Saturday, March 31, 2012

Charice and other Asian Artists nominated in Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards

Here's hoping Charice wins! 

Press Release:

Get ready for a powerhouse roster of celebrity presenters and performers at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. Joining this year’s host, Will Smith, on stage are Chris Rock, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron, Heidi Klum, Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove, Big Time Rush, Chris Colfer and Cee Lo Green as well as recently announced performers, UK pop sensation One Direction, and Katy Perry.


Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 will be the most global version yet with the introduction of a new international category. Nicksters will be given the opportunity to vote in a new category - Favorite Asian Act. Featuring four of Asia’s most popular music acts, Agnes Monica (Indonesia), Charice (Philippines), Wonder Girls (Korea) and Yuna (Malaysia), they join the star-studded line-up of nominees from all corners of the world. Kids have been invited to vote since March 1 and can still cast their votes until March 31 in 20 total categories by logging on to kca.nick-asia.com/vote. Voting for the 2012 KCAs spans over six continents across 13 localized voting sites in 10 different languages, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.


Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).


Friday, March 30, 2012

A Soldier Searches For His Lucky Charm In “THE LUCKY ONE”

So far, I've always liked Zac Efron's roles in the movies he was in, which I was able to watch. When I saw the trailer of The Lucky One, I immediately knew I'd love to see him there too :)

Press Release:

Warner Bros. brings Nicholas Sparks' bestseller “The Lucky One” to the big screen starring Zac Efron (“Charlie St. Cloud,” “New Year’s Eve”) and Taylor Schilling (upcoming “Argo”). The passionate, romantic drama is directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks (“Shine,” “No Reservations”).

In the film, U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. 


Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

“The Lucky One” marks the fourth film Denise DiNovi has produced based on the acclaimed, best-selling novels of Nicholas Sparks, including “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember” and “Nights in Rodanthe.” “I fell in love with his writing when I first read `The Notebook,'” DiNovi recalls. “I was just completely blown away by how beautifully romantic and imaginative it was. Every one of his books is a completely original story, yet they all renew your faith in the power of love to heal and to transform lives. They’re also always grounded in reality. When you read the books or see the movies, you think, ‘That could happen to me,’ or ‘I wish that would happen to me.’ Everyone wants to believe that love can conquer all, and that theme resonates so deeply in `The Lucky One.'”


With a screenplay by Will Fetters (“Remember Me”), DiNovi turned to the vision of director Scott Hicks, who has made such expansive, emotionally resonant films as “Shine,” “Hearts in Atlantis” and, most recently, “No Reservations,” to bring the story to life. “In Scott’s work I have seen the ability to make human emotion completely captivating, emotional and compelling,” she says. “He is also such a beautiful director in terms of visuals. He has an amazing eye for imagery, and this story has such a diverse visual scope—from the scenes in Iraq to the lushness and sensuality of New Orleans. He also has the rare ability to capture onscreen the unspoken layers to a relationship. That’s a very difficult thing to do, but he has that kind of eye.”

Hicks was immediately affected by the story and was intrigued by the notion of characters whose lives are intertwined by luck rather than geographic proximity or other formal constructs. “I found the whole idea of chance and fate—and how a random event like finding a photograph in the middle of a war zone—could change so many lives and have an impact on all the characters in the story,” he says. “I think everybody has probably experienced something in their lives where a chance encounter or meeting is a turning point. And I’m sure many people feel the same way. That element is something I found very appealing.”


Hicks’s wife, Kerry Keysen, is his partner in life and in work, serving as a co-producer on the movie. “I am a firm believer in the power of moments,” Heysen says, “because some people really do take their chances and follow their dreams and I think it’s good that we show the value of doing those things.”

Opening across the Philippines in April, “The Lucky One” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.


Thursday, March 29, 2012

PolyEast Records hosts a CD Signing Event with pop-rock trio HANSON

Hanson fans, this is your chance to meet them live and have your CDs signed! Read on for more details ...

Press Release:

To most of the world, Hanson were three little boys who sang infectious and catchy songs like “I Will Come to You,” “Penny and Me” and “Where’s the Love.” Fifteen years after hearing their ubiquitous "MMMBop" here, there, and everywhere—the boys are back to reward loyal Pinoy fans with some of their greatest pop-rock anthems. Celebrating the release of the new album “Shout It Out”, PolyEast Records in cooperation with Astrovision/Astroplus, will have a special CD Signing Event for all Hanson fans & CD buyers. Fans will get to share the excitement and share the love for the band on Thursday, March 29, 2012 6:00 p.m. at The Block SM North EDSA and on Saturday, March 31, 2012 2:00 p.m. at SM Cebu.


In support of their highly-anticipated fifth studio record released by Polyeast Records, “Shout It Out,” Dayly Entertainment will be staging the Hanson Shout It Out Tour 2012 on March 30, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and March 31, 2012 at Waterfront Hotel Cebu. PolyEast Records’ Robin Nievera will serve as the front act for the Metro Manila gig. Robin Nievera has recently launched his debut album “Overwait” under PolyEast Records preceded by his first single “In 3’s.”

Hanson brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, --the pop-rock boy band from Tulsa, Oklahoma that took the radio by storm in 1997-- are back with a force to be reckoned with. Experience non-stop fun and dancing and the chance to bring back a phenomenon with one of the purest pop hitmakers of the last two decades.

Releasing their most ambitious album to date which reflects the music that Hanson listened to growing up-- 60's soul and 70's songwriters-- Shout it Out is now available in stores under by PolyEast Records. The new album, which debuted at #2 on the US Billboard Independent charts, has fuelled the continued passion of fans around the world; led by the infectious soul-inspired single “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’” and the smash follow-up “Give A Little.” The album highlights music legends, guest bass player Bob Babbit of Motown fame, and horn arranger Jerry Hey, best known for his work with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Earth Wind and Fire.


The three-time Grammy-nominated band has also been enjoying a massive resurgence with the first single’s video which pays homage to a scene from the classic movie "Blues Brothers" and features a guest appearance by "Weird Al" Yankovich. The 12-track set will mark the band's third release on its own 3CG Records label (including 2004's Underneath and 2007's The Walk) and distributed by PolyEast Records here in the Philippines. Fans can now buy the album at all major record outlets or download the songs at www.mymusicstore.com.ph

Drawing on the classic sounds of R&B, soul and blues albums they listened to growing up, Shout it Out is a breezy, sun-kissed collection of 12 hook-heavy, brass-indebted rock songs. The album includes the opener "Waiting For This," the groove-based "Kiss Me When You Come Home"; gospel-influenced "Carry You There"; leaning towards the easy-listening type of "And I Waited"; catchy and distinctive guitar riff of "Give a Little"; big band-esque sound "Make it Out Alive"; piano-driven ballad "Use Me Up"; the mid-tempo leanings of "These Walls" and "Voice in the Chorus"; and the vocal-driven album closer "Me, Myself and I."

Billboard said that Shout It Out represents some of the band’s “most soulful work ever committed to record”, while Salon hailed that the new single “may be their finest moment yet”, and Entertainment Weekly praised “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’” as “a delicious, catchy slice of popsoul.”


PolyEast Records will also release Hanson’s “THE BEST OF 5” CD+DVD – a collection of Hanson’s live performances of their singles, released over the last 13 years. This exceptional concert series invites the millions of Hanson’s fans to re-live more than a decade of the band’s music and their renowned dynamic live shows, and gives an unparalleled look at why Hanson have stood the test of time.

Clarke Isaac (31 y.o.), Jordan Taylor (29 y.o.), and Zac Walker (26 y.o.) have spanned many different genres, including rock, blues, folk, and pop. They are most noted for their Grammy-nominated 1997 monster hit, “MMMBop” and have sold over 16 million albums. Their 1997 album “Middle of Nowhere” was met with critical acclaim and went on to achieve multi-platinum status and led the band being the youngest-ever nominated songwriters.

Over more than 15 years since their debut major release, the band has earned praises for their songwriting, musicianship and dynamic live performances with New York‘s Village Voice calling them the "Finest Straight Up Rock Band In America."

Hanson being the next show to take the spotlight with an ecstatic response from Filipino fans since it was announced by Dayly Entertainment last year-- this is definitely a gig that no one wants to miss and gets that estrogen level to the greatest heights. As the band continues their timeless rock & roll legacy, make way to Hanson’s Shout It Out Tour 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012 at Waterfront Hotel Cebu as presented by Dayly Entertainment. Tickets are available at www.ticketnet.com.ph or you may call 911-5555 for Metro Manila and 232-6888/514-3500 for Cebu ticket reservations.

For more album details, you may log onto www.polyeastrecords.com, follow us on twitter (@PolyEastRecords) or “Like” our Facebook fan page.


Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Power Mac Center To Usher In Summer With Its Annual Workshop For Kids

Looking for interesting summer workshops for your kids? Here are several lessons I'm sure a lot of youngsters would like since they involve computers :p

Press Release:

MANILA, March 26, 2012 – Make summer more fun for your kids while bringing out their inner creative genius. Sign them up at the Power Mac Center Summer Kidz Workshop 2012.

A chain of reliable retail shops and service provider of Apple products and premium accessories in the country, Power Mac Center (PMC) is once again treating children ages 7-12 to the annual workshop to be held at its selected stores.


Now on its fourth year, the much anticipated techie summer treat from Power Mac Center allows children to have fun while learning everything from creating cool illustrations and eye-catching presentations to building their own arcade shooting games, making simple cartoon animations, playing musical instruments, taking and enhancing stunning photographs and even designing their very own websites.

“A powerhouse of Apple expertise being an Apple Authorized Training Center, Power Mac Center has also proven to be a fun hub for kids as attested by the tremendous response to our Summer Kidz Workshop and the deluge of inquiries about it that we get each year,” said Joey Alvarez, Marketing Manager of Power Mac Center. “As enjoyable as our regular training programs are, the interaction that takes place between kids and our certified trainers during these exciting activities are even more fun and something that we at Power Mac Center particularly look forward to every summer.”


Scheduled at the Classroom of Power Mac Center’s following branches: TriNoma on April 16 to April 27; Greenbelt 3 on April 30 to May 11; and SM Mall of Asia on May 14 to May 25, this year’s Summer Kidz Workshop covers 10 topics namely Graphic Illustrations, Game Development, 3D Modeling, Animation, Web Design, Music Creation, Photography, Movie Editing, Photo Manipulation and Presentations.

These workshops will be conducted on said dates for each given topic covering two sessions from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. They will also involve the use of top-notch and sought after applications namely Sketchbook Copic Edition (for Graphic Illustrations), Game Salad (Game Development), Autodesk Mudbox (3D Modeling), Adobe Flash CS5 (Animation), Sandvox (Web Design), Garageband 11 (Music Creation), Aperture (Photography), iMovie (Movie Editing), Adobe Photoshop CS5 (Photo Manipulation), and Keynote (Presentations).


Registration fee is P500 per topic or a total of P5,000 for all 10 workshops. Interested participants can email summerkidz@powermaccenter.com or contact 0908-885-6277 to inquire and register into the program.

For more information about the workshop as well as updates on new promos and events, visit the Power Mac Center site at www.powermaccenter.com.


Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ROBIN NIEVERA Debuts with “Overwait,” Released by Polyeast Records

I grew up listening to the songs of Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez who are both good music artists. So it's not surprising that one of their sons would follow in their footsteps. I deeply regret though that I was unable to attend Robin's album launch a couple of weeks ago because I overslept! I would have loved to listen to him sing live and see for myself how good this young man is. I guess I'd have to wait to listen to his album very soon :)

P.S. I love the album cover design! 

Press Release:

Slowly but surely, Robin Nievera has employed gracefully intricate guitar-work, eclectic, blues-y vocals and lyrics in a 10-track debut album dubbed as “Overwait”, preceded by the kick-off single “In 3s.” The debut album is now available in stores nationwide released by Polyeast Records.


Leaning more on a blues-inflected style of rock, Robin incorporates artistry honed from his parents and music icons --Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez—to his diverse musical influences like The Beatles to Incubus

The first single “In 3’s”, Robin narrates “I based the music off a waltz-- I thought it was sexy. That is the main idea of the song. I did not imagine people singing to this song. I wanted them to dance. I know that a waltz is unheard of nowadays, but I wanted to try something old school.” The first single “In 3’s” is currently heating up the airwaves and is now available on www.mymusicstore.com for downloads.

“Overwait” boasts 10 songs all penned by Robin himself since 2008 and displayed well of his clever wordplay and knack for explaining universal emotions. Musically, he's exploring the moody territory of acts such as Dave Matthews Band and Bon Iver; at the same time, he displays his debt to guitar heroes including Jimi Hendrix and John Mayer. In a span of four months, “Overwait” was recorded and mixed in Kerplunk! Studios in Makati.

“Every song on the album has a story” Robin claims, “I wanted to be very versatile with the album. I didn’t want to have two songs sounding similar to each other.” While each song varies, 'Overwait' is surprisingly persistent in its mood even when the style change is from the waltz-y first single “In 3’s” to heavier guitars 
"Sexy Strut” to alternative-rock sounding "Lost.” Other tracks include the multi-layered track "Untitled”; jazzy and funk number "Sound Tripping"; superb but simple guitar playing “Smile”; a song written for his niece in acoustic “Delight”; very laid-back “Beautiful”; rock number “Sing Along”; and pop-rock-ish “Blindsided.” The transition always feels natural and smooth as one of the few singer-songwriter albums that offer variety but remain consistent throughout.

“I wanted to call it Overwait because I'm 25 and I have been planning this album since I was 15. I have been waiting a long time for the album to actually be out,” says Robin when asked about the album title. “The concept of the album was to make original music and to sound different but not to sound like too foreign.” he added.

Robin entered the limelight when he was hailed as one of MYX VJs in 2010. Having a passion for music and hosting skills like his dad, Robin shares, “I enjoyed meeting my favourite Filipino artists while being a MYX VJ and I made a lot of friends in the music industry. MYX really showed a lot of who I am when I am not singing. I sang once and a while for some of their shows, but the audience really got to know my 'funny side.'"
As Robin prepares himself in making a name of his own, he adds “My parents are the ones who started all of this. I have been watching them for 25 years. And I couldn’t help but be inspired to do what they do. I wasn’t just their son; I was also a huge fan. I may not sound like them and may not be writing ballads but I did learn a lot from them.”

Coming from a family who have shared a legacy to OPM songs over the years, Robin grew up watching how the industry has evolved. As a young musician, he aspires to give more what OPM truly deserves from this album. He adds, “My goal is to be a Filipino artist that sounds different, and I believe we Filipinos can make incredible music. And I was hoping that this album could show that off.”

Overwait is now available in stores released by Polyeast Records. To get to know more about Robin, you may visit his Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/RobinNieverra or follow him on Twitter: @robinnievera. For more album information, you may log on to www.polyeastrecords.com. You may also follow us on Twitter (@PolyEastRecords) or “Like” our Facebook page.


Monday, March 26, 2012

BARNEY’S SPACE ADVENTURES Arrives In Manila

Most parents, whether they like it or not, would encounter Barney the Dinosaur during a phase in their children's lives. I've had my share of listening to Barney songs and stories and gone as far as memorizing dozens of songs so that I can sing them to, and with, my kids. My son with special needs actually still enjoys watching our dozens of Barney CDs every now and then.

I love Barney and his friends because they have helped me teach my kids a lot of good values through music and visible examples. If you have little ones under the age of five, I do encourage you to also introduce your children to Barney and watch them learn to say I Love You, memorize their ABCs, and recite their 123s aside from imitating good behavior from fellow children.     

Press Release:

Zooming Into Outer Space!
The All-New Barney Live Musical Opens April 26!

THEY’RE HERE KIDS! Barney, BJ, Baby Bop, Riff and many other characters are ready to take you on a space adventure! The all-new live musical adventure of Barney, the most adored purple dinosaur in the World, is coming to Manila. BARNEY’S SPACE ADVENTURES will be staged at the ALIW Theater, from the 26th to the 29th April 2012.


Barney and his friends star in this new live musical for the whole family, and this time the lovable company are heading to outer space --to The Perfectly Purple Planet, where the rulers King Morado and Queen Purpurina host a grand royal ball to celebrate Barney’s love of all children in all galaxies.

Based on the popular children’s television show Barney and Friends, BARNEY’S SPACE ADVENTURES features Barney’s friends, BJ, Baby Bop and Cousin Riff who together head on an exciting adventure aboard a spaceship. The Perfectly Purple Planet, the magical purple kingdom, is inhabited by friendly and colourful space people. This imaginative and humourous musical is the perfect journey to celebrate Barney’s 22 years of love, caring and sharing for children across the world.


Starring a cast of 14, BARNEY’S SPACE ADVENTURES is a delightful and entertaining musical show. 90 minutes (2 Acts, including 20-min interval) filled with fun, fantasy and excitement. All your favourite Barney songs are there and more! Educational, light-hearted and entertaining, the production brings an imaginative story to life. Barney, the huggable purple dinosaur has captured the hearts of millions of children globally and has lent a hand to parents in teaching children the skills of growing up through fun, music and laughter.

BARNEY’S SPACE ADVENTURES will run from April 26 to 29, with show times at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm (except on April 26th, 7pm only). Tickets are priced at P2200, P1900, P1600, P1000 and P700.


All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall, & Starmall Pampanga) and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4 and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and the TicketWorld office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Building, Makati City.

For more information, call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Madonna Most Involved for Her 12th Studio Album “MDNA”

The Queen of Pop is back with a new album! Find out more about it here ...

Press Release:

If listeners find all the earmarks and trademarks of Madonna in her latest album, that’s a testament to her deep involvement to the process of creating the package, her twelfth and first outside her old label. The powerplay of maturity and a new beginning she's now embarking on makes this one another turning point to her career strengthened by ingenuity and artistic adventure.

While the album title, “MDNA,” is a mere abbreviation of the Mother of Invention’s world-famous name (as suggested by collaborator M.I.A), its accidental meaning, being Madonna’s DNA, actually defines the finished product as her imprint as one of the world’s most successful artists of all time can be heard all over the collection.

The 12-track album, to be released this March 26, is led by the cool single “Give Me All Your Luvin” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. By now the track has spread via limited privilege as provided by iTunes --- in the process only hastening the interest and anticipation for the Queen of Pop’s album since 2008.


Her recent Super Bowl appearance seemed to have rubbed on to this engaging track as its official music video has football and cheerleading as main themes.

A second collaboration between Madonna and Minaj comes in the form of the song “I Don’t Give A.”

Album producer Martin Solveig pointed out in an interview, "Madonna is as involved as you can be in the recording process. We literally co-produced the tracks. I mean, at some point she wanted to choose the sound of a snare drum or a synth and that kind of stuff. She was really in the session!"

One other track of high interest prior to the formal physical CD release is “Masterpiece” which bagged the Golden Globe Award for Original Song in the last edition of the Awards.

Recorded in New York and LA, “MDNA” had Madonna reworking with ex-collaborator William Orbit (who worked on “Ray of Light”). The latter co-wrote and co-produced several cuts for the new album.

Other numbers in the album are “Girl Gone Wild,” “Gang Bang,” “I’m Addicted,” “Turn Up the Radio,” “Some Girls,” “Superstar,” “Love Spent,” “I’m A Sinner” and “Falling Free.”

Madonna’s “MDNA” is soon to be out under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph. To download Madonna’s current single, “Give Me All Your Luvin” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. on your mobile phones, just text KB285 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text GIVELUVIN and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493368 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Amy Adams Returns to Musical Comedy with “THE MUPPETS”

I loved Amy Adams in Enchanted and Julie and Julia and I'm looking forward to watching her soon in The Muppets :)

Press Release:

Coming off Oscar-nominated performances in such dramas as “Doubt” and “The Fighter,” Amy Adams returns to the musical comedy genre (which she previously took on in “Enchanted”) with Walt Disney Pictures' “The Muppets.”


In the film, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Adams), discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit the Frog reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

Mary is a valued shop teacher in Smalltown, USA—at least if the number of apples on her desk are any indication. She is Gary’s longtime girlfriend who often finds herself playing third wheel to Gary and his brother, Walter.


Mary shares Gary and Walter’s sweet, innocent disposition, but she’s growing weary of sharing her boyfriend with Walter. She can’t help but hope for a magical proposal during their Los Angeles vacation, but her plans are derailed when news of Muppet Studios’ pending demise spur the trio into expressly non-marriage-proposal action.

Adams was called on for the role—in a way that was impossible to miss, says the actress. “Jason and Kermit sent me an invitation to be in Disney’s `The Muppets' — they asked if I’d read the script and consider the role of Mary. Kermit was a big part of my decision. I don’t like to tell Jason that ’cause he’s a little sensitive that I might be partial to Kermit, but I am.


“I was really into the Muppet movies, the TV shows, the songs,” continues Adams. “It’s like every kid’s dream—when you’re playing with your stuffed animals, you wish they’d come to life and talk to you. And now, the Muppets are real. It’s so great to have that physical presence in front of you.”

Adams is currently filming Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” the “Superman” reboot for Warner Bros., in which she plays Lois Lane. The film also stars Henry Cavill as Superman and Russell Crowe, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner and Michael Shannon.

Adams starred in Nora Ephron’s “Julie & Julia,” reuniting with co-star Meryl Streep, having previously starred opposite Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in John Patrick Shanley's Oscar®-nominated film "Doubt," which earned Adams her second Academy Award® nomination.


Adams starred in Kevin Lima’s “Enchanted” opposite Patrick Dempsey and Susan Sarandon. “Enchanted” is a romantic fable that mixes live action with CG animation for Disney. The film earned her a Golden Globe® nomination for Best Actress.

For her role in Phil Morrison’s “Junebug” in 2005, Adams earned her first Academy Award® and SAG Award® nominations. She won an Independent Spirit Award, Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, National Society of Film Critics Award, a San Francisco Film Critics Society Award, and the Breakthrough Gotham Award. Adams also won the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival for her role as the pregnant, childlike Ashley, who is awestruck by the arrival of her glamorous sister-in-law.

Adams’ other film credits include Shawn Levy’s “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” opposite Ben Stiller; Christine Jeffs and Karen Moncrieff’s critically acclaimed “Sunshine Cleaning” opposite Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin; Mike Nichols’ “Charlie Wilson’s War” opposite Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman; Bharat Nalluri’s "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” opposite Frances McDormand; and Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me if You Can” with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Muppets” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.


Friday, March 23, 2012

TRIA BASCON Launches Jazz Album "Wanderlust"

Too bad I wasn't able to attend Tria's album launch last month. I found a video on YouTube though announcing the event and found her voice very soothing. Her album must be something lovely to listen to when you want to unwind at the end of a long day :)

Press Release:

Coming from a very musical family it was only natural that Tria Bascon would start singing at an early age. Her father and older siblings were already well known in the music business in Cebu in her native Philippines.

After gaining a degree in Business Administration, Tria was spotted singing in a restaurant/jazz lounge and this started her professional singing career. The early influences in her style and range were renowned international vocalists of jazz, standards and pop, which led her to appreciate and develop such a wide range of musical genres.


In order to gain greater experience and exposure, Tria then moved to Manila and launched what has become a very successful career. Since those days, Tria has traveled far and wide for both pleasure and in pursuit of her work.

Her travels have taken her to virtually all continents of the world adding greatly to her experience both as a vocalist and as a person, and she now spends her non-working leisure time between the US and UK, as well as in her native Philippines.

She has entertained audiences on luxury cruise liners as well as in 5 star hotels of Asia, Europe, North America and Australasia. She has performed in far reaching and exotic places in the South Pacific, such as French Polynesia, Fiji Islands and The Kingdom of Tonga.

A wonderful, smooth and powerful voice is complemented by her natural beauty and graceful elegance, which captures an audience with her remarkable presence. With such an impeccable style, Tria’s performances ensure that a warm, intimate ambience is always present and enhances both the sound and vision experience to the full.

It is fair to say that her ideal choice of music is mainstream jazz, but great versatility enables her to equally perform and feel at home with Pop, Blues, Broadway, Country, Dance, and standard Ballads with a repertoire that spans seven decades of music.


Extensive travel has assisted Tria in learning to sing in many different languages, enabling her to entertain and charm multicultural audiences in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Indonesian, Tahitian as well as her native Filipino tongue.

Tria launched her first album, a jazz one called Wanderlust in January 2012, fulfilling a long held dream which is to make a very professional, quality album featuring classic jazz songs and performed along with renowned international musicians.

As the choice of title suggests, the tracks selected for the album readily affirms the life that Tria has experienced and enjoys whilst allowing her to sing in several languages having appeal to a global audience.

The tracks, personally selected by Tria, are from a list of her long time favorites and she is accompanied by several well known vocalists and musicians from Asia and Europe. The featured artists are Moreno Donadel, an Italian jazz/classical pianist, Asia’s premiere vocal group The CompanY, renowned Filipino songwriter and crooner Jose Mari Chan and Aquarela, a bossa/latin group.

The album contains an original track, Magkikita Pa Rin Naman Tayo, a very melodic and moving song written specially for Tria by the Producer of the Album, Moy Ortiz of the The CompanY.

In between continuing to perform internationally in shows, concerts and gigs, Tria has plans for new albums, which will further add to her reputation as a very talented, beautiful vocalist with a mesmerizing and distinctive voice.


Thursday, March 22, 2012

SOLO’s 2012 New Faces: Solo Online Model Search 2011 Grand Winners

Nice collection Solo! Congratulations Edward and Sophia! 

Press Release:

Stylish, fierce and redefined classic Military Fashion, get ready for Solo’s Summer 2012 Collection! Gracing the campaign are the grand winners of Solo Online Model Search Year 3. From almost a hundred creative submissions to Solo’s Online Model Search Contest 2011, Solo revealed the finalists last December 2011, and from among them chose the winners based on votes as well as actual interviews.


This Summer, Solo launches its newest faces for 2012: Edward Espinola (entry The Last Bachelor with his partner Graphic Artist John Reyes) and Sophia Balagat (entry Shipping Out with her partner Graphic Artist Loel Lamela) are Solo Online Model Search Year 3 Grand Winners. The campaign photos will be gracing Solo stores nationwide this March. “It was a fun experience and I learned a lot working with the entire team! It wasn’t as easy as I thought,” Sophia shared when asked about her photoshoot experience.


Solo’s Summer 2012 Campaign features military-inspired collection that adds a practical dimension to Solo’s signature style. The collection showcases a wide variety of summer smart get-ups: jackets, vest, blazers, tees, cargo pants, jeans, and accessories. Aside from this collection, Solo has a wide range of beach essentials for the summer: bikinis in fun styles and vibrant colors, functional cover-ups, board shorts and basic tanks and swim shorts. Solo’s Summer 2012 Collection hits the stores this March. For complete photos, please click here.


Both self-professed fashion fanatics and model aspirants, Edward and Sophia joined the contest hoping this would open doors for them in the world of modeling. “Just being a finalist is good enough for me. So when I learned that I’m the Grand Winner, man that was awesome! I felt great!” Edward shared when asked how does it feel being the newest endorser o f Solo.


Solo Online Model Search is the first ever model search in the country and it gets bigger and more exciting each year since it started in 2009. Previous winners are Jaggy Tallada and Jhoanna Flor in 2009 and Mehran Khaledi and Phoebe Rutaquio in 2010.

Stay tuned at (www.solo.com.ph) for stores and merchandise styles. For fresher goings on, “Like” them on Facebook, “Solo Online” and follow them on Twitter, twitter.com/mySoloOnline.


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

War of The Gods Erupts in “WRATH OF THE TITANS”

I wonder how this movie would play out in 3D? Fascinating, most probably :)

Press Release:

Warner Bros. Pictures' new 3D epic adventure “Wrath of the Titans” revisits the Greek mythology first explored in the global box office hit “Clash of the Titans.” The new film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman and sees the return of Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) as Perseus, as well as Ralph Fiennes (the “Harry Potter” films) as Hades and Liam Neeson (“Taken”) as Zeus.


A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus — the demigod son of Zeus — is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius.

Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon (Danny Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld.

Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Edgar RamĆ­rez), switch loyalties and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth.


Telling this story on a grand scale, with an acclaimed ensemble cast—in immersive 3D no less—was an opportunity the South African filmmaker Liebesman could not turn down. “To be honest, this is my favorite genre,” says Liebesman. “It’s also the chance to do an old school Hollywood movie where you have amazing actors, big stars, and a big canvas. It’s a huge opportunity for any director.”

“Clash of the Titans” was released in 2010 and its blend of Greek mythology and sweeping action brought to life with the very latest technology available to contemporary filmmakers proved hugely popular with audiences worldwide. The latest film—written by Dan Mazeau and David Leslie Johnson, from a story Greg Berlanti, David Leslie Johnson and Dan Mazeau, based on characters created by Beverley Cross—presents an human story against the immense backdrop of the mythological Gods and Titans.

“The drama in our story is really important,” says Liebesman. “And we have all worked really hard on the script. With a movie like this you want people to be entertained and thrilled and, at the same time, you have such tremendous actors up there on the screen so there’s a great opportunity to make the audience really feel for these characters.”


Given the mythology already invested in the films, Liebesman is understandably keen to stamp his own mark on “Wrath of the Titans,” approaching the film with a clear, strong vision for a new beginning. “I wanted to treat the second film as its own thing,” he explains. “Of course, there are relationships that are continued from the first film—like Perseus and Zeus, for example—that have to be respected. But our approach was to look at this as its own entity within that world. I don’t want to betray anything that has been set up but, at the same time, I don’t want to be chained to whatever was done before.”

Liebesman arrived on the project fresh off the alien invasion action thriller “Battle Los Angeles.” As with that film, given the scope and scale of “Wrath of the Titans,” the director hopes to ground the action in real dirt and sand. “For me, what was interesting was to make a film in a gritty, grounded style juxtaposed with the kind of fantasy elements that you would see in a story like this,” he explains. “I enjoy making movies that I would go and see on a Friday night. This is a big movie and I want people to have a good time when they see it. That’s the satisfaction for me.”

Opening across the Philippines in March, “Wrath of the Titans” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Let the Summer Fun Begin with the Jollitown Summer Adventure Games

New toys from Jollibee that are perfect for summer! :)

Press Release:

It’s every kid’s favorite time of the year, and playtime with friends is going to be so much fun this summer break as Jollibee Kids Meal presents the Jollitown Summer Adventure Games.

Join the fun and exciting activities of Jollibee and his friends at Jollitown by completing the Jollitown Summer Adventure Games collectibles. Explore the outdoors or create your own adventure indoors with the Free Throw Dome, the Jollitown Frisbee Flyer, and the Pocket Skykite. 


Toss like an athlete and score more points than your friends in the Free Throw Dome. Shoot the ball by shaking the toy and see the board light up when you shoot. 


Throw the Frisbee Flyer with a spin and watch it fly. Play it with friends and see who can make it fly the farthest! 


Take advantage of breezy afternoons with the Pocket Skykite. Just tie the string to the pouch and you’re ready to fly. Invite your friends over for a kite-flying contest!

Collecting your favorite Jollibee Kids Meal freebies is easier than ever since your favorite Jollibee Kids Meals are now made even more affordable. Starting March 1, you can get the Jollibee Spaghetti meal for only P80, 4-piece Chicken Nugget Crunchers meal for only P95, and 1-piece Chickenjoy meal at P99, while the Yumburger meal remains at P80.

Visit your nearest Jollibee store and begin your summer adventures now by collecting all three Jollitown Summer Adventure Games collectibles. Promo runs from March 1 to March 31, 2012.


Monday, March 19, 2012

New Official Trailer of “THE AVENGERS” Revealed!

Can't wait to catch this star-studded movie next month! The trailer, for one, is already awesome!

Press Release:

The countdown to the opening of “Marvel's The Avengers” just got faster with the big reveal of its new, full trailer!


Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.


Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.


Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in the Philippines on April 25, 2012.


Sunday, March 18, 2012

Command™ a Fresh Looking Home this 2012

Hey homeowners, these are good tips to read before the summer break officially starts :)

Press Release:

Time flies so fast that school ends before you know it and summer is knocking on your doors again. Be sure to be prepared as your children will be staying home for vacation. This is the time for some reorganizing, redecorating and if necessary, renovation.

3M Philippines, which offers a wide array of home space solutions, gives you ideas that will inspire you to make a fresh looking and “vacation-ready” home stay.

“At 3M Philippines, we inspire new ideas, creative transformations and powerful innovations that make life better for our customers. This summer, we are encouraging everyone to take full command of a new and balanced life – be it family, friends or career – as we empower you to initiate creative and efficient changes starting in your home spaces,” shares Vivian Faustino, Head of Construction and Home Improvement Division for Consumer and Office Business, 3M Philippines.


For a fresh new home look this 2012, 3M Philippines give the following tips:

1. Exude a natural energy inside the home. Nature helps bring a healthy balance inside your home. Neutral paints, clean or light curtains, wooden bed or indoor plants are positive pieces to maintain a balanced energy in your home.
2. Reorganize furniture. Perhaps your old cabinets, jars or centerpieces need a new positioning. Switch the indoor plants with wooden or decorated jars in your living room. Or you may simply bring more colorful plants to your gardens. Your old kitchen cabinets might also need a little makeover. Replace cover of your cabinets with decorative or wood-designed wallpapers for a new look in your kitchen.
3. Decorate art pieces. Do you want to get a fresh look for your wall but do not want to repaint or switch wallpapers? Hang art pieces. This way, you’ll be able to express yourself through your home. If you’re a parent, your kid’s little artworks can be great attractions for your home.
4. De-clutter. A staple every now and then on your daily or weekly tasks, it is still good to remind yourself to de-clutter your rooms every now and then. Keep pathways in your home clear and make sure shelves only hold enough amounts of items to keep them closed. Hold together electronic wires in a safe bundle to avoid accidents. Keep old candles in a cool, dry and safe place, away from possible heat or fire. And for those things that you will not be re-used too soon, keep them in clean boxes and store in a safe room so you will remember where to get them once needed.

Good thing 3M Philippines offers products to help you in your re-organization tasks this year. 3M Philippines provides a wide array of space and construction solutions for your household needs including Command™ Damage-Free Hanging Solutions that concretely assist homeowners in managing spaces through wall organization.

Command™ has a variety of products from picture hanging systems, mounting solutions for home de-cluttering, multi-use hooks, cord managers to bathroom organizers that will help you keep things in order in every part of your home. Command™ products hold strongly and remove cleanly without wall damage, thus, giving you the freedom to customize your home.

“We are giving you more reasons to take Command™ of a fresh, new and balanced space by creating amazing transformations for your home,” Faustino concludes.

For more information about Command™ Damage Free-Hanging Solutions, visit www.command.com/ph. And for other home improvement solutions, visit www.3M.com/ph.

Command™ is a registered trademark of 3M.


Saturday, March 17, 2012

New NICK Shows and Episodes in Late March

Hmmm, Nick's new show, Life with Boys, sounds interesting! Kinda like my life with hubby and our four sons. Perhaps I could relate to Tess in some ways. I'll try to catch this show one of these days and see :)

Press Release:

What’s a girl to do in a house full of boys? There’s a new exciting tween series that chronicles the journey of 13-year old Tess Foster through the turmoil of teen life while living at home with her single, overprotective dad and three brothers. Tess undoubtedly adores them but is constantly faced with trying to understand and be understood by them. However, despite the challenges of being the only girl in a male household, Tess admits that the boys can sometimes offer solid advice. Eager to know how life is being the only girl on the boys’ wrestling team? Life with Boys is a new show that will shed a comedic light on many of life’s difficult moments. Catch it starting March 22 at 7:30pm.


The boys are back with all new episodes! Go big time with songs and surprises with Big Time Rush this month! In Big Time Wedding, has James finally found his true love? Will he propose to her? Then stay tuned to find out who will be crowned Prom King of Palm Woods School and what else the boys are up to. Catch the new episodes of Big Time Rush beginning March 26 at 7:30pm.


Watch Nickelodeon for all new fun and laughter! Check out www.nick-asia.com for more exciting highlights!


Friday, March 16, 2012

UNICEF Warns That Cities are Failing Children

It is a sad fact that more and more Filipino kids are being deprived of their basic needs because of poverty. I really pray that more individuals will extend help to the government and the various organizations that are working to address this issue. 

Press Release:

Some of the greatest disparities exist in urban areas

Urbanization leaves hundreds of millions of children in cities and towns excluded from vital services, UNICEF warns in The State of the World’s Children 2012: Children in an Urban World.


Greater urbanization is inevitable. In a few years, the report says, the majority of children will grow up in towns or cities rather than in rural areas. Children born in cities already account for 60 per cent of the increase in urban population. Already the Philippines is an urban society with half the population or 45 million people living in cities. Of Metro Manila’s 11 million people, 1.7 million children live in informal settlements.

“When we think of poverty, the image that traditionally comes to mind is that of a child in a rural village,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “But today, an increasing number of children living in slums and shantytowns are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in the world, deprived of the most basic services and denied the right to thrive.”


“Excluding these children in slums not only robs them of the chance to reach their full potential; it robs their societies of the economic benefits of having a well-educated, healthy urban population,” Lake added.

Cities offer many children the advantages of urban schools, clinics and playgrounds. Yet the same cities the world over are also the settings for some of the greatest disparities in children’s health, education and opportunities.

Infrastructure and services are not keeping up with urban growth in many regions and children’s basic needs are not being met. Families living in poverty often pay more for substandard services. Water, for instance, can cost 50 times more in poor neighbourhoods where residents have to buy it from private vendors than it costs in wealthier neighbourhoods where households are connected directly to water mains.


The deprivations endured by children in poor urban communities are often obscured by broad statistical averages that lump together all city dwellers – rich and poor alike. When averages such as these are used in making urban policy and allocating resources, the needs of the poorest can be overlooked.

“Children who live in the poorest urban communities in the Philippines experience multiple deprivations. They lack decent housing, are exposed to dangers from disasters, have limited access to clean water and are more prone to neglect, abuse and exploitation. Each excluded child represents a missed opportunity at achieving a stable and productive society,” says Dr. Abdul Alim, UNICEF Representative.

Making cities fit for children

A focus on equity is crucial – one in which priority is given to the most disadvantaged children wherever they live.


UNICEF urges governments to put children at the heart of urban planning and to extend and improve services for all. To start, more focused, accurate data are needed to help identify disparities among children in urban areas and how to bridge them. The shortage of such data is evidence of the neglect of these issues.

While governments at all levels can do more, community-based action is also a key to success.

The report calls for greater recognition of community-based efforts to tackle urban poverty and gives examples of effective partnerships with the urban poor, including children and adolescents.


In the Philippines, the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative emerges as a good practice in dealing with urban challenges. Initiated in 1999, it builds on a long history of governmental interventions and has been operationalized through a nationwide partnership of mayors and LGUs, academe, media, NGOs, CSOs, faith-based organizations and young people to fulfil children’s rights and needs. It represents the embodiment of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at the local level, with its provisions being reflected in policies, laws, programmes and budgets, and ensuring that children become active agents of change.

At the global level, UNICEF and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have worked together for 15 years on the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative. The initiative builds partnerships to put children at the centre of the urban agenda and to provide services and create protected areas so children can have the safer and healthier childhoods they deserve. In 2012, Metro Manila will join 10 other cities around the world in supporting this initiative.

“Urbanization is a fact of life and we must invest more in cities, focusing greater attention on providing services to the children in greatest need,” Lake said.

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About UNICEF

In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to reach disadvantaged children and communities to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers. Visit. www.unicef.ph, add them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

About UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. For more information about Habitat and its work visit: http://www.unhabitat.org/


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