Center for Possibilities Promotes Inclusion Through The Arts

Read more about the CFP in my blog post about Yakap, a film on embracing differences produced by the organization.

Press Release:

On January 28, the Center for Possibilities Foundation (CFP) will be staging a back-to-back event at the RCBC Plaza in Makati. At 5:30 in the afternoon, the self-titled exhibit of 19-year-old Samantha Kaspar will open to the public. At 7:00 pm, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will take center stage. 

Samantha and parents Mitzi and Martin

Art Auction

“Samantha” will consist of around 40 artworks, some on fabric to be used as fashion accessories and others on canvas for wall hangings. 

“Samantha uses a wide variety of media for her work and we wanted to show the gamut of her abilities. She works primarily on piña silk using silk paints. She also uses acrylic paint on canvas sometimes,” explains Samantha’s mother, Mitzi. 

some of Samantha's artworks

“She has a consistent style with a lot of edges and lines, her artworks can be very linear. She also has this certain way of giving shapes to her images which aren’t necessarily realistic but are more cartoonish,” describes Samantha’s father, Martin.

While half-Swiss, Samantha always tries to tap into her Filipino roots, coming up with Filipino-themed artworks. She will be promoting some of that local culture when she heads to the Philippine Center in New York for the Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB) on April 7. 

beautiful renditions

FAAB is meant to showcase the artistic talents of children with special needs. Samantha, diagnosed with Autism when she was one and a half years old, is one of eight artists chosen to present their paintings on piña silk to be translated into clothing by featured designers for the fashion show, Patis Tesoro and Anthony Legarda. Master weaver India Legaspi is credited for teaching the artists the technique of piña silk painting. 

Samantha hopes to fund her trip with the proceeds of her auction. 

Samantha with her parents, art coach Kenn, and CFP representatives

Concert

The Manila Symphony Orchestra’s “Soundtracks and Symphonies” will be conducted by Prof. Arturo Molina and annotated by Jeffrey Solares. Included in their repertoire is a John Williams tribute as well as pieces from greats such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.

The concert is for the benefit of Special Education (SPED) Centers that have been the focus of the Center for Possibilities’ recent efforts. To act as a venue for learning of indigent persons with special needs, each SPED Center is operated by a teacher trained in the SPED division of Reach International School.

The Manila Symphony Orchestra

The Sagada SPED Center has been up and running and will be enhanced with a series of livelihood and vocational programs that will be teaching skills for income-generating activities. “Caring for special kids is very taxing because it’s usually just a one-income household so we also need to help the parents improve their finances,” explains CFP founder, Dolores Cheng.

In Norzagaray, what they have right now is just the building itself. A fence, a water tank, and a playground are still needed. “We are also in the process of doing our due diligence by determining the number of special children in all the barangays relevant to Norzagaray. Next will be an orientation for all the parents within the community. We are subsequently planning for the provision of testing, diagnosis, and analysis for the children with special needs,” Cheng adds. 

the Norzagaray SPED Center

Enrolment in the SPED Centers is free so it helps alleviate the family’s cost of taking care of special children. If you would like to extend assistance, you may reach CFP at http://centerforpossibilities.asia/ or (02) 723-1242 / (0918) 888-1759.

“Samantha” and “Soundtracks and Symphonies” will be on January 28, 2016, 5:30pm at the Carlos P. Auditorium of the RCBC Plaza, Makati. 

Del Monte Introduces a New Healthier Fizz!

Love soda because of the fizz but want to have a healthier alternative? Here's what you're looking for!

Press Release:

Do you love drinking softdrinks but are looking for a healthier alternative? Now, you can satisfy your craving for soda with a healthier fizzy drink! New Del Monte Fizzy Juice Drink is made with real fruit juice. 

It has no added sugar, and is fortified with 100% of your daily Vitamin C needs. Plus, it’s caffeine and calorie free!  You can enjoy this healthier fizz in two deliciously and refreshingly fruity flavors: Pineapple and Orange-Pomelo!

Del Monte Fizzy Juice Drink is available in 330mL cans in all 7-Eleven stores nationwide. 

Wingstop Spices Up the New Year with Honey Sriracha Wings

Love spicy wings? Here's a new flavor to discover and enjoy at Wingstop!

Press Release:

You’ve seen the sparks, you’ve heard the bangs. Now, all that’s left is to taste the tang! Another year is upon us and Wingstop just knows how to kick it off by searing up our palate with its newest wing flavor.

In addition to the 14 lip-smacking flavors in the menu, your favorite wings can now be sauced and tossed in Honey Sriracha. Yes, you heard that right. It’s the familiar, blazing awesomeness of Sriracha, but with a hidden lick of honey. 

Up for a tasty thrill? Spice things up with Honey Sriracha’s zing! Right at the first bite, Sriracha comes in fast and has no time to chill. But hey, it leaves you with a nice smack of honey. It’s spice meets nice this 2017. The right kind of excitement to start the year right.

If you’re a solo craver, the Honey Sriracha Wings can be scored with sides–hot signature Chipotle rice, savory fries, crispy onion rings, and a drink of your choice as part of the Individual Meals, with sets starting at Php199. You can also make the Honey Sriracha Wings the MVP of your feast with the team with Meals to Share (starts at Php599) that can cover the appetite of the whole gang.

Upsize your drinks or add coleslaw for just Php20. Finish off your meal with desserts like the moist and chewy Smores (Php49), baked to perfection. Or do a classic move with a scoop of Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream (Php49)! Just be true to yourself and answer the call of the crave.

Experience how spice meets nice with Wingstop’s Honey Sriracha Wings. To know more, visit www.wingstop.com.ph, LIKE Wingstop Philippines on Facebook and FOLLOW @wingstopph on Instagram.

7-Eleven Run 2017 to be the Biggest and Most Exciting Race of the Series Yet

The 7-Eleven Run Series will always be one of my favorites because it is where I first experienced running on the Skyway! Read here my race reviews of the 7-Eleven 1500 Run in 2015 and 7-Eleven Run 2016 then sign up for the upcoming 2017 one next month! :) 

Press Release:

Manila, Philippines – From attracting serious runners to recreational walkers all over the country, 7-Eleven Philippines' hugely popular Run Series will once again take over Skyway and Filinvest City on February 5, 2017 for a day of fitness, family, freebies and all out fun.

The 7-Eleven Run Series has been gaining momentum since it started in 2013. With more than 12 thousand participants last year, Run 2017 promises to be the biggest and most exciting of the series yet! 

7-11 Run 2016 with its 12,000+ runners...

Run 2017 will feature eight categories for runners to choose from. The 42KM, 21KM, 16KM, 10KM, and 10KM Buddy Run categories will see participants sweeping through Filinvest City and the Skyway, while the 5KM, 3KM and 500M Kids Run will be held along Filinvest City. 

21k runners

Three winners in each category will be announced on the race day and will receive cash prizes and medals. In addition to this, the top three Filipino males and females in the 42KM and 21KM categories will be sponsored by 7-Eleven Philippines to compete in an international marathon in Asia, all expenses paid. Finally, the top three organizations with the highest number of registrants will receive a special trophy.

running on the Skyway has become a coveted event

Runners can also get a chance to earn free race kits through 7-Eleven’s CliQQ loyalty program. CliQQ app users and Every Day! Rewards cardholders can redeem a free race kit by earning Run e-Stamps. Run e-Stamps are earned with every P100 purchase of any participating item from the major sponsors. 

Runners finishing strong at the Finish line...

Every purchase of a booster product also earns one additional e-Stamp. To redeem a free race kit to any race category , customers must earn 50 e-Stamps (except for 10K Buddy Run, where customers must earn 100 e-Stamps).  

Top finishers

Registration is still open! Visit www.run711.com for more info. Registration is until January 18, 2017. Race Kits can be claimed on the date indicated on the receipt, from the same store where payment has been made. Aside from the exciting freebies that customers can look forward to on race day, all registrants of Run 2017 will also receive an Asics 20% discount voucher.

Be sure to follow the 7-Eleven Run Series Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/run711) for updates! Runners can also join in on the conversation using the official hashtag, #711Run2017!

7-Eleven Run 2017 is held in partnership with Skyway and Filinvest City, as well as event partners, Connect, Mogu Mogu, Crimson Hotel, and exclusive sportswear partner, Asics. The event is also brought to you by Safeguard, Selecta, Pocari Sweat, Del Monte, Nature’s Spring, Dole, Powerade and Summit Water, and media partners Solar Sports, ETC, CNN Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, The Philippine Star, Summit Media, Hinge Inquirer Publishing, and ABS-CBN Publishing.

HOOQ Shines Spotlight on The Best of Filipino Cinema at the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night

Here's sharing the winners of the 2016 MMFF Awards ... 

Press Release:

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, furthers its commitment in uplifting the quality of Filipino movies as it remained the exclusive presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category.

HOOQ team
(from left) Jane Walker, Jeff Remigio, and Marketing Head, Sheila Paul

“In a year marked by big changes in the MMFF, we are proud to say that our full support for the premiere movie festival in the country has remained the same,” said Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.  “We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, and we are proud to be part of the festival as it takes brave new steps in focusing on quality films, fresh casting choices and new approaches to filmmaking.” 

In his speech, Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Thomas Orbos said, “We are gathered here together not only to seek change but also to look back to the original theme of the MMFF which is to be a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence.

MMFF Overall Chairman Thomas Orbos

Change is never easy, it is a difficult path, but thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee we are here today amidst change. We believe that what we did with the MMFF this year may not be recognized now, but it will be appreciated by future generations. It is not about the money, it is about what we can give to our children later on by promoting quality films in the Philippines.”

WINNERS AND STARS OF THE NIGHT 

Erik Matti’s Seklusyon proved to be the big winner at the 42ND METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL GABI NG PARANGAL held December 29, 2016 at the Kia Theater, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

Best Supporting Actress: Phoebe Walker

The movie brought home eight awards including Best Director for Erik Matti; Best Supporting Actress Phoebe Walker; Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante; Best Screenplay; Best Sound; Best Production Design; Best Cinematography; and Best Theme Song for Dominus Miserere.

Sunday Beauty Queen, the very first documentary to be included in the annual festival was chosen as Best Picture.

Best Picture: Sunday Beauty Queen

Irma Adlawan won the coveted Best Actress category for the movie Oro, while Paolo Ballesteros was chosen as Best Actor for his performance in Die Beautiful. Newcomer Christian Bables got the most cheers after being named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Barbs in Die Beautiful.

HOOQ likewise gave out its own set of awards for the Short Films category including Best Screenplay: Mitatang; Best Director: Jarell Serencio Mga Bituin sa Siyudad; Special Jury Prize for Manila Scream; and Best Picture for EJK.

HOOQ Female Celebrity of the Night: Rhian Ramos

Ronnie Alonte and Rhian Ramos meanwhile, were recognized as the HOOQ Male and Female Celebrities of the Night for their stunning looks at the red carpet.

HOME OF THE MMFF WINNERS

HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina”, “Shake, Rattle and Roll”, and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.

Best Actress: Irma Adlawan

According to Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content and Programming, they are adding more past MMFF winners to HOOQ’s carefully curated library of Filipino titles.

NEW PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GEN FILMMAKERS

MMFF and HOOQ are also working together to encourage the next generation of movie makers through the HOOQ Short Films category. HOOQ awarded a host of Short Film prizes including the Special Jury Prize and the Best Short Film. 

Each HOOQ Short Film was partnered with a long-form finalist and were screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each film runs under 5 minutes and most will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.  

Short Film Best Picture: EJK

“Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” added Remigio. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of filmmakers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”

“The world has begun to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer, by supporting these young filmmakers, HOOQ is also investing in the future of entertainment,” adds Remigio.

PARADE OF STARS

The festival kicked off with the annual Parade of Stars on December 23 which began at the Manila City Hall at Nicanor Lopez Street and ended at Plaza Miranda—the original route used in the very first MMFF Float Parade.

HOOQ Male Celebrity of the Night: Ronnie Alonte

Among the stars that participated in the Grand Parade of Stars  were Nora Aunor, Eugene Domingo, Paolo Ballesteros, Kean Cipriano, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, Dominic Roque, Mercedes Cabral, and many others.

Bela Padilla also joined the parade aboard HOOQ’s OTJ float. Padilla is one of the lead stars of the upcoming series OTJ: The Missing 8, the very first original local content produced exclusively for the video on demand service. 

Best Supporting Actor: Christian Bables

Here is the complete list of winners of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night co-presented by HOOQ:

Best Picture - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Director - Erik Matti (Seklusyon)

Best Actress - Irma Adlawan (Oro) 

Best Actor - Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)

Best Supporting Actress - Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon)

Best Supporting Actor - Christian Balbes (Die Beautiful)

Children's Choice - Saving Sally, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James

People's Choice - (voted online) Die Beautiful 

Best Cast Ensemble - Oro 

Special Jury Prize - Rhed Bustamante (Seklusyon)

Best Screenplay - Seklusyon 

Best Sound - Seklusyon 

Best Musical Score - Saving Sally 

Best Theme Song – Dominus Miserere (Francis De Veyra) Seklusyon 

Best Production Design - Seklusyon 

Best Editing - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Cinematography - Seklusyon 

FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence - Oro 

Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award - Sunday Beauty Queen 

Best Float - Die Beautiful  

Best Cast Ensemble: Oro

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television shows, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, and TV’s using casting devices such as Airplay and Chromecast. 

How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription on selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers HOOQ for 6 months on Globe Broadband plans P1,299 and up.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8080.