Fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride! Repertory Philippines’ 76th theater season opener BOEING BOEING

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Repertory Philippines’ 76^th theater season opener BOEING BOEING, the classic '60s sex comedy is currently running until February 17, 2013.  This is the funniest, truly strikingly and sexiest stage play I watched. We laugh out loud and I can't get over as I enjoyed this play so much.  Thankful to Mr. Toots Tolentino for inviting me to the press preview at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City last January 24.

BOEING BOEING is one of the funniest and sexiest evenings you will spend in a theatre!

Boeing-Boeing is a classic farce written by French playwright Marc Camoletti.                                    The English language adaptation, translated by Beverley Cross, was first staged in London at the Apollo Theatre in 1962 and transferred to the Duchess Theatre in 1965, running for a total of seven years.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Play, BOEING BOEING (by Marc Camoletti and translated from the original 60’s-set French play by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans) is directed by Miguel Faustmann.

David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford
(Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms.

A riotous farce that recently enjoyed hit revivals in London and New York, BOEING BOEING is  now set to arrive – fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

The cast features David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford, an American architect businessman living in Paris ---  a swinging bachelor. He is a combination of Don Draper and Jack Tripper. A playboy who juggles love affairs with three air hostesses who touch down briefly but lovingly in his apartment between flights.

Topper Fabregas as Robert (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

Topper Fabregas plays the role of the unworldly Robert, Bernard’s boyhood friend, newly arrived from Wisconsin.

Bringing to mind fantasy drawings from a vintage Esquire or  Playboy for a portfolio of international dream girls are the three fiancées: Giannina Ocampo as  Gabriella, the sentimental, lusty Italian stewardess. Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen, the hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned German stewardess. Jennifer Blair Bianco as Gloria, the Southern belle with upbeat disposition take-charge health-obsessed American stewardess.

Baby Barredo plays the role of Bertha, Bernard's long-suffering housekeeper who is a chic, black-clad philosopher. A French existentialist maid who loves nothing more than to complain. Ms. Joy Virata is alternate.

The artistic and creative team of BOEING BOEING is led by Baby Barredo (Rep Artistic Director), Miguel Faustmann (Stage Director/Set Designer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), and Raven Ong (Costume Designer).

BOEING BOEING’s production staff is composed of Juno Henares (Officer-in-Charge), Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Andrew Miranda (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of BOEING BOEING is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales) and photography by Jojo Mamangun.

Co-presented by the City of Makati in cooperation with Business World, Her Word.com, Ayala Center, Lane Moving and Storage, Bizu, Jack TV, ETC, 2^nd Avenue, Liberating Jepoy and Distinction Lamps.  BOEING BOEING is presented through special arrangement with Eric Glass Ltd.

For further inquiries regarding the details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Repertory Philippines on Facebook.

Boeing-Boeing was produced on Broadway at the Cort Theatre from February 2, 1965, closing on February 20, 1965, after 23 performances.

In 1991, the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world.

The play was adapted by W!LD RICE production in Singapore in 2002. It was directed by Glen Goei. Glen and the company revisited, modernized, and relocated this classic comedy to Asia and the present day, whilst keeping faithful to the text and the spirit of the play. The three air hostesses's nationalities were changed to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Boeing-Boeing was revived in London in February 2007 at the Comedy Theatre. It once again proved to be a hit with critics and audiences alike. The original cast of the production featured Roger Allam as Bernard, Frances de la Tour as Bertha, Mark Rylance as Robert, and Tamzin Outhwaite, Daisy Beaumont and Michelle Gomez as Bernard's three fiancées, Janet, Jaqueline and Judith. This production received two Olivier Award nominations, for Best Revival and Best Actor (Mark Rylance), but won neither. Elena Roger later took on the role of Gabriela.

Warchus also directed the 2008 Broadway revival, which started previews on April 19, 2008 and opened on May 4 at the Longacre Theatre to good reviews. The cast featured Christine Baranski as Bertha, Mark Rylance, reprising his role as Robert, Bradley Whitford as Bernard, Gina Gershon as Gabriella, Mary McCormack as Gretchen and Kathryn Hahn as Gloria. The curtain call of this revival was choreographed by Kathleen Marshall with original music by Claire van Kampen.  The production closed on January 4, 2009, after 279 performances and 17 previews.

A 45-week North American tour began in Fall 2009.  The production won the Best Revival of a Play and Rylance won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor. The production was nominated for several other Tony Awards including: Best Featured Actress (Mary McCormack), Best Director (Matthew Warchus), Best Costume Design (Rob Howell) and Best Sound Design (Simon Baker). The production won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play, and Mark Rylance won for lead actor in a play. 

"The Riotous Foursome" episode of "Sarap Diva" this Saturday Jan. 26

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This is another exciting episode of the hit morning cooking show of Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid! 

Concert Royalties Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez join Mr. Songwriter Ogie Alcasid and Songbird  Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in this Saturday's special episode of SARAP DIVA. 

Former sweethearts always continue to spread the love with their annual Valentine concerts and gladly now having time together in a cooking program with couple Ogie and Regine.  

A must-see episode this Saturday, catch Martin, Pops, Ogie, and Regine in "The Riotous Foursome" episode of "Sarap Diva" January 26, 2013 at 9:45am in GMA 7.

Check this out : Riotous Foursome, First time na Magsasama sa Sarap Diva

"Sarap Diva" is a cooking and talk show hosted by Asia's Song Bird Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The one-hour program airs every Saturday, 9:40am on GMA7

More updates on http://www.facebook.com/SarapDivaGMA?ref=ts&fref=ts

Jodie Foster's Speech was one of the biggest highlights of 2013 Golden Globes

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Jodie Foster is honoured with the Cecil B DeMille award at the 2013 Golden Globes. She wows the Golden Globes with her speech. I have watched it on TV , and I still watch it many times on videos. I love her since her "Silence of the Lambs" and almost all her movies.  Here's Jodie Foster’s acceptance speech after winning the Cecil B. DeMille award. This  was one of the biggest highlights of Sunday’s Golden Globe awards.

Below, read the full transcript of her speech.

“Well, for all of you ‘SNL’ fans, I’m 50! I’m 50! You know, I need to do that without this dress on, but you know, maybe later at Trader Vic’s, boys and girls. What do you say? I’m 50! You know, I was going to bring my walker tonight but it just didn’t go with the cleavage.”

“Robert [Downey Jr.], I want to thank you for everything: for your bat-crazed, rapid-fire brain, the sweet intro. I love you and Susan and I am so grateful that you continually talk me off the ledge when I go on and foam at the mouth and say, ‘I’m done with acting, I’m done with acting, I’m really done, I’m done, I’m done.’”

“Trust me, 47 years in the film business is a long time. You just ask those Golden Globes, because you crazy kids, you’ve been around here forever. You know, Phil you’re a nut, Aida, Scott — thank you for honoring me tonight. It is the most fun party of the year, and tonight I feel like the prom queen. Thank you. Looking at all those clips, you know, the hairdos and the freaky platform shoes, it’s like a home-movie nightmare that just won’t end, and all of these people sitting here at these tables, they’re my family of sorts, you know. Fathers mostly. Executives, producers, the directors, my fellow actors out there, we’ve giggled through love scenes, we’ve punched and cried and spit and vomited and blown snot all over one another — and those are just the costars I liked.”

“But, you know, more than anyone else, I share my most special memories with members of the crew. Blood-shaking friendships, brothers and sisters. We made movies together, and you can’t get more intimate than that.

“So while I’m here being all confessional, I guess I have a sudden urge to say something that I’ve never really been able to air in public. So, a declaration that I’m a little nervous about but maybe not quite as nervous as my publicist right now, huh Jennifer? But I’m just going to put it out there, right? Loud and proud, right? So I’m going to need your support on this. I am single. Yes I am, I am single. No, I’m kidding — but I mean I’m not really kidding, but I’m kind of kidding. I mean, thank you for the enthusiasm. Can I get a wolf whistle or something?”

“…be a big coming-out speech tonight because I already did my coming out about a thousand years ago back in the Stone Age, in those very quaint days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually, proudly to everyone who knew her, to everyone she actually met. But now I’m told, apparently, that every celebrity is expected to honor the details of their private life with a press conference, a fragrance and a prime-time reality show. You know, you guys might be surprised, but I am not Honey Boo Boo Child. No, I’m sorry, that’s just not me. It never was and it never will be. Please don’t cry because my reality show would be so boring. I would have to make out with Marion Cotillard or I’d have to spank Daniel Craig’s bottom just to stay on the air. It’s not bad work if you can get it, though.”

“But seriously, if you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you’d had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe you too might value privacy above all else. Privacy.”

“Someday, in the future, people will look back and remember how beautiful it once was. I have given everything up there from the time that I was 3-years-old. That’s reality-show enough, don’t you think? There are a few secrets to keeping your psyche intact over such a long career. The first, love people and stay beside them.”

“That table over there, 222, way out in Idaho, Paris, Stockholm, that one, next to the bathroom with all the unfamous faces, the very same faces for all these years. My acting agent, Joe Funicello — Joe, do you believe it, 38 years we’ve been working together? Even though he doesn’t count the first eight. Matt Saver, Pat Kingsley, Jennifer Allen, Grant Niman and his uncle Jerry Borack, may he rest in peace. Lifers. My family and friends here tonight and at home, and of course, Mel Gibson. You know you save me too.”

“There is no way I could ever stand here without acknowledging one of the deepest loves of my life, my heroic co-parent, my ex-partner in love but righteous soul sister in life, my confessor, ski buddy, consigliere, most beloved BFF of 20 years, Cydney Bernard. Thank you, Cyd. I am so proud of our modern family. Our amazing sons, Charlie and Kit, who are my reason to breathe and to evolve, my blood and soul. And boys, in case you didn’t know it, this song, all of this, this song is for you. This brings me to the greatest influence of my life, my amazing mother, Evelyn. Mom, I know you’re inside those blue eyes somewhere and that there are so many things that you won’t understand tonight.”

“But this is the only important one to take in: I love you, I love you, I love you. And I hope that if I say this three times, it will magically and perfectly enter into your soul, fill you with grace and the joy of knowing that you did good in this life. You’re a great mom. Please take that with you when you’re finally OK to go. You see, Charlie and Kit, sometimes your mom loses it too. I can’t help but get moony, you know. This feels like the end of one era and the beginning of something else. Scary and exciting and now what?”

“Well, I may never be up on this stage again, on any stage for that matter. Change, you gotta love it. I will continue to tell stories, to move people by being moved, the greatest job in the world. It’s just that from now on, I may be holding a different talking stick. And maybe it won’t be as sparkly, maybe it won’t open on 3,000 screens, maybe it will be so quiet and delicate that only dogs can hear it whistle. But it will be my writing on the wall. Jodie Foster was here, I still am, and I want to be seen, to be understood deeply and to be not so very lonely. Thank you, all of you, for the company. Here’s to the next 50 years.”

Credit: ABC.

Telecommunications Technology: Globe Business reaffirms commitment to make business better for Filipino entrepreneurs

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Run your business easily. As the year comes to a close, Globe Business is doubling its efforts to provide Filipino entrepreneurs operating small and medium businesses or SMBs a complete range of solutions that can help maximize their business operations at lesser cost.

Globe Business reaffirms its commitment to Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) by finding ways for them to do business more efficiently and help drive their business’ growth by using telecommunications technology. Globe Business call, text and data plans let SMBs cut the cost on their mobile phone bills and customize plans according to their needs.

“We see the end of the year as a time for taking stock of how we’ve done our mission of providing ideal solutions to Filipino entrepreneurs. It’s time for us to use hindsight in assessing our performance and for renewing our commitment to make business better for SMBs,” said Manny Escosa, Globe Business Marketing Head for Small and Medium Business Segments.

Escosa adds that 2012 has been a good year for Globe Business as Filipino entrepreneurs have become more aware of the advantages that information technology can bring to their businesses.

“Information and telecoms technology function as an equalizer for SMBs who compete with much larger businesses. For example, a Filipino entrepreneurs would no longer have to set up an office or distribution site overseas to reach Filipinos living overseas."

“All the SMB has to do nowadays is create a website and put it online—it’s not a huge expense to do that, but that already lets the SMB reach customers and clients locally and overseas. But that’s not enough. Information and telecoms technology has to be backed by a reliable network. Without a reliable network, the full power of the technology itself will not be maximized,” explained Escosa.

With Globe Business as the solutions and network provider of SMBs, the latter can level the playing field even with larger competitors. Globe Business provides effective, reliable and affordable solutions that help SMBs operate their business simpler, more efficiently and at less cost.

“There are several areas where Globe Business renews and applies its commitment to SMBs. These areas are those where SMBs telecoms needs are most crucial to the success of their operations and their profitability,” said Escosa.

Globe Business stores and protects Small and Medium Businesses’ vital files through Globe Business Data Centers—technologically advanced, highly secured facilities built for storing and managing a company’s mission critical information. Globe Business Data Centers enable co-location, dedicated service hosting, LAN-based Internet, media storage, disaster recovery services, and email hosting.  They prevent the loss of data due to a computer virus, deliberate hacking, spying or data theft; or computer hardware/system failure, saving time and money.

Call and text plans

Using Globe Business call and text plans, entprepreneurs can save as much as 70% per month on their mobile phone bills. These plans are bundled with unlimited talk and/or texting features that can be customized to fit an SME’s needs. There are also plans that include mobile phones in their packages.

These plans include: 1) Globe Business Plus, which offers unlimited talk and texting features for as low as P499 per month; 2) Globe Business Company Capped Plans, which sets a flexible cost ceiling for a business’s mobile lines; and  3) AutoloadMAX Corporate Edition, which helps manage, schedule, and automatically reload Prepaid credits directly to employees’ cell phones.

Affordable, high-volume SMS

The TxtConnect service provided by Globe Business lets SMBs broadcast high-volume text campaigns through the Internet. With just one send, TxtConnect broadcasts text blasts to pre-determined groups of recipients, including customers, suppliers, business partners,  and employees.  It is also more affordable compared t regular text messaging or phone calls.

Subscribing to TxtConnect lets entrepreneurs save as much as 35% in their text messaging cost compared to the regular text messaging charges.

Direct Internet Lite

Global communications through email, social networks, and Internet-based chat or voice calls—these are all necessities nowadays for any business  that wants to achieve sustained growth.  The more than two billion Internet users in the world represent a huge market by themselves.

Using Direct Internet Lite from Globe Business, SMBs can increase their market reach by putting their business online while making business communication fast, secure, and reliable.  Direct Internet Lite is especially designed as an affordable yet powerful Internet connection for SMBs.

Direct Internet Lite uses a leased line set-up with basic Internet connectivity for both Foreign and Domestic routes.  It’s available in a range of bandwidth options from 2,000 Mbps to 10,000 Mbps. Now SMBs can enjoy always-on, affordable, fast, and powerful Internet connectivity that easily streams huge amounts of data, from documents to images, to audio and video files.

Data storage

SMBs’ vital data and ICT can now be stored and secured through Globe Business’ Data Center—a technologically advanced, highly secured facility built for storing and managing a company’s mission critical information.

Globe Business Data Center’s wide range of services includes co-location, dedicated service hosting, LAN-based Internet, media storage, disaster recovery seats, recovery services, and email hosting.  The facility prevents the loss data due to a computer virus, deliberate hacking, spying or data theft; or computer hardware/system failure.

Any business that relies on and processes huge amounts of confidential information—including financial institutions, government agencies, hospitals, schools, hotels, resorts, restaurant chains--will benefit from this service.

By storing, managing, and securing vital business information through Globe Data Center, SMBs can make more critical decisions faster and more reliably,

Fleet management service

SMBs can better manage their fleet of company vehicles through a real-time tracking solution provided by Globe Business called “Fleet Management Service.” It uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) to monitor the precise location of assets like trucks, cargo and products. It helps entrepreneurs ensure that these arrive at their destination/delivery point on time.

Fleet management may be accessed and used through any computer with Internet connection. This tracking system increases the efficiency of deliveries and helps reduce fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses, This service is vital to manufacturing, retail, distribution and other businesses that rely on the transport of goods.

Fixed Assets Management

When it comes to fixed assets, Globe Business provides SMBs with the “Fixed Assets Management” solution. This service allows business owners to monitor the functioning, operation, maintenance, and security of a company's fixed assets. Such assets would include freezers, vendo machines, factory machinery, ATMs, computer servers, and other equipment.

Using this system, the productivity of such assets may be determined through their status; output projections may also be made based on the data collected from these assets.

Through Fixed Assets Management, SMEs can minimize machine downtime by undertaking preventive maintenance based on the collected data on the machine's status. As a result, operating costs due to frequent on-site inspections are reduced.

The Globe Business Fixed Assets Management is ideal for restaurants and fast food chains; vendo operators; banks; factories and other businesses engaged in manufacturing.

Security and surveillance

Globe Business offers SMEs a Security and Surveillance service for greater control over the security of company sites. Security and Surveillance installs security devices (such as motion and door sensors, panic buttons) that are linked to Globe M2M  (machine-to-machine) Management System.

For example, if an intruder breaks into a company site, the M2M security devices send out alerts through the computer network. This signals the system to deploy an emergency response team to deal with the threat.

M2M solutions are ideal for a wide range of businesses—including the food and/or service industries (restaurants, resorts, hotels, etc.); financial enterprises (banks, pawnshops, etc.; manufacturing, distribution; practically any business that benefits from machine-to-machine networking and pro-active security.

“Globe Business is always here to provide better ways for entrepreneurs to make their business more efficient and profitable,” said Escosa.

Globe Business is the corporate arm of Globe Telecom, the leading mobile telecommunications company in the Philippines. Globe Business provides wireless and wireline solutions for a diverse set of industries, businesses, and commercial enterprises. It assures SMEs of affordable, reliable, and dependable services for all communication needs, both wireless and wireline solutions, to generate the highest possible profit at the lowest possible cost.

Learn more about what Globe Business PayrollCloud and other Globe Business products and services can do for you by visiting www.globe.com.ph/payrollcloud or calling +632 730-1010.

Beauty inside and out, Clarity salutes SkinCheQ Ambassador Cathy Babao

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Cathy Babao, a well-known advocate of women and children’s health, as well as a homemaker and a mother, talks about being beautiful inside and out.

“I believe it is always important to take care of yourself, no matter what age,” she says. “While the external is the basis of first impressions, it is important to fix yourself from the inside. I believe that no matter how much you fix yourself on the outside, if you’re not all right within, then it’s not going to work.”

Babao believes that striking a balance between both inner and outer beauty is the foundation for true and sustained success. Achieving this well-rounded state begins with what you do and how you do it, day in and day out.

“Whatever your work is, if you’re eager to look at it each day, that for me is success, it is when you wake up happy and you look forward to what you will do the rest of the day.”

She maintains this balance by keeping a healthy lifestyle that involves a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ample rest. Babao avoids eating too much pork and allows herself plenty of fruits and vegetables. This balanced diet is complemented with a steady regimen of at least one hour of cardio workout every day. Babao adds that one of her secrets is getting the right amount of rest at the right time. 

“I try to be asleep before midnight, because that is the secret (to beauty). They say that even if you slept eight hours or more, it wouldn’t give you the same ‘regenerating effect’ as when you were already asleep by midnight,” Babao reveal.

Pressure has always been a big part of everyday life at work, school, and even at home. As expectations to deal with these factors increase, the difference between success and failure lies in how people persist and overcome certain challenges.

Because there is such a fine line between being on top and biting the dust, most of us take any advantage we can get our hands on to stay in the game. This includes caring for one’s self both inside and out.

As the beauty at the helm,  Clarity salutes SkinCheQ Ambassador Cathy Babao.

Top body and facial care provider Clarity Aesthetic Medical and Dental Center offers precisely what driven and successful people need—the chance to feel good and look good. As a prolific writer, author, and educator Cathy Babao would attest, Clarity’s premium beauty package SkinCheQ offers go-getters that much-needed incentive.

As one of SkinCheQ’s beauty ambassadors, Babao’s profile speaks for itself in terms of her personal success and positive contributions to society. This emissary of beauty and success is a grief counselor, a parenting lifestyle columnist for one of the leading publications in the country, a communications consultant for a top pharmaceutical company, and a member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board.

While she has been blessed with good complexion, she does not take it for granted and still takes extra care of her skin. Cathy maintains her glow by using sun blocks, moisturizers, and her favorite virgin coconut oil. But she admits that beauty products are not enough, and going for regular treatments is still needed.

Of course, where to go for treatment is as important as the procedures themselves. That is why Babao trusts only the best when it comes to her skin, and Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center provides everything she needs and more. 

“I am really fond of getting facials,” she admits. “Of course this is my face and so I choose good places, making sure that treatments and procedures are done by highly qualified medical practitioners, and that the products used are natural and good-quality ones. Clarity is very impressive because you are sure that only board-certified doctors are the ones doing the procedures and the facilities are very well maintained.”

Clarity’s premium beauty package SkinCheQ offers much and more for wellness enthusiasts like Babao. It is an overall pampering that includes three Intense Diamond Peel (IDP) sessions, two Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments, and one ReFirme session. The package also throws in a free overnight stay for two at any of Clarity’s partner hotel or resort as added incentive, rounding out the complete wellness experience.

Regardless of her stature, Cathy Babao is just like any other person trying to make it day after day. Each one of us goes through challenges and trials, and it’s comforting to know that Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center will always be there to offer its services to guide us on our journey toward success.

Visit Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center at the 5th Level Wellness Zone, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.

For more information, contact Clarity through telephone number (02) 638 1294 or through Customer Service Hotline (02) 751 4929. You can also visit www.clarity.com.ph for more details.

WD Expands Its SMB Storage Product Portfolio With Arkeia Software Solutions

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Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 Becomes Generally Available

MANILA, Philippines – January 23, 2012 – WD®, a Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) company, announced an expansion of its product portfolio addressing small- and medium-sized businesses with the addition of network backup software and appliances from Arkeia® Software, Inc., a privately held data protection company based in Carlsbad, Calif., recently acquired by WD. WD also announced that the Arkeia Network Backup version 10.0 software, for which a release candidate was delivered in Dec. 2012, becomes generally available (http://www.arkeia.com/new-in-v100) today.

“Arkeia’s products expand WD’s growing product portfolio of solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD’s Branded and CE products. “SMB organizations are managing ever-growing volumes of critical business data, which need to be stored, shared and secured. Our easy-to-manage small storage server, WD Sentinel™ DX4000, provides backup and storage centralization capabilities for small businesses and workgroups, while Arkeia’s network backup software provides a more feature-rich data-protection solution for larger SMB customers.”

Arkeia’s software, appliances and virtual appliances back up data to disk, tape and cloud storage. The company’s patented Progressive Deduplication™ technology speeds hybrid-cloud backup by reducing the bandwidth necessary to replicate backup sets over wide area networks. Arkeia sells its products worldwide through resellers and managed service providers.

The acquisition was completed through a merger transaction, encompassing all of the employees, technology and products of Arkeia. Arkeia will be integrated into WD’s Branded Products SMB unit and the products initially will retain the Arkeia name. WD will support all Arkeia customers on current maintenance and plans to retain both Arkeia’s software and appliance product lines. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Joining WD gives the Arkeia team a great opportunity to accelerate adoption of Arkeia’s innovative technologies and products,” said Bill Evans, senior director of worldwide software marketing at WD and former CEO of Arkeia Software. “The Arkeia team is delighted to be a part of WD. WD has chosen an ideal moment to invest in this critical product category as backup-to-disk solutions accelerate their displacement of backup-to-tape. WD’s financial strength, engineering excellence and organizational discipline will take Arkeia’s products and customers to the next level.”

Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 General Availability

Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 enables hybrid cloud backups by allowing administrators to combine physical media and Internet transport to replicate backup sets to or from remote cloud storage. Leveraging Arkeia’s advanced Progressive Deduplication technology; Arkeia Network Backup v10.0 permits SMB organizations to protect large data volumes in the cloud without incurring high monthly bandwidth charges. By allowing large backup sets to be moved on physical media and small backup sets to be sent over the wire, Arkeia makes it practical to replicate backup sets from a LAN to remote cloud storage for an inexpensive, tape-free alternative to off-site backup and recovery. More information can be found at: www.wd.com and www.arkeia.com.

About WD

WD, a Western Digital company, is a long-time innovator and storage industry leader. As a storage technology pacesetter, the company produces reliable, high-performance hard disk drives and solid state drives. These drives are deployed by OEMs and integrators in desktop and mobile computers, enterprise computing systems, embedded systems and consumer electronics applications, as well as by the company in providing its own storage products. WD’s leading storage devices and systems, networking products, media players and software solutions empower people around the world to easily save, store, protect, share and experience their content on multiple devices. WD was established in 1970 and is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.wd.com.

Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC), Irvine, Calif., is a global provider of products and services that empower people to create, manage, experience and preserve digital content. Its companies design and manufacture storage devices, networking equipment and home entertainment products under the WD, HGST and G-Technology brands. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements concerning the anticipated benefits of the Arkeia acquisition and management’s anticipated plans and strategies for the Arkeia business. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including the possibility that the expected benefits of the acquisition may not materialize as expected; failure to successfully integrate Arkeia’s products, capabilities and employees with WD; and other risks and uncertainties listed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the company’s recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on Nov. 2, 2012, to which your attention is directed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Western Digital, WD, the WD logo and Arkeia are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries; WD Sentinel and Progressive Deduplication are trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Small in IN! The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini: Minimum Size, Maximum Features

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Does size matter ? Small is in. Samsung launches the GALAXY S III Mini, a miniature version of the Samsung Galaxy S III that provides users with the same powerful performance and function at a new sense of form and style.

The S III Mini shares the core essence and same philosophy that Samsung has for its GALAXY line that is, “designed for humans.”  It also boasts an organic design inspired by nature, which provides the perfect grip and ergonomic handling.  It also comes with a nature-themed user interface and sounds that match its outer design.

The phone’s sleek design does not limit its function as users enjoy movies, photos and web browsing in crystal clear display even in the brightest environment with the S III Mini’s 4.0” WVGA Super-AMOLED display.

Like a race car, size does not limit this phone’s power.  Equipped with a dual-core processor, Samsung features are enjoyed seamlessly, such as the Pop-up Play function, allowing users to do two things at once effortlessly.  Running on the latest Android OS, Jelly Bean, the S III Mini provides super smooth graphics and transitions as well as access to the new Google services such as Google Now.

It also has the same intelligent features in Galaxy S III, which are: Smart Stay (which detects if the user is looking at the display and keeps the display from timing out until the user looks away), Smart Alert (which detects when a user returns to the phone and gives him a brief vibrating nudge to inform about missed calls, calendar events, and new messages) and Direct call (which allows a user to make a call simply by lifting the phone to his or her ear while writing or reading a message or while specific contact details are brought up to the display).

The S III Mini’s users can enjoy various Samsung hub services and advanced messaging service called Ch@tON, as shared by all Samsung Mobile users.

In today’s mobile market, developers and designers are moving towards making mobile phones bigger, wider, and longer.  Once again, Samsung sets its own trend by launching the Galaxy S III Mini, a smartphone that mixes performance and sleekness.  

The Samsung GALAXY S III Mini retails at PHP 14,990, and is available in your nearest Samsung Store.  The GALAXY S III Mini comes in four colors; Marble White, Pebble Blue, Garnet Red and Titanium Gray.

The Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini will be offered free through Globe’s exclusive customizable plans: Globe My Super Plan 999 which comes with P900 Consumable, 50MB data and two call and text freebies* which you can change monthly. Subscribers may also opt for the unlimited data version through the Globe My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo 999 which comes with Unlimited Data and one call and text freebie* which you can also change monthly.

* Freebies include (A) 10-minute calls and 200 SMS to Globe/TM, (B) 5-minute calls and 25 SMS to other networks, (C) 20-minute IDD and 10 iSMS to 10 destinations and (D) unlimited calls and texts to 1 Globe/TM number."

For more information, log on to www.samsung.com/PH or visit our page at www.facebook.com/SamsungPH

Google opens office in the Philippines

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Google Inc. officially announced its deepening investment in the Philippines by opening a new office in Manila. The Philippines has a vibrant and growing online community with over 33 million Internet users, a number that is likely to double in the next 3 years.

Philippines will be the 5th representative office in the Southeast Asian Region, alongside with Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. With Google’s local presence now here in the Philippines,  new office is in line with Google’s ongoing efforts to provide and improve its services for its Filipino users, to help Filipino businesses grow both locally and globally and to tap into local talent.

During the press briefing yesterday Julian Persaud, Managing Director of Google in Southeast Asia said the Philippines is a key country in Southeast Asia in terms of its digital economy and tech-savvy population. 

"This new office will allow us better engage with our local users, partners and advertisers. Over 33 million Filipinos access the Internet regularly to study, shop, search for ideas, opportunities, create news businesses, and connect to each other. And Internet use in the Philippines is set to grow exponentially. Research indicates that the number of Filipinos online will have nearly doubled by 2016!” 

Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III

“We are delighted that Google has decided to set up an office in Manila,” said Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III. “Their presence is a testament to their commitment to the Philippines. We hope that Google's entry will encourage more local businesses to go online and tap into international markets. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google more in the future.”

Narciso Reyes has been appointed Country Manager for the Philippines, bringing to his new role over 16 years of digital marketing and finance experience in Asia and the US.

Narciso Reyes, Country Manager for the Philippines

“We’re excited to be deepening our investment in the Philippines with the opening of our office here in Manila. Our local team will be committed to providing better services to our Filipino users and to helping businesses -- large and small -- grow locally and globally, contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy. We envision Google as part of everyday Filipino lives and as a partner in the development of local communities, culture and business,” said Narciso Reyes.

Google is currently hiring for its Manila office. Job openings can be viewed on its website, www.google.com.ph/jobs, in the coming days.

Filipinos can expect Google to provide more impact and significant role in the lives of Filipinos.

"Apoy sa Dagat", a most passionate primetime series on fire beginning Feb 4

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Apoy sa Dagat (fire in the sea) a passion and full emotional, someone who is not afraid to fight for what she knows what is right. This how the consuming fire of love can remain burning amid waves of denial, deceit, and despair.

ABS-CBN’s most passionate primetime drama series “Apoy Sa Dagat” will set TV screens on fire as it unravels a compelling story of burning love among four powerful characters namely Serena (Angelica Panganiban), Ruben (Piolo Pascual), Anton (Diether Ocampo), and Rebecca (Angelica Panganiban).

Angelica revealed that she is set to portray two characters that will play a vital role in resolving the conflict.

A riveting tale of a woman named Serena who grew up with no memory about her real identity and why she was swept off an island. With no families to hold on to, Serena finds and forms a special bond with Ruben, the fishing village’s roguish champion, whom she will eventually fall in love with.

Just when everything seems perfect, an unfortunate accident will suddenly test Serena’s love for Ruben. How far will Serena go just to save the life of the only man she loves? What is Anton’s relevance in Serena’s life? And the biggest question is—who is Rebecca and how will she affect the lives of Ruben, Anton and Serena?

Diether Ocampo will star in the water-themed soap "Apoy sa Dagat." after almost a year since his last lead role in the series "Guns and Roses.”

Angel Aquino and Liza Lorena

Aside from Angelica, Diether, and Piolo, also part of the cast are Angel Aquino, Aiko Melendez, Sylvia Sanchez, Perla Bautista, Liza Lorena, Freddie Webb, Melai Cantiveros, Eric Fructuoso, Regine Angeles, Bryan Santos, and Mikaila Ramirez; with the special participation of Nikki Gil, Empress, and Patrick Garcia.

“Apoy sa Dagat” is directed by FM Reyes and Nick Olanka.

Don’t fail to witness the ABS-CBN’s newest drama series that will introduce a lovely face with two personalities, “Apoy Sa Dagat,” starting February 4 (Monday), weeknights on Primetime Bida.

For more updates, log in to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" Auditions set on March 9 and 10

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“ MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”  auditions are set on March 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2013 at Studio A of the Peta Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Registration starts at 12 noon. Auditions begin at 1 p.m. and will end 8 p.m.

Bit by Bit Company proudly the audition details of its forthcoming production “MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. ”

Auditionees are advised that they are expected to sing, dance and act with equal facility.

The roles are as follows:

MAXIE - Must look 13 -15 years of age. Must be androgenous; able to pass off as both male and female. Has a strong soprano voice. Must be able to dance. If auditioning for this role please prepare a pop song that will showcase your vocal range.

VICTOR - Police officer, object of Maxie’s puppy love, affection.

Must look like in his mid to late 20s. Should be willing to appear on stage in underwear. Strong baritone or tenor voice. Must be able to sing both ballad and rock songs.

BOGS - Early 20s. Maxie’s brother. Preferably able to play the guitar. If auditioning for this role, please prepare a slow OPM song and showcase guitar ability.

           BOY   - Late 20s. Maxie’s brother. Eldest of the siblings. Strong baritone voice.

           ART    - Mid to late 20s. Victor’s police partner. Willing to play multiple roles.

          PETER - 15-17years of age. A closet bully. Must have comic timing.

                           Background in dance is preferable.

           PACO -  40’s. Petty crime lord. Maxie’s father.  Must have a strong Tenor voice.

         Ensemble players : 15 years old and above with strong singing voices (all vocal ranges) and acting capacities. Be ready to sing 1 song from a PINOY ALTERNATIVE BAND and 1 song from a BROADWAY MUSICAL. Be ready with a dance piece, Either HIPHOP, CONTEMPORARY or JAZZ. Be ready to learn a dance combination.

“MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros ” --- Book and Lyrics by Palanca Hall of Fame Awardee Nicolas Pichay. Music by William Elvin Manzano, Arkel Suaco Mendoza and Jj Valiente Pimpinio. Direction and Choreography by Dexter Martinez Santos.  Presented through special arrangement with Origin8 Media. Based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" (ufo Pictures, 2005)

“Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” is set to open on Nov. 15, 2013 and will run until Nov. 24, 2013 at the Peta Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MaxieTheMusical.