Saturday, August 31, 2013

Huawei Greets Christmas Early With Ascend P1 Sale At P6,990

According to my hubby, his Huawei Ascend D Quad XL remains his choice of mobile phone when it comes to the longest battery life. He can use it straight for 3 days without charging. If you are on a budget, the next best choice is the Ascend P1, which is on sale for only a week at a discount of more than P9,000! Now that is a great deal!

Press Release:

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced  its early christmas promotion for Huawei Ascend P1, now priced at P6,990 from August 29 to September 8, 2013 only.


“Huawei Ascend P1 priced at P6,990.00, which combines smart features and a sexy design, represents a significant milestone for Huawei Device.  We are sending strong signals of our intention to transform into a consumer-facing brand and extend our market leadership by an early christmas offering,”  said Johnson Ma, Country Manager, Huawei Device Philippines.


The Ascend P1 is beauty meets brains – proof that technology and good looks can go hand-in-hand. It features a dual-core 1.5GHz TI OMAP 4460 Cortext-A9 processor and measures 7.69mm thin and 64.8 mm long, providing a very comfortable grip. With a 4.3-inch super AMOLED 960 x 540 touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass, an 8-megapixel BSI rear-facing camera and Dolby Mobile 3.0 + 5.1 surround sound technology, the Ascend P1 provides a home theatre experience in the palm of your hands.


About Huawei Device

As of the end of 2012, Huawei’s products and services are deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population. Huawei has also set up more than 20 R&D centers around the world in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, and China.
Consumer business is one of Huawei’s three business groups offering a range of products that include mobile phones, mobile broadband devices, home devices, clouds, and consumer chipsets.  With more than 20 years of rich business expertise in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, an extensive global network, vast global business operations and partners, Huawei Consumer Business Group, through Huawei Device, is dedicated to bringing the latest technology to consumers, offering a world of possibilities and creating extraordinary experiences for people everywhere.

For more information, visit Huawei Device online: http://www.huaweidevice.com.ph

For regular updates on Huawei Device, follow:


Friday, August 30, 2013

Step into Multi-Dimensional Works of Art at the Miracle Art Exhibition in Lucky Chinatown Annex

I will visit this exhibit soon! 

Press Release:

Explore amazing multi-dimensional works of art at the Miracle Art Exhibition in Lucky Chinatown Annex A.


Guests are invited to bring their cameras and their imaginations as they step into different worlds of fantasy at the Miracle Art Exhibition.


There are almost 100 paintings guests can interact with at the Miracle Art Exhibition. Each work of art was painted in such a way that looking at it from different angles creates a 3D effect; and guests posing in front of the pictures look as if they were inside the paintings themselves.


Guests can travel through galleries with different themes, from animal and nature pieces, movies, well-known masterpieces, optical illusions and more. They can interact with famous superheroes, escape natural disasters and travel back in time to the land of the dinosaurs – the possibilities of creating wacky and memorable photos with friends and family are endless.


“We’d like to invite everyone to drop by the Miracle Art Exhibition here at Lucky Chinatown. This is one gallery where touching the paintings, creative poses and taking photos are encouraged! It’s a great experience and with a little imagination, you’re sure to come out with a lot of fun photos that you can share,” said Tefel Pesigan-Valentino, Sr. AVP for Marketing and Business Development of Megaworld Corporation.


Tickets are at P300 for Adults, P250 for Students over 12 years old, and P200 for Children. Groups of 10 or more people also get a special 20% discount.


Don’t miss this chance to experience a world of fantasy and illusion at the Miracle Art Exhibition, hosted at the 3rd Floor of Lucky Chinatown Annex A from August to November 2013.


Lucky Chinatown Annex A is located at Reina Regente St. corner Dela Reina St., Binondo, Manila and is open from 10AM to 10PM. For more information, please call the Lucky Chinatown Concierge at 576-8139.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

The UP Repertory Company Presents LEAN: Based on Lean the Musical by Gary Granada

For me, Gary Granada is one of the Philippines' best composers of songs that evoke nationalism and pride in our country. His music is a pleasure to listen to and I'm sure this musical will once more awaken the consciousness of many Filipinos. Please do watch and support this production.

Please view photos taken during the press preview here.

Press Release:

"Huwag ninyong hayaan ang inyong pag-aaral ay maging sagabal sa inyong edukasyon." In between the harsh dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and the triumph of the People Power Revolution, there stood an iconic student activist named Leandro Alejandro. His life of activism takes centerstage in Gary Granada's LEAN THE MUSICAL (1997), beginning with his experiences as a student in UP Diliman and ending with his untimely death at age 27.  Fighting for national democracy in the university and in the nation, Lean would prove his importance in history with his works as an activist, a politician, a friend, a husband, a son and a father. His life has defined an era of student activism and his work still inspires the youth today.


Directed by UP Rep alumna Kathryn Manga and featuring new musical arrangement by Karl Ramirez, LEAN features powerful catchy songs that breathe new life to the many different characters and personas of the 1980s. Through song and dance, the musical not only tells the story of the influential student activist but also creatively re-imagines the loud cries of the masses and the lives of our so-called “iskolar ng bayan” during this era.

As part of its 41st anniversary celebration, The UP Repertory Company proudly presents LEAN, a musical that will surely get your toes tapping with an endless surge of LSS-worthy tunes and creative dances of joy and sorrow while provoking thoughts on our current society, leaving an important question to the audience – kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

LEAN runs on September 9, 14, 16, 21 (3pm and 7pm) and September 13 and 20 (7pm only) at the Dalisay Aldaba Recital Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Tickets: Php 250.00.
Contact Jenica: +63 916 321 0485

ABOUT THE UP REPERTORY COMPANY:
The University of the Philippines Repertory Company (UP REP) is a non-stock, non-profit student theater organization that has delivered performances to a variety of audience, in and outside of the University. The company aims to enlighten its audience on different social issues and to bring Philippine Theater closer to the masses. The organization is nearing its 41st anniversary.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Avida Makes it ‘Homepossible’ to be ‘Indie-fied’

Hey yuppies! Learn how you can invest in a home of your own while you are still young! According to Avida, that is "homepossible"! :)

Press Release:

Avida Land gives young professionals more reason to celebrate as they get closer to their dream of enjoying true personal independence in a home they can call their own. In the upcoming “Project Homepossible: Be Indie-fied” event to be held on August 30-September 1 at the New Glorietta Activity Center, the Ayala Land Inc. subsidiary presents special payment terms that make an Avida home truly affordable to anyone who wants to take the first step toward the “Indie” life of being empowered, and proudly independent.


“Project Homepossible: Be Indie-fied” is a perfect opportunity for interested homebuyers and curious onlookers alike to see for themselves how they, too, can be saying the line “Finally, an Avida for me” if they only set their mind to it. Participants will be given free event passports that will give them access to different booths offering various freebies, special bank loan rates as well as relevant materials pertaining to Avida’s affordable properties. Special discounts and gifts from Avida and participating sponsors will also be given to those who will reserve a unit during the three-day event.

“Project Homepossible: Be Indie-fied” is a sequel to the highly successful Homepossible event held last March, which attracted homebuyers for Avida’s various residential developments across the country.

For more information about Avida’s condominium and house and lot properties in the Philippines, visit www.avidaland.com or call (+632) 848 5200 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-10 848 5200 (outside Metro Manila). To access the “Are You Ready to Own a Condo?” Facebook app, visit www.facebook.com/AvidaLandCorp.

# # #

About Avida Land
An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed yet affordable homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Dole Paints The Town As It Celebrates Kadayawan

Dole Philippines joins the Kadayawan Festival in Davao!

Press Release:

Filipinos love to party. Regardless if it’s a small feat or a great accomplishment, the country of fiesta lovers would always find a way to celebrate. A great example of this are the numerous festivals celebrated all over the country where people are able to showcase true Filipino creativity, resourcefulness, and hospitality.


One of the festivals most people look forward to is the Kadayawan Festival. Probably one of the liveliest and most anticipated of all the fiestas, it definitely is not your ordinary, run of the mill Pinoy gathering. Its raison d’etre is to honor Davao’s many gifts –from the town’s bountiful harvest to its rich artistic and cultural heritage. True to its purpose, this annual week-long party serves as an avenue to celebrate the many talents of the locals. As a means of thanksgiving and celebration, floral floats are showcased during the Kadayawan Parade. Students from different schools also compete in “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan,” a street-dancing competition where participants are decked with the most vibrant and beautiful costumes.

Something new this year is the participation of Dole Philippines in the Kadayawan merriment. As one of the event’s sponsors, Dole was present in all the major events of the festival. For the Pamulak Grand Parade, the brand commissioned a show-stopping float adorned with different symbols representing Davao –Dole’s giant pineapple, an eagle, and a huge durian.  


Dole also contributed to the revelry when it awarded products and cash to the winners of Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan. Hudyakaan was no exception as Dole sponsored some game and fun activities for the festivals many holidaymakers. In line with their “This Is My Dole” campaign, Dole Philippines proved that there really is a Dole for every Filipino by giving out samples of their different product offerings as a cool-down drink and snack.

Davao’s Kadayawan Festival is certainly one of the best things about the Philippines, what makes it better though is when all of the revelry and enjoyment are complemented with Dole Philippine’s  refreshing snacks and drinks.

Stay up-to-date with Dole Philippines by liking Dole PH on Facebook and following @ThisIsMyDole on Twitter and Instagram. Catch your favourite Dole ambassador when you watch the “This is My Dole” music video on www.youtube.com/ThisIsMyDole.


Monday, August 26, 2013

Jollibee Among Top 50 Emerging Fast-Food Chains In US

Wow! Congratulations Jollibee!

Press Release:

Restaurant Business Magazine and monkeydish.com have listed Jollibee as among the 50 fastest growing chains in the United States. The annual ranking is featured in the “Future 50” cover story of the magazine’s July 2013 issue.

Jollibee San Jose
In this year’s Future 50 list, Jollibee joins the ranks of yogurt players’ sweetFrog and Tutti Frutti, popular joints like Shake Shack as well as new restaurant concepts with offerings ranging from burritos, pizzas, pitas and cakes.

“We are very happy to be recognized as among the 50 emerging fast-food chains alongside other small concepts that have surfaced in the US in recent years. This shows that Jollibee’s offerings are continuously being patronized by a growing number of locals and proves the universal appeal of our famous langhap-sarap products like Chickenjoy, Yumburger and Spaghetti,” said JFC USA president Jose Minana, Jr.

The magazine’s “Future 50” list identifies the fastest growing concepts between US$25-50 million in annual sales, a point at which a concept has proven itself and is poised to enter a new level of national awareness.

Jollibee in Los Angeles
Starting as a two-branch ice cream parlor in 1975, Jollibee grew into what is now the largest and most popular fast food chain with over 700 stores nationwide. In 1988, the fast food chain opened its first US store in Daly City, California.

To date, Jollibee has 26 branches in California, Nevada, New York, Washington, Hawaii and New Jersey.

Jollibee has become a household name in the Philippines and in Filipino communities around the world for its Chickenjoy, Jollibee Spaghetti, Palabok Fiesta, Yumburger, and Peach Mango Pie, among other langhap-sarap treats.

Jollibee Union City
In an episode of CNN’s Parts Unknown, even world-renowned celebrity chef, author and host Anthony Bourdain was wowed when he sampled the Amazing Aloha Burger, Little Big Bite (a small sandwich made of fried spam) and Jollibee’s version of Halo-Halo in one of its branches in Los Angeles.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

National Geographic Channel Presents New Original Series "I Wouldn't Go There"

I was invited to the exclusive screening but begged off because I didn't think my heart could take it :) My husband joined the trip to Clark though. Click here to read his personal account of their experiences there.

Photos courtesy of Trails Unlimited. For more pictures, please check out this Facebook page album

Press Release:

Last August 16, 2013, National Geographic Channel (NGC) treated members of the press and honored guests to an advanced screening of their new documentary series, “I Wouldn’t Go There”, a show about historical places around Asia that that have gained a reputation among some locals for being haunted. The private screening was held at the abandoned Clark Air Base hospital, which was where the events that were recounted in the Philippine episode of the show took place.


Viewing “I Wouldn’t Go There” at the Clark Air Base Hospital, where numerous hauntings have been reported, gave National Geographic Channel’s guests a unique viewing experience. Seeing the hauntings re-enacted onscreen while occupying the very halls in which they occurred immersed them in what witnesses in the program claim they experienced.

EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY

“I Wouldn’t Go There” will feature noted sites around Asia that have been steeped in rumors of the supernatural over 10 episodes, backing up the re-enactment of reported hauntings with eyewitness testimony of ghostly encounters. In the Philippine episode, witnesses to sightings of ghosts and apparitions in Clark Air Base Hospital will be interviewed, and a deeper inquiry into the roots of these stories will be made.


Clark Air Base once housed 15,000 servicemen at its peak and was the base of major operations for the US during World War II. In particular, the base hospital and its morgue had seen many horrors throughout its existence. Thousands of dead or horrifically wounded soldiers were flown in during the Vietnam War, and many lives had been lost within its walls.

HISTORICAL TRUTH

The opinions of experts on history, culture and the paranormal lend “I Wouldn’t Go There” an authenticity that goes beyond that of the usual paranormal show. In this show, NGC highlights the historical value of such places of horror around Asia, as well as the rich culture of superstition that pervades throughout the Asian consciousness, allowing witnesses to see and believe the unimaginable for what they are.


Besides the Clark Air Base Hospital in the Philippines, other places that will be featured in Asia on “I Wouldn’t Go There” include Yeongdeok House in Korea, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, Tat Tak school in Hong Kong, and Jingmei Detention Center in Taiwan. Many locations have bloody histories that have remained in the locals’ psyche and shaped their beliefs through the years.

NGC’s viewers can catch the premiere of its newest investigative series “I Wouldn’t Go There” on August 23, 2013 at 9 PM. “I Wouldn’t Go There” will show every Friday at 9 PM, only on the National Geographic Channel.


Friday, August 16, 2013

WICKED: A New Musical Original 2003 Broadway Cast Recording Out Now!

Before the live show is staged, start listening to the music of this Broadway blockbuster!

Press Release: 

Decca Broadway proudly presents the Original 2003 Broadway Cast Recording of WICKED, Broadway's most talked about new musical, exclusively distributed under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). The box office record-breaker has already grossed over $10 million. The score was written by Stephen Schwartz (Broadway's Pippin, Godspell), libretto by Winnie Holzman (TV's My So-Called Life) and based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. Hit songs from the musical include “Defying Gravity”, “Popular” and “For Good”. The musical is a prequel to the legendary classic, THE WIZARD OF OZ.


WICKED explores the early life of the witches of Oz: Glinda and Elphaba. One witch, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED’s Original Broadway Cast Recording stars Tony Award® winner Kristin Chenoweth (You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown) as Glinda, Idina Menzel (Rent) as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Tony® and Oscar® Winner Joel Grey (Cabaret) as The Wizard. The album features an essay by novelist Gregory Maguire, original colored photos from the show and a complete libretto.

It has also been announced that WICKED Worldwide is bringing ‘Broadway’s Biggest Blockbuster’ to Manila. Presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, 105.9 Radio High and Concertus, in cooperation with WICKED Worldwide, Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked: The Untold Stories of the Witches of Oz" begins to weave its magic beginning January 22, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Tickets are already available at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

WICKED: A NEW MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is now available online via Smart Music http://www.smart.com.ph/music or iTunes http://smarturl.it/Wicked2003ph. Also available in CDs at Astroplus, Fully Booked and Odyssey Music & Video.


Wednesday, August 14, 2013

When Facebook data is leaked: To delete or not to delete?

Please read. It always pays to be cautious, especially when it comes to personal information online ...

Press Release:

Over the last nine years, Facebook has grown from a small social networking site originally intended for college students into a worldwide platform that is now used not only by private users, but by some of the world’s largest corporations. In Asia, the Philippines currently tops the list of Facebook users with 30 million accounts and 92.2% penetration rate.

However, with the enormous expansion and popularity of Facebook comes increased concerns over the privacy it offers to its users. In fact, the extreme popularity of this social networking site makes it one of the most dangerous places on the Internet.


According to Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of security and threat management solutions, it may be time to reevaluate your favorite social media channel and think about whether there is a need to deactivate or permanently delete your Facebook account to reduce the risk of a privacy breach.

But when do you actually deactivate or delete your Facebook account? Privacy should be a key factor in considering if a Facebook account should be deleted, deactivated or if simple changes on account and privacy settings should only be made. 

A recent incident was reported lately about the leak of information of at least 6 million users from Facebook. It was faulted on a coding error in Facebook, which allowed unauthorized downloading of other people’s information using Facebook’s own Download Your Information (DYI) tool.

Facebook blocked the DYI tool as soon as the leakage was discovered. But when it’s about the Internet, even a few minutes is already worth several days. Once leaked, the data is made public online forever.

“This is one of the demonstrations that even the best cloud services like Facebook are not flawless. Therefore, every user should have a plan of action in case of a crash,” wrote Serge Malenkovich in the Kaspersky Lab Daily blog.

“As safe as one may feel with the privacy settings that they have set up for their accounts, one should always be aware of the dangers that lurk when it comes to sharing information on Facebook,” added Kaspersky Lab Daily’s Cassie Bodnar.

One major consideration in deleting a Facebook account is if a user is absolutely certain of what Facebook would be doing to information from their users. Facebook’s Data Use Policy states it is constantly collecting your personal information to bring you better, more targeted advertising and to improve your overall user experience. But, in doing so, it may also be compromising your privacy.

Malenkovich suggested the following ways to protect information stored in social networking sites like Facebook.

> Use a trusted e-mail address to receive notifications from social networks. You’ll need a separate email to communicate with your colleagues and friends. You also need another highly secure account to receive letters from your bank and other important institutions.
> Consider having a separate cell phone number for important information.
> There is always a possibility of error. If you made some post or photo to be viewed by “Friends” only or even “Private,” it doesn't guarantee that no one will ever see it.  It is best to share sensitive items in person, or by means of direct communication.
> If you store data in a cloud-based service like Facebook only for yourself, consider encrypting it.

Bryan Sat, Kaspersky Lab Business Development Manager for the Philippines, said an ordinary person can perform a simple encryption method using a very strong password for each web service or online account that one has.

“It is highly recommended to create unique and complicated passwords— a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numerals and symbols— so there will be difficulty gaining unauthorized access to your account,” Sat said.

Bodnar also added that if you feel that privacy is being compromised and may decide that it’s time to delete the account, you can use these steps to do so:

There are two options when it comes to closing out Facebook profile: deactivation or deletion.

Deactivating the account will simply put everything on hold. When choosing this option, your Timeline will no longer be publically visible, but the information will remain stored within Facebook in case you choose to reactivate the account at a later time. Kaspersky Lab reminds that if you decide to deactivate the account, the profile will still show up in user’s friends’ lists of friends, but it will be inaccessible once clicked on.

However, there are a few more items to consider when the decision for deletion is being considered. These include taking back all the information stored on personal accounts, which could amount to thousands of photos, videos, and important links.

It may take a month for the profile to actually disappear and up to 90 days for it to be removed from Facebook’s computer system entirely. Once the profile is deleted there is no way to retrieve any of your information.

However, Facebook does offer the option to download a copy of your info before deletion, including your entire Timeline (posts, photos, messages etc.), an expanded archive and the activity log.

Sat reminds users to assess the consequences and benefits of deleting one’s account. There are still many ways to protect information stored in Facebook, which only requires users’ utmost attention to privacy settings.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Without a Doubt, Crocs is Your Rainy-Weather Shoe

Looking for rainy weather shoes? Here are some!

Press Release:

The surge of the rainy season has begun, and this calls for you to scour through your closet to find the right garb for wet occasions. But despite the cozy comfort it brings, nothing sours a good mood faster than when your tootsies get soaked in water; what’s even worse is the aftermath: your lovely shoes drenched in water and mud.


So set aside these worries and don’t let the rain dampen your stylish spirit, as you can enjoy any weather by donning a pair that keeps your feet dry, protected, with minimal maintenance needed. And with that requirement, you can always count on Crocs.

Crocs, the world’s go-to comfort footwear brand, launches its new collection of rain-ready shoes. Known and loved for its comfort and durability, Crocs has now expanded its designs that can easily complement different outfits and personalities – be it casual chic or street urban styles.

If you want style, then the Wellie Rain Boots are made for you. Available in both men and women’s styles, these classic pull-on boots give ultimate cushioning and promise waterproof protection. They also have traction pods needed when walking on slippery surfaces. And the last thing you need to worry about any Crocs pair is the weight.


When it comes to chic, all-weather flats, turn into the Super Molded and the Kadee. You can go in and out of the rain in confidence with its easy-to-clean feature – just a simple wipe and you’re all set once again for the outdoors.

Come prepared in any rainy-day escapade with Crocs. Because comfort, style, and functionality are top priorities that Crocs can always guarantee. Available in men, women, and kid’s sizes, visit your favorite Crocs store near you and try on a pair.


Monday, August 12, 2013

When the Dead Won’t Rest, the R.I.P.D. Won’t Quit

This sounds like a very interesting story!

Press Release:

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds headline the 3D supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. as two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people.  His mission?  To arrest and bring to justice a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth.


Once the wise-cracking Roy is assigned former rising-star detective Nick Walker (Reynolds) as his junior officer, the new partners have to turn grudging respect into top-notch teamwork.  When they uncover a plot that could end life as we know it, two of R.I.P.D.’s finest must miraculously restore the cosmic balance...or watch the tunnel to the afterlife begin sending angry souls the very wrong way.

Starring alongside Bridges and Reynolds in R.I.P.D.  are KEVIN BACON (X-Men: First Class) as Bobby Hayes, Nick’s partner before he’s taken out in the line of duty; MARY-LOUISE PARKER (television’s Weeds) as Proctor, Nick and Roy’s tough-as-nails bureau chief in the R.I.P.D.; and STEPHANIE SZOSTAK (Iron Man 3) as Julia, Nick’s widow who must find out the reason behind his untimely departure before she is forced to play an unwelcome role in the world’s end.

Rounding out the cast of supporting roles are legendary character actor JAMES HONG (Blade Runner) as Nick’s very unexpected elderly avatar and supermodel MARISA MILLER (television’s Gary Unmarried) as Roy’s very sexy one.  Playing three felons on the run from the R.I.P.D. are ROBERT KNEPPER (TV’s Cult) as the pack rat Stanley Nawicki, MIKE O’MALLEY (TV’s Glee) as the Boston Red Sox-obsessed Elliot and DEVIN RATRAY (Side Effects) as the swaggering, Elvis-inspired Pulaski.


R.I.P.D. is directed by Robert Schwentke (Red) and produced by Neal H. Moritz (Fast & Furious series, I Am Legend), Mike Richardson (Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army) and Michael Fottrell (Fast & Furious series, Live Free or Die Hard).

R.I.P.D. is based on the Dark Horse comic created by PETER M. LENKOV (television’s 24, Hawaii Five-0), and it is from a story by DAVID DOBKIN (Wedding Crashers, The Change-Up) & PHIL HAY & MATT MANFREDI (Clash of the Titans, upcoming Ride Along).  The film’s screenplay is by Hay & Manfredi.

Executive producers on R.I.P.D. are ORI MARMUR (The Green Hornet), Reynolds, JONATHON KOMACK MARTIN (The Change-Up), Dobkin, KEITH GOLDBERG (17 Again) and Lenkov.

“RIPD” opens August 21, 2013 in theaters nationwide is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation.

For more information and the latest updates on upcoming movies “Like” Solar-UIP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SolarUIPPhil


Thursday, August 8, 2013

Get Ready For The RUSH!

For the car racing enthusiasts, here's an upcoming movie for you!

Press Release:

RUSH, the epic action-drama stars Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers) as the charismatic Englishman James Hunt and Daniel BrĆ¼hl (Inglourious Basterds) as the disciplined Austrian perfectionist Niki Lauda, whose clashes on the Grand Prix racetrack epitomized the contrast between these two extraordinary characters, a distinction reflected in their private lives.


Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, Rush portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the world has ever witnessed—handsome English playboy Hunt and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Lauda.


Taking us into their personal lives on and off the track, Rush follows the two drivers as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error. If you make one mistake, you die.


Two-time Academy Award® winner Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, Frost/Nixon), teams once again with fellow two-time Academy Award® nominee, writer Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Queen), on Rush, a spectacular big-screen re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda.


“RUSH” will be released and distributed by Captive Cinema to hit theaters soon…nationwide!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

All Things Grand this August at Crimson Hotel

Looking for good promos this month? Check these out!

Press Release:

Expect a grand moment this month of August as Crimson Hotel lines up nothing but the finest offerings in the South Metro.

Relaxing getaways need not to be hours away from the bustling city. Crimson Hotel invites guests to an exceptional weekend stay at the South for only Php4,000 nett valid from Friday to Sunday bookings. 

This package accords guests to an overnight stay in the comfort of a Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast for 2 adults & 2 kids who are 8 years old and below, 15% discount on food at CafĆ© Eight, ‘Buy One Get One’ offer on standard drinks at The Lobby Lounge plus free platter of nachos.


Let the newly-opened swimming pool of Crimson Hotel cap-off your memorable stay. Located at the 8th floor, guests may embrace their own private oasis in the city. It has separate pools for adults and children set at the upper deck area for exclusive use of registered hotel guests. It features luxurious Dedon loungers, perfect for relaxation.

Make the most out of the night by having a cocktail fix at the hotel’s al fresco bar, The Deck Bar. Enjoy the ambience of a one-of-a-kind hotel experience presenting a selection of a la carte dishes, specialty drinks, wines and spirits.


Another CafĆ© Eight Food Festival is set to excite everyone’s hunger for gastronomic experience. Take an easy flight for your senses as Crimson Hotel brings you Flavors of Southeast Asian Cuisine. Featuring distinct flavors from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, this feast promises a melting-pot of diverse and palatable dishes specially whipped for CafĆ© Eight diners.

Guest Malaysian Chef Alex Chong will spice up the buffet spread with free flowing and refreshing Thai-Tamarind Iced Tea.  Rate is at Php 1,250++ available for lunch and 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 on Twitter for more updates.


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Seven-Year Old Liver Transplant Survivor Gets A Shout-Out From The Cake Boss

Awww, such a sweet gesture! Thank you Cake Boss for making a Filipino child happy!

Press Release:

An avid viewer of Cake Boss, a popular reality show on cable channel TLC, Erin Pasimio’s wish for her seventh birthday was to meet the show’s star, Buddy Valastro.

Valastro is the boss referred to in Cake Boss, which follows the operations of Carlo’s Bakery, a business owned and operated by Valastro and his siblings in Hoboken, New Jersey.  The show features how they make their signature cakes, as well as the interpersonal relationships between the family members.


Knowing that Valastro was based in the U.S., a meet and greet would entail a significant investment for the Pasimio family.  Erin’s father, Sonny, sought for a more viable alternative to make his daughter’s dream come true and that is when he decided to take a chance through Buddy Valastro’s Facebook page.

He posted: “I am Sonny, father to our beautiful miracle daughter Erin. She is your biggest fan and thinks you are the best baker in the universe, especially after watching you frost a cake and make a flower blindfolded!

“She was born with a defective liver and came very close to dying.  But with God’s blessing, Erin’s fighting spirit and a liver donation from her mom, she miraculously bounced back after a transplant when she was one year old.

“She is turning 7 on June 3 and would like nothing more than to meet you in person. I promised her that I would save up to make her dream come true someday, but in the meantime, any greeting from you would mean the world to Erin. Hope you can grant our little request Buddy.”

A member of Discovery Networks Asia Pacific’s (DNAP) PR counsel in the Philippines spotted this post and brought it to the attention of DNAP. DNAP, which operates television networks Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Discovery Kids in Asia, then made a request directly to Buddy Valastro’s team.

“It was a long shot, but one Erin believed can really happen. When she saw my letter in Facebook, she was so thrilled that we were chasing that dream together,” narrated Sonny.

Early in July of this year, Erin got her wish through a video message from Buddy Valastro himself as posted on the TLC Southeast Asia Facebook page.  In the video, Valastro was shown wearing his Cake Boss uniform, with a special message for Erin:


“Hey Erin, I heard you’re a big fan of Cake Boss and I appreciate it so much. We love all the fans in the Philippines and I want to wish you a happy belated seventh birthday. Hope you feel better. Cake Boss loves you, Erin!”

The Pasimio Family, especially Erin, was more than elated.  The family extended their appreciation by replying to the same Facebook post:  “Thank you very much Mr. Buddy Valastro for granting our dear Erin's wish! She will be very happy to watch this birthday message from the Cake Boss. You are an inspiration to our little girl. More blessings to you and your family,” wrote Erin’s mother, Ria.

Now on its fifth season, Buddy Valastro and his family continue to be an inspiration to Erin and many other Cake Boss fans all over the world.  Viewers can catch CAKE BOSS SEASON 5, as it premieres on August 14 at 7:00 p.m. only on TLC.  


Monday, August 5, 2013

Richard Clayderman Live! In Manila On November 16

My dad used to listen a lot to Richard Clayderman cassette tapes when I was small so I am very familiar with this pianist. Too bad my father is no longer here. I am sure he would love to watch this upcoming concert with me!

Press Release:

World renowned pianist, Richard Clayderman, is coming to Manila for his very first concert! MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) proudly presents Richard Clayderman: The Romantique Concert Live! In Manila on November 16, Saturday, 8 in the evening at the PICC Plenary Hall. Check out www.smtickets.com for ticket details. 


Richard Clayderman has done what virtually no other French act has ever done -- established an international career as a best-selling recording artist and concert performer. The most popular pianist in the world has sold over 80 million records with his biggest hit, Olivier Toussaint’s “Ballade Pour Adeline”, selling 22 million units worldwide. 


Dubbed “The Prince of Romance” by US First Lady Nancy Reagan, the French-born pianist is back with a new album aptly titled Romantique ---- a gorgeous collection of classic love songs which combines his 'trademark' originals with classics and pop standards.


Richard Clayderman’s latest album “Romantique” is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via Smart Music http://www.smart.com.ph/music or iTunes http://smarturl.it/RCromantiqueph 


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Clipper Mania Hits Manila

No one in my family smokes but we still find lighters useful for various stuff especially when outdoors. If you prefer lighters with fun designs, you should check out some of these!

Press Release:

Clipper Super Lighter, the world’s number one refillable lighter, has finally arrived in Manila. Known for its iconic designs and collectible lines, Clipper Super Lighter has become a collector’s item the world over, transcending the staple functionality of a lighter into a display statement.


The exclusive Philippine importer and distributor of Clipper Super Lighter is ADP Industries Corporation, which has made a name for itself for introducing globally renowned fast-moving consumer goods to the country. Its portfolio varies from tobacco accessories, food items such as confectioneries, snacks, wines, and beverages, to personal care and specialty/novelty products.


Says Aaron Palileo, Vice President for Sales and Marketing at ADP Industries, “Clipper Super Lighter is more than a kitchen or personal tool. We saw it as a perfect combination of portable form and function. It blends the myriad uses of a lighter with the fun, funky, and almost infinite designs to choose from with the Clipper Super Lighter. We brought the brand to the Philippines because we believe in its blend of supreme safety and daring designs. For example, the electronic line has buttons that are harder to press, making them child-resistant and safe to keep within reach.”


Clipper Super Lighter is now available at all Mini Stop Convenience Stores and Fuma Tobacco Retailers and coming soon to all major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.clipper.ph


Saturday, August 3, 2013

‘ChloĆ« Grace Moretz’ Hit Girl is back in Kick-Ass 2

Calling all fans of the Kick-Ass movie ... the sequel will be showing soon!

Press Release:

Kick-Ass wouldn’t be half the hero he is without Hit Girl, and no sequel would begin production without her in the mix.  Imagined by Award winning writer Mark Millar as a tribute to his eldest daughter, Hit Girl has struck a chord with readers since her introduction and grown exponentially in popularity.  The young woman who brought her to life, ChloĆ« Grace Moretz, has been working up a storm—earning critical acclaim in such fare as Let Me In, as well as working with the likes of Martin Scorsese in Hugo and Tim Burton in Dark Shadows and soon to be seen starring opposite Julianne Moore as the title character in the remake of Carrie.  Like her co-stars, she was thrilled to step back into her Kick-Ass role as Hit Girl, unfazed by the commotion caused by her appearance the first time around.


"The obvious difference is that I'm older now, and the difference between 11 and 15, which is how old I was when we finished, is that you're a different person, obviously," Executive Producer Neal H. Moretz reveals. "You're calculating more ideas, you're experiencing more things in your own life, you're not just living through other people's eyes, you're making your own decisions."

For the 2010 film, the now 16-year-old actress took the world by roundhouse kick with not only her acting abilities, but her phenomenal mastery of weaponry and martial arts.  Indeed, Moretz didn’t know she was prescient when she joked at the premiere of the first film that she wanted to ride a purple Ducati: Hit Girl’s bike of choice in Kick-Ass 2.  Laughs Moretz: “To get in the costume again and do all the stunts was pretty amazing.  I’ve had such a great time reliving the character and bringing in more dimensions, while taking an older approach to the role.  I liked seeing what I could play within the part.”


We meet a now-orphaned 9th grader in Kick-Ass 2, a girl who is more terrified of the treacherous girls in school than she ever was of the villains that she and Big Daddy took down.  Moretz describes where we meet Mindy: “She’s skipping school, still being a vigilante and caring more about Hit Girl’s life than Mindy’s.  Because she doesn’t have Big Daddy anymore, and Marcus is much more of a normal parent than Big Daddy, she starts to question herself.  She promises Marcus she’ll stop being Hit Girl and begins to figure out her life a bit.  The thing is…Mindy can’t really change.”

Mindy McCready's life also comes as a direct response to the previous one (also known as 2010's "Kick-Ass"), and that chapter doesn't read the same way this time around.


"Here's this little girl who is basically raised to be an assassin by this man who is insane," director Jeff Wadlow explains. "I mean, Big Daddy is treated like a hero in the first film, but in our film we even take a step back and say, no, he loves his daughter and that's a good thing, but he was totally crazy and he robbed her of any kind of normal life. We try to deal with that in a very real way."

"What Jeff and I really wanted to improve was the real heart of it," says Moretz. "Because I wanted to show that this girl didn't have a father anymore and how much that affected her. She's really confused and going through the self-torture of, 'Am I killing people because this is what I was raised to believe was a good thing, or am I just murdering people?'"


Moretz also promises that Hit-Girl's physicality will be different in the sequel, thanks to one big change: no guns. Well, mostly no guns. "I wanted to show this darker side to her, and I also wanted to make the action a little bit different. So we basically scrapped the guns. I do use guns a little bit in the movie, but we basically do hand-to-hand combat and it's just a lot more hands-on."

Drawing on the source material, Director Jeff Wadlow and the producers were interested in exploring what happens when Mindy stops being Hit Girl and grapples with life and love as a high-school student.  The director felt that no other performer but Moretz could possibly deliver that.  He says: “There’s something incredibly special about ChloĆ« that is hard to describe and quantify, but when you see her on screen you instantly understand.  As a director, it was exciting for me to work with someone like her, because normally I like to dissect the character and intellectualize the story.  ChloĆ« just gets it immediately; she doesn’t need me to pontificate.”


Wadlow found that the usual manner of directing an actor wouldn’t work with Moretz.  He proudly says: “ChloĆ« understands how to create a moment in a way that you can’t teach or talk about it.  She just does it, and she does it every take.  It’s funny because we’d talk about a scene, about where I wanted it to go or how it fits into the larger story, and sometimes I’d wonder if what I was saying even made sense.  But then we’d shoot it, and ChloĆ« would deliver—take after take.  I don’t think of her as a kid at all.  I talk to her as a peer because she is so incredibly savvy and mature, but also willing to be goofy and not at all self-conscious.  She’s just an amazing actress.”

“Kick-Ass 2” is released and distributed by Universal Pictures and United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.


Friday, August 2, 2013

HealthSolutions and Siemens Launch Breakthrough Ultrasound Units

Here's an interesting health-related news ...

Press Release:

Taking the Leap to Freedom! Ultrasound goes wireless. The ACUSON Freestyle ultrasound system is the world’s first and only ultrasound system with wireless transducers, providing maximum portability and freedom while scanning. It is designed to meet the needs of point-of-care clinicians.

Committed to deliver innovative products to its customers, Siemens and its distributor HealthSolutions Enterprises, Inc. launched all four ultrasound units—the ACUSON P300, ACUSON X700, ACUSON S3000 and ACUSON Freestyle at Marriott Hotel Manila, Pasay City, with lectures and demonstrations.

Each unit can deliver quality imaging on cardiology, obstetrics, gynecology, musculoskeletal and other internal body parts.


ACUSON P300 is a compact, portable ultrasound system which makes it easy to transfer from one room to another. It is an ideal choice for environments that lack space or require multi-use.

ACUSON X700 provides exceptionally detailed images and assesses subtle changes in tissues. Perfect for clinics and hospitals, the system is designed to be compatible with a variety of options, making it open for future upgrades.

ACUSON S3000 is Siemens’ latest premium ultrasound system providing workflow excellence. With its advanced general imaging technology software packages, the system offers superior image quality, upgradeability and technology migration.

The S3000 is also equipped with Clarify Vascular Enhancement technology which reduces image noise and artifacts to provide exceptional contrast resolution and clear description of organs and vessels.

Ultrasound, which has been present in the medical industry for decades, is used to examine organs and systems inside the body without cutting through skin.

It involves high-frequency sound waves, creating images of various organs in the body. Unlike X-ray and CT scan, ultrasound has no ionizing radiation exposure which makes it safer.

HealthSolutions Enterprises, Inc. is one with Siemens in the commitment of providing products and educational programs that enhances professional knowledge, especially in medicine.

The ACUSON P300, X700, S3000 and Freestyle are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by HealthSolutions Enterprises, Inc. For inquiries, please contact its hotline at (02) 836-5858 to 62.


Thursday, August 1, 2013

If You Can Dream It, They Can Build It! Tanked Returns With A Splash For More Out-Of-This-World Aquarium Building

This is a fascinating show that will almost always leave you amazed!

Press Release:

The mention of an aquarium may bring to mind images of goldfish swimming in a bowl, but the guys at Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) would much rather imagine sharks and alligators gliding in a massive tank! Get reeled into the wet and wonderful world of larger-than-life aquariums this August on TANKED 3, where bigger is always better. No creative project is too outlandish for Wayde King and Brett Raymer, co-owners of the Las Vegas-based family business that has built the most jaw-dropping aquariums for top celebrities, Fortune 500 businesses, millionaire homeowners and more. 


After successfully swimming their way through crazy builds in previous seasons including the world’s tallest smoothie cup aquarium and a smoking hot tank with fire on the inside, can ATM top it off in TANKED 3 or are they submerged way over their heads? Viewers are in for a wild, wet ride on TANKED 3 every Wednesday at 10:00 p.m., starting August 7. Encores every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

A 20-part series, TANKED 3 sees ATM wade into dangerous territory as it takes on more mind-blowing projects that push the limits of creativity - and even safety. The team has to build a mammoth indoor tank that will house alligators and sharks, a donut-shaped aquarium made to look dunked into a cup of coffee, a syringe-shaped tank containing a beating heart, and even a stingray tank for National Basketball Association (NBA) star, Dwayne Wade. In this season, Wayde and Brett also face their most difficult clients yet – themselves! ATM is moving into a new shop and needs a personalised tank to complete the look. How can the world’s most successful aquarium builders outdo themselves when they become the harshest critics of their own masterpiece?  


Even after taking more than 200 projects every year with aquariums ranging from 50 to 50,000 gallons in size, every day is still a surprise for the high-decibel family-owned business. Can there ever be a tank large enough to contain the massive personalities of the exuberant cast including Wayde’s wife and Brett’s sister Heather King, her father “General” Irwin Raymer, Robbie "Redneck" Christlieb and Agnes Wilczynski? Get dunked into a massive pool of creative fun in the following episodes of TANKED 3:

JURASSIC CAMPGROUND
Wayde and Brett let Robbie show off his Recreational Vehicle (RV) knowledge by letting him design an RV aquarium. The guys step into dangerous territory as they construct a massive indoor tank for some of the deadliest creatures around – alligators and sharks! Wayde and Brett must figure out how to keep these ancient hunters from battling it out in the same aquarium.


A GUIDING LIGHT TO FITNESS
Wayde and Brett get physical when they build a multi-activity tank for fitness mogul Mark Mastrov. Down south, the guys are building an enormous hexagonal shaped tank for a casino in Alabama that must include a scaled replica of the famed Middle Bay Lighthouse. The duo jump aboard a boat and check out this historical landmark to make sure that the replication is spot on.

NIGIRI AND THE NBA
Wayde and Brett have the coveted task of creating a stingray tank for the National Basketball Association (NBA) star Dwyane Wade as he launches his new shoe line. As it is a temporary installation made especially for Dwyane Wade’s party, the guys must deal with the hefty task of installing a functioning tank for a myriad of celebrities and professional athletes, and then tear it all down within a mere 36 hours! In North Carolina, the ATM team makes an aquarium filled with sushi and burgers for a restaurant specialising in the new burger-sushi concept called ‘bugushi.’


FERMENTING DONUTS
Wayde and Brett dive into a brand new undertaking that involves transporting an operational beer fermenter for a new brewery in town. They then head south to create an iconic donut-shaped tank inspired by Dunkin' Donuts. The aquarium will be dunked into a replication of a steaming hot cup of coffee, and everyone gets in on the fun when it is time to choose the coveted hand model needed to create the tank.

A HEALTHY DOSE OF ATM
Wayde and Brett tackle a strange request by a healthcare provider for a syringe-shaped aquarium. When Brett makes a blunder, the guys end up being forced to put a beating heart inside the tank! The duo ends up having to construct a tank for themselves as ATM has moved into a new shop and must build its own signature aquarium. It is all hands on deck in order to create mini replications of ATM’s off-the-wall aquariums that will be included in the massive new tank.

POPCORN ON THE HIGH SEAS
When a shopping mall enlists Wayde and Brett’s help to turn a seating area in their new food court into a one-of-a-kind sailboat tank, the guys look to the United States Naval Academy for inspiration. Back in Vegas, a friend of Heather’s commissions ATM to transform a vintage popcorn machine into a functional freshwater tank for her Popcorn Girl store. Before the guys can get cracking, they must first track down the perfect popcorn machine.


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