Smart PowerApp gives free access to seven social apps this holiday season

Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is giving its more than 56 million subscribers nationwide free mobile access to the latest social networking apps and sites through its revolutionary new service called PowerApp, a mobile application that brings the most affordable unlimited Internet bundles to users today.

By installing PowerApp on their phones, users can get free access to the app and mobile sites of Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Google Plus, LinkedIn, Path and Waze until January 15, 2014. The service is initially available to prepaid and postpaid Smart and Talk 'N Text users in the Philippines.

PowerApp is the world's first mobile Internet storefront which gives users the ability to access their favorite mobile apps and sites without the need for a WiFi connection, making the experience truly mobile. 

Users no longer have to stay for several hours locked down to a table in a coffee shop or stay a little bit longer in the office to take advantage of the free WiFi connection. 

“A number of smartphone users today only use their smartphones for calling or texting, or wait till they reach their homes or offices to connect to the Internet. Through PowerApp and its affordable Internet bundles, subscribers can confidently keep posting, liking, or tweeting everywhere they go without the need for a WiFi connection,” said Michele Curran, Data and International Services Head at Smart.

Subscribers can now post their photos on Facebook anytime, anywhere; tweet their thoughts on Twitter real-time; check in on any location via Foursquare; share common interests in Google Plus; avoid the chaotic holiday traffic mayhem using Waze; get their dream job with the help LinkedIn; and stay connected with their closest friends via Path with the help of PowerApp.

To activate the free unlimited access to social apps and websites, subscribers simply have to download Smart’s PowerApp via Google Play or and register for the Free Social Package, originally priced at P20 for one day (Social20) or P10 for 3 hours (Social10). 

iOS and feature phone users can also text FREE SOCIAL to 5555 (for Smart Prepaid, Postpaid, Infinity and Talk ‘N Text) 9990 (for Smart Freedom Plan subscribers) or 7577 (for Smart Postpaid All-In users) to avail of the promotion.

“With PowerApp, users can continuously enjoy these 7 social networking apps and services absolutely free. PowerApp provides free and unlimited notifications so users can continue to receive updates from background apps without having to incur additional data charges,” Curran explained.

By installing PowerApp on their phones, subscribers can use these mobile apps with absolutely no hidden charges as they are notified every time they access a site or app that is outside their current package subscription. And with free unlimited notifications from running background apps, they are assured that they will not incur unexpected data charges while using the service.

Aside from the Social package, users can regularly subscribe to other bundles that include the Email, Chat, and Photo packages which are similarly available through the PowerApp mobile application.

For workaholics who cannot miss a single email, PowerApp’s Email package is available for P10 per day (Email10) or P5 for 3 hours (Email5). Available apps and mobile sites under this e-mail bundle are Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook.com and Exchange. 

Students who love to chat with their friends can now enjoy a wide-range of chat applications from PowerApp’s Chat package. For only P10 a day (Chat10) or P5 for three hours (Chat5), subscribers can have unlimited access to multiple chat applications such as Line, WeChat, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Oist!, Google Hangouts, Chikka Messenger, Viber, and KakaoTalk. 

Unlimited #Selfies, #ThrowbackThursdays and #OOTDs are also now possible through PowerApp’s Photo package for P20 for all-day access (Photo20) or P10 for three hours (Photo10). Included apps in the photo bundle are Instagram, Tumblr, Regram, Pinterest, Flickr and Imgur. 

For the multi-hyphenated all-around man, PowerApp also has an Unli package which gives them access to all mobile sites and mobile applications. For only P30 for 24 hours (Unli30) or P15 for three hours (Unli15), Powerapp users can enjoy unlimited browsing of all available apps and mobile sites.

While the app is initially available only on Android, iOS and feature phone users can send the corresponding keyword of their desired package to either 5555 (for Smart Prepaid, Postpaid, Infinity and Talk ‘N Text users), 9990 (For Smart Freedom Plan subscribers) or 7577 (For Smart Pospaid All-In users) to avail of the different packages.

“Subscribers can count on Smart to continue to bring these revolutionary mobile innovations to the public as the Internet becomes a vital resource of content and information that enrich their lives and allow them to live more,” Curran added.

For more information on PowerApp and other mobile Internet services and promos

users can go to http://go.smart.com.ph/internet

follow @SmartPromos on Twitter

or like Smart Communications, Inc. on Facebook

The Philippine Friendship Balloon Festival 2014

The 19th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival will be on April 10 - 13, as Department of Tourism supported the colorful festival dubbed as "The Philippine Friendship Balloon Festival 2014.”

Department of Tourism Region III Director Ronnie Tiotuico revealed that DOT is spearheading the new hot air balloon festival and is set to feature more activities not only limited to aviation. In a planning session attended by tourism stakeholders, Tiotuico launched the hot air balloon festival as an answer to the public’s clamor for one of biggest aviation sports event in the Philippines.

This 2014 festival theme, “It’s more than just hot air. It’s a celebration of life in times of adversity”, and more colorful and inspirational, the proceeds will go to the rehabilitation of the Eastern Visayas region affected by the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and various charity missions.

The event is supported by Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., and will be organized by Philippine Exhibits and Themeparks Corporation (PETCO). Tourism stakeholders and organizations expressed their support for the project.

Every year, Hot Air Ballon Festival is being held at the month of February, but as we recalled, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHBF) did not push through and decided to cancel the PIHBF that was set supposedly on February 2014.

DOT, the pioneer organizer of the ballooning event 18 years ago (1994) before it was transferred to another group, did not tethered flying and still pushed for a smaller scale event in Bayanihan Park to continue the legacy.

With the theme “It’s more than just hot air. It’s a celebration of life in times of adversity”, proceeds will go to the rehabilitation of the Eastern Visayas region affected by the Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and various charity missions.

This three to four day hot air balloon event is considered as the biggest aviation sports event in the Philippines.

A very remarkable yearly event in Clark Airbase, Angeles, Pampanga. The PIHABF is the longest running balloon event in Asia. An estimated 60,000 visitors from the country and from around the world come annually to see the event.

The festival features hot air balloons from Philippines and other countries, aerial shows, and other exhibitions.  Ths is really another colorful and exciting festival. It's More Fun in The Philippines! Enthusiasts expect a more grandiose and bigger hot air balloon festival in 2014.

Photos : Exciting and Colorful 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

New Sets of Cyberpress Officers for 2014

DOST-ICTO – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology inducts new officers of ICT Journalists Association of the Philippines (Cyberpress) for 2014.

Usec. Louis Casambre (on extreme right) and the new officers are, from left to right - Paolo Montecillo, VP-Internal, Tomas Noda - Secretary, Raffy Pedrajita, MemComm, Marlon Magtira-Public Affaris, TJ Dimacali, VP-External, Verns Joven, Treasurer, and Alora Guerro, President  -  Photo by: Rafa Pedrajita of www.digitalspidey.com.

The CyberPress raised around 100,000 pesos for Yolanda victims during a benefit dinner held on the same night. All funds were turned over to Red Cross immediately after the event.

About DOST-ICTO  : 

The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.

Mga Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past)

Mga Anino ng Kahapon is the first full-length independent feature that aims to challenge common stereotypes associated with mental conditions particularly schizophrenia.

  

Written and directed by Alvin Yapan and starring Agot Isidro and TJ Trinidad, this film where they show life is not easy for patients with schizophrenia and the people around especially the family’s struggle hard to cope up with schizophrenia.

Mga Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past) is an awareness film to educated people about schizophrenia.  “This is a small film with a big message.  It’s a film that educates the viewer about one of the misunderstood mental problems,  schizophrenia,” Agot Isidro said.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that generally appears in late adolescence or early adulthood - however, it can emerge at any time in life. It is one of many brain diseases that may include delusions, loss of personality (flat affect), confusion, agitation, social withdrawal, psychosis, and bizarre behavior.

Schizophrenia does not only affect the person with the disorder. Families, friends and society are affected too. A sizable proportion of people with schizophrenia have to rely on others, because they are unable to hold a job or care for themselves.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO5YrFxCaPo#t=14

Very emotional as I watched the film last Dec. 19, 2013 during the movie premiere of “Mga Anino Ng Kahapon” / Shadows of the Past held at the Glorietta Cinema, Makati.

This is one of the best film directed, well made movie with commendable actor TJ Trinidad and great actress Agot Isidro. And as I watched Agot Isidro performed so well, I remember one international film titled “A Beautiful Mind.”

Mga Anino ng Kahapon (Shadows of the Past), produced by Vim Yapan/Alem Chua Productions has been selected as a finalist in the New Wave Section Full Feature Category of the MetroManila Film Festival (MMFF).

These films will be screened from Dec. 18 to 24 in Glorietta 4 and SM Megamall cinemas. For groups that are interested to watch the movie, you may contact Alem at 0917 811 0217 / 964-5456, or Gay at 0917 541 3010 0922 331 3010, and you can look for the production team at the movie booth of Glorietta 4 and SM Megamall. High school / College classes, school and medical organizations, NGOs, advocacy groups invited to watch it for free.

ICanServeFoundation with the Lifestyle Network’s Celebrity Chefs

Lifestyle Network's celebrity Chefs help raise funds for storm releif operations. 

It was a rare night for the local culinary scene when the best Filipino chefs, including celebrity chefs Sandy Daza, Sharwin Tee, and Gene and Gino Gonzalez, united under one roof with the vision of raising funds for Sagip Kapamilya’s relief operations through the ICanServeFoundation in the Lifestyle Network’s Around the Philippines in Small Plates.

As such, it aptly has chosen to unite the various regions of the country in a different way to mirror the oneness among its people following the calamity.

Made up of 7,107 islands, the Philippines is home to a diverse culture. Part of this culture is a variation in practices, rites, and language; but one thing common among all people, regardless of region, is a love for a flavor uniquely Filipino that is expressed in many ways.

The Lifestyle Network thus took that love for Filipino flavor and whipped up a night to bring together many of its different expressions through Around the Philippines in Small Plates, creating a most unforgettable dinner menu that distinctly embodied the diversity of the Philippines.

From fresh produce, culinary delicacies, and export products to local arts and crafts, Around the Philippines in Small Plates put the spotlight on the creativity of the Filipinos.

Celebrity chefs show their support in the TulongPH t-shirt

This creativity shone through in the creations of some of today’s biggest names in the local culinary scene, including Lifestyle Network's FoodPrints’ Chef Sandy Daza, Curiosity Got the Chef’s Chef Sharwin Tee, Chefscapades’ Chef Gene and Gino Gonzalez, Wildflour’s Chef Allen Buhay, Grace Park’s Chef Margarita Fores, Chef Hylton le Roux of Market to Master, Milky Way Café’s Chef J Gamboa, Green Pastures' Chef Robby Goco, Restaurant 9501’s Chef Myrna Segismundo, Chef Glenda Baretto of Cafe Via Mare, Chef Jessie Sincioco of Chef Jessie’s, Chef Ginny de Guzman of Gustare, Chef Juan Carlos de Terry of Terry’s Selection, and Chef Fernando Aracama of Aracama.

Chefs Gene and Gino Gonzales of Chefscapades

Aside from all these culinary masters, sumptuous dishes were also served by some of the country’s best establishments, such as La Cocina de Tita Moning, Alavar Seafood Restaurant, Pepita’s Lechon, General’s Lechon, Discovery Suites, Bizu, Kitchen’s Best, Fog City Creamery and Baby Pat’s breads and pastries; with the official wine partner for the night, Beringer of Happy Living fine Wines, and coffee care of the EDSA Beverage Group.

"Around the Philippines in Small Plates" was also held hand in hand with "Choose Philippines: A Pinoy A-fair," where products and merchandise that further embody the diverse aesthetic of the Filipino culture were shown and made available for purchase.

For updates and more information, visit and like the Lifestyle Network on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork).

Enrique Gil “Heating up the Holidays” @ CHALK Magazine

Chalk’s latest cover boy Enrique Gil gets cozy with Chalk for the hottest holiday ever !

The coldest season of the year just got much hotter with Chalk’s latest cover boy Enrique Gil and his warmest thoughts in an exclusive story on how he’s been “Heating up the Holidays”.

Read up on how Enrique’s been both naughty and nice, sharing his thoughts on Julia Montes and Liza Soberano. He also recounts some of his favorite memories from those celebrations that he can’t seem to forget—leading up to how he’s been cozying up to where to he is today.

Another huge present is also in store for readers with Chalk’s 50 Hottest Guys list. From this year’s over boys Xian Lim, Daniel Padilla, and Joseph Marco; television eye candies Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon, Jerome Ponce, Derrick Monasterio, and Kristoffer Martin—to the hottest guys in sports like Jeron and Jeric Teng, Andre and Kobe Paras, Arnold Van Opstal, and the Philippine Volcanoes’ Ned Stephenson and Dennis Gordon, Chalk covers the country’s most attractive personalities that make the season that much more enticing.

Of course, Chalk won’t skip out on offering the latest trends in fashion and beauty to sport all holiday long with the magazine’s take on party dressing in the feature ‘Cheers to the New Year” and the scoop on trendy metallic makeup in “Magically Metallic,” where it’s all about adding that extra sparkle.

This year’s December to January issue also helps its readers out with lists of great gift ideas for the Chalk reader’s special someone. What’s more is that resident celebrity columnist Jasmine Curtis-Smith helps lay out plans for a worthwhile holiday break with her “7 Days of Holiday Fun”.

Read up on all this and more by grabbing a copy of Chalk’s December 2013-January 2014 issue out on newsstands and magazine stores now.

Ring in the holidays with energy-efficient cooling

The Yuletide season is definitely just around the corner, and many of us are dreaming of a white, winter-cold Christmas. Snow in the Philippines is out of the question, of course, but with our year-round tropical climate (especially in hot and humid Manila), enjoying a cool, nippy Christmas with loved ones can seem impossible, too.

Concepcion-Carrier, the country’s leading provider of cooling solutions, is offering a range of state of the art, energy-efficient air conditioners that promises to cool your homes long after Santa leaves your presents under the tree.

These are the Carrier XPower 2 Hi-Wall which gives 53% more savings versus other inverters; the Carrier Optima, a highly efficient cooling solution that gives the lowest electricity consumption with inverter-like savings; and the Condura Inverter, a cooling unit that combines savings, value and durability.

53% more savings versus other inverters

The Carrier XPower 2 Hi-Wall features an advanced inverter technology that gives as much as 53% more savings versus other inverter brands. It delivers world-class performance in terms of cooling comfort, quiet operation and energy savings.

Moreover, this cooling solution offers clean air for the holidays and beyond thanks to its Nano Technology Filtration System which controls the indoor air quality inside the home. It eliminates bacteria, mold and mildew while neutralizing odors.

Optimized cooling

Meanwhile, the Carrier Optima is equipped with an energy-efficient compressor that delivers the lowest electricity consumption while providing inverter-like savings compared to other brands in the fixed-speed category.

What’s more, consider your initial investment paid back in just as little as two years, thanks to the Carrier Optima’s annual savings of P12,000. It also comes with air-cleaning and protective filters, blue fin coating to protect against corrosion, an auto restart and leak detection feature and a remote control for easy access to the Carrier Optima’s range of features like the turbo and sleep mode.

For value-conscious consumers

Lastly, for homeowners looking for savings, durability and value for money, Concepcion-Carrier recommends the Condura Inverter. Costing almost as low as P4.00 to run per hour, the Condura Inverter is equipped with a highly efficient DC rotary inverter technology which steadily cools rooms once the desired temperature is reached.

Another benchmark of a Condura aircon is its reliability.  For your peace of mind, the Condura Inverter comes with self-diagnostics and protection features which automatically alert users of system failures. Moreover, this cooling solution also provides clean air for the home as its anti-mildew and active charcoal filters resist pollution, bad odors and various irritants.

Christmas comes only once a year, and it’s the perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together. With its range of cooling solutions, Concepcion-Carrier promises to take care of the cooling and savings, while you sit back and enjoy this merry time of the season.

About Concepcion-Carrier

The partnership between Carrier Corporation and Concepcion Industries, Inc. brings together two pioneers in the air conditioning industry: Carrier, a world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems; and Concepcion Industries, Inc., a company that exemplifies Filipino leadership, ingenuity, and enterprise.

Since its formation in 1998, Concepcion-Carrier quickly rose above its peers, as the company expanded from manufacturing window room air conditioners to become the Philippines’ frontrunner in virtually all categories of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment and services.

Concepcion-Carrier brings to our shores Carrier Corporation's rich tradition of innovation and expertise, and as the country’s trusted provider of cooling solutions, it is committed to delivering the very best to its customers, for years to come.

For more information, visit www.ccac.com.ph

How Celebrity Mom and Media Personality Kat de Castro Protects her Daughter from Lice

There are a few things that celebrity mom and media personality Kat de Castro can’t stand—and one of these is the threat of head lice infestation.

“It’s one of the things that I feel really overprotective about. Just the thought that my daughter Khloe might get head lice puts me on the defensive,” said Kat.

For Kat, having head lice is not just unhygienic but she also considers it a health problem. “What mother would not get worried if her child has lice? It’s not just because my daughter would be itching but the fact that there would by tiny parasites on her head and hair—and they could spread to all of us,” she added.

Kat makes sure to take preventive measures to keep lice from infesting their home, like regularly having pillowcases, beddings, and linens washed thoroughly and even soaking them in hot water. She also checks her daughter if she seems to be scratching her scalp more than normal.

“General hygiene is really important and I taught Khloe about making it a habit since she was a little girl. But sometimes, even if you know your daughter is very clean and healthy in her habits, you can’t be sure what she gets exposed to outside. She can still get lice from contact outside the house,” said Kat.

She discovered that the best way to ease her mind about head lice infestation is to have anti-lice shampoo in the house. That way, she feels secure that she can take care of any lice problem as soon as she discovers it.

Kat de Castro said : “Like many of us, while growing up I learned about various home remedies for head lice, from using suyod  (a very fine-toothed comb) to even applying gasoline on the hair and scalp. I still believe in using suyod but I think it can’t solve the problem alone. We already have modern and effective ways to get rid of lice, like anti-lice shampoo.”

The next step for Kat was choosing the right anti-lice shampoo for her family. After doing research, she decided on LiceAliz. Her primary reason for doing so is because it is very safe and effective, plus also quite convenient to use.

“I read about the active ingredient in LiceAliz, which is pyrethrin. I found out that it’s a natural ingredient made from chrysanthemum flowers. Following the instructions for using LiceAliz is also easy, since we can use it like ordinary shampoo and there’s even a variant with menthol for a soothing cool feeling. All I have to do is follow the directions on the label,” she said.

LiceAliz is a head lice treatment shampoo made of natural ingredients with pyrethrin, which is proven safe and effective for removing head lice and their eggs in adults and children as young as two years of age.

LiceAliz is applied just like regular shampoo and also has a conditioner that keeps hair soft, healthy, and manageable. For the first two weeks of use, it must be applied twice a week. After that, it is applied only once a week to keep head lice from coming back. For best results, it must be left on the hair for ten minutes before rinsing.

Besides being safe, effective, and convenient to use, LiceAliz has the added benefit of costing as much as 50 percent lower than other brands of head lice shampoo. It also has a variant with menthol for a cool, refreshing feeling on the scalp. LiceAliz is available in drugstores, groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

How Celebrity Mom and Media Personality Kat de Castro Protects her Daughter from Lice

There are a few things that celebrity mom and media personality Kat de Castro can’t stand—and one of these is the threat of head lice infestation.

“It’s one of the things that I feel really overprotective about. Just the thought that my daughter Khloe might get head lice puts me on the defensive,” said Kat.

For Kat, having head lice is not just unhygienic but she also considers it a health problem. “What mother would not get worried if her child has lice? It’s not just because my daughter would be itching but the fact that there would by tiny parasites on her head and hair—and they could spread to all of us,” she added.

Kat makes sure to take preventive measures to keep lice from infesting their home, like regularly having pillowcases, beddings, and linens washed thoroughly and even soaking them in hot water. She also checks her daughter if she seems to be scratching her scalp more than normal.

“General hygiene is really important and I taught Khloe about making it a habit since she was a little girl. But sometimes, even if you know your daughter is very clean and healthy in her habits, you can’t be sure what she gets exposed to outside. She can still get lice from contact outside the house,” said Kat.

She discovered that the best way to ease her mind about head lice infestation is to have anti-lice shampoo in the house. That way, she feels secure that she can take care of any lice problem as soon as she discovers it.

Kat de Castro said : “Like many of us, while growing up I learned about various home remedies for head lice, from using suyod  (a very fine-toothed comb) to even applying gasoline on the hair and scalp. I still believe in using suyod but I think it can’t solve the problem alone. We already have modern and effective ways to get rid of lice, like anti-lice shampoo.”

The next step for Kat was choosing the right anti-lice shampoo for her family. After doing research, she decided on LiceAliz. Her primary reason for doing so is because it is very safe and effective, plus also quite convenient to use.

“I read about the active ingredient in LiceAliz, which is pyrethrin. I found out that it’s a natural ingredient made from chrysanthemum flowers. Following the instructions for using LiceAliz is also easy, since we can use it like ordinary shampoo and there’s even a variant with menthol for a soothing cool feeling. All I have to do is follow the directions on the label,” she said.

LiceAliz is a head lice treatment shampoo made of natural ingredients with pyrethrin, which is proven safe and effective for removing head lice and their eggs in adults and children as young as two years of age.

LiceAliz is applied just like regular shampoo and also has a conditioner that keeps hair soft, healthy, and manageable. For the first two weeks of use, it must be applied twice a week. After that, it is applied only once a week to keep head lice from coming back. For best results, it must be left on the hair for ten minutes before rinsing.

Besides being safe, effective, and convenient to use, LiceAliz has the added benefit of costing as much as 50 percent lower than other brands of head lice shampoo. It also has a variant with menthol for a cool, refreshing feeling on the scalp. LiceAliz is available in drugstores, groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

DepEd Secretary's Christmas Message 2013

The Department of Education acknowledged the continuous and effective assistance of its media partners in communicating the Department’s programs and projects. 

The annual DepEd Year-End Meeting with Media Partners held at the Mary Grace Café in Greenbelt 2, Makati City last December 17, 2013.

During the fun and enjoyable event, DepEd Asec. Jesus Mateo with the directors and staffs of DepEd Communications Unit shared DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro's Christmas message to everyone. 

Secretary’s Christmas Message 2013

A Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

This is a challenging greeting to give, especially with the understanding that our brethren from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are struggling to recover and rebuild their lives from the devastating blows brought about by floods, insurgency, earthquakes and a super typhoon. There have been great losses to life and property, and we, as a Department, have been directly affected. A number of our students, staff, teachers and administrators, together with their families, comprise some of the victims and survivors. Even our school facilities were not spared.

It is easy to succumb to hopelessness and despair during these times. Yet it is precisely for these conditions that the message of Christmas becomes more relevant to us: the message of HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE.

We hope in the goodness and generosity of our benefactors who have come quickly to our aid. Hope that in our better understanding of these events, we are able to establish better systems and processes to prevent the same mistakes from repeating themselves. We hope that as a new year approaches, new life should sprout from the rubble, bathed in the warmth of a rising sun, the light of God’s mercy and compassion for our troubled people.

With this renewed hope, I wish you peace. Peace in the faith that all will be well. Peace in our hearts, in our homes, our communities and the whole country.

I wish you joy. A joy that is deep and full, grounded in the peace you find within and around you.

And with this joy, I wish you love. Not that you only receive love, but that you give love. And that you give it sincerely and generously. Fueled by the same hope, peace and joy, may we all express this love through small little acts of kindness that seek for nothing in return.

Yes, we are confronted today by the pain and difficulties of tragedy, but we have the choice to transform the darkness into light, despair into hope, confusion into peace, sadness into joy, indifference into love. As one family, we reach out to one another, leaving no one behind. And there’s no better time to do so but this season of Christmas.

Again, may you all have a Christmas filled with hope, peace, joy and love. God bless us all!

‘Galing Ni Baby Dance Craze Video Promo’ kicks off

TEAM KRAMER FACE ‘BET ON YOUR BABY’S’ BABY CHALLENGE

 Chesca Garcia and Doug Kramer

“Bet On Your Baby”, the country’s cutest game show ever since it started,  had been receiving numerous requests from netizens to feature the family of PBA player Doug Kramer, his wife, actress Chesca Garcia-Kramer, and their adorable little bundle of joy on the program.

Baby Scarlet, daughter of basketball player Doug Kramer at Chesca Garcia

Due to popular demand, “Bet On Your Baby” is giving its viewers the treat of finally being able to watch Team Kramer on this Saturday’s (December 21) episode.

Betina Carlos with her baby Gummy

Even more loads of gifts and entertainment will be coming up this weekend, because aside from Team Kramer, the baby of single mom/actress Bettina Carlos as well as the daughter of Doug’s basketball teammate Ronald Tubid will also be taking part in the family celebration that’s well on the way.

PBA player Ronald Tubid and wife Marizon

Aside from all these, “Bet On Your Baby” also recently launched its newest trend in line with the show, the “Galing Ni Baby Dance Craze Video Promo,” where videos of babies aged 2 to 4 years old dancing along to program’s theme song, “Galing Ni Baby” in any well-known place or landmark can be uploaded.

To join in on the “Galing Ni Baby Dance Craze Video Promo,” log on to  www.betonyourbaby.abs-cbn.com and readthrough the mechanics. Participants can then fill out a form and upload their video entries through the web page.

The first batch of entries may be submitted until December 27, while the second batch may be submitted by January 10.

Winners will be given exposure on the music video of “Bet On Your Baby,” plus a special gift pack from the program. 

Catch “Bet On Your Baby,” airing on Saturdays on ABS-CBN.  

For updates, visit and like “Bet On Your Baby” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/betonyourbabyph ; ) 

and follow @betonyourbabyph on Twitter 

or betonyourbabyphilippines on Instagram. 

For comments on the show, don’t forget to use the hashtag #BetOnYourBabyPH.

SEAIR I to fly Special Holiday Flights for the Christmas Season

SEAIR International (SEAIR I) will fly Special Holiday Flights for the Christmas Season.

On December 26 – 30 and January 2 – 5, SEAIR I will be flying from Manila Domestic Terminal 4 to Caticlan Airport, the main airport for the paradise island of Boracay. As a special treat, these special premium leisure flights are being offered to cater to the increasing volume of tourists and vacationers heading to Boracay for Christmas and New Year, especially since there is a last minute shortage of flights to Caticlan.

The special holiday flights cost P9,927.20, round trip, inclusive of all taxes, fuel surcharge, domestic passenger service charge and free 20 kilos baggage allowance.

Flight inquiries, booking and reservations may be directed to the SEAIR I call center at (02) 849-0101. For more information on the special holiday flights, visit www.flyseair.com. 

SEAIR International uses the Dornier 328 aircraft to provide the fastest flights from Manila to Caticlan in just 35 minutes. It has a large seat pitch with a feel of a big jet and is designed with sufficient interior volume per passenger.

For Boracay flight reservations, visit www.flyseair.com or call 849-0101. Please like the SEAIR Facebook fan page at www.facebook/flyseair for updates on promotions and new routes. 

Rex Navarrete @ Solaire Resort & Casino!

Fil-Am Rex Navarrete, the 2011 Aliw Awardee for Comedy is back in Manila for a special one night only show!

Navarrete started doing comedy at the age of 19. His portrayals, which ranged from his ESL teacher Mrs. Scott to his Uncle Boy and to Maritess the domestic worker gave him the voice to air his thoughts on issues and speak about things that otherwise wouldn’t be mentioned.

Navarrete gathers all of his material from what he calls “real Rex moments,” reality and shared life experiences. “I think everything has humor; you will always find humor. I don’t always make stuff up. Even though most of my material is geared for a Filipino audience, if you’re smart enough you’ll understand the universality of it”, he explains.

He travels all over North America, touring cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Hawaii doing his one-man show. He has brought his act to the peoples of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. His next plan of attack is to perform in the United Kingdom, where fans eagerly await his arrival. Navarrete has performed alongside notable headliners such as George Lopez, DL Hughley, Paul Mooney, among others.

He has released several comedy CDs and produced, directed and released live standup DVD concerts. Navarrete’s fourth live comedy album, “Live at Cobb’s” is available on iTunes worldwide, as well as the reissue of his original three CDs in digital download format.

Catch Rex Navarrete live at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort & Casino on Saturday, December 21. Opening the show will be Mike Unson.

Tickets start at P750 and are only available at Ticketworld outlets and www.ticketworld.com.ph

A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

The event is co-presented by Solaire Resort & Casino and Fox International Channel. Sponsors include GRNMNGO, Bono Artisanal Gelato, Neutral Grounds, Don Papa Rum, Radio High 105.9 and 99.5 Play FM.

SIA Flight Information at your Fingertips with Google Now

Imagine having easy access to the latest information on your upcoming travel, such as your flight status, and traffic and weather conditions for your destination. This is now possible with an initiative by Singapore Airlines (SIA) to integrate website bookings with Google Now. 

Google Now provides you with the right information at the right time. For instance, Google Now will show you what the weather will be like at your travel destination even before your flight departure. This feature is available via the Google Search app for iOS devices on Apple’s App Store, and is built into Android 4.1+ devices, as part of the Google Search experience.

To activate Google Now on iOS devices, users only need to install the Google Search App and log in with their Google account. No installation is required for Android devices.

SIA customers who make a booking through www.singaporeair.com and indicate their Gmail address in the booking will be able to view travel information in Google Now several hours before their flight departure. Information includes updates on their flight schedule, and the airport terminal and departure gate for their flight. This information is automatically updated in Google Now.

“We are constantly seeking opportunities to improve our customers’ travel experience with us. The integration of our website with Google Now will reduce the hassle of having to remember important travel information and provide customers with relevant information about their destinations,” said SIA’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Mr. Chin Yau Seng.

Vic Sotto's "My Little Bossings" Brings Whiff of Fresh Air to MMFF 2013

Vic Sotto

“My Little Bossings” is an entry to the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment and Kris Aquino Productions. The story and screenplay by Bibeth Orteza. 

Vic Sotto, Ryzza Mae Diszon and Bibeth Orteza during the "The Little Bossings" Bloggers Night last December 13 held at the Annabels Restaurant, Tomas Morato, Quuezon City. 

“My Little Bossings” stars Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino and her son James “Bimby” Aquino Yap and the grand champion of Eat Bulaga's Miss Little Philippines Ryzza Mae Dizon. Also stars Aiza Seguerra, Jaclyn Jose, Jose Manalo, Paolo Ballesteros, Barbie Forteza, Neil Coleta, and Neil Sese from the direction of Marlon Rivera. 

Not every generation produces a child star but this year, we have not just one but two of them who are set to show people that like Christmas, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is all about children even in making the tills sing.

“My Little Bossings” is a movie whose time has come. Ever since the project was bared, the public has been counting months, waiting with bated breath how the precocious Ryzza Mae Dizon will jive with the decorous James “Bimby” Aquino Yap, Both charming and intelligent, but one street smart and the other “socially elite,” it’s an intriguing pairing indeed. 

As shooting progressed and as the two kids warmed up to each other and established rapport on and off screen, it became clear that “My Little Bossings” is more than mere curious case. It’s a casting dynamo bound to shakeup the MMFF and steal thunder from anything that crosses its path. “Nakakatuwa talaga yung dalawang bata. They complement each other so well. You can see that when you watch the movie. Nagtuturuan, nagtatawanan, sabay napapagod, sabay nagugutom. Masaya lang kami sa set. Para lang kaming laging naglalaro,” said “My Little Bossings” lead star and co-producer, Vic Sotto.

That is another thing going for the film: the sure success of “My Little Bossings” doesn’t rest just on the shoulders of Ryzza Mae and Bimby, but those of giants. One of the MMFF Box-office King’s co-stars is also royalty, none other than Queen of All Media and MMFF Box-office Queen Kris Aquino. It is said that one of Kris’ reasons in accepting the film is that she wanted her son Bimby’s first experience in making movies to be with someone of Vic’s stature and humility. 

For years, the MMFF doesn’t seem to be complete without a starrer from either Vic or Kris or both. This time they join hands; matching stellar power with stellar power, showbiz might with showbiz might, midas touch with midas touch. How can “My Little Bossings” not turn to gold? 

As most things come in threes, the power of the dream project doesn’t end there. “My Little Bossings” is 

produced by OctoArts Films, M-Zet Films, APT Entertainment and Kris Aquino Productions all of which have brought out their guns to ensure that it is a heartwarming, quality movie through and through. More than the big names attached to the film, “My Little Bossings” is a family film packed with lessons wrapped in humor, wit and laughter---exactly what we need in times like these.

Vic plays the role Torky Villanueva who works as a bookeeper for the millionaire cash management specialist Baba Atienza (Kris). Because of some conflict in her business, Baba entrusts her son Justin (Bimby) to Torky’s care for fear of her life. In the meantime, Torky’s niece Ice (Aiza) who lives in the same house with him, is involved in an advocacy for street children where street kid Ching (Ryzza ) becomes her special ward. Ice brings Ching home when the orphanage closed down. The fun begins when all these people start living in one roof while they each tackle his respective personal dilemma.

Don't miss to watch “My Little Bossings” starts showing on Christmas Day as an entry to the 2013 MMFF.

My Little Bossings

 Synopsis

A man learns to take care of a boy not his own, and in the process realizes he’s never done anything for the daughter he had blamed for the death of his wife. Rejected in her youth, the daughter bears a girl she’s unable to acknowledge as hers at birth. Circumstances bring man and daughter and their respective wards together, and it is through the children’s innocence that the healing begins. Sarcasm turns into affection and irony translates into laughter. Fear is replaced by trust. Love, for the win!

Torky Villanueva, aka Bossing (Vic Sotto), works as personal bookkeeper to Barbara 'Baba' Atienza, a Forbes Park-based cash management specialist. He is funny and he likes to clown around, but the comic nature is really to cover up the loneliness that crept into his life after his wife died. It's a loneliness he thinks would be easier to deal with if he lived abroad, so he plans to someday leave the country and sell his house soon as he saves enough money. He privately agrees with Dan Brown: he lives in the gates of hell.

When Torky's employer Baba’s partner Marco Guzman accuses her of authoring a huge pyramid scam, she goes low-key to investigate Guzman and expose him as the real scam artist. Meanwhile she entrusts her 6-year-old son Justin (James Aquino Yap) in Torky's care, for he’s the one person Guzman will never think she will leave the boy with. Baba presumes Justin'll be happy  with Torky, whom she believes to be warm and happy-go-lucky.

In truth Torky is a loner. He does not like having to take care of Justin, or of anyone, for that matter. But he accepts the task of taking care of the boy because it’s part of his job, and brings him to his house in a lower middle-class barangay, somewhere in Makati City, where we also meet the teen-agers Dino and Rosy who've made a habit of seeking Torky's advice on their relationship.

In his house, Torky finds Ice (Aiza Seguerra), whom we first think to be his niece, for she calls him Uncle Torky. We’ve actually met Ice earlier, at the Lungga, a haven for street children run by Remy, a former nun. Remy is dying, so she e-mailed Ice in Japan to please come and take Ching out (Ryzza Mae Dizon) before the Lungga closes. Nowhere to go, Ice brings Ching to Torky’s house.

There’s tension between Torky and Ice, but because they want to have Justin and Ching off their backs, they pretend all is well between them, to encourage the two kids to become friends. It takes some time for the friendship to start, for Justin always puts up a superior air to be above Ching, and Ching is too much of a street child to allow Justin to lead her by the nose.

Justin’s also all of his life been rich, as Ching’s been all of her life, poor. This disparity is the source of their conflict, the wellspring of their friendship and the mother lode of most of their comedic scenes, in the many scenes depicting the crossing of the class divide. They loosen up Torky so much he becomes a warmer and nicer person.

A pair of bumbling undercover cops P. Arak and A. Lat trail Torky hoping to catch him secretly meeting Baba. Their snooping, plus Guzman's intrusive demands, make Torky and Ice realize the need to send Justin and Ching to hide in Lungga until such time it is safe for them to come out. Torky and Ice are unaware there are changes in Lungga: Remy is dead and the domineering Libay has taken over, with her militaristic schemes to train the street children as pickpockets and robbers. Justin and Ching run away from the Lungga. Their disappearance sends Torky and Ice around on a search for the two, during which they also find themselves becoming friends again, with Ice suddenly asking Torky how come when she one day just stopped calling him Tatay he never noticed, until we find out Ice is not Torky's niece but his child, and that Ching is not only Ice’s ward but her daughter, from a relationship she went into to please Torky when she was much younger and yet unable to admit her sexuality.

In the end, Baba is able to prove her innocence, have Guzman arrested and claim Justin back. Justin seems OK save for a folie a dieux with Ching, for now he’s become rowdy and batang kalye like a little Bossing, while Ching’s given to using English phrases and more refined. Ice asks Torky to please keep her being Ching’s mom a secret until the day she gathers the nerve to admit it to Ching herself. Torky says yes. He is saddened, though, that Rosy and Dino have gone ahead to marry despite their young age. He feels that even as neighbor he should have care enough for them in the absence of their OFW Parents.

All’s well that ends well. The bright spot is that Torky learns to accept that Ice is gay and has a partner. A future possible relationship with Baba is implied. Best of all, Torky no longer plans to live the city for good, for no matter what the Dan Browns of the world say, love wins over the gates of hell.

—Bibeth Orteza

June 20, 2013