Easter in Candyland at Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill

Do you live in the Taguig area? Bring your kids to McKinley on Easter Sunday!

Press Release: 

This March 31, kids will be treated to a wonderful day at the Venice Piazza and at the Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in McKinley with the non-stop fun, egg-citing adventures and yummy treats of Easter in Candyland.

Kids can take part in lots of fun activities and enjoy free access to any of the fascinating attractions and exciting kiddie performances taking place from 9am to 7pm, plus entitlements to awesome freebies and goodie bags.

Among the many enthralling attractions from Kiddie-Party.com set to give the kids an experience to remember are miniature motor scooters and plush walking animals, which they can ride on while roaming around Venice Piazza. Kids can also play at the larger-than-life inflatables or have a blast at the mechanical bull ride. Youngsters looking for some adventure can drive one of the cool ATVs on hand or engage in a friendly kart race in the Go Kart area.

An exciting lineup of fun-filled kiddie shows and activities also await the kids at the venues. Kids can test their creative flair in the Easter Egg Decorating contest and other side attractions where they can face paint and have a glitter tattoo. A Kiddie Salon is also present, where kids can have a makeover before having their photos taken in the photo booth or with the mimes, cosplayers and mascots roaming the area.

For the animal lovers, they can take part in feeding the rabbits and pigeons at the Venice Piazza or learn more on animal care at the Animal Show courtesy of the Zoomanity Group.  Also on hand to give entertainment for the kids all day long are game booths at Blue Leaf, magic and ventriloquist shows, fashion displays, choreographed bubble performances and a mini concert, featuring live performances from various kids groups and artists.

Children can also participate in the traditional Easter Egg Hunt, where they will earn additional freebies when they find all the hidden eggs. Awesome loot bags and other goodies will also be given to the kids along with delectable snacks to keep them energized throughout the day.

To get access to this egg-citing event, you can drop by Venice Piazza on Easter Sunday and enjoy the free attractions. For more Easter fun, you can buy tickets for kids for only P550 each while adult companion tickets are P350. Tickets are available at Blue Leaf Events Pavilion at McKinley Hill, Kiddie-Party.com or through kiddieparty@yahoo.com.

For more information on Easter in Candyland, please call Kiddie-Party.com at 700-5259, 724-1114, 438-7701 to 02, 216-1341, 624-0689 or call mobile number 0917-8119686 or 09175871771. Log on to www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com for more details.

Yishion Goes On 50% Off For First Major Sale

I love my Yishion clothes! Read my blog post about them here. Now, you can also get a chance to own several Yishion pieces while they are on sale at half prices!

Press Release:

Fashionistas can kick off summer in style as Yishion, one of the country’s latest fashion imports, offers up to 50% off on all off-season items⎯from cool graphic tees and crisp button-downs to lightweight tops and printed dresses. Providing quality and value for style-savvy girls and guys, the international apparel brand lets shoppers score major discounts on fabulous duds until April 15.

The brand’s first major sale gives shoppers as much as half off on stylish wardrobe staples and of-the-moment pieces to spice up their closet. Yishion features lots of versatile pieces that can go from day to night, and a selection of on-trend accessories to match any look.

Summer-ready sartorial picks at Yishion are now more affordable than ever, with price points starting from P490, P590, P790, P990, P1090 to P1390. So start off the season on a fashionably sizzling note and shop till you drop at Yishion!

Yishion branches are located in Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong City and District Mall, Cavite.

Celebrate Easter at the Looney Tunes Adventure Camp!

Looney Tunes fans would love these activities prepared for them this Easter ...

Press Release:

Experience Easter excitement with Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Taz and the rest of the Looney Tunes Gang! Enjoy a day of art and games, fun and laughter at SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall on March 31 to April 01.

For a minimum single or accumulated purchase worth Php 500.00 of any Looney tunes merchandise from Children's Wear, Children's Shoes, Character Shop, Boys Teen Wear, Toy Express Departments & Toy Kingdom Stores, customers will get a sun visor and a gift stub to claim a Looney Tunes Dangler at the Looney Tunes' "Adventure Camp".

Show your amazing art skills at 1:00pm to 2:00pm, test your climbing skills on the wall climbing challenge and have your photos taken  with Bugs and Taz – beach summer style!

Commence the afternoon with Easter egg decorating! Great prizes for the best artworks and Easter egg design are up for grabs!

Know more, meet and greet Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird at 2:30pm and 5pm. Have a good time as they dance, play, and enjoy the fun-filled activities with you.

Jon the adventure and make it an Easter Celebration you’ll never forget.

For more info, like these pages on Facebook:

Looney Tunes Phils: https://www.facebook.com/Looneytunes.Phil

SM Mall of Asia: https://www.facebook.com/smmallofasia

Event Manager: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MCT-Events-Management

Easter Magic and Adventure at Lucky Chinatown

Here's another option for Easter festivities to those who live in or near Binondo ...

Press Release:

An amazing day filled non-stop fun and exciting adventures awaits the kids this Easter Sunday at Lucky Chinatown.

For a single or accumulated purchase of P2,000 at Lucky Chinatown establishments from March 22 to 31, kids can get a pass on their way to the egg-citing world of games and goodies of Lucky Chinatown’s Easter Magic and Adventure.

Heading the exciting array of delightful play activities awaiting the kids at the mall atrium is Toy Kingdom’s Happy Easter area where kids can dabble in fun activities in eye-catching play zones. Among these amusing attractions are the Winx Club, where kids can catch their favorite Season 4 & 5 Episodes while playing with their favorite Winx doll, and Polly Way, an area for Polly Pocket lovers where they get to color their own Polly, explore elaborate Polly playsets and watch Polly Pocket webisodes.

Young girls can also test their fashion sense in You Can B a Fashion Designer booth of Barbie, or bring out their creative flair in decorating Easter Eggs with Disney Princesses coloring stickers.  Kids can also bring out their fanciest creations using claydoughs and other materials from Mattel at the Creativity Carnival.

Kids can learn more about the basics of fingerboarding in Tech Deck tutorial and enjoy some family bonding time while playing a round of UNO Stacks, UNO Cards, Tumbling Monkeys, Scrabble Demo, Pictionary Man and other fun games from Mattel.

Youngsters who love cars and racing can head over to Speedworld, where they can play with the latest toys from Hot Wheels in an all-exciting 6-Lane Raceway and Spiral Speedways.

Kids can also go on an Easter Egg hunt at Pepper Lunch Express, exercise their creativity in Disney Art Attack’s activity area or make pasta jewelry and pizza box artwork at California Pizza Kitchen’s Crafts section, all located at the Lucky Chinatown Atrium. Those who love food, meanwhile, can practice being chefs with the do-it-yourself mamon making activity at the Goldilocks booth.

Other attractions include games from Quantum, an enchanting magic show, mascot Meet & Greets and a great Easter goody bag from California Pizza Kitchen, All Flip-Flops, Monde Nissin and Disney Art Attack. Kids can also enjoy free Go Kart, walking animal and cart trolley rides as they roam around the activity areas.

To get your Easter Magic and Adventure Pass, simply present your receipts at the Lucky Chinatown Atrium starting March 22. Regular registration and releasing of Easter Magic and Adventure Pass will be on March 31, from 10am onwards.

For more information on Easter Magic and Adventure, please call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 576-8139 or log on to www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. A1-0247. Series of 2013.

Win with HP Ink Advantage Printers Raffle Promo

Now's the best time to buy an HP printer! Read on to find out why ...

Press Release:

Get a chance to win HP’s newest and most sophisticated tablet, the ElitePad 900, by simply buying one of the participating HP Ink Advantage printers from March 13 to June 30, 2013.

The HP Ink Advantage Raffle Promo entitles the customer to one (1) raffle coupon upon purchase of any of the following HP Ink Advantage printer models: HP Ink Advantage 2515, 3515, 3525, 4615, 4625, 5525 and 6525—from any participating HP reseller. Twenty five (25) ElitePad 900 tablets, worth P35,990 each, are up for grabs in the grand raffle draw.

HP Ink Advantage printers are the most advanced printers in the market today, with an A+ grade for affordability, reliability and quality. HP Ink Advantage printers assures flawless performance in printing—a large printout volume with the best print quality for pictures and text documents from a low cost original HP ink cartridge. HP Ink Advantage printers are available nationwide and starts at P3,990 suggested retail price in authorized HP reseller outlets.

Customers must fill-out the coupon with their name, complete address, contact number, e-mail address, participating store’s name and branch, sales invoice number, printer serial number and signature; and drop them in dropboxes in any of the participating HP reseller stores .

In Metro Manila, participating HP reseller outlets are located in Festival Mall, Gilmore, Parksquare in Makati, V-Mall in Greenhills and in the following SM City Malls: Fairview, Mall of Asia, Manila, Marikina, Megamall, North Edsa, San Lazaro and Southmall. For provincial participants, they are in Gaisano Mall Davao and Legazpi, KCCC GenSan, Limketkai Cagayan de Oro and the following SM City Malls: Baguio, Bacoor, Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Naga and Pampanga.

The last day for dropping of entries is on June 30, 2013 at 9:00pm or the malls’ closing time where participating HP resellers are located. The raffle draw is on July 14, 2013.

For inquiries, please contact ‘Win with HP Ink Advantage Printers Raffle Promo’ administrator through telephone numbers (02) 8222232/ (02) 4689004/ (02) 5853238 or via email at admin@greatminds.com.ph.

For more details, visit the, Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/HPphilippines, print ads and flyers. DTI-NCR Permit No. 2022 Series of 2013.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL Tells The Inside Story Behind ‘ARGO’

I enjoyed watching Argo because it was really well-made. This upcoming documentary would be a great supplement to the movie. Let's see it next Sunday!

Press Release:

Movie critics are buzzing over Ben Affleck's Academy Award-winning film, Argo, which chronicles the Central Intelligent Agency’s (CIA) attempt to rescue six Americans during the 1978 Iran hostage crisis.  The film, which won the Best Picture Award, is based on real-life events. But what really happened during the covert operation?

ARGO: INSIDE STORY, premiering on Sunday, March 31 at 9:00 p.m. on Discovery Channel, gains access to the top players involved in the crisis to hear their side of the story, including the CIA's "chief of disguise", Tony Mendez, who was called upon to devise the rescue plan. Updated from its original broadcast in 2002 on Discovery Channel, the one-hour special narrated by actor Bray Poor, gives an inside look at the dramatic escape and how Mendez forged identity documents and elaborate disguises to get past the security agents at the Tehran airport.

The CIA had to come up with a convincing reason for the six people being in Tehran in the first place, and devise a way for them to leave without arousing suspicion. The operation became an elaborate scheme involving fake identification cards, a phantom movie production and unprecedented cooperation between the United States and Canada.

Mendez, who had limited access to materials once inside Iran, recalls how he forged official documents in the office of the Canadian Ambassador. "One of the stamp pads had dried out and I had to mix the right ink color," Mendez recalls in the special. "So I went over to the Canadian Ambassador's liquor cabinet and got a bottle of Scotch and poured some on [the pad]."

ARGO: INSIDE STORY reveals how the Americans prepared for their departure, the true story about the agency's involvement and their reasons for keeping it secret for nearly two decades. ARGO: INSIDE STORY encores on Saturday, April 6 at 11:00 a.m.

Put On Your Crown At Eastwood City’s Easter Wonderland Royal Shindig

Looking for something to do this coming Easter Sunday with the whole family? Go to Eastwood City!

Press Release:

Eastwood City is inviting all families to experience a grand celebration at this year’s Easter Wonderland Royal Shindig. 

The festivities begin with the Royal Easter Parade at 2PM, where kings and queens, townsfolk and mascots from all over Eastwood City get together to celebrate Easter. Kids can be part of the Royal Easter Parade by donning their crowns and dressing up in their best “Royal Ball” costume; they could even win prizes at the Costume Contest! 

More Easter fun await as 11 majestic lands open at 3PM. At the Royal Courtyard, kids can enjoy Easter egg painting with Art Attack and get a royal makeover with hair styling, face painting and glitter tattoos – there’s even a photo booth available to capture their magical transformation. At the enchanting Easter program, kids can enjoy a ballet performance, a science show and play parlor games. 

At the 100 Acre Wood, kids can visit Pooh and his friends have some honey juice from the honey pot and showcase their creativity at the KidZart station. They can also become mini-chefs at the Food Chamber, where they can make their own food concoctions and take home their own tasty treat from Richmonde Hotel, Krispy Kreme, Dairy Queen, Nestle Crunch, Jcuppacakes and Sonia’s Cakes and Bakes. 

Kids can jump into worlds of adventure at the Inflatable Fortress. Inflatable castles, islands and pirate ships await! Kids can also get active and play an exciting game of laser tag at the Laser Extreme Zone. They can also become intergalactic explorers when they enter the Cosmic Pavilion. Presented by the Diliman Prep School, kids can take a journey to the stars and visit the Meteorite Exhibit and Telescope Workshop. 

Experiments are even more exciting at Mad Science, the zone which allows kids to become mad scientists. Entertaining and educational experiments await at the different booths that will help them discover the wonders of science. 

For nature lovers, Kingdom Animalia offers lots of opportunities to make new animal friends. They can rides ponies, enjoy the petting zoo and watch fun animal shows. Those looking for more fearsome animal encounters can then head on to the Dinosaur Island, where kids can journey back in time and meet the dinosaurs. From the fearsome T-Rex to the gentle stegosaurus, state of the art dino-mascots and animatronics allow kids to get up close and personal with their favorite dino-species.

At the Garden of Sweets, families can walk into a land blooming with sweet treats. They can explore a garden filled with candy trees and confections from Mio Gelati, Chupa Chups, Mentos, Rebisco, Candy Crane, Monde Nissin and Sonia’s Cakes and Bakes. Kids can also shop for healthy treats at the Village Market with their Easter Wonderland Play Money. 

To enter this exciting realm of Easter fun, families can  buy an Easter Wonderland passport for P550.00, which gives them access to booths, games, give-aways and other great attractions all over Eastwood City. Advance passport selling will be from March 17 – 30, 2013 at the Eastwood Mall Concierge, with each passport admitting one kid and two adult companions.  

So join Easter, Woodluck and their friends E-Walk and Cyburp as Eastwood City is transformed into a realm of magic and mystery this Easter. Play games, make new friends, and take home great treats at the Easter Wonderland Royal Shindig!  

For more information on Easter Wonderland Royal Shindig, please call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 709-0888, 709-9888 or log on to www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com

Taylor Swift's "RED" Album Now Has a Karaoke Version!

Ooooh! I would love to have a copy of this album! TS fan here! :)

Press Release:

Filipino fans of internationally admired singer-songwriter Taylor Swift can now satisfy their penchant for singing-along to her songs with extra thrill as MCA Music Philippines just released a karaoke edition of the latter's current hit album "RED."

This means they can simply grab the novel opportunity to sing their idol's latest batch of infectiously beautiful tracks with the same recorded accompaniment that Swift sang along to when she overdubbed her vocals. More so her backing vocals are retained so buyers can get that wonderful feeling of harmonizing with the star.

The CD/DVD combo provides a kind of realistic approach to performing in Taylor Swift mode as opposed to just singing along to the usual backing track heard even on an overused public videoke. It contains a CD with special graphics and a separate DVD comprising of the lyrics and of course, the music as produced on "Red."

The 16 tracks on Swift's fourth studio album released late last year are powered by its smash hit singles led by her first ever Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." This carrier single lorded the global iTunes charts and sold a staggering 623,000 copies just a week upon release.

By far, other singles off "Red" are "Begin Again," "I Knew You Were Trouble," and "22."

The album is both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, having sold more than a million copies in the US in just its first week in the market. Currently it has already spent 16 weeks at number one on Billboard's Country Albums chart.

Other songs in "Red" are "State of Grace", "Treacherous", "All Too Well",  "I Almost Do", "Stay Stay Stay", "The Last Time", "Holy Ground", "Sad Beautiful Tragic", "The Lucky One", "Everything Has Changed", "Starlight" and the title track.

With Pinoys' love for singing, "Red's" Karaoke Edition is a rare opportunity worth-having, especially among her fans emulating her style and inspired by her work. The fan treat pack is priced at Php 495.00.

Be at the Taylor Swift RED Karaoke album launch entitled  'RED MOB' Party on March 23, 2013 (Saturday) 10AM @ Odyssey Megamall and win fabulous prizes from KEDS, PURE N FRESH, LUXASIA FRAGRANCES.

Brought to you by MCA Music and Odyssey Music and Video Stores!

Log on to http://www.facebook.com/mcamusic or http://www.twitter.com/mca_music for more details.

Every Color, Everyday: Live in Havaianas Color

For Havaianas fans who are always on the lookout for new designs. Wait no more ... the summer collection is out!

Press Release:

Looking around, it’s amazing to see a world so full of color and life. But all too often, we don’t realize that we are even more colorful and vibrant than the world around us. To say we live rich lives is an understatement; and to say that we are defined by just one color is an injustice. From feeling blue one day to being tickled pink the next, each day adds another colorful brush stroke to the amazing painting that we are. And with Havaianas, you can live life in full color both inside and out.

Every Color, Everyday

Offering flip-flops in all the colors of the rainbow and then some, Havaianas understands that people live vividly hued lives. Human nature is dynamic, not static, and no one can be boxed in by just one color. As people live and love and move and act, they continue to add more layers to themselves – which are painted richer and brighter hues because of their experiences.

This summer, Havaianas invites you to celebrate life by embracing your vibrant and colorful self with the latest collection of new shades from the world’s most loved brand of flip-flops. This summer’s release of the now-ubiquitous Brazilian flip-flops features new colors for beloved Havaianas classics like Havaianas Top, Havaianas Top Mix, Havaianas Slim, Havaianas Brasil, Havaianas Brasil Logo, Havaianas Brasil Mix, and so much more the perfect companions to match every look, mood, or lifestyle as you continue to live summer every day of the year.

Soaking in the Summer State of Mind

Havaianas aims to celebrate different facets of individuality with its latest summer collection. Each color in the Summer 2013 collection encourages people to live life in full color both inside and out by embodying certain attributes that make each and every person unique. Aside from classic White and Black, other stunning colors such as Amazonia, Marine Blue, Fuchsia and Lime Green are perfect for expressing your inner self through comfortable, and simple yet stylish flip-flops.

Havaianas believes that summer is not just a season – it is a state of mind that allows you to live freely and expressively, by embracing the many millions of colors that create the canvas of our lives. With the many styles and colors on offer, it allows you to make a strong or subtle fashion statement whether you’re stepping out to do groceries, digging your feet into the sand on a sunny beach or getting ready for a laid-back dinner or glamorous night on the town, there is a pair of Havaianas that is perfect for everybody, every day and every occasion.  Whatever your mood, you can always count on Havaianas to be your constant style companion this summer, because you deserve to live a colorful and exuberant life.

So this summer, live life in full Havaianas colors and express your colorful self both inside and out by grabbing a new pair of Havaianas in any of its exciting new colors!

Experience the summer vibe that never goes out of style with the world’s favorite rubber flip-flops brand, Havaianas. Take part in the Havaianas story and grab a pair now, available in Metro Manila at All Flip-Flops, Celio, Complex, Duty Free Philippines Fiesta Mall, J&S Surf Shop, KidSports, Manila Polo Club, Nail Spa, Ocean Front, Plana Forma, ROX, Rustan's, Stoked, Tick Tock Flip Flop NAIA Terminal 3, and Urban Athletics. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianas.com.

Catch The ‘Law-Breakers’ Of The Deep Forests On Wild Appalachia

Someday, I would like to get a glimpse of these wild but beautiful mountain ranges in person. Someday ...

Press Release:

The Appalachians is one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. Adorned by ancient forests, this is a haven for the wild and dangerous. In WILD APPALACHIA, break through the forest foliage and experience the remote beauty that lies within, and the high drama of the seldom seen feral side of its inhabitants. For some, this is ‘bandit country’, a world where rangers battle raccoons that wear the classic mask burglars, famished black bears that get dangerously close to unsuspecting campers, and coyotes that muscle in on the weak and vulnerable. Shot in high-definition (HD), witness a year through thespectacular intersection of human culture and wildlife as the law of the wild meets the law of the land on their dramatic quest for food and survival. The WILD APPALACHIA chase begins Sunday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. Encores on Monday, April 1 at 9:00 a.m.

A 60-minute special, WILD APPALACHIA kicks off with a growl when the black bears that hibernated during winter awake from their slumber for spring. Trace the growth of newborn cubs as they try to beat the odds and survive the most dangerous couple of months that follow as big male bears are on the prowl for food, some of which even feed on newborn cubs out of hunger!  Elsewhere in the WILD APPALACHIA, there have been new entrants to the woods who are more dangerous than any animal in this forest – people. Where there are people, there is food, and that is where the trouble starts. Watch the great lengths that black bears go to get their paws on our leftovers and how rangers deal with bears that get too close for comfort. Tranquilisers last for only half an hour, but will it be enough time for the rangers to get their job done without becoming the bears’ next snack?

There is never a dull moment in the WILD APPALACHIA, even during sundown. Just like thieves, opportunistic forest burglars like the gangs of raccoons are most in their element at this time of the day and are commonly seen darting about quickly and warily in case of unexpected danger. The silence of night is also interrupted by one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena - the forest floor moving stealthily in an event that occurs only once in 17 years as millions of cicadas emerge to complete their life cycle. With their soft and fragile bodies, they rely on the cover of darkness to protect them from predatory eyes. However, the appearance of an ocean of these protein-rich insects will not go unnoticed. Will the cicadas become a fast food bonanza when daylight breaks in the WILD APPALACHIA?

More than just a striking documentary about a forest, WILD APPALACHIA takes you on an intimate trip through the layers of thicket to unmask the previously concealed lives that are shaped by landscape and seasons, surprise encounters and running battles. Butt heads with the elk as they fight for the chance to mate. Smell the rotting flesh of carcasses along with the circling vultures. Meet the secretive salamanders that are hidden within the damp Earth of the forest floor. In the WILD APPALACHIA, it is always a leap into the unknown.

RYAN REYNOLDS Voices Animated Characters in "THE CROODS" and "TURBO"

I think everybody loves Ryan Reynolds, right? So it's always good news when he's in a new movie whether in the flesh or with just his voice :)

Press Release:

Ryan Reynolds lends his voice in the animated 3D movies "The Croods" and "Turbo" coming out this year from Dreamworks Animation wherein both his roles set in motion the greatest changes in the midst of momentous journeys captured in groundbreaking 3D images.

Starring Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener and Cloris Leachman, "The Croods"  is a comedy adventure that takes us back to a previously undiscovered era in the history of our planet known as the Croodaceous, when nature was still a work-in-progress… full of never-before- seen creatures and landscapes. Reynolds voices Guy who comes across the Croods family whose patriarch named Grug (Cage) along with his wife Ugga (Keener), daughter Eep (Stone) and the rest of the brood when the earth's core started to move them around out of safety and into a new world.

In "Turbo,"  Reynolds is the voice of a garden snail named Theo aka Turbo who dreams of becoming the fastest racer in the world.  An idea not really welcomed by his slow moving community.  But when a freak accident gives him the boost to rev up faster than the rest, then Theo now known as Turbo embarks on the most thrilling adventure of a lifetime as he sets his sights on the fast track.  "Turbo" also features the voices of Paul Giamatti, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz and Samuel L. Jackson.

In 3D screens nationwide, "The Croods" opens March 22 and "Turbo" opens July 19 from Dreamworks Animation and 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Confirmed: Lawson is Coming to Manila This April!

Good news Lawson fans!

Press Release:

Current pop rock London-based sensation Lawson is coming to town, ending speculation of such tickling possibility and turning it into a fan frenzy that promises a beautiful mayhem once the group meets their Filipino fans face-to-face.

The group is confirmed arriving here on April 7 wherein two days after they’re scheduled to perform a much-anticipated gig at the Eastwood Mall Open Park in Libis, Quezon City. The venue may be intimate. But a heavy crowd of delirious fans are expected to flock the venue.

"It shall be a dream come true to do a couple of shows there. We want to go to as many places as we can and we heard Philippines is a very good scene music-wise," said 22-year old lead guitarist Joel Peat.

The statement came in a past interview when the chance of them coming to Manila was still being cooked and not yet finalized. Now the dream for their multitude of young Filipino fans will finally become a reality. On that special April night, the air will be filled with great music and admirable rockers collectively called Lawson.   

The 'especially for Filipino fans' show happens on April 9 at 7 pm. The date is known locally as "Araw Ng Kagitingan" which commemorates the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country and suffered in the infamous "Death March" at the hands of enemy soldiers during the darkest days of World War II. For Lawson fans here, that day can also mean a moment when they will be able to meet their heroes in flesh, alive and giving melodic music that inspires the heart and rocks the soul. 

Lawson, its name paying tribute to a real-life doctor who saved the life of their vocalist Andy Brown from death scare, scored hit singles recently, namely, "When She Was Mine," (which immediately became high-rated on YouTube in just a week after being posted) "Taking Over Me," and "Standing In The Dark." 

Completing the band roster are bassist Ryan Fletcher, who has been jamming with Joel since they were 14, and drummer Adam Pitts. “I think the band is working under a perfect system where we got individual roles to fulfill and we're not bothered by it. It's cool that Andy is our singer-songwriter and he is the eldest," stated Fletcher. 

LAWSON’S album "Chapman Square" is now seated comfortably high on the album charts, currently climbing the iTunes charts too in UK and Asia. 

The band’s singles "Taking Over Me” and “Standing In The Dark” are now certified hits and have both reached the Number 1 spot on Philippine Radio and Music Channels. 

Grab a copy of LAWSON’S CHAPMAN SQUARE album available on CD at all Astroplus/ Astrovision and Odyssey Music and Video stores nationwide. The album is also available for download via iTunes Philippines.

For more details about LAWSON’S PHILIPPINE PROMO TOUR, please visit MCA Music’s Facebook and Twitter pages.   

Join the COLOR YOUR MUSIC Design Contest by Astroplus and Aerial 7

Calling all artists/ designers/ music enthusiasts! This might be your chance to win P20,000 CASH!

Press Release:

Join Astroplus and Aerial 7's Color Your Music Design Contest! Just follow these mechanics:

1. The Aerial 7 Headphone Design Contest is open to all those who purchase an Aerial 7 DIY Headphone, aged 13 and above at any participating Astroplus / Astrovision store. (Glorietta 2, Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa The Block, V-Mall, Shangri-La, Greenbelt 5, Festival Mall and Robinson’s Ermita)

2. The contest will run from March 22-May 22,2013.

3. Astroplus and Eleksis has the right to use and publish all entries (designed headphone) from the participants to their websites and social networking sites - Facebook and Twitter to promote the program.

4. Designs must revolve around the theme: “Color Your Music”. Any art materials can be used on the headphone and all designs must be made directly on the headphone. It must be an ALL ORIGINAL design.

5. Entries should include the following:

a. Completely filled out application form that can be acquired from participating Astroplus/Astrovision outlets and can be downloaded at the Facebook page of Astroplus at www.facebook.com/astroplus1

b. One high–res photo of the finished painted headphones in plain background. Photos must be in JPEG format (top and side view); size at least 1MB but will not exceed 3MB and at least 300DPI resolution. No actual headphones need to be submitted. Actual headphones shall be requested on Aerial 7’s product launching.

c. Photocopy of the official receipt of purchase.

d. 1 CD containing the soft copy of the design in the allowed format together with the application form and official receipt in PDF form.

6. Participants can submit as many entries as they can but is required to submit individual CD and application form per entry.

7. Incomplete entries shall be considered not valid. Deadline of submission is on May 22, 2013.

8. Winners will be judged according to the following criteria: Originality 50%; Creativity/Execution 25%; Relevance to Theme 25% for a total of 100%.

9. Prizes include the following:

a. P20,000 cash for the Grand prize winner

b. P10,000 cash for the Major prize winner

10. Judging of the Major and Grand Prize winner will be held on May 24, 2013 4PM at Eleksis Marketing Corporation, Unit 2 2/F Home Studio Bldg., 63 Connecticut Street Northeast Greenhills, San Juan City. A participant can win only once.

11. A DTI representative will be present during the determination of winners.

12. The winners will be notified through phone and registered mail.

13. Prizes shall be claimed at the nearest participating Astroplus/Astrovision store. Redemption of prizes is within 60 days from date of notification. Prizes not claimed within 60 days shall be forfeited with prior DTI approval.

14. When claiming the prizes, the winner should present the registered notice and 2 (two) valid ID’s.

15. Eleksis Marketing Corporation shall shoulder the 20% tax issued for prizes exceeding P10,000.00.

16. All employees of Astroplus and Eleksis Marketing Corporation and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the contest.

17. You can email aerial7coloryourmusic@gmail.com for more inquiries or call 724-9566 and look for Miss Jen or Miss Kat.

63rd Palanca Awards Now Accepting Entries

Heads up fellow writers!

Press Release:

Now on its 63rd year, the country’s premier and longest-running literary contest, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature or Palanca Awards, has once more opened its doors to both amateur and seasoned writers who wish to showcase their talent in crafting beautiful literature.

Its organizer and sponsor, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc., (Palanca Foundation), has announced that it is now accepting entries for the Awards’ regular categories, as follows:

English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;

Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Pambata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;

Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon and Short Story-Iluko.

The Foundation is now accepting entries in the Novel and Nobela categories as well. Starting this year, these Novel categories will be opened for entries every two years.

Furthermore, to encourage the youth to hone their creative gift early in life, the Palanca Awards welcomes essays under the Kabataan Division – its special division for young writers below 17 years old. This year’s Kabataan Essay theme for the English category is “What is the Role of Literature in the Development of a Nation?” and “Ano ang Papel na Ginagampanan ng Panitikan sa Pag-unlad ng Isang Bansa?” for the Filipino category.

Contestants are reminded to submit their entries ahead of the deadline for submission, which is midnight of April 30, 2013. Each contestant may submit only one entry per category.

The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens, except current officers and employees of Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. Contest rules and official entry forms are available at Palanca Awards’ official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph.

Entries with complete requirements may be submitted to the Foundation’s office at the 6th Floor, Unit 603 Park Trade Center Bldg. 1716 Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City or may also be entered online through the Palanca Awards website.

Holy Week: To be Sad or Glad?

Got faith-related questions? You just might find the answers through OMF Lit!

Press Release:

As Holy Week draws near, we will be reminded of a beaten and blood-streaked Jesus; whether through images or through re-enactments of His passion and crucifixion. Many will be fasting from their usual indulgences like meat, chocolates and TV as a sullen atmosphere hangs over everyone. It will seem as though Jesus has died all over again — not exactly a delightful time.

Ultimately Holy Week is not an occasion for mourning. With this, OMF Literature, one of the country’s leading Christian publishers, launches Life Revised, a campaign that aims to impart why Holy Week marks a time of victory and rejoicing. Gladys Doronila, marketing manager of OMF Literature shares, “We usually focus on the agony of Christ, but this passion culminates in His resurrection. We don’t have to be sad all over again because Christ is alive. Life revised means the Risen Lord changed history and He can also change our story.”

To help those seeking a more meaningful and enriched Lenten season, OMF Literature will be highlighting books that focus on the restoration and redemption we can find in Christ. Devotionals, life testimonies and daily thoughts will be posted on OMF LIT’s Facebook page.

Throughout this season, OMF LIT Bookshops will have Thoughts Revised boxes where anyone can drop their hard or troubling questions regarding God and their faith. Selected questions will be featured and given answers on the OMF LIT blog. Gladys Doronila adds, “Lent is not about going through the motions. It's an opportunity to have a deeper and more personal encounter with Christ. This Holy Week, let’s be reminded that we don’t have a dead Christ, but a risen Christ who can change our lives.”

Visit OMF LIT Bookshops at Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong; Greenbelt 1, Makati; The Pergola, Parañaque; Il Terrazzo, Q.C.; SM Pampanga; Robinsons Cybergate Cebu; Gov. M. Cuenco Ave., Banilad, Cebu; Tiongko St. Davao City; Robinsons CDO; Robinsons Gensan

Join the "Life Revised" conversations this Lenten season on Facebook and Twitter

Summer Art's Cool At Museo Pambata

Looking for summer classes for kids? Here are some!

Press Release:

Summer's finally here! Spend your summer keeping cool by joining Museo Pambata's Art's Cool Summer Workshops! The museum is offering classes on Basic and Advanced Visual Arts, Creative Writing, and Creative Theater. Slots are limited, so be sure to register early.

Art's Cool is Museo Pambata's summer workshop program for kids and teens, where one can develop their potentials in different fields of art while having fun. Participants can hone their craft as they are guided by Museo Pambata's team of expert facilitators.

In the Basic Visual Arts class, kids four to six years old can have fun while learning about drawing, crafts, painting, and sculpture. The workshop will be facilitated by children’s book illustrator Hubert Fucio. Fee is P4,500 for six sessions.

Kids can learn advanced painting, mixed media, as well as discover other forms of visual art through museum and gallery visits in the Advanced Visual Arts class for seven to 12 year olds. This workshop will be facilitated by Marc Vincent Cosico, a teacher at the Philippine High School for the Arts. Fee is P4,500 for six sessions.

Both Visual Arts teachers welcome former students. They will reassign different art activities for re-enrolled Art's Cool students. Fees are inclusive of materials. Both Visual Arts classes will start on April 16.

Students can let their inner stage star shine in the Creative Theater workshops, giving them the opportunity to express themselves in singing and dancing while harnessing their potentials in the thespian arts. This workshop is offered to children who are between eight to 12 years. Stage actors from Sipat Lawin Ensemble will work as facilitators. Fee is P4,500 for 10 sessions. Classes will start on April 10.

Children 12 to 18 years old can also learn how to write and publish their stories in the Creative Writing workshop. Genaro Gojo Cruz, a children’s book author and a Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature awardee, will be the facilitator. Fee is P3,500 for four sessions. Classes will start on April 12.

Visit the Museo Pambata homepage for registration details. Contact the museum through email or landline (523-1797/98, 536-0595) for further inquiries.

Derek Ramsay: Spoil yourself after a day of hard work

Hmmm, even Derek Ramsay admits he spoils himself from time to time! Read my personalized write-up here about Dunkin Derek and Dunkin' Donuts :)

Press Release:

Imagine Derek pulling you into his grand living room, as soft, romantic music plays in the background. He puts a blindfold on you, and whispers in your ear, "Go ahead, spoil yourself a little."  Wouldn’t you just give in to the sweet temptation?

As someone with passion for a busy and active lifestyle, Derek Ramsay shares that being rough and tough on the playing field gives him the energy, and while at work, he always gives his 100% commitment. So after a day of hard work, he finds time to indulge in the simple things that make him smile.

"With the erratic and busy schedule that I have – juggling sports, work, and play, I know I deserve to spoil myself once in a while. When you know you work hard, you should merit yourself with a reward. A lot of people I work with know that my favorite indulgence right now is the Dunkin’ Donuts’ premium selection."

Derek admits he has a soft spot for sweet treats, most especially donuts. Boston Kreme is still his top favorite, but the new additions are the Blueberry Cheese and Black Forest.

This summer, Dunkin’ Donuts gives you more reasons to spoil yourself with its premium donuts; featuring 18 mouthwatering selections of your top favorite indulgences – from Blueberry Cheese, Supreme Rocky Road, Black Forest, Oatmeal, Raisin and Cranberry, Kreme Berry Caramel, and Quezo Duo, to name a few.

Similar to how you have come to love Dunkin’ Donuts’ classic favorites, the premium line is a sumptuous treat, rich, and loaded with choice ingredients that bring out the delicious flavor in the mouthwatering toppings that complement its signature donuts.

"Enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts Premium up to the last bite," says Derek. "So go ahead, spoil yourself a little. After all, you can never say no to Dunkin’ Donuts because there’s only Dunkin’ for me."

Nourish Your Brain The All-Natural Way With Brainmaster

Getting forgetful? Try this supplement!

Press Release:

As we grow older, we tend to have more “senior moments”, or instances when we forget what we set out to do just minutes before, or can’t recall the title of a movie we saw just last week or other details like names, places, events.

Aging takes its toll on the brain, as well as the rest of our body organs. Our body’s capacity to produce the chemicals and nutrients that our brain cells need to maintain mental wellness and alertness declines over the years.

This is why it is important to nourish your brain the all-natural way with BrainMaster.  This 100% natural brain supplement provides the vital natural nutrients that our brain needs to function normally and helps prevent or minimize forgetfulness.  

“BrainMaster can be likened to brain vitamins.  It jumpstarts the brain to enable it to work more efficiently.  In layman's terms, BrainMaster works on increasing blood flow to the brain by oxygenating it,” says Albert M G Garcia, president and CEO of Whealth Inc., the group that originally brought you Psyllium fiber, MEGAFIBER, CranUTI and ABW.

This latest product from Whealth Inc. contains Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi), Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B12 and B6, which all combine to work towards memory recovery.  Taking a capsule of BrainMaster daily, ideally before breakfast, will help ensure a continuous supply of all these nutrients that the brain needs to function normally, helping maintain mental wellness and alertness.

Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb used in India for centuries as a memory enhancer. It has antioxidant properties and acts as a brain tonic to enhance the brain’s neurotransmitters for memory development, learning and concentration.

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular memory enhancing herbs known to improve blood circulation in the brain. It also contains antioxidants that neutralize dangerous free radicals. Ginkgo Biloba is proven to improve memory and mental alertness.

Recent research on the benefits of Vitamin B12 has identified it as being helpful against brain shrinkage due to aging. Healthy older people were studied yearly to compare their Vitamin B12 levels with the amount of brain shrinkage they experienced.  Researchers discovered that participants with higher levels of Vitamin B12 were six times less likely to have experienced shrinkage of the brain, as compared to other participants with lower Vitamin B12 levels.

Considered among the most important of all B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B12 is essential for the production and regeneration of red blood cells. It keeps the central nervous system functioning properly, improves concentration and memory balance, as well as relieves irritability. Vitamin B12 helps improve stamina, thus reducing fatigue and weakness.

Vitamin B6 is required for the production of serotonin and helps to maintain healthy immune system functions, protect the heart from cholesterol deposits, and prevent kidney stone formation. Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme for the central nervous system. It is used mainly in the body for the breakdown and absorption of amino acids.

To keep “senior moments” at bay, take BrainMaster and recover memory loss.  BrainMaster, what a brilliant idea! 

BrainMaster is FDA-approved and available directly from Whealth, Inc. with customer hotlines 524-6549, 354-2208 to 09 and 09474890262.  It is currently sold at P600 per jar of 30 capsules.  For additional product information, email info@brainmaster.com.ph or visit www.brainmaster.com.ph and www.facebook.com/BrainMasterSupplement.