Repertory Children’s Theater Set To Unveil “The Wizard Of Oz” On August 18

Press Release:

We're Not In Kansas Anymore…

The Wizard of Oz Travels

Over the Rainbow to Manila !

“THE WIZARD OF OZ”, the greatest family musical of all time and the most magical adventure of them all, is touching down in Manila as Repertory Philippines brings this classic treasure beginning August 18 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. The show runs until December 16, 2012.

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” promises to be a production with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” is an enchanting adaptation of the all time classic, with its wonderful music by Jeanne Bargy and Jim Eiler and book and lyrics by Jim Eiler. (Please note: This musical adaptation is NOT based on the MGM film, nor does it include any of the songs from that film.)

After a tornado whisks away a young Kansas farm girl, Dorothy, to the magical land of Oz, she starts her quest to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who has the power to send her back home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion who help her on her journey.

“ ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ is a fantasy – it’s magical and dreamlike,” said Joy Virata, Artistic Director of the Repertory Children’s Theater and the Director of the production. “I wanted to excite that fantasy by using movement that’s outside of everyday life. The musical will introduce fresh, yet tasteful, new dance moves into the show. The idea was to keep the music straight, but make the choreography showier, flashier and bigger to the eye. There will be freestyle street dance vibe. We’ve got the Scarecrow doing waving and bugaloo and the Tinman as a popping, breaking and locking robot in some of the dance scenes.”

Director Virata is excited about how the musical is evolving in order to bring new energy and ideas to “THE WIZARD OF OZ”. Said Virata, “What has really lit up the show is the experience of music and dance that highlights the talent in the young cast. That is a perfect match for our Repertory Children’s Theater. People will recognize the show and characters they’ve always loved, but they will feel the energy from a new generation of performers who love Dorothy as much as their grandparents do.”

The cast is composed of the following: Cara Barredo and Giannina Ocampo as Dorothy; Liesl Batucan and Kyla Rivera as Glinda the Good Witch; Pinky Marquez and Rem Zamora as the Wicked Witch of the West; James Stacey and Arnel Carrion as the Scarecrow; Hans Eckstein and Nic Campos as the Tin Man; Oliver Usison and Mano Domingo as the Lion; Nathalie Everett and Ayam Barredo Eckstein as Aunt Em; Rem Zamora and Chino Veguillas as Uncle Henry; Bobby Superales, Jim Ferrer, Deo dela Cruz and Clark dela Riva as the acrobats and Monkeys.

The ensemble is composed of Janine Tolentino, Shalee Vicencio, Nicky Trivino, Ina Salonga, Daniella Gana, Gold Soon, Marie Delgado, Karyl Factora, Dingdong Rosales, Josh Ramirez, Jon Mamaid, Fran Jose, Edu Briones, Luis Nieto, Eric Mercado and Onyl Torres.

So, are you ready to click your heels together and join the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land, helped and hindered by the Witches of Oz, to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires???

Co-presented by Velvet Channel and the City of Makati, “THE WIZARD OF OZ”  is a  perfect treat for the whole family.

The artistic and creative team of  “THE WIZARD OF OZ” is led by Baby Barredo (Rep Artistic Director), Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Virata (Artistic Director – Rep Children’s Theater), Nathalie Everett (Choreographer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), Lex Marcos (Set Designer), and Raven Ong (Costume Designer).

“THE WIZARD OF OZ”s production staff is composed of Juno Henares (Executive Producer), Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Ayam Barredo (Company Manager), Jojo Amboy (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of  “THE WIZARD OF OZ” is led by Toots Tolentino (PR & Publicity) with Rem Zamora and Oliver Usison (PR & Publicity, Marketing), Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing & Sales) and Jojit Lorenzo (Photography).

To accommodate all inquiries, Repertory Philippines is now  accepting reservations for schools, civic groups and corporate sponsorships.

For details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Rep Phils in Facebook.

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” will definitely thrill the child in all of us. This brand new musical will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable experience.

See you at the theater !!!!

P&G Gives Moms of Olympians an Experience of a Lifetime

P&G says “Thank You Mom” with tickets to Opening Ceremony so moms can see their kids in the March of Nations

Press Release:

LONDON, UK, July 27th, 2012 – Procter & Gamble, a Worldwide Olympic Partner, today said a special “Thank You Mom” to the moms of Olympians participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

More than sixty moms of Olympians were invited as guests of P&G to attend the Opening Ceremony and to proudly watch their sons and daughters take part in the March of Nations. The tickets were presented to the Moms as a surprise gift at the opening of the P&G Family Home on July 25th, as part of the company’s Thank You Mom campaign.

“We are so excited to be sharing in this memorable event with so many amazing moms,” said Marc Pritchard, P&G Global Brand Building Officer. “They have done so much to help their children succeed, and it is only fitting they should be here celebrating this moment.”

Christiane Despatie, mom of athlete Alexandre Despatie said, “This is great because a lot of moms and families, because of family schedules or financial matters, cannot be here and, fortunately, P&G is recognizing all the moms in the world… and this is why we are here to honor our job as a mom… I thank you P&G!”

The P&G Thank You Mom campaign recognizes and celebrates the moms behind the athletes by thanking moms for all they do, and is a part of P&G’s worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).  It is the biggest campaign in P&G’s 175-year history, and will run through the end of the Olympic Games.

Before heading to the Opening Ceremony, many moms of Olympians were invited to the P&G Salon at the Wella Studio, which has been opened by P&G to pamper athletes and their families throughout the Olympic Games. A team of top beauty experts and hairstylists have been handpicked to give complimentary treatments as part of the P&G Thank You Mom campaign. Treatments include professional haircut and color from Wella Professionals, party styling from Pantene®, grooming from Head & Shoulders®, Gillette® and Braun®, skin consultations from Olay®, and a makeup session and patriotic nail art from Max Factor®. 

The Thank You Mom campaign is brought to life through a variety of media channels and in-store with a worldwide retailer program which began in April and will run through August.  Olympic Games-themed P&G branded products will be featured in millions of stores across the globe.  As a part of the P&G Thank You Mom campaign, P&G has committed to raise $5 million to support local youth sports programs in many countries, through a portion of sales and donations from the company’s leadership brands including Pampers®, Tide®, Gillette and Pantene.  

For a full list of assets and information related to the P&G Thank You Mom campaign, including photos and video, visit www.PGThankYouMomMediaCenter.com. 

More individual photos of Olympian moms from all over the world here.

Greg’s Journals Continues On The Big Screen In “DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS”

Press Release:

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” is the third and latest big screen installment of author Jeff Kinney’s wildly popular series of illustrated novels about wise-cracking but hapless middle school student Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon). As Greg confides to his diary (though, as he likes to point out, “It’s NOT a diary, it’s a journal!”), middle school is “the dumbest idea ever invented,” a never-ending ordeal involving – among other appalling things – wedgies, bullies, morons and swirlies. And if you don’t know what a swirly is, then lucky you.

Returning with Zachary Gordon for more mayhem in the community are his brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) who’s older but not wiser and his best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) whose wholesome outlook in life makes him the coolest kid around along with Fregley (Grayson Russell), Holly (Peyton List), Patty (Laine MacNeil) and Chirag (Karan Brar).

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” is based on Kinney’s third and fourth Wimpy Kid books, The Last Straw and Dog Days.   Kinney, who worked closely with the screenwriters, producers and director, says, “We have an obligation to our readers, to make sure we’re protecting their expectations and don’t stray too far from the books.”

Simpson notes, “Some fans will ask, what happened to the third book, The Last Straw?  We incorporated elements of it into“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”, and we brought other elements into“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”.  For the latter, this enabled us to get outside of the school and do a summer-themed movie.  This was a great opportunity to expand Greg’s world.  People usually look at summer vacation as a golden time, but for Greg it’s just as tough as the school year.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is a really fun book that turns summer on its head, and I think we’ve done that in the movie.  We also have some new elements that feel like they’re part of Jeff Kinney’s world.”

Indeed, the filmmakers are quick to praise Zachary’s achievements in bringing Greg Heffley to life on screen.  “I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role,” says Simpson.  “We started out, three years ago, with a stick figure in Jeff’s book, and had many discussions about what that stick figure would look like if it came to life.  We decided that it was really about attitude – a little bit of a hustler, a little bit of salesman, and of course, a wimp.  Greg is a good kid, but still trying to get ahead the way that kids do.  Zach has really nailed this role and I think it’s hard for kids, when they read the books, to imagine anyone but Zach as Greg.”

Zachary’s Greg still plays off his friends, including Rowley, and troublemaker older brother Rodrick, but “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” also sees Greg spending more time with his dad, Frank.  Jacobson notes:  “This movie is about Greg and his father, and we get a much fuller sense of who Frank is as a character and more of an opportunity to enjoy Steve Zahn, who’s played the role in all three pictures.  And, while we’ve had the amazing comedic weapon that is Steve in our arsenal all along, it’s great to finally let it loose.”  Kinney says, “In the books, the parents are kind of background characters; Greg doesn’t even know what his father does for a living.  But Steve has done wonders with the Frank character, and adds humor to everything he does.”   Rachael Harris adds, “There are some very laugh-out-loud slapsticky things Steve does that nobody can do better.”

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” opens August 15 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Take The Winning Shot: Tips On Capturing Award-Winning Photographs

Calling all photography enthusiasts! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Standard Charter's photo competition in my other blog. You can read all about it here. Now, they're also offering free tips on getting those perfect shots! 

Press Release:

Avid photographers and photo enthusiasts constantly strive to take that elusive “award-winning” shot. But what makes an award-winning photo anyway? If you want to capture that winning shot, attend our Photographer’s Meet-Up and get professional insights, insider tips and techniques that judges usually consider when they pick the winner.  Join us and understand the makings of an award-winning photo. 

Your winning shot might just be a click away! 

Standard Chartered Bank’s Nationwide Photography Competition 

Photographer’s Meet-Up : Tips on capturing award-winning photographs 

July 28, 2012 -  2pm to 5pm - CEBU Leg - Gilligans Restaurant, 3rd Level, The Terraces, Ayala Center 

August 4, 2012 -  2pm to 5pm - DAVAO Leg (Mall venue to be announced)

August 11, 2pm to 5pm - MANILA Leg - 2nd Level Pavilion , LRI Design Plaza, Nicanor Garcia St. Bel Air II Makati City

                                          

Register by sending in your name/s, contact details/mailing address/email to capturing_timeless_visions@yahoo.com

Please just register and we will update you of the venues for Cebu and Davao. Download Entry Forms for Capturing Timeless Visions Standard Chartered Bank Nationwide Photography Competition now at http://www.standardchartered.com/ph/capturing-timeless-visions/

This Photographer’s Meet-Up is FREE!

The Bourne Legacy Production Team Talks About Manila, Philippines

An interesting read about several foreigners' views about Manila, Philippines

Press Release:

During preproduction of The Bourne Legacy, director Tony Gilroy toured Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia, and Manila in the Philippines.  Ultimately, Manila’s history as a shooting location won over the team.  Major Hollywood features, such as Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July and Brokedown Palace, were shot in the Philippines in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. “They had a 25-, 30-year run of making movies there,” says Gilroy, “and they have this huge infrastructure that was built up from all the films made about Vietnam.”

The filmmaker  called upon Lope V. Juban, Jr., president of Philippine Film Studios, who has worked on most of the films that have come to the Philippines over the past few decades, to give them a tour of Manila.  Not only could Juban—who came on as a line producer—offer locations that Gilroy was looking for, but his contacts with government entities would also be vital for a shoot that involved major stunts on city streets.  “Juban said, ‘We can talk to the president about that,’ or ‘We can talk to the minister of transportation and the police department about that.’  They’re all people that he knew,” producer Patrick Crowley explains.  “I couldn’t have gotten that in Jakarta or in Ho Chi Minh City.”

In fact, The Bourne Legacy would be the first Hollywood film in which Manila plays Manila.  “The Philippines has played almost any country—Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Panama,” says Juban.  “It is only now that we are filming Manila as Manila, which is great for us.”  

It was important to the locals to show off the progress the country had made and their big new areas of development.  The Philippines also offered the advantage of a mainly English-speaking local crew.  English, the legacy of the American presence for 50 years before World War II, is widely spoken in the country.

Filming in Manila began in the San Andres neighborhood, its ramshackle houses and dark alleyways typical of the city’s lower- and middle-class areas.   The San Andres neighborhood has grown organically over the years as locals have kept constructing additions to existing buildings.  The casual visitor will find many a residential area that resembles a rabbit-warren maze of alleyways that have been cobbled together.

With its tangled web of utility lines and drying laundry overhead, and pleasant cooking smells merging with other odors of the city, the labyrinthine San Andres neighborhood is where Aaron and Marta find a place to hide from their pursuers: this time, the Philippine authorities.  

San Andres was also the setting for a stunt in which Aaron played  by actor Jeremy Renner to save (Rachel Weisz) Marta from capture after she is cornered by the police, makes a daring slide three stories down a narrow opening between two buildings.  Because of very specific requirements, this set, a narrow three-story structure that the filmmakers called “the chasm,” had to be built by Thompson and his team.

The production’s Metro Manila locales also included the Ninoy Aquino International Airport; the historic Intramuros district, known for its Spanish colonial architecture; the Manila Yacht Club; the Marikina covered market; and the Metropoint MRT train station in Pasay City.  The crew also traveled approximately an hour by plane from Manila to El Nido, located on the stunning Philippine island of Palawan, for scenes that take place amidst the magnificent islands of the South China Sea.  The dramatic islands, with their limestone cliffs that emerge directly from the water, are more often associated with the landscapes of Malaysia and Thailand. 

For several days the crew also filmed part of a chase at Navotas Fish Port, known as the fishing capital of the Philippines, situated north of the city on Manila Bay.  In the evenings, the location is a working fish market—1,000 feet long and 200 feet wide—that sells more than 100,000 fish every night.  Every morning during the shoot, the crew had to scrub, steam and dry the market.  Thompson and his team removed hanging tarps, added skylights and supporting posts, and scrubbed the floor to lessen the overpowering fish smell.  This also served a practical purpose: to make the location safe for the complex stunt work that was to be performed there. 

No Bourne film would be complete without its fair share of action.  Still, emphasizes producer Frank Marshall: “Our rules that we have been very consistent with through all the movies is that we don’t have action for action’s sake.  We don’t have a formula where every 10 minutes there has to be a fight scene or an action scene.  The action has to be driven by the story.  That’s what makes this series unique: These characters get into situations that lead to an action scene or a chase scene, but it all has a story point.”

Unit director Dan Bradley traveled to Manila months before shooting began in order to tailor the action sequences to the locations.  “When we looked at the locations, he was with us, and then he said, ‘I’m going to stay behind for a week,’” producer Patrick Crowley recalls.  “We waited for Dan to just sit and meditate and come up with great ideas.  He’s come up with some things that have never been done before.”

Bradley’s biggest task was to choreograph a motorcycle chase that takes place on the crowded streets of Manila, much of it filmed with Renner in the rider’s seat.  “When you’re doing something in which there’s somebody on a motorcycle and they’re not wearing a helmet, you have to have the principal actor do that,” says Crowley.  “So we had Jeremy very much involved, and Rachel as well.”

Luckily for the production, Renner is an avid motorcyclist. “When I first met Jeremy, we were going to have some practice sessions, and he showed up on one of the fastest motorcycles in the world, which was one of 10 that he owned,” remembers Crowley.  “We felt comfortable that we didn’t have to train him.  He has the bones of an action hero.  When I see him, I see that silent strength of Steve McQueen.  When he gets on a motorcycle, then he becomes even more like him.”

Renner also put Weisz at ease as they worked with Bradley.  “Being on the back of a bike with Jeremy, I felt completely safe,” she says.  “He was doing wheelies, skids and slides—those kind of stunts that he’s very good at.”

The filmmakers were also impressed when Weisz displayed a previously unseen side: that of an action star.  “She’s a great actress and has shown all this incredible talent playing characters who are typically not action characters,” says Crowley.  But Weisz insisted on as much rehearsal on the motorcycle as possible and performed much of the stunt work herself.  Laughs the producer: “Your heart still goes into your throat when you see her going 45, 50 miles an hour on the motorcycle with Jeremy.” 

Prior to filming in Manila, Bradley’s team spent several weeks rehearsing the motorcycle stunts, while special equipment was brought in, including Bradley’s own “Go Mobile,” a custom-made vehicle upon which several cameras may be mounted.  Bradley also recruited several expert motorcyclists, including professional stunt driver Jean-Pierre Goy, arguably one of the best in the world, to double on the most dangerous stunts.  All were pleased to have an actual Batman on board for the production, as Goy was the only one able to drive the two-wheeled street machine called the Bat-Pod for scenes in The Dark Knight.  Indeed, he returned to his key role for this summer’s The Dark Knight Rises. 

Bradley’s team also retrofitted several jeepneys, a minibus that is the most common form of transportation in the Philippines.  “The jeepneys were our heritage from World War II,” Juban explains.  “When jeeps were left behind by the Americans, the Filipinos made the body longer.  From that time on, it has ended up our main public utility vehicle.  That’s iconic Manila.”

Each painted in a bright, unique style to entice passengers to hop aboard, jeepneys are ubiquitous throughout the country, numbering around 100,000 in Manila alone.  The long and narrow vehicle is a cheap and easy form of transportation, ideally shaped for navigating narrow roads that full-size buses cannot.  Open windows provide its only form of air conditioning, and its passenger seating consists of two padded benches facing each other in the back, each seating six to 10 people.  When the seats are full, additional passengers ride outside, hanging onto the back as best they can. 

Jeepneys are featured in a key chase sequence with Renner, Weisz and Changchien that was filmed on one of Manila’s major roadways, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, the main route to the presidential palace.  Approximately 90 cars and more than 300 extras were used for the sequence, which shot on a mile and a half stretch of Magsaysay Blvd. through three major intersections over several weekends.   Helping manage the shoot were local authorities including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Manila Traffic Bureau and the Presidential Security Group.

“Just on the MMDA, there were about 120 guys working with us—not just in the area, but in the peripheral surroundings to control and help ease the traffic,” Juban recounts.  “The Manila police have a contingent of about 50, and the Presidential Security Group has about 20, and then there is the local barangay [district] police.”

A densely populated city of more than 11 million people, Manila was not the easiest place to shoot.  “Manila’s a tough city to work in: There are traffic jams, and it’s hard to move around,” ends Crowley.  “But the people are so gracious and excited about films.  They know more about the Bourne movies than I know about the Bourne movies.”

“The Bourne Legacy” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. It will start showing on August 8, 2012 nationwide.

The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!

Heya Blue Jays! This one's for you! :)

Press Release:

16 year old Filipino-Mexican sweetheart Jessica Sanchez has long won the world by capturing the hearts of many with her brilliant singing style and over the top performance during the eleventh season of the reality television singing competition, American Idol. 

This Sunday, July 29, be ready to get your hearts captured again by the American Idol songstress as MCA Music and Astroplus invite you to “The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!” --- An exciting event where fans all over the metro will get the rare chance to bond with their idol through a LIVE SKYPE SESSION from 10:00 am onwards at the SM Megamall Event Center (former ice skating rink). Fun games, exclusive Jessica Sanchez signed items and a guest performance by Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina await those who will attend the party.     

Jessica Sanchez: American Idol Season 11 Highlights album is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at all leading record bars nationwide.

Catch your favorite American Idols Live! this September 21st at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the Top 10 finalists of American Idol Season 11 perform for their only concert in Asia! American Idol Live! Tour is presented by Ovation Productions brought to you by ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, MYX Music Channel, MYXPH.com, BusinessWorld and HerWord.com. Get your tickets now at www.TicketNet.com  

Sun Life’s Short Films Show How Life’s Brighter Under The Sun

Get a chance win a trip to the USA by watching these short films! Keep reading ...

Press Release:

Sun Life Financial rolls out the red carpet for  SUN SHORTS, a collection of digital films that  shines the light on the value of love, family, friendship, foresight  and a positive outlook in life.

SUN SHORTS is Sun Life Philippines’ installment of a regional short film project called Experience the Sun, which is a collaboration between Sun Life Financial and film makers in Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines.  The project brings to life the power and beauty of the Sun through the eyes of top directors across the region. SUN SHORTS is an extension of this venture, made specifically for the Philippine audience.  

SUN SHORTS features five Filipino filmmakers sharing their interpretations of how life is brighter under the Sun.  Beginning July 25, 2012, these films will be shown as a series in www.experiencethesun.com.ph   .

Stories Under the Sun

Unitel’s veteran producer-storyteller Jun Reyes (The Last Journey of Ninoy, Crying Ladies) makes a trip down memory lane to tackle a love that transcends the test of time and shines brightly amidst the darkness of war in “1945.”

Most sought-after commercial director Jolly Feliciano departs from light-hearted themes to posit a lifetime of possibilities thru the eyes of a sick young boy whose hope burns brightly as the sun in “Life in a Day.”

Director-playwright Chris Martinez (Here Comes the Bride, Kimmy Dora, 100) takes on the humorous side of the generational divide as an old woman’s faith and penchant for superstitions clashes with a young man’s cool confidence in  a future well planned in “Oh My Goth!”

Up and coming filmmaker  Nic Reyes follows the travails of a young man whose penchant for  “quick fixes”  led him into  tight-hole situation  and finds enlightenment and redemption from a surprising character in the action-packed “The Debt.” 

Multifarious artist Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year, Nino, Shake Rattle and Roll, Aswang) lets his “Sun Dance” pump up the beat of friendship that empowers three young women to tackle life’s ebbs and flows with grace and elegance. These shorts show how much friends bring the brightness of sun into our lives.

Apart from the five films making up SUN SHORTS, Jim Libiran (Happyland) brings to life a film called “Araw” which forms part of Sun Life Asia’s regional  project.  Araw is based on a true story of a man who harnesses the power of the sun to create beautiful art and,  in so doing, reconnects with his roots.  

“Relationships are at the heart of SUN SHORTS, with the sun as a symbolic light source, that brings hope and a promise of a brighter tomorrow to the characters in the films. As to our use of the digital platform, this is really due to the desire of Sun Life to communicate and engage a growing segment of the market who are online, while allowing them to experience our brand promise of a life that’s brighter under the Sun. It also shows the progressive spirit of Sun Life as it explores new ways of engaging the market ,” said Sun Life-Phils Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa.

Advocate for the arts

SUN SHORTS is yet another technological breakthrough from the country’s first and longest-standing life insurer, which also pioneered financial literacy advocacy in the Philippines. These digital originals illuminate the lessons of  “It’s Time!”  which encourages the value of savings, investing and planning for tomorrow.

“We believe that inspiring Filipinos to go for their dreams is part of our mission to provide financial freedom for Filipinos. Thru the magic of movies and the powerful medium of the Internet, we hope SUN SHORTS can enlighten its viewers in ways that will make their outlook in life brighter,” affirmed Sun Life-Phils President and CEO Riza Mantaring.

SUN SHORTS  kicked off with a radio promo where listeners are welcome to share their sunny stories thru Twitter (@sunlifeph) and Facebook (sunlifeph). And another promo awaits everyone who watches the films online in “Sun Shorts  Fly to America!” promo.   After watching SUN SHORTS films online,  all the viewer has to do is like it and post a comment for a chance  to go to San Francisco, USA.

Sun Shorts digital films are produced by Sun Life Financial Philippines in collaboration with Unitel Pictures and supported by Star Magic, Cinema One and Sun Life Foundation. For more information and updates, visit experiencethesun.com.ph

Make Lunchtime Special With School Day Giveaways From El Real Pasta

For El Real pasta recipes, just click the following links: 

Chicken Teriyaki Pasta and Longanisa Macaroni Salad

Chicken and Assorted Mushrooms Pasta and Sunrise Pasta

Crazy Over Classic Carbonara and Delightful Tuna Pasta Salad

Press Release:

Packed lunches are about to get more enjoyable as El Real Pasta, welcomes back-to-school season with the perfect baon buddies for kids.

Ongoing until August, El Real Pasta is giving families a little something extra for the busy time of year. With their newest promo, moms can avail of a pair of spoon and fork or a spoon and fork case with every purchase of a pack of 1kg El Real Spaghetti. 

The engraved spoon and fork and the spoon and fork cases in Sunny Yellow, Citrus Orange, Bubbly Blue and Blossom Pink colors will definitely be welcome additions to students’ lunchboxes.

With the hectic months ahead, shoppers can look forward to these awesome giveaways just by purchasing a pack of 1kg El Real Spaghetti.

It’s easy to make school meals more appealing with these exclusive El Real Pasta utensils and kits that are sure to make lunchtime even better. Be the lucky ones to own these limited kitchenware collectibles only from El Real Pasta, the special ingredient for home-cooked al dente meals.

JELLY-G THAI MILK TEA Now Serving Delectable, Healthy Drinks

Mmmm, something to try out really soon!

Press Release:

Looking for the latest, tastier, creamier and healthier milk tea around town?  Your search for the perfect milk tea stops at Jelly-G Thai Milk Tea!

Jelly-G Milk Tea is the only and premier drink brand in the Philippines that serves authentic, creamy and perfectly blended Thai Milk Tea.  Every Jelly-G Thai Milk Tea uses freshly steeped tea leaves daily mixed with all-natural ingredients like Arabica Coffee, Pure Australian Milk Chocolate and puree from fresh fruits with its signature grass jelly intensifying the richness of Jelly-G drinks. 

Jelly-G Thai Milk Tea is now serving refreshing variations of tea, coffee, chocolate and fruit juices. Try Jelly-G Milk Tea available in the following flavors: Thai Milk Tea, Nutty Thai, Cheesy Thai, Carmeletea, Berry Thai, Lemon Thai, Basil Thai, Dark Thai, Jasmine Green, Moji Tea, Cheesy Green, Green Dark, Milo Thai, Chocnut Thai, Chai Tea and Black Tea.  

Coffee lovers will surely perk up in Jelly-G’s coffee variants: America Coffee, Coffee Mint, Nutty Cup, Carmeletto, Mocha Dark, Coffee Oreo, Deep Chocnut and Cinnamon Spice. 

Indulge guilt-free with Jelly-G’s Chocolate variants: Choco Bravo, Chunky Oreo, Black Forest, Mella Twist, Choco Mist, Aussie Nut, Dark Chocolate, Choco Milo and Choco Bravo Banana.  

More refreshing twists in Jelly-G’s fruit drinks: Mango Sweeso, Frizzy Berry, White Lychee, Banana Bliss, Mango Yakult, Berry Yakult, Cheesy Mango and Cheesy Berry.

Visit Jelly-G branches available at Glorietta4 Food Choices, Market!Market! (3rd flr.), Alabang Town Center Food Choices, Marquee Mall (ground flr.), Robinson’s Metro East (ground flr.), SM Marikina (3rd flr.), Sta. Lucia East Mall (2nd flr.) and Festival Supermall (3rd flr.) and choose from a wide variety of milk tea that will satisfy everyone’s taste.  

Jelly-G Thai Milk Tea will also open soon at Ali Mall (lower ground) and at 500 Shaw Centrum (ground level). 

Visit and like their Facebook page Jelly G Drink for more exciting drink mixes of Thai Milk tea and freebies.

Chef’s Quarter Restaurant Offers Catering Services

I like dining at Chef's Quarters because they have good food in their menu. Good news to those who are having upcoming celebrations, you can also avail of their catering services! Read on to find out more about it ... 

Press Release:

Chefs’ Quarter Restaurant and Wine Bar opened the doors of its first branch at Robinson’s Place, Malate in October 2007.  The establishment, which inaugurated its second branch at Megamall in January 2009, soon expanded to catering services. 

While the restaurant specializes in Continental cuisine, their catering kitchen is more versatile, and can whip up anything and everything -- from local Pinoy favorites and Asian fare to American and European delicacies. 

Chefs’ Quarter is an excellent partner for any occasion, from simple get togethers and kiddie parties at home, to lavish weddings and corporate launches, whether in Metro Manila or out of town. Their team can serve groups of as little as 30 persons to as many as 3,000! Chefs’ Quarter can also provide amenities such as doves for weddings, menu cards, cake and even the emcee.

Standard packages for buffet start at P550+ and can go up to P1,800+ while sit down meals range from P750+ to P2000+. They have sample sets available to choose from or you can customize a menu according to your preference and budget. For Chefs’ Quarter, it’s all about delivering what the customer requires – whether it’s cuisine, theme, set-up or even price. 

At an event recently held at the brand new Events Pavilion at 500 Shaw, Chefs’ Quarter showcased their flexibility through a grand buffet and exhibit of various party set-ups. 

Behind Chefs’ Quarter are managing partner Larry Cortez and executive chef Mauro Arjona Jr., the same dynamic duo behind the fast-growing chain, Uncle Cheffy (read my food review here), the affordable steak destination Old Vine Grille (read my food review here), the traditional Filipino restaurant Kuse and French-Mediterranean dining place, Beurre Blanc. 

For inquiries on catering packages, call Chefs’ Quarter at (02) 3813449 / (02) 3817716,  email chefsquarter.cateringservices@gmail.com or visit any of their restaurant branches.

The Events Pavilion is at the 3rd floor of 500 Shaw Zentrum Building, 500 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong. For more information, call (02) 6540231 / (02) 6540500.

Ayala Cinemas In “Full Force” Support Of The 8th Cinemalaya 2012 Run

Press Release:

Ayala Malls Cinemas hosts for the 2nd time the country’s Cinemalaya on its 8th year in developing and promoting Filipino independent films. Cinemalaya’s simultaneous screening at the CCP Theater and at Ayala Cinemas’ Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma will run from  July 21 to July 29.

Paying tribute to one of the country’s acclaimed filmmakers, Ayala Cinemas’ Cinemalaya opening ceremony at Trinoma will feature the late Mario O’Hara’s “Babae Sa Breakwater” starring Katherine Luna.

Competing in the category of New Breed Films are “Intoy Syokoy Ng Kalye Marino” directed by Lemuel C. Lorca, “Requeime!” by Loy Arcenas, “Oros” by Paul Sta. Ana, “Ang Katiwala (The Caretaker)” by Aloy Adlawan, “Santa Nina” by Emmanuel Quindo Palo, “Aparisyon” by Vincent Sandoval, “Diablo” by Mes De Guzman, “Mga Dayo (Resident Aliens) by Julius Sotomayor Cena, “The Animals” by Gino M. Santos and “Ang Nawawala (What Isn’t There)” by Marie Jamora.

In Director’s Showcase Films category, entries include “Kamera Obskura” by Raymond Red, “Bwakaw” by Jun Robles Lana, “Posas (Shackled)” by Lawrence Fajardo, “Kalayaan (Wildlife)” by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. and “Mga Mumunting Lihim (Those Little Secrets)” by Jose Javier Reyes.

Included in Short Feature films are “As He Sleeps” by Sheron Dayoc, “Balintuna (Irony)” by Emmanuel Escalona Jr., “Bohe Sons of the Waves” by Nadjoua Bansil, “Pasahero (Passenger)” by Mario “Max” Celada, “Victor” by Jarell M. Serencio, “Ang Paghihintay Sa Bulong (Waiting to Whisper) by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, “Manenaya (Waiting)” by Richard Legaspi, “Ruweda (Wheel)” by Hannah Espia, “Sarong Adlaw (One Day) by Marianito Dio, Jr. and “Ulian (Senility)” by Chuck Gutierrez.

Check out Ayala Cinemas’ Cinemalaya schedule at  WWW.SURESEATS.COM   and book your tickets in advance at Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma.

Nine Leaders Set To Share Secrets Of Success At The Upcoming Leadership Summit

Press Release:

We all have someone whom we look up to. Be it an athlete, a book author, an actor, or a public figure. Whoever that may be, they all have one thing in common: they are successful on their chosen field; they all strived for success and never gave up.

This August 9, 2012, nine leaders in both business and public fields are set to share and reveal their own experiences, expertise and insights on what it takes to be successful at the Leadership and Success Summit at the Executive Lounge of Tower 1, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, organized by the Ephesians Management Corporation (EMC). EMC is a Filipino-owned company engaged in Management Consultancy that offers services with immediate impacts on clients’ operations and prepares their work environment for long term competition.

“I believe that each person defines success differently and measures it to a different degree. But one thing is for sure, we all want to achieve it. Through this summit, people will see that success is connected to one’s personal sense of purpose,” says Marvin Germo, General Manager of EMC. “Oftentimes, people do not see the story behind the success. That is what we want to showcase in the summit to be able to inspire and equip people.”

Dubbed as “How They Did It: Leadership and Success Summit 2012”, the event will feature Hon. Ruffy Biazon, Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs; Mr. Tony Meloto, Founder and Chairman of Gawad Kalinga; Mr. Ken Mulkey, Assistant Pastor of Cottonwood College; Mr. Anthony Elepano, Owner of Chef Tony’s Gourmet Popcorn; Mr. Cecilio Pedro, President and CEO of Lamoiyan Corporation; Mr. Jeric Soriano, a well-known and respected TV commercial director; Ms. Leigh De Armas, President and CEO of Manila-based PR Firm, BrandSpeakAsia, Inc.; Mr. Marvin Germo, General manager of Ephesians Management Corporation; and Mr. Lloyd Luna, President and CEO of Monday.

Topics to be covered include the reasons for success, winning with the giants, financial freedom for every Filipino, building a global brand while making a difference for the Glory of God, what it takes to be a good leader, the power of passion and creativity, good governance, turning failures to success and nation building.

For inquiries and registration, please contact Mr. Marvin Germo at 0917.814.62.78 or through marvin.germo@ephesians.ph or Ms. Rosalie Fernandez 0915.605.07.50/ Rosalie.fernandez@ephesians.ph. 

For more details, please visit www.howtheydidit.ph. Follow the summit at www.twitter.com/howtheydidit and like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/howtheydidit. A portion of the proceeds of the summit will go to Gawad Kalinga.

Edward Norton Is Byer In THE BOURNE LEGACY

An interesting interview with Edward Norton ...

Press Release:

Edward Norton is Ret. Col. Ric Byer in “The Bourne Legacy,” directed by the same Tony Gilroy who wrote the screenplays for the previous films, “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum,” all based on the universe created by the writer Robert Ludlum. The actor does not like to call his character a villain, preferring to say that he is, with the agent Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) and scientist Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), a piece of the intricate and morally complicated puzzle involving the government, corporations and scientists. In Rio for the Rio +20 environment conference, he talked about the film, his interest in sustainable development, and the miniseries “Undaunted Courage,” based on the book by Stephen Ambrose that he is producing with Brad Pitt for television.

Q: Were you a fan of the previous BOURNE films? 

A: Yes, I always thought they were very intelligent and sort of realistic. 

Q: How different is THE BOURNE LEGACY in relation to the previous BOURNE films? Did you have to go back to them?

A: The great thing is that there’s consistency because Tony Gilroy wrote the other films and went on to direct this one. The BOURNE films appeal to the conspiracy theorist in all of us. What makes this one distinctive is the way that Tony (Writer/Director), instead of trying to start over, just widens it out and makes you realize that the first films were like petals of the flower. Now the flower is opening up and you are starting to see the whole world that this was a part of. Tony is expanding the story, instead of trying to start over. He’s now widening out from government and starting to include corporations in the web of the corruption and conspiracy. It’s a very interesting way to go.  

Q: You’ve said in interviews that you generally like films that reflect the zeitgeist and talk about what’s going on in the world. Does THE BOURNE LEGACY fit into this thought?

A: In most of Tony’s films, I think there’s an investigation of the way that the world of corporations is starting to control and penetrate into our lives. He’s done it looking at law, he’s done it looking at competing brands and now he’s looking at the intelligence world. I think it is a topic that is very current. 

Q: So, THE BOURNE LEGACY is not merely an action film?

A: No, it’s not just an action film. Tony is really good at lacing some ideas, or shades of gray, into THE BOURNE LEGACY.

Q: Was that important for you to do this? Does an action film have to do that for you to be interested?

A: Different films provide different combinations of entertainment and thought-provoking qualities. There are some straightforward action films that are great. The main thing that drew me into this project was that I really like Tony’s films. I think he’s had a very consistent set of themes that I have always been really interested in. It’s fun to work with someone who’s got a special intelligence about a certain subculture and world. I would say that Tony was the main draw for me because I like his films and liked the idea of working with him.  

Q: The film also tackles the subject of scientific experiments not always going well. Can you expand on this?

A: Yes, I think this is one of those subjects that Tony said, “Don’t talk about it!” (laughs). This film is very much about the collaborations that exist between the government, corporations and science. It’s how these things have become interlaced with each other and sometimes how they end up creating a moral gray zone.

Q: In THE BOURNE LEGACY, you are the villain in this movie. Correct?

A: I would say that Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), Marta (Rachel Weisz) and Byer, my character, have all made choices and decisions that have a lot of compromise in them. 

Q: For a film like THE BOURNE LEGACY, is there preparation?

A: Tony’s screenplay was very strong. I read up on the nature of these agencies within government just to understand the differences between the departments of government that handle these kinds of things. It wasn’t something that required a deep amount of research other than to get familiar with the language. Because THE BOURNE LEGACY is so intelligently written, if you can absorb that and make it feel credible, Tony’s done the work to make sure it sounds real.

Q: As a director, what does Tony Gilroy bring to the film?

A: Tony is incredibly organized. Some directors are very improvisational, but Tony is like a diamond cutter. He’s very precise and specific, which is great. He’s very articulate and very clear in communicating how he sees things and what he wants. It makes it very, very easy. I really admire the way he works. He doesn’t miss anything and he’s so well prepared that it makes it very relaxed on set.

Q: You’ve been away from the movies for a while. Were you taking time to pursue other interests like environmental issues and theater?

A: I was building a theater in New York but I made two films last year. I don’t usually make more than two films a year. I was also writing and my company is producing some films. I spent most of one year writing a miniseries for HBO (Undaunted Courage) and a film script. 

Q: Is the process for a television mini-series similar to that of a film?

A: It has been a long development process with this series. We don’t know when we are going to film it. I always do a lot of things at the same time because you never know which one is going to happen right away.

Q: Being so involved in so many different things, do you ever take time off?

A: I am involved in a lot of things. I have other companies and other pursuits. It all overlaps but I usually find a way to balance it all. 

Q&A With Cartoon Network's Adventure Time Creator Pendleton Ward

For fans of Adventure Time ... enjoy reading!

Press Release:

What is Adventure Time? Where did the concept originate from?

I drew Finn and Jake for the first time in an old sketch book.  When I was thinking about ideas to pitch as a pilot, I would flip through my sketchbooks and find characters that I liked and then create stories around them.

For those of us that haven’t yet seen the show, what can you tell us about Jake and Finn?

Finn is a little spitfire who's full of righteous energy.  Finn has a strong moral code and he's eager to protect good and kick evil in the buns.  Jake is a laaazy dog with the power to stretch and grow into almost any size and shape.  Jake has all the wisdom of a 28 year old couch-potato.  Finn and Jake like playing video games and going on adventures across the land of Ooo.

  

Why do you think Adventure Time resonates so well with viewers?

We try to make the show funny, weird and charming.  They are goofball cartoon characters in a fantasy world but we try to keep a sense of realism in how the characters feel and react to their world.  I think that leaves the audience open to enjoy all the silly characters while also feeling empathy for the characters when they get emotional.

How does an episode of Adventure Time come about? Where does your inspiration come from?

Sometimes we play writing games where we fold a paper so that is has 4 creases and in the first crease we sketch a stupid drawing, the paper gets passed around in a circle so that on each pass someone writes the 1st, 2nd or 3rd act of the story.  We do a lot of these and come up with a lot of quick goofball ideas.

Tell us more about the visual style of Adventure Time.

One of our background designers, Ghostshrimp, really set the drawing style for the world of Adventure Time.  His illustrations always feel full of history and radical-power.  Nick Jennings, Art Director for Adventure Time, sets the mood for every show with his awesome and breath-taking color schemes.  Every board artist draws Finn and Jake differently and I like the feeling that has on the show, it makes for looser drawings and animation, which I enjoy.

Quirky humor plays a big part in the show. How do you come up with the many scenarios and characters that Jake and Finn encounter?

Dungeons and Dragons is a big inspiration for what sorts of monsters and pitfalls exist in Ooo.  We try to keep the monsters native to the terrain they exist in.

Will we see Jake and Finn evolve over the course of the series?

Yeah, every episode develops the characters a little more.  Every board artist puts their own personality into the characters and once a personality tic or piece of slang catches on then everyone expands on it.  Princess Bubblegum has ended up being the character that’s been pulled the most in every direction.  She might be de-evolving back into a gum-wad.

The environments play almost a big a role as the characters. What can you tell us about the importance and inspiration behind Candy Kingdom, the Land of Ooo, the Ice Kingdom and Lumpy Space?

Well…like I mentioned above,  in the backgrounds there is usually a sense of history…they feel overgrown or treaded upon or there are elements in the backgrounds like a skeleton holding a book – and there's a story there that you have to makeup.

Who is your favourite character in the series and why?

I like Marceline.  She's a thousand year old vampire babe.  I like that she's still mysterious.  I don't know everything about her so it'll be fun to figure out some of her history as the series keeps creeping on.

What are the best ways for kids to generate ideas for cartoons and storylines to get their creative juices flowing?

Just carry a pocket-sized sketchbook with you and doodle everything that comes to mind.  Or doodle people and how they interact with each other.  I was always super analytical as a kid. I'd take notes on what people (girls) liked and didn't like and what made them laugh. I was also a super nerd/geek/turbo-dork.  Maybe just spend your time trying to draw dogs and their crazy faces.  Dogs have the craziest faces, man.  I guess I'm just thinking about Pugs.  Man…pugs…man.

What can we expect to see down the track for Finn and Jake?

Finn and Jake exploring deeper into the land of Ooo; discovering more strange and magical places; more interactions between Marceline and Bubblegum – the show is in a really good place.  I think it's just going to keep getting better.  

“FORBIDDEN BROADWAY” Set For Limited Re-Run On Aug. 24-25

If you haven't caught this show in its first run, I really recommend catching it this time. Forbidden Broadway is a fun, fun show to watch! Read my review here.

Press Release:

Due to numerous requests from all theater lovers, Upstart Productions proudly brings back the Off-Broadway smash hit “Forbidden Broadway,” a cabaret revue sharply spoofing show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals.

The limited run will be held on August 24 ( 8 p.m. ) and August 25, 2012 ( 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. ) at the Carlos P. Romulo Theater, RCBC Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

“Forbidden Broadway” is a four-person show, with two men and two women playing pivotal roles. The comedy musical which was conceived, written and directed by Gerard Alessandrini has mocked popular shows on Broadway  since its 1982 debut at the Palsson's Supper Club on New York’s Upper West side. The show also targets famous Broadway actors, writers, composers, directors, choreographers and producers.

“Forbidden Broadway” has won awards from Tony and Drama Desk, Obie and Outer Critics Circle.

           

As New York's longest running musical comedy revue, it has been rewritten over a dozen times over the years to include parodies of newer shows. “Forbidden Broadway,” in its various editions, has received over 9,000 performances and been seen in more than 200 U.S. cities as well as playing in London, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney.

During its first Manila run held last May 2012, “Forbidden Broadway” received critical acclaim and glowing reviews from the press. Audiences both young and old who were “first-timers” in a live theater production or who have already seen local and international productions of Broadway-themed shows have unanimously expressed their joy through unstoppable laughter all throughout the show. With the sold-out shows and audience impact, the producers of the show decided to stage the re-run to accommodate the new breed of theatergoers.

“Forbidden Broadway” is directed by Joel Trinidad together with Cathy Azanza-Dy as assistant director.

To be featured are the original cast, namely Liesl Batucan, Caisa Borromeo, OJ Mariano and Lorenz Martinez, along with pianist Dingdong Fiel.

As topnotch performers in their own right, the cast shall showcase again their talents and skills as they act, sing, dance and change costumes with more than fifty character roles from Chicago, Annie, Into The Woods, West Side Story, Wicked, Les Miz, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Rent, Spamalot, Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray and A Chorus Line.

 As an added treat, guest performers to be featured include Michael de Mesa and Nikki Gil.

The artistic and creative team of  “FORBIDDEN BROADWAY ” is led by Joel Trinidad (Upstart Artistic Director/Show Director), with Martin Esteva (Lighting Designer), Sheryl Polancos (Sound Designer), Lawyn Cruz (Production Designer), and Onyl Torres (Musical Director/Vocal Coach).

The production staff is composed of Mariko Yasuda (Production Manager) and Lani Tapia (Stage Manager). The marketing, sales and publicity team of “Forbidden Broadway” is led by Toots Tolentino (PR & Publicity), with Daphne Kimberly Uy (Marketing Manager), and Stanley Ong (Photographer).

“Forbidden Broadway” is sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Kashmir Restaurant, Stanley Ong Photography, Orange Segment, and our media sponsors BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, Sunday Inquirer Magazine, taxi.com.ph and Philippine Paradise Pages.  Ticket buyers may avail of a 30% discount upon presentation of their ticket at the Outback Steakhouse Glorietta 4 branch from August 24 to September 8, 2012.

So don’t fail to catch the re-run of what the New Yorker calls “the funniest show in New York.”  It’s a forbidden pleasure!

For tickets, inquiries, and other information, call Upstart Productions at 09209416695 or email  upstarttickets@gmail.com. Interested show buyers, block buyers, fundraisers or sponsors may email Kim at marketing.upstart@gmail.com.

Visit upstartproductionsinc.com. Add Upstart Prod on Facebook. Follow Upstart Productions or joel_trinidad on Twitter.