THE HUNGER GAMES hits Philippine Pay TV on Star Movies

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On April 28, 2013, Sunday at 9 PM, Star Movies will premiere one of 2012’s biggest box-office breakthroughs, “The Hunger Games,” on pay TV. This film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book series of the same name was a critically acclaimed top-grosser, and audiences will be excited for the chance to enjoy the action-packed drama that entertained millions of moviegoers once again in the comfort of their homes.

"We were so excited to carry the title that we acquired the rights as early as when the project was at the script level. We believed in the film's appeal and were bent on being the first to deliver quality content to our viewers," said Rohit Tharani, programming head of Star Movies.

Although the film is an adventure story that centers on the life of a young girl named Katniss Everdeen, its underlying themes resonate with issues that young Filipinos are facing today. In the fictional world of Panem, which is controlled by a wealthy authoritarian sector called The Capitol, severe poverty and oppression exists along with a widening gap between the rich and the poor. In such a society, residents from the 12 poorer districts do what they can to survive, and suffer quietly as each year a ritual called The Reaping is imposed upon them by The Capitol. Every year, two young “tributes”, a male and female between the ages of 12 and 18, are selected from each District to participate in The Hunger Games, where they fight each other to the death until a sole survivor emerges.

However, in this sea of hopelessness and ruthless self-preservation, goodness prevails in the form of Katniss, who volunteers herself as tribute in place of her younger sister Primrose. These qualities of upholding the importance of family and self-determination in the face of a challenging social and political environment are also bright spots in the Filipino psyche, which faces similar issues today that need to be analyzed more closely as the local elections draw near.

Katniss’ strength as the lead character of “The Hunger Games” was one of the reasons why it drew hordes of adoring audiences when it was shown in the Philippines in March 2012. Viewers identified easily with her character’s love for family and strong will to survive, which were excellently portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, who later won an Academy Award for her role in the movie “Silver Linings Playbook”. Her maturity lent well to the character of Katniss in “The Hunger Games,” and it was what convinced author Suzanne Collins to cast her in such an important role.

Lawrence was supported by a cast of promising young actors, with Liam Hemsworth playing Katniss’ best friend Gale Hawthorne, Amandla Stenberg as Rue, and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss’ partner from District 12 Peeta Wellark. Hollywood heavyweights also gave the film amazing performances, with Woody Harrelson as her trainer Haymitch Abernathy, Stanley Tucci as host Caesar Flickerman, and Donald Sutherland as President Coriolanus Snow.

Widely considered by fans all over the world to be a first-rate adaptation of the first book of a well-loved series, “The Hunger Games” is another highlight in a long list of outstanding films featured on Star Movies that have made it the number one English movie channel. 

Catch “The Hunger Games” on April 28, Sunday at 9 PM exclusively on Star Movies!

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 - Gold Winners Presented

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Enjoying the wonderful world as we meet and greet the Queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold! 

The lovely queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold answers questions from the media during the post coronation press conference held at Gateway Cineplex 4 last April 23. 

Signing of the 2013 Souvenir program

The Beauty Queens signs their photos featured in the exhibit at the Gateway Mall. Their photos along with the other 45 binibinis' glamshots are featured in Metro Magazine's special edition for Bb. Pilipinas Gold.

Binibining Pilipinas crowned its 50th batch of beauty queens Sunday night April 14 in a star-studded golden anniversary celebration held at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Binibining Pilipinas Gold presented its newly proclaimed winners at the Gateway Cineplex more than a week after a magnificent coronation night staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum which was made even more meaningful with the special appearance of almost 70 former Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens.

The winners have been busy in several television guest appearances and are about to indulge in a rigorous training program that will include personality development, beauty sessions, and the like to be conducted by seasoned beauty and television experts. Being the newest celebrities of the country, the new queens’ schedules are also replete with sponsors visits and tourism activities that usually abound during the summer. 

On May 18, the Golden Batch as they are called will be the main stars in the traditional Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that will traverse the roads of the shopping complex. Other past contestants and queens are expected to grace this glittering event. The ladies will be wearing gowns done by leading Filipino and international designers.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, CreamSilk with major sponsors San Miguel Brewery, Petron Corporation, San Miguel Power, Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Food. Other sponsors are Casino Filipino, PAGCOR, Avon, Lactacyd, Philippine Airlines, Jag Jeans, and Manhattan Garden City. Service sponsors are EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Pizza Hut, David’s Salon, Gold’s Gym, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joylong Van, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter, Ping An Insurance Corporation, Raymond Saldana Photography and Rightspot Electronic Media. 

Here is the complete roster of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold winners: 

Ariella Arida - Miss Universe Philippines 2013
(by Bruce Casanova)

Ariella Arida, 24 

Miss Universe Philippines 2013, Best in Swimsuit 

Alaminos, Laguna native Ariella graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. She is a keen sportswoman, having tried swimming, volleyball, and now running. She recently ran a 21K. She also did ramp modeling after graduating from college.

Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj. She likes watching Venus’s pageant videos because she wants to emulate the way she moves and speaks.

Apart from bagging the Miss Universe Philippines title, Ariella also won the Best in Swimsuit award. Ariella will be one of the candidates in the 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant this year. Miss Universe is one of the biggest and most prestigious beauty pageants held annually. 

Bea Rose Santiago - Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Bea Rose Santiago, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013, Miss Avon

A Communications student majoring in Public Relations at the York University in Toronto, Canada, Bea was born in the Philippines, but she and her family moved to Toronto when she was 14.

Bea moved back to the Philippines to try her luck in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She now lives on her own here in the Philippines. She is a Gawad Kalinga Ambassador who plays the banduria and would like to promote her province, Masbate, through joining the pageant.

Apart from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title, Bea also won the Miss Avon special award. Bea will be representing the country in this year’s edition of the Miss International pageant. The Miss International pageant aims to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding. 

Joanna Cindy Miranda - Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Joanna Cindy Miranda, 20 

Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2013,Miss CreamSilk, Miss Petron

Cindy used to be a noontime show co-host. She decided to resign from the show because she really wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas. She used to be very shy in person even when she was already working as a TV host.

Despite her achievements, Cindy wants to maintain her simplicity.

Cindy also won the Miss CreamSilk Beyond Beautiful and Miss Petron special awards. She will be the Philippines’ representative in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant, an annual international beauty pageant held in China.

Mutya Johanna Datul - Miss Supranational Philippines 2013 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Mutya Johanna Datul, 21 

Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2013, Miss Photogenic, Best in Long Gown 

Mutya describes herself as a “simpleng probinsyana na may matayog na pangarap.” As a young girl in Isabela, she helps catch salagubang in the fields, which they make into a delicacy. She says Binibining Pilipinas is her “ultimate dream.” She has watched the pageant since she was a little girl, and has since wanted to be one of the queens.

In her spare time, Mutya likes to listen to music and sing. Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj, because “nakikita ko ang buhay ko sa kanya, na nabuhay sa hirap, pero nagsikap. Sa kanya ko nakita na hindi imposible na makamit mo yung pangarap mo.”

Mutya turned 21 a few days after winning one of the crowns. Apart from winning the new Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational title, Mutya also bagged the Best in Long Gown and Miss Photogenic awards. Mutya hopes to do well in this year’s Miss Supranational pageant slated on September 6 at Belarus. The Miss Supranational pageant is a fairly new international pageant established in Poland in 2009. 

Pia Wurtzbach - 1st Runner-Up 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Pia Wurtzbach, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas 1st Runner Up, Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body

Half-German Pia is from Cagayan de Oro. A former ABS-CBN talent under the screen name Pia Romero, Pia believes being a beauty queen is different from being an actress. She believes being a beauty queen requires one to be herself and presentable at the same time.

One thing that most people don’t know about her is that she’s approachable and can get along with anybody.

Apart from landing the first runner up honors, Pia also won the Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body award. 

Sponsors/Special Awards 

Miss Philippine Airlines - Nicole Kim Donesa 
(by Bruce Casanova)

NICOLE DONESA. Miss Philippine Airlines 

A talented singer who used to perform in various Fil-Am events in the United States, eighteen year old Nicole will certainly be busy promoting a good image for the country and its official carrier as Miss Philippine Airlines.

Best in Talent - Anna Carmela Aquino 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ANNA CARMELA AQUINO. Miss Talent 

This twenty-two year old educator from Taytay wowed the audience during the Talent Competition held at the Gateway Suites with her world class dancing skills, a gift that has brought her to performances abroad. 

Lourenz Grace Remetillo - Miss Friendship 
(by Bruce Casanova)

LOURENZ GRACE REMETILLO. Miss Friendship 

Despite the pressures and rigors of the competition, this twenty-five year old Iligan City lass has managed to maintain cordial relations with the rest of the candidates, proving that the journey is just as important as the crown. 

Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice - Ellore Noelle Punzalan 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ELLORE NOELLE PUNZALAN. Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice 

A veritable jill of all trades, Ellore Noelle was named as Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice for this year. As a person who dabbles in musical theater, painting, taekwondo, basketball and volleyball, she will certainly be very interesting for the readers of Manila Bulletin. 

Best in National Costume - Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay 
(by Bruce Casanova)

MA. TERESITA ALAINE BACCAY. Best in National Costume 

The grace by which she carried her Filipiniana costume simply took the judges’ breath away. Even as a child, she used to fashion “gowns” out of her curtains and practice her walk, a practice that certainly augured well for her to bag the Best in National Costume award. 

Bb. Pilipinas-PAGCOR - Imelda Schweighart (by Bruce Casanova)

IMELDA SCHWEIGHART. Miss Pagcor 

Imelda Schweighart from Puerto Princesa will certainly be a good ambassador for PAGCOR’s charitable projects, especially that which espouses more schoolrooms for the country’s poor children.

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Visit the Bb. Pilipinas Gold exhibit at Gateway Mall. It runs until May 4. 

The Bb. Pilipinas Gold souvenir program is available in these National Bookstore branches : 

Main Branch (Araneta Center), Glorietta, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Global, Megamall, Shangri-la, North Edsa and Trinoma. It will soon be available nationwide.

Richard Poon launches pop album "Legends" this April 26 at Eastwood and April 28 at McKinley Hill

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Richard Poon say goodbye to the local Big Band Crooner, as he goes back to pop with his latest album "Legends."

"Legends" will be launched this April 26, Friday, 7:00 p.m., Eastwood Mall Open Park, and April 28, Sunday, 7:00 p.m., Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill.

In Legends, Richard traces his pop roots by singing some of the biggest pop artists in the international music industry - classics by Lionel Richie (Truly), Whitney Houston (All At Once), Barbra Streisand (Evergreen), Madonna (Borderline), Barry Manilow (Ready To Take A Chance Again), among others.

“This is an interesting point in my career,” says Richard. “Aside from being with a new label (Universal), I am also going back to pop after years of doing big band.”

Richard adds that he welcomes the challenge with open arms, and he hopes that people will continue supporting him and his music.

Richard joins the elite roster of Universal Records artists – Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, JayR, Sam Concepcion, Parokya Ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Callalily, Kamikazee, among others.

In the album, Richard collaborates with friend Christian Bautista in the Michael Jackson hit The Girl Is Mine.

Watchout this April 28, Sunday, on ASAP 18 for his album " Legends" launch.

"Legends" Tracklist:

1. All At Once (originally popularized by Whitney Houston)

2. All In Love Is Fair (originally popularized by Stevie Wonder)

3. And I Love Her (originally popularized by The Beatles)

4. Crazy (originally popularized by Kenny Rogers)

5. Truly (originally popularized by Lionel Richie)

6. Evergreen (originally popularized by Barbra Streisand)

7. Borderline (originally popularized by Madonna)

8. A Song For You (originally popularized by Elton John)

9. Can't Help Falling In Love (originally popularized by Elvis Presley)

10. The Girl Is Mine (originally popularized by Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney)

11. If I Keep My Heart Out Of Sight (originally popularized by James Taylor)

12. Ready To Take A Chance Again (originally popularized by Barry Manilow)

FOLLOW RICHARD POON:

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/rpmusic

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/richardpoonph

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/richardpoonph

WEBSITE: www.richardpoon.ph

Landco with Phil and James Younghusband celebrates success of 1st Tribeca Football Fest

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I've enjoyed the wonderful world of Tribeca with the great 1st Tribeca Football Festival held last Sunday, April 21 at the 7-Aside Football Field of the Tribeca Private Residences located at Sucat, Muntinlupa City,

Leisure developer Landco successfully completed the 1st Tribeca Football Festival, which it organized in partnership with Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines, the school operated by famed Philippine National Football Team superstars Phil and James Younghusband, and joint venture partner, ATR KimEng Land, Inc. 

Philippine National Football Team superstars James and Phil Younghusband partnered with leisure developer Landco for the very first Tribeca Football Festival. From left:  James Younghusband, Director, The Younghusband Football Academy, Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp., Albert Villa-Real, Vice President for Sales, Landco Pacific Corp., Phil Younghusband, Director, The Younghusband Football Academy.

It featured some 500 football enthusiasts, including 24 children’s’ football teams from various schools and football clubs. The games took place on the 7-Aside Football Field from 8 am till 5 pm. Tribeca is also the home of the Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines. 

According to Landco VP for Sales Albert Villa-Real, the successful event as a two-fold benefit:

1) It contributes to the growth of football as a sport in the Philippines

2) It generates interest in Tribeca Private Residences as a place that is not only safe for children but also conducive to a healthy, active lifestyle. 

“When we first conceived of this event, we wanted to see how much support it would get. Well, it has been very successful. So many people became interested and participated in the games. With this development, we are surely considering holding more events like this,” he revealed. 

The games at the football festival were divided into several categories according to the participants’ ages: 12-years-old-and-under; 10-and under; 8-and under; and 6-and under. Winning teams from each category received trophies and medals for 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Place. 

The Younghusband brothers, together with officials of Landco Pacific Corporation, the developer behind Tribeca Private Residences, awarded the winners. According to Villareal however, the main attraction for the young participants was not only the trophies and medals but the chance to be with their idols Phil and James. 

Team A from Loyola Meralco Sparks FC emerged as champion in the 12-years-old-and-under Category of the first ever Tribeca Football Festival held last April 21st at the 7-Aside Football Field of the Tribeca Private Residences. 

Other winning teams in the other categories include: (12-and under) Schwarz FC, 1st Place; LMS FC Team B; (10-and under) LMS-B, Champion; LMS-A, 1st Place; LMS-B, 2nd Place; (8-and under) Corinthian FC, Champion; RAYA FC, 1st Place; CFCSSPH, 2nd Place; (6-and under) CFC, Champion; MUFC, 1st Place; RAYA FC, 2nd Place.

“Through the presence of Chelsea FC and our 7-Aside Football Field, Tribeca Private Residences provides a safe environment for our budding football players to learn their skills and develop sportsmanship. We are proud that, even in this humble way, we are able to help in the development of football in the country."

Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO, Landco Pacific Corp. said that Phil and James are very passionate about teaching football to Filipino kids. They want to sow the seeds, so to speak, in creating the next generation of top Filipino football players. 

"We at Landco share that passion not only to contribute to football but also to provide the best living and leisure experience to our clients.”

The Tribeca Football Fest was sponsored and supported by Meralco, MVP Sports Foundation, Smart, PLDT-SME, Unionbank, Maybank and Cignal.

Tribeca Private Residences is a 9.7 hectare resort-inspired condominium development that combines 15 modern condominium towers with lots of open green spaces featuring a 3-hectare Central Park as well as a 1,800 sq. m. Aqua Park. Its newest addition is Hudson Place Tower 1, which is one of five residential condominium clusters set to rise in the master-planned development. Construction is now in full swing and it will offer 407 residential units.

As an exclusive offering to Tribeca unit owners, Landco has established the Landco Privilege Club. Tribeca unit owners who avail of membership in the Privilege Club will have access to select leisure resort communities including Club Punta Fuego, Playa Laiya, Playa Azalea, Playa Calatagan Beach Club and the brand new Aquaria beach resort and water park in Playa Calatagan’s Leisure Tourism Estate. 

For more information about Tribeca Private Residences and how to enroll in The Chelsea FC Soccer School, please call 842-8000. 

Landco Pacific Corporation is the developer of high-end leisure communities, resort-inspired condominiums and luxury home communities. For more than 20 years, the company has made its mark in Philippine real estate, and is widely acknowledged as one of the leading leisure developers. 

For more information about Landco Pacific Corp., please call 836-5000.

More pictures at Facebook (2) and Facebook (1)

The Museum of DLSU opens exhibit : “ART AND SPACE: A Collection of Design Concepts by Wili Fernandez”

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The Museum at De La Salle University opened an exhibit titled “ART AND SPACE: A Collection of Design Concepts by Wili Fernandez” on April 22.

The show is the Museum’s major exhibit for Academic Year 2013-2014 and it pays homage to its donor on the occasion of his 15th death anniversary. 

Featuring Wili’s drawings and renderings in black and white and in full-color, the collection comes from his personal collection and his former office, the Wili Fernandez and Associates Incorporated. Some of his memorabilia like design books, sketches, awards, pictures, and other personal items are also included in the exhibit. 

Wili Fernandez was an acclaimed world-class interior designer. He was among the founding members of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design.

The exhibition highlights Wili as an artist and designer who contributed in the field of interior design using inspirations from local designs and motif. The show also aims to inspire aspiring Lasallian artists and museum visitors through examples of his professional accomplishment in art, architecture, and design at the national and international levels.

The exhibition is open until August 16. The Museum is at the 2nd Level, Don Enrique Yuchengco Hall, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila. Viewing hours are from 8:00 am– 6:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am – 12:00 nn on Saturdays.

For more information, please contact The Museum at (+632) 526-1402 or (+632) 524-4611 local 368 or visit the website at http://themuseum.dlsu.edu.ph/.

Thanks  Ms. Lalyn Buncab, De La Salle University Office for Strategic Communications PR Coordinator Marge Liggayu and Arvin  Ello for the invitation and accomodation. 

More photos on Facebook.

Solar Day Pilipinas!

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Tomorrow will officially mark the first ever Solar Day Pilipinas! WWF, in partnership with the Philippine Solar Power Alliance, will launch this one day event to promote the use of solar technology in our very sunny country that is incredibly rich with solar energy resources!

You can come and talk to numerous solar power developers who'll be at the event and ask questions, canvass, and get a basic assessment of whether solar power makes sense for you! And as a matter of fact, it almost always does!

Did you know that apart from reducing the amount of electricity you pay per month in your electricity bill, installing a solar panel could also reduce the peso rate per kWh that you pay? Yes, it's true! All residential homes are categorized into certain brackets based on your consumption, from 50kWh to 500kWh! Each bracket has a different rate for distribution charges because the more you consume, the more resources are focused sending electricity toyour home! By installing a solar panel, you not only reduce your total bill, but you could also lower your bracket of electricity consumption, thereby decreasing the rate per kWh that you're paying!

Not only that but when electricity from the grid is unavailable due to power outages, your solar panel will still produce electricity for your home, allowing your home to become independent from the limitations of the power grid! And you're definitely helping the environment too and not being held ransom by rising fossil fuel prices!

So let's see each other tomorrow at Arts in the City in Fort Bonifacio!

Gates open at 5pm!

Together, we can prove that it's more SUN in the Philippines!

Grow A Million Trees (Earth Day Y2013)

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Trees are vital for a greener earth and healthy environment as they provide shade, clean the air and help cool the environment.

A commitment drafted and signed by SM Group of Companies and affiliates in the presence of DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) representatives held last Monday, April 22 at The Block, SM City North EDSA on the occasion of Earth Day 2013.

"SM's campaign for healthier and greener earth has never been this big." - Mr. Joey Mendoza

For years, SM has been an advocate of environmental conservation. The structures have evolved as the way new structures are designed not for aesthetcis alone. They are designed  in such a way that it also contributes to SM's vision. 

SM has a well-planned waste disposal system in every SM facility. SM has always been at the forefront of protecting and rehabilitating the planet. Programs for reforestation, coastal clean-ups and other environmental efforts have been created.

SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore's "Join the My Own Bag (Join the MOB) Campaign" started year 2009 as part of the vision of the Sy family to intensify the institution’s commitment to the 3Rs – Reduce, Re-Use and Recycle.

This was a bold move for SM Supermarket to take but SM was determined and prepared to endure the birth pains of pioneering such a program that aims to change aims the shopping habits of SM customers in exchange for the welfare of the environment.

Encouraging people to bring their own reusable bags in exchange for incentives for doing this. SM charged the costumers for every plastic bag request with a super minimal fee. Sm pushed the campaign that the people see and feel a big change with a small adjustments in their shoppng habits. People can see the bigger picture and in the end it was all worth it.

There are already 13 million people who regularly use the SM Greenbags preventing 39 million plastic bags from being released in circulation.

“The campaign rests in our hands; you, me, everybody. The key to success is for us to work together towards one goal,” Mendoza said.

“The money we've raised from the plastic bag sales during the M.O.B days have already begun funding several tree plantings and clean-ups nationwide but this time we've dreaming bigger. Just try to imagine how much trees we're targetting not just to plant but to nurture and to ensure that they grew into full healthy trees. 1 million trees ! That's enough trees to fill 500 soccer fields or almost 8500 basketball courts.” 

To ensure the longevity of the trees, SM will be planting them in DENR protected areas located in provinces: Nasugbu, Benguet, Calatagan, Cagayan De Oro, Banatocan, Bulacan, Cebu and Davao.

To date, the SM Group of Companies and Affiliates have already reached a third of the goal since 2009. They successfully planted almost 300,000 trees.

SM Group of Companies and affiliates come together towards a common goal - to make the dream of one million trees to make a reality.

More photos @ Facebook.