FREE 1 Year Insurance WITH Acts of Nature only from BPI Family Auto Loan!

Buying a new car? Here's a good promo you might want to avail ...

Press Release:

To celebrate BPI’s 160th anniversary, BPI Family Auto Loan, the leader in auto loans brings back its FREE Insurance with Acts of Nature Promo.

Owning a brand new car has always been something Filipinos aspire for. With this unique FREE Insurance offer, BPI Family makes driving the vehicle of your choice much easier for car buyers.

The cost of comprehensive insurance involves a potentially substantial amount of money. This is on top of the downpayment and other fees that a borrower has to pay for. With BPI Family’s FREE Insurance promo the borrower is relieved of having to fork out more money for insurance protection. That also translates to big savings for a customer and he can use the money elsewhere.

The FREE Insurance includes Acts of Nature coverage. Says Mr. David Sarmiento, Jr., SVP and BPI Family Auto Loans Division Head, “We have always included for FREE the Acts of Nature coverage ever since we started this promo. As a financial partner that helps Filipinos purchase their vehicles, we also free our clients from their fears – fears of disasters and accidents. We want to give them the peace of mind they deserve in knowing that their vehicles are protected from even crippling calamities.”

For utmost convenience, clients may log on to www.bpiloans.com to apply. All applications received and approved from October 1 – November 15, 2011 will be considered. Applicants should have a minimum loan amount of PHP 650, 000 and a loan term of at least 36 months to avail of the FREE insurance. Clients must also agree to renew with BPI/MS Corporation for the duration of the loan term. Applicable to brand new units and for private use only. Unit must be delivered by December 01, 2011.

By logging on to www.bpiloans.com browsing for the car that best fits an individual’s needs becomes a breeze through the site’s Car Buyers’ Guide. Filipino car buyers are given the ease and convenience of having hundreds of cars right at their fingertips and the power to check out the car of their choice through categories like price range, classification and engine power. The database also features a loan calculator that enables potential buyers to determine their down payment terms and monthly amortization.

Moreover, while enjoying their brand new vehicles and resting easy with the thought of being protected against all sorts of damage, online clients also get a FREE BPI MasterCard with FREE fuel and fuel rebates upon loan approval. Paying for your loan is made more convenient because of BPI’s wide range of payment channels such as auto debit arrangement, Express Online, Express Phones and ATM.

Clients may also visit the over 800 BPI and BPI Family Bank branches to apply for the promo.

Halloween-Themed First-Look: “FRANKENWEENIE”

Halloween is just around the corner. Here's something to look forward to NEXT year :)

Press Release:

Disney has just unveiled the first photos of Tim Burton's upcoming animated feature, “Frankenweenie” which hits Philippine theaters October next year, just in time for Halloween 2012.

From creative genius Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland," "The Nightmare Before Christmas") comes “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

A stop-motion animated film, “Frankenweenie” was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D, which will elevate the classic style to a whole new experience.

With a screenplay by Burton and John August, the film's voice cast is lead by Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan and Atticus Shaffer.

Manila to Host International Conference on Children and Climate Change

FYI for advocates of children's welfare and the environment ...

Press Release:

Hundreds of delegates from the Philippines and around the world are expected to attend the 2nd Asian Children's Museum Conference to be held at the Manila Hotel, from February 2 to 4, 2012.

Organized by Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc. (MPFI), the three-day conference with the theme “Children and Climate Change” is set to discuss how educators, parents, and adults involved in children's welfare can address these pressing environmental issues so that young people can play a strong role in facing climate change. The conference is made possible through a grant from Japan Foundation.

“Global communities are addressing climate change more keenly as we witness environmental havoc - earthquakes, flooding and extreme weather conditions. Children learn about this in school, from their parents and the media. They may also be victims of these environmental changes. It is important to know how the various sectors in society are addressing these issues on climate change. How can we provide fun and exciting learning modules on climate change through programs, interactive exhibits and publications for children? We want the next generations to be champions in their own way, to become “planet savers,” to be a part of the solution and not the problem,” says Nina Lim-Yuson, president and CEO of MPFI.

Foreign and local experts in the fields of disaster preparedness, health and wellness, schools and universities, museums, and children's literature have been invited to talk about their successful and innovative programs which help children understand climate change. “By bringing together these diverse groups, we hope to come up with recommendations that are doable in the Philippine setting,” Yuson continues.

California Academy of Social Sciences' Meg Burke, Lord Cultural Services' Laure Colliex, Learning Innovation Network-Osaka's Keiko Kuroiwa, and Lilibeth LaO of Museo Sang Bata sa Negros will discuss how their museums have developed interactive exhibits to raise children’s awareness of natural disasters, global climate change and other environmental issues. Vanessa Tobin from UNICEF-Philippines and Lorenzo Tan of WWF-Philippines will be presenting their organizations' studies on children and climate change. Jim Sharman of Gamot Cogon School in Iloilo, Thomas Van der Walt from University of South Africa, Froilan Grate of Mother Earth Foundation and Maja Olivares-Co of the Paco Market Redevelopment will talk about their organizations' projects which make children's spaces fun and enjoyable places to visit. Carla Pacis will explore how effective the story book is in educating our children on climate change. Visual artist Alma Quinto will conduct a scrap art workshop, and young pioneers Bryan Mc Clelland (Bamboo Bike Project), Chips Guevarra (Veggie Oil Jeepney Project) and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (Plantsahan ng Bayan) will talk about their innovations.

Early bird fee (until December 2011) for the three-day conference is 7,000 Php for Philippine residents and 250 USD for foreign delegates. Students, teachers, LGUs and group discount rates are available. You may get application forms at the Museo Pambata office at Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila or you may download it from www.museopambata.org/acmc. For more information, call 523-1797 to 98, 536-0595 or 400-7558. You may also email info@museopambata.org.

The conference is co-presented by the City of Manila, with additional support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Development Bank of the Philippines, WS Family Foundation, and Landbank.

Carey Mulligan, Dragged Into the Underworld in “Drive”

I haven't watched any of Carey Mulligan's films yet but the story of this one looks very interesting. Here's hoping to catch it this November ...

Press Release:

One of the most talented young actresses working today, Oscar Best Actress nominee Carey Mulligan (“Never Let Me Go,” “Money Never Sleeps”) stars opposite Ryan Gosling in FilmDistrict's critically acclaimed thriller “Drive.”

Winner of the Best Director prize in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, “Drive” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 & Trinoma) starting Nov. 9. The film is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and adapted from James Sallis's 2005 novel of the same name.

In the film, Driver (Gosling) is a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can't help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac).

Mulligan had been a fan of Refn’s past films “Bronson” and “Valhalla Rising” and had even mentioned to her agent that she wanted to work with a director like Refn, but it was only after she expressed interest in the script that she learned who was helming “Drive.”

The actrees’ enthusiasm was matched by Refn's, who immediately ordered small rewrites of Irene's backstory so he could cast Mulligan. In the novel, ‘Irene’ is a Latina. Director Refn confirms, “Originally I was looking for a Latina actress. He continues, “I hadn’t seen Carey’s films, but the minute she walked in the door, I knew we had our ‘Irene.’ It just cemented the love story in a much more interesting way. It made it more of a ‘Romeo & Juliet‘ kind of love story without the politics that would in this day and age be brought into it if you had different nationalities or different religions.”

Mulligan explains her interest in the part: “Irene's character was a challenge because she's really the pivot point for the film's secondary plot, which is literally about the love triangle between her, Driver and Irene’s husband Standard but dramatically is about where they'll all end up in the most meaningful sense. And it's not an easy decision for her. Driver certainly seems like Irene's knight in shining armor, but Standard is drawn very sympathetically, as someone who's made mistakes but is genuinely trying to turn his life around. Plus she's loved him since she was 17. So to be able to play those two impulses off of one another, especially after Standard and Driver form an uneasy alliance, gave me so much to work with.”

Says Refn: “Since I was a teenager, I've been a big fan of `Sixteen Candles.’ I've always wanted to remake that film one way or another and, in a very unlikely way, I've done that with `Drive.’ Carey has all the intelligence and charm of a young Molly Ringwald. The romantic scenes she has with Ryan make for a very delicate and beautiful contrast to the brutality in the rest of the film.”

2nd Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition at Enchanted Kingdom

Too bad I missed this one because I had to attend a family reunion that day. I loved watching the 2010 show and am sure this second year must have had grander displays.

Photo Release:

The country's first and only world-class theme park, Enchanted Kingdom lit up the skies of Sta.Rosa Laguna last October 22 during the 2nd Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition. 

Over 19,000 park guests were in attendance to witness the beautifully choreographed pyro-spectacular night. Adjudged as the Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Champion was Singapore, the Philippines came in 1st place and came in 2nd place. 

Other competitors included Malaysia and Vietnam. The Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition is one of the magical 16th Anniversary offerings of Enchanted Kingdom this eventful month of October. 

For more details, visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or like Enchanted Kingdom on Facebook.

Jesse Eisenberg Has To Rob A Bank in “30 Minutes or Less”

Have some good laughs with friends. Watch this movie which starts showing today, October 26 ... 

Press Release:

Actor-on-the-rise Jesse Eisenberg plays an under-achieving guy who has to put aside his epic falling out with an ex-bestfriend in order to rob a bank, in Columbia Pictures' new, action-comedy “30 Minutes or Less.”

In the film, Nick (Eisenberg) is a small town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wannabe criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The lowlifes kidnap Nick and strap a time bomb to him – with the promise that they’ll blow him up unless he robs a bank. With only a few hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship.

“Nick is a pizza delivery guy who dropped out of college a few years back and now feels a bit stuck,” says Eisenberg, describing his character. “It takes a bomb getting strapped on him to light a fire under him, so to speak.”

“The movie has an interesting plot and a clever premise, but what really sets it apart are the characters,” says Eisenberg. “When I look for a project, that is the most relevant thing to me – the concept is less important than the characters. The story is told through the characters’ perspectives, and there was a lot for the actors to do. The great premise is almost a bonus.”

For that reason, Eisenberg says, he was happy to have the opportunity to reteam with his 'Zombieland' director, Ruben Fleischer. “Ruben puts an emphasis on caring about the characters even when they’re doing something despicable,” he says. “He always accounts for the emotional experience of the character, even if a scene is supposed to be an action scene or comedic, and that maintains an honesty for the characters, even set against the backdrop of a very broad movie. That’s the common thread between this movie and `Zombieland' – Ruben never compromises character.

“Jesse is really, really funny, but he’s also an amazing actor – he can add to the gravity of the situation, walking a fine line between showing his fear but also allowing the comedy to play,” says Fleischer.

That focus on character was an important factor in the development of the screenplay. Sometimes, it came down to the cast and filmmakers asking themselves what they would do if they had a bomb strapped to their chest. And sometimes, the answer that came back was to search Wikipedia for a hint in how to defuse it. “The movie is comedic, but there’s also a scary driving force behind it – the incredible fear you’d have if there was a bomb strapped to you,” Eisenberg explains. “As we were thinking about it, the little things that came out were absurd, the things you would search on the internet as you tried to find a way out of the mess. It’s so specific that it’s comedic, but it’s also real at the same time.”

Opening soon across the Philippines, “30 Minutes or Less” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games. Like them at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join their fan contests.

MTV Exit Returns To The Philippines To Fight Human Trafficking

Watch this free concert for a cause happening this Saturday at the Mall of Asia concert grounds ...  

Although it's free, organizers wanted to have crowd control for everyone's safety so you have to secure a ticket to get in. I'm giving away 30 free tickets which you can claim from me between 5-5:30pm on Saturday. Just click this link to get more details. 

Another 30 tickets are available from my husband's blog's Facebook page. Click here if you didn't make it to my giveaway.

Press Release:

Jay Park, Evaline, Parokya ni Edgar, Pupil, Ebe Dancel, and Itchyworms to Perform at 

MTV Exit Free Concert on October 29 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Special Appearance by New MTV Exit Celebrity Ambassador, Dingdong Dantes

MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking), in partnership with the Philippines Government, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development (AusAID) recently announced the return of the MTV EXIT campaign to the Philippines with a free MTV EXIT Live in Manila concert on October 29.

MTV EXIT Live in Manila will bring together international and local artists to raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking and exploitation. The free outdoor concert will be headlined by Korean pop sensation, Jay Park, and held at SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Joining the line-up will be Californian alternative rock band, Evaline and top local artists Parokya Ni Edgar, Pupil, Ebe Dancel, Itchyworms, and will be hosted by MTV VJ Holly, including a special appearance by popular Filipino celebrity, Dingdong Dantes, who is the new MTV EXIT Celebrity Ambassador in the Philippines. Free tickets are available through www.facebook.com/astroplus1 or more details on www.mtvexit.org.

MTV EXIT Campaign Director, Matt Love said, “We are excited to return to the Philippines to inspire youth to take action against this critical issue. MTV EXIT Live in Manila harnesses on the power and influence of music to bring together international and local artists in solidarity with youth across the Philippines to fight against this problem affecting millions of people worldwide.”

Human trafficking is a crime that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Of those, more than half are living in or from Asia and the Pacific. Often, the victims are young people who are guilty of nothing more than wanting a better life for themselves.

Evaline (photo credit Joseph Llanes)

MTV EXIT and Visayan Forum Foundation (VF) will also be hosting the first-ever National Youth Summit for the Movement of Anti-Trafficking Advocates (MATA) from 24 October to 28 October to empower youth leaders from across the Philippines to spread key anti-trafficking messages. The Summit will bring together 110 youth leaders, ages 16 to 26 years old, for a series of workshops conducted by media professionals from the film, theatre, and music industries. The Summit will strengthen the youth leaders’ creative skills, while challenging them to produce a campaign plan to take the fight against human trafficking back to their local communities.

U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas has expressed his support for the Youth Summit, saying, “the Movement Against Trafficking Advocates is harnessing the power and creativity of youth, and youth can be an important force in the fight against human trafficking. All of us must join hands to fight this form of modern day slavery.”

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith says, “The work of MTV EXIT reminds us that we all have a responsibility to end human trafficking. Individuals, families, businesses and governments must work together to stop this trade in human life, and ensure justice for its victims. Human trafficking calls for a global response. Australia is committed to working with the Philippines and its partners in the region on this issue of shared international concern.”

In addition, MTV EXIT announced the release of the new half-hour Filipino documentary film, Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special, hosted by Dingdong Dantes. The documentary will give audiences a real and rare glimpse into human trafficking and exploitation in the Philippines, telling stories of human trafficking survivors and highlighting what everyone can do to help end this horrific crime. Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special telling will premiere on GMA NEWS TV Channel 11 on November 27 at 9:55PM.

For more details about human trafficking and exploitation in Asia, visit www.mtvexit.org or follow MTV EXIT on the following social media platforms: Twitter @mtvexit and www.facebook.com/mtvexit

CHRONICLE Synopsis and Trailer Debut

What are you capable of? Watch the trailer and read below the synopsis of the upcoming thriller from 20th Century Fox ... this looks like a very interesting movie!

Press Release:

"Chronicle" stars Michael B. Jordan, James Dehaan and Alex Russell as high school kids who developed extra special powers after being exposed to a mysterious substance in the woods. Beyond their understanding, their powers direct them to incredible discoveries and use them to their advantage as their lives start to spin out of control while their darker sides begin to take over.

Directed by Josh Trank, "Chronicle" is reminiscent of hit thrillers shot in real time documentary-style such as "The Blairwitch Project" and "Cloverfield."

The Timekeepers and Minutemen of “In Time”

After watching Justin Timberlake do very well in Friends with Benefits, I'm looking forward to watching him again in this new film ... 

Press Release:

It’s a race against time for two young fugitives in a society where time is the currency and there is never enough of it in the philosophical action thriller “In Time.” Starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried with Olivia Wilde, Cillian Murphy and Alex Pettyfer, “In Time” clocks in a world where which people stop aging at 25. From that point onward they have to buy, borrow or steal time in order to stay alive. Every second counts. For the poor like Timberlake’s Will Salas, life is a constant struggle for survival, while the wealthy have enough time to live forever.

Falsely accused of murder and on the run, Will (Timberlake) meets the rich and beautiful Sylvia (Seyfried). Together the charismatic pair is trying to bring down the corrupt system. The world created by director Andrew Niccol in “In Time” is corrupt and unjust. For the poor it is a daily battle to acquire enough time to stay alive. The rich on the other hand have centuries and can potentially live forever. There is a yawning gap between the haves and have-nots. 

Sylvia and Will are running for their lives – not just to find enough time to make it through another day, but from the Timekeepers out to capture the fugitive duo. “Timekeepers keep the system running; they actually keep time,” says Niccol. “And our principal antagonist, Timekeeper Leon, is not really a villain. He is just a bureaucrat, an authority figure who has allegiance to no one, rich or poor. His only allegiance is to minutes and seconds. He believes (or has to believe) that you are either working for the system, or you need to be eliminated.”

For the role of the Timekeeper Leon the filmmakers cast another “old soul,” Cillian Murphy. Murphy acknowledges the circumstances of his character – “he’s a cop charged with keeping this system going” – but the actor finds the deeper layers of Leon more compelling to play: “What’s great about the character is that he is a contradiction, because he’s actually from that same ghetto where Will lives. Deep down, he knows that it’s a corrupt system, and yet he’s decided to accept that and pursue his goal of keeping time. He’s a very kinetic and focused character, and for him it’s just about constantly moving forward. I think he’s suppressed all of his past. What I liked about the writing is that Will and Leon, they’re the flip side of each other. It’s just different paths having been taken. This is the path he’s chosen, and he suppresses all of the misgivings and issues he has with this system. He’s tried to leave them behind over the course of his life.” 

As with the classic archetypal chase – the hunter and the hunted – so beautifully realized in, for example, The Fugitive, a bond forms as the chase quickens. Murphy adds, “Not only does Leon realize he’s from the same side of the tracks as Will, but there is a sense of history; Leon knew Will’s father. I think over the course of the story, they gain a respect for each other.” 

Part of the menace of Dayton, apart from the possibility of timing out should one not amass a day’s wages, is the presence of Minute Men, who are thieves out to steal time. Alex Pettyfer portrays Fortis, the leader of the Minute Men – a refined 75-year-old psychopath (who of course looks 25). “Because of the character’s age, he’s quite articulate,” says Niccol. “He has more sophisticated taste in clothing than a younger man would have. That makes him seem different from the younger characters.”

Pettyfer offers, “Fortis is a bruiser, though not without a certain elegance. And he’s just a complete psycho, and crazy-hungry for time. I think the scariest thing about him is that he feels he has nothing to lose. He just doesn’t care. He’s just now gone completely insane and is on a rampage for more time.”

See more of these IN TIME movie postcards and download them here

The actor enjoyed his trip to the dark side, finding it a liberating experience: “You can’t do everything you want playing a villain, but you have room to create. And I think that’s the most attractive thing about playing a character like Fortis; it’s that you can build so many layers with him.”

Riveting action thriller “In Time” opens October 28 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Puss in Boots Coming Soon to Philippine Theaters

Get ready for the coolest cat in town! :)

Press Release:

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend…The Boots.

Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Amy Sedaris

“Puss in Boots” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

Sensational Flavors Star in The Fourth Season of Sarap at Home

I like catching Sarap at Home on TV whenever I am tuned in to channel 11 because the segments are short and sweet but fully-packed with fun scenarios and easy-to-do recipes. Here are some updates on the show's 4th season ...

Press Release:

Entertaining impromptu guests? Dealing with fussy eaters? Living on a budget? Working at warp speed and need a faster-than-ever dish that’s sure to impress? In the fourth installment of Sarap at Home on GNTV11, expect delicious answers and quick fixes to all these and to your other cooking dilemmas!

PERFECT TOGETHER

This season, resident host Sam Oh will be joined by actress Jackie Rice, hunky model Fabio Ide, and funny man Ramon Bautista to give everyone an exhilarating time episode after episode. What else makes the new season stand out? Sam says, “We’re giving the show a bit of a sitcom approach now while still highlighting the many recipes our viewers can create with San Marino products. The unpredictable twists and reveals that are going to happen in Sarap at Home are something to watch out for. With that and the addition of Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon, it’s definitely going to be a really, really exciting show to watch!” 

Witness how these four get intertwined in each other’s lives—Sam falls for her gorgeous neighbor Fabio, who has a crush on her pretty probinsyana cousin Jackie, while comic Ramon is in love with Sam! Who will end up with whom? Better stay tuned!

JUST POP OPEN A CAN!

Tons of incredibly simple, easy-to-prepare, and budget-friendly recipes will surely wow you this season. And all of these dishes are deliciously created with: San Marino Corned Tuna, the number #1 corned tuna in the Philippines, the fiery San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, the full-packed meal San Marino Tuna Paella, and their newest product innovation, the ready-to-eat, no-need-to-fry San Marino Tuna Embutido.

Definitely, turning everyday meals to gourmet meals are made delectably easy and speedy with San Marino! Each product is also rich in Omega-3 and DHA which is good for the brain and heart. So whether you’re in the mood for cooking and creating new delicious dishes with San Marino, all you need is to catch each episode of Sarap at Home to learn a valuable tip or two on cooking.

BIZ BEST

Another thrilling twist to the show’s new season and wonderful news to those keen on starting up their own businesses: CDO Foodservice will also be sharing helpful tips on how to set up your own food businesses. Be your own success story too by learning important business trade secrets, quality food products, and business start-up solutions that will be generously shared by the CDO Foodservice throughout the season. CDO Foodservice will surely be a huge help in making your dreams of owning and running a business come true, whether you are planning to start up a small business, looking for a foodservice partner or have a food product you want to conceptualize and develop. CDO Foodservice has always believed in making things happen and with their help, so should you.

TRUE TASTE OF THE SEASON

Sarap at Home Season 4 will surely shake up your cooking routine and wake up your taste buds. Get ready for flavor-filled episodes and be part of the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of Sam, Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon. Plus, whet your appetite with these four exciting products—San Marino Corned Tuna, San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, San Marino Tuna Paella, and San Marino Tuna Embutido—everyday! 

Can’t have enough of the Sarap at Home and San Marino duo? Make sure to catch Sarap at Home on GNTV11 Channel from Mondays to Sundays.

 

Ballet Philippines’ The Sleeping Beauty to be Staged this December 2011

Relive the magic of Sleeping Beauty through a different art form. Watch instead of reading the story. And don't forget to bring the whole family!

Press Release:

From December 2 to 11, 2011, Ballet Philippines will perform one of the most beloved classical ballets, The Sleeping Beauty, at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Perfect for the whole family, it will have 17 performances, including 13 matinees at 10 AM and 3 PM, where children as young as 3 years old can watch. Tickets range from P200 to P600 on matinees, and student and senior citizen discounts apply.

Audiences of all ages will delight in the familiar music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which was used in the 1959 Disney cartoon. Songs such as “Once Upon A Dream,” and “Hail to the Princess Aurora,” and soundtrack themes such as the battle scene and the bright and perky melody introducing the fairies are straight from Tchaikovsky’s score.

The Sleeping Beauty first premiered in 1890 at the Maryiinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based on Charles Perrault’s fairy tale, the ballet’s music was composed by the great Tchaikovsky, and was choreographed by Marius Petipa, the duo behind Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

The ballet begins with the royal christening of the infant Princess Aurora, with her fairy godmothers bestowing gifts upon her. The festivities come to a sudden halt when the dark fairy Carabosse arrives, furious because she was not invited. She curses the princess and dooms her to prick her finger and die. The good fairies protect her only enough to soften the curse, and instead promise 100 years of sleep, which will only be broken by the kiss of true love.

The kingdom spends the next years protecting the Princess Aurora from her fate, but the evil Carabosse is determined to cast her spell. The good fairies, led by the Lilac Fairy, shine their light on the whole kingdom, and ensure that the princess and the whole kingdom get their happy ever after.

With opulent sets and costumes, and beautiful music, the ballet is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. Here, royalty and fairies walk the halls of the grand palace, and royal guests are well-loved fairy tale characters such as Puss n’ Boots and Little Red Riding Hood. There is also a lot of spectacular dancing such as the Bluebird pas de deux, whose music is more familiar as Princess Aurora’s song in the woods in the Disney cartoon.

The Sleeping Beauty was last performed by Ballet Philippines in October 1988, with then CCP Artist-in-Residence Lisa Macuja and BP principal dancers Cecile Sicangco and Nonoy Froilan in the lead. Latvian ballet dancer Aivars Leimanis was international guest artist.

The 2011 staging will have BP ballet master Victor Ursabia as restager, and principal dancers Carissa Adea, Candice Adea and Katherine Trofeo as Princess Aurora, and Jean Marc Cordero in the role of Prince Desire. He will alternate with international guest artist Nobuo Fujino, former principal dancer of Hong Kong Ballet, who will perform for two nights only.

The Sleeping Beauty will begin with a fundraiser Gala Night on December 2, featuring international guest artist Nobuo Fujino partnering our very own international award-winner Candice Adea, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra playing live.

The Sleeping Beauty will have 17 performances from December 2-11, 2011. For more details visit www.balletphilippines.org. Buy tickets online and get exclusive promos and free tickets to BP’s next production, Wagas. For tickets call Ticketworld at 891-9999; Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 624-5701; CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

Win Your Dream Bedroom Look with APO Floors ‘Free Bedroom Makeover’ Contest

Early this month, I posted a PR about APO Floors being the choice of flooring for the Pinoy Junior Masterchef set. Now, here's an opportunity to win a bedroom makeover and have APO Floors installed in your own home! Read on to find out how ...

 

Press Release:

Grab the chance to win the bedroom makeover of your dreams as APO Floors, the country’s industry leader in manufacturing and distribution of resilient flooring, invites everyone to join its ‘Free Bedroom Makeover’ contest.

Known to offer eco-friendly flooring material with great aesthetic design, APO Floors partners with the best interior design students of the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) for a one-of-a-kind, fab makeover contest that is surely something to look out for.

“APO Floors produces the best quality in flooring products and the bedroom makeover contest provides a fun and practical way to showcase the best of our tile and plank products,” says Missy Castro, Communications Manager of APO Floors. She continues, “And with the participation of the young and fresh minds of the PSID students, the outcome will be a lot more exciting.”

The mechanics of the bedroom makeover contest are simple. Readers only have to “Like” the APO Floors Facebook page and upload a photo of the bedroom to be made over in order to join. The bedroom photo that garners the most “Likes” by the end of the contest period will be awarded the makeover.

The contest will run from October 15, 2011 to November 15, 2011 with the announcement of the winner on November 16, 2011. Visit and “Like” the APO Floors Facebook page at facebook.com/apofloors for more details regarding the contest.

To know more about APO Floors and their products, drop by www.apofloors.com. For more information regarding PSID, visit their site at http://www.psid.edu.ph.

Enchanted Kingdom Launches EK Storybook and EK Musical CD

For the kids and kids-at-heart ... something EK fans would be happy to know :)

Press Release:

Witness as the country’s world-class theme park, Enchanted Kingdom, unfolds the tale and the rhythm behind its spellbinding walls of magic. In celebration of their 16th Anniversary this October, Enchanted Kingdom is proud to launch the EK Storybook and the EK Musical CD.

A prequel story of enchantment, the EK Storybook tells about the origin of the Enchanted Kingdom. The tale deals with the villain Maphista and her insatiable appetite for power and revenge. She plots on stealing the powerful amulet and the Enchanted Kingdom from Princess Victoria. The magical adventure and battle encompass with Maphista's downfall as the aftermath was brought along by the power unlocked from deep within Princess Victoria's own heart. Truly a legend of good versus evil marvelously celebrated.

From its magical beginnings comes the soothing rhythm of EK Musical CD. A seamless collection of Enchanted Kingdom theme songs, it features the carrier singles My Only You and I Love EK. Arranged by EK’s very own Musical Director Mr. Tats Faustino, the album is surely an enchanting ear-treat for everybody.

The EK Storybook and Musical CD will be available at all EK Souvenir Shops around the park starting October 15.

For more details on Enchanted Kingdom October anniversary offerings, you may log on to www.enchantedkingdom.ph or like them on Facebook. 

*Photos borrowed with permission from blog.orangemagazinetv.com

Justin Timberlake “In Time” For Gripping Action

Multi-talented Justin Timberlake debuts in his starring role as Will Salas in the gripping action-thriller “In Time” opposite Amanda Seyfried. Under the direction of genre-bender director Niccol Andrew whose works include “Gattaca” that introduced the unthinkable in genetic engineering and “The Truman Show” that sparked today’s reality shows, “In Time” advances to a near future where time is literally at arm’s reach. 

Justin Timberlake’s Will Salas struggles every second of every day and is is constantly on the run, fighting to get more time. While people stop ageing at the age of 25 in the movie, life beyond that point is precarious, at least for the poor like Will and his mother, Rachel (played by Olivia Wilde who looks the same age as her son). They are only given a year’s grace, after 25, that it is a battle for survival which means that every moment is precious. 

The rich at the other end of the spectrum have excessive amounts of time and they are effectively immortal. They have a decadently indulgent lifestyle where little is achieved because there is no sense of urgency. It’s an unjust society implemented as a way of stemming over population. 

When Will ‘inherits’ a lot of time from a wealthy man who wants to give it all away, he crosses all borders to get to the zone where the rich lives. He then meets Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried), a beautiful but bored and over-protected heiress in the rich zone and takes her hostage. Together on the run, Will and Sylvia try to put an end to the corruption and redistribute time. 

Being a longtime fan of action thrillers, Timberlake immediately jumped at the chance to play the ‘old soul’ Will. “When I was a kid, some of my favorite movies were action pieces like First Blood, The Fugitive, and Die Hard,” says Timberlake. “The one thing I loved about those specific movies was that the protagonists were everyday people placed into extraordinary circumstances and doing extraordinary things.”

Timberlake adds, “Will’s heroics are triggered by an easily relatable factor. Will has grown up with essentially nothing. He wakes up every day and goes to work to stay alive. Through a series of events, he decides that he’s not going to take it anymore, and takes it upon himself to try and change the way things work in this world.” 

“Will grows up in Dayton, which is somewhat of a ghetto. It’s kind of ironic that the word ‘day’ is in its name, because most of the citizens only walk around with a day to live. So the day-to-day life in Dayton is quick. People don’t have time to walk slowly, so they run, almost all of the time, to where they are going, and they’re constantly eating and drinking on the run. They don’t have time to spare or to waste. Everything’s frenetic and alive, in a kind of dangerous yet beautiful way. When your back is up against the wall and you don’t have a choice, you make revisions and you live your life the way that it has to be, to survive.”

Ironically, having had an unconventional childhood due to his early success in the music industry, Timberlake has come of age and is much comfortable as he was than his younger years. ““I am happy about getting older. I like myself much more at 30 than I did when I was 25. You accept things more and you become more patient. I have been really lucky; I have made the most of my luck and I am happy about that. I think the idea of immortality is actually frightening to me especially because I look back at my younger days as a lot of visual mishaps. I don’t know what I would do if I possessed immortality. It’s definitely a mind trip getting into the idea that it could exist as we see it in the film. My character Will is always moving, always running and it’s mostly because he literally lives day to day. I think I’ve probably spent time moving at a fast pace, so I identify with that.”

“In Time” opens October 28 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Jollibee Kids Meals Toys for October 2011

New cool toys from Jollibee! :)

Press Release:

Toys featuring multimedia sensations Mega Man and Bratz will be available exclusively with every purchase of Jollibee Kids Meals starting October 11.

Have power-packed adventures with video game and cartoon hero Mega Man. Re-enact your favorite Mega Man moments as you play with the Mega Man Mega Buster. Just press the button to launch a fireball. Detach the fireball, and you can attach Mega Man’s arm.

Another Mega Man character, Proto Man, also joins the battle with the Proto Man Light N’ Shield. Just press the button to activate the cool light effect. Detach the shield from Proto Man’s back, attach it to his right arm, and he’s set for combat!

Girls can now also have a fabulous time with the ultra-popular Bratz! The Bratz Paper Play comes in two different toy sets—the Design Embosser and the Pretty Pattern Printer. The Design Embosser has cool artistic features. Just put a piece of paper in the embosser, place it in the roller, and turn the lever. Open the embosser and see the cute design!

The Pretty Pattern Printer also lets you create lively works of art. Insert the paper in the crimper, and wind up the lever on both sides to fill the paper with unique and pretty patterns!

These cool collectibles are available with every order of the following Jollibee Kids Meals -- Yumburger Meal (P 80), Jollibee Spaghetti Meal (P 88), 4-Piece Chicken Nuggets Crunchers Meal (P98), and 1-piece Chickenjoy Meal (P103). 

Uncle Cheffy Supports Local Art Scene

I've already been to Old Vine Eastwood and Chef's Quarter Megamall before and, aside from the great food, loved the ambiance in those places. I'm looking forward to visiting their sister resto, Uncle Cheffy, one of these days. I'm sure it is as tastefully decorated as the other two.

 

High Notes by Aldrie Acosta

Press Release:

Uncle Cheffy Restaurant combines cuisine and artistry by providing budding local talents a venue to showcase their works. 

 Too Shy by Aldrie Acosta

Since the start of October, the walls of the restaurant’s branches in Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas Center have been adorned with floral and abstract paintings of emerging artists Clarence Eduarte, Aldrie Acosta, and Van Tuico. 

One of the abstract pieces for sale and

Golden Gerbera by Aldrie Acosta

Versatile and innovative, these artists were chosen with the assistance of Expuesto Filipino. For more information, call Uncle Cheffy Bonifacio Global City at 6598030 and Ortigas Center at 6966957.

Micah Challenge Forum on Environmental Sustainability

FYI for those who are advocating for the environment, you may want to join this forum ...

Press Release:

Micah Challenge (MC) is a global coalition of Christians holding governments to account for their promise to halve extreme poverty by 2015.

MC has twin goals of educating evangelical churches on integral mission and holding the governments accountable in fulfilling their commitments towards accomplishing their specific targets to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). MC has completed 10-year advocacy program and moving on to the last third segment till 2015.

In this connection, we would like to invite you to the Micah Challenge Forum: Environmental Sustainability and the Aquino Administration’s Performance on October 24, 2011, Monday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Capitol City Baptist Church, 135 West Avenue, Quezon City. The objective of the forum is to foster deeper understanding on the efforts and challenges faced by government and the Christian community as we meet the challenges of our changing environmental situation. We are confident that your participation in this forum will promote a meaningful dialogue with government leading toward better policy and programs that addresses the challenges of climate change and other environmental issues.

Registration fee is P300.00 inclusive of lunch and materials. Please call the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) at telephone nos. 913.16.55 to 57 for inquiries you may have and look for Sis. Jo Eguico.

Celebrate 16 Magical Years of Enchanted Kingdom This Eventful October

Happy 16th Anniversary Enchanted Kingdom! :)

Press Release:

The first and only world-class theme park is set to color an October to remember as it celebrates 16 magical years of long-lasting smiles and enchanting memories.

Come and join the anniversary celebration as Eldar the Wiz opens his kingdom filled with festivities for all his guests. Enjoy a blast of hues as EK paints the skies of Sta. Rosa, Laguna with the Grand Finals of the Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks competition. Witness local and foreign pyrotechnics experts vie for the championship on Oct. 22.

Gaze to the rapture of youthful talents during the Talent night of the Search for Little Prince and Princess on Oct. 15 and the Grand Coronation on Oct. 23 at the Eldar’s tent at 5:00 PM.

For your entertainment pleasure, be on the front seat as Ballet Philippines’ Encantada sa EK premieres an enchanting contemporary dance of a tale of Mother Nature at the Eldar’s tent, 5:00 PM on Oct. 2. Then relax to the easy rhythm of cool notes with Bossa Beat all weekends of October at the Bandstand at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM and at the Amazon Grill, 5:30 PM. Nothing is more magical than having 16 magicians showcase their sense-twisting illusion at the 16 years, 16 Magician Show on Oct. 16 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Bandstand.

It’s a purple-letter day as Enchanted Kingdom dedicates Oct. 22 for Eldar the Wizard! EK Wiz Club members will parade in their Eldar costumes all around park while Cast Members will also don their own Eldar hats.

Mark the 29th as it will be a day packed with peachy activities. All kids ages 6 to 12 years old are invited to come in with best fairytale costumes and parade at 2:00 PM at the Jungle back area of the park. Teens ages 13 and above are encouraged to dress to the nines like their favorite Hollywood icons and show it off at 5:00 PM. Awards will be given away to those in best costumes at the Edlar’s tent at 6:00 PM. Also, enjoy a zestful runway show as EK Wiz Club members strut their stuff in chic clothing at the Eldar’s Tent, 3:00PM on Oct. 29.

Capture enchanting memories caught in frame at the Captured Magic Photo Exhibit at the Boardwalk Party Place. Cast your vote for your best pick and you might even bring home some magic with you. Exhibit runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 31.

Enthuse to a magical blast from the past as Enchanted Kingdom let you inside the humble beginnings of the theme park through EK’s Storybook CD. Available at all souvenir shops on Oct. 15, this is surely a story your kids cannot miss out.

Take a step into the magic that is Halloween as Eldar the Wiz transform his kingdom into a fairytale Halloween paradise starting Oct. 1 to Nov. 6.

Enchanted Kingdom also offers its anniversary mouthwatering food treats with “Eat’s Kool to dine with Eldar” package. Wine and dine with EK’s royalty, Eldar the Wiz at the Boardwalk Party Place, Wednesdays to Fridays at 4:00 PM. Place your advanced reservation at Amazon Grill from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Enjoy this package for only P1, 600.00 for a group booking of 6.

But that’s not all! Complete your leisure bonding time this coming October with a handful of exciting promos, merchandises and gastronomical food choices! Truly, sixteen has never been this sweeter with Enchanted Kingdom – your happy place! For more promo and events information visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call (02) 830-3535.

Museo Pambata Celebrates October -- Children's Month -- with Fun Activities for All

Join Museo Pambata (MP) in celebrating October as Children's Month by participating in fun activities dedicated to the rights of the child, as well as enjoying the museum's regular programs.

Press Release: OCTOBER 2011 @ Museo Pambata

It's the Season of Giving!

Help out in our Christmas fundraising activity by decorating our Christmas tree with ornaments made by the museum guides. You can also donate new or old but usable toys for our Toy Drive! Contact the museum's Programs department for more details.

Every Saturday Morning

Haraya Storytelling Hour, 10 AM

Join us in a morning of storytelling fun as we tell your favorite Filipino children's stories.

October 1

Anino sa Museo, 10 AM

Watch your favorite songs and stories as they are performed by shadows and lights, together with Anino Shadowplay Collective.

October 2

MP Guides Corner, 2 PM

How do you see yourself in the future? Keep a record of all your dreams and aspirations in this arts and crafts activity!

October 5 - 30

World Teacher's Day Celebration

We give back to our dear teachers this month by giving them 10% discounts on MP items at our Pasalubong shop! Just present your PRC ID.

October 15

Ang Bayanihan sa Museo, 10 AM

Watch the Philippine National Folk Dance company as they perform traditional Filipino dances, and join them afterwards in a learn-to-dance session.

October 16

MP Guides Corner, 2 PM

Make candy from crepe paper and toilet roll tubes together with our guides!

October 22

Book on the Spot: Araw sa Palengke, 10 AM

Take a trip to the marketplace with a little girl and her mother by listening to “Araw sa Palengke,” written by May Tobias-Papa, illustrated by Isabel Roxas, and published by Adarna House Inc.

October 29

MP Children's Arts Fest, 9 AM

In celebration of Children's Month, Museo Pambata and Council for the Welfare of Children invite kids from around Manila to participate in this arts festival. With the theme "Dahil Siya ay Bata: Kakampi ang Komunidad sa Pagsulong ng Karapatang Pambata" children will enjoy a day of arts, storytelling, and fun, facilitated by their fellow children and MP staff members.

Pinoy Junior Masterchef Relies on APO Floors for Quality Kitchen Floors

For those who are planning on having a house built or kitchen renovation done ...

Press Release:

The best food ingredients and cooking skills do not alone make for a good cooking show. There is also the working area to consider, especially the kitchen floor that should not only bring out the contestants' creativity in cooking, but, more importantly, should be able to withstand the “heat” and the spills during the competition.

At the “Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition” cooking contest for children, the local franchise of the popular Australian show, producers made sure that the show uses only the best flooring materials for its kitchen stadium where kids take cooking seriously.

Helping provide the show with not only beautiful but also durable flooring is APO Floors’ Mimicri line, the most innovative and versatile flooring that mimics the look of wood, stone, and carpet. Square patterned almond alder and midnight zebrano were used for the show’s kitchen stadium while mimicri carpet in random brown was put along the sides of the stadium.

Fashionable and functional, Mimicri adds elegance and beauty to any space while being able to withstand daily wear and tear. Its wear resistant quality has been tested to significantly outperform other similar products in the same category.

 

 Host Judy Ann Santos with Apo Floors Communication Manager 

Missy Castro at the set of Pinoy Jr. Masterchef

Said APO Floors Communication Manager Missy Castro, “Mimicri is a world-class product that not only enhances the look of any space, but also passes the American, British and Japanese strict quality standards. And it is proudly a result of Filipino ingenuity being 100 percent locally made.”

The vinyl-flooring product is also low-maintenance. The floor absolutely needs no waxing.

Adds Castro, “Aside from its wear durability, APO Mimicri is perfect for the kitchen because, it is also easy to clean – simple sweeping and mopping will do. Even with water spills and other kitchen ‘accidents,’ the floor remains beautiful.”

APO Mimicri is also made to meet any design preference and fit any budget. It comes in tile or plank forms to suit aesthetic requirements of mid-end to high-end residential and commercial applications and are definitely more cost effective than other flooring products in terms of first costs, cleaning, and maintenance.

Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition is hosted by Judy Ann Santos, together with world-renowned Filipino chefs Fernando “Ferns” Aracama, Rolando “Lau” Laudico, and JP “Jayps” Anglo. It is being aired on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 6:45 pm, and also every Sunday at 7:00 pm.