Kris Aquino as newest Chowking franchisee

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Taste of success: the result of good luck and hard work

Chowking welcomes Kris Aquino as newest franchisee. Last October 29, 2014, Wednesday, the newest Chowking franchisee, Ms. Kris Aquino, talks about how to become as successful as an Empress by achieving harmony between luck and skills. 

‘Just an endorser’ no more. Today, the Philippines’ Queen of All Media will open her first Chowking franchise this November 2014, located at Ali Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

Endorsements play a big part in Kris’ incessantly thriving career, that’s why it isn’t new to see her on TV or billboards mounted along highways all across the country. Between businesses and promotions, however, one brand seemed to harmonize well with Kris’ taste and beliefs.

“I feel that if you’re going to endorse a brand, it should be something that’s both aspirational and reachable,” says Kris. “But it’s different if it’s about being a franchisee. One should invest on something they really trust and love.

For a hardworking career mom like Kris Aquino, a woman who juggles acting, hosting, endorsing, and parenting, finding time to celebrate success seems almost impossible. But being the type of person whose passion is fueled by happiness, Kris has learned to appreciate every day wins, no matter how big or small.

From squeezing in a home-cooked meal after a long day of taping, to planning short out of town trips with her two boys, Kris makes sure to reward herself for her hard work.

“A lot of things happened this year—good and bad—but I see them all as contributors to building my character,” Kris shares. “I can say that I am really blessed with everything that has come my way so it’s important for me to find ways to celebrate every day wins.”

In spite of Kris’ triumphs, she doesn’t stop pursuing more. “I want to be successful for my kids. They keep me going.”

“That’s what I felt when I chose to partner with Chowking. Not only do I really love their food, it’s a brand I’ve found that’s comforting and one I trust that can bring me more success.”

Kris recounts how making stops at Chowking during long road trips for KrisTV tapings has been a ritual for her crew. 

“I really love their menu! Believe me, I’ve had countless takes in the shoots and the food is just irresistibly good,” she shares.

The partnership between Kris and Chowking says a lot about the trust and harmony between Kris and the largest network of Chinese restaurants nationwide—an ultimate testament of support, a clear indication that the relationship is not just for “commercials”. 

The union commenced when Kris endorsed some of the fast food’s Chinese favorites earlier this year, Chinese-Style Fried Chicken and Chunky Asado Siopao. 

A harmonious partnership

At present, Chowking currently boasts of over 400 branches in the Philippines. Some of the leading delicious Chinese favorites in their roster are the Chinese-Style Fried Chicken, Chunky Asado Siopao, Pork Chao Fan, and the Meaty Wanton Mami.

Ferns Yu, President, Chowking

“We have always served our food to satisfy and energize our customers, keeping in mind that they deserve only the best as a reward for putting in the effort to create better lives every day for themselves and for their loved ones,” says Ferns Yu, President, Chowking.

Yu notes that Kris’ practice of celebrating every day wins is in sync with the brand’s principle behind serving good food to its consumers and, ultimately, key to Chowking’s success.

“2014 has been yet another positive year for Chowking. We are aggressively renovating and opening new stores and this move with Kris is one of the best highlights of this endeavor,” says Yu. “It’s a rare opportunity to have your endorser as a franchisee. Perhaps, there’s really harmony between Kris and the brand.”

Yu adds that they knew how Kris favors home-cooked meals, as she mentioned it during the interviews they had during the shoots for the ads. “But it’s really heartwarming to know that she wouldn’t mind having a Chowking take-out to share with her family during the days that it’s really impossible for her to cook. 

“That’s why this partnership says a lot about Chowking—it complements her taste and her appreciation towards good food; and given that we are a brand that continues to grow because of hard work, we find her as the best embodiment of our success.” 

Indeed, when you see a celebrity shopping from the store of the brand he or she endorses, you could probably say that it’s an expected commendation. But when that endorser becomes a franchisee, it becomes a totally different story—a bond forged in trust and harmony.

The great Chowking feast as we try our luck, bringing us fortune and prosperity, held at the White Space, 2314 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City.

Finland’s Amazing Magic Theater’s "Wally Watthead and his Lost Glow" set to open Nov. 14

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PETA Theater Center’s upcoming treat for the whole family! Light bulbs falling in love? Photo frames as leading ladies? How about simcards as dashing sidekicks? All these and more !

This November 14-16 and 21-23 every 10 am and 3pm, the PETA Theater Center stages Finland’s Amazing Magic Theater’s Wally Watthead and his Lost Glow.

Join Wally Watthead, his best friend Simon the Simcard and leading lady Polly the Picture, as they try to find out: where did Wally’s light go?

In this children’s show devised by magician Janne Raudaskoski, lead character Wally Watthead levitates, shrinks and grows right before your very eyes !

Raudaskoski not only does magic tricks, but also acts onstage with multi-media characters such as screen-projected Polly Picture, played by Tuija Nuojua Raudaskoski, and an interactive robot-like mascot of Simon the Simcard, voiced by Jonathan Hutchings. 

Wally Watthead and his Lost Glow combines magic, clowning, mime, black light theatre, video, various special effects, and plenty of laughs for kids, parents -- and even grandparents -- to enjoy!

Once again, the PETA Theater Center flips the cliché “all the world’s a stage” through its latest offerings, and becomes ‘a stage to all the world’ by hosting unique international performances such as Finland’s Wally Watthead and his Lost Glow. 

Tickets are Php 800 for VIP and Php 600 for regular audiences. 

For tickets contact Ticket World at 891-999 or Ticketworld.com 

or contact the PETA Theater Center at 725 – 6244 loc 21-23, 0915-4933728 

or email peta.theatercenter@gmail.com

“Beauty and the Beast” is staged in Manila in January, 2015

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Celebrating its 20th year, the Disney Theatrical Production is bringing to the Philippines the “Beauty and the Beast” international tour. The hit Broadway musical that drew record audiences during the past 20 years with its wonderful songs and music, spectacular production, fabulous costumes and superb acting will awe and enthrall Filipino music and theater enthusiasts when Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is staged in Manila in January, 2015.

The beautiful and timeless story of love and transformation behind one of the most-loved fairy tales of all time will hold fans spellbound when the original Broadway musical spectacular makes its debut on January 9-25, 2015 at the Main Theater (Nicanor Abelardo Hall) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group are collaborating together with Ovation Productions in bringing to the country the Broadway musical as part of its ongoing 10-country first-ever international tour in celebration of its 20th anniversary on the stage.

After debuting in Istanbul (Turkey), the musical will play in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Thessalonik (Greece), Trieste (Italy) and Milan (Italy) before heading to Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Jakarta (Indonesia), Kazakhstan and, finally, Macau, marking the first time it will be seen in these areas.

The selection of Manila as part of the musical’s international tour is in recognition of the Philippines’ stature as a promising area in mounting huge productions of live entertainments, according to Liz Coops, producer for Broadway Entertainment Group.

“The Philippines is today’s premier Asian market in theater production,” she said, “that’s why our team have decided to make Manila the first stop in the Asian leg of the international tour of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions, which is observing this year its 35th anniversary in music and entertainment promotion, expressed elation over the opportunity to handle the Manila staging of “Beauty and the Beast,” as he thanked Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks and Broadway Entertainment Group for their trust and confidence in Ovation’s capability to mount the production.

“’Beauty and the Beast” is simply an incredible theatrical experience that will tug on everyone’s emotions,” De Guia said. “All the characters – from Lumiere, Gaston, Belle and the Beast – are spot on, captivating and brilliant in their roles.”

“The stage props are fabulous and as are all the colorful and cheery costumes. The music, the songs, the choreography are spectacular. Everything about it is mystical and magical and fun for both children and adults. It will have you want to watch the musical every night,” he added.

“Beauty and the Beast” is the classic tale of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. The story goes that if the Beast can learn to love and be loved in return, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But if the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed forever.

The international touring production is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West. Completing the original Broadway creative team in the tour are Tony Award-winning Ann Hould-Ward, costume design; Natasha Katz, lighting design; Stanley A. Meyer, scenic design; John Petrafesa, Jr., sound design; and Michael Kosarin, music supervision.

Behind the music of the stage production is Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”, “Tangled”), with lyrics written by the late Howard Ashman (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin”), additional songs with music by Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”).

The book is written by Linda Woolverton (screen writer of “The Lion King,” “Alice In Wonderland” and the upcoming “The Maleficent”). 

Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film of the same title, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” premiered on Broadway in 1994 and was nominated for nine prestigious Tony Awards and ran for 13 years. It still ranks as one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time.

(Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be staged at the CCP Main Theater on Jan. 9-25, 2015 at 8 pm with matinees at 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It is presented by Disney Theatrical Productions, Inc., NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, MKFAE and Ovation Production and supported by GLOBE BUSINESS, VISA, FOX International Channels, DIAMOND HOTEL, the Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, and BusinessWorld. Tickets are priced at P7,895, P6,845, P5,790, P4,740, P4,210, P3,160 and P2,105, plus applicable service charges. They are available at Ticketworld outlets (891-9999) and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph, beautyandthebeast.com.ph and Facebook.com/beautyandbeastph.)

The Fab and Fierce Way to Go and Love Life!

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Love makes the world go round... love makes the people happy... love makes the world beautiful...love makes life colorful... Love is love... Love is Life ... Loving life to the fullest!

What takes most of your time? For most women, the answer will only revolve around family and work. As we all know, it is natural for women to focus on taking care of others.  But as they concentrate on the people they love, they tend to lose focus on their own lives. Some women even end up neglecting their own health and looks.

Merck Philippines launched Sangobion Go Love Life - a campaign that aims to revive a modern woman’s love for life. Last March, Sangobion kicked off the campaign by reminding women of the importance of taking care of oneself and by showing them all the great things that can happen just by changing one’s lifestyle habits.

Through social networking sites, Sangobion challenged women to join the Sangobion 15-day challenge and commit to change for the better. To further promote the challenge, Sangobion launched an online promo that tasked women to submit their pledges to change and to take Sangobion everyday. 

Last August 16, Sangobion treated forty lucky ladies to a beauty blowout by expert stylists courtesy of Shu Uemura and Blo Blow Dry Bar. Now, another set of forty lucky ladies were given a fabulous treat! Last October 18, the winners went on a shopping spree and had their own little fashion show at Shine Bakery & Café. Each one was given a chance to shop for her own outfit and to strut like a model. These promo winners proved that Sangobion can truly help empower women to go on and live a better life! 

It was one fun, fab, and fierce afternoon that inspired women to push the Go Love Life challenge, to make Sangobion part of their daily habits, and to continue living a healthy lifestyle. More than all the glitz and glam, it was also an educational afternoon as Merck Head of Marketing for Consumer Healthcare Debbie Go and Sangobion brand manager Jio Igual gave tips on how women can look, feel, and be at their best despite their crazy schedules and responsibilities. They also highlighted how Sangobion can help women achieve their ‘better self.’

Taking Sangobion everyday can help boost your iron, so you can look and perform at your best. It has Ferrous Gluconate, an organic iron that helps fight the different signs of iron deficiency such as paleness, fatigue, dizziness, and lack of focus and concentration. This ingredient also puts Sangobion above other iron supplements as it allows better body absorption and has less gastrointestinal side effects. Each capsule is chocolate-scented and leaves no metallic after-taste.

And more than iron, Sangobion also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Copper, and Manganese sulfate to build healthy red blood cells and immune system. It also has sorbitol that is an anti-constipating agent that helps manage the side effects of iron supplements! This is definitely the supplement a woman needs to focus on loving life and conquering her day-to-day challenges. 

Merck Head of Marketing for Consumer Healthcare Debbie Go

There are 24 hours a day, so make sure you spare at least an hour or even just a couple of minutes for ‘me-time.' And even if the spotlight may always be on your family or career, it is not an excuse to lose focus on yourself and to stop you from living the life you love. 

Keep on visiting the Sangobion Facebook page for updates. 

Go to www.facebook.com/SangobionGoLoveLife.

Sergio Mendes returns to Manila for a live concert at the Smart Araneta on Nov. 15

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The catchy and delightful sound that instantly stirs listeners to sing, sway and swoon to its beat will sweep the local concert scene when bossa nova legend Sergio Mendes returns to Manila with his band for a live concert on Saturday, November 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The Big Dome show will kick off the two-city tour dubbed “Sergio Mendes & Brasil 2014 Live In Manila!” that will end with another concert on November 16 at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. To be featured in the shows is Joe Pizzulo. 

To be mounted by Ovation Productions, the musical event will spotlight the bossa nova sensation from Brazil as he showcases his wonderful and easy-listening sound and style that made him the most popular musician in South America and an international star in the past fifty years.

Mendes will take concert-goers through a breathtaking array of hits, such as “Mas Que Nada”, “Magalenha”, “One Nation”, “Timeless”, “What Do We Mean To Each Other”, “For Me,” “Night And Day”, “The Look Of Love”, “Fool On The Hill”, “Timeless”, “Scarborough Fair”, “Pretty World”, “Never Gonna Let You Go”, “Funky Bahia”, “Chorado”, and “What The World Needs Now”.

His other hit songs are “The Trouble With Hello Is Goodbye,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”, “If I Ever Lose This Heaven”, “Going Out Of My Head”, “Put A Little Love Away”, “Waiting For Love”, “Waters Of March”, “Please Baby Don’t”, “So Many Stars” “Night And Day”, “Like A Lover”, “Love City”, “Bridges,” and many more.

As a young boy in Niteroi, Brazil, Sergio Mendes attended the local conservatory of music with the hopes of becoming a classical pianist until he switched at the age of 15 to bossa nova when the popular craze for the jazz-infected derivative of samba swept Rio de Janeiro in the mid-to-late-50s.

Moving to the United States in 1964, he achieved instant success with his band Brasil ’66 following the release on A&M Records of its self-titled debut album that featured a mix of light jazz, a bossa nova beat and contemporary soft pop melodies. 

The original line-up of Brasil ’66 comprised of Mendes (piano), vocalists Lani Hall and Bibi Vogel (later replaced by Janis Hansen), Bob Matthews (bass), Jose Soares (percussion) and Joao Palma (drums), with John Pisano as guest guitarist.

The debut LP rose to Number 6 nationally with the strong performance of the single, “Mas Que Nada”. The second album, “Equinox”, produced a trio of hits, “Night And Day”, “Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)” and “For Me”. The third album, “Look Around”, climbed to Number 5 behind a Number 3 single of the group’s cover of The Beatles’ “Fool on the Hill” and an accompanying hit with “Scarborough Fair,” based on the Simon & Garfunkel version of the folk song. “Crystal Illusions”, released in 1969, featured a version of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and the hit single, “Pretty World”.

Mendes attained mainstream prominence when he performed the Oscar-nominated Burt Bacharach and Hal David song, “The Look of Love”, on the Academy Awards telecast in April 1968. Brasil ‘66’s version of the song quickly shot into the Top 10, peaking at No. 4 and surpassing Dusty Springfield’s version from the sound track of the hit James Bond movie, “Casino Royale”.

From 1968 onwards, Mendes was concededly the biggest star in the world of music, riding on a wave of immense international popularity and performing on a variety of venues, from stadium arenas to the White House, where he gave concerts for both Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon.

After an absence of five year, Mendes returned to the music and entertainment scene in 1982, celebrating the event with his 1983 self-titled comeback album – his first Top 40 album in nearly a decade and a half – accompanied by his biggest chart single ever, “Never Gonna Let You Go,” which hit Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

In 1984, he recorded “Confetti”, an album that featured the hit songs, “Olympia”, which was also used as a theme song for the Olympic Games held that year in Los Angeles. By the time Mendes released his 1992 Grammy-winning album, “Brasileiro”, he was recognized as the undisputed master of pop-infected Brazilian jazz. During the same period, he performed with a new group, Brasil ’99 and more recently Brasil 2000 and has been integrating the sounds of Bahian hip-hop into his music.

In 2006, Concord Records released “Timeless”, his first album of newly-recorded materials in eight years, and which featured a catalogue of neo-soul and alternative hip-hop guitarists, most prominent of which was will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas. The album was followed by “Encanto” in 2008 and “Born Tempo” in 2010.

“Sergio Mendes & Brasil 2014 Live In Manila!” is presented by Ovation Productions in partnership with Air21 and Fox International. It is supported by the Edsa Shangri-la, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, BusinessWorld, Crossover 101.5, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Retro 105.9 FM and 96.3 Easy Rock. 

Tickets for the Smart Araneta Coliseum concert are priced at P5,500, P4,500, P3,500, P2,500, P1,500 and P700 and are available at Ticketnet outlets (911-5555) or online at www.ticketnet.com.ph. Tickets for the Waterfront Hotel Cebu show are priced at P4,500, P3,500, P2,500, P2,000, P1500, P1,000 and P800. For inquiries, call 0917-6228705.