Thursday, June 30, 2011

Smart Rewards Subscribers with Free Chowking Siomai

Who wants free Chowking siomai from Smart? :)

Press Release:

Take a Bite into Delicious Rewards with SMART Rewards and Chowking

Food-lovers can take a bite into delicious rewards as SMART Rewards treats them to great-tasting freebies from Chowking. Along with the long list of exclusive discounts and privileges that await SMART subscribers, they can also delight in free siomai when they dine in or have their favorite Chowking meals delivered.

From June 1 to August 31, SMART Gold and Buddy subscribers who dine in at Chowking can enjoy 3-pieces Siomai for every minimum purchase of P150. Redeeming the reward is easy. Those who wish to get in on the siomai craze need only to download the promo coupon on their mobile phone by texting COUPON 467 to 9800, and present it upon dining in to receive the free treat.

For foodies who want their Chowking favorites delivered, they can take home free 3-pieces Siomai for every P200 minimum purchase. Simply download the SMS coupon and dial the Chowking hotline to place the order and avail of the treat.

With the new partnership with Chowking, SMART users can enjoy more satisfying rewards only from the country’s first mobile rewards program, SMART Rewards. Text “REWARDS” to 9800 to join SMART Rewards and dial Chowking delivery at 9-88-88 for Metro Manila or 0918-9399888 for provincial stores to redeem amazing treats.

To know available rewards points, text “POINTS” to 9800. No need to use your points to avail of this promotion. For further details, see Smart flyers and print ads, or visit smart.com.ph/rewards.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

What if ... Princess Di has a Facebook Account?

Just saw this from the Newsweek website earlier. I found it funny and creative although still a bit weird :p

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Watch Team Azkals in action through the Cortal SQR Facebook Promo!

Azkals fans! Here's your chance to see your favorite football players in person!

Press Release:

The new Cortal SQR, the official pain reliever of Team Azkals, gives you the chance to win tickets to the much anticipated match between Sri Lanka and our very own Philippine National Football Team. It all happens on July 03, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines.

Here's how you can win those tickets:

1. Search and Like the "Cortal SQR" Page on Facebook.

2. On the wall of Cortal SQR Facebook Page, from June 21 to June 28, post your most creative cheer for its newest ambassador, the Philippine Azkals for their game on July 3, 2011. Your post / cheer will serve as your official entry to the Facebook promo.

3. The post / cheer should end with “Sa Cortal SQR, We Believe, Kaya Nyo Yan!”.

4. Get as many Facebook friends as possible to like your post / cheer.

5. Five winners will be chosen based on their entries’ creativity and popularity (Facebook likes). Each winner will receive two tickets for the Azkals vs. Sri Lanka game on July 3, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines.

6. Winners will be announced on June 29 through the Cortal SQR Facebook Page. Claiming of tickets is from June 30 to July 1, 2011.

7. This contest is open only to residents of Mega Manila (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna) who are 18 years old and above.

What are you waiting for? Like Cortal SQR on Facebook now and start cheering for the Azkals!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Bench-Kaspersky b/Secure Promo: Be Fashionable, Be Protected

Free Bench shirts for Kaspersky users! Find out how you can avail of one of these fashionable tees :)

Press Release:

A special treat awaits those who value the protection of their data.

Emphasizing the importance of Internet security and data protection, leading secure content and threat management developer Kaspersky Lab has teamed up with retail clothing giant Bench to offer a specially-designed T-shirt for free.

The limited edition T-shirt is emblazoned with the words b/Secure, which sums up the message of Bench and Kaspersky Lab stressing the importance of security against various digital threats among millions of Filipinos using the Internet. The partnership also sends a message that having internet protection is just as fashionable in today's networked world.


Buyers will get one b/Secure shirt for every purchase of a specially-marked 3-user box of Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 or the Kaspersky Anti Virus 2011. These products can be purchased in all participating computer stores nationwide.

There is no limit on the number of purchases a buyer makes. The promo runs from May 15 to June 30 only.

R&B singer Jay-R, a Bench celebrity endorser and Kaspersky Lab brand ambassador in the Philippines, says today's Internet users are becoming more familiar with various threats that pervade in the Internet. As such, they are finding ways to protect themselves from malicious attacks and other Internet criminal activities.

“As a Kaspersky user, I can guarantee that Kaspersky's products offer the best protection for Internet users. Not only it is very easy to install but it effectively works behind the scenes so that users like me can continue enjoying web browsing and other Internet activities without the worries of virus attacks,” he said.

Kaspersky Lab products are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by iSecure Networks, Incorporated.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Glee’s Finn Mans Up In Teen Romance “Monte Carlo”

Hey Glee fans! Be sure to watch Monte Carlo because "Finn" will be there :) In the meantime, read this interesting interview with Cory Monteith while you wait for the movie to open in theaters on July 1st ...

Press Release:

Best known for playing Finn Hudson in the popular Fox series “Glee,” Cory Monteith stars with today’s teen icon Selena Gomez in “Monte Carlo,” along with “Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy.

Monte Carlo opens us to freshly minted high school grad Grace (Selena Gomez) and best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy) jettisoning their waitress jobs in Texas for a trip to Paris. But Grace’s killjoy stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester) is involuntarily installed as chaperone by Grace’s parents. Meanwhile, Emma’s boyfriend, Owen (Cory Monteith), is trying to put the kibosh on the trip altogether with a ring and proposal.


Monteith along with the troika of actresses settled, the filmmakers believed that he fits the role of Owen perfectly. He’s a big, friendly, very funny and likable guy. He sells the character the instant he’s on screen,” says director Thomas Bezucha in casting Monteith. Below is a Q and A of Cory describing his dream girl and experience in the movie. 

Q. What’s your character like?

A. Owen is completely in love with Katie Cassidy’s character, Emma. He’s on a journey - and he’s chasing her across Europe so he can take her home again and marry her. He can be a little misguided, but he’s incredibly romantic and prepared to do whatever it takes to win back his girl.

Q. Which of your co stars did you bond with the most quickly?

A. I think I bonded with them all straight away! Selena is very sweet. She’s really down to earth, and excellent at doing accents. We playfight like a brother and sister - she’s tiny but determined, although she has yet to hurt me! Leighton is great, and can give a solid high five. That’s a life skill. 

Q. How flirty are you?

A. I’m single, and I love that life but I’m not a dog! I’m pretty goofy and I make a lot of dumb jokes - life is too short to be serious, so I guess that’s how I flirt. To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it - I think I’m too shy and reserved to be a proper old fashioned flirt.


Q. Describe your dream girl.

A. People who are passionate are attractive - if they’re excited about their life and what they’re doing, that’s really engaging. It doesn’t matter whether they’re a movie star or an accountant. As far as looks go, I don’t have any specifics. I don’t have a preference for blondes or brunettes.

Q. Do you have a celebrity crush?

A. I’ve worked with a lot of beautiful girls, but I’d have to say Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes in Glee. Have you heard her sing? She’s amazing.

Q. What will you miss most about Monte Carlo when you’ve finished filming?

A. The bread! The bread is delicious, I can get through a lot of that stuff. The way people treat each other here is very different too. There’s a kind of old world sensibility in Europe - people are refined and respectful and it’s very cool. In North America there’s a different attitude. Everything is faster and less personal.

“Monte Carlo” opens July 1 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Barbizon: A Woman's Partner in Style

It is undeniable that one of the things women need is good underwear. Otherwise, no matter how nice your clothes are, if the undergarments don't fit well, you won't look as good as you'd like to. Ladies, if you haven't discovered Barbizon yet, it's time you do! :)

Press Release:


Named after a charming town south of Paris, Barbizon started 37 years ago as a brand of pantyhose. Before long, Barbizon grew into a full line of ladies inner wear catering to the Filipina of the late 70's; relaxed, demure, and most likely looking at becoming a wife and mother after completing her education. Being home-based, her requirements were very basic and simple. Comfort was the utmost priority. Barbizon understood and successfully delivered.

Over the years, the modern Filipina emerged. She began to spend more time outside the home and started to occupy key positions in the workforce, veering away from the relaxed lifestyle. She sought more than just function and comfort, she needed flair and sophistication.

8636 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75, 907 panty M - XL P99.75
8568 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75, 40-42B P329.75, 889 panty M - XL P109.75

Barbizon recognized this and evolved along with the market, producing designs with fashion trends in mind -- low-waist boyleg bottoms to go with low-rise jeans, double purpose bras that can serve as a strapless bra under a tube or spaghetti-strap dress or worn as a regular bra when its straps are attached, racer back bras ideal for running singlets, and a cleavage-enhancing style for a sexier fit with a V-neck shirt.

Barbizon pulls out all the stops to give the market a stylish edge, from the fabrics used, the cut of the cup, and the hardware that allows a bra to convert for different purposes.

The brand may have been around for quite a while but it keeps up with the times, with continuous innovations. “I always keep in mind classic yet stylish women when I'm creating designs,” states Barbizon in-house designer Carol Tayao, “I research on color and fabric trends as well as fashion forecasts. I always think of how the product will make a woman feel,” she continues.

8620 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75,  899 panty M - XL P99.75
 8654 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75, 908 panty M - XL P119.75

Some of the new items for this season include a low-cut cup bra (8654) paired with a low-waist string bikini (908); a dual purpose bra (8627) in mesh fabric that can be worn either with or without straps matched with a sexy string bikini in the same mesh fabric (903); and a unique kind of dual purpose bra that converts from regular strap to racer back with the use of just one hook (8636) and matching bikini panty (907) both available in beige and blue colors. These are just some of the items that can be found in the latest collections of Barbizon.

Then there are the mainstays which give that signature Barbizon extraordinary feel to everyday wear such as the push-up full cup bra (8568) which comes in multiple colors with matching bikini (889); sports bra (8615) that can be worn the regular way or with the straps criss-crossed and (8566) a full-coverage bra for ladies with plus sized busts.

8619 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75, 899 panty M - XL P99.75
8627 bra 32-38 A and B P289.75,  903 panty M - XL P99.75

Barbizon intimate apparel is available in all major department stores nationwide such as Robinsons Department Stores, The Landmark in Makati and Trinoma, SM Hypermarkets, Metro Market! Market! and Sta. Lucia East Department store

For more information, visit www.barbizonfashion.com or email barbizon@barbizonfashion.com

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Transformers 3 : Dark of the Moon Trailer

Can't wait to watch this latest sequel!

Synopsis:

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon features Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) taking his first tenuous steps into adulthood while remaining a reluctant human ally of Optimus Prime. The film centers around the space race between the U.S.S.R. and the USA, suggesting there was a hidden Transformers role in it all that remains one of the planet's most dangerous secrets. The villain of the third film will be Shockwave.


“Transformers 3 : Dark of the Moon” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

Press Release:

New Trailer for Michael Bay’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” 
Downloaded Over 6 Million Times in First 24 Hours 
on iTunes Movie Trailers, Breaking Previous Record

HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 6, 2011) - The new trailer for Michael Bay’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” has been downloaded more than 6 million times in its first 24 hours on iTunes Movie Trailers (http://www.apple.com/trailers), becoming the most-viewed trailer in the site's history.

The trailer, which recently debuted exclusively on iTunes Movie Trailers, gives fans a visually stunning sneak peak at this summer's highly anticipated “Transformers: Dark of the Moon."



When a mysterious event from Earth’s past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us. The third installment of the hit franchise, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” stars Shia LaBeouf, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey, Kevin Dunn, with John Malkovich and Frances McDormand.

“Transformers represents big summer fun at the movies and iTunes Movie Trailers was the ideal place to debut the latest installment to a global entertainment audience," says Amy Powell, Paramount Pictures' Executive Vice President Interactive Marketing & Film Production.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Global Smurfs Day Happening This June 25, 2011

This sounds like fun! :)

Press Release:

Celebrate the Birthday of Peyo, the Creator of the Smurfs,
with Smurfy Events Around the World
and Attempt to Break
the Guinness World Records™ Title for Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Smurfs
within a 24-hour period (multiple venues)


CULVER CITY, Calif., June 13, 2011 – On Saturday, June 25, 2011, in celebration of the birthday of Peyo, the creator of the Smurfs (born June 25, 1928), Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation will coordinate events all over the world as part of Global Smurfs Day, a worldwide event in anticipation of the release of the Smurfs’ trip to movie theaters, it was announced today by Marc Weinstock, president, Worldwide Marketing for Sony Pictures. Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s The Smurfs will be released in theaters in the Philippines on August 10, 2011.

Commenting on the announcement, Weinstock said, “There are few characters as iconic as The Smurfs – for more than 50 years, they have been icons of popular culture, appealing across generations. Peyo’s creation endures, and that’s why Global Smurfs Day is a fitting way to celebrate his birthday.”

On Global Smurfs Day, as participants enjoy fun Smurf-related activities in cities worldwide, they will be invited and encouraged to come to the events in Smurf costume in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Smurfs within a 24-hour period in Multiple Venues. The events will be synchronized around the world – this will see the most Smurfs that have ever been gathered at the same time. To achieve recognition from Guinness World Records™ the global events must collectively add up to more than 2,510 Smurfs. Adjudicators from Guinness World Records™ will be on hand in 12 cities around the world as it is expected that hundreds of participants in each city will come to the event dressed as Smurfs (white Smurf hat, white pants and shoes, and body painted blue). While all are being asked to arrive at the event in head-to-toe Smurf costume, each event will have Smurfs hats and blue T-shirts available.

Among the cities participating in the record attempt as part of Global Smurfs Day are Brussels, Belgium (Peyo’s home country); Athens, Greece; Scheveningen (The Hague), Holland; Dublin, Ireland; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama; Warsaw, Poland; Moscow, Russia; Johannesburg, South Africa; New York, USA; and London, UK. Events include a Smurfs Experience in London as The O2 is turned into The “O-Blue" and a family event at New York’s “Smurf Street Blueport” (a/k/a South Street Seaport); also, Peyo’s family will be on hand to join in the fun in their home country of Belgium.

In addition, there will be Global Smurf Day events in many other locations around the world. For example, in Spain, the village of Júzcar, in the province of Malaga – one of the famous White Towns of Andalusia, renowned for their characteristic whitewashed walls – will kick off the celebrations by painting the entire town blue for the occasion. In addition, “life-size” (that is, 7½-inch tall) Smurf figurines will inhabit Paris’s Trocadero Terrace (in front of the Eiffel Tower), the main square in Reykjavik, Iceland, Bogotá, Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport, and high-traffic areas in Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland. In Taiwan, the landmark Red House will be transformed into a “Blue House,” populated by Smurf figurines. In Copenhagen, Denmark, the event will be at the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, where participants can enjoy face painting, dance-alongs, and more fun-filled events. And in Los Angeles, at Santa Monica Place, there will be a celebration of Peyo’s birthday with Smurfy activities.

In the Philippines, the SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, will host an afternoon of fun activities for the family at the Selecta Kid’s Universe area at the ground floor. Everyone is encouraged to come in their best blue outfits, have free wacky souvenir photos taken at the photo booth, play games, have faces painted, and watch the trailer and film clips on Sony Bravia screens.

For more information about Global Smurfs Day, please visit www.GlobalSmurfsDay.com or contact your Columbia Pictures representative.

The Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen in Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village, through a magical portal, and into our world, they land in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. Directed by Raja Gosnell. The producer is Jordan Kerner. The screenplay is by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Jay Scherick & David Ronn from a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss, based on the Characters and Works of Peyo.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tunog Natin! A Free Concert on June 15 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens

FYI. Let's support Original Pilipino Music!

Press Release:

Tunog Natin! Concert Series Lobbies Support for OPM

A FREE concert featuring some of the most distinguished and promising names in the local music scene will be staged at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on June 15 to lobby for public support for the slowly fading Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Presented by real Estate developer Avida Land Corp., "Tunog Natin! An OPM Concert Series" is a call to revive the Filipino audience’s interest for homegrown artists and locally-produced records. It is a series of concerts that the real estate developer will stage in key locations in Metro Manila in line with its upcoming milestone events and project launches.

The June 15 concert, which is the first in the series, coincides with the launch date of the second tower of Avida Towers San Lorenzo, Avida’s latest condominium offering in Makati. The Tunog Natin concert will be part of the Colors of Freedom celebration at Makati and is also tied in with the Freedom Concert  held last June 10 (featuring Bituin Escalante, Gerard Salonga and FilharmoniKa orchestra). The free show will start at exactly 7pm.

Jim Paredes and True Faith

Performers include singer-songwriter and APO Hiking Society stalwart Jim Paredes, whose work from the 1980s include recordings and compositions that are considered OMP classics. There’s also True Faith, whose music has grown even more unforgettable since they began in the 1990s--with their blend of New Wave, easy listening, middle of the road and pop to create an OPM sound that is truly their own.

Sitti, Princess, and Sabrina

Established performers include OPM bossa nova queen Sitti, the sweet-voiced pioneer of the OPM bossa nova sound revival in 2009. Also featured are alternative OPM rock bands Callalily, 6cyclemind and Pedicab whose music continue to define and evolve their genre. They are joined by Princess Velasco and Sabrina, the best-selling acoustic artists today.

Callalily, 6cyclemind, and Pedicab

Up and coming OPM superstars are also in the show, including gold record artist and composer Myrus; ground-breaking OPM boyband 1:43 (“One Forty-three”) ; multi-awarded R&B artist Arnee Hidalgo; and acoustic act Aries Sales. All of the artists in “Tunog Natin!” will perform an all-OPM repertoire.

Myrus and 1:43

Myrus, who is also the project head of “Tunog Natin!” says the concert series seeks to revive interest and appreciation for OPM to assure the future of both the artists and Filipino music.

“No less than the future of OPM is at stake in this concert. It would be such a loss to our cultural heritage if we do not fight the trend and just allow OPM to die out. It’s also in the best interest of Filipino musicians, especially the young, up-and-coming artists, for OPM to continue—our future as musical artists depends on it,” Myrus explains.

Arnee and Aries

The event presenter Avida Land is supporting the project to contribute to the preservation and development of Filipino culture—particularly Original Pilipino Music.

"OPM represents the best music that we can share with one another and offer the rest of the world. Life for a true-blue Pinoy is simply unimaginable without it. Over the years, since the 1980s, OPM has evolved with our culture and passed on to many generations. It is a source of pride as well as a source of inspiration for Filipinos. Those of us who have a passionate and abiding love for OPM are welcome to Tunog Natin!," says Tess Tatco, marketing manager of Avida Land Corp.

Filipino audiences are urged to help bring new life to OPM and save the heritage and legacy of Filipino musicians by attending this free concert series. These concerts will not only showcase the beauty and creativity of Filipino music but will also preserve and promote OPM for generations to come.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Rizal at UP: An Exhibit

For those who would like to pay tribute to our National Hero, here's another opportunity ...

Press Release:

The Office of the Chancellor together with the College of Arts and Letters present Rizal at UP in commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal and the 103rd Foundation of the University of the Philippines. The exhibit will open on 17 June 2011, Friday, 6PM at the Atelyer of the Bulwagan ng Dangal.


The exhibit focuses on the connection between our national hero Jose Rizal and the University of the Philippines (UP). It explores into this ambivalent relationship “between the texts” of Jose Rizal and UP over the past century, wherein Rizal is seen and used as a canonic role model to emphasize and advance the concept of an Iskolar ng Bayan as an idealized agent of reasoned nationhood. This is seen in Rizal’s “textual presence” within UP either as academic structure on campus, heroic image in art, and national genius in course curricula, from the early period of UP in Padre Faura, until its transfer and growth in Diliman.

Exhibition runs until 30 July 2011. For more information, please contact the Bulwagan ng Dangal at 981 8500 local 2874 or e-mail bnd.uhm@gmail.com or the College of Arts and Letters at 981 8500 local 2101 or e-mail kal@up.edu.ph. The Bulwagan is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and Saturday (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Friday, June 10, 2011

Free Gift Pack from Mylac XL Prep

Moms and dads with preschoolers, this is for you! :)

Press Release:

Prep up your kids for preschool with Mylac XL Prep

Is your child 4-6 years old? Make sure your children's first foray into the outside world is safe and fun at the same time! As a mom, make sure you arm them with the proper nutrition to help in their mental and physical growth.


Mylac XL Prep makes sure that your child is ready for preschool with its nutrition-packed formula. With its XL Formula, a combination of DHA, Taurine, Choline, Iron, and Iodine, your child will find preschool learning easy and fun! Packed with vitamins and minerals, Mylac XL Prep will give your child the added boost against diseases so he/she stays healthy and alert for school.

It also comes in delicious chocolate and milk flavors your kids will truly love. So if it's getting ready for preschool, count on Mylac XL Prep for your child!

Is your child 4-6 years old? If yes, then you are entitled to receive a FREE gift pack from Mylac XL Prep! Click here to register. Hurry while supplies last!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Grove by Rockwell Helps You Plan Your Own Kiddie Party!

Don't get stressed when planning your child's birthday especially if it's his/her first. Learn great tips this Saturday by attending this fun and informative event ...


Press Release:

Need help planning your little one’s special day? Are you looking for that original party theme and the most creative giveaways your guests will love? Say no more to party headaches as The Grove by Rockwell invites you and the whole family to get tips and ideas on how to throw the best birthday bash ever at the second How to Plan a Kiddie Party Fair, to be held at The Grove by Rockwell this June 11, 10am to 7pm!

With the success of the first ever How to Plan a Kiddie Party last year, The Grove by Rockwell, in partnership with Mommy Mundo, is bringing together the top party suppliers to help you make that celebration extra special and even more memorable. From unique invitations, yummy snacks and exciting entertainment options, The Grove makes party-planning a breeze by putting an end to your frustrations in finding the best suppliers.

In line with Rockwell’s reputation of creating safe and close-knit communities through their premium developments, The Grove’s How to Plan a Kiddie Party is yet another testament to their commitment for family fun and neighborhood bonding.

So are you looking at a simple gathering with family? Or do you want a big themed party with games and fancy giveaways? Either way, stop by The Grove’s “How to Plan a Kiddie Party” Fair and make it the most fun family celebration yet! For inquiries, visit The Grove Community Center along C5, near Ortigas Avenue, www.facebook.com/thegrovebyrockwell or call 571-8151. For pre-registration, visit www.e-rockwell.com/grove.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Electrolux's Doom of the Broom Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners! :)

Press Release:

In line with its launch of the Dynamica vacuum cleaner, Electrolux, the global leader in household appliances from Sweden, recently concluded the much anticipated Doom of the Broom Blog Contest. Opened to all bloggers residing in the Philippines, 10 blog posts were chosen to win out of the many entries that made it to the April 30 cut-off.

Winning the grand prize is “Doom of the Broom” by lifestyle blogger Iris Acosta of Pinay Ads. Iris Acosta demonstrated creativity by making an original comic strip that showed the difficulties of using a broom for everyday household cleaning. She described the special features of Dynamica vacuum cleaner which are perfect in saving her from the broom crisis. Also, the entry received the most positive feedback from readers, garnering an impressive number of 218 responses in the blog post.


The rest of the winners were “It’s the doom of my broom… hopefully” by Rowena Wendy Lei of Animetric’s World (2nd Place), “Why cleaning should not be a burden” by Arvin Ello of Imagine Green (3rd Place), “A dying note from Wally” by Ellen Joy Castel Cayaba of Bloggity Boop (4th Place), “I want to start the Doom of the Broom” by Richard Mamuyac of Machismis and “A tale of pain and passion” by Ria Rosauro Romero of Something to Live By (tied at 5th Place), “If only Nimbus 2000 can save the day” by Ruth Cruz of Ruthilicious (6th Place), “The Doom of the Broom” by Pehpot Pineda of At Home Here (7th Place), “Doom of the Broom: Start Now” by Lariza Garcia of Mom’s World of Arts and Happiness (8th Place) and “An ode to the broom” by Butchie Dublin of Filipina Explorer (9th Place).

The blog post entries were judged based on the following criteria: Originality - 25%, Creativity - 25%, Use of Media - 20% and Popularity -30%.

Each of the winners received a brand new Dynamica vacuum cleaner. Electrolux also awarded the grand prize winner with kitchen favorites, like the portable induction cooker and rice cooker. Ria Rosauro Romero, on the other hand, also received a rice cooker as a special prize for having the early bird entry.

For more information about the Dynamica vacuum cleaner, call Electrolux’s customer care trunk line at 845-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free number 1-800-10-845-CARE (2273) or visit www.electrolux.com.ph.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The 1st International Agriculture & Tourism Expo to be Held This June and July

Let's support agri-tourism in the Philippines!

Press Release:

A GRAND exposition in agriculture and tourism is set to unfold on June 30 to July 2, 2011 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Dubbed the 1st International Agriculture & Tourism Expo (IATE), the three-day event hopes to draw some 20,000 local visitors and 1,000 foreign visitors. It will also gather some 400 product exhibitors.

The Agri-Tourism Expo will showcase the state of the country’s agriculture and tourism industries and where they are going through a series of awareness campaigns, learning seminars, product exhibits and cultural performances.

The Expo intends to promote Philippine agri-tourism programs of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourism to the international and local markets. Among the Expo’s objectives is to support the government’s efforts at generating sustainable economic growth and development through agriculture and tourism. At the same time, the Expo hopes to attract more tourists and investors to the country so that it will create employment and income opportunities to Filipinos.


Kenneth Dong, president of A-Linx Events International Inc., an events management company which organized the Expo, cited the amazing growth of travel and tourism industry worldwide, a phenomenon that will also boost tourism in the Philippines. “People all over the world continue to seek new attractions and greater adventures,” Dong said, adding that this growing demand saw the emergence of “agri-tourism.”

Agri-tourism, a combination of the words agriculture and tourism, Dong said, refers to travel to rural farm area for leisure, education, or active involvement in agricultural activities. He adds that agri-tourism has been gaining global popularity even as it offers new and exciting experience to tourists with a wide-range of activities, including tending to farm animals, planting, harvesting and processing of farm products.

According to Dong, as an agricultural country with abundant, untapped natural resources, the Philippines has all the potential to be a world-class agri-tourism destination. “Paired with a hospitable and dynamic culture that is uniquely Filipino, agri-tourism shows promise of becoming a major factor in strengthening the economy and promoting agriculture and tourism industries."

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourism have given their support to the Expo. Several big organizations and businesses also gave their endorsements. Among them were the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, National Federation of Hog Farmers,Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phils.), Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Technology Resource Center, the Department of Agriculture’s attached agencies, Local Government Units, League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Philippine Travel Agencies Association, the Universal Robina Corporation, Foremost Farms Inc., Pfizer, Philippine Planters Products and Univet Nutrition & Animal Healthcare Co.

Attached agencies of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture are also lending their support. Among them are the Bureau of Agricultural Research, Philippine Agricultural Development & Commercial Corporation, Bureau of Animal Industry, Livestock Development Council, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Plant Industry, Philippine Rice Research Institute, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development & Mechanizations, Philippine Agrarian Reform Foundation National Development, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, Philippine Crop & Insurance Co. and the Bureau of Soils & Water Management.

Key senators have also endorsed the Expo. among them were Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, chairman of Agriculture Committee; Senator Manuel Lapid, chairman of Tourism Committee; Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, chairman of Cooperatives Committee; Sen. Loren Legarda, chairman of Foreign Affairs; Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman on Education Committee; and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., chairman of Local Governments Committee.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

A Luxurious Holiday in Bohol Awaits You at Henann Resort

I've heard such a lot of good things about Panglao in Bohol. This resort looks like a great place to go to ...

Press Release:

Avail of the soft opening promo of Henann Resort at Alona Beach and experience a once in a lifetime vacation in the island paradise of Panglao, Bohol.


For only P9,240 nett per night, guests may stay in one of twelve exclusive villas situated amidst lush tropical gardens with refreshing views of the sea, palm groves and swimming pool. The promo is inclusive of complimentary Filipino or American breakfast for two. The offer is valid until September 30, 2011.

Formerly Alona Palm Beach Resort, Henann Resort is the latest acquisition of the Boracay Regency Group of Resorts also known as Henann Resorts, owner and operator of Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Boracay Garden Resort and Regency Lagoon Resort.


“We are overwhelmed by the positive response we have been receiving since we re-launched the resort a few months ago. We’re offering this promo to entice more local tourists to discover the inspiringly magical beauty of Panglao Island,” said Isabel Garcia, In-Charge of Marketing of Henann Resorts.

Henann Resort is situated on a slightly elevated area along the powdery white stretch of Alona Beach. Offering the utmost privacy to guests, the villas are separated by 70-meter wide coconut palm groves from the white beach. The resort has the widest beach front along Alona Beach and also features a 450- square meter fresh water swimming pool with bar.


Each villa is equipped with a split-type air conditioner and ceiling fan, terrace with sun beds, LCD TV with cable, telephone with IDD and NDD, WIFI access, personal safety box, and mini bar.

The province of Bohol is centrally located in the Visayas region and is only an hour away by plane from Manila. Land transfers from provincial capital Tagbilaran City to Henann Resort takes 30-45 minutes.


Aside from the Chocolate Hills and the Philippine Tarsier, Bohol is also famous for landmarks and attractions such as the Dauis Church, Blood Compact Shrine, Magsaysay Camp, and Loboc River. Popular tourist activities include bird spotting in Rajah Sikatuna National Park, diving in Panglao Island and whale and dolphin watching in Bohol Sea, among others.

For reservations and inquiries, please call Henann Resort at (63)(38) 5029141 and 44, (63)(2) 4913627, (63)(2) 5231234 local 607 or email manila@henann.com.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Penn State Certificate in Strategic HR Transformation and Organization Development in Manila

FYI to HR and OD leaders ...

Press Release:

From the group that brought to the country world-class speakers in the persons of Jack Canfield, author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Tony Buzan, world’s top guru on mind power and creative thinking, Institute of Training and Development (ITD) Consulting Group Inc. brings back world-renowned consultant Dr. William J. Rothwell for the upcoming Pennsylvania State University’s Certificate in Strategic HR Transformation and Organization Development (OD) on June 14 – 16, 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Dr. William J. Rothwell is a Professor at Pennsylvania State University and President of Rothwell & Associates. He is the author of best-selling and award-winning books with over 80 internationally published titles, consultant to various multinational corporations, and the head of the #1-ranked graduate program in HRD in the US.

In this 3-day Certificate Program, Dr. Rothwell will share how you can transform your roles and contribution as an HR and OD Leader to enable your organization to realize its business goals. As a leader, you have many choices available to make a difference to your organization’s performance. He will guide you to make the best choices and come up with a blueprint of strategic HR transformation plan and implementation. He will be sharing with you the latest HR and OD Tools and Technologies that will allow you to greatly accelerate your contribution towards sustainable high performance.

The seminar is presented by ITD, the country’s leading multinational provider of superior quality organizational and human resource development solutions to Asia Pacific, and the prime mover behind the finest motivational speaking engagements in the Philippines.

Special rates and group discounts are available. For inquiries about the event, email itdmanila@itdworld.com, call (632)887-7428, text (63)915-4974559, or visit www.itdworld.com

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Time to Get Creative with Jollitown Art Fun!

Here are Jollibee's newest batch of toys for June 2011. These are great items for kids to foster their creativity.

Press Release:

As kids gear up for another exciting school season, Jollibee gives them new toys featuring their favorite Jollitown that will help spark their creativity. Perfect to help bring out the young artists in them, the new Jollitown Art Fun will be every child’s companion to a more enjoyable playtime. Available on June 3 to July 8 with every Jollibee Kids Meal, the little ones can easily explore their talents in making art with their cool new toys.


Let kids play little Picasso for a while with the easy to use Stamp n’ Paint set. Just pour the paint onto the mixing plate and create awesome drawings using the star design stamper and tri-brush. The Blow Pen Stencil Set is just as fun, and it allows children to make more artworks in cool designs. Just flip the pen in the blower, lay the stencils flat on the paper then blow the pen at the stencils to create dazzling patterns. 

With the Stamp Wheel n’ Swiper, kids can further let their imagination fly! Simply pour the paint onto the mixing plate, and then paint away using the roller stamper and flat brush. Make this fun activity more challenging by having the kids draw their most recent dream, their favorite Jollitown character or how their ideal car would look like. It is just delightfully amusing to watch as the little ones get creative and have fun with their artwork.

So treat the kids to a yummy Jollibee Kids Meal and bring home these toys —be it the langhap-sarap Yumburger Meal at P80, the favorite Spaghetti Meal at P88, the delicious 1-pc Burger Steak Meal P87 or the juicylicious 1-pc Chickenjoy Meal at P103. Collect all three toys and let kids paint a world of their own with the Jollitown Art Fun!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

PAUL Opens Today, June 1 in Philippine Cinemas

Two geeky comic fans and an alien star in the film PAUL. Read on to know how it all started ...

Press Release:

Boldly Going Where No Geeks Have Gone Before
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in “Paul”

PAUL may be a road movie that veers and swerves across the heart of America, from San Diego to New Mexico to the stunning vistas of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, but it has its origins in a much more intimate setting: a garden in Crouch End, London, all the way back in 2003, where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were filming their new movie, a little comedy about zombies called Shaun Of The Dead.

“We were in the garden doing the records throwing scene,” recalls Pegg. “And we were having trouble with the weather because in May, in England, it’s so changeable.”

So, during a break, Nira Park, the film’s producer, asked the duo – best friends since they met at a Mexican restaurant in 1993 – what they wanted to do next. They spitballed a number of ideas, including a film about two British comic book fans who encounter a genuine alien while on a road trip across the States. Pegg even drew a poster of the alien giving the camera a middle finger. The alien, and the film, was called Paul. “Five years on,” laughs Pegg, “I walked onto set and thought, ‘this is exactly how I imagined it.’”

But the road to the roads of America was not an easy one, as Pegg and Frost filled their time with other projects, including Hot Fuzz, another film with Shaun’s director, Edgar Wright. “Paul was on the back burner,” says Pegg. “We could do that one day, that silly little idea we had. It was like a pub chat pipe dream. Then Nira said Edgar was going off to do Scott Pilgrim, and Nira said, ‘why don’t we do Paul?’”

And so they did, with Pegg and Frost – who would be writing with his friend for the first time - embarking upon a road trip across the States in a battered RV that proved utterly invaluable. “It got us an education entirely,” says Pegg. “We started off writing on the RV and watching The X-Files as we went along. Then, gradually, we realised that everything we needed to do and see out the window.” Frost laughs, in agreement. “The writing lasted two hours.”


Elements that Pegg and Frost experienced along the way included a trip to the Little Ale’i’nn, a sci-fi themed café near Rachel, Nevada, and a trip to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, the flat-topped mountain that served so memorably in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. They also channelled their experiences at the San Diego Comic-Con into the opening of the film, and their characters, the sweet and naïve aspiring comic book creators Clive Gollings (Frost) and Graeme Willy (Pegg).

“They were a lot geekier to begin with,” says Frost. “But we knocked them back to what you see.” “They’re a strange amalgam,” concurs Pegg. “They’re our geekiest selves, I guess. If we put anything of ourselves into them, it’s a projection of our most avid fanboy sides. And we put another side of ourselves in there, too, an interest in paranormal activity.” Frost nods. “We imagined that it was just literally the two of them all the time. There’s only one other guy they know. And when you see them dancing round the campfire, the stage direction says, ‘it is the first time that Graeme and Clive have ever danced.’ I was watching it last night, thinking, ‘that’s right!’


The Pegg-Frost friendship resonates in the relationship between Graeme and Clive (“There’s a great love between them,” says Pegg. “We channelled a bit of our romance into it, didn’t we?”). But the film itself also took their friendship to new areas, as the two wrote together for the first time. Not that those areas were always welcome. “There were big arguments,” admits Frost. “I think that’s how it’s meant to be, right? It would be weird if there wasn’t a big disagreement.” “The thing I remember is having this big argument over the Vasquez Rocks thing,” recalls Pegg, referring to a scene that takes place early in the film. “It was a silly thing. That was a real big blow-up which lasted an hour or two. Then you have that cool-down period where you don’t want to talk to each other but you don’t want to fight, but then you have a cup of tea and it’s all fine.” Frost smiles, “One of us would say something really funny and then it’s forgotten.” “Yeah,” agrees Pegg. “It was mainly just pissing ourselves laughing.”

The film, though, isn’t called Graeme and Clive, it’s called Paul. And, from the off, Pegg and Frost were focusing on their title character. An entirely CG creation, to be voiced by Seth Rogen, Paul went through a number of iterations before they settled upon turning him into a laidback slacker with an impressive array of swearwords at his disposal. “We had a few different ideas from the time we started writing,” concedes Frost. “He was a lot older, a lot meaner and he was a bit violent. But the longer the writing process went on, instead of him being this horrible character who upsets and shocks Graeme and Clive constantly, why don’t we make him more likeable? He’s cool, he’s been around a lot, he’s the most human character in the film.”


Pegg nods, in agreement. “Before Seth came on board, we were thinking of someone like Rip Torn. He was this old Jewish guy with tanned leathery skin, but now he’s just a cool dude, in the vein of Mork and ALF and those classic smart-mouthed aliens. But more real.”

“PAUL” is a United International Pictures film released and distributed through Solar Entertainment Corporation.
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