KEANE Live! In Manila: Strangeland Tour

Press Release:

This October 2nd, be ready as British alternative rock band KEANE welcomes you into their Strangeland through their Manila concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

KEANE achieved mainstream success with the release of their debut album, “Hopes and Fears” in 2004. Lead singles “Somewhere Only We Know” is one of the greatest hits of 2004. The album sold more than nine million copies worldwide, and won a Brit Award for Best Album in 2005. In addition, the band also won the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act, voted by listeners of BBC Radio 1. Success continued with their second studio album, “Under the Iron Sea,” which topped the album charts in the UK and debuted at an impressive No.4 on the US Billboard 200 chart. This album marked the transition from piano-driven songs in their first album to more progressive, sophisticated music, again without using guitars. Their third album, “Perfect Symmetry,” explored and moved from their established piano-pop sound to the use of guitars for the first time.

KEANE’s latest album “Strangeland,” released in May 2012 under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) debuted at No.1 on the UK Albums chart. This feat made them one of three bands in UK pop history to have five consecutive Number 1 albums. It’s the first album to feature bassist Jesse Quin as an official member. In an interview with NME.com, lead vocalist Tom Chaplin said, “The album has the vibe of earlier Keane. 2008′s “Perfect Symmetry” was a big self-indulgent and this record felt a bit more like we knew ourselves a bit better and what our strengths were.” Pianist Tim Rice-Oxley added: “We wanted it be less production led and focus on making sure that the songs were great. You write a lot of shit songs to get to the good ones.” Drummer Richard Hughes said, “In many respects, it feels like the completion of a circle. On the album you have songs that draw upon the experiences we used to share as kids, growing up in Battle. You can never really go back, of course. We’re married. Some of us have kids. Once in a while though, after a good day, we’ll go to the local pub and talk about everything and nothing until it’s time to go home. Whatever it is that makes us Keane – that invisible glue – is still there. And you can hear it all over ‘Strangeland’.”

KEANE’s albums are out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music and Video or online via iTunes and www.MyMusicStore.com.ph

KEANE is composed of Tom Chaplin on lead vocals / acoustic guitar, Tim Rice-Oxley on piano / keyboards / synthesizers, Richard Hughes on drums / percussions and Jesse Quin on bass guitar.

Since their debut, KEANE’s music has won over the hearts of music fans all over the world, especially those in Manila. Catch Keane Live! in Manila on October 2, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia’s The Arena. Tickets are available at www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222 for more details. Ticket prices are at: VIP A (first 10 rows) 6340, VIP B 4760, Patron 4760, Lower Box 3170, Upper Box  1590 and General Admission 740.

“KEANE Live! In Manila: Strangeland Tour” is brought to you by Trilogy Live and STRO World in cooperation with Dayly Entertainment. Co-Presented by Jack TV and ETC. Major Sponsors: Terranova and Banco De Oro. Official Residence: EDSA Shangri-La Manila. Media Partners: ABS-CBN, MYX, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 95.5 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, Business World, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The La Sallian, Pep.ph, ClicktheCity.com, Philstar.com, Manila Concert Scene, Philippine Concerts, MyMusicStore.com.ph, WhenInManila.com, Juice.ph and PinoyExchange.com. Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video.

Museo Pambata Presents ‘Art and Objects’

Please spread the word about the auction so we can help sustain Museo Pambata's worthwhile projects ...

Press Release:

Museo Pambata is encouraging art enthusiasts to help fulfill some of its 2012 wishes!

Art and Objects, a fund raising event to benefit Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc., is an art sale and auction that gathers artists who personally donated art pieces for this cause.

Items for sale include those by Ben Cabrera, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Juvenal Sanso, Brenda Fajardo, Araceli Dans and ‘objects’ such as Napoleon Abueva sculptures and Jon and Tessie Pettyjohn’s pottery.

  

The art sale and auction will be held on October 2 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati. Art pieces can be viewed at the mezzanine of the hotel until October 6. These can also be viewed online in www.museopambata.org/artandobjects.

MP is a non-stock, non-profit organization which relies on sponsorships and voluntary contributions to carry out its projects. “We hope that through this sale and auction of Filipino art pieces, we would be able to raise enough funds to fulfill some of our wishes. That is, to renew one of the exhibit rooms, build a better playground for the children, acquire a big tent for outdoor events and a string of physical requirements for the 100-year-old Elks Club Building where the museum is housed,” MP President Nina Yuson said.

Through sponsorships and grants in 2011, MP was able to renew one exhibit room, welcome 20,822 subsidized children and adults to the museum, visit 35 Metro Manila barangays through its Mobile Library, and hold the 2nd Asian Children’s Museum Conference.

The Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization that established the first interactive children's museum in the Philippines. Opened to the public in 1994, Museo Pambata has distinguished itself for its educational programs and its interactive exhibits. Committed to provide alternative education and uphold the welfare of children, Museo Pambata has also conducted various programs and activities held in the museum, in Manila's schools and communities and in different cities nationwide. Its educational programs and special activities are anchored on the advocacy of children's rights, primarily on their right to education, health, recreation, and mental and physical development. In March 2012, Museo Pambata was shortlisted and received a Special Commendation from the jury of the First Children's Museum Award in Bologna, Italy “for inspiring the creation of new children's museums in the Philippines and Asia”.

For more information, please call 5231797/98 or email info@museopambata.org

Fitness First Members Attribute Fit and Fab Form To Personal Trainers

Press Release:

Given today’s fast-paced lifestyles, getting into shape in the best way possible isn’t just about following a healthy diet or regularly hitting the gym. A good way to ensure effective workout sessions is through working hand in hand with a personal trainer to deliver  real results.

At Fitness First, personal trainers are always on hand to offer professional guidance to help gym buffs achieve their target fitness goals. Among those who have achieved fitness triumphs by working with personal trainers include this year’s NYAA (New You Achievement Awards) finalists, who were recognized for their success stories and life-changing transformations.

Tailored-fit regimen

NYAA finalist Maricar dela Cruz says that she can really feel the difference exercising with a personal trainer as opposed to doing it on her own. “Without personal trainers, workout sessions aren’t fully maximized. The rate of progress is much slower,” she explains.

“Personal trainers have a far better understanding of what your body needs, so we leave it up to them to create an individualized program to deliver faster results,” NYAA finalist Alejandro Paez adds.

Older exercise enthusiasts, especially those with certain health conditions, benefit greatly from personal trainers’ supervision in another way. “At my age, I need to be closely monitored so I wouldn’t have the bad posture that other people develop because of doing their routine wrong,” says NYAA Strength category Winner Pure Lozada.

NYAA finalist Linda Tajonera agrees. “I have a bad back so I knew I had to get my own trainer to tell me if I’m out of form,” she says.

Healthy encouragement

Apart from offering the needed workout guidance, personal trainers also help keep up the motivation. “For intense workouts, you really need someone to encourage you emotionally and build you up for even more difficult tasks,” shares NYAA Finalist Margarette Guzman.

“If it weren’t for my trainer, who really pushes me hard, I wouldn’t have achieved what I already have right now,” says NYAA Health category Winner Richard Mitra.

Personal trainer and NYAA Staff category finalist Mary Rose Guese believes that becoming a trainer allowed her to serve as an inspiration to her clients. “When I started out, I was so inspired by my coach that I decided to follow in his footsteps,” she said. “I hope I can do a good job of helping transform other people’s lives too.”

Like these members who have achieved big fitness breakthroughs, consider getting a personal trainer and sign up for a Fitness First membership at a branch near you. Fitness First is located in the following areas: ABS-CBN, Fairview, North Edsa, Trinoma, SM Megamall, Eastwood City, Metro East, Ortigas, Greenhills, Robinsons Place Manila, Fort Bonifacio, RCBC Plaza, RSC-Makati, Alabang, SM Mall of Asia, SM Pampanga and Ayala Center Cebu.

A Q&A with Mark Wahlberg Who Plays John Bennette in “TED”

Mark is really, really good in TED. I was particularly impressed during the "naming game" scene.

Press Release:

Mark Wahlberg has played lethal hitmen, deadly snipers, intimidating cops, crusty sailors, hair-triggered soldiers and a championship boxer but in the new comedy "TED," he plays a pot-head who ends up on the wrong side of a brawl with his best friend, a stuffed bear.

What was your best Christmas present?

One Christmas, when I was a little boy, I got a brand new bike. I convinced my parents and my brother that I already knew how to ride a bike.  It was a really cold Christmas morning in Boston. They took me outside with my new bike and I was so excited. I got on the bike and they started pushing me. So, I’m going down the hill riding the bike but I had never ridden a bike before and I didn’t know how to stop. I ended up going over the curb and crashing into the chimney of someone’s house. After that, my brother was nice enough to put training wheels on the bike and I learned to ride over the next few months.

What did you first think of the idea behind TED?

When I first heard the original concept they told me the story was about this guy and his teddy bear that comes to life and the teddy bear starts running around acting crazy. I thought it wasn’t for me. Then I read the script and completely forgot about the whole teddy bear aspect and just thought it was a great relationship and friendship story.

Do you have the same sense of humor as Seth MacFarlane (Director)?

We have a similar sense of humor. His is a little more sophisticated and mine is more street.

What do you like about Seth?

Seth is the smartest and probably the funniest person I’ve ever met. He’s also a really likeable guy. Coming into the comedy world, aside from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, I’ve met a lot of people and some of them seem to have this kind of dark side to them, even though they appear to be very funny on TV or in movies. Seth is a very sweet, likeable guy and his humor comes from a nice place even though it might be offensive at times to certain people. He‘s not trying to offend. He just doesn‘t think there are any rules or boundaries.

Growing up with such a large family, you probably never had to outsource for friends.  Do you have any buddy friends from when you were a little boy?

I held on to my friends for as long as I could until my wife said, “Look, these guys can’t move into the new house with us and the baby.” I was always hanging around with my friends. We were like Ted and John. We always hung out and were a little bit of a bad influence on each other but we always loved each other and had that bond. All guys want to hang out with their friends and want to hold on to that little bit of adolescence that guys enjoy. I share that a lot now with my two sons. We go crazy!

Do men ever totally grow up? Is there always a little boy in there?

Sometime you meet kids and they already seem very adult. I think it depends on the person. I think more than less, yes, a lot of guys have that characteristic.

You’ve had a lot of ups and downs in your life. What is the one thing that you kept with you the entire time?

Despite the fact that my parents had to go out and work really hard to provide for us, I was raised right. I always knew in the back of my mind what the right thing was. It doesn’t always mean I made the right decisions though.

Was it hard working with the teddy bear?

It was at first but then I started to appreciate that I didn’t have to deal with any other actors.

How difficult was the fight sequence?

That was just me flailing around, looking ridiculous and feeling embarrassed about it but I trusted Seth. Everything I do I try to make as realistic as possible. It felt so false when I was doing it but people love that scene.

You have a house full of teddy bears because of your kids. Have you started to look at them differently now?

I had bought this big teddy bear from a furniture store for my wife and it was always in our bedroom. I also had the smaller one for my kids. We’d had the bear for a while, so when I started shooting this movie, I took the bear with me to Boston and it sat in my hotel room. We’d be sitting there reading lines and every once in a while I’d glance over at it.

  

What did you wish for as a kid?

I wanted to be a professional athlete. I used to play basketball in the schoolyard.

What do you say to your kids when they ask to see TED, dad’s movie with the teddy bear?

They see the posters all over town and they ask, “Oh daddy, we can see that one right?” And I say, “No.” I put my son to sleep last night telling him the story of TED, obviously the G-rated version of the story.

You grew up with very little money. Is it a different set of problems raising children now that the opposite is true?

Our children still have to work hard for things that they want. My wife likes to make Christmas, birthdays and the holidays very special but they’ve got to work hard to earn things. The most important thing that I can give them is good values.

You’re a family man now. Do you miss hanging out with your guy friends?

When I’m on the set working, I have friends working with me and we have enough time to shoot the breeze and do that whole thing while we‘re on set. But, no, I don‘t miss it. It usually led to trouble.

How did you sing so badly at the Norah Jones concert in the film?

It’s pretty easy to sing badly. Believe me. It didn’t take a lot for the audience to start booing me. Thousands of people came out.

Your character, John, is forced to grow up when he meets the right woman. Was it the same for you?

When I met my wife, I was living in an apartment with five of my friends. Then we started dating and when I was buying a new house, all my friends were walking around the house and picking out their rooms. I told them, “You guys can’t move in on this one!” I kept the other apartment for four months so that they could stay there and get their things sorted out. I did have one room in the new house where I had six sets of bunk beds, like army barracks, and I said “If we hang out and you stay overnight, you can stay in the barracks.” I didn’t want them to get too comfortable.

  

In TED, FLASH GORDON is John’s favorite film. What was your favorite movie growing up?

ROCKY was pretty big with me as a kid. I’ve met Sylvester Stallone a bunch of times. The first movie I ever saw in the theatre was the one that had the biggest impact on me and that was HARD TIMES, with Charles Bronson. I wasn’t even in school yet. My dad drove a truck and he’d be home early in the afternoon to take me to the movies all the time.

Ted is a fairly bad influence as a roommate. What was the worst roommate situation you’ve ever had?

They’ve all been pretty bad. I had one great roommate, the real Johnny Drama, because he could cook and clean. He did it all. The house was always spotless and he was always making breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Did you enjoy being back in your hometown of Boston shooting TED?

I love Boston but if I wanted to be in Boston, I would live there. I live in L.A. I like the weather here. 

You have that great scene where you rattle off a string of girls’ names. Have you ever dated anyone with any of those names?

A couple. There were 57-names in that line! My wife did ask why I didn’t mention her name.

What drives you?  Is there anything you still want to achieve?

There’s plenty that I want to achieve and accomplish. I’m still as hungry and focused as I was the day I started, maybe even more so because I’m more disciplined now. All the days of partying and drinking and smoking are well behind me, so I’m even more focused. I don’t know what it is that makes me more focused, whether it’s where I came from or the possibility of going back there.

What’s next?

I just finished the Michael Bay movie, PAIN AND GAIN. Then Denzel Washington and I start on 2 GUNS in New Orleans.

*“TED” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. showing on October 4, 2012 nationwide.

“PETER PAN” Set to Open on September 28

Please support this wonderful production by a very talented team ...

Press Release:

In celebration of its 10th year anniversary, Kids Acts Philippines, Inc. (KAPI) proudly presents PETER PAN - A Musical Adventure in Neverland starting September 28, 2012 at the STAR THEATER, Star City, CCP Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Carl Guevarra and Derrick Gozos star as Peter Pan

Adapted from the book by James Matthew Barrie,  with Book, Lyrics and Direction by Luigi Nacario and Music by Eugene Belbis, PETER PAN is the classic adventure of a boy who doesn’t want to grow up.

The adventure started when Peter Pan taught Wendy, John and Michael how to fly. They flew to the Neverland which Peter shares with the Lost Boys, Redskins led by Tiger Lily, Pirates headed by Captain Hook and Beasts. Around the island, the chief forces were disposed as, the Lost Boys were out looking for Peter Pan, the Pirates were out looking for the Lost Boys, the Redskins were out looking for the Pirates and the Beasts were out looking for the Redskins. They were going round and round the island, but they did not meet because all were going at the same rate. After staying for sometime in the Neverland, Wendy, John, Michael and The Lost Boys decided to go back to London leaving Peter Pan behind. Years rolled on, Peter Pan visited London in one spring cleaning time taking with him back to the island was Jane the daughter of Wendy. It was only the happy and innocent and heartless who can fly.

Peter Pan and the Darling children (Gian Gloria as Wendy,
Melvin Rosello as John, and Noel Comia as Michael)

PETER PAN will come to life on stage through the equivalent state of the art flying system operated by the experienced and fly experts team from the country.

Presented with colorful costumes, beautiful songs and music, and most of all, the genuine portrayal of the professional theater actors of the metro, “Peter Pan” is the musical play for the entire family that Kids Acts Philippines intently integrated the most important learning theory of Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University which is called the Eight Multiple Intelligences of Children.

Carl Guevarra and Jensen Tenorio as Wendy

In the play, KAPI incorporated every intelligence type in the specific scenes to enable children to appreciate the total importance of learning while being entertained by the play. This musical is an advocacy to let children appreciate theater and to augment their interest in performing arts.

The artistic team of PETER PAN is composed of  Philleep Masaquel & Luigi Nacario (Choreography);  Eugene Belbis, Jay Pangilinan & Carlo Pena (Orchestration);  Joseph Matthew (Lighting Design);  Ninya Bedruz (Technical Direction); Josephus Gayona (Stage Management); Manuel Edralin (Set Design);  Luigi Nacario (Costume Design) and  Ed Aguilar Nicart III (Photography).

Captain Hook (Nazer Salcedo, left photo and Terence Guillermo, right photo)
and pirates (Red Nuestro, Harold Cruz, Kendrick Ibasco, and Andrew Cruz)

The schedule of performances of PETER PAN are as follows: September 28 at 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Friday) ; September 29 at 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Saturday) ; September 30 at 10am, 1pm & 4pm (Sunday) October 1 at 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Monday); October 2 at 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Tuesday); October 3 at 10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Wednesday).

Ticket Price: Php 400 (FREE SEATING ONLY) . Special discounts include: Senior Citizens: 20%; Students: 15%; Group Bookings of 10 or more: 15%

For Inquiries, Bookings, Showbuying, Reservations and Sponsorships, please call: (+632) 750.1551 / 0915.4478959 / 0919.4338565 email: kidsactsphilippines@yahoo.​com.ph. Look for Luigi and Eugene.

Tickets are also available at TICKETWORLD MANILA at telephone (+632) 891.9999. Or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Like KAPI on Facebook: www.facebook.com/​kidsactsphilippines, Follow KAPI on Twitter: www.twitter.com/KidsActs (@KidsActs)

"Please Support Kids Acts Philippines! Be Our ARTS BENEFACTOR!"

Win Concert Tickets to David Guetta Live in Manila

Superstar DJ DAVID GUETTA releases “NOTHING BUT THE BEAT 2.0” with six extra tracks. Buy this CD and get a chance to win concert tickets to David Guetta Live in Manila on Oct. 10!

Press Release:

EMI Music releases superstar DJ and producer David Guetta's new album which is now available in the Philippines through EMI Music’s official licensee, PolyEast Records.

Nothing But The Beat 2.0 features all the hits from Guetta’s critically acclaimed 2011 album ‘Nothing But The Beat’ and boasts new songs: “She Wolf (Falling To Pieces)” feat. Sia, “Play Hard” feat. Ne-Yo and Akon, “Wild One 2” produced with Nicky Romero and feat. Sia, “Just One Last Time” feat. Taped Rai, “In My Head” produced with Daddy’s Groove and feat. NERVO and “Every Chance We Get We Run” produced with Alesso and feat. Tegan & Sara.

Nothing But The Beat’ has sold nearly three million albums worldwide to date and an astonishing 15 million singles. In the Philippines, Guetta’s dancefloor hits are now topping music charts and his CD is one of the most saleable music albums on retail stores. Nothing But The Beat 2.0 is now available nationwide at all ASTROVISION / ASTROPLUS outlets.

‘NBTB 2.0′ features four of the original album’s futuristic electronic tracks (‘Sunshine’, ‘Lunar’, ‘Toy Story’ and ‘The Alphabeat’), plus two new underground dancefloor cuts. NBTB 2.0 also features 3 of the album’s original futuristic, underground electronic tracks made for the clubs and dance music enthusiasts plus brand-new track “What The F***” which is sure to delight even the most hardcore clubber’s palate and “Metropolis” which Guetta produced with Nicky Romero and was the first release through his recently launched dance label Jack Back Records.

In time for Guetta’s upcoming concert on October 10 at SM MOA Arena presented by Music Management International (MMI), PolyEast Records and Astroplus/Astrovision is giving you a chance to win tickets to see David Guetta live in concert! For more info please visit your nearest Astroplus outlets or browse www.facebook.com/polyeastrecords or www.facebook.com/Astroplus. Promo runs until October 9, 2012.

With countless global hits and awards under his belt and has defined the sound of chart music over the last three years, David Guetta has become the gold standard in fusing dance and eloctro-pop music. As Nothing But the Beat 2.0 will continue to contain worldwide hits 'Titanium', 'Turn Me On' with Nicki Minaj and 'I Can Only Imagine' with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne.

His 20 years of DJ-ing have persuaded the 44-year-old that he's a rock star on the dance floor and Guetta's music has become the dominant sound of pop through his previous albums like ONE LOVE, ONE MORE LOVE, ONE MORE LOVE XXL, F*** ME I'M FAMOUS 2012 IBIZA MIX, NOTHING BUT THE BEAT (Regular Edition), and NOTHING BUT THE BEAT (3-CD PARTY MIX EDITION).

You can also buy all David Guetta albums at ODYSSEY MUSIC & VIDEO, O MUSIC & VIDEO, SM MUSIC & VIDEO, THE LANDMARK DEPT. STORES and FULLY BOOKED outlets. For more info on the ticket promo, you may follow PolyEast Records on Twitter (twitter.com/PolyEastRecords) or thru PolyEast Records Facebook Fanpage (Facebook.com/PolyEastRecords).

Here's Nothing But The Beat 2.0 track listing:

1. Titanium Feat. Sia

2. Turn Me On Feat. Nicki Minaj

3. She Wolf (Falling to Pieces) Feat. Sia

4. Without You Feat. Usher

5. I Can Only Imagine Feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne

6. Play Hard Feat. Ne-Yo& Akon

7. Wild One 2 Feat. David Guetta, Nicky Romero, Sia (Edit)

8. Just One Last Time Feat. Taped Rai

9. In My Head Feat. Nervo

10. Where Them Girls At Feat. Nicki Minaj & Flo Rida

11. Little Bad Girl Feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris

12. Sweat (David Guetta Remix)

13. Crank It Up Feat. Akon

14. I Just Wanna F Feat. Timbaland & Dev

15. Nothing Really Matters Feat. will.i.am

16. Repeat Feat. Jessie J

17. Night Of Your Life Feat. Jennifer Hudson

18. Every Chance We Get We Run Feat. Tegan & Sara

19. Sunshine (Edit)

20. Lunar (Edit)

21. What The F***

22. Metropolis (Edit)

23. The Alphabeat (Edit)

MCT Holds the 4th Megabrands Sale at SM Megamall

Shopping alert!

Press Release:

Experience shopping like never before!

MEGABRANDS SALE is considered as one of the most anticipated events where shoppers buy their favorite brands at reduced prices, and as an effective venue for exposure and promotion for great and upcoming brands in the market.

On its 4th Edition, MCT Events Management will stage the Megabrands Sale on September 28-30, 2012, at Megatrade Hall 2 & 3, Mega B, SM Megamall with its official bank partner, RCBC Bankard, "Making Your Life Better".

Discriminating shoppers will find shopping at the Mega Brands Sale a truly rewarding experience, without the hassle that goes with Christmas rush shopping.  The event offers convenience, security, widest collection of well-known high-quality global brands and great discounts, all under one safe, air-conditioned and well-organized market place.  Reward yourself with an early Christmas shopping for shoes, bags, gadgets, and gizmos, personal care, men’s and ladies’ fashion, timepieces, eyewear, house wares, sporting goods and other gift items, with markdown prices up to 70% off on selected items and up to 90% off on Tech Gadgets while supplies last.

The 4th MegaBrands Sale has over 150 participating brands that includes Reebok, Crocs, Cole Haan, Levi’s & Dockers, Hush Puppies, Sebago, Rudy Project, Nokia, Nike Golf, Slazenger, Elle, Wenger, Vans, Tomato among others.

There will be a soft selling for the RCBC Bankard Credit Cardholders and for the event partners on September 27 that starts at 4:00pm. The event will be officially open to the public on September 28-30, from 10am to 9pm. 

Admission is FREE! For inquiries, please contact MCT Events Management through 576-6362 / 643-5490 / 502-1546 / 399-2935, email them through mctevents@gmail.com, like facebook.com/ MCT-Events-Management and in follow twitter.com/mcteventsmngmnt

With media partners: The Manila Times, jobsdb.com, 88db.com,sulit.com.ph, wheninmanila.com, Lifestyle Network and Altered Tapestry.

Makati Street Market: Thriving with Makati’s Dynamism

For those looking to go food-tripping or shopping for home decor, here's your chance!

Press Release:

How can an urban street market flourish and become a must-visit destination for city goers with varied tastes?

The generous dollop of hard work and the exceptionality of the dining and shopping finds do count, as evinced by the continuous success of the Legazpi Sunday Market in Makati. For seven consecutive years, the weekend street souk—a must-visit stop in a dynamic city spearheaded by propitious entrepreneurs and artisans—remains a place where international cuisines, organic finds, hand-made products, green items, and local products can be found. Complementing the array of lifestyle possibilities in Makati, the Legazpi Sunday Market in Makati evidently showcases more of what Makati has to offer.

Meanwhile, GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications Inc. (GMCI), a Makati-based transformative social marketing company, and the Legazpi Sunday Market organizers realized that what the street market currently presents to its customers can, in fact, further develop to nurture the promising businesses of the artisans and highlight the escalating stature of Makati.

“Being a Makati denizen and as a long-standing communications partner of the most distinguished industry players for years have given us a perspective on how staying relevant to the ever-changing lifestyle of your market matters,” notes Amor Maclang, Director for Communications of GMCI. “It’s one of the ideals that make us challenge ourselves to produce new, transformative, and game-changing ideas that serve as our inspirations to generate exceptional campaigns.”

Hence, GMCI, together with its partners and sponsors, are transforming the Legazpi Sunday Market into the Makati Street Market, the first and biggest artisanal market of its kind in the Philippines. Enthused by the verve of the renowned outdoor lifestyle markets in Barcelona, Berlin, Helsinki, and Paris, the Makati Street Market will retain the Legazpi Sunday Market’s open-air venue laid-out in a dazzling urban backdrop, which allows people to take pleasure in dining and shopping amid the vivacious Makati atmosphere. Furthermore, the enhanced street souk will be adapting the idea of artisanal market concepts, where purchasers will deal with the food artisans themselves.

To further foster the thrilling vibe of the district, where the street market is located, the market organizers will set up pocket events for four consecutive Sundays starting September 23 to October 14. The said activities include grilling competitions, adobo festival, dance and cocktail events, and even biking workshops highlighting Makati’s landscape as a city that boasts of accessibility.

A Destination that Marks the Spot

Geared to become the biggest of its kind in the country, the upcoming Makati Street Market is truly a grand scene, which will highlight not only the selection of good finds and good food in Makati, but also one of the reasons why the city is a dynamic address of endless lifestyle possibilities. Nonetheless, facades and environs aside, the main goal that the initiative truly aspires is to uphold and support more of the country’s local products and homegrown services, which will arguably lead to the growth of budding artisanal businesses like Mantequilla, Budbud Gourmet Suman, and Pinoy Ordurvz Foods for delicacies; Patika Beads and Wiresworks for fashion accessories; and Creative Definitions, Bicol Sweetgrass Handcrafts, and All in Red Clay Factory for crafts and home decor.

One of the known sponsors of the event is one of GMCI’s long-standing partners known for being at the helm of fostering the leisure and lifestyle options present in Makati.

Alveo Land—Ayala Land Inc.’s benchmark of lifestyle innovation—is joining the said market transformation since the location of the market itself is pivotal to the thriving dynamism in the district, where two of its landmark projects are located—The Lerato and Kroma Towers.

Apart from this, Makati Street Market also complements the Make It Happen! Make It Makati! campaign, an ongoing project initiated by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), Makati Commercial Estate Association, Inc. (MACEA), and the local government of Makati, aiming to underscore the opportunities for the changing lifestyles of the city’s denizens. To date, the market’s location—Makati North—is being highlighted by the abovementioned groups as a lifestyle spot for young and creative denizens, since this district is landscaped with a range of bars, shopping spots, museums, and concept stores.

Evidently, the ongoing success of the Legazpi Sunday Market was no fluke, despite the fact that Makati already houses a wide-array of dining and shopping spots. And with the exceptional lifestyle concept that will be adapted and enhanced by the amplified Makati Street Market, the initiative will further strengthen Makati’s dynamism as an ideal address for today’s evolving urbanites, as well as the flourishing business of our fellow countrymen.

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The Makati Street Market is located at the Legazpi Park in Makati City. The pocket events will run for four Sundays (September 23, September 30, October 7 and October 14), from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Interested sponsors may contact 0917-521-4624 or makatistreetmarket@gmail.com

CARLY RAE JEPSEN releases debut album “KISS”

Press Release:

This year’s breakout pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen releases her eagerly anticipated U.S. debut album, entitled, KISS. The Canadian singer and songwriter wrote and co-wrote songs on the album, collaborating with songwriters and producers Max Martin, Dallas Austin, LMFAO’s Redfoo, Toby Gad, Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay and Matthew Koma.  Jepsen’s latest single “Good Time,” a duet with Owl City, has climbed to No. 3 on the Pop Chart, No. 5 on the iTunes Singles Chart, and No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100, while the video, featuring Jepsen and Young, has racked up more than six million views on VEVO.

"These are lyric and song ideas that I have been collecting over the years,” Jepsen says of Kiss. “I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be able to collaborate with some of my dream producers. It has been the most fulfilling experience. The record is pop. It’s inspired by Robyn, The Cars, Madonna, and believe it or not, James Taylor. I can't wait to share it with everyone! Kiss."

Jepsen has been riding high with the success of her smash single “Call Me Maybe,” which has sold more than 7.3 million singles worldwide and has spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 so far, tying Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used To Know” for most weeks atop the chart this year. Certified quintuple-platinum in Jepsen’s native Canada (where it also hit No. 1), the track is an international sensation, climbing to No. 1 in the iTunes Singles charts in over 37 countries including the U.S. U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and more.  It also earned her a 2012 MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best New Artist. 

Carly Rae Jepsen’s KISS is now available in CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video or online via iTunes or www.MyMusicStore.com.ph. Special thanks to BusinessWorld and HerWord.com

Philippines Among Top Spammers to U.S. and Europe, Kaspersky Lab Reports

It pays to be informed. Read on how to protect your computer data. 

Press Release:

Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, recently released its June spam report which showed that a quarter of the spam distributed on United States territory is of Asian origin. Incidentally, the Philippines is one of the top sources of spam that hit U.S. and Europe during a number of significant events in June.

In the said report, the Philippines ranked 7th out of 20 countries with a share of 2.8% in spam distributed to the US. Incidentally, it is the U.S. that was the main source of distributed spam, ranking 1st with a share of 39.2%. It is followed by China with 9.1%, Brazil with 6.6% and India with 3.7%.

According to Kaspersky Lab's official blog Securelist.com, spam is the name commonly given to unsolicited e-mail. It is effectively an unwanted advertising, an e-mail equivalent of physical junk mail delivered through the post or from unsolicited telemarketing calls.

Maria Namestnikova, Senior Spam Analyst of Kaspersky Lab, said that there is a slow downward trend in spam in mail, which could be partially attributed to a seasonal “summer” fluctuation wherein spam bot computers were being turned off by their owners for the holiday.

In the report, the Philippines was tagged as one of the contributors of spam that resulted in an unexpected surge of spam percentage in the category of personal finance which almost tripled in size with 73.9% then succeeded by medications, health-related groups and services with 10.6%, computer fraud (9.6%), adult content spam (3.5%), gambling (1.3%) and other categories which accumulated 1.0% of the total spam in June.

The target for spammers in the U.S. for June is the July 4th Independence Day celebration. As is the case with any other major holiday in the western hemisphere, it is accompanied by a wave of spam offering fake designer watches and various other accessories as gift ideas. There were also mass mailings advertising flags to help Americans express their patriotic feelings.

“We would like to draw your attention to the fact that during the summer holidays spammers tend to focus on children and students and the services they use – social networking sites and online stores. Teenagers should be aware of the risks that lie in wait for them on the Internet. At the very least, parents need to make sure their children have enough knowledge about IT security so they don’t pass on credit card data to cybercriminals while shopping online,” Namestnikova added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 19 among the top 20 countries that are sources of spam to Europe. However, the Philippines’ share is just 0.8% of the total, a small percentage compared to China’s share of 36.6%, followed by India with 12.6% and U.S. with4.9%.

The main target for spammers in Europe was the European Football Championship 2012, the biggest sporting event in the region that lasted the whole month of June. Various spam offerings were sent out related to Euro 2012, from travel offers, Nigerian letter-styled lottery, and online streaming of the games.

On the other hand, the amount of spam in emails decreased to 1.9 percentage points compared to May and averaged 71.9%. Malicious files were also found in 3% of all emails, which is an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared with the month of May.

Trojan-Spy.HTML.Fraud.gen led the most number of malware attached to email accounting for more than 10% of all detections. It is followed by Packed.Win32.Katusha.o. In addition, mail worms still dominate malwares in terms of detection, which is not surprising considering their uncontrolled mechanism of self-distribution.

Three newcomers to the Top 10 malicious programs spreading via email in June belong to the Trojan.Win32.Androm family such as Trojan.Win32.Androm.py occupied the 4th place, Trojan.Win32.Androm.ow  ranked as the 5th and Trojan.Win32.Androm.ni on the 8th place. Once these malicious programs are installed on a computer, they start downloading other malware from the Internet.

The proportion of phishing emails remained unchanged from May’s figure, accounting for 0.01% of all mail traffic. Social networking sites have again become the primary target with 25.2% share of all targets and Facebook is still their prime target.

Boy Writes Girl into Life in “RUBY SPARKS”

As a writer, I am very interested in watching this movie!

Press Release:

Not your conventional boy-meets-girl  romantic story,  “Ruby Sparks” leads us to Calvin Weir-Fields, (played by Paul Dano who also appeared in “Little Miss Sunshine,” “There Will Be Blood”) a literary wunderkind with an acclaimed first novel.  But since then, he’s been stricken with a stubborn case of writer’s block magnified by a dismal love life.  In a last-ditch attempt to reignite his creative spark, Calvin begins to envision a female protagonist in his mind.  Then one morning she steps off the page and into his life.  Suddenly, Ruby (portrayed by Zoe Kazan who is also the film’s writer) is sleeping in Calvin’s bed, cooking in his kitchen, beguiling him in every way, with one mind-boggling twist:  he somehow has the power to change her every time he sits at his typewriter. As Calvin tries to juggle this power, he faces a major dilemma as a writer and a boyfriend: what will it take to make this relationship from his imagination work in the real world?

It seems fitting that “Ruby Sparks,” a romantic fable about how two people weave a love story in and out of reality, was brought to life by a married pair of directors (Dayton & Faris) working with two actors who are also a devoted couple (Dano and Kazan).  A sharp, modern take on the Pygmalion myth, “Ruby Sparks” is the story of a novelist’s vision who inexplicably comes to life, only to prove far more complicated than even he could have imagined.  With a light touch and a dash of magical realism, the first screenplay from actress and playwright Zoe Kazan attracted the attention of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, the married team who directed the run-away hit “Little Miss Sunshine.”  The film takes an unpredictable route into fantasy, identity and the ways we invent love – and how love can re-invent us. 

The duo decided to approach the story not as a sci-fi fantasy, but as something that is currently happening in the everyday world, no matter how bizarre it might seem to Calvin.   “Even though the story is built around a fictional premise, it illuminates so many truths about relationships.  We felt it was essential for the scenes to feel real and honest,” explains Dayton.

On the premise’s conception, Kazan shared that “I started wondering what might happen if a writer had a character come to life who could give him exactly what he thought he wanted romantically.  How do you love the person you’re with completely without saying ‘I don’t want this part or that part?’  How do you make room in a relationship for two separate people? But things get very complicated because when you really love someone you have to love all of the person, not just the parts you’ve idealized.” 

As Kazan wrote, she began sharing her work with her boyfriend, the actor Paul Dano, and though she had not set out to write something for the two of them, they couldn’t help but envision one another in the lead roles.   “I think I was always subconsciously writing Calvin for Paul,” she muses. “But the weirdest thing is that I was writing a character who is writing my character!  There was something very meta going on.”

Kazan wasn’t so interested in the science fiction aspect of how a writer’s fantasy character might come to life – she was more intrigued by what would come next.  How would a fictional creation fare in the midst of the messiness of real life, especially when the man writing her isn’t sure of exactly what he wants?  There has been a long literary tradition of riffing on the man-made object made human:  Shakespeare with Queen Hermione in “A Winter’s Tale,” George Bernard Shaw with Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion,” and Mary Shelley gave it another take with her “Frankenstein” myth.  Kazan wanted to come at the concept from a literary perspective, exploring a writer who pens the lover he thinks he wants in his heart . . . but who makes him so nervous in the flesh, he is tempted to keep changing her. 

“The story leaves some questions open for discussion,” concludes Faris, “we hope that people will leave the theatre with something to talk about.”  Adds Dayton:  “Despite this movie’s high-concept premise, we think audiences will identify with Calvin’s predicament.”  Kazan chimes in, “I am so proud of the movie we made.  After such a happy collaboration, we are really excited to share the film with an audience, hear their reactions, start that conversation.”

“Ruby Sparks” opens September 19 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

First Look at "Rise of the Guardians" Posters

I already saw the trailer of this movie and found it funny and really, really nice. Looking forward to watching it soon!

Press Release:

"Rise of the Guardians" is an epic and magical adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost - legendary characters with previously unknown extraordinary abilities.

When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children everywhere.

The film features the voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law.

“Rise of the Guardians” opens on November 21st across the Philippines released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

More Than Just Stories

I think it's safe to say we all love hearing and telling stories. But let's not only do this with our friends and fellow adults, the more we should share stories with our children.

Press Release:

Some people daydream about being fairy princesses with long golden hair; others pretend to be superheroes on a mission to save the world. And if you have an active imagination, it could easily take you places.

“My daughter Isa and I would have such wonderful adventures before bedtime,” says 35-year old Mia, an HR manager at a multinational firm and doting mom of two. “One night, we would be two bears on the search for food, and then the next time, we would be walking down the hallways of Hogwarts,” she adds.

Because with stories, anything can happen.

Storytelling was used to pass down myths and legends from one generation to another, but how much of it remains today? With the emergence of TV shows, video games and iPad apps, storytelling has taken a backseat in most households.

“When I was a kid, my cousins and I would sleep over in my Lola’s house every weekend and she would allow us to stay up all night, just so we could hear her stories. It was a big part of my childhood. With my kids [Isa, now 8 and Marco, 5], I made sure that stories would be a part of their childhood,” Mia adds.

But what is it about storytelling that parents need to know?

 “Storytelling allows children to develop not only their creativity, but their thinking capability. When children are invited to contribute their own thoughts and ideas, they become motivated to come up with new concepts. They develop the ability to translate abstract ideas into words, pictures, or actions,” says Dr. Lillian Leynes-Juadiong, an expert on child development from UP Diliman.

Better yet, children are not the only ones who benefit from storytelling.

“Storytelling is also a very easy way for parents to bond and learn with their children,” says Juadiong. “Not only is it enjoyable for both the parents and the kids, but they can also teach practical lessons like values – these can be done through the right kinds of stories, which children are more inclined to listen to and retain it in their minds.”

But with jam-packed schedules and one too many To-Do lists, parents think they are often too swamped to indulge in storytelling with their children. Fortunately, it’s much easier than one may think.

“Before you tuck your kids into bed, ask them about their day,” advised Juadiong. “That in itself is already a great way to get your children to get into a storytelling mode.” Pair it with a glass of NIDO FORTIFIED, and you have the perfect recipe for a calm night and enjoyable bonding moment with your kid.

 “Storytelling is a two-way activity. Through sharing stories with each other, parents and children grow closer and strengthen their bonds. The shared activity of storytelling lets them communicate, listen and learn about each other,” concluded Juadiong.

Who is FRANK OCEAN?

Press Release:

Oblivious to the local music scene is a 24 year old American singer-songwriter named FRANK OCEAN who happens to be heating up the World Wide Web after unleashing his new album, “channel ORANGE”, and later stating how he has fallen in love with someone of the same sex as revealed in the album’s liner notes. In the past few weeks, Frank Ocean has nearly gotten 1.5 million tweets and has been featured on 5,192 blogs. The album has also trended worldwide and has been tweeted 154,887 times. SPIN Magazine expressed that "A lot of people are going to love this man (Ocean) very soon." People Magazine stated that “channel ORANGE is not just the best debut of 2012 – it’s the best album period.”

But who is Frank Ocean? In a world that divvies up art by genre, that constantly seeks to quantify cool, he is impossible to miss. His music style is reminiscent of R&B singer D’Angelo’s sexy slow jams, Robin Thicke’s smooth falsetto voice and Maxwell’s honest-to-goodness classic soul sound. Frank had long labored behind the curtain – writing for Justin Bieber, John Legend and Brandy among others. A self-released mixtape entitled “Nostalgia, Ultra” in 2011 led him to critical acclaim gaining the interest of recording artists such as Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay-Z. This milestone in his career ultimately led him to the birth of his debut studio album “channel ORANGE”.

“channel ORANGE” includes seventeen tracks which feature the three charting singles, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You”, “Pyramids” and “Sweet Life”. Frank Ocean has quickly proven himself to be among the most gifted singer-songwriters of his generation with this new album. His major-label debut swings from Stevie-style keyboard breeziness to 90s bap and R&B to mystic psych rock to crunching 8-bit funk without thinking twice. Indeed, his first studio album already feels like a genuine classic.

Frank Ocean’s new album channel ORANGE is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video. Get it online via iTunes or www.MyMusicStore.com.ph. Special thanks to: BusinessWorld and HerWord.com 

Like Father, Like Daughter in “TAKEN 2”

I love the first movie so I'm looking forward to watching this sequel!

Press Release:

Hit action director Olivier Megaton heats up the action arena with twice the thrill, action and carnage in the upcoming sequel “Taken 2” where the first movie cemented Liam Neeson as this era’s most relatable action hero being a family man keen on saving his daughter at all cost from human trafficking.

From the first movie where his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) had been abducted by a cartel of human traffickers, “Taken 2” now follows Bryan Mills and his family at Istanbul where the father of the cartel’s leader is out to avenge his son killed by Mills during his daughter’s rescue.  With Mills and his wife abducted this time, Kim tries to save them at breakneck speed taking cues from his father’s infallible timely instructions to track them down. 

               

At the helm of the movie is director Olivier Megaton who was born Olivier Fontana – Megaton being his artistic name that  fitted right into the mix of a new wave of action directors.  Megaton started working on a number of TV and short projects and eventually teamed up with Luc Besson where he wrote and directed the film “Exit.”  It was then followed by the crime thriller “The Red Siren” and continued to work in the production of the game-adapted movie “Hitman.”  After the success of “Hitman,” he was then offered to direct “Transporter 3,” which went on to become the highest-grossing film in the “Transporter” series.

In the first movie Bryan’s a guy with nothing to lose. He's divorced and he's lost filial relations, but all that changed when his daughter was kidnapped.  “Taken 2” takes it in a whole new platform where Bryan’s got that relationship back and he's even flirting with his ex-wife (played by Famke Janssen). Director Megaton notes that “ It's almost cheesy, but that makes him all the more human at the beginning of the movie because he's not thinking about his training; he's thinking about his family. He's a little less strong, less robotic.  He's a little less lonely, and he has some hope in this one. This hope is initially lost because when he tries to have lunch with his wife, he lets trouble in. He would never have invited Kim and Lenora to Istanbul before because he was working and he wasn't sure something could happen. It's sweet and at the same time it gives the character some more humanity. I think this is the little difference that makes the movie more interesting.”

Megaton confirms that in “Taken 2” they detoured from the action sequel’s formula, “Bryan Mills is exactly what people are looking for. You realize that you can change the formula, you don't have to stick to it, but what's important is the character.  The fact that this guy has a daughter and she's becoming like him was really the brand new thing in TAKEN 2. Suddenly Kim becomes something different – a real action character. At the end of the first movie she's trying to rebuild her life, she tries to fall in love—the classic American girl—but she has been impacted by what's happened to her. These dark memories arrive suddenly and it makes her different, allowing her to become an action hero like her father. That was the real trick of TAKEN 2,” assures the director.

“Taken 2” in theaters nationwide on October 4 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.