a toddler at home, you'll know who this character is. I was also surprised to see a lot of different variants of Barbie dolls, from dolls to accessories, name it, they go it.  New innovations for several baby products were also highlighted from Chicco and Safety First. Electronic gadgets for kids from Vtech would definitely make every kid drool over these products.   

Viking Toys - makes safe and durable toys for your kids.

Little girls' dream doll

Hot Wheels still produces the same old quality toys that we all used to love

"Make way for Noddy!" now available locally

Richwell Trading Corporation has taken the art of selling children products to a higher level, from carefully selected brands and products to cater to the different markets locally, to the science of selling and in-store merchandising that would definitely catch the attention of its target market, the company has made its mark in the local business industry. Wwe can see that the business of toys and other children's products has a big potential in the local market. With the ever growing population, it seems there's no stopping Richwell Trading Corp. to become the country's biggest children's products distributor.