9 Works Theatrical Stages La Cage Aux Folles

Star-studded cast! I hope I'll be able to watch this!

Press Release:

Five simple words: I am what I am

Picture this. Lights dim. A momentous hush. Bells sounding as the curtains rise. The audience embarking on a collective gasp. And then immediately they smile. A feeling that is foreign and yet stays on even as the marquee closes. Staged all over the world from Germany to Korea, Mexico to Australia, one of Broadway’s most beloved hit musicals is finally in Manila. Welcome, ladies and gents, to the La Cage Aux Folles!

“We are what we are, and what we are, is an illusion.” 

Now imagine this. A row of beautiful cagelles, calling to mind a chorus line of sorts – all breathtaking and gorgeous as corps de ballet. Whether in exotic behest or as can-can dancers from the Montmartre, they summon a kind of panache, style, and pizazz that has made Ben Brantley of The New York Times consider this show a “triumph of musical theater… an old-fashioned, feel-good musical (which “La Cage” defiantly is)” that demands a leap of faith from its audiences, here and around the world. 

Based on the 1973 French play by Jean Poiret, this brave musical hit in which the movie Birdcage was based, focuses on the love story between gay couple Georges, who manages a nightclub at Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who is the club’s star attraction. The action ensues when Georges’ son Jean-Michel brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them. Mayhem erupts, hilarity surfaces, and family ties and personal beliefs are set to the tempest.

“With musicals such as Caredivas, Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert being well-received by our local audiences, La Cage Aux Folles arrives at an opportune time when conversation is high and ripe about the gay community,” shares 9 Works Theatrical artistic director Robbie Guevara. “The musical sheds light on issues such as acceptance, gender equality, but triumphs more so in its universality. It’s a musical that speaks to everybody. At the core of its action are friendship, family, love and how it can exist between two people regardless of sex, background, or ideology.” Executive producer Santi Santamaria adds, “It’s a show that Filipino audiences will definitely be able to relate to, a musical that they can embrace and call their own.”

Michael de Mesa and Audie Gemora

With book by theater icon Harvey Fierstein (author of the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots), and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly! and Mame), what could have easily been a polemic diatribe on gay rights becomes this charming, colorful musical of the old-fashioned kind, calling to mind what Jerry Herman said in his 1984 Tony acceptance speech for the show: “There is a rumor going around for a couple of years that the simple, hummable show tune, was no longer welcome on Broadway. Well, it’s alive and well at the palace.”

La Cage Aux Folles anthemic tune, “I Am What I Am” has become a rallying cry of sorts for the gay community, having been covered by the likes of Shirley Bassey and Gloria Gaynor, which eventually went on to top the UK charts. 

For this production, the Philstage Gawad Buhay award-winning theater company has tapped two of Philippine theater’s finest stars to breathe new life into Georges and Albin. 

Raul Montesa and Sheila Francisco

First the multi-awarded theater actor and director, Audie Gemora as the flamboyant and larger than life Albin. You will remember Audie’s star turn in The Producers as the cross-dressing, washed-up director Roger de Bris, ushering one of the most memorable performances and stage moments of the 2013 theatrical season. 

And second, star of stage and screen, showbiz royalty, and one of the entertainment scene’s most well-loved and respected personalities, Michael de Mesa in the role of the sensitive and loving Georges. Like Gemora, he has had his fair share of memorable roles on stage, most notably as Tracy’s mom Edna Turnblad in the musical Hairspray. 

“Our decision to do La Cage was so much hinged on having these two brilliant actors onboard,” shares Santamaria. “We got our dream team! And we can’t wait for audiences to see what these luminaries have in store for them.” 

Noel Rayos, Analin Bantug, and Rafa Siguion-Reyna

Joining Audie and Michael is a host of the who’s who of Philippine stage and screen. Miss Saigon alumnus Raul Montesa and star of West End and theater stalwart Sheila Francisco play the ultra conservative Monsieur Edouard Dindon and Madame Marie Dindon, respectively. Miss Saigon alumna Analin Bantug plays restaurant owner Jacqueline while theater veteran Noel Rayos plays Jacob, Albin’s personal assistant and butler. 

Following his foray into musical theater via 9 Works Theatrical’s Grease, GMA Kapuso actor Steven Silva continues his thespian streak as Jean-Michel, Georges’ son from a confused youthful liaison he had many years ago. He will be joined by theater newcomers but by no means new to the world of the performing arts – Missy Macuja-Elizalde daughter of prima ballerina Liza Macuja, who is herself a rising star of the ballet stage, and Joni Galeste, a soloist for the Philippine Ballet Theater. They will be alternating in the role of Anne Dindon, Jean-Michel’s fiancée.

Steven Silva and Missy Macuja-Elizalde

Transforming as Les Cagelles is a cross-section of performers from the contemporary dance world, theater, and showbiz, among which are JP Basco, Mara Celine Javier, Randi de Guzman, Carlos Deriada, Chesko Rodriguez, Dindo Divinagracia, Cheeno Macaraig, James Stacey, and TV and film actor Rafa Siguion-Reyna in a role unlike anything you’ve seen him play before.

The musical will be directed by Robbie Guevara, with scenic and costume design by Mio Infante, and special participation of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines; choreography by Arnold Trinidad, PJ Rebullida, and Yek Barlongay; musical direction by Joseph Tolentino and Sweet Plantado-Tiongson; lighting design by Martin Esteva; technical direction by Dong Calingacion; hair and makeup design by Myrene Santos; and additional costume execution by Twinkle Zamora; photography by Leo Castillo and graphic design by Larry Palma.

Joni Galeste

Heading the production team is executive producer Santi Santamaria, with Anna Santamaria as company manager; Toff de Venecia as PR director; GM Hernandez as marketing manager; Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers; Randy Salvador as production manager; and Mikey Garcia as stage manager. 

La Cage Aux Folles will be shown at the RCBC Plaza, Makati on February 28, March 1, 7, 8, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 2015, with Friday and Saturday galas at 8:00pm, Saturday matinees at 3:30pm, and Sunday matinees at 4:00pm.

A limited number of performances are available for fundraising and block-buying. For tickets and other inquiries, please call 586.7105 or 0917.554.5560, or email info@9workstheatrical.com. Facebook: 9workstheatrical. Twitter & Instagram: @9WTonline. Hashtag: #LaCageManila  

La Cage Cast and Team with FDAP

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is presented by 9 Works Theatrical and The Rockwell Club, with MAC Cosmetics as the Official Makeup Sponsor. Official photos by Photoworks Academy. and presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.      

Happening on Feb. 21-22, 2015: Mabuhay Germany 2015 - Connect Now!

Have you always been curious about Germany and want to know more about this country? Here's a great way to do so! 

Press Release:

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI) together with the German Embassy Manila, Goethe Institut, and the German European School Manila invite you to:

"Mabuhay Germany 2015 - Connect Now!"

Mabuhay Germany will turn Bonifacio High Street, once again into a festival of German products, food, culture and fun this coming 21 - 22 February. The annual Mabuhay Germany in Fort Bonifacio is the biggest German-Philippine exhibition in the country.

Dozens of companies will showcase their high-quality goods and services, while German organizations and institutions present their various activities in fields like development cooperation, education, and cultural work.

The weekend under the slogan "Connect Now!" will be filled with live music and performances, games for all ages like the German Chamber Bingo, and sport activities like the Run for Schools, making Mabuhay Germany an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Getting excited about German culture and lifestyle already? Experts from the Goethe-Institut Manila and the German Embassy will talk about the opportunities of learning the language and working in the country during a joint discussion, taking place on the main stage on Saturday, February 21 at 1 PM. The forum is entitled "Tara na sa Germany!" (directly translated as "Let's go to Germany!"). For more information on the topic, visit Goethe's new web project of the same name: http://www.goethe.de/ins/ph/prj/tng/enindex.htm

For more details about the program please visit: MG2015 Programme

To familiarize on the participating exhibitors and food concessionaires, please click HERE.

See you all at Bonifacio High Street!

Radioactive Sago Project Steps Into Eraserheads’ Shoes in “MANHID” This February

If you didn't catch Manhid back in 1991, like I did, this is our chance to do so! Book your tickets now! 

Press Release:

“MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” brings together not only talented actors, singers, and dancers, but critically acclaimed musicians too! Audiences will be treated to live music in each show, care of the Radioactive Sago Project. The sought-after group is taking over where the Eraserheads left off in 1991, as the production’s live band.

photo credit: Rock Ed Philippines

The Radioactive Sago Project’s perennially surprising stylistic excursions have earned them a cult following, from critics to art fans, even to discerning rock audiences. The band is fronted by four-time Palanca Award-winning writer Lourd De Veyra, along with alumni from the UP College of Music, two-time Gawad Urian awardee for Best Music, Francis De Veyra on bass, Jay Gapasin on drums, Junji Lerma on guitars, Pards Tupas on trombone, Arwin Nava on percussions, and Wowie Ansano on trumpet. Eventually, the band added Roxy Modesto (tenor and baritone saxophone) and B-boy Garcia (turntables) to beef-up the lineup. 

“We’re greatly honored to be performing alongside the Radioactive Sago Project,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales. “We had a great experience working with them during Rock Supremo, so we are very eager to do so again.” 

As the talent-studded cast of “MANHID” will be doing the singing for the show, frontman Lourd De Veyra’s involvement in the production is limited. His brother, Francis De Veyra serves as the production’s Musical Director, which he did for “Rock Supremo” as well. As a whole, the band brings a new vitality to the musical’s songs, which were originally performed in 1991 by the Eraserheads. 

 

Before they went on to become one of the Philippines’ leading pop music groups, the Eraserheads started off as a little-known band in the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Composed of Ely Buendia on vocals, Marcus Adoro on guitars, Buddy Zapala on bass, and Raimund Marasigan on drums, the members came together when the college bands Curfew and Sunday School merged. As the band started performing original songs rather than covers, they soon earned a cult following in the university, which gradually spread outside the campus. The group disbanded in 2002, and last performed together in London in 2014. They released two new songs via Esquire Magazine’s September 2014 issue, their first release of new material in more than a decade.

“MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” will have a three-weekend run at the CCP Main Theater on February 20-22, February 27-March 1, and March 6-8, 2015. Inspired from comic book super heroes of the 60 - 90’s, “MANHID“ introduces a new generation of Filipino super heroes redefined for today’s times. Set in an alternate present day Philippines where the EDSA revolution failed, this musical features heroes and villains with superpowers, and a people sick with Kamanhiran (Apathy). “MANHID” is the final production in BP’s 45th anniversary season.

The cast is led by Sandino Martin as Bantugan, who recently won Best Actor at the Cinema One Originals Awards Night for his role in “Esprit de Corps”. He alternates with BP apprentice Mark Anthony Grantos. The female lead, Lam-Ang, is played by recent UP Diliman Theatre Arts graduate Teetin Villanueva, and award-winning Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company member Regina De Vera. Also starring in this production are Gold Villar, Kim Molina, Jean Judith Javier, KL Dizon, Ronah Rostata, Fredison Lo, Ricardo Magno, JV Ibesate, and Mayen Estanero.

Ballet Philippines dancers also take on the challenge of portraying the roles of comic book heroes and villains. Featured are Jean Marc Cordero, Katherine Trofeo, Richardson Yadao, Earl John Arisola, Cyril Aran Fallar, Emmanuelle Guillermo, Timothy Paul Cabrera, Rita Angela Winder, Denise Parungao, Kazier Policarpio, Ma. Celina Dofitas, Victor Maguad, and Erl Emmanuel Sorilla. 

The artistic and creative teams of MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical are led by Paul Alexander Morales (Director and Choreographer), Alden Lugnasin (Choreographer), Francis de Veyra (Music Director), Zard Eguia (Set Designer), Victor Ursabia (Costume Designer), Roman Cruz (Lighting Designer), William Moraga (Pre-Production Designer) and the Radioactive Sago Project (Live Band).

 

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999. Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines and www.facebook.com/manhidthemusical, Twitter: @balletph, Instagram: @balletphilippines, and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletph

Ballet Philippines' 45th Anniversary Sapphire Season -- rare scenes of power and grace; love, valour and redemption -- under the artistic directorship of Paul Alexander Morales is a toast to 45 years of dance excellence! 

See you at the theater!

The Sandbox Collective Brings Back Last Year’s Surprise Hit ‘The Boy in the Bathroom’ for 2 Shows Only!

Last year, I got to watch a very thought-provoking musical called Dani Girl staged by The Sandbox Collective. This year, I am excited to have a chance to see another production that I wasn't able to catch during it's first staging. Read more about this refreshingly poignant musical about domestic drama, disease, falling in love with the unexpected, and venturing into the unknown then plan to watch it, too!

Press Release:

Could you stay in one place forever? Or live day to day without knowing what’s out there? For David, staying behind closed doors seems to be the only option. Crippled by his obsessive-compulsive disease, a manic mother, and his disillusionment with the world and life in general, he isolates himself in the bathroom for a year and vows never to go out. That is, until he meets girl. 

In this quirky yet refreshingly sophisticated musical, one explores that exhilarating feeling of finding the answer to life’s questions, and taking that leap of faith. 

This quirky, Off-Broadway musical which critics have dubbed as “widely entertaining and yet hauntingly poignant”, explores the relationship between OCD-inflicted David and his overbearing mother Pam. In a singular moment, everything in David’s life comes to a halt as he locks himself in the bathroom, forging a world of daydreams, toilet paper, and make-believe. 

When a girl named Julie enters the equation, however, he finds himself falling in love and wondering whether it’ll be just enough to make him open the door and venture into the unknown.

Fresh from its critically acclaimed showing at last year’s Imaginarium Festival, The Boy in the Bathroom returns for a limited rerun this February as an entry to the upcoming Fringe Manila Festival. The much-anticipated restaging will take place on February 19, 2015 (8:00 pm) and February 21, 2015 (5:30 pm) at the Huseng Batute Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

The musical stars Broadway World award-winning theater actor and Aliw Award nominee Topper Fabregas, Gawad Buhay Award-winning actress Caisa Borromeo, and veteran actress and star of West End, Sheila Francisco. The Boy in the Bathroom will be directed by Toff de Venecia, director of the award-winning musical hit, Dani Girl.

Fall in love with the unexpected this February as The Sandbox Collective opens its second season with this heartwarming piece that goes right for the heart and soul. Catch a break. Take a breather. See the Boy in the Bathroom this February. 

For ticket inquiries, please contact 585-6909, 0917 8877 225, or 0917 8908633. You may also call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit http://ticketworld.com.ph 

Follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook: TheSandboxCollective, and @TheSandboxCo  on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about them here: www.thesandboxcollective.com to find out more about shows, promotions and season line-up. 

7-Eleven to Hold RUN 1500 on March 15, 2015

Hey, runners! See you there! :)

Press Release:

7-Eleven will be holding RUN 1500 this coming March 15, 2015, the latest installation to its successful Run series. 

The first ever 7-Eleven fun run, RUN 800, was held last 2012, and attracted over 10,000 participants. It was then followed by RUN 1000 and attracted close to 18,000 runners and was the largest paid race in the country in 2014. Traditionally, the 7-Eleven Run Series is also held to celebrate store opening milestones: RUN 800 to celebrate 800 stores in the Philippines, RUN 1000 to celebrate 1000 stores and this year, RUN 1500 in anticipation of opening its 1,500th store in the country. 

What’s New?

RUN 1500 promises to be bigger and better, featuring new categories as well as new venue partners, Skyway and Filinvest City.

Race singlets per category

Now a full marathon, the race now includes a 42KM category, a 10KM buddy run and a 500M fun run for kids. Runners joining the 10KM, 16KM, 21KM, 42KM categories and 10KM Buddy Run will enjoy the course set along the Skyway. Those joining the 500M, 3KM and 5KM categories can look forward to an organized race course in Filinvest City.

What to Expect?

People can enjoy a fun, organized race made more convenient with 7-Eleven’s system. Runners can easily register online and pay at the nearest 7-Eleven store and claim their race kits there. 

The registration system also allows participants to choose their wave starts to allow them to run with those of the same skill or speed, or with friends or family.  

finishers medals

Race Categories, Fees, and Inclusions

500M Kids - P400

3KM - P500

5KM - P600

10KM - P700

10KM Buddy Run - P500 each

21KM - P1,000

42KM - P1,500

All finishers in each category will receive finisher shirts and medals. Top 3 for each category will also receive cash prize. 

cash prizes

Another tradition in the 7-Eleven Run Series is to give Filipino runners opportunities to be more competitive. Each Run, 7-Eleven sends top Filipino placers of the 21K category to represent 7-Eleven Philippines and compete in an international marathon, all expenses paid.

7-Eleven Run Series winners have been sent to the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in Cambodia and Seoul Race in South Korea where Pinoy pride was well represented. Following in the footsteps of Janette Agura (2nd place winner in Angkor Wat), were our RUN 1000 delegates who dominated the Seoul Race last 2014. Mary Joy Tabal, won 1st  place in the women’s 21KM, while Mario Maglinao and Elmer Sabal won 1st and 3rd place, respectively for the men’s category. 

Run 1000 Seoul race winners

This year, 7-Eleven will be sponsoring the top 3 Filipino males and females of 21KM and 42KM to join the Laguna Phuket International Marathon in Thailand. 

Join Now! Runners can expect tons of fun and freebies at the event, thanks to 7-Eleven’s generous event partners. 

Register online at http://www.run711.com/ and pay the fees at any 7-Eleven store within 24 hours. Registration is until February 23, 2015 only! 

finisher shirt

7-Eleven Run 1500 is in partnership with Skyway and Filinvest City and is brought to you by: Safeguard, Selecta, Pocari Sweat, Gatorade, Nature’s Spring, Del Monte, Powerade, Bacchus, and 7-Connect, official footwear and apparel sponsor, Saucony and media partners: Solar Sports, CNN Philippines, and WhenInManila.com 

Like 7-Eleven Run Series for updates: www.facebook.com/run711  and remember to use the hashtag #711Run1500! 

Fox Anticipates High Viewership For The Return Of The Walking Dead Season 5

Press Release:

Manila, Philippines, February 2015 —For the return of one of its most successful TV series, FOX Philippines is anticipating ratings to go through the roof as it did in October 2014 for the Season 5 premiere of The Walking Dead. The hit post-apocalyptic drama series from the US garnered the highest-rated telecast ever for the channel, beating the Season 4 premiere by 57 percent in terms of total number of viewers and making it the top pay channel during the 8:55 PM telecast on October 13, 2014. FOX Philippines is confident that these results will be replicated or exceeded by viewers tuning in to the channel when the second part of The Walking Dead Season 5 premieres on February 9, 2015 at 11:35 AM, with a Prime Time replay at 8:55 PM.

The premiere of the first part of The Walking Dead Season 5 allowed FOX to edge out other pay channels such as C1NEMAONE and PBO with ratings of 1.869 for adults aged 16 to 49 in the Prime Time telecast of the show. The combined ratings for the first episode of Season 5 of The Walking Dead—which included Parallel Play (1 hour after the US telecast), Prime Time and Quick Replay (9:50 PM)—amounted to 2.775 for adults aged 16-49, registering a 64.1 percent increase over the launch of Part 2 of Season 4 at 1.691. This significant increase in viewership indicates that fans of The Walking Dead are progressively tuning in to FOX to catch up on the story of Rick Grimes and his ragged band of survivors, making it highly likely that more fans in the Philippines will watch the premiere of Part 2 of Season 5 than ever before.

Even the four-day marathon of previous seasons of The Walking Dead that FOX aired to prepare viewers for Season 5 garnered some of the highest daily averages ever recorded for the channel, particularly on October 11, October 12 and October 13. With the strongest ratings ever recorded for the channel being attributed to The Walking Dead, it’s no stretch to say that FOX is widely considered the leading source for all things related to this highly successful zombie apocalypse drama.

Because the channel is anticipating ratings success for the show, the launch of one of the most important projects of FOX in 2015 will also be coinciding with the premiere of Part 2 of The Walking Dead. On February 9, FOX will also be initiating the global refresh, sporting a new look and feel that more consistently conveys the thrust and direction of the channel in service of its viewers. Fans tuning in to the show’s second-half premiere will be the first to see FOX’s new look as it is implemented across all platforms.

Catch the premiere of the second half of The Walking Dead Season 5 on February 9, 2015 at 11:35 AM, immediately after its US telecast, and 8:55 PM. Die-hard fans can also tune in for the Quick Replay of the episode at 9:50 PM to immediately relive the excitement of the return of The Walking Dead Season 5, only on FOX.

St. Luke's Medical Center Launches Its First Mobile App

Health news ...

Press Release:

St. Luke's Medical Center recently launched its first mobile application called St. Luke's MedConnect that will give the public easy access to the world-class hospital’s wide array of healthcare services. 

A free, easy-to-use mobile application, St. Luke’s MedConnect includes features designed to make transacting with St. Luke's more convenient. These include requesting an appointment with a St. Luke’s doctor, accessing one's laboratory results, reserving a room, paying online, scheduling executive check-ups, and reading about health tips.

St. Luke's MedConnect is St. Luke's first and fully functional application available in the local healthcare industry that is expected to bring the hospital's world-class services closer to the public anytime, anywhere! The St. Luke’s MedConnect app is now available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Honor 3C Lite: Best Technology, Smartphone Features at PhP 5,290

For those looking for an entry-level and affordable smartphone, here's one option ...

Press Release:

The Honor line breaks barriers with a first of its kind entry-level, low-priced phone that features the best technology with the launch of the Honor 3C Lite. The smartphone will be available at PhP 5,290 starting February 6, 2015 at online shopping portal Lazada. 

“We believe that good technology should be available to everyone regardless of the customer’s preferred price point. We want to change the way entry-level phones are designed so everyone can enjoy the benefits of good technology and be a part of the increasingly digital world,” said Niño Carandang, Honor Business Unit Manager.

Designed with how people hold their smartphones, the Honor 3C Lite is ergonomically-designed, boasting of a Natural ID designed by the London Design Center. Its curved back is inspired by how people normally hold their smartphones, eschewing sharp corners usually associated with most smartphones. The result is a design characterized by firmness and flexibility, solidness and gentleness.  

For those whom capturing memories and moments are important, the Honor 3C Lite comes with a BSI 8MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary camera which comes with sought-after custom features such as panoramic mode, beauty mode, HDR mode, continuous shot, scene mode, and video stabilizer. 

The user’s visual experience is also considered as the Honor 3C Lite sports a five-inch 1280 x 720 pixels display with OTP single-screen calibration technique for better HD colors, fast 3D game processing, and smooth HD movies. 

For those who keep two numbers, the Honor 3C Lite features dual SIM dual standby (2G + 3G). It also supports WCDMA and GSM. 

Furthermore, the Honor 3C Lite’s computing capability is also cause for celebration. With a high-speed quad-core 1.3 GHz processor combined with the world’s top 28nm encapsulation technology, and 1 GB RAM and in-depth system optimization, the Honor 3C Lite can take on multiple tasks at a faster speed. 

Here are the specs overview:

• 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6582 processor

• 1GB RAM

• 16GB storage + up to 32GB microSD 

• 5-inch IPS display (1280 x 720 pixel resolution, 294 ppi) 

• 8MP rear camera (LED flash, autofocus, f/2.0 wide aperture, 5P optical lens) + 2MP front camera 

• 72.3 x 142.2 x 9.4mm | 156g

• supports Dual SIM (3G + 2G), WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0

• features AirSharing

• 2000 mAh battery 

• Android 4.4.2 + Huawei Emotion UI 2.0

• Available in black and white

The Honor 3C Lite is available on www.lazada.com.ph/honor-ph in two colors, black and white, at PhP 5,290. For more information about the Honor 3C Lite, please like and/or follow these accounts: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/honorph, Twitter: @honorph, WeChat: honorph, Instagram: @honor_ph

Filipino Canadians Visiting The Philippines Will Help Raise Funds For Worthy Cause

Western Union announces fundraising project during the ‘Winter Escapade 2’ tour to support and uplift livelihood communities in the Philippines.

Press Release:

Manila, Philippines, January 30, 2015 – More than 200 Filipino Canadians are looking forward to experiencing the warm welcome of our fellowmen, the warm hugs of their family and friends and the warm sunshine in the Philippines as they visit the country for their Winter Escapade 2 – It’s More Fun in the Philippines tour this coming January 30 to February 6, 2015, The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payment services, announced today. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, and the Philippine Embassy to Canada has again organized a heritage tour for Filipino Canadians in Canada to visit the Philippines to deepen their connection with the country’s beautiful and rich history, heritage and culture. It is also an opportunity to attract investment into tourism projects in the country.

Western Union has been an active supporter of the tour since 2008 and this year, they will show support for the Winter Escapade 2 tour through the launching of the Western Union Sunshine Adventure promotion for its delegates. Participants will simply take “selfies” in different historical tourist spots during the tour and upload their entries in their respective Facebook accounts using the hashtag #WUSunshineWE2 for a chance to win special prizes during the tour’s farewell dinner. 

Participants are encouraged to request their friends to ‘Like’ and share their photos with the end view of gathering more Likes for the project. For every Like, Western Union will match an equivalent amount of one hundred pesos (1 Like = P100) (to a maximum contribution of PHP500,000). The amount raised by the collective Likes will go to a special cause supported by the Philippine posts comprising Team Philippines in Canada.

“Western Union recognizes that many Filipino migrants feel a sense of responsibility to help out fellow countrymen and as a company we are giving them opportunities to build these connections,” said Patricia Riingen, Senior Vice President, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Western Union. “The activity aims to gather ‘Likes’ and shares from friends and families of our Filipino Canadian delegates, in a collective effort to raise funds for our Like for a Cause project,” added Riingen.

Through the Western Union Sunshine Adventure promotion, support will be given to help boost the livelihood of different communities in the Philippines. Both the Winter Escapade 2 tour delegates can participate in Like for a Cause project. 

For more information, you may visit this website www.WUSunshineAdventure.com to like the Sunshine Adventure selfies of the delegates. Promo runs from January 30 until February 15, 2014. Terms and conditions apply.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of September 30, 2014, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 Agent locations in 200 countries and territories and over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks. In 2013, The Western Union Company completed 242 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $82 billion of principal between consumers, and 459 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com. 

A Press Statement from SKY About TV5 Signal Loss on 12/13/14

Press Release:

SKY apologizes to customers that experienced a seven minute signal loss last December 13, 2014. We continue to work round-the-clock to minimize and immediately resolve service interruptions in the future.

We wish to expound that the signal loss was due to a power fluctuation that affected all our channels in Metro Manila, at 2:13pm of December 13, 2014. By 2:20pm, we were able to restart our equipment in order to restore the channels. 

SKY wishes to clarify that any extended signal loss of TV5 was due to the fact that the set-top box that they provided to us defaulted to AksyonTV not TV5 once equipment were restarted. 

We will work with the NTC and TV5 to prevent similar occurrences in the future. 

SKY Promises Quality Services For All Stakeholders

SKY, the country’s leading provider of total entertainment and internet communication services, remains firm in its dedication to serve all its viewers and partner networks. The industry leader in cable TV services pledges that it continues to work round-the-clock to minimize and immediately resolve service interruptions in the future.

Subscribers who experience signal disruptions are encouraged to contact SKYcable’s 24-hour customer service hotline at (02) 381-0000 for Metro Manila, to allow our technical teams to immediately resolve their cable TV problems.