November 30, 2015

Redesigned, Refined, and Supercharged: AMD Launches New Graphics Software, Radeon Software Crimson Edition

Fully re-architected graphics software ushers in a new era of immersive computing with redesigned user interface, remarkable features, powerful performance boosts and significant power savings for gamers

AMD recently released its completely reimagined graphics software suite, Radeon Software Crimson Edition, giving users an exceptional new user experience, 12 new or enhanced features, up to 20 percent more graphics performance, adjustability that can nearly double generational energy efficiency, and rock-solid stability across the full spectrum of AMD graphics products. The release is the first from the Radeon Technologies Group, which recently announced a renewed focus on software placing it on par with hardware initiatives.

“As the primary way that people interact with our products, our software deserves to be viewed as a top priority, and going forward that’s exactly what we’re doing, delivering easy-to-use software that is packed with real user benefits, starting with Radeon Software Crimson Edition,” said Raja Koduri, senior vice president and chief architect, Radeon Technologies Group. “Radeon Technologies Group is laser-focused on the vertical integration of all things graphics, propelling the industry forward by driving performance per watt, creating innovative technologies and ensuring that the software supporting our GPUs is world class.” 

Radeon Software Crimson Edition includes:

  • Radeon Settings – A new, streamlined user interface: Engineered to get the best performance on AMD graphics hardware, the user-friendly and feature-rich Radeon Settings is lightning fast, starting up 10 times faster3 and initializing displays three times faster4 than the AMD Catalyst™ driver. It also offers more intuitive navigation, a new game manager, new overdrive, and new video, display and AMD Eyefinity technology sections letting users easily apply game settings, adjust performance settings, and apply various features and configurations to their computing experience.
  • 12 new or enhanced features: A wide range of new and augmented capabilities help ensure that users enjoy the best experience possible across gaming, video and productivity applications.
  • Supercharged performance and energy efficiency: Radeon Software Crimson Edition enables up to 33 percent faster game load times5, up to 20 percent more game performance1, and up to 1.8 times more energy efficiency capability2 than its predecessor which can increase system performance-per-watt by as much as 23 percent.6
  • First public support of AMD LiquidVRTM technology: GCN’s Asynchronous Compute Engine helps to dramatically improve frames per second (FPS), responsiveness and latency in Virtual Reality applications for an exceptionally smooth gaming experience on all GCN-based hardware.
  • Seamless stability: With twice the number of test cases across 15 percent more system configurations than AMD Catalyst™ Omega, and the implementation of a huge number of community-driven requests, Radeon Software Crimson Edition delivers exceptional stability across a range of experiences.​
Radeon Software Crimson Edition is available for free download today at http://support.amd.com/en-us/download.

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Training at Porsche for underprivileged young people in Asia

Prospects for young Filipinos in the growth regions 

Since 2008 the Porsche Training and Recruitment Center Asia (PTRCA) in Manila has been offering Filipinos from underprivileged backgrounds career opportunities in the car industry.


The brands Audi and Volkswagen now become new cooperation partners in this initiative. In future the companies are planning together recruiting junior technical staff from PTRCA, with job opportunities mainly in the Middle East region.



The development of the PTRCA to PTRCA 2.0 with the new cooperation partners means that much more young Filipinos will be accepted in the training programme. Instead of the current 32 trainees per year, in 2016 there will be 120 and in 2017 even 145. 

In the past six years, in cooperation with the Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) and the local importer and dealer PGA Cars Inc. Porsche has already trained more than 250 young adults as motor vehicle service mechatronic technicians.

They cover the sports car manufacturer's growing demand for qualified specialists, especially in the Porsche centres in the Middle East and Asia Pacific growth markets. “Good English language skills and the good work ethic the people of the Philippines are known for are beneficial here”, explains Michael Drolshagen, Head of After Sales at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, the reason for setting up the PTRCA in Manila. Training there was and remains first and foremost a recruitment programme. “But of course for us it means also practising social responsibility. Because a qualification from the PTRCA not only gives these young adults access to the international labour market, it also gives them a real opportunity to noticeably improve their own living conditions and to strengthen their family environment.”
Jayson Supan's story is an example of this. In 2008 he was one of the first graduates of the PTRCA. In February 2009 he started working as a motor vehicle service mechatronics technician at the Porsche Centre Al Nabooda Automobiles LLC in Dubai. The career of Jayson Supan has continuously advanced to the present day. He is currently making the transition from a system technician to a diagnosis specialist. This means that he is once again expanding his area of responsibility and his salary. Even his present salary is several times higher than the average wage in the Philippines. This puts him in a position to build his own house in the Philippines and to pay for his brother's schooling in his distant home country. In addition, he is helping his parents to set up a small rental company for motorbikes and vans in the Philippines. 

The success of the training programme can also be seen in the extremely low fluctuation rate of less than three per cent – in regions where 20 per cent is usual. Robert Coyiuto Jr., businessman and owner of PGA Cars Inc. in Manila: “I am glad that we have – along with Don Bosco – established the success of the program from the initial idea from Porsche AG and us. Having reached our six year mark last December, we are confident of the skills of the graduates and long term potential of the advanced training curriculum. The PTRCA not only provides a highly skilled and proficient labor force for the global Porsche and Volkswagen Group network but also provides the underprivileged yet highly deserving Filipino youth the opportunity to become breadwinners for their families. This also underlines the fact that as a successful company we put a strong priority on our corporate social responsibility. This is my commitment.” 

The 250 graduates of the PTRCA to date are distributed over eleven countries. The focus is on the Middle East where skilled technicians are highly required. There the extremely well trained motor vehicle service mechatronics technicians ensure the high service quality expected by customers in the Porsche centres. 


Starting this year, PTRCA extends its scope by including Audi and Volkswagen for the Middle East region. Benoit Tiers, Group Managing Director of AVME (Audi Volkswagen Middle East) comments this choice:
“The programme has proven its value and we can build on it quickly and easily. It demonstrates the strengths of our Group by using synergies and know-how across the Volkswagen Group brands. We will be closely involved in the PTRCA 2.0 in the next years as we plan to participate in the development of the curriculum, but also to look at further training for teachers and eventually the equipment. The expansion of the PTRCA programme to include a body technician apprenticeship and from 2017 service advisor training programmes lends additional dynamism. This noticeably further increases the benefits for all Volkswagen Group brands and the dealer network.”
The Order Salesians Don Boscos play a major role in the overall structure of the PTRCA. With its Don Bosco Technical Institute the society has outstanding educational expertise and excellent technical know-how. In addition, the Salesians Don Boscos are the ideal partner for working with underprivileged young people. With their long-standing presence they enjoy a high level of acceptance, especially in the poor districts of the Philippines.

“The Salesians Don Boscos are extremely well geared to our needs. And the fact that they are represented in 132 countries means that we can multiply the training programme at any time, too”, says Dr Stefan Lutz, Director After Sales Market Qualification and Support at Porsche. His team has been responsible for the operational support of PTRCA right from the start. Among other tasks the team is concerned with the training content of the 24-month apprenticeship.
“Young people have a right to education, training and work”, says Christian Osterhaus, Managing Director of the German NGO Don Bosco Mondo. “Vocational training ‘Made in Germany’ is highly regarded around the world. And it is not only young people in emerging and developing countries who benefit – society as a whole and the companies involved benefit just as much. I am very pleased that a premium company like Porsche is also giving underprivileged young people abroad a chance. Together we are able to offer young people from extremely difficult social backgrounds prospects for finding a good job through vocational training and therefore the chance for a life in dignity. Here in Manila we are experiencing exemplary implementation.”
The development of the PTRCA to PTRCA 2.0 with the new cooperation partners Audi Volkswagen Middle East means that in future even more space is needed. So it's good that the Don Bosco Technical Institute is currently building a new 6,000 square metre training centre in Manila. On an area of about 1,500 square metres it will house seminar rooms and training workshops for the PTRCA 2.0 for the brands Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen.

With the appropriate equipment the brands also ensure that the young people are instructed in accordance with state-of-the-art technology. In addition, thanks to future cooperation agreed with the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, after their final examination they will receive a certificate that can be even better compared with the European qualifications framework.

SM Bowling Millionaires Cup back for Second Season!


Win over PHP 4 MILLION in cash prizes at the grandest bowling tournament in Philippine history! 

The SM Bowling Millionaires Cup is back for a second season with bigger and better rewards! Instant cash prizes are already given to top ranking bowlers during the qualifying rounds. At any point of the tournament, complete a perfect round of 12 strikes, and take home as much as PHP 500,000. Grand prizes are given up until the 16th placer, with the grand prize winner taking home millions in pesos.

Open to all bowlers, the 2nd SM Bowling Millionaires Cup is certified by the Philippine Bowling Congress (PBC) and the Affiliated Local Bowling Association (ALBA). The second Millionaires Cup is divided into four categories: Junior Masters for bowlers 20 years old and below, Senior Masters for bowlers 50 years old and above, Classified Masters for bowlers with PBC averages 186 and below, and Open Masters for all bowlers, regardless of average and age. 

Aspirants are encouraged to enter more than one division for bigger chances of winning. The competition will travel all seven branches of the SM Bowling and Leisure Center in Fairview, Megamall, Southmall, Lanang, Mall of Asia, North Edsa, and Cebu. 

The finals will be held at the to-be-opened SM Bowling and Leisure Center in SM Clark, Pampanga. The national finals for classified masters and for open masters will take place in MOA on December 14 and 15 respectively, while the grand finals will take place in the SM Clark, Pampanga on December 16. 

The SM Bowling Millionaires Cup is the largest bowling competition in Philippine history. Following suit to a very successful first season, with the grand prize winner taking home PHP 2 Million and a car, the SM Bowling Millionaires Cup is back for its second edition, promising a better competition with bigger prizes at stake. Recently nominated in the Sports Industry Awards 2015 for best amateur event, the SM Bowling Millionaires Cup had over 733 entries, 145 participants, and 60,000 viewers in the past year. Try your luck and win fortune and fame in the 2nd SM Bowling Millionaires Cup! Qualifying period begins on October 26, 2015.

For more information, visit your local SM Bowling and Leisure Center, log on to www.smbowling.com, or dial 862-7609.

First and exclusive on Animax, "Exodus" premieres on December 8


Peace has finally returned to the island of Tatsumiyajima where the battles occurred. However, how long will this peace last? Amidst the uncertainly, there is the existence of two special girls, one who can understand the Festum and the other who is protected by the Festum. When the two girls cross paths, a new world is about to unfold....

Exodus premieres on December 8, 10:00pm Mondays-Tuesdays. 2 episodes back to back. First and exclusive on Animax.

Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7.

MCA Music Artists – Mitoy Yonting, Sabrina, and Darren Espanto bag awards

MCA Music Artists – Mitoy Yonting, Sabrina, and Darren Espanto emerged victorious this November, for bagging home multiple awards in recognition of their excellence in the music industry from different award ceremonies and categories!

Mitoy Yonting

Mitoy Yonting, known for his excellent vocal chops and belting, won the Gawad Rajah Sulayman Award(Remarkable achievement as Filipino & as performing Artists) at Gawad Amerika Awards Night at the Celebrity Center, Hollywood, CA, last Nov 17, 2015. Gawad Amerika Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping and cultivation the talents of young Filipino-Americans. Awards are given to Filipinos who are excelling in their chosen careers to honor their achievements and to inspire the younger generation to excel in their respective chosen careers.

Sabrina

Meanwhile, Sabrina, Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart also took home The Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) annual music award for the 7th PMPC Star Awards for Female Acoustic Artist of the Year last November 10, 2015, at KIA Theater, Cubao.

Darren Espanto

And last but definitely not the least, the biggest winner in this group is also the youngest, singer and performer Darren Espanto was able to bag home several award in two different events! The young singer won not one but two awards in the 7th PMPC Star Awards. He won Best Album Cover Concept and Design, and Best Pop Album of the Year for his debut album “Darren”. In the first ever PUSH AWARDS held in Resorts World Manila last November 10, 2015; Darren won awards for Pushgram Most Loved Newcomer, Pushlike Most Liked Newcomer, Pustweet Favorite Newcomer, and Awsome Song Cover.

The results from Push Awards Night is produced from Push.com.ph, an entertainment website launched last September by ABS-CBN to poll and tally the popularity of celebrities and artists through likes, shares, etc. on their respective social media accounts. Push Awards aims to honor these artists and celebrities and their fans through this awards night.

Mitoy has just released his new single “Pangakong Tapat” from his debut album “HanggangWakas”. Its music video is now playing on top music channels and also on VEVO. Sabrina’s latest album “I Love Acoustic 8” came out last August featuring the lead single “Thinking Out Loud”. She recently conquered Korea as the Philippine’s representative at the 2015 Asia Song Festival in Busan. Her duet with Indonesian artist Chilla Kiana for “Thinking Out Loud” is featured in the Indonesian version of the album and is now also playing on MYX. Darren is keeping himself busy with shows around the Philippines with his “D Road Tour” which continues its leg on these following dates: Dec 6 at Tacloban, Dec 12 at Baguio, and Dec 19 at Robinsons Davao. Some dates may still be added in the future.

For inquiries and bookings, contact Sammy Samaniego at Sammy Samaniego at (632) 9162504 local 107, (0920) 9682991, (0917) 8565174 or email sammy.samaniego@umusic.com. For more information about MCA Music artists, log on to www.facebook.com/mcamusic, Instagram- mca_music or Twitter- mcamusic.

November 29, 2015

Be part of this year’s My Dream in a Shoebox and transform lives one shoebox at a time.

My Dream in a Shoebox partners with National Bookstore and Jones Lang LaSalle for its 7th year 

A Roman Philosopher once said “Non nobis solum nati sumus” which means not unto ourselves alone are we born. And what better way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas than through the gift of giving.

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) together with integrated marketing agency TeamAsia have partnered with National Book Store and Jones Lang LaSalle for the annual My Dream in a Shoebox. The Christmas initiative invites everyone to help less fortunate children dream bigger dreams by giving them access to school supplies that they can use to achieve their goals.

IBPAP and TeamAsia have long been strong advocates of edification. What started in 2009 as a simple idea has turned into a beacon of hope. Last year, almost 30,000 underprivileged Filipino children were helped by this initiative. On its 7th year, My Dream in a Shoebox aims to help even more young minds to reach for their dreams.

“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives should be more than just a one day event ” says Bea Lim, Managing Director of TeamAsia. 

“It’s an opportunity to utilize our own strengths to help others wake up to a brighter future. My Dream in a Shoebox aims to aid underprivileged kids with the necessary tools to continue their schooling because we believe that is one big step in creating this brighter future,” she adds.

IBPAP together with TeamAsia reiterated their passion for making education more accessible to Filipinos, especially the youth, through this project.

“We believe that education is the most important tool for our youth today,” IBPAP President Jomari Mercado said. “If we give our children access to education, we are, in effect, giving them an opportunity to draw a path towards success. Through My Dream in a Shoebox, we are empowering them to achieve greater goals in life.”

Companies like Acquire BPO and Shore Solutions Inc., Capital One Philippines Support Services Corporation (COPSSC), Chevron, Henkel Asia Pacific Services Center, Northern Trust, Synchrony Global Services Philippines Inc., and WiPro BPO Philippines Ltd. Inc, have pledged their support for this year’s My Dream in a Shoebox.

This year it is easier to help make bigger dreams come true now that National Bookstore is on board this initiative. Benefactors can purchase supplies at affordable prices and enjoy free delivery through the partnership with National Book Store.

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) contributions are also highly encouraged. Simply cover a shoebox with Christmas wrappers and fill it with two (2) notebooks, one (1) pad paper, two (2) pens, two (2) pencils, one (1) eraser, and one (1) bottle of glue. Shoeboxes may be delivered to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Warehouse at 2698 Guatemala Street, Barangay San Isidro, Makati City every Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM starting November 20, 2015.



Companies who are part of this year’s My Dream in a Shoebox can also take part in gift-giving days this December. Shoeboxes collected will be given to beneficiaries from Payatas Orione Foundation on December 11, 2015 at San Juan Evangelista St. Payatas A, Quezon City, SOS Children Village Foundation on December 15 at Mindanao Drive Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City, San Pedro Calungsod Parish on December 28 at Southville 3, Bilibid Compound, Muntinlupa and Ascension of our Lord Parish on December 30 at Goodwill 2 Subdivision, Paranaque City. Our beneficiaries also include Ronald McDonald House Charities, Alabang Elementary School, Hospicio de San Jose, and more.

Support can be felt in many ways. My Dream in a Shoebox also welcomes monetary sponsorships for the renovation of Payatas Orione Training Center in Dalahican Quezon. The venue will be used to host more outreach and gift giving programs.

Help someone dream bigger dreams. Be part of this year’s My Dream in a Shoebox and transform lives one shoebox at a time.

For more inquiries, call +632 757 3500 or visit http://teamasia.com/shoeboxcampaign/

November 28, 2015

"Transform", Project Headshot Clinic's 8th World AIDS Day series with UNAIDS and SHIP Foundation

"Transform" is Project Headshot Clinic's 8th World AIDS Day series in partnership with UNAIDS and SHIP Foundation. The exhibit will be launched on December 3, 7 PM at the Pineapple Lab, and will run through December 19. 

This year's exhibit will provide a new multimedia experience that merges photography,video and performance that will require a free mobile augmented reality app called "Ismartphoto".

The HIV epidemic in the Philippines has been described as "explosive" because of the rapid increase in the number of new HIV cases in the country. As early as 2008, when the HIV epidemic started to rapidly expand, Project Headshot Clinic had used social media and photography to call attention to the growing challenge of HIV. 

Project Headshot Clinic is a digital media platform that merges stylized profile photos and advocacies. Created in 2007 by award winning photographer Niccolo Cosme it has supported advocacy campaigns on HIV awareness, Climate Change, LGBT rights,Youth empowerment and anti tobacco companies.

The photos that will be showcased will transform into a video with the use of this free mobile app.


The show aims to highlight the importance of collaboration, and that transformation of a society can be achieved through partnership and commitment.


While government action and support are important, the actions of individuals and their communities are essential for behavior change that can make a dent in the HIV epidemic. And social media can bring together individuals, communities, and government leaders in a transformative discussion on addressing the challenge of HIV.

Some of the collaborators include actors Irma Adlawan, Anthony Falcon, Alex Medina, model and host Joey Mead, Marina Benipayo, award winning film director Pepe Diokno, paper sculptor Royd Santiago to name a few.





The first Project Headshot Clinic series on HIV started in 2008 when writer Wanggo Gallaga came out to founder Niccolo Cosme about his HIV status. Gallaga had then been recently diagnosed, and Niccolo asked him if he wanted to collaborate and do the first ever Headshot Clinic series on HIV for World AIDS Day 2008. It has since then become a yearly personal project with continued partnership with UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS).

Taking advocacy to a whole new level, Headshot Clinic TRANSFORM is partnering with top designers Francis Libiran, Albert Andrada, Nat Manilag, John Herrera and Norman San Diego for a one of a kind Fashion Art Installation. 

Everyone is invited to view this innovative and transformative exhibit! 

For more information visit www.headshotclinic.com. 

Transform is made possible by 2GO Travel, Maldita, Mac cosmetics, Hooch, Persia Grill, Pineapple Lab and SneakClip.

Visit one-stop-shop website, 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillier's services

Cebuana Lhuillier, a multi-industry company that owns and operates businesses dealing with financial services such as pawning, international and local remittance, microinsurance, bills payment, collections and payout services, and banking. Cebuana Lhuillier also ventured into other industries such as retail, hotel and restaurant management, IT, sports management, and real estate.

To enable more Filipinos to have access to financial solutions and to microfinance service needs, Cebuana Lhuillier offers a one-stop-shop service. Aside from pawning, clients can avail of international & domestic money remittance, microinsurance products, bills payment, foreign exchange and e-loading services.


Cebuana Lhuillier's services available to clients through all the available channels possible.

Aside from over 1,800 branches nationwide, you may access Cebuana Lhuillier's services using your mobile phone or computer.

The online domain of Cebuana Lhuillier was recently enhanced to consolidate all of the brand’s products and services in one website. Besides containing Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Microinsurance, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, the new website also contains information on PJ Lhuillier, Inc., the mother company of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Plus online portal and a dedicated section for corporate clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier desires to respond to the increasingly fast-paced, changing times through this consolidated website. It will giver customers access to information on remittance, insurance and pawnshop in one sitting and at the touch of their fingertips.

Cebuana Lhuillier is your one-stop website, your 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillie's services.

Cebuana Lhuillier introduces its Android application that will enable clients to use their mobile devices in availing Cebuana Lhuillier 24kOnline services like Appraisal Calculator, Renewal/Redemption, Rates Inquiry, Remittance Tracking and more.

Special Features

Knowledge Base
Instead of a regular FAQ section, the Cebuana Lhuillier Website has a knowledge base equipped with its own search engine so it’s easier or customers to look for the articles that address their concerns.

Brach Locator
With its geo-tagging feature, the branch locator has been enhanced to not only indicate the location of Cebuana Lhuillier branches but also to show the nearest one. It also lists all of the branches nationwide and all the partners for international remittance.

Appraisal Calculator
The appraisal calculator allows customers to get an estimated appraisal value so they already have an idea of how much they would get for their pawn items even before the visit a branch.

Mobile Optimized
The new website has been designed to be easily navigable through a mobile device so customers can conveniently check it even when on the move.

Shortcut Menu

On the first instance of opening the site for each day, a shortcut menu appears, containing its main sections. This is to assist clients with their concerns with less clicks and a shorter amount of time.

Cebuana Lhuillier App Center

The app center is a special part of the website that provides links to Cebuana Lhuillier’s online applications.


  • Cebuana Lhuillier App – a mobile application that enables clients to avail of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Online features like the appraisal calculator, renewal/redemption, rates inquiry, and remittance tracking, above anything else.
MicroPINOY – the first microinsurance mobile app that allows users to browse the roster of microinsurance products and services of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It also allows clients to get customized insurance quotations online.

Cebuana Maze – a puzzle game that features Ninong Ceb, the mascot of the Philippine’s leading microfinancial and business-to-business solutions partner. The goal is to help Ninong Ceb get through mazes to find Cebuana Lhuillier branches I different parts of the country.

The 24k Plus Membership Rewards Program is Cebuana Lhuillier's way of showing gratitude to their loyal clients. 24k Plus cardholders are entitled to discounts, special offers, and other exciting freebies. The 24k Rewards Program instantly grants clients with exclusive privileges, discounts, and special service offerings as they transact at Cebuana Lhuillier branches. The first of its kind in the pawnshop and money remittance industries, the 24k Rewards Program allows clients to earn 1 point for every Php30 interest or service fee paid. Each point is equivalent to Php1. To join, the client has to earn at least 50 reward points or pay a Php100 processing fee.

Cebuana Lhuillier leads the pawning industry by offering safety and high appraisal rates in its more than 1,800 branches nationwide. Accepting an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals, the company’s core business has evolved with the needs of its clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s money transfer service is an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 1,800 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch.

With affordable insurance products to help low-income Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, we offer innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position.

There are Upcoming Features of Cebuana Lhuillier
  • Live Chat
  • Online Transactions
  • Loans Section
For more information and updates, visit www.cebuanalhuillier.com


November 27, 2015

Lea Salonga stars in international premiere of FUN HOME

Lea Salonga

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is proud to announce that Tony Award winning Broadway star Lea Salonga will be playing Helen Bechdel in the first international production of FUN HOME, which opens in Manila in November 2016.

FUN HOME is the most awarded and acclaimed musical of the year, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. 

FUN HOME is a based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The New York Times calls it, “THE BEST NEW MUSICAL TO OPEN ON BROADWAY.” Both, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, who won the Tony Award this year for, are scheduled to grace FUN HOME’s Opening Night in Manila next year. 

FUN HOME will mark Lea’s first musical in Manila since she played Grizabella in CATS in 2010. Her last stage appearance in Manila was in Atlantis Productions’ critically acclaimed play GOD OF CARNAGE in 2012. She is currently appearing as Kei in the Broadway musical ALLEGIANCE, where she garnered rave reviews.

Bobby Garcia (Saturday Night Fever, The Bridges of Madison County), who will be directing FUN HOME, says, “Dreams do come true, It is an honor to be able to stage FUN HOME in Manila with Lea Salonga as Helen. It is a ground breaking musical that needs to be seen by audiences all over the world. I am thrilled that it will premiere internationally in Manila and that we will be welcoming Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron to our Opening Night. We hope you will all come to the FUN HOME next year.”

ATEG producers Tony Tuviera and Bobby Barreiro say,
“It is with great pride that we welcome Lea Salonga to FUN HOME. A Tony Award winner in a Tony Award winning musical. Our dreams have come true and we know FUN HOME will be a momentous theatrical event in Manila.”
The New York producers of FUN HOME issued a statement saying,
“We’re thrilled to have the first international production of ‘Fun Home’ confirmed for the Philippines, and how exciting to have Lea Salonga, one of Broadway’s most beloved stars, leading the company.”
ATEG recently presented the first leg of the new international production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which played Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It currently has THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY running in Manila until December 6 and will also have JERSEY BOYS opening in 2016.

For more information follow ATEG on Facebook at ATEGasia.

Bumper to Bumper XI on Dec. 5-6 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds



"Filipinos love car shows because we can relate to the cars we see. It is always a delight for us to see so many nice cars in one place. You can always see the excitement in people's eyes when they are in a car show and you also know deep inside that they feel inspired—that one day, they will also have these upgrades or these kind of rides in their garage," muses Jonathan Chio, CEO of Ladder Events Production.


Bumper to Bumper, the longest-running car show and automotive lifestyle event, is once again happening on December 5 and 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206423709764561&set=a.4823813106217.2161354.1023156562&type=3&theater

Now on its 11th year, the multi-event happening features the biggest production setup in any car show in Asia. 

Since 2005, Bumper to Bumper (B2B) has been bringing the car show not only to Manila but to 10 key cities, including Baguio, Batangas, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Laguna, La Union, Pampanga, and Pangasinan. It is the only local car show known to do so, in its pursuit to bring the best of the best automotive mods across the Philippines.

Jonathan Chio, CEO of Ladder Events Production

"Bumper to Bumper Car Show is like a theme park of sorts, a theme park for car enthusiasts. We have a wide array of vehicles on display, we have full blown entertainment to fill in your time, and we have unique activities all the time during the event," says  Chio.


The event usually attracts a crowd of 70,000 car enthusiasts and spectators. This year promises to be bigger and better. Activities include a two-division (Pro and Street category) car show competition, off-road vehicle display competition, engine roar competition, drive-in movie, dance showdown, concert, and Sneaker Fever Manila for those who love kicks. 


Chio shared : "There are so many things B2B has done to our market. A lot of shops that does not have big budgets for bigger shows were known to have started in our car shows. We have given work opportunities to our car show models. Our event has served as a playground for aspiring photographers and bloggers. But more importantly, a lot of long lasting-friendships were born in our events." 

Exciting events to look forward to in 2016 include the B2B Car Show Sinulog in January; "Hot Import Nights V Manila” to be held at Metro Tent, Metrowalk on April 23 and 24; “Hot Import Nights Davao” to be held at The Peak in Davao City; and the first-ever Race Wars Unlimited Philippines.


Bumper to Bumper XI is presented by B2BCarshow.com, Total Excellium, PenserQ Multimedia Company, Repsol Motor Oils, No Fear Apparel, Task Us, SM Mall of Asia, and Chevrolet Philippines, among others. 

(For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/b2bcarshow/.)

Rémy Martin Launches New Brand Campaign Featuring Actors Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming


Rémy Martin Cognac announces the launch of its new global campaign that recognizes and celebrates individual’s multi-talents. 

The campaign tagline, One Life/Live Them®, which assumes its grammatical accident, identifies that today’s consumers are not defined by one talent or skill, but are multi-faceted and should be applauded for their many passions. 

Rémy Martin’s One Life/Live Them campaign encourages consumers to explore and celebrate all their talents. It is a call to live richer, larger lives, to expand the horizon and seize all the wonderful opportunities that life can offer, beyond the one-dimensional paths that former generations could have embraced.

To embody this brand philosophy and lifestyle, Rémy Martin is partnering with two talented multifaceted personalities: the American actor Jeremy Renner and Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming.

Two-time Academy Award® nominee, Jeremy Renner has received wide acclaim for his ability to embody characters of broad depth and appeal, from Sgt. James in Kathryn Bigelow’s award-winning Hurt Locker to a thief in Ben Affleck’s The Town, a mayor in American Hustle... These performances have been coupled with blockbuster roles in such Hollywood super-productions as The Bourne Legacy, Mission Impossible and his inimitable role as Hawkeye in The Avengers.

Renner expanded his cinematic skills by creating a production outfit The Combine with Don Handfield in order to produce quality, character-driven content for TV and film. Their company released the crime thriller Kill the Messenger in 2014 and is currently working on the historical tale Knightfall for The History Channel. Renner is also an accomplished singer and musician, skilled on the keyboards, drums, guitar and vocals, playing in a band since his youth. Although best known as an actor, Renner has extended his creative talents into the field of home renovation, successfully renovating and selling several houses, turning this hobby into a flourishing business with fellow actor and home designer Kristoffer Winters.

A famous actor/musician/model, Huang Xiaoming is also a philanthropist/wildlife lover who adopted twin pandas in his role as an ambassador for the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. He grew up planning to be a scientist but turned to acting and into a householdname with his roles as a martial arts hero in the wuxia TV series The Return of the Condor and in the series Shanghai Bund, set in the world of 1920s gangsters. A keen musician and singer, he sang the closing theme song for Shanghai Bund, which featured on his first album. He even met his fiancée Angelababy, whom he married on October 8, while singing at a karaoke party.

His move into cinema has seen him star in films such as The Sniper, The Message, and Ip Man 2, but he is also known for his charity work and advocacy of environmental friendliness. In 2007 he performed at the Live Earth concert in Shanghai and became a UNICEF ambassador in 2009, taking part in a charity run to raise funds to reconstruct the Sichuan region following the earthquake.

Actor/Producer/Renovator/Musician on the one hand, Actor/Environmentalist/Ambassador/Singer, on the other hand, both Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming are the ideal representatives for the brand’s One Life/Live Them campaign,” said Eric Vallat, CEO of Rémy Martin.
“This is a new chapter in the history of Rémy Martin, and we’re delighted to be working with two personalities who perfectly embody the lifestyle that we are celebrating.”
“I am excited to work with this iconic brand and to help launch this new campaign. The story of how to live your life really resonates with me personally. I think to fully realize one’s potential you must take action, remain curious, embrace your failures as they are gifts, and honor your successes with humility. We are all many things and cannot and should not be defined by one thing, which is truly awesome,” said Renner.

“I think the meaning of life is about challenging the unknown, and experience the different ways of living. Everyone has unlimited potential talents and more possibility of living waiting to be unleashed. I desire to help more people reveal their talents so they can live life to the fullest. That is the exact reason why I feel so honored and enthusiastic to be part of the Remy Martin Global Campaign: try to let more people understand “One Life/Live Them”, says Huang Xiaoming.

Rémy Martin will launch its campaign simultaneously in Cognac, France, and in New York City, U.S.A. on October 20, and in Shanghai on October 23. Two 60 seconds commercials featuring the many talents of Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming will be previewed for guests. The commercial will be launched on television in the US and in China at the beginning of November, and all around the world on www.remymartin.com and social networks. In addition, print executions with Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming will be featured in national publications and the

One Life/Live Them tagline, along with exclusive, behind the scenes footage, will appear prominently in the brand’s social media channels.

Rémy Martin remains committed to the core principles and values that its founders used to establish the company more than 290 years ago. Supporting the community, highlighting skills and revealing the talents of people and nature, honoring craftsmanship and embracing the luxury of time enables Rémy Martin to cultivate the most premium products. It is this depth of history and skillful mastery that goes into every bottle of Rémy Martin Cognac.

“Rémy Martin has always been about sharing – the fruits of our labors, the talents of our cellar masters, a range of cognacs crafted to suit different tastes but always with a distinctive style. It’s a philosophy which strikes us as tailor-made for today’s social networked world,” said Augustin Depardon, Executive Director of Rémy Martin. “The most inspiring people are never just one thing, they are diverse and multitalented and we can’t wait to discover their passions. Just like Rémy Martin.

November 26, 2015

Have You Said ‘Thank You’ Today?



An old saying reminds us that we should always count our blessings. However, with all the stress and problems that we encounter on a daily basis, this sometimes becomes difficult to do. It is easier to complain than to express gratitude for the big and small good things that we receive.



Everyday, we have to take time to be thankful for the blessings we have. Here is a quick list to remind you of some of the things you can say ‘thank you’ for:

Be thankful for the opportunities that are about to come your way. 

Be thankful for the possibility of turning things around. 

Be thankful for the great moments you had this year. 

Be thankful for the chance to become better and better each day. 

Be thankful for the choices you’re allowed to make. 

Be thankful for the clothes that are keeping you warm. 

Be thankful for the love you receive from the people around you. 

Be thankful for your friends. 

Be thankful for your family. 

Join SM in celebrating the #NationalThankYouDay, today, November 26 in all its malls nationwide. This year’s celebration officially begins at 9:00 AM with a Thanksgiving mass. 

For the rest of the day, you can enjoy the exciting dining deals for lechon dishes and food bundles in various restaurants and capture fun snapshots at the “Thank You” photo area with your loved ones. This week, you can spend time and create memorable moments at SM with the people you are truly thankful for.

For more information about the #NationalThankYouDay celebration at SM, please visit www.smsupermalls.com, or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber.

So, have you said ‘thank you’ today?


Epson and Asia's Most Influential Designer Avel Bacudo set the trend in textile printing: ‘Print Your Passion’ pays homage to the beauty of the Philippines


EPSON printer brought to life the designs that pay homage to the beauty of the Philippines at the “Print Your Passion” fashion show held November 24 at the Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.  

Epson, a global technology leader, continues to set the trend in digital textile printing with the unveiling of new SureColor textile printers: the SC-F6270, the SC-F7270, and the SC-F9270 -- the company’s next generation textile dye-sublimation printers at the “Print Your Passion” fashion show. 

Epson’s new SureColor textile printers feature a new high-density black ink that produces richer black prints, especially for high-volume commercial applications that require impressive print quality at a low running cost.


Epson F9270, the most advanced textile printer, promises to deliver amazing performance for highly efficient and reliable production runs. It combines the speed, precision, and durability of the PrecisionCore printhead technology with an original dual 1.5L ink tank system.


“Epson has integrated the speed, precision and durability of PrecisionCore technology -- Epson’s foremost printhead technology, to create this digital textile printer masterpiece. It is a testimony of Epson’s perseverance to stay ahead of the burgeoning growth of digital textile printing for fashion and other applications. Digital textile printing trend in Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing market with a Compound Annual Growth Rate or CAGR of 21.4%,” explained Shaun See, regional head of Epson Commercial and Industrial (C&I) printers.
Launched during the “Print Your Passion” fashion show, the printer brought to life ten (10) new designs that pay homage to the beauty of the Philippines.




The designs were created by Asia’s Most Influential Designer Avel Bacudio, who has recently utilized digital prints to bring his creative ideas to life.

Avel Bacudio
“Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by traditional limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways,” said Avel. 
“My new designs featured tonight were printed by Epson’s digital textile printer. For me, Epson is the best fabric printer to showcase the beauty of the Philippines.” 

Avel designs have been worn by celebrities and praised in the international scene. He has won several fashion awards, including the People’s Choice Award – Concours International Des Jeunes Createurs De Mode, Top 10 Timeless Terno – Metropolitan Museum of Manila, 2012 Breakthrough Designer of the Year, and the 2014 Asia’s Most Influential Designer.
“Our mission at Epson Professional Imaging is to always provide expertise in digital printing and make it possible for creative designers and other professionals to get their ideas out and directly on to their materials with high quality, speed, and minimal cost, unlike traditional methods. The F9270, with its faster speed provided by its dual print head, as well as our future endeavors, will continue to focus on this mission,” said Epson Philippines C&I Head Pamela Albar.
Before the fashion show, Epson Philippines held a ‘Print Your Passion Solution Day’ at the same venue where the digital imaging leader highlighted the capabilities of other Epson professional imaging printers for Digital Lab, CAD, and Signage.

Signage 




CAD 

Digital Photo Lab 

Digital Textile Printers
“Epson has the most complete line of professional imaging printers in the industry -- each one customized to deliver the best quality and most productive digital prints. This is how Epson will continue to innovate, because we believe that our customers and end-users deserve to have a reliable printing partner that fully understands their needs and passions,” concludes Epson Regional Managing Director and EPC Country Manager Toshimitsu Tanaka.

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