Greek Gods’ Teen Queens In “Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters”

Gear up for new adventures on the big screen!

Press Release:

Logan Lerman returns as the titular hero, the demigod son of Poseidon in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” who embarks on his own, modern-day Odyssey.  The beginning of the second adaptation of Rick Riordan’s best selling “Percy Jackson” book series finds our hero doubting himself and not living up to his potential.  Feeling abandoned by his father and finding out that he has a half-brother who is a Cyclops, Percy soon deals with an enormous task ahead along with his teen demigod friends Annabeth and Grover along with his newfound brother Tyson to save their world from extinction.

Alexandra Daddario returns as Annabeth Chase, the demigod offspring of Athena, goddess of wisdom, the role she created in “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.”  One of Percy Jackson’s best friends, she took a while to warm to Percy when they first met, coming around only after he showed his mettle in a game of Capture the Flag. She joined Percy on his quest to find the Lightning Thief and once again to recover the Golden Fleece.

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of the first film was accessing a bad-ass quality that you don’t really get to access in your real life.  It’s been a great experience being able to do that,” says the actress.  But in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” Daddario notes, “We see more of Annabeth’s sensitive side. In the first she was very tough; in this one we see a lot more of her vulnerability.”

The newest demigod at Camp Half-Blood is Clarisse LaRue, daughter of Ares, the god of war.  Clarisse is the cream of Camp Half-Blood’s crop, a solid warrior and something of a bully.  She lives to best Percy at the camp’s many challenges. Leven Rambin (known for her role as Glimmer in “The Hunger Games”) plays Clarisse, whom she says is, “innately prone to fighting, competition and being the best.  She always wants to prove herself to her father, who wanted a son, so she’s trying to live up to that.”

“Clarisse contributes to Percy’s feelings of inadequacy and makes him question his abilities and whether he belongs in Camp Half-Blood,” says Freudenthal.  “Clarisse is insecure, and that’s why she has such an attitude.  It’s her insecurity that someone’s going to best her or embarrass her that drives her to feel the need to bully people.”

Director Freudenthal says he wanted to depict the overlap of the real and mythological worlds.  “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” shows new aspects of Camp Half-Blood; we wanted to paint a full picture of the beautiful sanctuary for the Half-Bloods and create magic.”

“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” opens this August 7 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

PETA’s Pamana Pays Tribute to Ninoy & Cory Aquino

Let's continue to support Philippine theater!

Press Release:

The Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation, Inc. (NCAF) in partnership with Indie.go Media and the Philippine Educational Theater Association, Inc. proudly present the gala premiere of PAMANA --- an original docu-musical written by Rody Vera and music composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Manoling V. Francisco, S.J. 

PAMANA is about three generations of a Filipino family with differing points of view on the effects of the EDSA revolution.

Malou as Azon and Bodjie as Turo

Leading the cast is Malou de Guzman as Lola Azon; Bodjie Pascua as Turo, Azon’s husband; Jett Pangan as Edgar, son of Lola Azon and Trina’s father; and Kakki Teodoro as Trina, grand daughter of Lola Azon. 

Jett Pangan as Edgar

The ensemble is composed of Raul Alfonso, Kiki Baento, Raflesia Bravo, Roi Calilong, Buddy Caramat, Joan Co, Karen Gaerlan, Gio Gahol, She Maala, Benedict Manaois, Gie Onida, Norbs Portales, Gino Ramirez, Victor Robinson, Angela Samson, Nica Santiago, Miela Sayo, Ian Segarra, Gold Villar and Yeyin Dela Cruz.

Lending support as chorus is Viva Voce under artistic director Camille Molina.

Kakki as Trina

The artistic and creative team of PAMANA is led by Rody Vera (Playwright), Maribel Legarda (Stage Director), Melvin Lee (Associate Stage Director), Jun Reyes (Video Director and Executive Producer), Manoling V. Francisco, S.J. and Ryan Cayabyab (Composers), Vince de Jesus (Musical Director), Batche Tan (Choreograper), Boni Juan (Set Designer), Carlo Pagunaling (Costume Designer), Jonjon Villareal (Lighting Designer and Technical Designer).  

Show schedules:

August 21, 2013 : 7:00 pm

August 22, 2013 : 8:00 pm

August 24-25, 2013 : 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm

All performances will be held at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

For further details, call PETA Theater Center at numbers 725-6244 or 09064817333. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

Follow us online through Facebook http://www.facebook.com/iamninoy.iamcory;

http://www.facebook.com/JourneyAlbum; http://www.facebook.com/NCACL and Twitter (@iamninoyiamcory)

Pet Shop Boys Performs Concert in Manila, August 6!

Back to the '80s! :)

Press Release:

British synth-pop giants Pet Shop Boys visits Manila for the first time to perform their hits from a career spanning more than 20 years in a concert titled Pet Shop Boys Live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 6, 2013 presented by Ovation Productions.

Pet Shop Boys, consisting of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, will be touring in support of the new and to-be released album "Electric". Recently, the duo returns in triumphant form in their 12th studio album "Electric" produced by Stuart Price (Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Take That, Missy Elliott, The Killers) and features eight new songs, plus one cover of Bruce Springsteen's "The Last To Die". The album boasts the singles ‘Vocal’ and ‘Axis’ and completes a collection of dance anthems which the British electro-pop duo is known for.

The winners of the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music have sold more than 50 million records worldwide and are listed as the most successful duo in UK music history by The Guinness Book of Records. Three-time Brit Award winners and six-time Grammy nominees, since 1985 spawning 42 Top 30 singles and 22 Top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart, including four number ones: "West End Girls", "It's a Sin", "Always on My Mind" and "Heart".

Experience electronic music and style with the UK’s phenomenal duo in Pet Shop Boys Live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 6, 2013. Tickets are now available at all TicketNet outlets and via online at www.ticketnet.com.ph as presented by Ovation Productions.

Ticket Prices:

VIP - Php6340 (reserved seating)

Patron - Php5810 (reserved seating)

Lower Box - Php4755 (reserved seating)

Upper Box A - Php3700 (reserved seating)

Upper Box B - Php1585 (free seating)

General Admission - Php850 (free seating)

Freeway Mixed Prints Collection 2013

Make going out in the rain fun with Freeway's pretty prints! They are sure to lighten up your steps and lift your mood despite the gloomy weather! Among the many clothing brands out there, I personally like Freeway because their clothes are very wearable (you will never look weird or out of place), fit well, and are stylish to boot! Seeing this new collection makes me want to buy them all! *sigh* 

Press Release:

The rainy season is here! Despite the dark clouds and the cold weather, looking dull and dreary is definitely not an excuse. What we need are pops of fresh colors and prints to brighten up our looks in this not-so-bright weather.

Freeway gives you what you need to brighten up that day!

Florals are taking over as Freeway brings out a special collection featuring its own exclusive prints exuding the perfect balance of femininity, charm and allure. It consists of tops and dresses featuring simple silhouettes and styles with stunning prints made out of soft, loose and flowy material, all with that comfort stretch component. The prints are comprised of blossoms with a watercolor and painting effect, seemingly comparable to wearing a beautiful collage of roses, tulips, orchids and more on a canvass. As for the colors, a mixture of sweet colors such as pink, blue, yellow, red and green are used, very much like the hues you see on a beautiful garden. As for the footwear, complementing the collection’s soft and feminine theme are lovely shoes from Janylin and Muñiz.

Known for innovative ideas, Freeway first featured the renowned works of National Artists as a tribute to these legends through its National Artist Collectors' Series. Now, Freeway develops its own prints so that you can own that special item which you can't find anywhere else. Debuted in February this year, the line of own prints has been successful, prompting a development of more beautiful collection monthly.

This collection will add sunshine to your wardrobe that can chase away a gloomy day. Definitely something women can wear and style on a day-to-day basis whether in the workplace, a day out with friends, or on a romantic date night, Freeway’s own exclusive Mixed Prints Collection embodies the qualities an empowered and graceful woman possesses. Catch this collection at Freeway stores nationwide!

For more information on Freeway's collections, please visit freewayonline.com.ph. You can also check out this Facebook page www.facebook.com/FreewayOnline and follow @FreewayOnline on Twitter and Instagram.

Ayala Malls Cinemas Hosts Cinemalaya 2013 Entries: Holds Opening Ceremony @ Alabang Town Center

I've always been a fan of Cinemalaya but find it hard to travel all the way to CCP to watch movies. Thus, I was so glad when Ayala Malls started screening the movies in Makati and Quezon City in the past two years. Now, I am even more happy to know that Cinemalaya films will also be shown near my place in Alabang! I'll be sure to catch some of the movies in ATC, soon :)

Press Release:

Promoting and championing Filipino talents, Ayala Malls Cinemas hosts for the 3rd time entries that will compete in Cinemalaya Festival on its 9th year themed “Cinemalaya Cinesthesia.”

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ first collaboration with Cinemalaya back in July 2011 opened its Greenbelt3 screens to the entries, paving easy access for the festival’s followers within the metro. Ayala Malls Cinemas solidified its support to the festival by adding Trinoma screens as an additional venue on its 2nd year of partnership with Cinemalaya in 2012.

Now on its 3rd year of collaboration with Cinemalaya, Ayala Malls Cinemas opens its Alabang Town Center screens for this year’s exciting and multihued film entries.  With this latest development, Ayala Malls Cinemas is set to pay tribute to the competing films on its opening ceremony at Alabang Town Center on July 27 featuring “Jazz In Love” by Babyruth Villarama-Gutierrez.  The movie is about a young man from Davao whose dream wedding is within reach: his boyfriend of 11 months has proposed. Because no law allows him to get married in the Philippines, he must fly to Germany, his boyfriend’s home country, and tie the knot there. One of the things that stand in his way is his inability to speak Deutsch, and to address that he must temporarily relocate to Manila for language lessons. Meanwhile, his parents remain completely unaware of the radical changes that his life is about to undergo.

Included in this year’s full length New Breed category lineup are: “Babagwa (Spider)” by Jason Paul Laxamana, “Debosyon” by Alvin Yapan, “Instant Mommy” by Leo Abaya, “Nuwebe” by Joseph Israel Laban, “Purok 7” by Carlo Obispo, “Quick Change” by Eduardo Roy Jr., “Rekorder” by Mikhail Red, “The Diplomat Hotel” by Christopher Ad Castillo, “Transit” by Hannah Espia and “David F.” by Manny Palo.

For the Directors’ Showcase, features include “Amor y Muerte” by Ces Evangelista, “Ekstra (The Bit Player) by Jeffrey Jeturian, “Porno” by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr., “Sana Dati” by Jerrold Tarog and “Liars” by Gil M. Portes.

A full-kaleidoscope of Shorts A and Shorts B entries amps this year’s Cinemalaya which runs from 8 minutes to 20 minutes.  Shorts A features include "Bakaw (Little Thief)" by Ron Segismundo, “Missing” by Zig Dulay, “Para Kay Ama (For Grandmother)” by Relyn Angkuan Tan, “Taya (Let’s Play)” by Adi Bontuyan and “Tutob” by Kisza Marin Campano.

Shorts B films to look forward too are “The Houseband’s Wife” by Paolo P. O’Hara, "Katapusang Labok (Last Strike)" by Aiess Athina Alonso, “Pukpok (A Rite of Passage)” by Joaquin Adrian Pantaleon, Immanuel Canicosa and Stephan Domingo, “Onang” by JE Tiglao and "Sa Wakas (The End of the Beginning)" by Nica Santiago.

Cinemalaya entries will open in three Ayala Malls Cinemas – Greenbelt3, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center starting July 27 until August 4.  Check out www.sureseats.com for schedules.

Navigating the World of Adolescents: A Map for Parenting

FYI for parents of teens! Here's a seminar you may want to attend!

Press Release:

The Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao, S.J., Center for Psychology Services Department of Psychology invites you to:

What: Navigating the World of Adolescents: A Map of Parenting
Seminar

When: August 24, 2013, Saturday (9:00 AM - 12:00 NN)

Where: SS Conference Rooms 1 & 2, Social Sciences Building
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola, Heights, Q.C.

Facilitator: Dr. Karina Therese G.Fernandez

Program Fee: P 800.00

Limited slots available!

For more information please call (02) 426 6001 loc. 5268 or (02) 426 5982, or email: bulataoctr@admu.edu.ph

Richard Poon Headlines Outbox Media Anniversary Concert to Benefit Golden Haven Acres for the Elderly

This is a good concert! You not only will hear Richard Poon sing, you'll also get to help the residents of a home for the elderly! 

Press Release:

In celebration of Outbox Media Production Agency's 7th anniversary, we proudly bring you "GROWING OLD WITH YOU: A Benefit Concert for Golden Acres Haven for the Elderly" on July 27, 2013, 7PM at the Celebrity Sports Complex, Capitol Hills, Quezon City.

A night of pure entertainment and delectable dining experience with performances from hit girl group, Pretty Young Thing (PYT);  comedy acts of singing trio, The Miss Tres of PGT4; followed by the heartfelt tunes of the country’s only big band crooner, Mr. Richard Poon!

This event is made possible by: Foton Motors Philippines, Asia Refreshments Corporation, Sogo Chain Of Hotels, Waterfront Hotels And Casinos, Ferna Corporation, Uratex Foam, Bounty Fresh Chicken, Chinese General Hospital, Pure Gold Supermarket and Smarts Shots Studio.

For ticket reservation, please call Outbox Media office at 332-2197, 703-4239. Ticket price is Php 3,000.00. The show starts at 6pm on July 27.

Grammy Award Winner Patti Austin To Perform Live at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in September 2013

Patti Austin Philippines Concert Tour is set to happen in September; including appearances with ten-time Grammy Award winning singer-guitarist George Benson and Sergio Mendes’ Band lead singer Joe Pizzulo.

Press Release:

Ovation Productions, event organizer of Patti Austin’s much awaited return performance in the Philippines, announced changes in the Grammy Award winning vocalist’s concert schedule. Instead of August, the singer will now perform in September 2013 and in different venues than as previously published. Additional performances are also featured in Ms. Austin’s itinerary—including one with renowned singer and jazz guitarist George Benson.

Patti Austin will appear as s special guest in George Benson’s Inspiration Tour on September 5, 2013 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Ms. Austin will also hold a more intimate event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ballroom at the Ortigas Center on September 7, with singing sensation Joe Pizzulo of Sergio Mendes’ Band providing the opening act. The dinner show is for the benefit of Boystown, a charitable institution dedicated to caring for homeless children. After this, Ms. Austin and Mr. Pizzulo will fly south to Davao City on September 9 to perform at the SMX Convention Center.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or online at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph. You may also call (02) 911-5555 to reserve tickets and get more information.

About Patti Austin

Grammy winner Patti Austin crosses all musical genres, has made 17 solo albums, and has performed her award-nominated hit songs on the GRAMMYS® and the Oscars. As a performer, songwriter and vocalist, she has had a star-studded career that began at the age of four. And since then, she became one of the most beloved artists the world over and a mainstay on the Billboard Jazz Albums charts. Patti’s extraordinary career continues to cross over boundaries and reach new heights.

About George Benson

George Benson is a ten-time Grammy Award-winning American artist. He began his professional career at twenty-one, as a jazz guitarist. Benson first came to prominence in the 1960s, playing soul jazz with Jack McDuff and others. He then launched a successful solo career, alternating between jazz, pop, R&B singing, and scat singing.

About Joe Pizzulo

Joe Pizzulo is best known as the lead singer for Sérgio Mendes in the 1980s. He has had numerous hit singles with Sergio Mendes such as “Never Gonna Let You Go” (from Mendes’ self-titled 1983 album). Pizzulo has had several singles and soundtrack appearances, but he is also a prominent background singer for many artists. Joe Pizzulo started his music career with a band called Roadshow in 1969 after attending Ursuline High School in Youngstown, Ohio. Later, he became a member of Brainchild. He eventually moved to California in 1974 and started a new band called White Licorice. His career quickly took off after recording “Never Gonna Let You Go” for Sérgio Mendes.

Philippine SME Expo Presents SME Leaders Talk

There are a lot of interesting topics in this expo that will provide additional learnings for business owners. Sign up now!

Press Release:

THE PHILIPPINE SME BUSINESS EXPO – “Your SME Business Gateway”, the country’s premier business expo to be held at the SMX Convention Center Taguig, located at the 3rd floor of SM Aura Premier, on July 12 to 14, lays down a roster of prominent personality to speak during the three-day event. 

On this three-day expo, participants and visitors will get the latest industry insights through the country’s leading business experts and leaders. Visitors will also be able to enjoy exciting discounts and raffle prizes which include gift certificates, an iPad and a brand new car.

Register online for FREE at http://philippinesmebusinessexpo.com/registration.php and get updated through Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PhilippineSMEBusinessExpo and Twitter: http://twitter.com/PhilSMEexpo via #EmpoweringSME.

July 12, 2013 (Friday):

2:30-3:30pm - "THE IMPACT OF THE TAX SYSTEM ON SMEs" with Mr. Mon Abrea, President, CSR Philippines and Chief Strategy Officer, Abrea Consulting Group

4:00-5:00pm - "SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND ECO-FRIENDLY CONCEPTS" with Ms. Charlene Tan of Good Food Community, Ms. Reese Fernandez, President of Rags2Riches & Ms. Noreen Bautista of Jacinto and Lirio.

5:00-6:00pm - "HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLNESS ENTERPRISES with Ms. Cory Quirino, Health and Wellness Guru and Coach Rio de la Cruz, Running Coach and Event Organizer.

6:00-7:00pm - "COMPANY BRANDING & DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES" with Mr. Ralph Wunsch, President, MetroDeal Manila.

July 13, 2013 (Saturday):

2:00-2:45pm - "4 SITUATIONAL MODES OF MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP FOR SMEs" with Mr. Rowen Untivero, Partner, Senior Consultant & Head of Sales Practice, Mansmith and Fielders, Inc.

4:00-4:45pm - "DIGITAL ENTREPRENEUR MINDSET" with Ms. Janette C. Toral, E-commerce Specialists, DigitalFilipino.com

4:45-5:30pm - "SECRETS OF TYCOONS SMEs CAN LEARN FROM" with Mr. Wilson Lee Flores, Palanca Award Winner and Philippine Star Columnist.

6:00-7:00pm - "WHY VALUES MATTER IN BUSINESS" with Mr. Judah Paolo, President, Lead Out Coaching & Consultancy, Inc

July 14, 2013 (Sunday):

11:00am-12:00nn - "UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS" with Mr. CHINKEE TAN, Motivational Speaker & Wealth Coach.

3:00-3:45pm - "A TALK ON PERSONAL FINANCE" with Mr. Randell Tiongson, Director of Registered Financial Planner Institute of the Philippines.

3:45-4:30pm - "CRISIS MARKETING MANAGEMENT" with Mr. Alex Flores, Philippine Marketing Association.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila Lines Up F&B Offerings for July

I got hungry just reading this! :)

Press Release:

Satisfy the taste buds as Crimson Hotel brings Fiesta Filipiniana at Café Eight and Filipino Merienda Cena at The Lobby Lounge. A buffet spread of Filipino fiesta food is a celebration in itself. Revel on a salvo of rich and flavorful Filipino dishes from July 08 to 21 at the hotel’s main restaurant, Café Eight. Excite the palates to a variety of fish Kilawin, Relleno Alimango, Cocido, Escabeche and the all-time fiesta highlight Lechon de Leche. All these festive offerings for only Php1,250++ for lunch and dinner.

Take a trip down memory lane and savor again the nostalgic goodness of classic Filipino merienda treats every Wednesday and Friday at The Lobby Lounge. Take delight on Lumpiang Shanghai, Turon, Halo-halo among many others at Crimson Hotel’s Filipino Merienda Cena. This spread is available from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for Php 450++ per person.

From the sinful to the guiltless treats, go the healthy way at Crimson Hotel. Avoid the worries of unnecessary calories and have your fill of the healthy but flavorful spread at Café Eight.  Avail of the Healthy Way offer priced at Php 650 nett which includes the freshest selections of appetizers, salads and seasonal fruits available for lunch or dinner.

For more information, you may contact 863-2222 or visit www.crimsonhotel.com and email info.alabang@crimsonhotel.com.  Check out facebook.com/CrimsonFilinvestCity or follow @Crimson_Alabang for more updates.

William Elvin Launches Debut CD Album

Reading this intrigued me about more of William Elvin's music! I am familiar with Rizal X so I feel that this collection of songs would be very interesting to listen to. I hope I could get a copy for myself, soon.

Press Release:

Theater actor - director, musical director and composer William Elvin has finally launched his debut CD album --- DisConTechNoThisContent: The Musicalienation of William Elvin.

In 2005, William decided to stop writing songs and playing music. His friends in the UST band/rock scene were being signed by major record labels. EMI Philippines was starting to position Hale to be one of the biggest rock acts of the 2000s. Sony BMG followed suit with the signing of Callalily. The two bands spearheaded the 'pogi-rock' movement (a term used with both marketing and derogatory intentions, as William remembers it) in mainstream Pinoy pop in the mid-2000s.

A few months later, rock bands were ruling the airwaves while WilIiam and his band The Barpins, was stuck playing in the now-defunct 'Mayric's', a small rock and roll bar along Espana, Manila. Frustrated, he promised to himself not to go back to that scene, and pursue a different artistic medium. That decision led William to the Theatre Arts program in the University of the Philippines.

In UP, William honed his skills in acting and eventually gained experience in writing and directing for the stage. While he was (and always will be) artistically fulfilled with work in the theater, he always felt the urge to write songs.

For the following years, William have shrugged off this urge, as he totally ignored the rock/band scene and focused all his attention to theater work.

In 2009, William went back to songwriting and formed Happy Days Ahead and recorded ‘Home Recordings @ The Marilyn Mansion’. With some copies sold and more given away for free, the attention the album received within the theater circle eventually led to William’s two important works: a musical adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac for UP Dulaang Laboratoryo in late 2010, and Dulaang UP’s Rizal X in 2011.

William’s recent reconciliation with the art of songwriting have inspired him to record 12 of the most special songs he has written ---- Sinubukan, On My Way To Calvary, Alisbayan Box, But I Love No One But You, Bubblegum Blues, Winter Went Away For A While, Walang Kalaban-Laban, Ang Sabi Nila, How’s The Bed, Sandy?, On Their Way To St. Jane, and 10/23.

“ DisConTechNoThisContent: The Musicalienation of William Elvin ” presents these songs as William have always intended them to be heard: rough, unpolished, free of heavy production values (if there is any), as sincere as possible.

Recorded entirely in William’s room somewhere in a suburban neighborhood in Quezon City, the songs are meant to sound as the anti-thesis of the pop sound that is dominating the mainstream airwaves in this day and age.

This is an album that is meant to be enjoyed in a quiet corner as the words and the melodies serve as your blanket and, at least for about 45 minutes, keeps you away from the noise of today’s world.

DisConTechNoThisContent: The Musicalienation of William Elvin is released  by Happy Mousey Records and John Carlo Santos. Album Art by Manu Respall. Produced by W.E. Manzano.

For further inquiries, please  go to  www.facebook.com/williamelvinmusic or call/text Happy Mousey Records at 09173450310.